A "Notty" or Nice Tale...

Our Annual Christmas Letter:

The Bailey’s have had a quiet year--we have NOT moved, NOT changed jobs, did NOT go on a cruise (but we did go to Disneyworld), and I wish we could say we did NOT get any older. We did NOT have any new grandchildren (but two are due in the spring.).

Catherine & Aaron have NOT moved, which makes their home in Wisconsin our favorite haunt for long weekends—gotta see those grandkids! Connor is 4 and Brenna is 2.

Justin & Darcy are NOT students any longer. They graduated from BYU-I; Justin got a job in finance and they moved to the Phoenix area. Darcy works for a chiropractor. They do NOT miss the snow and cold!

Ryan & Jamie are NOT in Provo anymore—Ryan is working on his Master’s degree at the University of Guam—halfway around the world. He’s working on island hydrology/civil engineering. We’re grateful for the Internet to stay connected with them and 1-year-old Emma!

Deborah did NOT graduate—she opted for an additional year so she could stay and fiddle with the folk ensemble that accompanies the BYU folk dancers. She went to Europe with them this summer and will go again next summer. If you have BYU-TV, you can see see "Christmas Around the World" --watch for her!

Elizabeth, in 7th grade, is NOT being home-schooled, though I thought about it. She is NOT intimidated by the 8th or 9th graders and is loving Junior High. (Who would have thought it!) She recently had the milestone 12th birthday, so Young Women activities keep her busy as well. I can’t call her my little girl anymore, but she is NOT a teenager, yet (though she wishes she were).

Alice, in 4th grade, does NOT have the nicest teacher in school, but she is learning to be a good student and doing well. She is NOT far behind Elizabeth in height. Alice and Elizabeth have NOT given up viola or piano, and with homework, they stay busy.

Kevin has NOT retired from work, though that choice is almost possible. He is still in the stake presidency as well. He has NOT stopped his exercise program, and is as trim as he was when we were married.

Rosemary has NOT been released as nursery leader, and she’s glad! She also got to go to Girl’s Camp this summer. Gardening and the treadmill keep her healthy, but she is NOT as trim as when she was married. She is NOT totally computer-literate but is having fun with a blog—a good way to share thoughts and events with scattered family members. (See address below!)

We have NOT forgotten each of our friend and family who live far away and we love this time of year. We love to pull back and re-focus on them and on our Savior.
And that is NICE!

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Rosemary WAS released today as the nursery leader, and she's so sad! It will be a challenge but she'll rise to the challenge of being the 1st Counselor in Young Women. (It's been 21 years since last serving in YW!)