Cute Kid Update

I know it's blatant bragging, but I think my kids are so dang cute. So here are a few pictures to prove it.

For some reason, Jalen thought these "earrings" made him look like a pirate.

 Aargh!

Baylie LOVES to dance. I thought she would outgrow this, but so far she hasn't. She got invited to a ballerina party, which was the event of the year for her so far. We did her hair in a ballerina bun. I had a hard time because it made her look so grown up.

At the party, she got a flowered  lei and a tutu. She was in heaven.

Did you know that ruby slippers go with everything?

Happy Birthday, Baylie!

Today is Baylie's fourth birthday. She has been SOOOOO excited for this birthday. I think it's the first year where she really understood that it's a special day all about her. All day yesterday she kept saying, "I can't believe that tomorrow is my birthday!"

She woke up first thing this morning and all she wanted to do was open presents. It was all we could do to make her wait until 9:00 a.m.

We were fortunate to have David's sister and her kids visiting. Our little niece Gracie's birthday is tomorrow, so we did a double party. I'm ashamed to say that we had cupcakes, ice cream, Rice Krispies treats and powdered donuts for breakfast. It was delicious!

Although the Rapunzel cake didn't look like the picture, I'm still quite proud of it.

Baylie is an absolute joy to have in our home. She is beautiful inside and out. And as you can tell by reading the funnies by Baylie column at right, she is smart and hilarious. Baylie loves to help. She is kind. She is the answer to all my prayers and I love her more than I could ever express in a blog.

The Sound of Music

Tonight was David's Senior Recital. This is the first big step towards his doctorate degree. Sometimes I take David's talents for granted. I forget that he truly is gifted and special. On a night like tonight where I spend an hour listening to things that were created in his mind, expanded on paper and played by talented musicians, I'm amazed. David is talented in so many ways. Tonight was a great reminder of that.

Baylie came to the recital and she was great. Her little comments were so cute and she even danced in her seat to David's string quartet.

We were lucky to have David's sister and her family in town for a visit so they were able to go too.

If you'd like a taste of the recital, here's the closing number. The poem was written by Denise Prado and David put it to music. He performed it and was fantastic.

What's in a Name?

I have always said that there are three things of which I am the most proud.

1. To be a Bayles
2. To be a citizen of the United States of America
3. To be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I didn't have to work for any of these. They were all given to me at birth. They are the foundation of who and what I am. My thoughts lately have been centered on #1.

I've always been proud to be a Bayles. To me, my name brings with it a long pioneer heritage and the example of strong men and women who have blessed my life as I have grown up. I love my name so much that I passed it on by naming our little girl Baylie.

Not long ago my dad gave a talk in church where he spoke on this name and what it meant to him to represent his father. In his talk he said, "I learned that when I acted in his name, that men, who otherwise would have given little regard to a teen-age boy, acknowledged me as his emissary and treated me as they would have treated him. I could buy supplies for the sheep camp; I could buy gas for the trucks and have them serviced, all by using his name. I was never questioned nor was I denied the things I needed." This is the name that has been passed down to me and I am proud of what it represents.

From time to time there are people in our lives who try to make us forget who we are and what we are worth. Sometimes I spend too much time listening to these voices instead of lifting my head out of the smog and seeing the clear picture.

Yesterday I got an e-mail from my sister in law where she shared the following advice:"My character is tried and tested through the cunning ways of men." She went on to share two scriptures.

• 2 Nephi 32:5 "...the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." 
• Moroni 10:5 "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." 

These were good reminders for me. My granny used to say "Mind over matter. You don't mind, because they don't matter."

I am so proud to be a Bayles. I love my family. I love my parents. I am grateful to be who and what I am. I'm grateful for experiences that remind me that the best place to receive comfort and guidance is on my knees.

Visiting the Missionaries

This post is mainly for my family and is probably way too much information for others. I’m going to post an overview as well as separate posts on the different activities we had while visiting them.

First, I am happy to report that Grammy and Grandad are doing great. It was wonderful to be able to see them and to meet the people they have talked about. I was glad I could check out where they are living and make sure that they are okay. It was the first time I’d ever visited our parents somewhere beside “home,” so it was a little strange to have them planning activities for us to do. It was like a role reversal since usually they are visiting me and I’m planning things. They were great hosts and it was so good to be together.

I have heard Dad called “Bishop Bayles,” “Coach Bayles,” and “Dr. Bayles,” but I had never heard him called “Elder Bayles” before. That was different! I think he is very much in his element. His health (albeit not his driving) seems to be better than ever. I never once saw him have to sit down or go lay down because he was exhausted. He seemed to have more energy than he’s had in a long time. (He is pictured in their office here.)

Grammy has had a harder time adjusting. She never served a mission before, so she is just now realizing what it’s like to share the gospel with someone, know they feel the Spirit and then still have them reject it. That’s a hard thing to experience. She’s doing well though. She’s written a letter to all the grandkids, which you should get soon, explaining how she is doing and why she is on a mission. She was meant to be a missionary since she has always had that outgoing personality and ability to make others feel special and welcome. She has already made fast friends in Caswell County.

Caswell County

They are in a beautiful part of the country that is comprised mainly of wide open spaces. It was very green in March, so I can only imagine what it will be like in summer.

To a certain degree, I felt like I had stepped back in time to a place where time moves more slowly, people are gracious, and where what you see is what you get.

I mean, where else can you still find men huddled around the pot-bellied stove chewing the fat?

There are ruins everywhere and it is obvious that at one time there were mansions dotting the landscape. There are little country roads that lead to who knows where and I think it would be very easy to get lost. Fortunately, they have Madge and for the most part she keeps them on the straight and narrow.

Caswell County is where the story “Roots” takes place, although the name was changed in the story.

I had to include a picture of this vine that was originally planted as a ground cover and has taken over. It has completely eaten up some houses. It has a crazy name that I can’t remember.

Yanceyville

Yanceyville is an interesting town. It’s obvious that at one time it was very prosperous, but now it’s mostly run down and depressed. There are some beautiful homes mixed in with ruins.

Apparently Yanceyville was once a center of the slave trade and later a hot point of the Ku Klux Klan. (The marker above tells of a senator being murdered by the Klan.) As one person told Mom and Dad, “the Ku Klux Klan is alive and well in Caswell County.” I’m not sure where to even go with that.

When the railroad came through, Yanceyville rejected it and it went through Danville, Virginia instead. (I’ll do a separate post on our walking tour of Yanceyville.) Yanceyville’s days of glory were over.

Mom and Dad’s House

Mom and Dad live in a very cute, cozy house. The first thing you notice when you walk in the door is the original wood floors.

I decided to show you their home in pictures.

Up the Stairs

Upstairs

 Living Room (they're allowed to have a t.v. - apparently sports are okay, but NCIS is not)

 Kitchen

 Dryer (it really is on the back porch, so there!)

 Bathroom

 Bedroom

Next to the house is an old playground that was part of a daycare that is no longer in use. The kids thought this was awesome.

 Merry-go-round

Crossing bars

 Swings

Caswell Ward

The Caswell Ward (or as I think they should be called – The Caswell Family Reunion) is a fantastic ward. Everyone was so friendly. They are even friendlier there than here in our ward in South Carolina, and this is the friendliest ward I’ve ever lived in. I can’t even tell you how many people came up and said hello, making sure that I knew how much they appreciate Mom and Dad.

I was fortunate to be there on the same Sunday that Mom and Dad’s mission president and his wife spoke. President and Sister Thomas are very humble and kind people with a great love for their missionaries. They spoke highly of Mom and Dad.

Relief Society was a RIOT! There was a teacher, but it was more like a group discussion with sisters just speaking up and sharing ideas and opinions. I should note here that having lived in the South for almost 12 years, I thought Mom was exaggerating the North Carolina accent – she wasn’t! I’ve never heard so many syllables before. Plus, in Relief Society I learned that you can “toot, fluff or shoot chickens.” I’d never heard of shooting chickens before, but it will now be part of my vocabulary. For example, “P-U! Someone’s been shooting a lot of chickens around here!”

I know that the member’s of the Caswell Ward will look out for Mom and Dad and I feel more comfortable now that I’ve met them.

Grammy and Grandad anxiously check the mail every day hoping for letters from home. They have your letters hanging on their refrigerator, so keep writing! 

Day #1 - Milton and Miss Brody's

Milton

The first place we visited was Milton. We ate at Aunt Millie’s and I should have taken a picture of the pizza. It was like the pizza we used to get at Shakey’s – big thick crust and tons of cheese. It was delicious! I’m sure Mom and Dad will be back.

The pizza parlor is located in a strip of antique stores. As we walked down the sidewalk, everyone stepped out to talk to us. Everyone was kind and friendly. The kids were a big hit.

Founded in 1796, Milton is notable for being the home of Thomas Day. A renowned cabinetmaker, Day was a free black man in the days of slavery. Above is his workshop. His work is found throughout North Carolina

The Milton State Bank served as a bank during the Civil War.

Other cool buildings in Milton.

Stephen Dodson Ramseur “Lee’s Gallant General” was a distinguished Civil War hero and the nephew of Caleb Hazard and Mary Dodson Richmond. He stayed with them while recuperating from injuries received in the Battle of Malvern Hill. While there he fell in love with their daughter, Ellen, and they were married in the parlor. Ramseur was killed almost a year later at the Battle of Cedar Creek. Three days after his death, their only daughter was born at Woodside.

Romulus M. Saunders was a Senator and later minister to Spain. Keep in mind that I’m only posting the highlights – there are so many more interesting buildings to be seen all over the countryside. 

Miss Brody's

After dinner, we went to visit a member of Mom and Dad’s ward at a historical home he owns. The grande dame who lives here, Miss Brody, is in her 80’s and apparently doesn’t usually like kids, but she and Baylie became fast friends. The home is spectacular and filled with museum pieces. Tim (the ward member) is an encyclopedia of North Carolina history. You boys would go crazy talking to him and walking through this home and his farm (more on the farm later). This house is said to be haunted by a woman who died after falling down the stairs. (There are stories of other ghosts as well.)

 Look at how beautiful this place is!

 Fishing spot

Below are just a few pictures of this amazing place.

 Beaver skin hat

 Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite – refers to tightening the bed ropes.

Baylie tried not to prick her finger on the spindle. Note the candle in the window. Homes all over the area have candles lit in the windows. Usually they are electric, but Tim had lit real candles for us.

 Pop goes the weasel.

It was such a peaceful, beautiful place. We could have stayed for hours.