Positive Referral

When my cell phone rang this afternoon and I saw it was the school calling me, I automatically assumed Brynn had gone to the office because she did not feel good. She has a tendency to do that! When I heard Mrs. Parrish (the school counselor) on the other end of the line, I really started to panic. I kept thinking, "Oh My Gosh--What has she done?" Mrs. Parrish told me that Brynn had a positive referral to the office and she wanted to share that with me. She said that Brynn was in the office and she was going to read the referral to me and then Brynn was going to get to choose a prize. Mrs. Atkins had sent the referral to the office that praised Brynn for always being such a great student. She said that Brynn really cares about always doing her best and is always willing to help others that are having trouble understanding. She also said that Brynn makes her class better! Brynn got on the phone and I told her how proud I was of her and that it made me so happy to know Mrs. Atkins thought so highly of her. I could hear it in her voice--she was very proud too!! She called me after school and told me that she had chosen to play a game with Mrs. Parrish as her prize. She wanted to read the referral to me again. It put another smile on my face! I know I don't tell her enough, but she is AMAZING. I guess I should not always assume the worst when I see the school is calling! Even though the picture is from this summer--I still love to see her all dolled up.

One Down

We had our first Christmas get together yesterday with my Mom's side of the family. We changed up the menu this year because I was sick of Turkey and Dressing! I started calling all of the family last week and asking what they would think about having Mexican food instead of the traditional menu we usually have. Everyone seemed to be ok with the idea, and after we all ate yesterday--I think we have started a new tradition. The food was so good and I was so full that I could not even eat dessert. We draw names for the kids and we do Chinese gifts for the adults. Chance and Ryan participated with the adults this year and wouldn't you know--Ryan picked the bottle of Crowne Royale (he is only 17). My Dad ended up stealing it from him and Ryan went home with a set of Craftsman BBQ tools. The guys really did not steal each others presents, except the liquor, but the women were a different story. I ended up with the same gift I had taken-which was just fine with me (I always buy something I would really like to have). Brynn ended up with a Bratz. Needless to say-she was real happy about that! I had made a picture for MeMa from Brynn and T-Bone because she picks Brynn up from school every day and usually keeps T-Bone when we go out of town. She will not let me pay her so every year at Christmas--they give her a gift. MeMa gives each grandchild and great-grandchild an ornament every year and I forgot to take a picture of the ornament she gave us this year, but they are so cute. They are salt shakers filled with gold confetti with our name painted on them. Aunt Clydean called me last night and she took my ornament home with her! We always have such a good time when we all get together--we are a crazy bunch. After everyone left yesterday, Brynn and I took two hour nap and then Brynn did not want to go to bed last night. I finally gave her some Benadryl to help her go to sleep. I know-I know--I am pretty sure I have Mother of the Year in the bag this year! We have another Christmas party at out house this weekend for AirGas, Christmas Eve with Michael's side of the family is at our house, Christmas Day at my parent's house, and the Saturday after Christmas at my Aunt Mollie's with my Dad's side of the family. One down--four to go!

BUNCO

Last night was my BUNCO Christmas Party. I play in a group of 12 fantastic ladies (OK-really only 11 of them are terrific)!! We play on the first Tuesday of every month and even if I am not in a good mood when I go--I always leave with a smile on my face. It rotates every month from house to house and last night we drew to find out which month it will be held at our house. I have July this year which seems like a pretty good month to be the hostess. We also drew names for out Secret Pal but I cannot say who I have because................it is a secret! I found out last night that Gaylia was my Secret Pal last year and I got a cute Santa and wallet for Christmas and a Japaleno Tree gift certificate for my Anniversary. I had my friend Angela and I gave her a picture that I had made. It was pictures of different objects that spelled out her last name. I was real worried whether she would like it or not--but she seemed to really like it. I hope she did. Of course, I did not win any money last--ever since we started playing for money instead of prizes, I never win. The good thing was--I did come home with gifts!

Bye Bye Bratz

Brynn loves to play with Bratz! Every time we go to the store, she wants to buy a new one. When we moved into our new house, I made her go through and give some of them away because she had so many. We have continued to add to our collection, but we (when I say we--I mean Brynn) received some devastating news last Friday. Bratz are being pulled from the shelves after Christmas. Apparantly, Bratz designer Carter Bryant developed the concept for the dolls while working for Mattel. A Federal judge has ordered the company that makes Bratz (MGA Entertainment, Inc.) to stop selling the toys after the holidays, and to destroy any copies retailers may still have, as the result of losing a lawsuit over who originated the idea. Brynn has convinced herself that Carter Bryant would have never done such a thing and thinks the judge should just change his mind on this. When I told her about this, the first thing she said was "We have got to go to the store and buy all the Bratz on the shelf". As you can see, there are not many Bratz that the child does not have! She is worried about what she will buy when we go to the store now. She is also worried that she will have to find something new to play with. I told her that just because they are taking the dolls off the shelf--does not mean they are coming to our house and taking the dolls she already owns. She is so funny when she gets to playing with them. She gets in a zone and does not know anything else exists around her. They talk to each other, hug, fight, etc. I wish I had some pictures of her when she is playing with them. She is so different from me as a child! Barbie dolls and girly stuff was not my cup of tea. She is definitely her own person and thank God every day for what a great daughter she is! I am afraid she has my attitude--Heaven Help Us!!!! Even though the Bratz being pulled off the shelves seems like such a tragedy to Brynn--I am sure she will get through it. What I wouldn't give to be 9 again and my biggest worry be the fact that Bratz will no longer be sold after Christmas.

Happy Anniversary!!

Michael,

Happy three year Anniversary to you........to us! I remember this day three years ago and remember how happy and proud I was to be your bride. Today—I cannot imagine my life without you, and it is hard for me to imagine my life before you. Thank you so much for loving me. Thank you for being you. There is just something about you that I cannot resist. Your smile and laugh light me up inside. Your touch makes me weak in the knees and makes my heart skip a beat. My respect for you knows no bounds. You are my love and my best friend. I love you not only for who you are, but who I am when I'm with you. I am a better person for even knowing you and to be called your wife is an honor. I sometimes find myself waiting impatiently for you to return home, just so that I can see you or hear your voice. I sometimes feel that I don’t deserve you. You are not only my husband, but my best friend and soul mate. You are a gift from God that I am truly thankful for each day. I know I have told you this before, but you are my dream come true!! I will love you forever........

Kelley

Not a Baby Anymore

My sister and I were talking this weekend about how independent her 10 year old daughter was. She said that Rylee gets herself up with an alarm clock, picks out her own clothes, fixes herself breakfast, packs her own lunch, etc........ I was amazed that her 10 year old does all this for herself and my 9 year old does none of this! Shelley told me, "Contrary to popular belief around here (my house and NaNa's house)--Brynn is not a baby anymore". I have really thought about this the last couple of days and I have made a vow to myself to make Brynn more independent. I have not let Brynn in on this little secret yet. We took the first step this morning toward independence. I picked out Brynn's clothes this morning and she dressed herself. I did not say it was a big step--just a step. Shelley--Are you proud of me???