OUR TERRIFIC KID

The Kiwanis Club of Greer sponsors the Terrific Kids Club to encourage character development, self-esteem, and perseverance. Every month, each teacher selects a student to be the Terrific Kid of the month. The student and his/her parents are invited to a special assembly where Mrs. Pickering reads a personalized letter or poem prepared by the teacher. Mr. Joe Mabry, Kiwanis Club secretary, gives each Terrific Kid a t-shirt, pencil, bumper sticker, coupon for a Chick-fil-A meal, and an award certificate.

Brianna is Crestview Elementary's Terrific Kid for the month of January! The character trait they were looking for this month was Influential. On Wednesday, Brian and I attended the Terrific Kid assembly to honor the January students.

We are so very proud of Brianna!

To see our picture taken for the Terrific Kid posting on Crestview Elementary's School Link, please click here.

THIS IS A GREAT WEBSITE

For those of us that are trying to make healthier decisions when it comes to eating:

Check out MyDailyPlate . It is very helpful...and free.

IT'S GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME

Brianna's Daisy Troop will begin selling cookies on January 16th. The cost per box is $3.50. The troop will get to keep .45 per box and the remaining will go to the Girl Scout council; they will use 100% of these proceeds to underwrite camperships, membership assistance, program development, training opportunities, and upkeep property improvements. With the cookie money they are allowed to keep, the girls have decided to give 10% of the money earned for a community project to make the world a better place and the remaining money will be used for a trip to Gatti Town. If you are interested in ordering Girl Scout Cookies from Brianna, please click here to see what cookies are available this year and leave a comment to let me know what you would like. When the cookies come in, I will deliver them and pick up the money.

Thank you so much for your support.

WHAT'S GOING ON HERE

Well, I've been devoting myself to Wii Fit and trying to eat more healthy. Let's just say it's not an easy task. Wii Fit is great, but I have to fight with everyone here to be able to get in the living room and work out for 30 minutes. Eating healthy, well let's just say it is very difficult not to mention costly. I haven't ate anything this whole week without counting up calories. I've tried to stay around 1300. I will tell you though that I splurged Friday night with Chicfila, but those waffle fries were worth it.

My cousin, Kerrie, is getting married in April. She has asked Brianna and I to be in the wedding. I will be one of two bridesmaids, and Brianna will be a junior bridesmaid. Brianna and I are happy to participate. I went yesterday morning to get the dress. I picked out a junior bridesmaid dress for myself, it fit perfectly except needing to be hemmed and it was about $40 cheaper than the others. I found Brianna's dress on the clearance rack, so I got a deal there too. However, Brianna's dress will have to be taken apart and altered. The smallest size the dress came in is sz. 6, and she wears a sz. 4. Good thing I saved on the dress, because the alterations will be a pretty penny.

We also had a Girl Scout meeting yesterday. Brianna earned her "Honest and Fair" petal patch. We also were given our Cookie Sale information. We will begin selling Girl Scout Cookies on January 16th.

Wii FIT

Brian got me Wii Fit for Christmas. This is the best thing EVER!!!!! I know it's a New Year and some of you out there may be on one of those dieting resolutions, if so, this thing is for you! I've done it for almost a week now and it has truly kicked my tail. There are 4 types of training:yoga, strength, aerobics, and balance. With each of these are workouts designed to work on certain parts of your body. Basically you're working out and having fun doing it. What's even better is that the whole family can get involved. Brianna has been doing it with me and she absolutely loves it. She's even taught me some things. It keeps track of your BMI and weight progress. This is a good and bad thing. Good because having to see your weight everyday makes you want to do better, and bad when you see that your weight has changed for the worse(very disheartening). Really, this thing is great even if you aren't wanting to lose weight. It will help you to improve your center of balance, thus improving your overall health and will also help you to exercise and become more fit.

But I have to tell you, I sure am glad Brian was outside the other night when I was attempting push ups. I managed 2, and then could barely do the rest. It was a sight, let me tell you.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR(A LITTLE LATE, I KNOW)

First let me start out by saying, Happy 2009! We spent New Years Eve watching Dick Clark's Rocking Eve, of course. Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Pickler did a good job, "Ya!" Hopefully ya'll go that. Every time she spoke to someone in the crowd, she ended it with "Ya!" I felt really bad for Taylor Swift who had to watch the ball drop and welcome in the New Year with her Ex from the Jonas Brothers. Heck, it was even uncomfortable for me to watch. And then there was Dick Clark. I know that he is an "icon" and the celebration just wouldn't be the same without him, but there comes a time when all good things must come to an end. He was just pitiful on that television, that too made me feel uncomfortable. But as for us here at home watching this event on TV. Brian and I brought in the New Year together, and I woke Brianna up(at her request) for just a second to give her a kiss. Then it was lights out. I don't much like resolutions, because they are very hard to stick too. However, there are a few things this year that I hope to improve.
The most important thing is my relationship with God and finding a church home to grow in. I enjoy going to SpringWell, and Brianna LOVES the children ministry there. It is just so big. I have been going there for about 4 years, and still only know a handful of people. And that may not necessarily be the Church's fault. I don't take the time to get to know them either. I go and listen to the sermon and leave. I guess I just want to feel like I am a part of something, that I belong. Hopefully, God will place me where I need to be.

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

SANTA CAME FOR A VISIT

SANTA BROUGHT SPIKE THE ULTRA DINOSAUR!

BRIANNA ALSO GOT A BOWLING BALL

FROM MOMMY & DADDY.

SHE PICKED THIS BALL OUT: RED/BLACK/SILVER.
WE EVEN HAD THE HOLES DRILLED TO FIT HER.

IF ONLY BRIANNA HAD SMILED.....

OPENING UP PRESENTS AT GRANNY'S.

SHE GOT A TINI PUPPINI AND A SWIM

TO ME PUPPY RESCUE PET

UP AT GRANNY'S.

CHRISTMAS EVE LUNCH AT MAMA & PAPA HAYES'.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Brianna's Christmas List:



Dancing Ballarina Kittens

Mouse Webkinz

Lion Toy

Fish Toy

Leopard Toy

Jump Rope

Pink Tutu

"Tumbles" the Rollover Puppy

Barbie Horse Riding Adventure Game for Wii

Carnival PuttPutt Game for Wii

Tini Puppinis

Pixos

What's in Ned's Head

Walter the Farting Dog Book

Tea Set

Roller Skates

Bowling Ball

and last, but not least

Spike the Ultra Dinosaur

PICTURES THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT ONTO OUR CHRISTMAS CARD.

NO, I'M NOT DEAD!!

I know that must be what some of you are thinking. I've just been so BUSY lately. This whole Girl Scout Troop Leader is taking up ALOT of my time. The meetings themselves aren't so bad. It's just all the planning and preparing that has to go into it is driving me insane. I do have a Co-Leader. I think I will ask her if she can handle the meetings in January. That seems fair to me. I did manage to go out with Heather to do our night of Thanksgiving shopping. It was fun to spend some time with her, not so fun to spend money. After getting home at 5:00 that morning, Brianna and I went back out at 9:00 and got back home around 1. Just in time to start getting ready to go watch Disney on Ice with the Troop. The girls loved it and so did I. It was really good. I would post some pictures, but I just don't have time to load them up. Enough about me, let's talk about Brianna. She has been doing good. School is great, but she did have to pull a crayon a couple weeks back because she called a little boy in her class a Cookoo Head. Heck, if that's the only thing she gets in trouble for-I'd say she's doing pretty good. She was going to have her surgery this month on her arm to remove the plates and screws, but since we would have to meet our deductible again come January we decided to wait until then. Right now, she is too consumed with Christmas and Santa. Brian and I have begun to decorate outside and will hopefully finish today. I also have to start working on those dreaded Christmas cards. You all know what I'm talking about. It's almost impossible to take a picture of my child with her eyes open. Heather, you know how true that statement is. Please wish me luck!

GIRL SCOUTS

Well, you are now looking at Troop Leader for Daisy Troop#48. The Girl Scouts was something that Brianna wanted to do and that I thought would be good for her. However, being that there was no Daisy troop formed, someone had to step up as leader and put a troop together. Well, that person is me. I thought that it would be something that Brianna and I could share together. One day she will look back on her childhood and remember the times we spend together in the Girl Scouts. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because I have so many ideas for these girls and I think I could be really good at it. I'm nervous because I've never done this before. I've attended some leadership classes and have attended a class that taught about just what it is to be a Daisy and how to teach that particular age group. But, I'm mostly worried about my relationship with the parents. It is my hope that all the parents will come together and be supportive of myself and the troop. Our first meeting will be Saturday, November 22nd. Wish me luck.

MY HOUSE IS NOW JUNK FREE

After 4 total trips to the flea market and a yard sale this past Saturday, our house is now junk free. What I didn't sell is now going to the Goodwill and the clothing is being given to Greer Community Ministries. Don't get me wrong, I still have some clutter that I have to go thru, but it's definitely looking better around here. Brianna has been willing to get rid of some of the things she now longer plays with. I've told her that if she sells her old toys and makes enough money, she could go to Build a Bear. Yeah, bribery works well with a 5 year old. If I could only get Brian to go thru his "junk" pile........

HOW OLD IS MY CHILD?

Has anyone seen my sweet little 5 year old girl? I swear sometimes when she talks to me, it's like listening to a grown up.
She has just now said, "Momma, how much longer are you going to be? I've got serious business."

She's going to have some "serious business" if she doesn't go and get in that bed!

ROCK THE VOTE:ELECTION DAY 2008

It took us 1 hour and 40 minutes to vote today. I am definately not complaining, as I know others had to wait about 3 hours. I am thankful that I live in a country in which we even have the right to vote. I know that we all have different political views and for whatever reason, we think that our guy is best suited for the job. Our country is in trouble and has been for quite some time. Unfortunately it will probably get worse before it gets better. So as I go to bed tonight, I will be saying a prayer for our country and its' future. I hope that it is with the Lord's guidance that our next President takes us in a positive direction; not just for us, but for our children.

BRIANNA & I GO TRICK OR TREATING

I took Brianna down "Sweet Treat Alley" at Northwood Baptist Church on Halloween. We have done this for the past 3 years. It's a quick and safe way to go trick or treating. After getting a whole pumpkin full of goodies, we then came back home and walked door to door to about 6 of our neighbors homes. After that, Brianna wanted to come home so that she could give out candy. Well, unfortunately we only had 3 trick-or-treaters and 2 of them were solicited. Regardless, Brianna enjoyed getting her candy. Looks like it will be about 4th of July before we get it all ate.

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

Some of us at the DMV decided to use the Wizard of Oz for our Halloween theme this year.

1st NINE WEEKS

On October 30th, Brianna participated in Awards Day at her school. In kindergarten, you only receive awards for attendence. Brianna received an award for having Excellent Attendance. Since it is the end of the 1st nine weeks of school, Brianna was given a report card. However, this report card was not graded. Her teacher instead requested conferences to share with the parents the progress of the students. So far this year, Brianna has learned Personal and Social Growth, and has studied Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Mrs. Danner expressed this of Brianna: "Brianna is an ideal student. She is so loving and sweet. She has wonderful behavior and always follows the rules. She is a friend to everyone."

I sure hope these kinds of comments continue for the next 12 years!

BRIAN & BRIANNA CARVE THE PUMPKIN

This year, we used a pumpkin carving kit to help make our jackolantern. Brianna picked out a "Jolly Roger". Brianna helped me clean the pumpkin and then Brian did his best to carve it. He did a really good job!

HALLOWEEN HOOPLA 08'

Saturday was Greer's Annual Halloween Hoopla. Brianna had wanted her friend, Kyleigh, from school to come along with us. And it has been so long since Heather and I have done anything with the kids, I had asked if she wanted to come along as well. I think the kids had a pretty good time and they got lots of good candy. I really enjoyed that! I love looking through Brianna's pumpkin to see what kind of candy I can get from her.

Brianna & Kyleigh

Brianna, Carson, & Ella


I LOVE this picture of Ella!

Me & Brianna(Sure wish I'd wore makeup!)

BOO IN THE ZOO

SCARY ZOMBIE PRINCESS

"WHERE'S THE CANDY?"

MACY AS A CUTE, LITTLE KITTEN.

SKY TOP APPLE ORCHARD-OCTOBER 19 2008

Last Sunday me, Brianna, Momma, Daddy and Granny took a ride to Hendersonville NC to Sky Top Apple Orchard. We had never been there, but it looked like it would be fun. It was a beautiful day and though the leaves on the trees had not completely turned yet, the view from the orchard was just awesome. At Sky Top, you can grab a wagon and some baskets and set off to pick your own apples. They have over 20 different kinds. Brianna had fun looking for the apples and giving them a "taste test" before putting them in her basket. In addition to apple picking, they also have a barn with animals, a hayride, a sugarcane maze, and wonderful apple donuts that are just delicious. Maybe next fall, you guys might want to check it out. Click here to find more details.

WE'VE GOT A SICK CHILD TODAY

I've been up with Brianna since 3 o'clock this morning. She has an ear infection and not just your ordinary plain jane ear infection. It's some kind of "fancy/complicated" kind. She's on an antibiotic, so hopefully she'll be feeling better soon. We were planning on going to the apple farm today, but that got put to the side. We may try going tomorrow if Brianna feels up to it. If not, we will just find the time next weekend to go. We both have just been lying around the house today. Brian is working overtime again. I'm sure when he comes home, he will join me and Brianna on the couch.

CRESTVIEW'S ANNUAL BOOK FLOAT PARADE

Brianna participated in the Book Float Parade today at her school. This is an annual event in which each class picks a book and makes a float associated with the book. Mrs. Danner's class chose the book "Dave Goes To School" written by David Shannon. The float was a school house with Dave in it. All the kids walked behind the float carrying their backpacks and pencils. Brianna wouldn't stop waving at all the spectators. When her eye caught me, she blew me a kiss. I am very grateful that I was able to attend this event.