Happy Spring Break to all!
I know that not everyone gets to spend the week of spring break taking it easy, but those of us in the teaching profession relish the chance to take a week to recharge the batteries and get some long-needed household projects finished (or maybe just a little more started than before...)
Amongst the much needed times of R&R, we have been harping on a little 2 year-old to begin using "the facilities." That's right... potty training!
Beginning on the second day of PT (because we aren't even going to talk about the dreadful first day) he pretty much got the hang of it and didn't have any accidents; thanks to the good folks at M&M's and Dum Dums for the bribery materials. Of course, there have been couple of days since with a few more accidents than others, but overall he's doing a great job. We're a little anxious about sending him to school in undies next week... but he ought to be doing great by then... right?
Wish us luck in the rest of this endeavor and have a spectacular rest of Spring Break!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Abundance
So, today I got the boys home from school and Brett fixed them lunch. We went through our normal routine of not being silly at the table. I was complaining about not feeling well and irritated that Brett left me no lunch meat. I had to eat PB&J. Then the doorbell rang and my perspective changed. At the door was a man asking to rake our leaves. He told me he had been laid off from his job and that he and his wife were staying in a cheap motel. He wanted to rake the leaves so he could be tomorrow's hotel bill. I asked Brett and he said yes. Brett told the man that if he raked the front and back yard we would pay him enough to cover 2 nights at the hotel plus some money to eat on. This man was so grateful. I fixed him a sandwich (PB&J, of course) and gave him a banana and water. He told Brett, "You must have read my mind." I'm so teary just writing this. The man had such a positive attitude and was willing to rake my leaves and eat a peanut butter sandwich. God has blessed us tremendously and we often take it for granted. I have a wonderful husband, beautiful children, a great home, etc. This helped remind me that I need to embrace those blessing everyday. Thank you God for all you've given us!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Post of Nothing!
I've been so terrible about posting. Most of the time I feel like I don't have anything to blog about! We're pretty boring people. But, I though I'd try to update you on the past few months.
Christmas was wonderful. We enjoyed spending time at home and with family. It was really hard to start back to school in January. I think we're back in the swing of the things.
The boys continue to do well at school. Jefferson is really starting to write his name well. Jarrett decided he didn't need to take a nap at school for a whole week. He told Ms. Stacy, "I no have to!" Thankful, I was able to convince him that he did have to and he's done well since!
Brett is busy with school. They just had a String Fling concert which involved all of the orchestras in Lubbock. Now, he's in contest mode. UIL is at the end of April, ugh!
My teaching schedule is still busy. At Bozeman I have 3rd and 4th graders. I really enjoy this group, especially the 4th graders.
My brother, Clint and his wife, Kerry welcomed Britton Thomas into the world on January 15. We made a quick trip to Decatur on Jan 17-18 to see him. He is so precious and everyone is doing well.
Next week we make our annual trek to San Antonio for TMEA. My parents are meeting us down there to help with the kids. We love this time of year. It's a nice break between Christmas and Spring Break. My principal paid for my membership fee and convention registration. I'm so excited. Plus, my director at the Preschool approved some money for me to buy materials. I am so blessed to work for great people!
We found out last week that Jefferson got into Murfee Elementary for kindergarten next year. We are so excited and relieved. This school is wonderful and has a LONG waiting list. With a little help from our friends....
It's hard to believe that Jefferson will be 5 in June and will start kindergarten in the fall. The time has passed so quickly. I know he's ready and will do well! He continues to improve on his violin. He's such a good, little musician. If I were better about our practice times he would be even better.
Jarrett is anxious to play the violin, too. So, I ordered him a foam violin with a bow that has no hair. I'm going to give it to him for Valentine's Day. He's going to love being able to play with Jefferson.
Well, I've taken up enough of your time with my rambling!
Christmas was wonderful. We enjoyed spending time at home and with family. It was really hard to start back to school in January. I think we're back in the swing of the things.
The boys continue to do well at school. Jefferson is really starting to write his name well. Jarrett decided he didn't need to take a nap at school for a whole week. He told Ms. Stacy, "I no have to!" Thankful, I was able to convince him that he did have to and he's done well since!
Brett is busy with school. They just had a String Fling concert which involved all of the orchestras in Lubbock. Now, he's in contest mode. UIL is at the end of April, ugh!
My teaching schedule is still busy. At Bozeman I have 3rd and 4th graders. I really enjoy this group, especially the 4th graders.
My brother, Clint and his wife, Kerry welcomed Britton Thomas into the world on January 15. We made a quick trip to Decatur on Jan 17-18 to see him. He is so precious and everyone is doing well.
Next week we make our annual trek to San Antonio for TMEA. My parents are meeting us down there to help with the kids. We love this time of year. It's a nice break between Christmas and Spring Break. My principal paid for my membership fee and convention registration. I'm so excited. Plus, my director at the Preschool approved some money for me to buy materials. I am so blessed to work for great people!
We found out last week that Jefferson got into Murfee Elementary for kindergarten next year. We are so excited and relieved. This school is wonderful and has a LONG waiting list. With a little help from our friends....
It's hard to believe that Jefferson will be 5 in June and will start kindergarten in the fall. The time has passed so quickly. I know he's ready and will do well! He continues to improve on his violin. He's such a good, little musician. If I were better about our practice times he would be even better.
Jarrett is anxious to play the violin, too. So, I ordered him a foam violin with a bow that has no hair. I'm going to give it to him for Valentine's Day. He's going to love being able to play with Jefferson.
Well, I've taken up enough of your time with my rambling!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
His Grace is Enough
Jefferson's favorite song on KLOVE is Your Grace is Enough. During this Thanksgiving time the words of this song have been flooding my spirit. I'm really trying to cling to the fact God is all I need. I am so guilty of relying on Him only when I need something instead of a daily friendship with a God who always has my best interest in mind. Since we moved a year and a half ago I've really struggled with lonliness. I know this sounds silly because I could make a huge list of friends that I have. For some reason it's different. For those of you who have known me for any length of time know that I'm a people pleaser. I want people to like me. I love doing things for people. I love for people to need me. The problem is I try too hard. That's when I get hurt. It's hard to come to terms with the fact that some friends are only in your life for a season. When we moved relationships changed and I don't like that. But me being me tries to hold on and keep things the same and just get hurt over and over. So I come back to the lyrics of that song, "God I see your grace is enough, I'm covered in your love, Your grace is enough for me." I have to learn to let go. I'm not in control, but I'm covered in His love and that's enough.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Is it really the middle of November?.....
....what happened to all that we did in October??!
It is hard to believe that Jarrett turned 2 on October 25. He is such a charmer and truly a blessing to our family. We first celebrated his birthday with a family party in Odessa. Aunt Erin ordered a Thomas the Train cake. Jarrett got a lot of fun Thomas toys. He loves playing with his trains. It was fun to have all of Brett's family together. Pretty crazy with all 7 grandkids. We also took that weeked to have Erin take our pictures for our Christmas cards. She also took pictures of all the grandkids. On that particular day they were ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7! How fun is that!
On Friday, October 24 we drove to my parents house in Plano. On the way there we stopped in Denton to have dinner with Clint and Kerry and Cooper. On Saturday (Jarrett's actual birthday), we drove to Rusk, Texas to ride Thomas the Train. We had a blast. It was the most beautiful fall day. The kids played games, jumped in the jump house, stamped pictures. The train was so fun. It moved extremely slow, but the kids loved it. They made a "train" of kids to walk and sing up and down the aisles. Jarrett jumped right in the line with the big kids. When all the other kids sat down, Jarrett continued to entertain everyone by walking and dancing up the aisles. It was a wonderful time to celebrate another year of our sweet boy's life.
The next week was filled with Halloween festivities. First, Brett had his annual Hauntcert with his feeder middle schools. It was a huge success. The turnout was great and all the kids played wonderfully. Brett's students played the Overture to Barber of Seville. Brett adapted the arrangement so that it became the "Rabbit of Seville". The students played while the Bugs Bunny cartoon played on the big screen. Before the kids could put their instruments down after the final cut-off, the audience was on their feet. One of Brett's students looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Mr. Berridge, no one has ever done that for us before!" Brett has made such an impact on that program in such a short time. I am so proud of him and the students. The students are proud to be in orchestra. The administration is proud of the orchestra and enjoy coming to the concerts. Brett's parents were able to come up for the concert. I think they enjoyed seeing the boys in their costumes as much (if not more :)) than seeing Brett's concert!
On Friday, we went to our church's Fall Festival. The boys had a great time playing games and collecting candy. Because of Brett's concert, Brett and I had costumes this year. We were Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. The boys were Spiderman and Superman.
Well, I guess our novel of October is long enough. I'll be back soon with the beginning of November!
How time flies. I can't believe Thanksgiving is less that 2 weeks away. I haven't even finished processing all that we did in October! The fall is always busy for us. Brett's weekends are filled with symphony rehearsals, All-Region and All-State auditions and All-Region Clinics and Concerts. In between all that we celebrated Jarrett's 2nd birthday twice and had a fun Halloween.
It is hard to believe that Jarrett turned 2 on October 25. He is such a charmer and truly a blessing to our family. We first celebrated his birthday with a family party in Odessa. Aunt Erin ordered a Thomas the Train cake. Jarrett got a lot of fun Thomas toys. He loves playing with his trains. It was fun to have all of Brett's family together. Pretty crazy with all 7 grandkids. We also took that weeked to have Erin take our pictures for our Christmas cards. She also took pictures of all the grandkids. On that particular day they were ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7! How fun is that!
On Friday, October 24 we drove to my parents house in Plano. On the way there we stopped in Denton to have dinner with Clint and Kerry and Cooper. On Saturday (Jarrett's actual birthday), we drove to Rusk, Texas to ride Thomas the Train. We had a blast. It was the most beautiful fall day. The kids played games, jumped in the jump house, stamped pictures. The train was so fun. It moved extremely slow, but the kids loved it. They made a "train" of kids to walk and sing up and down the aisles. Jarrett jumped right in the line with the big kids. When all the other kids sat down, Jarrett continued to entertain everyone by walking and dancing up the aisles. It was a wonderful time to celebrate another year of our sweet boy's life.
The next week was filled with Halloween festivities. First, Brett had his annual Hauntcert with his feeder middle schools. It was a huge success. The turnout was great and all the kids played wonderfully. Brett's students played the Overture to Barber of Seville. Brett adapted the arrangement so that it became the "Rabbit of Seville". The students played while the Bugs Bunny cartoon played on the big screen. Before the kids could put their instruments down after the final cut-off, the audience was on their feet. One of Brett's students looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Mr. Berridge, no one has ever done that for us before!" Brett has made such an impact on that program in such a short time. I am so proud of him and the students. The students are proud to be in orchestra. The administration is proud of the orchestra and enjoy coming to the concerts. Brett's parents were able to come up for the concert. I think they enjoyed seeing the boys in their costumes as much (if not more :)) than seeing Brett's concert!
On Friday, we went to our church's Fall Festival. The boys had a great time playing games and collecting candy. Because of Brett's concert, Brett and I had costumes this year. We were Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. The boys were Spiderman and Superman.
Well, I guess our novel of October is long enough. I'll be back soon with the beginning of November!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Painting Pumpkins
Jason, Erin, Grant, Hagan and Evyn came to visit today! Jason was given 2 tickets to the Tech game, so he called the biggest Texas Tech fan around...Brett! They had great seats on the 50 yard line, 6 rows from the field. Jason said you could almost read Coach Leach's playbook from their seats!
After lunch the guys split for the game, leaving Erin and I with our 5 children! Needless to say, it was LOUD!! Erin had the great idea (as always) to paint craft pumpkins. After spending at least an hour at Michael's, we got home, stripped the kids down, and let them paint. They had a great time.
After the kids finished, we sent them outside to play and we started our own pumpkins. Erin is so creative. I really hate her for it, but, secretly, I'm glad so she can help me!! :) I even made one for my friend, Aubin, who turns 30 tomorrow! (Happy Birthday, Aubin!)
It was a great day with (some of) our cousins. We're looking forward to going to Odessa next weekend to be with the rest of the Berridge clan to celebrate Jarrett's 2nd birthday! I'm sure I'll have more to say about my baby being 2 in a later post!
After lunch the guys split for the game, leaving Erin and I with our 5 children! Needless to say, it was LOUD!! Erin had the great idea (as always) to paint craft pumpkins. After spending at least an hour at Michael's, we got home, stripped the kids down, and let them paint. They had a great time.
After the kids finished, we sent them outside to play and we started our own pumpkins. Erin is so creative. I really hate her for it, but, secretly, I'm glad so she can help me!! :) I even made one for my friend, Aubin, who turns 30 tomorrow! (Happy Birthday, Aubin!)
It was a great day with (some of) our cousins. We're looking forward to going to Odessa next weekend to be with the rest of the Berridge clan to celebrate Jarrett's 2nd birthday! I'm sure I'll have more to say about my baby being 2 in a later post!
Evyn Joy
Grant Man!
"Bubba" (Hagan)
Jefferson
Jarrett (He only ate a little paint!)
Erin helping Grant with his finishing touches.
Jarrett and Evyn (I wonder what they are plotting?)
Mine! Aren't you proud of me? Okay, Erin painted the zebra stripes and made the bow!
Erin's! See, don't you just hate her?! :)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Race for the Cure 2008
On September 20, 1988 my grandmother, Janice Walker Wrotenbery,
lost her battle with breast cancer. She was an amazing woman.
Unfortunately, I will never know her the way my mom knew her.
They were best friends.
As a way to celebrate her life as well as to raise awareness about
this disease my mom and I walked the Race for the Cure today.
We had a great time. We flew to Lubbock on Friday after being
together in Plano for my grandpa's funeral (my dad's dad) this week.
This morning the boys dropped us off and went to the finish line to
meet us. After we finished the walk we went out to breakfast! Yummy!
This was a great way for us to remember Grandmother.
I think we have started a tradition. I think even the boys
want to walk with us next year!
To all of you ladies whom I love: Please do a monthly self-exam
and have a mammogram every year. I'm going to talk to my doctor
about having my baseline film done this year! I know it's earlier than
what they recommend, but I think my family history justifies it.
I turned 30 this year, so it's something I want to do for myself!
lost her battle with breast cancer. She was an amazing woman.
Unfortunately, I will never know her the way my mom knew her.
They were best friends.
As a way to celebrate her life as well as to raise awareness about
this disease my mom and I walked the Race for the Cure today.
We had a great time. We flew to Lubbock on Friday after being
together in Plano for my grandpa's funeral (my dad's dad) this week.
This morning the boys dropped us off and went to the finish line to
meet us. After we finished the walk we went out to breakfast! Yummy!
This was a great way for us to remember Grandmother.
I think we have started a tradition. I think even the boys
want to walk with us next year!
To all of you ladies whom I love: Please do a monthly self-exam
and have a mammogram every year. I'm going to talk to my doctor
about having my baseline film done this year! I know it's earlier than
what they recommend, but I think my family history justifies it.
I turned 30 this year, so it's something I want to do for myself!
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