New Year's Resolution

Tomorrow marks another year passing for the Farr family. When I look around at how far Nick and I have come over the past twelve years since we started college, I realize how truly blessed we are to have all the wonderful people and things around us. Two wonderful families just a hop, skip, and jump down the road who are able to share in Brooklynn's childhood. My grandparents were super special to me and I love that B is able to grow up knowing both of her grandparents so well. We both have jobs, a nice home and the things that we need. With all this in mind I know that there are others, many others, who are not as fortunate. I see this everyday when I walk through my classroom doors. I do what I can at school, but I know that I should be doing more.

Last summer I joined Hands on Greenville, an organization that matches volunteers with local agencies in need of assistance. So far I have volunteered with Loaves and Fishes, Serenity Place, and the Greenville Public Library for a whopping total of 7 hours. Pretty pathetic, right? I have the whole summer off and I have only volunteered 7 hours since June.

After thinking about all that I do during the school year and all that I don't do during my summer months, I've come up with my New Year's Resolution. In 2012 I will dedicate 50 hours to community service. Yes, I can do this. What is 50 hours? Almost two days? That's nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Why do this you may ask? Two reasons. The first is that I just have an itch to change something for someone, even if it is in just a small way. You would think teaching would do that for me, but it hasn't as of late. The second is that I want Brooklynn to grow up to be thankful for all that she has and make sure she is able to give back to those who may not have the same opportunities. Since she is only three the only way to do that is to model it. Spoken like a true teacher! I'm going to add a widget to the side of my blog to hold myself accountable. My first volunteer hours for the year are scheduled on the 14th. For Hands on Greenville's Martin Luther King's Week of Service, I signed up to help clean up an old cemetery from the 1800's. Sounds kind of depressing right? I have to admit though that old cemeteries intrigue me. Hopefully no ghosts follow me home! ;) Happy New Year!

Christmas in Dillard

We headed to Georgia on Christmas day to celebrate with my side of the family. We were very excited to spend a couple of days with Aunt Shay, cousin Meredith and her two kids Kylie and Keaton.

Brooklynn was spoiled with lots of gifts. She especially liked the Minnie Mouse hat.

Blake and Kaley with our new cousin, Keaton (Meredith's son).

Happy 3rd Birthday, Brooklynn!

Today we celebrated Brooklynn's third birthday!

Brooklynn's arrival

First Birthday

Second Birthday

Happy Birthday to our sweet Bbear!

Christmas Morning

Gram and Poopa stopped by with B's new train table.

Telling Gram "Thank You!"

The Goods

Nick and I were very excited about Christmas morning with Brooklynn. We were a little disappointed in her reaction and we learned a valuable lesson: DON'T WRAP THE PRESENTS! We definitely missed the wow factor that we had last year. She was pretty excited about her bike and once we got all the games out and unpacked she loved them. However, next year we will not wrap the majority of B's presents because it took forever to get everything out of the boxes which wasn't very exciting for any of us! Live and learn.

Dusty

Clayton and Jason stopped by on Christmas Eve to drop off B's present. Take a look!

If you hang around Brooklynn for any period of time you know that she loves, loves, LOVES giraffes. She was super excited to get this giraffe which she named Dusty. Brooklynn is currently sleeping with this giant in her bed. Good thing we just moved her up to a twin size!! Tugboat on the other hand is still a little spooked.

Wilson Family Christmas

Christmas Eve we headed to Taylors to celebrate with Gram's side of the family. Here are a few pics.

Brooklynn especially loved her baby doll and baby doll accessories. She also was very excited about the movie, How to Train your Dragon.

Farr Famly Christmas

Last night we celebrated Christmas with Poopa's side of the the family. We had a delicious dinner thanks to Bidney and her boys.

Below are some of the pics I took with my new camera! Nick gave me an early Christmas present!

B and me before we left. She was super excited about seeing Gram and Poopa.

We got to meet a new cousin, Margaret Ann, Aunt Bidney's first granddaughter!

And of course, B and Marlee picked right up where they left off. They love playing together.

Granny and Papa

B opening some gifts.

Brooklynn thanking Granny for the goodies.

Brooklynn loved her number memory game from Aunt Bidney. Here she is playing it with Aunt Kayla. Kayla had to work and missed the first part of the party. It's a good thing, because Brooklynn sure was flirting with Uncle Justin.

We gave Granny a book of pictures that I made on Shutterfly. It took me about three hours to make but well worth it. We were super excited to give her some pictures of B from the past year.