Updates for Brittany

Brittany

April 16, 2002

Holidays have passed and the school year is almost finished for Brittany. Since the last update, she has performed in 3 choir performances: one for the 5th grade program, a Christmas program and a festival among the area schools. There will be a couple more performances, including a PTA meeting, Sandy Lake (which is where they will compete for a trophy (they received 1st Place last year)) and a recording session.

The spring soccer season ended March 23 and they finished their season 2-5-3. I know that doesn't sound very promising, but the way points are tallied, it was a very tight pack in terms of scoring. Towards the end of the season they showed remarkable improvement and hopefully that will carry them into their tournaments. They will play in a 3 v 3 tournament this weekend, an out-of-town one in Waco next week and a Sidekicks 4 v 4 in May. I know Brittany is looking forward to a break after that and fortunately she'll have a few weeks to decide if she wants to continue.

Brittany's has continued to do well in school. She was named the "Eagle of Excellence" a few months back and she was very excited about that accomplishment. She has maintained an all "A" average throughout the year, which astounds me because I've seen some of her work and I don't see how I could manage high grades with some of the work they do. She has a couple close friends and she seems to really enjoy being with them. As far as boys go, she's not too boy crazy, THANK GOODNESS! I know she likes a couple boys but that's it.

October 23, 2001

It's been a busy couple months for Brittany. Since the last update Brittany turned 11 (you can see her birthday page here). We just had a small celebration for her and we're hoping to have a skating party for her at some point.

School has been going well for Brittany. She made the "A" honor roll the first six weeks...quite an accomplishment considering only 2 kids made it in her class and she was one of them. Her behavior at school has been remarkable (not that she ever gets in trouble anyway). Brittany tried out for UIL (University Interscholastic League) which would've allowed her to compete in areas such as spelling, writing, speaking, etc. but unfortunately she did not make it. She had been on the spelling team the last two years so she was pretty disappointed. Brittany also tried out for choir and fortunately she made it. Apparently there are two levels, 1 and 2, that are grouped by ability and Brittany did well enough to make Choir 1. I'm sure they'll be doing some type of holiday performance soon.

Soccer has not been as promising as we originally thought it would be but Brittany is still having fun playing so that's all that counts. Her team has played 7 games and they have a 1-4-2 record...although all the games (aside from one) have been VERY close. We're proud of Brittany though because regardless of how well or poorly they're doing, she always gives 100% in attitude and effort.

Brittany also had her room redone in some very pretty shades of blue. We need to post some pictures so everyone can see the changes.

August 14, 2001

Well, Brittany started school yesterday...her first day of 5th grade (and last one in elementary school). She had homework but didn't seem to upset by that fact. I bought all the school supplies in July so at least shopping for school wasn't a major hassle this year. Brittany even wanted a lunch box with a soccer ball on it.

Speaking of soccer, it has been keeping us very busy lately. The team played in a tournament last weekend to try to qualify for a local league. Unfortunately they lost 2 games so we'll be going to another qualifying tournament this weekend. The upside of all this is that Brittany really seems to enjoy playing with this team. Two of her teammates also played with Brittany last year so that gives her some familiarity and she's really easing into the new group very well.

We received our social study so now we just need to get a couple things into the Family Courts and then it should be relatively soon now. We're getting anxious about having this process be over.

July 12, 2001

For those of you interested in our adoption process, we had our social study yesterday. The social worker talked to Steve and I separately and then together. Afterwards, she talked to Brittany privately. We felt the interviews went well and we're anticipating the next steps in the process. After the social worker completes her report, she'll send a copy to the judge and a copy to us. It will be in our hands to notify our attorney so we can set a court date. Seeing as we're new to this, we don't know if that means a waiting period or if things will be finalized once the court date arrives. I guess we'll find out later and keep you all posted!

July 7, 2001

She's been hard at work all summer playing soccer. Between camps. tryouts and practices, she hasn't had much of a summer. I admire her commitment and it has paid off. Brittany will not be playing for the Hotshots anymore. She had decided to tryout for a select soccer league (the Vipers) and it was only after a contract was offered that she decided that would be her path for the next year. I hope things will go well for her through this journey.

It seems like everytime I turn around Brittany is growing taller. I took a close look at her growth chart and realized she's grown 6 inches in the last year and a half. I'm sure she'll outgrow me in a couple years (not like that would be a difficult feat!).

School starts next month so we know what that means...school supplies...UGH!!! Next month is also a big month because Brittany turns 11. We'll probably have a party at a skating rink or maybe we'll have a small gathering at a movie theater followed by a sleepover...we'll see!!

CHECK BACK SOON FOR ANOTHER UPDATE!!