Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. I really enjoyed birthdays as a kid. Now its not something I get excited about. I am just another year older. Can't say that's exciting. Yesterday there were 3 different reasons why. The 3rd reason was I got to share my last Kindergarten Graduation with my kiddos. I loved it!! It was so neat to see their parents and family so excited for them. They have all worked really hard. I have such a wide range of abilities in the classroom. They all started at the same level but grew so much. When they leave Kinder they have to be reading a level 4 book. All of my kids WERE on a 4 (or higher)!!! I have some reading on a second grade level. I think that's why I love Kinder so much because the possibilities are endless with them. I have come to realize that the days are getting shorter. I am TRYING to enjoy every minute with them. It is hard because they know school is ending and are WILD!!

Second reason why my birthday was exciting. The whole day was about me!! My students sang "Happy Birthday" to me and made me cards. My team (friends at work) had cup cakes and lunch for me. Family kept calling me and wishing me happy birthday. David took me out to eat to one of my favorite restaurants.

The real reason why it was AWESOME

Money

I try to take pictures of the things I buy and post how much it costs. I have been forgetting to do this. A lot of people are asking does it really save money? Yes it does. That doesn't mean I won't pay full price for anything. Here are last week pictures.


Walgreens

I spent about 4 dollars and some change. If I did my math right it would have cost me around 30ish dollars. I didn't save my receipts to look it up.



CVS

I spent more money here then I usually do. Sunscreen was on sale and we use a ton of it. Sunscreen is something I try to buy name brand. It makes a difference when you get sun burned. I spent around $10.50. It would have cost $35.00.



This was the first time I went to Kroger since they stopped doubling and tripling coupons. I wasn't really "banning" Kroger, but Walmart price matches so there wasn't any reason to go to two store that offer the same price. I spent $1.16. All of the pasta and chips were FREE!! The pasta usually cost a dollar but were on sale for $.50 and then I used a coupon. I only paid for the rice cakes (the were also on sale and I had a coupon but weren't free).

Home

Hayden's spring T-ball season came to an end on Saturday. Hayden has loved every minute playing. I think he enjoyed the coaches the best. Man he talks about his coach and what he learned. It's amazing how much he learned in 8 weeks. He has improved so much. His favorite thing is sliding into home. We signed him up to play summer ball! The same coaches and most of his teammates are coming back. It will be mostly David's doing. I will be at class so he will have to take him to practices. Hayden won't be going to school so playing ball will allow him to interact with kids.


He loves when Scott coaches 3rd base


I love how serious he is.



One of the few I got of him sliding into home!!

A classic dug out photo.

These are all videos of him playing. They are from the last 3 weeks. The last one is of him sliding. My favorite thing is that he didn't do it right so he tried it again!! That's typical for Hayden.









These are all of his party. We went over to his teammates house for food and a swim party. He had a blast. He didn't want to leave.

Change

Sometimes it is very difficult to make change. It doesn't really matter what your changing whether its jobs, lifestyle, or family stuff. I think many times we like to stay where you are comfortable. As many of y'all know the state of Texas is in a huge budget shortfall. That effects me because I am employed by a school district. If you don't live in the Houston area then you might not of heard that there are several school district's letting go teachers. My school district is fortunate not to have that happen. With that being said there are tons of changes being made across the district trying to save every dollar possible. One of changes is that every campus is going to be a Bilingual and GATE (gifted and talented) school. Right now we only have a few campuses that serve these kids, so they are being buses across the district. That means that we will be "losing" teachers at every campus so that we can make room for the Bilingual or GATE teachers need. The teachers that are "leaving" (the extra that have to be moved to make room for the bilingual and gate teachers) will go where teachers have resigned or been transfered. **I hope this is making sense it sounds right in my head**. There will be spots for everyone...they may not get the grade they want but they will have a job. On my campus the last one hired are being moved. There was also a form to fill out if you wanted to be moved. When my principal asked if there was anyone that wanted to be moved I said I did. After talking to him I found out that you weren't guaranteed the grade at the school of your choice. I chose not to fill out the form because I didn't want to get thrown into a grade I didn't want to teach. I told my principal several months ago that I wanted a Special Education job. I went to go talk to the Special Ed Director but there wasn't any VI jobs (what I am going to SFA for) so I figured I would be teaching Kindergarten. I love my kids, the grade, and how much they grow. I hate how there are so many rules, paper work, expectations, drama (with the people I work with), and no accountability. I began looking for other jobs in a different district. I WANTED change. After talking to David and really weighing the pros and cons we decided it would be best if I stayed there. I make more money then any district in the area, I would be able to receive another 1,000 scholarship for next year, and get some of my student loans paid for. So I felt really bummed. I want to go to work and ENJOY everything!! So last week my principal called me in. He started to move teachers around to different grade levels so I figured I was going to be teaching something else. I wasn't to thrilled. He ended offering me something better!!! He asked is I was willing to change campuses to go to a SILC class (students with Autism). I didn't even hesitate to think about it I just said YES!! So it will be a very busy, but enjoyable summer. I will be packing up my old room and moving into something I love and know. I miss Special Ed very much and can't wait to meet my kids. I will be going to my new school late this week or early next week to meet my kiddos. I am EXCITED about the CHANGE. I am a little nervous because it has been awhile since I've taught Special Ed. I am sure it won't take me long to find my "grove". So if you want to help me come set up I won't mind!! Last time it took Amy and I a whole week to get things ready!!!

8 1/2

Yes...it is official there is only 8 1/2 days left of school. I am so excited. The year has flew by fast. I think after Christmas that's when I suddenly realize how fast its going. Yesterday I was reading my class a book (I Love You Forever, it is about no matter how big or how much you grow or change I will always love you and yow will be my baby). I had to stop reading it because I got teary eyed. Every year I get very attached to my group of kiddos it is hard for me to let them go. I think mostly because I don't want them to spend 3 months without hearing I love you and giving them praise. Each child holds special place in my heart. When they go on to first grade I still check on my kids. I want them to realize that school is great place to come and feel loved. They don't hear it enough. A couple of weeks ago I faced one of the most difficult days of my career. I had to call CPS and it tore me up. I've called CPS a few times before but nothing like this. I don't think people realize how difficult and demanding teaching can be. We recently had teacher appreciation week and it was great to get notes from my students. It put a smile on my face to see how much the kids love me. I can honestly say I do it for them. I hate all of the politics, drama, and rules. I never hate the kids in my class, they are there for a reason. I love knowing that a year in my class could change their life forever. What a great blessing it is to know that I am a difference maker in a child's life.

Woman

Hayden has such a great personality. He is discovering who he is. He has such a funny way of looking at things. We were driving home on 45 and Hayden got a kick out of David passing up cars. Hayden was giggling every time David passed a car. David was passing a car and said it's a woman. Hayden then we replied with this

(the video is kind of shaky and the sun is beaming through...but its TOO CUTE)



In case you didn't understand him he said when somebody is driving me nuts and then said Holly drives me nuts.

I love all of his facial expressions and when he put his finger on his chin to think. That was so him....his personality coming out.

Five Years Ago

It was five years ago that David and I got married. Around this time we were packing and getting ready to go on our honeymoon. It doesn't seem that we have been married this long. The years flew by fast. There are a lot of things that I have learned from being married. I don't think anyone prepares you. I think the biggest thing that I learned is how to relax. I get upset if things are done "my way"....which means to me that it is the "right way". I can remember David helping around the house and I would get mad because the dishes weren't loaded the right way or the floor not done right. Now I am thankful that he does it. Adjusting to someone else's views and perspective is hard. We are learning that raising Hayden. I am truly grateful to have someone like David in my life. He is so patience, caring, and loving. I know I probably don't tell him enough how much I appreciate him. David thanks for all you do for our family. I love being married to you!

Winking

When we eat any meals that is usually when our daily conversations start. David and I try to focus most of the talking over dinner towards Hayden. Hayden loves to share what happened that day. He will rat me out if I did something wrong on the drive home. He enjoys telling us stories about school and letting me know what he learned. Hayden has a great memory. He remembers every detail. About a week ago we were eating breakfast together and David started winking at Hayden. So of course Hayden had to wink back. Hayden is not an expert at winking but this is what he did.



He knew that one of his eyes had to be closed for him to wink correctly. Who would think to do that when winking?!?! This kid has that out of the box thinking. I love it.

Today my photo the one that I wrote about yesterday, made front page of the Baytown Sun. I have to brag about being on the front page of a newspaper. I am glad that I am in the paper. It was a big deal on campus. I have a few copies of the paper if you want to see it. I am going to laminate them.

Mother's Love

I had a great Mother's Day. I love spending time with Hayden and having those special moments with him. I enjoy listening to him laugh and giggle. I love reading him stories and when he reads them to me. My favorite thing to do with him is listening to his conversations. I can remember when he only said a few words and it was limited now he tells stories. My how the years have changed. He is truly the apple of my eye. No matter what mood I am he can make it better. I am truly grateful for smart, caring, loving, and sweet boy. Thank you Hayden for always thinking of me. You have taught me more then you will ever know. I thought I was a very patient person. I figured teaching others will do that to you. No, Hayden has truly taught me that.



Most of you know I received a scholarship last week. I start classes in less then a month. I am very excited about this adventure. It means a lot to me. No one on my side of the family has started on a Masters program. David Bloom (writes a lot of articles and newsletters in my district). He wrote this about the scholarship. He also told me that he was working on a newspaper article for the local newspaper. He will let me know when it will be in the paper. Grandma Gilbert I love all the support and encouraging words. You will be one of the first to know about the newspaper.

Money Saved

I always try to put pictures of what I buy every week and how much I spend. This week has flown by without me doing that. This week and CVS and Walgreens had some really good deals.




I spent a total of five dollars. I had two things of Cottonelle toilet paper, 9 double rolls. They were priced $5.00 a piece. I paid $2.00 a piece. The mens fusion razor are usually 10 bucks got for .88 cents. The womens razors all free. Their prices range from four to nine dollars. I actually made money, $3.00 on the razors. The flossers, heat pads, toothbrush and toothpaste free. The lotion was $.99 cents. The deodorant, shampoo, and gel were $.50 cents.

I love getting stuff for free or where they pay me change back. I can honestly say all of our closets are full with stuff. We have a stash of paper goods sitting in the hallway. I told David I want shelfs built in the garage that way I can get a good idea of what we have. I want to be able to get to the point where I only buy some items if they are free or less then .50 cents.

David has been so helpfully with this adventure. I took Hayden with me a few times but it is very hard to watch the scanner making sure the prices ring up right and then check to see if computer deducted all of the coupons. They I go back and read my receipt one more time to make sure. David keeps Hayden with him. Last week I was shopped for 6 hours, 3 on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. David never called me asking when I was coming home or how much longer. I love being able to go out by myself and score great deals.

Kindness

I try to write this blog about Hayden and our life. Years from now I want to remember when. I often go back to read old post.

I have to say that one thing I've started to notice about Hayden is how kind he is. Hayden is always wanting to help if you are hurt, sick, or need something. When David or I sneeze Hayden asks "Do you need a tissue"? If were coughing he will say we need to take medicine. If I hurt myself..(lately its been smashing finger into doors or drawers and running into things). He runs over and says, "Are you okay"? Then he kisses whatever I hurt. He wants to make us happy. He truly gets concerned if something happens.

Hayden always starts his day with giving me a big kiss and a hug. When I drop him off at school he gives me a kiss and tells me he loves me. At night he wants me to cuddle or hold him. That is my favorite part of the day! He lets me know if its not up to his satisfaction. I am hoping that we are leading a way that will he will want to follow.

**Today I went to the country club to receive my scholarship. I had a great time. It was fun to see how many people appreciate and support you. I had to give my speech and I was first. It wasn't that bad at all, but wasn't my favorite. One of the requirements for this scholarships was writing an essay. I wrote about being premature and weighing 1 pound and 14 ounces. It was neat to see how many people read the essay and got to "know" me. At the Rotary Club there was a lot of big wigs from Baytown. Our districts Superintendent and Special Ed director were there. The superintendent told me how proud he was and what a great field I was getting into. My Special Ed director was very interested in talking with me! I am hoping this will turn into a new job! I would be able to teach kids with visual impairments in August. Please pray that everything will go well.

EXCITING

Okay I am SO EXCITED. As most of you know I applied to SFA to start on my Masters. I really felt bummed when I found out that I didn't receive the Project Vision grant. The grant would cover 18 hours of classes, half of what I need to get my Masters. I talked to David for a few days how maybe I should do something else...teaching wasn't fun (it all goes back to all the CRAP I see...parents not caring and the rules and regulations). So I began to look at other things I "could" do, nothing seemed to interest me. I went back and looked at other ways that I could pay for my classes. I applied for a Scholarship that my district was offering. I really didn't think anything of it. My district employs 100's of teachers. My campus alone has about 60 degreed people. Last week I received an e-mail from the lady who is over the scholarship. They wanted to interview me and discuss my future plans! I was thrilled to go and let them know why I wanted to get my Masters. Tonight I got a call that I am going to be a recipient. YEA!!! I can start class in a month or so. No, this won't cover all of my expenses but I am happy with anything!! The Teach Grant (which pays 4,000 a year) process is coming along...not sure yet if I will receive that.

On a side note I will go to this lunch held at the country club and SPEAK!!! If you know ANYTHING about me you know I DO NOT speak in front of people I don't know. Yes, David thought that was the most hilarious thing ever...me not so much!! Uh...I am already getting sick...my stomach is turning.

The funny this is that every month we have a character trait at school...kindness, self control, honesty, loyalty, respect, courage, and diligence. Any idea what this months is? I discussed this very through with my kids...Yes it is CONFIDENCE!!! I don't think we will be talking about having confidence until Thursday!