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!