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!