A Long Time a-comin'

I have been so super busy with work, that I haven't had time to update...whoopsy!

Blake made his first gingerbread house yesterday. He really wants to eat it, but it was one of those pre-packaged ones from Target. The "gingerbread", AKA cardboard, is super hard, and smells stale. The icing tastes kind of like Elmer's school glue. Here is the completed project! He is so proud!!!

I made 11 dozed sugar cookies for school. For some reason, I felt the need to make Gingerbread Sugar Men for the ENTIRE Kindergarten. I was really dreading it on Wednesday night when I was still not finished at 10. That really stunk! The kids really enjoyed it, and I don't have pictures at home. I saved them to my computer at school and deleted. They had a blast though.

This week, I made 2 batches of sugar cookies for home. One for my mom's house and one for the kids to all decorate on Friday. Here are some of our finished ones.

I lost the charger to our small camera, so I have been using the big one. When I loaded the pictures, I found these from August of '08. He's changed so much!

Safety Saturday

Today at Lowe's it was Safety Saturday. The firemen, police dept., and ambulance were all in the Lowe's parking lot. It was lots of fun!

Down came the rain...

I love all the rain we got the last 4 days! It is really helping my yard (whats left of it), and I even had some blooms some bedding plants.

But, it brought a head cold to me. I started getting a sore throat Thursday afternoon, and still have it today. It is more sinus-y today than the other days, but I still have a scratchy throat, nose and eyes.

My class is still at 26. This week, 4 kids are being moved out. It will be a relief, but I will miss my babies! I have really gotten to know them well, and will miss them, but am anxious to get started into the hard core teaching.

I've also been struggling keeping in touch with people. It has been a busy summer, and early fall for all of us.

Week 2

Tomorrow, I get kid 27. She is Autistic, which means she will struggle in my room without support, but I will kill the supporting teacher she has if she is there with her the whole day. The teacher came today, and decided to comment on everything I was asking the kids to comment on. For example, "Boys & Girls, how do we sit on the carpet?" Ms. F "criss-cross applesauce, hands in our laps, mouths quiet, eyes on you." I felt like yelling "NO SHIT SHERLOCK! YOU ARE 50 FUCKING YEARS OLD AND I HATE YOU. GET OUT OF MY ROOM AND DONT COME BACK" Instead, I said, "Thanks, Ms. F, but I really want the kids to answer." I guess that was more diplomatic, right?

I was asked in an interview once how I would promote diplomacy in my position, and had no clue what it meant, but I totally get it now!

I still have no patience to post pics. Maybe this weekend.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. Last night was "Meet the Teacher" night. Only one momma stuck around a long time. She got there at 5:45, and I had to walk her out at 7! She told me everything about her daughter...her favorite # is 13, color purple, and lots of other things! I have to remind myself that this is her oldest kiddo, and she's never been to school or daycare. Today she was great, but I think she may have gotten lost in the sea of my 25 kids!

Yep, you read that right! TWENTY FIVE kindergarten students. 17 returned from last year, so only 8 newbies but still, 25!!! We survived. I only lost 2 kids all day -- they were both in the bathroom and I forgot I sent them in from recess to go. Only one accident -- but his mom told me has have been having bowel problems all summer. She gave me lots of info on his BMs, and honestly, I did not want to know! One kid spilled her cereal first thing, and another dropped his mashed potatoes at lunch. Other than that, it was great! I only threatened to call 1 mom, and didn't follow through on that.

Apparently, I am known around campus for being quite capable of my job, and noone came to check in on me after 8:45. The teacher across the hall from me, who has taught Kinder for 5 or so years, had 22 kids and the librarian with her all day and STILL cried at the end of the day.

My room is right next to the 3 year old Pre-K class, so we heard lots of crying, and I cried once too trying to explain why this kid is screaming like something out of a horror film to my kids.

The day went so quick, and I am so excited about this year! I took some pics of the room, but am too exhausted to get the camera and wait, so I will do that soon!

Big Boy Bed

In September 2007, I converted Blake's crib to his toddler bed, and this is how he felt about it.




He wasn't quite sure he could get out by himself, so he just sat there until I came for him.



Yesterday, we bought a twin bed to replace his toddler bed. He is almost 42" tall, and his crib mattress is really tired. He loves the new bed. This morning when I went in to check on him at 7, his eyes popped open and said, "Mommy, I LOVE my new big boy bed. Thank you for buying it." All day he has been saying thank you, and is excited about his new bed. We chose this neutral blanket and he chose the red sheets. It is perfect!







I went back to work this week, and it has been great to be back on a schedule. I got into my new classroom and started organizing stuff, and found out that I don't have much of anything. I hope I can get some new things soon! I did get my room arranged and 3 bulletin boards up. I will take pics this week and share.

stuff

Grandma's surgery went well. She fainted this morning (like she does every time after a surgery), and then she was anemic (which the DR said was normal in 80 year old patients) this afternoon and had a blood transfusion. I have never cared, or thought about a blood transfusion, but when mom said she had one, I started thinking. I am not against it, but wish I was there so I could have donated and they could have given her mine.

I got a haircut today. Went to JR Salon on 49th & Burnet. It's a no gratuity salon, so no tipping is allowed. I have gone to my other stylist, Megan, for 5 years. I have never walked out disappointed, but wanted to save $20 so I went to this place. It was decent. Got a nice head massage, but the cut left something more to desire. Megan always was such a perfectionist to make sure it didn't look like I just got my hair cut. I feel like I could have cut my hair myself and made it look like this. She did it way too poofy, and did not texturize. just straight cut. blah. At least it will grow out, right?

Part 2

I posted a vent about a big blow up with my brother, then decided to delete it just in case someone in my family reads my blog. Basically, I told him he was disrespecting our mother and he told me to f* off and hung up on my 3 times in 15 minutes. I talked to my mom after, and, of course, he told her bits and pieces, and the truth was not part of that. I explained what I was doing, and what he said to me (censoring it), and why I was no longer speaking to him. He called and apologized on Sunday, and I treated him the same way he treats me on the phone. Very short answers to questions and no conversation. We hung up and haven't talked since.

My grandma is having hip replacement surgery tomorrow. She has been in a lot of pain for many years, and finally a doctor listened enough to do something about it. It was supposed to happen 2 weeks ago, but the doctor was sick on the day of surgery, and then took vacation. So tomorrow it is. She checks in at 10:30.

Blake had a fever yesterday of 100.6, and since he never gets sick, all of his meds were expired. We ran to Wal-Mart, and came home. He took a nap, woke up fine, and no fever since. I did give him a 2nd dose of Motrin before bed, just in case.

I will post pictures of Blake's sports class later. We signed up for a class at the Y that covers soccer, baseball and basketball. Last week was soccer. He is a nut, and a little too young still for organized sports. At least there are only 6 kids and the coach is fun to look at ;)

What a Wednesday!

My niece and nephew, Bianca & Michael, are in San Marcos for the month of July, and today I went and picked them up to go to the library. Bianca is going into 6th, Michael into 3rd. Bianca is growing up so much, and I forget that she is not the 6 year old she was just a few years ago! She's taking care of her hair, dressing appropriately, becoming a young lady. Michael, well, he's a 7 year old boy. If you don't know a 7 year old boy, think of a 3 year old boy, but bigger and with a larger vocabulary. Just plain silly. Blake loves both of them and just giggled all morning.

We went to the library for their Arts & Crafts project. Bianca was not interested, but Blake and Michael were. I will take a pic of his fan and post in a bit. After that, we went to lunch at McDonald's. Bianca played for about 5 minutes, and then she was finished, so we just chatted at the table. Blake, well, he racked himself for the first time today. He was running up to me and ran full speed into the corner of the bench. He stopped for about 3 seconds, then started screaming that he needed to go potty. Poor baby. That's not exactly a spot that mommy can kiss and make better. We ran to the restroom and he peed, and then he thought he was better. I called Joe because I didn't know what to do for him and he basically said the pain would go away.

I emailed my principal with some caution today to tell her I was interested in a Kindergarten position. I have thought about this for a long time, and all that keeps coming into my head is one student who is going into Kinder next year. She has struggled the last 6 months. She was expelled from Head Start (don't get me started on that), suspended from school 3 times, finally kicked out of head start. She's a big girl (comes to my arm pits weighs 110 lbs.), and can be aggressive. The last 3 weeks of school, I made it a point to make her feel special and give her special tasks with me. Her mom stopped me one of the last days of school and told me how much she had been talking about me at home and how she was excited to come to school now. Long story short, I emailed my principal, and she replied that she would love me to be in Kinder and wants to put me where I feel most comfortable. I am super excited. I cannot believe how easy that was. One reason I didn't tell her earlier that I wanted to move was because a friend of mine interviewed for a PK or K position and I really wanted her at our school. She got another offer, and accepted so she is off the market. I didn't want to take up a spot that could have potentially been hers.

I was planning on taking a nap, but I am on cloud 9 right now! I don't think I can sleep.

For Today

Thanks Jenny!
FOR TODAY
June 29, 2009

Outside my window... is only one vehicle in the driveway. I finally sold the Focus!

I am thinking...about how to tell my principal that I want out of Special Ed if something in Kinder comes up. I love my SpEd kids, but there's something about Kindergarten that I can't get enough of!

I am thankful for... having the summer off to spend time with Blake. He is growing into a big boy, and I love it!

From the kitchen... there's a big mess...not too big, but just a mess that needs to be cleaned.

I am wearing... shorts and a t-shirt. It's too hot for anything else.

I am creating... some fun 4th of July crafts with Blake. I will post pictures soon.

I am going... to the bank to deposit the cash from the sale of the car, then to HEB and finally the library.

I am reading... nothing right now, but going to check out "My Sister's Keeper" today from the library.

I am hoping... for rain. Lots of rain. My grass is crunchy, even though we do our once a week watering.

I am hearing... Blake playing in the play room...FINALLY!

Around the house... is an organized mess. I know were everything is, and don't want anyone to touch it.

One of my favorite things... is taking naps in the cool A/C.

A few plans for the rest of the week... we are going to play in the pool in the backyard every day...twice a day. And pray for a healthy, and safe recovery of my Grandma. She is having hip replacement surgery tomorrow.

A picture to share... one of my favorite pictures of Blake from 3 years ago today!

San Antonio Zoo

We bought a family membership to the San Antonio zoo in March. I figured blake and I would make a few trips this summer. And, the zoo opens at 7:30 for members. We got there at 8:05 and there were less than 10 cars in the parking lot! It was amazing. We walked around until 12.

Here are some of Blake's favorite things there.


Feeding the squirrels. They are tame. We stopped to have a quick graham cracker snack, and these 2 squirrels came running out. We threw them a few small pieces of the cracker and they entertained us for a few minutes.



Another snack time.


He loved the bird house, and looking at all the eggs.


Last time, he was terrified of the Lory Landing, but this time, he really got into feeding them the nectar.


Walking on the "clams". "No, mommy, those are not lily pads, they are CLAMS".



Feeding and brushing the goats.



STOP TAKING MY PICTURE

Happy Father's Day

Blake & Daddy on Father's Day


2006--Napping together


2007--Staying up way past bedtime


2008--Helping Dad with the yard


2009--Just bein' silly

Southpark Meadows

"Take my picture with all the leaves"

Today, we met my good friend, Emily at Southpark Meadows for some shopping and some park fun. I intended on getting there about 9 so we could eat about 11:30 and be done playing by 1, but that didn't happen. I left the house at 10, so we got there, did our shopping and all of a sudden it was 12:45. Whoopsy! That's why Blake was melting down! We went to lunch and then Blake wanted to play at their wonderul playground. He saw the water and wanted to play there. I took his shoes, socks and shirt off and told him to go, but he was very upset about getting his shorts wet, and tried, many times, to take off his shorts. Luckily I had some swim trunks in the car. I ran to the car while he stayed with Emily, then he changed and had a blast!




We got home, and he did not want to take a nap. I coerced him into laying down with me and he was out in 6 minutes. I love his afternoon naps! I can't get myself too hooked on them, or I will be a bear at 12:30 in August!

Friday Fun

We made cupcakes yesterday. Between batches in the oven, I went to the restroom, and this is what I came back to. Stinker! His whole hand was sticky from cupcake batter!

Today we ventured out to Lowe's, and wouldn't you know they had Diego gardening gloves and trowels. Blake got one of each, and while I vacuumed the living room, he was outside digging up rocks. He, of course, saw me with the camera, and stopped. We came in to get a popsicle, and he sat in his favorite chair and watched a bit of Wall-E. Poor thing, his face gets just as red as mine in the heat!

This picture is him in this same chair in August of 06 at 5 months old!! He was so tiny! Not really, this is when he started getting chubby. I love it!

I already told you for 3 days

Blake has been saying the funniest things lately. I love it! I have been counting to get him to hurry and do what I want him to, and if he can reach my mouth, he covers it and say either, "Stop counting numbers", or "I already told you for 3 days to stop". It is hilarious! I have no clue where he got that from.





We went to Cabela's today. Blake loves that place!

I did something silly today. At Walmart, they had these cute little girl outfits on the clearance rack for $1. I bought 4. They are all in the size range of 0-6 months. I couldn't resist. I am not pregnant, and don't want to be for a few months, but really, one dollar? (I guess this is where I say we are going to start trying in August) The yellow one is a newborn size onesie, and the rest are little dresses with bloomers.

Monday

So, today was my first Monday off this summer. Blake woke us up about 15 minutes before the alarm went off. I got up and the two of us made breakfast for Daddy. Then we got dressed and walked to the park. It was nice and cool out this morning so we stayed extra long at the park.

Last summer, I was off with Blake, but I was also burdened with being fired from my job and trying to find a teaching job. I was not a good mommy last summer. Blake did lots of TV watching while I browsed every single school district website looking for the perfect job. When I got the call to come and interview at my school, I was excited, but not confident. Then my principal was 30 minutes late. I decided in the car, on that wet, rainy July afternoon, that I did not want to work at the place I love now. She offered me my job on the spot. I, of course, accepted since I didn't have anything else going my way.

The drive to work has been long, but with my new car, it is not as painful. I am not checking my temp guage every 10 minutes, not listening for funny noises. Just driving. Blake has only puked 2 times in the car. Once, we were in stop and go traffic for over an hour, the last time, I gave him a huge cup of milk. NOT a good judgement call.

This summer will be better. We had a blast today, just being silly with the laundry basket. Tomorrow, I think we will venture out to the free movie at 10 a.m. I will pack my large purse with snacks! Who knows what the rest of the week looks like. All I know is that I am happy that I get to spend the time with my one and only!

Pictures

OK, so before you start this blog....just please understand that I am just now using the 'add image' button, and cant figure it all the way out...

Can you believe I got this whole outfit for less than $7???

Blake loves to take pictures with my camera.  He turns it on and just runs around taking pictures of everything...

Here are some silly ones of the 2 of us!

The final days

Today is my last Tuesday. That means my afternoon kids go home at 2:30 and I don't see them until August. Tomorrow my morning kids will leave me at 11. Its kinda bitter-sweet. I have spent so much time getting to know them, and I really do love them. One of my parents called yesterday and said they are moving, so his daughter will be in RRISD next year. This is the child who makes me the maddest, makes me cry, makes me laugh, makes me want to pull my hair out. You get the idea. But, she has grown and made such great progress this year. I can't believe she won't be here. Part of me did cart-wheels, part of me cried (for a minute).

My other 3 in the morning are going to the CRAZY Kinder Life Skills teacher. This lady is a nut and I am scared for my babies! I know they will do fine, but there is still that feeling of uncertainty.

But, I will get to spend tons of time with my favorite person in the whole, wide world--Blake! We are going to go to the park, zoo, children's museum, pool, bouncy house, anywhere we can go in a day! His personality has really blossomed and I can't believe what a person he is.

I will also try to blog more often this summer, with the hopes of being able to blog for my class parents next year. I found this great PPCD teacher in Austin who blogs EVERY SINGLE DAY! It really is the same format, but I am sure her parents love it!

Pink Eye

I woke up this morning with my right eye crusted shut. Gross I know. I thought, oh, it can't be that bad, I will just wear my glasses to work. It's my aid's birthday, and how can I honestly call in on her birthday. Well, I got up, went to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and looked in the mirror. There was no way I could go to work. My eye was bright red, and all gooey. So, I went to the new clinic in Kyle (very nice, by the way), and he told me I had pink eye. I don't know why there is not some OTC meds I can buy for this. I knew exactly what it was, and what he was going to prescribe. Oh well, guess this week will be super short!

Next week is the last week of school. I am stoked! It is amazing that this school year has come to an end so quickly. I will miss the kids, but am already thinking about next school year! I have started packing and organizing my room, and am ready to run out of the door after the buses leave!

Happy Easter

Blake over the years!

2006

2007

2008

2009



I can't believe how big my baby has gotten. Every day he amazes me!