5 Pennies - Day 237 Recovered

1. Donated clothes to clothing drive

                  So spring is just around the corner and what a wonderful way to clean out my closet then to donate the clothes to a drive that we are having at school. Not only was I able to straighten my closet more, I was also able to clean up my son's clothes to. Everything that we donated was in good use with limited stains and even more limited holes. I hope that these clothes will go to good use.

2. Made Cherry Pies for students

                So there is a wonderful math teacher within my building that just came off of maternity leave. I remember how hard it was when I first left Sean and how much my heart ached being without him from day today. On top of this discomfort, her baby girl has some serious health issues and the teacher lost her mother last year. So needless to say, this teacher has had a roller-coaster life this past year. I just wanted to do something nice for her and her students in honor of "Pi ~ 3.14 (March 14) Day." So I made her and her 80 students these mini cherry cheese pies.

3. Gave all the Math teachers a special treat

             So our state assessments are soon approaching in the matter of days and math in our school has traditionally been our weaker area. Anyway, also in honor of 'Pi ~ 3.14 (March 14) Day' - I just wanted to do something nice for all of the math teachers. So I got each of them a pencil with smiley faces on it and an oatmeal pie (cookie) thingy. The note attached to the treats said "Happy Pi Day!" I'm not for sure how many math teachers go the pun, but it was nice to do something special for them.

4. Made Soda Bread for various staff members

              This weekend celebrates St. Patrick's Day, which being from an Irish family - it is an important time of the year. My mother gets all crazy with sprinkling the baby powder all around the house and hiding golden coins. Me, I'm into making the family's traditional Irish Soda Bread. I couldn't find just pure raisins for the ingredients of the bread - so I made the dough and folded in a mixture of cranberries & grapes into the mix. The cranberries gave the bread an extra good flavor. The next time that I make some loaves, I will use just cranberries. So I made 5 mini loaves in total and took 3 of the loaves into work to share with others. I hope that every enjoyed them. 

5. Bought Easter Candy for church

               So the church that I attend is having a special Easter Egg hunt for the younger kids and is asking for wrapped Easter candy  that can be used inside the fake eggs. The only problem is to find special candy that will fit in a plastic Easter eggs and doesn't have any peanut butter ingredients involved. This makes shopping for this special item very unique :-) However, I did and bought 3 bags of various tootsie roll flavores and different hershey kisses with various flavors. 

5 Pennies - Day 236 Recovered

1. Gave flowers to another staff member

            There is a staff member that works very hard with the Special Education students within my school, but she has been really sick lately. I'm not for sure if I totally understand her illness, but many mornings she has told me that she battles 'it' just to get to work to collapse in her office for another 20 minutes until the medicine can fully kick in. Well, this past week she has been absent many days and I am very worried about her. Just yesterday she felt ok enough to come back to school only to make sure that the various special education students are taken care of with the approaching state assessments. I had some extra flowers in my room that really I could think of no one else that needed them more.

2. Wrote to my Angle Assignment

             Recently I have become an angel writer to another woman that is battling Breast Cancer in the same relative area that I live. Due to the patient health information, I am not allowed to talk about her with anyone - but I will say that it is something nice that I will be looking forward to doing every week for the next year. What a great opportunity to help someone out and let them know that you are thinking about them :-)

3. Wrote a 'Thank You' card to the Pastor of the church

              So the Pastor of the church that I go to mentioned this book, "365 Thank Yous" a few weeks ago in one of his Wednesday night service sermons. Basically it is about how there was a guy who wrote someone a 'Thank You' card everyday for an entire year and learned so much about appreciation and gratitude in his life. Instantly, I was convinced that I needed to read this book. It truly is an amazing story and I highly recommend it for everyone to read. I thought that there was no better way to share my appreciation with the Pastor than to write him a 'Thank You' card myself.

http://www.amazon.com/365-Thank-Yous-Gratitude-ebook/dp/B004GB15W6/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331504352&sr=1-4

4. Returned an abandoned toy to child

             So my son and I went to see 'The Lorax' at the movie theater yesterday. I actually told him that if he read the book along with 10 other Dr. Seuss books I would treat him to the movies. I really want my son to know that reading and studying is important, but also reward him when he works hard. Anyway, we saw the movie and it was pretty much true to the book. Afterwards, I gave my son a dollar to play in the mini arcade area. While he was doing one of those driving machines I noticed that another little boy accidentally left his stuffed bear at a video game. Quickly I grabbed it and turned to meet his sister looking at me. I bent down to ask her if she would return this toy to her brother - instantly she smiled - beautiful and breathtaking little blonde 6 year old.

5. Attended students' basketball game

            So I teach band and of course I enjoy working with my students. They may make me crazy, but overall I am very thankful that the majority of them really want to work hard for me. This past Thursday the staff members of our school received an email stating that our boy's basketball team made it to the final championship game. Instantly, I knew what I was going to do this weekend with my son. It was a great game and both boys teams played incredibly well/hard. Unfortunately, my school's team lost just by 1 point. I know that many of my students will be disappointed tomorrow - but honestly, they played a really great game. I was really glad that I attended :-)  

5 Pennies - Day 235 Recovered

1. Wrote a 'Congratulation' note to another teacher

               So there is this wonderful ELA teacher at my school that is also in charge of a very special foreign language program, as well as, taking charge of the after school advanced knowledge based competitive team. Well, because of all of these special programs that she facilitates, she was recently given a special award. I'm so proud of her and honored that she works at the same school that I do. The students and faculty members are truly blessed to have her in our staff family. It was easy and simple to congratulate someone like her :-)

2. Bought hand sanitizer for worship area

          I noticed the other day in service that one of the singers has had a cold for the past 3 weeks. When she went to use the item prior and after the sharing of peace - it was totally empty. So while I was grocery shopping this weekend, I bought another bottle for the service area. Something simple to do, but helps others when in need.

3. Wrote a 'Get Well' card to church shut in

           Oh how I miss this one particular member of the church at the services. Recently I found out that she was moved out of her home and into a nursing facility due to her diminishing health. Also, she has recently become angry with religion in letting her become so dilapidated. This isn't the same person that I knew just a few months ago that always had something nice to say to my son. Instantly I knew that I needed to write her a card hoping that she was getting well and that I was thinking/praying about her.

4. Gave extra money for a project at school

            So the president of our PTSA recently had a painful fall and became in need a surgical procedure. I have taught some of her children and have spoken to her personal for a numerous amount of years - so it was worrisome when I heard of this news. Shortly after there was a school email that went out asking for staff members to contribute $1-$2 to cover for a flower arrangement. I gave more than just the bare minimum mainly because I knew how supportive this parent is of our school and to cover any other staff member that couldn't pay.

5. Bought snacks for staff day

               Yesterday at school was an early dismissal day at school. Every so often various teachers are asked to bring in something to share with others. I wanted to help this time so I went on the healthy kick and brought in veggies and dip.

5 Pennies - Day 234 Recovered

1. Bought more school supplies for Lenten Project

                When it comes to clothes shopping, I'm horrible at this task. I have a hard time in justifying the price of shoes, shirts, and pants - which in my opinion are completely unreasonable. However, I love buying school supplies and can easily spend $100 within minutes. Maybe it is the fact that I value education more than clothes, I'm not for sure. Anyway, like I've mention in previous pennies the church that I attend is holding a Lenten Project which includes collecting specific school supplies to give to various communities in Africa. Today it was my donation of erasers, crayons, and rulers. I'm happy to give towards this project :-)

2. Wrote a 'Thank You' card

             The church's youth and educational program director has recently celebrated her 14th year anniversary of working with the church. She does so much for the programming of the various groups and activities. It was easy to write her a thank you note and included a pack of flip/flop stickers. Why the stickers? She loves the summer time so that she can wear these types of shoes. Also she has a pair of shorts that are decorated with these little shoes. There is never a time goes by that I see flip/flops and don't think of her.

3. Made scones for staff

              I was itching to bake something this past weekend and found butterscotch chips. Immediately I thought of scones :-). So I made my traditional chocolate chip, cinnamon, and introduced butterscotch. I am in training for an up coming race and only taste tested a little of the chocolate chip, but then took everything in for the staff to enjoy at school :-) Soon it will be St. Patrick's Day and I am planning some Irish Cream Cookies and Irish Soda Bread.

4. Wrote a 'Thank You' note to a student

              Yes, I normally write thank you notes to the adults that I know for various things that I appreciate that they do. But this time, I just had to write something to one of my students. I have been really pushing my students in preparing them for an upcoming music festival event. I have a clarinet student that at the beginning of the year hated band because of the past school year. Anyway, now she loves it and is constantly pushing the other students in class to work harder. I'm so proud of her. Well, the other day she suggested for the entire band to perform for the school. "I want my friends to hear how hard we are working. So Ms. Kline, you need to schedule for us a band concert to showcase our work." Did I say that I was so proud of her? She is pushing me to work harder. I love this! Anyway, I just had to write her a thank you note for inspiring me - and gave her a packet of m&m's.

5. Wrote a 'Congrats' card to an administrator

               Recently the wife of the administrator just had a baby. I wrote a brief note of congratulations and included a gift card to a local store. Babies are a welcomed joy to the world.

5 Pennies - Day 233 Recovered

1. Sharpened pencils at church

            So I noticed at church this morning while my son was completing a biblical word search that all of the pencils at the children's were down to the bare nubs of the lead. After the service, I easily scooped them all up and sharpened each one so that the children would have something nice to write with at the next Sunday. Then my OCD kicked in and I spent the next 10 minutes searching other pencils within the worship area that needed 'polishing' - mainly the musician's writing tools. This may be a small thing to do, but next time someone is looking for a pencil to write with, I know that there will be plenty.

2. Wrote my son's teacher a Birthday card

              I actually didn't write it, but I assisted my son in doing so. At first he complained a little at the tedious task, but after explaining that wishing people that you know a Happy Birthday is a sign of respect for the other person. When he went to school today, he was really eager to give her his card :-)

3. Wrote my son's Godfather a Birthday card

              Again, I was only there for the assistance and encouraged my son to do the task. This card was easier to complete because he understood the premise of the activity. In addition, I sent him a text this morning wishing him a great day. Sometimes these little things make a world of difference.

4. Wrote a Thank You card to a friend

             I must admit that although I take comfort with these pennies, I am struggling with some personal issues. I have a few beautiful friends in my life that I deeply depend on - mostly as a day to day basis to help me keep grounded. One in particular have recently been my shoulder to cry on without passing any judgement. Although they can not fix my problems, it is comforting to know that I can confide in them. So I just needed to send a 'Thank You' note in expressing my gratefulness of their friendship - and included a special item inside - again, to show my appreciation.

5. Wrote an Encouraging card to a co-worker

              So a co-worker of mine has recently had a complicated surgery; actually part 1 of a three part surgery. I am so proud of her and the strength that she has shown throughout this whole health ordeal. She really is an inspiration of courage and bravery. Anyway, I just wanted to do something nice for her and her family - so I wrote her a 'hang in there' card and included a gift card to a local restaurant that would be useful for her husband. I hope that this brings her some joy in the midst of some rough days.

5 Pennies - Day 232 Recovered

1. Picked up a dropped I-Pod at church

                   So there was a young kid (around the age of 4ish) that sat in front of me at church this morning. In the midst of the sermon he was playing some sort of game on his I-pod (?). Once proceeding to accomplish the level that he was working on, he go so excited that he accidentally dropped it onto the floor. His mother was frustrated with the scene and the kid was frustrated that it slid away from where he was sitting. I was closer to me so I easily picked it up and passed it to him. Although I have strong opinions about having kids play video games during church, I knew that it was the right thing to do to pick up the device and handed it to him.

2. Bought a book for my mother and her school

                For the past month my mother has been looking for the Dr. Seuss book - The Tooth book. Last week was Dr. Seuss' birthday, as well as, the local dentist came to her school to talk about proper good teeth care. Always trying to find a literary connection, she knew of this particular story well. In fact there is an entire series - The foot book, The nose book, etc. Unfortunately she couldn't find her copy of it, nor could find a copy of this story in any of the local stores near where we lived. I happened to be taking care of some errands this morning and noticed that the department store that I was in had a display of various Dr. Seuss stories. Low and behold was a big yellow book that contained the various 'me' stories - including 'The Tooth' book. I was so pleased to get it because I knew that it would make my mother very happy and that she would share it with the students in her school

*I also bought my son a Dr. Seuss book titled, "Yerdly the Turtle." Gotta Love the Dr. S!

3. Bought jelly beans for my step father

                Last week my son had an extensive procedure done to several teeth within his mouth. Although I was able to take off in the morning to assist at the pediatric dentist office, I had to return to my work in order to prepare the students for the various festivals. My step father quickly and easily volunteer to take care of my son until my mom (Nanny) was able to leave work. Jelly beans are just a small way to say thank you!

Anyway, my dog had 1 cinnamon which he quickly took when it hit the floor before anyone could get to it. He then proceeded to roll it around in his mouth as he yelped and ran around the house.Then when he did spit it out, he sat on it so that no one else could get to it. Needless to say that he has been drinking water non stop for the past 15 min.

4. Bought Girl Scout cookies

               So while I was leaving the grocery store, 4 of my 6th grade band students stopped me to buy some GS cookies. How could I say no - they are my girls ;-) Anyway, I bought this kind that is called 'Tag A-longs' - I am planning on taking them to work because I eat very little junk food and cookies.

5. Gave extra Jelly Beans away

               While I was in the process of paying for the cookies that I will be giving to my step father and that my girls where chanting, I asked them if I could pay them off with the amount of Jelly Beans. They giggled and laugh at first - but I was dead serious. So after I was finished paying with using legal currency, I let each of the girls get a handful of jelly beans. The container is so large that it was easy to share. I hope that they got some good pieces!

5 Pennies - Day 231 Recovered

1. Wrote 'Thank You' cards to the school's custodians

              We have had a recent change in custodial staff lately, but I must say that everything seems to be settling down. The one noticed that my trash was not collected last night so she came in early today to check my office and other classrooms within the music department. She also spent time this past weekend cleaning and polishing the floors so that everything looked great for Monday morning. The other custodian is fairly, but he works so hard and takes a lot of pride in his work. I rarely see him without a mop or fixing something constantly around the school. This morning he laid out the new rugs that the front door entrance. He then vacuumed and daily spot checks them - just to make sure that everything looks great - and it does. Needless to say that they deserved a thank you card of appreciation.

2. Bought more school supplies

                  I have decided to use my offering money throughout the lent season to purchase various items that are needed for the church project. Today it was scissors - tomorrow?

3. Bought cookies for Arts Festival

                 Tonight we have the Fine Arts festival at my school. Its a great event because it showcases the various items from the art department and music, as well as, other contents that use either art or music within their curriculum. The organizer - one of the school's art teachers - has been working really hard in putting everything together. I over heard her fretting yesterday that she didn't have enough of cookies for the event. This was a simple fix to do for her.

4. Wrote a 'Great Job' note to the Art Teacher

                I really must say that everything turned out brilliantly tonight! Everyone's hard work really paid off because the event was just so nice. I had to write the art teacher a note expressing my appreciation and that she did a great job. I also included some of her favorite chocolate candy.

5. Bought performing band students some extra treats

               So many of my band students performed at this extra Arts Festival, as well as, prepared themselves for another festival that was held this weekend - 50 students to be exactly. I was so proud of everyone that participated because they put in a lot of extra time. I was very pleased in the fact that 10 students received high enough scores that qualified them to perform at the State Level Festival. The least that I could do was to buy each of them a special candy treat to show my appreciation of all of their hard work.