Leaving My Heartprints

Everything I needed to know, I learned from my middle school students...

2011-03-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

When I tell people that I am a special education teacher, they get this look in their eyes and they usually say something about how I must have so much patience. And then I go on to tell them that I teach middle school and they usually say something about how I must be CRAZY! For some reason, most people are extremely surprised when I say I LOVE my middle school kids. They ask me how I put up with them, their bad attitudes, their moodiness and their general rebellious nature.

Me, the eternal optimist, sees these kids from a totally different point of view and love them for so many reasons...

I love how "raw" they are and how they say what they are thinking, regardless of the situation or the audience.

I love that they take risks and feel free to express who they are and what they are passionate about.

I love that they feel with their whole heart.

I love that they keep me on my toes with their outrageous comments.

I love that they can be little kids one moment and semi-mature adolescents the next moment.

I love that they run through the halls (don't tell my principal this!) and chew gum as often as they can.

I love that they have desire to debate each and every idea and direction.

I love that they laugh out loud.

I love that they light up when you ask them about their basketball game or their karate tournament and show a genuine interest in who they are.

I love that they have an opinion about EVERYTHING!

I love that they are undeniably loyal to those they love and care for.

I love that they make me laugh each and every day.

Who would have thought that I would learn so much from the hormonal, irritable, crazy, lovable middle school kids that I have the PRIVILEGE of teaching each and every day! Do they frustrate me some days and have they given me my first and my 101st gray hair? Yes! But do they make me realize, each and every day, how truly lucky I am to be a teacher and to be a part of their lives? Undoubtedly!!

The layout above is about, dare I say, two of my favorite former students. I've been thinking about them both a lot lately. One of the boys passed away a few years ago in a motorcycle accident. He was severely dyslexic and came to me in 5th grade almost as a non-reader. By the time he left in 8th grade he was reading at a 5th grade level and felt so good about himself. I have many fond memories of him and his family. His birthday was on Valentine's Day so I often find myself at this time of year thinking about all HE taught ME about overcoming challenges in your life not letting those obstacles get in your way.

Lucky, Lucky me....how truly blessed I am to know both of these boys.....how truly blessed I am to be a TEACHER!!!

Feelin' the Love....

2011-02-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

So, it is almost Valentine's Day and the kids and I have spent the last few weeks making these:

The Dum Dum tissue paper flowers are for the girls in R & R's classes and......

the miniature Hershey's chocolate robots are for the boys in their classes. I'm sure you can guess which one is Reagan's and which one is Ryan's. I found both of these ideas in my January/February issue of Scrapbooks, Etc. magazine. We made them our own, but I just thought the idea was so cute.

We have never made our own Valentine's before, usually opting for the store-bought Superhero and Princess ones. It was really fun and gave me a chance to do something creative with my kids. I think we will be ready for a new handmade Valentine next year.

Off to find some pink and red clothes to don tomorrow in honor of this day of LOVE!

Have a spectacular week....

~Jenn

I'm BACK....

2011-02-06T14:32:00.001-08:00

with a new header and set up designed by my fabulously talented friend, Stacey Michaud. You should check out her blog and her work...just gorgeous! The layout above was created with the beautiful February kit featuring Webster's Pages from My Scrapbook Nook. If you are looking for a monthly kit club, this is one of the best!

I have to be honest. I wasn't sure if I wanted to become a "blogger." I have many blogs in my favorites list, some about scrapbooking, some about cooking and some that I just find inspirational. I just didn't know if blogging was for me so I started one two years ago and posted a few times and then, never again. But, this year, I decided I would give it a real try...

One motivation was that I signed up for Ali Edwards One Little Word class from Big Picture Scrapbooking. You choose one word that will be your very own word for the whole year, 2011. Through the class you have a chance to work with, discover, and create using your word. It is quite an amazing experience already.

I'll be back soon with my word and some of my first assignments from the class.

~Jenn

Gotta love summer!

2009-07-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Flip flops, swimming, picnics at the beach, sun, camping, grilling, sleeping late....just some of the many things I love about the summer! We have had a great time so far! I have been able to read 3 books already and have scrapped a ton. I love not having a routine and a schedule to follow and of course, not having to go to work is the best part of all!

On another note...Treasured Scrapbooking is going to be starting a super contest with amazing prizes....You can check out The Treasured Hunt 2009 here. This is going to be one incredible contest so come on over and post your eligibility entry now! We love meeting new people and seeing their work!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer and making wonderful memories!

Nothing like REAL friends....

2009-06-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

About 7 years ago, Karen, Stacey, Emily, Sue and I began the tradition of our monthly Girls' Night, commonly known to the five of us as "GN". We all worked together in a summer program for students with special needs. GN works like this...we rotate, going from North to South on a monthly basis with each of us hosting. The host prepares the main meal and the rest of us add the salad, bread and dessert. The person who hosted last doesn't have to bring anything. Our system has worked pretty well and we have missed very few months in the last 7 years, usually due to the birth of a baby. In total, we have 6 children with one more on the way for Karen!

These really are an incredible group of women who probably don't know truly how much I love and appreciate them. We have been through a lot together and always know that we are there for each other. I love that I have this group of women in my life. It's funny when you look at us as a group because we are so different, yet so similar in so many ways. I love each and every one of them more than I can say and am grateful for the gift of their friendship. Here's to many more years and many more GN's! Love ya, ladies!

6 More Days....

2009-06-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

until the end of the school year. I am so looking forward to summer....no alarm clocks, no ironing, no making lunches, no high heels! Aaaaaahhhhh, the lazy days of summer. I know many people think teachers have it so good, getting 2 months of vacation in the summer. And I don't disagree, we do have it good, but we work hard all year long, often many extra hours than we get paid for. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else for a job....unless of course I could be an American Idol star!!!

One of the things I am looking forward to most is spending quality time with my kids and my husband. We have a few fun things planned...camping, a week at the beach and some day trips here and there. Ryan and Reagan are at such great ages - 6 and 4 - to do so many new things. I really can't wait to make even more memories with them.

And, of course, summer gives me the chance to do some more scrapping! I can stay up into the wee hours, which is when the creative juices start flowing, and not have to wake to that shrill alarm at 5:30 a.m. Hopefully I can catch up on the MANY photos I have..

Here's to summer....

Just Coincidence??

2009-06-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ever had one of those moments when you do something because it feels right and then later find out that it seems like you were meant to do it? Boy, that sounds confusing...let me explain.

My late Aunt Nancy loved butterflies. She had a butterfly garden in her yard and she loved to watch them and at times photograph them. About 8 months after she passed away, her daughter, Kate, got married and all throughout the ceremony, there was a monarch butterfly flying around. The butterfly followed her down the aisle and circled around the area all during the ceremony, never leaving until the vows were spoken and Kate was married. Coincidence??

Kate is now 35 weeks pregnant and about to give birth to her first child. So, I needed a special gift. I decided to buy her a charm for her Pandora bracelet and to make her a framed layout to hold her baby's first picture. When I went to pick out the charm, I initially wanted a traditional mommy/baby charm. But as I was looking at the charms, I decided I wanted something more unique, something that would still symbolize a new baby. I ended up choosing a sweet little butterfly, thinking it would perfectly represent the miracle of life and the new little baby. Then I was working on my layout last night and added some Martha Stewart punched butterflies at the last minute...they were the final touch that made the page just perfect!

I want you to know that I did not remember the story of the butterfly until Kate opened her gifts at her baby shower today. I did not choose the butterfly charm to intentionally represent her mom (my Aunt Nancy) nor did I purposely put butterflies on the layout for that reason. Another coincidence??

I don't know if I believe there are ever any coincidences, but rather events and actions that are just meant to be...all part of a plan, all part of life. I have no other choice but to think that Aunt Nancy was with us today as we celebrated the upcoming birth of her daughter's first baby. Love you, Aunt Nancy! You are missed and loved!

Sorry for the long post, but I have not stopped thinking about this all day and just wanted to share.

Do you believe?

2009-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading the book The Shack by William P. Young. I consider myself a religious person, but I don't often read Christian books. My church was offering a book discussion about this book so I thought I would read it. I never did make it to the book club, but found myself consumed with this book and its story. It is an incredible story about how God is really with us all the time, even in the midst of our tragedies and suffering. One reviewer said, "This story reads like a prayer—like the best kinds of prayer, filled with sweat and wonder and transparency and surprise. When I read it, I felt like I was fellowshipping with God. If you read one work of fiction this year, let this be it. " This was one of those books I couldn't put down and didn't want to end. It is a lot to digest and I think it may be one of those books I may have to read again. I do believe in God and I do believe in his power within us....I guess this book made me question if I have really let Him in???? I highly recommend it, whether you are religious or not...it's a great read! If anyone has read The Shack, I would love to hear your comments and thoughts.

Any other book recommendations? As my school year comes to an end, I am always looking for some good summer reads. Feel free to leave me some suggestions.

Have a wonderful day!

What a Bad, Bad Blogger I've Been....

2009-06-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the last time I blogged was almost a month ago. Being a teacher, this is the time of year I tend to be slightly overwhelmed....lots of loose ends to wrap up, both for me and my kiddos. I have so much to do at work and there are only 16, yes I said 16 days left in the school year. Where did the year go? I am looking forward to summer and spending time with my family and more importantly, not having to set my alarm clock...WOO HOO!

This is my first "official" month on the Design Team over at Treasured Scrapbooking. http://treasuredscrapbooking.com/ You should come on over and visit. I just have to tell you how happy I am to be a part of this team. They are an incredible group of ladies with a ginormous (that's a word stolen from my middle school students) amount of talent. The new Summer Design Team has posted some great challenges for the month of June. You can check them out here: http://treasuredscrapbooking.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=43

There are also a lot of great layouts in the gallery made with the two monthly kits. Come and leave some love...

http://www.treasuredscrapbooking.com/gallerypp/showgallery.php?cat=725

Note: The above layout was created for the Just Add Scraps challenge over at TS. A sketch and a few requirements were posted at 9 p.m. and we had one hour to scrap and then 20 minutes to upload. I don't think I have ever scrapped that fast in my life. It was a blast! I will post here when the next JAS challenge is scheduled.

Hope you all have a wonderful week....

Things Happen for a Reason!

2009-05-10T19:45:00.001-07:00

I believe in fate.
I believe in a higher plan.
I believe you are where you are supposed to be in your life.
I believe things happen for a reason whether you understand it or not.

As I reflect on Mother's Day, there was a time when I wasn't sure if I'd ever get the chance to be a mother. I had a plan and that plan didn't work out when we wanted to start a family. I had to do a lot of praying and faced a lot of disappointment when all I wanted was to be a mom. As I look at the faces of my two kids above, I realize there was a plan that I just didn't understand at the time. I did end up becoming a mom to the two best and beautiful kids in the world!

And so...when I didn't win the contest over at Scrapstreet or earn a spot on the magazine, I was disappointed and a little discouraged. I had those same feelings of not understanding why things didn't go my way. Then as I was browsing, I found a special place and a possible new opportunity. I saw a post about a Design Team Call over at http://www.treasuredscrapbooking.com/forum/ I joined and immediately felt welcomed and accepted in this place. I decided to apply and submitted my work, hoping for the opportunity to be a part of this team of VERY talented ladies.

And so...I waited...and waited. I came home tonight to find a post about the new Design Team and couldn't believe my name was there. I was more than excited! And then I thought...things happen for a reason. I would have never applied for this position if I had won the other contest and I feel that I would have missed out on something that was meant to be. I just had a feeling about this site the minute I joined and wrote my first post...one of those feelings where you know it's right, way down in your gut.

And so....
I believe things happen for a reason and now the reason is clear!
I believe I am right where I am supposed to be...a DESIGN TEAM MEMBER at Treasured Scrapbooking.

I believe in a higher plan....I get to scrap even MORE!
I believe in fate.....

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers, aunts, grandmothers, godmothers in my life. I love you all and am grateful for your presence in my life!

When Life Gets Me Down....

2009-05-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

These 2 bring me up! When I see these faces, I remember that it doesn't matter if I have a lot of paperwork to do at school. It doesn't matter that there are three baskets of folded laundry waiting to be put away. It doesn't matter that I forgot to run the dishwasher last night. It doesn't matter that my car needs cleaning inside and out. It doesn't matter that I still haven't organized the junk drawer.

What really matters is that I take the time every day to hug and kiss my family. What really matters is that I read a bedtime story..or two...or three with my kids each night. What really matters is that I "grow love" and make those memories with my kids that they will keep with them as they age. What really matters is that I let the little stuff go and say I love you every day! These 2 little people remind me of that lesson everyday and for that I am grateful!

A friend of mine, Karen, posted this song by Darius Rucker on her blog a bit ago...I think it says so much. You might need some tissues for this one, though! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wry3AyAm0_Q

A Nice Surprise!

2009-05-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday this layout was chosen as Member Layout of the Day at http://www.treasuredscrapbooking.com/. This is a very special layout about my Aunt Nancy who lost her battle with breast cancer almost 7 years ago.

She was my mom's younger sister and was one of those strong and special women who loved deeply and gave the best hugs! She called me Superbaby when I was a kid and then told me I was beautiful when I was an adult...you can't ask for anything better! I miss her and think about her often.

May this layout help to remind all of us about the importance of getting our yearly mammograms and taking the time to take care of ourselves!

Bummed!

2009-05-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I decided to enter a 5 week long contest over at Scrapstreet.com about a month and a half ago. There were two parts to the contest. Members were competing for the title of Scrapstreet Star and also for the chance to win a spot on the magazine staff. Thought it would be fun to be challenged and get my mojo going. Well, I was right...it was fun and it helped me create some of my very favorite layouts of all time.

However, I didn't win the contest, nor did I get a mag spot. I can't deny how disappointed I was...felt like I was back in middle school and had lost the student council election. The talent was amazing and I truly feel honored to have been in the final round with 5 other amazing artists! I do believe this contest and its challenges brought me back to why I scrap...I really scrap because I LOVE IT!!

So, another life lesson learned...can't win 'em all, but you sure can have fun trying!!

I finally did it!

2009-04-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about starting a blog for a long time, but wasn't sure if I wanted to do it or not. Well, I decided to give it a try and just jump in. I don't know yet what this blog will become...I think it will be whatever it should. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts, my creations and my inspiration. I will leave you with a layout that expresses the pieces that make up the whole of me!