Sharing the Joy

There's nothing like the energy you get from connecting with "your people". Those kindred spirits that share the same vision and passion you have for your life's work. I am so grateful for the opportunity last weekend to gather with my people at Conference on the Young Years (CYY) sponsored by the Missouri Department of Education. Truly some of the most caring souls in the world are primary grade teachers! We all embrace new strategies to help us in this vitally important job of establishing a strong foundation and love of lifelong learning in our students.

My friend Mary and I were able to attend Red Grammer's seminar.  What a great singer and
cool cat! (Totally see where his son Andy Grammer gets his pipes!) I am
looking forward to teaching my preschoolers his new Circle of Light songs...so awesome.

This weekend I was reminded once again that CONNECTION IS KEY. Without connection with our students, there is no trust. Without trust, there is no learning. I am inspired (as the busiest and potentially most stressful time of the school year comes upon us) to redouble my efforts and deepen the connections I have to my students and their families. It's an investment that deserves my best efforts because the dividends of doing so are invaluable.

Our students aren't the only ones that we should be reaching out to and digging deeper in an effort to build relationships. Likewise, it is essential that we educators connect with each other. Connection is knowing you're not alone. You have a "family" to share in the journey. And the journey is about making a difference in the lives of kids.

Kudos to Shawna, Karen, and Taylor for rearranging lessons to incorporate STEM Friday!

You just never know when an old bicycle wheel is going to illustrate a
new way of thinking about technology!
Thanks to Jenny for the shout out on Instagram during my presentation.

I have yet to find a profession whose people are more willing to share their ideas and inspirations with their colleagues than education. We don't consider this important business of changing the world by investing in children as a competition where our strategies and successes are to be guarded and only kept for the benefit of the students within our own classrooms. WE CARE ABOUT KIDS PERIOD. So there is this magnificent freedom to disperse anything and everything that might encourage and help our colleagues because we know it will positively impact that many more young lives and make this world a better place. Ergo, we experience an incredible sense of joy when we share our inspirations because we know that great outcomes will result at multiple levels in a variety of places!
<<Click here for bonus view of STEM presentation!>>

So glad to be able to share my vision statement
as a reminder of why we do what we do. Thanks for your
tweet, Ms. Taylor.  Congratulations on winning the door prize!

I was so pleased to see the awesome early childhood educators that I had the pleasure of presenting to embrace sharing the joy. More than just a presentation, it was an opportunity to connect and interact... which is always better than just passive listening! We had such a fun, productive time trading ideas and practicing how to be intentional in developing problem-solving skills through implementing STEM in preschool. And you know what else? Their eagerness to post their take-aways on social media, make notes, take pictures, and share resources with their teacher friends back home had the added benefit of encouraging me. I am more convinced than ever that helping other teachers is another level of education that I should keep
engaging in whenever possible and however creatively I can.
<<Click here for my free STEM Journal resource!>>
This post is dedicated to those special people I got to meet at CYY. Thank you for helping me share the joy and committing to explore and implement new ideas that are going to develop your students into great scientific and mathematical thinkers.  You will love this creative endeavor!

I honestly can't think of a better compliment after a STEM workshop than a participant expressing that STEM is no longer scary.  Abby, you made my day! 

A Few of Our Favorite Things

I love Christmas. Wait- scratch that. I LOOOOOOOOVE Christmas! And I'm a sucker for festive trees and mantles. Turns out I'm in good company.
I am over-the-top excited to share "a few of our favorite things" as contributed by some kindred spirits that like to deck the halls as much as I do. From traditional to theme to sentimental, these friends know how to create the joy in decorating for Christmas!

I love the magic of this snow tree and the cozy fireplace by Katie Imler.  If you need decorating help, she is your answer, whatever the season!

 Part of the fun of writing this blog was categorizing and naming my contributors' creations. Check out these fun tree and mantle combos, along with some sentimental and traditional decor.

Neutral and Nice, right?  Gray is the official "go to" now and this gray and white light tree looks perfect with the family stockings.

The farmhouse vintage looking tree with mittens and ice skates along with the snowflake decked fireplace fairly shouts out that Christmas is "Snow Much Fun"!

Who doesn't enjoy a good theme tree? Starting with the top left and going clockwise, I came up with a few monikers for these themes with personality galore: "Superheroes & Santas"- I MARVEL at the cute ornaments (see what I did there?); "Holiday Hunting"- because an authentic deer antler topper is THE most original topper I've seen; "Peacocks & Presents"- I had to represent my favorite animal and blog inspiration, of course!; "Woodland Winter Wonderland"- where foxes and hedgehogs can't possibly be any more festive.

Seasonal Sentiments- I wish you could read all of the comments made about why these decorators choose to display these pieces year after year. Nativities crafted by friends and family, ornaments passed down from generation to generation, and special remembrances of epic family history were all part of the stories.

Deck the mantles with boughs of holly...or stockings, porcelain, banners, lanterns, lights... if it's important to you, then it's fair game!

Kid-tastic!  These made me smile. Snowman glitter hat on top- why not? When the kids get into it, it's win-win for sure!

Terrifically Traditional- Angels and stars are by far the most popular and traditional tree decorations. Not to mention being completely covered with lights and family-made sparkle and shine hanging from every branch.

Gloriously Gold- Glittering gold with accents and white lights was the runner up for most popular color for theme trees. It's just so classy.  I love how these families keep it comforting and welcoming by staging teddy bears and reindeer underneath.

Rosy Red Ribbons- The first place winner for color theme choice was the always bright and cheerful holiday RED! When I look at these crimson colored trees overflowing with lights and ornaments, my holiday spirit kicks up a notch. You know you've done something right with the kids have so embraced the decorating traditions that they simply have to see their classics on the tree every year! 

As I read the comments and stories these friends posted with their photos, I was struck by a recurring theme. The words "family", "special", "favorite", and "love" were repeated over and over again. Is it any wonder that so many consider this season the most wonderful time of the year? When our focus is on what brings us satisfaction and happiness, and we reflect on the people and experiences that fulfill us, we feel the joy that is meant to be part of our daily lives. That sense of peace and well-being we all long for is such a gift! I'm so thankful for a season built around celebrating the greatest gift of all- the love of my Savior. After the special tree comes down and the precious ornaments are packed away, my hope is that everyone continues to experience that love deep in their heart the whole year through. That blessing is truly MY favorite thing!

Merry Christmas! Thanks for being part of YOU CREATE THE JOY in 2017.  I am looking forward to finding more inspiration and sharing more ideas in 2018.

All aboard the Polar Express!  

I am grateful to these friends for their shared photos: Katie Imler, Kari Salsman, Renee Pace, Cassandra Juliano, Lindsay Ahart, Jennifer Hees, LaDonna Beckmeyer, Angela Wilson, Debbie English, Becky Coppock, Jessica Goss, Jennifer Wrye, Kathy Willingham, Haley Wood, Candace Bauer, Gina Atkinson, Meghan Opie,  Jenny Imler, Kris Harwood and Sandy Atwell.

Pumpkins on Parade

Hosting parties is such a fun way to bring joy to others. Especially kids. Organizing classroom parties is a creative outlet for me and a no pressure way to connect with families of students, so win-win!

I swear by having a foolproof plan for little kid parties and this is it: TRAPP. This is my own little acronym I follow to ensure an enjoyable, successful, low-stress celebration. 

T- Theme

R- Refreshments

A- Activity

P- Program
P- Photos

What does this look like when it's executed? Well, I'm glad you asked! Autumn is here and provides a perfect opportunity to show how TRAPP works. Introducing "Pumpkins on Parade"!

Who doesn't love a good theme party? Honestly, I don't trust anyone that doesn't! Theme is huge and really what inspires everything else. Kids love pumpkins and we do science/math/sensory/literacy activities using them in class, so celebrating with them is a natural culmination.

Refreshments are easily what people remember most at a party and coordinating snacks with the theme is mega fun for this Pinterest addict. I have pretty strong feelings concerning party food. I mean, if you can't appreciate cute, kid-approved theme snacks, then we can't be friends...ha! And you know what? Families are happy to donate ingredients and supplies when they know what you need and are given the chance to contribute. I always involve them in this process.

Wrapping little cutie oranges in tissue paper to look like pumpkins is a fun snack.

Having an activity for kids to do with their parents at the party is essential. The doing/playing/creating during a party allows parents to connect with their kids. I love engineering that! I always do as much organizing and prep work in advance as possible because the key to a successful party is smooth transitions. The students have a memory art piece they have created in class to give to their family at the party and then we are on to playing a simple game or making an easy craft project. A word about memory art: Anytime you can remind parents that you appreciate them and invite their support is a plus. Handprint, poem, or personality- driven art projects that go on display in their home and eventually make their way into child memory boxes accomplish that for sure.

Another word here, this time about the activity: Games do not have to be wild to be fun and projects do not have to be complicated to be precious. I have been to classroom parties that are out of control and it's not enjoyable- it's stressful. Likewise, projects need to be at the students' ability level or they will not finish it or create a mess trying to do so, which also stresses-me-the-heck-out. This is where trying the activity ahead of time and advance prep work come in handy. I do love Pinterest, but I've had my share of epic flops from things I pinned that looked 'so easy'. Better to find out what doesn't really work on my own time than in a room full of parents and excited kids in front of God and everybody, know what I mean? That way you can make changes beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly at the party.

'Punch the Pumpkin' is a perfect low-key game with guaranteed winners when each cup has a gift inside.

Program and pictures are the last party aspects to discuss. Program is a pretty broad term for the song or skit the kids will perform but it fit for my acronym, so there you go. Parents LOVE watching their kids in action and anytime you can give your students a chance to get up in front of an audience and share you should. One cannot overemphasize the importance of this skill. Why not practice it during this time when they're motivated to show off and have fun? Which brings us to our final P...photos. Is taking pics classified as a love language yet? I feel like it should be!  I always set up a photo prop area where families can stage pics at the party. I act as photographer if the family wants to be together for a photo. I love seeing family photos from our party posted on social media because it serves as evidence that a connection was indeed made at our celebration and we had an awesome time together. Mission accomplished!

One last word on transitions because in case you haven't picked up on it, they're kind of a big deal. The agenda at the party doesn't necessarily follow the TRAPP order. Here is the party agenda I prefer to follow:
1) Start with the program. Kids can already be in position when guests enter the room and the performance begins the party with a bang!
2) Students pass out their memory art and sit with their family during the game/activity explanation. Then they are in position to actually do the activity together.
P.S. Always have someone besides you know what is going on at the party so they can help pass out supplies and field questions.
3) Eating refreshments after the activity is a good plan in case the activity takes longer than you think. I like to have some snacks packaged in a way that is convenient for kids to take with them and have later.
4) While eating or when finished, guests can take photos at their leisure. I make sure they know to sign out when they are ready to leave, have party favors at the door, and encourage them to share their pics on our class facebook page. And it's a wrap!
Do you have any fantastic class party themes or party formulas you swear by? I hope you'll share them with me. Let's hear how you create the joy!

Create and Appreciate

I have a new mantra these days...'create and appreciate'. I've come to realize that the level of satisfaction and fulfillment I feel in my life is directly proportional to the amount of creativity I am engaged in. When I feel a cloud of gloom hanging over my head, it's almost always because I haven't been exercising my creativity often enough or in a meaningful way. It doesn't have to be a huge project. Just making something that I can sense made a difference to someone else is all it takes to invigorate and refresh my outlook.

Similarly, when I start to feel jaded or sorry for myself because my life isn't perfect, (why do I still have that ridiculous expectation?),  I can almost bet it is because I haven't spent an appropriate amount of time reflecting on my blessings and showing appreciation for people that enrich my life. The truth is that all around us there are people that contribute to our ability to function and enjoy living, and it behooves us to recognize them and honor them for the role they play in blessing us.

Know what's really amazing? When I get to create and appreciate at the same time! (Hence the post title!) It's like a megaboost of energy to the spirit. I really believe that is how we human beings are designed. That we would be lifted up when we lift up others.  I'd like to take this opportunity to share my latest spirit boost in hopes that it triggers an idea to help when you are facing dreary doldrums or the get invited to the inevitable pity party that sneaks up on the best of us.



Chalkboard art is always in season. My sister
rocks at artistic writing! Add in some
artificial apples, pinecones, and berries...
and a theme is born. 

Like many churches, the church I attend observes October as Pastor Appreciation Month. One of the things we like to do is set up a display to collect notes, cards, and gifts that church members offer to each leader as tokens of their gratefulness for the love, support, and time these pastors devote to their congregation.  It needs to be eye-catching and functional so it can serve as a reminder each Sunday of our commitment to recognize these special people for their impact and encourage them in word and deed so they are strengthened and validated in their calling. Setting up the display with my PCM (Partner in Chaos Management) husband Mike and my best friend Renee (who also happens to be my sister) helped me realize the vision of creating, while the appreciating attitude came from expressing my gratitude in a tangible way. It's a powerful duo I'm telling you!

If you read my blog very much you know I'm a big fan of before and after pics, so no surprise that I'll be sharing those! I think the reason why I love transformation and decor so much is because I like to feel that I'm adding beauty to the world, not taking away from it, you know?

BEFORE- We start with a nice table and signage for the event.
Then we head to our storage unit and garage for all things rustic
and autumn!

AFTER- I get all the fall feels looking at this! 
Makes you want to break out the apple cider and a warm blanket, yeah?

Each pastor has a container for cards/gifts.  The large tin is to hold
the notecards and pens so people can write their messages on site.
Mixing materials like fabric, tin, wood, and flowers makes it interesting.

Doesn't this look cozy? Renee found these
wool scarves at after season prices last year
and nabbed them up. They work perfect with
our colors and contrast nicely with the wood
and metal.

Mums should be declared the official flower of fall, am I right?
 We used crocks, apple baskets, and wooden crates as our
planters (Mike is a MASTER at auction finds like these)
because terracotta uniformity is boring. Variety is
the spice of life!  

Obviously, the part that makes this all worth while is being able to give back in a small way to some people I greatly respect and admire.  I'm of the opinion that if you limit yourself to the Thanksgiving holiday to be grateful for your blessings, you have short-changed yourself on living abundantly the rest of the year.  Others have missed out on some vital encouragement that could have inspired them had you passed it on. The way you create and appreciate doesn't have to be decorating or volunteering at your church (although I highly recommend it).  You add to the beauty of the world in your own way. And when you do, expect a spirit boost that makes you glad you did. I still believe you create the joy that makes your life better!

  

Free to Teach What Matters Most

"I don't know how you do it."

Seems like I've been told this about a thousand times! This is often the reaction I get from people in other professions when they find out I'm an elementary teacher. I always laugh at that and tell them I'm never bored. I mean, the stories I have courtesy of my experiences in the classroom are, well- you can't make that stuff up. That's just working with kids, right? But I can't leave it at that;  I immediately launch into my "rewarding calling" explanation because I. LOVE. TEACHING.

There's so much joy and fullfillment in this calling. It's more than a job, it's my mission. It's the way I choose to make a difference in the world and share God's love. I know many of my fellow teachers in the faith have that same desire. And the best part? We don't have to only teach in a Christian school to be able to share what matters most with our students.

A few times I've heard comments from Christian friends wondering how I can teach in a public school without feeling limited or censored in my faith. If you approach it from a deficit mindset about what you can't do or say, I suppose it could feel very restrictive. I choose to view it from the perspective of what I am free to do and how I can creatively seek out ways to share the abundant life with my students and colleagues. That mindset leads me to embrace specific opportunites to carry out my mission to impact others on a daily basis. Here are just a few of those freedoms I'm privileged to share:

1) Free to show acceptance
Throughout the entire school year we have a chance to cultivate the spirit of acceptance of others as we build community in the classroom. By constantly valuing the role each student has as a learner and contributor and by encouraging empathy, we are living out the example of what it means to an integral part of Christ's kingdom. He accepts us as we are and we belong to Him. This belonging and connectedness is a powerful need we all share and our Father delights in seeing this fulfilled as we lead our students in cooperating, collaborating, serving one another, and treating others as we would like to be treated. Each class member is accepted- just as we have experienced the ultimate acceptance as heirs with Christ.

2) Free to extend grace and mercy
How many times have I needed Jesus to wipe the slate clean so I could start over? Too many to count. As His followers, we rejoice in His mercies being new each day. As teachers, we have the opportunity to extend grace to our students each day. Kids are going to make mistakes. They are going to misbehave. They are going to make poor choices (just as we all do).  We get to communicate the power of the grace and mercy of God's love when we let them have a clean slate each morning. Because of our forgiveness experience, we know how to let go of grudges. To allow our students to learn from their mistakes. To show them that while we may not be able to save them from natural consequences, we can love them unconditionally and offer second chances because of the beautiful gift of grace showered on us daily by a loving Savior.

3) Free to celebrate our place in His creation
Our students, these special human beings entrusted to our care for nine months of the year, were created by His will and for His glory to worship Him. Each one is uniquely gifted to live a life that praises Jesus. One of the things that excites me the most as a teacher is being on the journey with students as they discover their gifts and abilities. Sometimes kids have challenges that make that discovery hard or become discouraged along the way. They need the person they spend the most waking hours with during the week (that would be their teacher!) to resource them, guide them, hold them accountable, and inspire them to claim their potential. They need to develop their skills and talents and unleash their creativity as they realize how they make this world a better place. God has blessed us to be an influential force in helping them claim their place and purpose in this life- the ultimate worship of pleasing their Creator! What an extreme joy to be part of the discovery journey and celebrate the becoming as they grow.

As Christ followers, we have a deeply embedded desire for our students to experience the peace and love of a life lived for Him. This year, my hope is that we all exercise our freedom to let our daily teaching lives- our routine decisions, our attitudes and mindsets, our words of correction and instruction, our calling-  be the means of translating the love of God for His children and helping them grasp and keep close to their hearts what matters most.

Your Reality Vs. The Highlight Reel

I love it when a plan comes together. (Thank you, John "Hannibal" Smith, for that timeless quote!) I love it when video tutorials come through and I end up achieving what I set out to learn/do. (Changed my oven heating element LIKE A BOSS, thanks to YouTube.) I love perusing Pinterest for my latest inspiration and finding the 'perfect' idea for all of my many interests. I have 122 boards. (Don't ask me how I have that many interests. I would need several lifetimes to incorporate them all.) It might considered overkill, but I can't bring myself to delete any of them.  Three of my boards pertain to hair.  You know...coloring, cutting, and styling because... well... HAIR! I usually make my theme party boards 'secret' ones so that guests will be surprised at the fan-freaking-tastic details that become part of the celebration. (See above 'plan comes together' reference.)

Every so often though, I get reminded that, as much as I love Pinterest, and YouTube videos, and Facebook, and Twitter {insert everything else taking up memory space on your smartphone here}, the apps/social media that I engage in to inform my decisions/plans/views are just short snippets of everyone's highlight reel and not the entire reality of life as it exists.

For example, have you ever looked at other people's family portraits and thought: "How come my family never looks like that when we get our picture taken?"  Answer: "Because they posted the one photo out of 357 takes that qualified as pin worthy".  (Pin worthy is a thing. I looked it up because I was hoping I just made up an awesome new phrase to be my blog's claim to fame, but someone already did, so never mind.) In my efforts to keep reality alive (I'm nothing if not authentic) and prove a point, I give to you "Edinger Boys and Cousins Photo Shoot 2017".

Disclaimer: I like to think that since I've been involved in family portraits with children since the year 2000, I have good advice to give them, i.e. "Pretend that you like each other and smile naturally". But we all know good advice is rarely followed the first time, right? When that little tip is ignored, I move on to bribes. "If everyone can just please smile and stay in position, we'll have ice cream when we're all done. Maybe the best smilemaker will get a lifetime supply of cookie dough!" By the end though I've unfortunately lost all semblance of patience and have resorted to threats. "You guys need to do this right or you're grounded for the rest of your life." If that doesn't work, I pull out the deadly Mom Guilt Trip (which I'm not proud of, but it has helped get us through several difficult photo shoots, so WHATEVER)... "I can't believe after everything I do for you, all of the sick nights I worried over you, all of the poopy diapers and pukey clothes I've changed for you... to say nothing of entering the VALLEY OF DEATH to give birth to you...the least you could do is let me have this ONE moment of cooperation, literally ONE photo where you all look at the camera at the same time. Consider it a dying wish, only without the death bed." (I might employ a bit of drama- it's all good).

The reality is there are lots of bloopers before the highlight reel. Good thing these boys and their cousins are so cute. Even the bloopers can be precious, if we don't take it too seriously.

The white shirt was supposed to contrast with the lollipop, not blend in. Blue chins for days.

In his defense, the instructions were "Hold your lollipop down  so it doesn't cover your face." Toddlers can be so literal sometimes.

Somehow "pose with your lollipop" translated to "pretend you are an alien visiting earth and you've never seen a lollipop before".

Aaaannnd we never did get a good one
with the candy props. This pic never
saw the light of the social media post until now.

For realz, I laugh out loud every time I see this one. The goal was to straddle the log and lean heads out alternating left and right directions so we could see each face. Logan didn't quite have his balance, but Henry is hanging on to him for dear life, because he's not going down like that! Everyone else is watching the action, too distracted to pose.

Never did get a good one of these either...
he gone!

Finally! Pin worthiness! Our standard went from 'let's have epic props/pose' to 'let's just get them together with eyes open and pleasant expressions'. #winning

I share this because as much as I love Pinterest perfection, I love real life more. I love my tribe. I love that we can laugh about a photo shoot gone sideways and still make memories out of it. I mean, the plan came together...eventually. Who says it has to be a perfectly executed Plan A for it to be a success? Not me! I've learned there are lots of other letters in the alphabet and sometimes we use up quite a few before we land on the one that works the best (my favorite picture was probably Plan W!) Creating your own joy in your reality leaves you satisfied in a way that comparing to others' highlight reels never will. You create the joy that makes your life better.

Where Talents and Burdens Collide

You know the feeling when you get when you read something that is everything you are experiencing, but didn't know how to put into words? So that just happened.

I've been reading "You Are Free" by Rebekah Lyons.  I found the third chapter entitled Called to be Free amazing in its impact on me.  The author takes her readers on the journey of how she discovered her calling when doubting her ability and credibility. I just have to share some of her deep thoughts/quotes that have inspired me and reminded me that God's purpose will be accomplished...and He wants me to be right there in the thick of His redemption miracle!

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." -Frederick Buechner

"Callings are not one size fits all...
[It] isn't limited to vocation. It's rooted in God's creativity and how He designed us.
You may be called to what some believe is thankless work, but in God's economy it will be exactly where He wants you.
Calling is where talents and burdens collide.
God was inviting me to use gifts that make me come alive to redeem the things that broke my heart...He called me to participate with Him in the redemption of the world." -Rebekah Lyons

How powerful to have the assurance that I don't have to be perfect to be part of God's great plan! In fact, He works through my weakness, struggles, and brokenness because that is where I surrender and He is glorified.

Have you ever felt that the scope of your vision and strength of your passion is so great that it almost overwhelms you? I have. I sometimes find myself doubting I have the ability to see it through. We are not alone when we experience those emotions.  History is filled with people have been hesitant when they felt God's call, but went on to carry out His plan when the odds were stacked against them because of their faith. They embraced the truth that ultimately it wasn't about them; it's about the One who created them. 

I love this thought to carry with me when I feel intimidated, fear going deeper, or get discouraged when I experience a crash and burn moment-
"God didn't pick the wrong girl for ministry. The devil picked the wrong girl to mess with!"
-Rebekah Lyons

I find strength in remembering that the Lord knew everything about me before I was even born and longed for me to help build His kingdom even then. He chose me. He chose you.  And the peace and fullfilment of that reality can help us choose to be strong and courageous, knowing that He has equipped us and lives in us to empower us for our calling.