At Summer's End

The summer has just flown by and I swear I don't know here it went!!

Has school started where you all are at?

Just a few more days and the kiddos will be back in the education system during the day and mom here will have some more time to write and get some books made.

I know it's been a while since I've posted. I've been quite busy I assure you.

And I've made some more updates.

I've reinstated my newsletter. So if you were an old subscriber it will be coming back out here in September. For those of you who would like to join my mailing list you can do so by entering your email address on the sign up at right side of this website. (Note: Your email is safe with me. I respect your privacy and I do not share this information with anyone for any reason.) New subscribers will receive a 15% off coupon for subscribing. Previous subscribers, I've got you covered, you'll be receiving a special coupon in the next day or two before the new September newsletter goes out.

In the meantime, I'm preparing for upcoming events over the next few weeks.

August 28th - Muncy, PA - Fourth Friday Event 6-9pm Main St Muncy Open House in an old Victorian House.

August 29th - WBCW Book Fest at Memorial Park in Watsontown, PA.

September 12th - Beaverdale Book Fest - Beaverdale PA

September 19, 20 - New Germany Arts and Craft Festival, New Germany PA

I'll be adding October and November dates to the newsletter and updating the site with these soon.

Hope you all can come out and say hi if you're in the area. As always, thank you so much for your support over the years.

As always I'm working on some new designs for in the shop as well as a new novel that I hope to share with you all real soon. But please keep the custom orders coming, I love working with you all and making that special book that is just for you!

Boy's Notebook

Yesterday I showed you the Girls' Notebooks I made for back to school. Of course, I wouldn't dream of letting Boy out. So, here is the note book I made for him.

This one is definately not girly! And I couldn't resist adding that little tag on the side with hemp that says "UR Special" After all, Boy is stuck between two girls in the family. :)

The Boy's notebook cordinates perfectly with the note card from Friday's post. I'll be doing a tutorial tomorrow on how to create one of these cool note books for your own student.

You'll need these supplies:

1 Composition Notebook
2 sheets of Lucky B&T Duo Paper (X7137B)
Milepost Shapes (Z1464)
Natural Hemp (Z280)
Scrap piece of Colonial White Card Stock
Vintage Type My Acrylix Stamp Set (D1481)
(optional)  My Acrylix Typeset Workshop Stamp Set
Bonding Memories Glue (1512)

Notebooks Designed For Girls With An Attitude

I got a few composition notebooks at our local Wal-Mart while out school shopping with the kiddos last week. As a special surprise, I decided to glitz them up a bit and slip them into each of my three kids backpacks on the first day of school.

These are the two I made for the girls. My youngest daughter, whom we affectionately refer to as "Bug" loves playing with my stamps sets and she picked out this "Be Yourself" Stamp and Girly Girl stamp from one of my CTMH retired stamp sets.

So last night while they were sleeping, Mommy was up creating.

 Can you pick out which one is Bug's and which one is Bella's?

So this one is Bella's. This notebook is a little bit girly, a little bit wild, and has lots of attitude. Just like mia Bella.

I used Smoothie Card stock and B&T Duo Paper from the Roxie Collection. It's hard to see, but I added little glitter accents down the sides on the little rhinestone prints. I actually used three different stamp sets on this one. As you can see I used the rose stamp from the Roxie WOTG Exclusive Stamp Set, Instant Memories Stamp Set, and a retired stamp set of "Just Be Your Self."

I can't wait to see Bella's face when she spots this inside her backpack on Monday!!

This Note book is for my Bug. Classy, Girly, with a smidgen of that attitude going on. Her two favorite colors are green and pink. A lot of the CTMH products used to make this notebook covered are now retired. I love the cute little saying, "Be Yourself... Everyone else is already taken."

As a mother raising two girls, I think one of the most important things that girls need learn is to accept who they are. Bella's had a rough time over the years dealing with people judging her outward appearance before her surgeries, and at this delicate age she's just starting to blossom in knowing who she is.

Maybe these two notebooks are a little too sophisticated for a fourth grader and a preschooler, but I think their just perfect for celebrating my girls and who they are, and who they will become.

Tomorrow, I'll show you the special notebook I've designed just for Boy. He can't wait for school to start, and honestly, neither can I!

Let's Be Friends...

Going back to school is all about making new friends. This year the kiddos are anxiously anticpating seeing their friends after what has seemed like a long summer. Yet, while they may themselves in classes with the same friends, there will be new friends too.

I got inspired and made up a few of these "Let's Be Friends" Note Cards using the Lucky B&T Duo Papers, My Acrlix Typeset Workshop Stamp Set (G1024), and Milepost Shapes (Z1465) .

Are you ready for back to school?

I've got some other really great projects that'll I'll be sharing with you all over the next few days as we get ready to send our kiddos back to school for another year of learning.

Is It Back To School Already?

It's hard to believe the kiddo's will be heading back to school in just a couple of short weeks. Yikes!

Today, we skipped out of my little craft nook here in the house and headed out to the mall with both my girls. My son has been enjoying Tiger Cub Scout Camp this past week with his Dad. So it was nice to take the girls and get out for a while.

The Little League World Series is coming up next week, and if you live in Williamsport, PA or around the area then you understand what a big deal it is! Bella and her girlscout troop are marching in the parade next week. We had to get a white t-shirt and tan shorts for the march.
 
Of course, both Girls found these glittery adorable shoes at Target today. Man, I wish they made glittery shoes like this for us big girls.

Bella even opted for a cute little striped plaid skirt for school, and Bug was happy with a pair of Dora sneakers to add to her shoe collection.

Next week, I'll have to take the boy out for shoes too and shopping too.

But until then, it's time to get back to crafting! 

See you all tomorrow, and don't forget about our online party from 7-9pm eastern time on my fan page at www.facebook.com/mrschadt!

Until later,

MrsChadT
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Preschool Prep 101

This month my youngest child turned three, so she's heading off to preschool this year. She should be quite a pro after tagging along to pick up her older brother and attending many a party and field trip during the past few years of her brother's preschool term.

Pro or not, it's still a transition for both of us. Not only will my little girl be entering a structured play and learn environment, but I, as mom, will now have that time to myself. Gosh, what to do right?

Well, first I have to get her there. It's all about the prep.

Since preschoolers are toddlers, they handle daily transitions differently than we do. They're still learning about routines, rituals, and expectations.

Parents.com has a great article called, "Easing a Toddler's Daily Transitions" to help prepare and coop with the changes that are about to happen in the next month.

You may also want to click over to Scholastic and check out this article on Terrific Transitions for helping your child handle transitions from preschool to dinner time.

The biggest part of preparing your preschooler for school, is transition. You may find that if your child already attends daycare that this transition is usually less dramatic for you and your preschooler.

So, is your preschooler ready for the first day?

Surviving Middle School Melodies

Hear it? It's the sound of middle schoolers heading off to school. Ahhh, the bliss of absent tweens.

But happens to our children when they go from elementary school to no man's land - middle school. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. They're too old for elementary school and too young for high school, essentially we've tossed them into no man's land. For no man (or young woman) knows exactly what to do with themselves at this stage of life.

Tween are old enough that they begin to set new social standard for themselves. They've been developing a personality for the past ten to twelve years. They like they're mind sets have matured.

It's an exciting time, their not babies anymore. Bye bye Elementary school!

Your middle schooler has already developed their own set of expectations for these next few years of middle school. Sit down and talk to them. It's not the same as when you were in school, I'm sure. Yet, you want to make sure your middle schooler is walking into class the first day with the right kind of attitude. That, and you don't want your child raising the bar that might come crashing down on them.

Things are going to change.  They'll have more responsibilities. Not all their friends are going to be their friends again. Interest will change.

About.com has good article, "Preparing for Middle School" on tips and techniques to balance school and home.

In order to prepare your middle schooler to survive these years of transition, you can add these to this year's shopping list.

1. A Student Planner. Unlike Elementary School, middle schoolers are introduced to a new scheduled class and homework routines. Help them keep their days and assignments organized. Less confusion on their part is less frustration on yours.

2. A sturdy Backpack or Messenger Bag. School textbooks are no longer kept in a desk. Now, your middle schooler must store books in lockers and carry them in their backpacks. Look at size, style, and durability. A middle schooler's backpack is like their best friend --they'll hang out with it all year long.

3. Wrist Watch. You're middle schooler has been learning to tell time since the first grade. Now, when you tell them to be home by 6pm for dinner, they've got no excuses. Just like when they've got to run to the bus stop and be there on time. Tweens are old enough now for time management both in the home and at school.

4. Alarm Clock. Time to get up! If their old enough to have an opinion, they're old enough to set the alarm and abide the beeping in the morning. Staying up late now holds a new tune with this helpful gadget.

5. Allowance. You may not have been doing this back in elementary school.Now that your child has entered into middle school, consider setting them up on an allowance. This isn't anything that should be based on grades or chores, those are both expected without receiving payment. But now that your child is growing more independent, they too need a source of income. Give them a set amount every week or two weeks. This may or may not include their lunch money. Help your child learn to manage money, and understand the concept of earning or saving for the thing they want and expect you to provide for them beyond the norm.

As always, don't forget the pens, pencils, calculator, and notebooks while you're out shopping for those cool new school clothes and rad shoes this school year!

Hyped For High School

  When I was a teenager people  used to tell me to enjoy those cherished years of high school. Yeah, right! If your a teenager and your reading this, you'll agree with me, you can't wait to get out of high school and move onto college. Whoa there, just slow down. While high school may not seem like the greatest time in a students life while their living it, it's essential for parents to encourage them through it.

When they look back on those years, what happy  memories will they be blessed with? Or what sneaking things will they confused to have pulled off under our noses, right?

Neither you or your high schooler may be hyped for high school, but with the clock ticking towards the first day, it's time to get motivated.

What better way to starting your teenager hyped for high school than by these essential things.

If your child is entering into high school (9th) grade for the first time, then you may want to have them read this: How to Be Prepared for High School as a Freshman. Written by a freshman student for a student.

You may also want to check out Top 10 Skills for High School Students over at FamilyEducation.com for developing good habits while in high school in order to achieve success.

Now back to the essentials :)

1. Backpacks and Messenger Bags. You may find yourself purchasing a new backpack or messenger bag every year or so. This essential item is the bread to the butter of attending high school. It goes through a lot of wear and tear from daily use. Not to mention getting washed, dragged, and thrown around. The type of back pack or bag your high school student chooses to wear tells outsiders about their personalty. Don't be afraid or resistant to spend a few dollars on this item for your teenager. You want it to be sturdy, dependable, and last.

2. A good Wrist Watch. If you expect your teenager to be on time, then you must provide them with the proper tools in which to achieve it. That, and no excuse why they lost track of time and became late. (It's like the time the dog at their homework.)

3. Scientific Calculator. Let's face it, at this age they're bound to be dragged down with some sort of math class like calculus or geometry. Even the best of scientist use calculators at this stage, and so does your brain evolving teenager.

4. Beanie Cap. I know. I know, but they seem to be all the rage in this age group. I'll let this up to you and your teenager to decide. Along with jeans, t-shirts, and those expensive name brand shoes they'll just die without.

5. Locker Organizer. Lockers weren't designed to meet your students organizational needs. They usual have one shelf on top, if your lucky. A locker organizer helps keeps books in a specific area, where grabbed most, and shoes and bags at the bottom of the locker. Coasts are stuffed in where they fit. Imagine your teenager rummaging through it all between every class to find what they need for the next class? It's not a pretty sight.

Now grab some pens, pencils, and notepads and they're well on they're way to high school. Good times, great memories, right?

What other things do you do to prepare you high schooler each year for school?

Colorful Accessories

These past few days have been filled with colorful explosions of creativity in our household. You'd think being crammed in the house together on rainy days that we wouldn't be so willing to work together. Or may it is the rain to blame for having to amuse children when they can't go outside and play.

Izzy, our oldest daughter decided to have some creativity of her own these past few days.

Since we've been going through and making list of things we need to buy, prepare, and accomplish before going back to school, she decided a few handmade bracelets and necklaces were at the top of her order before heading into third grade.

Some of the necklaces she reserved for friends and was nice enough to make her baby sister a few bracelets too.

When the day was over, the beads put away, both  my girls were looking pretty with their new plastic and wooden bead jewelry.

At Izzy's request I've posted some of her bracelet creations in my etsy shop. She's planning on make a few more today. Who knows if she'll decide to keep them or sell them too. She's become quite a little entrepreneur at this age. That or she just really wants the newest Pokemon game for DS and is anxious to get it before her birthday.

Either way, I'm happy to my daughter using her creative talents rather than having her face stuck in a Nintendo DS all day before school starts.

It's definitely been a colorful few days around here!

A Time to Teach - A Teacher's Guide to Getting Prepared for Back to School.

Nobody prepares harder or more in advance for the return of the school year than a teacher! Although, it might seem like they've been off on summer vacation all this time, truth is they've probably been planning and preparing for the next school year. Or if they haven't, they're about to start now.

Teachers are the first people in the classroom every morning and the last to leave. They, too, have their homework set out for them and get limited time to go outside and play - if any.

So, how does a teacher prepare to get ready to go back into the classroom for another year?

They re-evaluate what worked and what didn't from the previous year, discuss new ideas and share topics with other teachers, clean up their classrooms, write up lesson plans, and set up class rules.

Sounds all too simple right? Well, actually it is. Planning, preparing, and executing all these tasks take a tremendous amount of time for a teacher. That's why in order for a teacher to prepare to go back to school for a time to teach, they've got basic needs just like the students do.

1. Grade Book. Yep, any good teacher knows you can't leave home without it. It's like the little black book everyone is dieing to see. Students grow pale in it's presence and many secretly devise ways of peeking inside when the teacher is least likely to suspect. And of course, all they really have to do is ask, "Mr. Smith can you tell me what my grade is so far this year?"

2. Desk Organizers. Any grade level teacher or professor will tell you the key to staying successful in your teaching efforts is to have a organized and clutter free desk. It doesn't set a good example to your students if they can't find their homework and neither can you on the stacks of disarray over top and around your desk area.

Homemade Simple has some great little craft projects to repurpose common household items like cereal boxes and soup cans to help a teacher stay organized this school year.  Psst... parents these little crafts make great teacher gifts too! You can find the link here to Repurposed Desk organizers.

3. Daily Planner.  Lets face it, teachers have lives outside of school just like their students do. A daily planner not only helps them keep track of what's going on inside the classroom, but on the outside as well. They can plan and prepare their days around tests, events, and themes.

4. Offical Pen. A pen becomes a teacher's best friend. A pen gives power to a teacher to not only correct a student's work, but to encourage them, inspire them, and persuade them to grow in their assignments. The type of pen a teacher uses, it's ink color, style, brand can say alot about a teacher's personality.

5. Tote Bag. A teacher's tote is as important as their wallet when it comes to carrying valuables. Stacked full of student homework assignments, grade book, and tests, a teacher never leaves home without their tote. In addition to papers they stachs their lunch and water bottles inside too!

A teacher is only as good as his/her tools,like a carpenter of trade.
For more resources for teachers preparing to go back into the classroom or entering the first time, check out the following articles full of great ideas and additional resources.

Teacherheart.net

Teacher Planet

Pro Teacher

If I've missed something, let me know. Teachers feel free to share in the comment section. :)

Back To School Basics.

There are 24 days until school starts! 

Not that anyone is counting right?

If I've said it once, I'll say it again, "Where has the summer gone?"

In 24 days, a new transition will start for all us parents, and especially us mothers. Not to mention our children, too. They will shift grades, start kindergarten, or enter preschool for the first time. (All of which is about to happen here in our household.)

If you have more than once child heading off to school, then you know there is a little bit of prep work that needs to be done. For you and your children.

So this month, (August) we're going to focus on Back To School Basics.

I don't know about you, but when I think about back to school basics the first thing that comes to mind is shopping. Pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, backpacks, socks, underwear, pants, shirts, sneakers, and the list goes on.....

Depending on where your child is headed, from preschool to college, preparing to send your child to school can become a stressful time. A "notebook" doesn't carry the same meaning to a five-year-old as it does a twenty-year-old.

Then there is you, yes you, you may not be going back to school, but there is still homework involved.

Stick with me as we address each level of school preparation this month. Not only will you be prepared, but you'll be stress free on that first day of school.