Caring with Bears

A typical 9th grader or...Freshman is usually more concerned about their phone, hair, boyfriend or girlfriend, ipod, music, etc. Occasionally, these young people emerge from their typical concerns and look outside to see there are people who really need what they can give. Recently I have witnessed this metamorphosis.

The Teddy Bear Gang - 2010
Front: Melea, Madison, Bailey, Amaris, Julia, Miranda, Annesia, Alyssa
Back: Bailey, Isabelle, Brooklyn, Kalub, Adam, Hailey, Jared, Angelica, Alan, Ruby

I have 21 students in my 9th grade Clothing class. Usually, in this class, students want to make PJ pants, shorts, bags, and other projects for themselves.


My students challenged
themselves to make something for someone they do not know and will not see. They are taking a week to make their version of  "Care Bears".

These bears are small, cuddly and will be traveling to Guatemala as a gift to give comfort to young children undergoing various surgical procedures. These 9th graders have cut, stitched & stuffed these little bears with care and concern.

I'm a Norseman...

 Alexander Graham Bell said "When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." 
This week I have been given an unexpected opportunity. I will be teaching part-time at North Davis Jr. High; I will be a Norseman. I will be teaching 8th & 9th graders. My classes will include FACS exploration (code for Home Ec. for 8th grade) and 9th clothing. 
I wasn't looking for this job, thought my college major was near extinction, was looking in many other directions for opportunities.


I know this will be a challenge but I keep remembering how Julia Child talked about being "fearless" as she entered Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. So, I too, will be fearless and hope to help some young 8th or 9th grader gain an appreciation for Family & Consumer Sciences. I will also challenge them with this nugget...

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. " Christopher Robin to Pooh


Kid's Just Want to Play!

Every child has a desire to play, to smile, get a thrill to being with other children.

Not all play grounds make this possible. Wheelchairs, walkers, and other devices can hinder a child from being able to play in an ordinary playground.

Chloe's Sunshine Playground is an accessible park that is tentatively planned to be built in Syracuse, UT. The playground will include features that will allow ALL children to play side-by-side, including those with special needs.
http://thenochildleftoutproject.blogspot.com/

I have seen and played with children on this type of playground and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. Join me and help this playground become a reality for children of all abilities!
http://scentsiblejulie.blogspot.com/
During the month of July I will be donating 25% from the sale of Scentsy warmers. Plug-In, Mid-Size or the Full-Size models will all be available for this cause. You can give me a call, host a party, order online to get involved. https://julied.scentsy.us/Home
Together we can make this happen NOW!

It's a Scentsy GIVEAWAY from me!

Just follow the rules and you could win Scentsy's Freedom Bundle
Each rule is worth points and the points you accumulate increase your chances to win.

1. Go to my Scentsy blog http://scentsiblejulie.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment about your favorite Scentsy scent. (1 point)

2. Follow the remaining rules at this blog  http://scentsiblejulie.blogspot.com/

Babies!

 Two Dove & Four Robin

Two baby Dove and four baby Robin eggs. Can you believe the color of the Robin eggs. I am amazed!
The eggs cracked and birds hatched. The mothers are protective so we had to be very "covert" to get these shots.
The Dove are much more attractive at this point and have just about outgrown their "condo" on the door. The Robins on the window ledge are well guarded, pictures are hard to get. These Robin babies are pretty ugly right now...as you can see.

Robins move out Dove moves in!

The nest on the wreath has new tenants.

The robins moved out...to a new nest in the backyard.

A cute little Mourning dove moved in...

she has laid two little eggs... 

in about 10 more days we should see baby birds.

Handmade for Free...

Enter to win a handmade crochet headband.
Go to Emily's blog to find out more:
http://emilysparks.blogspot.com/.