The Toy Box Years: Year-End Teacher Gift

The Creators of the Toy Box Years

The creators of the Toy Box Years are my two beautiful daughters and wonderful, handsome soldier husband.

"Nani" (our oldest) is a 11 year old 6th grader who loves Taylor Swift, ballet, books, fashion designing and sewing. Ask her what she wants to be when she grows up and it changes daily to anything from "an artist" to "a teacher" to "a singer/dancer". Nani is also currently fighting a battle against brain cancer -- recently diagnosed in June 2016.

"Nudgie" (our youngest) is a very smiley, very happy, very giggly, very spirited 8 year old 3rd Grader who's favorite toys are anything that gives mommy an anxiety attack - ladders, stepstools, the climbing wall at the playground. Like her sister, she has a love of reading and coloring, loves gymnastics and still provides mommy lots of snuggle time!

"My Marine" is my high school sweetheart. We've been married over 20 years and met when we were 17. (You do the math....) His favorite toys are Blackhawk helicopters, the lawnmower, our steam cleaner, and microbrew beer bottles. My husband is also my hero in that he proudly serves his country as a Blackhawk crew chief (hence his favorite toy!). And need I say that there is nothing hotter than my man in uniform!

All About Me......

Once upon a time I had a career and worked in the corporate world. Once upon a time, I dreamed about leaving that all behind to follow my true calling -- being a wife and mommy.

The first part of my calling was fulfilled in 1995 when I married my Marine (now soldier) and my love. Little did I know that being a military wife would change me in so many ways and that because of that, I would have an extended family all over the world from Japan, to California, to North Carolina.

The second part of my calling took a little doing, but I finally achieved that dream in 2004 with the birth of our first child, followed 4 years later by her baby sister.

So now, when someone asks me what I do for a living - I simply smile and say proudly that I'm following my calling - I'm a mommy and a wife -- and I couldn't be HAPPIER -- I'm living in the Toy Box Years!!

I had the opportunity to spend some time talking with Nani's teacher while we were on a recent school field trip. I learned that Nani's class was her first class - ever. She is an amazing teacher and did an amazing job with the kids this year. I wanted to do something special to mark the end of her first year of teaching.

While browing craft blogs one night, I came across this site - Twin Stitchers. They have these adorable patterns that you trace, stitch, and then color on muslin fabric. I just loved their products and ordered the family tree pattern. I knew I didn't have enough time to stitch the whole thing - plus I wanted this to be something that Nani did. So instead, I thought we'd just trace the whole thing in crayon and then color in as needed.

Pattern - traced on muslin fabric with a permanent fabric pen

Starting to trace outlines with crayon

Helping out Nani when her arms got tired

Doing most of the work by herself

When we were done, we went out to JoAnn Fabric to find a frame and mat. The finished fabric was a little too big for a standard mat, so the nice framing lady custom cut one for us for $3. Then we found a great red frame for 50% off! When all's said and done - I stayed under my $30 budget of a year-end teacher gift!

I think I'm more excited to give it to her than Nani is!

13 comments:

MaryAnne May 25, 2011 at 6:54 AM: What a fantastic gift!
Holly May 25, 2011 at 9:53 AM: I absolutely LOVE this! As a teacher, I would love to have received this. What a wonderful keepsake to hang in my classroom for years to come!
Amanda May 25, 2011 at 12:50 PM: She's going to LOVE this and cherish it forever! (I hope it was a good class) :) As a former teacher, if someone would have done this for me, I would have been a blubbering fool upon receiving it. Great job!!
Jenn @ Coolest Family on the Block May 25, 2011 at 2:31 PM: That is just so cute, sweet, and thoughtful! I bet she leaves that hanging in her room forever :) I love sentimental gifts like this. Great job!
Coley Ru May 25, 2011 at 2:40 PM: This turned out DARLING! I love that your tutorial includes your kids doing the project! Thanks for your sweet e-mail!!! Coley
OurWanderingAdventures May 25, 2011 at 3:25 PM: Super cute!!!
Anonymous May 25, 2011 at 5:21 PM: What a sweet gift!!
Helene May 25, 2011 at 9:10 PM: That is THE nicest teacher gift I've ever seen...it sure beats the classic coffee mug!!! She's going to love it, especially because you and Nani put so much heart and soul into it!
Unknown May 26, 2011 at 8:40 AM: What a great gift! I am sure she is going to keep this gift forever. You are teaching wonderful things to your daughters!~Lisa

I am all a twitter about life
annies home May 27, 2011 at 8:55 PM: very cool and full of talent the pictures are great thanks for sharing come see what I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Holly Lefevre May 30, 2011 at 12:27 PM: This is absolutely adorable. I love the effect the crayon makes. What a fun idea and a great way for the kids to help create a lasting memento for the teacher! So glad you shared this via ticked pink on my FB wall!
I am a new follower!
Holly
504 Main
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE June 1, 2011 at 12:32 AM: I just want to let you know that I featured your awesome Teacher's Gift on my blog. Here is the link:

http://www.thirtysixthavenue.com/2011/05/party-time-3.html.

Thank you so much for sharing it on my link party last week ;)
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments June 4, 2011 at 7:39 PM: What an awesome project and fantastic results! Extra special since it was created by you and Nani!

Blessings & Aloha!
...catching up on some blog reading :o)