Never underestimate the power of a card....

I've got a quick and easy Valentine's Day card to share with you today:)


Supplies used: Patterned Paper- Echo Park/ Embellishments- American Crafts Flair & Pebbles flags/ Letter stickers- Nikki Sivils, Bella Blvd, Crate, American Crafts, & October Afternoon.

I picked up a 6 pack of those cute little heart-shaped mazes at the dollar store and decided they would be fun to include on a Valentine:)
I still love to play with those things.

Since I only really have this card to share today.....
I thought I'd share a little story about cards that has been sitting in my drafts folder since Christmas....

A long time ago....
in a galaxy far far away....
also known as...before I had children of my own...
I taught preschool in Pennsylvania:)
It was hands down one of the greatest times in my life.
As you can imagine...it prepared me for nearly every aspect of Motherhood...except late night feedings...but really who is ever prepared for that?
I know as a teacher you aren't supposed to have favorites...but shhh...I sort of did;)
I loved all of the kids in my classes very much...but...
there was one little girl who I just bonded instantly with....
I think it helped that I also instantly bonded with her Mama....
whom I REALLY looked up to for advice and guidance being that I was fresh out of college and she was a seasoned 2nd grade teacher...oh and also just about the sweetest person ever:) I taught at the school for about 3 years and she was a major part of my days long after her daughter had moved up to the next age group. Her advice to me about all things was invaluable.
Fast forward to nearly 13 years later>>>>>I still correspond with Miss M and her Mom every year at Christmas time. We send cards, photos, and letters about what has happened in each others lives during that particular year. To say that I wholeheartedly get giddy with excitement right smack-dab in the middle of the Post Office when I open up the mailbox and see their return address up in the left-hand corner of a pretty envelope is the understatement of the century. With each passing year I tear the envelope open with more fervor...with each passing year I am more amazed at how much she has grown and changed AND with each passing year I feel more and more blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting these fine ladies so long ago. I am also amazed at how if I squint and look hard enough I can still see that same 2 year old face that I grew to love so long ago. In those moments of bewilderment and daydreaming following the tearing of the envelope....I am instantly transported right back to that playground in Pennsylvania...pushing Miss M on the swing while chatting with her Mom at the end of a long day. Life is funny like that sometimes isn't it? Sometimes the best relationships are with those people who only really crossed our paths but for a brief second of our whole big picture...but somehow they stick out from everyone else who has ever crossed our path...they shape us in ways unknown to us at the time....and they stay with us in our hearts forever.
I am blessed to have met this family. Throughout the years I have watched the Christmas cards change...I've watched Miss M's smile get bigger through the birth of first one brother...and then a few years later another...through ballet and tap pictures... and through academic and soccer accomplishments....and I have every card sitting in a special box because they are a timeline and a connection to this wonderful family that I love. They are so important to me and I have soooo looked forward to their arrival each year. I am so proud of the young lady that Miss M has become....and fully aware that both she and her Mom are a big part of the Mommy/woman that I am today.

Comments

[Gina]

Such a sweet story, Mel. Some people just touch our lives in ways we can't imagine.

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

She sounds like a wonderful girl!! Such a sweet story! I loveeeeee your card... loving how you added the little maze! :):):):):):):):):):):)

[lizzyc]

Hi Mel, just coming by to say thank you for visiting my blog.. and i have had a read while i was here, i love this story, and yes a card in the mail is better than a email or text anyday in my eyes!! i love your posts, you have a wonderful creative way of sharing your story and the photos of your son are fabulous!! and lovely scrapping too!! i hope you are having a great day!!

[Mustangkayla]

Cute card and what a sweet story!

[Audrey Pettit]

Oh, wow! What a fabulous post, Melonie! You've given me goosebumps. Thanks so much for sharing your special story. I do believe that people come into and out of our lives for a reason, to help us along the path of our lives. :)
Love your fun Valentine card, too. I think it's such a great idea to include that little maze toy.

[Gina]

Hey Mel, you may want to check out this blog post when you get a chance.....

http://randomthoughtsfromanincoherentmind.blogspot.com/2012/01/be-mine.html

I think you might enjoy the comments as well.