Please Forgive me!

Well, it's been almost an entire year since I last posted something. I am a little embarrassed by that except that I would like to think that I earned my skip pass by surviving my first year teaching overseas.  It was a huge transition for our family, but a life changing decision that we celebrate most days.  It was an emotional roller coaster to say the least, but I can now stand somewhat boldly on the sidelines and cheer for the next set of newbies embarking their first year here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I really poured all of my efforts, strength and energy into getting myself and my family settled as well as working like I never have before to prove to myself I deserved to be here.  With that said, there was little time to do anything else. However, we were very fortunate to get some amazing traveling in. You can read our about our family's journey HERE. This is certainly something we will continue to do because that is the beauty of living overseas (especially in Southeast Asia!).

In an effort to find myself again and pursue the things that I love, I am trying a (S.O.S. also known as a summer of self) focusing on creating, being artistic, crafty and spending time with my boys. So, on to my first post after a very long respite and by the way please don't laugh at the simplicity of this project.  I am just dipping my toes in gently to muster up any creativity that is left within me. I have faith that the more I pour into revitalizing myself, the more the artist within will choose to shine.

If you have a young child you will appreciate this project. This was an attempt at finding things around the house, just to keep a two year entertained for as long as possible. I call this quick project Expedition Essentials. Here is a sneak peak at my little explorer! You can find the tutorial here.

Expedition Essentials

These simple beauties were inspired by both the Summer Program that I've been working, which is a safari theme, as well as my little explorer's awareness and eagerness to explore the world around him. I'm sure you have all the materials needed on hand, especially if you're crafty!  

All you need is the center from 1 paper towel roll or 2 toilet paper rolls.  Using a the card board piece from our paper towels, I cut them down to a manageable size for the little hands that would be holding them.

Next, you'll need some type of decorative paper. Jaxson customized his binoculars by choosing the scrapbook paper shown here. Line up your roll, leaving a little extra on both ends so that you'll be able to fold it inside of the circle.

Little dab of hot glue and roll it up tight. Make sure to add a generous amount to seal it closed. 

Snip, snip...

 hot glue and fold!

It's that easy!  Now, glue the two pieces together. Try to glue the seams together in the center so that they won't be seen or come undone. 

Grab your hole puncher and choice of strap... here I used a matching thick piece of wool yarn. 

I can almost guarantee that these will be a hit with your explorer. Especially, if you have a porch or balcony. They will be excited to see things in a whole new light. Take them along with you to the zoo or family walk and see things from their perspective. 

Don't forget every explorer needs their own safari hat. You can print out the template for free here. I increased the size and printed it out on card stock. Cut and glue to a sentence strip (or large construction paper) for an instant hat, which makes any expedition more exciting! (Yes, I am a teacher.) 

Check out how much fun my little explorer had! Sitting still on the balcony had a whole new meaning and yes I could actually sit down and enjoy with view with him!

Don't forget to be adventurous this summer!

~Happy Exploring~

Back to School

It is that time of year again... a time for fresh starts, new students and of course shiny school supplies. I can't believe I am actually going to admit this, but I am a little sad that I didn't get to do a "back to school" Wal-mart run. I LOVE walking down the aisles and soaking up all the bright colors that Crayola dangles in front of me.

Anyway, there are no Wal-Marts here in KL, but it is still a very exciting time for me nonetheless. Instead of picking up brand new boxes of Crayola crayons for my new students, this year I did a little research. I am sad to say that I can't remember where I read this... maybe Pinterest?! I found the idea to use the saying, "You are o'FISH'ally a _____." The best part is that you can fill in the blank with whatever you want.  It could even be a cute little something for your child to take to his or her teacher the first day.

I have been going crazy with these awesome FREE polkdot borders I found here. (I'll give you a sneak peak of my classroom later this week) She is so generous to create various borders in all different colors. If you are a teacher or just crafty, download them. They are great to have on hand for making little tags.

Here are how mine turned out...

~Happy New (school) Year!~

Overseas Adventure

I know I have neglected my crafting duties.  Unfortunately, it will be a little while before I can be crafty Kristy again.  I sent most of my supplies over a few weeks ago when the movers came.  They said it would take approximately 9 to 11 weeks to get to Malaysia. So, here we are in Malaysia experiencing the culture, food, malls, transportation... I am short on time and supplies to be able to craft.  Hang with me though.  I am pretty sure I'll be leading a "Crafting Club" second semester for some of the elementary school girls.  Until then... check out our adventures here!

~Happy Adventures~
love,  Kristy

and She Lives!

Okay, I promise I am alive.  

I know it may seem like I disappeared, but there are a lot of things that have been going on behind the scenes of the Godbout home in order to prepare for our big adventure.  We have sold both of our cars and currently have our home listed. (you can check it out HERE) We are praying that we sell the house before we leave on June 11th! Someone asked me today if my nerves were shot and while shot is not quite the word, I do feel frazzled at times. However, things are falling into place piece by piece. I am trusting the house will sell, the movers will take care of our belongings and that on June 11th we will be boarding the plane for the 40 hour trek to Kuala Lumpur.

In the meantime, I have been painting a few name plates, but really have had very little time to craft.  I do vow to have a Mother's Day post/tutorial up in the near future. Hopefully, before Mother's Day!! 

                             

Until then... Thanks for your patience and your prayers!

~ Happy Monday! ~

love,  Kristy

p.s. With everything that has been going on, I completely forgot to send out some of the prizes for giveaways. Please forgive me!!

Free Write Friday

So, I'm sitting here probably being a little more melodramatic than usual.  Keith and I should have been more productive, but we opted for a Friday night movie on the couch together. We watched 50/50 which just stirred an odd mix of emotions inside of me.  It seems like a rarity in this day and age that we just take time to sit and write. Well, just like I encourage my little munchkins to free write in Writer's Workshop... it may also be healthy for me to do the same. I am positive some people are tired of hearing about our move to Malaysia; others probably want to know every detail. All I know is that I am completely and utterly overwhelmed by the thought of everything detail that must fall in place before we take our seat on that plane.  However, I am beyond excited when I picture our little family truly living a dream.  It is obviously an adventure, but it is much more than that.  It is a time in our life where we are being called to surrender. Every detail that must fall into place, all those intricate pieces of the puzzle I must hand them over to God.  I am being reminded daily, if not hourly that He is in control.  I must trust Him with everything.  This is a difficult task, but one that is so rewarding when I see Him nudging me to relinquish my grip. Thank you Jesus for the big adventures, but thank you Jesus that you hold all those tiny pieces that all fit together.

Mister Postman...

I wanted to share with you a fun idea that you can use next year! I actually saw this at Jaxson's daycare and I just thought it was genius.  Valentine's Day parties are filled with chocolate, cards and my students trying to fit everything in a small gift bag or brown paper lunch sack. I will never go back to those days...

Our local Bi-Lo donated enough for my entire class...

All I needed to do was rid my craft stash of anything pick and red! 

This was such a fun activity for the students. 

All of the "mailboxes" turned out so cute!

I stapled the top and cut a slot for each mailbox.

Each student had a blast delivering their love notes and candy gifts to their classmates! 

~Happy Belated Valentine's Day~