When I saw this cute Valentine card childhood memories came rushing back.  I joined Erica’s Valentine box swap and Elizabeth’s Valentine swap, and knew whatever I came up with would involve the cuties on this card.  Elizabeth often writes of winter and Valentine memories, her blog over flows with wonderful images and colors of the season.  Chris has a career in the classroom and writes about her adventures with the children … ah ha this is perfect !

I can’t tell you why but third grade was my favorite, and the most memorable of my elementary school years. Our teacher, Mrs. Naville, was the sweetest human being, and oh how refreshing after second grade and “the mean old witch” Mrs. Laura.  Mrs. Laura was a ruler-wielding, knuckle whacker !!  Mrs. Naville never made a threatening gesture or raised her voice.  Her teaching was multi-dimensional through books, play, and hands on activities; we were always doing something fun.  We made butter and ate it on saltines…I can still taste it !  We carved (carved… can you imagine?!) bars of ivory soap into polar bears; I can still smell the ivory soap, and we had a wonderful classroom party for Valentine’s Day. Mrs. Hartfield was one of the homeroom mothers and, just like it was yesterday, I can remember her lining us up to take this picture!   Her daughter Paula is standing, second from right … Paula Faye had dimples J

Isn’t this the epitome of 1958?  Look at that classroom !  I’m the kid on the left with a heart over my head and my best friend (then and NOW) Ms. Vickie Diane, with the heart on her chest. 

So given this memory I came up with these for my swap partners

Elizabeth

Chris

It is so fun to see these little hearts come to life in their new homes.  As some what of an after thought I fear, I decided there was a story to be told about these cute kids, so I also made a little book to go with each shadow box.  I’ll write more about the story later.  Both of my partners sent me the nicest thank you notes.  Doesn't it make your heart happy to make others happy?  Who would have thought, in 1958, that it would be possible to connect in such a way?  What a blessing to be able to share Valentine’s Day love in 
blogland !! 
                    Thanks for visiting … xoxo   E 

To my Valentine

I am really loving all the Valentine crafts and colors in blogland, and I am back to share what I received from my swap partner Chris.

She told me she was deviating a bit from the "rules" of Erica's swap 

She made this plaque for ME ... isn't it beautiful  !

So many layers, and colors, and details details details ... I love it Chris !!  

The words make you want to break out in song   :)

and she sent me a box of chocolates (long since gone)

decorated so cute ... love the cotton fringe !!

 and she included a bag FULL of all sorts of goodies !!  

 THANK YOU 

Chris for such a thoughtful Valentine creation and all the goodies ...
 and thank you Erica for hosting the swap !!
Chris has posted my gifts to her on her page so stop by and visit !  
XO E