I remember...

Ten years ago I was a senior in high school.

It was six days before my 18th birthday.

As I stopped at my locker to begin my day I peeked in my History teacher's classroom. I saw a fire in the World Trade Center.

I sat in my first period English class and watched the reporters fumble for information as the second tower was hit. I remember holding my classmate, Lindsey, as she cried.

Then she returned the favor as I burst into tears as the first tower fell.

Over the course of the next few hours, days, and years we learned what happened. We've worked to make sense of it. We got the people responsible.

And President Bush's words have come true, "This country will define our times, not be defined by them."

Here is a picture of my journal from that day. I started keeping it on the 9th. I have never been good a journaling. But I'll never forget the importance of my journaling from that day. I was at work on the 20th when President Bush gave a speech. I was so touched by the above quote that I wrote it on a napkin to insert in my journal later on.

I am so grateful for all the men and women who serve our country in the military, fire, police, and EMT departments. These people, and their families, are truly heroes.

Here are a few pictures of the mementos I have saved from that day.

The Dundies

The Dundies are annual awards presented by Micheal Scott to the employees of Dunder Mifflin on "The Office." 

Image Source

I was lucky enough to be presented with two awards by the ever fabulous Marie at Educator's Soliloquy. These awards are much less offensive than some of the more popular Dundies. First off,

As a recipient of the Stylish Blogger Award I have been asked to do a couple of things. 

1. I need to tell you 7 random things about myself.

2. I need to give the award to someone else. 

So, in no particular order, 7 random things about the Crafter. 

1. In my family being thrifty/finding a good deal is a sport. This counts for both my family and my husband's family. We have no problem leaving the price tag on a gift if we got it for a steal. It isn't uncommon to hear the sound of tearing wrapping paper then, "Look how much I paid!" This last Christmas I learned that I have infected my husband with this idiosyncrasy too. He bought me the Blu-Ray set of the first 6 Harry Potter movies. After I opened them he said, "You'll never believe how much I spent!" In case you're wondering, the answer is $20!! That's AMAZING!

2. I stopped growing in the 7th grade, so being short has always been a defining characteristic for me. 

Here I am 4 years and 50 lbs ago. At The Price is Right with my man. When I saw this picture I said, "Babe, I'm really short!" He had no idea what to say to that. 

3. I have a penchant for all things English: England, Literature, Accents, Muffins, you name it.

4. I have never been outside the United States. I don't even have a passport! (YET!!)

5. My favorite physical trait has always been my eyes. When other traits have worn away my eyes remain a constant source of compliments. I think that is why my favorite color is blue. My birthstone is a sapphire and I wouldn't have it any other way. It is far and away the best gemstone (after diamonds, of course!).

6. I think my first craft was a construction paper Christmas ornament with glitter. I was really efficient at it and I loved doing it so I made a TON. My mom was a trooper and put every single one on the tree. 

7. I have always had headaches. I started getting them when I was 5. My (very thick) hair was down past my tush and my doctor recommended that we cut it. He speculated that the excess weight was giving me neck problems. He was right, however, I started getting migraines at 12 which was well after we chopped off my hair. I don't remember a time when headaches weren't another defining part of who I am. **Weird side note: I got my first migraine while at a friend's house for a sleepover. We were watching Schindler's List. I haven't been able to bring myself to watch it again.

Me, my step-brothers, and my crazy long hair the summer of 1995. 

I would like to present the Stylish Blogger Award to Nikki at Thrifty Decorating. She is at 329 visible followers so she doesn't qualify for the next award but I always look forward to her posts.

Marie also bestowed upon me the

This award is meant for blogs with fewer than 300 followers. I have been asked to pass this along to 3 other worthy blogs.

So three of my favorite blogs:

1.Every Day is a Celebration
Kelsey condenses some of the best stuff she finds in blogland. It's truly inspired.

2. Live 2 Craft
Erin and I have been friends since high school. Then we went to college together. Oh then we did our student teaching together. What can I say? The girl has good taste. At any rate, I couldn't live without her tutorials. She is so darned helpful.

3.The Magic of Ordinary Things
Affectionately dubbed TMOOT, this blog has it all. I actually found her because Krystal at Sassy Sanctuary designed her blog. When I was trying to decide if I should take the plunge I stumbled upon TMOOT and I haven't looked back!

Marie, thank you so much for thinking of me when it came to these awards. I couldn't be more flattered.

I hope the blogs I have chosen are as helpful to you as they are to me. If you have been featured here on A4C, whether in this post or a prior post, feel free to take a button!