Donations = Hope

Dear Friends and Family,
This summer I have the honor of being a camp counselor at Royal Family Kids Camp. In these tough economic times, I understand the difficulty of donating precious funds to non-profit organizations. However, this year I have a personal goal to collect $180 to donate to Royal Family Kids Camp. 100% of the donations are used toward camp expenses and every $1 gives you and RFKC the chance to change a child's life forever. I have set up a PayPal donation link (seen below) that you can choose to donate any amount you can afford. Every gift is a chance to give hope to a child. Please pass this link to friends and family- or anyone else interested in giving hope to these wonderful kiddos. Thank you for your support.

When you give to RFKC:
$10 buys a RFKC camp shirt for a child
$20 buys a pair of shoes for a child
$25 buys a birthday present for a child on "Everybody's Birthday Party!" day
$70 buys a day of camp for a child
$350 buys a week of camp for a child.


To read more a little more about RFKC, click on the small italic i on the upper right hand of donation box.


-Sincerely- Jessica

The Light.

Today was one of those days when I just didn't feel great and everything seemed to be swirling around in craziness. I was tired and - honestly- felt like I needed a nap. However, through all this one student managed to make my entire day better during our last 15 minutes at school. He isn't the 'top of the class' but he has the warmest heart I've seen in a first grader. We played a word game together (to help with his sounds) and at first he was just "going through the motions." However, with a little creativity- we added a high five to our game. And that's when the good times rolled. We were laughing and playing (and learning!). The best part was when he laughed, it was so loud teachers were smiling and closing their doors (they understand what a treat it was to have him excited to learn!) He gave me a majorly hard *high five* and when I grimaced (b/c it hurt!) he said "Oh I'm sorry Mrs. De." while he ran to give me a hug. (Heart Melting...) It was the absolute best feeling in the world. So who cares that I was tired or didn't feel great- that right there....that's the whole reason I get up and teach everyday.

A Work of Heart.

I can't believe I haven't written about this yet! This is the AMAZING one year anniversary gift Emily and her talented mother gave to us. Before we were even engaged- Emily and Leslee had been planning on making us a quilt for a wedding gift. I just laughed and said 'in time girls' but was secretly so excited. Living "with" Emily- I always loved wrapping up in one of her quilts. They were so soft and so warm- it was like being a swaddled baby. (and who doesn't love that?!) So when the day came for Em to finally give us our quilt- I couldn't wait! She made me leave the room so she could make my bed (hehe) and display it. Seriously- Matt and I were in shock when we opened the door to find a handmade KING size quilt! It was even more beautiful than I had imagined. The pattern and the colors are perfect in our bedroom. It was- hands down- the most thoughtful gift we had received in a long time. They even sewed a handwritten message to us in one corner-
Love it! Thank you so much girls. This is a gift we will truly treasure always.

The Newest Paramedic in Town

HE DID IT!

This is the amazing handmade "light up" cake

The amazing Albany Paramedic Team Matt worked with

The Paramedic Graduating Class of 2010

I am so proud of Matt for reaching his goal! A year ago he had just graduated from an intense Fire Program and had the determination to further his education by enrolling in an even more demanding Paramedic Program. He has spent countless hours in the classroom learning, assisted and controlled many emergency situations on an operating medic, and (what still amazes me!) memorized an insane amount of doses, protocol, and drugs. All these experiences and skills have made him in to the amazing person he is today. I couldn't be more proud-sitting in the audience- watching my husband receive his second degree in a field in which was his calling. He has the dedication, but more importantly, he has the heart to be an incredible Paramedic. We are so proud Babe!

If you haven't heard...

I'm an AUNT!

Maddox Anthony DeFrancisco
Born January 4th, 2010

Matt and I couldn't be more excited for his brother and our sister-in-law Aileen about their newest addition to their family. It is such a blessing to have such a beautiful new family member- finally- grace us with his presence. We all have been anxiously awaiting his arrival since Christmas (I know Aileen must be happy everyone stopped asking 'so when's that baby coming?') I can't think of a better way to start the new year than with a brand new baby.

Congratulations Derrick and Aileen-

may he bring you all the love and happiness in the world.

I know Matt and I will enjoy being an Aunt and Uncle to our first nephew- even if we're a couple states away...our love will close the distance!

P.S. So excited to meet this one too!

Wow- a nephew AND niece in one year.

We are two very blessed people. We Love You!

Day 1: Operation Teaching Job

Today was the 1st day of my official 'new' job. I was nervous- of course- but really wasn't worried because this school is like my home and it just seems second nature to get up, get dressed, and head out to Myers for a day of fun with the kiddos. I've had a lot of questions about what it is I exactly 'do' as an IA (Instructional Assistant). Well here's a low down of what it is:

3 First grade teachers have ~30 kids each (thats right 30 in ONE ROOM!)
There poor teachers can't get the time and support they need to really help all their kids in their class. I was hired to help those teachers with simple things like prepping materials, reading with kiddos, and/or helping out in the classroom. I float between the three rooms all day and just help out.

With that said, the job I accepted was an IA job- however the administration and 1st grade team want use my experience and skills (as an licensed teacher) the best they can. IAs typically aren't licensed and therefore are paid MUCH less. So even though I am 'suppose' to cut paper more than teach... I will in fact be doing intervention with kiddos who need the extra math/reading time one-on-one. I am very excited b/c this means our administration is looking at me (for what I believe) to be more than short term and really see how they can develop this position into something a licensed teacher would be paid to do. I found out ~85 people applied for this job...and I got it! Yeah!!! I can see a lot of room for growth and I am excited to learn from all the experienced teachers I will be working with. Thanks everyone for the prayers and kind words- I really appreciate them!

The Wrong Century.

This may seem like an odd blog title but I (sometimes) swear I was born in the absolute wrong century (thanks mom and dad for trying!). I was pursuing Etsy and found these...my new loves:

Aren't they just the most beautiful dresses ever? Nothing explains how much I love these styles and would wear them in a heartbeat if I could. I about died when I saw the first one- I instantly had those "I have to have that" feeling rush through every vein in my body. It is divine! Yet those tingling nerves quickly subsided when I saw the price tag- $350. Original, vintage, perfect condition 1950s "lucy dress." I would have loved wearing there gorgeous dresses everyday. (Seriously- how cute is that polka dot tea length?) I know I know... I'm a flip floppin, ponytail, jean wearin California girl.... but I LOVE the fact that in the 1950s ladies wore evening gowns and dressed up to go to the theatre (aka movies.) Something was lost along way. We exchanged elegance for comfort and quality for trend settings outfits. I will be the first to admit I can't wait to get home and put on sweats, but I would love to know what it was like having a closet filled with these dresses- rather than jeans and tshirts. If I were rich, these would be among the many things I would buy. I still check out thrift stores and antique shops- hoping to find a gem like these that my pocketbook can afford. :fingers crossed: You never know!