Mason Jar of Memories
A Mason Jar of Memories
Fast forward decades later, I reminisce on this cherished moment whenever I experience something truly beautiful. I will say to myself, “What a mason jar memory.” Mason jars have been trusted for over 160 years to preserve the quality of foods. What if we could do the same, only with our memories?! This blog is here to guide you on a journey of adding quality and enhancing everyday moments with a simplicity that even the busiest of overwhelmed mommas can handle.
Our dream is to gift you a one-stop-spot for your journey of creating and preserving life’s greatest memories.
About Kim
Hey there, ecstatic you’re here! Name is Kim. My husband, Sam, and I are blessed with a blended family of 6, children ranging from toddler to teen. Some days we feel like we live in a state of whiplash from both the beauties and complexities of parenting two different worlds separated by a wide age gap. Can anyone relate? Once upon a time, I was an elementary teacher for 12 amazing years, before becoming a stay-at-home momma. Jesus is my hero and I try to focus on His purposes daily, which is necessary because I absolutely need a fresh start every.single.day.
For years, we were living in such a season of busyness and chaos that I just didn’t have the time or energy for any sort of a hobby. Life has slowed down a bit, so I’m catching up on a wide assortment of hobbies. Over the fall, my father and husband teamed up to help transform an old chicken coop into a craft shed, glamorously decorated by yours truly, with treasures purchased from garage sales and thrift stores. So bring on the crafting, all of it!
I currently teach Sunday School at our church as well as work with 2 and 3-year-olds at a preschool on Wednesdays. We live in an older colonial-style home surrounded by 8 beautiful acres of land. Our land is heavily wooded with trails, forts, and swamps to explore. Our property lines up along a river that provides us with hours of entertainment as well as an all-natural sandbox for our dump truck and diggers. So get excited to see a charcuterie board of activities, information, and tips that we hope help enhance your everyday moments to become cherished memories for generations to come.
About Farrah
Hello and welcome! As someone who has dedicated over 20 years of their life to teaching, I have a passion for researching and implementing the best practices to meet the needs of all learners. Inside and out of the classroom, inspiring and fostering a love of learning is my life’s goal.
My educational background includes a BA in Elementary Education, a Masters as a Reading Specialist, and I am currently finishing my 2nd Masters in Educational Technology. Throughout my career, I have been recognized as teacher of the year and received awards for teaching Math and Science. I was also honored to receive the International Award for Teaching Excellence in Computer Science, which still amazes me given that I taught algorithms to 6-year-olds using a stuffed beanie baby bear named Toby. In addition, I have experience working as a children’s librarian and as a behavioral therapist for children with special needs.
Outside of teaching, I am a techie at heart and am fascinated by everything from home automation to the brain development of children. After struggling for years with infertility, we were blessed with a super happy, smiling little boy. Alongside our teddy bear dog, Zoë, we are doing our best to create memories that last a lifetime and to fill our home with love (and second-hand furniture). Thank you for joining us on this journey
The Collision of Creativity
In the bustling city of Chicago and the serene landscapes of Southern Maryland, two lives were on parallel paths, destined to collide in pursuit of a shared dream – the creation of Mason Jar of Memories.
Well, you see Farrah, a remarkable individual who became my hero and a true Godsend, as she provided me with not only invaluable guidance and support, but also ignited a fire within me to approach education with creativity and passion.
Together, we transformed mundane history lessons into captivating narratives, as Farrah masterfully spun tales of the Volcano of Mt. Vesuvius, transforming it into a ghost story that left our students wide-eyed with wonder. We would gather our students in a darkened classroom, armed with nothing but a flashlight, and transport them back in time to experience the thrill and mystery of ancient civilizations. We challenged one another to think outside the box and push past the boundaries of traditional teaching methods.
It’s astonishing to reflect on the fact that we only worked together for a single glorious school year. Yet, despite the physical distance that now separates us, we have maintained a deep and unwavering connection for over a decade. Throughout the years, we have nurtured our friendship, supporting each other through personal triumphs and setbacks, celebrating joys, and lending a shoulder to lean on during challenging times.
A New Chapter
Now, as we begin this new chapter, we realize that all the experiences we’ve gathered, the lessons we’ve learned, and the memories we’ve created were leading us to this very moment. Mason Jar of Memories is the culmination of our shared passion for education, storytelling, and the power of preserving precious moments.
Through this blog, we aim to share our wealth of knowledge, creativity, and experiences with the world. We believe that memories are the building blocks of our lives, and each one deserves to be cherished and shared. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we uncover the magic within ordinary moments, explore innovative teaching techniques, and encourage everyone to embrace the beauty of creating lasting memories.