HELLO, My name is...

Hello!  My name is Rita, and I am excited to be Doodlekins' newest blogger!  I have been a big fan of Doodlekins since 2008, when I first ordered address labels to be put onto the thank-you notes for my son's first birthday.  Now he has turned FIVE years old, and will be starting Kindergarten in a few weeks!  Hard to believe.  He is now signing his own thank-you notes (with a charming combination of both uppercase and lowercase letters), and our Doodlekins address labels now have a little sister's picture next to his.  She is 2 years old, and tries as hard as she can to keep up with her big brother.  Though her chubby little legs can't run as fast as his, I have been very impressed with how she has hit baby milestones (like sitting up and crawling) and toddler milestones (like walking and potty training) faster than him!  You go, girl.

Let's see what else I should tell you... besides being a Doodlekins blogger, a Mommy, and a wife to my college sweetheart, I am also a teacher.  I have taught first grade for 4 years and third grade for 8 years.  If you do the math on that, it means that my first class of first graders just graduated from high school!  Wowow.  That actually might be harder to believe than my son heading off to Kindergarten, as I have a permanent picture of those children as little 6 year old cherubs in my head.  I saw one of my first students driving in the SuperTarget parking lot the other day, and I almost swerved into a car in surprise!  It was so surreal, but also so fun to see.  :)

I enjoy teaching, reading, watching movies (both at the theater and sappy Lifetime Original Movies), crocheting, baking, and planning birthday parties for my children.  Since my nearest family members live almost 12 hours away, I began my party blog "Crafty Party" in order to share pictures of my kids' party fun with those who could not attend them.  www.craftyparty.webs.com  I'm still catching my breath from my son's big "Star Wars (Clone Wars) Lego Birthday Party", which occurred about a week ago.  Brown pillowcase Padawan robes, pool noodle lightsabers, homemade Lego cakes with Star Wars figures all around, Obi-Wan Kabobies, Droid Doritos, and much more!  I haven't had the heart to take down the decorated black paper from my wall yet, and fortunately my husband understands.  It's been fun to still look at while we eat meals and go through our days.  Yes- "Five great years ago, In a galaxy not far away, A baby Jedi was born..."

Since I am a teacher, I may have a "Question of the Day" for you at times.  ;)  My first question is: How did you find out about Doodlekins, and what is your favorite product from them?  (OK, that's a two-part question...!)  As any good teacher will do, I will demonstrate my own thinking for you with my answer.  You already know that I stumbled on Doodlekins products in 2008 with their address labels for my son's thank you notes, and I have to admit that those adorable personalized labels still hold a special place in my heart.  But now I want the Doodlekins personalized COOKIES too!  And a tote bag for my kids each to use for their swimming lessons!  And I haven't decided if my son will take soccer lessons and my little daughter will take ballet- so maybe bags or shirts for them too?  The possibilities are endless!  My husband should be afraid, very afraid...  ;)

I look forward to hearing from you, or at least just entertaining you while you listen quietly!  Talk to you again soon,