goodies + 3 boys + snow + music = perfect day

The snow fell all morning here and it made for a beautiful view out our big kitchen window. I just happened to have 2 extra little boys here while Jaxon was at school and thought it was a perfect time to make some Christmas goodies. The boys pulled up their stools and chairs and got messy with the flour and sugar and cereal. With the Christmas music on, the oven warmed up, and 6 little hands full of stickyness I had a moment that stood still. The smells in my kitchen, the view out the window, the tunes filling our ears, the squeals from little boys, and the taste of warm puppy chow made me so thankful for this season in my life. I was a little sad that Jaxon wasn't with us to enjoy it, but I was having one of those perfect moments in my home when I knew that I am doing exactly what God made me to do at this time in my life. Do you ever have those? I have them every so often where life feels just completely right. Like you know that where your body is and where your mind is and how your heart is feeling is right where God wants it, at that moment. I love being here with my children as they grow and having time to let life just happen on snowy mornings.  I love the little people that come into our home during the week and join our family for a little bit. I love getting to have perfect moments every so often that affirm what I am doing and how I spend my time. Today it was simply being available to just bake goodies, let 3 boys get messy, turn up the music, and watch the snow fall. I am not perfect, but I know a perfect moment when it comes. Thank goodness for goodies and boys and snow and music today!

being two

Our computer is not working great.... so not so many Austin posts as I planned this week. Here are some pictures of our little Monster being two! Austin is such a special part of our family. He has all the laid back and easy going personality that just keeps us simple. He is exactly what our family of three needed. He finds fun in little things, entertains himself a lot (preferring to), he laughs a lot, he loves to explore and get into anything, loves animals and anything with wheels, loves hiding, being outside, playing with "brodder" and his little buddies, he loves going to eat at church on Wednesday nights, has so much fun with his Papa Jon, shares a bed with his brother (again, his choice), likes to eat sweets, loves his blankie and his binkie, and is such an incredible joy to have in this family. We are so thankful we get to celebrate 3 years with him today.

Happy 3rd Birthday Austin! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

an almost 3 year old!

 Days old...

 1 year old...

2 years old...

I have an almost 3 year old! This next week I am dedicating to our sweet, silly, cuddly, and fun little guy! Look for some fun posts on Austin and some of our favorite things about our little monster :)

3 years ago...

Jaxon was wearing this red winter coat playing in the snow! Today, Austin is in the same coat playing in the snow. If I could download pictures right now I'd post one of Austin too, but tonight's pic is an oldie...  can't believe how fast these years seem to be going by. I swear I just packed this coat away and it's now hanging on my coat hooks again. What sweet memories a simple red coat bring!

boys

My very talented sister (in-law) took these beautiful pictures of our boys this fall. She was able to snap these even while they hardly stood still for her! Amazing! I love having good pictures of my kids taken and it makes them so special when their aunt is the one doing it. Thank you, Holly, for so many very beautiful images of our boys. We love them!!!

another fave

Looking through old pictures again... I love this one. This is Austin all wrapped up in one picture. The only thing missing is his bike. He is just that boy who loves good old fashioned outdoors fun... throwing on his rubber boots and an All American baseball cap to go out and get dirty with his trusty dog and favorite duck (and one of his favorite girls too :).  He spent many spring and summer days just like this outside. I usually brought him in at the end of the day with black bottomed feet, dirt all over his clothes, sand in his hair, and the smell of fun all over his body. I love these days at home watching my boys just be kids...

Dragon Boats

My computer is needing worked on, so for the time being I can not upload my pictures... so you will have to enjoy some posts with previous happenings at the Hansen's rather then current! I can't believe I forgot (but could believe didn't have time to!) to post about Dave's dragon boat races! This last May, Dave paddled away with some of the gang from his office and his sister and brother in law. It was actually a lot more fun day then I had anticipated :) I think they are going to give it another round this year, so come on out last weekend in May if you want to hang by the water's edge and cheer on his team at the races!

Learn and Play

Our Learn and Play group usually meets today, but we took the week off for Thanksgiving! My computer is being dumb, so I have about 5 more pictures of the crew during small motor play time, carpet time, practicing being in their line, snack time, and music time! Austin LOVES having his friends come for Learn and Play time and the group is really a very awesome bunch of kids! We've had fun this fall doing fall activities, learning our new routine, making friends, and learning to be more and more independent. I love watching them learn so much in just a couple months. Austin has enjoyed having time with some friends and I have to admit...it feels kind of good to be teaching just even a teeny tiny bit again. 

Happy Thanksgiving Learn and Play crew... Austin is missing you this morning!