gold star teachers

A few weeks ago I walked past the room that holds our computer and found this... My 4th grader typing away on the keyboard. At school that day, he had heard about the Gold Star teacher awards. Before I had even had a chance to read the brochure in his back-pack, he was already nominating his favorites. Peaking over his shoulder I could see he had more then "He is nice" comments to include with his nominees. Plus, he had more then one favorite and for different reasons. I wasn't surprised at who he nominated, but what he wrote shocked me a bit, as he was much more detailed about it than I would have assumed. For a few reasons, might I add...

1.) Kids identify with their same-sex teachers tremendously. I know the education program is heavily filled with females and that is awesome. But as a mom to boys...I so, so appreciate the men who have stepped up to the role as teachers in our childrens lives. There is a natural and necessary relationship that happens from boys learning from boys. I appreciate the men at my son's school who teach and reach our boys for the next generation.

2.) Teachers worth is not found in the pay-checks they receive. Unfortunately, our culture runs according to where the money is. But under that surface is a hundred million souls that are richer thanks to a teacher. We've been really blessed with fantastic teachers whom love our kids almost every single year at their public school. Jax nominated a teacher who "likes him for him". Sometimes I forget to see my own son as he was made. Thankful for a teacher who likes him...just for being him.

3.) All kids need a sounding board and sometimes they need one outside of home. Jaxon picked another teacher because she "really listens to me and I can go to her when I'm having a problem". We can not be everything to our kids, but having teachers who can walk alongside you and fill in the gaps is priceless.

4.) While school is for learning, it does not mean desk work needs to happen all day to do so. As a mom, I have had the goal for my children to be life-long learners. I want them to love learning, forever. The teachers that go the extra mile to teach what needs to be learned, but do it in a way that leaves a positive experience with the process for our little learners is nothing short of a blessing. Jaxon chose another teacher for "making learning fun".

I know the schools can not teach my child everything he needs to know for life after school years. But, the partnership they have accepted in the role as teachers is shining through our children...their students. We're so blessed with a great teacher partnership this year and in many past years. So thank you, teachers. If the Hansen's were handing out the winners...you'd be gold star in our books! Thank a teacher today!

a winter indoors

I do not remember a winter this cold since I've had kids. We're an outside family and usually even through the winter months our kids get outside at least a couple times a week. Not the story this year. I think it is fair to say we are all ready for spring. So since the winter was long...here is a long visual post of the 2 days we actually played outside. Okay, maybe a few more then 2...but not much more!

I am seriously over this snow this year. To prove it, I ordered our garden seeds this week. Spring will come...spring will come...spring will come...spring will come...

she's 9 months now!

Savannah is just so fun to watch every day. It seems with each day she adds a little more spunk or an opinion to her little personality. Clearly... she lets herself be heard when needed!

 My mom owns a darling little flower and gift shop in a Midwest rural town. She requested this sweet girl be included in her advertising this spring...so I attempted to squeeze her into the dress and to play the part... but she was hit and miss with the whole idea. There goes my attempt for cute 9 month pictures. But like most days with little ones...you just roll with it!

 Between not being able to crawl in the dress and the sitting still long enough to not leave a blur on the camera lens, I had my work cut out for me.

 This girl is only a few months away from 1...year...old. And this is how I kinda feel about it!

 I can hardly tell you where these last months have gone. They are really just moving along in a way I can't keep up. Though I try hard to pause through out my days and really, really look at and into my children's eyes. A habit that is sadly harder then it sounds.

 Oh, how I have loved adding this sweet face to our crew.

 This unexpected addition has shifted our lives... but that's what little ones are supposed to do. And I am so much better for it.

 I'm hoping this little splurge of personality that seems to be coming out settles well with the big boys in the house...and in the months ahead.

As you can see....they already seem to know how to keep her in the mix.

9 months and counting... 20 lbs, eating anything you give her, on the go. And still stolen my heart. Oh, to be her Mama...a wonderful grace filled gift.