The Hansen's

The Little Reasons

2012-01-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

Today I commented to one of my 1st graders how we were wearing the same color of nail polish. She got a huge smile and told me that she had noticed my nail polish the day before and asked her mom to paint hers the same color. I love love love my job for little reasons like this.

Favorite Things

2012-01-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

Charging 1 cent for a mini marshmellows

My students' art

Class pets

Harry Potter Halloween

People Turkeys

Reindeer unmentionables

Letters from students: "I love school because my techer teches me my techer is cyoet (cute)."

Making students write apology notes for not being a good friend.

"I am sore that I saib that you haed told you that you haed a mohoc. I am rele sore. I whont do that agen."

2011

2011-12-31T20:23:00.000-08:00

Hawaii

St. George

Lake Powell

Snowbird

AF Canyon

Newport Beach

Black Hole

Milcreek Canyon

Zions

We had an amazing year. I'd say the most memorable things were Hawaii, graduation, starting law school/teaching, celebrating 2 years of happiness...and Harry Potter 7 of course.

We have been so blessed and are exciting for the new year and all it will bring.

Elfie Strikes Again...

2011-12-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

He Decorated our Christmas tree

Had a snowball fight

Celebrated our good behavior!

And read some good books

Can't wait to see what he's up to tomorrow!

Also...want to make your life a dream come true the week before Christmas?

Let me introduce The Grinch versus Santa Claus. Santa sent Elfie with presents for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If the class is great, Santa gets a point. If the class isn't so great, Grinch gets a point throughout the day. If the Grinch wins at the end of the day...he steals our Christmas gift. BUT if Santa wins, we get to open the present! They have been SOOOO good this week! A small blessing for having to even be teaching this week!

The Delivery

2011-12-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today my students and I walked into class and there was a mysterious present under our christmas tree. None of us know how it got there.

We decided Santa must have brought it through our classroom chimney.

We found this letter inside the present...

So we opened it up and look what we found....

We named him right away.

And then we worked hard and followed the rules all day so Elfie could report good things back to Santa.

Rumor has it that tomorrow Elfie will leave prize tickets on everyones desk for nice behavior.

I heard he also leaves notes for nice children...

You better watch out. Elfie is always watching!!!!

Holiday Spirit

2011-12-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

1st grade + Christmas = Best Ever.

I have never felt the Holiday Spirit quite like this year. I purposely don't say "Christmas Spirit" because I believe that should be focused on the Savior. Call me a bad teacher, but I try to stay clear of teaching the children about Jesus. We just mostly focus on Santa, elves and reindeer. I won't get fired for that.

My days have been so merry and bright and I have milked this Christmas season for all it's worth.

Christmas Song & Dance Extravaganza: We sing Christmas songs everyday. I use them for shared reading so we practice reading and phonemic skills with them. Its a good excuse to sing them EVERYDAY! My personal favorite is Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. I let my students get up and sing and dance around the room. It is the best part of my day. They dance their little hearts out...and I am right along side them. They always beg me for "One more time!". Little do they know, I would have them sing it 50 more times if we could!

I wish....: In literacy centers they have been looking through toy magazines and making lists of toys they want. It is a great reading and writing activity! I put a twist on it though, they have to write lists for their friends, mom, little sister etc. so they aren't so focused on themselves and getting presents they most likely won't get :). It is cute to hear them get super excited "Oh!!!! My mom will loooovve this!". They get more excited for others than they did for themselves.

Magical Stories: I had my students all bring their favorite christmas story from home, wrapped in christmas paper and we put it under our class tree. Then every day I choose a student to go and pick a present and unwrap it. Then we read it. When the student goes to pick the book, the whole class goes absolutely silent, their eyes glued on the person choosing. The chooser always takes at least a minute to decide which present to choose, like the decision at hand is the most important one they will ever make. As the chooser unwraps, the class is dead still silent, with anticipation ever-growing. When it is finally opened and revealed the students ooooooohhhh and aaaaaawwwwww. I read the book and they are completely mesmerized...even if it is the lamest christmas story ever (like the one that was written BY Big Lots. worstchristmasbookever, yet the children were practically crying). When I finish reading, the children burst into applause and giggle about how amazing it was. I love it so much!

Passengers, prepare for take off: We have been going around the world to different countries to experience Christmas in other cultures. Today we went to Germany and learned about how Germans were the first to start putting evergreens in their homes because they thought they were magic. We were listening to the german song, "O Tannenbaum" and one little girl could not grasp the concept of it being in another language. She kept insisting she knew what the song was saying. When I asked her what the words were, she said confidently, "Oh, probably just don't let the Devil get ya"...? I told her she was wrong :).

And to make my days even more merry and bright, my sister just sent me this for an early Christmas present....My life is now complete.

The book explains how Santa sends Elves to teachers to help them keep watch on children. During the day the elf sits quiet and watches the students. But at night, after the children go home, he flys to the North Pole and tells Santa all the nice (or naughty) things he saw the children do. He also does silly things in your classroom and hides in funny places.

If you only knew all the plans I have in store for this little elf.

To be continued...

Fall Fun!

2011-11-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

So aside from all of the teaching and learning we do in my classroom, I also make sure that we do plenty of art! I think art is really important in the classroom and it is not done enough! Plus I just love it and so do the kids!

Here are some of the fun fall projects we did in the last few months!

Halloween Pop-up Book

Ghost Plate. This little girl added hair and a bow! So cute!

"In Alicia's witches brew there are gowst, spitrse, and ants. Would you like some?"

"Pumpkins: When you see me growing, my orange glowing in the sun, It's time to say bye to summer and hello to FALL fun!"

Tissue Paper Pumpkin

This one is my FAVORITE! Got the idea off Pintrest!

Plate Turkeys! This one is sooo easy. All you need is paper plates and markers!

Two Years

2011-11-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our 2 year last weekend. It was a perfect night of romance and laughter.

First we went up to Salt Lake and ate dinner at The Melting Pot. This place is amazing! It is truly a dining experience and sooo delicious. We loved that it took over 2 hours for the whole 4 course meal. It gave us time to just talk and laugh in our own little private booth.

After dinner we walked two blocks down the street to The Little America hotel where we spent the night.

I love little get-aways like that!

Devin got me this gorgeous watch...

AND he surprised me with tickets to WICKED for next August when it comes to SLC.

I did very well for myself, if I do say so.

I am so grateful for my sweet husband and for our happy marriage.

New Additions

2011-11-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

There have been two recent additions to our family. Very cute additions, might I add.

William (Erin's 3rd)

Ruby Jeanne (Lindsey's 2nd)

Nieces and nephews are the beeeessst!

Harry Halloween

2011-10-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

besthalloweeneverrrrr

Mama Bear

2011-10-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday.

There are just 3 simple, but important things that sum up how much she means to me.

1. She is my very best friend. I remember when I was a junior in high school and going through a break up, which at the time, seemed like the end of the world. I got home late one night and I was so upset but it was too late to call any of my friends. Not sure who to talk to, I went to my mom. She laid in bed with me all night and held me while I cried.

Ever since, she has been the most important person I confide in.

2. She has given me one thing I consider priceless--a love for nature. We work our way up to the top of mountains whether we're hiking, biking or skiing and then suddenly we are in our own world, without another soul around. It is in this beautiful, secret world of ours that time stands still and worries weigh-down less while we talk, share secrets, laugh and cry.

3. For Christmas last year, she got me a set of nice scissors for my classroom. A classroom I didn't have yet. To most, this would be meaningless and probably disappointing. But to me, this was one of the most meaningful gifts I'd ever received.

To me, this gift meant that my mom is proud of me, supports me and has endless faith in me.

Mountain Biking Millcreek Canyon

I love you, Mom. I always will. Even if someday you get Jacked.

Bonus Round

2011-10-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

So...turns out I had another WEEK of vacation. Showed up to school monday morning ready to teach and was informed (by the custodian) that I was not back for another week. Uh....good thing I am responsible for 21 first graders, eh? They are in good hands.

So naturally, we vacationed some more.

Zions National Park

Now...it really is time to get back to those little ones.

I'm itching for some finger painting, creative writing and picture book reading!

Vacation Appreciation

2011-10-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

For the last three weeks I have been on break (year round school=9 weeks on, 3 weeks off) and it has been a a-maz-ing!

Week 1: Snowbird condo get-away with our friends for the weekend. Then everyone had to go down during the week for school/work while I had the whole condo and mountain (practically) to myself. I hiked, ran, swam, read, slept, and ate. dreamcometrue.

View from the pool. Not too shabby.

Mountainside

Top of mountain hike

Week 2: Visit from my babies, holiday festivities and enjoying the fall.

Miss B

Joseph

Asher

Sunday drive up AF canyon

Fall leaves

Week 3: California/Disneyland!

Newport Beach

Laguna Beach. I looked for L.C. the whole time. Honestly.

Thunder Mountain Roller Coaster

This picture kiilllss me. Totally candid.

I love roller coasters so much and I am so grateful Devin captured this moment.

I am really excited and ready to get back to teaching my cuties, especially since it is Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas season! I have some really fun crafts and activities planned (and some learning will be thrown in there somewhere).

Holiday festivities in a 1st grade classroom?...please, it doesn't get any better than that!

Happy Birthday D!

2011-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

This year for Devin's birthday we just had a low-key but fun night filled with good friends.

We went to dinner and then came back to our place for dessert crepes. It's times like these that I am so grateful for such amazing friends and a wonderful husband.

Devin, I love you like Leslie Knope loves waffles.

First Grade Anthology: Part 2

2011-10-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I was surprised how many people have asked me to post more stories about my little ones. Do I have more stories? Oh, do I ever. Here goes Part 2.

Any Questions?
A few weeks ago a small plane crashed into my school while my students were at lunch. No big deal. Anyway, our school was put on a lock down and we had to bring the students back to our classroom. So my students are eating lunch when a firefighter comes in and explains to my students that there was a plane crash with a man and a dog on the plane. After he explains what happens he says the worst thing you can say to a first grader:
"Raise your hand if you have a question".

Every.single.hand.went.up.

The following questions were asked:
1. What color was the dog? (I don't know).
2. We are eating in our classroom. (Not a question).
3. Did an airplane crash? (Yes, as I just said).
4. Was it an airplane? (Yes, it was).
5. What was the dogs name? (I don't know)

At this point I interjected and told the firefighter I would answer the rest of their questions. He looked very thankful and left.

My favorite thing to do is let the students ask questions to the student "Sharer" (see below). They NEVER know what to ask but they all raise their hands. I love watching them panic when they get picked and try to come up with a question. It is almost always the same question the person before asked or when in doubt they ALWAYS ask: "Do you have a scooter?".

Missing Student
I have this student in my class who after 9 weeks still hasn't a clue who anyone in the class is because he is always in his own little world. Every day I choose one student to be the "Sharer". They can share an object they bring from home, tell a joke or share a story. Well, it was this student's turn. He shared a story with the class and then I told the students they may ask questions. They all raise their hand and this student looks around at all the students and says, "How about the girl with long, curly blonde hair". All the students look around confused as they try to figure out who he means, because there is no one in our class that meets that description. Suddenly dawns on me...

"Do you mean so-and-so from Mrs. Blackburns class (another first grade class)?" I ask.
"Yes! Her!" He responds.
"Well, she isn't in our class.".
"Oh." he says.
"You need to choose someone who is in our class to ask you a question." I inform him.
"Well, then how about that kid" he replies as he points to a boy in the front row.

Dinner and a Show
One of our classroom incentives is lunch with the teacher. Every few weeks I choose 5 students from a drawing and they get to have lunch with me. This may sound like a punishment, but in 1st grade...it is the ultimate prize.
So we are having lunch in my classroom and the students start telling jokes. Most of them were your typical chicken-crossing-the-road jokes....but then this gem was told and my life will never be the same.

Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Pizza.
Pizza who?
When you get pizza and you want some sides but the pizza is taking up too much of your plate, just put the sides on your pizza! (insert children laughing hysterically)

I made her repeat it, to make sure I understood it and didn't miss the part where it was actually a joke.

I love my job.

Belated Graduation

2011-09-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

My cute little brother graduated from high school a few....months ago. But I love him so much that he deserves a shout out still. Better late then never.

He graduated with immaculate grades, got 5's on all his AP tests, and a full ride scholarship to the U of U.

It feels like just yesterday he was watching Power Rangers in his underwear. I love you Matty and I'm so proud of you and all your accomplishments.

Ode to Teaching

2011-08-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some stories from the first few weeks of school. My life is a comedy.

Teacher's Pet: I had a student affectionally stroke my cheek with his hand and say, "Your eyes shine like a beautiful star. I will stare into them all day". I gently removed his hand and said I would rather have him do his work all day. "Then that, I shall do" was his response.

Knife Happy: We were at an assembly with Polynesian dancers and one of my students was in awe the entire assembly. One of the dances was with swords and before they performed, a dancer announced to the audience that they were real swords and the whole placed "ooohhhed and awwweed". I look over at this student to see his reaction and he is smiling so huge and talking to himself as he says in the most joyous/evil voice "They're gonna kill us all".

Stranger Danger: We were having a mini-lesson on talking to strangers. I read the students a really cute book about not talking to strangers that made this serious topic lighter and fun. I then asked them why this was important.

First three answers:

1. They will kill us.

2. They will stick a bag over our head and throw us in a van.

3. They will eat us.

Clearly they are scared--none of them will be talking to strangers anytime soon. Lesson a success? I think so.

Inspirational Story: I have a student who has trouble focusing and wasn't able to get any work done for the first couple of weeks without 5 second reminders. I did an experiment the other day where I put headphones on this student and had them listen to classical music while they worked on a class project. This student worked for 35 MINUTES STRAIGHT. It was amazing! I seriously teared up as I watched this student working independently and successful complete a project.

Teaching makes me really happy. The end.

Room 103

2011-08-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

I started my first week of school and it was super hard but super amazing!
I put so many hours into setting up my classroom and to finally have students in it is so exciting!

Our classroom theme is "Be a Star Student" and the classroom decorated in all stars! They get star points, I star gaze for good students, they can be in the Super Star Club, etc!
Our school was named after the Columbia space ship and we are the "Columbia Astronauts" so I feel like it goes well with the school theme as well!

I am really proud of it and feel like it has the warm, welcoming, stimulating feeling I was hoping for.

Welcome to 1st Grade

Classroom Library

Leveled Library

Word Wall

Guided Reading Table

Calendar

Carpet Area

We are the "Columbia Astronauts"

Picture Schedule

Find a crayon on the floor? Put it in the junk yard! Missing a crayon? Go to the Junk Yard!

Choo...Choo...Choose to Read (reading train)

Earn a Star Point, get a popcorn scoop. Fill up the jar, get a Popcorn Party!

This wall has positive things I see students do in the classroom written on the stars

Meet our class pet "Princess Flower", named by the class. They loooooooveee her!

Point to all the words you can read around the room!

Hall Bulletin Board

So Long Sweet Summer

2011-07-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

We certainly ended summer the best way I could ever hoped for.

Harry Potter 7.2

(I cried the entire movie)

And then Lake Powell (I laughed the entire time)

I started teaching the week we got back from Lake Powell and Devin left for Florida :(

We had a family trip planned with his family for a week in Florida, but then I got a job and it happened to start the day we were going to leave for Florida. So we ate my ticket, and I sent Devin off to enjoy the last of his summer before he starts Law School. I am happy he got to go enjoy himself and I am happy to start teaching...but it has been pretty sad having him away for so long...and on an amazing vacation without me.

Oh well. Since I am the money maker now, I get to decide where and when our next vacation is. I will choose quickly and wisely.

It has been another amazing summer together and I am sad to see it go!

April: Arizona
May: Hawaii
May: Black Hole Hike
June: California
July: St. George
July: Lake Powell
July: Florida (for some of us)

May It Be...

2011-07-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

This week I finised re-reading this:

In preparation for the midnight showing of this:

(I can't even look at this picture without getting the chills and tearing up a little.

I am that disgustingly excited and I am not ashamed).

Which after viewing, we will drive straight to here where we will spend the weekend with my family.

With Harry Potter as my favorite read, this movie highly anticipated all year long and Lake Powell being my absolute favorite vacation spot evvveer,

this may very well be the greatest week of my life.

Family Tradition

2011-07-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

We went down to St. George this weekend for our annual trip with Devin's extended family. Every summer his grandparents take everyone down to see a play at Tuacahn and we spend the whole weekend swimming, reading and eating! Oohhh how I love this tradition!

This year we were supposed to see The Little Mermaid but we got about 20 minutes into the show and got rained out. So, other than the whole reason we went down in the first place getting ruined, it was still a great trip!

Everyone was *supposed* to look sad in this picture because we were getting rained out.

July 4th Celebration!

2011-07-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

My sister's family came into town just in time to celebrate July 4th. It was one of the best ones I have had in a long time with a family BBQ, games and a firework show.

But what made it most memorable was this little guy:

As you can tell by the many faces of Asher, it took him a bit to warm up to the "baw-works".

**My sister has admirable Sparkler-ing form.

Happy 4th of July!

BBQ

2011-06-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

We had a friend BBQ a few weekends ago.

We grilled some steak, ate some jello and played some volleyball.

I love summer!

Hello, Future.

2011-06-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

Devin got a call this morning from the Dean of Admissions from the University of Utah asking him to come there this fall.

He is officially U of U Law class of 2014!

We were put on the waiting list, and that is what we have been doing ever since....waiting. Before today we have been living in limbo land, not knowing where we were going to be in a few months. I took a chance, getting a job in Jordan School District with the hope that we would be living in Salt Lake. Devin took a chance deferring to a school in Oregon for a year, with the hope that he would be going to school in Utah this year.

We are so grateful that everything has worked out and we feel very blessed that our frustrating time in Limbo Land has paid off and our future has never looked better!

Lady Luck

2011-06-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Off to San Diego to kiss these faces...

And I was in Arizona just last month kissing this face...

And I kiss this face in Utah every.single.day.

I am one lucky lady.

Summer Reading

2011-06-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading The Help. This book is breathtaking and takes such a beautiful approach to such sad history that happened not so long ago. It is so amazing though, I feel morally obligated to tell everyone I know to read it.

Read it. Seriously. Right now. Go.

I also finished reading The Maze Runner and it's sequel The Scorch Trials. They are very adventures books and very boyish, where at times I was a little weary of the "boy violence". But I am anxiously waiting the third and final book to come out in October. Overall, it is a good series.

White Cat and its sequel Red Glove were really fun reads. Exciting mystery element and a little scary with an interesting modern approach on a supernatural world.

My next read that I am about start is The Time Travelers Wife. I have never been able to read a romance novel before, but this one seems to have enough element of excitement and no one is dying of cancer or looking for their long lost love 60 years later (gag), so hopefully I will be able to enjoy it.

My next book after this is The Book Thief.

Any other summer reading suggestions?

Also, I tried reading Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but didn't get far. I was sooo bored with all of the business talk for the first 100 pages and heard it is very "r-rated".

Still debating whether I should try that one again.

Any opinions on this one?

Summer, here we come.

2011-05-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to make the most of our scarce and few between "summer" days.

Devin and I went on a bike ride and played tennis on one sunny day.

I have been reading outside any chance I get, but if I keep only reading on sunny days, I won't be done with my book (The Help is my current read) till Summer 2020.

And yesterday I went on a bike ride by myself and then played tennis with Devin.

But it hasn't stopped us from getting shave ice at least 3 times a week. We just usually have to eat it in the car, with the heater on.

Luckily, tomorrow my mom is taking us on one of her hiking adventures, the Black Hole.
It's part slot canyon, part bouldering, part climbing, and all parts beautiful and fun. At one point, you get lowered into a slot canyon of the most freezing cold water that has never seen the light of day, and you have to swim through it. That's where it gets it's name.

Wow, describing it makes it seem kind of terrible.
But it really is fun.

If summer won't come to us, we'll go to summer.
Summer, here we come.

Hawaii Day 8

2011-05-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Day 8: Today we left beautiful paradise and it sent us off graciously with a hurricane (not officially a hurricane, but practically. It rained the entire day). We hit up Puka Dogs and Dukes again because when it's raining in Kauai and there is nothing you can do outside, the food still tastes just as good.

It was the trip of a life-time and I loved every minute of it. It was my perfect vacation...a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, all in a paradise wonderland.

Here's to next time Hawaii, because we will meet again.

Hawaii Day 7

2011-05-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Day 7: This was the day I was most exciting for, the Napali Coast Tour. We had planned on spending a little (okay, a lot) extra money to go on a really nice catamaran boat tour where they take you snorkeling and touring for over 5 hours.

To start off the morning, we got up an hour earlier than we normally would've just to go get more banana pancakes from Tip Top. Totally worth it even though it we got up at like 5 am.

On the tour we saw sea turtles, flying fish and a huge group of spinner dolphins that would jump out of the water and do tricks. It was incredible!It was a stormy the whole day (but didn't rain on us!) so the waves were HUGE! We stood at the front of the boat, which was seriously catching air on the waves and our bodies would literally lift off the boat floor. It was so much fun. Everyone on the boat was screaming like it was a Disneyland ride.

When we finally got the coast (it takes about a hour+), we got about a mile in and a woman hit her head and was bleeding, so we had to turn around and go back. I was so disappointed and not in the least bit sympathetic for the dumb woman (she was standing up when she wasn't supposed to when she got hurt and she made us turn around, but yet she was okay enough to be guzzling down beer on the return trip).

Luckily we still got to see part of the coast and have a lot of fun still. Overall it was amazing, but we are going to have to go back to Kauai soon to get the full boat tour. Too bad. (are you making note of this, Devin?).

We also got shave ice at Jo Jo's, which was recommended by everyone and top ranked in our travel book, but was our least favorite of the trip. I blame the dumb woman who ruined our boat tour.

Hawaii Day 6

2011-05-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Day 6: Today was supposed to be devoted to beach all day, but it rained for part of the day so we didn't get much beach. So we shopped around for souvenirs and then we went and saw Wailua Falls.
Then we went to Li'hue to crash on the Marriot Resort some more where we swam in the pool for a bit and read books on the beach. We also got the most amazing shave ice of the trip...and I didn't even document it.

*So our rental car was this ghetto van. (most tourists are driving mustang convertibles and brand new jeeps). So to fit in, we drove around with both sliding doors open on either side the whole trip. It was so much fun and added to the ghetto ambiance!

To end the night, we went to Kauai Pasta which looks so ghetto on the outside, but we walk in and its the equivalent of Macaroni Grill. Everyone was dressed so nice and we were in our swimming suits. Whoops. But the food was amazing! I also didn't document this event. Fail.

Today was less eventful, but relaxing and fun.

Hawaii Day 5

2011-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Day 5: We went paddle boarding and kayaking on the Hanalei river. Paddle boarding was so much fun, and super easy. The boys had fun chasing and ramming each other in the kayaks and paddle boards and the girls had fun talking about how we willingly married these crazy boys :)

Then we went to the Dolphin Restaurant right along the Hanalei river where I got the most delicious fish tacos I have ever had in my entire life. It should seriously be a crime, how good these tacos were. I had to take a picture with them. Then we went and got shave ice where I discovered the Blue Hawaii (blue raspberry, coconut and vanilla). Ohmygoodness!

Then we went to Secret Beach which was by far the most beautiful beach on Kauai. On one end there is a landscape of a cliff with a lighthouse, and on the other end is a silhouette of a slopping mountain with palm trees and the beach is full of trees and lava pools. It was incredible.

Hawaii Day 4

2011-05-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Day 4: We did the Napali Coast hike on the very north shore. It's 2 miles along the coast to a beautiful and private beach and then another 2 miles inland to a waterfall. 8 miles total. I did find myself asking why I was doing an 8 mile hike on a vacation in Hawaii. But everything I saw including the Napali coastline, the secluded beach with caves, and the bamboo forests we hiked through made it worth it!

Then we went to a dirty old Cheveron and got pretty good hamburgers, and tried not to think about the dirty old gas station we got them from! To finish the night we attempted to get shave ice, but it was closed. I was quite upset, as you can see. That's real devastation on my face, folks.

So instead we went and got *even more* amazing gelato from Tropical Dreams. This place is famous and rightfully so!

Hawaii Day 3

2011-05-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Day 3: We went to Kipu Falls in the morning. It was torrential rain the night before so the falls were 3x's as huge and the water was brown. But that didn't change how fun the giant rope swing was.

Next we headed to Poi'Pu beach and Marriot Resort to do some more pool crashing. We snorkeled some more and relaxed at another beautiful beach resort.

Then we went and got Puka Dogs (equivalent of Jay-Dawgs, hawaiian style). I officially have two hot dogs I will eat now. They were so delicious with their mango relish! We also got some amazing gelato.

To finish up the night, we stopped by a beach on our way home (just on the side of the road, not sure of the name) because the waves were huge and we played in the water.

Hawaii Day 2

2011-05-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

Day 2: We started off the day by going to Queen's Bath. As we were passing a little cove just before our destination, we saw a few sea turtles swimming around in there. We climbed down and swam around with them and that was the closest I got to them the whole trip, so I was really glad I got in even though the water was pretty rough. It was so amazing.

Then we went to Tunnels beach to snorkle, which gets it's name from all of the coral tunnels it has below the surface. It was by far my favorite beach to snorkle at because the coral was beautiful and it was fun to watch the boys swimming through the tunnels.

Then we went and played at Lumahi beach. I looovve getting tossed around in waves and we played in them for hours.

To end the night, we went to Bubbas and had their grilled pineapple hamburgers and onion rings. Yuummm!

Hawaii Day 1

2011-05-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am going to be posting our Hawaii trip one day at a time. This is for my benefit entirely. I promise I don't think any readers want an overly obsessive overview of my vacation. I just want to have a photo journal of the trip to look back on that gives tribute to each detail. So bear with me for the next couple of posts (8 to be exact) or just stop reading for a couple of days!

Day 1: We got to Kauai about 7 a.m. and went straight to Tip Top Cafe, where we had the most amazing banana pancakes anyone has ever dreamed of.

Then we went to the Marriot Resort beach and resort in Lihue where we lounged in their beautiful pool and napped on the beach.
Then we had lunch on the beach side at Dukes and enjoyed the beautiful koi pond at the resort.

Next, we got snow cones with macadamia nut ice cream on bottom and coconut cream on top at Halo Halo. These snow cones were the epitome of what snow cones in Hawaii should be.

Finally, we made it to our beautiful house in Princeville and settled in.

And to end a perfect day, we went down to Ke'e beach, which is the end of the island on the North Shore, and watched an amazing sunset.

First Job

2011-05-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be a teacher.

After the principal called and offered the job, I just cried,

and then laughed, and then cried. Repeat.

It is quite an amazing feeling, realizing that you finally get to do what you have dreamed of doing ever since you could remember. . .

Something you have been working towards for over 4 years.

My parents were so sweet. They took us out for celebratory dinner and then my dad surprised me with Maglebys cake.

The 1 stands for my first job...

the first job that has real purpose and meaning in my life.

Hawaii Photos

2011-05-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Just got back from an amazing week in paradise. It was seriously 8 days in complete and utter bliss.

My cute friend Marissa is a beginning photographer and she took some amazing pictures. It was so fun to have her there--like having a personal photographer documenting our trip!

Go here to see even more beautiful photos she took of the trip and more photo shoots on her blog.

P.S. More on the trip soon. It deserves a long and photo-filled post.

Goodbyes Aren't Always Hard

2011-04-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to this.

I don't mind so much though,

because tomorrow morning I will wake up to this.

See you in 10 days, dreary Utah.

Graduates

2011-04-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Devin and I are official college graduates.

It was so wonderful to get to walk with Devin. I loved hearing them calling Devin's name and saying he was walking with his wife. It will always be one of my best memories.

We also played the Celebrity Game (we had to quickly come up with a celebrity name similar to the name of the person walking) and I was really good at it. So if I can't get a teaching job and never teach a day in my life, at least I got something out of my college degree.

*Cheesy but necessary

*Remember how we are really good at kissing pictures?

Aloha

2011-04-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

For a graduation gift to ourselves,

Devin and I are going to Kauai in 4 weeks.

We plan to

snorkel, hike, kayak,

rope swing,

tour the Napali coast,

swim with dolphins and turtles,

live off snow cones,

work on our Chaco tan-line

and celebrate freedom.

And best of all,

we are going with these four wonderful people.

Here's to graduation, adventure and good friends.

Special Visitor

2011-03-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

Asher came to visit last week.

Needless to say, my week was consumed by this cutie bum and very little else.

Freedom

2011-03-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

I was going for a run this morning and I started to really think about what it is about running that I love some much.

One word came to mind.

Freedom.

When I run I get to decide how fast and how long I go.

I get to say where I venture on and what direction I will go.

I get to decide if I listen to music or myself breath with nature.

And I get to decide when I've had enough.

There is nothing else in life like this.

School tells you how and what to do.

Work tells you where and when to be there.

You tell yourself what you believe you can or cannot do.

Life is full of things that hold us back-disappointment, pain, fear...

But when I run, for a moment none of that matters.

For a small moment of my life,
I feel completely free.

Class of 2011

2011-02-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am weeks away from graduating,

and I am starting to feel very nostalgic.

College has been all I've known for the last four years of my life--

it has shaped me into a mature, self-respecting grown-up.

Well, perhaps not that grown-up...

I did, however, make some incredible, life-long friends.

And for that, all of the projects, papers, and studying

was worth it.

Happy Birthday Audrey B

2011-02-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

It's Miss B's birthday today.

The theme is a "Queen B" birthday, in which she will be dressed in this

She is just too cute to keep to myself.

Enjoy.

2011-02-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

Today a little girl walked into class and handed me this gift

Inside was a bouquet of fake flowers,

a love note

and to top it off, a gallon sized zip lock bag with

3 chocolate graham crackers inside.

Kindergarten, you continue to win my heart over

day after day.

January 31st

2011-02-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Another happy birthday has come and gone.

It consisted of

a professional massage,

sushi,

and good company--

all of which you can't go wrong having.

Also, my mom made me a delicious meal and TWO desserts to celebrate my birthday the previous night.

Thank you all who helped make this a special day!

Complete

2011-01-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

I don't believe in soul mates,

but I do believe that you can find someone

who completes you

like no one else can.

2011-01-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

two-thousand-and-ten, our year of firsts

January: 1st b-day and cabin trip

February: 1st V-day and St. George trip

March: Las Vegas trip

April: 1st Easter

May: 1st time to San Fran and WICKED

June: Southern Utah Trip

July: 1st 4th of July, D.C. trip, and St. George trip

August: Disneyland trip and 1st (and possible last...) River Adventure

September: 1st (married) Birthday, Snowbird, and Solitude trip

October: 1st Fall and Couples Halloween

November: 1st Anniversary

December: Christmas and...

a new year...

*we are notoriously disgusting at kissing pictures, enjoy.

Belonging

2010-12-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember.

It was always just something I felt I could do well at and would enjoy doing.

But during my student teaching experience,

the magnitude of it all overwhelmed me

and the meaning of it became something so much greater.

For the rest of forever,

there will be

22 people in the world who can tell you how many syllables are in a word

22 people who were taught that being themselves is enough

22 people who can write question marks using the headline, waistline, and footline

22 people who felt appreciated upon bringing anything they could find on their bedroom floor for show-and-tell

22 people who had their first memory of harvesting a pumpkin

22 people who cheered on their classmate while pulling out her front tooth

22 people who know the characteristics of the four changing seasons

22 people who felt loved and appreciated by someone everyday

...because of me.

I don't mean for this to sound prideful,

my intention is to express gratitude.

I am grateful to have found something I love,

a place where I impact lives,

and to feel this great sense of belonging.

I am grateful the place I belong is a crowded, germ-infested classroom covered in paper decorations where I sharpen pencils all day, zip up jackets, send teeth home in plastic baggies, sing songs about the week, use my chin to count syllables, draw smiley faces on student work, give birthdays the excitement they deserve...

I love these little people and I can't imagine any better place to belong.

365

2010-11-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

365 days ago we promised each other forever,

and we've never looked back since.

2010-10-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Note to self:

Haunted Houses invade your personal space and are....

(spoiler alert)

SCARY ....

I am glad I got that out of my system for few years.

Happy Halloween!

one year later. . .

2010-10-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Devin and I were biking in the canyon when we

we realized last year at this time we were taking bridals here.

This is the canyon where we first said "I love you",

where we promised each other forever,

and where Devin knelt down on one knee.

I love this canyon, I love my husband, and I love this year.

2010-09-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Devin is the best person I know at being born,

and I love him so much for it.

Happy Birthday Dev, you are my number one.

Did you know...

2010-09-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

My sister's debut book, Paranormalcy,
is number 7 on New York Times best seller list?

...I just thought you would want to be informed on the latest and greatest news.

2010-09-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Devin and I are both in our senior year.

We will graduate together in April

and

I can't imagine anything more romantic.

Then we will both go on to more school.

Law school for Devin & elementary school for me.

Sorry Devin, but I think I am getting the better end of the deal on this one.

too good to be true

2010-08-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

scott and marissa showed this gem to us tonight

and it is just too good to keep to ourselves.

if you don't love this, we probably shouldn't be friends.

2010-08-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

dear summer,

you have been so good to us. thank you.

until next year,

beaches

the hansens

california baby mania

sea world

California

first gardens

disneyland

dinosaur museums

baby audreys

card games and picnics

color me mine family creations

asher, asher, ashers

flower suprises

escalante road trip with friends

calf creek

summer treats

washington dc


fourth of july in DC

st george getaways

family canyon parties

girl nights

pool parties

lake powell


more st george getaways

2010-08-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is my sisters first book that will be in book stores August 31st.

She will even have her own front store display in Barnes and Noble

So if you are the kind of person that loves a witty, romantic, suspenseful, inventive, and exciting reads...

be sure to get your copy and fall in love with Paranormalcy.

(warning: no abusive relationships with stone-cold vampires are featured in this book)

a little bird told me...

2010-07-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

My best friend got her mission call,

then my best friend (re)met the man of her dreams

and she began thinking maybe she wanted to make babies instead of converts.....

and now best friend was proposed to in Europe last week?

nbd.

Actually, huge deal.

Happy Birthday Jonah!

2010-06-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hey Jonah,

Can a bird knock you right out side the head?

No!

But it can sing Happy Birthday to you!

I love you! Happy Birthday!

(click this link) Happy Birthday Singing Parrot

2010-06-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I dream.

                                       Devin and I are not muggles,

                                             we live at Hogwarts,

                                        Devin's a keeper, I play seeker...

                     and we drink butter beer with Dumbledore every night.

*photo shop compliments of Ty Goodsell, the best co-worker ever.

for your enjoyment. . .

2010-06-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Please appreciate how chubby Dev looks in this picture.

It is only fitting that he is stuffing his face with a cupcake.

Happy weekend.

simply wonderful

2010-06-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

You never know a normal day of your life might be one of your best. Not until it's happening. You don't recognize the magic of the day, not until you're right in the middle of it.

The day you commit to someone. The day you get your heart broken. The day you meet your soul mate. The day you realize there's not enough time, because wanna live forever--those are the biggest days. The perfect days.

But then there are those simple days. Those days where suddenly you realize that life could not be better. Those days when all you expected was another day and what you got is one of the happiest days of your life.

Today was one of those days.

It started with an afternoon jog with Devin. Then a healthy & delicious dinner of turkey burgers, corn on the cob, garden tomatoes {with kool-aid for Devin, of course) and strawberries for dessert. Following dinner, card games in the park--he won once, I won once. And it ended with a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies for second dessert and forehead kisses from my husband.

Today was simple. Today was wonderful. Today was simply wonderful.

I hope you can have one of those days soon too.

When in San Francisco. . .

2010-05-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

When in San Francisco. . .
-Your hotel is built in 1915, is still in beautiful condition, and has complementary dog treats in the lobby
-Buildings are works of art
-You can have an authentic ethnic food experience from anywhere in the world
-Every direction is up hill
-Michelle, DJ, Stephanie, Uncle Jessie, and the rest of the Tanners are learning life lessons nearby
-Even out-houses look classy
-You can hang "I'm pretty busy right now" on your hotel door knob
-Walking the streets wearing the latest fashions is the only way you can fit in
-Roller-blading gangs of 45+ group members ride the streets
-There are entire blocks dedicated to chocolate
-Cup cakes come in every flavor
-Entire walls and buildings are made of earth
-Parks consist of lush gardens and romantic gazebos
-WICKED the Musical will fulfill your life long dream

.....and it will forever remind of how lucky you are because you found a man that will do anything and everything to make your life rich in joy.

6-month anniversaries, picnics, spider swinging, first birthdays, and mission calls

2010-05-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

♥ I just wanted to share these life-joys with you.

2010-04-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last night Dev suprised me with tickets for next weekend to go here

to see this

. . .i am still tearful & speechless♥♥♥♥

"the planet that we're from"

2010-04-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

earth day

. . .older woman wearing a corsage. . .

. . . . . . .couple picnicing in the park. . . . . . . .

. . . . .power walking friends. . . . .

. .jogging citizens of provo. .

. . . .teens in hippie costumes. . . .
. . . . . . . . bicycling family. . . . . . . .

. . .old man cleaning litter in a park. . .

I like to think that these people were celebrating Earth Day.

Devin planned a special Earth Day date for us {he is my favorite} & it is now one of our favorite celebrations.

If you missed the opporunity to properly celebrate Earth this year, it's not too late to appreciate her.

Go enjoy Earth

{picture of us on earth}

2010-04-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

3D movies with loud children,

beginning the first of many future gardens

**easter present from devin

eating strawberries & cheek kisses

easter festivities with a dear friend,

sister road-trips & an end to mustache march

Thank you for making my world a beautiful place.

2010-03-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes. . .

Utah Jazz Game

Las Vegas with our incredibly fun friends

First and *only* time doing the slots in honor of turning 21...won 3 dollars.

V-day with my hubby

St. George weekend getaway

. . .you just get lucky