Extraordinary Little Moments

This week it was Anika's turn to help the older kids feed the sheep at the barn, so Wayne has been taking her over at 6 pm each evening. Wednesday I had an event at Whole Foods so he had to take all three kiddos with him. Of course then on Thursday and Friday they wanted to go again, so Noah got to go the first day and then Emma went with them last night - leaving just Noah and I holding down the fort at home for an hour.

I decided to do something that I don't do very often - for that hour I followed his lead and played with him, in that magical way that only a 4 year old can create. We tickled and tackled on the couch - playing pretend with bouts of giggles in between - when suddenly he turned to the window.

Four large birds were gliding in the wind over the trees that lead down to the river, and he was in awe. Normally I would just glance at them or mention to Noah that I see them too, but not this time. This time I sat there in awe with him - and just watched them.

I forgot how extraordinary the littlest things can be. 

For 30 minutes we sat there spotting out all of the birds that flew by, watching them soar or dart or dash by. This extraordinary boy is so observant of the world around him. I suddenly found myself back as a child, when there were no schedules, no deadlines, and no responsibilities - when nature was a big part of my life and when summer seemed to last forever. 

I miss those days. 

The Stanford Children's Health Hospital and the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital have been the top-ranked children's hospitals in Northern California for over a decade, and like me, they believe that what makes kids extraordinary isn't just the epic stuff - it's the little things. It's those little moments that maybe only you as a parent can see and celebrate daily, and they've created a site to help you remember the little extraordinary things by creating a video for your kids - and it's really easy to do.

Here's the one I created for Noah last night. It brings a smile to my face every time I see it.

"Your kid is extraordinary. Show them how much you enjoy every moment together by creating a special video of your own."

~Melissa

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Teachers Change Lives

Becoming the PTSO President this past year has really opened up my eyes more about the school systems. I had never realized just how many things for classrooms and activities weren't funded by the school - meaning it's partly left up to the teachers to figure out. With small schools there's not as many fundraisers and outside money being earned, and many teachers not only spend their own money to provide things for the classes, but they do a lot of volunteer work with extra-curricular activities for the students.

There are many good teachers out there, but every once in a while you find that teacher. The one that you know teaches well, teaches in a way that the kids will understand, not simply from a text book. The teachers that teach because it is their passion, the ones that make your children feel good about themselves and want to go to school.

The teachers that encourage curiosity. 

My kids have been blessed and have had many wonderful teachers, but there has been one in particular that all of the kids in the school talked about. He is one of those teachers that have been there for multiple generations and continue to make kids smile. Every kid calls him Mr. "B", and he's the go to guy for gym rental passes. He teaches a rhythms class for the kids every week and from what I hear it is a huge music dance fest full of giggles. Every year he also hosts a Spring Showcase, and all of the kids would show off their own unique talents to friends and family - whether it is tumbling, classroom choreographed dances, jump ropes, or pretty much any other idea you could come up with. Everything and everyone is celebrated at the Spring Showcase, and select 5th graders weave ribbons around a May Pole (Anika is one of the chosen ones for this year!!) He's just one of those people that don't act as they appear. My first impression of him was that he was a strong silent type - but I must be wrong. Even with that outer shell the kids gravitate towards him. They love him.

Sadly he is retiring after a very successful career. Luckily for my girls he still comes in one or two days a week to help out and teach the rhythms class. It's people like him that help you realize that having a career you love isn't just about the money you make - it's about finding your passion and helping others along the way. Office Depot has teamed up with Adopt-a-Classroom to help raise more awareness for teachers like Mr. B. - teachers that have gone above and beyond the minimum, and you can help. You can help by either registering a classroom or donating to a teacher's classroom.

I fell in love with so many of the personal stories of teachers that Office Max has shared, but the one I've linked below is pretty amazing. This teacher takes junk and helps his students turn it into something incredible for other people.

• How to Register Your Classroom as a Teacher
1. Go to Teachers Change Lives website
2. Click on the red box that says "Register Your Classroom," which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website
3. Follow the corresponding steps from there

• How to Donate to a Teacher
1. Go to Teachers Change Lives website 
2. Click on the teal "Donate to a Teacher" box on the Teachers Change Lives website, which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website
3. Follow the corresponding steps from there

Helping our teachers today is investment in our children's future. Teachers change lives. 

Do you know a teacher that is extra incredible? I'd love to hear your stories!

~Melissa

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.