Half way there

This Thanksgiving we are doing a family project. We are doing acts of kindness each day of the month to show people we are thankful for them. Project: Give Thanks 2012 is half way done and so I thought I'd list what we've done so far.

1: We made cards for Children's Cancer Connection. Hopefully the kid's hospital stay was brighten by our cards, pictures, and stickers. We received a very nice card back from CCC thanking us.

2: The crossing guard up the street was our target. This is where the idea for the project was created. Each day we pass the crossing guard at the neighborhood school on our way to Josie's school. We always talk about how she protects the kids and keeps them safe. So we decorated a bag and filled it with cookies, kleenex, and hot cocoa. She was so surprised by our gift. She thanked us over and over. When she said, "but you don't even know me." Josie said, "Yes we do, we see you everyday taking care of the kids." Melted me.

3: Ring Bells for RKR. This was awesome. I've been working on the Red Kettle Run for The Salvation Army since April. It was a fun run to kick off the kettle season and bring awareness to what all The Salvation Army does in our community. The kids rang bells and cheered on the runners. Will was so adorable. Every runner he yelled, "Good Job, keep going, all the way to the clock." He really was getting into it!

4: Sunday School Teachers. We did bags with tiny flower pots in them with decorated cards. Josie walked into her class and said loud and clear, "I'm thankful for you!" to both teachers. One started to cry. This thankful stuff is easy, fun, and rewarding!

5: Doctor Beebe got a bag of fun from the Bemis kids. Homemade yummies, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc... With 3 kids we know the doctor office well... too well. We needed to tell them we appreciate all they do for us. She was thrilled.

6: All of our teachers. I say ALL because Josie has 4 teachers in her class, the boys have two, plus an awesome preschool director to boot. We gave our last bag of treats for the week but in this one we also put Junior League Gift Mart tickets in there too! I am required to buy so many tickets as a member. Last year I brought a bunch of friends with me to the event, but this year my schedule wasn't looking good. So we decided to give them all away. The boys' teachers all were excited to go!

7: Clive Librarians. We go to the library almost every week. Even when we don't have story time we find ourselves there to check out books and play with the toys. The librarians are always so sweet and the free programs they offer are awesome. The boys brought them a big vase of flowers to say thank you. I get such a kick out of them saying, "We're thankful for you!" It NEVER gets old.

8: Over 30 cards in the mail... this took some time. The kids wrote on most cards and the ones they didn't they helped stamp. It felt good to send some love to our friends and family.

9: Food Pantry donation. Will & Ben's gymnastics were doing a can good drive for the food pantry. By participating we got a free open gym pass... Winner winner chicken dinner! I read an article about the need for protein and kid friendly foods. So I let them each pick something out they like at the store then added some tuna for good measure. 10 can goods later we were set!

10: Postal Carrier. This was a shout out to our Grandshe. We gave a small box of chocolates with a card to the carrier. The boys sat by the mailbox for a good 15minutes just to make sure she got it.

11: Hospital visit. We created a very large basket of yummies for the NICU nurses at Blank Hospital. Those nurses will always have a special place in our hearts thanks for the wonderful care they gave the first 12 days of the boys lives. When each kid said why they were thankful I felt tears in my eyes.

12: Make Dad lunch. We've been working so hard to show others we are thankful for them, we didn't recognize what's right in front of us! Our number one supporter in all that each of us does! It was a simple gesture that went a long way... he used that paper bag to carry his lunch in ALL week. Proud daddy.

13: Good Friends! We made brownies for our besties. The kids all had teacher conferences within a week. The conferences never last long and seem silly to have a sitter drive all the way over here (none of our sitters live near us!) for 45minutes of watching the kids. What do you do when you need help?! Ask good friends to come to the rescue :)

14: Baby shower. A neighbor decided to have a baby shower for a girl who is young and pregnant. She doesn't have a support system and needed help with the bare necessities. We purchased an outfit, diapers, and wipes to contribute to the gifts they were putting together for this soon-to-be mom.

15: Kindness goes a long way. The boys brought flowers to the receptionist at the Chiropractor office. This mom of 3 tends to need adjustments and never gives a lot of warning on when I can come in. Amanda always gets me in right away, which is awesome. But her attitude to everyone who comes through the door is kind. It's the little things in life that are easy to take for granted. So today we thanked someone for being kind hearted.

 This was the picture we used on our Thankful cards this year. 

 Cards for CCC 

 Sunday school teachers....

All of our teacher bags - the kids were so excited for this day! 

The basket of goodies for the NICU nurses. 

Brownies for our besties.... 

30 plus cards in the mail!

Step Aside...

Here comes the professional!

We had the perfect family day Saturday. It might be the last perfect weather day this fall. I say might, because I think we've thought that a few times already this season.... hopefully we'll continue to get a few more perfect weather days.

We got up and out of the house early to get donuts. We knew we needed to seize the day. After donuts we took the kids to play putt-putt. It was a first for our family. Josie loved it and was actually pretty good. Will was enjoying it and Ben wanted more to do with... well anything else really. But we had a blast! After golf we hit the zoo.

It was a great day that was full of Josie one liners that had Billy and I in stitches. While she made her way through the putt-putt course, Josie would tell us "Watch the professional". Then she'd whack the ball and most of the time get it surprisingly close.

Josie also informed Will, in a very serious tone, that she has been looking out for him her whole life. Jos emphasizes the whole life part... like she's been around for more than five years.

Last night, we had Josie's first teacher conference in half day kindergarten. I'm pretty sure we didn't stop grinning for a long time. Josie got rave reviews. While she is doing great in school the thing that made me the happiest was when we were told that Josie makes sure to include other kids. There are a few special need kids in the class and the teacher told us that Josie is a great buddy. That's a skill I hope she keeps for life.

 Josie and Billy at the Zoo. 

 Will getting some Josie love. 

 Putt-Putt Time! Ben, Josie, and Will. 

Breakfast singing....

Halloween Fun!

Halloween is a big deal in our house. We love dressing up. We love decorating and putting out the Halloween Village. A tradition we also love is our sleepover at GiGi's with Grandshe and Ayla! Even though GiGi doesn't live in town anymore, she still organized an amazing Halloween slumber party. She called it Halloween Hotel (original name was Haunted Hotel, but the crew was apprehensive with that name).

While the kids enjoyed a hotel stay filled with swimming, movies, crafts, and (the kids favorite) breaking ALL the rules.... Billy and I went to the Nebraska game. Everyone wins!

Josie was able to wear her costume 3 times. She was Alex the Lion from Madagascar. Will and Ben were also characters from the movie. Marty the Zebra (Will) and Gloria the Hippo (Ben) loved following their Lion Leader.

Here is a video of Josie doing her Halloween Dance routine:

What's new?

Last week Josie started swim lessons for the fall. She has a great class of 3 students! She already knows the other two kids too because they are Will and Ben. Works out well for us. All three at the same time and this is the first time that I don't need to get in the pool with them! Score for mom.

This week was suppose to be the week Josie has been waiting her whole life for... Josie was going to ride the school bus. She very seriously told Billy's co-workers (when we went up for lunch one day) that she has gone on party buses before (aka trolley buses after weddings) but not a school bus. Then she said the line that melted me. "I've been waiting my whole life for this!"

The field trip was cancelled due to rainy cold weather. It is suppose to happen next Thursday, fingers crossed. We didn't know it was cancelled till we were already leaving for school. I felt so bad that we had bundled up and then she found out last minutely it wasn't going to happen. But with typical Josie attitude she said, "that's ok. Next week will be better." No big deal. The kid goes with the flow better than most.... and yes I am referring to her younger brothers!

Today Josie had her first spelling bee. It was 20 different upper case letters. She thinks she got a 100%. Either way, we worked on those letters so much I feel good knowing it's done!

Lastly, on the way to school, Josie heard a fire truck and told me she used 1 of her 5 senses to hear the truck. I didn't know she was learning about them so it was cool to see her apply what she learned to everyday life....and made me realize I need to start reading the newsletter from school!

Josie, Ben, and Will waiting for their lesson

Will, Josie, and Ben... I love mornings like this!

Waiting for school to start I took this pic. It's my view for a good chunk of each day.

Stop Growing!

I say it to all three all the time. Stop Growing!

I'm joking for the most part... but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wish they'd stay little and innocent for a bit longer. Someone once said to me, the days are long but the years are fast. I couldn't agree more. There are days (more often than not) that I am exhausted at the end of it all. However I feel like I blink and my kids grow physically and emotionally. There little brains at work are amazing.

Which brings me to Josie... My baby girl has a loose tooth! Yes, the top left tooth. It wiggles just a bit. She discovered this last night at dinner. She said, "Dad, my tooth is sore when I eat." To which Billy wiggled and sure enough it started to move. While Billy proudly gave Josie a high five and Josie hopped up and down, I held back a little tear. I just kept thinking, how can my baby be loosing teeth?! (Don't worry, 24hours later I am embracing this milestone better).

I've also noticed another change in Josie. Lately instead of listening to Mary Poppins, Fresh Beat Band, Tangled on CD, etc... She started requesting the radio. She said she likes the variety of the radio. Which is a nice change as I'd love to hear some fun songs as I drive. But I also think she is loosing the innocence. She'll ask me what is this song about? Why is Taylor Swift sad? It's funny to hear the questions she comes up with.

1/2 Day Kindergarten school pic

This is what I meant for her to wear on picture day... I just wrote the wrong date down!

Josie, Ben, and Will's pictures at the dentist office. We went there last week right before the loose tooth.

That's my girl! Breakfast singing.

Josie 5 year facts

Here are a few of Josie's favorite things:

Favorite cuddly thing: Clifford the big red dog

Favorite food: Pizza at Red Rossa

Favorite song: Twist and Shout by The Beatles

Favorite toy: Bat Cave

Favorite place: Omaha

Favorite movie: Brave

Favorite book: Super hero books

Protein or Stones...

Josie was helping herself to some water. She told me, "Mom, I'm drinking a lot of water because it is good for me. It has protein." I was getting ready to correct her when she said, "Oh wait...Not Protein! I meant it helps me with my kidney stones!"

I didn't have have the heart to correct her, so if she tells you she has kidney stones she doesn't... and she won't if she keeps drinking all that water!

Welcome to 1/2 Day Kindergarten!

On Tuesday Josie started her first day of 1/2 Day Kindergarten. She was a little nervous, but she did awesome.

I wanted Josie to give her teacher an apple on the first day of school. I told her it was for good luck. This is her teacher's first year and I thought it'd be funny and a cute way for her to remember her first day of teaching. Josie would normally do this without any hesitation, but on Tuesday at the last minute she decided she'd rather eat the apple. Can't win them all. I was also hoping to get a quick picture of Josie with her teacher and she firmly shook her head no. I'm not used to seeing Josie nervous. The kid has enough confidence for the two of us, usually. But even with the nerves, she walked in and sat in her seat without holding our hands. (Part of me was hoping she wanted to hold my hand till the very last second.) She gave hugs to her brothers and was ready for us to leave. Billy and I looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders as to say now what, then we headed to the door.

After we got the boys buckled up in the car, Billy gave me a great big hug and said, "We did good babe, she was ready!" That's when I realized even though I wanted her to need me, I couldn't be more proud that she didn't.

The week before school we tested out the playground

Friends from preschool Mia, Josie, and Luke

Let's get this party started!

Mama's baby girl... note the apple in my hand

William saying good luck 

Benny giving hugs

End of the day. I asked Josie what she thought. She said, "Mom. I didn't like it.... I LOVED it!" 

Summer Ends...

We've had a wonderful summer. Here's what we did the past two weeks before we started school...

Bounce house with cousin Maeve

Celebrated Maeve (7), Will and Ben (3) birthdays

Horse back riding

Porky tickling Josie

4 kids horsing around

Goofing with Grandshe

Playing with cousin Jules 

Testing out the playground at Westridge Elementary

Josie saved money for the past few months to buy her brothers' birthday presents

Picnic play date at Jester Park 

1/2 Day Kindergarten Orientation

All of the above is why we nap well... note the sleep mask!

Home Body

This week Josie didn't feel like doing much of anything. She was content with just staying inside and playing with her brothers. Anyone that knows us, we are usually on the go. We don't stop. So the change in pace requested by Josie was definitely welcomed.

When she told me for the 4th day in a row that she wanted to just play at home, I realized the 5 year old is right. We have had a busy summer - tennis camp, gymnastics, swimming, playhouse camp, couple week long trips to Omaha, and a weekend in Montana. Sadly there are just two weeks left before Josie starts half day kindergarten. We'll be getting up and at 'em every weekday morning soon enough. I'm with you Jos, let's savor these last few moments of summer.

We did make it out to the library yesterday.... Lane and Josie catching up on some light reading. 

Thanks Josie Girl...

The other day Josie and I were having an everyday but great conversation. Josie told me, "I'm determined to do, what I was born to do." Pretty cool quote from my five year old. Especially when she is referring to being herself. 

Josie continues to impress and make us proud. She loves to help out. Her brothers were eating ice cream sandwiches after dinner the other night. Josie kept watching the mess that was being created. Without me asking, she got two wet paper towels and cleaned them up. She did this with great care, individually wiping each sticky finger. It was such a sweet gesture. 

I'm constantly cleaning up (whether my house looks like this or not, it's true!). Josie has the attitude, "if you can't beat them, join them". She always is willing to grab some lysol wipes and help me out. This week was busy, crazy, and out of the norm. Mostly because we were just getting back from being gone for so long. Regardless, I truly believe Josie has a high emotional intelligence. I've seen her demonstrate this in so many ways before, but this week I was the recipient. She knew I was off, without me ever saying anything Josie stepped up her game. My little helper was in overdrive and I couldn't have been happier to have her by my side. 

Lastly, Josie was in her third wedding last weekend. The kid is becoming a pro at this whole flower girl thing! While wearing a dress isn't her preference, she did it with grace and confidence....however she also told us this was her last time being a flower girl. When we asked why she simply said, "I need a break!"

Cleaning Ben's messy paws

Family photo at the Burgraff wedding

High 5!

We officially have a five year old in the house. Here is how we celebrated Josie's big day:

We kicked off the celebration with our tradition of filling her room with balloons.  

Family photo with our little Spiderman before she headed off to Playhouse camp to see Pinkalicious. I was told she was the only girl not in pink... This is when I tell her it's good to be different. 

Books from Cousin Maeve!

Puppet Show Birthday party. 

Hanging from the tree contest after her birthday dinner. 

Josie started gymnastics and...

Tee Ball practice!

Where did the time go?

Well in a little over a week we will have a 5 year old. All I keep thinking is, "where did the time go?!" Josie has always been spunky, bright, social, and kind. I hope she never looses those qualities. They are all what make Josie so... Josie!

She still prefers a hat and boy underwear over a dress any day. I can talk her into a dress for church sometimes, but she'd rather wear her suit jacket. Josie loves to do whatever Dad does. She decided to take up tennis this summer and wants to go back out to the golf course again with Billy soon. They played 9 holes not too long ago and she loved it.

Tonight we wrap up Josie's last game of soccer for the season. So far I think the thing she's loved the most is playing with her friend Jaime. On the first practice we caught them holding hands on the field. She is pretty good at soccer. Josie isn't afraid of the ball and can be one of the first down the field...when she decides to pay attention.

Last week we finished her last Music class with Ms. Deb. After two years of attending classes, Josie won't be attending with her brothers next year. This year Josie liked to be my helper and assist her brothers with the songs. She enjoyed listening to the stories, but her favorite thing was when we'd get to see a new instrument.

On Friday Josie graduated from preschool! Next year we will have a half day kindergartner..."where did the time go?!"