Sweet Josie

Josie was in school today doing an assessment with one of her teachers. I say one, because there are four in her class. Anyways, they were in the hallway right outside the music room. The teacher had to run back into the classroom to grab something. Josie said while she waited she heard the music teacher playing "You are my sunshine". This is a song I have sang to Josie since she was a little baby. I remember singing it to her on maternity leave and just about any snuggle since. As the song played Josie said she whispered, "I love you mom". Sometimes she doesn't share a lot with me on what went on at school. I was delighted to hear this little moment. I could squeeze her I love her so much.

Immediately after the above, she saw I got some Valentine's cookie mix from the store. She asked me if we could make them for some people who need food. Seriously?! How'd I get so lucky.

Lastly, we've decided to do a monthly service project with the kids. The Giving Thanks Project during November was such a hit with the kids, it made me realize we should do it more often. In January we went through our toys and clothes and donated them to the Junior League's Bargain Basket. For February we spent last weekend making Valentine's for kids with cancer. Specifically the Children's Cancer Connection. Josie had a blast. The boys stopped after two cards. Josie wouldn't eat dinner till we made all 25. I am looking forward to doing more giving with the kids this year! Stay tuned... and if you have a suggestion on what we should do next, let me know!

Josie making Valentine cards for kids in the hospital. 

Disney World 2013

The kids (and Grandshe) did awesome on their first trip to Disney. I say first because I can see us easily going back... but I also don't see us going every year!

What I'll remember most as my favorite Josie moments:

• She loved that she was Grandshe's roommate. They called their hotel room their apartment.
• Josie loved all the rides we went on... unlike the boys she wasn't afraid in the dark or when a villain came out. 
• When we were parking the car Josie said something to which my mom replied, "Josie you are a worry-wart." Josie said very matter-of-factly, "I wish you'd call me Arnold." That sentence alone is funny, but it was even better when we explained to my mom that Arnold from The Magic School Bus books is constantly worrying. 
• Grandshe announced that she and kids would break all the rules when we left them in her care the last night we were there. Will yelled, "I'm breaking all the rules." Josie didn't miss a beat and said, "Well except pooping your pants. Grandshe doesn't want you to do that. 

Here are some of the pictures that best capture Josie on our Disney World Trip:

It's rare you find your kindergarten friend at Disney!

School Update

Josie is doing great in 1/2 day kindergarten. It's crazy to think that the year is more than half over! She turns in a Book-It calendar every month. This means we read to her more than 15 minutes a day. She still goes to bed with a pile of books next to her. Currently they are learning about the moon and outer space. Josie comes home with interesting facts for us. They just had their 100 day party. Each kid had to bring in 100 of something. Josie made 100 finger prints in different colors that looked like leaves falling from a tree. She has a great vocabulary for a 5 1/2 year old. We are often impressed by the words and phrases she says. There are a few words that Josie doesn't say as well. I think this is my little reminder that she is still my little girl. For example, instead of saying "finally" Josie says "Fine-it-ly".  Josie also says "mine-zz" instead of "mine". Lastly, instead of saying "inappropriate" she says "in-re-appropriate". The thing that continues to stick with Josie is caring for others. She loves her brothers. She loves to take care of people and make them special. Keep it up Jos! Love you baby girl. 

Homework time!

Not really school related, but it makes me giggle when she gets more words correct than I do while doing Beatles Rock Band and she doesn't read the words yet...

Thanksgiving feast at school

Class picture with Pilgrim hats

Making snowmen on sleds

Josie, Will, and I at her Winter Party