The Joe I Know

Six years old today. Can you believe it? My little guy is not quite so little any more. Capable of so many things. He is a kind hearted little boy, still on the shy side, lots of fun. He loves his sports, mostly baseball and football like dad. You can find him watching any miscellaneous football game now, just because he loves it so much. A big help around the house and crazy for video games. He's begun reading and loves to take his time when he draws. It'll often take him an hour to color a birthday card for someone, he wants it to be just right. Still likes cars, but loves Star Wars now too. And absolutely loves going to the movies. He's doing great in school...socially and academically. He is my sweet, sweet boy.

Today happened to be the day of his class fall/Halloween party, and I was lucky enough to be a parent volunteer for it. It was such a nice time..crafts, cupcakes, games. I love the chance to see him in that environment. I loved the chance to spend the time with him today.

Happy 6th Bithday Joe Joe!

Fall Fun

A Haunted Burleigh Elementary

The school costume party was last Friday night. All students, parents, and younger siblings are invited. I've been hearing about it for years now from my sister, but this was our first experience. There was a lot more to it than I had imagined. There were treats in the cafeteria, a DJ in the Viking room (disco lights and dancing too!), the small gym had all kinds of crafts and treat bags, and last but not least the large gym with tons of games and mazes (not to mention the plastic black cauldrons with dime store prizes). The kids had a lot of fun. It was especially fun for them to have their cousins Nathan and Lauren to share it with.

I'm pretty sure that our Packer and 50s girl had a blast!

The "Friend" Party

Boy was I wrong. I was so worried that this was going to be such a chaotic event that would leave our heads spinning...and I was wrong.

Joe had his friend birthday party last Wednesday at the indoor soccer complex just down the road from our house. It was a two hour party...the first hour was led soccer games down on the indoor field. They had so much fun. Joe's face was purple and his hair was wet, a sure sign of a great time. After that we went to their party room where the tables look like soccer fields. The pizza, popcorn, and pink lemonade were waiting. Four pitchers for these thirsty kids. Joe opened his presents, and they all sang to him before digging into the yummy cupcakes.

We're still getting to know a lot of the boys and their parents, so this was a great chance to visit a bit.

A really nice bunch of boys.

I'm so glad I was wrong.

The Family Party

With the kids birthdays only 12 days apart, we decided last year that we would just always combine their family party. Seemed to make the most sense. We had really nice weather considering, a lot of the kids played outside. A little football, some on the swingset, the pinata. It's always a house full, even when we try to keep it on the smaller side. But when it's so crowded, I like to look around and see all of the people that love them. It really is amazing. My favorite part...it's the look on their faces while everyone sings to them.

It's pure joy.

Happy Birthday to my Joe Joe and Katie girl.

The Pumpkin Patch

I kept telling Jason last Monday... that days like today are the reason I love Fall the best. It was in the upper sixtys, the brightest blue sky, and beautiful colored leaves. When Joe got off the bus that afternoon, we packed up and headed over to a local pumpkin farm. Seemed like the perfect thing to do with the wonderful day we'd been given. It's a cute little place, the kids ran around pulling the wagons and looking at the little kittens that were all around. Kate giggled every time one got near. After a little debate over which ones would be the perfect ones to grace our stoop, we loaded them in the van and headed home. I love going to get pumpkins. And I love the Fall. It's the best.

Two Cute

I am so behind with our blog...So many things/events/happenings sitting and waiting to be posted. We've had six weeks of school for Joe, which has brought us Safety Town, field trips...it's truly become fall which has brought us an afternoon of leaf jumping, our niece Lauren has turned eight...and on and on. I will at sometime try to get back to those things. But for today, well, I couldn't let it go by without a big, shout it from the rooftop Happy Birthday to our Kate.

Is she really already two? Sometimes it seems like yesterday, but most of the time it's as though she's always been with us...a part of us.

She was up early this morning, 4 am to be exact. She did go back to sleep at 5 for a bit, but who can blame a girl for being excited to celebrate her birthday? Especially at two. She opened presents this morning, the whole time telling us that "it's going to be my birthday soon." Donuts for breakfast, shopping with Aunt Renee, lunch with Grandma Vicki and Aunt Renee, home for a nap, and Culver's ice cream for dessert after dinner. There was some serious teeth brushing tonight. Ugh. In between, her day was filled with well wishes from everyone that loves her. And that was a lot of wishes.

These past few months have brought such changes in her. She talks in sentences, can put slip on shoes on by herself, feeds herself (even the above mentioned ice cream tonight), talks on the phone, tells secrets in your ear, started going potty in the little potty chair, climbs any size ladder if it means getting to a slide, colors, and drinks from a big kid cup with meals.

She is a dream come true. Our dream come true.

Our dolly girl, our Katie girl, our Kate.

Happy 2nd Birthday to you.

Labor Day at the Lake

It has to be one of my favorite places to spend time with family. It's out at the lake.

The Saturday of Labor Day weekend we went out to Okauchee Lake to celebrate the holiday with tons of family. My great aunt and my godparents live on the lake, only one house between them. We went between houses for food, fun, and just to enjoy the company. There must have been 40-50 of us in all. From first to third cousins all enjoying the day. And although I wish we saw each other more than the handful of times a year that we do, the conversation is always easy. The kids have such a great time together...the rope swing, the trampoline, not to mention the licorice straws. Who's great idea was that?

Thanks for having us Jeff, Kathy, and Auntie Florence, it was an incredible day.

Kindergarten...Here I Come

This was a big one. I've been through lots of milestones before with this guy...first smile, first word, first step. But somehow, the events of this week seemed bigger to me. On Tuesday, September 1st, Joe started kindergarten. I've had almost six years to get ready for this day, yet when the last shoelace was tied that morning, I felt a little incomplete. Maybe I should just tag along for the day...no one would really mind, and he might just need me for something. No, no...this was his day to shine. His day to show us that all he's been taught up until now has paid off and he's ready for this awesome journey to begin. One of those times when your heart and mind aren't quite on the same page.

Jason and I both took the day off, and it was a nice morning at home. Banana bread for breakfast, dressed, and outside for pictures in plenty of time to catch the bus. We were a little worried about how things on the bus would go, and we tried to prepare Joe for all possible scenarios. He's the second to last stop, which means that the bus is pretty full by the time it gets to our house. He went up the steps just fine, but then froze when he looked out onto all of those faces. After what seemed like forever, a nice little girl finally moved over for him to sit down. Whew. He did it. We hopped in the van and raced over to school so that we could see him get off and stand in line with all of the other kids in his class and his teacher (Mrs. Scoby). If you ask Joe how to say her name, he'll tell you that "it's not Scooby"...but rather the O is long. After the last one got off the last bus, they followed their teacher into the building to begin the day. The parents met in the cafeteria for a "champagne and kleenex" breakfast. The principal thinks that more parents want champagne to celebrate the kids going back, so funny. We spent most of the rest of the day wondering what he was doing and looking forward to the bus bringing him safely home at 4.

He got home right on time, and was so excited to see us all...but Kate especially. He picked her up, hugged her, and spun her around. And they were off to play. In the days that have followed, she repeats "miss Joe, miss Joe" from the moment he gets on the bus and throughout the day until she sees him again. She'll get used to it I'm sure...but will I?

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine

Ugh. Here we are. The last day of summer upon us. We did manage to make the most of it though. There was a beautiful sky today. Bright blue, big puffy white clouds. 70 degrees and actually quite warm in the sun. My sister and I took the kids and we went on an adventurous hike. I'm not using the word adventurous lightly, there were frogs, snakes, and all sorts of bugs to speak of. There's a plank path that leads from one of our city parks to one of our county parks. It's a really nice walk, lots of nature to take in. The plank path lead us to the county park, and the man-made beach and lake. It was so nice. The kids explored, played in the sand...my niece Lauren even set up a stand where she sold rocks that they found. Mostly, they were happy just enjoying each other's company. Not a pencil or math problem was thought of...we'll leave that for tomorrow.

Better get to bed, it's a school night.

Very Cherry

Without a doubt, Very Cherry is the best tasting Jelly Belly. Well, in my opinion at least.

Jason had taken a vacation day last Friday for Joe's kindergarten registration, and that only lasted until 9am. So, we decided to do something fun as a family with the rest of our day. We decided to head south and go to the Jelly Belly tour. If you ask Joe, the best part was the end of the tour when you're dropped off in the gift shop. The best part of the gift shop? Why the sample counter of course. The sample counter is not for the faint-hearted though. Oh, they have the typical, yummy flavors like Grape Crush and Tangerine...but they also have some grosser than gross flavors to try. Flavors like barf, baby wipes, wet dog food, and booger.

Yuck.

I'm almost gagging now just thinking about it.

Besides the thought of tasting something resembling barf...I had a great time.

A Summer Picnic

Last Sunday was a great day for a lot of things...baseball, tennis, lunch at the park, time spent with good friends. We chose all of the above. We met our good friends, Kim and Erik, at the park for a wonderful afternoon. Erik's mom, Pat, was in town visiting from Rhode Island, and we always try to see her while she's here. A super lady. They boys hit the baseball diamond and tennis courts while the girls opted for a more laid back approach of the swings and slides. Laid back that is until Jason came over to push the kids on the merry-go-round. I thought they were all going to fly off. Can't you remember as a kid barely being able to hang on?

Jack and Joe had such fun hanging out together, Ellie and Kate too...and the rest of us loved to snuggle over Erin.

Thanks guys, it was a really good time...see you next month Pat.

Happy Birthday James

We celebrated our nephew James' 4th birthday last weekend. Unseasonably cool for late August, but the weather didn't seem to hamper the festivities. We were really excited to get there, not only to share in the celebration, but Jason's sister was going to tell everyone the sex of her baby at the party. It was actually James that let us know...the front of his t-shirt:"Brothers Don't Shake Hands", the back:"Brothers Gotta Hug." So cute. Most everyone had guessed that the baby would be a girl, but we're so excited to welcome this little guy this winter. What will the name be? That's still being decided on.

The sandbox and swing at the party were huge hits, and of course the ice cream cake. What an exciting year this will be for James, what a great big brother he'll be.

A New View of the Zoo

We must have gone to the zoo at least a dozen times this summer, it's been an easy way to pass the day and the kids love it there. Just to change it up a bit, I try to do/see something different each time we go. We went with our nephew Nathan last week. We ended up having lunch at the Family Farm area...I had promised the kids that they could go to the playground for a while. It was great, they now serve paninis and sliders at the zoo! So trendy. On the way out, we hit this new cool area where you can "pan" for different stones/gems/arrowheads. They boys picked arrowheads...I'm sure that Kate would have chosen gems had I let her take part. She is a jewerly girl. It was really cool, they emptied part of the bag that we purchased a little at a time and then dip the tray in the flowing water and the goodies are left behind. The only trouble is that I think they just may want to stop at this attraction everytime from now on...

Rollingstone

A couple of weeks ago now, Jason and Joe headed up to the northwoods for a little fishing and boating...boy time. Jason's sister and dad came up for the day too which made for even more fun times. The whole family loves their time up at the lake, peaceful, relaxing...good family time. Good cousin time too. From Jason as a kid with the other three boys, to Joe and James. Tradition.

T-Ball Tales

Another season of t-ball under our belts, it was a fun one. Jason was one of the coaches again, and Kate and I were sideline cheerleaders. He played with the league through St.Dominics, they have a great program there. No outs, everyone gets to bat, and every fourth batter hits a grand-slam. The added bonus...a Culver's ice cream social on the last night.

Life is good.

I Got My Sister With Me

When we were expecting Kate, I was a little worried about how close the kids would be being four years apart. Those have proven to be wasted worries. From the moment Kate wakes up, it's "where's Joe?", and it only stops when she goes back to sleep at night. And Joe loves the big brother role, he does a great job of taking care of his sister. It's as though it's always been the two of them.

Of course, they have their moments when Joe wants to play alone and Kate wants to wrestle...but they work it out.

I'm so glad they have each other.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Jason and Joe went to the Packer's Family Night this year. We did the Lambeau tour last year, and we thought he'd have so much fun sitting in the seats to watch the scrimmage. I'm sure that he would have, had the weather not turned to a lightning storm 15 minutes after they sat down. Oh well, things don't always turn out how you think they will.

At least they got to take part in all of the pre-game fun...jumping rooms and obstacle courses.

He's already asking to be taken to an actual game now, who could blame him?

Pretty in Peach

It's Funny What You Can Fit Into A Tuesday...

A Playdate

Joe's good friend Jack came over for the day last Friday. It was one fun filled playdate. Just to start things off right, it was donuts for all! And why not? The boys spent the morning at vacation bible school at our church, and Kate and I picked them up at lunchtime. Off to Culver's and the park for some fun. It was pretty warm out, and everyone needed cooling off by the time we got home. So, I set up the sprinkler. After that, Jack had an awesome idea that they sometimes do at his house. You take the hose and hook it up to the slide on your swingset for a homemade water slide. So cool! I let Kate go down by herself and she probably flew 5 feet off the bottom...nothing hurt, but that was it for the water slide for her. The boys just kept going. It was great. Once Kate went down for her nap, the boys brought out the Power Wheels Hummer and must have driven it around the yard for an hour, all I heard from inside was their laughter.

A really fun day.

One Fish, Two Fish

Joe has always been crazy for swimming, and Kate is quickly following right behind. It's been rare for a week to go by this summer without being in the water at least once. They love it! Joe does really well, he loves to swim underwater with his goggles. We're at my grandparent's house pretty often to visit and swim...it's becoming a bit of a struggle to get them to come out. It usually takes ice cream or a popsicle to do it, but I suppose there are worse things.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

There's a big area in our back yard that used to be filled with old overgrown plants and a dead crabtree (alright, the crabtree is still there, just less of it now). But earlier this summer, Jason and his uncle Jim cleared out a big patch and tilled it for a garden. Jason even came across a bird's nest clearing out the brush. It was a lot of work for them, but it really turned out to be a cute little garden for us this year. Growing up, we always had a garden, and it was always neat to watch everything grow. The best part, of course, was to see the literal fruits of the labor. Since we didn't fence it in this year, our beans, peas, and beets were eaten weeks ago. But, our tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries have thrived. Joe picked our first cucumber this week. I really think kids love having something to take care of, it's a fun summer project. Hopefully we'll expand on it a bit more next year.

A Walk in the Park

The kids and I went over to Wirth Park to play for a while this morning. I didn't want to waste the sunny, mild morning indoors. They took off running once we got there. It's fun to see Joe with her on the equipment, he watches out for her...hangs onto her. I had to drag them away when it was time to go..a happy morning.

Tree Huggers

Who doesn't like to climb a tree?

Wild Things

Joe had his last zoo class for the summer this past Tuesday; tigers. We dropped him off, and Kate, Michael, Nathan, Lauren and I went to walk around the zoo for a couple of hours until he finished. It's always a fun time. We go pretty often, but there's always something different going on.
By the way, did you know not to approach a tiger if it's tail is down? Joe tells me that means danger. Although, I'm pretty sure I won't be approaching a tiger if it's tail is up, down, or somewhere in the middle.

St. Dominic's Festival

We had promised Joe all week that we'd take him to the festival last weekend. We finally made it over there on Sunday afternoon. It was a nice time...the car show, the games, the rides...and yes, the grape sno-cones.

Baby On Board

We got some pretty great news last Saturday. I mean some really great news. Jason's sister Julie and her husband Jerry are expecting in January. They were married last Labor Day weekend, and everyone has been waiting for this news ever since the "I Do-s". Julie had planned a get together for lunch at the park. Once we all got there, she asked us to all come together for a quick picture (yes, I know that I'm the only one not paying attention during the photo op). Instead of yelling "say cheese", Jerry yelled "Julie's pregnant". Very fun.

Something not so very fun from last Saturday, that would be my incident during the kickball game. I played barefoot because playing in flip-flops would be dangerous, right? Anyway, I'm not exactly sure what happened, but there were stones and dirt everywhere...and I ended up with one bad scrape. I was actually limping a bit until yesterday. When I told one of my co-workers what happened, I was reminded that maybe I'm not as young as I used to be...right.

But enough of all that...we're so excited for Julie and Jerry, and big brother James!

We can't wait to meet our new niece or nephew!

Welcome To The Lake

My Auntie Florence turned 81 last week. Such a fun spirit. She has five sons, and God bless her for raising them to be such wonderful people. My godparents, Jeff (her second oldest) and Kathy, live two doors down from her on Okauchee Lake. They invited us out to celebrate last Friday night. The weather forecast was for thunderstorms most of the day, and we pretty much thought we'd be inside for the night. But not a drop fell, not all day, not all night. And it was the most beautiful sunset out on the boat. Jeff let each of the kids take a turn driving, we all had such a nice time. The kids loved the trampoline out in the lake! And I could listen to my grandpa and Auntie Florence tell stories all night. Great food, hospitality, and such wonderful family.

Thanks for the invite and fun Jeff and Kathy!

Swimming With The Cousins

Last week I took the kids out to my grandparent's house for a little dip in the pool. It was supposed to be a cool day, but it turned out to be a beautiful one. The water was a bit chilly since they haven't been putting the cover on at night, but you got used to it after a few minutes. Seemed to take me a few minutes longer than it took the kids...

My grandma came up with a new version to a game my sister and I used to play when we were young. Each kid had to find, dive, and pick up four quarters and one gold dollar in the shallow end. They could keep it if they could get it. Somehow we used to have to dive for quarters in the deep end...

They had a blast!

Kate got a consolation dollar too, we might have to wait until next year before she's diving.

And the Rocket's Red Glare

Another Fourth of July is here...it seems to sneak up on me now. When I was younger, I used to think of it as the middle of summer. But the time does fly. We went to the Brookfield parade this morning, and the ify weather held out for a great time. We were with my sister and her family, her inlaws, and my brother in law's sister and her family. His sister lives out east, but they're usually here for the week of the fourth and are so fun to be around. This is the first year that Kate got into running out for candy, and she just may have gotten more than Joe. He's always been a bit timid about running out there, but not our Kate. I might have seen her throw a few elbows for a tootsie roll or two. The UW band was there again, they're always a blast to watch...and Joe was so excited to see Brett Favre's 1997 Porsche.

After the parade, we headed over to my sister's house for lunch. Always great food and company. And great fun for the kids thanks to the water balloons that my mom brought...

Did I mention that I hid behind Kate during part of the parade because all of the cub scouts were armed with super soakers? Still got it right in the face...I think I'll have to re-think my wreath buying this year...

A Strawberry Sunday

Joe and I went out to pick strawberries this morning. I can't imagine a nicer day. There were bright blue skies and such a nice breeze. We were there early, rode out on the tractor and went to work. About 30 berries in, Joe thought he'd be a better foreman than berry picker. "Mom, there's a red one over here for you to pick..." It was pretty funny. He did good though. I'd never made jam before, but Jason's grandma always had for them growing up. So, this was the year I thought I'd give it a try. It was pretty easy, and all 14 jars are on the kitchen counter as I write. A few more containers filled in the freezer, and the best of the best in the frig for Joe and Kate to snack on.

Growing up, my grandma took my sister and I berry picking every year out in Dousman. Lurvey Farms. I think we used to eat as many as we picked. Nothing beats the taste right from the field.

The weather was so nice, that Joe and Kate had a picnic outside for lunch. Chicken, Sun Chips...and strawberries of course.

Happy 87th Birthday Cliff!

My great uncle Clifford turns 87 tomorrow...wow, now that is something. It's difficult for me to really understand all of the changes he's seen in all his years. But, as so many things around him have changed, he has for the most part...remained the same. Still listens to his library of classical musical almost if not daily. When I say library, I mean library. We're talking about thousands of records and cds, and it takes him only a minute to find the one he wants to listen to. He can play at least a dozen different instruments, from the organ to the violin. As if that weren't a big enough accomplishment, he can't read a note. He plays each instrument by ear. Sometimes when he is playing, I'll try to test him. "Hey Cliff, how about some Stephen Foster?"...he'll start in on Jeanne with the Light Brown Hair without missing a beat. Truly amazing. He has such a love of children, but didn't ever have any of his own. There's not a member of the family that hasn't played the penny game with him...

My grandma had us over for a birthday party for him on Saturday, more fun in the pool. All of the kids (except Kate) were crazy for the diving board, just couldn't get enough. Reminded me of my sister and I growing up. Kate and Lauren brought out their matching suits for this year too! I started with them last year, Lauren gets the big girl version..and Kate the little girl. So cute. Oh yeah, and she jumped another 30 times off the side this visit. She's a fish.

Happy, Happy Birthday Clifford! It was so nice to spend the day celebrating with you!

Swimming Lessons

Joe and Lauren took Level 2 swimming lessons together this session at Wirth Park. The summer lessons run for a 1/2 hour everyday for two weeks. They had all of their testing Wed and Thurs of this week, so they could be free to enjoy "Fun Friday" today. It was jumps off the diving board, trips down the big slide, and of course...candy to pass around to the class at the end.

(No chocolate on a day like today!)

They both passed and can now sign up for Level 3A...I still want to enjoy the accomplishment of front and back floats for now.

Congrats Joe and Lauren!

Our Kate

Father's Day

It has been a crazy weekend to say the least, but at least today was a day of mostly relaxation and fun. A day to celebrate the dads/grandpas/godfathers in our lives. My thoughts go to the kids and what a wonderful daddy they have in Jason, he loves them to pieces.

The weekend started with a rummage at my sister's house on Thursday, and it had been a couple of hectic days before that getting ready for it. But, considering that we were only open Thursday, a couple of hours on Friday, and a half day on Saturday...it went pretty well. My sales were mostly all baby items...alright, mostly all baby clothes, but it adds up. I have to admit that I was sad to see some of it go. It's really more of the memories attached to the things that gets me. I am a nostalgic person to say the least.

On Thursday, Kate woke up with bright red cheeks that almost looked like sunburn. But she hadn't been outside at daycare at all the day before. She has sensitive skin, so we thought maybe some type of heat rash. I called the doctor on Friday morning when the symptoms didn't seem to be getting any better. She went in at 5:45 pm...and was disgnosed with Fifths. Just a virus that can last up to three weeks. By Friday, it was on her arms too. Once the discoloration on the cheeks shows up, she's no longer contagious. Was that really positive news? At least it hasn't really affected her at all. Just a waiting game now for it to go away.

Saturday was a crazy day for Jason...14 hours of moving and driving to move both his mom and sister. He could hardly move when he got home last night, yikes!

Ahh, finally we get to this morning...Joe was up early again and thought it would be a good idea for the two of us to get started on the chocolate chip pancakes for dad...

I put him off until a little after six and an hour later the four of us were at the table having breakfast. After lunch, we headed out to my grandparent's house for a grill out and swim. First time in the pool this year. It seems that Kate wanted to beat all of us in and simply went to the edge by the steps and jumped. Jason and I were right there, and yet we turned our heads and she was in and underwater. Very scary for a second, but yet not too surprising with that one. I've been told that she's just the adventurous type, I'd say that's an accurate statement. Especially after today. But, all is well. She jumped in from the edge about 30 more times, but this time into Jason's arms. A more preferable route for sure. Joe had a blast too. I tried to get him to practice his strokes for swimming class, but her preferred playing with the water football and the torpedos. Who could blame him?

It was nice to spend the time with my grandparents, you always feel taken care of there.

Shh, it's a secret, but we stopped at the Kiltie drive-in on the way home for ice cream. And I most certainly did not have a medium twist cone after eating that huge dinner. Or did I let Joe have some of our ice cream after he had that big ice cream bar at my grandparent's house. No way, not me.

The Twins at Two

Our niece and nephew, Emma and Ayden, turned two last week. We went over to their place to celebrate. How fun to see how they've grown. Twins, but so different from each other. Ayden, definitely the more chatty and outgoing one...while Emma seems so laid back and just takes it all in. Kate couldn't stop calling to her and trying to hug her, she loves her girl cousins especially!

Here's to all that is to come, happy birthday!

Today 4k, Tomorrow the World

The end of Joe's first school year, and I was lucky enough to be the parent helper last Friday to be a part of it. The weather was beautiful, and kids were ready to break out for the summer. It was a fun year...all leaving knowing their letters, being better public speakers thanks to weekly show and tell, and mainly all leaving with 16 close friends.

Can't you just see all of the possibilities in their eyes?

Thank-you Mrs. Krueger and Mrs. Holle for a great year!