Julianne's 9th birthday Party

A party full of fun and games....

Three-legged race

 Sponge-ball toss (This was the most popular game)

Even Brian got in on the action!

 Picture time...

Another favorite of the girls was picture frames pictures with "dress-up" sticks.

The girls had about 25 items to choose from and two different frames.

 And then there is Emma, who just wanted to pose...

When the family party begun the kites came out.  I don't know if they'd admit it, but I think the dads had more fun flying kites.  

 Ty having fun playing!

Julianne opening a few gifts.

Grandma Kay had fun with the whipped topping!

 Happy birthday with banana splits!

Cousins: Katelyn, Ty, Julianne, William, Ella

 The end of the day and we still have smiles...it was a great one!

Happy 9th birthday to my first-born!  Nine years of fun, laughter, tears and learning.  I am excited for the next nine years and what it will bring.  I love you from the bottom of my heart!  ~Mom

Happy 9th Birthday Julianne!

Happy 9th birthday Julianne!  Yes, that says 9th!  It is hard to believe that it has been 9 years since Julianne was welcomed into our arms and the doctor said, "It's a girl".  My how she has changed our lives - she brings us lots of smiles and laughs, she entertains us with song and dance, some days she makes me want to pull my hair out and she challenges me like crazy.  Through all of that I would not trade her for anything or anyone!

As we I started to prepare for Julianne's 9th birthday party, I had lots of thoughts on what I wanted to include and what I thought her friends and the family would enjoy doing at her party.  As I came up with ideas and asked Julianne about them (usually getting a go-ahead that will be fun and sometimes an eye roll) I was having lots of fun.

After planning activities, I began creating the invites for the party. As I started on the invites Julianne came to me and said she had an idea.  She informed me instead of getting presents for herself she wanted to collect items for others.  Yes, my heart melted and I felt affirmed in my parenting.  So, as we talked about what she could do, we talked about the idea of collecting and donating items to those who could use them.  Our conversation turned to the Mission Trip that members of our church would be taking to Rosebud Reservation in June.  Julianne wanted to collect craft items and flip flops for the mission trip members to take with.  I told her I would find out if that was a need.  After a few emails I found out the flip flops would be appreciated, along with cleaning supplies.  Unfortunately, craft items would probably go unused.  Julianne agreed to flip flops and cleaning supplies - she truly was happy to help others!

The birthday party invites went out to friends and family.  The RSVPs came in.  Then, the big day arrived, Julianne's 9th birthday and her party!  Julianne's friends arrived and brought with them bags of flip flops and cleaning supplies.  Then awhile later family arrived and so did more flip flops!  I could not believe my eyes - there were so many flip flops and cleaning supplies.  Plus some individuals donated money and Julianne got to go shopping for more items.  Her and I had a blast shopping for more flip flops and cleaning supplies.  I thought it was more fun than shopping for toys and I think she did too, as she had a twinkle in her eye that I hadn't seen before.

In the end, Julianne collected 76 pairs of flip flops, 6 bags of cleaning supplies, 6 laundry baskets, and some paper products.  Today, Julianne had the opportunity to share what she collected with the Missions team at church.  I was so proud of her and yes, it brought tears to my eyes as she talked about how good it made her feel collecting all these items for others.  The mission team was thankful and as a church we took the opportunity to pray over the items and the blessings they will provide to so many others.

Julianne's 9th birthday was a blessing, full of fun, smiles, laughter, memories, and dreaming.  She has such a big heart now, I can't wait to continue to fill it with joy, love, and Christ.  Julianne has so much to give and so many waves to make - and so, the adventure will continue!

Remembering loved ones...

Warning: Grandparents this may make you cry!!

Memorial Day weekend has different meaning for different people.  For me it is a special day to remember those who have passed before us.  As my kids get older, I try and share with them the memories I have of family who have passed that they may or may not have met.  My kids are lucky to have my mom and dad (Grammy and Papa) and Brian's mom (Grandma Kay) around.  They only have one living great grandparent and that is my Dad's mom.  The other 7 have passed and are our angels in Heaven.  Of the 7, 3 are buried in Sioux Falls.  This past Memorial Day I took the time to talk about those 7 who have passed (though I didn't meet Brian's 2 grandpas) and about Brian's Dad (Grandpa Dick).  Julianne decided the kids should make cards to take to the graves of the 3 here.  So they did...

 Julianne's card for Great Grandpa Bosseler (my Mom's Dad).  It still brings tears to my eyes to read this, because I feel the same way!

 Julianne's card for Great Grandpa Maiwald (my Dad's dad).  She is such a thoughtful person...he would have loved her too!

 The card for Great Grandma Bosseler (my mom's mom).  Julianne did get to meet her.  Julianne was 20 months when she passed away.  I show her pictures and we talk about Grandma B.

 Katelyn started making individual cards, but ended up making just one.  She has some understanding of this, but is still learning and has no memories with these 3 great grandparents.

 William's card.  He also made 1 card to share with all 3 great grandparents.

Visiting the graves.  It is hard for me to visit the graves still, but I know it is good for the kids.  Julianne, Katelyn and William are standing by the headstones of Grandma and Grandpa B.  I know Grandma B would be in LOVE with all 3 of my kids and my sisters 2 boys.  She would be spoiling them rotten.  I believe my Grandpa B would also feel the same way, like my kids I never got to meet him but he will always have a special place in my heart!  We love you Grandma and Grandpa B!!!

William, Katelyn and Julianne in front of Grandpa M's headstone.  Again, they never met Grandpa M but I have been lucky enough to share memories with them.  I know he would love them and would already be teaching them to play cards with Grandma B.

This was a day of fun and remembrance.  Looking at the pictures, I still get tears in my eyes.  I will always love and miss my grandparents no matter how much time goes by.

I also want to take a chance to remember Brian's Dad, Dick, who passed away last November.  He is thought of often and missed too!

Here is the last picture of Grandpa Dick & Grandma Kay with the grandkids.  It was taken during June 2007.  Since this picture another grandson, Ty, was welcomed into the family this past April.

Finally, here is a picture with Brian's Grandma Coen and Grandma Johnston.  This is one of the only pictures I have with us and both his Grandmas.

Memorial Day is a day to remember these loved ones on a day that is set aside to honor so many.  Though, there isn't usually a day that goes by that I do not think of one of these loved ones.  Whether it is a picture I see, a recipe I make, a wedding picture, or even just seeing one of my kids.  I love each of you and miss you.  May you continue to be our guardian angels and know that you are loved and missed!