nutcracker ballet 2012: lead mouse.

This past week, Ethnie had her annual Nutcracker Ballet performance at St. Kate's University. This year is the 25th year for Ballet MN so it was pretty exciting! Ethnie performed twice and she had the role of lead mouse. She was so excited and I couldn't be more proud of her! She had a part on stage all by herself and she was so brave. I was a bit nervous for Sunday's performance because it was sold out, but she didn't seem to be intimidated at all. 

All of these pictures were taken back stage. There are very strict rules about where cameras are allowed and in the theater is not one of them. Grrr. I always volunteer back stage and I couldn't even take pictures to the side of the stage; only back by the dressing rooms. 
 
Wednesday:

rat mask. the little ones are usually freaked out by these. they even have red eye lights.

having a snack before lining up.

angels. this is what Ethnie will be next year.

I can't even tell you how happy it makes me to watch her dance.

her cellulite-looking belly is part of the costume; not hers! ;)

Sunday:

posing!

this was the funniest costume!

Ethnie with her instructor, Miss MaryAnn

Nana got to come and watch. So proud!

a new chapter begins!

I am thrilled to announce that Matt is DONE with grad school and has his MBA!!! Saturday was the big ceremony and it was great to see him walk. Afterwards, we headed to his brother's house and had some amazing food to celebrate. It was a great weekend! Now, the really fun part. Landing a new job!;)

 ready to walk!

 group shot with his classmates

 so proud of my husband!

 Shawn, Matt's bud from class

 might need to get one of these

 Matt's class standing

 it's official!

 oh yeah!!

 all done!

 very proud parents:)

silly boy.

I have been in love with watching Emmett do anything lately. Although the stage he is in can be very challenging, it is also adorable and precious. He is saying more words each week and is growing up way too fast! :( Can you believe he will be 2 1/2 at the end of the month?!
He is such a busy boy. Getting into everything and playing all day long. He is ALL boy and it's an entirely new experience for me as a mom. He especially loves the Christmas decorations we put up last week. I have been watching him like a hawk around the tree and stockings. Here are a few photos of some silly things Emmett's been up to.

 For the past week, Emmett has been fascinated with this blush compact. He hasn't figured out how to open it yet; he just carries it around with him almost all day long. So silly.

 Yes, these are pink pj's. (Ethnie's old ones. Why not pass them down?)

Emmett will lay down on any surface to drive his cars. It's his favorite thing to do and he gets mad at whatever doesn't give him enough room to lay down to play.

Being silly with his buddy, Ezra!

 Checking out the Christmas absurdity at Menards. He just had to carry around this dowel rod we had cut.

Emmett,

I love being able to spend my days with you at home. You are my sweet little boy and I love you. You are at such a fun age and I love watching you discover new things and having fun. Keep being the busy, energetic boy that you are because it brings joy to my life every day.

love-  mom

my husband, superman.

I had just tucked Ethnie into bed and changed into my jammies. I came back out to the living room, turned the corner, and found this: my husband passed out at the dining room table trying to get some homework done. It was 8:30pm.
Yes, I left him there to sleep.

Matt jokes around often about being Superman and being able to do anything or lift anything, but I'm starting to think he is a superman. He is working full time to support our family, going to graduate school, making time to be with me, and making time to be the best father he can be. His plate is so full, yet I feel at times he's willing to pile more on top of it. How does he do it? He still comes home calm and with minimal complaints.
I am so grateful for Matt and all he does for our little family. He is such a hard worker and I know he will be rewarded for it. I only hope I can be successful like him so I can also provide for our family too some day!

special moments.

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Mostly because I'm on the brink of turning 30 (gulp) and I don't feel ready. hmm. But, how do you get "ready" to turn 30 anyway? It's a mental game I've been playing with myself for the last year and I need to get over it, right? 

I've been doing a lot of reflecting on the past 10 years. I have been blessed with so much and am so grateful for every little experience and thing I have. I found some pictures that I consider to be precious moments in my life. They are through my eyes and are a part of my happiness. The crazy thing is that I remember each of these moments like they happened yesterday. They are so clear in my mind and I hope they stay that way forever!

tying the knot :)

 graduating from the U of MN. (I was also pregnant and feeling very sick!)

pregnant and finally NOT sick at 8 months along! definitely a kodak moment. my dear friend and I took her daughter trick-or-treating at the mall as the 3 little pigs. :)   

becoming a mom. so worth it.

picnic at como park.

too sweet for words.

watching Ethnie smile as she opens gifts.

watching a father loving his daughter. one of my favorite things to witness. 

talking to Ethnie about waterfalls.

just a couple of days before this picture was taken, I found out I was pregnant with Emmett.

my boy.

watching Ethnie becoming a big sister.   

       

making sure Emmett has toys and a blanket for the car ride.

getting ready to nurse her baby so she can be like me.   

proud moment when Ethnie danced on stage for the first time.  

first Christmas morning as a family of four.

playing picnic on a warm early spring day.

most special mother's day. first one with both of my kids.

reading 

A lot has happened in the past 10 years, but I guess you could say I'm just getting warmed up. :)

Hope you all have a great week full of great moments!