big news around here!

 

 Yesterday, Ethnie came bounding off the bus yelling, "Mom! I have to show you something!"

Me: "What is it?"

Ethnie: "Look! My tooth came out!!!"

Me: "No way! Did it hurt?"

Ethnie: "No and I didn't even cry!"

Me: "That's awesome. Is your tooth in your backpack?"

Ethnie: No, I accidentally ate it!"

Me: "What?"

Her teacher called me just minutes later to explain to me what had happened. She was eating her apple at lunch and didn't even notice it came out. Ms. Leslie looked around for it and couldn't find it. She came to the conclusion that she had swallowed it. No blood, no tears, no worries! It was a big day here in the Vogl household. And yes, the tooth fairy did come.

i've got it good.

Ever have one of those days where you definitely realize how blessed and lucky you are? Well, today is one of those days for me. It is such a sobering feeling; knowing how good we have it. I see and hear about awful things happening around me every day and I still end up complaining about something! This is something I have been trying to keep fresh in my mind: what I have to be grateful for. Here are just a few:

- living in a free country
- a roof over my head
- plenty of food
- heat when I am cold
- clothing
- overall good health
- safety
- my husband
- my children
- my entire family!

spring break.

For Ethnie's spring break I took the kids up north to visit family. We had a great time! The kids really missed grandpa, grandma, and nana! We stayed at both houses and spent the majority of our time outside because it was so beautiful and warm. Going to the park was the most popular venue. We also played yard games and played with the pets! I also had a great visit with my grandparents. My grandma took us to the park one of the days. She brought popcorn and all the kids flocked to her! She was pretty popular. I just took some pictures of the kids having fun. I'll have to get the adults next time.

fresh burgers hot off the grill

Emmett's first four-wheeler ride

Lily went with!

thanks grandpa!

 

 

at the park with great grandma

swinging is Ethnie's favorite (mine too)

I REALLY had to keep my eye one him...

love the wood pile, but they were not into it

in Brainerd with Nana.

back home! Matt sure missed us. 

excited to ride her scooter

off to the park. again.

We can't get enough of this weather!!!

b&b surprise.

Matt surprised me with an overnight at our favorite bed and breakfast, the Nicolin Mansion. It was such a nice way to start the weekend. Matt took Friday off so we could pack up and bring the kids to my brother-in-law's place. They live in south MPLS so we decided to start our evening in Edina shopping.We went out for dinner then headed to the Nicolin in Jordan. It was so nice to relax and have some time together. And breakfast is the best part! Our feast included chocolate chip scones, a yogurt parfait, egg strata, seasoned potatoes, and a molten spice cake for dessert. Wheww! Needless to say, neither of us ate again until dinner. Thanks again babe!

my thursday.

Nothing special happened today; just a typical Thursday at home with Emmett. Without the car. Matt has class on Thursdays so he takes the car.
We took our usual walk around the block. It's Emmett's favorite thing to do before we wait for Ethnie at the bus stop. It's so cute watching him lumber along and step in all the puddles. Looking at his wardrobe, I can tell he needs bigger sizes in just about everything, but I don't want to buy anything for him unless it's for the summer season. I can't get myself to buy him anymore sweaters or warm pants! It's that time of year when we all start dressing for spring prematurely. We just want it to come so badly! I think it's far worse when you go somewhere warm for spring break and come back to colder temps. Once you've felt that warm air on your bare skin and have been wearing flip flops for a week, it's pure torture to put on a coat.
When Ethnie got home she and Emmett played really well together. They have this new 'game' where Ethnie runs around on all fours acting like a dog and Emmett chases after her. It's so funny to see him when he gets winded! His little body is not used to all that running. They also chase each other around the dining room table and laugh. Despite the noise, I really love those moments. They bring that joy into motherhood that we all want.
So that's it. Like I said, just a typical Thursday. Think spring everyone!

thank you, peppa pig.

Has anyone else seen this show before? It is ADORABLE. It's a very popular cartoon from the UK and my kids love it. It's great for parents too because there is no annoying music or characters. Plus, the British accent doesn't hurt! It's a very simple, sweet cartoon for kids. I don't think it's on cable anymore, but you can buy the DVDs online.
Another reason why I love this show so much is because it's one of the only shows that Emmett will actually sit down and watch all the way through. This means I can take a shower in peace! And in the morning, like most Americans. Usually, I am showering at a semi-sonic speed or fending off Emmett from opening the shower curtain. But now he can watch this show while I take advantage of one of life's many luxuries.

www.peppapig.com

snow, rain, sleet, repeat.

we just had our third (yes, only third!) larger snowfall of the season. the northern part of the state is a winter wonderland from what I hear, but it's a big slushy here in St. Paul. it snowed for awhile, poured rain all night, then there was a period of sleet, followed by another two inches or so of snow. by about 2:00 this afternoon it was melting fast. i shoveled the walk while emmett followed me around and it was hard work! the snow/slush was so heavy I thought for sure the blade on the shovel was going to snap off every time I took a scoop. eventually I started 'plowing' the slush into the street because there was no where else to put it. it's a good thing emmett was wearing his little green boots. :) after the walk I tackled the driveway. when I got inside I was beat. it's suppose to stay warmer so there will be more melting. I am grateful for this mild winter and am starting to get excited for spring!

20 months.

dear emmett,

i can't believe you are now 20 months old. your birthday is right around the corner! it's weird to think about. in the past month you have really taken strides in your ability to communicate. you are using more sign language, pointing, showing, and talking. it's so fun to see more of your personality every day. here are some new things you have been doing:

- your new words/phrases include: again, no don't, stop, socks, truck, baby, wow
- when you are hungry you try to help yourself to whatever is in the pantry, or you show me what you want. so cute!
- you are revealing your bad temper. when something does not go the way you want, you become so frustrated you start shaking and turn red. not so cute! however, as soon as the problem is fixed you are instantly happy again.
- you love to give people and toys of all kinds hugs. this is my favorite new thing you do. sometimes you even give your snack a hug.
- you really like to feed me. something about popping an object in my mouth makes you smile.

here are some recent pictures from this week:

playing trains with Finn

 

 

motor mouth

i love you, buddy.

- mom

learning to float. trying, anyway.

swimming lessons have been going really well. Ethnie is getting a bit braver each week. last week, she learned about boat safety, wearing a life jacket, and attempted to float on her own without a life jacket on. this did not go too well for Ethnie. she was terrified of the instructor letting go of her. he let go for an instant and she went under. that was the end of floating for the week. she hasn't quite gotten the concept of relaxing in the water yet. most of the kids didn't. she is also working on flipping from front to back in the water while trying to float. this is also scary for her. all in all, she is making progress and gets excited to go every week, which is all that matters to me! next week I'll try to take some pictures of her in action.

have a great weekend!