Our mild winter

The winter here in Michigan sure hasn't lived up the hype this year.  We were all bracing for the worst when we were told last fall that it was going to be a bad one.  We really haven't had a big storm that dumped a considerable amount at one time (knock on wood) and have just had a few instances of and inch or two accumulating. 

Now I'm not complaining, but Marie and Joey were getting a bit anxious about how much sledding they were not doing.  Nonetheless, we have been able to make it out to the sledding hill a few times.  Even when there is grass peeking through the snow, the hill is steep enough that you still go down.  Marie and Joey still really enjoy it.  In fact, with the smaller amounts of snow, it has been easier for them to climb back up under their own power instead of making Jon pull them up in the sled.  (Nope, still no tow rope.)  They still enjoy "bailing" out when they come anywhere close to the strategically placed straw bales.  No injuries to speak of...yet.  (Knock on wood again.)  We are not sure why, but Stevie does NOT like sledding.  He doesn't mind the cold or even sitting in the snow, but as soon as we sit in the sled, he starts protesting.  We're really hoping he grows out of that!

Marie is now well into the second half of her kindergarten year.  I attended the (optional) parent teacher conference after the second quarter and her teacher had almost only good things to say.  She continues to breeze through most of the traditional reading and math lessons but it is fun to see her learn new things during her Spanish and religion classes.  She is also learning and growing socially.  It has really been valuable for her to make new friends and be exposed to some other "strong" personalities.  It has also been a good experience for us to learn how to best teach her how to deal with those strong personalities. 

Dare I say that Joey is completely potty trained?  We are still cautious about nap time and bed time, but I can't remember the last time he had an accident.  He has lately been recognizing more letters and numbers and has just recently taken up writing his name by himself.  Though he just turned three 2 1/2 months ago, he regularly talks about when he will get to go to school.  He wants to be just like his sister...he is growing up so fast.

Speaking of growing up fast, there is Stevie.  He will be turning ONE is less than two weeks.  This is such a fun age.  We are really able to see his personality start to come through.  He is learning all the time.  He is so proud of himself and grins from ear to ear when he "helps" us to put something away, shut a door, or turns off a light.  He is now a very accomplished walker and most often chooses that as his primary method of getting around.  He is more of a climber than the other two were.  You know all those stools we have around the house for Joey to be able to reach sinks and counters?  Yeah - going to have to re-think that.  You would also think that with two older siblings, we would have all the necessary cabinets baby-proofed...nope.  We've had to get out that hardware and do some spur of the moment installations.  He definitely keeps us on our toes.  :)

Jon has been busy with work and with his course.  It seems like this semester has been a bit less stressful than last term for him and I'm thankful for that.  This week he is getting ready for a trip to Germany for work.  I think he is excited to go; he has always wanted to go there.  But, perhaps not excited about being away for that long. 

Peg's work has been going well also, though we have been pretty busy (read: on the verge of swamped).  The situation just continues to fit our family and I can't say enough about my employer's flexibility and understanding.  They truly get that my priority is my family and don't make me feel guilty at all about leaving at 2:30 every day to pick Marie up from school. 

We had a short visit a couple of weeks ago from Grandma and Grandpa Meinhart.  Uncle Mark and Aunt Sarah hosted a baby shower / house warming party, so they came up for the event.  They stayed for a few days and as always helped out with the kids, cooking, cleaning, etc.  They really don't get paid enough for what they do.  :) 


Here are a couple of tidbits from the kids before I forget.

I have come to realize that one of the things that I am ALWAYS saying is, "Just a minute."  This was brought to light one day when Joey asked me to do something, though I can't remember what it was.  After my typical response, he replied, "Is that a short minute or a long minute?"

While the whole family was out sledding one afternoon, I was taking my turn while Jon stayed near the top of the hill with Stevie.  Joey and I were trekking back up the hill.
Joey: I want to go with Dad.
Jon: But I'm holding Stevie.
Joey: Well, you could put Stevie in Mom's arms and she could take him in because he might be getting frozen.

Joey (thoughtfully speaking to Peg):  You know, you're kind of like a grown-up.

Marie and Joey frequently talk about when they get older how they will be a mom and a dad.  During baths one night we were all in the bathroom and this was the exchange.
Joey: When I get big, then there will be THREE dads.
Marie: No there will only be two.
Joey: No, three.  Me, Stevie, and Dad.
Marie (very matter of fact-ly): Well, Dad might be dead by then.

I think that's it for now.  Stay tuned...I expect March to be a busy and eventful month with all the birthdays, a visit from Uncle Matt, and also with the birth of our new niece/nephew!  Can't wait!