This year has been one of the most impactful years for our family in many big ways.
We welcomed Xena to our home in January! She is a Doberman, weighing about 90 lbs (plus a few for love), and is completely deaf. We can communicate with her using basic sign language and she responds very well. She is so smart and has lots of energy which has been good for our family walks.
On February 20th, 2024, we signed our first official Mortgage! No more contract for deed or rent-to-own for us; this is the Vogel Home! Being a homeowner is so wonderful, and yes, we are as ready as we can be for all the unexpected things that come with owning a home. We already had to replace the water heater two years ago. In 2025, we are going to build a fence around the whole yard for the Xena to run around in.
Leander and Theodore have several Firsts for this year. First time going to the Husky’s men’s Basketball game in January; the First time fishing the Mississippi River in May; the first time going to Kindergarten and being in the same school as Theodore with Leander; and the First time visiting Wisconsin in June!
Meeting the extended Bulman Family members in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, was so heartwarming. Many people showed up with photos and memories and shared them with everyone. We even got to see Grandpa Dana’s grave with Mom (Donna) and Auntie (Diane), who shared quite a few stories about growing up in that little town. There was plenty of food for everyone and needless to say, our family recipe for homemade Lemonade was a hit! See the recipe below:
| Roll the lemons on a hard surface, pushing down with your palms, before slicing them in half. Squeeze the lemon juice out into the pitcher or glass. Some pulp is okay! Add sugar and water and stir well. Serve over ice. | |
| By the glass: 2 Lemons ¼ cup White Granulated Sugar Water Ice | By the Pitcher (1 Gallon): 9 Lemons 2 cups White Granulated Sugar Water Ice |
Leander had his first experience swallowing a non-food item this year. A heart-shaped rock… it really made for a cool x-ray! No, we did not ever recover it out the other side even though he really wanted it back. Instead, we bought more heart-shaped rocks and had a chat about not putting things in our mouths that don’t belong there.
Eston and I celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary this year on July 27! We’ve been together for almost 14 years in total now. This year was a quieter celebration just staying at home. It was nice to spend the day with family.
Between June to November, there has been construction on the roads surrounding our home. The city had contracted to replace water lines coming into our home and our neighbors and resurfacing the roads. We finally have painted lines and a mini roundabout near our home! We may be part of the few who are happy about having a roundabout as it will slow down some reckless drivers. (We can only hope…)
Eston celebrated his 40th Birthday this year! As always, he ages like fine wine, getting better every year!
Basil will be graduating High School this coming June, please stay tuned for the Graduation Celebration coming Spring of 2025!
Carla visited Minnesota this year, my twin sister and I had a great time hanging out and she even had a chance to get some good ‘ol Taco Johns with us as there are none of those in Virginia. Thank you so much Carla for being the best Auntie to our kids and spending time with our family!
Last but not least, our newest family member Miss Pepper Ann joined us this year. She is a feisty little cat who has fit right into our hearts perfectly. And the Christmas Tree we put up at Thanksgiving time has become an excellent hiding spot. Hopefully, she will grow out of climbing that tree quickly.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Our family and our home is a safe space. Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. Lots of love from our family to yours.
Check out our family website at vogelfam.org
Feel free to send us an email anytime at vogelfamily2012@gmail.com
Birthdays!
Carrie – 1/1
Basil – 2/26
Miss Pepper Ann – 4/4 🐈
Riley – 5/9
Einstein – 8/9 🐈
Leander – 9/11
Xena – 9/28 🐕
Theodore – 11/17
Eston – 11/24
The Vogel Family 
Leave a comment