Lauren started horseback riding lessons. . .

And is she in her element here! The silly Lauren we've all come to know (and love :0) is the most responsible young lady when she's at the stable. She brushes her horse nicely, puts the blanket and saddle on and is such a good girl when she's riding. She is taking this very seriously and says she wants this over volleyball :( , over swimming, over gymnastics. . . so this is it for now. Hunter starts inline hockey Sunday and Gav & I are going to take "little dipper" swimming lessons :0) So there's plenty to keep us busy! Lovin' every minute of it though.

Are ya tired of that old post yet???

Here's something new. . . Lauren got a spring haircut! Now if it would only quit snowing so Spring can officially begin! I haven't had a chance to post because I've been busy painting, hanging pictures, etc. getting ready for Friday night's party. I had the girls over for an "Uppercase Living party"- decorative vinyl lettering for on your walls. Check out http://www.uppercaseliving.com/ if you're interested in something that might personalize your home a little more than a picture. Gavin's finally to an age where he'll listen and play nice by himself so I can get some stuff done around here! Uppercase Living has an expression that says "God grant me patience to deal with my blessings"- my sister jokes that I should get that but I think I really will! My little blessings have been wonderful lately- Hunter's actually checking the mail everyday because he's so confident that he's got a good report card- I'll let ya know! LOL

Here's your chuckle for today. . .

Try to contain yourself! After my cousin Teri got glasses, I too wanted desperately to have a pair ( I really really wanted the "snakeskin" carrying case). So to be sure I'd leave that eye exam with a cool pair of glasses- I faked my exam- the whole thing! I could see those letters just fine but they didn't have to know that! Was that an "E" or an "F" ? And here I share with you, what I worked so hard far! Imagine my mother's surprise the day I brought home those school pictures! I can remember the guy told me to say "pizza". And he got me on the "a" instead of the "pi". The retake's not much better! So for your enjoyment and to amuse my nephews, I posted my best picture. You can check out my handsome nephew's new glasses (along with my other handsome nephew and my beautiful neice at http://www.littleladybugreports.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!

Spring is in the air!

As we finally got outside to enjoy some warm weather, we noticed a robin making plans to move into the nest in our Japanese Maple. This tree didn't turn out "looking" the way I had hoped but we have enjoyed season after season of robin's laying their eggs, seeing the babies grow up and then fly away. A good "cycle of life" lesson for the kids. It's also that time of year when Lauren, the neighborhood animal rescue hero, checks all the local window wells for fallen victims- usually baby bunnies. We've also rescued turtles, frogs, mice, a woodchuck and even a kitty in the 3 years we've been here. Today we saw deer in the field across the way and at night the coyotes have been spotted. Spring is such a wonderful season as the animals have their babies and they too enjoy the warmer weather. The miracle of life is so fascinating and I'm grateful enough to witness it each time I go to work. Happy Spring!

We can't forget our "little" Hunter

Well I've written plenty about Gavin and lots about Lauren but we can't forget our "little" Hunter! Okay- so 6'4" tall isn't exactly little for my 8th grader but no matter how tall he gets, he'll always be my baby! (moms you know what I'm talking about! :0) Hunter's getting excited to start highschool in just 6 months! We had highschool orientation last week where Hunter had the opportunity to meet future teachers, coaches, etc. He's excited about Cross Country and track. I'm pretty sure the football and basketball coaches were eyeing him up too- along with some girls I caught looking his way!!! Oh- I am NOT ready for that! He's enjoying inline hockey right now and is plenty busy with his science fair coming up on April 8th. I'm proud to say that he is a really good kid- I call him my "gentle giant". I tell him that his smile not only lights up the room, but the entire house! And Gavin just loves him to pieces. (He and Lauren have more of a "love-hate" relationship if you know what I'm talking about!) We gotta go now and pick up some "Rain Gutter Regata" boats for yet another science project.

My Little Butterfly

We've made it a tradition to go every year to the "Kid's Expo" where the kids can do tons of fun stuff and I get to collect freebies from all the vendors :0) Lauren's favorite thing (after of course jumping on the bungees, romping through the bounce houses, playing in the petting zoo, decorating cookies, etc.) is getting her face painted. This year she chose a "butterfly". Her friend Hanna came along this year and in addition to the above, they danced with Radio Disney, watched a magic show (who ironically happened to be the same magician who performed at Lauren's first birthday party) and sang with the "Ladybugs"- a group of preteen girls dressed in red and black polkadots who sing oldies like "Shake it up baby", etc.) Now, normally I'd never let Lauren go to school with that getup on her face however; Susan said she was going to let Hanna (provided it made it through the night- which I think Susan was hoping it wouldn't), so I figured "what the helk". After very carefully sleeping with her face in the air, Lauren's butterfly made it through the night intact- she also strategically chose to wear a blouse with butterflies on it so she was good-to-go this morning. Well, I just got a call from Mr. Tamez and Lauren doesn't know it yet but when she gets back from art class the butterfly's got to go :0( I'm just glad HE'S the one who has to tell her- spare me the drama! It was fun while it lasted and Lauren's already looking forward to going next year. Our next big event will be the Pet Expo in a couple weeks- we'll see what she comes home with then!

Van to be on the Speed Channel

Most of you know how proud we are of Van- (just in case you don't, we are very proud of him :0) Todd's little brother has come a long way in chasing his dream of a racing career. For all you race fans, he's going to be on the Speed Channel, live on May 4th, in a race called "Carolina 500". You can also view his website at http://www.vanknill.com/ or just google him and all sorts of fun stuff comes up! Wish Van luck and keep him in your prayers for a safe race. I joke around that I've replaced Grandma Knill as the "worrywart". He's practicing now for the big day and he's doing very well- the guys at NASCAR are very hopeful for Van- as are we! Best of luck Van!!

Gav's new haircut

Well since Gav and I have been sick with the flu -forever- his hair got quite long. Today we went to our favorite hair studio and got Gavin a haircut. And now you get to see how handsome he is- $20 later! (okay so it's a little crooked! Goodluck getting a 2 year old to sit still- even in a Spiderman racecar!) :0) Lots coming up in March with Grandma's birthday, Easter and Spring Break! Wa-hooie!

Hot Air Balloon lift off

What are the chances you'd look out your front window and catch a hot air balloon lifting off? Just after Hunter left for school the other day, Lauren and I were fortunate enough to see the Remax balloon taking off. He started in the field, glided across the lake, and then up and over the houses. Gav and Lauren had fun watching it go and I had fun taking pictures of it!