Mother's Day Weekend

Last Friday afternoon, my friend Lynn & I . . .

. . . headed to the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa for the weekend.  We had a fabulous time.  We worked out, relaxed by the pool, sat in the Jacuzzi, ate great food, got in a lot of "girl talk", laughed, caught up on sleep, and got a massage (my favorite part!)  It was just what I needed.  I came home rejuvenated.  Thanks Lynn for a great weekend . . . I loved spending time with you!

I came home Sunday afternoon to some special treats from my favorite people!  Lauren made me the coolest decoration for my scrapbook room . . .

 I love it!

Carter wrote me a little letter and got me my favorite candy bars . . . 

I thought his comment on the bottom was so funny.  Whenever my kids start to argue with me, I say, "I love you too much to argue."  They usually roll their eyes and walk away.  They know when I say this that there's nothing they can do to change my mind.  I guess I must say it more than I realize!  :)

And Taylor had this for me . . . 

I LOVE the lotion.  She cut out a "foot design" and taped it on the bottle.  She wrote, "For when your feet start to ache."  I have plantar fasciitis on my right foot and Taylor is often kind enough to rub my feet after a long day (she's really good at it too!)  I think her gift was so incredibly thoughtful and perfect!  I love that girl.

 I feel so blessed to have such great kids.  I love being a mother.  I think it's the best gig' around.  

While I was away, Dave needed a hair cut and didn't want to wait for me to get back (I have cut his hair since we started dating) so he had Taylor (who has never cut any one's hair before) cut it . . .

OOPS!  I told Taylor she's never touching my hair!  :)

Dogs, Art, & Driving

Last Saturday, Lauren & I headed to Austin Dog Alliance so she could help train their therapy dogs.  It is a wonderful non-profit organization that offers pet therapy, summer camps, dog training classes, dog rescue, & adoption.  In fact, we got our dog from Austin Dog Alliance and the CEO is a good friend of ours.  So, Lauren was thrilled when there was an opportunity to help out.  Lauren's favorite part was reading to the dogs . . . 

. . . and loving on the dogs!

 Afterwards, we headed to the school Art Show.  It showcased art from kinder through 12 grades and all three of our kids had pieces in the show! 

Have I mentioned that Taylor recently got her learners permit and Dave & I have been teaching her how to drive?  She has improved a lot but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frightening at times.  While we were at the Art Show, we saw this masterpiece (which totally depicts that experience for us) . . . 

Yep, that pretty much sums it up!  We can totally relate.  ;)

Spring Piano Recital

Last Friday, the kids had their Spring Piano Recital.  Lauren was the first of our kids to perform . . .

Followed by Carter . . . 

And Taylor . . .

Good Job guys!

Silencers Are Legal Shoot 2012

As I've mentioned before, Dave & I started a business selling silencers over the Internet.  Our website is www.SilencerShop.com.  Last weekend we set up a vendor booth at the Silencers Are Legal Shoot in Dallas, Texas.  We took a couple of our friends/employees with us to help out.  It went super well and we were thrilled with the outcome! 

~ Dave, Patrick, & Halli ~

~ Dave, Patrick, & Gary ~

We gave away 300 free hats to the peeps that stopped by our booth . . . 

They were a hit!  We also gave away free pens and lots of good advice!  :)  It was so fun to see Dave's dreams coming true.  He's working super hard!  Gary & Patrick did a great job as well . . . thanks guys!

Budding Photographer

Taylor is really getting into photography.  I guess it shouldn't surprise me as she has always been very creative and drawn to the arts.  It's so fun to see her interests emerge, change, and develop.  

Sisters

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson

I just finished reading this book . . . 

I don't think I've ever cried so much while reading a book.  It was incredibly inspirational.  I loved it.  I read it in two days.  I truly could not put it down.  I ignored my house duties and read every chance I got.  I've been following her blog since her accident in 2008.  She & her husband were in a near fatal plane crash.  She was burned over 80% of her body and her husband was burned over 30% of his.  This book tells about their journey of healing.  You really should read this book.  It will change you.  I still can't believe all that she went through and continues to go through.  You can get it at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.  I promise, you won't regret it.

Extra Credit

Lauren got to dress up as a Nurse for extra credit in her social studies class.  I loved it because she finally let me put her hair up . . . she always wants it down.  

Unforgettable

Lauren came home from school and told us that the "one of the Secret Service guys" had come to her school and talked to them about their job protecting the president.  After he spoke to the entire 4th & 5th grade student body, the kids got to go up and meet them.  When Lauren walked up to him, he said, "Have I seen you somewhere?"  Lauren said, "I don't know.  Do you ever stand on top of the white house with a gun?"  He said, "Yes, I do."  Lauren excitedly replied, "Oh!  I was there last summer and waved at you.  That's probably where you know me from!"  He responded, "You're right!  Now I remember you!"  

Lauren was so excited that he remembered her and came home just beaming . . . she couldn't wait to tell us all about it!   :)

My Favorite Child

I was helping Lauren & Carter with their homework tonight and Carter said, "Mom, you would be a really good teacher."  I asked why he thought so in which he replied, "because you know everything."  

So, now you know why he's my favorite child . . . don't judge, you'd feel the same way.  :)
So, now that he's my favorite, he no longer has to do this . . .

See, it's win win.  :)  

Now if I could just convince Taylor that I know something, anything . . .

Easter

We hope y'all had a wonderful Easter.  Ours was very low key.  We went to church and then had my parents over for dinner.  After dinner, Dave & I stomped my parents at Pinochle (2 out of 3 games, but whose counting?)  We are getting pretty good at singing "We are the Champions". . . don't be jealous, we've just had lots of practice singing it!  :)  

Rockin' R Retreat

Thursday, March 29th, this pretty lady . . .

~ Laurie ~

. . . & I loaded up tons of crap stuff and headed to the Rockin' R Retreat & Event Center.  We scrap booked until Sunday afternoon.  Besides my parents house, it's our favorite place to scrap book because it's all set up for scrappers . . . 

My work space . . .

 This was our third year in a row to go.  Like always, we ate lots of chocolate, got lots done, hardly slept, & had lots of fun!  It was awesome!