The Knox Crew

Climbing Trees...

2011-12-05T14:04:00.000-05:00

Just ask him & he will try anything.

I simply said, "you think you can climb that tree?"

And there he went.

Anything he can do I can do.. That's her motto.

2nd tree

Getting braver

all 3 of my monkies in a tree?

10.23.2011 Barner's Pumpkin Patch & Kids Corner

2011-11-09T14:22:00.000-05:00

Tradition

I always smile & think of their Grandma Finch when I see the light shining over them like this. Well she's beaming right now, watching you both grow up and enjoying every minute of it.

Photo op take 2

Photo op take 3

Got mine Mommy

Playing tag around the patch

Kids Corner after our Pumpkin Patch visit

She's beaming again

Hello

Really who taught him this?

A lazy Sunday @ Big Dan's Farm, Hartford, MI

2011-11-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

The sun was so bright I told them all, close your eyes & on the count of 3, open & smile! They did great! Grayson, Griffin, Jackson w/Sydney, Charlie, & Elena

Look at that view, straight down hill for miles... Beautiful up there.

Taking in the view, we were as high as we could go

I wonder how many apples we all ate that day?

Tractor ride back

Our driver & the view

Hangin with the Hayes Kiddos

2011-10-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

Charlotte-PJ-Grayson

Quin - PJ - Kaia

Beautiful Bebe's!

Getting ready for Simon says

These 3, can u see them getting into trouble?

Overhiesel Orchard 09.29.2011

2011-10-11T08:31:00.000-04:00

First Field Trip for School-Overhiesel Orchard

Kids hay maze

Such a brave & patient woman

Favorite picture

With all the apples on this one tree, they go for the same one!

Must be a twin thing?

2011-10-10T12:08:00.000-04:00

Gigi's Surprise 40th Birthday Party

Storm 09.28.2011

2011-10-10T12:04:00.000-04:00

So I was out showing houses to my new Bosses at Palisades and this was the storm that was rolling in. Headed downtown on Phoenix.

Looking to the North on the corner of Erie & Kalamazoo

Standing on the drawbridge before the sky opened up.

Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus 09.17.2011

2011-10-10T11:54:00.000-04:00

Let's start the show....

So glad we went to see the Circus, we had a blast. The kids were in complete aw of the whole show!

Jason Aldean Concert 09.15.2011

2011-10-10T11:45:00.000-04:00

Date night with James & Jenny Dotson

Allegan County Fair

My Midgets....

2011-09-15T13:33:00.000-04:00

Lunch date @ Su Casa with Mommy

The only thing that comes to mind here is -- I love to read!!

I could eat him up!! Grayson you are one good looking kid!!

PJ time, but we have to wear our new Michigan sweatshirts Mom. (Charlotte has worn hers everyday since the U of M vs. ND game! Good job Daddy.

Blueberry Festival Friends....

2011-09-08T11:37:00.000-04:00

Nothing but happy here?

Gray-Charlie-Quin

Love these kiddos!

First day of Tumble Ballet....

2011-09-08T11:26:00.000-04:00

All I know when I left the dance studio, I was laughing hysterically because all the kids were just ready to go! And when Jared picked them up this is the picture he took. They are crazy, tired, happy TWINKS!

September 5th - Labor Day 2011

2011-09-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

We didn't do much this Labor Day, we were resting up from a very long weekend, we had a huge yard sale, Jared went to a U of M game with Dad, Jared sang, and we got ready for the kids first day of preschool. No family get-2-gethers, which is strange, but on Monday, the kids and I were outside playing and this is what I pulled out of the garden. And the Watermelons were so tasty.

Just some smiles.............

2011-09-07T20:04:00.000-04:00

Wish I had taken my sunglasses off.

Look in the background - she is not right!

First Day of Pre-School Sept. 6th, 2011

2011-09-07T14:56:00.001-04:00

So their first day didn't go as I had dreamt of on countless days.....I guess I imagined I would wake up with them, make them a nice breakfast, get them ready, have conversation's about what they would be doing that day.... Nope, not even close. All of my staff was gone at work so I was the only one there, no way of not going to work that day. Made Mommy very sad, the whole excursion was pretty much comical at that point. And to top it off the weather was very chilly. But alas, the first day was a success and they seemed to have enjoyed their new freedom.

At one point Gray told me I was only allowed 2 pictures and that I had taken enough.

Getting name tags from the TA

What Mom?

Squirrely-Bird, but happy.

The Twinks have to sign in each morning, they trace their names. By the 6th letter, Charlie was all set, but did it on her own.

Not sure if Miss Ehrenberg has any idea the havoc these 3 can cause?

Sunrise....

2011-08-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Sunrise on my way to work today 08/26/11

To perfect to not share.

I love the fog resting on the blueberry field.

Happy Friday Beautiful People!

just another day at the pool....

2011-08-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

So when you get out of work at 5pm and its 92 degrees outside, there's only one choice! Go to the pool and cool off. Grayson is trying to get on his skateboard. Accident waiting to happen but those water boards got so much use this summer!!

bombs away... I love the fact that they are both smiling while flying thru the air.

impact...

Rumsey/Priebe Wedding 8.20.2011

2011-08-24T19:54:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when you go to a wedding, you realize why you got married in the first place. Some days I think we all lose sight of that love, that feeling, that romance, that passion and when you see another couple in the depths of all of those emotions-love puts you back in check.

I have always loved weddings but this one was special. There was a lot of love in that room, a tremendous amount of support from two beautiful families and one heck of a group of friends. May their love continue to grow and become bigger than they ever imagined.
~Congrats Jill & Aaron~

Friday @ the beach....... Then the pool then Smores & Sparklers.........

2011-08-11T12:04:00.000-04:00

Last Friday was my first Friday off so the kids and I went to the beach after breakfast. The water was FREEZING!!! Like painful cold. But they had a great time as you can see. After the beach we went home, both got baths due to the amount of sand in their hair and on their bodies. After nap time we went to the pool and played for a few hours, it was a fabulous day! After the pool we went and got groceries then came home and prepared for the Knox Kids & Friends Smores & Sparklers extravaganza.. The kids were up late, but they had an absolute blast, can't wait to do it all again! Thanks Canning and Berta-Williams Families for joining us!! And Uncle Jeff for the super long sparklers, the kids loved them.

Singing at Sunnybrook....

2011-08-11T09:07:00.003-04:00

The Fab Four

Tommy-Angie-Bonnie-Jared

Friends for a very long time, all managed at Clem's, now all of our kids hang out. Funny how life just keeps revolving isn't it. Love them all.

KCB as I called her in high school (she's every woman), BIZ as Angie nicknamed me & Slamgie

my girl Bonnie, I told her we were Hot Momma's she said yea, sweaty, sticky, hot.

Bonnie & K.C.

Jason, Tom, Me, & Dianne

Hot Country Singer Guy, I think he said his name was Jared?

After Party with the cute singer guy..

Jared played at Sunnybrook Resort for Aunt Beth in July, he played on the beach, it was seriously 95 degrees but we had a blast, laughed, danced, & cried we laughed so hard. Love you guys OOXXOOXX.

A look into my heart and soul....

2011-08-08T12:32:00.001-04:00

I have a wonderful friend who has put lists of wonderful tid-bits of her life on her blog. And every time I read them, she makes me smile, has made me cry, and makes me feel close to her even though she is pretty far away! So I have been thinking of my list for a couple of months now, completely random thoughts and facts.

1. I was recently diagnosed with Adult ADD/ADHD, this is very tough for me and I have to work on this daily. But I am doing this for Myself, Jared, Charlotte & Grayson, I want us to have beautiful memories, and my children deserve a healthy Mommy and Jared deserves a not so crazy wife.

2. I want to move down south. I ask my husband every month...

3. I really hate politics.

4. I have the best group of girlfriends a girl could ever ask for. They are my band of sisters and Aunt's to my children. I am so grateful for their love and their families.

5. My Mom asked me when I was a young child if my Stepdad could adopt me, and I told her no. I have a lot of regret about that in my adult life. First when he walked me down the aisle, and now that I have children.. Jim has been an amazing Father to me and is the apple of my children's eye, they love their Poppa! Thank you so much for all of your patience and dedication to our family.

6. I hold the door for my Elders every chance I get.

7. I still say please and thank you to complete strangers.

8. When I was pregnant, people would figure out I was carrying Twins, and make comments like good luck or OMG. I wanted to drop kick them in the face, thank God I couldn't get my leg up that high.

9. I love reality TV. The good, the bad and the trash, bring it on. I literally laugh so hard I cry at some of these shows.

10. My friends think I am really funny, and say that's why they keep me around, but I don't really see it.

11. I love nothing more than to sit outside with my girlfriends and drink wine. We laugh, we cry, we pick at each other, and its all free therapy.

12. I love to watch my husband perform, does something crazy to me every time. Never gets old.

13. I can't stand when my kids whine.

14. I always have at least 2 beverages going, and this has been a joke w/friends for years, sometimes I have 4. Come to find out, part of my ADD/ADHD is thirst, dehydration, all the time needing fluids.

15. I wish I could afford to move Aunt Sandy, Wendy, Homer, & Logan up north. I love them so much and the bond that I feel with them is unbreakable. Talk about good people. I cry, weep, bawl & squall as they call it down in Louisiana, every time I leave them.

16. My mother is the most giving person I know. She would literally do anything for anybody, I am proud to say that has rubbed off on me, and my 3 year olds are already showing signs of this too.  Nothing better than to give.... Nothing.

17. I really want to travel, I want my children to grow up like I did. Vacations every year, going to different states, seeing sights. Good old American history.

18. I want horses.

19. When people ask me how my kids are, I don't know what to say. Because lets face it folks, I could talk about them 24/7, and I feel like sometimes people ask, but they don't really want to hear. So I usually just say something like, they are great, getting so big so fast?

20. Sometimes I just wish my mother and I weren't like Oil & Water. Regardless she is my hero. And my children, husband, & even my dog ADORE her.  Thank you Mom.

21. I have twin sisters that I barely talk to and it hurts me everyday.. Everyday.

22. I miss my Grandmothers, all 3 of them. I wish for all different reasons they could see me now.   I think that they would be so proud... Love you Grandma Anne, Grandma Moore, and Grandma Selmer. You all taught me so many things, and I will do my best to pass on your memories.

23. I think I will be a photographer some day.

24. I still have yet to see Ruby Falls or the Mammoth Caves.

25. I would totally go Noodling for Catfish.

26. I really would like to play co-ed Volleyball or Softball.

27. If going to the beach or pool was a Full Time job, I would apply for the position.

28. Recently when I was recovering from my Sinus surgery, I couldn't talk to Tara Geiger on the phone when she would call, just the thought of her made my eyes well up with tears. I don't know why my emotions for her poured over the top, but I do know that I love you girl, since the 4th grade..

29. Good morning beautiful, is one of my all time favorite songs.

30. I wish my Mother in Law was still here.

Stop to smell the daisies.....

2011-08-08T11:17:00.000-04:00

Farmers Market SH July 2011

I made a vow to myself this year to enjoy each day as though it could be my last, and I am proud of myself, I have been really good about doing so. I try not to let anyone or any thing hold me back. I have definately been flying by the seat of my pants a lot more & not "too organized" as Jared calls it. But on those days where I haven't, I feel guilty. Somedays I feel like life just sails right by me. I hate to admit that I am tooooooo busy to enjoy "life" sometimes. I saw this picture of my sweet, un-bias daughter, that proves, sometimes you just have to stop and smell the daisies. Life is too short. Live it, Love it, Rock it, Do it!

Just another nice day....

2011-08-04T15:17:00.000-04:00

After work when it's hot out, we like to play in the water

They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the slip n slide, they never use it at my parents so we brought it home.

Oh, I think Gray spied the slip n slide

Empting the pool

The Knox Garden

2011-08-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

Not sure what this is, Lavendar?

This was the first batch that we could pick

Broccoli

The start of our Watermelons as of 08/02/11 they are the size of my hand

Cucumbers, they are all really big and not very dark, but taste fabulous

FFA

This was two weeks ago, when Jared and I were in the garden on Tuesday night, I can not see him and he stands 6'3. Since this photo all of the storms have completely devasted our corn. The last storm on Tuesday was the nail in the coffin.

Second harvest.

Which come to think of, my Mom took everything? Then I picked two baskets full on Tuesday and she took all of that too??? I didn't get to take a picture of that but the green onions are huge! Almost cartoonish.

I told Jared I wanted a garden and we didn't really see eye to eye on it, but then he came around, he put a lot of work into this garden-I mean A LOT, and I am so proud of his efforts. I think he likes having a garden more than anticipated. Next year we are going even bigger, seperating the melons and pumpkins from the rest of the garden. And going to figure out a better way to plant the corn, so sad we lost all of it. Live and learn right?

Manners...

2011-07-19T11:41:00.000-04:00

We have reminded our children daily about using their manners, and that "magic words" will be a part of their lives forever. People will always appreciate the fact that they are polite and using your manners will never get old. I taught them as babies to sign the most important words to communicate with us, and using please & thank you were two of the first words they learned.

Now this is a far cry from what Jared and I thought would ever happen, 2 years ago we never thought we could go to dinner again as a family, (until they were older) and I can honestly say, I really do love going out to dinner with my kids. They like going out, something new, different people and overall, it is fun. And one thing that has made me beam with happiness & be very proud is that on several occasions we have been telephoned or told face-2-face about the fact that our children were so well mannered and well behaved.

I just remember waiting on families in the restaurant and saying those exact words to Parents, "Come back any time and see me, your children were so well mannered and behaved." I think most parents would agree, you don't always think your doing the best job with your children, but when you hear a compliment like that, you just have to smile.

Thank you for noticing and thank you for acknowledging.

4th of July @ Sunnybrook with the Berta-Williams

2011-07-08T11:18:00.002-04:00

Look at Griffin's face in the background!!! Can you say having a blast?

And she's off!

Counting it down... 3, 2, 1
(I think I am gonna start calling Charlie *Cheeks* look at that lil booty!!)

Not so much, Griffin went in on 1, Grayson, started on 2, then Charlotte on 3.

This is the final product of another countdown by me in the water facing the kids.. Griffin is already in, and you can see the progression. All in all everyone got along great, played & played till it was time to go.. I love the happiness on all of their faces. Just can't get enough of it. I think times like these really make my heart want to live somewhere south where the weather is warm most of the year..

The Knox Family goes camping...

2011-07-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

The start of our adventure, the Twinks first time back in the water since last year. Grayson wasn't ready to go in with out his vest just yet, but has since left the life vest at home. The kids swam & swam & swam, jumping into the deep end & swimming from one end to the other, or side to side. Jared says Charlotte looks like a syncronized swimmer.. She is so graceful!

Sam & Charlie

Tammy Cakes & Charlie

Love this picture

Donovan Lake before breakfast

She loves her Daddy.. Cutest picture..

So we went camping with the King Family for the 4th of July. First time I have camped with Jared & the Twinks first time camping. Overall I think everyone had a great time, the weather was perfect, the company was awesome & the food was fantastic. I haven't camped in way too long so this was really nice for me, made me realize how much I miss camping. Hopefully we can take many more trips!! Hope you all had a great Independence Day & weekend.

~XXOO~

The Knox Crew

Spiderman....

2011-07-05T14:37:00.001-04:00

Harborfest 2011, the family all got ballooned.. Jared wore that hat the whole time. Good job Dad! Charlotte got Mickey Mouse ears and was not excited to be wearing them in 2 whole minutes and Grayson got a balloon belt with a sword which all popped rather quickly.

Harborfest 2011

He saw the Spiderman Mask and the rest is history.

She refuses to get face painted! Won't do it.

Miss them...

2011-06-29T15:48:00.000-04:00

Cole-Charlotte-Grayson

So my dear friend Danielle lives in, well I guess I can say too far away... I hate it and I don't hate a lot of things. I have not been there to watch her son grow up into the smart, sweet, & soccer playing lil man that he is, I wasn't there for his birth, I have missed every birthday party and I hate it. I feel like a bad friend bc I have missed so much. I don't get to call her after work and tell her to meet me somewhere for some "us" time, or have her and the family over for dinner. Our kids are strangers every time they meet again. I just wish sometimes the best things weren't so far out of reach. I will say that I have been fortunate this year and have been able to see her more than most of the years combined that she has been gone. A few trips to the Glove State for Grad Party, Funeral, Wedding stuff, and we did take a trip to see their new house, which was amazing, we did nothing but veg, the kids played, and played and played.. I just wish they could grow up and play every week together. I miss you guys so much..

OOXXOOXX~

I should have been a Storm Chaser....

2011-06-29T15:26:00.001-04:00

June 21st, 2011, yet another day that tornado's were all around us. Mother Nature is getting more and more angry in her old age... I am unsure of why are weather gets more extreme each year, but I think it is getting a little creepy. I am very thankful we live off the lake, all the tornado's hit the bluffs and bounce right over lake front communities and hit inland. This storm produced about 4-5 inches of water an hour, kids were playing in the streets in knee-waist deep waters depending on where you lived.

I am fascinated with storms, Jared calls me his Storm Chaser. I remember once when I was pregnant I was on top of my Jeep out at Hawkshead photographing this gigantic rolling cloud that turned into a fierce storm, right there above me.. He was a little upset that I was pregnant and top of a vehicle & that the sky was opening up right above me..

I think I am going to look into a photography class.

This was super creepy, we were driving the kids to my parents, and right above that car looked for sure like a funnel was ready to start.

And this was the next morning driving in to work at 6 am, ended up to be a gorgeous day.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a.....

2011-06-29T14:50:00.001-04:00

They just make me smile! I can't tell you what really was in the sky, but I can tell you, they spy'd it and were all over what ever it was.

Alexis Menzor GRADUATES!! Class of 2011

2011-06-08T11:11:00.004-04:00

Charlie & Nanni b4 the Ceremony

Uncle John & Kendra

sure we have time 4 a story!!

Grandpa & Grandma Menzor

Here come the graduates!!

Poppa & one tired punkin!

Alexis is the girl in the white gown with her hand holding her cap on.

Old Glory

The flags were going crazy blowing in the wind, then when the ceremony started the wind just stopped.

He is everywhere we go (Superman)

This is what happens when u don't take a nap Sissy.

I try to tell u, u just won't listen to your Mommy!

And this is what u look like when u do nap! Crazy hair!

Alex & I... I remember the day u were born. I was in 4th hour Spanish class with Senora Walsh (who was also ur Mom & ur Aunt Melanie's teacher) Now I will always remember the day you graduated. Your an amazing young lady Alexis, I hope you continue on your path of individuality, music & artwork. You can do anything you put your mind to.

Throwing bags

Some of her Artwork

Anderson family, from left to right of table. Debbie, Christopher, Aunt Tammy, Uncle Tom, Kenny, Melissa, Melanie (taking a pic of me) Grandma Irma, & Billy.

Breana gave golf cart rides to and fro, i bet she drove that thing 100 times?

I think he was gonna get me

Uncle Phil, Jared, John Boy, Michelle

Barb & Gabby

Christine, Jerome, Paul, Eric

Jared & Dad

Love this picture!!! Lonna & John Menzor

Grandma Irma

Michelle, Aunt Shirley, Aunt Polly, Tammy

Sara (I think) Kelsey, Kendra's Mom

Aunt Tammy & Uncle Tom

Bill, Debbie, & Christopher

Kenny & the Twins-Melissa & Melanie

Mel & Grandma Irma

Gray, Charlie, & Kylie

Michelle, Tammy, Mom, Aunt Polly

Helium Sucker!

Such a great smile!

Keeping hydrated, it was a hot one

Where's Charlotte?

Uncle Howard

Me-Here Grayson, drink some H20, u gotta stay hydrated.

G-drinking the H20 then spitting it all over like a true boy.

Trouble

Poppa & Breana

I love this picture, she gave me the same look evey time, I think it was a "get that camera out of my face look"?

My sisters 2 Dad's

Cutest lil punkins ever.

She was like a pink cupcake, just want to eat her up.

Sisters

My beautiful Nieces

Aunt Mel, Alex, Mis, Bre

Sis, Uncle John, & Gray

She didn't want to go home, very mad at her Momma.

yup still mad, Gray's got his superhero face on.

The day was awesome, everyone had a great time, it was hotter than blazes with a great breeze. So nice being around family and friends. And to all be celebrating such a great accomplishment, can't ask for anything better.

Congrats again Alex, I love you so much.

Memorial Day 2011 on the Compound...

2011-06-08T09:46:00.005-04:00

This is the Twinks last year Memorial Day 2010, they were still chub-a-wubba

They look the same just much more slender, oh the difference in my babies in a year

Brooklyn, Charlotte, Grayson, Keaton, Justin

Uncle Bubba showing his Skills with Chandler & Brandon. If you lined those three up shoulder to shoulder, u would think they were brothers. Jared said he put a "hurting" on his nephews, but I don't know...

Brooklyn eating Aunt Connie's famous homemade ice cream

Aunt Connie & Grayson, I think he ate 3 bowls of Chocolate ice cream w/Strawberries.. She has a friend for life!

Allie Grace & Caitlyn Gretta.
I still wonder how these two got so grown up. 2 peas in a pod!

3 Sets of Twins @ the Ruppert house that day. Keaton & Graham Ruppert, Charlie & Gray, Rhys & Rafe Ruppert. Pictured here on the right. They are so cute and just a ball to watch! Busy, Busy, Busy..

Gray & Jon Ruppert

that's right, throwing a football thru the basketball hoop.

Artists

Peyton kept them busy for some time with sidewalk chalk

the start of her 2nd black eye. Today is 06/08/2011 and you can still see it

Hillbilly Golf

On Saturday of Memorial Weekend we met Aunt Ev at the Farmers Market. She took this of the kiddos. Everyone laughs at how he wears his sunshades upside down, but he is a smart cookie, they don't fall of his little nose this way. Gotta love being 3.

This, That, What, Wait, Why?

2011-05-26T16:24:00.000-04:00

Oh the joys of having 3 year old twins. Everyday is something new. Charlotte's Estrogen is screaming thru her veins now. She is very protective of everything! (if her brother wants it) God love her she sleeps like a rock, may take her awhile to get to sleep, but she stays in her bed & finally "gives up the ghost" as we call it at the Knox Casa. She is an amazing singer already, and I am not saying that bc I am bias, she really can carry a tune & her memorization of song is off the charts. All in all, Daddy's Girl, but the spitting image of her Mother. I asked Jared the other night if he could handle 2 Beth's in the house?

Grayson, Grayson, Grayson.... Where do I start? He is a superhero around the clock, Spiderman, Superman, Batman, it doesn't matter, he is all in all the time, running, jumping, kicking/punching the air. He wants what he wants when he wants then goes to time out. The joys of a Superhero for a son? He is the most handsome lil boy ever, and his smile will light up a room, but he is NAUGHTY! His new scheme is coming into our room twice a night for the past two weeks. Hey Grayson, we didn't sleep for the first 14 months of ur life, can u give it a rest? He is super attentive to our every move, wants to help with everything and loves to sit and color. Such a sweet Superhero.

Breana & Charlie

See the frog on her hand

Dad made them Cartoon Twins

Playing in the rain

Mosquitos also like to play in the rain, Jared & I were getting eaten alive

Hey its Mom, she made it in a picture!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day Holiday.

OOXXOOXX

~The Knox Crew~

Couples weekend in Bellaire 05/14/2011 Hawks Eye Golf Course

2011-05-17T15:38:00.003-04:00

This was the sky when we arrived. Rain + cold + wind = bad golf

This was our sunrise the next morning. Gorgeous and a bit deceiving. Day 2 was 25 mph winds & never got over 45 degrees.

View from our huge deck which if there had been less wind, I think we could of spent quite a bit of time out there.

James, Jared, & Justin

Lulu's Bistro 4 dinner = fabulous. We celebrated James & Jenny's Anniversary this weekend. Here's to many, many more years...

Spring has sprung...........

2011-05-13T16:36:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day breakfast with the Berta-Williams Family

Look @ those faces? Can u say crabby pants?

Just bc he makes me laugh. He throws with so much intensity!

And she throws like a girl! Sorry Mom, you used to play softball, show them how to do it!

Looking at Poppa's fish from the other side of the pond.

She is telling her Nanni a story of what I can only imagine.

Cavadas Compound

Timeout anywhere!

Good girl not in timeout.

Wal-mart shopping in style.

Giving blood.

2011-05-05T16:16:00.000-04:00

So I was able to give blood yesterday for the first time in many, many years, since 98'.

Which I forgot that feeling I get inside when I do so. When I picked up the midgets from my parents house after work, Grayson asks me about my stickers & what they were for. I told him I gave blood today at work. Very perplexed he says-"u bleed today Mommy? Why?" I tried to explain to him that someday, some person will need that blood & my donation will help them. My Mom told the kids I was a "good girl" for giving blood. On the ride home he is deep in thought & blurts out, "Mommy, u bleed from your eyes & face today?" OMG, I tried to keep contain my laughter. I told him it was a small needle in my arm & he interrupted me to make sure I received a band-aid! They think & say the darnedest things.

Easter 2011 @ The Davis House

2011-04-29T14:45:00.035-04:00

Sitting @ church on Easter Sunday

Allie Grace

Graham & Keaton

Brandon & Grace

3 Musketeers

Justin

Look @ all those eggs!

The sugar is already racing through her veins...

He really couldn't careless about the chocolate, just look @ my eggs.

Gray & Aunt Fressa

We celebrate Easter with my 4 Sister-in-laws, husbands & kids. The food was great, the family was even better. I just love, love, love days like that, this group is pretty laid back anyway, everyone relaxing, enjoying each others company, feeding our souls.

Feels like just yesterday when we were hiding eggs for all of their kids bc they were so young. Now their kids are hiding eggs, & taking care of the Twins, they have them outside, playing on the trampoline, running around, & having a great time. This was such a drastic change from last year for us, Jared & I were chasing the Twins everywhere they went making sure they were out of harms way or eating something, or breaking something. This year we got to hang out, kid free and talk about the worlds problems, happenings, & upcoming to do's. I really appreciate all of our nieces & nephews who helped this Easter: Boo, Chan, Morgan, Allie, Keaton, Graham & Justin. You have all grown up to be such wonderful kids-Love you all!!

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter.
The Knox Crew

This & that.......

2011-04-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

Grayson & Teddy, his favorite. Alex picked this Bear out for him when he was a baby, and he takes him everywhere. He usually dons a Batman T-shirt & Denim Shorts, but not this day.

My hard working man. Still in his work clothes busting up wood. Love u baby!

I took this from the couch while the sun was setting one afternoon. Dad is reading a book, with G on his shoulders & C in his lap being the page turner. I love this pic. They are so happy, so comfortable. Precious.

They are growing up so fast. My midgets. I love you so.

A day in the life of 3 year olds....

2011-04-27T14:55:00.001-04:00

Everyday is something new & uncharted. We can go to dinner & have a good time instead of shoving food in our face at a rapid speed. They sit through church with out being crazy. They fight like kids fight, these 2 love like kids love, & the imaginations they both have are beyond. Their memories dumbfound me, scientists say that you don't really remember anything before your 5th birthday, which is such a shame. That's partially why I keep this blog, for Grayson & Charlotte to see when they can't remember back that far.

Playing Monsters with Nanni, as u can see Charlie's feet are off the ground, getting ready to run...

This kid right here, well let me tell you, he can turn on that charm in a heartbeat. Look out girls, here comes Grayson Phillip.

Time to work out that baseball arm.

Throwing rocks into the lake.

View from the "plate"

We were swinging.

Attack of Daddy Monster

Run Sis-A-Fris run.

Look who is running now. A Superhero was hot on his tail.

My 3 favorite guys.

Back of Mom & Dad's house.

and watch them scatter...

Koi out of hibernation

Fireworks for my 33rd birthday (3/23/78). Had a party Friday night with Friends, Saturday night with my family, Sunday after church with Jared's family. I love weekends like that, surrounded by all the people that matter the most! It was freezing outside but we were all on the 2nd story deck looking straight up in the air, Dad got some big boomers. Neighbors got a great show!

Disney Princess on Ice March 2011

2011-04-02T18:55:00.000-04:00

Aunt Bonnie, Snow White (Elena), & Princess Hannah

Princess Madi

The Hi-Ho's (7 Dwarf's) The Twinks call the Dwarfs Hi-Hos b/c of their song, which they love.

Bella & the Candlestick

Our Princess's @ Intermission

All of the main characters for the Grand Finale

1 down, 3 to go. Elena gave it up first. Look @ Madi, heavy eyes, ready to snooze.

She wouldn't give up the ghost..

4 for 4, they are out! The Princess Party was just too much! Can't wait for their high school graduation parties, these pics are getting blown up...

Stick a fork in me Mom!

Makes me giggle just remember the ride home, Bonnie, Angie & I laughed so hard at these 4 Lil's!!

Can't forget the host's of the show. Mickey & Minnie.

Three 3 year olds & a sweet lil named Sydney...... 03.18.2011

2011-03-19T12:23:00.000-04:00

Syd-Vicious, first time in her swing

Showing off his tumbling talents

3 three yr olds or wild & crazy kids

What's under the trampoline?

Love that sweet face

Syd-a-saurus

Lookin @ the airplane overhead thru telescopes

Happiness is bouncing

we see u Sydney

First fabulously warm day of March, 71 degrees & perfect............ 03.17.2011

2011-03-17T21:28:00.001-04:00

These are the most fabulous faces I have ever seen! I asked them if they were having fun, & as u can see...

The sun is too bright to take pics? Never!

I was swinging.

found a cool tree in the back yard when we went to visit our neighbors cows, I thought it would be cool for pics, they were kind of scared, but I think after all it was fun being up high off the ground.

Show'em Dad's can still have fun & be young too. Look @ G's face.

Indy are you bored?

Superhero Grayson face, funny every time to me, I get this face breakfast, lunch, & dinner. The Superhero never goes away.

On our super long walk today, huge open field, and there is one huge dead tree stump.

A school bus came zooming by & beeped @ our mini me's. Charlotte was so excited, she can't wait for school, which they are now enrolled in pre-school @ St. Paul for next year.

The kiddos are 3 now, super busy, super inquisitive, they want to know everything you are doing and why you are doing it. We started spelling words around them when they were 18 months, but I feel like they are starting to put together some of our words??? I have been home with them since getting laid off in mid January, but I got the word today that I go back to work MONDAY... I think everyone in our house is happy about this. I think I am making everyone a little squirrely. Life is good, things are happening. The weather is getting warmer by the day which makes all of us so happy. My children were meant to be raised in the country, they are at their happiest when outside enjoying the sun & fun. Hoping all of you are healthy & enjoying life.

OOXXOOXX

All of our best

~The Knox Crew~

A day in the snow.............

2011-01-08T15:58:00.003-05:00

January 7th, 2011 aka The Twinks 3rd Birthday, this is the corner of Broadway & La Grange, we were on the way to Birthday dinner at Clem's. We have eaten there every year on Charlie & Gray's actual birthday. This year, we had an adult table, and kids table and they all did so well! Special THANKS to our annual B-day dinner guests, Bonnie, Elena, Sydney, Trish, Jacob, Amy, Claire, Thomas, & Ray. We had a blast.

This is right in front of our garage, the snow was so beautiful this morning,
we couldn't wait to go play in.

I spy my dog, running as fast as he can, do you see him,
check out the cloud of snow behind him! He was playing with Grayson.

Told ya!

Down she goes.

Trying to stay on her sled....

My Snow Angel.

Snow eating machine!

"I was runnin"

Eating snow again

See the 2 cows? One of these heifers is the cow that came into our yard!

Indy was playing I spy again.

Look at that face, this was after I told her I wasn't going to carry her. She said, "Mommy, I can't do it anymore." (with such drama) I had to laugh.

She's so good at faking people out.

Future snow blowers of America?

Well this year has flown by. So much has happened too! The twins are potty trained, started daycare, no longer use pacifiers, learned how to swim to the deep end and back at Aunt Shirley's pool, no longer are in cribs. They can count, ABC's, identify all colors, shapes, can sing so many songs it is scary. We finished the outside of the garage and it has electricity!! Jared bought a new SUV, got a promotion at work, we lost and found our dog, Jared & I turned 32, we had the Twins "half birthday" party in August at Nanni & Poppa's house and it was amazing, we had our 6th anniversary, my oldest niece Alexis is 18 & has a boyfriend, (blows my mind, she is such a fabulous, smart, talented young lady!) and the list goes on.

I have never been one to chalk up my year as good or bad during the New Year Holiday, but that is what I heard a lot of from friends, family, & co-workers, so I started to rehash 2010 in my mind, so if I did count my year as good or bad, 2010 was awesome! My family inspires me to be better as a person, my children are amazing, they surprise me daily with their knowledge & love, my husband still is the only person who can hit that "take a breath" button & bring me back down, and I am so grateful for him, his hard work, dedication & love for us makes me smile just typing about it.. Thank you baby! Now if I could just find the patience that "all mothers get when they have kids" I would be great. And Jared would probably be very smiley too!!

Thank you 2010, we had a blast. I am thankful for all happenings, good, bad or indifferent, we have lots of fabulous memories, history made, can't wait to do it all again in 2011.

Happy New Year to all~We wish for you all to have health, wealth, and love in your life. Thank you for being a part of our lives.

~~The Knox Crew~~

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T14:03:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas 2010 (Grayson, not so much)

And there's my boy! He is a ham!

Saying Cheese!

Nanni and her babies warming their butts.

Dad's newest rag doll! We tried to warn Jacob, but he couldn't get enough abuse!

Howard, BreAna, and John-Boy

Poppa's babies!

The Kings & the kids

Play-doh Central! Sam, Gray, Bre, Charlie

Friends = Trouble

Love these two more than they know!

Gray, Bre, Charlie, & Miss Kendra

Dad, Alexis, & Dustin (the boyfriend, yes she has a BF)

Remote control trucks the kids both got one, and they love to tear the trucks up at home! So fun to watch and they get it, side to side, back and forth.

IPod Touch!

Spiderman Skateboard!!! OMG Santa was listening when Grayson asked for this.

Charlotte's new Baby and Stroller, Santa did such a good job!

This Christmas was amazing. We were surrounded by people who loved us, we had so much fun, laughed, cried, ate way too much, (Thanks Mom) sang, danced and kept the traditions rolling as well as starting new ones. (Poppa read Twas the night before Christmas.) The Twins had such a great time, they played so hard, they slept great (thanks u Jesus, b/c I prayed they would this year) and were very happy considering they both have been so sick.

Here is hoping all of your holidays are wonderful, and safe.

Happy New Year everyone.

OOXXOOXX

~The Knox Crew~

First meeting with Santa.......

2010-12-16T11:10:00.002-05:00

Santa came to South Haven to see all the kids, he asked them what they wanted for Christmas. Grayson told Santa he wanted a skateboard with Spiderman on it. Charlotte just cried, wanted nothing to do with Ole Saint Nick until she was sitting across the room from him. Then she would shout out randomly, "Santa, I love you!" Grayson was so happy to be with him. I had to pull him away as there were many children waiting their turn. Thanks Santa!

Pics from Daisy...........

2010-12-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

2 days before Thanksgiving, my dear, sweet friend Rose came to SH for a visit from San Antonio, Texas. Jared, the Twinks, & I met JP, Rose & Lily for dinner. We had a fabulous time, the kids were great, the company was even better. Sure wish we could do that more often. So crazy to see where life has directed the kids u grew up with. We caused a lot of trouble in our day. We went through a lot of TP!!! I remember sitting at her parents dinner table being the only kid with blonde hair, and Mr. Z would look up, and in his deep, graveling voice, bellowing, "where in the h#@! did you come from?" Love the day we dropped the pot of hot grease from making donuts! We had blisters everywhere! So awesome that we can still pick up like no time has passed. Love that girl! We want to go visit them in Texas! And I believe Rose put the invitation out there!

Pictures taken by Jemmer..........

2010-12-08T13:29:00.001-05:00

Our beautiful friend Jennifer took these. We still can't get much cooperation from Grayson when it comes to photos, but we had a great time taking them. Before he wiped out! I hope you enjoy the photos!

~OOXXOOXX~

The Knox Crew

The lazy days of Fall...

2010-11-07T16:52:00.001-05:00

Charlotte wanted to ride the Bob the Builder ride outside of the grocery store. "Only if your good honey" is what I always tell her and of course she gets to ride. She was the most intense of the Twins when she was little, but has completely mellowed, just like her Daddy.

Now Grayson on the other hand, doesn't always listen with his ears. He listens with his mouth. I am sure you Mommas know what I mean by that. He is very strong willed and discipline is not his strong suit. But we will continue to challenge him! I am hoping my Mom was wrong when she said "when you have kids, you get back ten fold what you did to us." Dios Mio!

The kids love to feed Indy, and they know he likes to fetch sticks, anything that resembles a ball, & Frisbee. So today's choice of play toy was sticks, then it turned into a competition (of course) who could bring him a bigger stick? Indy had a great selection to choose from.

And now Charlotte wants to play Frisbee, but he still very much in 2 his stick.

Trampoline time

Tractor Ride? We did the gamut today, anything & everything outside even a long walk with the stroller, they don't get to use it very often, so we bundled them up & away we went.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Silly Gooses

They look so much a like here. Who do you see? Jared or Beth?

Saturday = College football at our house.

Go Blue for Gray & Geaux Tigers for Charlie.

RaNd0mS

2010-11-03T15:43:00.000-04:00

Allegan County Fair 2010

Favorite friend Elena Cavadas

Handsome man!

Cold fall sky.....

Playing in the leaves with Daddy!

Louisiana trip 2010 part 2

2010-11-03T15:26:00.001-04:00

Daddy's singing!! Whoot whoot!

Jared & Aunt Sandy

Mr. Crum in the background

Cousins Garrett & Connor

Mom & Dad getting their groove on!!

Lo-Lo's first time singing in front of people, and she ROCKED IT BABY!!

Her proud parents!! Homer & Wendy

Connor & Logan

Louisiana October 2010

2010-10-29T10:57:00.000-04:00

Hey pajama girl, ur wings are upside down! And this is our pirate!

Car ride again. The kids did sooooo good, I can't be more thankful. They slept, ate, slept. Then we would be at our destinations.

I think this is 1 of the many, "I ate 2 many Doritos & my face looks like this now", faces of his.

Purplexed?

Playing @ Great Grandma Maggie's house.

Wishing Bonnie was still here for this picture.

Jared-31

Charlie & Gray-2

Grandma Maggie-91

Stuck in his sisters carseat again.

Tuh-da, I beat him to the cool car seat again!!

Time to pick the pumpkins..........

2010-10-11T14:02:00.000-04:00

Exploring

This one?

Or this one?

She knows he is up to something naughty!

The possibilities are endless.....

She is going to be a Golden Globe winner someday!

Sayin cheese.

She gravitated towards these pallets. Just ran up and down them..

Had a great time at Barners again this year. The twins loved to help mom with carrying all the gourds and corn for the squirrels. Can't wait to carve them this year!!

Life as we know it.

2010-10-08T14:41:00.001-04:00

The kids and I have been sick on and off for 3 weeks. Grayson had tests ran to see what was ailing him, nothing came of the tests which is good, but at the same time, as a parent, you want piece of mind. So, Daddy decided to take us all shopping in the midst of our sickness and get us out of the house, and he bought the kids a new swing set. They are over the moon ecstatic about having the "park at home". They love it, cry every time they have to come in the house. They are so brave and daring, Grayson runs towards the hanging rings and just grabs them and swings. They swing on the "adult swings" now and are really quite good at it. Can't wait to get them a tire swing, maybe next year.

My Picasso! The kids have such a blast being creative, I set them at the island in the kitchen and they go to town... They painted so well together, and on each other!

***********

Forgot to tell you all!!! We took the cribs away & put up the big beds, and finally finished the 3rd bedroom, which is now the kids play room.. Charlotte decide since she had a "Big Girl Bed" she would go Poopie on the Potty!!! Whoot Whoot! We have full fledged potty trained 2 yr olds! They love their beds, which by the way were my Dad, Uncle John, & Uncle Dave's beds when they were kids. Heavy duty wood, which is great because all the kids do is jump on them! They love it, they love the fact that they are "BIG KIDS", so cute to see them explain to you how big they are, and how good they are.

I keep telling the kids how we are going on vacation to see Daddy's Grandma's, Aunt Wendy, Uncle Homer, Logan, and Mamaw Sandy. And that we can ride horses when we get there, they are so excited!!! Can't wait to go get some R & R, we need it bad. (well at least I do)

And our family photo from yesterday 10/07/2010. We arrived early to our hair appointments yesterday, so we took to the sidewalks, the weather was gorgeous, and the kids were awesome. And yes I know, I chopped Jared's head off a bit.

Enjoy~

The Knox Crew

A cast and a Blueberry Festival..........

2010-08-20T11:31:00.003-04:00

Charlotte fell off the top of the slide at Miss Vicki's house.

We accessorized her sling with stickers!

Waiting @ Dr. Postma's office.

Realizing her arm hurt after the nurse took of her splints.

Look Mom, it matches my cup!

And really, we live 3 minutes maybe from the hospital!! But she still has an apple in her hand!

Next day Jared and I decided we would go act like tourists @ Blueberry festival. She didn't want to be face painted, she wanted to be hand painted! Gotta love it. Her brother went first, and he wasn't letting that nice young lady paint anything on his face.

Love her!

Get it Grayson! He is crazy about bounce lands! he just goes!

Hot, red faced, very happy children. We all had a blast!

Do you see the ring of rainbow around the sun. I had to work last Saturday morning, and walking out in the parking lot you could see the whole sky, it was gorgeous!

Grayson is 100% potty trained. Charlotte is 99% potty trained, she has only went #2 on the big girl potty 3 times for me. Her Pooping issues have left her scarred for life. But she tells us when she is going to go #2 and we slap a pull up or diaper on her. I love that I spent $30 on a huge box of pull-ups and they have only used 1/4 of them, still have a full box of diapers too from when I left for Georgia. They wear "underwears" all day and to sleep in, GOOD JOB KIDDOS.

They will be so embarrassed someday when they read this blog.. "Mom, you talked about Poop!" yes my beautiful darlings, I did, and I am so proud of you both!! I love you more than words or gestures could ever express. Be the best you can be, always.

XXOO

Mommy

August 2010

2010-08-09T06:19:00.000-04:00

What a summer, what a summer. Our little rascals are loving all their time outdoors. The pool, lake, park, & farmers market, they can't get enough, they just want to play play play. Don't blame them, if I didn't work I would be with them! Both kids now swim the full length of the pool without life-vests, just arm floaties. They jump off the diving board too. Little daredevils!! Grayson and Charlotte are about 95% potty trained, they look at you with excitement and say, I have to go potty! But our little Charlie Girl will not go #2 on the potty. Any suggestions? We are willing to do what ever it takes!!

Trip to Atlanta..

2010-08-04T07:01:00.000-04:00

This is from my recent trip to Atlanta for training @ work.

I flew in on a Monday, it was 108 and this storm was on the horizon.

Now coming from the North and living just south of Tampa for 2 years,

I have seen some storms, some lightning, and rain. But this my friends, was no joke.

After I checked in to my hotel, I ran down the street to Target to purchase a few things

and I was scared to walk outside after that. The lightning was deafening and you could feel it in your chest! Kinda like being at a concert and sitting next to the speakers.

The view of Stone Mountain out of our corporate office in Tucker Georgia.

Driving towards Stone Mountain Resort

The resorts golf course The Commons

View from the golf course patio

The resort was great, served great food, the staff was awesome, I just wish my family would of been there, great place to go and relax!

Poor Poor Charlie

2010-07-10T07:12:00.002-04:00

I updated my Facebook last night with a post about Charlotte.... Her face resembles the Beast from Beauty & the Beast. She slipped in the tub on Tuesday night and cracked her nose, instant bloody nose. Wednesday night she tried to take out the door with her forehead and eyebrow bone, and on Thursday night a mosquito tried to eat her alive. Poor kiddo had a rough day yesterday. Made a emergency visit to the Peds office (she's 30 lbs) as her eye was swollen shut when she woke up, and after it started to open up the swelling went across her nose and her other eye. Grocery shopping at Walmart was interesting, people definitely were staring at our Beloved Charlie!! As Jared said with a giggle, "She doesn't even look like her normal self." I will ask her if her eye hurts, and all of sudden, she gets her Academy Award winning voice and face on... "Mommy I hurt!" Gotta love it-this child lays it on thick folks!

07/09/2010

07/10/2010 when she woke up

07/10/2010 at least she is happy!

Blue Moon

2010-07-09T15:11:00.004-04:00

First time trying Blue Moon ice cream @ Captain Nemo's. She liked it!!

Grayson liked Blue Moon for about 6 bites and then he just wanted to run!

Neither of the Twins were really fond of ice cream or Popsicles until a few months ago so I figured "Like Mother, Like Children" bc I was a fanatical Blue Moon ice cream eater. Jared tried a bite of it last night and shook all over... Not his favorite flavor?

Summer has been flying by. If we aren't busy doing this, we will be doing that, we all know how that goes! The kids started attending day care twice a week, they seem to enjoy all of their new found friends. And they are very excited as there Best Buddy ever goes there too, Elena Cavadas. The kids will go to bed at night or wake up in the morning asking if they will see her that day. I love it-they crack me up with their bond! Too sweet! The facility is attended by a lot of kids who's parents I grew up with or we are friends with to this day, kinda cool to see how we have turned out!!

Grayson recently decided to be a fish, he can swim from the stairs of the shallow end of the pool to the deep end, by himself! He jumps off the diving board and the side of the pool. NO FEAR! Charlotte is getting braver, but water still intimidates her, the bigger the body the more fear she has. She jumps in without help and will doggy paddle to you but sticks close by! We have been plagued with E coli here in South Haven at our beaches this summer due to serious amounts of rain so we have only made a handful of visits thus far, and when we do, they thoroughly enjoy the sand and the surf.

Charlotte and Grayson love to sing, and sing, and sing.... Their songbook consists of Twinkle Twinkle, Barney, Happy Birthday, Frosty the Snowman, The Beach Boys-Bobaran, and many more. Both are potty training but not quite ready for the big kid underwears, Grayson loves to go on the potty, Charlie on the other had will not go #2 and tells you she won't. Frustrating to say the least but we will continue... The Twinkies are healthy, mosquito bite ridden, bruised knee wearing, active 2 1/2 year olds. They are so good, so smart and love to love! They make us laugh, go a little crazy some days, and cry others, but we are so blessed to have them in our lives, as well as our families supporting us and our friends who are out of this world. We love you all so much and hope these latest pictures and updates find you in great health and high spirits.. Hope you all are having a great summer so far.

XXOOXXOO

The Knox Crew

3rd Annual July 4th parade!

2010-07-08T15:33:00.008-04:00

This year was a little different than the last two! None of the usual suspects were @ the parade due to the change in time of 3pm. We missed you all lots. Daddy wasn't there either as he drove the street sweeper for the city! Hottest day of the year, thermostat said 104, but we stuck through it just the 3 of us and had a blast. The kids loved, loved, loved the parade and Jemmer came down to visit them and brought ice cream!!

You can see these two were happy, and having a blast!

Little Miss Charlotte

eating fruit and keeping hydrated with gatorade

Very loud?

This pic makes them look so short!!

Harborfest 2010~The first time Charlie & Gray get to see their Daddy sing on stage

2010-06-18T09:23:00.006-04:00

Notice her feet are off the ground?

National Anthem with Color Guard

Running with my buddies.

This is one of my favorites. Grayson is having a "that's my Daddy" moment!

Dancin' Machine

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-01T15:25:00.000-04:00

First time I took the kids to the beach by myself.

They were so good, they played so well and they loved all the other kids

to play with.

Princess Charlie-She loves the water!

Grayson, so meticulous, he kept looking for his toys

as not to let them float away.

Daddy and Charlie~We worked our butts off this weekend.

Indoor garage is cleaned out!! Whoot Whoot! So happy about that.

Next step for our 3rd bedroom is to put up the Big Kid Beds!

Nannie & Grayson going for an after dinner stroll.

Charlotte & Poppa in close persuit.

Swinging aka drying off for the ride home.

Not sure what she is doing here.

Cheese!

Didn't even know the world was watching them.