The Evolution of a Greyhound Stride

Greyhounds were created to run in sand not snow, but Sophie adapted well to the snow as these pictures depict! If you have never seen a Greyhound run in a full out sprint... you're missing an amazing sight. It is pretty spectacular to see their stride and how God made them so aerodynamic. Just perfect for sprinting. You all know I love the Greyhound breed! Here are a few facts about them that I bet you didn't know:

-The Greyhound breed is the oldest recorded breed. They originated some 8000 years ago in the Middle East and were used to hunt jack rabbits (which is why I said they were built to run in the sand).

-The Greyhound is the only breed mentioned in the Bible. (Proverbs 30: 29-31)

-They are the first breed mentioned in literature, in 800 BC in Homer's Odyssey. Also, Shakespeare mentioned the Greyhound breed several times in his writings.

-Greyhounds are the fastest dogs and have been clocked at up to 45 m.p.h.

-Sadly, because of their deep chest cavities (similar in size to children and small women), and because of their docile temperaments, they are often used in medical research. Thankfully, Greyhound adoption is on the rise and racing these beautiful creatures is becoming a faux pas. Tracks are closing all the time and only 12 states have legalized dog racing now.

If you're interested in adopting one of these lovable, sweet, laid back dogs, just let me know! I volunteer for a great rescue called TEAM Greyhound Adoption of Ohio. www.teamgreyhound.com

Worn out from her wild running in the snow! Greyhounds are sprinters, not long distance runners!

V-Day Party

So... what do you do when you're snowed in with two little girls a couple days before Valentine's Day??? You have a Valentine's Day party! Today the girls and I made Valentine's Cookies, made a Valentine's craft and played games! We had so much fun!! I truly enjoy this time with my sweet girls. I understand that this undivided time with them is fleeting, so we try and make the very most of it!

I LOVE their cheesy smiles! This is one of my new favorite pics of them!!

Mixing the ingredients for our cookies (and a little sampling, too!).

They love using the rolling pin and they're pretty good!

Using the heart shaped cookie cutters!

While the cookies were baking, I taught the girls the fine art of doing dishes! Hey, if you make it into an exiting water game, you can make even chores a fun activity!

Icing the cookies!

Red sprinkles!! FUN and messy! (Notice we made one cookie for Sophie in a dog bone shape per Claire's request! So sweet!!).

Great times with my girls!

Valentine's Day craft! Lots of hearts involved!!!

My Cuties

My cuties... I do love to dress them alike, if you haven't noticed! I may as well do it while I can because I know a day will come when I may meet some resistance!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Bethie!

Today is Aunt Beth's 25th birthday! We celebrated yesterday after church and had a fun time celebrating with one of our favorite people!! The girls adore their Aunt Bethie and it's sweet to see their interactions! It's hard to believe, but Beth was just an eight year old little girl when Ben & I started dating! She has grown into a beautiful woman right before our eyes! We love you, Beth! Have a wonderful day celebrating YOU!!!

Lighting the candles...

Singing Happy Birthday...

...and FINALLY blowing out the candles (with a little help from two little girls!).

You can definitely tell these three are related!

Claire & Anna loved helping Beth open her gifts!

Happy Birthday!!!

Winter Wonderland

Today we went to Grammy & Papa's house for more sledding! We got about 6 inches of snow and it was perfect for some winter fun!

This is one of the prettiest snows I've seen! The snow covered trees are just stunning. It caused me to slow down and truly be thankful for my family and the beauty that surronds me. Thank you, Lord, for giving us such a beautiful snow. Your creation is amazing!

Claire got to see lots of icicles and both girls loved holding them and yes, eating them!

Such a helper!

Papa & Anna sledding!

Now it's Daddy's turn to sled with Anna!

Claire loves to shovel. Who has time for foolishness such as sledding when there is work to do. She is SUCH her Daddy's daughter!

SNOW fun!

Grammy & Papa!

The backdrop of the snow and trees is so pretty!!!

Claire taking a quick break from her shoveling to go sledding with Daddy!

Our little snow bunny! She would've stayed out in the cold & snow all day!

Random Winter FUN

Some cute pictures from the last few weeks!!!

On a very mild Saturday a couple weeks ago, Grammy & Papa took the girls out for the day! They went to the park, the library and out to eat. It was much needed after being sick and couped up in the house!!!

Ahhhhh, FRESH air!

Anna will only go on the big girl swings now!

Silly girl! Oh, I love that face!!!

Climbing the rock wall!

Grammy had a little Valentine's Day party at her house with the girls and one of our friends from church, Yuki. They had a fun time doing Valentine's themed crafts, snacks and games! Thanks, Grammy, for a fun filled day!