Megan and Molly

Buddy's Apple

Digital Scrapbooking

What a wonderful new hobby. The results are just astounding, and it is a delight to see your pages on the computer!

First Digital Pages

New Week, Into the Season

Ella returned to school today. She was excited...to tell her teacher about mommy's Strawberry Shortcake hair.

My mother treated me to a new "do" and I really appreciated it and love the result. Philip did not even bat an eye when I got home...I am glad. I was worried he'd be upset. He just gets upset when I put my hair in a ponytail or "up." I can't figure that one out.

Richie had several days off, not Thanksgiving Day, but the following three. How wonderful was that! An added blessing was the warmer weather. Even today, Philip got to play outside a bit. Hopefully tomorrow I can take both kids out for a little walk in the woods.

A new friend of mine is stopping over tomorrow with her little baby boy. He is only about 6 weeks old. So sweet...they've been serious picture customers lately, so that was a blessing, too!

I am thankful for those that put up with me, friends and family alike. These few days have been rough, and I need to remain thankful and plugged in with friends, especially.

Ella brought home a gorgeous picture of an owl and a moon....can't wait to show it to her "papa." And again, show her granmda the Crippled Lamb Book, by Max Lucado. What a sweet story..it had both Rich and I in tears when we read it separately to the kids.

This Saturday is my jewelry party, and I better get on the ball. Who knows how many will show up since I forgot to ask people and forgot to hand out inviations until the last possible moment! Right now, it just seems like to much, but I guess I need to go through with it. I like to support people, especially when they've helped me out so much and have encouraged me.

We're looking forward to many music events this month of December. And, I am especially looking forward to making snowglobes with Ella and ginger bread cookies. Maybe we'll make a gingerbread house, but we'll see. I can't put to many things on my to do list. I am overwhelmed already.

Black Friday shopping, yes, I must write about that, was successful. I was out of my house by 5:30 and home by 10 ish. I ordered Adobe PSE 5.0 online so I wouldn't have to go into yet another crazy store. I found a sweet charm watch bracelet with horses on it for you know who, and Veggie Tales playdough set for the other you know who.

Whew...don't know if I am ready for BF ever again! HA!

I took some more family pictures over the weekend and am so delighted with them. Plus, my friend Katie just hired me to do her little baby girl's three month pictures. That made my day.

Grandma Snyder needs prayer...she is in pain. It breaks my heart.

Dear Lord, please bless her body, her health, her spirit. May this time of pain pass quickly. We ask you to heal her, with confidence that your will be done, and your peace be brough upon us, as her family. Thank you, Dear Lord, Amen.

Thanksgiving Photo Preview

It's A Bright Day Out There

What sunshine is outside today! It is helpful to me, as I am weary emotionally and physically.

Ella and Philip played well today. Ella helped me in the kitchen as we made pumpkin cookies for family gatherings tomorrow! A trip to the library ensured Philip and Ella a couple more movies to watch and a new book to read. Although, we have been getting books periodically through Scholastic. I really love that company, and am quite excited that Ella's class is offered to order from them!

Yesterday was a tough day as there was a major messup concerning a mortgage payment...how in the WORLD does a company debit your account TWICE for ONE payment? Today it looks like it was taken care of, thankfully. Plus, family helped us out so we would not have MORE problems. I kept calling yesterday to make sure their "two to three days to wire money back in" did not take until next Monday. We have Thanksgiving Day plans here, among other things!

Tonight Richard will get off a little earlier. We are playing special music for a local community Thanksgiving service at a church. We're excited about the opportunity and just feel like it is a blessing to share our music.

Thanksgiving Day the kids and I will go to all the houses by ourselves. Rich will work, but I am sure we'll meet up at his mom and dad's later in the evening. Friday, here I come, shopping for a couple of things. I am already praying for a smooth trip to the hubub. Things can be incredibly crazy. I plan on leaving quite early, as the kids usually wake me up early anyhow. No kids, though...Rich will be off! Yeah! Through Sunday, so that is a wonderful blessing for him and us, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sweet Little Girls & 1 Sweet Boy

Ella's School Mail

Ella brought home some very long and very curly apple peels in a plastic baggy...it was so funny. I think she brought them home with her because she wanted them? I don't know...there's no note. I know they were going to make applesauce today for their feast tomorrow.

Just these sticky and soon to be very strong smelling apple peels!

I am getting quite a chuckle over this! What's a parent to do with them?!

Thanksgiving is Near

Our plans altered Friday due to uneasiness of the kids' health...we only went to Boardman, Chic Fil A, Target, Barnes and Noble (they love that train set there), the Hallmark store, and New York Music. I think we did a lot more than if we had gone to Niles, but we weren't sure how they kids would be. Rich and I really like Chipolte but we are taking a raincheck! We found the perfect American Doll Felicity and Horse look alike at Target and are RELIEVED that the price is right!

Sunday I kept the kids home from church. Today and tomorrow Ella's preschool class will be preparing for a Thanksgiving feast. I hope she is okay for school today and tomorrow and also, well this holiday weekend. She has a raspy voice. They both are coughing.

Rich would love to play the guitar, and he may be able to borrow one from a coworker. I hope he can, because he is itchin' to learn!

Philip bonded with his Uncle Bill and Aunt Lisa on Saturday. He also bonded with Buttercup, the wooden horse over at my mother's. He rode that thing like a true cowboy.

Ella and Abby loved playing together, and just had a nice time.

I loved seeing my family, and spending a few hours with my brother and sister in law. There's never enough time though!

Daddy's Tea Party

Ella was not wanting to eat dinner tonight. Daddy said, "Ella, Would you like to make it a tea party?"

"Sure, Daddy!" And off Daddy went to get her little table and chairs, and teacup for Ella.

And Daddy sat at the little table, too.

And they had a delightful tea party.

What a wondeful Daddy.

And a delightful little lady.

Bless the Lord

Today we were showered with many blessings, and we are praising the Lord for them.

At the secondhand shop, I found a twin bed for Ella that is metal, with only a headboard..that is very nice, due to the limited space in her room. It is more of an antique look, and the design on the bars is quite nice.

Then, I found Buddy's main Christmas gift there, as well. We had been interested in getting him a train table and set, but weren't sure how to do that and which one to get. They had just gotten a wooden set in, with a nice big plain table.

I said, "we'll take both things!" The prices were soooo right!

I was returned about half of the clothing I took in, as they are quite picky, but that was fine...I received MUCH more for what I brought in than I thought I would. And, it covers ALL of our big ticket items we found today! I praise God for this and was quite overwhelmed by it all.

Also, Ella's preschool teacher would like her family's picture taken in December. I was overwhelmed by that offer earlier this week. Today, after talking with her, it will be a general photograph, not necessarily for Christmas. I am very excited and honored, quite honored, for Miss Meledy to ask me this.

Ella played with her friend Addison today after school. I know she misses her little friend, and I am glad it worked out.

Philip took the box of multi-grain flakes this morning and dumped it alllll out on the living room floor.

yes yes yes He did that, this sweet innocent little boy. He had a lot of fun running through it and making it go crunch crunch crunch. What a mess mommy had to clean up.

Tomorrow Richard is off and we are going up to Niles, to eat at Chipoltes and go to Borders, and perhaps Kohl's where he can shop with his birthday gift card he had received three months ago. Teehee.

I hope our day goes smoothly...more than that, I pray that God will continue to provide for our family. We need to trust Him in all things, no matter what.

3 Bins

Well, tomorrow is the day and I just want to talk about it again. I am very sad to give up many many baby outfits of Ella's, and some of Philip. What a mourning process I have gone through, truly. Some might think it silly, but clothing, for me, brings back memories. Especially when it is baby clothing.

I remember my favorite shirt of Rich's when we were dating.

I remember my mother's soft sweaters when I was a little girl.

I remember my grandmothers' blouses as I saw them dressed up for church.

I remember my dad's rugged flannel shirts as we walked and talked outside by the fire.

I remember a little baby boy wearing those teeny tiny sleepers.

I remember cute little outfits that Ella wore before she learned to crawl.

I hope someone else can have as much fun as I have had with those outfits...

Calling all sleepyheads...

That would be the Russell family. Mommy took a 2 1/2 hour nap last night, and woke up just in time for Dancing With the Stars (go Mario!!). Philip is currently sleeping, and I hate to wake him up but we need to go pick up Ella at school. I think SHE is tired too..she was cranky today as well. Like Philip, not like me TEEHEE!

Tomorrow morning is a bright and early appointment to consign TONS of baby clothes. I am excited to get a little bit back for them. I am hoping for well, maybe $50 for 2 or 3 bin full of very nice clothing. Plus, I am taking a swing there, and maybe the exsosaucer, too. I have to launder it all tonight though, and repack the stuff. Last night's nap just threw me off time wise.

I heard from my friend, Jen, a few days ago. That just brightened my day. She cares, and you know she cares. It is a blessing.

Friday Richard is off...we should be going up to Niles to eat at Chipolte's (yeah) and go browse at Borders Books, a favorite place of ours.

My brother and sister in law and sweet niece are visiting my parents this weekend. I hope we can see them at my parents' church on Sunday!!!!

God Bless!

Music Night

What a wonderful evening. So many people partcipated, and I even had some help to sweep up leaves, wash dishes, and take out the trash afterwards. Next time, I will delegate someone to do refreshments. That part SOMEONE added (TEEHEE) was just almost too much to do to do right. We ran out of our food really quickly. BUT, I guess this wasn't the real reason to have the evening..the music and worship was!

A variety of songs and pieces were sung and played. I think the favorite was Rich's Jesu, Joy of Mans Desire/William Tell Overture medley on solo harmonica. The crowd went wild!

The most energetic worshipful song was Diane's Power in the Blood. I suppose it brought goose bumps to everyone..it did for me!

I think we'll try one again, but will have a lot more different faces. A few newer faces to our church that are musicians were unable to participate in the music service. Next time, though, we'll get em'!!!

Richard was so sweet and did some talking for me during the service. Someone mentioned he has a wonderful stage presence, and I agree. I think that he has another calling besides playing music. God IS using that other calling and we are praying for Him to open up doors or close them for us.

I hope to write more later, but Ella is winding down after school and Philip is winding up....

Prayers for friends and family to have a blessed week....

A full day

Saturday was a very long day. For starters, it began at 6 am when Philip woke up (from our bed again). Then, after I fed him so breakfast, we both were able to rest/sleep. Rich and Ella enjoyed their breakfast having pancakes at McDonald's. I left to take pictures and had a wonderful time. They loved them, at least the 5 I sent them via email.

Then, I exchanged the Strawberry Shortcake Christmas DVD for the one that supposedly was the one I was looking for...still not happy about that. Where is the bonus program? It is so strange. I don't know if I should try to take this one back or contact corporate for the bonus program on the DVD.

When I stopped at my parents for a few minutes, my dad fixed me lunch. No one ever does that for me anymore, so it was a real treat. I relished the food and the hugs he gave me. It was a blessing, more than he may know!

Our friend Joe stopped by to talk with us, and we invited him to stay and so we ordered pizza. He always makes me laugh and it is great to have him around. He loves Ella, and has a special place in his heart for her. I am glad that Rich and Joe are like brothers, it is a wonderful thing for Rich.

The dreary weather was not depressing for me yesterday...I admit that it could have been. Instead, the day was filled with planning, fun, and wonderful family. Oh, and Philip constantly eating. My mom said he is catching up from the week he was sick.

Tomorrow Tomorrow

Is a portfolio building time with Alicia Norbo, the daughter of a friend/coworker of Rich's. I am excited...it'll be of her newborn and her husband, her, and baby as well.

I am not mentally ready, really, as today was just exhausting. I hope to go to bed soon so I can get rested up. I need to be fresh and prepared for it.

There is a princess tea party that Ella and I could go to in the afternoon tomorrow, but we'll see. I reserved our spots, but not sure how we'll manage all that.

I pray that Philip sleeps all night in his bed tonight.

Daddy and Daughter are going to McDonald's for pancakes early morning. I opted out, again, as I know that they really like this time together to themselves. Who knows, Philip and I may end up having pancakes here too!

Fall Foliage and Fun

Ahh I enjoy these pics, although a little more imperfect this time around. The little ballerina was having a "ball," and the two leaf mongrels just are having too much fun playing!




The last photograph of Ella and the single leaf was taken at Williamsport Chapel near Beaver Creek State Park. My parents' new church is dear to everyone who hears of it and sees it.

Some Refreshment

Last night was the second women's get together at my church. We played around with makeup and checked out Cookie Lee jewelry. And, I signed up for a Cookie Lee party for the beginning part of December. I can't wait! I think I'll be able to buy a few Christmas gifts, and hopefully have a nice showing. The party is really different from what most parties are. NO presentation...just the goods layed out to see and you can come ANYTIME you want and stay however long you want to!

I also took the kids "shopping" today for a couple of hours. Ella has a Strawberry Shortcake DVD now, which we purchased at a great discounted price. I also found a pair of pajamas for Philip, the next size up, and a cute outfit for Ella that was very much marked down. OH, and shhhhh A Veggie Tale Bible for Philip for Christmas, also purchased with a nice discount. No more Christmas shopping for me for awhile, at least not again until the first of December, or maybe Black Friday. Rich works both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day so I DO have the next days after that free to go shopping, although I truly wish he would be able to stay home for the holidays.

We are going to check out the Salvation Army next door, or rather, down the block, and see if they need any help with volunteers soon. They keep remaining on our hearts and minds and have been for awhile. God must be nudging us, but we'll see.

Philip is about 100% now, and always ALWAYS hungry! What thankful hearts Rich and I have. Ella has been with me all day, since she does not have school on Friday. She is so much fun. l love her, even though we've had a few difficult moments today...especially with the socks and shoe thing again. I believe that she will wind up walking around outside barefoot soon, if I get desperate. Just kidding, but I hope her complaints end soon or I can figure out how to get her to respond properly with me about her socks and shoes.

Richard will be home early tonight, and I am so excited. I will definitely be making chicken for him tonight. Bless his heart, I have not made a full meal in about a week!

Then, hopefully, he and the kids will be outside for awhile. Ella has refused to go outside this afternoon. That is actually okay with me, but I know we need to enjoy this nicer weather while it lasts.

What a beautiful day and what blessings we have. Thank you, Lord...

Upon Ella's Request...

I must post that she would like a Little Mermaid for Christmas. Aren't kids funny?

She is bugging us soo much about the LM that I think may look for one at Kidzone today, and give one to her now. Anything with the Little Mermaid on it. Anything. Anything. Anything.

Only then will Rich and I have peace!

Preparation for the weekend

This weekend is our church's music night. To prepare, I need to make a list of everyone participating and give it to them on Sunday morning. With Ella having had the flu last weekend and Buddy having the rotavirus, there has not been too much time for me to dedicate to this. I haven't even called everyone to remind them. Prayer is needed! Also, sleep for Rich and I, or should I say, for Ella and Philip.

Not all was lost with missing out on Town and Country for a few days...that was a blessing.
Another blessing...the willingness and heart of our musicians at church.
And one more blessing...the knowledge that God will be praised this weekend!

Photography in my heart

I feel so blessed. I have a couple of appointments lined up, as well as another baby portfolio building session this Saturday. I am praying more people I know (friends, family, etc) will be asking me to do portrait shoots. As my mother said to me, "In His Time.."
Why is it so difficult for me to believe that? I have hope and promise for a future, the Bible says so, but I sometimes think I dream too much.
I have truly let it go in His hands...I only want my photography to bless Him and others, however that may come.

Moved 1st blog...

A New Day
Well, this is the first time I have ever blogged! I will just test this idea for a few days and see what I think of it.
Today was another tough day with Philip. He is feeling better, but needing momma. Ella and her daddy went to visit grandparents...so, needless to say, she played hookey from preschool! SHHHH...don't tell anyone!
They are coming home now. Philip and I cannot wait to see them again. Although, Rich has to go to praise band practice at church.
My time today ran away from me. I was able to exercise and start a load of laundry. I NEED to fix up my scrapbooking space and really get that organized. I would love to start back into that again.
I need to stop this writing. Philip needs me! Have a nice day everyone!

Middle of the Night Thankfulness

My daughter just woke me up and I treated her to a snuggle in MY bed than promptly returned her to HER bed with a small glass of water.

I also realized then, that Philip is asleep beside me...as he has been there every night since he was not feeling well. I think we have a slight problem, now! I love him sooo much and would love to have him sleep with us every night but he is going to have to learn to sleep in his toddler bed better. Bless His Heart.

I better return to bed. It is late, or early....teehee

A New Thing

Okay so I am truly trying out this blog idea...I want to use it as a diary of sorts. Let's see if this test works!