Summer days...her gorgeous smile

I am trying to edit old photos of last year. This is one..blurry but I am tried to enhance it with an "aura." I hope it works!

I sure felt prayers today..I felt much better this afternoon, after a disfunctional morning. And, now, the kids are off to bed. Hoping and praying Philip sleeps all night through. He barely had a nap so we'll see.

Oh, and Yeah, Rich and I completed Raiders of the Lost Ark last night. It only took us 2 nights to watch 1 movie. Pretty good! He liked that one the best..I liked the Crusade one better. It was a nice date, nonetheless, at

home!

I was so shocked.

Check this out.

I am glad the cinema is going to be saved. I was talking to Rich about it the other day...after I saw the "for sale" sign.

**Added later***

My brother wonders if he can go now for free!

They're friends, he and Don. I thought that was a funny thing to say.

Snippets of the last few days

I was able to visit with my friend, Katie, Thursday at the Lazy Bean for awhile while Ella was in school. Philip slept in my arms most of the time, and Katie's little Autumn was awake and so alert the whole time. I had a mocha (ughh reminds me I don't like them) and a muffin, and hot tea (my favorite, my choice at all times!). I would've gotten hot chocolate too, but then I realized I would have spent a lot on just drinks! LOL!

Saturday, Rich went to a favorite music store of his..on the condition that he would stop at Chipotle and get me some food! Yum! So he did. (the store was in Kent).

Sunday, church was canceled. Philip had been fighting a fever, etc anyways, so I wasn't going anyways. Ella had a terrible time with an earache, that left her miserable the whole evening too. I felt so bad.

No sleep for me the past few days..I think 6 hours total the past two nights. Seriously, who can go on that?!

I have the beginnings of a cold, and laying my head down just made it worse, I think. When I pick up a tissue to use, and use it, I sound like that scary farm tractor in Cars when they went tractor tipping.

By the way, Philip and I are terribly disappointed that Cars didn't win an Oscar. It's one of Philip's favorite.

Also one of his favorites, is Jonah (the Veggie Tales version). I have a question about that...I can understand that the veggies don't have hands..I deal with that..but...

I can't figure out how they can get away with clapping?!

Philip had a fever all night again..I wish littles wouldn't get sicker at night!

For the end of the week, I hope to see some other friends..you know who you are!

This weekend is the weekend Rich works...that is always tough on me, but we'll figure out something to pass the time.

I hope everyone has a wonderful start to the week!

What kind of inspiration is there

for someone who desperately needed inspiration? What I mean is, that when you are in dire need of inspiration, you need a lot. And only in God's timing did it come for me two days ago. I was about ready to just throw in the towel with some aspects of my creativity (meaning photography) becuase of my health, mentally and physically, but THEN...

I came across an award winning photopgrapher and her beautiful website and her style spoke so much to me. I connected with what she was saying about her "art" and I know that is how I want to take my photography now. It'll take more persistance, because I am defining what I do, rather than what people want me to do. I am going to show MY style to clients, and if that is not what they want, they can find someone else. Rather than being something that would dishearten me, as usually it happens when I see someone else's photography going well (the human nature thing), it inspired me to no end. And now I know, you CAN be that good. That good of a photographer that your photographs speak emotions to a person. And have the confidence to do it.

I have lots more to learn, especially in post processing, but now I feel I have the right path again. And that God will lead me on!

The Russells Part 2

26. Rich does not really like Tupperware documentaries...he did rent one once and received a lot of laughs for it..by those who came by that night. Just wanted to clarify that one for my wonderful husband! :-)
27. Ella's first movie to see in the theater was Charlotte's Web.
28. I always cry when I see Charlotte's Web
29. Growing up, I loved pretending I was Laura Ingalls.
30. Grandma Snyder let my brother and I tie up her entire living room using yarn. stretching it and tying it from one thing to the next.
31. I have gone white water rafting several times...loved it, fell out once, but that experience probably is well over for me!
32. We plan on vacationing at Beaver Creek (camping) this year.
33. Rich spent many hours in high school and college years building and flying radio controlled model airplanes.
34. Rich thought I was married when he first met me...by the purity ring I had on my finger.
35. I would love to go to Europe or somewhere abroad when I am older.
36. Rich has traveled Europe.
37. My goal for our family as a major vacation sometime is either New England or out West.
38. I'd love to see Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon.
40. Never feed me onions, mushrooms, or raisins.
41. Everyone else here like raisins.
42. Rich and I split up the housework here pretty well...due to my fibro and his servant like attitude!
43. We live across the street from a nice school playground...pretty handy in the summer and after school hours!
44. My grandmother went to see Titanic with me in the theater...at that point, I think it was the 3rd time I would have seen it. She had a nice time, too!
45. Ella and Philip love their cousin, Abby, and really miss her.
46. Philip has begun working on the computer, too!
47. Rich's mom makes a mean (wonderful) coffee punch that her daughter in law practically begs for when we have family get togethers :-)
48. Rich loves riding his bike..and is able to do that more often these days. Besides his almost daily walks.
49. We continually feel blessed with what we have..from children, family, friends, house...and more!
50. For Valentines Day, I made cards and had my husband pick one of the cards I made to give to me. He had to or else..I loved the card kit too much!

Yesterday in the Snow

A note to my beloved dad...how about this as a new "N.A" name for Ella...Snowdrifter.

And, for Philip, as a result of his playful actions in the snow this week...Snowkicker.

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

Rich and I have had our two main wedding photos up in beautiful frames since we were married. Little did we know how much these two photographs convey to two little ones.

Ella knows they are "married" pictures. Buddy knows that is dadda and momma in the photographs.

Ella knows we are happy...she even said so one time.

She says she is going to be married like that sometime. Just like mommy is to daddy.

I am so relieved that we are living examples for these children on how to correctly establish a family...and that these photos, and hopefully future ones, will hold memories and ideas for them to grow properly with.

A true ministry to me today...

This was wonderful to hear...

Some Scrapbooking

25 Things Plus A Picture

I use my blog to communicate with family and friends..and as a way to express myself and keep note of things happening at home for my own records. So..that is why I am on a roll with entries! Please bear with me...

Here are 25 things (part 1 of 4, to make 100) about the Russells...

1. Ella likes to "remote" us now...with her new cd player remote of course.

2. Philip is also called Buddy.

3. Ella created that nickname early on when she couldn't say "baby brother." She said "baby buddy."

4. Miss Meledy is her best friend.

5. I am certain Philip has a crush on Mulan.

6. Rich doesn't have three mandolins..he has 2 plus an octave...ahem...that's an octave mandolin, too! YES HE HAS THREE!

7. I don't practice my music for church Sunday morning...I wing it. Please don't tell!

8. Rich, a dietitian, provides CHOCOLATE for me every once in awhile.

9. Rich is a night owl.

10. Lately, Philip's been too.

11. That means I have to be slightly a night owl.

12. I hate the days when Rich works 9:30-6. Those seem so long.

13. I love making homemade pizza.

14. I love ordering GOOD pizza.

15. Rich has a sweet tooth on occassion, but only at midnight.

16. He likes to watch tupperware documentaries.

17. Our shows that we watch: Clifford, Dragon Tales, Cars, Sesame Street, Curious George.

18. The shows the parents try to watch: the Apprentice, Lost, movies we rent.

19. I think I own the world's tiniest Bible and the world's biggest one.

20. Psalm 46:10 has always been a favorite verse of mine.

21. Ella accepted Jesus as her Savior a little less than a year ago, of her own accord, and interest and questioning. It was a tender moment.

22.I am a worrier.

23. Rich is not!

24. We will probably never have to downsize!

25. Our family is generally a laid back, stay at home type...usually.

There were four in the bed...

and the little one said...haha

Well, since Ella came in first at 2:30, and talked to Daddy, and he let her beside him, I thought...oh well...I guess that's okay.

Then a half hour later, you-know-who came in of course as he always does, and went right to my side and right to sleep in the crook of my right arm. How sweet.

But, now I can't sleep (no suprise). I've had juice and toast..hopefully one piece of chocolate will help me go to sleep!

I don't mind. I am glad my kids are safe asleep..and happy.

Just, kids, don't repeat this tomorrow!!!!!!

Refreshing Weekend

Saturday, Rich and I had the pleasure of enjoying each other's company. We went to Niles for lunch at Chipolte and a couple of hours browsing through Borders Bookstore. Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!

Sunday's morning worship went well.. I was very nervous of the speaking I had to do as well as the leading the praise and worship. However, the songs and introductions and prayer following the music went well. Yeah!

Today, I am at my in laws. It is a nice change. I love visiting here!

Work In Progress

Well, I finally did some touching up to my website that I haven't touched since October. It still has more work to be done with it, including a better looking gallery of photos put up on the other pages. BUT, I worked hours yesterday and a bit today. If you wish to see what's new there go to www.cthphoto.com

I am unsure if I will keep this hosting site though. I found many wonderful photographers' websites on this very blog site. I don't know HTML though...that is why I am using the site I have now at the moment. It uses a more lay-person ability. I would LOVE to have a gallery that enlarges thumbnails if you click the thumbnail..and music, too. Hopefully that will happen someday. I have a feeling the cost would be too great now!

Now, hopefully, I can begin putting my name out again in a month or two. I know God will give me what I can handle..only. I have a feeling it won't be much and that is okay.

It's hard to learn that you have many limitations, more than you thought, in processing things mentally and "multi-tasking."

Already, though, I have 2 six-month old sessions lined up and a small wedding. I do not wish to add weddings to my speciality, but I agreed to do this ONE for a friend.

Enough about this photography stuff..I don't want it to overwhelm my thoughts today...my husband and I are going on a date. No, not to a movie but out to eat and to a bookstore. I will not say where yet, because, if you didn't figure out, we always end up changing our minds! But, it will be a wonderful day to ourselves.

No show!

I am terribly disappointed. The Last Sin Eater isn't at the the theaters anymore.

I could cry. A simple thing, but when you were looking forward to it, it's hard to accept that you have to find something just as wonderful to do. Maybe it's just as well. Rich and I can buy a magazine each instead. HA!

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic

Last night was the first parent teacher conference for Richard and I. We learned that our Ella is quite loved by her teacher and the other helpers. She behaves well, is polite, is a little girl in every way, and is very, very intelligent. They say she knows more than most children her age.

Miss Meledy, her teacher, is Ella's "best friend," and when I told Miss Meledy that is how Ella described her to my mother, she was so thrilled!

What a compliment it was to us for Miss M. to tell us we are doing something good and right with the way we are raising Ella...she comes to school so happy and is excited about everything. JOY is how you would descibe her nature at school.

I cannot tell you how happy that made me, a mom, feel..for this week was tough with Ella on occassion. We figured out that may be because she has so much she is processing in her head (because she is so smart) and doesn't know yet how to verbalize her feelings and all her thoughts.

Also, she knows her numbers well (she counts very high when she is here at home) and can write her name with no problem (she's been doing that for several months). Even at church, she is the same. She has been complimented on how well she writes her name and counts, and knows so many letters- how to identify them and write them. We are so proud and thankful for this little girl...even if she wasn't doing so well, we know that she would be enjoying herself and learning little by little, and we would continue to encourage her and be proud of her abilities.

On to other things...when I read, I read fast. I have always been a speed reader. I have tried not to, but still, it happens! So, yes, all the books I got from the library this week are read. The Last Sin Eater, The Scent of Water, a few other ones...oh, and just this morning, the first Mary Higgins Clark book I've ever read, suggested by a friend who likes to read the same Christian novels I do, called Daddy's Little Girl. It was pretty good. I'll have to look for more of her books. I honestly have to go in spurts or phases with going to the library. I cannot set a book down until I have read it, or at least half. I also am particular with what I read. I love Christian novels, and have been stuck on those for awhile. It's my only downtime for my brain...and I love a little romance in them. Not always..I like some authors that put in other elements, too.

Anyways, Saturday, Rich and I are going to see The Last Sin Eater and use our gift card we recieved at Christmas, for Applebee's.

I pray that the kids don't have colds that worsen the next few days. We HAVE to go to church as I am leading the praise and worksip and since we don't have our drummer or bass guitarist players that day, I need Rich there to play too!

It's Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day, everyone! We are snowed in today, again. I don't mind. Well, I should say that we had to leave the house yesterday morning. Ella had her ear check up appt (everything is fine!) and since Philip started getting sick and had a fever all night, I had the doctor check him, too. I am so glad she gave us a prescription for him. I don't want to rough it out with him again.

Last night was another fitful night with Philip, so I have not had good sleep. I deal with insomnia anyways, for the most part, so it wasn't anything fairly new.

The kids received their valentine gifts and love them. Each got a flashlight, and Ella got a Disney princess nightlight and socks.

The funny thing about these socks..they were actually for a 1-2 year old and were hose. I didn't know that, there wasn't a tag on them and they were in the GIRL section at Target...so, to make them the knee socks I thought they were, I cut the top off! HA! And they work just fine!

I hope to take some simple candids of them today. I have not felt like taking pictures lately, probably soon, but not yet. Depression is so very oppresive, but I have appreciated the prayers that I know have been sent up. It's so encouraging!

My husband my hero

He treated me with extra special care today.

And now we go in the living room to watch Titanic.

AWWWW... at his own suggestion. I am so excited. I get to rest and have my tea, too.

He really has shown so much love to me through this tough time.

I am so blessed.

New Movie

I can't wait! Check this out. I am excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another Fox Faith movie! I read the book a long time ago, and this movie sounds like it may have a touch of the suspense from a recent twisted-red-community film that at the moment I can't think of the name. Midnight something or other? Rich and I really had liked that movie, too. Gosh, it's embarrassing to be so forgetful!

Anyways, I think I got my husband excited about it too. So hopefully we'll be going to see it on our next date. It's been awhile!

I saw friends at the bookstore today. That was a refreshing suprise for Rich, the kids, and I. I had a difficult end of the week, and I think God planned for that refreshing meeting. He even let me keep my purse...ha, Kimmy! (see kimmy.inkbleedpress.com for more information about that story! Sorry I can't figure out how to link that!?)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Look ahead, the best is yet to come. He is holding you in his hands....it's hard to trust, and be willing to be broken and put back together. But, the best is yet to come.

Bright and Shiny

Today looks like we'll have a bright outlook here in the Russell household. I say this is an answer to prayer.

A couple of days ago I woke up and found my face and neck not puffy anymore (due to thyroid). That was definitely an answer to prayer...from Sunday. There wasn't any change to my meds or anything for that to happen. Praise God.

Also, I found a couple of convicting verses last night. Now, that normally wouldn't put a bright and shiny outlook on a person, but sure would if you are a Christian striving to be more like Christ. And, that is the case here.

Ephesians 5:10 "...find out what please the Lord."

Ephesians 5: 17 "......understand what the Lord's will is."

These verses struck me in a refreshing way. One thing that I know that pleases the Lord is being compassionate towards one another. I need to hold on to those verses for Friday, as I take the children to make Valentines, and fellowship with the other moms at my church.

Also, I feel I need to start up with my duties on the Music and Worship Committee at church... I haven't been to a meeting in a couple of years, due to these small wonderful kids. This Tuesday evening is a meeting, and I will surely try to be there. As the church pianist, I am a part of the committee...so I think we need to make a change and strive to fulfill this duty.

For a small prayer request, for whomever is reading this, Ella did not pass her hearing screening yesterday. I feel this is due to constant fluid and ear infections she has had this terrible cold/flu season. In the spring, she'll be tested again.

Thirty eight dollar discount

Now, that's something to feel good about. For those who don't know, I like thrifting.

I also adore Gymboree clothing...this has been going on for 2 years now, about the time I started to ebay the kids' clothing. It's amazing..you really pay almost NOTHING for brand names after you ebay and get a return!

Imagine my delight when I found a beautiful 18-24 month cream fisherman sweater from a Gymboree '05 fall line for only 60 cents. It had been originally $38! At that same time, I found a summer hoodie for Ella for the same price. I believe that retailed for $30.

I hadn't the courage to write about my find until today. This happened several weeks ago. I thought it was a dream.

I really don't understand why I get so obsessed over the kids clothing. I always find "deals" and I never pay CLOSE to the retail for any brand name. I have no qualms about used clothing either. BUT, I could classify any piece of clothing from G******* if you showed me it! Now that's talent!

I miss my friend, Jen's, preschool helper eye, too. She had a student that wore this brand EVERY day. She would describe the outfit to me and I would tell her exactly what it was called!

Seriously, I think this is humorous, and it is going to come to an end soon (well in a few years!)... Cato's carries a girl's line now! HA~

This post is dedicated to....

my friend Jen! You are far far away in the physical sense, but right at home in spirit. Love you!

Miss you thanks for the email!

Thanks for taking the time to read this tiny blog, too!

I think blonde would be fine...you look good with hair any color!

Being Fruitful

Everyday is a work of art (aka battle) for me. I appreciate so much, the calls of my family, and emails from friends. It is encouraging and supportive.

I mostly appreciate the love from DH...and of course, the love of HIM, who will always give us strength.

I feel that I have gotten strength this week to clean out some areas in the house, and heart. And keep positive throughout the past few days.

It is a good feeling, and greater feeling to know that the Lord listens to our hearts cries.

A Tropical Thought

Our family must be crazy. First, yesterday, Ella wore a swimsuit most of the day.

IT IS BELOW ZERO OUT!

Then, my husband breaks out the ice cream after dinner for desert. All three monkeys of the family ate it (not me).

Today, it is still below zero. Ella sneaked out of her room wearing, well, her swimsuit.

And then she goes around the living room, "swimming." Such character the Russells have!

LASHES

A cold day it is today. I am trying to figure out some things in PSE. Still don't know how to do brushes, or stamps yet. I actually created three birthday cards (with real paper) the other day. Do you know how long it's been since I've felt creative or up to doing something with my concrete scrapbooking supplies? VERY LONG.

It was a triumph.

Hopefully, more triumphs will be in the near future.

Anyways, here is a photo of Ella from fall that I know my mom and dad would like!

My Husband the Comedian

Today at church my friend, Lori, said "I had a dream that I was out eating dinner with someone, at a comedy club, and Rich was the comedian." She also commented suprisingly, "He was really funny, too!"

"Hmmm..." I replied. "He woke me up at 5 am this morning to tell jokes! What a coincidence!"

Here's one of the many jokes I had to listen to very early this morning. It's my version, though..I forget details these days.


A man was telling a bishop about his love life.

"Well, I married one woman, and treated her very kindly.
and, yes, then I married another at the same time, and treated her kindly,
too."

He paused for a moment. The bishop was quiet.

"You could say," the man continued," that I treated them
both the same.

Wasn't that big of me?"