Simple Science Lesson- Instructions Included

1. Go buy some snacks, a bottled water, and bottled pop or carbonated beverage for yourself and children.

2. Walk 2 blocks holding your bottle of pop under your arm, while you help your kids eat snacks.

3. Go home

4. Open your drink forgetting what happens when certain beverages get bumped around alot.

5. Observe a catastrophe of fizz.

6. Start laughing.

7. Squeeze the bottle and allow squirts of fizz fly up into the air and into the sink.

8. Continue for 2 minutes.

9. Enjoy the smiles and giggles of your children.

Just the 2 of us

in this first photo. Excuse the self-timed bluriness of the photograph.

We actually DO have a pet. Kodak's his name...seriously...I got him right after high school. See..I loved photography for a long time!

Then, hmmm...there's Ella on the white wicker chair at my parents' house on Memorial Day, Ella out in the sun with her polka dot dress and handmade pink tutu by her Great Grandma Snyder, and then Buddy and Ella playing in our flowers, but then there's this other photo I love the best, I think. Ella is watching the duckies in a park. I think she just looks lovely.

The kids were basically in dirt all day

But that's what summer is all about right? They helped daddy plant two rows of a garden, beside the two tomato plants we already have and the wild strawberry patch that's been there from the former home owners. Anyways, they planted peas and beans. But, during the planting process Philip took his plastic golf club and smashed some of the tomato plant leaves to bits. He was in a teeny bit of trouble for that one! It'll survive, I am sure, but we got to watch this kid and his "sticks" around plants!

Later, when Rich and I went on a date, the kids spent the entire evening with the Mills family again, and tagged along for their son's baseball game..where they played in dirt.

Cherry said Philip was much happier at their house than at the game...he is really sensitive, Philip is, and I guess he liked the baby kittens that were living on their porch, and um, jumping off the porch. Ella loved the game, of course, and also what she got to eat...icecream, cotton candy, and chips! You'd think this girl was sweets deprived HA! I didnt' mind really because she does NOT get to eat that stuff often at all here.

Rich and I went to Aladdin's. That was OUR place when we where dating/engaged/first married..until after kids. We haven't been there together for a couple of years, actually. I let Rich choose our dining destination, so that's what he chose. It was fine by me...I could tell it made him really happy.

Then, we saw Spiderman 3. After we learned POTC the 3rd was about 3 hours long, we opted out of that one. It was really good, but I think I could've written the ending better. If you want to hear my ending (and don't expect a nice one either) email me.

Then, we went to Barnes and Noble for about 10 minutes because we were really pushing the time there. I picked up a cup of tea and a scone. Poor Rich, though..he had to tough out a growing headach as soon as we dropped off the kids.

Shhh..he had to wear sunglasses at after it was dark, like a quarter to nine, because the lights were bothering him. It was that bad!!!!!!!!

It was a wonderful day, and I thank God for it.

Just pray for the flowers I bought today, too. Who knows if I'll kill them or not. They don't have a good chance, but since they're my "babies" now, mabe I'll be able to keep them alive for at least a week. Just kidding, maybe two!

Oh, and this morning I had a quick, school taking picture shoot with the youth pastor's wife and kids. That was fun. I took Ella along as we met at the Firestone Park. She loved watching the ducks in the pond after we were done. We looked at the tadpoles in the pond too...she knows alllll about that process!

Tomorrow we may go to Beaver Creek Park. But, then Ella would have to miss preschool, and we have praise band practice that night, and I have to take a 3 month olds photographs too. Ohh my. I think we'll get it all done.

Some Words

The darn trouble with cleaning the house is it gets dirty the next day anyway. So skip a week if you have to. ~Barbara Bush

Some people weave burlap into the fabric of our lives, and some weave gold thread. Both contribute to make the whole picture beautiful and unique. ~Author Unknown

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. ~Corrie Ten Boom

Hair Gone Wild

Dude

It's Almost There

I know it's there.

I have been praying for it.

I imagine it,

taste it,

feel it,

see it,

wish for it...

but it's like this unreachable cloud, and when I get there, my hand sinks through and I can't keep any of it.

Joy.

Funny thing is, the concept of "joy" is close to my dad's heart. I think that is why everyone thinks so very highly of him.

I just hope that the joy can be there soon...like it was before kids, not that I am blaming them, but it is a fact that hormones change in a flash.

On to better things..

Philip actually went on the potty twice today. It's a small succes because we have a long way to go. But Ella and I clapped so hard and long for him. He smiled.

I played "Shall we gather at the river" for the offertory today, wanting to play my original arrangment (that no one can identify the song, hardly, anyways HA) because I played it at my Grandpa Duvall's funeral a few weeks ago. My grandpa was honored with many other veterans at church today. He had some amazing words to speak later in the service.

Rich was at work, but he has the next 3 days off. Tomorrow is a chilling out day, then Tuesday night we are going on a date! Probably a movie and a simple place to eat in Salem. He got a free movie ticket for the theater in Salem, so that'll work!

Always trust a mother's intuition. Why? Since Philip had the rotavirus in the fall, he has woken up about 1 or 2 in the morning and promptly comes to my side to be scooped up and placed in between Rich and I. Well, since pediatricans don't really approve at that, and just about, well, a lot of people, too...I only told our doctor about that one time. What do they say? Fix the problem even if it means to get up 16 times during the night to do it. That's very unrealistic for me. With Fibromyalgia, if I get up constantly through the night, I am about worthless the next day..or week, really.

So, I prayed and prayed and prayed that Philip would just ease into staying in his own little bed on his own. I knew in my heart that I couldn't do what Dr.'s say. I need that extra time with him to cuddle and snuggle. They grow up too fast...especially now that..

Tadaaa...Philip slept the last three nights allll night long in his little bed. I am so proud of him. He still comes to see me when he gets up..around 7 or so, and that is fine by me. He's so sweet and warm to hold.

This all to say, MAMA KNOWS BEST! No doubt about it. I knew God would take care of us!

Something that does make me happy is finding great deals on gifts, and even things for us Russells. My friend, Katie, is always amazed b/c I pick up these things that are soooo cheap, for gifts later, and I ALWAYS use them. Actually, because of things I've found this week, I am done Christmas shopping except for Rich and his dad. It's not even June. Well, at least now we won't have to have a heart attack over where money for shopping for gifts would come from. I have been blessed with some extra money here and there and it has helped so much.

My favorite find this week, though, was for Ella. Just a gorgeous pair of leather, tall boots, that were $45, and I got them for $8, from Gymboree.

For Philip, a very fine and handsome blue and white striped seersucker blazer that was $30, and I got it for $5.

These darling pins for certain female members of the family, for under $3 each.

And a special special SPECIAL pen for another member of the family that I got for under $5.

American Girl doggy watches for neices/Ella for under $4 each!

Well, I could go on, but you get the idea.

My friend Katie is my lucky penny, I think, most of the time anyways! She commented that God knows the desires of my heart and he has blessed those. That was so sweet of her to say, and very uplifting! My friend, Tifany, too, is my other lucky penny. She actually helped me find the quilt I wanted, and it was clearanced. So, now Rich and I's bedroom is fixed up nice, a completely different look. (Philip's room got a ridding up too- finally- and it looks quite nice....I took bags of toys out of Ella's room after I was so irritated at them all. Toys still exist upstairs, that's for sure, but now there are more downstairs that need sorted, organized, and some given away..all for another day...).

Little Patchworks

Just a few things to mention today. It is a day that I would rate as a "10", for I had some time alone with devotions, had some extra time to sleep this morning, was able to do a little bit of cleaning, kids have been pretty good, and it's almost time for Ella to go to school...

I've survived the morning without being frazzled. Hallelujah!

I don't have many "10" days...honestly, they are probably 6's allllll the time. No mental problems today either, thank goodness.

On to other things. I would like to get some help making a quilt. My grandma is going to help me some. I have some fabric that I am keeping my eye on.

I had the sweetest conversation with my grandmother yesterday morning. On the phone, we were both crying, and she prayed. I will never forget it.

I am disappointed that I don't know what it going to happen on my favorite TV show, Lost. Well, I have to remember, one of the people who directs/produces the show also did Alias..and woa, the last couple of seasons of Alias really threw you off track BUT it did end up fairly happy. Now, I just have to wait until February of 2008 before it is on again. I hope the schedule changes. How can you keep your fans interested when they have to wait that long?

A few new of my favorite things: Blueberry scones from Barnes and Noble and their shaken Iced Tea. Now, I thought the scones from Panera's were good, but after having one from Barnes and Noble I have changed my mind.

I hope the day continues well....I pray that it does. I can tell that there is peace and love and joy in this house MORE so now than it is other mornings.

A Legacy Is,

for me, today, what the memories of myself that I wish my children, and other loved ones to learn from, cherish, put tightly in their own personal treasure boxes, perhaps share with someone else at the right time, but most importantly point them to the Lord.

I hope these are the memories I leave behind:

She followed God with all her heart.

She made mistakes but was willing to learn from them and be a better person for it.

She was a good friend.

Nothing was too simple for her to enjoy.

Loving her family (husband and children) were first in her life, after God.

She put her passion and creativity for her talents in the right place, and with the right attitude.

She helped.

She encouraged.

She loved learning.

She treasured Home.

That's what I hope I can pass on...to my children, especially..to my future grandchildren...nothing to raise me up..only for others to learn and grow and cherish.

So, to answer someone's question about what I would want my legacy to be, this is it.

One more set of songs..

I want these on here so I can listen right away if I want. Not all piano..but not all the same stuff either. I love love songs, I love piano music, I love quiet songs about God that take me closer to Him, and, I love how music can make me feel calm, refreshed, inspired, and most importantly, for me, joyful.

oops..here are the songs

from the below post!

Another Set of Songs

by Kevin Kern..and new musician I have found just now that I really like...similar to Robin Spielberg, whom I adore..I have all her cd's except 1. Enjoy! I know, Dad, that you will especially. And maybe Rich, too!

Actually, when I compose songs, which happens whenever I sit down, but I never play them over again the same (a problem I hope to correct someday), they sounds so very similar to these..just so you know my piano style, if you want to know.

Inspirational Music for Today

I found this site, and gee, I hope it works. I hope you enjoy it like I am!

Free Movies

These are kid friendly, free movies near you. HERE is the link. I know my kids would love some of these! Especially since they are in the big theater!

Divine Appointments

I love divine appointments. I have gotten a lot of them in the past few years.

The other day, I saw Beth in the parking lot of the mall with her two children, and yelled her name so she would notice me. It was lovely chatting. Refreshing and just a little blessing from God.

I've gotten a lot of "appointments" that include Kimmy, that's for sure. I like those, too!

Thinking about this post made me reminisce about two things. Here they are:

1. If I hadn't seen Beth at a friend's wedding I wouldn't have eventually gone to the Bible Study where I met Rich.

2. If Kimmy hadn't intervened and "encouraged" Rich to talk to me, it may have taken longer than a couple of years for us to get together! :-)

I think of these friendships as treasures. I have many, they are all different, these friendships, and I am learning too keep them different. I think it's a good thing.

A story with few words

One sentence was the challenge, and here's mine!

Bubbles, small, smaller, and the smallest,

danced across the front yard

and the front window

as I peered out into the early twilight

and watched during the briefest time,

a little girl, her brother, and daddy

playing together with bubbles that grow,

spread their wings, fly,

and then finally, disappear.

Outdoor/Indoor Goals

*Paint our bedroom
*Replace the quilt for a summery one
*Purchase stones for a small patio just beyond our deck
*Buy some pots and then plant something in them that won't die because I am not good with keeping plants alive
*Figure out how to plant spinach? and other salad greens in above ground containers (ahem..if any one out there can help, let me know!)
*Find a vintage/weathered small table and chair set for outside
*Find a vintage/weathered wicker couch/chair for outside
*Get a trellis or Arbor
*Find an old door
*Get some small fencing to put under the deck where it needs to be covered
*Find more fencing for some photography options

A day that held many emotions

Yesterday, was the last day we had our Pastor Ron as our Pastor. For, he has retired. He blessed us with his guitar music after a wonderful but too short sermon. Following the service, there was a catered dinner, and then after that, a program, mostly filled with laughs to balance out the tears of the morning. I personally sobbed alone in my pew after I played the music during the morning service. From past experiences with churches, I have had somewhat of a nonepectancy of compassionate, friendly pastors, but Pastor Ron was the exception, and I will never forget that. His wife, Karen, has blessed me with a friendship I shall never forget. I've never ever connected with a pastor and wife (and I don't wish to say "and wife" because she has so much to do with her husband's ministry, too!) than I have with these two Godly people. I know that others would feel the same way. A silly worry I've had the past few weeks is that they would forget us. Silly, I know, but Pastor Ron said Sunday during his sermon that he will not forget us..and I am serious when I say this, whether he knew it or not, he looked directly in my direction. Talk about a relief in my heart.

As for the other day in the weekend, Saturday, Rich went with Ella and my dad to a Civil War area recruitment. They all dressed up in period clothing, too. I had a dress that my Grandma Snyder had made for me when I was little, and I thought it would be perfect for Ella. It was, because it fit her perfectly and was similar to what the children wore in that era.

She was so excited, Ella was, and I was told that she behaved so well at the camp. Interestingly, I have always wished for Ella to like the things I did when I was little..Little House on the Prairie, the west, old time stuff..and she is liking that stuff!!!! I can only pray that ithis is part of the legacy I can leave behind, for I believe that appreciating the past, expecially of earlier America, is important. The simple things, the times that made you closer to God and his creation.

Hats, I love them

Grown Up Girl

Well, today when I was pulling Ella's hair back in a ponytail I realized something. She will be taller than me before ya know it. I think she grew 10 inches overnight! No, not really, but perhaps at least 1!

I went to a local bookstore today and found one thing as a Father's Day gift for my wonderful husband..and then a CD and two books for me. HA!

Those purchases were meant for me, I know it. I needed some peace and assurance in my heart today, and these things just literally POPPED out of the shelves at me. The two books are for women, non fiction. And the CD is a wonderful, compilation of some popular songs song in the Christian music world.

Flower from Fellows River Garden

Apple Pine

That's what Ella called what I had put on my homemade pizza tonight. So cute!

I don't really want to discuss details of the day, because the emotions I felt weren't probably what people would expect due to certain reasons, but I was thankful that my music that I did for the funeral went well and it affected people positively. And, that Rich was able to get the entire day off so I didn't feel abandoned & alone. I really missed my Grandma today, so much. Grandpa, too, but everything really hit me about my Grandma. Frankly, I hope there are no funerals for a loongg time that I am supposed to play the piano at. I just played for one less than two weeks ago..and then at my grandpa's.

I finally got to see my new neice, Kaylyn, on Mother's Day. What an awful aunt I am..that was the first time to see her and she's already almost 6 weeks old! Christa, Rich's sister, understood..she said that she didn't get to come see our kids either until after several weeks. Time just flies by.

So, here are pics of Rich and I, of our kids, of Christa and the newest little baby girl in the family, and of Kaylyn and Aunt Amy :-)

Also, I took Ella to a historical site where she was down on the farm for a couple of hours. Hope to post more pics, sometime. I have lots!

Happy Mother's Day

I got my strawberry pie and it is wonderful! Ella sure is my daughter, though...heehee...just like me with strawberry pie.

Of course, I've been thinking of my Grandma Duvall who passed away last year, and today, my Grandpa Duvall passed away. He's with her, we know.

I am glad for thefamily that are here today...well, more than glad. Thankful and blessed.

Oh I almost forgot!!

I found this really great video of a photographer's dream for ONE photograph. It resembles one from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Rich and I love that movie. It was a special one when we were engaged. I just loved Audrey Hepburn in that. And, of course, Moon River.

So, this video shows what goes on in trying to recreate a scene..but, with a little girl. If you have a few minutes, check it out.

I appreciated it because it show that photographers really have to improvise somtimes, but they are very inventive.

VIDEO

Catch Up Time

That explains what I have to do at home...toys and laundry have gotten quite out of hand, I admit, with the circumstances and my health lately. Tomorrow, morning however..

Rich is taking the kids out for breakfast. Pancakes, to be more specific.

So, that means I have time and mental time to break free from everthing else and just concentrate on ridding things up. I can't wait. Really. I can't wait. Seriously..I am just dying to do it.

I wish I had a maid to do it.

But I don't! That's alright. The sense of accomplishment will be great.

I started the post processing job of my friend's family photoshoot from Wednesday. I always love that part. It's neat to see how your photos "come out."

Tonight was a real switch for Rich and I. HE was the one exhausted and tired after our time out at the wedding, where I played the piano. Well, he did so much carrying of our equipment. Our keyboard is full sized, with a case that is bigger than the full size keyboard. Next, you have the stand for it and the music stand. Then, the sound system, which is quite portable, but includes boxes and stands, and the speakers. I carried two small things in the snow both ways over a mile from the parking lot to the gazebo.

It felt like that anyways. Rich had about 5 trips total to make. Me, ONE! LOL!

It was a very small wedding. We were the only non family guests. The music was excellent..so I hear. yeah! And, the photographer there was real laidback. We talked for a little bit, but I didn't have much time and neither did we. We just did our respective jobs. Though, I would have LOVED to have taken some pics of the bride, I didn't feel right doing that. Also, I brought my camera but I am not a just take a photograph of flowers kind of person...I love pictures of flowers, don't get me wrong. I just want a person in it, too! LOL! I got some shots to try the Orton technique, which I am really trying to learn, but I don't have it quite yet.

After the wedding, Rich and I at at Panera's, and I actually ordered something different.

Then, to Barnes and Noble we went, and there, guess who we saw? No, not Kimmy and Kevin, which happens frequently, but Kimmy's good friend, Elizabeth, a published author. I think that is really cool.

We also ran into someone who also formerly attended Old North before we left too. I had seen Anna at Chic Fil A when I took Ella by herself for an afternoon with mommy. She was there with her son, who was just a few months younger than Ella. That day we had a very nice conversation...Remembering OUR good old days at Old North.

It was a suprise to run into her again, but she is just a pleasant person. She sings, and was part of the praise team at ON, and also loved the former Worship Leader, Dan, just as much as I did. Funny thing, we never talked to each other, hardly, when we were at ON. Now, who knows...we may just keep in touch once in awhile.

It looks like I'll be getting my pie after all..if Rich can make that call tomorrow. Thanks Sam and Laura! I forgot Laura was working in the bakery there!! I can't wait!

Whisper

She's just a little fairy this afternoon, with a whisper of fairy in her wings, hair and face.

I wish she had been looking at the camera (I always seem to have my kids mostly looking away in my photographs!). I do love her little profile though. An imperfect photo, but I won't go into details for nonphotography people. :-) I was just fooling around with this, but I like the idea. I'll put it on my "maybe a canvas" list, if I fix it.

The other thing I want for Mother's Day

I have to make this a short and sweet post.

I NEED A STRAWBERRY PIE!

I don't care if Rich has to make it himself or spend $13 at the Dutch House. ;-)

I am longing for one, I've been thinking about it all day, all day yesterday too. *Sigh* probably won't happen though...

Until I make one!

Look at all the wishes

That's what my daughter told me early this morning as we took a walk by ourselves in the woods, the trail down and then across the street.

She pointed to a line of half a dozen or so of fuzzy weeds, and said in her excited little voice...

"Mommy, look at all the wishes."

It was such a sweet thing to say, all child, all imagination, all real, all truth at the same time. I wish I had her heart.

But something struck me again about these dandelion wishes, later on the trail.

Ella plucked a smaller dandelion and then, POOF!

"Hey, my wish left!"

I said, without thinking, "God wished this one for you."

Her little fuzzies had left the stem before she could wish, but I like to think now that those fuzzies left because God was with us while we walked, and spoke to me through that moment.

What a wonderful thought.

Old Tyme

Rich had so much fun playing his harmonica for the Civil War reinactment. I missed it, but everyone forgave me. :-) Rich said my dad looked like Sir Toppemhat, with his hat, of course, and overcoat. And, they are being "recruited" for more in the future. I am so glad Rich was finally comfortable with his outfit.

He was worse than me getting ready for anything.

We finally went to Goodwill Saturday to find a different shirt and pair of pants. Something of the era...the shirt we found really worked and the pants, too.

While browsing there for his stuff, I found this wonderful straw hat, girls' size, that has a wide black ribbon wrapped around it and tied in a very perfect bow.

It said, "Photograph me." So I bought it. Can't wait to use it. I hope Ella cooperates with me. I imagine a tea party in a field, her in a white dress, and then the hat. Soon, I hope!

I was told there was a photographer at the park that had the old authentic camera and tripod of the era. That would've been a neat thing to see, but I missed it! Maybe next time, I'll go and bring my camera. I know I missed some great shots.

These two photos aren't perfect, but I just had to post them for my parents, too.

I am glad I don't have many photography shoots going on this month. We have grueling praise band practices Wednesdays and Fridays, most every week, to prepare for the all day CD recording session in the first of June. I am glad we are doing this, but it's tough on young families. It's to be finished before our pastor retires so that he is included on it, with his fantastic guitar, and we can dedicate it to him.

This week is also another wedding...but I am playing piano at this one. It should be small, and not much pressure. But, still, I am the only musician/music being provided. I think I'll get some pictures anyways, while I am there, just for me. It will take place in a larger, beautiful park. Outdoors, in a gazebo. So, it is a busy week for us. But good busy.

I am excited about my mother's day present. I bought it myself. Blood Diamond. I really liked it...I saw it twice at home then the next day went with a friend to the movie theater to see it. Rich gets a little upset at me, in a teasing way, when I buy myself gifts for holidays, but I think it's best anyways. At least I get what I like!

Spring Days

This was fun

and I am so glad these had turned out well. Just a few from the first ever wedding I shot.