I Heart Faces Pet Entry

Over at I Heart Faces this week is the "pet" challenge. This was taken awhile back...it is Clifford, my niece's dog. Here, my niece and my daughter are giving the playful doggie a big hug. A special moment, don't you think?

I Heart Faces Pouty Entry

For this week at I Heart Faces, you may enter a pouting kids photograph...I have a few of those, so it was honestly a hard choice for me! It snowed today and last night yet so I suppose I can sneak this wintry photograph in even though it is officially spring! HAHA! I had some delightful shots when I took Ella outside about a year ago for this photoshoot.

If you get a chance, please take a look at the other entries on the I Heart Faces Blog....fun fun fun!

Blog Tour and Giveaway!

I get to start off this week with another blog book tour and giveaway! You can read the review to Clutter-Free Christianity by Dr. Robert Jeffress here, post a comment by Saturday, April 4 for the 1 book I have to giveaway, and/or if you would like to purchase this, go here!

When did the Christian life become so complicated?

Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.

It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.

Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.

Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.

Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.

Author Bio:

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.

Starting the weekend off...

We started off this weekend with a T Ball practice on this fine, slightly chilly day! Poor girl- Ella is one of two girlies on her team!!! I don't think she quite minded because she was trying really hard to get her throwing technique down, which we do have to work on. I played softball, both slowpitch and fastpitch, and honestly had not bothered to show her the "correct" way to throw yet...I don't know why I didn't. I suppose I didn't want to put to much pressure on her yet! LOL! Let the coaches do that! Anyways, so we have to work on that! She did catch a ball, so that was a POSITIVE element of the practice!

Other good news, I did not get in the top 10 over at I Heart Faces this week but my adult entry did get a "mention!" See HERE! It is delightful to see all those that entered, too!

Here are a few photos (er, I should say LOTS!)...

My darling baby boy is not going to like these when he grows up!
HEHE!





Some more from our visit at Rich's parents' house last weekend!









I just love the one of Daddy putting a flower in her hair! We ALL had so much fun outside that day, too. I most certainly have more photographs to share, since I've been trying to take more lately. But, for another day! Have a wonderful weekend!

Yet another take a look blog post

At Art From The Heart is another giveaway I am interested in! A beautiful dress by Little Daisy Designs...I LOVE the Hannah style! My old fashioned girlie would look precious in it!

The Big Book of Babies!

I recently came upon this lovely, lovely blog called Art From The Heart! Take a looksie...there is a baby book giveaway, also. Which is the reason for my post tonight! I would LOVE to get my hands on this book of beautifully taken photographs. My heart belongs to babies..heheheee...it sure does!

I *HEART* Faces Entry

The above photograph was taken of my daughter, Ella, last year at Beaver Creek State Park. It had been a beautiful day...and she was quite the little model for me! I love the earthiness of her look...outfit, facial expression, everything. So, this is my kids entry for I Heart Faces no flash challenge!

The above photograph was taken at an outdoor wedding. I love to see the adoration on the bride's face as she looks at her groom. She was a delight to watch that day! This is my adult entry for I Heart Faces this week!

Thanks for looking! There are TONS more entries to view at the official I Heart Faces blog, too!

The week is already slipping away from me!

I had planned whole-heartedly to blog yesterday! OOPS! I admit I was too tired to do it yesterday. I was dragging in the afternoon and evening again, and that bothers me. I hope I am not going back to my old ways of fatigue in the afternoon that lessens when I have to go to bed. NOT a good way to be. I don't want a spurt of energy at bedtime! I want it in the middle of the day! I will blame it on the no-nap baby! Yes, he is not napping, really. I even took him on two little walks in the stroller, and while Philip rode his bike, the baby fussed. He did not settle down. He did not like walking. LOL. I am hoping this changes soon. I cannot get things done. Seriously. I have to begin my hidden (or not so hidden) talent of multi tasking. Oh, you bet I am a pro at multi tasking. Right now, I am blogging, feeding the baby, and watching TV! HA! I could probably even add talking to the phone too if someone called me. Oh- and minding Philip.

Speaking of multi tasking. I bought a Hotsling (which is a brand of baby sling). I love it. A bit pricey, even with a coupon, but it was working good. I figured I need it with this being our third, and also, with the weather getting better every week. It will make things, such as picking and dropping Ella off at school, easier. And, working around the house. It is good with balancing out his weight over my body, so it hasn't created any additional problems with my fibromyalgia. Although, my fibro has been a bit worse lately (and this started before I got my sling). I have been more painful to the touch lately. Praying that eases up soon!

I am excited over several musical things...I got to play piano at our new church for the first time this past Sunday (the choir song). That went well, and I also am planning on a piano duet (one piano, 4 hands) in May! I am really delighted to have that opportunity! I can't wait!

I need to run- but here are some pics. Rich took one of Will and I when we visited his parents' house on Sunday!


Here is a sweet little girl our friends recently adopted. I had the pleasure of taking photographs Saturday....



And finally, Ella...playing ball and just standing pretty!

We have a winnner!

I did in fact use Random Integer for picking the number between 1 and 3. LOL! It picked 2! So, Lauren you get the book! I think I have your address already. I'll double check! ENJOY (I will get it to you sometime in the next couple days!).

Are you loving some nicer weather?

I most certainly am! After all this winter of snow and cold, we have a break finally. And that means happier children because of some outside play!

This week is full of appointments for both the baby and me. I am not a fan of appointments, especially shot ones for the babe, but they are necessary. We also have Girl Scouts tonight. This coming Saturday is Ella's first T-Ball practice! She has a baseball glove in the house somewhere...I hope and pray I can find it. I forgot we had gotten one for her awhile back so I am glad we (probably) won't have to buy another one. I suppose I should've started her off practicing with it awhile back- oh well. She'll learn fast! She is so excited about this sport!

My hubby's shoulder is feeling better these days. He had injured it from swinging the baby in his carseat a few weeks back. It has bothered him quite a bit, and has limited him in strength and lifting things. Praise God it is feeling better!

Another praise- I was on the lookout for a certain baby toy the other day. I went to a local consignment shop Friday and do you know what I found? Exactly what I was looking for! And for only $16 compared to the $60 it would retail for! The funny thing is that I have found ALL the Russell kids like this toy. Even the almost 6 year old sister. Hehe...very cute. It is a big floor sitting toy that has a doorbell, flower pot, music, doorlight, and door. So much stuff to play with! Will David has been sitting up more and more each day, on his own, so this toy is PERFECT for him. I also brought up some more baby toys that were the kids, and he is beginning to be aware of those too. You know, the easy buttons that can be pushed while a baby brings his hand out to touch things (and put them in his mouth!).

I guarantee you this kid is teething...he was in pain last night from his tender gums. There wasn't too much we could do besides Orajel and Tylenol. Hoping tonight isn't as bad as last nights.

I've been checking out photographs from the past lately. I need to scrapbook stuff I have forgotten about! I went through a period of taking photos but no scrapbooking a couple years ago, so I am trying to catch up. I have limited photos, honestly, that I want to scrapbook of NOW, so it helps me with some new material to focus on. Anyways...enough rambling. I got stuff to do today!

You WILL be blessed

When you read this book, Don't Let Me Go, by David Pierce.

This will be the first time for a book review and giveaway that I will be putting the summary in my own words. For several reasons...it is beautifully written. I became wrapped up in the father/daughter story from the author's view. And lastly, there was so much that paralleled the relationship I have with my own dad, such as their closeness, similar interests, and camaraderie. You will laugh, cry, and cry some more. You probably will want to read it again. And again. And share it with someone else. I lent my own copy to my dad as soon as I had finished it. I knew he would love it, and he did.

David Pierce has a 15-year-old adventurous daughter, Chera, who, with her spirit and determination, convinces him to conquer several mountains over the course of several years. They train with each other and alone...accomplishing things they did not even expect themselves to do. Pierce tells the tale with love and truth. You see his love for his daughter as they face some obstacles together. And as they triumph not only mountains, but other life moments as well, he is honest with his heart.

Their relationship strengthens as their physical bodies strengthen. Their hearts also strengthen in their relationship with God.

Pierce is the husband of Chonda Pierce, a comedian who I have found to be absolutely heart warming and charming. I love listening to her speak (I have only heard her from CD's though!). It is so interesting to see how much this family loves each other and uses their abilities to show God's love to others.

I am SO EXCITED to be able to give away one copy of this book. There are NO STRING ATTACHED here. I pay shipping. You get a fabulous book! Please comment and on Saturday I will draw a winner!

Here is a review from Dean Batali, television writer (That 70's Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer):

"David Pierce's accounts of the adventurees he took with his daughter are as refreshing, funny, exhilarating to read as the actual activities were challenging and strenuous. Each chapter is its own fast-paced expedition; each page a quick step of a fantastic journey. If I'm ever on a path up a mountain with either of my daughter's-or heading anyplace else, for that matter- I hope I run into David Pierce, who can help me show the way."

Truly grand friends play Candyland with you...

Did you know that? I bet you didn't! You do now, so make sure it happens sometime!

Last night, our wonderful friends Kevin and Kimmy came over. We had tacos, cornbread, and brownies. Oh, tea and coffee as well. I was hopeful that the kids would behave, and they did for the most part. They just got excited now and then about our company.

Well, at one point, after dinner, I had to take Philip into his room so the other adults (and Ella) could play Scrabble. I had been playing too, but I had to tend to the baby. So, I just went ahead back with Buddy. After awhile, Buddy was doing okay so I thought it would be fine to send him back into the kitchen/dining room table. After a few more minutes I went out to see everyone as well, and hopefully to join back in on Scrabble.

I came into the room to find the Scrabble game pushed aside and Ella's Candyland game having taken it's place as the event of the evening. Hi-larious, I tell you! We have no more "markers" of the original game so we always just use random little things/toys the kids have. Kevin was a watering can. I think Rich was some Red Rose Tea figurine. Kimmy was a little elephant. I love that little elephant. It has no tail, but it's cuteness makes up for it. In fact, I usually get to be the elephant! hmppH! LOL! Ella was a little plastic girl toy. Everyone seemed into the game...and Rich had to become the invisible player, as Philip swiped his figurine eventually.

Honestly, it brought wee little tears to my eyes. I could not imagine such kindness towards my children as Kimmy and Kevin had showed to them tonight. It is a memory I shall treasure in my heart.

Well, I have to say that after the kiddos went to bed, we brought the Scrabble game back to the forefront and finished the game. It was a tough game for some reason that night....but to my astonishment and glee I won! HEHE! Thank you, wonderful friends, for a delightful visit!

This morning we woke up to bright sunshine. So, after taking Ella to school, Philip, Will David, and I went to my friend, Katie's. Autumn made me laugh, because at the door, she was pretending to shiver really hard- the cool air as we came into the house must have chilled her a bit. I was so glad it turned the corner and became a bit warmer on the way home. Philip and Autumn played well together, of course. It is a sweet thing to see them play.

Tomorrow Ella shall have some one on one time with my mom and dad. I am glad for that because I think it will be good for Ella. I am not supposed to tell her this, but I guess I can post it. My mom got her cotton candy. ohhhh..she'll love this surprise!

I cannot believe it is so late. I will leave you now, and hopefully will write more another time soon.

I've fallen behind, haven't I?

Oh dear.

I cannot believe it's been over a week since I have last blogged. I haven't looked at blogs either! OH MY! That is so bad. I apologize to all my bloggity friends, not that I am apologizing for ME not posting but that I have not commented and followed other blogs all week. I think it is because I had a couple of "downer" days last week. And then this time change...that has messed me up too. Today I was DRAGGING ALL DAY. Not a fun feeling.

To quickly catch up...Ella lost her second tooth, the one right beside the first lost one. Her two front teeth. We had a book fair at the school and she bought this Barbie book that is a collection of Level 1 and Level 2 books all in one and she can read them, and almost all the Level 2 books by herself. I LOVE the concept of a collection of stories she can read/grow into. She has been treating it as a special book. I was telling her she should read them in her head- haha- to herself. I think she was understanding that and seemed to want to spend some time alone reading. I am so proud of her. Piano lessons are going great, too! I almost think she is bored LOL! I am trying to plan a mock recital. Well, okay, a real recital. I am recruiting her cousin, Abigail, so they can provide us with wonderful piano music with the support of each other. Abigail has a recital to attend already, but being that I give Ella her lessons, we are out of luck there! LOL!

Philip has been my cuddler lately. I held him tonight and it was such a sweet several moments. I don't get to sit down and just concentrate on him only very much. It is a good thing to do...and I miss it. Since this third baby, finding that one on one holding time is hard....but when it happens, it is certainly sweet.

The baby is now four months old, officially, today. I can't believe it! He loves to sit up. He loves this floppy, well-loved stuffed bunny that Ella bequeathed to him. It's so cute...he reaches out for it and grasps it to hold it close, or put the ears in his mouth. HEHE!

I have been scrapbooking a lot, still. Except for the past two days. So tired. I have pretty much used up my ENTIRE March Studio Calico kit, too! I made approximately 10 pages from it and then one 2-pager also. It IS my favorite kit from SC, I am sure. I would love to get doubles of everything someday. The inspiration I got from it was almost overwhelming....

Here are a few pics from the past week or so.




And a few pages...





The first page is of my great grandmother. She looks so beautiful in those photographs. I have a few more "vintage" photographs I am scrapping as well. A few are of my own grandmother. And SHE also looks so beautiful in them too. Can't wait to share soon!

Yesterday is gone

Today is here!

I had a touch of the flu yesterday, all day, so I am thankful for a new day. My stomach seems to feel better today. I missed several things going on Sunday, which was disappointing. Ella so wanted to attend church, so she was a bit mopey about that. However, I am glad she had that feeling in her heart...it makes such a difference knowing that she WANTS to go. I hope and pray that a desire for faith stays with her for her entire life...Philip and Will David too.

I am sad that Paul Harvey passed away...I have always enjoyed his radio chit chat. What a great guy.

I don't remember if I've shared these pages, but I hate to have such an "empty" post today, so here's a few. I lost my mojo recently, and so would somebody please send some my way? (Shh..I misspelled independence. LOL. I think I must have gotten confused because I split up the word so much for the title. MUST FIX THIS!)





Saturday, the kids and I enjoyed a nice long afternoon at my parents' house. Good times. The kids behaved SO WELL, and I was SO RELIEVED they did. Not that they are bad kids, not at all, but sometimes I think being together all the time gets to them. They shared, were polite, listened...sigh. All the good things a mother needs and wants her kids to be.

Tonight we have a little awards ceremony for the Daisies (Girl Scouts). She will receive her first award. I have several things to put on her uniform today so she is properly dressed. I am hoping we all can attend, too, but we'll see. It will be so exciting to see the little girls' anticipation!