First Fall Photographs

This should be a movie

Elmer Kelton's Pecos Crossing. Totally a movie. A western that is intriguing, with a touch of romance, lots of guilt, gunfights, and more conversation than I would expect.

Anyways, we have a guest here tonight- Ella's friend, Natalie, due to a spur of the moment decision this late afternoon on my part. They're having lots of fun. Tomorrow after church we are all going to White House for the fall festival. Natalie included. Pony rides, petting zoo, games, wagon rides, good food, and more.
Yeah! I think my dad may meet us there too, after church.

I am also reading The Archaeology of War, not straight through, just the chapters I want to read. It was new at the library so I thought hey why not.

Somehow I am in the reading mode. I think it was Kimmy. Or Elizabeth. Or maybe Jennifer that got me thinking about reading.

My boys got haircuts today. But, Philip totally did not want one, poor thing. I got some cut and most of it aligned. He looks pretty sharp, though, I think. Hopefully, he'll do better when he gets older with that. He didn't have a nap, so I think that added to the hysterics that when on for about a half hour.

Tonight, Natalie and Ella are sleeping in Disney nightgowns Tif and I bought for them. Cute!

Monday my goal is a meal for a friend and then a Bible Study. I'm going to make it there Jennifer!

Tuesday..hmm...I hope to sneak out and scrapbook at my friend's house.

Wednesday, well, we have to go to church early b/c Ella's Christmas program rehearsal begins, then we have to stay for Praise Band Practice.

Thursday and Friday I have appointments, though Friday's is in PA again. Ughhh.. I am not really looking forward to that drive. Wednsday morning and Thursday afternoon I am watching my nephew, Noah while my SIL is in school.

I am supposed to see my friends Katie and Alysha too sometime. And get Ella to school.

Whew. Now that you know my life for the next week...LOL.

Also, 2 photoshoots on Saturday, both for friends. I can't wait! We are going to do fall stuff!

Well, I should go. Mom duties are calling, and these children are all going to bed. Philip did NOT have a nap so yeah yeah yeah!

The Best Books Ever Written

I've been inspired to read again lately, and picked up (gasp!!!) non Christian marked books LOL. I really do love Christian novels, for obvious reasons..first off, their "cleaner" in vocabulary and images. At this time in my life, I need that. Anyways, some of the books I really like are actually classics! I haven't gone through all the titles, but I think this may inspire me to read more...someday.

Look at the list!

Oh my, I have to comment that for #64 (go look for the title HA!) I read that in record time, I bet, faster than anyone. Can you believe..two days? I was desperate for my AP English class! Talk about procrastination!

It's been a week!

Well, almost, since I've blogged. We've made a trip to my brother's, had some bad non feel good days for mommy, some busy days redecorating our living room. My brother's new house is wonderful. I went with the kids, just myself, Saturday morning, and due to the battery in my car dying on me when I was trying to leave in the evening on Saturday, we stayed overnight. I didn't get ANY sleep that night, b/c I did NOT have my medicine. Talk about being a zombie the next day and a half. That threw me off, enough to cancel my turn in taking dinner to a friend that had a baby. BUT, look what happened that day...someone messed up their day and took the meal. It worked out after all. I felt so relieved, b/c I had heard no one was going to take food that night. But, God worked it out!

Anyways, we took out are entertainment system and love seat and one end table out of the living room. And, I redecorated a bit. It looks streamlined, something that Rich likes a lot.

So, now I have a little bit of a different look in Ella's room and our kitchen, too. The buffet in the kitchen is now decorated nicely on top and inside of it is my scrapbooking stuff.

New curtains hung from our bedroom window. New lamps in the living room, and new one in Buddy's room, too. My sister in law, Lisa, gave us some things she wasn't using, the lamps, baskets, curtains, and I have used EVERYTHING but only a few items in this fall project.

Come on over people! I can have guests now! LOL!

Here are some pictures, too.

Naps..and other news

Philip doesn't need them or he is up until midnight. He didn't have one today and he is asleep, and it is 8:25. YEAH!!! It's hard, not having him nap, but Ella did the same thing. I think it's THE RUSSELL CURSE..the night owl in them!

Who knew this day would come...surely I didn't but I prayed about it. A photo of mine shall be published in a special photo magazine this Fall. Sorry..no more details but I am sure excited...very very very very very excited. I've never been published before, so this may encourage me to do more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to add to this post, too, that I love DVDR...I JUST PAUSED LIVE TV!!!!

Another Oldie..tap tap tap those toes

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Make me teary, why don't you?

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Picture Fair

it's just been one of those tough days

Philip wouldn't take a nap, but suppose that's (good?) b/c he went to bed earlier than he has in awhile the past two nights. EXCEPT that he was up bugging me in the wee hours just when I was trying to sleep. He slept in his own bed for sometime but then ended up in mine and I went to his, he went back to ours, and I stayed in his. LOL.

For some reason, I cannot fall asleep much before 2:30 am this week. It absolutely is awful. Something must be screwed up med=wise. I sure hope tonight changes.

At least Ella has been a great girl to get to school the past week. No problems there...must be the prayers!

I don't feel too "up" or "peppy." Plus I am sick to my stomach a lot these days due to something or other-stress? NO..not a baby, for sure!

Richie has a long day, and tonight is supposed to be praise band practice....not sure if we'll handle that all tonight. Especially with the kids perhaps needing bed by 9 (HOPEFULLY!).

I like this cooler day, but not necessarily the warmth in the afternoon. Stay cool, and come on fall!!!

Birthday Boy Today

My husband's birthday is today! I love him so, and am incredibly blessed with him as my husband and the father of my two children.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

My Happy Side

Lisa, my sister in law..isn't she beautiful?...She's the blonde on the left, and I am on the right.
Her daughter Abby, just adorable and beautiful and sweet..we wish we could see her so much more often!
And Ella girl today, before school, wearing gymbo curlies.

Come here for just amazing music to listen to..and my favorite photographer's new website. Or see more of Ashley here.

What does Soy Milk taste like?

My husband gave Buddy a cup of soy milk just now and Buddy said, in all seriousness and no other expression other than this:

"It tastes like dirt."

She's a-walkin'!

My friend's little girl, Autumn Grace, is now walking. SHe just turned a year, but has been taking little steps for a little while now. This pic I took at her birthday party last weekend. I still have more to process, too! She's a beauty!

From some time back

I like the noise in this close up photograph, personally. "Noise" is basically the graininess of a photography, for those who don't speak photography. This was taken maybe 6 months ago.

Also, a black and white from Williamsport last weekend.

I ran into Mrs. Green,

My high school mathematics teacher, at Target tonight. Rich and the kids and I went out for an evening outing- to Panera, Old Navy, Barnes and Noble, and then to Target (where I picked up 6 yards of scrapbooking ribbon for 1.98..yeah me..that's a deal. Ribbon is so darn expensive). We had a few minutes to catch up, and I knew when she saw Philip she'd say he looked like my brother...and she did.

Anyways, I am so glad that happened..seeing her. Brings back lots of positive memories, too. Even of AP calc. She is famous, well for many great things, but one of the main ones is how great she is at writing upside down. Amazing.

Thursday night, Rich and I went on a date, too. We really needed it. Thanks to my grandparents, who watched the kids. It was nice to even drive and sit in the car, just holding hands, and having that extra time just us. Lately, the kids are honestly driving us nuts, even though they are sweeties most of the time, and we needed a break. And we got one!

I got to be on the radio this morning

I've only done that two other times (both for WCRF during Midday Connection) but today was on 570 with Dan Rivers. LOL.

I happened to be on my way to the mall with my children in the car, listening to 570 because that's really all I can handle listening too (I don't care for radio music much) in my DH's car I drive now because it has air that works in it. So, Dan Rivers brought up the topic of the woman that left her child in the car...I called and since I was a first time caller, I got on first.

He wanted opinions on if she should've been charged.

I won't go on to say what I said too much, but in a nutshell, what in the world would it do to put her in jail. Just a thought. She has another child who needs her, but not at this point, I am not so sure she could do it. Another caller said if society doesn't punish her, she will do it herself, and maybe take the other child with her, and that is very true. A very distressing thought. I have been mentally challenged on occassion and honestly VERY HONESTLY, would think that On a BAD, VERY BAD stressful not feel good day, God forbid, something like that could happnen. It's unimaginable, but accidents happen.

Just this week, someone accidentally fatally hit a pedestrian, at night. That driver could have been anyone..the person was in the middle of the street.

What CAN we do to stop this on going trend of children being left in cars. It is completely awful.

Dan Rivers told me to call again when the kids allow.

I just love it!

Tennis and Baseball! I get to watch these things now, and just in time for the Indians and for the US Open!

So, here's some trivia on Rich and Amy Russell: we love to watch tennis most on TV, and baseball. But, Rich said there's nothing like listening to baseball on the radio. I agree..baseball on the radio..it's a classic.

Did anyone see the match with Venus winning the tiebreaker? I didn't, but my wonderful dad gave me a play by play on the cell phone as we were returning from praise band practice. Wow..can't wait to see some recaps soon.

A wish to be, back then

My dad and I have always been kindred hearts in the fact that we wished that we have lived around the 1800s, perhaps 1700s. Reason being, our hearts have always had a soft spot for Native American Heritage. We both are so affected by the processes and people that have brought heartache to the Nation. It's just plainly this: heartache. During my time at YSU, I spent many hours researching and studying and learning and writing...about Native Americans, and I know I didn't even get to scratch the surface. I even participated in a quite heavy American Indian Law class. But, it is when I see movies and documentaries that my heart turns like a knife is in it...

I watched a part of Bury My Heart AT Wounded Knee, and I just cried. I recorded it on our DVDR system so I will watch the beginning later.

In my dictionary, ibe means

ONE.

Yep. My poor friend, Jennifer, who tried to read my emails today.

o vsm y d[;; ypfsu.

js js js.

og upi vsm trsf yjod. upi yu[r ;olr ,r.

HA!

Across from the Chapel

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This is a sweet photo of Ella from Sunday Morning, but right now, it's hard to smile, so I posted this. My friend, a wonderful friend, is moving for sure to Southern Ohio, and I am just devastated. I cannot say in words how I feel, or even describe my heart's pain over this, for many many many many reasons. How wonderful it was that God has completely taken care of them throughout this, however, and I know that He is doing this for GOOD.

Deal Or No Deal

Seriously I can't stand that show, but when it comes to deal in real life, I love those and will take a chance to drive somewhere for them! LOL

I found a package of $8 crafting butterflies for 79 cents.

2 Making Memories Paint and Foam Stamp Sets for 1/2 off. The foam stamps are HUGE and the paints number 5 in each set.

3 jars of paper flowers (they are the sweetest jars too) for less than half off.

A teal sweater that has scottie dogs on it for Ella, for free, since I had a credit at Kidzone. It's very boutique looking, and is one you'd get from JCPENNY I believe.

Another shirt for Ella, for $2, at Kidzone: a brand new Curious George one. It look feminine, too, but not the monkey LOL

And a mini MM paint set, a trio with brush and paint tray, for under $4.

Also, some great books for my kids Christmas presents at Good will for 50% off...including new never used workbooks/coloring books....actually 50% off means 50 cents each! And, some great Christmas classics that we don't have: Rudolph book, and Frosty...and even an Elmo coloring book.

At Once Again Kids...three Gymboree shirts for just a few dollars, the Autumn Highlands outfit I loved for Ella, a bulldozer shirt for Buddy, and a Disney Princess musical jewelry box..and several pairs of jeans/pants for Ella, and a few more shirts, one in particular that is just adorable, with a little girl walking a dog.

Not that many people want to know these things, but I love getting deals on things we need. I suppose you may call it a hobby!!!!

Tomorrow on my agenda for this blog is to post some bday pics of the bday party I went to today for Autumn Grace, and post some things I have made the past month. I hope the weekend goes well for you, and all can get plenty of rest.

Some blessings of the day/weekend: a free haircut for me, a new hair do (no perm, just highlights!), cable! and a mattress set from a wonderful couple! thank you! thank you! thank you!, and Rich's old bedroom set coming here on Monday..so now Philip has a real bed and we'll have to sell our toddler one. Anyone need it?

I think overall, our family today is in good spirits, and mommy is feeling better, praise the Lord!

This SUNDAY

Daniel Prayed...come to Williamsport Chapel for a special performance by Ruthe Snyder, Rick and Joyce Jackson, and Amy and Rich Russell.

Also, hear a wonderful sermon by William Snyder.

Rich Russell shall be playing his banjo for offertory, maybe harmonica, as well.

For more details, contact me!

I shot in R.A.W. for the first time

But, only a few photos. And they were slightly out of focus anyways LOL Oh well! It was neat to see what that entails. I think I'll change over. So, a few of my senior pics were in raw, the rest just in jpeg as always, but they turned out really nice. We went to Poland Woods and then the Poland Library (a great place to take photos!!!!). It was a superb day on Tuesday for all of that.

CS3 is on sale through a link I have for $299!!!!!!!!! That's 50% off original price...I have to talk to my husband again about this. It's too good of a deal to pass up. TRULY to good of a deal!!!!!

Odds and Ends

I love finding odds and ends at thrift stores, but especially vintage stuff. I am now collecting old ribbon, and old childrens books, especially if they have the classic vintage look to the illustrations. I am trying to find a style to drawing children. I am close, but need more inspiration!

Also, here are odds and ends photos...I haven't shared photos in forever, so I am going to post a few tonight!

The Pancake Breakfast Pictures

I am excited that my grandparents are again hooked up with the computer and email, too! I helped Gram work some things out this morning with her computer, and was so happy to help her out.

So, knowing that they can now see my blog, I am excited too! Here are some photographs they would enjoy, I know.

Fall Movies

I found a link that showed various movies coming up in the fall.

I love westerns, and this is one that I probably would go see. Jesse James Movie, with Brad Pitt.

And, this one, another western. Yipee! With Russell Crowe and Christian Bale.

Totally not a western, but looks cute...Enchanted.

I think this looks intriguing...The Kite Runner.

It's hard to figure out movies. So, please don't take MY word that these will be good. I am just interested.

VOte Vote Vote for me!

My pics, that is. If you want to know which ones I took, guess! LOL! Here is the contest at my friend's blog.

Today, the kids and I had an absolutely delightful pancake breakfast at my grandparents' house. Then, we had a fun time at a birthday party! I have lots of photos to unload and mess around with...from a senior photoshoot and also some pregnant friends of mine looking great in all their glory!

Note To Self

Bring Cytomel with me everywhere.

I forgot to take it midday, well, actually I didn't forget, I just didn't have my bottle! Or, even a single pill!

Therefore, I am a zombi right now, and have been since 5 pm.

On another note, this was disturbing to me as I just love archaeological sites. Honestly, had I not put becoming a wife and mother as my main goal in life, I probably would've pursued this as the emphasis in my career- archaeology (as well as journalism and photography LOL). But, the way I am made up by God, that just wasn't to be so. I am glad everything seems to be okay with the site.

Tomorrow is part 2, probably, of my second senior shoot. We need more photos of some different outfits the senior wants. That's fine with me...I love taking photos, and she is so sweet. Later is my much loved Bible Study with Jennifer. By the way, the kids and I went to a suprise party for Jennifer and Justin, as they reached a special birthday. As it was said at the park...it was more of a playdate for the kids. Always for the kids!

I am so very tired. I wish to do some scrapbooking or drawing (I am doodling stuff lately). We also have a movie to watch, Rich and I. I don't think I'll get to both..maybe not any of it.

This week is so busy. Tomorrow..besides what I said already, we are to see Katie and Autumn again.

Tuesday is a pancake breakfast at my Grandparents followed immediately by a little boy's party from church.

Wednesday: Rich's day off, a Chic-Fil-A free breakfast playdate (the last week was free but I ended up spending 7 or 8 dollars, go figure), and the orientation meeting for Ella's preschool class.

Thursdsay, I know there is something but I can't put my finger on it. OH..appointment for Ella. You know, she turned 4 in April and I am FINALLY now getting her in for her 4 year appointment! Yikes!

Friday is the garage sale, which has been postponed three weekends in a row due to weather, at my mother in laws. There's several of us girls with stuff there so that's where the kids and I will be most of the day.

Saturday, I am getting something done with my hair and immediately going to Autumn's first birthday party.

Sunday, church at my parents' church, with friends accompanying us. We may go to the Great Trail Festival that day, too, but who knows.

Rich is off the weekend but works Labor Day. Phoeeeyyyy. We would've all gone to the Grea Trail that day, him, my dad, the kids, and I. Oh well.

I am sure this is not overwhelming to anybody but me.

Favoritism

Is favoritism bad? I sure hope not, because I have some favorite babies, that's for sure! And I spent the whole afternoon with one of them- Autumn Grace. The kids and I even babysat while my friend Katie mowed the lawn for her overworked husband.

I also think that if you make iced tea JUST for me when I come, you may be a favorite friend, too. LOL Katie made tea just for me! Just kidding...no one has to make iced tea for me to be a favorite friend because you are all my favorite friends!

A magazine ad contained pretty cool news for scrapbookers...a new tool that just adds stitched borders and lines in a variety of patterns with a click of a button and a steady hand and wrist. I can't wait to find, and buy, one! Or, them!

There's really not too much else to say. It's hot, there's always work to do, friends to see, chores to do, tea to drink, and catch a nap here and there.

Art has been on my mind lately, and I have accomplished some projects, and have a few started. I am thankful to be creative again.

A wonderful friend of mine is going to participate in a walk for mental health, and she said she will be walking for ME! I was very humbled and felt so treasured. What a sweet gesture.

Some Painted Prints

These are really intriguing. Now, some aren't my style, but I really like the way she creates these little children. It's so unique! I wish I could do this!

Accomplishments

I am wearing jeans that means it's cooler here. And that's a good thing, except of course for the flood warnings around here.

I actually cooked and make a delicious dish. I usually don't like eating what I make. Not all the time, at least. But tonight the chicken breasts, with homegrown tomatoes, a special seasoning from Tastefully Simple, and provolone cheese, and a little extra water, baked slowly turned out great. Even my kids loved it. It also had two sliced sweet potatoes in it.

Philip had an early nap..and that is a GREAT accomplishment!

My husband is home safe and sound. That's always a blessing.

It was inspiring to her...

And she wrote a story from my prompt. It's beautiful! Hope you all read it!

Attic Memories

A few weeks ago I brought home treasures of my childhood. Many, well, I have to admit, MOST of the treasures, were books. My dad and I share an avid love for books. My years of parenthood haven't brought as much book reading for myself, or buying, but the love is still there.

Two books in particular bring back so many past, wonderful thoughts and feelings.

The Tanglewood's Secret and Treasures of the Snow, both by Patricia M. St. John.

The latter I heard last year on the radio as a show, and it was superb. Although the first link to this book is for the movie, I never saw it. Now, I will certainly be looking for it. This one, too, is my favorite of her books. It is about forgiveness...a special kitten and a special little boy, and two older children that need to forgive and be at peace. I just tear up thinking about it. I am so glad I was a pack rat growing up and that my parents so wonderfully and willingly let me keep my childhood in boxes, just waiting to be given to my kids.

Some other things in those boxes: Barbies, a bead loom, Sylvanian Families, all my miniatures, my old high school JV jacket (what in the WORLD am I supposed to do with THAT now?), books from the 1800s, and lots of spellers. Oh, and some diaries I kept as a girl. Ahem, one entry is so funny. One day I say I love this boy. The next this other boy. Another day, well, another boy.

And then..

The next entry is I hate all boys! LOL! So typical of kids!

I read one entry that talked about an elementary teacher I had, who was a favorite, Mrs. Mills. She attends my church, so I'll have to show her. She'll get a kick out of it.

I will slip this little note in this entry, too. I have a devotional blog set up here if you would like to visit.

A little mommy quiz

According to this, I'm a smarty pants mom. LOL!

Three Cheers

For Bulldozers, Scooters, and Pudding.

These are a few of the kids' favorite things these days. I love the timeless treasures of childhood.

The Main Thing That Mattered Most To Me Today

A prayer of mine was answered Saturday, and even more so today. It's utterly delightful to know that someone you care about was prompted in her heart to come to church again, after a long period of absence...and then get into a group fellowship even more. I am so glad, and just amazed at how God works in our lives. Other people had been praying for this and look at what happened.

A dynamic demonstration of the power of prayer.

I must be crazy

To actually click on over a hundred and fifty pages of handmade tags.

But, I certainly enjoyed myself. I found some great inspiration, and here is one example, for what I want to do in presenting my final photographs to clients.

Also, I created a template of sorts for the final presentation folder. I needed something that was lightweight, not too much to it, but enough for sturdiness and protection. I need to adjust the creation a bit, but it was exciting to see something professional come about. It even has ribbon and embossing on it.

A Little Bit About the Trip

The kids truly enjoyed the trains and railroad experiences. They loved the hotel- the room and especially the pool. Philip really did well this time swimming. They loved having spending money for souvenirs, and Rich and I had fun helping them pick out train stuff. Ella loves painting and stamping with me, and since I brought a stash of scrapbooking with us on our mini trip, she did just that...painted and stamped. She's quite the little artist. I am proud of her.

Philip was a bit more sensitive on this trip, but I think he was out of sorts since he was in an unfamiliar place. He was so sweet though, of course. His little voice and laugh makes my heartache in a GOOD way.

I have a few silly photos of Ella but I have so much other stuff do this is it for the night. She makes me smile.

Hmmmm Who Did I Take This Picture For?

If you're name is Kimmy, it's for you! And only Kimmy will find out exactly WHERE I took this. It was on our mini vacation this week, I'll tell everyone else that. Autographed by Jimmy himself...

In Broad Daylight

Today, At the mall, while my kids and I were eating lunch, and while my friend Beth, and her sweet children were going to the other end of the mall to pick up their lunch.....

A woman yelled.

People stood up.

I stood up and looked out the food court area doors and saw a man hightailing it down one of the rows in the parking lot.

Just a minute later to find out that man stole the woman's purse.

Yikes! Right there where I was with my young children, a crime happened and nobody could stop it. In broad daylight. Makes me think of where I really want to be with my kids.

BUT, our playdate was wonderful, and Beth is such a great friend. It was definitely a highlight to meet and then to go to a craft store together. Fun!

Manikatort

Rich's name for a horse that had a baby named Cider (Ella's favorite name for every toy she has, especially horse). But as he began this story, tears errupted. For some reason, Manikatort having a baby named Cider is upsetting to Ella.

Not really sure why, but I think, and this is my mother's intuition, that it is the name Manikatort.

Rich made dinner tonight and painted Ella's fingernails for her this morning. He took the kids around the block twice: this morning for ice cream at the little store and then around with their bikes this evening. He let me nap for three hours. He also gave me my blessing as I went to an antique and craft fair with his mother this morning. And, he made a note from Buddy saying thank you for the little tricylce I found this morning for him, just perfect, finally, for him to peddle. He also cleaned up the dishes. And loved me like he always does.

Our County Fair Show

PLEASE excuse the take-outs...my focus was bad, these are all non post processed....a little "raw" for the blog, but quite enjoyable!!! We had a blast. Enjoy!

County Fair Photo Show

Zzzz

credits: floral paper, fuzzy heart, and shooting star by Angie Briggs; fushia paper, wish stars, star strip, and red swirl by Aja Abney, Home Sweet Home Alphabet by MissVivi.