Springtime photography by Amy

:-)

Enjoy!

Prayers for this family

This past week I was deeply saddened for my former piano teacher's loss of her husband. Although I haven't seen or talked with the family members for several years, I will always remember Mr. Huebert's very encouraging words at piano performances at their church. God be with their family....

Oh dear!

Apparently I was in the local newspaper today, along with Ella! YIKES! That's not really what a pregnant lady wants to hear LOL!

The kids, Grandpa (my dad), and I went to a kids thing at a local branch of a state college...we attended a sing a long, and got photographed! I asked Richie- how did I look? He said, fine. UH oh. LOL. FINE. Sound good? NOT to me. Really though I don't care. We don't have a copy but hopefully someone will give us one. That usually happens.

Hoping for a calm week. We would really appreciate one. Off to get kids to bed..hopefully tomorrow I can post some pics of the kids I took today. I am VERY pleased with them. CANNOT wait to share!

This just got me

Hormones I suppose but this little shirt is so darn cute. Wish I could get it, but not probably. And that's alright...I love the darling phrase. What a lovely thought. Could be a lovely thought about many things, actually. God. A sunny day. A good friend. A good dinner (lost mine btw but tomorrow is another day).

Sniff Sniff sniff.

SCORE!

Philip and I went to a used book sale today and got lots of books (all within 10 cents to 1.00 but more of the 10 cent-30 cent range!!)..and I found the book I actually WENT to find: Morris Goes To School.

Anyone remember that from yesteryears (or, well, 20 years ago or so, elementary aged). It was my fav as a little reader. About a moose who, yeah, goes to school! I wanted it soooooooooo bad and it was there! Go figure!!

Tried to leave, I guess they wanted me to stay and buy more books.

My car wouldn't start.

Some elderly gentlemen helped get it started...but praying that it won't be much to get a new battery or whatever. AND I did NOT leave my lights on. LOL!

Anywhoo....we're home now, picked up Ella a little late, but it's alright.

This was neat. It's neat to find out how things in your life affect other people.

I was talking with a lady at the small group of women that meet on Wednesdays, from the Gate. We connected the dots, so to speak, as we know each other and family from Old North. Alrighty here's the neat story:

When I was a senior, I visited Asbury College in KY and actually did get accepted for Piano Performance. One of the recruiters came up to Old North to give a little talk about the college to the youth group. This lady from the small group had a son that ended up being interested. We both and the recruiter had lunch together..but here's the thing. I ended up NOT going to Asbury but HE did! AND, he met his future wife there. I thought, wow....that was really exciting to hear...my life was going one way but turned out to really point someone else that direction. And I stayed home for college. And met my guy via Beth, Mike, Kimmy and Kevin, kinda all in that order. Alright. So there you go...God works in all ways.

Syesha what a performance!

What a Broadway star she SHOULD be!!!!!!!!!!!!




LOVED THIS by David Cook as well!

Syesha what a performance!

What a Broadway star she SHOULD be!!!!!!!!!!!! Youtube show coming later!

Finally

we are members of the community center!!! and we went swimming today, the kids and I, this morning. They had a blast. We walked, since it's just a couple blocks away. I did promise Ella that we'd go after school, but I'm tired! LOL! Maybe we'll wait and see if daddy wants to go too. Anyways, just glad to have that all set up. I know that this summer, I'm going to need this membership to survive hot days! I'm THINKING (stress THINKING) of having Philip's birthday party there so I don't have to do anything. And, really, I wouldn't have to do ANYTHING, even games. The kids would just swim. Pizza, pop, and paper products are all provided. We'll see. I have to decide quickly, as his birthday is May 2nd, and it'd probably be the following weekend for a party, IF it's open. And, more good news, I feel so much better today. Wondering if it's a psychological thing, being as Monday's are bad days of feeling sick, and well, as a Tuesday, it's so much better. I guess I'll have to think of Mondays as, um, Fridays? LOL!

I really don't think we need Mondays anymore!

Just kidding.

But, really, I am deflected all calls every Monday from now until ? b/c Monday's are my WORST not feel good days. It's been TOUGH. I was so close to losing my lunch for a couple hours, but thankfully, I was able to rest quietly on my grandma's bed for awhile. I usually don't take her up on those offers, but today, yes.

Ella and I had lunch with Lisa and Abigail at the Bean and when I got to my grandparents to pick Philip up,, well, I just got on gram's bed and laid down. LOL! She was probably like, what's going on? Well, the kids had so more fun, and I got to rest. Then we pushed to the store. AND YUCKY. That's how I feel. I that's why I will not blog anymore today b/c like I said before, who wants to hear that?

Sending lots of love and prayers to my blog readers. I really appreciate all of you!

Turning 5 today

Today is a special day for our little girl! She had a party yesterday, but today was that actual special day. Can't believe how time flies.

The end of the week for me was very VERY busy (Ella had a friend over, had to shop for gifts and last minute party things, groceries, just STUFF). Whew. I am exhausted. After the party yesterday I came home and went to bed. WENT TO BED. I napped, then napped again, and napped again, and went to sleep. Exhaustion is still with me. It was hard to go to church today, but I made it. My stomach was off a bit too but it actually has been a bit better- if not from being so busy and running around so much, I don't know for sure.

Anyways, here are some photos from the storybook princess party...I planned several activities for the girls and it all worked out perfectly. They played hot potatoe with cinderella's slipper, and when the music stopped, that person was out but got to pick out a piece of cinderella slipper sidewalk chalk. HOW COOL IS THAT? And, they decorated foam books I put together with foam princessy stickers I found. We also "pinned" Rapunzel's hair on her (i drew a photo of a princess w/o hair in a castle and then drew, painted, and cut out long locks of hair (wig-like) for the game). That was cute. They liked that game too. Then, we had the girls sit on a "pea" under a cushion on a special chair and get sprinkled with princess dust. The "pea" was a golf ball painted green. LOL. I found that idea online somewhere. HAD TO DO IT! Then, I had created bingo cards with princess things on them, and we played Bingo. They had a blast. Other favors were princess stickers, notebooks, wands, organza bags with heart and bell charms (also doubled as bingo markers), and crowns. Then came pizza and other things such as wonderful chicken salad my gram brought, and fruit and veggies my mom put together. My sister in law, Jessica, made the cake. I had her create a storybook cake...loved doing this theme. The cake was YUMMY! Ella had 7 friends/cousins come, and that was a perfect number of children. The icing on the cake, haha, was when Ella's preschool teacher came (she had invited her back in January! LOL!) and per my request previously, read a story. What a grand reader she is. But, of course she would be! That was a special memory.

Today at church, my brother and his family visited. And, one of my sister in law's friends, Kim, also came. They are MOVING to the area (big announcement!) b/c my brother got a job around here and it's a wonderful thing. They are church hunting and I know wherever they go will be the right spot for them. Please be praying that they can quickly find the house they want and sell their other one.

I have been so behind on blogging. Not sure when I'll pop in again, but hopefully sometime. It seems that so much has changed lately that I would really like to talk more, but I am really spent these day. Gee, wonder why! Reminds me that we had an ultrasound Thursday. Everything is great. Due date is Nov. 22, just days before Thanksgiving!

I just need...

a friend today.

Anyone??????!!!!!!!

Just a thought, a call, or encouragement. yep. maybe!?

Probably - I'd feel better if

I could just throw up.

Yuck.

It's been really neat, on a happier note, to run into people at the church we've been attending as of late (THE GATE), which is a church plant from a church I had attended for 10 years, through jr high, high school, and college. Anyways, yeah....some distant, related by family family members, and then a cousin -that I had met before- of a school friend. Great church BTW.

If I could feel better I could accomplish the things I need to do- like spring cleaning-out (meaning, decluttering/purging of stuff we don't really need). But, well, not so today. Again, YUCK. Yucky. Eww.

Fiercely Mad

Michael Johns was the IDOL that was sent home...GRRRR....

SO WRONG!!!

Idol Gave Back...and this was the last song!!!!

Shout to the Lord..could NOT believe it!!!!


and one of my favs from this past week..hope he stays. singing Over the Rainbow, ukelele version- have always loved the original ukelele versions, myself.


one of my favs of the whole season. LOVE brooke white. SHe's real!


and this...love her piano...let it be


okay..to keep it going..here's another fav of mine, Michael Johns!!!! We will rock you/we are the champions:


and another I liked:


and my last idol fav, david cook


a lil softer song he sang, Little Sparrow:


oops..and David A of course, too (IMAGINE):

That song was BEAUTIFUL.

I just don't feel well

so who wants to hear that every day? that's why I don't blog anymore. someday when I am not throwing up, feeling like I need to throw up, and then eating well enough to not feel sick and weak, well, then I'll blog again! LOL! the 19th is Ella's bday party and the 20th her bday so I'm gearing up for that. 2 weeks after that is buddy's bday and then a week later, his party. anywho. i am off blogland again. really don't feel like being here blogging. until another day...

still here

finally had a better day yesterday- made pizza and pies.

enjoyed the sunshine

took a walk

started switching seasons closet-wise

reading a good book (the Bible) and another great book, about parenting.

Have a great day!

If you have a Polaroid Instant Camera

you may want to just throw it away!! Here is why. That certain film is not going to be manufactured any longer.

Anyways, let the "morning sickness" begin! LOL! It lasts all day, and has seemed to hit, well, morning, til night! Though last night it was quite near 3 am before I fell asleep, not sure why, but I didn't. I have to go to the store tomorrow- hope I don't get trample upon by all the other grocery shoppers. Then, I hope to hit another store so I can get a dress for church that will fit. Something springy, but I suppose maybe not, since it's still quite cold.

The Russell/Simplican side of the family here will be very busy come fall, because my sister in law Valerie (Rich's youngest sister) is due the very end of October. We found that out today! The cousins will be very close.

The kids are very excited about the happenings of Easter. I must break out the Veggie Tale Easter Carol DVD tomorrow, so they can watch it. I forgot all about it this week, though I've been telling them the very important reason for celebrating Easter.

My honey brought me home a candy bar. Yeah- that got him some Brownie Points, though, not that he needed any, b/c he's the best!

Oh, and blech..this is right up there with Beth's bloody egg tale and photo.....a nice flexible tongue depressor like thing was in a piece of something I got from a fast food place (yeah - I was nauseated but I had this certain FOOD in my MIND!), and it totally grossed me out even more for the rest of the day. It may have been part of a utensil? I don't know, and I really don't care. BLECH. EWWW. GROSSS. No more fast food for me for a looooooooooong time!!!

Upcoming wonderful beautiful movie

Like Dandelion Dust. from a book by Karen Kingsbury. GO and read this book (read all her books, really). They make you cry, they make you happy, they just make you a better person, I feel.

Check a bit of what the movie will be like, to be released in theaters SOON I hope, check it out here.

Well, I have been close mouthed about some things...

some changes, really.

The first: We feel that God is leading us to a different church. We have stopped attending our beloved place of worship altogether. We had two weekends of family time. Next week, we'll go to my parents' small country church. After that, I am not sure. I am praying that God will lead us to where he wants us to be. It's been touching, with a few letters, not cards but LETTERS with meaningful and heartfelt words, coming in the mail, and some phone calls from friends, saying they miss us. Oh..this was tough. I miss the wonderful "family" from that church...but, Rich and I really do feel this is where the Lord is leading us for now.

The second: WE are expecting a new Russell baby in the fall, a week or two before Thanksgiving!!!! I am so excited, to say the least. I feel a bit silly since I already have to wear maternity clothes! Unbelievable! We told Ella and Philip last night and they are very excited. Ella has been so sweet, and was very interested in knowing more about babies, and how they grow. So, I'm trying to explain! LOL! I feel VERY blessed.


I KNEW it was just nerves. I did the typing test mentioned on a friend's blog..maybe it could be my once claim to fame..well, maybe not! Got up to 105 wpm!!!! If you want to go try, go here.

My Favorite Idol Song from 3/18

SYESHA....Yesterday

A recipe copied from elsewhere- oh I want to eat this!!! But first someone has to make it for me! LOL!

Tex-Mex Ravioli Casserole
1 (16-ounce) jar mild salsa
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1 (28-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli, unthawed
2 (19-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1. Combine first 3 ingredients. Pour 1/2 cup sauce mixture on the bottom of a lightly greased 2-quart oval or 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Top evenly with frozen cheese ravioli. Layer with black beans, chopped cilantro, green onions, and remaining sauce mixture; top evenly with shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
2. Bake, covered with aluminum foil (lightly sprayed with Pam, to prevent cheese from sticking), at 350° for 45 minutes or until bubbly. Remove foil, and bake 5 more minutes.

Let stand 5 minutes.Makes 6 servings. I served it with chips and guacamole…everyone loves it!

First Piano Lesson

I just gave Ella her first piano lesson! She did really well. I followed the lesson from an older piano instruction book. Actually, I think it was the "same" one I used when I first had lessons. My MIL had given me a box of music and some of these beginning books were in there. We did stepping and skipping, with middle c, d, and e. And she learned notes a and b. And we numbered her fingers, and sang our little song. Then she started making up one with the three notes she learned. It gave me great joy to do this with her. It'll be worth the effort, I KNOW.

We went away Saturday night, just us and the kids, and had fun. The kids love hotels LOL. Today, met with my friend Alysha and her little boy, Connor, at IHOP. Their menu has the neatest things right now, for advertising Horton hears a Who. Let's just say, one set of pancakes has pastel colored juice/syrup and a nice big lollipop on top. AND, you can get green eggs and ham. I totally want to go there again with the kids before they discontinue those options. Terribly cute.

Glitz

Glitz It Now

Ooohh this site makes me think of Bewitched! For all scrapbookers, AGAIN! I wanted to look on this site at the stamping rollers. Really neat, doodle like.

New company I found ..

Webster's Pages is a new paperie company. Beautiful. And it has "when you say nothing at all" playing instantly, so have your volume set where you want it!

Friday's snow

had me unnerved for the whole half day while I drove to PA and back and was in the car 4.5 hours. Not the best of trips. No accidents, thankfully, but I stopped/got stuck several times and was very scared. I was just thankful to be able to FINALLY pick my children up from their great grandparents' house and get home. Getting home from that house to ours took awhile. Actually, the 5 minutes it usually takes for me to get home from one area beyond Salem to Salem took at least 20. So, we ended up staying home allll weekend.

Ella has a play date arranged for this week with a friend from school. They talked two times this weekend. So cute.

Buddy took around his toolbox and daddy's tools and "fixed" our kitchen chairs.

Began making an Easter basket list...one that has NO CANDY and probably only 2 things, since they are bigger and I don't want to get little things that get lost around here. Think, Leapster game for each of the kids, since they don't have one, but they do have one Leapster, which is Buddy's, Imean Ella's..no wait....well...buddy plays with it and Ella always just wants it when Buddy plays with it! LOL!

Anywhoo, off to bed. Lately I 've been going to bed early. Feels so much better.

Chimney Rock Park

I went here 10 years ago, I think. Finally now just documenting this amazing trip. Lots more pics to scrapbook! Having lots of fun lately- completed 15 pages in 3 days! A personal record! I'm lucky to do that in a month, or two!, but not just 3 days! It's a wonderful thing!

some scrapbooking lately!!!!

Well It's ABOUT time...

I just added, to the right under Last of the Mohicans, the song (Kiss)- what I chose for my own bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to at Rich and I's wedding. YES it is from a movie. LOL! Then I walked down to Cora. YES I went waaayyy non traditional but it was AWESOME! I had a playlist over there before but it'll go back eventually some Moon River (rich and I's special song) and Cindy Morgan's How Could I Ask For More. They NEED to be on this blog too. Eventually.



Well, enjoy! I know my dad will!

**Just added the other two songs we love, too. You'll have to stop them as they seem to just want to start automatically.

A challenge for myself

This woodgrain Hambly paper (in the Wintry Thoughts page) was very hard for me to put on a scrapbook page! To some, it may seem silly, if you are not into this stuff, but really..it's soooo different from what I usually work with! I love it though. I wouldn't mind using the little pieces I have left for something special.

I need to remember to change my lens and settings when I take pics of pages...oops! Anyways, the top page, you can't see all of the title, but it is Here Kitty Kitty.

Monday again!

Here's a plain jane page, but honestly IRL it look better than here. LOL! Inspired by Grandpa...
And, if you are one to look at artwork (i.w. scrapbooking albums) here is a fantastic album created by my friend, Greta...minialbum.


That means tomorrow I get to watch AI. And some other new show I was interested in. And then that means that Wednesday is only 2 days away, and again, American Idol, and I get a little something in the mail just for me! Also, Rich will be off, so hope we can scoot out to Chipotle for lunch or something. THEN, that means THURSDAY is only three days away, and I can watch some serious TV. So, I suppose you could say my enjoyment right now is food, tv, and scrapbooking! LOL!

Had Ella stay home from school- her ear is definitely bothering her. Philip is napping, and has a great stuffy nose and is feverish. Poor boy..he just puts himself in my lap so he can "hold me"- when he is sick he puts himself to bed for a nap!

Finished watching Rendition last night. Not my fav movie, it was a bit dark. I like Reese Witherspoon as an actress though. I hope we can watch No Reservations soon...if the movie gallery has it in when I go in FINALLY!

Friday I go to my doctor that is 1 1/2 hours away. It's a lovely drive...but just long. I feel very badly as it's the dr.'s last day as a dr. for some time. Just pray for my dr. and his office. Friends of ours, well the husband works with the Dr., too, and his job may or may not be at stake due to the fact the office may or may not be open while the Dr. isn't there. I am not sure. My Dr. has helped so many people, and this one thing was very unfortunate but it may affect his patients- for example, I'm going to have to scoot on over somewhere else for my thyroid checkups, etc. I have NO IDEA where, but I will be praying about that too.

And Saturday, well, I hope it's just a nice HEALTHY day for all of us to enjoy. Rich and I STILL have never gone out for our Valentines Date. Isn't that sad? We keep getting sick here!

But, I thank God for the enjoyment and blessings we have here at home!

Quick Weekend Rundown..

Thursday afternoon: Bring Ella home from school, slight temp and head ache
Thursday evening: Buddy has slight fever
Friday: Buddy definitely has some upper resp. infection going on. Off and on fever.
Friday night: Ella goes to bed, wakes up crying (tearfully) saying Ouchy ouchy ouchy over and over again. Says her head hurts and ears.
Saturday 12:01 am. Finally goes to sleep. After being awake a couple of hours with Daddy.
Saturday 12:01 am. Daddy thinks he is sick, with the flu.
Saturday morning: Daddy at work. SICK. Stays the whole day b/c he has to.
Saturday noonish: Take kids to hospital (er) so we can get Ella seen by the doctor. Middle ear infection....went to walmart for antibiotic. Took 3 hours plus for all that to occur (figures).
Saturday evening: Philip, a slight temp again, Ella gets some pain medicine in her too.
Sunday morning: we stay home from church. Can't take Philip into any place to be with kids, plus he's slightly grumpy with this cold thing. I want Ella to be on her medicine one more day before she's around other children. Rich goes to work- he woke up feeling sooo much better.
Sunday afternoon: the kids and I went to my parents, so they could get out for a little bit (only did so if Philip would not have fever, and he didn't). Except right when we got home.
Sunday evening: normal routine. Hope for good rest for both kids. Last night Philip woke me up b/c he was yelling in his sleep, "No Diego, No Diego!" LOL!

Dude. Lost. DUDE!

This show utterly amazes me. What an episode.....sorry to those that missed it!

Also, American Idol- so hard to be those that are let go already. A couple people didn't go that really should have gone...

Completed FOUR scrapbooking pages. Very excited. Will share tomorrow.

Children are kinda sick again. Brought Ella home early from school, she had a fever and her stomach hurt.

Philip then later spiked a small temp., and then before bed again...

Sigh...

This season is a tough one as far as illnesses...

the russells are sick

i had the flu friday, just awful.

today tried to recover. Just weak and light headed from not eating and all that went on yesterday still.

Philip has a touch of it and,

Ella just threw up massively. Nice to say in a blog, huh? Well, we'd sure appreciate your prayers. I hate to think we're passing it around too, as my grandparents watched the kids yesterday while I had my great bout and then my dad came and watched them later....

I don't wish this on my worst enemy, that's for sure.

To find new stamps..

is a great thing! Someone on Studio Calico mentioned this "new" company (it was new to me) and how original and unique these stamp sets are. This is my fav.

Next! Little boy..

got some catchlights. Yeah! You are handsome....fun...entertaining...and definitely a boy!

I stopped in my tracks

when I opened this photo up in my software. Little girl-----your beauty INSIDE SURPASSES this of the outside...that's for sure...

This woman amazes me...

Karin, please don't be embarrassed...I am so blessed by your posts and writing...I need to share them. A day with Karin...if you read more of her blog, expect to feel happy, humbled, blessed...and tearful. She needs to write a book. A complete book of her thoughts and life...and wonderful precious family.

Click here and vote for my pic #8

http://www.thepolkadotdaisy.blogspot.com/

The prize is sooo sweet....I appreciate everyone's vote that visits here..and more! LOL! Thanks!

It's 7:30 pm

and all is well.

Richie went to the Dulcimore music practice here in town...so he took his NEW mandolin he got. He sold his other one and in turn, bought this JBovier, or something like that! LOL! It's quite nice. He says it plays like a $1200 mandolin. And it was NOT that much! NO way.

So, he is having some good times. My kids are bathed, had their snack, and are enjoying Tom and Jerry cartoons- their new fav. I never was into these cartoons growing up, but I actually laugh at them NOW. Maybe because my own children laugh at them! We just watched Tom play the piano, and Jerry annoy him. Makes me want to go play the piano, as long as there is no mouse around....

Anyways, a big HUGE difference in the timeline of going to bed and in bed from last night...whew....that was for sure talked about. Let's just say mommy was not that happy about what time the kids were in bed. Which was NOT when I got home at around 10 from seeing my friend Beth at THE ENCORE cafe!!!!! And that brings me to my NEXT subject...

I love chai tea, and their chai tea latte was the very best. I am in love....

Can't wait to go back and have strictly that and dessert. I splurged a bit last night and had a great salad, turnover (this was darn sinful), and my latte. Yummy. Rich and I are due for a date, so maybe this weekend...hmmm...

I watched Gone With The Wind last night when I got home, well, 2 hours of it, which was a lot. I was literally glued to my seat. I love that movie, and for some reason, it just took my mind somewhere that I needed to go...and remember, and dream. I really enjoyed that two hours.

I have to go downstairs and dig out my Scarlett sequel. I know it's somewhere....I got that book at one of Columbiana's Libray Book Sales a LOOONNGGGG time ago, when it was held in a small church downtown.

Oh, forgot to say I can't wait until the The Encore's neighboring theater reopens. The cafe is to be open LATE, and I think that is fantastic. Just wonderful! The names on the menu for the food were quite clever..all relating to the cinema. Very cool.

Well, time to go get the kids' teeth brushed. And then AMERICAN IDOL!!!!! I can't WAIT to just sit and have time by myself people. BY MY SELF!!! It may not last that long, in truth, but will be nice. It's nice to have time by yourself in your own home. For me anyways. I don't like having to seek refuge elsewhere all the time.

I will probably scrapbook a page or two. I love Studio Calico kits. My husband is sooooo sweet. He says to me, "I am glad you have something like this to look forward to each month. But the wait stinks!" Yes, the wait is not fun, but it is WORTH it. Definitely. And my ebaying so far, as it seems with auctions not yet complete, will provide my kits-worth for me this month. Yeah!

"It's the Side No, Mommy!"

Yeah. An almost three year old's interpretation of a line from Jesus Loves Me. (SMILE). This I Know!

And for Ella, the funny line for a song was for ABC's.....now I ocean my....forgot about now I Know..(GRIN).

Trip to the Store today

Well, I am glad about our little visit to the store. I won't go for our weekly things until Wednesday but I did only spend $12 for the following:

4 boxes of 18 oz Cheerios
free milk!
Smuckers natural peanut butter
sticks of butter
6 yogurt cups
1 bag chex mix

Saved $10

I created a grocery store (which does include non-grocery items) Budget and it is going to help me sooooooooo much. I am excited for this new plan.

This morning, we also went out to breakfast at Bob Evans for pancakes. My grandparents were going to watch the kids and make them pancakes while DH and I went out on a mini-date, but she was having a bad day. She needs prayer...she doesn't eat and is weak. This is reminiscent of when they first moved a few years back, and we think that move was real hard on her. I feel so bad for her.....it truly brings me to tears. She loves these kids so much and it broke her heart to have to cancel plans on them.

The rest of the day has been relaxation and laundry. Philip napped again. I thought he was over that stage, but he has somewhat of a cold and has a nagging cough so I think this week, the little boy needed naps.

Tomorrow after church we get to go have dinner at my parents! I am excited. I love my mom's cooking!!!!!!!!!!! Oh so much better than mine. I really need to do better...I think I mentioned that before on this blog LOL!

Well, Buddy just got the potato chips down on his own and is eating them so I need to go retrieve them!!!!!

My sweetie girl

Ella made a few signs the other day (I admit to agreeing to write a li'l bit on the though ;-) And it just cracks me up that she actually drew a sign with Buddy on it frowning with tears, b/c he isn't allowed in her room...

i'm TRYING to complete this certain page...I love these embellishments. Just love them. Hope to finish some projects up for my scrapbook soon.

That was THE best BEST best BEST best EPISODE OF LOST!!!

They just can't do that to us....I want answers. I don't like having all that info in my head now, w/o some theories and answers. Ohhhhhh rats. I am very excited though....this is why I just love LOST. WOOOHOOO!!!

Beautiful Scrapbooking Goodies and Studio Calico members too!

PINK PAISLEE VIDEO or rather, What-I-Would-Love-For-MY-BIRTHDAY-THAT's-NOT-IN-DECEMBER-BUT-MARCH9th-INSTEAD!

LOL!

And WHAT a nice CHA booth too. Oh my. I love it!

Well, confirmation time

This morning's church service was confirmation for me that I made the right decision. Rather, that I was smart enough, and willing enough, to see where God was leading me.

Not going into too much detail here, but photography, at this point, will be done for those that NEED it, and benefit from it....without any obligation to me, as a photographer, and I to them. Meaning- it's a willing part on my part to be in service to them as I feel so led. For instance, when I began photography, I practiced for some friends that had foster children. These photographs are not ones I can use in my portfolio. I can't show them to people. I can't post them. I can't print them and put in public album, etc. etc. One time, my friend invited siblings to one of the foster children over, and we had a nice, long photoshoot. It was probably the best photoshoot ever. Honestly. What sweeties these children were...how heartbreaking it is to know that there has been so much upheaval in their lives. I told my friend this morning, before the service, that I was going to get back into photography again, and she literally yelled "yes!" outloud. It was humbling to me to hear that. She had a huge smile on her face, and said just in time for the one year birthday...

God knows what he is doing.

I have another friend at church that truly cannot afford various things. They have one child who has some handicaps, and she stays at home. I took photos for them and gave them prints. Later I started to give them a cd, although they do not have a computer, so they could go wherever they wanted and not feel obligated to go where I go. I told her today the same thing I told my other friend, and she was thrilled. She asked what the price would be for a cd. I said Nothing, she said, with a sigh of relief, Thank you, and gave me a hug.

Again, very humbling.

There is a need....and I truly feel that God will lead people to me that would feel encouraged and uplifted with the candid style photography that HE has so bestowed upon me to love. Maybe for other foster children. Maybe there's another young family in the church that can't afford much. I am honestly very excited, and teary eyed as I write this. I feel a little bare as I am pouring my heart out. But, I guess that can be a good thing.

Decisions..

After prayer and thought, and more of those two things, my Etsy shop is closing by next week. My current orders are to be shipping Monday or Tuesday. Selling on Etsy has been a source of high stress, among other things. I feel like it is taking precious time away from other things- i.e. my family- and making me feel oppressed in a way. Sooo....ahhhh..that feels better. I am cutting whatever losses I have and going to concentrate on things that are less stressful. Thank you for your prayers, and understanding!

Trying to decide if another corner should be rounded...

Should I keep up with photography only? Revamp my store to photography items (ie cards, etc)? I really would like to do scrapbooking for me only...well, I mean our family...

Thinking that the photography should be first, as far as creative outlets, though it seems winter makes you feel real out of it in this region of the US. So dreary. And dull. And it is difficult to travel, find babysitters for kids, place very inconsistent orders...with photography.

Just praying and praying and praying some more...

I want God first, family next, and maybe a bit of me time. Not sure if even keeping up with anything I am committed to is a good idea. **SIGH*** Now is the time to keep on being steady and listen to that still small Voice.

This past week I didn't even get to do my grocery gaming (coupon shopping, that is). Now, after really thinking that I need to cook better meals (we're kind of in a rut here) I am not sure if all that couponing would work with how I can operate as far as planning better meals. I think its the constraints, being put into something that requires me to do something whether or not I want to. Well, I sure didn't really WANT to do any grocery shopping this week, but it was hard to admit that, and then feel "behind" on my grocery gaming list...see..another thing that puts these limits and expectations on ya.

As far as scrapbooking- I have felt in love with that aspect once more because OF my photography....and if I don't photograph, well...the scrapbooking would probably be nonexistant. I like to scrapbook my better photos (is this bad?) and not my very very candid, shots- not that is wrong or not the best thing- it's just me.

Photography though, well, it can be hard. The coming in of funds does not compare to the amount of work you do. I would have to revamp how people would place orders. Take a certain amount of work only. Get my large format photo printer hooked up for proofs. And my own scrapbooking.

Stop thinking I have to have a coupon for everything- sit down once a week, and organize a small list of extras I can use to lift up the nature of my cooking. I hate to bake, so it is cooking for me.

Submit my photos to a couple of places for publishing. I got one published...wonder if it can happen again.

Make sure that photography continues to be what it started out for me, A Ministry. Do photography for those that need it. Be encouraged no matter what the feedback you get. Do photography how I am comfortable in it. Figure out creative advertising.

Thoughts and more thoughts...

I was tagged for some information!

and I am finally getting to it, since it's been a rough week of practically no sleep.

Favorite Sites:
Etsy
Two Peas in a Bucket
Work of Heart Photography (I could dwell here forever)

Challenge Favs

Oh dear, I have none as I have never EVER gotten into the challenges. I think I must now try my friend's challenge site,
Scrapping the Music
and then Pencil Lines.

Guilty pleasures
Chocolate
Hot Tea with lots of sugar
Pizza
(why is all food for me?! LOL!)
and scrapbooking supplies

Babysitting Fav.
My husband (HA!)

Creative Fav.
Not really sure about this one. I like lots, more than I have put on my blog. It is awfully outdated!

Clothing Fav.
This for me has been evolving....I now prefer stylish sweats, a nice long Tshirt, and my slip on sketchers. YIKES! I used to prefer dressing up a bit more!

I think that is all the info in the tagging..so I hereby tag: Lisa, Beth, and Elisabeth

Well, my neice Abigail has pneumonia! The poor child! Thus, our visit there was quite postponed. Ella did not want to go to the tea place yesterday after all. As soon as we began our journey there in the car she changed her mind! She wanted to go see her school friends- bless her heart! As much as I was disappointed, it works out anyways, as we are planning to meet her little friend Natalie and her mom there on Saturday.

Only at the Russells

will you come back on the computer to the screen that shows the title "Flop Eared Mule."

That's what my DH likes to play on his mandolin these days, oh, or banjo.

It's been a looooonggg day. I had no sleep at all last night due to insufficient sleep medicine. ACK! It was just awful. I had to pay attention to the thunderstorm instead and not have a single wink. Just not good. Thus, today, I was in bad physical shape. We made it through. DH brought us pizza after work, per my request. I made two little itsy bitsy girlie necklaces. I looked at lots of scrapbooking goodies.

A couple of important things. My grandmother is weak from the flu. Please pray for her.

I have a friend who has some very difficult things to face right now. No names mentioned. She knows who she is. Please send a prayer up for my friend. I care for her dearly.

Tomorrow won't work for Ella and I to visit my sister in law, as she and Abby are sick. I feel badly for them. My brother called on his way to the store to get some medicine for Abby. Hopefully, we'll be able to go down sometime soon. I'm anxious to return to This and That and hunt other stores down for wonderful vintage finds.

Sooo I decided that Ella will not go to preschool anyways and she and I will visit a wonderful elegant tea shoppe by ourselves for a little dessert break. Also, our family will go out to breakfast. It's wonderful for DH to have the day off, as he worked the past weekend.

well, that's all for now!

why oh why

do I find pics from awhile back that I never played with? just not enough time, I suppose! I need to print these out, especially the two of them..look how SMALL they are! Brings tears to my eyes!

After loading all these pics up, I think I need to do some photoshoots. Step it up. Experiment more. I am inspired by my children, I confess.

okay I should edit my title here

A pet peeve of mine - okay, I am glad that a clothing store is told to put signs down b/c of all the younger traffic around it, and I personally deem it inappropriate..and apparently public officials do too.

and this really makes me excited..if it's okay with my dear, wonderful, encouraging, superb, handsome, sweetheart of a husband, Wednesday, on his day off, Ella and I will be making a day trip to see my sister in law and my neice, Abigail so we can hang out, have tea, etc etc etc.

I have overwhelmed myself with daily duties, but, we'll try our best!

Duties tomorrow

unfolding on my tentative invisible calendar are:

mailing my rak goodies (hopefully tomorrow or tuesday)
photographing this beautiful vintage button I found
putting laundry away (my least fav job in the world)
making some food for everyone who lives here
an appt. in the morning
finding coupons/narrowing a grocery list for Wednesday
making more creations
SCRAPBOOK
play with my children

I'm curious...

just a cute valentine I found today, now part of my store. Ain't she cute?

and I love that bracelet...hard to part with (if it sells, LOL)

just wondering, what's YOUR story today? I talk so much on this blog....I'd like to know what happened to YOU today. I'm all ears.

I listed 7 or 8 more items on Etsy. I guess I was really encouraged recently, or inspired, I should say. It's not like that everyday you know.

Philip needs to go to BED. BED. BED! Nothing else needs to be said, other than I love him! And Ella was a doll for me today! And my Husband has been doing lots of laundry for me lately! God bless him!