It has been a LONG time since our last post. Really a lifetime ago. So much has happened and life has completely changed.
So many of you know everything that has happened and yourselves have been grieving and wondering if the hole in your heart will ever be filled, not hurt so much, or offer any joy again. Of course, we know as Christians that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. So the void is being filled as Christ who is our Comfort leads us through this valley, gently speaking His truth into our souls and caring us on the days of tears and sadness. He is making the path of joy straight for us and reminding our hearts with greater assurance that this is not our home.
Gogo met Jesus on Feb. 19, Grandaddy met Jesus on April 6, and Papa met Jesus on July 11. An unbelievable sentence.
So many of you ask how are you getting through all of this, you all have been through so much... these things are true. Christ is so real to each of us and not in a fake spiritual means... no He is real to us through His people through you. He is made real to us through the prayers that go up on our behalf, the cards, phone calls, inbox messages, texts, meals, invites out, and visits. Thank you for ministering to our very souls as you each have pointed us to Him and offered us kindness beyond words.
The kids are doing well. They share their tears with us and talk about Gogo, Grandaddy, and Papa, remembering what the loved about each of them.
We are ready to move forward with tears, not forgetting these past months that will continue to define, refine, and shape us for the rest of our lives. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
All things considered we have had a great summer... morning coffee on the side porch with Ryan, a week vacation with the SuperGroup in TN, a day at the beach for Caedmon's birthday, painted the girls room, got other home projects done, baseball games, Samaria Project week (local missions), I bought a cornhole set, GREAT visits with friends in our home.
The Russell's are getting ready to head back to school. Ryan will go back on Monday the 6th and begin classes on the 15th. This year he will be teaching Algebra 1 along with the upper bible classes. Ryan has taken on different responsibilities at the church as Worship and Outreach Minister.
The kids and I are switching to My Father's World. We are excited to study History, Geography and Science together as a family. Language and Math (Saxon Math) will be taught individually. Caedmon is on 4th grade, Justin and Athan are in 2nd grade and Holland is in Kindergarten. We are excited about our M.A.T.H. homeschool coop. They will also be starting art lessons taught by a Mike Jancart and Jody Bohannon.
We will make no grand promises to faithfully update our blog this year... but thank you for reading it when we do!! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
July - October ... WOW... that is a long time.
Well, I do believe pictures will say all of this better than I ever could. But here are some things that have been going on in RusselLand over the past few months.
July: we got home from the beach and enjoyed a few weeks before school began. We took the kids to LakeFest and had a BLAST. We finished the day with fireworks at the Moorings with the Gee and Lyon family. What a GREAT day! The month ended with VBS and Caedmon's birthday!! Holland Joye attended VBS... with all four kids out of the house for several hours each night Ryan and I decided that when they get older we are going to get season tickets to the Durham Bulls games to fill our time :) Caedmon had Levi, Josh, and Preston over for a sleepover... the end result was lots of WII and Lego playing and popcorn kernels ALL OVER THE FLOOR!
August: Justin and Caedmon along Preston Bright attended Lego Camp at Crossroad Christian. The girls & myself headed to Lynchburg for Adventure's with Oma! We went to Natural Bridge and Amazement Square, great places for any age. We all (Oma included) headed down to Monroe, NC for a visit with the Mayhorn ladies! WHAT FUN!! Kelli and I went out for sushi and drinks affording us some valuable time to catch up and have full conversations! Thanks Oma for watching the kids! Mom spent the next day visiting a friend who she hadn't seen in 40 years!! What fun!
Then school began for everyone. Caedmon is in 3rd grade, Justin & Athan are 1st graders, and Holland is doing 4yr old Kindergarten. Our day begins around 9. We turn off the phones and computer and do school til about 1:00. This year is going so well. I am so pleased with the kids and their diligence to honor God with their minds!!
A precious lady in our community has started a home school co-op we had such a marvelous time!! This month we are dissecting owl vomit!! It was so encouraging to see the other families in our area who home school and then have lunch at the park!
August also ushered in some very hard times for our family as Ryan's dad (Herman) was in the hospital for 5 weeks.
September began with the Maxwell's coming for a visit... always a fun time!! On the 7th we went to court for Justin's adoption. The judge granted us an interlocutory adoption. He is a Russell and the deal will be sealed in about six months! We are so thankful to Joye, Tammy T., and Bo who have been at EVERY hearing and have NEVER testified... but as the judge said "had someone walked through the doors of this court everything would have changed, and you would have been needed." So, we are praising God for unopened courtroom doors. I am so thankful for Justin and how God has graphed him into our family. Living life without him is unimaginable. I am thankful that in all of the unwise decisions that have been made for Justin that his "birth" mom choose to give birth to my son! So, I am thankful beyond words to God for his grace that was extended to Justin while he was still in his mother's womb. THANK YOU LORD!
As many of you already know that same day Joye was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. Sept. 7th was also Joye and Herman's 42nd wedding anniversary!! They spent it together in the hospital :( Herman's nurses wheeled him down for a visit...they and we were all so grateful.
The students and parents of WECC join us every Sunday at our home for "The Truth Project". The small groups of our fellowship prepare meals for us every week and we get to fellowship around food and The Word. It has been a powerful time of discussion and growth for everyone!
Ryan, myself and JoAnny took apart Joye and Herman's downstairs bathroom... we worked GREAT as a team, it was the bathroom that didn't cooperate! So, needless to say, after some small repairs we will paint it another weekend!
The boys began soccer this year and it has been a BLAST for them and us! They are both very talented and the games are a blast to watch! Caedmon scored a goal in his first game and played great defense. Justin had a some great breakaways and did a GREAT job stopping the ball as goalie!
Jordan, my niece got engaged!! She is getting married to a wonderful godly man on April 14th!
The month ended on G-ma's back porch overlooking Kerr Lake enjoying hot dogs and chips in our annual picnic!!
October has been really fun so far. Harvest Party at Camp Kerr Lake, soccer games, school, Kimberly's birthday celebration at the Pizza Pub, a much needed visit with the McGann's, SEW, wedding planning and dreaming with Jordan and Martha, wonderful fellowship with WECC at our new building, Truth Project and Race planning!
This weekend some ladies from WECC and surrounding areas are competing in a Run Like a Girl race that raises money and awareness for ovarian cancer a cause worth supporting!!
That gets us up to date with the RussellSprouts! Pictures to come!
July: we got home from the beach and enjoyed a few weeks before school began. We took the kids to LakeFest and had a BLAST. We finished the day with fireworks at the Moorings with the Gee and Lyon family. What a GREAT day! The month ended with VBS and Caedmon's birthday!! Holland Joye attended VBS... with all four kids out of the house for several hours each night Ryan and I decided that when they get older we are going to get season tickets to the Durham Bulls games to fill our time :) Caedmon had Levi, Josh, and Preston over for a sleepover... the end result was lots of WII and Lego playing and popcorn kernels ALL OVER THE FLOOR!
August: Justin and Caedmon along Preston Bright attended Lego Camp at Crossroad Christian. The girls & myself headed to Lynchburg for Adventure's with Oma! We went to Natural Bridge and Amazement Square, great places for any age. We all (Oma included) headed down to Monroe, NC for a visit with the Mayhorn ladies! WHAT FUN!! Kelli and I went out for sushi and drinks affording us some valuable time to catch up and have full conversations! Thanks Oma for watching the kids! Mom spent the next day visiting a friend who she hadn't seen in 40 years!! What fun!
Then school began for everyone. Caedmon is in 3rd grade, Justin & Athan are 1st graders, and Holland is doing 4yr old Kindergarten. Our day begins around 9. We turn off the phones and computer and do school til about 1:00. This year is going so well. I am so pleased with the kids and their diligence to honor God with their minds!!
A precious lady in our community has started a home school co-op we had such a marvelous time!! This month we are dissecting owl vomit!! It was so encouraging to see the other families in our area who home school and then have lunch at the park!
August also ushered in some very hard times for our family as Ryan's dad (Herman) was in the hospital for 5 weeks.
September began with the Maxwell's coming for a visit... always a fun time!! On the 7th we went to court for Justin's adoption. The judge granted us an interlocutory adoption. He is a Russell and the deal will be sealed in about six months! We are so thankful to Joye, Tammy T., and Bo who have been at EVERY hearing and have NEVER testified... but as the judge said "had someone walked through the doors of this court everything would have changed, and you would have been needed." So, we are praising God for unopened courtroom doors. I am so thankful for Justin and how God has graphed him into our family. Living life without him is unimaginable. I am thankful that in all of the unwise decisions that have been made for Justin that his "birth" mom choose to give birth to my son! So, I am thankful beyond words to God for his grace that was extended to Justin while he was still in his mother's womb. THANK YOU LORD!
As many of you already know that same day Joye was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. Sept. 7th was also Joye and Herman's 42nd wedding anniversary!! They spent it together in the hospital :( Herman's nurses wheeled him down for a visit...they and we were all so grateful.
The students and parents of WECC join us every Sunday at our home for "The Truth Project". The small groups of our fellowship prepare meals for us every week and we get to fellowship around food and The Word. It has been a powerful time of discussion and growth for everyone!
Ryan, myself and JoAnny took apart Joye and Herman's downstairs bathroom... we worked GREAT as a team, it was the bathroom that didn't cooperate! So, needless to say, after some small repairs we will paint it another weekend!
The boys began soccer this year and it has been a BLAST for them and us! They are both very talented and the games are a blast to watch! Caedmon scored a goal in his first game and played great defense. Justin had a some great breakaways and did a GREAT job stopping the ball as goalie!
Jordan, my niece got engaged!! She is getting married to a wonderful godly man on April 14th!
The month ended on G-ma's back porch overlooking Kerr Lake enjoying hot dogs and chips in our annual picnic!!
October has been really fun so far. Harvest Party at Camp Kerr Lake, soccer games, school, Kimberly's birthday celebration at the Pizza Pub, a much needed visit with the McGann's, SEW, wedding planning and dreaming with Jordan and Martha, wonderful fellowship with WECC at our new building, Truth Project and Race planning!
This weekend some ladies from WECC and surrounding areas are competing in a Run Like a Girl race that raises money and awareness for ovarian cancer a cause worth supporting!!
That gets us up to date with the RussellSprouts! Pictures to come!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
March 2011!
March is almost gone and we are exhausted! I find these days full and wonderful. My heart has an understanding that these moments are passing by too fast. Currently in my home we have Caedmon 7, Justin 6, Athan 6, and Holland 3... where has the time gone. Recently at a women's retreat a lady commented to a new mom that before she knew it her kids would be older like "Christie's kids!" That opened my eyes... though there are joys in every stage of parenting... this is my favorite so far. The kids play, laugh, fight, enjoy, and fill this house with motion all day long. All too soon it will just be me and dougie again...so I will enjoy this season and fill it with pictures, memories and TONS of kisses.
Justin's birthday was March 9th... THANK YOU EVERYONE for cards, money, and presents! He invited his best buddy Preston over for a guys night. He wanted a dino cake and a batman cake... with PB&J sandwiches and Mac and Cheese for dinner! His grandma Kelly, her sons Marshal and Jacob along with Jacob's girlfriend Savannah came to celebrate as well! We all had a GREAT time!
Athan's bday was March 17th... AGAIN THANK YOU EVERYONE for cards, money and presents! She had a few more girls over for a sleep over and they planted plants, watched girlie movies, dressed up and played DVD bingo! The boys got to enjoy some time with Levi swinging from the trees and playing baseball!
Our newest adventure has been purchasing fish... they are STILL alive three days later!! But the kids were so excited... I do not have pictures yet of our fish, but they will come!
Kaleb is a special little man who joins in on our life a few days a week!! So, when you see a baby in our pictures we have not acquired another child, just a sweet little man who comes to visit so his mommie can work!
Russell life is good... My heart is preparing for Resurrection Sunday, each morning I am reading short sermons from "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" edited by Nancy Guthrie... Christ work on the cross, His power in conquering death and sin for me has overwhelmed, humbled, and softened my heart to my desperate need for a Savior everyday... His grace is sufficient every moment and I pray that in my life and in the lives of my children we will know the power of Christ and His resurrection everyday!
Love to you all!! Enjoy the pictures!
Justin's birthday was March 9th... THANK YOU EVERYONE for cards, money, and presents! He invited his best buddy Preston over for a guys night. He wanted a dino cake and a batman cake... with PB&J sandwiches and Mac and Cheese for dinner! His grandma Kelly, her sons Marshal and Jacob along with Jacob's girlfriend Savannah came to celebrate as well! We all had a GREAT time!
Athan's bday was March 17th... AGAIN THANK YOU EVERYONE for cards, money and presents! She had a few more girls over for a sleep over and they planted plants, watched girlie movies, dressed up and played DVD bingo! The boys got to enjoy some time with Levi swinging from the trees and playing baseball!
Our newest adventure has been purchasing fish... they are STILL alive three days later!! But the kids were so excited... I do not have pictures yet of our fish, but they will come!
Kaleb is a special little man who joins in on our life a few days a week!! So, when you see a baby in our pictures we have not acquired another child, just a sweet little man who comes to visit so his mommie can work!
Russell life is good... My heart is preparing for Resurrection Sunday, each morning I am reading short sermons from "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" edited by Nancy Guthrie... Christ work on the cross, His power in conquering death and sin for me has overwhelmed, humbled, and softened my heart to my desperate need for a Savior everyday... His grace is sufficient every moment and I pray that in my life and in the lives of my children we will know the power of Christ and His resurrection everyday!
Love to you all!! Enjoy the pictures!
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Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Shattered Hopes...
Well, it has been my deepest hope to catching up our blog from 2009 but there are some goals that are just too high and lofty :)
2010 started off much the same as 2009...we had a set number of children 4 and then God decided to double our quiver. January brought four beautiful works of art from our Creator. Tiesha (17), Shantell (14), Montreal (12), and Alatasia (18 months). With the help of Bobby and Allison Maxwell we were able to shuffle the house around to make room for everyone. And with the help of friends we were able to, in one week get the house ready and all the necessary paperwork done to make it all legal. They will be with us for 8 months. We are really looking forward to birthdays, family days out, church events, school achievements, and potty training!
This weekend has been GREAT... we are establishing chores, goals, and fun dinners. The girls and I planned out our menu and went grocery shopping. It was so much fun! We are learning the art of 8 minute showers and enjoying our long dinner conversations.
We are so thankful for all your prayers... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep them coming... there is no way we will all make it through without your prayers and His Grace!
Here are some pictures of Russell Life the new norm...
2010 started off much the same as 2009...we had a set number of children 4 and then God decided to double our quiver. January brought four beautiful works of art from our Creator. Tiesha (17), Shantell (14), Montreal (12), and Alatasia (18 months). With the help of Bobby and Allison Maxwell we were able to shuffle the house around to make room for everyone. And with the help of friends we were able to, in one week get the house ready and all the necessary paperwork done to make it all legal. They will be with us for 8 months. We are really looking forward to birthdays, family days out, church events, school achievements, and potty training!
This weekend has been GREAT... we are establishing chores, goals, and fun dinners. The girls and I planned out our menu and went grocery shopping. It was so much fun! We are learning the art of 8 minute showers and enjoying our long dinner conversations.
We are so thankful for all your prayers... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep them coming... there is no way we will all make it through without your prayers and His Grace!
Here are some pictures of Russell Life the new norm...
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Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A New Year Already?
WOW! There is no possible way an entire year has passed!! As Ryan and I sat by the fire at Martha's house on New Year's Eve we were overwhelmed, thinking of all the events that took place in our Russell World in 2010. Though some blog post have been made, pictures shared, and Christmas Cards sent REALLY it's already 2011? Oh My!
Well, my last post was of Halloween so I have some catching up to do. Early Halloween morning the phone rang waking me from a deep sleep. On the other end the voice of a father Mike telling me that the mother Amanda was ready to have their baby!! Ember Louise entered the world on that Sunday morning and all of our lives have been much brighter since! Congratulations Jancarts!
November oh November... I am thankful that Scripture reminds us over and over that we do not need to worry about tomorrow because really if we knew what was coming we would stop dead in our tracks. It was 4:37 in the afternoon and my daily call from my sister Berni came in... only this time she did not open with "Whatcha doin'?" but with we need you to pray... "all I know is Martha had a seizure and she is being taken to the hospital." Fear, Panic, and shaking ensued. A few hours later another ring and the verdict was in... "Martha has a tumor in her brain." I know that I am more emotional than some... but I praise God that He allows us to feel, to absorb the REAL feelings of the moment.. this was not a made up fear or a bothersome worry... this was REAL and it shook me to the core, screams, cries, moments of peaceful silence. I was emotionally naked and unashamed in the arms of my Savior as He heard my cry, the petition of my heart that He prepare us for His will not our own. There are not enough "Thank You's" on the planet, in the universe to give out to everyone who helped with the children & prayed for us. So, if I have forgotten THANK YOU!! Martha is recovering well and trusting God more and more everyday. Keep praying!
November 12-13 we went to Aberdeen NC to visit our grandparents. We attended a "family reunion" with Grandma Crissman. Uncle Jim, Aunt Barb, Uncle Robbie, Aunt Janice, Aunt Judy, Uncle Kevin, Tina, Jennifer, Tyler & Alex... I am sure I am forgetting someone (I'm sorry) What a precious time.
We visited with Pop & Nanny sharing a celebration for their birthdays and getting to attend church with them on Sunday. Again, had I known this would be Pop's last time in church before his funeral it would have been too much to handle. But the time was priceless... all on one row... Pop, Nanny, Herman, Joye, Tina, Ryan, Myself, Caedmon, Justin, Athan, & Holland... generation after generation worshiping the ONE TRUE GOD! Even to think about it now is too much.
The following Friday... Ryan and I went to see Harry Potter 819283747392 Part 1... LOVED IT! Then I headed to Appomattox to prepare for Thanksgiving with Jordan & Taylor!
Ryan was off the week of Thanksgiving, he attended a ACSI convention with his fellow CCS teachers and rang the cowbell when it was all over! We loaded up and headed north to Appomattox for Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the pictures from November... December will come soon... I hope!
Well, my last post was of Halloween so I have some catching up to do. Early Halloween morning the phone rang waking me from a deep sleep. On the other end the voice of a father Mike telling me that the mother Amanda was ready to have their baby!! Ember Louise entered the world on that Sunday morning and all of our lives have been much brighter since! Congratulations Jancarts!
November oh November... I am thankful that Scripture reminds us over and over that we do not need to worry about tomorrow because really if we knew what was coming we would stop dead in our tracks. It was 4:37 in the afternoon and my daily call from my sister Berni came in... only this time she did not open with "Whatcha doin'?" but with we need you to pray... "all I know is Martha had a seizure and she is being taken to the hospital." Fear, Panic, and shaking ensued. A few hours later another ring and the verdict was in... "Martha has a tumor in her brain." I know that I am more emotional than some... but I praise God that He allows us to feel, to absorb the REAL feelings of the moment.. this was not a made up fear or a bothersome worry... this was REAL and it shook me to the core, screams, cries, moments of peaceful silence. I was emotionally naked and unashamed in the arms of my Savior as He heard my cry, the petition of my heart that He prepare us for His will not our own. There are not enough "Thank You's" on the planet, in the universe to give out to everyone who helped with the children & prayed for us. So, if I have forgotten THANK YOU!! Martha is recovering well and trusting God more and more everyday. Keep praying!
November 12-13 we went to Aberdeen NC to visit our grandparents. We attended a "family reunion" with Grandma Crissman. Uncle Jim, Aunt Barb, Uncle Robbie, Aunt Janice, Aunt Judy, Uncle Kevin, Tina, Jennifer, Tyler & Alex... I am sure I am forgetting someone (I'm sorry) What a precious time.
We visited with Pop & Nanny sharing a celebration for their birthdays and getting to attend church with them on Sunday. Again, had I known this would be Pop's last time in church before his funeral it would have been too much to handle. But the time was priceless... all on one row... Pop, Nanny, Herman, Joye, Tina, Ryan, Myself, Caedmon, Justin, Athan, & Holland... generation after generation worshiping the ONE TRUE GOD! Even to think about it now is too much.
The following Friday... Ryan and I went to see Harry Potter 819283747392 Part 1... LOVED IT! Then I headed to Appomattox to prepare for Thanksgiving with Jordan & Taylor!
Ryan was off the week of Thanksgiving, he attended a ACSI convention with his fellow CCS teachers and rang the cowbell when it was all over! We loaded up and headed north to Appomattox for Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the pictures from November... December will come soon... I hope!
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Monday, November 1, 2010
Trick or Treat!!
The Pirates
The Princess
& Jessie (from Toy Story)
The RussellSprouts being attacked by two spiders!
Gpa and the kids!
"Aunt Gay" from Grandfather's Creation... She is Marvelous!
Athan "The Cat's paws where sooo soft, but his Belly was REALLY soft!"
Some of our Bingo Buddies!!
Athan and Hannah!
The Booty
This was our first official year of "Trick or Treating". We had a blast! We took our pirates, Jessie, and Princess to Va Ave where the town merchants where dressed in costumes with candy in hand. We had a GREAT time and it was really nice to be a part of the festivities of our town. It is a special night as the nursing home also hosted a time of "Trick or Treating" it was fun for the kids to see their Bingo buddies!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A summer to Remeber Part 2!!
So as we began August... something AMAZING happened... We had nothing to do for TWO WEEKS! We so enjoyed all the fun of summer but having a break, being able to get the house in order... let the kids run around (in the house b/c it was too hot outside)... and enjoy the last two weeks of life as we had known it for eight years! We took a day trip to NC to visit with Nanny, Pop and Grandma Crissman! The kids LOVE seeing them! What a blessing from the Lord that they have seen, known and make memories with their GREAT-Grandparents. They are a treasure to us and we can only pray that we will grow in wisdom of our Lord as they have done and live lives that reflect that same love for Him!
Ryan started a new job as the upper school Bible teacher at Cross Road Christian School on August 16th... and so began our Russell Sprout Academy! Caedmon began 2nd grade, Justin & Athan kindergarten, and Holland Pre-school... Since Daddie was not at home during the day we turned his office into our school room... it is pretty awesome if I do say so myself!
The Russell's for the first time have a daily schedule not just for the kids but the grown ups as well! Working from home has MANY advantages and we have been so blessed to be able to share life with each other and raise the kids in the true spirit of team work... but now Ryan leaves every morning at 6:30, I get some quiet time before the kids wake up... then chores and school! It is VERY different but God has prepared us and Ryan LOVES his new job... getting to do what he loves most... TEACH! And as an added blessing He is still staff at Water's Edge and gets to spend time with those students as well!! The kids and I have fallen into a GREAT routine and are really enjoying our school year as well! I have been told by a FEW people that I am a hard teacher... so maybe I will lighten up :)
Bobby and Allison Maxwell (high school and college friends) came up for Labor Day weekend... we had a BLAST! Their daughter Peyton was just a little overwhelmed with all the Russell's running around... but she fit right in climbing trees, playing Barbies and watching movies!! Monday, the grown ups took naps and watched Hoarders... OH MY WORD!! is all I can say...
We spent time with Aunt Tina by the pool and Athan taught herself to swim without swimmies!! She is AWESOME!
September has gotten off to a GREAT start! We spent time with Grandaddy, GoGo, Uncle Brad, Aunt Jo, Chesed and Charisa!! Pizza Hut is AWESOME!
Oma and Opa sent goodies in the mail to the kids... tracers and stickers they were so excited! Oma put an extra one in Athan's card for me... the kids response... YOUR MOM didn't send you a card like us!! Regardless, I love my bear tracer and we have been good and shared them! Thank you MOM... I MISS YOU!
Ryan and I got a babysitter for today and spent the day in Raleigh... we bought a bed... We looked at a few stores and then found a GREAT deal at "The Room Store" salesman Jeff brought the deal to our attention.... before the purchase we wanted to look at one more place... as we walked out I looked to Ryan and said "we need to buy that bed and bless Jeff and his family." After looking at the other store, we knew this bed was for us! So we went back and started making our purchase... Jeff then informed us that his wife was due any day (made me think of Lisa and Margaret!) with their first child... a daughter! What an exciting time for them!
Muffins have become a new passion for me... I normally bake as therapy... but muffins, they are my passion! After a taste test (thanks Agogo!) I started adding more filling (chocolate chips, blueberries etc.) and they ROCK! REALLY ROCK!
We had a wonderful time with Aunt Tina and Uncle Ed on Friday... catching up and gaining new insight about teaching my kids! THANK YOU TINA... you should call me after every meeting you have so I can glean from your wisdom!! Again, another blessing from the Lord!!
Please pray for us as we will go to court on October 20th to get our final order of custody for Justin!
Athan is saving money for her future husband... she wants to buy him a truck... however, when she told him his response was that they were going to need a stroller for the 100 children!!
Caedmon got Baptized on August 24th! What a surprise... What a SAVIOR! Thank you all for the heritage of faith that has been laid down and a Savior who is transforming his life everyday!!
Justin has LOVED school and is doing so well! He decided the other day that he wanted to be a "cooker" at one of the windmill restaurants in Holland!
Holland... oh my... Holland! She has decided that she doesn't want to grow up... REFUSES to grow up because then she will not be able to have "meme" (her blanket) and "Mommie will not be able to hold me."
We are looking forward to Fall!!
We are thankful that life has settled... that yet again and as always God has provided for us. We are thankful for the blessings of family and look forward to spending as much time as we can with those who mean so much to us!
Ryan started a new job as the upper school Bible teacher at Cross Road Christian School on August 16th... and so began our Russell Sprout Academy! Caedmon began 2nd grade, Justin & Athan kindergarten, and Holland Pre-school... Since Daddie was not at home during the day we turned his office into our school room... it is pretty awesome if I do say so myself!
The Russell's for the first time have a daily schedule not just for the kids but the grown ups as well! Working from home has MANY advantages and we have been so blessed to be able to share life with each other and raise the kids in the true spirit of team work... but now Ryan leaves every morning at 6:30, I get some quiet time before the kids wake up... then chores and school! It is VERY different but God has prepared us and Ryan LOVES his new job... getting to do what he loves most... TEACH! And as an added blessing He is still staff at Water's Edge and gets to spend time with those students as well!! The kids and I have fallen into a GREAT routine and are really enjoying our school year as well! I have been told by a FEW people that I am a hard teacher... so maybe I will lighten up :)
Bobby and Allison Maxwell (high school and college friends) came up for Labor Day weekend... we had a BLAST! Their daughter Peyton was just a little overwhelmed with all the Russell's running around... but she fit right in climbing trees, playing Barbies and watching movies!! Monday, the grown ups took naps and watched Hoarders... OH MY WORD!! is all I can say...
We spent time with Aunt Tina by the pool and Athan taught herself to swim without swimmies!! She is AWESOME!
September has gotten off to a GREAT start! We spent time with Grandaddy, GoGo, Uncle Brad, Aunt Jo, Chesed and Charisa!! Pizza Hut is AWESOME!
Oma and Opa sent goodies in the mail to the kids... tracers and stickers they were so excited! Oma put an extra one in Athan's card for me... the kids response... YOUR MOM didn't send you a card like us!! Regardless, I love my bear tracer and we have been good and shared them! Thank you MOM... I MISS YOU!
Ryan and I got a babysitter for today and spent the day in Raleigh... we bought a bed... We looked at a few stores and then found a GREAT deal at "The Room Store" salesman Jeff brought the deal to our attention.... before the purchase we wanted to look at one more place... as we walked out I looked to Ryan and said "we need to buy that bed and bless Jeff and his family." After looking at the other store, we knew this bed was for us! So we went back and started making our purchase... Jeff then informed us that his wife was due any day (made me think of Lisa and Margaret!) with their first child... a daughter! What an exciting time for them!
Muffins have become a new passion for me... I normally bake as therapy... but muffins, they are my passion! After a taste test (thanks Agogo!) I started adding more filling (chocolate chips, blueberries etc.) and they ROCK! REALLY ROCK!
We had a wonderful time with Aunt Tina and Uncle Ed on Friday... catching up and gaining new insight about teaching my kids! THANK YOU TINA... you should call me after every meeting you have so I can glean from your wisdom!! Again, another blessing from the Lord!!
Please pray for us as we will go to court on October 20th to get our final order of custody for Justin!
Athan is saving money for her future husband... she wants to buy him a truck... however, when she told him his response was that they were going to need a stroller for the 100 children!!
Caedmon got Baptized on August 24th! What a surprise... What a SAVIOR! Thank you all for the heritage of faith that has been laid down and a Savior who is transforming his life everyday!!
Justin has LOVED school and is doing so well! He decided the other day that he wanted to be a "cooker" at one of the windmill restaurants in Holland!
Holland... oh my... Holland! She has decided that she doesn't want to grow up... REFUSES to grow up because then she will not be able to have "meme" (her blanket) and "Mommie will not be able to hold me."
We are looking forward to Fall!!
We are thankful that life has settled... that yet again and as always God has provided for us. We are thankful for the blessings of family and look forward to spending as much time as we can with those who mean so much to us!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A Summer to Remember!
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WOW! To look back on these pictures and remember the amazing summer the Russell's had has been fun. Realizing that I am a bit behind on my blogging I will try and highlight the summer o' fun for you guys!
June... does anyone remember June... OH MY!
Justin and Athan were taking a break on the laundry one afternoon to enjoy a good book... I can't complain about that!!
Athan in a grand act of heroism allowed me to pull her first tooth... this was a BIG deal, because ever since Caedmon lost his first tooth a few years ago... everyone else WANTS to have a loose tooth. Athan smiled for a week after she lost it... proud that now she entered into the ranks of toothless wonder! Lucky for them all I LOVE to pull teeth... and at this moment Athan has a top and bottom tooth that are loose and Justin's top two are getting ready to fall out! Needless to say we are SOOOOOOOOOO excited!
Going back to July...
We celebrated the 4th by going to our town's parade, which was really nice. Balloons, candy, and what better way to top of the afternoon than with ice cream for lunch! YUMMY! As the holiday weekend continued on the brad russell's stopped by, the herman russell's swing in, and the tina lyon's roared into town. We enjoyed the long holiday weekend and celebrated Herman, Brad and Caedmon's bday's with GREAT food and two cookie cakes! It was wonderful having everyone over! The Russell's make for a pretty intimidating crew, though we are a bit girl heavy, if war every broke out Holland and Charisa would lead us to victory NOTHING can stop them!!
We thought that we would end the night with a bang... so Ryan headed out and purchased fireworks and sparklers! Uncle Brad took the job of explaining the rules of sparkler fun by reminding the kids not to stick them in their eyes, ears or noses... We were, in this time, able to capture a rare moment... while helping Holland out of the top bunk Brad was actually able to hold Holland and get a smile from her... Good thing we have a fast shooting camera :)
Here is our coming home from Holland story (as explained in an email to Myrna)... I hope you enjoy!
Well, our hotel stay was really nice... we put the kids to bed... took showers and got everything ready for the next day... our phone rang at 4 am... and as I went to answer the phone I tripped and fell over a stool and our luggage (it was really funny at the moment) however, I had a bump and bruise on my hip! So, we got up and met our driver at 5... we checked everything in made it through customs scans etc... only to find that our flight had been delayed an hour and half!! So we went to McD's for breakfast... and waited and waited and waited... FINALLY we got on the plane and took off around 10:00! While we were in the air someone got really sick and they where asking for a doctor... the kids did well... wiggled a lot but enjoyed being awake for the trip. The flight felt very long...Holland was sleeping on me and I had a fever... THEN... when we were suppose to get our lunch... they announced that they couldn't feed us because the sick person was where the food was and they couldn't not serve it. Really, typing it sounds worse than it was... but we were hungry... THEN as we prepared for landing they asked that everyone stay seated because medical personnel had to come on board to get the man off the plane. Again, if I was the one sick I would want to be taken care of too... So, as we were finally able to get off the plane, they gave us all $50.00 vouchers for another flight... OH YEAH... EVERYONE on the plane missed their connecting flight! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! So, we got our bags, went through customs and stood in the Delta line for a while... when we got to the counter we asked if they could schedule us on a flight straight to Richmond VA instead of Baltimore; foregoing the train ride home, and they did! Only it was leaving in 40 minutes and was on the other side of the airport! So, off we went... took our shoes off, got scanned, and then we "ran" okay... fast walked with four kids! Down the escalator, through Terminal A, and then underground we went... walking at least a mile... then up the escalator... Ryan turns to me saying "Take the debit card and just grab some burgers and drinks for the flight" Well, everyone had the same idea and there was NO way we were going to get food... so we kept running to the terminal... to find that our flight had been delayed one hour! So, we took a deep breathe and praised God that we were going to be able to sit and eat and we did!! It really was a miracle that we were all able to be on the same flight... six seats next to each other on a FULL flight! This flight has a single isle with one seat at the window and two seats on the other side... so the kids sat on the two seat side and Ryan and I sat on the single seat side and we SLEPT! We are in the air and the kids are strapped in with no where to go... It was the best sleep! When we landed in Richmond, Ryan's brother was there to greet us with our van and we got home about 4 hours ahead of schedule!
Okay there is more to tell... but that at least gets us to August!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
There is more to these pictures!
Okay... so for the first time in a few days I have time to write some things!
First, I praise God for amazing children... they have been a witness and marvelous the whole time. This trip has allowed me to become a creative mom... as we sit and wait for the meals to be served and the looks from the kids when they don't know what they are eating... nevertheless they have been wonderful and really gotten their appetites. Holland especially has eaten just about everything served to her and Athan has been more than willing to try everything on my plate! So, they are amazing and beginning tomorrow everything for the next three days will be for them.
So this bog too will be about them...
Holland... has grown up so much! She wanted to WALK all by herself in the airports, she loved watching the "brothers Jones" aka the Jonas Brothers on the plane. She loves telling people Dank ya well... (thank you) she loves the food and our Dutch van.
Athan... has, as mentioned before enjoyed trying the different foods. She loves the window that rolls down on her side in our dutch van... She REALLY LOVES seeing Mega Mindy things in the store and insists that we need to buy a dress up outfit so everyone at home can know about Mega Mindy!!
Justin... has decided that he wants to live here :) He is not afraid to talk to anyone and everyone hear is AMAZED that he has only been a "russell" for two months. He too has been a plate cleaner. We found out today that he is deathly afraid of spiders and everyone in Ouderkerk knows it as his screams echoed through the small village!! Windmills are his new favorite!
Caedmon... oh my... what a man! He is really the only one who understands that we are in another place with different words. Tonight he commented " Clarksville is easy... this is really hard." :( BUT... he has proven to be the big brother and gently guides the others. EVERYONE is impressed with him. The boat rides yesterday were one of his favorite things! He too loved the windmill and enjoyed his first real swim across the pool today with his dad!
I must say, that with all the changes the Russell's have undergone the past few months... I am PROUD of my children. I praise God for that... those you who read the blog know some of the frustrations we have been through and anyone who has children know that you feel like you work so hard and they don't listen or care... but they have proven me wrong and I a deeply grateful to God for his mercy and his sanctifying work he is doing in their lives!
So, as I sit here in the cool dusk sky at 10:35 at night I am grateful beyond words for this opportunity and for my children.
First, I praise God for amazing children... they have been a witness and marvelous the whole time. This trip has allowed me to become a creative mom... as we sit and wait for the meals to be served and the looks from the kids when they don't know what they are eating... nevertheless they have been wonderful and really gotten their appetites. Holland especially has eaten just about everything served to her and Athan has been more than willing to try everything on my plate! So, they are amazing and beginning tomorrow everything for the next three days will be for them.
So this bog too will be about them...
Holland... has grown up so much! She wanted to WALK all by herself in the airports, she loved watching the "brothers Jones" aka the Jonas Brothers on the plane. She loves telling people Dank ya well... (thank you) she loves the food and our Dutch van.
Athan... has, as mentioned before enjoyed trying the different foods. She loves the window that rolls down on her side in our dutch van... She REALLY LOVES seeing Mega Mindy things in the store and insists that we need to buy a dress up outfit so everyone at home can know about Mega Mindy!!
Justin... has decided that he wants to live here :) He is not afraid to talk to anyone and everyone hear is AMAZED that he has only been a "russell" for two months. He too has been a plate cleaner. We found out today that he is deathly afraid of spiders and everyone in Ouderkerk knows it as his screams echoed through the small village!! Windmills are his new favorite!
Caedmon... oh my... what a man! He is really the only one who understands that we are in another place with different words. Tonight he commented " Clarksville is easy... this is really hard." :( BUT... he has proven to be the big brother and gently guides the others. EVERYONE is impressed with him. The boat rides yesterday were one of his favorite things! He too loved the windmill and enjoyed his first real swim across the pool today with his dad!
I must say, that with all the changes the Russell's have undergone the past few months... I am PROUD of my children. I praise God for that... those you who read the blog know some of the frustrations we have been through and anyone who has children know that you feel like you work so hard and they don't listen or care... but they have proven me wrong and I a deeply grateful to God for his mercy and his sanctifying work he is doing in their lives!
So, as I sit here in the cool dusk sky at 10:35 at night I am grateful beyond words for this opportunity and for my children.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Highlights from the first few days...
Highlights so Far:
-Train ride to Baltimore
-The kids first flights (the slept well on the 2nd flight)
-A great wedding celebration (with child-care the whole time!)
-Getting to go into a working windmill (you know, one of the ones from the 1800's that they still use to actually mill corn into cornmeal...they are a little tough to climb into, especially with a 3 year old in your arms!)
-GREAT food (and trying some new things...like pureed duck liver and a goose salad sort of thing)
-Bacon wrapped filet!
-Kids making ice cream sundaes in the kitchen of a very nice restaurant with the chef
-Everyone is sleeping BEAUTIFULLY. The kids are sleeping until we have to wake them up around 9 AM
-Watching the kids play with and find a way to communicate with Emma, Daan, Stein and Tim...all of whom only speak Dutch
Looking forward to:
-Boat ride to Rotterdam for lunch
-Heading back to Rotterdam to watch the game tonight (Holland vs. Spain) with Jeroen and Hilda
-Heading to Renkum to spend a few days with Onno and Myrna and their kids
-Air-conditioning when we get home!
-Train ride to Baltimore
-The kids first flights (the slept well on the 2nd flight)
-A great wedding celebration (with child-care the whole time!)
-Getting to go into a working windmill (you know, one of the ones from the 1800's that they still use to actually mill corn into cornmeal...they are a little tough to climb into, especially with a 3 year old in your arms!)
-GREAT food (and trying some new things...like pureed duck liver and a goose salad sort of thing)
-Bacon wrapped filet!
-Kids making ice cream sundaes in the kitchen of a very nice restaurant with the chef
-Everyone is sleeping BEAUTIFULLY. The kids are sleeping until we have to wake them up around 9 AM
-Watching the kids play with and find a way to communicate with Emma, Daan, Stein and Tim...all of whom only speak Dutch
Looking forward to:
-Boat ride to Rotterdam for lunch
-Heading back to Rotterdam to watch the game tonight (Holland vs. Spain) with Jeroen and Hilda
-Heading to Renkum to spend a few days with Onno and Myrna and their kids
-Air-conditioning when we get home!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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