The Russell's Daily Blessings

I just love Spring, well as you know I love each season. But, it seems with Spring everything is fresh and new and I love new beginnings as much as I love the comfort of a tattered, old shoe.

This time of year we see the end of all of our activities that we started in the fall. Choir has ended, MOPS is nearing the end, Hayden’s school is in it’s last weeks, Pioneer Clubs have ended for all of us. However, the biggest of them all was Kip’s last day at the CC, this past Friday. It was a tough decision for him, but I think he is happy that chapter is over and is excited to see what is in store for him now. Today is his first day in his new job at another former employer. He is working once again with his old boss and he is excited about the kind of work he will be doing. I pray that he will find contentment and joy in what he is doing.

The kids and I are happy because he is much closer to home and can come home for lunch whenever he wants to. I am so proud of Kip through this entire process. He has conducted himself in a very professional manner and has really glorified God through this entire process.

God is good!

So, one would think that if our hockey team did not make it to the playoffs that I would not be left talking to myself during the playoffs, right?? So here I sit, talking to my dear, sweet husband and waiting for a response, finally realizing that the power play has his full attention.? But, during a commercial he snaps out of the trance and says “so, what were you saying?”? he he!! Gotta love it!? I guess I really shouldn’t expect him to lose interest just because I don’t sit and watch them anymore, like we used to before we had children.? Now, there are just other things that I would rather do. So, I sit next to him and stamp cards waiting for the next commercial.? ? You know, it wouldn’t be so bad if every game wouldn’t go into OVER time!? ? ? Go Ottawa, New York, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim, New Jersey, Detroit, Buffalo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hammy is getting used to all of us now and seems to be enjoying his new home. Our dog, Zippy is very curious about Hammy and tries playing with him when he is in his ball rolling around. This hamster is very pampered, in fact, when Hayden puts Hammy back in his house he turns on “soothing” music for him to listen to so that he doesn’t get lonely. Hayden also asked his Nana B if she could make some bedding for Hammy. It seems one little boy is very attached to his new furry friend.

“He is so cute and tiny”~Gillian.

“I cannot believe we have a hamster!” ~Hayden

I am starting to think that my dear husband is reliving his childhood. We have been talking for weeks about getting a mouse or two for the kids. I, however was secretly hoping for a turtle or a hermit crab but today we came home with a hamster. We almost went back for this cute little dog that reminded us of Kady. The boys really out number the girls in this house! 4-2!! Gillian and I might have to do something about that!

While tossing around names for our newest furry friend, we found one we all agree on. His name is Hamilton, but we call him Hammy. Hayden is ever so gentle with him. Gillian still just does not understand how tiny and fragile this little guy is, but she is getting better.

This weekend the boys really poured their hearts into making Gillian’s big move special.? The boys worked very hard in cleaning her room and setting up? her bed for her.? ? Gillian has informed us that she wants pink paint in her room to? match the pink in her bedding. ? Later the boys? put a second coat of PINK paint on Gillian’s doll house.? We are sure blessed to be seeing PINK in our little family

It is true, I had been holding tight to my baby girl, hoping and praying that she wouldn’t grow up so fast. In fact, until this weekend, I was not able to think about transitioning to a big girl bed. I kept telling myself that is was because I was certain that my little night owl would be trouble at bedtime, but truth be told, I was holding on. However, this weekend I convinced myself and my little girl it was time to make the leap! The fun part is I was able to give my little girl the daybed that I had when I was younger.

She loves the fact that it used to be mine and that she gets to use her princess sheets and comforter now. I really did not think it would be so easy, but it appears that my little girl was more than ready for her big girl bed and was humoring her mom! I must admit that I still have her crib in her room. I was not able to take it down just yet! I remember watching Kip make it when we were expecting Hayden.
However, I love to just stand next to her and watch her sleep, she looks like a little angel in that big bed.

Dreaming of a white Easter?!

You got it! We are once again celebrating a Wonderfully White Colorado Easter. It is a beautiful day, the snow is still falling and the trees are all covered in white. The beautiful colors of Spring dresses are highlighted with the white back drop.

We got to see friends and family this morning at church, what a great start to the day. The orchestra and choir made worship so special. So many beautiful songs to fill our hearts and ears. Some of my very favorites; Christ Arose, Christ The Lord has Risen Today, In Christ Alone, Thine is the Glory, Hallelujah Chorus and a new favorite An Easter Alleluia.

The Easter bunny came leaving fun surprises for the kids and soon we are off to visit family. Blessings to you!

Our little man looked so handsome today for church. Today the children’s choirs had the honor of waiving the palm branches in the procession for both services. The kids all did so well and had so much fun being part of the service. From the get go, today was just a very special day. We all managed to get ready and out the door thirty minutes early, we all enjoyed our time in worship and afterwards we were treated to a yummy lunch. When we got home we rested for a bit and decided to continue the family fun. We headed out on an adventure; and we brought my sister and the neighbor boys along for the fun. We walked to Ute Valley; we crossed the creek a few times as we hiked to the top of the ridge. Here we spent a long time climbing the big rocky ledges, playing cowboys and Indians. It was so much fun to use our imaginations and role play with the kids. It was difficult for us all to head home, but it was getting late and the boys did need to get home for dinner. Days like today a very close to perfect, other than a few boo boo’s and getting very tired, we all had a great day. Thank you Lord, for our many blessings this day.? (photo slide show will be added soon, please come back!)