• 22Jul

    Can I just say, “I LOVE COLORADO!!?”

    We are so blessed to live in a state that is so lovely. There are so many wonderful areas that we could spend our whole life exploring places around here.

    Why am I going on about this so much? Well, as crazy as our summer wasn’t supposed to be (but IS), it was such a blessing to head out of town to the mountains a couple of weeks ago. We packed up the tent trailer and headed over to 11 Mile Canyon and set up camp for 2 days.

    I admit, that once we set up camp it took each of us a little time to adjust to our lives without our computers, tv, dogs, chores and toys. Even though Kip and I think we spend a good amount of time with our children, sadly it was evident that we could and should spend a lot more.

    However, once we remembered what to do, we had so much fun. We had no set schedule, which if you know me, I LOVE. We took our time and we just were. We read, we played in the woods, we cooked, chatted, cuddled, enjoyed the wildlife around us. Each day we were cooled down with a nice rain shower & thunderstorm, God is gracious and amazing.

    Hayden became quite the camp fire person and was a great help to dad when it came to setting up and taking down the pop-up. Gillian, jumped right in to help me with clean up after each meal (It is apparently more fun to do dishes in the mountains). Gillian is just radiant outdoors and I can tell she has a passion for its beauty just like her daddy and I.

    On day two, Aunt Nicole came up to join us and the kids thought that was so fun. Hayden started a game of “Pinecone Dodge Ball”, which I am sure you can figure out didn’t end well. I keep wondering why I even took part in this game. But, really…I felt everyone was safe if you consider that I rarely ever hit a target. But, of course, since I was trying to ‘not’ hit anyone I hit my precious son on the cheek, hard, with a…..pi….pi…pine…..cone!!! I really feel awful about it and am so thankful that he can now laugh and tease me about it.

    We of course made s’mores and enjoyed a yummy pasta dinner. The best part is that we all went to bed early. I have such special and wonderful memories and I pray that H & G will also cherish these experiences with us. Time goes so fast and I am so grateful that we have these precious times without the distractions that life seems to throw at us daily. I look forward to a couple more this summer.

  • 19Jul

    I love the Russell men in my life very much. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful, Godly husband and a son who just melts my heart. I pray that you felt my love but more importantly God’s love on your special days and always. I love you!

  • 05Jul

  • 05Jul

    What a journey we have had so far precious daughter of mine. Six short years ago, you completed our family sweet girl. I am so thankful for you and I love you so much. You bring such bright energy into our lives and are so passionate about most things. Your smile and laugh can always bring a smile to my face and lift me up, I pray that this year you will have many smiles and lots of laughter. This is a big year for you sweetie, many new experiences headed your way.

    You are doing great in ballet and did fantastic in your homeschooling work last year. This year you will be in school full-time and will start scouts (AHG), dabble in piano lessons and you have expressed interest in Tap lessons. You are a very talented little girl and you can do anything you set your mind to. I love how musically inclined you are – you know you get that from your daddy, right?

    If I were able to wish for ONE thing on your birthday little girl is that you would continue to know Jesus, and accept Him, into your heart. Okay, and i would also wish that time wouldn’t go so fast and that you could be a child for much longer. ;-) I love you sweet girl. God Be with you today and always!

    Love,
    Mom