The Russell's Daily Blessings

After looking up to her big brother this past year when he joined Cub Scouts, Gigi was so excited to be part of her own troop.  My little Pathfinder loves going to her meetings, wearing her uniform and singing their songs.

This is our troops inaugural year, so it is extra special that she was able to be part of this. She is in the youngest group, The Pathfinders, and looks up to the bigger girls.

American Heritage Girls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.

This confession of sin is one of my favorites.  I had to find it and journal it so I wouldn’t forget it.

Almighty God, we are unworthy to come into your presence, because of our many sins.  We do not deserve any grace or mercy from you, if you dealt with us as we deserve.   We have sinned against you, O Lord, and we have offended you.  And yet, O Lord, as we acknowledge our sins and offenses, so also do we acknowledge you to be a merciful God, a loving and favorable Father, to all who turn to you.  and so we humbly ask you, for the sake of Christ your son, to show mercy on us, and forgive us all our offenses.  Forgive the sins of our youth, and the sins of our old age.  By your Spirit, O God, take possession of our hearts, so that, not only the actions of our life, but also the words of our mouths, and the smallest thought of our minds, may be guided and governed by you.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

My favorite days are days that are not so jam packed that I can sit back and enjoy the blessings around me.

Our Fall break starts out just like that.

• After getting SUPERB  reports from both kids teachers at Parent Teacher Conference on Thursday I realize how blessed we are this year to have such great teachers for our precious kids.  Both teachers have a heart for their kids and it shows, what a huge answer to prayer.
• We got our first substantial snowfall
• Kip and the kids had a fabulous time last night while I was out with the girls.  Hayden picked out a book and read on his own without being asked to read!  Gillian helped Kip clean up a mess the dogs made (muddy paws) without being asked.  HUGE blessings.
• Gillian came into bed with me this morning and snuggled in with me to sleep in until 9:00AM
• I woke up to hear my Hayden singing in the next room – love it!
• Kids playing nicely together while I blog.
• Enjoying a nice cup of hot cider as I write.

Happy Fall to all.

Since Gigi was three and able to dress herself, she has had an amazing eye for putting outfits together.

Recently, she came up with this outfit.  Although not modest, I thought it was very creative.  She layered two ballet skirts for a dress and added matching accessories.  What really caught my eye is that of all of the little hand bags she has she picked one that is layered like the outfit she created.

I will have to add that she does come up with some pretty crazy outfits too, but in her eyes they are great.  Some battles are not worth fighting especially if we not going out.

 

It is a baby Elephant…so cute, isn’t she?

We pulled out our Fall decorations today and lil Gillian found their costumes and had to try them on.  Kind of like jammies or a “Snuggley” blanket, perfect for this cool, crisp Fall day.

 

There is nothing sweeter than watching your children sleep.  They look so angelic and bring so much peace to my heart.

Our dog, Zippy has finally discovered that he can sleep in Hayden’s room.  A boy needs his dog, always.

My mom is very talented in making doll clothes, so I asked her to make a period outfit for Gillian, (she will be needing it for school in the future) and it matches clothing from her American Heritage Doll.  It turned out lovely and Gillian loves it.  One night, I peeked in on her when she was sleeping in the cap. Needless to say, I HAD to take a picture, isn’t she just precious?