Russell Family Blessings

I will add a Christmas 2009 post soon, but I wanted to get these videos on first. These were made Christmas night after a full day of festivities. Oki got a new Bible from her Nonnie. She's convinced it is a song book! She does know all of the words to Away in a Manger, but would NOT sing it correctly for the camera! Typical Oki behavior. Anyway, I thought you would enjoy these. I hope your Christmas was blessed!

For some reason, our boys love to play football. This fall, Eli and Max have had the most fun playing in our back yard and adjoining pasture. Wayne joins in also and it's "boy against boy!" An extra special treat is when Poppie (my dad) comes out and throws the ball for Eli... I got these first pictures one afternoon before the time change. These next pictures were snapped at Clay's birthday party. Clay is a one of Max's best friends. Of all the boys playing on the field, Max is the only one without shoes! I promise, I did raise him right! Check out our Eli. He loves the game! I can't believe how big he's getting!

Oki's new shoes are old by now, but I couldn't help but share this.... Picture this: Oki and me at Target...walking in the shoe department... She begged for these $10 shoes, insisting that if she had "tennis shoes" she could play on the monkey bars at school. She very plainly explained to me that you can't play on the monkey bars if you wear sandals, flip flops or Crocs! I must admit that I'm a little snobby when it comes to athletic shoes for my children. I don't think I've ever bought Eli or Max a pair from Target or Walmart. Usually, they get Nike, New Balance or Under Armour, so when Oki started begging...of course I thought "no way!" Then I started thinking, "It's just $10, if they tear up after one wear, I won't be out much money." Boy, was I in for a surprise! I've never seen someone love a pair of shoes like this girl loves hers. She even had to wear all pink to "match" on her first day wearing t...

I have so many pictures and not enough time and motivation to get them on here! I am almost ashamed that I have not been keeping my blog up to date. When I take pictures, I have grand plans to upload them and I even have cute little blurbs to add, but I never seem to find the motivation to follow through! Well, by George, tonight I'm getting some pictures on!!!! ;-) I decided to create separate posts, so I can title them accordingly. Be patient, I have a lot of pictures to sort through.

It's so hard to believe that our sweet "Baby Max James" is eight years old! I can still close my eyes and see those sweet little blonde curls bouncing on the back of that toddling little head of his. The years are flying by and there's nothing I can do to stop it. Although he's growing up, there's not another with a smile like his... We celebrated on his birthday with dinner at home and a "cookie" cake at his request. Dad did a little decorating with some extra chocolate chips. Later in the week, Max celebrated with his friends at the Opp Skating Rink. This was his first big party. Lots of friends attended and everyone had a blast! We love you, Max! You are a special little boy!

I couldn't help but share this picture. A couple of weeks ago, a friend gave me a new set of Sorrelli. Oki has shown some interest in my jewelry lately and loves to try it on. Last week, after hearing me oooohhhh and ahhhh over these new earrings, she "had" to give them a try too...By the way, she said she wants some "relli" from Santa this Christmas! Don't worry, I already know...We're in big TROUBLE!!!

I only have a minute or two before I go to bed, but I wanted to post a couple of pictures from today. I am so completely behind on posting! Hopefully, I'll get a few of the (literally one thousand or more) pictures that I have taken this summer on here soon. Today, Oki and I stayed around the house and were pretty much bums. We did enjoy ourselves a good bit. The boys went to the hunting club around lunch and stayed until after dark...I'll save that story for later. Anyway, here's a picture of my little princess. This is where Oki was playing when I was sewing this afternoon. Please excuse the mess of my sewing stuff all around. Note: Oki is playing "baby." She has a diaper bag, 2 baby Bibles, burp cloths, blankets and most important, A PISTOL! Don't worry, it is a non-working air-soft pistol that she confiscated from Eli or Max. It is just the thought that has me laughing. She's learned early the importance of packing some heat...A girl can never be too ...