Russell Family Blessings

That's where I've been! Sometimes I wonder if anyone actually looks at my blog. Now I know and I must say that I do feel quite special. Several of my friends have let me know (some more tactfully than others :-) Thank you Mary Lynn) that I need to update my blog. The plain and simple truth is that I've been EXTREMELY busy and stressed out! Then the whole overwhelmed/procrastination/too much to say/where do I start/overwhelmed, did I mention overwhelmed? Feelings came up. So here I am with some cute pictures and lots to say, but not knowing where to start. I don't have many pictures from March since I lost my memory card for my camera. Those of you that know me well know that is typical "Samantha". Anyway, I did finally find it...on the floor right beside my bed!!!! Here are a few pictures from March... The day I took these, Oki was sick and we were home alone because Wayne, Eli and Max had gone to church. I was working in the kitchen when I realized that Oki ...

I know I'm way past due for an update! There is no excuse, just plain procrastination on my part! Don't get me wrong, I've been busy, too! Anyway, we've not had any real excitement around here since Christmas, but I did want to share a few pictures of my precious ones... Kayla recently brought Oki some tap shoes. She has enjoyed tapping away. I guess we are going to let her take from Mrs. Sellers next year. For months, Eli and Max have been building wooden cars during RAs at church on Wednesday nights. A few weeks ago they got their chance to see how fast their cars were at Ino's Pinewood Derby. Sadly, Max's car didn't win in his division, but we're so happy that Eli's got second place in his division. Since Eli's car will race again, his wasn't available for pictures... These pictures were taken one afternoon recently while the children and Kayla were outside riding the golf cart. When you have older children like our boys, Eli and Max,...

I have been tagged by Kristen to answer a few questions about my husband. Enjoy... 1.What is his name? Jerry DeWayne Russell, Jr. 2. Who eats more? It really depends on what we're eating. If he's tired or sick, I definitely eat more, but mostly we eat about the same amount. 3. Who said, "I love you" first? He did. 4. Who is taller? He is by about 7 inches 5. Who is more sensitive? Again, I think it depends on the issue. I am much more emotional, but he has a very sensitive side that most men don't have. 6. Who does the laundry? Mostly, I do. Wayne barely knows how to work the washing machine and dryer. I happen to like it this way...so that if anything gets ruined, I only have myself to blame! He does help fold and put away... 7. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you're looking at it, I do. 8. Who pays the bills? He does!!!! Wahoo! I did it for 9 years...now, I don't want to know anything at all about the money except when we have extra to spend...

What a blessed Christmas we had today! A wonderful time was had by all as we celebrated the birth of Jesus. Time with family is always a treasure and today we were indeed rich! We began our day around 6:45 am opening presents and seeing what Santa left during the night. Eli and Max were excited to see just what they had asked for. Eli, a 20 gauge shotgun, Max, a Nintendo DS and Oki, a play kitchen! Oki was so fascinated with her kitchen that we could hardly get her to open her presents. Christmas morning picture...We could not convince Oki to release the phone from her kitchen! Grammie and Uncle Matt came by to bring presents and check ours out. Next, we were off to Aunt Missy and Uncle Terry's house for breakfast. (Thanks Aunt Missy for preparing such a great breakfast!) For lunch we zoomed down to Blue Springs to have lunch with the Russells. Pa and Granny Russell were so gracious to prepare a great Christmas lunch for us. Granny Russell with Eli and Max...Oki running by their d...

Ok, I know I have been a complete slacker when it comes to blogging lately. I (like everyone else) have been so busy. Hopefully, after Christmas, I will have some time to post! For the time being, I'd like to share a recipe for one of my newest favorite snacks...Sugared Pecans. Sugared Pecans Ingredients: 1 Egg White 1 Cup Brown Sugar 1 Tbs. Flour 1/8 Tsp. Salt 1 Tsp. Vanilla Flavor 2 1/2 to 3 cups pecans Beat egg white until foamy. Mix sugar, flour and salt together then add to egg white. Mix well. Add vanilla flavor and pecans. Bake at 250 degrees 45-60 minutes. Stir 2-3 times during baking. Mmmm mmmm Good...Enjoy!

We need your help! Wayne and I are thinking about the possibility of purchasing a digital SLR camera. I know a few of my blogging friends have one, so here's a chance to give us some advice on what to buy. Don't worry, we do plan to do our own research...but, we would like to hear from you. Thanks in advance for your input...

Several people have asked for the recipe for the cake I made for Wayne's birthday. It's not the easiest thing, but it is definitely worth the effort! Happy Cooking! Perfect Chocolate Cake From Southern Living Ingredients: · 1 Cup Cocoa · 2 Cups Boiling Water · 1 Cup Butter or Margarine, Softened · 2 ½ Cups Sugar · 4 Large Eggs · 2 ¾ Cups All-Purpose Flour · 2 tsp. Baking Soda · ½ tsp. Baking Powder · ½ tsp. Salt · 1 ½ tsp. Vanilla Extract · Whipped Cream Filling · Perfect Chocolate Cake Frosting COMBINE cocoa and boiling water, stirring until smooth; set aside. BEAT butter at medium speed with an electric mixer about 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating 5 to 7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears. COMBINE flour and next 3 ingredients in a medium bowl; add to butter mixture alternately with cocoa mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Do not ...