Russell Family Blessings

I just thought I'd share some pictures from this morning. Oki was applying her "wip woss." She's definitely a girly-girl!

We celebrated Oki's third birthday on June 16th. I can hardly believe our little princess is three already! Where has the time gone? We will have her party on Saturday with her friends, but on her actual birthday, we had a little cake for her (compliments of Grammie) after supper. Here are some pictures that I took with my new camera.

I'm sure some of you know, but when I am pregnant, we never find out the sex of the baby prior to delivery. Well, when I was preggo with Eli I wanted a boy. Mainly, because I thought that it was important to have a boy first so that there would always be a 'big brother'. So when I got pregnant with Max, I wanted to have a girl so much. I spent those nine months convinced I was carrying a girl; however, there was no time for disappointment when Dr. Butler delivered that precious little boy. Now I am so thankful that God knew what was best and gave us those boys, just 3 years apart. I have loved watching them grow. They share a bedroom, play together, do chores together and hopefully will continue to be close as they grow into the young men they will one day become. Those little boys make me laugh all of the time...don't get me wrong, they make me mad, too. It's then that I yell and fuss and lecture and spank and restrict and etc. haha! I wouldn't trade a minute o...

Baseball season is in full swing and with two boys playing, we're at the complex almost every night of the week! Eli is in his second year of little league and he's having a great season. His batting has picked up some and he's made some very nice plays. He plays second base and pitcher. Each night when he is finished playing, I am amazed at how dirty he is. I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture below, but he was grubby dirty! When he got home from practice Saturday, I could hardly see him for all of the dirt. I guess it will just help him grow! Max is having a great time, too. He is in his first year of Minor League. In typical Max fashion, he's having a ball! He is playing pitcher and loving every minute. His cute little attitude and hyperactivity is so much fun to watch! He's even managed to hit a few homers! Oki is no fun for me at the ball park since she's such a little busy body, but she loves being there. I've included a few pictures...Hop...

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...