Daisypath Anniversary tickers

Daisypath Anniversary tickers

Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

My cup runneth over.

Life in the Russell kingdom has been busy lately. I guess that's going to continue to be our story, but it is always fun to look back at past blogs from years ago and see the differences. I love that!

Little Miss Princess continues to bring smiles to whomever she meets. She is now 6 months old, eating like a horse, and growing longer each day. She's just now starting to grow out of her 3 month old clothes. I like to consider her "petite", but without her clothes, you'd never EVER know it. The child has more fat rolls than I know what to do with! We call them her "extras". She has an extra neck, extra wrists, extra thighs....you name it! She drools constantly, but no sign of white pearly teeth yet. She smiles for just about anyone and laughs at her bubbas and daddy. Her favorite new pastime is rolling around the floor, always making it interesting to find where she's ended up when one returns to the room. She is SO close to sitting on her own unassisted. She loves to squawk and scream. Her food list consists of pears, bananas, oatmeal, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, asparagus, green beans, mashed potatoes, and rice teething biscuits. She does NOT like applesauce as evidenced by the full body shudders that accompany almost each and every bite.

Up until now, we have been blessed to have Olivia home with Jason while I am at work. They have their own sweet routine, even being able to video chat with me while I am at work. We've known for some time that at some point, the job situation would change and she would need to be cared for by someone while we were at work. Thankfully, we have been able to keep her home this long. A few weeks ago, we got word that we would need to find someone to watch her....and the mommy and daddy stress began. Fervent prayers began. The child care search began. In looking back, I know we shouldn't have worried one little bit. God gave us this beautiful little girl for a reason and He alone knows the plan for her life. He found us the most amazing couple to watch her, one we could never have found on our own and who seems to be a perfect fit for our family. God continues to provide for us and protect our family.

Jacob and Andrew have been keeping us on our toes as well. We were blessed to have them for a few weekends in a row this month. The boys have taken up going to the gun range and they LOVE it. Andrew will even call us in the middle of the week and request a trip to the range. Last week, he told us that he'd be okay with us getting him a gun to use while he's there. Of course, he doesn't want to use any of his own money, but if we want to buy it and hold on to it for his use, that'd be okay with him. He's hilarious. He's starting telling Olivia "Never fear! Andrew is here!" when she gets hysterical in the car seat or at home. It's absolutely precious. I can see a small red curly haired girl chasing after him in a few years, never wanting him to be out of her sight. It's also fun to watch Jacob with her. Most 15 year old boys wouldn't have the time of day for a 6 month old, but Jacob is also enamored with his little sister. In fact, over the weekend, we went to the store and Jacob carried Olivia (his request!) throughout the store. In the same weekend, I was fixing breakfast before church when Olivia started getting irritated. I was watching out of the corner of my eye and Jacob raced across the room to come to the aid of his little sister. He had her in his arms and was quieting her before I even had a chance to step out of the kitchen.

Things are not going to be slowing down anytime soon. Seeing as we really didn't have a winter in Texas, our trees and plants have already decided that it's spring. The days are less and less cold and we have more sunshine than ever. I would covet your prayers in the next few weeks for our family. We have been so blessed and protected by the Lord.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

My Valentines

I am a very blessed woman to have been given not one, but four valentines.

Jason, you are the love of my life. You make me feel special every single day. You are an amazing husband and a phenomenal father. Your passion for truth and justice makes us all strive to be better people.

Jacob, you have such a sweet spirit. You fiercely protect your two younger siblings and are SO talented. I pray that as you grow older you continue to protect your very sensitive heart. And remember, if any female tries to hurt you, I think your little sister may hurt them. :)

Andrew, I love your zest for life. You seek truth and have the innate ability to get straight to the heart of the issue. You adore your sister and idolize your brother. You're my awesome kitchen assistant and sister distractor.

Olivia, you are growing into such a hilarious little personality. Your laugh and smile are infectious. You have your daddy and bubbas in the palm of your hand. You may be small, but I can already see your "ginger" genes coming out. Your daddy and I are in trouble!

What more could a girl want, I ask you? These four have my heart.