The First of Four

 Last Saturday was one of the PROUDEST days of being a parent for me.  Our oldest child Ashton decided to be baptized a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.  His birthday was the end of March but, because of Conference in April he had to wait until May to do it.  He was so excited and it was so hard for him to wait that extra month but we made it.

 On the tag on his shirt it says Future Missionary.  Doesn't he look like he'll be a good one.  He is a good kid and tries hard to Choose The Right.  Plus he looks really handsome in his suit.

 Cory made the comment that this was his favorite thing to wear :p.   Ashton was the only boy being baptized that day and there were three other girls in the ward also.  Before the baptism part they had some speakers one of them was our home teacher Ryan Smith.  They also had the kids being baptized and their sibling sing a primary song and again my boys were the only boys up there.  They did a great job! After Ashton was baptized and dunked in the water there were a few giggles in the audience because when Ashton came out of the water his face was a mix of being shocked and excited.  He was smiling and had the biggest wide eyes it was so cute.

 I love my little family!  I just realized though looking at this picture that we are missing one whoops.  He was with Grandma and we were hurrying to get pictures taken before they had to go to the font.  Oh well he was there and did get to watch it all happen.  After the baptism we went back into the Chapel so that Ashton could be Confirmed.  Even thought the Bishop asked us to try and keep the circle small it is kind of hard to do when we have a big family.  We ended up having around thirteen men encircle Ashton for the Confirmation.  Even though it is hard for them all to fit my heart swells when they they gather around one of my children for blessings.  It is a huge blessing in my life that I am surrounded by so many worthy Priesthood holders.  It gives me a sense of comfort to now that if I or any of my kids ever need a blessing and Cory wasn't there to do it I wouldn't have to look far for someone that could.  I am so Grateful for so many Wonderful men in my life!!!!

 It was a Beautiful Baptism and after we all went to our place for some brunch.  Uncle Ryan is in Utah for a little bit to work and after everyone was gone he hung out to visit and play with the kids.  It was so cute I was in the house cleaning up and Cory was Snoozing on the couch Ryan was outside for probably an hour or so just playing with the kids.  They love him!  I had to take this picture because it was funny.  Jordyn talked Ryan into having a Tea Party with her.

When it was all said and done it must have taken a lot out of Cory because two seconds after everyone left this was him.  I was very proud of him that day as well.  What an amazing feeling to have your husband exercise the Priesthood especially on one of our children.  It was a day I will not soon forget.

One Month, One Post

I don't know why it is that I can't pull it together to put more than one post on per month. But, I guess if it ain't broke why fix it right. This has been a crazy month and to top it all off my camera broke taking pictures of my last post and I haven't got a new one yet so the posts may be pictureless for a little while. After Ty's birthday party the very next day was Valentines Day. Cory had to work all day and had school that night so needless to say I didn't get to see my Valentine until about nine that evening. Because it was a short celebration I wanted to make it really nice. To make that happen I spent all day cooking Cory a romantic dinner. I make homemade Italian Bread, with a Caesar salad, Shrimp Cocktails, Olive Gardens recipe of Chicken Alfredo (not easy by the way), Sparkling Apple Cider, and I made some hand dipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries for dessert. To make it extra special I borrowed some fancy table decorations from my mother. I did take some pictures on my phone but I don't know how to get them off my phone so we'll just have to keep the picture in our memories. The table cloth was red, the Cider was on ice, the beautiful China was on gold chargers, with matching gold silverware, champagne glasses, with red fanned napkins in the glasses, and to top it all off candlelight. The very best part of it was that our kids helped me get the house cleaned up, got their homework done, and was in bed and stayed there while we enjoyed our time together. It was only for a moment of the day but, it was a GREAT moment!!!

Around the same time at Ashton's school they were doing a story telling festival. Ashton came home one day and said that he wanted to be a part of it. So he picked a book and pretty much started practicing on his own. The book is called "Who Will Help Santa This Year?" He practiced in front of us, grandparents, neighbors, and friends. He then performed it in front of his class, then he got picked to perform his story in front of his whole grade, then he was picked to tell his story in front of the school. That is where he stopped but, he was so excited and we were SOOOOO Proud! He did say he got so nervous telling it in front of the school that his knees were shaking. It was his first time performing in front of a big crowd but, he seemed fearless. It was a lot of fun and a really good experience.

We also celebrated another sons birthday. Ashton had his Eighth B-day. This is a big one with big milestones. The most important one is yea he has chosen to be baptized. We don't get to do int until May because of Conference but, we will get there. He gets to start scouts which he is excited about and he can also work towards his Duty to God award. We have a lot more things besides school, homework, and Karate to do now but, a little overwhelming but, it is a lot of good things so that can't be bad. They are all good things that will help teach him how to be a righteous, and good person. We really are excited for this new stage in his life. Ok so now the fun stuff! Ashton got to invite eight of his friends to go with us to Lowe's Xtreme Air Sports for his party. They had a BLAST it is a place with trampolines, foam pits, a rock wall, and a place they could just go crazy. I definitely recommend it. It was a good price (for the party room as well) and it was really low maintenance for us, plus the boys loved it. My little three year old princess had a great time too! They have an area for under six which she liked but then she adventured out to the big area and I couldn't get her to go back to the little kid part. Cory and I were bumbed that we didn't wear athletic clothes so we could join them. We'll for sure go back some time. Ashton said it was the BEST PARTY EVER!!!

The last big event that has happened this month in the mist of every other day to day craziness is Cory and I had our 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. I can't believe ten years have gone by. We have made it through some really really hard times and have had a ton of GREAT times. Cory took me out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants The Roof at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It is a little pricey so we only go there once a year or so. The food is so good, we both love the pianist, and it is always wonderful to take time away from the kids to remember why we got married in the first place. Marriage is always a work in progress but, I do want to say I am so grateful to be married to this man of mine. He loves me, our family, and works so hard every day to make a great life for us. I truly don't think that I could make it without him. So yea for 10yrs. and CHEERS for fifty great more.

Ty Turns The Big #6

Ok so it has been about a month now but it is never too late to celebrate the birth of one of you children right. Ty's B-day was at the beginning of February and he decided this year for his party to invite a few friends to go to Kangaroo Zoo. This is his not so beautiful cake. He wanted blue frosting, with stars on it, and a sign that said Happy Birthday. I know I stink at making Birthday cakes but, all that matters is that he liked it. First we had some yummy cake.
Then it was Present Time!!!
Then we were off to Kangaroo Zoo. This is Ashton and Gavin playing King of The Mountain.
This is one of Ty's best buddies Cy.
Jordyn and Ruby taking down an Alligator
Big CHEESE!
Caleb and Ty sunk in on one of the blow ups.
They all thought is was funny to sink in. If you can't guess by looking at them. These are brothers Gavin and Nick that Ty has know since birth they are basically another two brothers to him.

Ty had a great day! With every year it just amazes me how much they grow and develop. Ty is such a good kid. He loves to laugh and be silly. He tries really hard to be a great friend and brother. I still call him my oblivious child because he misses everything right in front of his face and runs into shopping carts at the store. The crazy thing is when he wants to focus his attention to detail he is very impressive even when he was little. Like coloring, making his bed, and reading. He loves to make people happy and feels so good when he is a good boy. He loves to ride his bike, go to his Karate class, play the Wii, swim, school, Sunday school, to gross people out by showing them his chewed up food, and most of all making people laugh. Happy Birthday Ty we love you with all our hearts!!!

Sugar and Spice?

Sugar and spice and everything nice that's what little girls are made of

Sunshine and rainbows and ribbons for hair bows that's what little girls are made of

Tea parties, laces and baby doll faces that's what little girls are made of

So I have officially decided that who ever wrote this poem was full of it! I wrote this poem that better matches my darling daughter as of late.

Hair full of bows but a mouth full of no's that is what my little girl is made of

I love you's and I don't have to's is what my little girl is made of

When my back is turned she's out the front door and screams with kicks on the floor

is what my little girl is made of

"Daddy can I snuggle?" are words said almost every night to stay out of bed

is what my littl girl is made of

I just have to say that I was warned about having a daughter and the drama that comes with it but, wow they weren't kidding. Cory has to remind me that the boys were all very frustrating at this stage as well but, this little girl may do me in. Don't get me wrong the pinkie promises, the mom your the best, the socialite at the store, the princess dances with her brothers, cookie maker helper, and her adorable laugh do make up for a lot of the toddler moments. I just wish that those moments would out number them. I love my sweet little Jordyn more than anything I truly do but, hats off to those moms who are blessed with all girls!

Russell Family Picture Time 2011

The silliness of Jordyn
Typical Reggie attitude lately
Oh the fun awkward teeth faze. Hey he is still a good looking kid.
What a hottie he never has a bad picture.
My sweet angel girl. I'll take it even if it is only for a moment

My little miracle man, so adorable!

Hey five out of six looking that is pretty dang good.

Tis poop or chocolate that is the question

Being a mom I smile, I am proud, I giggle, but there aren't not too many times now a days that I can think that I have laugh until I cried. The other day I was changing a poopie diaper on the bed and (sorry if this is too much info) it was that kind of poop that is lots of little balls. I thought I got it all and didn't think anything of it until later that evening. Cory was just about to lay on the bed and picked up something brown and small on the bed. He asked what is this and then smelled it wondering if it was chocolate. Can you guess what it was? Yes it was a little poop that I guess got away from me. The look on Cory's face was priceless! This is a man that it takes major teeth pulling to change diapers and he now has a little piece of something special in his hand. He rushed to the bathroom to throw it away while gagging and I was laughing sooooo hard as it all played out. Needless to say he didn't think it was as funny as I did. The best thing was that later I had made some whoopie pie cookies and I watched as Cory was eating one on the bed and dropped a piece he picked it up to eat it but, did pause and smell it first just to make sure. Once again I was in tears and writing this now a few days later gives me the giggles.

HALLOWEEN 2011

This is the traditional Russell/Wilson Halloween picture. It is getting harder and harder to keep all the kids together for Trick or Treating but, we all still get together to check out each others costumes. Not a bad group-A cheerleader, Scooby, Shaggy, a ninja, Jessie, batgirl, a chef, and a cowgirl.
I had to get a picture of Shaggy and Scooby together. The Jessie on the side was a sneak in bonus.
I think she was he cutest costume of the night (ok I may be a little biest or it just is true). When we tried this costume on I was done. She is so freakin cute and I was glad it was more original than a Princess.
This was the first year I decided to dress up. I know it isn't to crazy of an outfit but hey it is better than nothing right? My BFF dresses up every year with the kids so I didn't want to be a party pooper this year.
My little "Superman" the costumes just fits what he is. Plus this is him walking around, yes walking!
Grandpa got into the Halloween spirit this year which was really surprising because Halloween is his least favorite holiday. I asked him if this is what I get to expect that he will look like in about twenty years. MAYBE?!
Google Eyes:)

HOPE IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT FOR EVERYONE. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!