The Countdown Begins

Only 3 more weeks until I start my Master's Program at George Fox. I am filled with anxiety, excitement, and trepidation! It seemed as though I was in the application process forever, and even though I've only been admitted as of July it seems like it was a lifetime ago. I was so excited back at the beginning of the summer with thoughts of finally going back to school, and starting a new career soon...but now, oh, I guess I'm a little nervous of how it's all going to work out.

I am taking 9 credits, which is considered full-time in my program. When I was getting my Bachelor's, full-time felt pretty busy and stressful. And, hmmm, I didn't even have a toddler back then. I know it's possible and I am confident that I will succeed, it's just all a little overwhelming at this point.

Ben and I are still in the process of figuring out how the schedule and routine will work out. I am going to be at class Monday evenings and all day on Thursdays. Add that to both of our work schedules and trying to work it so that Sammy isn't with a babysitter for too long on Thursdays, it's a big job!

On the other hand though, I feel so blessed that I am able to go back to school and pursue something I feel led to do. I am excited to have adult conversations and be in on intelligent discussions. I am also so thankful to Ben for being 100% supportive of my academic life, no matter how far it's putting us into debt. He's an amazing guy!

Beachy Babe

Last weekend, to escape the heat, we went to the coast for Ben's birthday. I don't think Samantha has been to the beach since she was about 3 months old. It was so fun to see her play in the sand and run barefoot on the beach for the first time. Living in Tillamook, the beach was always such a staple in Ben and I's lives. It was so fun to finally get to share the beach with Samantha now that she's old enough to enjoy it for herself.

Friday Fifteen

15 things in my diaper bag...besides diapers



1. Wallet

2. Cellphone

3. Our electric bill from last month...oops!

4. Samantha's baby doll and play bottle

5. A real bottle

6. Butt Paste (best stuff in the universe!)

7. A plastic bag of kix cereal

8. Ipod...no headphones :(

9. Several keys of which I have absolutely no idea of what they unlock

10. A bulletin from church...from May

11. A bunch of pennies

12. Camera

13. Something sticky

14. Kleenex

15. Hand sanitizer

hmm...I guess I could go ahead and clean some of that stuff out now :)

Wishing for...

I'm wishing for some cool, rainy weather. Us Oregonians usually aren't caught saying that. It rains the entire Fall, Winter, and Spring here....but this, this is ridiculous! It's 107 degrees out today.



We're not made to breathe in anything above 85 degrees here in the Pacific North West!

Our poor little widow unit air conditioner has been working overtime for the last three days and it's still not that cool in here. We've been at the pool and the fountain park everyday. Yesterday we spent the entire afternoon at the mall just for the a/c...It's time for some nice rain! Or even a little breeze...something must be done! It's just TOO HOT!

For now, I'll just have to wish I was in these photographs and think, "rain and snow"

Country Life

I've always been somewhat of a "city girl." Now, I've never lived in the heart of downtown or anything, but I have always enjoyed the comforts and conveniences of city living. Lately though, I've been longing for country life. I think it's mostly that we are living with a very large dog in a very small apartment. I have been finding myself walking through vast fields, and taking the scenic route home from work just to see the farmlands and the rolling hills. Maybe someday...

Box House

Well it's been a little over a week since we moved into our new place...It's STILL full of boxes. I was able to finally put the kitchen in order a couple of days ago so at lease we can eat something besides convenience foods. That was getting a little old.

On Thursday as I was leaving the house that I nanny at, I said, "well, it's time to go back to my box house." The 4 year old little guy that I watch, replied with, "uh, you guys live in a box?!" It made me laugh. Don't worry, I assured him that, no, we don't literally live in a box!

I'm hoping that by the end of the week we will be mostly settled in. I can only hope, right.

Happy 1st Birthday!

happy birthday to you...
happy birthday to you...
happy birthday dear, Samantha...
happy birthday to you.

Samantha Elizabeth Russell turns one year old today...I can't believe it! Sometimes I can't even believe I am a mom, let alone that I no longer have an infant but a toddler.

What on earth happened to those 12 months. I know that everyone says that kids grow so fast, but it's so different when their yours! I'm with her everyday and she doesn't seem to change all that much. I mean, sure, they're are times when I think to myself, "whoa, I can't believe she can do that already." But, man, when I look back at pictures or think about things she used to do or not be able to do yet, it's amazing!

I remember my life before her so clearly and vividly but it seems like years and years in the past. I truly can't imagine my life without her. Sam is the most precious, funny, sassy, lovey little girl and I can't believe that she's ours. We are truly so blessed to have her in our lives.

It has been a really good year. Ben and I have had some issues that we have had to go through (like any other married couple, and any other year), financial struggles, decision-making issues, moving twice, and getting ready to move for the third time in a year. Everyday issues and long term decisions matter a whole lot more than they used to. We are parents now, and it's not just us. We can't always be carefree and spur-of-the-moment anymore. We have sacrificed a lot of our time together, sleep, my body, and some times our physical and emotional well-beings. IT'S SO WORTH IT. Every second that Ben or I get to spend with Samantha is time well spent and the above mentioned sacrifices are part of what it means to be parents and we love it. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I know Ben wouldn't either.

Samantha is walking (almost running sometimes), saying "mama" "dada" "oh, Wow" and sometimes "Satchel" (or something that kind of resembles that) She laughs at everything, she loves to dance and be held upside down. Her favorite things are Satchel, climbing anything, bath time, being outside, and taking anything she can get her hands on out of the kitchen cabinets and drawers. She also likes to make me crazy by flailing her body and kicking every time I try to put her in her car seat, and she also likes to BITE!

I could of course go on all day about my girl, it's an amazing talent that us moms have. But I'll leave you instead with some pictures from the 1st year of our beautiful daughters life...Happy 1st Birthday Samantha!

One of my favorites of Sammy with her auntie Tina, and uncle Chris at 1 month old.


sam on her first hike with mommy and daddy. She was about 3 weeks old, and it was the hottest days of the year. I have no idea why I was on a strenuous hike 3 weeks after surgery!

Her in her bouncy seat a couple days after we got home from the hospital.


The morning after she was born.


The first time I saw Samantha, love at first sight.


One of our favorites of her smiling before she had teeth. About 4 months old.


Daddy introducing Sam to WOW (World of Warcraft) "gotta start 'em young" - 3 months

Uncle Tim holding Sammy on her first camping trip - 3 1/2months



Seeing these pictures still breaks my heart...2 months old at OHSU...She's been on a heart medication for 10 months because of the outcome of this stay at the hospital. We are stopping the medication today and hopefully her heart has healed itself...time will tell.

One of her favorites, bathtime! 10 months
Our big "snowstorm" at Christmas - 9 months


Nanny posing with Sammy at 7 months


Samantha meeting her new cousin, Madilynn Lee. - 6 months


Sammy playing with her cousin, Maverick - 5 months


These last 4 pictures are pretty recent. I'll post pictures of her Birthday Party and others soon.





happy birthday to you...
happy birthday to you...
happy birthday dear, Samantha...
happy birthday to you.

We love you!

Hooray!

I am so excited today! My sister Liz, just got engaged! I am so happy for her! I don't know her fiance that well yet, but I'm sure if she said "yes", he is the guy for her! Liz and Matthew I am SO SO SO happy for you both!




Love you Sis!

My Family Rocks

I've been feeling an ensy bit depressed and kind of feeling-sorry-for-myself a little bit these last couple of weeks. Life just isn't "working" for me I guess you could say. Money is tight, Ben and I have been arguing a little more than normal (uh, duh, probably because money's tight), I've been feeling really tired, and just kind of feeling negative about the world.

This morning when I turned on the radio as I was driving to work, I head a woman calling in to the radio station and request a song to be played. The woman explained that she was going through chemotherapy and radiation because she has cancer. She wanted the song played to feel some encouragement, and she just had such a great attitude about it.

God really has a way of making me feel like my problems are the size of ants compared to what other people are facing...I needed that today. I need that always.

I decided to look at things more positively today, just for today...it worked. I feel so blessed to have my rockin' little family. I love Ben and Sam so much and I know that no matter what happens, they love me back. I think I'm going to look at things in a positive light tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that...and, you get my point right?!

Thank you God for blessing me today, and always.

25 Random Things

I was tagged on facebook to do this little "25 random things" about me...I am just transferring it over because I am having a bit of trouble trying to think of anything else to write about.

Here we go...

1. I love being a mommy to Samantha...I can't imagine ever loving someone as much as I love her, but I'll try when we have more kids.

2. My husband is the best father and partner! He is an amazing person and I love him so much!

3. I ran 21 miles once (almost made it to the marathon but it was held on the day we got back from our honeymoon) I'm trying again...this year, gulp!

4. I think that breastfeeding is one of the most amazing things ever, but I was so thrilled to give it up after 8 months!

5. I watch The Hills on a regular basis... I know it's completely disgusting but it's a guilty pleasure that I'm just not ready to give up.

6. I graduated from college last summer and now am virtually unemployed, and LOVE it.

7. I detest KinderCare.

8. I love the way working out makes me feel but I don't do it nearly enough.

9. I am somewhat of a hypochondriac.

10. I would like to tell anyone who will listen that God is amazing and having a relationship with Jesus Christ will change you forever. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

11. I am so not a feminist.

12. I was married before. Although I do not particularly believe in divorce, I am so thankful to be out of that relationship and with someone who loves and cares for me.

13. Sometimes I wish that I could be a little bit more myself around people.

14. I am sort of in the process of writing a book and would love to be published someday.

15. It annoys me when people text too much, just pick up the phone people :)

16. I have the most amazing best friend, she's like a sister. (you know who you are girl!)

17. I love my sister Tina because she is an amazing young woman, a wonderful mother, and a true friend.

18. I love my sister Liz because she isn't afraid to be herself, she's open-minded, and also a true friend

19. I am almost certain that Ben and I will adopt a baby overseas someday.

20. I am grateful that my husband has a job but I hate the job he has.

21. Even though I am not a Democrat, I am very optimistic about our new president.

22. My dog is the worst behaved dog on the planet, but I still love him.

23. We are all blessed to live in this country and have the rights and freedoms that we do.

24. My house is almost never clean.

25. I owe the bank LOTS of money in student loans and I have no intention of paying them anytime in the near future.

She Did It!

Yep, she did it...a week before she turns 10 months old, our little cupcake took her first steps last night. We're so proud of little Sam, and she is proud of her newly learned skill. Daddy was so excited too, until I informed him that since she will be walking now that means we will have to start buying her shoes too! She already requires an entirely new wardrobe every couple of months, and now we'll be adding shoes onto that. What a lucky little lady. What girl wouldn't want a new wardrobe and shoes every couple of months!

What a blessing we have! We are so happy to have Samantha in our lives. We truly can't believe how fast time has gone and how fast she is growing up. We love our little almost-walking girl!

Not again!

On Sunday night we got back from our little mini-vacation trip to Victoria, BC...I was so excited to post pictures...However, when I started looking for my camera last night, I couldn't find it. Now, if you follow my blog at all you will remember a couple months back I lost our new digital camera (Or someone stole it) and got a new one on Thanksgiving weekend. Well, it seems that the universe just doesn't want me to own a digital camera, because IT'S GONE AGAIN!!!!

I don't know what my problem is but I'm going a little nuts! I'm not really angry at myself this time though. I'm angry that I have to pack around so much stuff that a camera could just slip off and go missing without me even realizing it! I need one of those car locater devices for my camera these days, oh, along with my keys, purse, cell phone, wallet, make-up bag, and laptop...my life is a little busy, i.e., a little crazy.

I am still hoping against hope that my camera will turn up in the lost and found of the Ferry we rode from Victoria, or the diner we stopped at in some little town in Washington. It doesn't look good though people...Hey, at least a lost the camera instead of the baby!

My Lovebug...9 months!

Is it just me, or isn't she just a doll?!...So precious!