So...I turned 30 a couple of weeks ago. During the day of my 30th birthday I came to a conclusion: My life is going by way to fast, especially the past few years. Obviously, I don't have the power to slow my life down so instead I have decided to make living my life more intentional. There will always be times when life seems out-of-control, but by taking steps to make life more meaningful and staying in the present, I can ensure that I will at least be aware of all the events happening in my life and can be fully engaged in the moment.
Goal-setting is not something I have even been particularly good at, but I have decided that completing goals is necessary and part of living a satisfying life. The key, at least for me, is to not get caught up in waiting for the goal to be completed before satisfaction or happiness can be achieved. My challenge is to live fully in the present moment while at the same time working towards successes that make my life satisfying.
In five years I will be 35 years old. This is the list of goals I would like to accomplish in the next 5 years. The list is in no particular order (except maybe the 1st one on the list) and of course some goals are more important than others...
35 things I want to do by the time I'm 35:
1. Give birth to our second child (due in a few weeks)
2. Finish Grad-School
3. Run a half-marathon
4. Buy a house (the “one” that we want to live in for a long time)
5. Visit Europe
6. Start my career
7. Complete our family (We aren’t sure how many children we want yet, but I want to be done having babies by 35.)
8. Learn how to speak Spanish
9. Compete in a Triathlon
10. Celebrate my 5th and 10th wedding anniversary with Ben
11. Improve my cooking skills
12. Learn how to take things day by day
13. Read lots of books
14. Learn to swim (I mean actually swim, not just keep my head above water)
15. Learn to stick to a budget
16. Knit something
17. Go on a mission trip
18. Watch every episode of Seinfeld…again
19. Cultivate a healthier lifestyle for me and my family
20. Research and decide on a doctoral program
21. Become closer to Jesus
22. Make new friends
23. Pay off my car
24. Start paying off my student loans
25. Get a tattoo
26. Get going with a retirement savings plan
27. Create a living will
28. Be completely present in my children's lives every day
29. Become a better photographer
30. Grow as a wife and a mother
31. Plant a successful garden
32. Connect with our community
33. Get a book published
34. Spend more time outside
35. Finish a marathon
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sam's 3rd Birthday
Yep, It's been almost a month since our little one's 3rd birthday. And yep, I haven't posted anything since last August. Oh well.
I can't believe that Samantha is 3 already. She looks and acts much bigger than she did when she was a baby, but still, I can't believe that it's been 3 years. In some ways it feels that she has always been here because I have a hard time remembering life without her. In other ways, it seems like the time has just flown by and I really am wishing it would slow down a little. She's no longer my baby. She's a big girl, and boy does she know it!
Her last night as a 2 year old.
She woke up on her birthday morning to find her very own car!
Baking is one of her favorite activities. She got to help me make her birthday party cupcakes.
On the night of her birthday, we took her bowling, one of her favorite things to do.
The next day was her birthday party! She wanted a "Very Hungry Caterpillar Party." Mama did her best.
The pinata was a BIG hit.
Happy Birthday big girl!
It was a great birthday. A great day with just the three of us and then a great party with a lot of our family and friends. We are so blessed to have so many people around us that love our little girl.
I can't believe that Samantha is 3 already. She looks and acts much bigger than she did when she was a baby, but still, I can't believe that it's been 3 years. In some ways it feels that she has always been here because I have a hard time remembering life without her. In other ways, it seems like the time has just flown by and I really am wishing it would slow down a little. She's no longer my baby. She's a big girl, and boy does she know it!
Her last night as a 2 year old.
She woke up on her birthday morning to find her very own car!
Baking is one of her favorite activities. She got to help me make her birthday party cupcakes.
On the night of her birthday, we took her bowling, one of her favorite things to do.
The next day was her birthday party! She wanted a "Very Hungry Caterpillar Party." Mama did her best.
The pinata was a BIG hit.
Happy Birthday big girl!
It was a great birthday. A great day with just the three of us and then a great party with a lot of our family and friends. We are so blessed to have so many people around us that love our little girl.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Rain
Today was the first rain we've had in what seems like forever. I wouldn't say that I love the rain all the time here in the North West, but today it was refreshing. It's nice to have a nice rain to wash away everything and start fresh. I know that I'll probably be asking myself what I was thinking in a few months, but; Welcome back rain.
Monday, August 9, 2010
looking on the bright side
This summer hasn't been very fun. It just seems like circumstances surrounding Ben and I have just been bringing us down. When we are stressed, unhappy, or anxious; Sammy is too. She can sense our frustrations and moods. When we are dealing with something, she is too, which sometimes makes the situation even worse. Nothing tragic has happened and we are still so blessed, but somehow, we are not behaving like this is true.
It's all about the attitude. Sure, things happen that are a bummer, and unexpected, but we're all healthy, and housed, and fed. Why aren't we happier? Attitude. Taking things as they come and being optimistic has never been a talent of mine. It's hard for me to wait for an answer, or for a situation to resolve itself. I use so much energy on stress, that I don't have anymore left for happiness.
A few weeks ago during Sunday Service at my church, this scripture was shared:
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed everyday. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
How much time have we wasted on worrying and focusing our gaze on the world around us. I want to live day by day and be filled with joy because I know that Jesus is with me always and I can endure all with Him beside me. So I will choose to look on the bright side and fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen.
It's all about the attitude. Sure, things happen that are a bummer, and unexpected, but we're all healthy, and housed, and fed. Why aren't we happier? Attitude. Taking things as they come and being optimistic has never been a talent of mine. It's hard for me to wait for an answer, or for a situation to resolve itself. I use so much energy on stress, that I don't have anymore left for happiness.
A few weeks ago during Sunday Service at my church, this scripture was shared:
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed everyday. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
How much time have we wasted on worrying and focusing our gaze on the world around us. I want to live day by day and be filled with joy because I know that Jesus is with me always and I can endure all with Him beside me. So I will choose to look on the bright side and fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Home from Cambodia
Ben recently returned from a Medical Mission trip in Cambodia. He along with several others from our church, and a few volunteer doctors and dentists went to five different villages in Cambodia. The people in these villages are very impoverished and have never been treated by medical professionals. Although the team was not able to give any long-term care, they went to serve as much as they could and to spread the word of God. Cambodia is largely Buddhist but there are several Christians as well. Buddhists believe that they become ill because they have angered the spirits. They also believe that even stepping into a Christian church will bring bad fortune to them. Because the team from our church had their medical equipment and make-shift "pharmacy" set up in Church's, they were showing the villagers that God loves them, and that stepping into a church can bring healing and not misfortune.
Ben had a great time, and though I really wish I could have gone, I am so glad that Ben was able to go and have this life-changing experience. We missed him a lot though and we're glad he is home safe. Here is a small sampling of pictures from this amazing trip.
Ben with kids from a school nearby one of the villages they were working in.
Ben with some of the Cambodian translators that volunteered to help.
This little girl was one of Ben's favorites - very sweet and reminded him of how much he missed his own little girl while away.
This little boy is getting some much needed dental work.
The team got pretty tired out each day.
This picture is from the "Killing Fields." In the 70s, genocide in Cambodia. The new leaders wanted to get rid of any educated people....Thousands and thousands of people were murdered and dumped into a field. Ben told me that you could see parts of bones and pieces of clothes sticking out of the dirt in the path. A very sobering experience.
Ben with new friends.
Big Buddah.
It's hard to believe that what's hauling all this stuff is a little moped. (the most common form of transportation there, well, besides walking.)
Yummy exotic fruit.
Ben with more new friends.
Way too many people in one vehicle.
Ben teaching the waiting patients "the blow up a rubber glove trick".
This beautiful little girl has very desirable hair. (the lighter the skin and the hair the more beautiful in Cambodia) It's sad because this girl should have dark black, shiny hair, it is only lightened because she is malnourished.
Common transportation.
More from the "Killing Fields" This is only one of many many cases filled with skulls.
Little boy with a mouth full of candy. Ben's team brought lots of candy and little toys for the village children. They were so grateful for everything.
Mom and baby waiting to see the Doc.
This is the "guest house" that the team slept at each night.
>
Although Cambodia is poverty-stricken. God's beauty continues to shine through in its people and nature.
Ben had a great time, and though I really wish I could have gone, I am so glad that Ben was able to go and have this life-changing experience. We missed him a lot though and we're glad he is home safe. Here is a small sampling of pictures from this amazing trip.
Ben with kids from a school nearby one of the villages they were working in.
Ben with some of the Cambodian translators that volunteered to help.
This little girl was one of Ben's favorites - very sweet and reminded him of how much he missed his own little girl while away.
This little boy is getting some much needed dental work.
The team got pretty tired out each day.
This picture is from the "Killing Fields." In the 70s, genocide in Cambodia. The new leaders wanted to get rid of any educated people....Thousands and thousands of people were murdered and dumped into a field. Ben told me that you could see parts of bones and pieces of clothes sticking out of the dirt in the path. A very sobering experience.
Ben with new friends.
Big Buddah.
It's hard to believe that what's hauling all this stuff is a little moped. (the most common form of transportation there, well, besides walking.)
Yummy exotic fruit.
Ben with more new friends.
Way too many people in one vehicle.
Ben teaching the waiting patients "the blow up a rubber glove trick".
This beautiful little girl has very desirable hair. (the lighter the skin and the hair the more beautiful in Cambodia) It's sad because this girl should have dark black, shiny hair, it is only lightened because she is malnourished.
Common transportation.
More from the "Killing Fields" This is only one of many many cases filled with skulls.
Little boy with a mouth full of candy. Ben's team brought lots of candy and little toys for the village children. They were so grateful for everything.
Mom and baby waiting to see the Doc.
This is the "guest house" that the team slept at each night.
>
Although Cambodia is poverty-stricken. God's beauty continues to shine through in its people and nature.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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!
Monday, August 10, 2009
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, August 7, 2009
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 :)
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 :)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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"
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"
Saturday, July 25, 2009
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...
Monday, April 27, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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!
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 monthsThese 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!
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