tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92218480201497410552011-10-12T00:27:00.109-05:00johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.comBlogger1711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-47952451867314339742011-07-04T22:24:00.002-05:002011-07-04T22:31:10.115-05:00<div>I was checkin' out some of our Angel Fire pics and decided to play around with a few of the 'effects' in iPhoto... Enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Russell Family on the deck of our condo... Black and White</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZLs_as-b6k/ThKEk6xNCUI/AAAAAAAABgM/O09VuoO2Ras/s1600/IMG_1216.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZLs_as-b6k/ThKEk6xNCUI/AAAAAAAABgM/O09VuoO2Ras/s320/IMG_1216.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625704654324959554" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finley in her hiking backpack... Sepia<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ6kmhzBwaI/ThKEkLr3zzI/AAAAAAAABgE/wjzxGynV59U/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ6kmhzBwaI/ThKEkLr3zzI/AAAAAAAABgE/wjzxGynV59U/s320/IMG_1025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625704641686130482" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After we hiked to the top of one of the ski areas... Vignette<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kn44LA7ZGeg/ThKEjj4enAI/AAAAAAAABf8/XOZ5oxJJaNc/s1600/IMG_1238.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kn44LA7ZGeg/ThKEjj4enAI/AAAAAAAABf8/XOZ5oxJJaNc/s320/IMG_1238.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625704631001586690" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Strike a pose, there's nothin' to it... Antique<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnd84ZYOaJo/ThKEjSe7L3I/AAAAAAAABf0/yXPoAx-9hLQ/s1600/IMG_1241.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnd84ZYOaJo/ThKEjSe7L3I/AAAAAAAABf0/yXPoAx-9hLQ/s320/IMG_1241.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625704626331004786" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Dad and Finley in Red River... Color Boost<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEUVO6iDTW0/ThKEi3Lx73I/AAAAAAAABfs/FN-4Kn6_42c/s1600/IMG_0982.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEUVO6iDTW0/ThKEi3Lx73I/AAAAAAAABfs/FN-4Kn6_42c/s320/IMG_0982.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625704619002949490" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget to check out our other two latest blogs right under this one...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4795245186731433974?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-15894221694970225412011-07-04T21:45:00.002-05:002011-07-04T21:59:38.157-05:00<div>I've got NEW Bumpers... FINALLY!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>My mom has been plotting to acquire me some bumpers for me. She picked out this awesome fabric from some random website and it was in, then back ordered, in, then back ordered! But it's here now and my neighbor up the street, Natalie, did a fantastic job sewing all of this together.</div><div>Made to order, just like my mommy likes it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sooooooooo happy about my new bumpers...</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siF5CNjMwLQ/ThJ8wjJhaNI/AAAAAAAABfU/NnvnajcOInM/s1600/IMG_1802.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siF5CNjMwLQ/ThJ8wjJhaNI/AAAAAAAABfU/NnvnajcOInM/s320/IMG_1802.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696058049915090" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Can't Touch This... Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqD-KiBTukg/ThJ8wAEqwZI/AAAAAAAABfM/5RxPK6v4qEQ/s1600/IMG_1805.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqD-KiBTukg/ThJ8wAEqwZI/AAAAAAAABfM/5RxPK6v4qEQ/s320/IMG_1805.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696048634315154" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Not only do I have my daddy wrapped around my finger, I've also got my bumper!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTmTDZX5e_w/ThJ8vjcs8DI/AAAAAAAABfE/NBzWmSoOB_A/s1600/IMG_1815.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTmTDZX5e_w/ThJ8vjcs8DI/AAAAAAAABfE/NBzWmSoOB_A/s320/IMG_1815.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696040950493234" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Up close and personal<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-lPxvHhkiE/ThJ8vRnyE-I/AAAAAAAABe8/Gs-wHXqB8Fg/s1600/IMG_1816.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-lPxvHhkiE/ThJ8vRnyE-I/AAAAAAAABe8/Gs-wHXqB8Fg/s320/IMG_1816.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696036165129186" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Under Construction!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72mkcSIQF0c/ThJ8u7mLWvI/AAAAAAAABe0/9kRsRt_hE7o/s1600/IMG_1821.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72mkcSIQF0c/ThJ8u7mLWvI/AAAAAAAABe0/9kRsRt_hE7o/s320/IMG_1821.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696030252817138" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1589422169497022541?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-20208826780273393802011-07-04T16:11:00.002-05:002011-07-04T16:19:52.293-05:00<div>Finley has enjoyed her 3 day weekend to the MAX!</div><div><br /></div><div>Fin wearing her Polo shoes for the first time.</div><div>She didn't know what to think of 'shoes' and tried her hardest to try and kick them off her feet. Just like her mama...she prefers bare feet to shoes! </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WST9uOmw1MM/ThItJDnFiKI/AAAAAAAABeo/ivp514I6j0Y/s1600/IMG_1729.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WST9uOmw1MM/ThItJDnFiKI/AAAAAAAABeo/ivp514I6j0Y/s320/IMG_1729.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625608518150490274" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>FREEEEEEEEEEEEEDOM!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfvD4LFppnw/ThItI4DaCjI/AAAAAAAABeg/lK-MKb8AGHY/s1600/IMG_1738.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfvD4LFppnw/ThItI4DaCjI/AAAAAAAABeg/lK-MKb8AGHY/s320/IMG_1738.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625608515048049202" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Whatchu lookin' at Willis?<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBKj9cNPjQY/ThItHuXd9uI/AAAAAAAABeY/xA548ApRUFw/s1600/IMG_1744.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBKj9cNPjQY/ThItHuXd9uI/AAAAAAAABeY/xA548ApRUFw/s320/IMG_1744.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625608495267968738" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Happy Joy Joy</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R48BUm8TxKM/ThItHXH7weI/AAAAAAAABeQ/5qlDxhZRHWE/s1600/IMG_1789.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R48BUm8TxKM/ThItHXH7weI/AAAAAAAABeQ/5qlDxhZRHWE/s320/IMG_1789.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625608489028796898" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Russell Fam...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6fqaFIOJUs/ThItG-LCSDI/AAAAAAAABeI/VJvN7TvobiY/s1600/IMG_1798.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6fqaFIOJUs/ThItG-LCSDI/AAAAAAAABeI/VJvN7TvobiY/s320/IMG_1798.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625608482330921010" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-2020882678027339380?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-69210350841159867632011-06-07T15:51:00.002-05:002011-06-07T15:55:59.871-05:00<div>Below are some more pics for your viewing pleasure!</div><div>Enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saaaaaaaaaaaaassy...</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMQEgEJKBPc/Te6Pw3w90yI/AAAAAAAABd8/-hbitqOUNxk/s1600/IMG_1089.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMQEgEJKBPc/Te6Pw3w90yI/AAAAAAAABd8/-hbitqOUNxk/s320/IMG_1089.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615583855143408418" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday at the Rio Grand Gorge Bridge outside Taos<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNwAAOm7WtI/Te6PwUgAWiI/AAAAAAAABd0/LegjYOD5rY0/s1600/IMG_1073.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNwAAOm7WtI/Te6PwUgAWiI/AAAAAAAABd0/LegjYOD5rY0/s320/IMG_1073.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615583845677029922" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Medussa</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqRyqPQ_mNs/Te6Pv2sH7HI/AAAAAAAABds/-mEFTttvOv8/s1600/IMG_1054.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqRyqPQ_mNs/Te6Pv2sH7HI/AAAAAAAABds/-mEFTttvOv8/s320/IMG_1054.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615583837674794098" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Peek-A-Boo<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e0QTifbU90/Te6PvayTytI/AAAAAAAABdk/ui7v20ZV29I/s1600/IMG_1044.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e0QTifbU90/Te6PvayTytI/AAAAAAAABdk/ui7v20ZV29I/s320/IMG_1044.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615583830184544978" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jerry the Giraffe is playing 'King of the Hill' while Finley sleeps!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBBWhP9ke48/Te6Pu1-T12I/AAAAAAAABdc/50PDGCWcxJw/s1600/IMG_1042.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBBWhP9ke48/Te6Pu1-T12I/AAAAAAAABdc/50PDGCWcxJw/s320/IMG_1042.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615583820302767970" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6921035084115986763?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-5477231239073220412011-06-03T12:57:00.002-05:002011-06-03T13:04:48.264-05:00<div>Finley has done really well with our travels. She loves getting her picture taken... Not sure who she gets that from! </div><div><br /></div><div>Fin is holding her giraffe who she named Jerry. She loves Jerry!</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33I__n4Vaa4/TekhNCj4ZKI/AAAAAAAABdQ/C_pgrfVjsTg/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33I__n4Vaa4/TekhNCj4ZKI/AAAAAAAABdQ/C_pgrfVjsTg/s320/IMG_0901.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614054918403417250" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Laugh. Laugh. Laugh.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkHNVrWEnzE/TekhMuldIcI/AAAAAAAABdI/yvCLIDMIhOg/s1600/IMG_0969.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkHNVrWEnzE/TekhMuldIcI/AAAAAAAABdI/yvCLIDMIhOg/s320/IMG_0969.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614054913041310146" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have also discovered my tongue... <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P35cHFehYr0/TekhMKRvv6I/AAAAAAAABdA/QUoBrA2l5WU/s1600/IMG_0967.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P35cHFehYr0/TekhMKRvv6I/AAAAAAAABdA/QUoBrA2l5WU/s320/IMG_0967.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614054903294967714" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fin is sitting up on her own (well, we sit her up and then she stays that way...until she leans too far one way or the other!)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGYearfZBvk/TekhL5o3RAI/AAAAAAAABc4/vzglWYqfXMY/s1600/IMG_0958.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGYearfZBvk/TekhL5o3RAI/AAAAAAAABc4/vzglWYqfXMY/s320/IMG_0958.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614054898828526594" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fin is falling over on her own...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfYF-T5vHko/TekhLo69bSI/AAAAAAAABcw/sv0mrH0ZFhY/s1600/IMG_0959.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfYF-T5vHko/TekhLo69bSI/AAAAAAAABcw/sv0mrH0ZFhY/s320/IMG_0959.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614054894341025058" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-547723123907322041?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-91949352469570298142011-06-03T12:39:00.002-05:002011-06-03T12:56:49.111-05:00<div>We drove around town yesterday (population 600!) looking for Massage Therapists, Thrift Stores, Grocery Stores and 'boutiques'...</div><div><br /></div><div>I took this pic while Taylor was getting prices of massages. You can see the 'ski runs' way off in the distance. We are staying just at the base of the one on the left that goes to the highest mountain. The two 'runs' actually end at the same place.</div><div>Angel Fire will be / is 'poppin' this weekend as over 1,000 mountain bikers will be here for the 2011 Mountain Bike State Finals! We are excited to watch this event. Folks are camping out all over the place and big names companies are here (Shimano, Yeti, RPM, etc) with their sponsored riders and such. There will be downhill, cross country and slolem competitions. We are going to hike up into the woods to get an up close look of these races. The riders ride the ski lift to the top and their bikes are attached on the back of the lift. The race starts and down they come. We talked to a rider yesterday and he was fitted with all the latest gear (helmet, chest protector, shin guards, racing boots and long sleeve shirts and pants. Full suspension bikes in full effect. A restaurant owner told us that the mountain bikes will be ranging between a $6,000 - $12,000 price tag!!!</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifz8vYclOzI/TekdHT1m_dI/AAAAAAAABck/_QBsQVdYrGc/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifz8vYclOzI/TekdHT1m_dI/AAAAAAAABck/_QBsQVdYrGc/s320/IMG_0889.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614050421915450834" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we got home and had our dinner, we walked to the bottom of the mountain to view the times of the public library (where we sit now). We saw tons of these little critters scurrying all over the place. I'm not sure if they are prairies dogs, marmots, marmols, moles or what, but they were really fun to watch! There are THREE in this picture, can you spot them?<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wEB3QJmypz4/TekdGQTxe6I/AAAAAAAABcc/HS8FrAwisL4/s1600/IMG_0947.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wEB3QJmypz4/TekdGQTxe6I/AAAAAAAABcc/HS8FrAwisL4/s320/IMG_0947.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614050403788356514" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fin was getting a lil' chilly and so she wore mom's silly shirt...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTveEX7dOsQ/TekdF2O56ZI/AAAAAAAABcU/7MQ3pHpHJ5E/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTveEX7dOsQ/TekdF2O56ZI/AAAAAAAABcU/7MQ3pHpHJ5E/s320/IMG_0949.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614050396788615570" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hangin' out last night...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZZWTBhMhQg/TekdFuCQI9I/AAAAAAAABcM/qh7Oekafkkc/s1600/IMG_0951.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZZWTBhMhQg/TekdFuCQI9I/AAAAAAAABcM/qh7Oekafkkc/s320/IMG_0951.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614050394588062674" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fin and her Liger enjoying life to the full...</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq68MuyuMN4/TekdFQIZABI/AAAAAAAABcE/649Pk0w91Iw/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq68MuyuMN4/TekdFQIZABI/AAAAAAAABcE/649Pk0w91Iw/s320/IMG_0954.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614050386560745490" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-9194935246957029814?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-4328703845528095562011-06-03T12:30:00.002-05:002011-06-03T12:38:50.057-05:00<div>Taylor, Finley and I are at the Angel Fire Public Library. We walked here to use the free wireless internet. Taylor had to knock out some stuff for work and so I decided to add a few pics to the blog for your viewing pleasure!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't think Finley Claire is SO CUTE, then there IS something wrong with your eyeballs...</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnIXw4zkcmQ/TekapwkNJoI/AAAAAAAABb4/2_yEvpqZKcQ/s1600/IMG_0913.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnIXw4zkcmQ/TekapwkNJoI/AAAAAAAABb4/2_yEvpqZKcQ/s320/IMG_0913.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614047715207751298" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just Chillin'...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf2lj5En4mM/TekapSO0KDI/AAAAAAAABbw/uWdq5O7AgC8/s1600/IMG_0920.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf2lj5En4mM/TekapSO0KDI/AAAAAAAABbw/uWdq5O7AgC8/s320/IMG_0920.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614047707064969266" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have found my feet and I can hardly keep them out of my mouth!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzSdexU1OdQ/TekapD7EvxI/AAAAAAAABbo/d98ARev7E5k/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzSdexU1OdQ/TekapD7EvxI/AAAAAAAABbo/d98ARev7E5k/s320/IMG_0923.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614047703224074002" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Life is Good...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVPwFiYtHeA/Tekao7mmzDI/AAAAAAAABbg/XSMpDgHHBf8/s1600/IMG_0939.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVPwFiYtHeA/Tekao7mmzDI/AAAAAAAABbg/XSMpDgHHBf8/s320/IMG_0939.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614047700990741554" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mom and Fin are All Smiles and are lovin' their vacation!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ij0yl2vLPN0/TekaorIShZI/AAAAAAAABbY/eqKFeZndz58/s1600/IMG_0898.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ij0yl2vLPN0/TekaorIShZI/AAAAAAAABbY/eqKFeZndz58/s320/IMG_0898.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614047696568616338" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-432870384552809556?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-11241793683988579862011-06-03T12:16:00.002-05:002011-06-03T12:30:06.400-05:00<div>Taylor, Finley and I are in Angel Fire, New Mexico, and we wanted to share with you some pics of the place where we are staying... It is a true gift to be here unplugging from the world and being together as a family.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a long drive, but well worth it so far. We left Tyler around 10:30 a.m. (CST) and arrived at the condo around midnight (MST). Finley is a terrific traveler and is enjoying her time hanging out at 8,790 feet above sea level!</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the view from the front door...</div><div>The stairs going down go to a bedroom on the right with a queen size bed and a couch in it. Also has a balcony. Door straight ahead has a full size hot tub in it. I will be spending some time in there this evening after our long walk around town today.</div><div>Door to the left, that you can't see, is to a sink and turdlet.</div><div>Stairs going up head into the living room...</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w3MUweBO5U/TekXXLiSXyI/AAAAAAAABbM/UmZrp1pLktA/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w3MUweBO5U/TekXXLiSXyI/AAAAAAAABbM/UmZrp1pLktA/s320/IMG_0877.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614044097495064354" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the living room. Fireplace and large balcony with a spectacular view. The ski lift is about 50 yards off of the back patio.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoaqzCWyuSg/TekXW_hDe0I/AAAAAAAABbE/ntxB1Nn2W50/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoaqzCWyuSg/TekXW_hDe0I/AAAAAAAABbE/ntxB1Nn2W50/s320/IMG_0879.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614044094268668738" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>View from the sliding glass door in the living room...</div><div>First set of stairs goes into the dining room and kitchen. Next set of stairs goes to a little sitting area with a balcony that has a futon. From there you head up yet another set of stairs to the second bedroom. You'll see some of those pics below...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67WyWkHBfBA/TekXWrDek9I/AAAAAAAABa8/Y1d7x0lAw0c/s1600/IMG_0880.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67WyWkHBfBA/TekXWrDek9I/AAAAAAAABa8/Y1d7x0lAw0c/s320/IMG_0880.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614044088775906258" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Kitchen - Dining Room<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmRBAlSRSPw/TekXWFCt7dI/AAAAAAAABa0/VWf4uX0D6B0/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmRBAlSRSPw/TekXWFCt7dI/AAAAAAAABa0/VWf4uX0D6B0/s320/IMG_0881.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614044078572170706" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Second bedroom where we are staying. Queen size bed and trundle bed. Fin has her Pack N' Play set up and is enjoying her nights rest already. 'Window' above trundle bed looks down 3 levels to the main living room. It's a looooooon way down! My mom would NOT be able to peep over the edge by any means. </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u-Lhnnd-iVQ/TekXV9sVQWI/AAAAAAAABas/01AvgSBt9NU/s1600/IMG_0884.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u-Lhnnd-iVQ/TekXV9sVQWI/AAAAAAAABas/01AvgSBt9NU/s320/IMG_0884.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614044076599230818" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1124179368398857986?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-671992022370875532011-05-05T08:31:00.002-05:002011-05-05T08:33:31.115-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAxUj5b1IPk/TcKmvWh61QI/AAAAAAAABac/-04FGyWOt-c/s1600/Finley%2BCrawfish.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAxUj5b1IPk/TcKmvWh61QI/AAAAAAAABac/-04FGyWOt-c/s320/Finley%2BCrawfish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603224218834228482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have no idea what is going on right now...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-67199202237087553?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-88517128414765191852011-05-02T09:59:00.003-05:002011-05-02T11:16:27.667-05:00Fin is growing daily and you can sense and see her development daily. It is amazing to see her grow up before our very eyes...<br /><br /><br />Finley loves her 'bouncy seat'. She loves grabbing the frog toy in the middle because it plays a Nursery Rhyme that only Taylor knows... 5 little speckled frogs, sittin' on a speckled log, eating some most delicious bugs, Yum Yum, and on and on. Cute song. I go to bed singing it.<br /><br /><br />Fin has also discovered her legs. She has them in the air most of the time when she's not using them to walk around the house...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_13AADB9WA/Tb7HdwR8ADI/AAAAAAAABaM/8RrqGWMfJPA/s1600/IMG_0397.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602134300485746738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_13AADB9WA/Tb7HdwR8ADI/AAAAAAAABaM/8RrqGWMfJPA/s320/IMG_0397.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Out like a light...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1nY_pX2ARg/Tb7HdEqqqSI/AAAAAAAABaE/t6cxODqJMsA/s1600/IMG_0297.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602134288778307874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1nY_pX2ARg/Tb7HdEqqqSI/AAAAAAAABaE/t6cxODqJMsA/s320/IMG_0297.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This 'spiky ball' was given to us by our friends, the Hartney's. Their kids loved it and Finley loves it as well. It's funny what kids end up liking...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZRDNm6V_UY/Tb7Hc282zDI/AAAAAAAABZ8/aV72VQ_7otk/s1600/IMG_0292.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602134285096504370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZRDNm6V_UY/Tb7Hc282zDI/AAAAAAAABZ8/aV72VQ_7otk/s320/IMG_0292.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Whatchu lookin' at Willis?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7pOZGtSeJ8/Tb7Hc3z0-FI/AAAAAAAABZ0/9d35A-QfQ9o/s1600/IMG_0290.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602134285327071314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7pOZGtSeJ8/Tb7Hc3z0-FI/AAAAAAAABZ0/9d35A-QfQ9o/s320/IMG_0290.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's tiring being pretty... and by the way, I DO have a bow to match ANY color scheme that my parents throw my way!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afiEjLC_TJU/Tb7Hch7_1bI/AAAAAAAABZs/4Wzu_a36Pds/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602134279455757746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afiEjLC_TJU/Tb7Hch7_1bI/AAAAAAAABZs/4Wzu_a36Pds/s320/IMG_0456.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8851712841476519185?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-38993997983052959032011-05-02T09:42:00.004-05:002011-05-02T09:58:54.251-05:00<div>From Finley...</div><div>My day is full of great excitement as I poo poo in my pants and sometimes even pee when my diaper is off. I think that's HILARIOUS! My mom and dad do chuckle, but I can sense a bit of tension when it comes to who will get to clean up it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mom and Dad are doing the best they can. They sure do ask a lot of questions about everything and even ask ME questions. I don't talk to them though, but I can talk all right! I babble and such to them just to give them some 'hope' that I am progressing and meeting my 'milestones,' whatever the heck that means. I call this 'baby talk.' When they aren't in the room, I speak Spanish to Bourne and Bauer, our awesome cats that rule the roost. Bourne and Bauer need to realize real quick that there is a new SHERIFF in town. Finley is here and I'm here to STAY!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>My hope is to go from laying on my back to up and walking one day. I actually heard that was not ideal because there is so much that I need to learn from crawling... I'm going to Google that news that I heard and find out the truth. Whatever the internet tells me, that's what I believe! Why would I believe a doctor anyhow? What do they know, seriously?</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1AaIHZXZ3o/Tb7DUnumyNI/AAAAAAAABZg/pdABcS9tU6I/s1600/IMG_0491.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1AaIHZXZ3o/Tb7DUnumyNI/AAAAAAAABZg/pdABcS9tU6I/s320/IMG_0491.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602129745524738258" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Look at me go...</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5DQtYgjKkI/Tb7DUdiLlQI/AAAAAAAABZY/3VWBgRQSO-k/s1600/IMG_0489.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5DQtYgjKkI/Tb7DUdiLlQI/AAAAAAAABZY/3VWBgRQSO-k/s320/IMG_0489.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602129742788269314" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I wear a bow in my hair on a daily basis... It sometimes makes my neck hurt, but it's often times well worth it.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVhri2iXVXo/Tb7DUC-bBDI/AAAAAAAABZQ/lvg-emwonPI/s1600/IMG_0277.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVhri2iXVXo/Tb7DUC-bBDI/AAAAAAAABZQ/lvg-emwonPI/s320/IMG_0277.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602129735658964018" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have discovered my TONGUE! I am sticking it out and desiring to taste everything that I can grab...</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp8ujO4A7JI/Tb7DT1eNmqI/AAAAAAAABZI/O6XSvvCmNBI/s1600/IMG_0275.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp8ujO4A7JI/Tb7DT1eNmqI/AAAAAAAABZI/O6XSvvCmNBI/s320/IMG_0275.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602129732034206370" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It ain't easy bein' cheesy...</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P61h09LPubc/Tb7DTzacFAI/AAAAAAAABZA/E-Sks_pkZ5o/s1600/IMG_0274.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P61h09LPubc/Tb7DTzacFAI/AAAAAAAABZA/E-Sks_pkZ5o/s320/IMG_0274.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602129731481506818" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3899399798305295903?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-83152272686105680262011-05-02T09:29:00.003-05:002011-05-02T09:42:07.468-05:00<div>Life has been very full this past week...</div><div><br /></div><div>Finley is learning to fly just like her Uncle Mike (see pics below) and she is lovin' it too!</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjqeMC4kJIs/Tb7Aexe7F0I/AAAAAAAABY0/enHykiyeh1o/s1600/IMG_0484.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjqeMC4kJIs/Tb7Aexe7F0I/AAAAAAAABY0/enHykiyeh1o/s320/IMG_0484.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602126621407123266" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>(from Finley)... Hey kids out there! Does your mom like to take pictures of your feet and bottom or is mine the only one? I think it's kind of weird and possibly even creepy. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBVq4_al6dU/Tb7AevM0A_I/AAAAAAAABYs/a3RcTvkCDKA/s1600/IMG_0284.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBVq4_al6dU/Tb7AevM0A_I/AAAAAAAABYs/a3RcTvkCDKA/s320/IMG_0284.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602126620794291186" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My first time in a Bumbo Seat. It changed my life!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9zuUq3pDzs/Tb7AeJ2ODqI/AAAAAAAABYk/L5x_Pu4p3aw/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9zuUq3pDzs/Tb7AeJ2ODqI/AAAAAAAABYk/L5x_Pu4p3aw/s320/IMG_0266.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602126610767416994" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A dear friend of mine from Killeen, Mike Helm, is getting his Pilot's License and he flew to Tyler last week to come and visit me as he was completing his last 2 hours of Cross Country Solo flying. He bought a super sweet plane that sits 4 people... well, actually, it will sit 2 adults and 2 hamsters! The plane is barely used and had that 'new car (plane) smell' in it. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can actually fly with the hood open up to a certain altitude and speed... Now THAT is air conditioning!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmI4u90nu8g/Tb7Ad2nh4uI/AAAAAAAABYc/B0kd7_pweSQ/s1600/IMG_0253.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmI4u90nu8g/Tb7Ad2nh4uI/AAAAAAAABYc/B0kd7_pweSQ/s320/IMG_0253.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602126605605528290" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The difference between Men and Boys is the PRICE of their TOYS!!!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_93ez9bC5g/Tb7AduavbII/AAAAAAAABYU/8XNt6ee7XJE/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_93ez9bC5g/Tb7AduavbII/AAAAAAAABYU/8XNt6ee7XJE/s320/IMG_0251.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602126603404405890" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Full Week last week and we are starting this week with some rain and temperatures in the 50's / 60's and Usama bin Laden supposedly dead! I need to see the body...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8315227268610568026?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-12568208250669697062011-04-27T16:11:00.002-05:002011-04-27T16:19:07.672-05:00<div>My mom and dad finally got to come to Tyler and spend some time with us and their favorite and newest grandbaby!</div><div><br /></div><div>After church on Sunday on our backyard swing.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfw4n7IgTNI/TbiHqAQglpI/AAAAAAAABYI/1YWq74v2t6M/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfw4n7IgTNI/TbiHqAQglpI/AAAAAAAABYI/1YWq74v2t6M/s320/IMG_0135.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600375292328711826" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Say Cheeeeeeeeese...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RG3GpuLsZc/TbiHp8mrvCI/AAAAAAAABYA/ipWtMFhILf4/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RG3GpuLsZc/TbiHp8mrvCI/AAAAAAAABYA/ipWtMFhILf4/s320/IMG_0131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600375291347975202" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta love cameras that take pictures by themselves!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vO7bfoG6yZ4/TbiHpbd8SWI/AAAAAAAABX4/tIQMwJFTf9M/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vO7bfoG6yZ4/TbiHpbd8SWI/AAAAAAAABX4/tIQMwJFTf9M/s320/IMG_0130.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600375282452941154" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Taylor is SO BEAUTIFUL!!! and such an EXCELLENT mother!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDmeDittr4M/TbiHpZhQ7lI/AAAAAAAABXw/5yawA5C-dQ0/s1600/IMG_0128.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDmeDittr4M/TbiHpZhQ7lI/AAAAAAAABXw/5yawA5C-dQ0/s320/IMG_0128.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600375281930006098" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Such a cute couple!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbjruHajgm0/TbiHpMlTc3I/AAAAAAAABXo/eMlRrkotauk/s1600/IMG_0124.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbjruHajgm0/TbiHpMlTc3I/AAAAAAAABXo/eMlRrkotauk/s320/IMG_0124.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600375278457287538" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1256820825066969706?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-25660345719432512262011-04-16T14:37:00.001-05:002011-04-27T16:11:38.297-05:00<div>It is funny when we dress Finley in ANY color... We say, 'man, she looks REALLY great in this color TOO!'</div><div><br /></div><div>This is my 'I Love Daddy' outfit... I'm sassy and I know IT!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IgWzb9D8Xkc/Tanw8rqc7YI/AAAAAAAABXc/-ebfYmIzw1M/s1600/IMG_9960.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IgWzb9D8Xkc/Tanw8rqc7YI/AAAAAAAABXc/-ebfYmIzw1M/s320/IMG_9960.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596268937288150402" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fin and I like to spend time in the yard together when I get home for the day. We pull weeds, pick up sticks and swing on our swing. This is Fin holding a large stick by one of its lil' twigs. It was such a hilarious sight!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUlf9XGTIAg/Tanw8bM4gkI/AAAAAAAABXU/wYDZMKoQWT8/s1600/IMG_9959.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUlf9XGTIAg/Tanw8bM4gkI/AAAAAAAABXU/wYDZMKoQWT8/s320/IMG_9959.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596268932869161538" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoying our time together...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whLCAQQ9xgI/Tanw75UM3WI/AAAAAAAABXM/0fCgRY-N-yA/s1600/IMG_9955.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whLCAQQ9xgI/Tanw75UM3WI/AAAAAAAABXM/0fCgRY-N-yA/s320/IMG_9955.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596268923773050210" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Flying home from Spring Break '88...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGb0XZ75Da4/Tanw7umc96I/AAAAAAAABXE/xoTpNuVgrmQ/s1600/122_0526.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGb0XZ75Da4/Tanw7umc96I/AAAAAAAABXE/xoTpNuVgrmQ/s320/122_0526.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596268920896812962" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoying our last day in South Padre Island...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnoEaTSS_0w/Tanw6jBoj8I/AAAAAAAABW8/mLWSczDfA84/s1600/122_0513.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnoEaTSS_0w/Tanw6jBoj8I/AAAAAAAABW8/mLWSczDfA84/s320/122_0513.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596268900609724354" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-2566034571943251226?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-86511310407893800272011-04-16T14:15:00.002-05:002011-04-27T16:06:58.938-05:00<div>We know that folks really don't care about text and such, but just wanna see pics of our beautiful baby girl and family...</div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm going to give you some text so you can know what is going on! HA... I'm in CONTROL here ---- Muhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaa.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every year we have a Young Life Staff / Spouse Retreat in South Padre Island and it is such an awesome time. It is so funny because it never fails that when we are there, there is some random group of Spring Breakers from Minnesota that have come south for Spring Break to 'live it up'... But they are just 3 weeks too late! Poor Souls.</div><div><br /></div><div>So instead of college folks, they get us OLD Spring Breakers! Hence the name... Spring Break '88.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was Finley's first time to fly. She did really great. Hardly a peep on the plane. It was much more of a handful traveling with a baby though. Sliding Finley through that x-ray machine right behind our shoes and belts was a learning experience!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjV-i5lxGGA/TanvvJIGdZI/AAAAAAAABWw/slUPcoziW4M/s1600/122_0509.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjV-i5lxGGA/TanvvJIGdZI/AAAAAAAABWw/slUPcoziW4M/s320/122_0509.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596267605167338898" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pool Time! This was Finley's first time to ever be in a pool. She was PUMPED about it...obviously.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Ot6xhIATI/TanvusYK5XI/AAAAAAAABWo/b7SWjRVF0Nc/s1600/122_0502.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Ot6xhIATI/TanvusYK5XI/AAAAAAAABWo/b7SWjRVF0Nc/s320/122_0502.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596267597450110322" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My first bikini! I'm breaking all the rules already...and I'm cute, to boot!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUTvNo5Gm30/TanvuQl2WlI/AAAAAAAABWg/SIVoo9QyFtw/s1600/122_0492.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eUTvNo5Gm30/TanvuQl2WlI/AAAAAAAABWg/SIVoo9QyFtw/s320/122_0492.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596267589991291474" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have always wanted to own a ROBE and that was our gift this year with an embroidered YL!</div><div>So awesome...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjgmmUjb-Q8/TanvuJ7-V7I/AAAAAAAABWY/N-PYrS2Wsvk/s1600/122_0490.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjgmmUjb-Q8/TanvuJ7-V7I/AAAAAAAABWY/N-PYrS2Wsvk/s320/122_0490.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596267588205041586" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>During our 'Information Celebration' a.k.a. our 4 hour Business Meeting, the wives went to the Brownsville Zoo... Tay loves animals and enjoyed getting to hang out with 100 year old tortoises. Fin is not amused!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVpzoDS4rt4/TanvtqYdxtI/AAAAAAAABWQ/L63Sr3cFel0/s1600/122_0468.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVpzoDS4rt4/TanvtqYdxtI/AAAAAAAABWQ/L63Sr3cFel0/s320/122_0468.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596267579734607570" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's all folks...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8651131040789380027?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-13197764847155269142011-03-30T08:52:00.001-05:002011-03-30T08:53:54.107-05:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTOIEW9wKk8/TZM12UDhlpI/AAAAAAAABWE/twqz82QTHzA/s1600/IMG_9919.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTOIEW9wKk8/TZM12UDhlpI/AAAAAAAABWE/twqz82QTHzA/s320/IMG_9919.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589870769709618834" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Remind you of anyone?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1319776484715526914?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-52842734757319592862011-03-22T13:48:00.003-05:002011-03-22T13:58:48.824-05:00<div>Many people have told us that Finley looks like a 'porcelain doll' or a 'China doll' and so her cousins (Sydney and Sadie) wanted to get a picture of Finley with all of their dolls at the house...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbADyabTf60/TYjwBUlH02I/AAAAAAAABV4/OpawquYvi_Q/s1600/IMG_9727.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbADyabTf60/TYjwBUlH02I/AAAAAAAABV4/OpawquYvi_Q/s320/IMG_9727.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586979243248046946" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>SO BEAUTIFUL!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryu6mQBDlXY/TYjwAxtbyjI/AAAAAAAABVw/bIwMwN0vE5k/s1600/IMG_9699.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryu6mQBDlXY/TYjwAxtbyjI/AAAAAAAABVw/bIwMwN0vE5k/s320/IMG_9699.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586979233887668786" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finley and her cousin Sadie<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-922QQTSaL0I/TYjwAmyRpkI/AAAAAAAABVo/UhzT2_f-qFY/s1600/IMG_9718.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-922QQTSaL0I/TYjwAmyRpkI/AAAAAAAABVo/UhzT2_f-qFY/s320/IMG_9718.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586979230955185730" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Dad and Fin<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEUTVHzyIUc/TYjwAZ-13xI/AAAAAAAABVg/lUFDuiu0JbI/s1600/IMG_9694.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEUTVHzyIUc/TYjwAZ-13xI/AAAAAAAABVg/lUFDuiu0JbI/s320/IMG_9694.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586979227518230290" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mom and Fin have some close up time</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inRkXWiFtrk/TYjwACvDulI/AAAAAAAABVY/DoH-syKC8fA/s1600/IMG_9672.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inRkXWiFtrk/TYjwACvDulI/AAAAAAAABVY/DoH-syKC8fA/s320/IMG_9672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586979221278014034" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-5284273475731959286?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-45881851050825474062011-03-22T11:58:00.002-05:002011-03-22T13:47:09.879-05:00<div>Life is movin' right along. Busy as usual, yet making time to snap some great pics of life as we know it. It has been a big adjustment adding Finley to our life. There is not as much freedom for us to just pick up and go like we were so used to doing. Buuuuuuut, Finley definitely does not keep us from living / experiencing life to the full...</div><div><br /></div><div>Finley is such a 'chill' baby for the most part...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYGxhTSG9EI/TYjVodSKFbI/AAAAAAAABVM/951zhVolKII/s1600/IMG_9762.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYGxhTSG9EI/TYjVodSKFbI/AAAAAAAABVM/951zhVolKII/s320/IMG_9762.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586950228785370546" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Two weekends ago we went to Denton to see my folks and my dad's mom (Finley's great grandmother!!!). She is such a sweet lady. Four generations in this picture...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaV_3sZptVU/TYjVob6jKNI/AAAAAAAABVE/pVOyySE4LoQ/s1600/IMG_9730.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaV_3sZptVU/TYjVob6jKNI/AAAAAAAABVE/pVOyySE4LoQ/s320/IMG_9730.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586950228417915090" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mom and Dad in Hog Heaven!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__rWisOt8GQ/TYjVnvCeVWI/AAAAAAAABU8/uTU0PEtA02o/s1600/IMG_9645.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__rWisOt8GQ/TYjVnvCeVWI/AAAAAAAABU8/uTU0PEtA02o/s320/IMG_9645.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586950216371557730" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of my good buddies Josh McWhorter (he's single, ladies!) was an old YL Leader of mine in CenTex for many years. He is out of the Army and back in Illinois going to school. He came down for his Spring Break to meet his first niece... Josh is such a good friend! We laugh A LOT when we are together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TxNwi1O83A/TYjVnRmO02I/AAAAAAAABU0/ycZnOUDCEhE/s1600/IMG_9637.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TxNwi1O83A/TYjVnRmO02I/AAAAAAAABU0/ycZnOUDCEhE/s320/IMG_9637.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586950208468472674" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Josh is holding Finley while I attempt to clip her nails with a pair of scissors! I am deep in concentration while Josh appears to be a little skeptical... Since Charlie Sheen got kicked off his show, Josh, Finley and I are thinking about filling in for a few episodes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USR8iTBkalE/TYjVnKnqECI/AAAAAAAABUs/6wZb6fIgUgQ/s1600/IMG_9632.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USR8iTBkalE/TYjVnKnqECI/AAAAAAAABUs/6wZb6fIgUgQ/s320/IMG_9632.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586950206595403810" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4588185105082547406?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-73451897733576617502011-03-06T23:41:00.004-06:002011-03-06T23:57:39.337-06:00<div>We made our first roadtrip this weekend back to Killeen, Texas, so that Finley could meet our friends in CenTex as well as see our old neighborhood...</div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed at Taylor's parents' house and got some really great time with some old friends of ours. It was great being back in Central Texas again. It is even better being back home in East Texas after a long weekend of late nights and somewhat early mornings.</div><div>I was the MC for the VLA (Vive Les Arts... the community theater where my mother-in-love works) fundraiser again this year. It was a good time once again!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finley does really well in the car and was a delight to travel with thus far.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below are some pics Taylor took when we got home this evening. I believe that our lil' Finley Claire TRULY is the Most B-E-A-UTIFUL 2 month old on this planet!!! It is without fail when people see her...the first words out of their mouth are, 'Look at all that <b>HAIR</b>!'</div><div><br /></div><div>Only the best, Clark</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKhrF6Z712I/TXRwbfgIpzI/AAAAAAAABUg/Fqzmeo8ZQeA/s1600/IMG_9603.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKhrF6Z712I/TXRwbfgIpzI/AAAAAAAABUg/Fqzmeo8ZQeA/s320/IMG_9603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581209455833950002" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Say what?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkVaIvUQjn4/TXRwbKfyijI/AAAAAAAABUY/O06RAHIdxps/s1600/IMG_9599.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkVaIvUQjn4/TXRwbKfyijI/AAAAAAAABUY/O06RAHIdxps/s320/IMG_9599.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581209450195356210" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>How are my feet so flat?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xd5_H0XGec/TXRwa05nkyI/AAAAAAAABUQ/JC6sR-U7xDc/s1600/IMG_9598.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xd5_H0XGec/TXRwa05nkyI/AAAAAAAABUQ/JC6sR-U7xDc/s320/IMG_9598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581209444398109474" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mommy and Daddy are trying to figure out this whole size deal on my clothes... My outfit is for a 3 month old, yet I can barely get my hands through the sleeves and sleeve holes, but the place for my foot is larger than my entire body! I believe in Sasquatch...and Santa!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAoP6amJ8KU/TXRwa_y2BuI/AAAAAAAABUI/hz_wq-K-XAU/s1600/IMG_9587.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XAoP6amJ8KU/TXRwa_y2BuI/AAAAAAAABUI/hz_wq-K-XAU/s320/IMG_9587.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581209447322486498" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My (other) Brown-Eyed Girl!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuSlP1FJHBI/TXRwauJ6E4I/AAAAAAAABUA/4s2fZKfnKUs/s1600/IMG_9449.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuSlP1FJHBI/TXRwauJ6E4I/AAAAAAAABUA/4s2fZKfnKUs/s320/IMG_9449.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581209442587382658" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finley has started 'talking' a bunch lately. It is so crazy and cute! I love to hear her and Taylor carry on a conversation together.</div><div>While we were in Killeen today, Jensen and Hilary (Taylor's brother and sister-in-love) came up from Austin to meet Finley as did my eldest brother Wayne and his family. Finley had a great time meeting her extended family.</div><div>It won't be long before she meets the rest of the Russell Clan and woo's them with her sweet personality...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7345189773357661750?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-3120554018046381212011-02-19T10:21:00.002-06:002011-02-19T10:50:30.010-06:00<div>Good Morning Everyone!</div><div>We hope you are doing well on this fine Saturday...</div><div><br /></div><div>We wanted you to see a natural digression of a 6 week old and what she is thinking during the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>'I am sooooo pretty. I love this sticker so much. This bow truly is such a wonderful accessory to me and my lifestyle and it complements my outfit so well!'</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEGlcc6QAv4/TV_uqsnXBcI/AAAAAAAABT0/qq415VtDuCE/s1600/IMG_9193.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEGlcc6QAv4/TV_uqsnXBcI/AAAAAAAABT0/qq415VtDuCE/s320/IMG_9193.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575437281006126530" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>'I just farted. This really cute sticker says '1 month,' but I am actually 6 weeks old, but that doesn't bother me. I am not a stickler for details like some... I love my life so much. My mommy and daddy are the BEST! I have the perfect life.'<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uvjo7b3Va0/TV_uqUvRUtI/AAAAAAAABTs/SacHeRuYAq4/s1600/IMG_9194.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uvjo7b3Va0/TV_uqUvRUtI/AAAAAAAABTs/SacHeRuYAq4/s320/IMG_9194.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575437274596856530" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>'HOLD UP? Wait, what is going on? I don't think I like this anymore... What happened to that really comfortable blanket I was laying on? Who set me up against this 'brick'? This thing is NOT comfortable at all! HELP... I can't breathe!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDxevqoVI58/TV_uqSn8CPI/AAAAAAAABTk/gbHjczv-bTU/s1600/IMG_9197.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDxevqoVI58/TV_uqSn8CPI/AAAAAAAABTk/gbHjczv-bTU/s320/IMG_9197.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575437274029230322" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>'YEP, it's official! This sticker on my belly is stupid? Who put this ridiculous thing there and why does it not match? I don't have anything to wear! This 'brick' that I am leaning up against is the most uncomfortable thing that I have ever felt in my entire life! What is in my hair? It's so heavy and it is giving me neck and back pain!'<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jejQjfjw4Pw/TV_uqKYXl2I/AAAAAAAABTc/5gIb53WXZlU/s1600/IMG_9200.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jejQjfjw4Pw/TV_uqKYXl2I/AAAAAAAABTc/5gIb53WXZlU/s320/IMG_9200.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575437271816443746" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>'I HATE YOU! I hate my mommy and daddy (even though daddy didn't have anything to do with any of this, I still hate him!). My life is miserable... My friends' parents aren't this mean. This embroidered shirt is scratching my chest! This is child abuse! Don't make me call CPS. What? You don't think I will? I will be better off in a foster home than living here! Did I mention that I hate you?'<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTx8P87fOk0/TV_upzU5pmI/AAAAAAAABTU/QTWUEpbgH-s/s1600/IMG_9199.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTx8P87fOk0/TV_upzU5pmI/AAAAAAAABTU/QTWUEpbgH-s/s320/IMG_9199.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575437265627883106" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>AAAAAAAAh, the ups and downs of parenting....</div><div>We hope you enjoyed the thought process of our lil' Finley Claire!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-312055401804638121?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-876699355406932872011-02-13T21:20:00.002-06:002011-02-13T21:24:28.753-06:00<div>Don't forget to check out the post below this...</div><div><br /></div><div>Unicorn.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVUzr5CiMLA/TVifxfqP7SI/AAAAAAAABTI/7HbC0DT_YYw/s1600/IMG_9104.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVUzr5CiMLA/TVifxfqP7SI/AAAAAAAABTI/7HbC0DT_YYw/s320/IMG_9104.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573380211532098850" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Up close and personal.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGhIN6UlTbY/TVifxNNdeWI/AAAAAAAABTA/GQO8k1AREQQ/s1600/IMG_9098.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGhIN6UlTbY/TVifxNNdeWI/AAAAAAAABTA/GQO8k1AREQQ/s320/IMG_9098.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573380206579513698" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Bourne (our cat) knows no boundaries.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HftMhf3m9Q/TVifww6cQHI/AAAAAAAABS4/-ziQSGjME6Y/s1600/Tri-Fecta.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HftMhf3m9Q/TVifww6cQHI/AAAAAAAABS4/-ziQSGjME6Y/s320/Tri-Fecta.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573380198983549042" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finley becomes ALIVE on her Changing Table!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxxi2bsVOxo/TVifw-G2X5I/AAAAAAAABSw/9Z0WLUnDARY/s1600/Raise%2Bthe%2BRoof.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxxi2bsVOxo/TVifw-G2X5I/AAAAAAAABSw/9Z0WLUnDARY/s320/Raise%2Bthe%2BRoof.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573380202525253522" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Future Dancer like her mama...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjuPFaXOvII/TVifwvbKysI/AAAAAAAABSo/brb4gnasrAQ/s1600/Future%2BDancer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjuPFaXOvII/TVifwvbKysI/AAAAAAAABSo/brb4gnasrAQ/s320/Future%2BDancer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573380198583945922" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-87669935540693287?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-26450870135611428792011-02-13T21:14:00.002-06:002011-02-13T21:20:00.698-06:00<div>We think our lil' Finley is sooooooooooooo beautiful!</div><div><br /></div><div>Pre-Sneeze...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnBScRkTdfU/TViexZgkkiI/AAAAAAAABSc/7kSKcq4I3XI/s1600/Pre-Sneeze.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnBScRkTdfU/TViexZgkkiI/AAAAAAAABSc/7kSKcq4I3XI/s320/Pre-Sneeze.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573379110369268258" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Perfect.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1q0B-KDFEJw/TViexK5xTGI/AAAAAAAABSU/lWeElLQ8Ers/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1q0B-KDFEJw/TViexK5xTGI/AAAAAAAABSU/lWeElLQ8Ers/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573379106448428130" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What's Funny?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERmFtA9q0hQ/TViewqPu-SI/AAAAAAAABSM/wLvYJJwpExo/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERmFtA9q0hQ/TViewqPu-SI/AAAAAAAABSM/wLvYJJwpExo/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573379097682180386" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am loved...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tjO2WFIid5Y/TViewQAmXlI/AAAAAAAABSE/R-RhGKvGYqA/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tjO2WFIid5Y/TViewQAmXlI/AAAAAAAABSE/R-RhGKvGYqA/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573379090639380050" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Got hair gel?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaEIe90G_8k/TViewJzNV6I/AAAAAAAABR8/8wFkOFthPnc/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaEIe90G_8k/TViewJzNV6I/AAAAAAAABR8/8wFkOFthPnc/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573379088972601250" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-2645087013561142879?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-39712499557377660422011-02-05T16:50:00.002-06:002011-02-05T16:55:41.617-06:00Our hall bathroom looks very similar to our hall bathroom in Killeen...<br /><br />Mad Props to my mom for her idea to spray paint the bathroom shutter doors black. It adds just that 'pop' that we were looking for.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UaJP58FI/AAAAAAAABRs/uO61ayTlKp0/s1600/IMG_9054.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UaJP58FI/AAAAAAAABRs/uO61ayTlKp0/s320/IMG_9054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570341859751489618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We still love this shower curtain...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZ_MjPRI/AAAAAAAABRk/Mt1IJEsFl5g/s1600/IMG_9053.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZ_MjPRI/AAAAAAAABRk/Mt1IJEsFl5g/s320/IMG_9053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570341857053064466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is our Guest Bedroom that Taylor and her mom revamped so awesomely!<br />Grandma Nida (Taylor's G-Ma) made us that quilt when we got married and it is a joy to put it on display for all to see...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZmEAvzI/AAAAAAAABRc/iz7rL0HTVLQ/s1600/IMG_9051.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZmEAvzI/AAAAAAAABRc/iz7rL0HTVLQ/s320/IMG_9051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570341850306363186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Nice day to have the shutters open!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZl4BnjI/AAAAAAAABRU/Mo14sCLgOOY/s1600/IMG_9050.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZl4BnjI/AAAAAAAABRU/Mo14sCLgOOY/s320/IMG_9050.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570341850256088626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That white pillow has FRU-FRU written ALL over it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZQ02MlI/AAAAAAAABRM/DIDmKlTzOxE/s1600/IMG_9049.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3UZQ02MlI/AAAAAAAABRM/DIDmKlTzOxE/s320/IMG_9049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570341844605612626" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3971249955737766042?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-62817667371573993092011-02-05T16:42:00.003-06:002011-02-05T16:49:49.576-06:00Below are some pics of the Master Bedroom... I didn't clean up our laundry before I took the pics, so deal with it! Taylor and I walked to Chick-Fil-A this afternoon with Finley. It is so great living close to things that we can walk to!<br /><br />Then we went and visited one of our neighbors for 45 minutes that live four doors down. We hope to become good friends with them...<br /><br />Bourne and Bauer enjoy the sun screamin' in the front door!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SuYQk_nI/AAAAAAAABRA/_NH5b3RkIFo/s1600/IMG_9055.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SuYQk_nI/AAAAAAAABRA/_NH5b3RkIFo/s320/IMG_9055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570340008354971250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From the vanity looking into bedroom...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SuK4Ds2I/AAAAAAAABQ4/vOsE_pdCpOQ/s1600/IMG_9047.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SuK4Ds2I/AAAAAAAABQ4/vOsE_pdCpOQ/s320/IMG_9047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570340004762465122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From Tay's dresser to hall... there is a small brown leather chair to the right.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SthVMnhI/AAAAAAAABQw/apKCG5Xv0sc/s1600/IMG_9046.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SthVMnhI/AAAAAAAABQw/apKCG5Xv0sc/s320/IMG_9046.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570339993610395154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />View from door to dresser. Sorry for the darkness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3StfhuNCI/AAAAAAAABQo/zm1RLOn6Otg/s1600/IMG_9045.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3StfhuNCI/AAAAAAAABQo/zm1RLOn6Otg/s320/IMG_9045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570339993126056994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />View from living room into the entryway...out the front door.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SreQ-7AI/AAAAAAAABQg/gmOCONpIRUA/s1600/IMG_9043.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TU3SreQ-7AI/AAAAAAAABQg/gmOCONpIRUA/s320/IMG_9043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570339958427675650" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6281766737157399309?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-8265187152079108232011-02-04T12:07:00.002-06:002011-02-04T12:18:12.280-06:00<div>Pink has become the primary color around our household these days...</div><div><br /></div><div>Finley enjoys a bath in her new bathtub!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByyHbojI/AAAAAAAABQU/s6KOWTjo64I/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByyHbojI/AAAAAAAABQU/s6KOWTjo64I/s320/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569899179852669490" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Whatchu lookin' at Willis?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByjMPXLI/AAAAAAAABQM/sZ_3YACXRzo/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByjMPXLI/AAAAAAAABQM/sZ_3YACXRzo/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569899175846304946" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Got more Chins than a Chinese phonebook!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByepzHOI/AAAAAAAABQE/BmxE5tXjEqM/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByepzHOI/AAAAAAAABQE/BmxE5tXjEqM/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569899174628105442" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mom and Bourne help give Finley a bath. We are so glad to have Bourne and Bauer back in our company. My mom and dad had them for 3 months during our last transition before this home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByfoWa9I/AAAAAAAABP8/4Rc-Z0HOJHQ/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUxByfoWa9I/AAAAAAAABP8/4Rc-Z0HOJHQ/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569899174890466258" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We hope y'all are keeping warm wherever y'all are!</div><div>Enjoy your weekend...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-826518715207910823?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-63444338066839652902011-02-04T11:54:00.003-06:002011-02-04T12:07:30.245-06:00<div>I woke up last night around midnight and there was snow already on the ground.</div><div>My folks have had snow and ice since Tuesday and have been out of school for four days, but we had not been touched by any of it...until now.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is such a light and fluffy snow! Absolutely Beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am still parking in the driveway until we can make room in the garage for my truck.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9pVoG3KI/AAAAAAAABPw/VdOZvmAVS_k/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9pVoG3KI/AAAAAAAABPw/VdOZvmAVS_k/s320/5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569894619539758242" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We have a detached garage with a little walkway connecting the two. We enjoy our sitting area betwixt the two although I have only used it once.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9pLvqgpI/AAAAAAAABPo/hvLaJE4t1ek/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9pLvqgpI/AAAAAAAABPo/hvLaJE4t1ek/s320/4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569894616887100050" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's the perfect snow...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9o-JOwNI/AAAAAAAABPg/pSovJwKotJQ/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9o-JOwNI/AAAAAAAABPg/pSovJwKotJQ/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569894613236236498" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>600 Bentley Court<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9ot8AFVI/AAAAAAAABPY/qgIGF8bVktg/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9ot8AFVI/AAAAAAAABPY/qgIGF8bVktg/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569894608885781842" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We LOVE the Tall Pines in our yard! This ain't Central Texas, that's for sure...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9oZTds7I/AAAAAAAABPQ/hVvDsbsYCFk/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUw9oZTds7I/AAAAAAAABPQ/hVvDsbsYCFk/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569894603347047346" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6344433806683965290?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-32740675894885320962011-02-03T22:22:00.003-06:002011-02-03T22:29:20.544-06:00<div>Finley spends a lot of time on her back in her crib or swing or just chillin' on our chests... So we thought that it was a good time for her to begin 'Tummy Time' so that she doesn't widdle off all that black hair from the back of her head!</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Put down for Tummy Time and she is ........ OUT!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_fqdBnrI/AAAAAAAABPE/4xqP0NqinXo/s1600/IMG_9008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_fqdBnrI/AAAAAAAABPE/4xqP0NqinXo/s320/IMG_9008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569685546122452658" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>SO CUTE!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_ffMY8qI/AAAAAAAABO8/9qSqRPbZLFY/s1600/IMG_9007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_ffMY8qI/AAAAAAAABO8/9qSqRPbZLFY/s320/IMG_9007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569685543099888290" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Can I get a 'What What'?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_fQIz2sI/AAAAAAAABO0/CbncG25_ILM/s1600/IMG_9003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_fQIz2sI/AAAAAAAABO0/CbncG25_ILM/s320/IMG_9003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569685539058342594" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I looked at myself in the mirror and passed Flat Out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_ehbi4XI/AAAAAAAABOs/jhsce_9fdRg/s1600/IMG_8992.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_ehbi4XI/AAAAAAAABOs/jhsce_9fdRg/s320/IMG_8992.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569685526520455538" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lions, Tigers and Bears OH MY...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_eZsoVjI/AAAAAAAABOk/pEYhyst_O1I/s1600/IMG_8993.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt_eZsoVjI/AAAAAAAABOk/pEYhyst_O1I/s320/IMG_8993.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569685524444632626" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3274067589488532096?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-63951846065557809462011-02-03T21:59:00.003-06:002011-02-03T22:22:16.686-06:00<div>The home is coming together... We are super excited to finally have almost everything hung on the walls and things are about put in the their place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our garage is still full of stuff and that won't change until we get rid of lots of furniture. We have furniture for three living areas (like our old house). Our new home only has one living area, but we feel like it is more cozy that the last one.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made our first fire this evening. It has been super cold here lately.</div><div>We had 15 high schoolers over for some pizza and hang out time.</div><div>Tonight was our very first time to host people in our home!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6a4_773I/AAAAAAAABOY/xbB-hWLBmgg/s1600/IMG_9013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6a4_773I/AAAAAAAABOY/xbB-hWLBmgg/s320/IMG_9013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679966569492338" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>View from living room into entryway...</div><div>Cross wall with a new entryway table and one of Grandma Ella's paintings. We have two more, but not sure where we want to hang them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6asI_YDI/AAAAAAAABOQ/uRERpQ9L3DE/s1600/IMG_9012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6asI_YDI/AAAAAAAABOQ/uRERpQ9L3DE/s320/IMG_9012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679963117805618" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>View from living room into dining room. We put a 'leaf' into the table so that it would fill the room better. We still have one more 'leaf' but it is too long if we add it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6aSiTNzI/AAAAAAAABOI/apo_lQNk_lo/s1600/IMG_9011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6aSiTNzI/AAAAAAAABOI/apo_lQNk_lo/s320/IMG_9011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679956244641586" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>View from dining room into living room. Our tv was given to us a few months ago. We still will not purchase 'cable' or satellite. It is solely for watching movies and such. The lamp to the left of the tv was bought for us by Taylor's mom. It is a really nice and cool lamp. </div><div>We are still looking for some sort of round end table to put in betwixt the two couches. When that happens, we will add a lamp to the table.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6aCK1g4I/AAAAAAAABOA/tDfjIg4wo-I/s1600/IMG_9010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6aCK1g4I/AAAAAAAABOA/tDfjIg4wo-I/s320/IMG_9010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679951851258754" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another view from dining room. We really love the 'open' floor plan and vaulted ceiling in the living room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6Z8H-SPI/AAAAAAAABN4/kmYUw4iQP6s/s1600/IMG_9009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUt6Z8H-SPI/AAAAAAAABN4/kmYUw4iQP6s/s320/IMG_9009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679950228637938" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Bedroom pictures to follow...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6395184606555780946?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-76253691149786430362011-01-31T23:02:00.002-06:002011-01-31T23:13:37.465-06:00<div>Life is full of beautiful moments with our daughter...</div><div>Super crazy and insane and many times overwhelming, but such a gift!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to remember life without Finley Claire.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sleeping Beauty</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUW5-U8wI/AAAAAAAABNo/1BQyvRayXaM/s1600/Sleepin%2527%2BBeauty.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUW5-U8wI/AAAAAAAABNo/1BQyvRayXaM/s320/Sleepin%2527%2BBeauty.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568582585507181314" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Say WHAT?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUWpGIhbI/AAAAAAAABNg/P7vB21x3ykc/s1600/Say%2BWhat%253F.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUWpGIhbI/AAAAAAAABNg/P7vB21x3ykc/s320/Say%2BWhat%253F.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568582580976518578" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nappin' with Daddy<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUWOKk2TI/AAAAAAAABNY/sUSWcrOhmiM/s1600/Nappin%2527%2Bwith%2BDad.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUWOKk2TI/AAAAAAAABNY/sUSWcrOhmiM/s320/Nappin%2527%2Bwith%2BDad.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568582573747394866" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>First taste of a Pacifier<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUVwxSlTI/AAAAAAAABNQ/lZfHFdd5RvM/s1600/Got%2BPaci%253F.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUVwxSlTI/AAAAAAAABNQ/lZfHFdd5RvM/s320/Got%2BPaci%253F.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568582565856711986" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I already love to smile<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUVpwbrhI/AAAAAAAABNI/Q8lDctwT3r0/s1600/all%2BSmiles.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TUeUVpwbrhI/AAAAAAAABNI/Q8lDctwT3r0/s320/all%2BSmiles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568582563974065682" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7625369114978643036?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-75418508230589888332011-01-22T19:58:00.003-06:002011-01-22T20:13:48.661-06:00<div>For one week we prepped the house to get it ready for the arrival of our own furniture as well as US! We are soooooooo thankful to be in our own home.<div><br /></div><div>Last night we slept in our own bed after 7 months! Oh Man, it felt SOOOOO good to be in our own bed. What is it about one's 'own' bed that just makes life better?</div><div><br /></div><div>We have all of our stuff 'on site', but most if it is still in boxes. My folks (and hopefully Tami!) are coming on Sunday (tomorrow) and staying through Wednesday morning to help clean cabinets, disinfect everything (gotta love the 409) and line shelves. Then we get to begin the unpacking process...</div><div><br /></div><div>I am loving the amount of storage space I have in the garage. We have a lot less closet space in our Master Bedroom, so we are having to cull clothes, hats, shoes (Tay's NOT excited about this one!) and some of about everything else. But it is just nice to be somewhat settled. This has been one heck of a month, but it is almost over. We will be so glad when our things are hanging on the wall and everything is put in its place. Soon. Soon. Soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the pics pre during our painting process and pre furniture arrival...</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Fin's room with crib and some baby belongings. We also put a dresser, night stand and a rocker in this room.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM-DAjihI/AAAAAAAABM8/F6EK366u3wc/s1600/IMG_8770.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM-DAjihI/AAAAAAAABM8/F6EK366u3wc/s320/IMG_8770.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565196762133793298" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We loved our RED bedroom so much in Killeen that we went with the same red in our new home! It has an 'open vanity' which I was not jazzed about, but am learning to enjoy. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM91ju4FI/AAAAAAAABM0/wWLJAAWeLo8/s1600/IMG_8765.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM91ju4FI/AAAAAAAABM0/wWLJAAWeLo8/s320/IMG_8765.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565196758523240530" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also loved our GREEN living room and dining room in Killeen that we went with (what I thought was the same green! Turns our I was wrong, but we all love this new color... Guacamole is the name of the color!).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM9sAsciI/AAAAAAAABMs/OULn6l7aZ0g/s1600/IMG_8763.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM9sAsciI/AAAAAAAABMs/OULn6l7aZ0g/s320/IMG_8763.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565196755960361506" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We love the big living room that opens up into the kitchen, dining room, wet bar (Hello!), foyer and hallway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM9JePy4I/AAAAAAAABMk/XtKx-A6gBVk/s1600/IMG_8759.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM9JePy4I/AAAAAAAABMk/XtKx-A6gBVk/s320/IMG_8759.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565196746689072002" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Kitchen. This is one of the rooms we did not paint. We also did not paint Fin's room or our bathroom vanity area. Not sure what we want to do in these rooms. It is amazing how paint can change the appearance of a room!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM84yHC0I/AAAAAAAABMc/tkGiyFbUYYI/s1600/IMG_8758.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuM84yHC0I/AAAAAAAABMc/tkGiyFbUYYI/s320/IMG_8758.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565196742208981826" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We are very happy with how everything has turned out so far. Buyer a pre-owned home is certainly a project and the 'honey-do' list is long. It's a good thing I am on my sabbatical this summer to hopefully get some more of that 'list' knocked out...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7541850823058988833?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-1073934887311487462011-01-22T19:54:00.003-06:002011-01-22T19:57:53.630-06:00<div>Livin' The Dream</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKqKnyVCI/AAAAAAAABMQ/TD2zICQ6PCQ/s1600/IMG_8754.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKqKnyVCI/AAAAAAAABMQ/TD2zICQ6PCQ/s320/IMG_8754.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565194221556749346" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>OH how I love to LAUGH<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKp9W3scI/AAAAAAAABMI/N67N0h0blso/s1600/IMG_8746.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKp9W3scI/AAAAAAAABMI/N67N0h0blso/s320/IMG_8746.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565194217996136898" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Besides next to mommy, this is my favorite place to chill out<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKpl1V-oI/AAAAAAAABMA/bpiqyrko1sw/s1600/IMG_8742.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKpl1V-oI/AAAAAAAABMA/bpiqyrko1sw/s320/IMG_8742.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565194211681499778" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love me some pink<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKptJ1mJI/AAAAAAAABL4/prhbN0AdB8M/s1600/IMG_8739.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKptJ1mJI/AAAAAAAABL4/prhbN0AdB8M/s320/IMG_8739.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565194213646506130" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Posing like a model<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKo2dfKNI/AAAAAAAABLw/iWBaJdT0-pY/s1600/IMG_8724.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuKo2dfKNI/AAAAAAAABLw/iWBaJdT0-pY/s320/IMG_8724.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565194198964971730" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-107393488731148746?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-23937701375281742522011-01-22T19:47:00.002-06:002011-01-22T19:53:41.413-06:00<div>Welp, we are in like Flinn!</div><div>We are in our new home and we have internet access...</div><div><br /></div><div>So, without further blah, blah, blah, here's what y'all have been waiting for:</div><div><br /></div><div>Sleeping Beauty</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJRKPgkxI/AAAAAAAABLk/YQylzQXqjNs/s1600/IMG_8723.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJRKPgkxI/AAAAAAAABLk/YQylzQXqjNs/s320/IMG_8723.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565192692446565138" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Got Birth Mark?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQxvn9aI/AAAAAAAABLc/3SkYPpuVZVA/s1600/IMG_8719.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQxvn9aI/AAAAAAAABLc/3SkYPpuVZVA/s320/IMG_8719.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565192685870380450" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love me some camera like my daddy<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQv8bl5I/AAAAAAAABLU/H01D0vntONM/s1600/IMG_8715.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQv8bl5I/AAAAAAAABLU/H01D0vntONM/s320/IMG_8715.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565192685387224978" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chillin' like a Villian<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQbG9nEI/AAAAAAAABLM/P2wu5EkjVJE/s1600/IMG_8709.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQbG9nEI/AAAAAAAABLM/P2wu5EkjVJE/s320/IMG_8709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565192679794252866" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Got booger?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQNq--9I/AAAAAAAABLE/kG_eL9nksF0/s1600/IMG_8708.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TTuJQNq--9I/AAAAAAAABLE/kG_eL9nksF0/s320/IMG_8708.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565192676187241426" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-2393770137528174252?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-36634362752401937302011-01-18T19:50:00.003-06:002011-01-18T20:54:03.169-06:00Welp, our world has been on a Whirlwind Tour since the summer, but especially the past two weeks...<br />Here's the skinny from my (Johnny) perspective:<br /><strong>Tuesday</strong>, January 4 - we sold our home in Killeen<br /><strong>Thursday</strong>, January 6 - Finley Claire was born<br /><strong>Friday</strong>, January 7 - Mother in laws car breaks down in the exit driveway at the hospital and I take care of all of that with a wrecker and mechanic<br /><strong>Saturday</strong>, January 8 - Finally get to go home from the hospital which is sweet!<br /><strong>Monday</strong> - First appointment at Pediatrician (whom we love by the way! He reminds us of Patch Adams...) and Taylor picks up a 'bug' at the office.<br />Jason and Hallie Wallace bring us dinner!<br />Monday at 6 p.m. - The Mayhem begins. Taylor starts throwing up and more and this 'bug' is OWNING HER. She also has a 100.6 degree temperature and her milk is 'coming in' ... which no one warned us what that even looks like or even FEELS like! I'm on the phone with the Baby Hotline wondering what in the h*ll is happening to my wife! We barely make it through the night and everyone is still alive on Tuesday.<br /><strong>Tuesday</strong> - Tay is recovering from the 'bug' and I am being Mr. Mom.<br /><strong>Tuesday</strong> - 4 p.m. - The 'bug' GETS UP IN ME! That thing OWNS ME as well. I tell you what, it is a humble posture when one is hunkered down over a turdlet just letting one's body convulse to get the foreign object out of there! Every time that I would 'hurl', I would say out loud... 'Jesus, please let this pass quickly!'<br /><strong>Tuesday</strong> - 5 p.m. - The Title Company shows up at our current living place to close on our Tyler Home and we CLOSE on a home in TYLER! So exciting. They leave and I head right back into the bathroom to talk to Jesus some more.<br /><strong>Friday</strong> - Taylor's family is back in town and I go to our new house to begin work. I clean for 3 hours that night.<br /><strong>Saturday</strong> - Taylor's mom and I paint and work around new house from 8:30 - 5:30.<br /><strong>Sunday</strong> - Back at new house working all day.<br /><strong>Monday</strong> - My father arrives and we work all day. I drop waaaaaaay toooo much cash at Lowe's on home repairs. <br /><strong>Today</strong> - Same thing at house and same thing at Lowe's. The popcorn removal guys and the carpet cleaning guys came to the house and began work.<br /><br />Somewhere in there the Smith's brought us dinner as did the Heaton's and Rogers'. Tomorrow the Osteen's are bringing us a 'surprise dinner!' We are sooooo thankful for our awesome friends and their great support...<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong> - our Furniture will arrive!!! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...<br />A guy will also be installing window blinds (he is known as <u>The Blind Man</u> as had a dude with a 'walking stick' on the side of his van... pretty funny. I chuckled when I saw it.) this day.<br />This is the same day as Finley's 2 week baby appointment. Not gonna lie, I'm a lil' gun shy of gettin' another 'bug' from that office!<br /><br />Oh Yeah, I am also taking a Seminary Class with homework do every Sunday. Had to read 150 pages last week and write a 2 page reflection as well as answer some questions at the end of a chapter. Gotta do the same thing this week. Homework due on Sunday...<br /><br />We also start up Young Life on Monday and then we are off and out of the gate for another few months of fantastic incarnational ministry with our high school friends...<br />Thank You Jesus for allowing us to do what we do!<br /><br />We are blessed to have a place in Tyler, Texas, to call our Own in which to lay our heads...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3663436275240193730?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-30500026329264542762011-01-07T14:25:00.003-06:002011-01-07T14:37:47.090-06:00<div>'That baby needs to be on a Gerber commercial!' says Precious, our hospital room cleaner!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever seen such hair from a newborn?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3Rj70_-I/AAAAAAAABK4/GUaahw5cLIE/s1600/IMG_8598.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3Rj70_-I/AAAAAAAABK4/GUaahw5cLIE/s320/IMG_8598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559543408599826402" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chillin' with mama...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3RBgQDcI/AAAAAAAABKw/J6fa9c4LzFQ/s1600/IMG_8597.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3RBgQDcI/AAAAAAAABKw/J6fa9c4LzFQ/s320/IMG_8597.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559543399357353410" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mama smiles big with baby Fin...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3RMAjKNI/AAAAAAAABKo/MgIXx4lY2cM/s1600/IMG_8600.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3RMAjKNI/AAAAAAAABKo/MgIXx4lY2cM/s320/IMG_8600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559543402177177810" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sleepin' Beauty...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3QrsHdxI/AAAAAAAABKg/PNovOZ125Cs/s1600/IMG_8594.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3QrsHdxI/AAAAAAAABKg/PNovOZ125Cs/s320/IMG_8594.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559543393501542162" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finley gets her very pampering... She IS just like Taylor!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3QSW79GI/AAAAAAAABKY/JHLAKLrRnTw/s1600/IMG_8590.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSd3QSW79GI/AAAAAAAABKY/JHLAKLrRnTw/s320/IMG_8590.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559543386701821026" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We hope to check out of the hospital around 2 p.m. tomorrow and head to the farm. We are really ready to be at a home and in our own place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you enjoy the pics...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3050002632926454276?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-3198404247158221072011-01-06T20:27:00.003-06:002011-01-06T20:50:49.531-06:00<div>Today was an amazing day!<div>Taylor and I checked into the hospital yesterday evening at 5 and began the admittance procedures... One thing we noticed right off the bat is how friendly and helpful all of the staff were at ETMC. So joyful. So willing to help. So knowledgeable. Such a blessing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyhow, Tay was up about every 20 minutes going to the restroom and that made for a very unrestful evening for the both of us.</div><div>The nurses came in fairly early to get this party started and boy did it get started!</div><div>Taylor had been dialated to a 1 for the past month and this morning was no different. But this day went surprisingly quick.</div><div>One minute Taylor was a 1, then the next a 4. The nurses were blown away. Taylor's body was doing its job. Then in just one short hour, Tay jumped from a 4 to COMPLETELY DIALATED! We could not believe it...</div><div><br /></div><div>The doctor showed up during her lunch hour and about 90 minutes later, our beloved Finley Claire entered this world at 1:41 p.m on Thursday, January 6, 2011 weighing in at a whoppin' 7 pounds 3 ounces and measuring a solid 20 inches!</div><div><br /></div><div>Taylor was an amazing Trooper and did such an amazing job! I am so very proud of her and her perseverance and endurance throughout this whole adventure...</div><div><br /></div><div>Below are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.</div><div>Please help us welcome Finley Claire into this wild world!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Finley's brand new head band from Haute Totz (a baby boutique in Tyler) from GiGi Young.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ95RJ0DHI/AAAAAAAABKM/ATJWrDW1-SA/s1600/IMG_8588.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ95RJ0DHI/AAAAAAAABKM/ATJWrDW1-SA/s320/IMG_8588.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559269212846034034" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ95RJ0DHI/AAAAAAAABKM/ATJWrDW1-SA/s1600/IMG_8588.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Grandma and Grandpa Russell enjoy Finley for the first time...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ95EgcsKI/AAAAAAAABKE/QSAKrHtFLmo/s1600/IMG_8579.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ95EgcsKI/AAAAAAAABKE/QSAKrHtFLmo/s320/IMG_8579.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559269209451311266" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My first few minutes alive in this world...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ95LVMI8I/AAAAAAAABJ8/bAA9T1pJfLU/s1600/IMG_8572.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ95LVMI8I/AAAAAAAABJ8/bAA9T1pJfLU/s320/IMG_8572.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559269211283137474" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What happened to that warm sack of water that I've been living in for the past 10 months and can someone please get me my Hair Brush?</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ9414xzHI/AAAAAAAABJ0/XS1Kdfq0koE/s1600/IMG_8566.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ9414xzHI/AAAAAAAABJ0/XS1Kdfq0koE/s320/IMG_8566.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559269205526826098" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mom and Dad admire their baby girl in a way that they never knew existed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ94j_pQMI/AAAAAAAABJs/pjWMsxvmS8Q/s1600/IMG_8562.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TSZ94j_pQMI/AAAAAAAABJs/pjWMsxvmS8Q/s320/IMG_8562.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559269200723787970" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There it is! We hope you enjoyed our first blog as parents...</div><div>There will obviously be many more days to come and we hope that you will watch out baby girl grow up with us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Peace.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-319840424715822107?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-46722899427704746702011-01-05T15:30:00.002-06:002011-01-05T15:42:45.902-06:00Today's my last day to ever leave the Young Life Office and not be a Father.<br />Today's my last day to ever drive Taco (my truck) and not be a Dad.<br />Today's my last day as a created being to ever live on this planet and not have a child.<br /><br />Today Taylor and I check into the hospital at 5 this evening to begin our time before induction begins tomorrow morning. We are both extremely excited and nervous all at the same time.<br /><br />'They' say that our lives are about to CHANGE! My bet is that 'they' are right...<br />We shall see. We have much excitement and anticipation to meet our lil' one in the very near future!<br /><br />We will spend this night at the hospital and then tomorrow is 'Go Time!' We will begin induction in the morning and our lil' bambino will enter this fallen world when he / she desires.<br /><br />I have begun praying great and mighty prayers for our lil' baby already.<br />I am praying that he / she grows up to be a Mighty Warrior for the Father!<br />I am praying that he / she chases after things in this life that actually matter rather than the wind!<br />I am praying that he / she knows the Father at a really young age and walks with Him the rest of their days!<br />I am praying that he / she is obedient to the Father and craves wisdom and knowledge that surpasses all understanding!<br />I am praying that he / she lives with an eternal perspective and loves God's Creation really well!<br />I am praying that he / she would bring the Father Great Joy!<br /><br />Today is my last day to pray for our unborn child... <br />Tomorrow I will begin speaking love, grace, truth and mercy into his / her life face to face!<br /><br />To Him be the glory...<br />jdr<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4672289942770474670?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-7243561413382193562011-01-04T16:49:00.004-06:002011-01-04T17:30:48.456-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights: </strong>(GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>1 day shy of 41 weeks<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Size: </strong>over 20 inches long and nearing 8 pounds<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss: </strong>gained another 2 pounds this past week for a total of 40 pounds<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Best moment this week: </strong>We signed the papers yesterday and the official closing of our home in Killeen was today!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>Baby is still moving around, though it seems less and less, as the baby takes up more and more room. Our sonogram tech wanted to take 3 pictures / videos of movement of our baby this morning and GB was not quite coorperating. But it was neat to see when Johnny would talk to the baby to get him / her moving, GB started 'breathing'. I don't think I realized that the baby only 'practices breathing' (to get the lungs ready for life outside) in the womb whenever they want to since they rely on mama for this.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>CFA and ice cream; I am planning on eating well over the next day since the last time I can eat will be at midnight tomorrow until after the baby is here. Bring on the ice chips!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>Still waking up for about 1-3 hours in the middle of the night. I took a shower at 4 AM this morning to get me relaxed after my mid morning snack and then went back to bed - that's been typical over the last few weeks.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Meeting our little boy or girl on Thursday!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>feeling pretty good and getting more excited now that the date is set and the end is near<br /><br /><strong>UPDATE -</strong><br />Just wanted to give everyone an update from our appointment this morning. We had a sonogram and everything looked great - baby movement, size, fluid level, etc.<br /><br />We continue on with our original plans and will be checking in to the hospital about this time tomorrow evening. Since my body is not progressing on its own, (still only dilated to a 1) they will put a gel on my cervix tomorrow evening and then start the pitocin drip on Thursday, January 6 - the day baby will arrive!<br /><br />I do feel much more confident in getting induced rather than waiting another complete week - thanks doc!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-724356141338219356?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-45937636001546158542011-01-01T12:11:00.003-06:002011-01-02T04:02:59.815-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>40 weeks - we have officially passed our due date of December 31 - looks like we will be having a 2011 baby.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>small pumpkin<br /><br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>about 7 1/2 pounds and 2o inches long - although our doctor is estimating GB is between 6 1/2 - 7 pounds at this point.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong>GB's skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal - the reason why some babies look a little 'cone-headish' after birth<br /><br /><br /><strong>40 Week Appointment Update: </strong>We had another appointment this past Tuesday - no changes, still dilated to a 1 and about 50% effaced.<br /><br />We are scheduled to be induced on Thursday, January 6 (but actually checking in to the hospital the evening before to start the process). Now that we are past my due date, I have been a little hesitant about getting 'induced'. Part of me would like to give GB more time to come on his / her own. When our doctor gave us the option of a January 6 or January 12 induction date, I was quick to choose the earliest, anticipating GB would come on or around our due date, which still could very well take place, pretty please.<br /><br />We do have an appointment / sonogram scheduled for this Tuesday and I am praying for clarity / wisdom on what to do. Obviously, for health concerns if the baby needs to come on the 6th and hasn't yet, I would like to move forward, but if there is no serious concern and the date of January 12 is still available, we may be pushing our induction date back to give GB more time to come naturally, although I realize there is no guarantee that GB will ever come on its own. It seems that your first ones could stay in your womb forever if they could have it their way. ;)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss:</strong> for the very first time in the history of this pregnancy no weight gain this week! Total gain - 38 pounds<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best moment this week: </strong>We have a contract on a home here in Tyler and are moving forward. This decision / potential closing / move in date is also effecting the decision on figuring out when is the best time for GB to come if he / she doesn't get here on its own. The plan as of now is to close on the 11th with potential move in on the 16th. Lots of big transitions going on altogether for us right now!! Please pray for us - I see my emotions going all over the map in the near future.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>still moving away - seems to be most active during the afternoon and early evening hours.<br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>My appetite seems to be on the increase over the last few weeks. I'm not sure if that's normal or if I am just eating out of boredom, waiting on the baby to get here. For a while, I was eating smaller portions and filling up quickly, but it doesn't seem so now. Maybe now with GB 'dropping' I have more room to fill my stomach :)<br /><br />ice cream on a wafer cone, fruit, salad, pasta are some of my faves these days<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>my sleep patterns have not changed much, although I have been getting some catnaps in during the day. I've been walking about 3 miles per day this week, hoping to get some things 'moving' and that seems to have given me some more energy.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Meeting our baby and getting settled in our very own home after months of transition and temporary places.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>the swelling in my feet did seem to be less, however, since I started passionately walking about 3 miles a day as we approached our due date, it seems my feet have been more swollen. I have been pretty sore and achy from all of the walking this week as well.<br /><br />I also tried going without zofran this week, I was fine for one day, but the next, I threw up - man, I sure have NOT missed those days. So I will continue to press on taking zofran through the very end.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4593763600154615854?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-82323712526679157772010-12-29T21:55:00.002-06:002010-12-29T22:00:20.003-06:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRwDtfOznCI/AAAAAAAABJg/xubiPFfwYs4/s1600/39%2Bweeks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556320120280947746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRwDtfOznCI/AAAAAAAABJg/xubiPFfwYs4/s320/39%2Bweeks.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRwDtTpozuI/AAAAAAAABJY/l8ukxIE1_JU/s1600/39%2Bweeks%2B4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556320117172260578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRwDtTpozuI/AAAAAAAABJY/l8ukxIE1_JU/s320/39%2Bweeks%2B4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRwDb2Z64nI/AAAAAAAABJQ/RIs7x9mFhL8/s1600/39%2Bweeks%2B6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556319817263932018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRwDb2Z64nI/AAAAAAAABJQ/RIs7x9mFhL8/s320/39%2Bweeks%2B6.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8232371252667915777?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-18429483054426094342010-12-23T16:10:00.003-06:002010-12-28T19:32:18.259-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>39 weeks<br /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>a mini watermelon<br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>about 20 inches long and weighs a little over 7 pounds<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong>GB is waiting to greet the world!<br />* continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth<br />* outer layers of skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath<br /><br /><br />39 Week Appointment Update:<br />There has been no change in effacing or dilating this past week - still remain at a 1 and about 50% effaced. Baby seems to have dropped lower now. I was really hoping the 'full moon' on Deember 21 would get something going, but it did not.<br /><br />We also chose an induction date of Thursday, January 6 - if and only if necessary. Praying GB will come on his / her own on or at least very near my due date.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss: </strong>3 pounds in 1 week! Of course, I had to ask if the scale was broken. It wasn't, but there is a reason - thank you swollen feet - total gain 38 pounds.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week: </strong>Johnny and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary on December 22.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>lots of strong movements - it's fun to see and feel hard parts of my stomach from time to time, not sure if they are elbows or knees.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>Christmas goodies!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>I am starting my maternity leave next week (from my part time job at home) and hoping to get caught up on some sleep during the week.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Spending this coming weekend with my family and getting my hospital bag packed - it still feels so surreal.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>I am finally experiencing the consistent 'swelling' in my feet and the scale proves this to be true. I can't really complain since I am right at the end. My doctor informed me it will get worse before it gets better - Yippee!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1842948305442609434?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-57074045971104670742010-12-22T19:39:00.005-06:002010-12-22T19:53:47.406-06:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKqRbOqcZI/AAAAAAAABJA/iuk5zVonjkQ/s1600/37%2Bwks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553688506845000082" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKqRbOqcZI/AAAAAAAABJA/iuk5zVonjkQ/s320/37%2Bwks.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKqRMhe96I/AAAAAAAABI4/laDofvICorg/s1600/37%2Bwks%2B-%2B2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553688502897407906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKqRMhe96I/AAAAAAAABI4/laDofvICorg/s320/37%2Bwks%2B-%2B2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKpsfBMUoI/AAAAAAAABIw/Cammtdvwmg8/s1600/37%2Bwks%2B-%2B9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553687872207082114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKpsfBMUoI/AAAAAAAABIw/Cammtdvwmg8/s320/37%2Bwks%2B-%2B9.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKpbA-J8tI/AAAAAAAABIo/bibxxkRQCIU/s1600/37%2Bwks%2B-%2B5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553687572083503826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TRKpbA-J8tI/AAAAAAAABIo/bibxxkRQCIU/s320/37%2Bwks%2B-%2B5.jpg" /></a><br />Although a couple weeks late (officially 39 weeks today), we wanted to document them for our records. Check back for 39 week belly pics and the weekly pregnancy update coming soon :)<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-5707404597110467074?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-70371278571563811692010-12-18T20:17:00.002-06:002010-12-18T21:06:41.750-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights: </strong>(GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>38 weeks - will be posting 37 and 38 week belly pics soon, I know I've said that every week now. The 37 week pictures are on Johnny's computer...<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>Leek<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Size: </strong>about 6.8 pounds and over 19 1/2 inches long<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong><br /><strong>* </strong>baby has really plumped out<br />* baby has a firm grasp and its organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb<br /><br />38 Week Appointment Update:<br />I had my 38 week appointment this past Thursday - I am still about 50% effaced, but I have dilated to a 1! We will be deciding on an induce date next week (which will be any date past my due date, Dec 31), IF and ONLY if GB has not come on its own. My OB/GYN does not desire to go any more than 7 days past my due date. We also cannot induce on a holiday or a weekend, so that leaves January 3 - 7 for an induction date, if we go that long. We shall see if GB will be here this year or next...<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss: </strong>1 more pound, for a total of 35 pounds - I'm thankful it wasn't any more since I've eaten lots of sweets this past week!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Best moment this week: </strong>December 15 has come and gone! This was the end of the 'option period' for our home buyers to back out...and we continue to move forward.<br /><br />I couldn't ask for better in-laws - Johnny's folks headed to Killeen on Friday and spent all of today packing up our ENTIRE house. We are so grateful for them and their hard work. The movers come on Tuesday next week and all of our things will be going into storage until we find our place here in Tyler.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>movements feel stronger and stronger these days - sometimes it even tickles.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>I've been eating lots of salads and fruit these days...along with sweets and ice cream<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>Not much has changed here - still waking up every couple of hours for the bathroom and becoming wired for a couple of hours in the wee morning hours. All in preparation for the baby I am sure :)<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Being with friends and family this next week - we've got some friends coming in town tomorrow and staying a couple of days and then my family will be here on Christmas Eve.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>Not much has changed here either - still don't think I've experienced any Braxton-Hicks contractions. I've been more determined to walk this week, so I feel like I have had some more energy at times. Pretty achy and bathroom trips all the time!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7037127857156381169?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-4359541065626682772010-12-11T17:22:00.002-06:002010-12-13T12:33:56.497-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights: </strong>(GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>37 weeks - GB is now considered FULL TERM!<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>stalk of Swiss chard<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>6 1/3 pounds and 19 inches long<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong>If I go into labor now, GB's lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb<br />37 week appointment update - I still have not dilated or experienced any Braxton-Hicks contractions. My doctor informed me she prefers to not deliver 7 days past my due date so hopefully GB will be coming on his or her own before that time.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss:</strong> The faithful 1 pound a week, for a total of 34 pounds<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Best moment this week: </strong>An answer to prayer: Johnny and I received our very 1st contract on our home over the weekend of Dec 4-5! If everything continues on the path, we will be closing on January 3. The end of the option period is this Wednesday, Dec 15. We have begun looking 'seriously' at homes in Tyler now and went through 6 this past Saturday. It was a bit overwhelming and at times, frustrating to say the least.<br /><br />Johnny took me to see the 3D Narnia movie - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (my favorite book in the whole series) on Friday - this is where 'we' started just 5 years ago. We met in December 2005 and 1/4 of our blind date was going to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.<br /><br />Young Life Christmas Party on Sunday - will have to post pictures from this! All the years of wearing the tacky Snowman (painted by my mom in the 80's) sweater dress have paid off! I think it probably had something to do with my pregnant belly filling out the snowman this year. I won the best tacky Christmas sweater at the party :)<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>all the time! I am holding out on getting to see an arm or foot graze my tummy, but have yet to see this.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>I told my husband the other day that I could eat CFA EVERY day...pregnant or not pregnant, ice cream on a wafer cone, mexican food - my appetite seems to be on the increase this week.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>I wish! I am still waking up every couple of hours for the bathroom, along with getting up for a midnight snack. I usually become 'wired' at some point during the night and start sleeping the best around 5 AM, when it's time for me to be getting up soon.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>meeting GB, finding our home in Tyler and getting settled in the new year.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>not much has changed, still feel really good to be so far near the end. I haven't had any swelling (only when being on my feet for a long period 0f time), but if so, it goes away once I get to rest. It is a little harder to move around and adjust while I sleep and get up off the ground - achiness, acid reflux and sleep deprivation are the most common.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-435954106562668277?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-64762194981021297152010-12-01T15:16:00.002-06:002010-12-01T17:15:32.597-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Hightlights: </strong>(GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>36 weeks<br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>honeydew melon - 35 weeks<br />crenshaw melon - 36 weeks<br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>over 18 inches long and 5 1/4 pounds - 35 weeks<br />18 1/2 inches long and almost 6 pounds - 36 weeks<br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: 35 weeks</strong><br />* GB doesn't have much room to maneuver now - not likely doing somersaults, but # of kicks should remain about the same<br />* kidneys are fully developed now<br />* liver can process some waste products now<br />* most of GB's basic physical development is now complete<br /><br /><strong>36 weeks</strong><br />* GB is packing on the pounds - about an ounce per day<br />* shedding most of the downy covering of hair as well as the vernix caseosa - the waxy substance that covered and protected the skin during GB's nine month amniotic bath<br />* GB swallows both of these substances as well as other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium<br />* at the end of the 36 weeks, GB will be considered full-term - which is 37-42 weeks<br />* GB is likely head down (this was confirmed at our appointment this morning)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss:</strong> I gained another 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks for a total of 33 pounds. I gave myself a pat on the back since last week was Thanksgiving and all and I didn't hold back :)<br /><br /><strong>Best moment this week: </strong>We had an awesome week at the lake house with both of our families...enjoyed great weather the first couple of days - family took the jet skis out and went fishing - then we watched lots of football during the men's ping pong tournaments, drank hot cocoa and played Scattergories - always a family favorite!<br /><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>GB is still moving away...<br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>eating Turkey day leftovers all week :)<br /><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>supposedly I am a terrible snorer these days (Johnny has conveniently recorded these sessions on his cell phone), but my doctor had my back this morning at our appointment, confirming this will go away as soon as baby is here.<br /><br />I have been super exhausted this week and it could be for a number of reasons - late nights and early mornings every day last week, allergies are in full force and I'm just not sleeping well, or maybe exhaustion just sets in during the final weeks. I even look sleepy - in just about every picture we took over Thanksgiving last week, I look 'dog-tired'<br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Getting everything situated for GB's arrival...Johnny and I have the crib up (we are nixing the bassinet since Johnny's brother gave us their old crib last week when they were in town) and everything 'baby' has been washed. For the first time, I felt a huge disappointment of not having our very own place as we put the bedding on and found places in the dressers for GB's little things (the bedding was also given to us, though it is a bit 'boy' specific, it is super cute) and will have to do until we can get a place of our own and I find a neutral bedding I like. Let's just say we will be set if we are having a boy - nursery bedding - check - and clothes passed on from cousin Daniel. :) But have I mentioned I am feeling 'girl' these days?! Although that means nothing...<br /><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>I experienced my first ' puffiness' this past week (hands and feet), but thankfully it has subsided. I think it was just evidence of 'over-doing' it last week, being on my feet and having the urge for 'nesting' in whatever house we are staying in - cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning.<br /><br />I do have a little cold now, or allergies, not sure which one, but I think that is zapping my energy this week. It probably has something to do with the fluctuation of the Texas weather - highs in the 70s one day and 30s the next.<br /><br />Other than that, I feel good! My belly is getting big - will have to post pics soon!<br /><br /><br /><br />Update from our 36 week appointment today:<br />We have officially began our weekly appointments from here on out. My cervix was checked (which I can say was not as bad as I expected it to be) and I am at a zero. It has thinned out to 50% which my doctor says is not uncommon, and that I may not thin out to 100% until I am in labor.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6476219498102129715?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-49679206949905592852010-11-19T09:59:00.002-06:002010-11-19T10:24:36.787-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights: </strong>(GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>34 weeks<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>pineapple - 33 weeks<br />an average cantaloupe - 34 weeks<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Size: </strong>a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17 inch mark - 33 weeks to....<br />4 3/4 pounds and almost 18 inches long - 34 weeks<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Baby Changes: 33 weeks<br /></strong>* GB is rapidly losing the wrinkled, alien look<br />* skeleton is hardening<br />* bones in skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, making it easier for travel through the birth canal<br /><strong>34 weeks<br /></strong>* GB's fat layers are filling out, which will help regulate body temperature once born, making baby rounder<br />* skin is smoother than ever<br />* central nervous system is maturing, as well as its lungs<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss: </strong>I gained 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks, for a total gain of 31 pounds.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Best Moment this week: </strong>Got to spend an awesome weekend with my mom and Saturday with the North's here in Tyler<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>every day :)<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>I am really looking forward to eating a Thanksgiving feast - dad's fried turkey and being new to Tyler, we are trying out the famous <a href="http://www.gobblegobble.com/">Greenberg smoked turkey</a> as well.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>some nights are better than others. It is definitely getting more challenging to get in and out of bed, especially on a full stomach. Johnny makes fun of the breathing noises I make all night long to get me up and going out of bed and re-adjusting. Hey, whatever helps!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>I am heading to Killeen today for a baby shower weekend. Looking forward to seeing my sister and nephew and old friends who will be in town for it.<br /><br />The following week, Johnny and I get to spend the week with both of our families for Thanksgiving - a family has blessed us with their lake house for the entire week. Not having to travel anywhere is a huge bonus! Plus, I am very excited about eating our Thanksgiving meal. Period.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>I surely have some broken or bruised ribs somewhere; especially on my left side...it certainly feels like it. My doctor says that babies tend to choose a 'favorite' side and I am guessing that would be my left. Baby also looks to be sitting lower in my abdomen (my mom actually pointed that out last weekend when she was here) and I had not even noticed. Now some would say that means boy, and others would say a girl. All I know is that I am super excited to find out once GB is here!<br /><br />I am still taking zofran to get me through the morning yuckies. I choked on my water the other morning while trying to swallow my zofran and ended up throwing up. :/ It doesn't take much when you are already queasy. I think I have forgotten what life was like before nausea / vomiting and acid reflux.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4967920694990559285?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-62934873872470223672010-11-12T10:53:00.016-06:002010-11-12T11:34:47.899-06:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN15KQPDI9I/AAAAAAAABIc/J9y-iyY4RPY/s1600/IMG_7757%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538716333799318482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN15KQPDI9I/AAAAAAAABIc/J9y-iyY4RPY/s320/IMG_7757%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13ljERSBI/AAAAAAAABIQ/U-sQuvsgyTk/s1600/IMG_7756%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538714603687594002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13ljERSBI/AAAAAAAABIQ/U-sQuvsgyTk/s320/IMG_7756%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13bZ_RdvI/AAAAAAAABII/ynSdYV4ZspI/s1600/IMG_7758%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538714429452023538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13bZ_RdvI/AAAAAAAABII/ynSdYV4ZspI/s320/IMG_7758%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13TqH6NsI/AAAAAAAABIA/2Yjp_Z2ldqo/s1600/IMG_7764%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538714296344262338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13TqH6NsI/AAAAAAAABIA/2Yjp_Z2ldqo/s320/IMG_7764%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13LRIx7bI/AAAAAAAABH4/vPWHSNez-Ac/s1600/IMG_7766%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538714152198073778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN13LRIx7bI/AAAAAAAABH4/vPWHSNez-Ac/s320/IMG_7766%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN12LKw1hCI/AAAAAAAABHY/2KyPHxr4hQY/s1600/IMG_7778%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538713050975405090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN12LKw1hCI/AAAAAAAABHY/2KyPHxr4hQY/s320/IMG_7778%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN119BCTJ4I/AAAAAAAABHQ/jUVKpwAjwmo/s1600/IMG_7782%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538712807846127490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN119BCTJ4I/AAAAAAAABHQ/jUVKpwAjwmo/s320/IMG_7782%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN11xS9sPiI/AAAAAAAABHI/IBA7pu3GGj0/s1600/IMG_7789%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538712606500208162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN11xS9sPiI/AAAAAAAABHI/IBA7pu3GGj0/s320/IMG_7789%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN11lj3HQMI/AAAAAAAABHA/ZCp-QKOYEOU/s1600/IMG_7793%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538712404877590722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN11lj3HQMI/AAAAAAAABHA/ZCp-QKOYEOU/s320/IMG_7793%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN11ZDXi5PI/AAAAAAAABG4/KtQv2EurLUU/s1600/IMG_7799%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538712189996819698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TN11ZDXi5PI/AAAAAAAABG4/KtQv2EurLUU/s320/IMG_7799%255B1%255D%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> We are now on temporary home # 3 and each one has been more perfect than the last. The Lord is so good... <div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It is crazy to think that this is the home we will be bringing our first baby home to. The leaves are changing color with the arrival of fall and this is truly a beautiful and peaceful place (with the exception of listening to the bulldozers and machines working on the toll road in the distance during the day). I will have to capture some 'fall' pictures of the farm and post them. We've never really got much of the four seasons in Central Texas (well, Texas in general, I suppose), but it's a little more evident here in East Texas. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks SO much to the Guinn family for letting us stay here for the next 3 (and possibly 4) months of our lives.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6293487387247022367?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-90279548594535528002010-11-08T19:54:00.003-06:002010-11-08T20:33:58.525-06:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights: </strong>(GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>How Far Along: </strong>32 weeks</div><br /><div><strong>Fruit / Veggie:</strong> a large jicama</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537366751709019010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TNituPKsu4I/AAAAAAAABGs/54nTRuNPOg0/s320/32-jicama.jpg" /><strong>Size: </strong>3.75 lbs and 16.<strong>7 </strong>inches long<br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Baby Changes: </strong>I'm gaining about a pound a week (or 1.5 lbs in my case) and roughly half of that is going straight to baby</div><div>* GB is going to gain 1/3 to 1/2 of its weight during the next 7 weeks</div><div>* GB now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (and if GB takes after momma, it will be A LOT)!</div><div>* skin is becoming soft and smooth</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss: </strong>I gained another 3 pounds over the past 2 weeks, for a total of 29 pounds</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Best Moment this week: </strong>I don't know if I would call it the best, but rather very useful and informative...</div><div>Johnny and I went to our 8 hour childbirth class this past Saturday. We got a tour of the ETMC labor and delivery wing and loaded with new info. Out of the 8 couples in our class, 6 are having girls and 1 couple a boy, we were the only 'surprisers.' And my husband, always the comic relief, made class more entertaining. :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I officially began work last week on Wednesday and got to attend the Because I Care Banquet in Longview on Thursday. (Check out <a href="http://bictexas.org/">http://bictexas.org/</a> for more information). Each year they have a donor / recipient meeting. This year a New York firefighter (who donated his marrow) got to meet his recipient (an East Texas pastor) for the very first time. WOW! Not a dry eye in the room. The firefighter also gave his marrow recipient the award he received for his work at the World Trade Center Towers when 9/11 took place.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be surprised!</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Movement: </strong>GB's movement has gotten notably stronger and stronger this past week!</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>milk, PB &amp; J, Gatorade, apples, oatmeal</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>What I miss: </strong>having our kids (Bourne and Bauer) around the house - I know they would love it here watching all the wildlife - deer, ducks, hawks. We sure are loving it!</div><div> </div><div>(I hope to posts pictures this weeeeeeek)</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Sleep: </strong>Still getting up, rather awkwardly and uncomfortably, every couple of hours for a bathroom trip. I guess I can't really complain...it could be (and will very likely) be getting worse.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>My mom is coming in town this weekend and possibly a couple friend of ours :) WooHoo!</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Symptoms: </strong>I woke up Sunday morning feeling 'no nausea' and even woke my husband up to tell him "Guess what?! I haven't needed to take my zofran this morning." I spoke too soon though, because I was soon hugging the toilet a couple of times throughout the rest of the morning.</div><div> </div><div>So all that to say, I'm still taking my zofran each morning to get me through the 'morning sickness' which seems so bizarre that I am still getting it.</div><div> </div><div>Other daily symptoms include: acid reflux (I hope the only time I ever have to experience this is during pregnancy), sore ribs and lower back</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-9027954859453552800?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-59272865819985771682010-10-29T22:21:00.004-05:002010-10-29T22:58:31.514-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> GB stands for Gummy Bear<br /><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>31 weeks<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533675272552426082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMuQV3rZqmI/AAAAAAAABGg/iuyiDxLnN7E/s320/outside+31+wks+8.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>4 navel oranges<br /><br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>over 16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 lbs<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong>GB is heading in to a growth spurt<br />* turning head from side to side<br />* arms, legs and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates under the skin<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain:</strong> will find out next Friday at my appointment<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week: </strong>Young Life Banquet was a great success - Praise God!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>Lots, especially after I eat<br /><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>milk, applesauce, peanut butter<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I <em>WILL</em> miss: </strong>Jack and Jackie are helping us move this weekend and will be leaving with our cats...a sad day it will be :(<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> it's not the best, but I like to think the frequent bathroom trips (and sometimes snacking) are God's way of preparing me (and every other pregnant woman out there) for life with a newborn. Fortunately, I've had the flexibility for a nap every single day.<br /><br />I will be officially (for certain this time) starting work on Monday, so I'll see how my days will need adjusting.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>getting settled and situated in to temporary home # 3 tomorrow.<br /><br />I hope to post pictures soon after...<br /><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>This past week, I have thrown up every other day like clock work...it's like deja vu all over. I am still taking my zofran once the nausea hits, which is usually in the mornings. Nothing else new since last week's update - I still get very tired, have acid reflux and get achy all over.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-5927286581998577168?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-62401246783245083752010-10-29T22:07:00.006-05:002010-10-30T06:03:31.069-05:00<div align="center">GB is 31 weeks (and a few days) on October 31</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMuM4AcCF4I/AAAAAAAABGU/yaiMV4m583g/s1600/pumpkin+bump+15.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533671460972926850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMuM4AcCF4I/AAAAAAAABGU/yaiMV4m583g/s320/pumpkin+bump+15.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMuMvdBx5tI/AAAAAAAABGM/FlyJfN1dD6o/s1600/pumpkin+bump+18.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533671314028619474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMuMvdBx5tI/AAAAAAAABGM/FlyJfN1dD6o/s320/pumpkin+bump+18.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMuMe11H0sI/AAAAAAAABGE/1os7KIungT8/s1600/pumpkin+bump+9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533671028628640450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMuMe11H0sI/AAAAAAAABGE/1os7KIungT8/s320/pumpkin+bump+9.jpg" /></a> Thanks to my AMAZING husband for his artistic work :)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6240124678324508375?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-73472103235033049102010-10-25T07:29:00.003-05:002010-10-25T08:58:48.706-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> GB stands for Gummy Bear<br /><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 30 weeks<br /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>head of cabbage<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531970327193628322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TMWBs_RgrqI/AAAAAAAABF4/3r1SH3YsA-4/s320/30-green-cabbage.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>15.7 inches long and almost 3 lbs<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong><br /><strong>* </strong>a pint and a half of amniotic fluid surround GB currently, but the volume will decrease as the baby continues to grow and takes up more room in the uterus<br />* eyesight continues to develop, even after GB is born it will continue to leave its eyes closed for most of the day<br />* GB will have 20/400 vision, which means it will only be able to make out objects a few inches from its face<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain: </strong>gain of 3 lbs in 2 weeks for a total of 26 lbs.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> finding out we have a new place to live for the next 90 days! We were about 10 days from moving out of Strout Fork, with NO idea where we were going next.</p><p>At my appointment this past Wednesday, I had normal results from my glucose screening and I also had my vitamin D level checked, which was 46.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>Lots!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>milk, I broke down and bought Little Debbie's Christmas Tree cakes (my absolute favorite), protein bars, peanut butter toast, CFA<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I miss: </strong>energy!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>I wake up pretty achy every day, making bathroom trips every few hours.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>the holiday season - Thanksgiving and Christmas and cooler weather; once we get there, the baby will be here before we know it.<br /><br /><br />We are also moving into our 3rd transition home this coming weekend, we'll post an update on that once we get settled. Johnny's folks will be coming in town to help and will be taking our cats for at least the next 3 months while we are in our new place.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>nausea and vomiting just about every day, if not every other day, acid reflux a couple times a day (I read the only 'cure' for this is delivery), shortness of breath, tire very easily and super emotional these days.<br /><br /><br />I had my first real 'scare' this past Friday. I was pushing the cart to unload my groceries at Wal-Mart when I could barely catch my breath. My ears plugged up and my vision seemed a little off. I left the cart with my groceries in it while I sat in my air-conditioned car for about 10 minutes until I was able to catch my breath. I called Johnny (and scared him to death) crying and somewhat hyperventilating, not sure what was going on, but as I sat there I finally got my breath back. It really freaked me out and my first thought was wondering if the baby was in distress. Fortunately, I felt lots of movement and was relieved. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7347210323503304910?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-66671085495620047922010-10-17T15:14:00.010-05:002010-10-17T15:37:11.790-05:00Johnny and I had a great 2 night getaway at the beginning of the month in Austin for our babymoon (one last vacation before the baby is here)<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>We really enjoyed our time away together, ate lots of good food, had room service and even got much needed rest and massages.</div><br /><div>Enjoy the pictures...we highly recommend this place!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtcF9Q0TwI/AAAAAAAABFY/PS3wsj1rklA/s1600/Mansion-view+from+balcony.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529114224941616898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtcF9Q0TwI/AAAAAAAABFY/PS3wsj1rklA/s320/Mansion-view+from+balcony.jpg" /></a> view from our balcony</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtb1tiuPhI/AAAAAAAABFQ/1eObkZ6fOUY/s1600/Mansion-front+steps+closeup.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529113945843842578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtb1tiuPhI/AAAAAAAABFQ/1eObkZ6fOUY/s320/Mansion-front+steps+closeup.jpg" /></a><br />front steps<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtbsQVirKI/AAAAAAAABFI/DDETQUhdYow/s1600/Mansion-front+gate.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529113783385107618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtbsQVirKI/AAAAAAAABFI/DDETQUhdYow/s320/Mansion-front+gate.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtbhbx72CI/AAAAAAAABFA/qcHbrMypRgE/s1600/Mansion-bed+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529113597478426658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtbhbx72CI/AAAAAAAABFA/qcHbrMypRgE/s320/Mansion-bed+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529113387830323490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtbVOx7qSI/AAAAAAAABE4/q1DRAU4xiqo/s320/Mansion-balcony+outside+room.jpg" /><br />room service <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529113034754025730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtbArd-6QI/AAAAAAAABEw/5owG2Q99tU8/s320/Mansion-Johnny+with+breakfast.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p align="center"></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6667108549562004792?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-84421673584104873972010-10-17T14:57:00.006-05:002010-10-17T15:13:47.348-05:00The picture below is not actually 'Belle' (I cannot believe I forgot to get a picture of her, one last time) but it's close enough.<br /><br />My mother-in-law had the great and selfless suggestion of 'trading' vehicles so we could have a 'baby ride'. Did I mention it was not quite an equal trade either?? Belle has over 150,000 miles on her and Libby is just right under 60,000. We are forever grateful Jack &amp; Jackie - thanks for being willing :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtV8b4pUrI/AAAAAAAABEk/QtGAMU_6mVI/s1600/solara.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529107464293274290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtV8b4pUrI/AAAAAAAABEk/QtGAMU_6mVI/s320/solara.jpg" /></a> Bye Bye Belle<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtVjQjVCcI/AAAAAAAABEc/MOUL3Uqog7c/s1600/Libby+%23+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529107031754344898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtVjQjVCcI/AAAAAAAABEc/MOUL3Uqog7c/s320/Libby+%23+1.jpg" /></a>Hello Libby<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtVdZrRFSI/AAAAAAAABEU/E3uqhjCk9A0/s1600/Libby+%23+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106931124344098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtVdZrRFSI/AAAAAAAABEU/E3uqhjCk9A0/s320/Libby+%23+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtVWy2pTgI/AAAAAAAABEM/2nkSP6kMIcE/s1600/Libby+%23+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529106817623870978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TLtVWy2pTgI/AAAAAAAABEM/2nkSP6kMIcE/s320/Libby+%23+3.jpg" /></a> Libby got her windows tinted on Saturday and looks awesome! Now just waiting on the baby :)</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8442167358410487397?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-83568623357829389762010-10-17T13:44:00.002-05:002010-10-17T14:54:52.584-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> GB stands for Gummy Bear<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 29 weeks<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie:</strong> butternut squash<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529103071342788274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Itx6JdjxeO8/TLtR8u3ofrI/AAAAAAAAAAU/V2B_OTa_l7s/s320/29-butternut-squash.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> 2 1/2 pounds and just over 15 inches from head to heels<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong><br />* muscles and lungs continue to mature<br />* head is growing bigger to make room for developing brain<br />* during the 3rd trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in to GB's hardening skeleton each day<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain:</strong> I'll find out at my next appointment, this Wednesday<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> We had a fun time at our baby shower in Killeen last weekend. All of Johnny's family drove in for it and we got to spend quality time with friends and family and catch up with some people we had not seen since we moved to Tyler.<br /><br /><br />Sadly, I didn't take any pictures of the event :( I'll have to get some from my mom and post them soon.<br /><br /><br />We also got our new 'baby ride'...I'll post pictures of this soon as well.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> Lots!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> Chick-fil-A, milk, clif bars<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I miss:</strong> energy<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> I finally bought the Boppy wedge pillow. It has proven to be a great investment so far and supports my tummy while I sleep...without taking up the 'whole bed' (as my husband claims) like my body pillow did.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> I am starting my job (from home - YAY!) on Monday. The way this transpired has been nothing short of a gift from God and I look forward to getting started.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> (a long one for my memory)<br /><br />I am definitely feeling the 'woes' of the 3rd trimester and it pretty much just hit me over night. I tire much more easily and little things (I am embarassed to say this, such as making the bed) take my breath away. I am also feeling more aches and pains in my lower back from sitting or walking for extended periods. I just 'feel' the weight / pressure now. It seems crazy how it all just changed like that!<br /><br />Update on taking Pepcid Complete over zofran at bed time:<br /><br />I have been a couple of days without zofran here and there, but I have noticed that when I don't take it before I go to bed, I am up at least a couple of times in the middle of the night eating to get me through. So needless to say, with that has brought on vomiting again. One thing that has not changed for me during this pregnancy is that I <em>cannot </em>make it through the night without eating / snacking. This baby needs to be fed or momma gets sick.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am finally coming to terms with the fact that cereal is not enough to carry me through the night, so Johnny and I invested in some protein bars at Sam's this weekend. I woke up hungry (no zofran) at 2:15 this morning and ate a Clif bar and that got me through until about 7:30 this morning.<br /><br /><br /><br />If I am going to stick with not taking a zofran at bed time, I need to have some snacks to eat throughout the night. Know of any other good protein snacks?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8356862335782938976?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-88361780965931092802010-10-06T20:20:00.002-05:002010-10-17T13:43:05.508-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights: </strong>GB stands for Gummy Bear<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along: </strong>28 weeks - the start of the 3rd trimester<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>Chinese cabbage<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>2 1/4 pounds and 14.8 inches from the top of head to heels<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes: </strong><br /><strong>* </strong>GB is blinking eyes which now have eye lashes<br />* may be able to see the light that filters through the womb<br />* developing billions of neurons in brain<br />* adding more body fat in preparation for life outside the womb<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss: </strong>I gained 5 lbs in the last 4 weeks - for a total of 23 lbs<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week: </strong>Celebrated my 27th year of life along with GB's start to the 3rd trimester.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement: </strong>every day - some kicks are so strong they make me jump<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>I've noticed a change in my appetite over the past few days - it seems to be a little LESS! I have been on a chicken salad kick lately and salads finally sound and taste appetizing to me.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>What I miss: </strong>nothing comes to mind...<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Sleep: </strong>interrupted with trips to the bathroom and feeding time for me - I am sure this is great preparation for life with a newborn.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Johnny &amp; I are headed to Killeen for a baby shower.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms: </strong>I was a little anxious about my glucose screening exam this week (test for gestational diabetes), but it was actually not bad at all. I recommend the 'orange' flavored drink. :)<br />I got to meet with a new OB/GYN at our facility and she suggested I start taking Pepcid Complete before I go to bed each evening, rather than zofran. She said the Pepcid would be treating the cause of nausea/vomiting, rather than the zofran just treating the sympotoms of it.<br />I'm going to give it a try and see how it works.<br /><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8836178096593109280?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-3447438215522802672010-09-29T08:40:00.003-05:002010-09-29T10:22:30.957-05:00Well, folks I apologize for getting behind each week on GB's weekly updates. Happy 27 weeks to GB today, although my new ob/gyn is counting each new week beginning on Fridays (since my actual due date is a Friday). But I'm still going to stick to new weeks beginning on Wednesdays for the record.<br /><br /><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> GB stands for Gummy Bear<br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 27 weeks<br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie:</strong> GB went from an average rutabaga (25 wks) to an English hothouse cucumber (26 wks) - I have no idea - to currently a head of cauliflower (27 wks).<br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> 13 1/2 inches from head to heels and about 1 1/2 pounds (25 wks)<br />14 inches long and about 1 2/3 pounds (26 wks)<br />14 1/2 inches long and about 2 pounds (27 wks)<br /><br /><strong>Baby changes:</strong><br />25 wks<br />* beginning to change the long lean look for some baby fat, wrinkled skin will become more smooth<br />* hair is growing more and more - if we could see it now, we'd be able to discern its color and texture<br /><br />26 wks<br />*network of nerves in GB's ears are better developed and more sensitive than before<br />* GB may be able to hear not only my voice, but Johnny's too<br />* inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid<br />* if it's a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum - a process that could take 2-3 days<br /><br />27 wks<br />*GB is sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing eyes and perhaps even sucking its fingers<br />* brain is very active now<br />* lungs are still immature, but if GB was to come now, they would be capable of functioning with a lot of medical help<br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss:</strong> I'll find out next week at my glucose screening appt. After next week, my appointments will go from every 4 to every 2 weeks at the start of my 3rd trimester.<br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> Johnny took me to Nacogdoches (my very 1st time) on Saturday to show me around SFA and we went to the football game versus Lamar...or shut-out I should say.<br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We've chosen to be surprised!<br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> I am loving this part of being pregnant! Johnny got to feel the first movement on Sept 11. I have definitely seen movement through my shirt and am noticing GB's more active and non-active patterns during the day.<br /><br /><strong>Food/Drink Cravings:</strong> I want to eat all the junk! I never struggled with or desired to drink a soda before I was pregnant, oh but now that I am, I could have a coke every day...and that's just one example. Don't get me started on the aisles of Halloween candy...<br /><br />I think the Apostle Paul summarizes this up for me well in Romans 7:15-16...(yes, totally taken out of context) 'I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.'<br /><br />Basically I want to eat whatever I want / whatever sounds good and justify it because 'I'm pregnant.' I know full well it's not the best choice for me and our baby. Oh the temptations of life...and a pregnant woman.<br /><br />Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now...<br /><br />I've been eating pineapple, strawberries, oranges and purple grapes these days (I love fruit and fortunately, always have)...applesauce and Kozy Shack rice pudding. I'm also keeping Kellogg's and General Mills in business with my cereal consumption. That has been one thing that has not changed during this pregnancy - cereal, any time of the day. I made a chicken tortilla soup this week to welcome the cold front (highs in the 80's and lows in the 50-60's).<br /><br /><strong>What I miss: </strong>sleeping through the night...not waking up to pee every couple of hours<br /><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> still sleeping pretty good, I can definitely feel the need for support on my growing tummy when I'm laying on my sides.<br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Johnny and I are taking a 'Baby-Moon' this week to Austin. A friend blessed us with a 2 night stay at a boutique hotel and we are looking forward to getting away, probably our last time to do this before GB is here.<br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> I am off the Benadryl I was taking before I go to bed as of this week and symptoms have been fine. I think it's because my cough that I've had since May is finally gone. The drainage and cough was sometimes causing me to vomit.<br />I am feeling the weight / pressure of baby on my bladder now and have noticed the frequency of bathroom trips are much much more. I won't even drink anything and need to pee 15 minutes after I just went.<br />I do have to re-adjust when sitting for a while because my left rib starts getting sore.<br /><br /><br />Other than that, I have really been feeling great. Lots of people have been sweet to compliment me and tell me I look great and my 'small belly' too. :) Although my belly looks big to me, I can't imagine what it will be like near the end. Minus the cellulite in my thighs and a fuller face, I think I have been fortunate enough to gain OR at least look like I've gained most of the weight in my belly. And I am very aware that that will probably all be changing, but just let me relish in this moment right now please. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-344743821552280267?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-55550244431838632142010-09-29T08:22:00.009-05:002010-09-29T08:37:37.244-05:00<div align="center">You may need sunglasses to view this bright 'whiteness'</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM-Nl3JZ0I/AAAAAAAABEA/0B7dxVoo6VA/s1600/belly+shot+-+26+wks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522325971308996418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM-Nl3JZ0I/AAAAAAAABEA/0B7dxVoo6VA/s320/belly+shot+-+26+wks.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM-Iq4xbcI/AAAAAAAABD4/BoeyD8VIVR0/s1600/26+wks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522325886758645186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM-Iq4xbcI/AAAAAAAABD4/BoeyD8VIVR0/s320/26+wks.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM-CMcasfI/AAAAAAAABDw/QLR6oUqaHCQ/s1600/26+wks+%23+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522325775507436018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM-CMcasfI/AAAAAAAABDw/QLR6oUqaHCQ/s320/26+wks+%23+3.jpg" /></a><br />And I had to throw in these scandalous pictures of my husband in maternity jeans (Sorry Heather)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM992yj9GI/AAAAAAAABDo/A729cmkmyWA/s1600/maternity+pants.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522325700975260770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM992yj9GI/AAAAAAAABDo/A729cmkmyWA/s320/maternity+pants.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM9ve3CltI/AAAAAAAABDY/9dXeYf3AQUM/s1600/sympathy+maternity.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522325454033426130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TKM9ve3CltI/AAAAAAAABDY/9dXeYf3AQUM/s320/sympathy+maternity.jpg" /></a><br />They fit him perfectly, but I may be growing out of them soon ;)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-5555024443183863214?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-64717407669907875742010-09-26T21:00:00.003-05:002010-09-26T21:10:51.399-05:00Our pastor used a statistic today in church that I cannot quit thinking about...<div>The Average Christian will be involved in the following things in their life:</div><div>1,600 services</div><div>1,600 sermons</div><div>20,000 songs</div><div>10,000 public prayers</div><div><br /></div><div>All of this resulting in this individual leading <b>ZERO</b> people to faith in Jesus Christ!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so disgusted right now... Where are my brothers and sisters in Christ that are chasing after a lost world and winning them to Christ? </div><div><br /></div><div>Turn off your television.</div><div>Shut Down your Freakin' Facebook.</div><div>Get off your couch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Engage a lost world.</div><div><br /></div><div>The reality is this... We want IMPACT at little or no discomfort to our lives.</div><div>When was the last time YOU were uncomfortable? YOU had discomfort?</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. </div><div>That is my prayer for you this day if you are the latter of the two...</div><div><br /></div><div>Get some of this:</div><div>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA_uwWPE6lQ</div><div><br /></div><div>Do somethin' with your LIFE!</div><div>~jdr</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6471740766990787574?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-19613107516800555432010-09-22T15:32:00.007-05:002010-09-22T21:14:58.579-05:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq2-PAjXFI/AAAAAAAABDM/e12Cdr01kJc/s1600/Daniel+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519925473592958034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq2-PAjXFI/AAAAAAAABDM/e12Cdr01kJc/s320/Daniel+1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq26Jpd3RI/AAAAAAAABDE/vmI-EXuro8A/s1600/Daniel+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519925403434474770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq26Jpd3RI/AAAAAAAABDE/vmI-EXuro8A/s320/Daniel+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq20xzeKfI/AAAAAAAABC8/cYfa4vvSP-M/s1600/Daniel+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519925311134640626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq20xzeKfI/AAAAAAAABC8/cYfa4vvSP-M/s320/Daniel+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq2w94cY8I/AAAAAAAABC0/pXJg8OUry04/s1600/Daniel+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519925245657244610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TJq2w94cY8I/AAAAAAAABC0/pXJg8OUry04/s320/Daniel+4.jpg" /></a><br />My precious nephew was born on Monday, September 13 weighing in at 6 lbs and 12 ounces. I got to spend a whole week with him and miss him already. His proud parents are Dan &amp; Kylee O'Rourke. Can't wait to see you guys again at Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1961310751680055543?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-91059527794271180732010-09-10T10:31:00.016-05:002010-09-12T21:09:14.495-05:00<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TI2GXutjNRI/AAAAAAAABCk/DIRljmfghJg/s1600/kitchen%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516212860832920850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TI2GXutjNRI/AAAAAAAABCk/DIRljmfghJg/s320/kitchen%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" /></a> kitchen</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TI2FO5QmP0I/AAAAAAAABCY/nY040WtIroE/s1600/img_7125%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516211609533824834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TI2FO5QmP0I/AAAAAAAABCY/nY040WtIroE/s320/img_7125%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><p align="right"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TI2EsRA9eDI/AAAAAAAABCQ/6TaVfG574V8/s1600/img_7125%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"></a></p>Bourne and Bauer are loving life in the country<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpQlYfHKRI/AAAAAAAABBw/aOTbSffuJ3A/s1600/close+view+of+house%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515309296826919186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpQlYfHKRI/AAAAAAAABBw/aOTbSffuJ3A/s320/close+view+of+house%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" /></a>front door on your left and bunk house door to your right<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpQG-rxogI/AAAAAAAABBY/XGpbnGWtG0k/s1600/living+room%5B2%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515308774504636930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpQG-rxogI/AAAAAAAABBY/XGpbnGWtG0k/s320/living+room%5B2%5D+(2).jpg" /></a><br />living room<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpQBYXyH7I/AAAAAAAABBQ/oGn2oYQoA-o/s1600/view+from+patio%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515308678320889778" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpQBYXyH7I/AAAAAAAABBQ/oGn2oYQoA-o/s320/view+from+patio%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" /></a><br />view from the front porch<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpP7__exVI/AAAAAAAABBI/avnxgRtCA-o/s1600/view+from+road%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515308585877161298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIpP7__exVI/AAAAAAAABBI/avnxgRtCA-o/s320/view+from+road%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" /></a><br />Welcome to what we like to call 'Strout' Fork. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">The Strout's have graciously provided their guest house for Johnny and I to live in for the next 60 days of our lives (until November 3). They even put in a mini deep freeze and stocked it with my favorite (thank you pregnancy) frozen pizzas. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">What great community and love has been poured out on us since we got to Tyler. We are truly blessed even in our unsettled situation of living in different homes until ours in Killeen has sold and we can, Lord provided, purchase our very own here...and being pregnant and all. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We hope you'll come visit us!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-9105952779427118073?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-2675611400402729572010-09-08T16:34:00.005-05:002010-09-08T21:23:06.514-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 24 weeks</div><br /><div><strong>Fruit / Veggie: </strong>carrot (21 wks)</div><div>Length of a spaghetti squash (22 wks)<br />Weight of a large mango (23 wks)</div><div>an ear of corn (24 wks)</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514731766968158738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TIhDUuGzChI/AAAAAAAABAs/m6zspseO76s/s320/24a-corn-open.jpg" /><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Size: </strong>10 1/2 inches long (21 wks)</div><div>11 inches and almost 1 pound (22 wks)</div><div>more than 11 inches and just over 1 pound (23 wks)</div><div>almost 1 foot long and has gained 4 ounces since the previous week (24 wks)</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Baby Changes: </strong></div><div><strong>21 wks</strong></div><div>* initial fluttering movements turn into full fledged kicks and nudges</div><div>* GB's eyebrows and lids are present now</div><div>* if GB is a girl, her vagina has begun to form</div><div><strong>22 wks</strong></div><div>* GB is starting to look like a miniature newborn</div><div>* lips, eyebrows and eyelids are becoming more distinct</div><div>* tiny tooth buds are forming beneath gums</div><div>* eyes have formed, but irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment</div><div>* pancreas is developing steadily</div><div>* GB is sporting lanugo (fine hair) and wrinkles</div><div><strong>23 wks</strong></div><div>* sense of movement is well developed - GB can feel me dance</div><div>* may be able to see GB squirm beneath my clothes</div><div>* blood vessels in lungs are developing to prepare for breathing</div><div>* the sounds that its ears are picking up are preparing GB for entry into the outside world</div><div><strong>24 wks</strong> </div><div>* body is filling out proportionally and will soon begin to plump up</div><div>* brain is growing quickly now</div><div>* taste buds are continuing to develop</div><div>* lungs are developing 'branches' of the respiratory 'tree' as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help air sacs inflate once GB is here</div><div>* skin is thin and translucent, but will begin to change soon</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Total Weight Gain / Loss: </strong>7 lbs in 4 weeks...this puts me at a total of 18 pounds. Yikes! I'm almost to my target gain and still have a ways to go...</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Best Moment this week: </strong>We moved to a new place last Thursday with our cats and got to have Johnny's parents in to visit for the first time over his birthday weekend.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Gender: </strong>We've chosen to be SURPRISED!</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Movement: </strong>Oh yeah! Lots of 'thumps,' every day. I can't wait for Johnny to experience it - every time I have him feel for it, the movement stops.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Food / Drink Cravings: </strong>my sweet cravings are back...unfortunately. I actually miss NOT having the desire for sweets after every meal. This probably has a <em>little</em> bit to do with the 7 lb gain in 4 weeks. :/ Still eating pizza - although the last 2 times I had it, I threw up. </div><div>Sushi, cereal, strawberries, ice water and orange juice</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>What I miss: </strong>We miss living with our sweet friends, the Wallace's, but are so thankful to the Strout family for opening up their guest house to us and our cats.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Sleep: </strong>sleeping pretty well in our 'new' place - I'll blog about this too - although my ribs feel sore every day, especially when I sleep. We are sleeping in a queen size bed now, rather than the full size we've been in the last month - this is wonderful, especially with the necessary extra pillows.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>flying to Florida next week to be there for my sister's baby's delivery - talk about first hand experience. We can't wait to meet Daniel Patrick.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Symptoms: </strong>I felt like I had a great 3 weeks, and have digressed (once again) a little bit. It's nothing extreme, just noticeable - I've increased my zofran dosage some days and have thrown up as well; sore ribs, but that's about it. </div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-267561140040272957?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-54368478802429396622010-08-17T22:23:00.004-05:002010-08-18T10:36:22.075-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS3BEGKnI/AAAAAAAABAU/DgQGkab2S3s/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506586074522462834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS3BEGKnI/AAAAAAAABAU/DgQGkab2S3s/s320/5.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS2fjSAlI/AAAAAAAABAM/IAZLHdEMY6I/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506586065526456914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS2fjSAlI/AAAAAAAABAM/IAZLHdEMY6I/s320/4.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS1-5a1hI/AAAAAAAABAE/T0Z5vur9YYo/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506586056760940050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS1-5a1hI/AAAAAAAABAE/T0Z5vur9YYo/s320/3.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS1WGxMaI/AAAAAAAAA_8/UlMIQej8UVc/s1600/2.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGtS0yGyEbI/AAAAAAAAA_0/dDzU-sKBZJk/s1600/1.jpg"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-5436847880242939662?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-34664809966112158372010-08-16T16:39:00.009-05:002010-09-08T16:34:00.132-05:00Better late than never...<br /><br />It looks like I never got around to actually posting this, but want to make sure I have each week's changes documented to look back on.<br /><br /><br />Check back in as I get everyone up to speed on weeks 21 through now, currently, week 24.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 20 weeks<br /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit/Veggie:</strong> large heirloom tomato (19 wks) to NOW the length of a banana (20 wks)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506134517006550626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGm4K6OxRmI/AAAAAAAAA_o/2l-jxkJxm0c/s320/19-heirloom-tomato.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506127754033857746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGmyBQMbhNI/AAAAAAAAA_c/QaYRfaINTVc/s320/20-banana.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> 6 inches long and about 8 1/2 ounces (19 wks) to NOW 6 1/2 inches and about 10 1/2 ounces (20 wks) - to be completely official at our ultrasound on August 11, GB measured 7/10 of a pound and is in the 25th percentile.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby Changes:</strong><br /><strong>19 wks</strong><br />* GB's sensory development is exploding - the brain is developing specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch<br />* some research suggests that GB may be able to hear my voice now<br />* arms and legs are in the right proportion to the body now<br />* kidneys continue to make urine<br />* hair on scalp is sprouting<br />* a waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid<br /><br /><br /><strong>20 wks</strong><br />* GB is swallowing more these days - good practice for digestive system<br />* producing meconium - a black, sticky by-product of digestion<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> 11 pounds, my new OB/GYN in Tyler told me she would like me to gain between 25-35 lbs total.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this Week:</strong> My ultrasound on August 11 was AMAZING! It's also great to be 'unofficially officially' moved to Tyler with my husband. I arrived on August 3.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We've chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> Lots of 'bubbles' and 'flutters'<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> ice water, milk, cereal, pizza, hashbrowns, fruit - hasn't really changed much<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>What I miss:</strong> family, friends and our pets in Killeen and sleeping on my back<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> I have definitely noticed a change in my sleep, not as sound as it once was. There has been lots of tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. Plus, I am up eating every night at some point, sometimes every few hours and other times just for a bowl of cereal in the wee morning hours.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to: </strong>Lots of things - getting plugged in here in Tyler with new friends, church, etc. Selling our home in Killeen and buying our own here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Still getting nauseous in between meals and throwing up from time to time. Fortunately, I have only had 3 episodes of vomiting since moving to Tyler. Eating / snacking often is KEY.<br /><br />Lots of stretching and expanding of my tummy area.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3466480996611215837?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-86339904157194733292010-08-15T21:48:00.003-05:002010-08-15T22:46:50.074-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGinPfQuEYI/AAAAAAAAA_A/f0AQoiqAETc/s1600/belly+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505834428991934850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGinPfQuEYI/AAAAAAAAA_A/f0AQoiqAETc/s320/belly+3.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGinPKtd_VI/AAAAAAAAA-4/w53FhoKbKTQ/s1600/belly+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505834423475371346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGinPKtd_VI/AAAAAAAAA-4/w53FhoKbKTQ/s320/belly+1.jpg" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGinO-w3X-I/AAAAAAAAA-w/fQN-_loKwWc/s1600/belly+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505834420268392418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGinO-w3X-I/AAAAAAAAA-w/fQN-_loKwWc/s320/belly+2.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8633990415719473329?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-65907157111346400722010-08-12T09:34:00.014-05:002010-08-15T22:50:16.334-05:00Meet Gummy Bear at 20 weeks!<br /><br />Johnny and I went to my very first appointment in Tyler yesterday and were able to get the ultrasound squeezed in too. We really like my new OB/GYN and all the ladies at Four Seasons were so sweet. We definitely liked the change of pace being in a small clinic setting.<br /><br />Below are all the pictures that could be taken, without giving away the gender. There was lots of 'eye closing' for us since GB wanted to have its legs spread for most of it. :) GB was also very active and so some shots were not as clear since the baby has to be at a stand still when the picture is captured.<br /><br />We got to see various things from the measuring of the skull, the 3 vessels on the umbilical cord, 4 heart chambers, kidneys, bladder, stomach and diaphragm, and the bones in the arms and legs.<br /><br />What an AMAZING expderience! We stand AMAZED at God's creation growing inside my tummy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQH-QWlgUI/AAAAAAAAA-k/UCGN9pBnZK0/s1600/BABY+RUSSELL_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504533410676572482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQH-QWlgUI/AAAAAAAAA-k/UCGN9pBnZK0/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_1.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">It's hard to believe GB is just 7/10 of a pound here</div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQH3fchV6I/AAAAAAAAA-c/7TaXSmBfN3w/s1600/BABY+RUSSELL_10.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504533294468913058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQH3fchV6I/AAAAAAAAA-c/7TaXSmBfN3w/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_10.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHymbvYZI/AAAAAAAAA-U/FmstubJ3l80/s1600/BABY+RUSSELL_9.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504533210445341074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHymbvYZI/AAAAAAAAA-U/FmstubJ3l80/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_9.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHr8CJ-UI/AAAAAAAAA-M/_xvjpNOj6-s/s1600/BABY+RUSSELL_8.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504533011187897906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHnAJEFjI/AAAAAAAAA-E/lpBOwMeFDic/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_8.JPG" /><br />hands in front of face<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHhP-G03I/AAAAAAAAA98/9FnNeaQ1d3A/s1600/BABY+RUSSELL_7.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504532912357692274" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHhP-G03I/AAAAAAAAA98/9FnNeaQ1d3A/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_7.JPG" /></a> an arm<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504532758557624882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHYTBUCjI/AAAAAAAAA90/TTECtNppVQo/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_6.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504532672543244130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHTSl4v2I/AAAAAAAAA9s/ZttzDXYoR00/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_5.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504532568967800274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHNQvk5dI/AAAAAAAAA9k/4CXwlgCI9SE/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_4.JPG" /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504532446520345954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQHGIl1BWI/AAAAAAAAA9c/dSUjlzs-h3k/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_3.JPG" /><br /><div><div>open mouth<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504532291199167250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TGQG9F-X6xI/AAAAAAAAA9U/aKHiJVFQLsA/s320/BABY+RUSSELL_2.JPG" /><br /><div>cute little foot </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6590715711134640072?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-86442020154653553092010-07-30T11:14:00.003-05:002010-07-30T11:40:07.875-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><strong></strong><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 18 weeks<br /><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Fruit / Veggie:</strong> bell pepper<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499736161714740578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TFL85nVgnWI/AAAAAAAAA9A/MC1G7-M3Fgk/s320/18-bell-pepper.jpeg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> about 5 ½ inches long and weighs 7 ounces<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby changes:</strong> GB is busy flexing his arms and legs<br />* blood vessels are visible through thin skin<br />* ears are now in their final position, although they’re standing out from head a bit<br />* a protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around nerves, a process that will continue for a year after GB is born<br />* if it’s a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place<br />* if it’s a boy, his genitals are noticeable now<br /><strong></strong><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> I cannot remember what my weight was last week (seriously, even after my ‘freak out’), but I have gained a total of 9 lbs so far.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> The ladies at work threw me a going away / baby shower on Wednesday - what a Blessing it was!<br /><br />Today is also my last day of work!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Movement:</strong> I’ve got another movement update…<br />A lady at church on Sunday (who is not but a couple of weeks further along than I am) was asking if I had felt any movements yet. She described the movements she felt as ‘bubbles.’ I thought this was odd and thought NO WAY, I definitely haven’t felt that. Maybe she just opened my eyes to it, but since Sunday I have felt the ‘bubbles’ feeling almost every day. If I had not had that conversation with her, I think I would have assumed it was just digestive juices moving around. Could this be Gummy?! :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> ice water, milk, pizza, cereal, fruit<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>What I miss:</strong> Johnny! We haven’t seen each other in just a little over a week, but not being able to talk each day (while he’s at camp this week) makes it feel like it’s been 3 weeks.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Sleep:</strong> still sleeping well and with a body pillow for sure. I have read that I should start lying on my sides only now, since lying flat on my back can cause my uterus to compress a major vein, which can lead to decreased blood return to my heart. I was definitely most comfortable on my back, but am training myself to stay on my sides.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> Reuniting with Johnny in Tyler sometime next week. He returns from YL Frontier Ranch on Sunday, and I’ll plan to head to Tyler sometime following that.<br /></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Still getting nauseous in between meals and throwing up from time to time. I actually did an experiment this week to see if taking a Zofran each night before I go to bed really was needed to get me through. Of course, I woke up nauseated about 2:30 AM, threw up, ate a bowl of cereal and took a Zofran. I guess I still need it for now.<br /><br />On a more positive note, I have started walking this week. Sad to admit, I wasn’t before. I’ve got a 1.9 mile trek I have walked 3 times so far this week. I have felt like I have had more energy as well! I plan to keep this up once I get to Tyler, with all of their beautiful parks for motivation and no work to take up the majority of my day.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8644202015465355309?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-56483566771859399142010-07-23T13:36:00.004-05:002010-07-23T20:17:30.703-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 17 weeks<br /><br />I promise to post some more baby bump pictures once I get to Tyler in August. My bump is a little more pronounced (lots of people have said this to me this week, especially) even as soon as I get out of bed in the morning – before food.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit / Veggie:</strong> turnip<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497172573671228226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TEnhVJqxg0I/AAAAAAAAA80/oKfCqBIvs0o/s320/17-turnip.jpeg" /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> about 5 inches long and weighs 5 ounces<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby changes:</strong> GB’s skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone<br />* umbilical cord (the lifeline to the placenta) is growing stronger and thicker<br />* GB can move its joints<br />* sweat glands are starting to develop<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> YIKES! Could I have really gained 3 lbs in almost 2 weeks (last appt was July 12)?! I didn’t think the 1 lb / week started until the 3rd trimester. I’ll have to reconfirm the weight gain next week…<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> Rendezvousing with my husband in Corsicana this week. We met ‘half way’ so I could bring him some last minute items he needs for camp and just to see each other since it will be another week + until I am officially in Tyler. Fun and spontaneous – I totally recommend this for any marriage!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> I’m not sure if it was really GB, but I wanted to document this anyway…<br />On Thursday morning, as I was laying on my back in bed with Johnny, in a hotel room in Corsicana (random &amp; run-on, I know – I love details, ask Johnny) I felt some soft movement in my abdomen. </p><p><br />I checked the consistency of the movement to make sure it wasn’t just my heartbeat that I often feel in my tummy. It definitely was not that and then it soon ended. I like to think it was GB!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> pizza and lots of pasta / Italian food usually taste and settle really well, cereal, shredded hash browns and fruit.<br /><br /><strong>What I miss:</strong> I miss the thought of moving away from the only place I've ever lived (not including College Station), away from my family, our friends, our church, and our first home together...all these places of comfort for me.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong on this, I am absolutely SO ready to join my husband in Tyler and begin our life there, this new season of <em>everything</em> for us. I can totally rest easy because I know / trust that the Lord has orchestrated this for us. We aren't supposed to be anywhere but Tyler, TX. I am also resting in the love and support we have already been shown in Johnny's short time there and in my visits.<br /><br />It is just beginning to feel real to me now...and I know even more real once our home sells and we buy one there.<br /><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> sleeping well<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> ultrasound appointment scheduled in about 4 weeks in Tyler! I was sad to find out that I will not always have a sonogram and get to see GB every appointment I go to.<br /><br />I am also finishing up work next week and joining Johnny in Tyler shortly following.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> I was really looking forward to posting a good report as I began Week 17 on Wednesday, until last night / morning hit. I’m still getting nauseated and throwing up, but have had some better evenings and mornings the past few days, with the exception of yesterday / today.<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-5648356677185939914?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-44809974690051421152010-07-14T13:29:00.003-05:002010-07-14T13:38:36.288-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 16 weeks<br /><br /><br /><strong>Fruit:</strong> avocado<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493831833908939554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TD4C8gPgCyI/AAAAAAAAA8o/J3ftaAZqiY0/s320/16-avocado.jpeg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> 4 ½ inches long and weighs 3 1/2 ounces<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby changes:</strong> GB’s legs are much more developed and its head is more erect<br />* eyes have moved closer to the front of its head and ears are close to their final position<br />* the patterning of GB’s scalp has begun, though locks of hair aren’t recognizable yet<br />* toenails are beginning to grow<br />* GB’s heart is now pumping approximately 25 quarts of blood each day, which will continually increase as GB grows<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> 5 lbs total pregnancy<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> We had a whirlwind of a weekend – lots of people, lots of activity – jam packed into 3 days! It was great to see my sister who had not been home since Christmas. On Monday, we got to hear GB’s quick heartbeat, averaging 145 bpm. I’ve read women describe the sound as ‘galloping horses’, but it sounded like a windy day to me. It was awesome!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> not yet<br /><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> Chef Point Café in Watauga, TX (near Ft. Worth) - I could go on and on about this restaurant that some people we met at the wedding this past weekend told us to try out! Now YOU need to Google it, go and try it! Don’t let the look of it deceive you – it’s in a Conoco Gas Station. I’ve got 7 words for you…Lobster Bisque in a toasted bread bowl<br />YUM!<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I miss:</strong> Johnny, we are apart during the week days<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> sleeping well<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> spending this coming weekend in Tyler! Hard to believe I have not been there since our ‘interview’ back in April.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Sad to report, my symptoms have not yet improved, but rather digressed. I am back to waking up nauseated in the middle of the night (needing to eat) and every morning, similar to how it was in the first few weeks of my pregnancy. Just like clock work, I have thrown up every other morning for the past week. Hoping this will soon pass…<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4480997469005142115?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-70126406799292216102010-07-07T16:01:00.003-05:002010-07-07T16:11:35.005-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 15 weeks<br /><br /><strong>Fruit:</strong> apple<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491273230519878018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TDTr6L2_wYI/AAAAAAAAA8c/OrzQvp-HuiM/s320/15-apple.jpeg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> 4 inches long and weighs 2 1/2 ounces<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baby changes:</strong> GB is busy moving amniotic fluid through nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in lungs develop<br />* legs are growing longer than arms now, GB can move all joints and limbs<br />* although the eyelids are fused shut, GB can sense light – for instance, if I shine a flashlight on my tummy, GB is likely to move away from the beam<br />* taste buds are forming<br /><br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> I’m going to pass on weighing myself today with the maximum bloating and swelling in my stomach area that I feel :/<br /><br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> Looking forward to ANOTHER 3 day EVENT filled weekend – heading to Ft. Worth on Friday for a wedding Johnny is in, then my sister’s baby shower on Sunday – she flies in tonight!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> not yet<br /><br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> The hospital opened a Freshens Smoothie / Yogurt this week in the lobby. It is yummy! Thankfully I’m only here another 3 weeks or all of my $ would be going there. I’ve been tearing up cereal, strawberries, and ranch burgers this week.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What I miss:</strong> sleeping in! It’s been a challenge to get up and stay up during the mornings this week. </p><p><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> sleeping well </p><p><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> My next appointment July 12!<br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> more cramping and nausea / vomiting about every other day. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7012640679929221610?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-35139752544520392272010-07-01T15:22:00.005-05:002010-07-01T15:52:20.252-05:00<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489035942135385698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TCz5G3JUzmI/AAAAAAAAA8A/CRKsK7ld6Ec/s320/10+weeks" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><strong>10 weeks</strong></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489036277694247906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TCz5aZMys-I/AAAAAAAAA8I/z3p5twsypmM/s320/12+weeks" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><strong>12 weeks</strong><br /><br /></div><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489036584159019458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TCz5sO3sAcI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/63BhuHtjX3s/s320/12+weeks+tank" border="0" /></strong></div><div align="center"><br /><strong>Still 12 weeks, but after a bowl of cereal</strong> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">* Disclaimer: these photos were not 'edited' in any way and were taken first thing in the morning, before food (with the exception of the last one). If you've seen me any other time than morning (i.e. after multiple meals / snacks) then that explains why my bump is so huge! Pregnant girls out there - do you know what I'm saying?! I hope to post an 'after' work and 14 week photo soon. :)</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3513975254452039227?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-60358829281768670922010-07-01T15:13:00.003-05:002010-07-01T15:20:57.015-05:00<div><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 14 weeks (Beginning of 2nd trimester)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Fruit:</strong> lemon<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489034581127597714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TCz33o_yDpI/AAAAAAAAA70/pfmwfbYA9L4/s320/14-lemon.jpeg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> 3 1/2 inches long and weighs 1 1/2 ounces</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Baby changes:</strong> GB can squint, frown, grimace, pee and possibly suck its thumb!<br />* Thanks to brain impulses, GB’s facial muscles are starting to get a workout as its tiny features form one expression after another. And if he takes after his dad, GB is going to be super talented!<br />* kidneys are producing urine (which is released in the amniotic fluid)<br />* body is growing faster than head<br />* by the end of the week, its arms will have grown to a length that’s proportional to the rest of its body (legs still have some lengthening to do)<br />* starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over its body<br />* liver will start producing bile<br />* spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells<br />* hands and feet measure about ½ inch long<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> I am officially ending my 1st trimester with a total gain of 4 pounds </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> Looking forward to the 3-day 4th of July weekend! My family’s tradition is to spend the day at the Young’s on Inks Lake in Burnet. Lots of eating, boating and fireworks watching! Johnny’s folks will also be here for an evening and going to see Twilight’s Eclipse with some friends!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Movement:</strong> not yet</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> My husband exposed me to Black Cherry Dr. Pepper on Sunday…WOW! Now you have to understand, I NEVER drink soda, but this could be a problem! Fruit and pizza, but not together!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>What I miss:</strong> Johnny! He moved to Tyler on Tuesday, although he will be back over the next couple of weekends.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Sleep:</strong> sleeping well</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> listening to GB’s heartbeat and NO MORE SICKNESS, and please join us in praying for our home in Killeen to sell (especially since Johnny has officially started his new position in Tyler) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Symptoms:</strong> A first time for cramps - just like it’s ‘that time of the month.’ I threw up twice yesterday before my dentist appointment, but thankfully not there! I am still taking my zofran as needed, and I promise to let you all know once the whole nausea / vomiting combo is GONE!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6035882928176867092?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-46852095453679952312010-06-24T14:56:00.004-05:002010-06-24T15:10:23.850-05:00<div><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 13 weeks (the FINAL week of my 1st trimester - I actually thought this was the beginning of my 2nd trimester, but I was mistaken)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Fruit:</strong> (but we’re going with seafood in honor of eating sushi this week) a medium shrimp<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486432522059147106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TCO5T3l8Z2I/AAAAAAAAA7o/HcTAPJdk7sk/s320/13-medium-shrimp.jpeg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> nearly 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Baby changes:</strong> Fingertips have formed on GB’s tiny fingers<br />* veins and organs are clearly visible through still-thin skin<br />* GB’s body is starting to catch up with its head<br />* GB’s head is 1/3 of its body size</div><br /><div><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> umm…I think I’ve gained another pound </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> Our Young Life family and friends gave us a 'Going Away - Come and Go’ Shindig last night! It was very special and we feel so loved and will miss our friends and family here so very much.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Movement:</strong> not yet</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> cereal – I thought I’d get specific this week (Honey Bunches of Oats w/ strawberries, Frosted Mini Spooners and Corn Pops), <strong>‘</strong>cooked<strong>’ </strong>sushi (don’t freak out, it was in moderation), LOVE snacking on fruits – apples, strawberries, grapes and peaches</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>What I miss:</strong> I can’t think of anything at the moment</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Sleep:</strong> sleeping well</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> listening to GB’s heartbeat and NO MORE SICKNESS! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Wednesday (June 23) began the start of GB’s 13th week of life and unfortunately, that same day ended my 96 hours (4 days) of NO throwing up streak.<br /><br />My mom was right when she said you just ‘forget’ how bad it was. I’d definitely say looking back to when I first found out I was pregnant, that those days were unbearable to me. I’d also say I have had a gradual sense of feeling better over the last several days. I haven’t felt the ‘immediate’ sense of GREAT that some moms have described to me when they entered into their 2nd trimester (though technically I am still another week out), but I think because mine has been so gradual, I <em>have</em> forgotten how bad it was. Granted, I still get hit with nausea, my zofran dosage has been reduced!<br /><br />I can’t believe I’ve forgotten to mention the hiccups! I think I have gotten them EVERY single day since finding out about GB.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4685209545367995231?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-3480704691054738762010-06-18T13:33:00.004-05:002010-06-18T13:42:01.095-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 12 weeks<br /><br /><strong>Fruit:</strong> Lime<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484183960254934802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TBu8QWHj7xI/AAAAAAAAA7c/KUq3ZoMQyPs/s320/12-lime.jpeg" border="0" /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Size:</strong> just over 2 inches long and weighs ½ an ounce<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Baby changes:</strong> Reflexes!<br />* fingers will soon begin to open and close, toes will curl, eye muscles will clench and mouth will make sucking movements<br />* intestines will start to move into abdominal cavity<br />* kidneys will begin excreting urine into bladder<br />* nerve cells are multiplying rapidly<br />* synapses in GB’s brain are forming furiously<br />* eyes and ears are right where they should be<br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> no gain / loss since last week (Looks like I may be ending the 1st trimester with a total gain of 3 pounds).<br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> Looking forward to our weekend - lots of events – bridal shower, dinner in Round Rock with family and Father’s (to be) Day.<br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> not yet<br /><br /><strong>Food / Drink Cravings:</strong> cereal, apples with peanut butter or caramel, PB &amp; J, ICE water (a staple all day long), milk<br /><br /><strong>What I miss:</strong> any and all foods tasting and 'sounding' good to me to eat<br /><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> still sleeping well, thank you, Benadryl.<br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> listening to GB’s heartbeat and NO MORE SICKNESS!<br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Sad to report I’m still getting sick, but I feel like I’ve had more ‘good’ days this week along with more energy to help my Love around the house.<br /><br />My new nemesis is acid reflux / heartburn. I have NEVER experienced this in my lifetime until now, and I feel for those who do. It feels as if food is hanging out in my throat and comes with this constant feeling of needing to vomit to feel better and that’s what eventually happens. Thankfully, a girl at work shared the trick – fruit flavored Tums…they taste like candy!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-348070469105473876?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-60494362132756167302010-06-10T10:16:00.004-05:002010-06-10T10:24:22.730-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 11 weeks </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Fruit:</strong> Fig<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TBECZUNIKSI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/LPqp12L52B4/s1600/11-fig.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481164855430359330" style="WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TBECZUNIKSI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/LPqp12L52B4/s320/11-fig.jpeg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Size:</strong> 1 and 1/2 inches long</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Baby changes:</strong> Our baby is now almost fully formed!<br />* hands will soon open and close into fists<br />* tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under its gums<br />* some of its bones are beginning to harden<br />GB is already busy kicking and stretching, and its tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet</div><br /><div><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> no gain / loss since last week</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Best Moment this week:</strong> Umm…the weekend and getting to sleep (sorry I’m reaching here). Johnny and I did have a realtor open house on Wednesday and that was very successful. We got lots of great comments on our home and hopefully that will bring a buyer soon!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we’ve chosen to be SURPRISED!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Movement:</strong> not yet, though I have felt stitches / cramps in my abdomen occasionally this week.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Food Craving:</strong> frozen purple grapes (skin peeled), cereal</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>What I miss:</strong> exercising – I know I didn’t do lots before, but I hope to pick it back up.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Sleep:</strong> sleeping well, but I can’t seem to get enough this week.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> listening to GB’s heartbeat and NO MORE SICKNESS! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Sad to report I’m still getting sick, but mostly just feeling exhausted this week. My doctor told me to try Benadryl at night to suppress my cough. That isn’t cutting it during the day, so she then suggested Delsym. We’ll see if that helps!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-6049436213275616730?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-3809143105266884932010-06-03T16:42:00.011-05:002010-06-04T13:43:01.059-05:00<strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> (GB stands for Gummy Bear)<br /><br /><strong>How Far Along:</strong> 10 weeks<br /><br /><strong>Fruit:</strong> Kumquat – what’s this, you ask? (see picture below)<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478668015027997618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TAgjiE4Jy7I/AAAAAAAAA7E/rL1hmWQW19w/s200/10-kumquat.jpeg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>Size: </strong>1 and ¼ inches long and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce<br /><br /><strong>Baby changes:</strong> This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in the body rapidly grow and mature<br />* GB is swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm<br />* Vital organs — including its kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function<br />* tiny nails are forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin<br />* limbs can bend now<br />* GB’s hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over its heart, and its feet may be long enough to meet in front of its body<br />* outline of GB’s spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from its spinal cord<br /><br /><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> Hey, I’m going to be really honest here…<br />+ 3 pounds since my very first appointment (May 3)<br />My husband had just brought me Chick-fil-A for lunch so maybe that’s why ;)<br /><br /><strong>Best Moment this week: </strong>June 1 – this was our 2nd sonogram and 1st time to see our baby, find out exactly how far along I am, and get a due date (which just happens to be my Mom’s b-day – December 31st)<strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Gender:</strong> We are due to find out in late July / early August, but we have chosen to be SURPRISED!<br /><br /><strong>Movement:</strong> Not yet, however, GB was very active during my sonogram, flipping around and bouncing off the womb walls (Dr. Pilkinton said it’s the most active baby she’s seen this early on) </p><p><br /><strong>Food Craving:</strong> Crispix cereal and watermelon, I’ve been eating lots of fast food for lunch, if it sounds good, I grab it! I’m sure I’ll regret this later, wait, I do regret it.<br /><br /><strong>What I miss:</strong> Getting off work at 2:30 every afternoon, it’s more like 5:30 now and wearing my pants comfortably…already, I know!<br /><br /><strong>Sleep:</strong> Sleeping well. I still wake up pretty early (6:15 or so) ready to eat or throw up…whatever comes first! It takes me a while to get around in the mornings.<br /><br /><strong>What I am looking forward to:</strong> Listening to GB’s heartbeat and NO MORE SICKNESS! <strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Nausea and sometimes vomiting seem to hit me at least once a day, but Zofran has been my miracle drug. I’ve got this bug-a-boo cough that does not seem to go away, and lots of times this leads to my vomiting. My doctor says hopefully I am on the upswing of things since I’m getting close to the end of the 1st trimester.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-380914310526688493?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-6711209410696876882010-06-03T15:39:00.004-05:002010-06-04T13:47:55.202-05:00...is that if you've read Johnny's last blog (yes, this is Taylor by the way - I think you'll be getting more of me than him during this next season of our lives :) ...<br /><br />Then you've noticed that on April 29 he told you guys we were NOT pregnant!<br /><br />That's obviously not true according to the picture below!<br /><br />Just to get everyone up to speed...here's a little background on what has transpired in our lives over the past month and a couple of days.<br /><br />The following day (Friday, April 30) we found out we indeed WERE pregnant! All that week I had been telling Johnny how I just knew we were pregnant. He of course, thought I was calling "Wolf" again, but hey, I can't blame him since I have 'thought' I was pregnant every month that we've been married. That's 28 months worth!<br /><br />This time I took it upon myself to take a pregnancy test while at work on that Friday...without telling Johnny. I didn't want to embarass myself again (since I had done this same thing back in February when I thought we were pregnant).<br /><br />I got the results in about 4 hours, which felt like 24! The nurse told me over the phone and it was definitely a very surreal moment. They were ready for me to start scheduling my first appointment and all I could say was I'll be back here on Monday.<br /><br />I went down to my office and shut the door and cried...I think it was even more emotional for me just having found out that we're moving too!<br /><br />I left early that day because there was no way I could focus anymore. I tried thinking of really creative / cute ways to share the news with Johnny, even though excitement was not the emotion I was feeling. I knew we would forever remember this and I wanted it to be special.<br /><br />As soon as I got home, still not having any plans in mind, I was greeted at the door by Johnny who starts rubbing my belly and asking how Baby Bambino is. To that, I lost it, again, and told him in an ugly sob voice - 'We ARE pregnant!' Not very cute or creative, huh?!<br /><br />We cried together and then I remember Johnny jumping around the house saying 'My boys can swim, my boys can swim!' We laid down for a nap and Johnny started talking to my belly and I pushed my stomach out and you wouldn't believe the 'in awe' look on Johnny's face. 'He kicked...he kicked!' Johnny exclaimed. I felt bad to break it to him that actually, it was just me, pumping my stomach, if you will, not the baby.<br /><br />Johnny went ahead and bought Wal-green's best take home pregnancy tests (2) because he didn't think the hospital test I took was accurate. That still doesn't make any sense to me. So as soon as I took those, I guess it started sinking in for him.<br /><br />We spent the next month (May) apart mostly. Fortunately, for Johnny, he missed me in a lot of my pregnancy sickness glory and fortunately for me, my mom was around to help me.<br /><br />Johnny spent a week in Colorado for an Old Testament class and then I left right before he got home for a week long trip to Nashville (by the grace of God I survived) and then we reunited for about 3.5 days before Johnny left for Young Life Wilderness Work Week in Colorado for another week.<br /><br />While Johnny was away, I had my first appointment / sonogram (May 3). My dear friend, Lucy, accompanied me to these appointments in Johnny's absence. Unfortunately, we didn't see much in the sonogram...only an empty sac and the nurse practitioner couldn't even tell me how far along I was. That was definitely disappointing!<br /><br />Johnny and I did get to spend our first weekend together this past 3 day Memorial Day Weekend! It is good to have him home and taking care of me....that is for sure! He has been such a good sport and has served me really well and cleaned up (lots) after me and has given me an unending (?) $ supply for my fast food runs...EEK!<br /><br />I think that brings us pretty much to the present...<br /><br />That's where the sonogram picture comes in to play below. Johnny and I had our 2nd sonogram appointment this past Tuesday, June 1. I cannot believe how just 4 weeks ago we couldn't see anything and now our Gummy Bear is apparent - a very active one I might add. This has been the first real excitement I have felt so far and know the joy will continue to grow!<br /><br />You'll have to check back in weekly as I hope to remain consistent with baby updates / pictures / etc. I got the idea from fellow bloggers and think it's a great way to keep our friends and family up to date and an awesome way to look back on what's transpired!<br /><br />Glory to God!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-671120941069687688?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-25327151219120885122010-06-03T14:22:00.007-05:002010-06-04T13:46:57.366-05:00Johnny and I wanted to share these with you...<br />(This was officially 9 weeks and 6 days)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TAgBBV4e5bI/AAAAAAAAA64/FLpct0B88Kc/s1600/1st+pic+of+baby+tortuga.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478630069261755826" style="WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/TAgBBV4e5bI/AAAAAAAAA64/FLpct0B88Kc/s320/1st+pic+of+baby+tortuga.jpg" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-2532715121912088512?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-89417121045011777972010-04-29T14:58:00.002-05:002010-04-29T15:30:12.514-05:00My GOSH, it's been a long time!<br /><br />To my ONE faithful fan (you know who you are!), this one is for you...<br /><br />Much has gone on in the past few months. First off, I had computer and camera problems for a good while which did not allow me to upload any pictures or do anything crazy on the computer. I am not a techy dude, by ANY means. But, I did get it fixed (FINALLY) and we are all better now.<br /><br />On Monday, we had our 1st Annual ALL AREA Young Life Club in Killeen. We had folks from Belton to Copperas Cove and everywhere in betwixt. For a grand total of <em>about</em> 129 people!!! It was the BEST YL Club that I have EVER been a part of in my 8 years in Central Texas. That is NO exaggeration. Seriously. I wish you could have been there. There was So much Energy and Heat from all those kids! My Lanta...<br /><br />Below is a pic of a Belton YL Leader crowd surfing during the first song of the night! I knew it was going to be WILd night when I saw this happen. Don't think I wasn't worried about his foot going through the roof. I was prayin'...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nma49vAcI/AAAAAAAAA6k/Y270dIrUyOc/s1600/2010_04260011.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465652972433113538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nma49vAcI/AAAAAAAAA6k/Y270dIrUyOc/s320/2010_04260011.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is Sasha, one of our new UMHB Leaders at Harker Heights High School, and some of her girls getting into it and singing their hearts out! <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmastrw3I/AAAAAAAAA6c/SNR3iyMaX7U/s1600/2010_04260010.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465652969144566642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmastrw3I/AAAAAAAAA6c/SNR3iyMaX7U/s320/2010_04260010.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Monday night was Fantastic! What a great way to end the semester. <br /><br />Taylor and I are good. We have been married almost 2 1/2 years. That's really hard to believe. We have gotten to be really good friends with two other couples in town. We went to Cancun with them in January and we get together every Thursday for food and some Bible Study. It really is a wonderful time. We are very thankful to have friends... and GOOD friends to ADD!<br /><br />This is a picture of Taylor and me at Dave &amp; Busters in Austin. We went there for Tad's 33rd birthday. It was a fun night... I hadn't been to a Dave &amp; Busters in like 20 years!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmaDPx0MI/AAAAAAAAA6U/NskP4i2tlT0/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465652958013280450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmaDPx0MI/AAAAAAAAA6U/NskP4i2tlT0/s320/002.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In addition to our marriage, we have to include our two 'kids'! Bourne and Bauer (out cats) keep us entertained at all times. They are a mess and keep us laughing day and night. Here is Bourne taking FULL advantage of the 'Bird Bath' in our backyard! More like a 'Bourne Bath!' He runs the roost...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmZ8AGynI/AAAAAAAAA6M/IsjoLkVBSkY/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465652956068498034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmZ8AGynI/AAAAAAAAA6M/IsjoLkVBSkY/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And lastly, some REALLY big news from Taylor and Johnny Russell! </div><div>Are YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU ready for this? </div><div>NO, we are <u>not</u> pregnant, but we are <u>MOVING</u>! That's right, the Russell's are moving to Tyler, Texas, to continue to work for Young Life. We are very, very excited about the move. Taylor has never lived anywhere except Killeen her entire life minus the 8 years she was at college! Wink Wink. Just kidding, she was only at Texas A &amp; M for 6... or maybe it was 4 1/2! Anything over 4 years seems like 6 or 8 to me... Only the <strong><em>diligent</em></strong> can complete a Bachelors Degree in 4 years FLAT!</div><div> </div><div>So, lots of things are changing for us. We have our home on the market and we have an offer on the home below in Tyler... It is a Contigent Contract, meaning that if our home sells in the next 30 days, then we will move forward with the below home. This is the view from the front yard and my mom's favorite picture of the house (which doesn't have the house in it at all!).<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmbGQCL-I/AAAAAAAAA6s/DGTOe5F_5U0/s1600/view+from+front+door.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465652975999528930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S9nmbGQCL-I/AAAAAAAAA6s/DGTOe5F_5U0/s320/view+from+front+door.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So there it is. That's our life in a 7 minute nutshell. We report to our 'duty station' in Tyler on 1 July. We will go to camp with Tyler kids, not our Killeen kids. We feel like God is all over this decision in our life. It has really been fun to be a part of it and experience God at work! We told our YL kids and leaders that we were leaving on Monday. That was ExTrEmElY hard for me. I wept. Taylor wept. Kids wept. It was a great night...</div><div> </div><div>Bless You...</div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-8941712104501177797?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-1254098429290290522010-03-02T09:03:00.002-06:002010-03-02T09:12:51.671-06:00Today is an International Day of Prayer for the Mission of Young Life. We are calling it RWOK ... Reaching a World of Kids! Young Life almost has as many acronyms as the United States Army! Well, not THAT many.<br /><br />As a Mission, we are wanting to reach twice the amount of kids that we reached last year. Our goal is 2 MILLION kids! Isn't that INSANE? <br /><br />Check out these quotes:<br /><em>'Prayer does not fit us for the Greater Work. Prayer <strong><u>IS</u></strong> the <u><strong>GREATER WORK</strong></u>!'</em><br />Oswald Chambers<br /><br /><em>'For whatever does not grow out of God produces smoke, not fire. But, that which is <strong>born of God</strong> <u><strong>overcomes the world</strong></u>! If we are going to produce real fire, it is going to begin with God...</em> <u><strong>on our knees</strong></u><em>!'</em><br />Karl Barth<br /><br />We need you. Would you pray with us today?<br /><br />Club last night was OTC! There was more laughter last night than I have seen in a LONG time! I will send pics later as well as hopefully post a video on YouTube for you to chuckle at.<br /><br />Please pray with us... Because High Schoolers are <em><strong><u>WORTH IT</u></strong></em>!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-125409842929029052?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-90905350195193034552010-02-17T10:15:00.003-06:002010-02-17T10:43:51.544-06:00Ash Wednesday... What does it mean and what shall we do, if anything?<br /><br />I will tell you for 20 years I celebrated Ash Wednesday / Lent and it has more effect on me today than it ever has. In life, sometimes we do things not really knowing why... Parents are at fault for that a lot of times. Churches are at fault for that a lot of times!<br />An Episcopal Priest (yes, he's a Christian and heterosexual) told me on Sunday that if 'we don't know why we do something, then we shouldn't do it!' He is very intentional with his congregation about the history of the church and why the church does what it does. I LOVE this...<br /><br /><u>'Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time</u>.'<br /><strong><em>1 Peter 5:6</em></strong><br /><br />'...<u>then your heart becomes proud, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and the house of slavery</u>.'<br /><strong><em>Deuteronomy 8:14</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />LENT (an old English word for SPRING) is the season each year in which we approach the crucifixion (Good Friday) and the resurrection (Easter Sunday) of Jesus Christ. It begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts forty (40) days, not counting Sunday because Sundays already commemorate Jesus' resurrection. Historically, as the Lenten season developed, 40 days was settled upon because Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness of fasting, prayer and solitude with His Father in preparation for His ministry on earth.<br /><br />Lent is a time for sacrifice and self-examination, for increased self-awareness and God-awareness, for spiritual <u>refocus</u> and <u>renewing</u> of our conversion, for seeing our own need for Grace and for opening our hearts to be more captured by Jesus' love!<br /><br />Some people 'give up' something or 'take on' something. For instance, my wife may say that she is abstaining from eating chocolate or something else that is normally a daily part of her life. This is a discipline intended to make us aware of how earthly things can have power over us and to remind us that our true pleasure is in following Jesus.<br /><br />The decisions of 'giving up' or 'taking on' are unique and personal to you and are between you and God. For goodness sake, if they are not helpful or become too great a burden, please stop them with no guilt! Lent is meant to be <u><strong>enlivening</strong></u> and <u><strong>deepening</strong></u>, not another legalistic rule of proving to God your worth or affection for Him.<br /><br />In the Ash Wednesday service, which begins Lent, ashes are placed on one's forehead as the words are spoken, 'Remember, man is dust and to dust you shall return.' It's purpose is to humble our hearts and remind us that life, and our life, passes away on earth. All of life is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). Putting ashes 'on' is an old sign of repentance and humility (see Job 42:6)<br /><br />Humility is RIGHT! I remember going to Ash Wednesday services growing up and my parents making me 'wear' those ashes on my forehead out to dinner. Often times I would 'forget' that they were on my forehead and 'accidentally' wipe my forehead because it was 'itching.' I would happen to 'accidentally' wipe the ashes off my forehead before we went in to eat. I just didn't know. I was probably taught, but I never understood. Now I understand. Now I believe. My upbringing means much more to me now then it did back then.<br /><br />Our Contemporary churches could learn a lot from our Liturgical churches in observing the tradition of Lent... But let's NOT forget WHY we do what we do!<br /><br />I hope that you do 'give up' something or 'take on' something in your daily life that causes you to think about, rely on and trust Jesus more. Deny yourself...<br /><br /><br /><br />If you desire to WATCH my sermon from 31 January, the video is now on the web! Pretty crazy how that happens... <a href="http://www.begrace.org/media">www.begrace.org/media</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-9090535019519303455?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-11662233671614044642010-02-08T13:54:00.004-06:002010-02-08T14:02:15.555-06:00Two things that you need to be aware of...<br /><br /><u>In the past</u>:<br />On January 31, I preached at my church and would love for you to listen to it!<br />Check out <a href="http://www.begrace.org/media">www.begrace.org/media</a>. Scroll down to the above date which has my name (Johnny Russell) by it along with my sermon title 'Lepsog Retnuoc.'<br /><br />Let me know what you think if you get a chance to listen to it.<br /><br />Warning... Pack a lunch! The link has the entire service on there. I get up around 26 minutes from the beginning and go for about an HOUR!<br /><br />Believe It.<br /><br /><u>In the future</u>:<br />Central Texas Young Life is hosting our 1st Annual Run for your <strong><em>LIFE</em></strong> 5K on Saturday, March 27, at 8 a.m. at the Andy K. Wells Hike &amp; Bike Trail in Killeen!<br /><br />Here is the website while under construction, but check it out at the end of the week and prepared to be 'WOO'ed!' My brother David is doing it and he is a stinkin' NINJA when it comes to Websites...<br /><a href="http://www.centexrunforyourlife.com/">http://www.centexrunforyourlife.com/</a><br /><br />On another note, it is raining here big time! My yard is a very squishy... It's always nice to get some free water on my lawn.<br /><br />Please pray for Young Life Club tonight at 7:59. Pray that lots of kids would come out to have an awesome time and be loved on by folks who care about their heart and soul.<br /><br />Because High Schoolers are <strong>WORTH IT</strong>!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1166223367161404464?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-46984012463982419572010-01-27T14:08:00.006-06:002010-01-27T14:27:18.448-06:00I just had to post a few more pics. Those 5 lil' pics from before just were not cuttin' it...<br /><br />We spent a lot of time in and around the pool area. As you can see, there is really great scenery. I just wish I would have posed for the picture...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfNmmMiDI/AAAAAAAAA5U/DWs_aEcpBPM/s1600-h/2010_01170279.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431516206656686130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfNmmMiDI/AAAAAAAAA5U/DWs_aEcpBPM/s320/2010_01170279.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Will, myself and Tad posing for GQ magazine<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfNGWrWrI/AAAAAAAAA5M/wJ017jqYBHw/s1600-h/2010_01170124.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431516198001662642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfNGWrWrI/AAAAAAAAA5M/wJ017jqYBHw/s320/2010_01170124.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Julia, Lucy and my Taylor being all smiles<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfMqr-9QI/AAAAAAAAA5E/C0Uko8vR7Yw/s1600-h/2010_01170042.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431516190574834946" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfMqr-9QI/AAAAAAAAA5E/C0Uko8vR7Yw/s320/2010_01170042.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is the view from the back patio of the hotel looking out onto the sea.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfMckAQrI/AAAAAAAAA48/cOYQjs1Xv-0/s1600-h/2010_01170025.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431516186783269554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfMckAQrI/AAAAAAAAA48/cOYQjs1Xv-0/s320/2010_01170025.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div>This is the lobby of the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun where we stayed. It is kind of dark in the pic, but very vast. Lots of space, couches, granite and friendly people who are very excited that you are staying with them! Lots of tropical plants all around as well...</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfMFSLHnI/AAAAAAAAA40/FKvPsRX3vIs/s1600-h/2010_01170024.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431516180534468210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2CfMFSLHnI/AAAAAAAAA40/FKvPsRX3vIs/s320/2010_01170024.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>We can't wait to go back. Will YOU be going with us? The More the Merrier, right? How cool would it be if this became an annual trip and it got bigger and bigger each year? WoW, I may need to become a part time travel agent. Would that mean discounts?!?! Wink Wink...</div><div></div><div>For booking information, simply give me a call!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4698401246398241957?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-37978894133984450332010-01-27T10:43:00.005-06:002010-01-27T11:21:19.605-06:00We are in the midst of saying bye bye to the month of January! It seems like the older I get the quicker time moves. Are we living for today? I don't want to wake up 21 years from now and realize that I never lived life...<br /><br />Taylor and I are back from our 5 days in Cancun, Mexico! We went south with two of our favorite couple friends that live in Killeen. I have attached a few pics for your viewing pleasure.<br /><br />We left San Antonio on Thursday morning at 10 flying on Mexicana Air and were checking into our hotel by 4. It was such a great travel experience. Mexicana Air is still giving meals and free 'drinks' on planes! WoW, what a treat!<br /><br />The hotel was gorgeous and we got settled into our rooms immediately. We all met downstairs for dinner and decided where we shall go. Now, we did one of these All Inclusive deals. Have you heard of these things? We won't do anything but this from here on out! So we chose to eat Sushi the first night. There were 5 different restaurants at the hotel that we could eat at for 'free.' I ate over $100 in sushi the first night we got to Cancun! We tore that place up. We TOTALLY got our monies worth.<br /><br />We didn't do any excursions this go round, but rather sat by the pool and read our books or participated in the hourly activities that went on all day... Anything from Spanish Lessons to hair braiding to a bike tour to water aerobics and much much more! It was like a Young Life camp for adults. And the best part about it was that I didn't have to LEAD ANYTHING!!! I could participate if I wanted or ignore everyone if I wanted. Now THAT'S a vacation...<br /><br />Underneath our hotel was a bar in the sand and out of the wind. We were waiting for our Sushi table to be ready so we went exploring. We found this place and it had couches and chairs all over along with beds! There were swings on one side of the bar which I thought was really unique...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvzpF8jCI/AAAAAAAAA4c/rYx_DQfGcR0/s1600-h/2010_01170045.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431464083603622946" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvzpF8jCI/AAAAAAAAA4c/rYx_DQfGcR0/s320/2010_01170045.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Downstairs in lobby of hotel. There is no front door. It is all completely open. So Big and So Beautiful! This was our first night in Cancun...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvzOAIVLI/AAAAAAAAA4U/y8iIX1SY6Bo/s1600-h/2010_01170036.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431464076331472050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvzOAIVLI/AAAAAAAAA4U/y8iIX1SY6Bo/s320/2010_01170036.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is day 2...our first full day in Mexico. The water was so blue!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvyzjPheI/AAAAAAAAA4M/6fwjX5uRxoM/s1600-h/2010_01170074.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431464069230986722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvyzjPheI/AAAAAAAAA4M/6fwjX5uRxoM/s320/2010_01170074.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Upon arrival in Cancun. We have NO idea what we are in for...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2Bvynk_API/AAAAAAAAA4E/rbkdTtrpKwY/s1600-h/2010_01170020.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431464066017067250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2Bvynk_API/AAAAAAAAA4E/rbkdTtrpKwY/s320/2010_01170020.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We got many laughs trying to figure out how to fill out our Immigration Forms and Declaration Form. Taylor is pictured here filling out her FIFTH form... well, it's the same form, this is just her fifth try! I messed up several times as well. It was rather hilarious! And frustrating. Come to find out, the customs deal was not as intense as we were anticipating. I'm just gonna make a photo copy of mine for next year!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvyYlW5qI/AAAAAAAAA38/Z1AEN32YfXU/s1600-h/2010_01170010.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431464061992101538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/S2BvyYlW5qI/AAAAAAAAA38/Z1AEN32YfXU/s320/2010_01170010.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Gosh! What a wonderful way to start off a year. That is what you call total relaxation. We also got to order room service up to 3 times a day. Who doesn't love Breakfast In Bed? </div><div></div><div>The hardest part of the whole thing was coming home and back to reality! But we are so very glad we are back and loving people for His Kingdom...<br /><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3797889413398445033?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-45392966536368176922010-01-11T14:16:00.005-06:002010-01-11T14:31:40.548-06:00Welcome to my first blog of 2010!<br /><br />Can you believe that it is here already? I remember the big Hoopla when we were entering Y2K... Remember how the world was going to fall apart, planes were gonna fall from the sky and every computer since the Commodore 64 were going to blow up in your face, light your home on fire and make your car quick running?<br /><br />WoW! We've come a long way...<br /><br />Since we are here, did you make any New Years Resolutions? I like to think of them more as goals rather than resolutions. I am more apt to break a resolution than a goal. A goal is permanent. A resolution was made to be broken.<br /><br />I am trying to get into 'Cancun shape' as Taylor would call it. We are heading to Cancun in the near future with two other couples and I am gonna try to be in tip-top shape for the beach. I am 36 hours in and feel GREAT! Just Kidding... We started being more disciplined the day after Christmas and I have actually kept it up. I am becoming more aware of what I eat. I am running fairly regular (which means more than NEVER!) and doing some crunches as well as some arm workouts. It <u>does</u> feel great to exercise, doesn't it? I am always amazed at why I don't do it more often. No Time. No Energy. Undisciplined! Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy!!! That is really what it ALL boils down to. We are just LAZY! Plain and Simple..<br /><br />Taylor and I are extremely excited about our trip to Cancun. We are doing one of those 'all inclusive' resorts. You pay one fee and then it is all you can eat or drink while you are there. I hope to eat some REALLY great food while we are down there. I do NOT want to encounter Mantezuma in <u>any</u> form or fashion! Have you done one of these trips before? Got pointers / suggestions? If so, please pass them on to us...<br /><br />Our Christmas and New Years was great. It was wonderful to be home and rest for a little bit. We did not travel although we had tons of people stay with us throughout the holidays. Taylor and I enjoy having people in our home.<br /><br />I stayed up late and slept in several days in a row. I got a Clive Cussler (my favorite author) book for Christmas and finished it in a week. I stayed up until 4:30 one morning reading this book. It was very engaging. I LOVE books like that. Rumor has it that he has another new one out. I think I may go get it for our trip down South!<br /><br />Life moves quickly. If you don't watch it, you will look up one day and we will be 25 years down the road. Be intentional with <u><strong><em>THIS</em></strong></u> day. Pray that God would use YOU for HIS Kingdom...<br /><br />Bless You.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-4539296653636817692?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-75886105553350931082009-12-09T12:37:00.008-06:002009-12-09T13:16:31.575-06:00Life has moved very quick this past semester...<br />I can't believe that it is almost over. We have only 22 days left in December!<br /><br />I don't really even remember October or November. Has that ever happened to you? Time can move by so fast...<br /><br />Here is a great pic of some of our Harker Heights kids at Club last week. Our high school friends are such a joy to us...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v3aeaUYI/AAAAAAAAA3g/uX4vuZ-SJRI/s1600-h/2009_12070009.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413309012401344898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v3aeaUYI/AAAAAAAAA3g/uX4vuZ-SJRI/s320/2009_12070009.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Taylor and I decorated our home this year the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We put up about twice as many lights this year...per Taylor's request. I really like the 'star' in our upstairs window along with the tree in the front yard wrapped with 10 strands of lights! Taylor got DIZZY put those on.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v3L0cSMI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/nyitsDBad50/s1600-h/2009_12070031.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413309008467216578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v3L0cSMI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/nyitsDBad50/s320/2009_12070031.JPG" /></a><br /><br />But my very most favorite decoration is this one simple sign in our front yard!<br />Wise Men Still Seek Him!<br />Absolutely! I truly believe that.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v2VDStSI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/0gbG9HUJ9Vo/s1600-h/2009_12070029.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413308993765553442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v2VDStSI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/0gbG9HUJ9Vo/s320/2009_12070029.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I killed my first buck on Monday (12/7/2009) morning in Milano, Texas. I am really proud of it and love this pic with the cross in the background. By the way, that's a leaf on the deer's neck, not the bullet hole.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v16VU9BI/AAAAAAAAA3I/VPo-Z2xW8cI/s1600-h/2009_12070112.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413308986593440786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/Sx_v16VU9BI/AAAAAAAAA3I/VPo-Z2xW8cI/s320/2009_12070112.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Have an Incredible Day!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Please pray for me as I venture to Leakey, Texas, to speak at the Corpus Christi Polar Bear this weekend. I am hopefully going to take a few of our YL Kids which would be really awesome. These guys need to meet Jesus.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>During this Christmas Season, Taylor and I are thankful for Emmanuel (God with us)! What an Awesome God we serve who would leave everything perfect to come to a place where perfection is lacking. That He would leave a place of Pure Light to come to a place where Darkness Reigns. That He would leave all of His Royal Privileges behind to become a man birthed by a lowly Jewish girl. That He would leave all Power behind and be put at our Mercy... to love him, care for him, feed him, nurture him, hate him, betray him, punch him, crucify him and kill him!</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Yet Jesus <u>STILL</u> came. For You. And Me.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>That is where our focus will be. What about yours?</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Peace On Earth.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7588610555335093108?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-78379624588219057592009-12-04T11:51:00.002-06:002009-12-04T11:56:39.664-06:00This after noon will mark the beginning of our 8th Annual Polar Bear Winter Retreat in Central Texas! We have 67 kids and leaders signed up so far. The bus pulls out in 5 and a half hours an then it will be ON!<br /><br />The temperatures are droppin', the rain is comin' in and the water is no doubt very frigid! We will be making our Annual Polar Bear Plunge into the water tomorrow afternoon. What EXCITEMENT that will be. Seriously! I am usually the very first one in the water to lead the charge. If kids are gonna follow, we must lead them, right? <br /><br />I'm praying that I don't get sick this year. I am speaking at a Polar Bear next weekend in Leakey, Texas, for Corpus Christi Young Life. I do not need to be feeling bad for that event!<br /><br />We would love your prayers. <br />Pray for Safety and Salvation! <br />Pray that we would love our high school friends extremely well this weekend.<br /><br />Bless You...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-7837962458821905759?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-91321963767733520742009-11-24T11:17:00.002-06:002009-11-24T11:26:12.120-06:00Have you ever heard that before? Have you ever heard that tragedies come in 'threes'? Well, that 'theory' holds true in my life and continues this season...<br /><br /><u>Thursday, November 5</u> - Man opens fire at Fort Hood killing 13 and injurying many more. <br /><u>Thursday, November 12</u> - Old YL Leaders and dear friends' 3 month old baby stops breathing at babysitters and dies on following Sunday.<br /><u>Thursday, November 19</u> - Dear YL friends in Boerne come home from dinner and find their high school son who had committed suicide.<br /><br />Lots of Questions. No Answers. All Faith. All Trust. It's in these times that we turn to the only guaranteed stable thing in our life. Jesus Christ. Our Rock. Our Foundation. Our Hope. Without Him, we have nothing. With Him, we have everything!<br /><br />He never promises a pretty and easy road. But He does promise to never ever leave us! And for that I give Thanks during this Thanksgiving Season. Just so you know, Thanksgiving is not a Holiday, it's a WAY OF LIFE! Few people are Thankful. It saddens my heart so much. <br /><br />Life is full of ups and downs. I'm not sure why tragedies seem to come in Threes. I do know that after Three Days Jesus rose from the Dead though! And He lives today. <br /><br />Do you know Him?<br /><br />Happy Turkey Day to you and yours...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-9132196376773352074?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-377805210749027082009-11-03T14:24:00.003-06:002009-11-03T14:42:11.761-06:00It makes me laugh when people are so concerned as to WHEN Taylor and I are going to have children. Simply to suit your 'fancy' this email is for you...<br /><br />This is Alex, Chase, Mullens and Stefan at our 1st Annual Jell-O-A-Rama-A-Thon that we did with First Baptist Church. We were supposed to do Jell-O and Pudding Wrestling, but the rain moved us inside. We had to flex a whole bunch. We threw down Drop Clothes and had a Night Full 'O Jell-O! It was a blast. I was so thankful that no one got seriously hurt. <br />Not to self ... Jell-O on a tarp like substance becomes like Black Ice! Watch your step...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCScNXqDEI/AAAAAAAAA20/xVG9W-aSrAY/s1600-h/2009_11020046.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976966540102722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCScNXqDEI/AAAAAAAAA20/xVG9W-aSrAY/s320/2009_11020046.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is a pic of some of our group last night from Capture The Pumpkin at Conder Park. This is an annual event that we do around Halloween to break up the semester. It was extremely fun as always. The seniors took on the underclassmen. The seniors won the first game. Underclassmen the second and the Seniors pulled out the 2 out of 3 victory by winning the 3rd game! It was intense. Now we move on to our Polar Bear Winter Retreat December 4 - 6.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSb_eSz4I/AAAAAAAAA2s/RLhnskoPk_A/s1600-h/2009_11020072.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976962809843586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSb_eSz4I/AAAAAAAAA2s/RLhnskoPk_A/s320/2009_11020072.JPG" /></a><br /><br />On to our 'other' children...<br /><br />This is picture of Bourne sleeping ON ME! He is such an affectionate cat. He loves to lay on, near and around me when night falls. It is rather funny. Taylor snapped this picture before she got in bed the other night. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSbRb_RtI/AAAAAAAAA2k/zyWumISU-WU/s1600-h/2009_11020070.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976950452143826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSbRb_RtI/AAAAAAAAA2k/zyWumISU-WU/s320/2009_11020070.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is a close up of Bourne's right leg / paw. On Saturday, we are not sure what happened, but Bourne began limping on his right leg. All you had to do was look at it and tell that something was wrong. It looked like he was wearing a cast. It was so funny looking. He is better now and the swelling has subsided.<br />My assumption is that while he was digging around in the flower bed, he got bit or stung by something. The swelling lasted about 12 hours. He is all back to normal now and rowdier than ever!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSbJO4d3I/AAAAAAAAA2c/pTEGNGVJaMg/s1600-h/2009_11020052.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976948249687922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSbJO4d3I/AAAAAAAAA2c/pTEGNGVJaMg/s320/2009_11020052.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Bourne and Bauer LOVE to be outside! They have fresh food and fresh water inside the house at all times, but they insist on drinking out of the <em>Bird Bath</em> in the backyard! This may be the cutest picture that Tay has snapped yet...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSa6IP_9I/AAAAAAAAA2U/x_btjVl1Bo0/s1600-h/2009_11020047.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976944195338194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SvCSa6IP_9I/AAAAAAAAA2U/x_btjVl1Bo0/s320/2009_11020047.JPG" /></a><br /><br />So there ya have it. Those are our kids. No 'kids' on the way yet. We will let all know when those days are nigh...</div><div> </div><div>Enjoy this day that the Lord has made!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-37780521074902708?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-36967815694966643692009-10-20T15:36:00.002-05:002009-10-20T15:53:22.750-05:00We are in the middle of Banquet season in Central Texas and I need some OXYGEN!!!<br />Last night was Copperas Cove's very first Banquet. What a true blessing. We started YL in Cove 3 years ago and it has been growing ever since. They have always been a part of 'Killeen's' banquet, but not any longer! I am so proud of them and the work that God is doing in Copperas Cove.<br /><br />We have our banquet in just 6 days. Monday is the night! The is our 8th Annual Banquet. It's really hard to believe that we have been doing this for 7 years. Ten years total. Time flies when you are having fun, right? Well, I am STILL having fun and Jesus is still working on me...<br /><br />November 16, is Belton's Banquet! Belton? What? That's right... On June 1, we hired Matt Lambro straight outta Abilene Christian University to be our full time YL Staff Guy in Belton. He is doing a wonderful job and has strategically surrounded himself with some stellar people. He is a very smart young man.<br /><br />So, in all of that, life is crazy right now. It's a great day to be ALIVE!<br /><br />Make today count...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-3696781569496664369?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-10478433255334820432009-10-13T16:03:00.002-05:002009-10-13T16:35:10.060-05:00Have you ever let something go by for so long that whenever you get around to doing it, it can be awkward? Returning a phone call. Saying you're sorry. Not writing on your blog.<br /><br />Exactly. That how I feel right now. I haven't written in over a month. What have I been DOING? Gosh. Where does time go? But have no fear, I have made time in my Palm Pilot Treo 755p to blog once a week. Let's see how that is gonna work out. <br /><br />Bourne and Bauer are great. I must admit, these cats have brought Taylor and I so much joy, laughter and excitement to our every day life. I didn't see this coming. I was laying in bed reading last night with my wife asleep next to me and the cats in between us sleeping and I just stared at all three of them and smiled. Was this possible? Am I REALLY married? It is still so fresh. So New. Even after 2 years! I love it. I still ask Taylor, 'Can you believe that we are married?' I still think it is so cool! And I have cats. And they are sleeping in bed with us. How bizaar. I love watching and playing with them. They are so full of life. I can't even imagine what it's gonna be like for us to have children. Speaking of children, just kidding...<br /><br />This picture of Bourne of makes his tail seem like it is 4 feet long. I thought it was funny. He is definitely the most energetic, curious and loving of the two.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvLT621VI/AAAAAAAAA2I/C13M5Me8DU0/s1600-h/Long+Tail.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392197631474062674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvLT621VI/AAAAAAAAA2I/C13M5Me8DU0/s320/Long+Tail.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We have had to cancel Crud War twice this semester because of rain. So, it place of Crud War this year, we had a Dodgeball Tournament. Kids had an Incredible time and really loved it. I did too. I just can't feel my lower back and neck. Am I too old for this?<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvKuE_0bI/AAAAAAAAA2A/EdRWzy5xJWU/s1600-h/group+dodgeball.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392197621316047282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvKuE_0bI/AAAAAAAAA2A/EdRWzy5xJWU/s320/group+dodgeball.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is Marky and Charis listening intently at Young Life Club last Monday. Club is wild and crazy, but when it comes time for a YL Leader to speak about Jesus, the room falls silent. It is simply a miracle to get 40 high schoolers quiet!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvKWO9UhI/AAAAAAAAA14/9qFuNMAOBt4/s1600-h/kids+listening.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392197614915375634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvKWO9UhI/AAAAAAAAA14/9qFuNMAOBt4/s320/kids+listening.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Todd Kenneth Schmales and his Ladies. Todd is a Safety Director and he has been visiting our club this semester. I must admit, he is really funny!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvJ-5rfSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/cGcDkNhiI7g/s1600-h/Todd+and+Girls.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392197608652111138" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvJ-5rfSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/cGcDkNhiI7g/s320/Todd+and+Girls.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Alex, Stefan and Chase 'cheese it up' for the camera. I love to see kids being kids. I love to see kids smile. I love to see kids laugh. And to laugh hard. We get to see this often on Monday nights. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvJQ5gtAI/AAAAAAAAA1o/TgFnRydNdP4/s1600-h/Kids+singing.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392197596303373314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/StTvJQ5gtAI/AAAAAAAAA1o/TgFnRydNdP4/s320/Kids+singing.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Tuesday evenings have become a time where Taylor and I are meeting with some other couples and going through the Truth Project. Have you ever heard of the Truth Project? It is an apologetic study about 'Truth.' What is Truth? Is there such thing as Truth? Does Truth still exist. It's a flippin' great series put out by Focus on the Family! </div><div> </div><div>In our world, <em>Truth</em> is relative and is whatever you want it to be... </div><div> </div><div>That is a lie and simply NOT the Truth!</div><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-1047843325533482043?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-58587121389609339592009-08-29T13:14:00.003-05:002009-08-29T13:29:30.913-05:00Taylor and I finally have decided to have children... Well, not human children, but rather feline children. We adopted a boy (Bourne) and a girl (Bauer) from the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Killeen and we have fallen in love with our two kitties! <br /><br />These are pics from the first day that we brought them home. They made themselves at home very quick and love they people! We got them declawed and fixed up with shots last week and now they can stay 'out' in the house (rather than being put up in the laundry room at night or when we leave). They love staying out and they roam around all day long ... if they are not sleeping! <br /><br />They are not brother and sister, but they sure play like it! They have slept in our bed the last two nights and that has been so much fun. Bourne <u>literally</u> sleeps with half of his body on Taylor's pillow and half of his body on top of her head!!! I tell no lies... It may be one of the cutest things you have seen this year!<br /><br />We would love for you to come and meet our new kids. Luckily they walk on 4 legs rather than 2...<br /><br />Bourne Chillin'...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwkT_eOOI/AAAAAAAAA1g/13tPhvS-NdU/s1600-h/Bourne+chillin%27.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375451399387494626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwkT_eOOI/AAAAAAAAA1g/13tPhvS-NdU/s320/Bourne+chillin%27.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is one of Bourne's favorite spots to lay in the living room<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwjzVC6DI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0HEh0Eex14A/s1600-h/Big+Bourne.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375451390619609138" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwjzVC6DI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0HEh0Eex14A/s320/Big+Bourne.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Bauer getting ready to 'wreck shop' on Bourne<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwjUGwq0I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/G5QK0-o8Mws/s1600-h/Bauer+lookin%27.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375451382238194498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwjUGwq0I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/G5QK0-o8Mws/s320/Bauer+lookin%27.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Let the games begin!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwjPXtTzI/AAAAAAAAA1I/DMAMLhybVLg/s1600-h/Bauer+and+Bourne.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375451380967100210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplwjPXtTzI/AAAAAAAAA1I/DMAMLhybVLg/s320/Bauer+and+Bourne.JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>Have a GREAT DAY today...</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-5858712138960933959?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-2650452104647875642009-08-29T12:44:00.003-05:002009-08-29T13:09:11.635-05:00After getting back from Frontier Ranch, we had almost exactly 2 weeks before we took our Central Texas high schoolers to Sharptop Cove in Jasper, Georgia...<br /><br />You would think that it would taken nothin' to get a high schooler to leave Killeen and go to camp... Noooooooooooooooooooooo, not this year. Not ANY year! I know that this is part of the Spiritual Battle that goes on all around us each and every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Enemy NEVER stops! <br /><br />But the busses pulled up, we loaded 40 kids and 9 leaders on 1 bus and some Belton and Marble Falls folks on another and off we went! It was a wonderful bus ride. Not one problem which is unusual. I did think to myself around 1 a.m. as I was trying to doze off and get an hour of sleep before our crazy week of camp starts tomorrow, 'At what age am I told old to be riding this bus each and every year?' I turn 33 years old on September 3, 2009. Taylor told me that I am already too old to ride the bus and that we need to fly next year. I think she was just acting silly and selfish ... wink, wink!<br /><br />Of the 40 kids that we took to camp, 16 made a decision to follow Jesus!!! Now the Fun begins as we arrive back home, get kids plugged in and start their Spiritual Root System. We met every single day from 10-11:30 a.m. for two weeks and it was STRONG! Probably our best after camp follow up that we have ever done. Such a joy to see kids grow in the Lord!<br /><br />I sure wish that you could experience a week at a Young Life Resort! <br /><br />This is a group shot of our CenTex friends. We are all wearing our commemorative Camp Shirt honoring the year of the 'Flying Pig Flu' a.k.a. Swine Flu...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltJoh1K5I/AAAAAAAAA04/_JfOAAjAE34/s1600-h/2009_08070252.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375447642508962706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltJoh1K5I/AAAAAAAAA04/_JfOAAjAE34/s320/2009_08070252.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is Night 3 at the Carnival. One of the kids won some money and chose to take me to 'Pie in the Eye!' I know it's coming, so I might as well make faces and talk trash, right?<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltJIRNhjI/AAAAAAAAA0w/Vgqw14CDqIY/s1600-h/2009_08070224.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375447633849321010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltJIRNhjI/AAAAAAAAA0w/Vgqw14CDqIY/s320/2009_08070224.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is one of our guy cabins before their ropes course. The Ropes Course is such a Powerful Tool to challenge kids, have them step out in faith and learn how to trust something or someone other than themselves! It's like we have to Deprogram people from the world before they can learn to listen to the still small whisper of our Heavenly Father.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltI0VtnTI/AAAAAAAAA0o/7mYBrQj1rpI/s1600-h/2009_08070087.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375447628499492146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltI0VtnTI/AAAAAAAAA0o/7mYBrQj1rpI/s320/2009_08070087.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Sharptop Cove...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltIcrHN5I/AAAAAAAAA0g/sEIeSjLmluE/s1600-h/2009_08070034.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375447622146799506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltIcrHN5I/AAAAAAAAA0g/sEIeSjLmluE/s320/2009_08070034.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is my cabin right before our Volleyball Tournament. They were a great group of guys!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltH4SQs7I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/JPGKyYwX0EY/s1600-h/2009_08070027.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375447612378887090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SpltH4SQs7I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/JPGKyYwX0EY/s320/2009_08070027.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div>Thanks for supporting Young Life in Central Texas. </div><div> </div><div>Because High Schoolers are WORTH IT...</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9221848020149741055-265045210464787564?l=johnnyrussellswritings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>johnnyrussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028746192792905754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9221848020149741055.post-30748879910784174342009-08-29T12:01:00.003-05:002009-08-29T12:43:09.796-05:00Wow! I can't believe that it has been over a month since we have returned from our 2nd Session Assignment for Young Life at Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado.<br /><br />Our time at Frontier was Incredible. We got to see Amazing things happen! We got to see a hundred kids each week step from Death to Life, from Perishable to Imperishable! It doesn't get any better than that.<br /><br />One thing that made our Assignment very Unique and Different was the dreaded Swine Flu of 2009. So Wild. So Crazy. We experienced the Brunt of the Joke at Frontier Ranch. Kids were infected. Our Assigned Team was infected. Everyone was exposed to it. Our first week, we had to send 160 folks from Houston home on Day 3 of 7 at camp. On Day 5, we sent the rest of camp home. It was SO Bizaar! Never before have I had 2 days 'off' at the end of Week 1 to prepare for Week 2.<br /><br />Week 2 was less hectic and the Swine Flu surfaced at the end of the week, but it really didn't affect our week. Weeks 3 and 4 were free and clear! Such a blessing. It was excellent to finish strong and know that Jesus moved mountains in spite of all that went on.<br /><br />Our biggest challenge came at the end of Week 3 during the last night. Our Camp Director's, Lynn Barclay, husband Paul was supposed to come and visit us on Week 2, but he had gotten sich and did not want to travel. In the span of a week, he stayed sick with random symptoms and on the last night of camp of Week 3, Lynn got a phone call from the North Carolina Police saying that her husband had passed away! Totally Insane. I will never forget getting the news. I was on stage celebrating after 'Say-So' when Elise Austell came up to me and told me this tragic news. Here we had just experienced 100 kids step spiritually into eternity and now we are dealing with Paul Barclay physically stepping into Eternity?!? It was a real hard time for everyone on our Assignment. Lynn Barclay is a great mom, wife, Regional Director, lady and Leader! Lord, Bless Her...<br /><br />Here are some pics for your enjoyment. I know that pictures are worth a thousand words ... or so the saying goes!<br /><br />On our way home from Colorado, we stopped at the Royal Gorge at BOY, it was awesome! Have you ever been there? I like to stop and random places during a trip and sightsee and this was a Great Treasure. This picture is of the tram that go across the entire valley and is some 2,000 feet in the air or something ludicrous like that. We rode it and it was a blast! We spent 2 hours at the Royal Gorge. What a gift. We then drove 7 hours to Amarillo to eat at the Big Texan (a famous restaurant that offers you a free 72 oounce steak and 'trimmings' if you can eat it all in under an hour! It's the Disney Land for Rednecks! We LOVED it...<br /> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkXbj1mFI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/zWo135yTfPY/s1600-h/2009_07200114.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375437983941236818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkXbj1mFI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/zWo135yTfPY/s320/2009_07200114.JPG" /></a><br /><br />These are some girls from Lake Highlands that I really connected with on the very first day of their specific week. They were so great and so precious to me. I told them that the thing I wanted most out of there week (besides them coming to know Jesus) is to stand atop Mount Chrysolite at 12,822 feet with them! They really knew I was crazy then. They hemmed and hawed, but said that they would give it a try. This day was the most draining day in all of our Assignment. I literally pushed one girl up the mountain. After we got about 60% of the way up, a couple of the girls would sit down (which you should never do), cry and say that they were not going any higher. It was TOUGH! God showed up that day. Each and every kids made it to the top of the mountain. We were the last folks to the top and were received by 400 others cheering us on. It was SO Powerful...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkXGv4IrI/AAAAAAAAA0I/7smYIchSNX4/s1600-h/2009_07200075.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375437978354590386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkXGv4IrI/AAAAAAAAA0I/7smYIchSNX4/s320/2009_07200075.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Taylor and I snuck away from camp one afternoon and I took her to St. Elmo. This is a really fun old mining town where you can feed the Chipmunks. They would crawl all over you and eat the seeds you had set out. It was really fun. Taylor loves animals and wildlife!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkWgieAyI/AAAAAAAAA0A/OElChr_Tapg/s1600-h/2009_07200045.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375437968097805090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkWgieAyI/AAAAAAAAA0A/OElChr_Tapg/s320/2009_07200045.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I borrowed a friends 4 wheeler and Taylor and I drove out of Frontier Ranch and up the side of one of the Collegiate Peaks known as Mount Princeton that Frontier Ranch actually sits on the side of. It was a great ride and such B-E-A-UTIFUL scenery. This is TayTay on top of the 4 wheeler at our final stopping point. No more vehicles beyond this point...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkWMQfDdI/AAAAAAAAAz4/CEgxxmQ6Gyc/s1600-h/2009_07200039.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375437962653666770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CMNfawMZbNk/SplkWMQfDdI/AAAAAAAAAz4/CEgxxmQ6Gyc/s320/2009_07200039.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Tay and I atop Mount Princeton. It was about 15 degrees cooler at the top than it was in camp. <br /><div><a href="ht