I know it's so cliché, but I truly can't
believe that another year has flown by since our last update. I guess I have Facebook to blame/thank for that. I do enjoy writing and expressing my thoughts "on paper", so I'm enjoying this opportunity to do so!
First off.....
Joel-
Joel continues to juggle his time between school, work and family. Between his job, frequently writing papers for school, tests, and trying to stay ahead of the game, he somehow manages to keep family activities a priority. The good news is that he is completing his last year of school and will graduate this coming October. Joel has been with American Express now for 12-1/2 years working in the corporate services division. He works hard every day and with his degree almost complete, he hopes to move into a promotional position. While stressful at times, Joel does enjoy his job and career.
We are grateful for ALL he does!
Ashleigh-
Christmas Eve
She just turned 18 as of Dec 20th & is a senior this year. She is still currently involved with the cheer team. We tried to make it to all of her Friday night home games this year, providing, it wasn't a total blowout, they were a lot of fun to be at! Cheer season goes till about March, so it's probably the longest out of all of the sports. College is obviously on the horizon for her, and it will be interesting to see which college she ends up at. She has an interest in Pschology with the desire to be a couples/family counselor in the future. We are excited for her, and wish her the very best!
Quinn-
He is in 8th grade, and finishing up at the middle school this year. Although he hasn't been in any sports lately, he does love football, track, and has shown in interest in boxing, and possibly wrestling for high school. This will probably be his last year playing his trombone, and will then be hanging up the old "band hat".
Although his room was painted shortly after we had moved in, it was still pretty sparse. So, Santa got him a frame for his guitar poster, a red bean bag chair, a pull-up bar for over his door, and a black mini fridge. He just ordered a t.v. today, so I would have to say, it's coming along quite nicely.
Being that his room is the only one downstairs, it's become his little mancave, and he's pretty ok with that! :)
Mikaila-
She is in 7th grade this year, and is doing well.
Over the summer, she was on swim team and absolutely loved it! If you have ever been to swim meets, then you know that they can be very long, and you had better pay attention or you may just miss your child's turn! Not that that ever happened to us......Wink, wink!
We were just happy that she found something that she truly enjoyed doing, and didn't mind practicing to get better at it.
She also tried out for volleyball, but didn't quite make it.
We were very proud, that she at least gave it her best and tried out!
Camden-
He is in 2nd grade and doing very well in school. He will be turning 8 on St. Patrick's Day. He enjoys putting Lego sets together, watching Star Wars movies, video games, playing light sabers with his brothers.
Casey-
He is in 2nd grade and will be turning 8 on St. Patrick's Day too-believe it or not!
Casey doesn't take life too seriously and if he gets around to doing his reading and homework-well then, that's great! He enjoys video games also, playing light sabers, selling lemonade, and having "boy's nights" with his brothers. From Casey's lemonade stand sales, and a few other little jobs, he bought his long awaited hamster after Christmas......Daisy.
Both the twins received new bikes last spring, and are now pros at riding them around the neighborhood! Another first for both of them, was learning to play little league baseball this past fall. They had a wonderful coach, who made sure they learned the fundamentals of baseball while having fun. Their team name was the Chicago White Sox. Come to find out, we have a neighbor (Zach Stewart) who pitches for the MLB Chicago White Sox. Soooo, the photographer Mom that I am, asked him if he would take a few pictures with our boys. Three White Sox jerseys in a picture....how cute is that?!
White Sox Men!
Casey & Camden
Bailey-Our crazy new addition last February.
Mary-
I keep busy with our own crew, from making sure their homework gets completed, TRYING to say yes to sleepovers, fixing dinner, keeping up with the house, and whatever else comes my way. I did enjoy going on the twins' field trip to "Pioneer Village" (An old fashioned town set up, some authentic 1800's buildings, some just replicas) a few weeks ago. Being that I went there when I was their age, it made it even more memorable for me to chaperone....thanks boys, it was fun!
Over the summer, we enjoyed celebrating Joel's Aunt Janet's 5th aniv party, and we then took the kids to the Grand Canyon. Once they did a little hiking and saw several different spots, they were done! I wish we could say that we took alot of trips this past year, but that's not the case. We enjoyed getting to see a lot of our Ohio family, and soaked in the time we had with them!
I pretty much enjoy anything crafty, making cards, making wood signs, or any new project I can get my hands on around the house. Hopefully painting the downstairs bathroom, will be next on my to do list. I'm grateful for my hubby who is the guy I call, when I need a picture hung, towel rack put up, or anything else that requires tools!
When things start getting accomplished, it makes me feel good, and THAT is what I love.
Christmas eve pics.
Our Christmas Eve traditions, were tweaked a little bit last year, due to several of us getting sick. Thankfully, we were all well this year and stuck to our usual activities. We attended our Christmas Eve candlelight service, ate dinner at Macayo's Mexican restaurant, came home and opened one Christmas gift, and watched a family movie.
Christmas morning, of course starts off with cinnamon rolls, a clean house, (before wrapping paper and toys take over), opening gifts, and then just enjoying our day together. We went over to my brother & sister in law's home later on Christmas day. We had a fun time and enjoyed the white elephant gift exchange (with a twist to it)!
The day after Christmas, we go to Joel's Mom's home, and do more celebrating! Always great to be with family!
Now, that the stressful, yet beautiful Christmas season has drawn to a close, and we have toasted and rang in a new year, I truly hope the blessings of 2014 will be bountiful upon you and your loved ones. Wishing you the very best!
Love,
The Russell Family
