Red Ribbon Week

EHS is celebrating Red Ribbon week! Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug free life. Aubrey's school is having a different theme each day and today is pajama day. Aubrey is wearing a nightgown and eye mask borrowed from her Grandma Taylor :) I think she looks GREAT!! And what a fun way to participate in Red Ribbon week!

Pizza and Puzzles

In June of 2009, Shaun's step-dad had a severe stoke that paralized him on his right side and severely impaired his speech. After a few touch and go weeks back in June, Kenny has made significant improvement while living at the Spring Creek Rehabilitation Center. Tonight I decided to order in pizza at the Rehab Center and have our own little pizza party with Grandma and Grandpa Taylor. When we arrived Grandpa T was in his room sitting in his wheel chair!!! What an awesome thing to see since just a month ago it was a real struggle for him to sit up. He even wheeled himself to the table with a small amount of assistance from Logan. I had such a great time eating delicious LaRosa's pizza and chatting with my kids and in-laws. Of course Elinor had to find something to keep her occupied while the adults had grown up talking time....so she found a puzzle. Grandma T, Elinor, Logan, and I had a fun time getting this Disney puzzle put together. Of course ONE PIECE was missing!!! But we had a fun time talking and laughing together! One other really good thing happened during our visit too. While the nurse was checking Grandpa T's blood sugar, she touched his right arm and he felt pain! You wouldn't really think that pain would be a good thing, but it means that he has some feeling back in his right arm. How awesome is that??? It was fun to be a part of a happy moment at Spring Creek.

Controlling Clutter with itso storage

Last weekend I stopped at Target to look for a TI-84 Plus. This is the EXPENSIVE graphing calculator that Aubrey needed for her math class. Well, I didn't come home with the calculator but I did find a little something to help bring peace and harmony into our home. I found the itso storage line at Target. The Cube with shoe rack works just perfectly for us! We don't have mud room when we enter from the garage into the house so we always had a HUGE pile of shoes right inside the door. I was constantly tripping over shoes and hollering at the kids to take the shoes back to their closets. I can't believe that I have lived here for 3 years without this piece of furniture. I wish I had a before picture of all the shoes on the floor but I will show you how this turned out. I'm wanting to find a mirror to hang on the wall above this unit or maybe a wood shelf to display some pictures. It is really amazing how such a small thing can make me sooooo happy.

The "Domestic Goddess"

I know this will come as a real shock to those who know me well....but...... I planned, grocery shopped, and prepared all of our meals for an entire week! I not only amazed myself but my husband and kids too. Inspired by the Kraft Food and Family magazine, I set out to save money and try some new recipes. Not only did I accomplish my two goals, but I was complimented by my family and as an additional bonus we had more fun times as a family. On Monday we started the week with Smothered Chicken with brown rice http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/smothered-chicken-brown-rice-114146.aspx - We liked this dish and the left overs were even better for lunch on Tuesday! Tuesday we tested the Super Stuffed Potatoes http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/super-stuffed-potatoes-114120.aspx Delicious!!!!
On Wednesday, Logan had a 7th grade football scrimmage so I prepared the Tex-Mex beef and potatoes ahead of time and we just had to bakethe dish when we were ready to eat!!!! VERY VERY good.....we will definately be eating this again. I think I might double this one next time. Check out the Tex-Mex http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/velveeta-tex-mex-beef-potatoes-69173.aspx . On Thursday, I must admit that Shaun gave me some help with the Meatballs with tomato-basil cream sauce. Again, another awesome dish!!! http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/the-best-meatballs-114119.aspx . Friday night we went to the Eaton HS football game and watched them lose to St. Henry so we didn't fix din din at home. However, Saturday morning I started the crock pot lasagna and I also made a Texas Sheet cake!! Can I get a YUM YUM???? http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/slow-cooker-lasagna-114123.aspx . Then tonight, to please the vegetarian, I fixed cheesy chili soup.....yum, yum, yum. http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/cheesy-chili-soup-75566.aspx
Be sure to let me know if you try any of these recipes or if you have some good things for me to try. The key to my cooking happiness is ingredients that I can recognize and find in the store and minimal prep time! A BIG thanks goes out to Kraft Foods for inspiring such a good week and thanks to my family for trying everything.....even the vegetables!!!

Kindergarten ~ August 21, 2009

Elinor started Kindergarten yesterday! Shaun was able to get off work 1 hour early so that he could get her on the bus and take a picture. She is in Mrs. Cottingim's class at Camden Elementary. Elinor's report of the day ~ she played kitchen and made a bunch of friends but can't remember any names!!!!

15 1/2 years old ~ Aubrey has a driving permit

Today was another milestone day here at the Russell household. On Sunday August 16, 2009, Aubrey turned 15 1/2. Shaun picked Aubrey up from school and took her to take the test this morning and ...........she PASSED!!!! Holy Cow......how did time fly....how can I really have a child that can drive?????????? Oh my. So for the next 6 months she will be learning to drive in the oh so cool mini van and the big truck. We are hoping to find a small used car in the next 6 -12 months for the kids to use. Please pray for an extra dose of patience for me (and Aubrey too) as we complete the mandatory 50 hours of driving together.

Delight in the Everyday

STARTING TODAY.......August 18th, 2009 Through September 30th, 2009

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL STAMPING MONTH
in September we are giving you 3 ways to
get a FREE Everyday Celebration card kit
for making 16 beautiful cards!

• Purchase a minimum of $60 in stamp sets**
(includes A, B, C, D, and E-size) between
August 18–September 30 (CC1006C)

• Host a Home Gathering with minimum sales
of $400 between September 1–30

• Sign up as a new Consultant between
September 1–30

You can also buy as many card kits as you’d
like for $39.95 per kit (CC1006B). And
there’s more fun! Place any order between
September 1–30 and you’ll be automatically
entered in our daily drawing for a FREE
card kit! Winners will be announced on
your Consultant’s MyCTMH website and
closetomyheart.com.

Express your passion for
stamping with this pretty new card kit today!
your close to my heart consultant is: http://kaylarussell.myctmh.com/

1 – My Acrylix® Everyday Celebration Stamp Set
(D-size) (Only available with this kit!)
16 – 4 W" * 5 V" Colonial White Card Bases
16 – 4 W” x 5 V” Colonial White Envelopes
1 – 12" * 12" Dutch Blue Cardstock
1 – 12" * 12" Colonial White Cardstock
4 – 12" * 12" B&T Duos® Paper
1 – Chocolate Distressing Ink
1 – Dutch Blue Distressing Ink
1 – Mini-Medley Accents Shades of Chocolate
Collection
5' – Chocolate Ribbon with Colonial White Stitch
50 – 3-D Foam Squares
Sponge
1 – Full Color Step-by-Step Instructional Brochure
Featured Colors: Chocolate, Colonial White,
Dutch Blue, Sweet Leaf
everyday celebration card kit
Stamps

Well, today is the first day of school. The kids could barly get out of bed since they are still on their summer schedule of staying up late and sleeping in. I am sure they will be tired tonight and hopefully **crossing finges** that they will get to bed at a much more reasonable time. The bus came to pick them up at 6:27 am and by 6:35 am Logan had called me to see if I could bring his trumpet to school. I'm thinking of implementing a fee to charge the kids if they need me to bring something to school. Anyone have any good ideas for that?? Elinor will go to Kindergarten testing this afternoon at 2:30 pm and then her first day will be Friday! Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post of that event too!!! I'm having fun playing on Photobucket with my pictures and hopefully I'll figure out how to do more than just post slideshows!!!

Shaun's 37th Birthday

Today was a fun, fun, ending to a fun, fun weekend!!! Aubrey had to pick up her "college" books at Miami Hamilton Campus, Elinor had "Meet the Teacher" night, and we topped the day off with a birthday celebration for Shaun. We served iced brownies with ice cream and toppings!!! YUM YUM!! Here are a few pictures from the evening.

Courage

Tonight I'm posting as a result of reading a new blog that I found very inspiring...... (in)courage.me . When I thought of writing a post on courage, the lyrics for the song "Where does my help come from" came to my mind. When I'm in need of some courage,this song often comes to my mind.


I lift up my eyes to the hills
Where does my help come from
My help comes from the Lord
Maker of Heaven and earth
O Maker of Heaven and earth

Your foot shall never be moved
You'll never stumble
Or slip no never
He who watches Israel
He never slumbers or sleeps
No He never slumbers or sleeps
The Lord will keep you from harm
He watches over your soul
He will watch you come and go

Now and forevermore forever
Now and forevermore

Maker of Heaven and earth
Maker of Heaven and earth

My newest creation....

Here is a small papercraft item that I finished this evening. I got the template for the box online but I don't remember where...yikes...I'm going to get better at that. I'm planning on making a small item for each employee birthday and we have a birthday in the office tomorrow.

My CTMH ~ Close To My Heart Business

Hello,

It's been a while since my last post and I've been busy with work and family activities. I wanted to post a little bit about my CTMH ~ Close To My Heart business. I signed up as a CTMH consultant back in 2001 as a way to support my scrapbooking/card making hobby. At the beginning of this year, I committed to turning my hobby into a "real" business and I'm finally up and going. Check out my website at www.kaylarussell.myctmh.com . I will be adding and updating the artwork section soon. The good news....I CAN now accept CREDIT CARDS!!! So be sure to check out the shopping tab https://kaylarussell.myctmh.com/Retail/RetailLanding.aspx?PageId=184 and place an order to get started on your projects. I plan on hosting a montly workshop so check back on my calendar soon!!

Last weekend, my Aunt Nancy was kind enough to host a workshop. She was fortunate enough to get over $40 in free product!!! So if you would like to host a workshop in your home or mine just send me a quick email and we will get it scheduled.

Summer Vacation 2009 - It's FINALLY planned!!!

Yes!!! We are going to Texas!!! This summer our family will head to the Texas Gulf Coast for a beach vacation on Mustang Island. We will vacation with Shaun's sister Kristy and her family. I am really looking forward to getting together to relax and have fun. We always make memories together! Can't wait!!! The good news is ......we are FLYING to Texas! We are skipping the 18 hour drive and flying from Dayton to Houston. Can you say WhooHOO????

Thanks for sharing in my excitement! ~ Kayla

2009 EMS Geography Bee Champion!

Tonight I just have to brag.......

I am the proud Momma of the 2009 Eaton Middle School Geography Bee Champion!!!! Tonight, at 6:30 in the Middle School Auditorium, Logan competed against other 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in the school bee. As the first place winner, he received a Certificate, a medal, and a $20.00 Wal-Mart gift card! WooHoo! Now Logan advances on to the county wide Bee sometime in February.

A big Thanks goes to Grandma Genth, Grandma Miller, Dad, and Elinor for cheering him on!

Congratulations Logan!!!! I am SOOOO proud of you!!!!

Shopping

Here is our latest update:

Shaun - Felt a bit under the weather.....well MAJORLY under the weather with a severe sinus infection that swelled his eyes! After starting meds on Saturday, he is finally starting to perk up.

Kayla - Back to work on Friday and Saturday after a nice vacation from Christmas to New Year's.

Aubrey - Cheered for the Freshman Basketball game at Oakwood Saturday afternoon and then spent the night with her friend Taylor S.

Logan - Went to the skate with Isaiah M. and then spent the night.

Elinor - As you can see in the picture above, I have a SHOPAHOLIC on my hands! Elinor enjoyed spending the gift card that she got from her Aunt Kristy and Uncle Keith. Crafts is Elinor's favorite activity....so she got a placemat for her craft table, construction paper, paper pad, craft foam, and craft sticks!!!!! Wow~~~ 10 bucks goes a LONG way for a savy 5 year old!

I'm off to get on a CTMH conf. call.

Kayla