Sunday, January 22, 2012

skinny taste

My cousin Aly shared this amazing website with our family and last week I made my first meal from it. It was DELICIOUS! I'm so excited to have new recipes to try that are tasty and good for my family. Thanks Aly for this fabulous recommendation!!!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

New

We're half way through January and I'm so excited for a new year! There is an expectancy for great things and new beginnings at this time of year and I love it. My husband is really into setting goals each year. I have never really joined in on this activity. However, this year he wore me down. ;) Most of my goals are pretty simple but they're dear to me. So readers...its your job to hold me accountable and help me stay on track. Lord knows I am not a very disciplined individual. Here goes:
1. Grow my prayer life
2. Hug my husband everyday
3. Speak life (constantly strive to encourage and build up)
4. Encourage 1 person each week
5. Teach Chase a bible verse each week
6. Travel!! (Especially Disneyland with Chase this year!)
7. Loose the last little bit of baby weight by April (ugh!)
8. Family dinners once a month with the Russell's/Bennett's
9. Blog more (it something I love!)
10. Dance!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Boxing day bowling party

While we were on the island we decided to go bowling! Chase had never been bowling. So it was a fun afternoon!




The teams

Monday, January 2, 2012

Christmas 2011

This year we celebrated Christmas 3 weekends in a row. We started with the Stoddart clan (my Mom's side) on December 11th. The following weekend we packed up our boys and stayed overnight at my Mom's to celebrate with my immediate family. My Mom & Dad always do an incredible job of making us feel special!
Santa even came early to visit at the Russell house!

We did all our Russell traditions a week early and it was wonderful! The boys were SO spoiled. Thank you Mom & Dad for everything this year; it was awesome!

On December 24th Chad & I woke up early and opened presents with our boys. Then we quickly showered and packed up the car to head to the island for Christmas with the Wakeham's.
It was a very emotional Christmas on the island. Chad's incredible Grandpa passed away this year...which left a massive void this Christmas. The 1st Christmas is never easy. In my old age I've become some what of a mush. I kept breaking down as I watched the heart break in the families eyes. It kept taking me back to my first Christmas without my Papa. Chad's Uncle Hugh organized a beautiful memorial for Gramps on Christmas Day. We all wrote letters, thoughts and prayers to Gramps on paper lanterns and then sent them off to heaven. It was a touching and beautiful sight to watch!
Opening presents on Christmas day!
This is what happens when you put silly string in a toddlers stocking. ;)


On boxing day, Chad's cousin in Edmonton gave birth to twins! Levi Raymond & Esther Lynne were born at 2 pounds 9 ounces each. They were 3 months premature. Of course I burst into tears when I found out Brooke was at the hospital. When you become a Mommy news like this is never easy to hear. Brooke and the babies are doing well. We're just praying protection over them and that they continue to gain weight. They're absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to snuggle with them!
Lots of emotion this Christmas. However, I'm so thankful we could all be together. The support of family is something I truly cherish! I love being apart of the Wakeham/Bennett clan! We always have so much fun together and make great memories.
Overall it was a wonderful Christmas! So hard to believe it's all over already.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

California girls

This Christmas was an extra special one for us! Our dear friends from California were up visiting their family. Tim & Sarah have been friends forever! Chad & I grew up with Tim and he married fabulous Sarah when he was going to school in California. Last September they were able to adopt 2 beautiful sisters Paisley & Violet and before the ink was dry on the adoption papers they found out they were expecting! 9 months later sweet Willow joined their family. This was my first time meeting the girls. It was SO surreal. I got emotional as Tim came in carrying his beautiful daughters in his arms. Tim has always been like a brother to me and it was honestly breath taking to see the man/husband/father he has become. I'm so proud of him & Sarah! They're doing an amazing job and have 3 outstanding little ladies!

Chase did not leave Paisley's side...he has a major crush!

There is always a lot of silliness when we get together


Sweet Willow

We managed to squeeze in the Stanley Park train on a cold & windy night.

We still had a blast!


I'm so thankful for our time together! It made our holidays even better getting to spend it with great friends. Love you guys!!!

My big boy

I still can't believe he's 3! Everything about raising Chase is an adventure. He's my first which makes him special (sorry Cy). He is the kind of little boy that lights up a room as soon as he enters it. He warmly greets EVERYONE and wants to know how your day was or excitedly hugs you. He'll talk your ear off or just randomly start singing his ABC's for you. He loves to look cool and is actually aware of what he's wearing. However, doing his hair is a wrestling match each morning. He wants to be just like Daddy and will hoot & holler at the TV when the Canucks get a goal. He'll also snuggle in close to me each night as I read him books and then ask me to sing the "peace" song as I tickle his back. He is determined and passionate but also concerned and genuine. Everyday he takes a little bit more of my heart!

I did a little pajama party for Chase's little buddies. They were all so cute! Chase had a blast!!




The start of Christmas fun!

We were able to fit in my favorite tradition again this year with our siblings. It's always so fun cutting down our trees and then posing with our beloved little trees.



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