In memory of Tex!

I didn't want to get a dog. Our lives are busy and on some days it's all we can do to keep up with the 4 of us. How could we bring a dog into this chaotic family? We wet out to get the Christmas tree 2 years ago and there he was just begging to be adopted. Chris and kids begged, Jon begged and I maintained a firm No. Cat asked me to hold him and look at this sweet little puppy named Tex. I couldn't resist... He was pretty darn cute. I caved and we marched into Petsmart to load up on puppy gear. The adventure began immediately. Feeding house training, crate training. He was fun and sweet and loveable. He became Jon's day companion and Cat loved on him as soon as she was home from school. 

I was reluctant. I regretted having this new added responsibility. I resented that he had ruined out carpet.. I was annoyed that I felt guilty when I was home alone wth him and felt that he needed attention. 

This changed. I often worked late and when I got home and Jon and the kids were sleeping, Tex was there waiting for me. On Saturday mornings when I was ready to jump up and tackle the long to do list, tex was there to snuggle into the chair with me to force me to sit and relax. I went in endless walks with him determined to train him. He was a great dog. He was just what we needed. He forced us to work together as a family. Chris loved his buddy who would sit with him and listen to music. Jon loved his buddy who would keep him company all day. Cat loved to play with him, sleep with him, love on him and I loved to see him at the end of many long days. 

His time with us was too short,.. But I am thankful I said Yes to Tex! 

Spring Break Trip- Snowmass

Sweet memories being made on a wonderful trip to CO. We all talked about today how many years we've been coming to CO. When Cat was 4 and Chris was 6.. And we checked them into the Bears and Grizzlies ski school and they rode on the magic carpet all day. So many 20 hour car rides to get here. 

So thankful today that God would work it out for us to come here. To slow down our busy lives and enjoy our time together in these beautiful snow filled mountains. 

Turning 16!!!

Christopher.. From the day you were born- you changed my life. I prayed for you every day until you were born and every day since... And God has answered. You are such a blessing to us! Your love is so pure and your heart is so big! At 16, you are already so wise and  God has equipped you with compassion and understanding and tenderness! I love watching you grow and I will continue to pray for you! I love you my son!! Happy Birthday! 

Missing Cat Already... day 3!

 
Missing Catherine!
 
 
 
 

Already Missing Catherine.... and she's only been gone since Monday. Makes me realize how bright her light is around our house! I never know when she is going to surprise me with a tutu on or one of her colorful wigs or some other costume she's concocted for the day! It's awfully quiet without her galavanting around moving from one activity to the next. Sweet girl.. praying for a wonderful time at camp!

Off to Camp!!

Year 4- off to Camp Nakanawa! This time for a month!! It seems like so long ago that Cat was 8 yrs old and heading into 4th grade going to camp for the 1st time.  Praying God will use this time to continue growing her confidence, her independence and her courage to try new things. We love you sweet girl!!! 

Angels among us

This week my sweet friend Tiffany died. She was 36 yrs old, she courageously fought breast cancer with an unfailing faith that Jesus was with her. She knew God had a plan for her and she praised Him through the storm. What a beautiful witness for Christ. She encouraged others as she was enduring pain, treatments and a diagnosis that there was no cure. She loved on those around her and as her strength decreased she allowed others to love on her. She was an angel among us. Never an unkind word out of her mouth, a doer - she was purposeful in what she did and so humble. She had a gentle spirit and could see when those around her needed to be built up for one reason or another. God used her to glorify His kingdom. My life was enriched because I knew her. Rest in peace in the arms of Jesus Tiffany- you will never be forgotten.

Spring Break

Rosemary Beach is a sweet little beach town tucked away in FL. Bike rides, ice cream cones, a cozy little book store, an old fashioned candy store called the Sugar Shack. No one is in a hurry here and there is little hustle and bustle. We needed some time as a family and this is the perfect spot. I pray that God uses this time with our family and that we will hear Him and his call to us to love to cherish one another, to be kind, to listen, to celebrate and give thanks for this blessed life!

Unplanned events!

Sitting in the ER with Chris- broken wrist! He's a trooper... Wondering if he will miss school:)
Another reminder to me that we don't know what each day brings. Of course I had a full agenda today with many "to-do's". Makes me think of how many things I put off ... For another day - when really we just don't know what's around the corner. I'm so thankful that the reason to be in the hospital today is not life changing! Praise God!

The days go by!

Busy days! Full calendars.. School, activities, work chores... Busy!!

But not a day goes by where I am not cherishing these sweet angels! Love love and so much joy from my sweet girl and boy!!

Costa Rica

Sitting here overlooking the beautiful tapestry of mountains, pink and orange blooming flowers and the ocean in the horizon. The cool wind blows while the sun shines in this oasis where we are blessed to be ringing in the new year. It's amazing to me how we feel God's presence so clearly when we see His work so vividly. He created the heavens and the earth and in this beautiful country where so many have so little - yet they are so grateful- it's humbling. We live a rich and abundant life and I'm so thankful for this week with my precious family to step back and reflect in this peaceful place and be quiet enough to hear God's voice.

Russo Weekend in New Orleans

What a great Christmas treat to have a weekend in New Orleans with my entire family. There is never a shortage of fun when we are all together! Love my big family with all the entertainment that comes with it!

Simple pleasures!

At the park with Cat and overcome with memories. My precocious little girl all grown up but not too old to freely enjoy the simple pleasures of sliding, swinging and monkey bars. It started in CA .. With stroller rides to the neighborhood park playing in the sand box and running in the open grass. Then in St. Louis trying to keep up with Big brother Chris on the backyard swing set.
I will never forget HOURS of trying to teach both Chris and Cat how to swing. "Back and forth.. You can do it! That's it- you're swinging!!"
On our bike ride today to the park - we stopped to look at the leaves changing- a beautiful butterfly, a family of turtles sitting on a log getting in the pond. We noticed the cool air and the just right clouds covering the sun. In these moments everything in the world is perfect!
I pray that she always has this place in her heart and soul to be free and enjoy simple pleasures.