Seth is 3

On July 12 Seth Moroni Russell turned 3 years old. I can't believe that he is 3 already. He is such a joy in our lives. he is so much fun to be around. He keeps us on our toes thats for sure. I am so glad the is is apart of my life. I don't know what I would do if he wasn't.

Things Seth loves

1. go with his daddy to work. (thats where he is right now)
2. go play with Riley
3. Go with Papa Scott

4. rope Preston

5. Dora

Things he says that are cute

1. I ammmm

2. I won't tryy(Cry) mom

3. Who's that

4. What him name

5. what him say

6. Who you textin

We rented the Pima Swimming pool for his birthday party. We had so much fun. Seth was a little dare devil. he wanted to jump off the low dive, so ok I let him do it so then Preston wanted to go off of it. so he did. Well Seth wanted to be really brave and go off the high dive. Yep he did with no hesitation. ston wanted to also but when he got up there and looked down he was like no way am I going off of that. We had a blast there and it was worth every penny to rent it. Thanks everyone for coming.

We had a Blast....

OK OK!!!! I know I’m a slacker blogger. It’s been over a month that I have posted and I got told that I need to up date yesterday so here I am. Beware it’s going to be long.

Our trip to the beach was so much fun. Mom and Dad rented a Beach house back in March and we waited anxiously for June 21 to come. Seth kept asking me “Mom can we go to the beach today” I would have to explain to him that we had to wait. Well on the 20th of June we left Pima and went to Mesa to break up the trip. We stayed at my cousin’s house that was big enough for the whole family to stay in and each family have their own room which was nice. We played in their pool that night.

(Saturday) We got up early and went to Jodi’s house and she had breakfast all ready for us. After we ate we loaded up her stuff in the Trailer that was already PACKED clear full with all of our stuff. It’s amazing how much stuff you take when you have little kids for a week. We left around 9 am and got to the Huntington Beach around 6 that evening. We took a tour of the 4 bed 3.5 bath house and had to draw straws to see who got what bedroom. Mom, Dad and Jodi got the master room then JJ and Marlo got the next biggest room (boy was he excited). Then Chauncy and I got the last room upstairs. Steven and Ciminy got the only room downstairs. It was tinny so they put the 2 kids out in the living room. It worked out great. When we got there we tried and tried to turn the air down so it would cool off but guess what the house didn’t have and AC or a swamp cooler you had to depend on the outside air and it was stinkin’ hot. The renter guy said we hit a heat wave and it should pass in a couple of days. So to cool off we went to the beach. The kids loved it but weren’t so sure of the water rolling in at them. It was cute they would run to the water and as soon as the water would start to come in they would run from it. This happened all week. This was kind of nice because you didn’t have to worry so much about them getting in the water.

(Sunday) today was nice because we just laid around doing nothing and got caught up with rest from traveling all day on Saturday. We were going to go to the LA temple and walk around it for our Sunday activity, but it was an hour away and the kids had already had it with their car seats. We each took a day for meals and Sunday was my day. We had biscuits and gravy for breakfast and tostadas for lunch. At Huntington Beach they have fire pits so you can build fires so we decided it would be fun to do tin foil dinners so we brought wood clear from Pima to make a fire and do the dinners. We started the fire around 5 or so and while it was burning we went and played in the sand and the boys of course had to take the roping dummy and rope some. We were going to make a sign that said “will trade roping lessons for surfing lessons” I think that would have been so funny but they didn’t take the dummy again. We ate late because the coals took a while to be ready. After dinner we made smores. They were good it was kind of hard to see what you were doing in the dark. The beach closes at 10 pm so he had to hurry and clean up and get out of there before they closed the parking lot.

(Monday) the guys decided they wanted to surf so they went to thrift stores to buy one we thought it would be cheaper then to rent them. While the guys were shopping for surf boards us girls went and set up on the beach. We got all settled and were playing in the sand when the guys finally showed up with NO surf boards. They said that the cheapest was $120 so it wouldn’t be worth it so they went and rented 2 for $35 each for the day or $12 per hour. Well they surfed for and hour and the lifeguard came and told them that the south side of the pier closed at 10 am to surfers so we had to make a choice of moving to the other side of the pier of to take the surfboards back. We decided it would be best to just take them back so we didn’t have to clean up all of our stuff and move since we were going to clean it up and go for lunch in a couple of hours. So we just played with the boogie boards. After a while we went back to the house and ate lunch. We puts kids down for naps and just rested but not the guys then went back to the beach and had some more fun. After naps we went back to be with the guys and let the little ones play in the sand. It gets tiring when the waves keep wiping you out. So us girls could only handle a little bit at a time. Except for Jodi she is a go getter and just loves to have fun whether it was tiring or not.

(Tuesday) we went to Sea World. It was an 1.5 hour drive. The kids traveled pretty good. Seth cried a little bit because he gets so sick of his car seat that he gets mad. We all had on red matching shirts. So we could find each other easier and it worked. I was grouchy at first because my kids were crying and I was frustrated because here we are at Sea World and its suppose to be fun and they are crying. They finally calmed down and so did I. We 1st went and saw the Clydesdale horses. They are HUGE. Then we went and saw Shamu or (Shampoo) as Seth called him. We sat probably about 10 rows from the bottom. They were perfect seats we were close and we got soaked. It was so much fun. It was then that I finally relaxed and could enjoy everything. After that we saw the dolphins, Sharks, Polar bears, the walrus, and the pets place. They all were really cool to watch. I would like to go back again sometime. About 4 all the adults, Justin and Seth except for mom and dad went on the ship wreck ride they stayed with the little ones and Riley(he wasn’t tall enough). It was fun we got soaked. Ciminy really didn’t want to get all that wet but guess what she was the one that the water hit every time. The last show we saw was of seals and their show was making fun of all the other shows it was really funny. We laughed though the whole thing. The little boys wanted to go play on a jungle gym thing so we went over there for about a half and hour or so they loved it. We left and went to get something to eat. We got in line at in and out burger but it was to long so guess where we ate McDonalds (YIPPY) NOT!! We got home about 11 pm so we all just crashed.

(Wednesday) The guys wanted to rent surf boards again so they decided to get up early and get them rented so they could surf all day. At 10 or so I was asking if any one wanted to go but nobody did well about 10:30 dad got ready to go so Ciminy and I decided to hurry and get ready and go. Ciminy and I packed all the stuff out there by ourselves and got set up. While dad tried to find someone he could pay for parking. We saw the guys out here in their bright Blue, Red and Yellow shirts so we sat camp up where they were. After we got set up we were playing in the sand with the little boys and looked up and we couldn’t see the guys anymore so I got up and was looking around for them. I finally found them about 200 yrds down the way from where we were so we went and got them to come where we were. They stayed with the kids while Cim and I went and had some fun in the water. They were pretty good about giving us a break from the kids and letting us go have fun too. (that was one of the stipulations of the trip). About 2:30 mom, Jodi, Marlo, Kashlee and Aiden We were smart this time and brought the food with us down to the beach so we didn’t have to pack up and leave. We stayed there until 5:30 that’s when the surfboards had to be back by then we were all ready to go anyways. We went home and got ready and went and ate at Joe’s Crab shack. Dad, Marlo and I weren’t very advertous. Dad and I ate steak and Marlo had a hamburger. Chauncy ate Shrimp and Fish. JJ had a sampler plate with some fish, Crab cakes and something else and then Steven, Ciminy, Jodi and mom all had crab legs. They enjoyed them.

(Thursday) We were going to go to the San Diego Zoo but we didn’t want to travel another 1.5 hours with the kids and car seats. So we decided to go to Raging Waters (water park) It was about noon when we got here so we ate lunch before we went in. we saw a in and out burger and went to go there and guess what? the line was to long again. So we went across the street and guess what it was? You got it McDonalds. I wasn’t to happy about that. But oh well. We had fun there they had a ton of slides. They even had a slide that was 7 stories and it went straight down. Yea they all went on it already and then took me back there. Cim wouldn’t go on it again but they made me. I can now say I went on it and I don’t need to go on it again. All the couples took turns watching the little kids. they had a perfect spot for little ones they had so much fun. It worked out perfect so everyone could have fun. It was fun even watching the kiddos. The lifeguards there were HORRIABLE!!!!! There was 2 different times the lifeguards could have helped out but just stood there. One time Kashlee went under so I hurried and got her up well in the mean time Preston was about 5 yrds from me and he went under right as I was getting Kashlee. There was an adult and the lifeguard right there and you think either one of them helped him up? NOPE!! I run as fast as I could in water and with Kashlee in my hands to get him. The other time Riley got pushed down the slide and wasn’t ready and went under the water and couldn’t stand up. We were about 10 to 15 yrds away from him and started running and Ciminy had run around the lifeguard who was standing right where Riley was to help him up. Like I said they where HORRIABLE!!! But other then that we had so much fun. We got back to the house about 8 pm and we were all wore out and ready to go to bed.

(Friday) We got up pretty early and headed down to the beach. We wanted to get one more good swim in before we left. It was overcast and the wind was blowing. It was much warmer in the water then it was on the beach. We applied sun screen when we got there but didn’t think about it because it was overcast. Well guess what we all got FRIED!! Luckily it was the last day. About 4:30 we cleaned up camp and went to the house and we all got ready to go take pictures on the beach. I was so excited because I got to use my new camera. I think the pictures turned out pretty good. (So if any of you out there wants your family or kids pictures taken just give me a callJ ) We went home and got all of our stuff packed and in the trailer so we could get up early and get home.

(Saturday) we got up around 6 am and got out of town about 7. we made a couple of potty breaks but other then that we didn’t stop until we got to Peoria where my dad wanted to look at a Belgian horse. We looked at her and dad decided to buy her. After we left there we went to help Jodi move to her new house she is renting. After leaving her we stopped a Bahama Bucks to get a treat for the way home. It was a really fun vacation and would love to do it again. THANKS MOM AND DAD we had a GREAT time!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!

Today is my moms birthday. I just want her to know how much I love her and appreciate all she does for me. she is so fun to talk to and I can tell her anything. She means the world to me. I don't know what I would do with out her. She is so good with her grandkids and loves to be with them. I am so thankful that I live close to her and can see her often. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!

Day off from Kids!!

Its has been really nice the last couple of weeks, Ciminy and I have been taking each others kids for a day. I have tuesdays and she has thursdays. its reallly nice to have your own time by yourself and do what ever you want. wheather is clean the house, do laundry or just be lazy all day its up to you. if any of you have someone you could do this with I would highly suggest it. Your not paying a babysitter and your kids are with someone you trust.

Mountain trip!! Fun or Crazy??? ok Both!!

I know its long but its my journal also.


As you know we were able to go to the mountain for Memorial Day. Ciminy, Marlo and I decided we would leave around noon on Friday so we could get up there and get the beds made and get the cabin clean. We never got up to the cabin to shut the water off before it froze so we knew we would have broken pipes so we would need someone who knew what to do go with us. Chauncy got off at 12 so we planned to leave when he got off work; Steven wanted to go then to. Well we left Pima about 12 or so but we still had to go to town and get our food for the weekend. Marlo and I went to town while Chauncy got the horses and all their stuff and Steven and Ciminy collected all of their things they would need. When it was all said and done we were leaving Safford about 3:30 which was perfect because JJ was able to drive up with us. We looked up on the mountain and there was snow on the top. Chauncy asked me if I thought it would be at turkey flat and I told him no it couldn't be it has never snowed that low this late in the year. Well guess what? as we got closer to Turkey Flat there was snow on the ground. JJ was the first to drive on the dirt road up to the cabin in his little corolla so he made the trail in the snow for us all in our SUV's to follow. Kind of backwards huh? Well anyways we get to the cabin and there is about 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground. I have NEVER seen this before on Memorial Day weekend. After shoveling the snow so we could open the doors the very first thing that needed to be done was build a FIRE it was COLD The guys started working on the pipes that broke. we brought up some copper pipe to fix it but it was to small. The guys figured they could just cut off the spits and use the same pipe so they went to find a pipe cutter well nope there wasn't one. So they had to use a saw. After about 3 or 4 hours they got it fixed. While they were fixing the pipe us girls made all the beds and got settled in. We got the corral built for the horses. It was going to be interesting because we had to mares and two geldings in a small pin, and one of the mares had just got bread. So she was acting weird already. Well that night after playing cards with JJ Steven and I for a little bit I couldn't really sleep because I was concerned that the horses were going to get out and they kept fighting so it was noisy. The next day mom and dad showed up at noon after collecting a long list of things we needed. We played cards and tried to keep the kids bundled up because it was cold and windy outside, or keep them off the stairs and entertained while they were inside. After a while the guys decided they wanted to go on a horseback ride so they saddled all of the horses up. Steven rode Saucy with Riley; JJ rode Poncho with Kashlee, Justin rode Chico with Seth but poor little Preston didn't get to go because Chauncy was riding Milly and she was acting up and raring so I didn't want Preston to ride with him. So he got to take a nap. They all brought the kids back because they fell asleep on the horses.

It was so cute; Papa Scott had to teach the High Priest group on Sunday so he was reading though his lesson in the kitchen. well Seth kept going in there to be with him. So papa didn't make it very long there. he wanted to go up stairs but Preston was trying to go to sleep instead he went to his truck . after awhile Seth couldn't stand it anymore not being able to talk to papa so he went and got a little ladder and put it up to papa's window and climbed up it to say hi. It was cute. Well that evening we put all the kids to bed and were playing cards. we had played for awhile and Steven was going out to check on his boys and as he walked up to the door he saw a big animal run by not really knowing if it was a bear or what. Well he saw another on and turned to us and said "The horses are out" so we all got up and ran outside to help with the horses. It luckily didn't take very long to catch them, the ran around the little hill that the cabin sits on. All we had was flashlights and the light of the moon which wasn't very bright. the horses really couldn't see either because JJ was trying to catch Chico but Chico kept running at him so JJ flashed his light right at him but Chico kept running if JJ wouldn't have moved he would have ran right over him. We finally got them in the pin. After that we played another game of pitch I had been getting tired but after chasing the horses I had another game in me. We all went to bed. I didn't worry as much about the horses getting out because if they did I thought they would just stay around the cabin like before. Well about 2 am they were getting noisy again so I looked out there and Chico and Milly were kicking each other. I kept watching and guess what? Yep you got it Chico kicked Milly right through the fence. So they all got out again. So I woke Chauncy up and told him so we got dressed and woke JJ up. In the mean time dad had got up and woke Steven up. So Chauncy, JJ, Steven, Dad and I all were chasing the horses. They ran around the hill and up towards the other cabins so dad jumped in his truck while Chauncy, Steven and JJ ran after them. I was up at the cabin waiting for them so we could put them back to the pin. it took a while, my flashlight was dying so I went inside by the fire to keep warm till i heard something they got them turned around and headed back to our hill. it was the horses so I ran out to try to help. They ran right past JJ and I and back around the cabin. Dad got back in his truck, Chauncy and JJ went after them while Steven and I waited. Steven ran for a little bit then came back. I was sitting with the doors open in the back of my car. I was scaring myself so that made me a little more secure. Steven comes running up and said he just go though talking to dad on the phone and said the horses were up at upper turkey flat. We started to get the trailer ready then dad calls again and said just get in the corolla and come help. Chauncy is chasing them the whole time while dad and JJ where in the truck. Steven and I started down the mountain in the corolla. well about 5 or 6 turns we see a flashlight flash us. It was Chauncy. We went on more turn and stopped. Dad said JJ and Chauncy have them cornered. So dad and Steven went up there to help them. They sent me down a couple more turns just in case the horses ran away again and I could at least see where they went. A couple minutes later dad comes and finds me and tells me they caught them. I went back to where they were and we waited for them to walk the horses down the hill. Steven went to get the trailer because Chico ripped part of his skin off his front right leg. While Steven was gone, Chauncy had taken off his shirt and belt and tried to bandage his leg. well it didn't stay so he ripped up his shirt and made little strips so he could tie it better. he worked on it for a while and got it pretty good. Steven at this time is back with the trailer. We load the horses because they need to take Chico to a Vet ASAP. They tried to call the vet in Thatcher and she didn't answer. Remember this is at about 2:30 am. Luckily it only took us 30 min to catch them but they sure ran a lot though. Dad and JJ headed down the mountain with all the horses and off the Silver City to the vet my grandpa goes to. They never stopped they got to silver city at 5:30 am. They were so tired. Well Chauncy, Steven and I went back to the cabin and needless to say it was nice not having the noise. well the next day was Sunday. We didn't go to church because we were so tired and didn't feel like driving to columbine. After lunch we took the kids to the cable swing. Surprisingly it wasn't taken down because the forest service made everyone take down all their swings. The kids had a blast on that swing. even Preston and Kashlee went down it by their self. When we got back we ate lunch and had a roping. it was so fun. After that we played cards. On Monday we had another roping and then we got ready to go home. We left about 3:30 we had a great weekend.

I've been tagged!!!!

1. Four places I have lived: Pima, AZ, (mom and dad’s house growing up) Snowflake, AZ, back to Pima even to mom and dad’s house again, to the love shack and then to our house now.

2. Four shows I watch: Greys’ Anatomy, Family Fued, The Bachelorette, Deal or No Deal
3. Four jobs I have had in my life: Busser at El Charro, Squeeze Driver, Gila Valley Irrigation District office, Substitute teacher and A Coach.

4. Four places I have been: Florida, California, Mexico, Utah

5. Four Blogs I read regularly: Sister, Cousins, Aunt's and Dear Friends

6. Four of my favorite foods: Green Chile burro enchilada style, Chicken and rice, Enchilada’s and steak and potatoes

7. Four places I'd rather be right now: On vacation, with my sister, on a date with Chauncy, playing at the park with Seth and Preston.

8. Four things I look forward to in the next year: Chauncy starting to work as a nurse, Moving away for a while, (to mesa or Alaska) hoping to become pregnant, did I say Chauncy working as a nurse making real money.

9. Four things I like to do in my spare time: BLOG, scrapbook, sew, visit with friends or family

10. Four favorite things to do with kids/family: Go to the park or Swim, go on walks (Seth rides his bike) and wrestle with them.

I tag: Ashley K. Margo B. and LaDawn C.

It's OPEN!!!

Ok I better update, The Mountain is open!!!! it started to rain yesterday about 4 and it hasn't stopped so that is really good for the fire. I think its OUT. So I am packing lots of warm clothes and blankets because I think it will be really chilly up there. I am so excited to get away from everything and have my hubby with me for the next 3 days and not have him have to go to work. YIPPEEE!!!! his boys just love to be with him and so it makes it hard sometimes when he goes to work. they will enjoy this weekend to hang on, wrestle with, and maybe even ride horses (if we take them this time). Thanks Chauncy for being such a wonderful dad, husband and best friend. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!