What A Doll!

Amaya has been diligently working on an independent study project for several weeks now. Each student was told they could pick the toy or game of their choice to study and to learn the process they did a group study project over Silly Putty. They even got a chance to make their own Silly Putty.
(On a side not let me just tell you that Silly Putty is not half as fun as it used to be because they've changed the ink they use to print newspapers and it does NOT come off on the Silly Putty anymore. Maybe I should get myself a Thrifty Nickel or a Greensheet. I bet they use the old-fashioned stuff.)

So, Amaya decided she would study dolls. Not Barbies. Not Cabbage Patch Kids. Just, dolls.

Wow, Amaya! What a broad topic you have picked!

So, we researched on the Internet, purchased an extremely creepy book about dolls at Half-Price books and began learning oh so very much about dolls. Here's where we came upon a slight problem. The first sub-topic she was asked to research was the origin of the toy or games she chose to study. Do you know what the origin of the doll is? I do. The first dolls were used as symbols of the gods (i.e. idols) or to ward off demons. I have no problem with Amaya having this knowledge and learning everything she can about history or the way things work. The problem was in how to put this information in a format suitable for a first - grade study project. Many of our sources referred to the origin of dolls as either pagan or demonic. We finally decided to stick to the facts as we knew them and press on with the project.
A speech, a tri-fold board and a product.
Those are all the things that had to be a part of this project. It was a big undertaking and it took us quite a while to get it done.
She worked hard. She was so excited about what she was learning and she really didn't seem to get tired or bored with the work. I mean, we both got a little touchy that last night trying to finish the tri-fold board and I must confess that a lot of that was my fault. I have such a hard time letting Amaya own things. I have problems letting her be in the kitchen. Sometimes even in her own room. And, I most certainly had to hold my tongue and let this be Amaya's project. Not Mommy's. So, Amaya and I both had a learning experience thanks to this project.
Also, I would just like to add, I am very pleased (thrilled) that we are done. She is the first grade. We have such a LONG way to go. Fun. Three kids. Awesome.

She keeps on smiling. So proud of that kid!

Caden was his ever helpful self. We learned after many frustrating evenings that it was better to let Amaya stay up just a little bit later than usual and work on things AFTER Caden was in bed.

Studying her book and learning how to make clothespin dolls.

Working with Chase on her speech. He was a very agreeable secretary.

Our finished "product". Clothespin dolls. Amaya can't get that in her head and keeps refering to them as paper clip dolls. She's so cute.


"Night of the Experts" is Tuesday, April 13, 2010 in the Deer Creek Elementary cafeteria beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Amaya's tri-fold board and product will be displayed for all to see.

Pictures will definitely be posted and hopefully a blog about the experience.

Happy Bunny Day!!

Easter 2010

Okay, it's not much information but just a small glimpse of how our day went. Taking the time to import, upload and caption pictures is about all the time I have for blogging right now.

Happy Easter!!

Easter baskets before the kids attacked.

Nana and Amaya at Carino's

Sadie loves her some Duke

I don't know. But, it sure is cute.

Of course Buddy had to come spend Easter eggs with us.

I don't think I will ever get one with all three looking at the camera and smiling.

Jordan Casey Russell turns 1!

Jordy and I showing each other the love.

He's so happy that there is going to be cake soon!

Hmm...I'll just have a little taste.

Wow, this is pretty good. Maybe just a little more.

Yeah, cake is awesome!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Jordy boy! You have changed our lives so much and we wouldn't be the same without you. What a sweet, loving and happy little boy you are!

Boo Fall Funival Fest Carnival

Sadie is driving people bananas!

Rrrroarrr!! Jordan the lion.


Buzz Lightyear has a strange smile.

Amaya: The Queen of NaughtyHam.

Nana and Caden. They love!

Caden helps Aunt Karen blow out her birthday candles.

Caden spent some special quality time with Amy this weekend.

Amaya did not hold back when it came to putting her hands in and pulling out the pumpkin goop.

Pumpkin carving is gross.

Caden was a little more timid.

We had an exciting, fun, tiring and long weekend together with family. Nana and Papa were able to come in from Mexico for a week long visit. Uncle Jay, Aunt Sherry, Meagan and Ryan were visiting from Lubbock. Our cousin Ian drove in from A&M. SO lots of family and lots of food and lots of good times. We ate dinner together Friday night and much thanks to Papa and Nana who cooked a TON of good authentic Mexican food that was quite delicioso! Saturday we celebrated Aunt Karen's birthday and we also celebrated Nana's birthday a little early since we won't see her in December on her actual birthday. Then, we ended the night with some trick 0r treating with Papa and Nana. Amaya was totally into it and so was Caden until we got to some houses with some scary guys. Caden was done and so we went home pretty quickly. It was such a good weekend and I am happy to have spent such a good time with such good family and friends.

Park it!

We have been enjoying our close proximity to two different park recently and having a wonderful time just being together and being outside. The kids love it and we love playing with them and getting to see them discover new things about their world and about themselves.

Celebration!!

Jordan is ready to party.

Amaya and her good friend, Madison.




Sweet Sadie trying to eat her hand.



Daddy and Jordy!

Nana blowing a wierd kiss?? and Caden with his hot dog.

Blowing out the candles on his Lightning McQueen cake.

Amaya blowing out the candles on her Hannah Montana cupcakes.

Amaya and Aunt Amy.

Duke feeds Jordan some yummy cake.

Being so patient and very ready to start opening gifts.

Emma watching Amaya.

Caden opens his Buzz Lightyear toy. He just stood there staring at it. I don't think he could believe he actually got one. Thanks Aunt Karen!

Love that yellow bow!

Chrissa, Amaya's American Girl doll. A definite favorite.
Thanks to Duke and Nana!

Boys playing the keyboard.

We partied at the park and started early. The pavillion is first come, first serve and we didn't want to miss out on a covered area with picnic tables for the party. Chase and I got the kids and all the stuff to the park by 9:51 that morning. No problems, no one was there but some cross-country runners. It was an absolutely gorgeous day to be outside! We started partying around 11:00 and had a big ol' blast! Dad made his very popular and rapidly becoming famous chili and we had hot dogs and Frito pie. Mom and Dad did so much to help us with this party and we are so thankful! What a fam have we!
Friends and family just had a good time being together, eating and enjoying the wonderful weather.

Thanks to all who made it. We love sharing these special times with you all.

They Just Keep Growing!

This past Sunday, October 11, my boy turned three years old. There are times when it seems like time was dragging by S-L-owly (i.e. when I was 8 months pregnant and chasing my two year old) but, of course, now it all seems like it's gone by so fast. Caden is hilarious, intelligent, gorgeous, FUN, sweet and loving. He still likes to sit in my lap and give sweet kisses and hugs. He likes to give all variety of kisses: eskimo, forehead, mouth and his favorite BUTTERFLY. Chase likes to ask him what time it is because the answer is always, "84." Caden is a music-lover. He loves to dance to it, listen to it and play it. He got a keyboard for his birthday and it has been among his favorite gifts. He loves his family and he loves his friends. His question at bedtime every night is, "What are we getting up for tomorrow?" He wants to know the plan and he wants it to be a fun one. He loves to go go go!! Visiting family and friends, going to the park or just going for a walk in the stroller are some of his favorite times. OH! and of course he's always up for a Wal-Mart trip.

Caden is our precious, strong-willed, often difficult blessing from God and we just wouldn't be the same without him. We love you sweet Cadey-Tatey!!

Amaya Grace is SEVEN years old. Yesterday (Sunday) was her official birthday and she woke up happy and ready for her special day. Amaya is fabulous, gifted, funny, thoughtful, kind, smart, gracious and beautiful. She loves school and reading. Her reading improves weekly and we are so happy and excited to have another avid reader in the family. She loves to go to the library and heads straight for the non-fiction section to find as many books as she can about as many different animals as she can. She is constantly surprising us with her wit and intelligence. She loves her family and spending time together. She also loves playing with her friends. She is an artist who most often uses her talents to make cards and other gifts for those she loves. One of her favorite pasttimes is spending time on the computer playing with her Webkinz or just playing games. She loves with all that she has and is and sometimes just doesn't have the means to sufficiently express that love.
Amaya is our gorgeous, sensitive and precious first baby. We've learned so much from Amaya and are truly, truly blessed to call her our daughter.