The Russell Pack

Merry Christmas 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:59:00 +0000

Merry Christmas 2010

What a busy year this has been! We are busy with life and trying to slow down and enjoy our favorite time of the year with friends, family, and the Holiday Spirit! We are thankful for so much this year and hope 2011 will bring on new and exciting adventures for the us.

Kip- Had a rough end of the year, he was diagnosed with "Valley Fever" back in November and is continuing his full-time job, and part-time school. We have a great doctor here in Phoenix who is overseeing Kip's disease and we are in hopes we can get him back to full swing soon. Kip has 2 more semesters left until he will finally have his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and his Forensic Science Certificate. He is getting excited to finish up and get under way in a new career venture. So with being overly tired and fatigued from the disease he is in good spirits and we are so proud he has been able to keep up with his juggling act!

Jenni- Has stepped up game as mom, and is trying to keep positive and work hard. Jenni Lynn Designs is in full operation and picking up. Staying home with the kiddos is always fun and rewarding! (okay and a little stressful at times.) She is looking to the new beginning of 2011 and anxiously awaiting great and wonderful adventures it will bring!

Brody- 4 Years- Is loving Busy Bee Preschool with Ms. T! He is getting so big and loving it. He will be 5 in February and we can't believe he will be off to Kindergarten come August!! He loves playing with his buddy Maddox, being competitive, and anything sport related. He loves Hot Wheels and Transformers and has a witty comment for everything. He is a TERRIFIC big brother and mommy's biggest helper. Full of energy and so smart he is a great kid!!

Kiley- 1 Year- Hmmmm.... slightly crazy, Kiley is in to everything! She has an enormous personality and the best facial expressions ever. She loves to be the center of attention. She likes to play and tease her brother, and they are the best of friends. She likes to destroy anything she gets her hands on, and is sneaky too! She loves to dance and do whatever Brody is doing. She is a lover, and is "Daddy's little Princess!" She is a bundle of energy and keeps us on our toes, and is the perfect addition to our wonderful family!

SO that's us!! We hope all is well and want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! All our love, until next year.......

Halloween 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:40:00 +0000

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

We are alive and sorta well! Sorry it has been so long for an update! The Kids and I were the Cat and the Hat and Thing 1 & 2. They were a very cute Thing 1 & 2 however!

Brody- My cheese-baller!

and then there is "Princess Kiley"

Yes we are here. Kip has been sick for a few weeks now and we are having a hard time finding out what is wrong. So we have been up to quite a bit! Kip is still working construction, but is in the finishing stages of his schooling. 15 more credits. So Fall semester next year.... YEAH! I have been busily working out of the home, being a mom, and fulfilling Kip and my callings as Wolf Den Leader and Cub Scout Master. Brody is full swing into Preschool and can't wait to start Kindergarten next year! Kiley is just CrAzY! She has become quit the character, and keeps herself busy teasing her brother, and getting into everything she is not supposed to. But when Daddy comes home she turns into a sweet little princess, and cuddles into him and bats her long eyelashes and gets whatever she wants. I never realized how young that little gimmick starts, but she has it down.

So yep that's yes. We are enjoying life and staying busy!

(I am considering going private so if I do not have emails, I need them.)

Kiley's 1st "Hello"

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Here is Kiley after her nap, waving to Grandma for the first time! It's really cute!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Wishing everyone a very...

Hello everyone!! Hope this year has brought you all much happiness and joy!! We have had a wonderful 2009. We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!!

Russell Family Update

Last year was a tough one for us, and this year has been much better!! We are currently living in Queen Creek, Arizona with family and are loving every moment we are together as a family. Our family grew in July when we welcomed Kiley Lynn into the world!!! And we are doing great. Here is a little sum up of what we all have been up to:

* Kip- Has been busy completing his 4th semester in the Criminal Justice program he is due to possibly graduate as long as we stay on schedule in about a year and a half. He has also been working hard full-time with the same construction company doing flood, and fire repair/remodels for State Farm. He is busy which is a huge blessing today!!

* Jenni- Has been working at a couple different salons part-time. She is loving the opportunity to use her talents. She currently is working at Accents Salon in Queen Creek, AZ. She loves being home and enjoying life with 2 kiddos!!!

* Brody- almost 4!!! And is a ball of energy! He still loves anything to do with Buzz Lightyear, and is anxiously awaiting the day Toy Story 3 comes out. He loves playing with his cars, and has loved his "Sport's Camp" these past few months. He cracks us up everyday with his witty personality, and loves waking up to his new baby sister every morning. He loves her so much and is already protective.

* Kiley- Our new addition this year!! She is 5 months old already, and is the best baby!! She is rolling over, has figured out how to hold and put anything she can grasp right into her mouth. She is always smiling at everyone and everything. "Smiley Kiley" She is doing great and no longer looks like a preemie, she has surpassed our expectations, and her pediatrician. She is a rockstar and has come along way. She is strong and healthy and a wonderful blessing to our family!!

We look forward to the coming year and all that it may hold. We send our love and wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

The Russell Pack

New Obsession...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:20:00 +0000

My Brother in-law found this website. I am obsessed!! This is an online "Scrapblog" You can get designs for free!!! Create and post anywhere. You can order books, cards, & calendars. The books start out at only $9.99. There is more available for purchase also. Check out what I made with a free kit including 9 backgrounds, stickers, etc. You can make cards, invites, announcements , and so much more and it is simple to use. Then with a click of a button you can publish it, send it, post it. It is great!!! Go check it out!

(www.scrapblog.com)

There is two announcements below, I was just playing...

Kiley's Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:30:00 +0000

We blessed "smiley Kiley" a couple of weeks ago and here are a couple pics of her in her dress!

A little makeshift photo shoot!! Wanna see more visit my Facebook for the complete session!!

Impression

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:27:00 +0000

I got this as a gift from one of my old
Bishops wife. So I went and got it done, and I absolutely love it!!!

This is a hand and foot mold. If interested check out the blog Circle of Life Impressions.

Kiley's 2 months!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Kiley is getting bigger....

2 months old!

She loves her big brother!!

She is starting to grin

and she loves her mommy!! Check out more pics on my facebook profile! Hope everyone is well!! Kiley will be blessed on Sept. 27th!!

Brody's Airtime

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:24:00 +0000

While on the topic of my Brother-in-law I wanted to share this post he made with Brody while Kip and I were at the hospital with Kiley.
Side information on this post:
Alan is one of Brody's favorite people's (uncle)
because of this:

Alan has a whole screen on his I Pod touch dedicated with games for Brody to play! It is funny cuz he will play it for hours he knows how to navigate through it, play with pics, and send random email (he gets in trouble for that)

So now that you know that, Alan let Brody make a guest appearance in his blog (click to read it is quite humerous!) and video that I think are funny. The video was for "Steve Jobs" the CEO of apple.

Look-a-likes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:27:00 +0000

I thought this might be interesting...

Brody at birth: 9 lbs. 2 oz.

Kiley at birth: 5 lbs. 4 oz.

Brody at 3 months:

and Kiley at 14 days...

When she smiles I see this...

Brody at 3 mon.

I'lll try to catch a picture of her smiling soon :o)

Pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Here are some fun pictures! Kiley went to the doctor on Wednesday and has gained 10 oz. in 7 days. Surprising everyone! Go girl, keep fighting!! (that's my girl!)

My Little Peanut!!

Sleeping away!

All bundled up!

Kiley Lynn

Kiley's first bath!

Kiley Lynn- Home & loving it!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Kiley came home on Tuesday July 21st FINALLY! It was only a week but felt like forever.

She is adjusting to being home with Mommy, Daddy, and of course Big Brother Brody!!
Look at her dainty little hands- very girl!! And thanks to Aunt Jamie and Aunt Jani for the beautiful fingers, and nails. Jamie & Jani are the only ones in either sides of our family with nails like Kiley has!

I love this picture because when you take pictures of Kiley she looks like any other baby, but this shows just how small she really is at only 5 lbs.

We are so blessed and excited Kiley is home with us and doing great!! She is feeding well and looks like she is starting to chunk up, little by little. Brody is so excited to finally have sister home. He loves waking up to her little noises and is being such a big helper. Kip now has more reasons why he loves coming home: wrestling with Brody always a favorite, a loving wife, and now lots of little cuddles from his "Little Princess." We are all doing good, and hope all is well. We will continue to keep updating!! I'll post something I thought was funny that Brody made with his Uncle Alan while Mommy & Daddy were at the hospital!

Home safe and sound!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Well Kiley got to come home yesterday morning, and has been doing great!! I haven't put more pics on and will soon in a couple of days so keep checkin'. I had to get on here though and let all know we got to bring her home!!! Brody is so excited to have his sister home finally and have some of his mommy and daddy's attention. We are all doing great!! Hope all is well with everyone!

COME BACK FOR PICTURES!
(I've got some really cute ones, you won't want to miss it!)

Update on Kiley Lynn...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Well everyone as you know Kiley decided to come early. She arrived on...

July 14th at 5:18am

via C-Section. I was possibly ruptured and leaking fluid, so my doctor ultimately decided to get her out. My due date was Aug. 20th so Kiley was born at only 34 weeks and 4 days!

She was 5 lbs 4 oz. and 18 3/4 "

She has been in the Special Care Nursery (NICU)- at 34 weeks the babies lungs are not fully developed so she had to be on a breathing machine (C-Pap)

for a couple days and had a tube down her throat that helped expand her lungs and also sucked out excess fluids. She also had a an IV that provided her all the things she was lacking- (Electrolytes, and saline, etc.) After that they told us she would not have developed her sucking and swallowing and may have a hard time feeding and have to have a feeding tube. But she didn't she sucked down her whole first bottle and nursed like a champ. Which surprised everyone!! She has been eating great since then. The C-pap and all the tubes came off on day 3, and didn't have to go back on. Which is typical for preemies to do very well and work too hard and then poop out and go backwards. Then she was put under the Billie Light for a few days for Jaundice, also typical for preemies.

She has came off that and has kept up her levels.
I was released on Sat. morning and I am recovering quickly. I visit Kiley twice a days to nurse. She originally was supposed to stay at the hospital anywhere from 1-2 weeks. But she is doing fabulous and it is miraculous to all those involved. She is a fighter!! In the nursery the nurses call her a "Rockstar."

Today is Sunday and in a couple of hours I will return to the hospital to stay over night with her (they call it "nesting"- you stay the night in a room with the baby. The nurses checks on her every 3 hours.) It is to help with the transition in coming home with Kiley. She was due to come home tomorrow around 4. But the doctor wants to see her weight stabilize before giving her the release. She is now at 4 lbs. 13 oz. she has lost a little weight which is normal for newborns to lose 10% of there body weight in the first few days. So now that she is 6 days old the doctor wants it to level off or go back up. So as of tonight her and I may have to stay 1 more day to have the doctor watch her weight. I believe me being there with her may also aid in her staying stable. So I am excited to go stay with her. And will let everyone know when we are both home, safe and sound!!

(and Brody is soo excited! He says "Baby Kiley is fake, cuz she is too small." But he loves holding her hand and giving her kisses.)

Life as of late

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:12:00 +0000

We have not been up to much, I have been working three days a week and on my off days I take Brody swimming,to the park, to the library. One day while waiting for my oil change we took a trip to Krispy Kremes and enjoyed a tasty treat...

On the Saturdays when I am not working we go to the lake and cool off. And ride, "Gma and Gpa jet ski fast." Brody loves to go for little rides on the jet skis, but mainly loves to sit in the water with his life vest and noodle and just swim. His new thing is everywhere we go he always happens to find a "Y" stick. I am serious everywhere he finds sticks in perfect Y formation. It is funny.

And since this semester is over Kip has some free time until he goes back to school in August. So he has found time to go fishing and has been taking Brody along with his new "Diego" fishing Pole while mommy is working.

Kip thinks he is a "Bad Bass!!"

Brody too..

Brody couldn't hold the big one. he dropped it, and it flopped all over the ground.

I am now 29 weeks and counting. (Due date: Aug. 13th) Monday we got some new ultrasounds of "baby sister" (that are not very clear.) Doctor estimates 7lbs. 5oz. at birth, give or take. She is head up for now but we are having a scheduled C-section on the 13th so Doc is not worried.

This one is her face you can see her chubby cheeks in white, an eye, her nose, and her little lips. In the ultrasound she kept opening and closing her mouth and the doctor kept talking about her chubby cheeks. (We may have a little Christiansen in here- maybe she'll look like the girls??)

...28 Weeks...

And we have finally decided on a name...

Kiley Lynn Russell

and Brody is sooooo excited! he asks my belly button every morning if, "Baby Kiley come out and play with him yet?"

Other than anxiously waiting on Kiley, we have been enjoying being home all together in the evenings. Making homemade dinners, (it's been awhile.) Watching Kip play softball onTuesdays (wishing I could be playing.) We have as much fun with brodyas we can- he is getting so big, too fast. He loves having Daddy home in the evenings, it's like WWF when dad comes home everynight. They love to wrestle and play till they can't stop laughing. I love it.

Anyways there is a little Russell Pack update.

Until next time!

Spontaneous Mini- Vacation...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Memorial Day - Beach Trip

We decided on Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend that we wanted to go somewhere and do something. So that night we booked a hotel and packed our bags and left at 7:00 Sunday morning on a 6 hour journey to Long Beach, CA. We were on the beach a little after lunch time and the weather was TERRIFIC!

(click on pic above to view it bigger. Or go to facebook to view all the pics.)

Although getting the cheapest hotel in Long Beach was not the best idea but we had a blast anyways. It turns out there is a nice part of Long Beach and a "downtown" version (where the hotel was) but we found a beautiful beach 30 min. away. (Sunset Beach) So we played at Sunset Beach all day got to the hotel to shower and sleep, then woke up and we were on the beach again by 7:00, played on the beach for hours left about lunch time and arrived back at home about 7:00pm. We had so much fun and even though it was short it was a fun little break from life!!

1 day older and wiser too...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Baby!!

Babe there are soo many reason I am so happy to have you in my life! Here are the top 3 reasons:

1.) You make me feel special, and I love the way you love me!
2.) I love that you are my Best Friend
3.) I love watching you with Brody and what a great example he has for a dad!

Thank you honey for all you do and on your special 27th day, I am so glad I chose you! Happy Birthday from the bottom of my heart.

A little something For You:

Hope you enjoyed the video DADDY!
(you can link here for a previous post that is quite humorous.)

Narrowing down...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Okay so I posted this on both facebook and Blogger, and got so many responses!! Thanks to all, but I have narrowed to my faves and lets see what comes from that!!

-Briley/Brilee
-Braylee
-Brinlee
-Brooke-still hangin in there, cuz Brody calls her that!

This shows it's a girl.

This is the face you can see her eyes, and little hands by her face & her tummy.

This one is her laying on her back with her hands still by her face. The round thing coming down by her face my doctor says is actually a Braxton Hicks contraction that I can't feel but if we watched it, it would slowly disappear.

I am 20 weeks along on Wed. and things are going quite well. I have started feeling the flutters, and am starting to feel the little contractions, and Brody likes to lay on her. The cravings are a little crazy this time around.
It's: Pickles, Cheetos, Thin Mints (that's right girl scouts you can't hide from me!!), Sweet tarts, Chewy Sprees, and Smarties! There it is I know not very healthy but, OH SO GOOOOOOD!

Work is going great and we love being in the Valley of the SUN!! The weather is fantastic! It feels like Spring and my flowers are absolutely stunning right now!! LOVE IT!! Sorry all of you that can't get away from the horrible weather (SNOW.) Lots of love.

*Look back for pictures of my "secret garden" (my cute little yard) and Prego bump pics!! See ya all soon! (sissy I will post more of the house too just for you, soon!!)

Help us pick a Girl's name...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:01:00 +0000

We have a little list of names and when I had Brody we were set on the name Brody. But with this one I cannot decide what I like best!! So add your comments and give us some input.
(Yes, we are going with the "B" names.)

-Braydi
-Braelynn
-Braylee
-Brooke
-Baylee
-Brinlee
-Brilee-w/ the sound "I"
-Brilynn- sound "I"
-Brelynn -sound "E"
-Brynn

We are also open to any suggestions from anyone. Help us out!
Thanks everyone!!

I think we may narrow it down to three names then have a vote or something??

It's a .....

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:59:00 +0000

GIRL!!!!

"BABY RUSSELL"

We are very excited, even though Brody was convinced he was having a baby brother. He has come to terms and is so excited to have a baby sister!!

We had the ultrasound done and Kip and I took Brody to see the baby and he was so excited. The first thing we saw on the screen was the babies hand and Brody could tell it was the hand and loudly said, "HI, BABY!!" So he has been excited since then. Braydi is due August 20th, but we will have a scheduled C-section a week before- August 13th.

Life Goes On

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:39:00 +0000

I took my last test on Brody's birthday and passed.
I am now a LICENSED COSMETOLOGIST!!

I got my license in the mail a few weeks ago, and had my first job interview last Saturday,
and GOT THE JOB!!!!I was hired as a Stylist/Nail Specialist at Cardoni Salon & Spa. It is 2 miles from my house, and I will be starting off part-time until clientele picks up. The two owners are sisters to the 1rst counselor in my Bishopric and they are wonderful. The salon is in a recently developed location and is a little slow with walk-ins right now, but we are gearing up for the opening of one of the most popular resturants (Rancho De Tia Rosa) in the valley to open it's second location next to the salon in just a few months. I am so very excited to get started, along with doing hair I am the only Nail Specialist there, and will get free range to do whatever I want with the nails. So I can let my creativity soar!! I will be working 3 days a week and I start on Tuesday.

Other than that things are going great here in the valley of the sun, and we love being back. Kip is doing great in school and will finish his first year in May and is looking forward to continuing in the fall. Brody is getting big and is into all things BOY!! Everything turns into a bat or sword and when daddy comes home the testosterone levels soar and it's a giant wrestling mat in the front room. We love having him around he is becoming such a character. As for me I am finally enjoying being pregnant now that I am not throwing up, am over the flu, bronchitis, and severe allergies are now under control. I feel I have more energy than ever. So Brody and I spend the days being silly and playing our hearts out! We live in a cute, safe little neighborhood, located in a wonderful ward. We are finally getting quality family time and are loving it!!!

Time for a little updating...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Well this past month has been slightly crazy, sorry for such late posting!
Feb. 14th 2009...
we celebrated the Brod-man's 3rd birthday!!

He is getting so big- but not big in the weight way. He seriously has been 32.5 pounds since about September- lucky! But he is getting so tall, everyday I feel as if he is just a little bit bigger. We had a fun BBQ with family and a few friends that was so much fun. Brody enjoyed having his cousins and Aunties over to play with all afternoon.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRODY!!

(one more pic for Grandma!!!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:22:00 +0000

STRESSED OUT!!

Yep you've got it I take my state boards on Feb. 9th and my written on the 14th. I am studying like a mad woman and feel as if I am going crazy. I study all day
(sorry for the neglect Brod-man- thank you to the Park, cartoons, and having plenty of toys.) until my head hurts. Then I go through the practical exam over and over in my head when I cook dinner and sit down with "the honey" to watch our favorite shows, and then it's off to bed where I dream about curl patterns, skin disorders, the sternoclediomastoideus- muscle of the neck.

I wish it was all the primp and prissy stuff I've got that down. It's the chemistry and electricity, and anatomy and physiology, and skin and nail disorders that throw me under the bus!! Plus they are not very pleasant to dream about- yuck! Anyways so I guess this is just a little venting post sorry for the rant but I somehow feel a little better. Wish me luck, I am off to study some more!!

(sorry for the funky size issue- can't figure it out!!)

8 Things...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:02:00 +0000

8 things I am passionate about

1. My Savior
2. The Gospel
3. Joseph Smith
4. My Husband
5. My son-shine
6. Family- (sisters, brother, mom, & in-laws)
7. Wonderful Friends- Thanks Jenilyn & Adam ;o)
8. Hair & Nails- of course

8 words or phrases I use all the time

1. "Brody, son."
2. "Hey guess what... I LOVE YOU!"
3. "Mr. Grump-a-dump-a-saurus"- thanks J- this makes Kip giggle! except I say it all the time.
4. "Clean up your toys..."
5. "Please!"
6. To Brody- "Your cute!" Because he'll say, "No, Ma your cute!"
7. "Bubba" -One of many of Brody's nicknames??
8. "1... 2... 3" I use that alot?

8 things I want to do before I die

1. Enjoy everything in life.
2. Watch my children grow up
3. Travel and take in beauty all around (Hawaii- hint, hint-Kip)
4. Grow old with my Honey
5. Hang out with my grandchildren
6. Get into Genealogy
7. Work in the Temple
8. Be Happy

8 things I want or need

1. My own house again... sometime.
2. A Nissan Pathfinder- that's a want!
3. Clothes
4. Money- who doesn't... I just want to be secure! (One day)
5. A beautiful backyard- a want too
6. Health Insurance- NEED
7. Adobe Photoshop- okay a want also??
8. Lots of kisses from my Boys!- Definantly a NEED!

8 places I would like to visit

1. Hawaii
2. Hawaii
3. Hawaii
4. Hawaii
5. Hawaii
6. My sister!!!
7. Idaho
8. Flordia??

8 restaurants I love

1. Olive Garden
2. Red Robin
3. Carolina's
4. Rubios
5. Outback
6. Farmhouse
7. Chili's
8. Sweet Tomatoes

8 shows I like to watch

1. Bachelor
2. American Idol
3. Homeland Security
4. Extreme Home Makeover
5. Price is Right
6. 48 Hours
7. Cold Case Files
8. Regis and Kelly

8 people I tag

1. Jamie Wiser
2. Jessica Hewlett
3. Kristi Sharp
4. Kerrianne Burch
5. Kerrie Odell
6. Alyson Sharp
7. Whoever...
8. Wants too!

Good News...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenni Russell) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:57:00 +0000

For those who haven't heard,

YES, baby #2 is on it's way!! We are only about a month or two along, and are expecting a due date around July 2009!! Brody is excited and pretends he is holding a baby and calls it, "Brody's baby brother???" So we will have to wait and see.