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Mama Russell
"Hello! My name is Kelly and I am a happy wife and mother to two daughters (5 and 3), one son (19 months), and a little girl on the way. I am a homemaker and a daughter of God."
My Complete Profile
Please note: I absolutely love getting emails from you all! It is such a joy to receive encouragement, wisdom, or just a friendly hello from those who are gracious enough to read my blog. If you don't receive a reply from me right away, please know that I am off kissing a boo-boo, nursing a baby, or reading to a sweet four year old, and that I will get back to you as soon as I am able! Email Me
My To-Do List
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* *Go through all cooking/baking recipes and organize.
* *Make a newborn/small infant cloth diaper stash. I have not decided on the amounts of fitteds, covers, or AIOs that I'll need. *added April 9, 2008*
* Pick out and buy Kindergarten level homeschool curriculum.
* Go through children's clothing. Sort, box up, and give away as needed.
* Finish new blog.
* Finish MOTH schedule.
* Take down all window mini-blinds and put up curtains.
* Replace a/c filter.
* Thoroughly clean all baseboards.
* Shampoo all carpets.
* Get sewing machine and serger serviced.
* Completely wean son.
* Join HSLDA.
* Purchase flowers to put into front flower bed.
* Go room-to-room and get rid of all junk and stuff we no longer need/use.
* Deep clean refrigerator.
* Order birth kit.
* Organize care for older children for labor and birth.
* Buy labor pool.
* Pick up extra midwife supplies for birth.
* Make birth plan.
* Potty train 3-year-old.
* Clean out and organize pantry.
* Get baby's clothes ready.
* Focus on each room in the house and purchase or find items to accentuate that room.
* Make a reading list for this year. Buy books. *In Progress*
* Prayerfully consider joining a homeschool support group. Join.
* Find a nanny or mother's helper.
* Write at least 5 people a "snail-mail" letter.
* Purchase camping trailer.
* Organize all school supplies.
* Organize craft and sewing supplies.
* Go through master Bathroom and throw out all junk.
* Hang up all family photos.
* Get one more family portrait done before Baby comes.
* Organize a menu for major meal freezing before baby comes.
* Have at least 20 entrees frozen.
* If possible, purchase stand-alone freezer for garage.
* Buy new video camera.
* Clean engagement ring and wedding ring.
* Get teeth cleaned.
* Make weekly menus.
* Pick blueberries, at least 20 pounds. Freeze.
* Throw out makeup and buy new stuff.
* Make up a guest "welcome basket."
Kindergarten
Bob Jones K5 Math 3E
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All About Spelling
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Weaver Interlock
I've moved!
Please visit me over at my new blog Wisdom Begun. See you there!


Why a new blog?
A couple of years ago I started my journey into the world of blogging. I am not sure of the reason why most people start a blog. Probably the ability to write out our thoughts behind the veil of a computer screen holds a small amount of weight to that decision. Our world likes to be easily offended when someone does not agree with us, so anonymity in any form while expressing the freedom of speech tends to draw us in.

For me, I just like to write. That is it. That was my whole reason to begin a blog. I was an English Major in college and while I never did finish that degree I still wanted to continue writing. I am not a great writer by any stretch of mental capacity. And as time goes on I find it harder to bring out my thoughts and put them down in a logical manner that would make sense to anyone. I tend to agree with those studies that have come up with the conclusions that bearing children tends to cause loss of a few brain cells.

I am one of those people that seem to be able to communicate better through writing than through the actual act of speaking. My husband tells me often that he learns more about me through my blog posts than through our every-day conversation. This tells me two things: 1) I need to learn to communicate better with my best friend and 2) I need to cultivate writing instead of letting it fester and die by the wayside. It is a sad thing when we neglect to care for those gifts God has given us.

What does any of this have to do with the title of this post? Seriously, why a new blog when I already have one? To put it quite simply: Mama Russell's Blog is dead to me. I feel as if that woman who started that blog a couple of years ago has grown into someone a bit different. That change can not be allowed to blossom in a blog still encumbered by immature thoughts. I need to break out, to learn, to become wiser.

God has blessed me with some wonderful Titus 2 women in my church. I had not had that when I started Mama Russell's blog. Instead I was under the mistaken impression that I had much to teach others when really I, myself, had much to be taught. Wisdom Begun will be my journey in learning what God desires to teach me. I hope to learn much from older women who have "been there done that."

Because of this I hope that you will join me from now on over at Wisdom Begun. It is pretty bare bones at this moment and the whole template and format will eventually change. I covet any helpful links you might like to add to my sidebars. Mama Russell's Blog will be kept alive but will feature no new posts. I look forward to this new journey!

In His grace,


A sunny Monday morning
How was your Sabbath yesterday? Were you able to rest, worship, and praise? I know I sure was. As usual, spending time with my church family in fellowship yesterday really did refresh me. Despite the fact that the new church chairs do not agree with my pregnant body I was able to focus on what life really is about: our God. What a blessing!

I have been silent on this blog for a variety of reasons. I am in the process of designing my new blog. While I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing something I have spent time creating coming together, it is a long process and very time-consuming. Add to that all of the books I am currently reading and Mama Russell's Blog has been a little neglected. Poor blog.

The final weeks before the Russell Family's newest addition arrives are going by quickly. Tiny pink clothes are out, the changing table has lost its clutter, and the bedside bassinet is patiently waiting to be put together. Aren't babies wonderful?

To all of my dear bloggy friends, I have not been able to read many blogs lately. This week I will more than likely be able to "stop by" and say hello. I miss you all. I sure do appreciate all of the emails and words of encouragement!

In His grace,


Menu Plan Monday



No, I have not disappeared from the face of the earth nor have I hidden myself away with no computer. Here is a quick rundown of what I've been doing this past month:
  • went on a lovely, heavenly, fun mini-honeymoon with my husband for our anniversary where we were completely alone with no children, GASP!
  • grew tired because hey, I am in my third trimester
  • went full-force into school with my precious little ones - it really is too hot to take a break during the summer
  • got sleepier and sleepier because, yes, you guessed it, I am in my third trimester
  • made endless lesson plans and unit studies involving butterflies while dealing with a dying computer which made everything go even more s-l-o-w-l-y
  • took naps on the couch as often as I could grab them because of that ol' third trimester
  • went on a special diet (not to lose weight, of course) which I must admit, I absolutely hate
  • fell asleep in the LazyBoy while conversing with my husband at night because of, yes, the third trimester
  • took care of three extremely needy, whiny children who were very ill with a virus for two-whole-weeks
  • watched as my three-year-old daughter experienced a near-anaphylactic shock to lentils. Had the epi-pen ready, but God blessed us and I was able to administer to her with claritin and albuterol and get it under control.
  • oh, and yes, just in case I did not mention it, I am in my third trimester. Enough said.
I have been insanely slightly busy. To get back into blogging I'll participate in today's Menu Plan Monday. This is the family meal plan; mine is slightly different due to my special diet.


Monday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Cheese and Crackers, Carrots, Apples
Dinner - Beefy Vegetable Soup, Corn bread, Salad


Tuesday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Buttered noodles, raw veggies
Dinner - Pancakes, Eggs

Wednesday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Rice, Fruit, Carrots
Dinner - Roast Turkey, roast veggies, salad

Thursday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Grilled cheese, raw veggies
Dinner - Leftovers, sauteed zucchini and squash, salad

Friday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Pigs in a blanket, raw veggies
Dinner - Fourth of July fare: Hot Dogs, Brats, Salad, Beans, Corn, etc.

Saturday ~
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Sandwiches, raw veggies
Dinner - Homemade pizza, apple sauce, carrots

In His grace,

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Neat link for grades 1-6
Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program you might want to check out!

Hope all are doing well!

In His grace,


Great homeschooling site
While searching the internet for lapbooking instructions, I discovered this free lapbook on butterflies by Homeschool Share. This website is extremely useful for those who need ideas in lapbooking and step-by-step instructions. This is one of my new favorite sites! :-) By the way, for those of you whose children aren't homeshooled, this is still a great project to try during those summer months!

Hubby and I decided to just go ahead and order the pool instead of trying to look for it. I remember seeing it at Toys R Us once but they didn't keep it stocked very long; I should have just gotten it then. Oh well. Thanks for all of the suggestions on how to fill it with water. We are going to purchase the tub/hose adaptor for it.

I hope you have a blessed day!

In His grace,


Labor Pools
Two quick questions on laboring in a pool (I will be laboring in the pool, but most likely will not give birth in it):

1) Where did you buy your pool? I was recommended to use one like this but cannot find anything comparable to it at any brick and mortar stores.


2) How did you fill the thing up??? That is my biggest question. I suppose I could google it, but I don't feel like wading through tons of links. :-)

In His grace,

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