So...which house did we choose?!?!?

From the overwhelming responses in the comments section, I know you are all waiting with bated breath to find out which of the three houses we are buying. OK...maybe not. Could it be that my mom & the 2 other people who actually read my blog already know the answer? Hmmm...

Here are a few hints...in photo format...


One of the new decks on the back of the house.


New coachlight by the garage.


New light fixture in the master bath.


Really big rock in the backyard.

...drum roll, please...It's house #3!!!

The search is over!!!

Well, after looking at about a dozen houses, the search is finally over! I feel like we were on our own episode of House Hunters or something. Let's see if you can choose the house we're buying...these are the three that we narrowed it down to:


House #1: A pricey mid-century modern located less than a mile from our current house. Recently updated. 2,340 sq. ft. 4 bdrm/3 bath. Huge downstairs rec room, space for office, and guest quarters.

House #2: Nicely updated split-level with the same elementary school as Grace's current one. Least expensive list price, but smallest of the 3 choices. 3 bdrm/2 bath. Downstairs has rec room & another room that could be used as an office or 4th bdrm.

House #3: Completely renovated split-level. Largest house (2,740 sq. ft.) on largest lot (2/3 acre), but farthest from Matthew's work. 4 bdrm/3 bath. Great closet & storage space. Downstairs has rec room, office, guest room & full guest bath.

So...which one did we choose?!?!? You'll have to wait to find out...but, in the meantime, post your guess in the comments section. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

May you spend it with those you love!!!


Credits: Template by Pattie Knox at Designer Digitals; Textured overlays by Nancie Rowe Janitz at ScrapArtist; Large circle brushes by Jackie Eckles at Designer Digitals; Created in Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0.

So...you might be asking yourself...

"What has that wacky Russell family been up to the past few weeks?" Fear not, for I am prepared to answer this question (& more) through a series of photos sprinkled with (what I hope to be) witty, insightful comments...let's see...


New Year's Eve 2006 aka "Puppets, Pudding & Poppers"

The incomparable Karen Prell (of "Red Fraggle" fame) spent New Year's Eve at our house. She brought supplies to make...drum roll, please...you guessed it...PUPPETS!




I know...I know...I just couldn't resist an artsy, blurred background shot...


Karen was also kind enough to bring dinner to our house...standards like Honey-Baked Ham, broccoli & cornbread...as well as some traditional British faves that Karen was "exposed" to during her time in England. There was some sort of cheesy, garlicky spread--that I can't remember the name of--with crackers (yum!), Christmas pudding (double yum!), and an interesting treat that apparently is only sold once-a-year around Christmas in Great Britain called "Cheese Footballs"...let's just say that I don't believe these actually count as any type of food, although Karen claims they're an "acquired taste." Here's Matthew enjoying one...







But, then came the Christmas pudding...a delightful dish...



...as well as Christmas Poppers...which Grace & Emma really dug...



The evening's festivities were just too much for our pampered pooches to handle...






Lunchtime with Emma aka "The Attack of the Peanut Butter Sandwich"

Pictures speak louder than words...and peanut butter obviously makes a great facial!






January 2007 ~ It's keeps snowing, and snowing, and snowing...
So we had another snowstorm...then it snowed again...and again. I don't think I drove for a week (I am from Texas, ya know.) Grace missed several days of school, but she didn't seem to mind too much. :) It did make for another great photo opportunity. I even scrapped it...

Credits: "Winter Chic" digital kit by Shabby Princess (www.theshabbyshoppe.com); Snowflake brushes by Michelle Coleman (www.scrapartist.com).



What else do you do when you're stuck inside during the winter? Why...make Floam creatures, of course. Here are Grace & Emma's latest masterpieces...






From Snowbound to Park-Bound...
And here we are 2 weeks after our monster snowstorm enjoying a beautiful afternoon at the park. And they said the weather in Texas was crazy. It also makes a nice segue into February, since I used the park pics to scrap my February calendar page.

Credits: Overlays by Nancie Rowe Janitz (ScrapArtist) and Michelle Underwood; Calendar & photo frame by Katie Pertiet (Designer Digitals); Paper tear & staples by Anna Aspnes (Designer Digitals); Ribbon by Shabby Princess; Stamp by Rhonna Farrer (2Peas); Paper clip by Traci Sims. Created in Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0.


Whew! That brings you up-to-date on the happenings here in Western Washington. Until next time...

My family as Muppets...

So, I ran across this website to take a "Muppet Personality Test" on my friend Kristie's blog...of course, I couldn't resist. Here are the results...see if you agree!

TAMMY ~ You Are Scooter

Brainy and knowledgable, you are the perfect sidekick.You're always willing to lend a helping hand.In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going."15 seconds to showtime!"

MATTHEW ~ You Are Gonzo the Great

"Is something burning in here? Oh, it's just me."You're a total nutball who will do anything for attention.The first to take a dare, you'll pull almost any stunt.You're one weird looking creature, but your chickens don't mind!

GRACE ~ You Are Miss Piggy

A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it.You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less.You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way.Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

EMMA ~ You Are the Swedish Chef

"Bork! Bork! Bork!"You're happy and energetic - with borderline manic tendencies.No one really gets you. And frankly, you don't even get you.But, you sure can whip up a great chocolate mousse! (edited to add...I'm not too sure if Emma can cook yet, but she certainly could EAT a great chocolate mousse!)