The Russells

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Engagement Day

Thanks Tiff for hiding and taking this picture! I love it

It has already been one whole year since Taylor proposed to me. (well, on the 7th.) I can't believe how fast time flies! It was such a fun day. We had dinner at my parents house with both of our families and Taylor and I sat on the big swing in the backyard. For some reason, I didn't realize that everyone had gone inside and left us outside alone. We were just talking on the swing when Crew came around the house and gave me a rose. I may be stupid, but I honestly didn't think anything of it. He was in this stage where he would give flowers to people so I just thought he found it somewhere. But slowly, one by one, every single niece and nephew from from youngest to oldest (except for Monroe and Livie because they were too little) brought me a rose. Then our oldest niece Kadrie brought a huge bouquet of roses and lillies that had the ring box inside. Taylor stood us up, said some really sweet things, and got down on one knee! It was so fun and special. I never thought I wanted people around when I got engaged but it was really fun to have all of our family waiting inside to run out and be excited with us! OH and I got the ring of my dreams, so that was cool too. I love you boo- thanks for being so thoughtful!

Monday, June 20, 2011

One year

I can't believe its already been a year since I spent some time in the Philippines. I was thinking about it yesterday and what a great experience it was. I went with a wonderful group of people, and we were able to do lots of service for the people of Bohol. We also had the amazing opportunity to attend the Cebu temple dedication. Vaccines for the Philippines is a great organization, if anyone is considering doing humanitarian work I would highly recommend going with them! I am grateful for spur of the moment decisions, on a whim I decided to go and left about 2 weeks later. I am so blessed that I got to see and experience a beautiful place with beautiful people. They are so nice and generous. They would give us anything and everything they could, even though they are so poor they don't have much to give. I fell in love, and ... I would go back in a heartbeat.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

New York- favorite things

Like I said before, I went to NYC with my sister and our friend Stacey. Our other friend Rachel is living there for the summer, so we met up with her there. I am just going to highlight the funny and exciting things we did........ (I will get pics up soon, I was really bad and got a couple on my phone but my sister has most on her camera. )

Red eye, bumpy flight to get there. Not fun... I never get motion sick or anything like that, but at one point I really truly thought I was going to puke.
Arriving to Manhattan at 7 am, finding out we couldn't check in, and wandering the streets until things started to open. I was especially tired inside of Macys and don't even remember much about going there.
My blow dry appointment with Reagan. I have been a loyal blog follower for about a year now, and when I found out I would be going to NY I knew I had to make an apt with her. She was so sweet/nice, and I am really happy I got to meet her and see her swanky salon. (it was worth the $60) She made my hair look beautiful.
We saw Wonderland on Broadway. I may or may not have fallen asleep a few times due to the 36 hours straight of being awake. But what I saw of it was really cute.
The street food fair. I bought ribs on the street for $7 and they were DELICIOUS. And some New York cheesecake that was divine
Going to the DASH store. For those of you who know me, you know I absolutely love the Kardashians and have been watching them for years now. I personally prefer Khloe, because she is the funniest. One time my mom told me that the things I say and how I say them remind her of Khloe. And I said thank you. ANYWAY, there was a line to get in even! It was crazy. And the boutique was a lot smaller than I thought it would be from seeing it on t.v. And the girls that work there are a little snobby. But whatever. The only thing I could afford was a $10 water bottle which I debated buying, but then I didn't. Taylor would think I was ridiculous if I paid $10 for a bottle of water just because it says Dash on the front of it and there is a picture of the girls. Moving on....
Going to Republic for dinner. I love Thai food, and this place was way good and inexpensive. I got the Salmon noodle dish which was delicious, and I also ate most of my sisters Chicken Pad Thai because lets be honest, she doesn't eat much.
Going to the Lincoln Center for church on Sunday. The first speaker was really hilarious. There is something cool about going to church in different places... I like.
Going to Sarah Beth's for brunch. I got some yummy scrambled eggs with spinach and cream cheese. It was worth the mucho mulah. Plus, the guy at the table behind us was seriously the CREEPIEST and he kept staring at Tiffany, so that made it worth it too. I can't even put his looks into words for you or I would try.
Going to see the Alexander McQueen collection at the MET. I really think this was my favorite thing that we did. It was pretty amazing. He had a lot of really crazy costume like outfits (Think of Lady Gaga) But a lot of his cuts and silhouettes were beautiful. He was an artist. What an opportunity!
Getting my new Betseyville bag at the Betsey Johnson store. She is one of my favies, and I can't go to NY now without frequenting her stores.
The scary homeless lady with the filthiest/creepiest feet you have ever seen. We happened to run into her at 7eleven when we were minding our own business getting our drink fix for the night. She took a liking to me for some reason, and was following me around while poking me telling me to "GET ON THE STAGE!!" I was a little creeped out. Actually a lot. and it didn't help that Stacey and my sister were dying laughing the whole time!
Taking the train out to Brooklyn to eat at Grimaldi's pizza. (after waiting outside for half an hour in the rain) It was delicious! The best pizza I've ever had. (In America that is)
Stacey getting proposed to 2 times while walking around
Going to Tiffany's to drool at our dream rings
Going inside every singe H&M (and there is a LOT) to find my coveted blazer. I never found it in my size :(
When the people at Christian Louboutin wouldn't let Stacey and Tiffany in
Seeing Luann from the Real Housewives of NYC walking 5th avenue with her boyfriend.
Walking through Central Park, my favorite park
my first experience at West Elm. Love

There is probably a lot more I just cant think of right now.. But what a trip! I always love New York, and it was great to go back. I am lucky that my sister is one of my best friends and that her friends let me be their friends too.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

hoppy EASTER!

My buddies were having so much fun finding eggs

I think every time we take pictures Taylor is wearing this shirt. Shows you how good we are at taking pictures.

How chic is Mo right now? The Easter Bunny brought her these glasses and she literally would not take them off. It was the cutest/funniest things ever.

I love my little Monroe Alexandra. (how great is her middle name? hehe)

Easter wouldn't have been complete without a visit to Rex. We sure missed you Sunday!

We had a great Easter this year. The Easter Bunny came to our house a few days early and brought me the Coach perfume I have been dying to have, (it smells so yummy) and brought Taylor some skinnies and a cute shirt! We started out Sunday off right by going to church and planning a fun lesson for our Sunday School kids. (Or should I say games/treats) Then we went to my parents house where they had hidden our Easter bag for us to find. Our bag had our favorite treats, 2 shirts for Taylor, and some money for me to pick out an outfit. (Thanks M&D) Then my favorite kiddos came over to have an Easter egg hunt in the backyard! And then I started taking pictures.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Start Spreadin the News..

I just made plans to take a trip here in May. I am going with two of my favorite girls to meet up with a third favorite girl! I am so very excited, I am in love with NY and so happy to be going back. May 12 can't come fast enough!