I heart Jonah...and I am not talking about my nephew...although I love him too.

I have been attempting to read the Old Testament. A handful of trusted friends, who have either taught it in seminary or institute, or meticulously studied it, are constantly talking it up. So, it is my turn to make an attempt to read the book that seems daunting and boring to every seminary student. (I did sit through O.T. seminary. I took it from a teacher who did not know how to teach. He struggled, but he was a great man who constantly expressed his love for the Savior).

My first look into it was 1st and 2nd Samuel. I didn't delve into Samuel as much as I should and will repent, and return again. But I did delve into the story of David and Jonathan and their deep, abiding friendship. It is one of the greatest expressions of friendship I have ever read and is a testament to the importance of that particular relationship among man. The words are passionate, and piercing. I think it is a great example of the love and friendship that the Savior must feel for each one of us.

My second look was into Jonah...and I have been stuck there for about a two weeks. Not because I am struggling, but because the book of Jonah, Jonah's story, his relationship with God, his personality, has touched me in a way that I cannot fully explain. Along with my trusty O.T study guide, and some insight from a friend, I have come to understand, not only the story of Jonah better, but the nature of my own relationship with myself, and with my Father in Heaven. I can only hope, that if I do not get married in this life, Jonah will still be single in the next because I am pretty sure he and I are a match made in heaven. :)

Though many plain and precious truths have been lost for the Bible, with an open and willing heart, and some bonus insight, there is a wealth of discovery in that book. I am so grateful for it.



P.S. Scottie and Mattie...GREAT choice on the baby name!!!

an addendum to the music musings

I have recently added Crazy Ever After by The Rescues and And Then You by Greg Laswell to my playlist. If Grey's Anatomy is good for one thing it is by far and away the music that it introduces me to. I could also say the same for my friend Alice...although she has many other great attributes besides her expanse of musical knowledge.

some simple musings

I realize it's been awhile since I have posted something, but in truth the most exciting thing in my life has been my nephew. Work is pretty crazy these days as I am working on an upgrade project for the main processing system for my company...see...you don't want to hear that...it's boring...it sounds boring, and it is tedious, but it has to be done. So that is what I spend most of my time doing.

As far as anything else new and exciting...I have come across some new songs...well...new to me...maybe not to you...that I have enjoyed...they comprise my playlist these days...some are peppy, some are mellow...but they get me through the day.

I'm You-Leona Lewis
Don't Let Go-Sarah McLachlan
Already Home-Ha*Ash w/ Brandi Carlile
Forever-Chris Brown
Elder Jeffery R Holland's CES fireside-A-MAZING!!!
Heart and Shoulder-Heather Nova
One Step at a Time-Jordin Sparks (I have no more pride)
Ever the Same-Rob Thomas
Pills-Sarah McLachlan w/ the Perishers
It Means Everything-Album-Save Ferris
One April Day-Stephen Merrit
Daydream Believer-Mary Beth Maziarz
New Soul-Yael Naim

So those are just some of the recent artists that grace my playlist to get me through my day.

Other than that I don't have much to post. My friend Erin has some great posts recently. And I recently found my friend Anya Hillstead from Las Vegas...that made my day. She is for sure one of the coolest girls I have ever met. Another friend from Las Vegas, Ashely Huffaker, has recently started a blog as well. Getting in touch with these two girls has brought a flood of Las Vegas memories...I have some great ones...in particular regarding hiking...especially with those two. Good times. But beyond the great memories, there is something that sticks out more in respect to both of these ladies...whether they know it or not, they have had an immense influence on me and how I live my life. I have A-MAZING friends. I really do...simply astounding the accomplishments so many of them have made in their lives...but there is a handful...maybe two handfuls...who really stick out for one reason in particular. Here it is-in all of the greatness of these aforementioned friends I have never felt less than them. In their lives they have accomplished so many great things, overcome insane odds NOT in their favor, done so much more than I may ever do...and yet, when I am in their presence, or having a brief email or blog encounter, I never feel anything other than my best self. These people, they help me to see who I really am, who I can and will be. I am unclear as to how they do this...but they do. I am grateful for these friends, past and present...and more than likely, future. I hope that I can one day have that same affect on people.

Anyway...those are my thoughts for now.

Jonah Scott Russell

This post is going to consist mainly of picutes of my new nephew Jonah...just FYI!

Jonah Scott Russell about two hours old. (with antibiotic crap on his eyes).

7lbs even. 20". nice head of dark hair. and well...just so dang adorable!

Grandma Lorie...she is NEVER going to put that kid down! I use to think of my mom as such a giving, sharing person...NOT when it comes to her first grandson!

Scottie and Jonah.

I CAN'T believe my brother...my little brother...is a father...but I do know he will be an amazing dad...he has been an amazing husband.

He is SO handsome! I cannot get over it!

Four generations! (LtoR: Scottie, Grandpa, Jonah, Mom)

Content to sit in grandma's arms.

GREAT GRANDPA WALL!!!!

Who knew Sterling was such a softie! Grandpa Sterling!

So there is Jonah...I have more pictures...and I am sure there will be plenty more to come...but I will grant a reprieve. I am just really so excited about this little boy and I love him to death already. It is truly amazing how that works...the love is just instantaneous. Anyway...YAY!!!!

Russell Family Vacation 2008...WAS GREAT...even if we didn't get to finish!

So...about a month or so ago Scottie sent an email to each member of the Russell clan announcing the "Russell Family Vacation 2008". He had laid out an itinerary that included a weekend at the cabin in Midway, shopping, food, a triathlon (for Scott, Kelli and Kerri), a birthday celebration for mom, and other fun and games...including t-shirts and a chocolate cake from Kitty's. At the conclusion of the email was this statement: "THIS VACATION IS MANDATORY, GET OFF WORK, DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO. NO IF's AND's or BUTTOCKS!" I remember thinking to myself...wouldn't it be funny if "baby Russell" decided to join us that weekend....and so begins the story of the Russell Family Vacation 2008.

Friday night-mom and I drove up to the cabin and met Scott and Mattie and Dad for dinner. The girls (Kelli and Kerri) were still at home attending football games and wedding receptions. We had dinner at Spin Cafe in Heber....great place by the way...so Brooke's friends...next time we want to go somewhere fun, and good (and kind of pricey)...they have GREAT GELATO!!!!

Mattie and Scottie on the way to dinner...and about 21 hours before she gave birth!!!

Mom and Dad at dinner...aren't they cute!!!??!!!!

Kelli and Kerri made it up around tenish...we were all just sitting around in the living room...

....being pretty typical Russells......

We goofed around for a while longer and decided that since Saturday was a big day (more than we even knew at that point) we should head to bed. Mom, Kelli and Kerri and I opted to sleep outside on the deck. We chatted for a bit, and then mom told us to go to sleep. It was a gorgeous night with stars a visible Milky Way (I forget about it sometimes) and a beautiful bright mom. A couple of hours after drifting off to sleep I awoke to a strange, somewhat muffled noised. I thought it was an animal being attacked, or dying or something...Kerri asked me what it was, and then I could tell Kelli was awake...suddenly we realized that it was MOM!!! She was screaming in her sleep, with her mouth closed!! It was so funny...we started laughing and tried to wake her up. She woke up and knew what she had been doing and started laughing too. (I've always had good times out on that deck...that may very well be the best one). So back to sleep we went...until about another hour or so later...when Scott came out and told us that Mattie was in labor and off to the hospital they went....bit of a change in plans...and did this mean that Scott and Mattie were ditching the vacation?!....the MANDATORY RUSSELL FAMILY VACATION?!

About another hour later Kelli and Kerri headed off to the triathlon...of course forgetting their IDs...right as mom and I were about to park the car...so we turned around...and drove back to the cabin from Jordanelle reservoir to get their IDs. They made it in time...and off they went.....

Kelli and Kerri are in there somewhere....

Off Kelli goes on her bike...she was about three minutes in front of Kerri, but I didn't see Kerri leave...in truth I started to get a little worried...

...but all worry was alleviated when she coasted past me on her bike!! She is even smiling!!

and now for the run....at which point Kelli informed me that her legs felt like Jell-O!

BUT THEY ARE A-MAZING.....and finished with big smiles!

The rest of the pictures should be of shopping in Park City, and dinner, and game night...but...Jonah was feeling really left out of the family vacation...and wanted to join in!! Check out the next blog to see the rest of the Russell Family Vacation 2008!