Finally...Spring weather!

Yesterday was B.E.A.utiful, and we were out taking advantage of it!

We met Barrett's friends, Norah Kate and Lydia, at the park for a walk...



Then I sat on the swing in the front yard while Barrett did some exploring...

He's all BOY! He loves sticks, grass and weeds!

Later in the evening, we picked up some more limbs in the yard (from the ice storm a few weeks ago), pulled weeds, trimmed the shrubs and plants, cleaned up leaves and swept the sidewalks. Barrett was such a big helper. He must really watch mommy, because he knows how to work a broom! It was hilarious. I'll have to get some pictures and video next time we're out sweeping. He was also a pro at picking up every little twig he could find and bringing it over to throw in the trash can.

I hope we have many more beautiful days like this in the near future. The fresh air was wonderful! The Masters starts today! My brother, Brian was there for the practice round on Monday. He was in Heaven! He's back in Augusta today for the first round. I'm very jealous!

Here are some of his pictures...

Fun Finds...

I went to a consignment sale a couple weeks ago with Megan and Audra. We went to the same sale in the Fall, and had so much fun. We like to make an event of it...we leave the kids at home, drive up to Wichita for dinner, and then head to the sale for a couple hours of shopping! They have tons of kids clothes, toys, pj's, shoes, baby gear, maternity clothes and books. I spent $50 or $60 and come home with lots of clothes (pants, shorts, pj's, shirts, onesies, coats), shoes, books and toys. Everything is in such great shape.

His daddy really liked this pearl-snap shirt I found for Barrett Russell!
Oh...he'll be so cute wearing this in the Fall!

It's fun to buy Barrett name brand (Old Navy, Gap, Gymboree) clothes for $2.00. I VERY rarely pay full price for his clothes. Kids grow out of things so fast, I just can't justify it. Especially when I can buy them like-new so cheap...I don't feel guilty at all.

My favorite purchase was this pair of cowboy boots!! We've wanted Barrett to have his own pair of boots, so I was thrilled to get these BRAND NEW for only $15.00! I'm hoping they'll fit him in the Fall. I will definitely be doing a photo shoot with these...totally worth the $15.00!!!


Then, at the end of March, I took a trip to Texas. It was a girl's weekend with my mom, Aunt Deb, Aunt Clara and cousin, Audrey. We drove to Frisco, Texas to stay with Aunt Deb's sister, Kathy, and her family. They were the sweetest hosts...cooking dinner and driving us all around to shop. We shopped from sun up to sun down! With a few breaks in the evening to play Wii bowling and watch one of Gabe's baseball games. We were looking mostly for dresses for all of our upcoming family events: Audrey's wedding, graduations, showers, Brandon's wedding, etc.

Aunt Kathy showed us some adorable shoes she'd just bought...As soon as I saw them, I wanted my own pair! They are so cute and comfy. Perfect for Spring.

And...they're from Wal-Mart!! $13.00

My favorite new store in Texas was Garden Ridge. My Aunts and cousins have talked about it forever, and I actually have quite a few kitchen things from there thanks to my Aunt Deb. They go to Garden Ridge every time they are in Texas. I think there is also one in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. They claim they are not as good as the Dallas one, but I still might have to pay them a visit, since they're closer. They have EVERYTHING: patio furniture, flower pots, candles, silk flowers, purses and luggage, linens, rugs, dishes, kitchen gadgets, sofas, dining sets, and on and on! I found all sorts of fun stuff there....Yellow purse for Spring, apple green wallet, and several cute little dishes I brought back for my sister-in-law.

My favorite purchase at Garden Ridge was this straw holder! I sip from a glass of ice water with lemon ALL day long...and I use a straw 95% of the time. I think drinking from a straw makes me drink even more water. So having this new holder out on the counter is so fun! I love it!

And...I've been looking for some bright green baskets for the bookshelf in Barrett's room. I found these that were the perfect color and size. They were only $1.99 for 4 baskets!

Oh...it's fun to find a good bargain!
Now, off to figure out what we're all going to wear for Easter!

palm branches

Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. It celebrates the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where people spread palm branches and clothing before Him.


The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
John 12: 12-13

Barrett had fun with his palm branch.
Sorry to the man that sat in front of us at church...
he may have gotten tickled on the back of the neck with it a few times.

And we're still carrying it around today! The poor leaves have taken a beating! Barrett was moving 90 miles an hour in all of these pictures, so sorry they're all blurry! Have a great week everyone...the MASTERS starts on Thursday!