my word of the year

is a complete bust. I don't even want to tell you. I don't even want to say it out loud.

At first, when I read my friend's early January blog entries, I thought - YES! A word of the year is a lovely idea - I could use things like gracious or joy or simplify. Splendid idea! In fact, splendid is a pretty great word....

But I wanted to give it some thought, and that is where I went wrong. I should have just taken the word splendid and run! Because I was convicted (with a pit in my stomach) that my word should be

DISCIPLINE
Discipline! How NOT FUN is that?

Actually, it's the theme in Kids Worship at church this month. My kids could surely use some discipline at home. I could stand to be more disciplined in my spending, in my prayer time, in self-control. Shoot, I need to be more disciplined at taking my eye makeup off at night. Everywhere I looked, there were signs that my life had a huge gap, a void, a big time lacking...

So, okay. I can take a hint.

But, let's just keep a healthy balance, right? I can surely discipline myself to get my schedule in order, spend less time on the computer, cook better, eat better and exercise regularly. I can also recognize that things don't change unless you want them to. And when it comes to shopping, I don't really want to change. It's my one vice. And in 2010, I'm keeping it. Probably in 2011 too - unless my word turns out to be

frugal
I guess there are worse words then discipline!

And I can still be a disciplined shopper - like not buying things at Old Navy just because they are so ridiculously cheap on clearance.

Baby steps.

If you too are sticking with your shopping ways this year, say hello over here
http://thegirliestboymom.blogspot.com/

2 s's, 2 l's

9 years ago, I was absolutely thrilled to marry someone with a common last name. Too bad for me that I still need to clarify the spelling everywhere we go - people almost always spell it Russel. All in all, I think I made out well in the "married name" department ;) I think I made out pretty well with the man I married too...even if he doesn't understand decorating trends...

When this arrived, he was all "What? Just in case we forget who lives here?" I'm thinking the rest of you might appreciate it more. You can find these cute wall letters at Ballard Designs - I love the one in our entryway, and I think they'd be great in boys rooms too - over a closet door, or bed.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/mercadoSearch.do?action=search&newSearch=true&freeText=typewriter

And check out these cute magnets from Target's dollar spot. I hope ours will get more in, because I think they'd be really fun gift toppers. Even those of us who prefer a clutter free refrigerator will find these adorable!

So, Happy Anniversary, Jonathan! I love being a Russell!

three months

We love this little guy to pieces!

Graham started physical therapy this month for torticollis. I was freaked out when I heard his diagnosis, but a quick Google search reassured that it really is just a "stiff neck" probably caused by his position in the womb. I'm wondering if we can get a two for one deal with the PT, since carrying around his car seat is back breaking. And he's my little lightweight.