Visiting the Members

Visiting the members was the most important and informative thing we did. I found myself sitting in the most humble of homes, watching the light of the gospel radiate from eyes that have seen much hardship and still shine with happiness. I didn't understand the words, but I understood the heart of these people as they expressed appreciation for the message that Taylor brought into their lives.

Manaus Brazil

We had a wonderful time touring around the streets where Taylor has been walking and teaching for 2 years. We saw lots of animals, ie. Monkeys, a sloth, alligators, different varieties of reptiles, hugh, incredible butterflies, and oh the bugs!! These things were all witnessed outside the boundries of a zoo. We did go to a zoo as well, and it was not like any zoo we have in the United States. We shopped and ate some quite wonderful food, and we visited the famous Opera House.

Last Stop: Iguasu Falls

As we were making our plans for Brazil, we were really undecided as to whether we would travel anywhere else or just go home. Finally we made up our minds to take the extra two days and go to Iguasu Falls. I am so grateful that we did. Not only was the place beautiful (our room overlooked the falls too), but it was a unique time to be together without a real agenda. We slept, ate, hiked, slept some more, and Taylor re-established his ties to "Facebook" with Sarah's help. The falls were incredible. All in all, it was a great side note to an unforgetable experience.

President Gordon B. Hinckley Tribute

During the days following the prophets death, I came across this Book of Mormon reading challenge as a tribute to the great man that Pres. Hinckley was and continues to be in the eternities. As a tribute of my own, I decided to join with others and read the Book of Mormon in 97 days, as he was 97 when he died. If you would like to join too, you can go to this link, www.hinckleychallenge.com, and join with us as well. I would love to see all my family join in together. I love you all and want you to know that I love the gospel, I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and I love the Book of Mormon. - Cindy

To my Sister, Penny

A while ago, for a birthday gift, Penny gave me a sisters journal. I tried for a while to e-mail a few things, but I haven't done it often. Someone told me lately that we can print our blogs and use them for a history of our lives. I decided that I am going to figure that out and that every time I can I will post one of the pages out of the journal and dedicate it to my sister Penny. Penny is the one in our family that does something about her desire to learn about family. She got that from my mom. I have the desire, but never follow through. Sooooo, for my sister.....

January 1 - When we were young we sometimes celebrated the New Year by...
Well, frankly, I don't remember a New Year back far enough. I don't think we really made a big deal of it in our early life. The only New Year's day I remember is when I was a teenager. I was at my friend, Kirk Bourne's house for a party. I came running around a corner at his house, for some reason I don't recall, and tripped on a rug and fell on my face. Uhggggg. Embarrasment was an understatement, being the cool person I was sure I was. Yea, every one of my friends at that party, including Blake Sandall, laughed at me. It was aweful.
My favorite New Years was when we were between houses and we were renting a home in Orem away from our school boundries and Ward boundries. Krissa was about 11, Stephen 9, Taylor 5 and Sarah was 18 months. We didn't feel good about leaving the kids home so we decided to have a party with our family. Penny was there too. We had a war of games between the boys and the girls. We shot bow and arrows at a target (nerf), had a rubberband and plastic army guy war, and a Doctor Mario contest. It was so fun. I will never forget it. I have since tried to recreate it, but never have.

One of my earliest memories of you is.....
I was 5 when Penny was born. When mom went into Labor with her, I was taken to my Grandma and Grandpa Archibald's house to stay for the week they would be gone. One of the things I kept being told was that I was finally going to have a sister to play with. Because I was 5 and the only Grandchild on my Dad's side and the youngest in a long line of Grandchildren on my Mom's side, I am sure they were all concerned about how I would handle losing a little of the lime light I had always enjoyed. So based on all the wonderful things people kept saying about having a new little sister, my mind was quite warped and unprepared for her arrival. First of all, I got a cold so my Grandpa felt I needed to go to the Dr. for a penicillin shot, so as not to get the baby sick. In those days, that is what happened when you went to the Dr. So I remember being chased around his house and then corned behind a chair before I was caught and hauled off to the Doctor. Sure enough, the shot was given. When my mom and Grandma pulled up into the driveway at Grandma's house I was looking out her big front window, excited to get my first glimpse of my new best friend. Instead of a little girl sitting on Mom's lap in the front seat of the car, they pulled in and hauled out a little, tiny, fragile baby that I was not to get near. You can just imagine how things went after that.

January 4 - Mom and Dad always said you were....
I was forever being told that Penny was the sweet one, the kind one, the easy child. I remember my Dad telling me that Penny would always get caught if she tried to do something naughty, but I was too sly for that, I could do it and get away with it. I have since apologized many many times to Penny for the way I took advantage of her sweetness. I could get her to do anything for me. All my chores, covering for me when I wanted to do something I shouldn't, etc. etc. I am not proud if it, but have since taken solace in the fact that she seems to have forgiven me and the atonement takes care of the rest right?

Taylor's Last Companion, Elder Nickerson

This is Elder James McCabe Nickerson from Cedar City, UT. He will be Taylor's last companion in the mission field. He was transferred to Exodo, which being interpreted means "Exodus" according to Taylor. Taylor was released as Zone Leader and is now a trainer again. Elder Nickerson is fresh out of the CTM.

Merry Christmas

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Cindy and Steve Russo

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house…Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that the family would all soon be there;

Krissa and David in Springville they do reside...With their little McKailey, always right by their side!
Krissa, for the snow to stop she does lobby, So David can landscape instead of using the house as a hobby.
In Elders Quorum he is a teacher and Krissa the secretary in Primary, a spare minute? NARY!
McKailey is beautiful and funny and smart, And some things she will say could give you a start.
She wants to be a princess, She loves Disney a lot, She wants all lipsticks that ever are bought.

While visions of airplanes danced in his head; Stephen and Alesha away to Boise did tread,
He’s now flying people instead of just “stuff” and said to Alesha, I know it’s real tough,
But things will get better, we’ll be in Utah one day, but the good news is in Colorado we won’t stay!
Now for little Stephen whom we all like to call Trip, He just takes it in stride with Gus in his grip.
He sits patiently for mommy’s camera when it starts flashing, And on a magazine cover looks oh so dashing.
On Nov. 19th he was sealed to his family forever, and mommy and daddy their ties will never ever sever!

Away to Brazil Taylor flew a while back, Excitement at his return we certainly don’t lack.
He’ll get home to see the new-fallen snow, January 27th is the date we all know.
And Ma in her travel clothes and Pa in his too, Will take a long trip away into the blue.
More rapid than eagles to Brazil they will go, On January 19th, with Sarah in tow.
We’ll whistle, and shout, and call him by name; "Now, Elder! Now, Taylor! Go back from where you came!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

We can’t forget Sarah with her schedule so full, with School, Dance and Dating her life’s never dull.
She has been traveling for competition and is in West Side Story, she dances as a Shark for Orem High fame and Glory.

Now for mom and dad who are now really getting too old, There’s new life in the house no one needs to be told.
The prancing and pawing of such a little Yorky, Gets attention from all when she poos and is dorky.
Her eyes -- how they twinkle! Her tiny body how merry! Her teeth are like jaws, but runs from the cat like a fairy!

All is well at the Russo house, And we wish to say with delight,


"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Husband Tagging - How did I get ropped into this one?

1. What is his name?
Stephen Louis Russo... I really have always loved his name. Enough that I named my first son after him and then I was thrilled when Stephen and Alesha named their son after him. Although at times it has been really confusing at the post office. I also have to confess how much I love my grandson's nick name, Tripp.
2. How long have you been married?
We got married March 7, 1980, so I guess that would be 28 years in March.
3. How long did you date?
Well, our first date was Oct. 3rd and we were engaged at the end of November and married in March, what is that 4 months or so?
4. Who eats more? Definately Steve unless it's candy or sweets and definately I can pack that away more than he does.
5. Who said 'I love you' first?
Are you kidding, I can't remember that far back. It just happened, I don't really remember the words as much as the feelings. I think it was at the Falls by the Idaho temple, but I can't rememer if the actual words were said.
6. Who sings better?
I hate to even say that I do because he probably has a better voice but I am the only one that can read the music.
7. Who is taller?
Ummmm..... everyone is taller than I am :-)
8. Whose temper is worse? Wow that is a good guestion. I get pretty upset when my switch is flipped, but Steve probably flips quicker and harder than I do. He is mellowing in his old age though. Once when we were younger he put a hole through the pantry door. And the funniest time is when he flipped the whole couch over. Like I said, age mellows us.
9. Who does the laundry?
Definately I do unless I insist on his helping. Every once in a while if I am gone or something he will do it all from start to finish.
10. Who does the dishes?
We share this one but I am much better at seeing what needs to be done quicker. But he frequently surprises me when I get home after being gone and he has done it all.
11. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
I do, it is closer to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
12. Who does the cooking?
Unless we are having steak on the grill, I do.
13. Who is more stubborn?
Probably me.
14. Who proposed?
He did at the Falls at the Temple in Idaho. But we went to pick out the ring together.
16. Whose parents do you see the most?
Since his are gone, I would have to say mine :-) But don't ask him who we saw most when they were still alive because we have differing opinions on that one.
17. Who pays the bills?
I did for years and then about 10 years ago I just handed it all back to him and didn't ever look back. It was a liberating thing to do.
18. Who wears the pants in the family?
I don't know, I would like to say me but I think we both have a leg in! Ditto Alesha!
19. Why do you love your husband?
Wow, what a question! Because we are attracted to one another. We love hard and fight hard. I have been in situations during the last 27 years when we both could easily have walked away and yet we both made a concious choice to stay together. He is extremely loyal. He is one of the most caring men you will ever find behind the matter of factness he puts on his face. You won't find anyone that serves with such a big heart. He has a way of taking care of things that I am not capable of both physically and emotionally, I don't know what I would do without him and I never ever want to find out!
Now I tag Penny and Erin.

Sittin at the boat dock!

What do you think is going through his head right here. Can you believe how much weight he has lost. He actually looks really good. I think he said he has lost 50 pounds and all his hair. You have to take the good with the bad I guess.

Torn socks!???

You know, I kinda think he would be able to find somewhere to buy socks. I do hope he plans on throwing these away soon. And you wonder why he gets blisters and has foot issues. My goodness.

Typical lunch in Itocoataria

Wonder what is in the green bottles? And it looks like Taylor is a member of the clean plate gang. I was hoping to get a glimpse at what it is you eat there. He looks happy though.

Children in the Amazon

Taylor's pick for Sarah's husband :-)

Ok, this is funny. This guy here must be "some kind of wonderful" because he wrote home to say this is who Sarah is gonna marry. Does anyone know what a "fat chance" is? I can't decide whether he was just teasing her or if he was dead serious!

Traveling uphill in the cold, both ways!

I think Taylor's work shoes have seen better days. These are shoes he purchased in Manaus. They are considered a workman's boot. I think Taylor will be happy to be home and driving a car, what do you think?

Taylor's Companion Elder Dos Anjos

Christmas in November!

Hey everyone, Penny and Kent and the kids will be here November 15th until after Thanksgiving so we thought we would have a little Christmas in November and exchange gifts while they are here with us. For family night last night, the Mosses and Russos just picked for everyone while we were bowling. Just so everyone knows Erin kicked some serious trash and Steve and Cortney followed right behind. Not sure what happened to me, but just so you know, my score was much better the second game than the first and that is what counts. The limit for gifts is $20.00 and the list is following this post. If that is too much or if you just want to change the limit, please let me know. I love you all and can't wait to start partying. It will be a wonderful month with Stephen and Alesha and Tripp getting sealed and with Penny and Mom coming to visit. I really am looking forward to it.

Chrstmas List

Cindy - Tanner
Steve - Cortney
Sarah - Penny
Krissa - Spencer
Dave - Stephen
McKailey - Maddie
Stephen - Erin
Alesha - Kent
Tripp - Logan
Erin - Tripp
Cortney - Alesha
Maddie - Ashley
Tanner - Cindy
Spencer - McKailey
Kent - Krissa
Penny - Steve
Logan - Sarah
Ashley - Dave

Ogden's Hampton Inn-NYC Dance Alliance Regionals

Top Three dancers out of 100 regional Contestants!

It's always fun to win, but especially when your friends win with you. Sarah is certainly blessed with talent and with wonderful friends.

Sarah & Marilee

Marilee used to dance at Center Stage with Sarah. She is the friend that helped her make the decision to go to Orem High and be on their dance team. Marilee is getting married on December. We love her so much. She is probably the nicest, purest, sweetest girls I have ever met. She has been a beautiful influence and role model for Sarah. She was dancing for Odysey but had an accident while performing in London with them and is not able to dance like she used to. A skateboard used as a prop flipped up and crushed her eye socket. She has suffered from headaches and dizziness but still teaches.

Sarah & Jill

Sarah and Haylee

What Happens at the Hotel, Stays at the Hotel!

From a Mom's point of view, the best way to get to know your daughter is to go to a competition with her. You learn all kinds of secrets if you listen and keep your mouth shut. You also learn that there is still a little, silly girl in that beautiful maturing body.

Lots of Kisses!

Two pounds and A LOT of attitude!

Lucy Lou Who

Lucy is now almost 7 months old. She is doing much better now, but oh, it has been difficult to do the potty training thing with her. I guess the saying is true, little dog, little brain. At least she is cute, right? Actually she is a jumping bean. She has ups! She reponds to "sit", and every once in a while "potty". She will now get through a whole bath without nipping at me. The day she decides she can jump high enough to get over the gate keeping her in her "area" of the house, is the day she had better be potty trained, or she just might find herself on the streets.

Taylor in the Jungle

Hello from the Amazon Rain Forest!

Baptism in Itacoatiara

This was a recent baptism of Taylor's. He really loves this lady. She is 63 years old and was a Jehovah's Witness. He neglected to tell me her name.

Taylor and Elder Fronk

Taylor's companion is from Huntington Beach California. He is serving in Itacoatiara, it is a 4 hr. bus ride and there is only one road to the city and it is through the rain forest. They are zone leaders there.

Taylor and the Monkey

I think Taylor likes monkey's, just hope he doesn't bring one home!!! They have a great zoo in Manaus too.

Good Morning Sunshine!

This is Taylor waking up in the morning. I can't figure out why he uses the hammock instead of the mattress below him. I guess having a young back makes a big difference. Notice the bed on the wall in the background. Maybe the hammocks discourage creatures?

Farewell to summer!

Wow. I can't believe summer is over and the leaves are falling off the trees. It was just yesterday we were in the backyard swimming with the kids. We have had a great time this summer. We went to parades, the fair, and did a lot of slip and slide in the back yard. We have had a wedding too. Jeff and Kim Allen held their reception in the back yard this year and it was beautiful thanks to the efforts of Prime Landscape and Kim and Jeff. The funny thing is, the flowers look better than ever now that it is getting a little cooler. The summer was soooo hot. I have to thank my children, Alesha (Alesha Russo Photography) and Krissa for all the pictures. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have any. I used to be the one taking them all, but now that they are doing it, why should I? Alesha has built quite a nice little photography business. This weekend they are moving to Boise so that Stephen can take a job flying people instead of cargo. It is a great move for them, we just wish it were a little closer to Orem.

Throw the ball Papa!

Slip-n-slide in Grammy's backyard

Slip-n-slide in Grammy's backyard

McKailey

Tripp

Tripp & Krissa & Grandma

Princess McKailey!

She was found missing during all the fuss over Sarah and Jake getting ready for homecoming and I found her in my bathroom with my fingernail polish out doing her toes. She was also having a rough time because she wanted Sarah's princess wand. Sarah finally gave in, but it was real love because she really wanted to take it with her to the dance. One of McKailey's favorite things is to play dress up. Oh dear!

Look at how cute they are!

Jake is a great kid. They really have fun together. He is the student body president at Orem High this year and they do really different and creative things for dates. He is from a large family and I think one of the things Sarah likes best is to go to his house and be among the excitement. You'll have to ask her about the night she had family prayer with his family. FUNNY!

Sarah and Jake

On their way to the Homecoming Dance.

Walking the Red Carpet

Coming to get his date, Jake was met with the red carpet treatment complete with balloons, crown, sword, and a candy bar poster. He was quite surprised by the reception. How embarrassing. He was a good sport.

Homecoming Game 2007

Papa and his kids enjoying the game waiting for our favorite part. Sarah's dancing at half-time. Why else do we go to games? Oh wait, probably to watch Sarah's friend, Jake, win homecoming King. Too bad Sarah is a Jr. it would have been fun to be in the running with him. Well, we took care of that, when Jake picked her up for the homecoming dance, we crowned Sarah his princess!! Take that all you Seniors out there.

ARP

Sarah is teaching at Center Stage School of the Arts and is co-director of their Hip Hop Company this year. She is working hard and has a passion for dance. She is struggling with a knee problem right now, but does that surprise anyone?