Traditions

Now that I have finally become a part of the "kid club" I have really been trying to start some family tradtions with the girls. Sofia is at the age that she remembers some of the smaller ones that I have tried to pass on from my childhood days. Here's the question...Can you tell me some of your own traditions that you do (or would like to start). I would love to hear them and if you don't mind possibly incorporate some into our family. Keep in mind that imitation is the best form of flattery! So list away- you might even find some we do interesting.

• Every Sunday morning we make pancakes: it varies on what kind depending on what I have in the fridge. Some of our favorites are blueberry, applesauce, peach and banana. Sofia says "see" and drags the chair to watch me make the batter.
• Now that Sofia is past her first Christmas, as kids we were allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve. Well be starting that tradition but having the girls open a "special" gift this year. Were going to have christmas pajamas each year. Artyom and I have matching and the girls will as well this year. So each year, the present our kids will open on Christmas Eve will always be thier Christmas Pajamas to put on and wear Christmas Day.
• Daddy/Daughter Date night- Artyom started this with Sofia when I just needed a break. Now we have decided that we need to do it with all of our kids. He takes Sofia out once a week for a night with Dad. It usually is only for an hour or two, but I love that he does it. It might get a bit complicated when Ella gets old enough to go and we add more to our brood, but we have already started the practice and want to keep it going.
• My girls (however many we end up having) will have christmas tree ornaments (all Russian ones). They get one each year and I put them in a box. I had heard of other moms doing this and then giving thier girls the ornaments when they get married. I loved the idea and am doing the same.
• Our tree is only decorated with Russian ornaments. I really try to incorporate our Russian culture and even try to keep the holidays that Russia celebrates.

Those are a few that I could think of...Please, list yours and lets brainstorm together!

Life's simple pleasures...

Granted, it would have been better if I could say this little outing was free...But she loved it so much (well worth the $2) that when we took her to the petting Zoo next to the horse rides, it took all 3 of us to tear her away from looking longingly through the fence to where "HER" horse stood...riderless once more.

Concert in the Park.

If you have not been to a concert in the park, please go. It is a great way to hear some fabulous music and spend some time with your family. We went to the "culture night" where a friend of ours was dancing in a Russian group. 

As most of the people were watching the dancers.....a few Russians we met were watching another Russian dancing queen...

Notice the shot I caught mid "jump

Blog Vomit

I am in no way making excuses for myself, but due to the fact that I have 2 kids, a husband, and work full time I rarely find the time to make up a creative blog entry let alone put in a picture as Sofia is often taking the garbage out of the can (she is doing this as I type...) and using the can as her personal shopping cart as she goes throughout our house which she mistakes as a Smith's.... Anyway. Excuse the blog vomit of entries one after the other and not spread out as I am taking advantage of some free time. 

Bragging rights...

So every parent has the right to brag about thier kids right? Well here is mine as I show off the talent of my friend Emily and her amazing talent for taking pictures.

Big girl...

We took Sofia to Gardner Village the other day and let her ride the horses. To say she loved it would be an understatement. My friend Plaksey got this one of her as she tried to escape back into the horse arena to get another ride. She is growing up too fast.

Now it is just a memory....

I looked at Sofia today and I just got teary eyed. I am not sure what it was, but she looked liked such a big girl...I honestly thought she was ready to grab her backpack and head out the door to school. It just made me a little sad that I will not see her like this again.. All the firsts of having a baby and glad that she is growing up to be such a cutie. Now this pic is all I have for a memory when she was our "little" maka.

Thank heaven for little girls

My friend Emily that I used to work with is now into photography and took some pics of Ella and our family for us. Such a talented friend I have!! If you want her info. (and I know you will) let me know. Here is one that I just love that she caught of Sofia and Ella.

Ella's Blessing

Hello Friends and Family!

As you may know we have added a new addition to our family, Ella Diane Martushev. This Sunday, September 7th we will be blessing her at our ward in West Jordan. If you can (and would like to of course!) join us for the blessing and a light luncheon afterwards at Paul and Liane's new home, we would love to have you! Our sacrament meeting starts at 3pm and we will be heading to Paul and Liane's following the sacrament meeting. As an added bonus, were going to have Russian and American cuisine to eat. Come join us for some good grub and a chance to get the family together. Here are both the addresses if you can make it.

Our ward building: 7255 South and 2200 West. If you go on I-15 you take the 7200 South Exit and head West to 2200. Then take a left at 2200 West and our building is 2 blocks on the left.

Paul and Liane's house: 4425 South 1300 West Taylorsville, UT 84123. You can either follow us from the ward building or check with us for directions.

Let me know if you can make it! My cell is 597-9110 if you have any questions.

Charity, Artyom and Family