I have just a few of my nieces and nephews left to feature on Family Friday. This week I'm featuring my nephew Russell who was born just 15 days after my daughter Ashleigh. I remember going over to visit Lilian, Cory, and Russell shortly after he came home from the hospital as a newborn; 
when we laid the two babies down on a blanket together, two-week-old Ashleigh turned her head and looked at Russell and smiled as if to say, "your here now."
Russell is the eldest of my sisters five boys. They are very close brothers and love each other very much. This picture, which was taken in 2006, is probably one of the last pictures that all five of the brothers were in together.
Russell was just about to leave on his mission to Portland, Oregon. When Russell returned two years later, his brother Alan had just left for his mission. Four months after Russell returned home he was married in the Salt Lake Temple to his high school sweetheart; Jessica. They just celebrated their first wedding anniversary two weeks ago.
One of my most tender memories of Russell was on the day of his missionary "farewell". He gave a well prepared talk with such humility, sharing experiences that are very tender to our family. It really touched my heart. Russell was a good missionary, and a great example to his younger brothers who will follow in his footsteps.
In recent weeks I've worked at the Deli with Russell on several occasions. I've noticed that Russell is a real people person. He is friendly and outgoing with the customers and the other employees. The first day that he worked with a particular employee; an older lady, I could hear them talking together. She is from Sweden and as I listened to them talking I was amazed at how much Russell knew about Sweden. When she came into the kitchen she whispered to me, "he's delightful!"
I have discovered (as I have spent time at work and carpooling with Russell) that Russell is very intelligent. Whatever the subject may be, he knows something about it. I never cease to be amazed as I listen to him converse with a customer or a co-worker. Two of the many different topics that I've heard him talk about are movies and music. One day while driving home from work together, I asked Russell how does he know so much. He answered, "I watch special features." I think I'd better start to watch "special features" so that I can be interesting in a conversation as well.
Things to know about Russell: He is the firstborn Nielsen grandson. He attends Weber State University. He is a wonderful artist. He has a great imagination. He has written a book which he's hoping will soon be published. He is a very good writer. He makes a beautiful sandwich. He's friendly. He makes HOT chili. He's a good husband. He's a good son and brother. He has a nice singing voice. We are all grateful that Russell is in our family and we love him.
when we laid the two babies down on a blanket together, two-week-old Ashleigh turned her head and looked at Russell and smiled as if to say, "your here now."Russell is the eldest of my sisters five boys. They are very close brothers and love each other very much. This picture, which was taken in 2006, is probably one of the last pictures that all five of the brothers were in together.
Russell was just about to leave on his mission to Portland, Oregon. When Russell returned two years later, his brother Alan had just left for his mission. Four months after Russell returned home he was married in the Salt Lake Temple to his high school sweetheart; Jessica. They just celebrated their first wedding anniversary two weeks ago.
One of my most tender memories of Russell was on the day of his missionary "farewell". He gave a well prepared talk with such humility, sharing experiences that are very tender to our family. It really touched my heart. Russell was a good missionary, and a great example to his younger brothers who will follow in his footsteps.
In recent weeks I've worked at the Deli with Russell on several occasions. I've noticed that Russell is a real people person. He is friendly and outgoing with the customers and the other employees. The first day that he worked with a particular employee; an older lady, I could hear them talking together. She is from Sweden and as I listened to them talking I was amazed at how much Russell knew about Sweden. When she came into the kitchen she whispered to me, "he's delightful!"
I have discovered (as I have spent time at work and carpooling with Russell) that Russell is very intelligent. Whatever the subject may be, he knows something about it. I never cease to be amazed as I listen to him converse with a customer or a co-worker. Two of the many different topics that I've heard him talk about are movies and music. One day while driving home from work together, I asked Russell how does he know so much. He answered, "I watch special features." I think I'd better start to watch "special features" so that I can be interesting in a conversation as well.
Things to know about Russell: He is the firstborn Nielsen grandson. He attends Weber State University. He is a wonderful artist. He has a great imagination. He has written a book which he's hoping will soon be published. He is a very good writer. He makes a beautiful sandwich. He's friendly. He makes HOT chili. He's a good husband. He's a good son and brother. He has a nice singing voice. We are all grateful that Russell is in our family and we love him.
Russell and Jessica
