Miller Time Out

Girls Day

2012-01-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

The kids didn't have school today and Brady went skiing with Grandpa, so I thought of the most girly thing to do....We went to the American Girl Store. No one got anything, nor could we ever afford it. Really $105 for a doll and $30 for an outfit? What a rip-off! The shoes for the dolls were as much as I pay for my own shoes. But....We had fun!

We hit Panera Bread after, possibly the best place to eat on a rainy cold day. The funnest is that everyone passing our table said "wow 5 girls, that is so fun!" Yes, indeed it was a fun day. To bad Brady and Ben missed out!

Basketball and Ballerina's

2012-01-25T16:44:00.000-08:00

I love having so many girls because I get to see a difference in personality. Same parenting gets you 5 different attitudes, facial expressions and obedience levels!
Alley and Claire are actually my girls that are the most alike. They are both very calm, rarely getting their feathers ruffled. They are both sweet as pie, and if you ask them to do something they are always doing it happily! The are different in the fact that Alley is active. And well, Claire, is not! Maybe one day this will change but for now I like it the way it is. It makes my days easy to have a 5 year old that loves coloring and TV !

Snow Monsters

2012-01-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

We had a record snow fall for the Seattle area...15 inches !

This was only the beginning!

No school for the last three days and still counting!

We Made Monster Cookies for the Cookie Monster!

Find at the Goodwill

2012-01-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

I wanna be her!

2012-01-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

In some ways I am grateful for hard pregnancies. Don't get me wrong its tough to see blessings from... The extra weight hurting my joints, the big belly is so uncomfortable, my skin is all oily and weird, my legs and arms have no shape or muscle to them. I am continually tired or hungry. Oh and the nausea, is endless (along with the weight gain)!
I have learned that I have to have opposition in all things to understand the good and the blessings in life. The good: Running and not throwing up! The good: normal eating habits, not just cookies for every meal. The good: shape! (come on who doesn't like to look DANG good?) The good: energy that comes from working out. The Good: getting up and feeling like you can accomplish something big for that day. For seven months now I have been giving myself a pass to eat, sleep, be unmotivated and be pretty much selfish. (all pregnant women should have this pass) With under three months to go I am ready to reclaim and improve my former self!
I'm hoping to read this a year from now and remember the bad and really relish in my GOOD health!

True Grit

2012-01-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

"I came to you for help because everyone told me you had True Grit." I didn't like this movie much, but this sentence did resonate with me. This line has stuck with me for days, I think it's because if I could have a trait in life I think I would choose grit. Firmness in Character.
Can you imagine the things you could accomplish by having this quality? Firmness in the gospel, Confidence in yourself and the Lord, Knowing who you are and your purpose in life. Never wavering. and the ability to accomplish and accept the hard stuff in life.
Every new year I love to make goals, most of them fitness, then a few others sneak in. This year I have felt really lazy in my goal making. After all, why make a goal when I feel like I'm drowning in the goals I can't reach. (many of them include, finding time to read scriptures, homework with kids, call a friend, organize meetings, make sure sisters in the ward are cared about, keeping the house clean, feeling good, not letting negative emotions into my day, and a whole list of thing I feel like running away from!)
Then I read a quote in the ensign that says. Keep doing good things. Keep obeying the commandments. Keep praying and studying and doing your best until you receive additional direction. Don’t abandon your post.
I found a lot of inspiration in this, just keep going. Part of true grit is to know yourself, know your strengths and play on them, realizes your weaknesses and make them better. We build our strength of character by stretching ourselves and realizing the Lord is working with us, to build us. Wouldn't it be neat if we heard this sentence from the Lord "I came to you for help because I know you have True Grit." I would love to be that person!

Christmas Gift

2011-12-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

I thought it was so nice of our friend Sarah to take the time to send each of the kids their own special box! They all love them. I'm surprised that Reese still has hers, the way she carries it around.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

We get to go to Grandma Millers and have dinner and a white Elephant!

Josh , Brady and Adam are great buddies
Claire loves Grandma

Alley and Maddy

Brady Scored the coveted Root Beer and Elizabeth got a lunch box she is pretty stoked about!

Christmas Tree Dinner

2011-12-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

Our tradition on the 23rd of December is to eat finger foods next to the Christmas Tree. It has become one of our favorite things about Christmas!

We read the Christmas story and added a new twist on this night by watching Home Alone (Ben found it for sale, so fun, One of my favorite Christmas shows) Then the kids all camped out by the tree. The funny thing is, when I woke up this morning all the kids were in their own beds. I guess camping on the floor is over-rated around here!

Telling the Kids

2011-12-08T16:29:00.001-08:00

Watch Elizabeth, I think she was the most excited!

Lighting of the Miller Christmas Tree

2011-12-07T20:39:00.001-08:00

It's not my favorite thing to do, I don't know why. I'm just glad that Ben likes to decorate the tree.

Maybe It's Better Not to Know...

2011-12-05T08:41:00.001-08:00

What they do when I am gone!

Hmmm. I distinctly remember a no jumping on the couch rule!

or, removing cushions!

Only tears will result in this stunt. And, look who is the instigator!

Wha Whoo Look Who Is Two !

2011-11-24T09:23:00.001-08:00

Reese got pie for her birthday "cake" and thank goodness for grandma saving the day with a present! (because I am a bad mom that doesn't see the point in buying a two-year old presents, when she has what she needs!)

Getting Ready for the Feast! Claire and Reese were non-helping helpers!

First Snow !

2011-11-18T16:34:00.001-08:00

Alley May

2011-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Now that Alley is in Young Women's she got to go to the temple and do baptisms for the dead. Ben and I got to go help. It was so sweet to watch Alley, she was So excited and smiling the whole time!

She has a small Young Women's group

I love this picture because these two are good friends. Well, I guess this friendship is a little more one sided, Reese is the boss and Alley is the servant. But, It seems to work!

Halloween in all its Glory !

2011-10-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

I usually hate Halloween post about peoples kids dressed up as cats or whatever. Mostly because its really not very entertaining to me as a blog reader. But, this year I have to throw out my feelings because this picture !

Elizabeth is going to hate me when she is older and this is permanently embedded in blog history! But, is this not the funnest costume you've ever seen? The best part was that she worked it wearing this. She was such a good sport making fun of herself, the more laughs she got the better she liked being a running freak!

A Very Cute Cowgirl

They always want to be a princess at this age

Brady wanted a costume that required no effort. He wore his favorite OSU pj's as a Basketball Player.

And it just so happens that Reese had the perfect cheer leading outfit to match!

We piled on the make-up for this Pirate,

she turned out pretty and not scary!

Can you spot the drama queens?

Lucky number 7 !

2011-10-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Baby due March 30, 2012

Mission Complete!

2011-10-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Do they look like missionaries or what?

We love the Mall!

Lunch at Aaron's after the A+ meeting

A little thunderstorm roasting hot dogs!

Mom's Always Know!

2011-10-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

I have had an extremely hard few months with being called as RS president, six kids and other issues. I have talked to my Mom every day, sometimes twice, asking her for advice, help and just a good listening ear. She has been the sounding board and the wisdom I have needed.

My parents got their mission call to Athens, Greece and all of the sudden I missed my Mom. I know she is not gone yet but our phone calls will be virtually non-existent.

Sensing that I felt left out and was already missing her. She and my Dad called me and asked if they could fly me out to "help" my mom get all her clothing ready for her mission. "uh, spending someone else's money on clothes is what I do best."

I leave in 3 days and it couldn't come at a more perfect time!

Moms always know!

2011-10-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Mission Call for Dad and Mom

Love this video! My Parents opening their Mission Call. Tears me up every time!

Twelve

2011-10-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! Alley is twelve years old.

Every year the kids age it only gets better! I love having older kids. However Alley turning 12 was a hard hit on me, because it means that she will be making more of her own decisions, wanting to be with friends more and leaving our home in 6 short years!

But for now we will enjoy every second!

She got a whole lot of cute clothes, perfume, a bracelet and this cute umbrella! (see what I mean all grown up presents!)

Relief Society

2011-10-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

About three months ago I was called to serve as the Relief Society president in our ward. Overwhelmed and nervous about this I had no idea where I should start or what I should do.
I had faith that the Lord would sustain me, and give me insight to the needs of the women of our ward. However, I doubted my abilities to deliver his will.
While visiting with a sister, she told me that her very favorite part about being the Relief Society president was watching how the sisters cared for one another. As I thought about what she had said, I started noticing all the kind acts the sisters would do for each other, and each time the service was preformed with such a humble attitude. I realized that this God-Given gift of nurturing was given to women, and the Relief Society is the organization where women can act on their tender feelings towards one another.
I have seen caring visiting teachers pray for their sisters. I have seen busy mothers drop everything to clean someone's house. I watched sisters drive each other to the temple. Dinners are delivered to the sick. And phone calls are made to the lonely. Kind acts are being done daily, and hourly by wonderful women who care.
My abilities are limited, but when I see the kindness of others, it strengthens me. It gives me testimony that the Lord has not left me alone in this work. He has defiantly sustained me by letting me see this incredible army of sisters that carry His work forward.

A Beautiful Conference!

2011-10-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

Alley set up her nail shop for conference

We have 17 nail colors to choose from. Claire convinced Ben to paint her nails blue with pink tips. Then he went on to paint the other 100 girl finger, and toe nails in the house. Everyone was pleased with the results! And conference was great as well!

He says he's ready to start his own shop!

New Style of Parenting!

2011-09-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

I swore, way back when, that I would be just as firm and just as strict with my younger kids as I was with the older kids.

Last night I realized I was a push over, that I was one of THOSE moms who stops parenting after a certain number of kids! I would have never let a little girl choose her OWN outfit and actually let her wear a swimming suit ALL day long, especially in the cold weather. Until yesterday!

I guess with experience I have realized that She can wear a swimming suit all day once or twice and still turn out to be a pretty good kid. As for the other two in the pictures they played in the rain for hours getting soaked. I suppose they will survive too!

Olympia

2011-09-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with Ben's family in Olympia. It was a little cold but the beach was beautiful and the company was fantastic!

This is what happens when BYU has a game

2011-09-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

All the kids are neglected and left to their own devices!

This looks innocent enough

I can spot a problem

Alley is in charge of dinner

He is not about to move from the couch!

I get at least 18 phone calls (love my new calling!)

As the night goes on things start to get out of control

See what I mean? Totally Neglected!

By the way BYU lost making the night totally horrible

Teen Girls

2011-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

In 5 years these three girls will be teenagers!

I was looking at them and thought I hope that they are just as nice and just as fun and just as cute as they are now.

Someone comfort me and tell me how they will still be all of these things in 5 years!

Leavenworth

2011-09-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

We went with Ben's family to Leavenworth and got to stay in a cabin along the river. We had tons of fun tubing, swimming and eating! p.s. someone please tell me how to get my pictures to go side by side.

Just for the record, I did not have an
Ice cream Sundae!!

Elizabeth is our little fish, she Loves the water. As for Reese she prefers the side like me!

Summer

2011-09-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Lake Goodwin is one of our favorite spots to meet up with cousins and enjoy the lake.

Alley with Bella

September

2011-09-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yep! Summer finally came so we hit the beach!

Love my friends that remember to bring their cameras!

Cause I never do!

Labor Day!

2011-09-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Brady and Elizabeth rode Motorbikes for hours going over this jump at Miller's

A Little Granola is Good For You

2011-08-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

We went to the Farmers Market on Saturday for the first time and it was REALLY Fun! I need to remember to take more money next time!

Where was my tie dye shirt when I needed it?
Below: Because using electricity is bad, this guy peddled his bike to make smoothies!

We now are Farmers Market groupies. The food was fantastic and the people watching was even better!

Worst. Summer. Ever.

2011-08-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is the weather we have had the whole summer. We have only been to the lake 3 times, usually we live at the lake for the summer. I will be praying for a DRY fall.

Sedro Woolley, WA (98284) Weather

Save This Location

Updated: Aug 12, 2011, 8:25am

UPDATE DATA

Video: Seattle's 60 Second Forecast | Crashing glacier causes panic

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TodayAug 12	Sat13	Sun14	Mon15	Tue16	Wed17	Thu18	Fri19	Sat20	Sun21


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Funny What I Find When I Clean !

2011-08-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Cleaning up after the movie we found Reese under blankets sleeping

Deck update!

2011-08-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

We hosted a fun party on our new deck!

New Project

2011-07-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

We are having a BBQ at our house on Friday and my old rotting deck just wouldn't do the trick....BUT, its Wednesday night and its looking like we won't make the deadline. (not that I'm helping!)

I'll keep you posted on the progress...cause I know how exciting deck building can be!

S more Please!

2011-07-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Raise you hand if you like S more's!
Claire has quite the tongue, she did that with out knowing.

This is what you do when the rain won't stop.

2011-07-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

EAT COMFORT FOOD

Ben went on his annual brothers hike this week and I always get so bored when he is gone, so I decided to be a busy bee and make homemade jam and salsa. I have never sealed jars before, I hope I worked! It was fun at least. And now I weigh 20 lbs more from all the bread and Jam! (Raspberry, Black Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Blue Strawberry, Strawberry and a Mixed Berry...The favorite? Blue Strawberry!)

One Week Later

2011-07-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is looking great! No more red scars on her face, just some yellow bruises on her body. She will get her stitches out next week.

In other News:

We had a great time at the Melba 4th of July!

This is funny, the other day I told Ben that he really needed to create more bonding moments with the girls. The next thing I knew he was painting their nails. I think he actually enjoyed it!

The Accidental 4th of July

2011-07-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth went for a ride in the little wagon train that was attached to the four wheeler. It got a little bumpy and she tipped out onto the pavement. She had lots of road rash and 12 stitches in her elbow. She was super tough and made sure she did not miss out on the firework show later that night! she is already on the mend and looking much better!

Summer Almost!

2011-07-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

It's not hot enough to swim yet, but to nice to stay inside.

So, we had a Petshop\Lego party.

This little pirate always seems to be exiled to trampoline island, for messing with the other kids stuff!

Families Can Be Together Forever

2011-06-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma City 2011

Reunion

2011-06-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Cami and I drove up to Tulsa to Visit Maren and Samantha

We had a little Froyo, It was so yummy!

They know how to party.

This Is Crab Soccer. Look at all those crabs

Reese would not give Uncle Grant a kiss, he really tried hard to get on her good side.

White trash slip-n-slide! We had a four wheeler pulling kids on a rope down the slide. This was one of my kids favorite things they did at the reunion!

Dennis and Brooklyn so cute!

Mom convinced Ben to make a salad and wear an apron!

Fun at Uncle Barry's

2011-06-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

My brother Barry was so nice to invite us over for family home evening at his house. The kids rode horses and we had homemade ice cream in the evening breeze. Can life get any better?

Reese was riding by herself! I was odiously really excited about it!

Destruction

2011-06-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

I am in Oklahoma visiting my family. We arrived 3 days after an F5 tornado struck their small town. My parents took us on a "tour of destruction." Neighborhoods were wiped out. Cars were mangled. And 2 small children were killed. The amount of damage was overwhelming.

This was not some old clunker truck, this was brand new, found .5 miles from the owners home.

This house was ripped off its foundation

I could see children's toys inside the home

I love this picture! It shows the American spirit of resiliency.

This town came together to help clean up the damage and didn't ask for a hand out while doing it!

J.B. Baby

2011-05-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

Alley and Lucy thought it was funny to defile my baby to make her look like Justin Beiber. They were pretty successful, don't ya think?
In other news, Brady built a temple out of Legos. I am so Proud!

No More Guilt

2011-05-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

My Sister-in-law shared this on her blog this morning and I made them right away!

Samantha,can I just say, THANK YOU! This will change my Life for the better!

BUTTER-LESS Chocolate Chippers (that are delicious!)

This recipe is from heaven, I swear! It has no butter in it. You honestly don't even miss it! It has passed 8 out of 8 people. (They even passed with approval from my husband Mark, the self acclaimed King of chocolate chippers!) I know it's scary to try something like this, but you should try it. This recipe is already halved and will only make about 25 cookies, so just try it to try it.

Low Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies

· 1 large egg

· ½ C Brown Sugar

· ¼ C white Sugar

· 1 t Vanilla

· 1 T Milk

· ½ C Whole Wheat Flour

· ½ C White Flour

· ½ t Baking Soda

· ½ t Salt

· 6 oz Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven 375. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Beat together egg, sugar, vanilla, and milk until thick and uniformly mixed. Add flours, baking soda, and salt, and beat again until well combined. Add chocolate chips and mix until chips are distributed throughout. Drop dough on cookie sheet and bake for only 7-8 minutes, or until they are only lightly browned and barely wet when touched they will become hard if overcooked, so be careful with the time. Remove from cookie sheets and cool. Makes 25 cookies.

1 cookie = 65 calories, 2 grams fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 26% calories from fat.

Name That Movie!

2011-05-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

6 Kids, 1 Bathroom

2011-05-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

You may have to count them, but there are six kids in that bathroom.
We do have three bathrooms. But they all choose to brush together. You can only imagine the amount of toothpaste I clean up off the counter, sink and mirror after they are done!
(check out Alley in Glasses! )

Thanks Cami for the Dress!

2011-05-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

She cheated! I got the Black Dress!

Read the $50 diet blog below to catch up!

Lucy the photographer is in training

A Mother's Day Miracle

2011-05-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

They are all together for a picture

I told him to put his arm around her, he put her in a headlock

Bribery works!

A Story in Pictures

2011-05-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Finally a little remorse

They Were So Cute Once!

2011-04-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Now they are older!

Easter

2011-04-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Easter! Like always I forgot to take
pictures of PEOPLE!

Oh the JOY!

2011-04-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Can I just tell you how happy I am with this stage in my life and my kids lives. I have older kids that really help and pull a lot of the weight of chores they are happy to help and they love being home. I love the babies to snuggle with but I love the big kids to talk and joke with.
I watch them get older and hope and pray that they will continue to love being home, and love the family, but mostly remember to love the Lord. These children are my precious jewels and I want to do everything I can to protect them.

Lucy had a birthday!

2011-04-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

We took Lucy to get her ears pierced. Her BCF (Best Cousin Forever) got her ears done too! We love Lucy! She is one of the most wonderful girls I know. She has a happy attitude all the time. She makes friends with everyone.

She is our little actress/diva. She loves to laugh and help others.
She loves clothes! Thanks to Grandma for the cute plaid shirt and to the Staheli's for the black shirt. Grandma Miller made her the cute owl that she is obsessed with! The very greatest quality Lucy has is her quite delight in doing what is right.
She is a great example to all who meet her!

It Snowed here on April 18th

Wild!

50 Dollar Diet

2011-04-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

With Summer on its way, I am looking for some results on the scale.

I have been working out, but slacking a little.

I needed a new program.

Thank heavens for sisters. I called my sister regarding my plight and she suggested we go on our 50 dollar diet again. This diet is so painfully fun to do.... you only need 2 things.

First, you need a friend that will suffer through the experience with you.

Second, you need a consequence for cheaters. (example $50)

This is how the diet works.

Each week the dieters decide on one rule.
When you cheat you owe the other person 50 bucks! (or in our case a new dress)

Cami and I have been going strong for three weeks.

Week 1: No eating after Dinner (not even a grape thanks Oprah for the line)

Week 2: No Snacking through our experience we found this was nearly impossible, so we modified.

One Snack a Day of your choice under 200 calories.

I cheated on week 2. I snacked and snacked after dinner so I had to suffer the consequences. I sent Cami my beloved Value Village find.

It looks super cute on her !

Now at Week 3 we are still living our other week rules and have added, one serving size at dinner. of course we went over all the restrictions on that!

Anyway the point of telling you all this is because I'm determined to get her black dress that she has that I WANT.

And that this diet is actually fun and works because it can be modified for everyone, working with your body and eating habits.

Should I keep you updated on each week?

Road Trip

2011-04-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ben had some work in Portland this week, and it being spring break and all we decided to tag along!

We Stopped at IKEA

It won't stop....

2011-04-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

Raining

At first it was fun, now we all feel like crying!

Happy Spring !

2011-03-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Reese Strutting Her Stuff

P.S. fine curly hair and trampolines don't mix

Stray Cat and Stray Baby

That's a lot of Girls!

Winter Favorites!

2011-03-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

I know everyone has been on pins and needles waiting for my

list of Winter Favorites. The wait is over!

Hoodies on Cuties

Snow Falling
Their is something so captivating about snow

Boots
love warm Boots

Wintering gets a little drab, that's why I have a fresh

Basil plant growing in my window!

It gives me hope of things to come.

.99cents at Goodwill for cute pot!

Blankets and Movies

Citrus Fruits

(and ones that remind me of summer)

Snow Days!

Its always a change of scenery to get a snow day in!

Lazy days

Sisters are the Best

2011-03-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

She is not my favorite, I swear!!

Baths & Birthdays

2011-03-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ben Turned 36 this year. I'm so glad he is always going to be older than me no matter what. I don't know...I guess, it gives me some sort of hope that turning older is not so bad!
Interesting Facts about Ben:
Never has "moods"
He can spit "gleek" through his front teeth
He wishes he was a rock star
He has no cavities
He didn't like sweets until he married me!
He doesn't like presents. Wants me to spend it on "better" things.
I have never heard him swear.
He loves to watch movies on our couch.
He can eat stew or dinner for breakfast.
He favors certain kids (the one he thinks needs it)
He is a really good skier!
He doesn't change diapers.
He can make a mean salad.

He likes babies "once they start doing stuff."

He likes to hang out with the kids.

Great Hair.

We had a fun Sunday celebrating his birthday. He loved his sweet ties from my mom and the candy from Claire. Good thing someone gets him stuff!

It's about time!

2011-03-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have never been a runner, but after having kids I decided the quickest way to get the baby weight off was to run it off. Determined after every baby to get to my former self, I slipped my running shoes on and got myself back on the treadmill.

I usually run between 4-6 miles every other day. I started thinking all my friends and even my sisters have run half-marathons, whats my problem? So I decided I would do it. I had made it up to 10 miles a couple of times and pittered out.

Last night I decided I was a baby, and I WOULD do 13.2 Miles. I got up at 4:30 am and started. I had no excuses that early to stop, and since I am a fair weather runner I did it all in the comfort of my living room watching FOX new, and listening to general conference.

Feelin' good at 12.5

I yelled for Ben and the kids to come cheer me on.

No one cared.

Feelin' tired at 13.25

Ben finally came and took some pictures!

THE PROOF

Baby likes Blueberries

2011-03-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

I needed blueberries to make this awesome whole wheat cake for my birthday!

We soon found out that Reese Loves the Berries!

Walked into the kitchen to see them playing..

can you tell what they are playing?

Yep American Idol !

Just Another Day....In Paradise?

2011-02-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

Today I have:

Worked Out (I made Ben work out with me, we did A Jane Fonda type workout! He will thank me later!)
Washed Laundry (yes this is clean!)
Washed windows
Made breakfast
Cleaned up breakfast
washed dishes
Vacuumed
Picked up toys
Cleaned bathrooms

Made Beds
Swept
Mopped
Washed walls

With all this being done you would think the house would look fantastic!
Well, as I am cleaning one thing, the three little girls are playing, or creating more messes!
See here ---------->
This was perfect this morning!

I Guess it's just another day in my Paradise!

Laundry and Little Girls

2011-02-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

Ben went skiing with Brady and Elizabeth tonight and I got to stay home with these two lovely ladies and alley and Lucy We folded laundry and watched Secretariat (if you like Sea Biscuit You would like this) It was fun to have a relaxing night with a few of my favorite kids!

Spending my nights with Jimmer

2011-02-16T20:07:00.000-08:00

My Wednesday and Saturday nights are filled watching this guy!

Lunch

2011-02-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

You know you're going to have a REALLY long day when lunch is at 10:50 a.m.

This weather is killing me, I'm so sick of the cold. I feel like I stay inside all day (because I'm too cold to venture out of my house) and clean up, and change diapers, the monotony is overwhelming. If I had it my way I would eat cookies and watch TV all day, oh wait I do that!

So instead of thinking that life is so slow, cold and boring. I should think how lucky I am that I do get to stay home make cookies and eat them all day and enjoy basking in my routinely paced life for now. I really like the freedom to be LAZY!

How do you handle the winter months?

That's how it is in the Northwest!

2011-02-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

"What, no rain? Lets go for a walk!"

Half way to our destination the rain began.

I thought it was bed time.

2011-02-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite parts about being a mom is when I decide to let everything go, and just hang out with the kids. I went to bed early on Friday night and told Ben to put the kids away (I mean to bed). And a few minutes later all 6 of them were in my room jumping on the bed playing with the camera. So we took a few shots!

Woman at the Well

2011-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

In Gospel Doctrine we are studying the woman at the well. I LOVE this story. This woman was given the living water of Jesus Christ. She was able to be taught by Christ face to face. Her faith and her believing heart was what lead Christ to testify to her that he was The Messiah. What a conformation of her Faith to have the Savior testify of Himself to her.
This woman was the first person in the scriptures that Jesus personally declared to that he was the Christ.
It makes me think when we have even a little bit of faith, great things are manifested to us.

Brady Turns 8 !

2011-01-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

What a special night we had on Friday. Not only did Brady turn 8, but he wanted to get baptised on his birthday. Alley and Lucy gave the talks and they did a great job.

Ben's family came and a few friends from the ward.

Brady looked so handsome.

Someday when he looks back on his Baptism I hope he remembers the spirit he felt as he was baptised and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ben gave him a very nice blessing.

This is the first step back to Heavenly Father Brady, We are so pleased with your decision!

And the Answer is...?

2011-01-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

82 petshops....They are like rabbits, and multiply!

This is her sweet ride!

This is what happens when she has an idea!

Happiness found in a balloon

It's all Mathmatics

2011-01-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

I hate story problems, but now I wish

I would have paid attention in math...

Jennifer has five girls, for every birthday and Christmas

they all asked for petshops.
after three years how many petshops do the Millers have?

Submit your answer as a comment !

Just an Extra

2011-01-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago was the adult session of stake conference. As much as I hate to admit it, I did not want to go. I had my reasons all logically organized in my head and felt good about my decision to stay home. One of them being this was not a "required" meeting this was just an extra. When the time came for me to either get dressed up and go, or stay in my sweats and enjoy cookie dough and a movie, I felt guilt. And that guilt is what drove me to the stake center (actually it was Ben but sometimes I call him guilt!)
I hated feeling like I was forcing myself to do something good. Shouldn't we WANT to do good things and seek after them? I felt this way the whole meeting, I would rather be somewhere else, doing anything else. I kept thinking surly I need to be here to hear something that will change my life. But, their was nothing said that was life changing to me.
Going home, frustrated that I was a rotten person for going to a church meeting and not wanting to feel the spirit, made me disappointed in myself.
As I reflected on the meeting, making mental notes of who was there and who was not, I once again thought, its not fair that I go to EVERY meeting and others don't. I want to be a person who doesn't go to meetings and doesn't feel guilt.
Undeserving of any revelation at this point in my pity party, it came to me that Yes this IS an extra thing....but don't you need the Extra blessings? I then was told some of the Extra blessings I and others, have and would receive from going to these seemingly routine meetings.
This is one of those promptings I treasure because these feelings will come again, and their will always be meetings that are hard to attend, but he gave me this prompting to REMEMBER.

This is a GREAT read!

2011-01-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Why I can't stop reading Mormon housewife blogs

And, What a Christmas it Was!

2011-01-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

It was fun having my sister Cami & her family

My sister Michelle & Brian

and of course a party just isn't complete with out my Parents!

We went on a walk downtown Fairhaven

It was FREEZING weather!

I love this picture! and that dad was cold enough to wear the Santa hat on the walk,

and do a half smile!

Michelle & Brian

Claire Loves Brian!

Nuff Said!

Cute hat Shell, remember when we bought those together?

This looks extremely uncomfortable, but they were so tired every night that we would find them asleep in weird positions. I can actually hear Lucy snoring!

Let me Just tell you about the FOOD !
It never ended! This is our finger food night we have every 23rd of December.
We eat our yummy food in the living room by the light of the Christmas tree.
The kids sleep by the tree !

The desserts

The Anticipation!

Christmas DAY!

Total party!

wrapping paper everywhere
Kids screaming in delight
and Reese Cherry-Picking any dropped Candy!

A Bike for Brady
&

Alley

These two girls were inseparable and played together better than any of the others.

Look at them sharing their Christmas presents.

P.S. see the gum ball machines...bad idea Santa!

Allison and Claire

Cami Slaved for weeks making all the kids aprons

they were the highlight of the gifts!

I think they look like Olivia Newton-John

and John Travolta.

You guys should use this picture for your mission papers, maybe the church will send you to Australia, because you defiantly look like Aussies...Not that I know what that look is exactly!

We went to the Ballard Locks

We had such a blast with my parents, Case and Hayes families!

It will forever be a Christmas to be remembered and What a Christmas it was!

A Visit to Santa

2010-12-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

Millers 2010

Reese is scared

and

Lucy is a little to comfortable

Candy!

And you tell she is listing about 100 things

that she has had memorized since Halloween?

Our Giant Friend

2010-12-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving day it was a blast building this 10 foot snowman

Reese turned one and celebrated with a spa massage from Alley!

Cruising Christensen Style

2010-12-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

If Oprah can do it, I can !

2010-12-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

Favorite things:

Christmas Dresses

Toll house Pie

(yes, I ate it with my bare hands!)

Fakers
(not really a thing, but had to post it!)

Christmas Dresses and Accessories!

These little tool skirts

makes every girl feel like a princess
Claire scored one for her 4th birthday!

BIG PRINT SCRIPTURES

I have room to write in them, and I'm old!

you can pick one up at the nearest CTR books

Crock pots ( I told you I love them...3!)

These tanks from Wet Seal are a MUST!

they are long, fitted and colorful

Did I mention only $3.50 each

This is an exfoliater called angles on bare skin

it really is true to its name, but looks gross!

Cardigans makes everything look dresser

I figured if they had one, I better get one too!

I do realize this is a very worldly post, but it's my favorite things right?

Favorite things....

2010-12-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

Go ahead turn it up and Rock Out!

The Fun Ship

2010-11-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

My brother Dennis called us up one day and said he found a great price for a cruise out of Florida to the Bahamas. Since it had been 5 years since we last left the kids to go on vacation we jumped at the chance to go!

Our first breakfast on the ship, enjoyed with Mark & Samantha
we were docked at Freeport.

Aren't they cute?!
We got off the ship and jumped on a shuttle that took us out snorkeling

It was a fun shuttle ride looking at the beautiful Bahama countryside.

I had only met Samantha 3 weeks earlier at Her and Marks wedding. It was a blast getting to know her more. We partied a lot together, working out, laying out and pigging out...Well I did all of the pigging out on my own!

Kim & Aaron

Crazy ol' Aaron, He's always good for a laugh!

The water was so clear we could see the fish swimming

My cousin Vaughn and his wife Allison
I really liked having them on the cruise, they are so easy going and fun!

Posers
The water was warm and we saw lots of different fish. On this boat their was a water slide that we slid down. People even got crazy doing flips off the top of this double decked boat.
Of course I miss all the camera action !

Beach Volleyball
Check out how deep, white and awesome is the sand

We had A formal dinner on the ship that night we had to where dresses and ties

Bryan & Donna
Donna is the mother of 8 children, If they could have only seen their mother cutting a rug on the dance floor, those kids would have been impressed with their mom's energy!
Donna is one non-stop party animal!

Nice Pants, Mark!

I got this dress at the goodwill, it served it's purpose....
It had sequence, and that is formal, Right?

The next port was Nassau

We had 28 people in our group, here are a few.
We rented scooters, and cruised the island.

This is a totally RAD picture, if I do say so Myself!

He's wearing my glasses!

Brian & Shell
He looks a little nervous

Hells Angles Scooter Style!

The red flag warning beach goers the water was dangerous was flying.
Did anyone listen, or Obey?

The rip tide was so strong that a few people lost there suits,
and a few people needed saving.
(I was totally wearing the WRONG suit)

Back on the boat ready to Hot Tub!

Dennis, Kim and Aaron Hot tubing in 90 degree weather

This is the life, look at that view!

Laying out so fun, wow! Kim you are HOT!

Lounging on the deck.
We had a great time!
I definitely have to give a shout out to my awesome mother-in-law
for watching 6 kids for 5 days. She made this trip possible.

Falling for Fall

2010-11-10T19:05:00.001-08:00

Without a doubt the colors are the best part of Fall

They are totally in my color wheel.

Love the fall accessories (leg warmers & headband)

Ben brought home these flowers for me this Fall, a highlight

Fall Goodness, like butterscotch bars

Warm Soups ( I have an unnatural love for my crock-pot)
This is a Green Chicken Chili

Alley started Volleyball

Brady Started Football
(I should tell the story... of him intercepting the ball running 50 yards the wrong direction then turning around, because of a yelling psychopath Mom telling him he was running the wrong way, then making a touchdown. He scored 4 TD's this year!) But its to long of a story!

Halloween Candy...Notice I didn't say Halloween...just the candy

Anticipation for Thanksgiving my favorite holiday!

Let me just tell you how good these little devils are I put a secret ingredient in it that made them excellent, can you see what it is?

Warm baths! Fall is the best time for bubble baths, or sink baths!
(hint...during stressful dinner clean up and baby crying for attention stick her in the kitchen sink, quiet relief and everyone is happy)
hooray for fall!

Mark and Samantha

2010-10-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

I loved Mark and Samantha's wedding. They were married in the Draper Utah Temple by Vaughn J. Featherstone. He counseled them to keep the romance alive in their marriage. A piece of advice we could all use. He also talked about only buying what you need not what you want..."If you do that you will always have enough money for what you need."

Of course Cami and my Mom know how to take a picture
Claire was filling in for Michelle

Cuteness

It's not my fault Michelle, you were born like this!

Elizabeth and Katie

Strike a Pose

Take note my sister has the exact same family as I do just 3 years younger!

BEAUTIFUL (she had a baby 4 weeks earlier she looks like one hot momma)

My Brother Aaron and his wife Kim

Kim is one of my favorite people in the whole world. she is so fun and interesting to talk to, we can talk for hours. She always seems so interested in what I am doing and she knows how to party!

This is kind of a random picture but, I wanted to always remember this moment.

Alley turned 11 on the day Mark and Samantha were married. She was such a good sport to not make a big deal that she was overlooked. My mom and I decided at the last minute to go to the BYU creamery and pick up some mint brownies (words do not describe the goodness of these brownies) and Ice cream. We all (all of my brothers and sisters that were around) yelled surprise as she walked in late after the BYU football game. Later she told me that her surprise party was the best part of the trip. What a great kid!

PS look how cute Maren is in the background! (she is one of my favorite people too!)
She has a great laugh!

The Y

Brady at his first BYU game. He LOVED it!

Of course before we could go to any game we had to stock up on BYU gear!

It was homecoming week and the campus was doing all kind of games

the kids got shirts and balloons for participating

Cami, what can I say she's a natural!

They won shirts

She didn't

The man!

They have the same smile

Mom and her favorite child Dennis

(don't try to deny it Mom we all know it, and we are OK with it)

Temple Square

This was a great trip

BABY

2010-09-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Baby Smiles

Funny Baby

(she was stuck in this position for 5 min)

Baby Doggie

(she follows me around panting)

Baby Kisses

Baby Hands

Baby Feet

Baby Jammies

(footie are may Fav!)

Baby Lips, and Baby Cheeks

Baby Curls

Baby Friends & Baby Wresling

Baby Teeth

Babies are my obsession, for now!

Fairhaven 15K

2010-09-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to be a runner, I just have admired how dedicated runners are, and lets face it they have the best physique. But, the gasping for air , the feeling of throwing up and the pain of not being able to keep up with others has always stopped me.

My friend Mimi ask me to go running with her and April, I tagged along praying I could keep up with them. Well, the experience was awesome! Yes, the running was great. But talking and laughing as we ran made the whole running experience actually FUN!
April and I (Mimi sat out because of a foot injury) ran our first 15K yesterday and it was a great experience to accomplish a goal I have set out to do for a long time now.
We ran a a pretty even pace of 11:20 min miles and finished the race happy.

Kindergarten

2010-09-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth has been waiting to start kindergarten for almost a year, she will be turning 6 soon and the wait has been so long for her. But, the day has arrived and she was up and ready at the crack of dawn. She handled her first day very smoothly, she stayed awake, came home happy and even complained about all the crying kids in her class. Even though the wait was long for her to start school, it was well worth it to me. First, she went into kindergarten reading. Second, she was socially ready (not a "cry baby like the other kids") and my very most favorite she got to stay home with me for an extra year! Yay, for fall birthdays!

She came home this happy too!

I'm glad I still have some home with me to make me laugh!

Coloring is just to hard

love the apple shirt and shoes!

Baby Zilla

2010-08-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Summer Top 10 or so!

2010-08-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

With Summer quickly escaping my grasp I need to pay her my last respects!

Top 10 Reasons I LOVE summer!

10. Kids playing outside together....In the SUN!

9. I love it when the kids take their toys out to the yard and stay outside all day

8. This should be closer to the #1 spot. SLEEPING IN ! (notice how Light it is in their room!)

7. I'm going to label this "The SUN on my Face" Best part of summer!

6. Picnic lunches are always better in the summer.
5. Tan legs
4. FLIP FLOPS ! I hate dealing with socks and shoes X 7

3. laying out at the beach on the Lake

2. Cousins!

1. Pure Contentment

1. Good Friends to Share the Summer

A Few honorable mentions would include: No structure, No bed time, The never ending amount of daylight, drive in movies ....and TWITTERPATED ok so maybe the last one is a springtime thing, but we'll take it any way!

Tom Cruise on Home Teaching

2010-08-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'M NOT READY

2010-07-25T19:17:00.000-07:00