The Millers...

Halloween

2011-11-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

So I am a year behind on this blog and have no way to get to the photos from the last year or so..So I will start new and fresh. Everything we own is practically in storage and we are living with Nathan's Dad so here is some Halloween pictures. We had fun Trick or Treating and I of course had fun making my kids costumes. This year I let them decide what ever they wanted and we still did it theme style. Tangled to be exact. Elise our beautiful Rapunzel and Brycen our daring Flynn Rider and last but not least our little green chamelion Pascal. Kayla loved being a lizard and fell in love with any lizard this summer while we lived in Hawaii for a month. Elise loved being the pretty princess. Brycen was just glad to get some candy and like his cool costume. I loved Kayla and how excited she was to get a treat and how she would say trick or treat. Can't believe how fast they are growing up! Anyway enjoy the photos!

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-06-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

We got to enjoy Thanksgiving with the Miller side of the family. We all got together at Dad's house and had a wonderful dinner with tons of good fun and lots of fun just being together. Here a few photos I got.

Kayla with the traditional olives on the fingers

Young Womens in Excellence

2011-06-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

The front table with purses all the value colors!

Okay so I am FINALLY going to blog my little heart out and get caught up on this thing like I really want to. Sorry if there are a million new posts I just gotta get it done.

Before we left for Hawaii in November we had our wards Young Women's in Excellence. I spent hours planning and putting this together so I wanted to put in on here so I have it down for if I ever have to do it again or if anyone needs an idea.

The theme that evening was the "Purse"suit of Excellence and our "Purse"onal Progress. I spoke and the girls all sang, 'As Sisters in Zion', they also got to tell us about one of their Personal Progress values that they worked on through out the year. They all did such a great job and put forth some great effort. I loved seeing their hard work. Our fantastic Young Women's president Angie got to give out some ribbons for values that have been completed trying to get the girls wanting to work even harder. All in all it was a great night.

For my talk I want to highlight some of what I said for memories sake. I brought my purse and talked to the girls how having a purse to me a their age seemed silly and for older ladies but then I soon realized how important a purse can be and how valuable it can be by filling it up with the right things. I all to often let me purse get filled with receipts and wrappers and garbage and it makes it harder for me to find the things I need. So I talked about keeping our purses filled with the knowledge and good things we get from our personal progress. I had a reminder for every value in my purse. For faith I had a white tissue that shows purity and cleanliness and how I want to be that way so that I can return to heaven to live with our Heavenly Father and loved ones that have already gone on before us. How an old white tissue in a purse reminds me of my sweet Grandma Carlene and how much I miss her and rejoice in the fact of knowing I can see her again if I am pure and clean like the white tissue. For Divine Nature I think of my blue chap stick and how I am a Woman divinely created from our Heavenly Father divine purposes. How I can be a mother and a wife and how I want to do so righteously. For Individual Worth I have my Red compact mirror that I can look in and see my reflection and know that I have worth and that my Heavenly Father loves me. For Knowledge I have a small green notebook that helps me remember things of importance and inspiration that I am given from Heavenly Father. For Choice and Accountability I have my orange credit card that helps me remember that just like the purchases I make I am accountable for them just like I am accountable for each and everyone of my actions. For Good Works I had my yellow hand sanitizer that helps me to remember to use my hands for Good Works like Heavenly Father would want me to. For Integrity I had a pack of purple gum to remember to have integrity with all that I say and 'chews' to do. For Virtue I have my Temple Recommend with the golden design on it to remember to be a Virtuous Daughter of God. I made the girls a gold fabric temple recommend holder for when they go do baptisms for the dead. Each girl received a paper purse with all the same items in it for them to have as a keepsake. It was a great night and so appreciated the help of the whole Young Women's presidency and how great it all went.

Cupcake refreshments

The refreshment table with cupcakes and purse shaped rice crispy treats

I will have to take a picture of all of the items and the purse handouts. I feel like I didn't get the best pictures of this night which makes me sad. I don't even have one of all our cute young woman and their projects.

Hawaii in November

2011-02-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

Well its quite obvious that blogging wasn't on my New Years resolution list, or maybe it was and I am already SLACKING! None the less I have a million photos to start putting on here. So I will just start with where I left off. After Halloween we got to spend a magical week in Hawaii. It was truly our first vacation to Hawaii I know are all thinking no way you were there in February and your are all right but this was the first time we have ever been there that Nathan didn't have to work and it was MARVELOUS! I want to go back right now just thinking of it. We had been saying for the last 7 months prior to October that if we knew Nathan made it through the layoffs from work we would go on a vacation so we did. We were able to trade one of our Marriott weeks and head to Ko' Olina on Oahu. It was heaven. Here are some of the photos. We snorkeled and ate lots of shave ice. It was a dream, but what else can it be in Hawaii.

We went to Turtle Bay and Hanauma Bay. The first day at Turtle Bay I got to see my first turtle snorkeling. I was not wanting to go out because it had been over cast and all and I knew were were close to heading back to the condo so I figured it was now or never. So I went out and was out in the water about waist deep and figured I might as well get the worst of it over and get wet so I wasn't cold any more so I went in up to my neck then stood up put my mask on and laid down to see what I could see and sure enough right in front of me watching me was a big old sea turtle I couldn't believe it. It was so neat I wish I would of had the camera but it had just barely broke that afternoon. Anyway I was so worried I was to close cause it was super close so I tried backing away and couldn't so I just sat there a moment and watched him that hopped up in a panic and started yelling to Nathan I just saw a turtle. No one was there on the beach so I wasn't to worried about being embarrassed, but I was pretty excited. It was on my check list of things I wanted to see. I felt complete. I have snorkeled quite a few times so I was excited to see my first turtle, next time I hope to not be so surprised, I think it was just that I went down and there he was just staring at me. Elise and Nathan also saw an eel. I will pass on that one though Elise thought was a snake. Ahh!

These pictures were all at a place called the Valley of the Temples. Nathan and I had decided since were were going back to Oahu we wanted to try some new places that we hadn't been to and this was one of them we enjoyed seeing and visiting this Japanese Temple and learning about it, it was built with out the use of a single nail and had a huge Buddha statue inside. It was a beautiful place to visit, Kayla loved feeding all the little doves.

On the way back to the condo we decided to go on this nice little hike to see a lighthouse. Well it was a beautiful hike but we were so not prepared we didn't have any water with us at all. Not to mention Nathan and I aren't in that great of shape, but none the less we enjoyed the beautiful views, Brycen and Elise were troopers, Kayla scream and cried most the way but we did it. The weather was clear so we could even see Maui from the top. It was so worth it, but next time I will have water and not just Dum-Dum suckers.

At Ko 'Olina Kayla in her swimsuit and the beautiful landscaping

Eating as much Shave Ice as we could

We had such a great time and can't wait to go again.

Halloween in St. George

2010-12-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Well my goal was to post this before Christmas so I am a bit above schedule, good thing I keep those goals low. I mean c'mon two months late. Anyway for Halloween we decided to drive down to St. George to see Nathan's brother Stephen and his family. Nathan had that Friday off and the kids didn't have school so why not. We had a great time as always when visiting the Millers of St. George. Here are some photos of some site seeing we did in Zion's always a favorite.

It was great to be in Zions it was a great temperature and the leaves were starting to change. I also got a little shopping in at the Outlets. We were able to go to Little Stephen's soccer game which was lots of fun to see. Then of course we went Trick Or Treating. The kids were so excited. We had pumpkin pizza's that Aunt Heidi made and then got the kids all ready and took them around the neighborhood. It was so nice to not need a coat, plus we didn't have any rain like everyone up home was having. We loved spending time with family it was a great little get away, we just hope to see the Millers again soon. Thanks again guys, Love ya!

Aubree the cutest witch ever, and Stephen looking Mario-riffic (I am pretty sure Bryce was envious of that costume)

Elise as our Beautiful Wendy Darling

Brycen our Brave Peter Pan

Kayla Beans our Sweet Tinkerbell

I love Halloween as a Mom. I love planning and making their costumes. Who knows how many years I have left of getting the all dress up in a theme, but I love it. The Wendy dress turned out much better than I had hoped, it looked gorgeous on Elise. Peter Pan looked a lot like Robin Hood, I didn't want to put tights or leggings on my son, it was hard enough getting them to decide on a theme together. Tinkerbell I loved every minute sewing and designing it especially how small it was. So yep that was Halloween. Can't wait to start sewing the next costume's next year. I am going to try and take the kids to Target this week and get there photos done their in their costumes, I know better late than never. We have had so many colds and gunky noses, I have had to wait. When I do it I will post them on here.

One last Halloween image Kayla trying to wear the vampire teeth like Elise and Brycen, it was so funny!

Christmas Cards

2010-12-07T22:33:00.000-08:00

So a while back my cute friend Josie had something on her blog about free Shutterfly cards for Christmas. I didn't think much of it figured I'd already missed out and put it out of my mind. Well when I got her darling Christmas card I started thinking about it. How did she get free ones? I want some. I had decided that this year I was going to simplify the Christmas season for me best I could so I might enjoy it a bit more. So one of the first things I thought of was I AM NOT MAKING CHRISTMAS CARDS! or my kids p.j.s! I looked on Shutterfly and saw all their cute designs. I am already a Shutterfly fan and have made books of their site so it was really the first place I looked, not to mention I plan on making a book for Baby Beans for Christmas. Anyway I googled 50 Free Shutterfly Cards, and found the deal and I was in luck it goes till the 10th of December. So thanks to Shutterfly and I hope this works and thanks to Josie, and getting her cute card with her darling family in the mail today. I love Christmas cards, I even made a simple place to display them this year and am hoping I fill it up.

Here are some great gift ideas: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts
Here are all the awesome card options http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards
I wonder which one I will pick
Here is something also want to do one day make a calendar:
http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/desk-calendars

Their photo books are amazing. I love them. They are awesome gifts for family. Since we love to travel its the best thing for me for actually assembling my photos so that I have them and can share them. I never scrapbook and have given up that hope thanks to Shutterfly and their awesome products. I can't wait to design my Christmas Cards, I know they will turn out great using Shutterfly.
I am hoping to be back blogging some more here in a few days, gets some Halloween posts on here, and Hawaii and Thanksgiving!

Baby Beans...

2010-11-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to put this on the blog for a while. Well since September. Finally doing it, maybe if we are lucky we will get Halloween on before Christmas. After school started we got to spend a weekend in Park City with Nathan's Brother and had a blast with their family. I wish I could find the pictures for the proof of what we did, but I can't and I am wondering if some little cute one year old wandered of with one of the secure digital cards. So I will have to skip that post and go to this one.

Our Kayla Jean's First Birthday

I love birthday parties I love planning them especially first birthdays I think I planned this one for at least 5 months in my head and it was so fun. Nothing huge just dinner with family but everything I wanted it to be.

I just used Kayla's nickname for the theme which is Jellybean's for the mere fact that, that is what her big brother wanted to name her when I was pregnant. Elise wanted escargot, for her love of snails. Luckily Jellybeans rhymed and thus we have an awesome nickname, now it has become more like Baby Beans or all sorts of variations. So I went with Jellybeans and the rainbow colors they come in. Enjoy some of the photos and the fun I had putting it all together. For some even better photos see Jess's blog she is AMAZING and I was lucky enough for her to bring her camera and take some photos for me.

Cake, decor, take homes, and invitations!

The best part! Enjoying the cake. She was pretty dainty at first but then got a few fist fulls in. She even wanted to share!

I can't believe she is one. She started walking the day after her birthday we bribed her with Jellybeans from one end of the kitchen to the other. I still remember thinking when I was pregnant that she would never come. She was enjoying her Grandmas in heaven a little to much. Kayla keeps us laughing and on our toes. She has a fantastic personality and she isn't afraid to let you know what she wants. I still love those blue eyes and blonde hair, but am surprise that she has them. You have changed me in so many ways for the better and am loving learning how to be a mom to a baby again and to have THREE kids. Kayla we love you and our family wouldn't be the same with out you! Happy Birthday Beans!

SCHOOL

2010-10-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well once again I am doing the catch up game. Here are pictures from the first day of school so the end of August! I forgot how cute they were, so its fun to see them again. I can't believe we are finishing up with our first term. The kids love school and literally CRY when I check them out early I know because of Dentist appointments they were both sobbing, I guess I should be happy. Elise is loving first grade and her amazing teacher Ms. Smiley (how cool of a name is that for a first grade teacher). Anyway she is doing great and learning so much. She loves having lunch at school. I miss having her around the house. She loves wearing dresses to school and would wear one everyday if I let her. I just can't believe how fast she is growing up! And yes I cried the first day of school, both times I dropped off kids. The house felt so lonely, with Kayla napping and the older two gone.

Brycen is loving Kindergarten and his teacher is loving him. Its been great to see him excel and be a helper in school. He knows all the kids names and tells me the funniest things, like how he gave one little boy his sticker since the boy had lost his so then the little boy told Brycen he could be his Cousin. I just laugh, I am also the Class Captain for his class so I try to be in there as much as I can, its fun to see all the kids and get to know them. Brycen has quite the memory so he quite of tells me word for word what the teacher has told him, like how in their classroom "We are a family of Friends" and how the hallway and his classroom is a NO FOOD ZONE, because someone has allergies. Oh Brycen you make me laugh.

One of my favorite things is that their classrooms are right next to each other. I secretly was hoping they would be and I was so happy they were...

After school on the first day we stopped on the way home and got Slurpee's, I think it was a treat for me as much as them that I made it through the day too. The funny thing is I always thought I would have so much more time when my kids were in school and I swear it is the EXACT OPPOSITE! Oh well I will just enjoy the Journey!

LOVE THEM

See what I mean

2010-09-29T09:42:00.001-07:00

I took this photo this morning...

Just how...

2010-09-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Am I ever going to get mad at this little lady. I am in so much trouble. Love it, and definetly LOVE HER!

She happily unrolled an entire roll of toilet paper, and we all laughed. I am toast! I was just mad that the battery in the camera died and I only got this one shot, but I am sure it won't be the only time this happens!

Yellowstone and Island Park

2010-09-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

To finish of summer we went and spent a few days at my brothers beautiful cabin in Island Park. Jason and Tricia were nice enough to let us go spend some time at there getaway. Most of my family had been there but it was our first. I had done quite a bit of vinyl lettering for it, so it was fun to see all the designs my Mom had got me to put together for her vision. Anyway the cabin or home was beautiful it was neat to see all of Jason and Tricia's hard works, so THANK YOU Jason and Tricia!

The first day we went into Yellowstone and spent the day sight seeing and animal watching and just enjoying nature and all the many wonders that God has created. I love Yellowstone and have great memories of visiting there. We also waited around to see Old Faithful and it still amazes me. Nathan did a great job taking a TON of photos for us to enjoy!

The second day we just stuck around the Island Park area. We got up and drove up the road to the top of Sawtooth Peak and the views were outstanding. We had fun taking in the view, and taking photos of us jumping, but how could you not when you are on TOP of a mountain!

We also ventured over to Mesa Falls and enjoyed the mist from the falls, and the neat visitors center and then got to see the beautiful clear water at Big Springs, I was just sad the Johnny Sacks cabin closed when we got there. Maybe next time!

The next day on the way home we came down through Jackson Hole and into Logan for a family anniversary party for some of Nathan's Mom's Family all and all it was a great way to end the summer!

Pictures of us on our way home stopping to enjoy the view and Kayla with the FAKE squirrel outside the cabin my mom is just a little nuts!

So BEHIND

2010-08-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

I am so behind on this thing, that I am almost to the point of just DELETING IT ALL! But I won't yet and I will try. Its sad when you haven't even blogged about the last day of kindergarten for your daughter and she is starting FIRST GRADE in the morning. You know you are behind for sure.

None the less I am going to make this a marathon of a post and put some stuff from all of this summer and what not, so I am sorry if it is so LONG and BORING. Just leave a comment, and maybe I will get better at this blog stuff.

ELISE

Elise finished of Kindergarten and had a great time with Ms. Lambson, who was amazing. They had a graduation program and she still sings the song she learned. She made some fun friends in Kindergarten and I am hoping First grade is as wonderful. She also lost her two bottom teeth at the end of the year. Crazy at how fast it all goes.

Here is the missing tooth picture, I had to use all my Mom courage that day and pull it out, we were both in tears. I hate pulling teeth!

This summer Elise also learned to ride her bike with out training wheels. She loved to do this all the time, and anytime there was some one at our house she asked if they wanted to see her. Brycen and Elise put on many endless hours of Talent Shows for Nathan and I. Elise loves her bike for sure, and has gotten quite good with all the practise.

BRYCEN

Finished preschool and had a great time with a fun class of BOYS! I don't know how Ms. Sarah did it, she was amazing though. We loved seeing all the fun projects Brycen came home with and all he learned. One day I got him to school a little late and he didn't want me to walk him downstairs so I stood at the top of the stairs as he went in, I heard the door open and all these little boys scream out BRYCEN, I loved it and just had to laugh.

Brycen also had a birthday and turned 5. Brycen loves anything MARIO so we had a huge Mario party with about 10 of his little friends, I had a blast getting all together and planning it all. The only down fall was that the cake fell over minutes before the party. The boys didn't mind and it was easy to scoop up and serve when you didn't care what it looked like. Here are some fun photos on it all:

The birthday boy and some of the guest.

Chocolate mustaches, the loot, and the pinata....

Games and Invitations...

A Luigi and Elise with a mustache

The cutest Baby Luigi EVER....

Brycen also got a scooter for his birthday which he preformed his many talent shows on with Elise.

KAYLA

Our littlest Beans just seemed to keep growing and keeping us entertained and on our toes. She loves her Grandpa Miller and loves to be carried around by him.

She finally started getting some bottom teeth at about 9 months, her favorite teething item has been a golf ball luckily we have almost 7 THOUSAND of them. (Which is what her Dad and Grandpa have been doing this summer)....

Kayla has also gotten in on the being outside and being on at least a Tricycle, and enjoying the summer weather.

We also got to spend some time with family around the 4th of July my grandparents had their 60th wedding anniversary. We had a good time just spending time eating and visiting with relatives.

We also got to spend sometime shooting and enjoying being in Tremonton that weekend, and having Tess and Kelly stay with us which is always fun.

For the 24th of July we got to have our annual King Benjamin Night with Nathan's family. It always includes wonderful food, lots of cousins running around together, and great memories. Nathan's Dad has done a wonderful job of keeping the tradition going since having lost Nathan's mom. I know she is proud and so pleased with all of his efforts that he has continued the great legacy they built together. I don't know how I didn't manage to get one photo that weekend, probably because I was just having to much fun. We know its one thing to always look forward to.

As for me I have just tried to keep up with it all, and enjoy the adventure. Hopefully I can embrace this Back to School thing as well...

Now hopefully I will stay a bit more up to date. I still need to post about Island Park, but hey at least that happened this MONTH!

San Francisco

2010-07-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

These are old but it was a marvelous trip. I love San Fran and any chance I get to go there. Nathan usually has to go at least once a year and two of my fun cousin Kelly and her sister Brooke live there. Its always includes good times, beautiful view, wonderful memories, and good food. San Francisco is just one of those cities you have to experience.

On our way driving into San Francisco we stopped by one of our family favorites the Jelly Belly Factory. We had to take our own little Jelly Bean to the Jelly Belly Factory. Plus its so fun for the kids to see how they are made and get a few to many treats for the road.

On this trip we decided to go down to Monterey and do some sight seeing. I had never been down that way and loved it. It was the first time I have seen artichokes growing, we saw fields and fields of strawberries, it was hard not to get out of the car a go eat a few or a bunch. It was amazing. Then we were able to drive through the city of Monterey. It was kids day at the Aquarium so we decided to go, the kids got in free, but the downside was it was so so so crowded. It was fun anyway. My favorite was the jelly fish exhibit, one of the best I have ever seen, they are so stunning and intriguing. I had so many of the ladies tell me Kayla looked just like a little doll, they couldn't get over her. One lady in Chinatown told me she looked like a little doll from Target, I don't know if that was a compliment or not, I just laughed.

Out on the balcony of the aquarium and the kiddos in a clam shell

In San Francisco we got to stay right down town by Union Square which was a lot of fun. Driving around down town was pretty crazy, but we survived. We were at the Marriott on the 17th floor in a junior suite and had amazing views of the city, the congeries lounge was on the 26th floor so the views were even better from their, it was quite an experience. I felt like the country mouse who went to visit his cousin the city mouse. I would just lay their in bed at night and here all the sounds of the city.

Even though we have been to San Francisco quite a few times as a family, for a first we went to a ball game. It was fun to see the Giants play it is one of my favorite stadiums to see on TV, so it was exciting to actually get to be there. It was freezing and Kayla lost her sock in the cab ride over there, so I just tried to keep her and the kids bundled, we didn't stay long but we still enjoyed it. The kids loved that the Coca-Cola bottle that you see along the back of the park has a slide that goes down the middle of it.

Cold little Kayla Beans

The kids and I while Nathan was in classes one day went to the Exploritorium down by the Golden Gate Bridge with Brook and Kelly and had a blast. It was all this fun science stuff for the kids to interact with. Here are some of the fun photos.

Kids in a huge chair, Kelly and I in a mirror hall, and Elise getting a huge bubble over her whole body.

Me smaller than my kids, the musical bench you had to hold hands on, and Kelly teaching my kids how to drink out of the toilet.

One of our favorite things to do is go to Pier 39 and see the sea lions and visit a favorite sea food restaurant. Nathan and I also got to sneak off and go see Wicked, for our 9th Anniversary. Kelly so happily babysat our kids in our hotel and put them to bed while we got to enjoy ourselves. It was my second time seeing Wicked and it was even more fantastic then I ever. I can't stop listening to the music, even now months later.

All and all a wonderful trip for Elise's Spring Break and a lot of fun memories. Hopefully next time is just as good. Thanks to Kelly, Jim, Brooke and Christian and their cute kiddos for the food, the fun and the help with the kids.

Funny things

2010-07-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

I know I am not trying to hard to get my blog updated. One day I will....
Anyway for today I want to record a few funny things I have heard my kiddos say so I don't forget since I forget things all the time

Kayla was shrieking like normal and Elise says "That sounds like a racket"
I laughed knowing what she meant was "whats all that racket about" which is something Grandpa Miller asks Kayla quite often...

Other things we have learned from Grandpa Miller is counting our carbs, we are always checking to see if Grandpa can eat it or not.

Brycen also learned to say "Holy Mackerel" another Grandpa Miller favorite

I also had another experience with Brycen were he got dressed and came down stairs I told him he need to go change his pants into some shorts since its July.
So I went up stairs after him to help him find some and I hear him say "Every time I take off my pants its a disaster!" I have no idea what that means or where he got that from.

So enJOY and I am glad my kids keep me laughing, I love you both and all the fun things we learn from Grandpa Miller

Trying...

2010-06-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Not sure where my motivation has been but I am trying to get back into the swing of things. I have a million things to post and I don't even know where to start. Which is probably why I haven't even attempted it but tonight I am going to give it a shot and start blogging...

April we had Easter and had a great time home with the kids. We were sick all winter and most of the spring. Looking back at it I never thought we would feel better, on the flip side of June I am so glad we are. Here as some photos from Easter. I have tons of pictures of my kids when they are babies with their Easter baskets so there is a few more of Kayla.

Here are Elise and Brycen, Bryce wasn't feeling so well, I think we were all on antibiotics or something no fun!

Elise also had a read-a-thon for school and she did so well reading with me at night. When it was all over she got a book and a medal she couldn't of been happier. Her favorite is that the book has a snail in it, she was in heaven.

After Easter we got to head down to Zion's for our niece Aubree's Baptism. It was such a fun weekend and so special to be there and be apart of it. The kids loved being with their cousins. Nathan and I just couldn't believe Aubree was old enough to be baptised, eight came to quick. We were so glad to be with family and enjoy some St. George sunshine. We went hiking and shopping and enjoyed every minute of it. Here are some of the fun photos, or you can go to my sis-in-laws Jess blog and see some of the awesome photos she took she is amazing. I was glad to see how beautiful Aubree looked in her baptism dress and the great example she was of getting baptised and that our kids got to see and experience being apart of it.

The Cousins

The Beautiful St.George View

Kayla in the car on the drive and her toes- such entertainment!

Beautiful Aubree in her baptism dress, I had other pictures of her but LOVE this one and how happy and peaceful she looks, maybe I should learn to edit me and Kayla out of the corner though.

Anyway I guess that's a start...More to come I PROMISE!

Like the Marvelous Mario Party and Kindergarten Graduation!

Nine Years

2010-05-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have an entire month to blog about, but had to take some time today to put on this post.

Nine Years together and I couldn't ask for a better husband and father for our children.

I love you Nathan more than ever, and am so glad I have you for Eternity. Thank you for always putting up with me and having patience with me. You have made so many of my dreams and wishes come true and am so glad for all the memories we have. May there be many more.
I LOVE YOU! your Brittney Sue

Our 6 month old Jellybean

2010-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Our little Kayla is now 6 months old, and I find myself wondering where the time has gone. I can't believe we are half way through her first year. She is quite a doll and we get comments about her everywhere we go. Her stats for her weight is 16 pounds and she is 26 inches tall. We just love having her around and the happiness she has brought into our family. Its fun to see her personality begin to unfold. She doesn't laugh as easily as the other too kids did, but I think she will. She likes to sit and observe she doesn't like to be left alone. She also gets mad if you take something from her. She is learning to enjoy her veggies and rice cereal, I am excited for her to try her fruits here in a bit. We don't know what we would do with out her.

Here is another picture of her in her blessing dress

Kayla and her Grandpa in her BYU outfit that Grandpa got her for Christmas

Hawaii part two...

2010-03-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Man am I behind. I think when you take a vacation it takes you a long time to catch up on life, and the longer your gone the longer it takes to catch up. I am still playing catch up, I'd like to say it was because we were in Hawaii, but now I think its just life catch up. None the less here are some photos from the last week we were in Hawaii, and all I can say is Man I wish I were there NOW!

I love Kayla's GIVE ME SOME expression

We LOVED the Shaved Ice or like the locals say SHAVE Ice on the North Shore, as soon as Nathan got off work we would head up there to get one. The best is with ice cream on the bottom and cream on the top that was sweetened condensed milk. My mouth is literally watering right now thinking about it. You could also get it with these Japenese Bean in the bottom, I always wanted to try it but never dared. Let me know if anyone has and wether its good or not. Its no wonder Matsumotos is famous, its DELICIOUS!

This is Elise learning to snorkel. She wanted to see the fish, so with the help of her Dad and a lot of practise she learned how to breath through her snorkel tube, so at Hanauma Bay she rode on her Dad's back and got to see a bunch a of fish, she LOVED it! It was seriously the sweetest thing to see them out there together.

We were lucky enough to have Nathan Dad come over the middle part of the second week and spend some time with us in Hawaii. We got to take him snorkling for the first time, and had many good laughs and made some great memories. Here we are at the North Shore and at Pearl Harbor. Grandpa was some much needed extra hands on the flight home, and I am really not sure if I would of made it without him. Thanks so much Dad!

Here we are outside the Laie Hawaii Temple, the temple is actually under renovation so we couldn't walk all the way up to it. We did get to meet Elder Eubank (the weather man from Utah) that is serving with his wife there in Hawaii, I asked him if he was missing his white suit coat, which he would always wear when it was going to snow, He said no but that they are loving there mission. He was fun to chat with and I am sure he is helping the church grow there in Hawaii.

Kayla and I on the beach one night watching the sunset. Kayla trying to eat as much sand as she could, love this photo, and that ADORABLE face!

The whole time there I really wanted to see a turtle, I never have in all my trips to Hawaii. I wanted to see one when I was snorkeling because I figured that would be my only chance, but was scared to see one as well. Well on our last day in Hawaii we were driving on the north shore and we saw a bunch of people on the beach and I saw a sign that said Honu, which is Hawaiian for Turtle. So we quickly pulled over and ran over to see what was going on. Sure enough there was a huge sea turtle sun bathing on the sand. Her name was Ipo which is Hawaiian for Sweetheart, which I thought was pretty awesome since it was Valentines Day. We got to watch her throw sand up on her back, and ask the volunteers there all sorts of questions about Sea Turtles. We could also see out into the water a bunch of other turtles swimming and coming up for air. Turtles are protected in Hawaii and you can't get closer than 6 feet to them so thats why the volunteers were there to help protect the turtles. It was a great ending to a great vacation. I just can't wait to go BACK!

Aloha

2010-02-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Aloha We are here in Hawaii and so glad to be with our Dad

Nathan had to come to Hawaii for work for 5 Weeks, so the kids and I came out for two weeks. One week down, an I am not so sure I ever want to leave. The weather feels amazing its no wonder this is paradise. Here are some photos and fun we had the first week. This week we are excited to have Nathan's Dad come over, who will be flying home with me, I am thankful for the help he will be, coming was scary enough wtih three kids. Like I said I am not sure I want to come home at all.

Elise and her Hawaiian Snail much larger than ours at home

Brycen holding a Hermit Crab Dad found in the tidal pools

The kids and I at the hammock park right outside our condo

(ignore my 3 CHINS)!!

Kayla and I (sans 3 CHINS)

Just swimming and enjoying the sun

Forgot to add this, Kayla's favorite discovery-HER TOES

Probably because she doesn't have to have a million layers on and socks all the time like back home.

Our Girls

2010-01-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

Snapped this photo this weekend, I can't get over how cute my girls are (I know they are CUTE since I am their mom). I also think its amazing how Kayla's eyes look so blue. I use to always tell my Mother-in-law that I wanted a blue eyed baby and I am wondering if when she got to Heaven she put my order through for me (thanks Mom). Even if they don't stay blue, I will of at least enjoyed it for awhile. I just love the contrast of Kayla's blue to Elise's Brown. So fun to see them be sisters, they both have such a love for each other, and I can't wait to see it grow and their bond with one another as well. Sort of jealous!

New Confession

2010-01-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

HOARDERS

(this is not my house, just FYI)

My sister-in-law Jessica told me about this show on A&E, and I can't stop watching it. Secretly or not so secretly anymore I am scary afraid I am a Hoarder. Every time I watch the show I am scared that my house is looking like theirs and I freak out. The show to me is like a car wreck or something horrible that I want to look away but I just can't....I am stuck watching till next week. The good things is after I watch the show I usually clean something out a closet a cupboard something with in a few days of watching it cause I AM SO AFRAID.

I have learned that I do have some hoarding tendencies I get emotionally attached to items that be come of no use. I have tons of stuff, that I got for a good deal. At least the show is helping me so that I don't get to be too bad of a Hoarder. It is so interesting to me to see how much of a disease it can be. Anyway if anyone else wants to watch it on A&E on Monday nights. Most everyone probably already knew about it. I am glad to now know, maybe it was one of those things that people didn't dare tell me about since I maybe ONE...Ahhh!

Our 6 year old

2010-01-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

This last week Elise turned SIX!

I kind of can't believe it, but we are loving it anyway. She keeps us laughing, and is a wonderful big sister to both Brycen and Kayla. We don't know what we would do with out her. Elise we love you and we are so glad you are part of our family FOREVER.

We had a birthday party on Wednesday that was dinner with family and one large pink snail cake. We were planning on a friend party but the fun of Strep Throat for the family has put that on hold. She got a bunch of fun toys and has loved playing with them all. Thanks to all family who helped remember and celebrate our Lisey!

Here are some photos from years past. It just makes me miss my baby, Lisey which I tell her all the time...

Newborn

with her baby brother Brycen

Her fun style

Always a helper

Christmas 2009

2010-01-14T16:55:00.000-08:00

I know I know I am a bit behind. Considering I got the tree down just a week ago its not to bad. The holidays were great, and busy as always. It seemed I didn't have enough time no matter what I did. My time seemed to go just as quick as ever. We had some great times the month of December. We went to the lights at Willard Bay which has been a fun tradition. Elise had a dentist emergency and had to have a baby root canal, she was such a trooper. Nathan got to fly down to Vegas with his Dad to meet up with his brother and cheer on the Cougars. They all froze but had a great time, I hope its a tradition that will continue. My cousin Kelly was in town for the Holidays so we got to spend a day together. We went sledding in Bountiful with Nathan's Dad. We got to see lots of family and enjoy being together as a family.

Opening Gifts

So tired little Kayla

The kids Snowman they built with their Dad

Visiting with cute Tess (Kelly's Baby)

Thanksgiving Blessing

2009-12-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

We had a great thanksgiving week. Nathan had the whole week off and we enjoyed every minute of it together. Monday Elise and Brycen both had school, so Nathan and I were off Christmas shopping. It was so fun to be able to do it together, and not have to worry about finding a sitter, Kayla slept through the whole thing. Tuesday we made the drive all the way down to Draper for an In-N-Out Burger, it was a thanksgiving feast in itself.

Making the most of where we were, went and visited some family on the south end of the valley. Wednesday we took family pictures up at Silver Lake in the snow and froze, but it was so beautiful. It made me want to hit the slopes and go skiing, which I haven't done for a few years. On the way home we of course stopped and had another In-N-Out Burger since Nathan's Dad with us, he need to join in the tastiness. We also tried animal style fries, a definte new favorite. Thursday we got up and cooked and then had dinner in Centerville with Nathan's family. It was delicious! Everything was wonderful, Nathan's sister Heidi had even found Mom's Orange drink recipe to make it feel a little more complete. It was such a nice day as well, Elise went out and made a tiny snowman, Elise didn't even have a coat. I love all the thought she put into this little frosty friend.Friday and Saturday I spent the days cleaning the house and putting up the Christmas tree, in preparation of Kayla's blessing on Sunday. Nathan attended the temple with his siblings and Dad Friday, and then Saturday got to go to the last BYU game. Sunday morning we were able to bless Kayla here at the house. It all turned out wonderful, her father gave her a beautiful blessing, and she looked like a doll in her dress. After we had waffles and fruit. We were so thankful for all that were here and missed those who weren't. I am just thankful for such an amazing weekend.

Nathan's Dad with some of the grand kids. We were sorely missing the rest.

Kayla with her Great-Grandparents, (Nathan's Moms parents)

Kayla and Me with my parents

Our two Beautiful Girls

And the Dress, not to forget the sweater I bought on-line from Scotland that was handmade and completely gorgeous. (gotta love etsy)

I plan on getting some more photos done of Kayla in her dress, hopefully next week, I will have to post them after I get them done.

Jelly Bean at 2 months

2009-11-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

I took Kayla in for her two month check up yesterday and it was quite the day. I got all three kids bathed and ready and myself ready and we got to the doctors for what I thought was our 10:15 appointment to find out that, my appointment was at 1:15. At least I was early and hadn't missed it. I told my pediatrician and she felt so bad, I told her not to feel bad that its what happens when you have THREE kids. Then when we came back for the appointment, Kayla of course had a HUGE blow-out in her diaper and had made a huge mess all over her shirt, it was wonderful, but I still think she is adorable. Kayla weighs 11 pounds, and 12 ounces and is now 23 inches long. I can't believe how much she has grown. It breaks my heart. I just don't understand how you can feel like your pregnant for an eternity but they grow up so fast once you get them here. She got her shots which was no fun, and her brother and sister were quite concerned for her. Elise planned on holding her hand but since the appointment was later she was at school. Brycen kept telling her, "Kayla it will just take just two seconds." We are enjoying Kayla and love to get her to smile and coo. We are so glad she is part of our family.

Saddest sight ever with her little band-aids on those chubby thighs....

I bought this shirt when I was 40 weeks pregnant. It says "worth the wait" with a snail on it, so of course we had to get it since I was still waiting to actually get this little girl here, and since her sister loves snails so much...

Whenever Brycen sees Kayla smile he always says, "Kayla has a great smile," I have to agree!

Swine flu at our House

2009-11-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

I want to type this all out so I remember this last two weeks and all that it was...

Friday October 30: We are driving home from Ogden and Nathan mentions that his throat hurts, about 5 minutes later he says his shoulders hurt and he thinks he is getting sick. I tell him to come home and get in bed and take it easy. I start cleaning for Kayla's blessing that we are planning on Sunday. Nathan starts having a low grade fever in the evening

Saturday October 31: Nathan gets up feels alright at least better, than last night. By early afternoon he starts to feel crummy again. Fevers starts again. We think about cancelling the blessing, but figure we will wait till tomorrow to see how he feels. I go buy the food for the blessing and take the kids Trick or Treating. Poor Nathan misses it all upstairs in bed.

Sunday November 1: Nathan feels terrible in many ways, still very sore achy, still had a fever, and disappointed that we are now cancelling the blessing. We notify everyone that we will be postponing the blessing for another day. Nathan's dad comes and gets him and takes him to the doctor. He calls me from the doctors to tell me he has swine flu. I quickly start sanitizing the house and move mine and Kayla's stuff out of the room so that he can quarantine himself to our room. He gets home and his Dad feels his prescription for the Tamiflu ($85). We spend the day in our separate quarters him upstairs me and the kids downstairs. Going back and forth to help him food and medicine. I start sleeping downstairs to keep Kayla and I from getting sick. We were glad we had cancelled so no one else would get sick from us.

Monday November 2: I call anyone I can to find out what to do to prevent the kids from getting sick and if they can still go to school and what not. Kids don't have fevers so they can go to school. Drive Elise to and from school. Don't want to carpool in case we get the other kids sick. Nathan still achy and still had a fever. We still spend the day quarantined from Nathan. I just keep hoping and praying that no one else gets sick. Find out from Nathan's Dad that you can go get tickets from the Davis County Health Department for H1N1 vaccinations, at the Davis county fair grounds. Put the kids in the car and head right down there to get tickets. Got three tickets for the next day for 4:00, feeling of relief.

Tuesday November 3: Same thing, Nathan still not feeling well. Take Elise back and forth to school. After school we head up to the Davis County Conference Center to get there for our shots. Meet Nathan's Dad there who is also getting the shot and helping me with the kids. I get my shot, Brycen brave as can be gets his shot. Elise not so brave, and very frightened gets her shot. Super glad Grandpa was there to help me. Elise is then not so afraid of shots, since she didn't even know they had given it to her. That evening Nathan's fever finally goes away we feel like the worst is over for him.

Wednesday November 4: Wake up and Brycen is sitting by me on the couch he is eating a jawbreaker from Halloween I am holding Kayla. He coughs, I don't think much of it he coughs again and something tells me to get up and take his temperature. Sure enough he has a fever and is getting swine flu. I take him upstairs and we put him in his room. Nathan sets up a small TV in his room, so he can watch movies. I try not to freak out knowing he has just coughed on Kayla. I start calling the doctors office get him an appointment. Take Brycen to the doctor. Yep, they figure its swine flu since there is nothing else wrong with him, no strep throat, no ear infection. They tell me they don't recommend giving him Tamiflu since he is not at high risk and they don't think it will do much for him. They give me the prescription but its up to me. The doctor puts a refill on it for if Elise gets sick. Think about keeping Elise home. Her teacher calls and tells me she can come to school since she has no symptoms. I drive her down to school. Go get juice boxes for Brycen, and other supplies at the store realizing that my worst fears are coming true and we are all going to get sick. Go to fill Tamiflu but it will cost $116 dollars I decide to go with the doctors advice and not feel it, plus we didn't see that it did anything for Nathan. Come home and drop my cell phone in the toilet, it fell right out of my pocket. Can today get any worse? I spend most of the evening in tears not knowing what to do. One of the sweetest things that happened that I wish I had a picture of was how Elise would sit outside Brycens door and talk to him and entertain him. They were so sad not to be able to play with each other. We also decided and realized that we wouldn't be headed to San Fransisco on Friday. Nathan cancelled the hotel, I was sad to not be getting out of town, and not being able to see my cousin Kelly.

Thursday November 5: Brycen is really starting to get sick, luckily Nathan is feeling better and has already had it so he and Brycen hang out quarantined together. I drive Elise to and from school and try to take care of my two sick boys. Nathan really helped with making sure Brycen had Motrin and Tylenol in him. That night I also had Nathan give me and all the kids blessings. I knew it wouldn't mean that we wouldn't get sick but I knew it would at least help me through it.

Friday November 6: Nathan was able to go to work, I don't really think he was really ready to, but knew his boss was needing him there. About 10:00 I took my temperature and realized that the itchy throat I had was for real as I was starting to get a fever. So I tried not to hold Kayla which was very hard for me and wore a mask all day. Thankfully all my friends and neighbors helped out. We had, had dinner brought to us Wednesday, Thursday and then they were also doing it Friday and Saturday which was a huge help. They also took Elise to and from school, I didn't feel well and Brycen really didn't feel well and I didn't know how I would get her there and back. I called everywhere trying to find out what I should do to help Kayla from getting it. Most places said the same as everywhere that I had heard all week long. Just wash your hands really well, and keep your Lysol handy. My hands were raw from washing and I smelled like the Lysol can and I was still getting sick. My doctor finally called and talked to me and told me to get on the Tamiflu and to just not have close contact with Kayla. The doctor also reassured me that she didn't think that Kayla would get it since I was nursing her and that it was the best thing I could do for her. So I borrowed another great neighbors pump and started that endeavor for feeding Kayla. I had offers from everyone to help me and come get Elise and Kayla, I just couldn't bare to not have them HOME. Plus I didn't want anyone else getting sick from us. Nathan ended up having to work late because the radios at work hadn't been working because of the refinery explosion at the refinery in Woods Cross. He got home around 7 and then stepped up and took care of Kayla and me. He went and got my Tamiflu ($88) and dinner and all.

Saturday November 7: I woke up feeling pretty good, I stopped trying to pump to feed Kayla and just wore a mask and washed well. It was so hard to pump, and I felt like I was getting germs all over the bottle. Plus I wasn't coughing much. So I wore a mask again all day and had a fever that morning but after that was able to feel a lot better than Friday. That afternoon I took Elise's temperature and sure enough she was getting a fever, she also started coughing, so Nathan once again went and filled the Tamiflu prescription ($120). We got it in Elise as soon as we could and she had the least amount of symptoms and only coughed a handful of times. I was so glad, she and Kayla were the ones I feared the most with getting Swine Flu. Elise had premature lungs so any cold she gets usually hurts her a bunch. I was so blessed to know she was getting sick and to get the medicine in her, so she didn't get so sick. I also remember feeling at peace and not feeling scared and frantic and knowing that it was because of the blessing Nathan had given me.

Sunday November 8: We all just hung around and were lazy all day. None of us really had fevers and I knew we were going to be okay.

Monday November 9: I kept the kids home just to be sure. Brycen also had a fever again so I took him to the doctor worried he had a second infection. He didn't just still the swine flu so we went home and took naps.

Tuesday - till now: We are doing fine and all recovered. Brycen still coughs a bit but doing well. I am so glad to know that we made it through Swine Flu. It cost a bunch with prescriptions and in co-pays but we survived. Now we have met our prescription deductible so that will be good for the rest of the year.

I know that Heavenly Father blessed us and watched over us. I am thankful for all the help we received and all the help that was offered. I am just sorry to anyone else who may get Swine Flu, cause it is no FUN! I know that we were blessed despite the fact that we all got sick, cause it could of been worse.

Halloween

2009-11-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

What a weekend we had! Nathan wasn't feeling well, so I took the kids Trick or Treating. Elise and Brycen were so in to it and loved it all. I was thankful for the nice weather so they weren't freezing. Elise was our beautiful Snow White and she loved it when anyone told her how cute she was, and how she looked just like Snow White. Brycen enjoyed being the one dwarf, and had to try to be Grumpy literally, especially while getting candy. Kayla got to be wrapped up and carried by mom as our poisoned apple for our themed Halloween. When the kids got home they poured all their candy out on the floor and went through it all. It brought back memories of doing the same thing when I was a kid and trading for my favorites with my brothers and sisters. We wished Nathan would of been with us, Sunday we found out he has H1N1, poor guy. He has been in our room all weekend trying not to get us all sick. I am glad that the rest of are all feeling well, and hope it remains.

our handsome Grumpy

our little poisoned apple

our beautiful Snow White

All three of my cute kiddos!

School Pictures

2009-10-28T09:24:00.001-07:00

Elise got her school pictures here this week, I was super excited to see them. They turned out as wonderful as a mom can hope. I am so glad that Elise is loving Kindergarten and going to school. She has handled it all so well, with so much joy and excitement. We are super proud of her and all she is learning. My favorite part about getting her school pictures was when I pulled them out of the envelope and sat down to look at them. Elise grabbed the envelope and grabbed out the advertisement and was so excited because her picture was on a water bottle. I thought I'd share both photos with everyone.

First Two Weeks

2009-09-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Kayla will be two weeks old. She is for sure my biggest distraction in life right now, I could sit and hold or even just watch her for hours. With this being our third I know how FAST life will go and I am trying to enjoy every moment of it even the 3 am feedings. She has been really great so far and is quite content. Elise and Brycen are enjoying every moment of her, Elise like to read books to her and bring her toys, Brycen likes to pat her on the head and say "Oh Kayla what are we going to do with you?" With all that life has brought I am thankful for all the help and support we have received. Most of all I am thankful for Nathan and all the support and love he has shown, he is a wonderful father and husband. I feel so complete and blessed to have such a wonderful spouse and three beautiful healthy children. Having Nathan have to go to Houston the first of this week proved to me what I already knew of how much I love and need him around. I am thankful for the great care he has taken of me and the kids. May we have many more weeks of fun and love with our new addition to our family whom we are all loving and snuggling. Enjoy the photos!

Miss Jellybean

2009-09-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

We finally got our overdue little girl here today. She is absolutely perfect and we are all excited and happy she made it. She weighes 8 lbs and 1 ounce, and is 20 inches long. She looks like her dad and has blonder hair than her brother and sister ever had. She is a complete angel. Her name is Kayla Jean which comes from both of her grandmothers middle names Nathan's mom was Diana Kay and my mom was Suzanne Jean. Brycen wanted to name her Jellybean, so Kayla Jean Jellybean was as close as we could get. I am sure it will be a nickname for years to come. We are so glad to have her as part of our family.

Preschool for Brycen and a Broken Arm

2009-09-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today Brycen got to start Preschool. He was excited all morning long and couldn't wait to go. He was excited to take his new Nike backpack. Elise gave him tips all morning long of what preschool would be like. It was super cute. It was crazy to take him and be on my own for the afternoon. He loved going to school at Ms. Sarah's and I hope she survives the class full of boys with only two little girls. We are excited to see him learn and grow and are so proud of him and his excitement to learn. We know he will do great. You can also see his broken arm. He jumped off a trampoline and landed putting all his weight on his arm. He is such the trooper and never seems to complain. He loves to get his cast wrapped and changed to a new color, it is originally neon yellow. It actually got to be part of my birthday fun as he did it the night before and we spent the morning of my birthday at the orthopedic specialist getting it put into a cast. After we headed to the donut shop and I called my Dad to tell him I had passed on the tradition. I broke my leg on a tramp at the age of 5 and got treated to donuts for being so brave, so I figured my son need to get to enjoy it as well. Isn't life ironic!

PREGNANCY UPDATE:

While both the kids were at school, I got to see the doctor and we have an inducement scheduled for Saturday morning. Unless she decides to come on her own earlier. This little girl is too comfortable and enjoying being held by her grandma's in heaven so we will have to try something to get her, here. We will let you all know how it goes, thanks for all the phone calls, and concern.

New Game

2009-09-03T07:49:00.001-07:00

I just had to share this...

Elise got home from school yesterday and told me she played a new game at school and she was so excited. She said its just like golf ball hunting mom, you have to pick up the scraps of paper on the floor and I got 3 and won. She then showed me her new shiny sticker. I was pretty proud and had to laugh...

Nesting

2009-08-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well I am being brave here, because at 39 weeks, I don't think I have any hope of a good picture. Here I am in my perfect shirt for my mood completely nesting. I have been scrubbing down everything, sewing, and stock piling groceries. We are looking forward to greeting and loving this new addition to our family here soon.

Kindergarten

2009-08-22T19:04:00.001-07:00

First Day of School, First Day of School!

All I could think that morning was that line from Finding Nemo, Elise as a toddler loved that movie and we watched it a million times. I finally understood what Marlin felt, and wondered how in the world we weren't still at the stage of watching Finding Nemo a million times. Where has the time gone?

Thursday was Elise's first day of kindergarten. She loved it all. Nathan took the day off and was there to help me drop her off. Which was helpful since yes I did cry. She was excited all morning long and couldn't wait to go. Her teacher is Ms. Lambson and we think it will be a great year for her. She has enjoyed all of it so far. I love to hear and find out all that she does and learns already. I get to drive her and two other kids from our neighborhood and its so fun to hear them laugh, giggle, and interact in the car with me and with each other on the way there. Here are some photos of her in her cute little uniforms.

I just can't believe my little girl is so grown up and going to school. It was a hard moment for me and I don't look forward to doing it next year with Brycen, cause I am sure it will be just as hard.

Golf Ball Hunting Tales

2009-08-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well as the summer has continued we have continued with the golf ball hunting craze at our house. Nathan's Dad Steve has also joined in and is as hooked as Nathan is. Along with finding golf balls, they recently found a rattlesnake. I am just glad it didn't find them and bite them, it really was quite the scare. We have so many golf balls now that we have put them organized into large 18 gallon totes into the garage. The kids get all the colored balls, Elise loves the pink, and Brycen the yellow, so those are still all over the house. I am just not sure what we will do when the 18 gallon totes are full.

Some interesting facts from the hunting:

Golf ball colors we have found: yellow, pink, orange, green, blue, purple, silver, and gold

The most found in one day was 197 golf balls

The most found so far in one month was July with about 1,100

The total of golf balls we have in the storage bins in the garage is 3,749

The type we have most of is Titleist
Yes, we have a spread sheet on the computer with the complete type, name, and count of each kind

Anyone want to buy any!

Elise drew this portrait of Brycen Golf Ball Hunting, I LOVE IT!

This is an old photo but I enjoy it and seeing the creativity that the kids had with the colored golf balls to arrange them this way. I walked in the front room and found them this way and grabbed the camera. Glad they can use them as part of the decor of our home.

Summer

2009-07-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Since being married to Nathan summer always has included some sort of Baseball game. We have traveled to many games, even as far as Atlanta. We love to make it to Spring training in Phoenix and one day hope to travel to all the stadiums. It always means good weather and summer fun if we are at a ball game. Last night we made it to the Salt Lake Bee's for family night. We had a great time enjoying the game, eating ice cream, getting sticky fingers from cotton candy, and trying to stay cool.

One of the highlights last night was when the announcer announced that Center fielder Brad Coon was up for bat, and Elise turned to her dad and asked, "Where is the Raccoon?" It was a good laugh for us all. We had a great night and were grateful to have Nathan's dad with us and all the more fun it made it.

Me

2009-07-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

33 Weeks!

Just so everyone can see what Elise was talking about, in Motherhood Maternity.

Still Blogging

2009-07-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

JUNE

June wasn't as crazy as May but still eventful, and went by way to quick. Nathan went to Canada for 2 WEEKS for work which was tough. I kept busy trying to fill up the shed and clean out anything I could. I went through closets and decorations. I just wish I were actually done. I still feel like I have a ton to do, as we get closer to September. We had planned to make it back to Nauvoo in June the day after Nathan was to return from Canada, but it didn't work out. I was so burnt out from having him gone and then Nathan's dad came down with Pneumonia and the kids didn't feel well. Fearing the worst that we would get out there and get sicker, we postponed it till next year. So something to look forward too. We instead went to Park City for the week. We rented a condo and had a fun time vacationing in UTAH. We really enjoyed our selves and it was so much more low key than hauling ourselves to Nauvoo. We had wanted to see the Marriott location in Park City so this was the perfect opportunity and I recommend it to anyone, we were far enough gone but close enough to know if we needed to come home we could. We could see the Alpine slide out our bedroom window. Nathan took the kids on the slide and the coaster which they both loved. Brycen was in heaven that there was miniature golf there as well. I was happy for the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and the carmel apple I enjoyed. We also got some fishing in at Deer Creek and at Strawberry. Nathan's Dad Steve came up one day to go fishing with us. The kids caught as many fish as they could. It was such beautiful scenery we really enjoyed ourselves. The fish were a junk fish but the kids didn't know it and they just had fun reeling them in. The best was they were biting all the time, so the kids weren't too bored waiting around. Nathan even caught some craw fish.

I love being up in Heber and that area, it always reminds me of when I was dating and feel in love with Nathan, it is also one of the first things I did with him as I met his family, we were going up to cut down a Christmas tree. We also dream one day of retiring and moving to a house in Heber its just so beautiful up there. Being in Park City we also of course made it to the outlets. Being pregnant we have had some funny comments from the kids. This had to be one of the best. As we walked in to Motherhood Maternity for me, as I was in need of some pants, Brycen pulled his usually boy not wanting to shop act and said I don't want to go in this store mom. I said Brycen we need to for me because I am pregnant, and Elise pipes in as loud as can be, " Yea Bryce we need to cause Mom has a really BIG belly." The entire store was laughing. Oh you gotta love what kids say. June went by quick and I quickly realized how much I love having Nathan home two weeks in Canada was no fun, I just love having my family all TOGETHER!

Finally Blogging

2009-07-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

MAY

Okay so I have been missing in action when it comes to blogging lately so here it goes. I will do the last two months. First off May. May is always the craziest month in our house.

We first had the Race for the Cure in memory of Nathan's mom. We are usually out of town when they have had the Race for the Cure. So we never got to attend with Nathan's mom. I was glad we made it this year in memory of her to remember what a strong woman she was in so many ways. It was a neat day to be together as a family.

Then we had Brycen's Birthday, can't even believe he is 4. We of course had a golfing birthday. In all the craziness we only managed to get a few photos. Which is better then none. Here is one of him with his cake and candles. We had his party right after the race for the cure. Then on his birthday we took him to Cherry Hill his favorite mini golf course.

Then that same weekend we had Mother's Day and our 8th Anniversary. Nathan surprised me with my own mini laptop. Which I love taking with me places and being able to have my own computer plus its pretty darn cute. Our Anniversary was on Sunday so we didn't get to do a whole lot. Just being together and with our kids worked this year. So glad for the 8 wonderful years we have had and all that is ahead of us. I love you Nathe!

We also got to go see Grandma Mildenhall's new horse Sis and baby kitten that the kids were dying to see. Many more fun horse rides to come for sure.
As we finished off May we celebrated Nathan's birthday and Memorial day as Nathan, his Dad, and Brother Stephen built a much need shed in our backyard. I am quite thankful for it and all the hard work they did. Here are the kids at Nathan's moms grave as we traveled to all the graves, we also made it to Provo to my mom's as well.

Elise also had her Preschool graduation which was fun to watch and see how much she has progressed. We also found out that when she grows up she wants to be a Cat teacher, which she later explained to us that she will teach cats not to scratch people. Nathan and I just loved it and was glad she hadn't told her teacher that she wanted to be a snail as we thought she might of.

Somewhere in the middle of May we bought a new car needing a bigger one with the baby coming. We got a Sequoia, at first I felt like I was driving a bus, but have now gotten use to the size and enjoy it. I will have to add a picture of the car some time, when its been washed. We are enjoying it and feel blessed with all that life has brought us and all that is to come with a new baby sister on its way.

San Francisco

2009-05-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

The end of April and first of May we got to head out to San Francisco. Nathan had to go there for a class for work. The kids and I were just glad to get out of town. This was our third trip to San Francisco and we enjoy it every time. I don't think there is a city quite like it anywhere in the world. Every time we get off the bay bridge I marvel at the beauty of it all. We had a great time and got to spend some fun times together despite the fact that Dad had to work part of the time. We spent one day walking around the Oakland temple. I had never been to it, and had just seen it from a distance. It was beautiful and the gardens we amazing as was the view. After we went down to Rodeo beach and sat in the warm sand, it was so relaxing.

The beach is covered with small dark pebbles that were warm from the sun that felt wonderful between your toes. On the way back from the Golden Gate bridge we stopped at the Palace of fine Arts and took some photos.

(Nathan took this photo with a bunch of shots and stitched it together, it's a favorite of mine and I think he did an amazing job)

Another day we went to Pier 39 and froze as it was very windy, we ate lunch at our favorite restaurant on the pier and went and saw the seals.

We also ate as much In-N-Out as we could find. I enjoyed the mall across the street from our hotel while Nathan was in meetings. Elise loved the pool at the hotel although we froze every time we went for a swim she is such a fish. We also had the luck of having my cousin Kelly and her husband be in town so we all got together with my other cousin, her sister Brooke who lives in San Francisco. We had a fun time visiting and comparing our pregnant bellies. We love San Francisco and never mind heading out there.

Zoo...Anyone

2009-05-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to doing some blogging. It is always crazy in May, but oh so fun. We bought annual passes to the zoo this year. Anyone wanting to go let me know. The kids love it. Here are some photos from the times we have already gone this year. I love my unsuspecting animal subjects that pose in the photos with the kids. The kids think its hilarious. The kids also enjoy having a zoo map and being in charge of telling mom which way we need to go. Elise is good at finding the bathrooms on it, which is helpful for me in my pregnant state. We are looking forward to some fun and great memories at the zoo!

Good at finding

2009-04-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

My conversation with Elise the other day consisted of the following:

Elise: Mom I am really good at seeing snails and really good at finding snails.

Me: Yes, Elise you are good at finding snails.

see here

Elise: Dad and Brycen are really good at finding golf balls.

Me: They are really good at finding golf balls.
see here

Elise: So mom, what are you really good at finding?

Me: Laughter

After giving it some thought, Elise I am good at finding your socks all over the house, but I love it!

it's a....

2009-04-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

GIRL

Elise can't wait to be get a sister

Brycen not so sure
Mom and Dad just glad everything looks healthy
Due Date: September 4, 2009

Happy Birthday

2009-04-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment and wish Jess happy birthday. She is a great sister, sister-in-law, and aunt to all of us and we love her very much. I have many fun memories of Jess and love the relationship she has always had with me and with Nathan. I still remember the day I met her and how cute she was, she is a wonderful person and such an important part of our family. Hope you had a great day. We love you.

C'est la vie

2009-04-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Our trip to France. We had an amazing week of Paris in the spring. First of all a HUGE thanks to Heidi and Dwight for watching the kids and taking care of them while we were gone. The kids had a blast! Our first day down in Paris we went to the flea market and then headed to the La Sacre Coeur (the Sacred Heart) church that is on a hill.

We walked about 300 stairs to go up to it and go through it. It is probably my favorite church in Paris. After seeing the interior Nathan and I paid to walk all the stairs to the top of the dome like we did in Italy. It was an amazing view. After we walked around the streets and saw the painters and sketchers. We ate lunch and headed to the Arc d'Triomphe.

We went to the top of the Arc as well and enjoyed seeing more of Paris. On the way up you are inside the Arc and can see some examples at how large the sculptures on the outside of the Arc really are. We then walked down the Champs Elysee and enjoyed seeing all the expensive stores.

The second day in Paris we went out to Versailles and saw the home of King Louis the 14th. We enjoyed the grounds and gardens, it was to bad the flower beds weren't planted. On our walk back into Paris we stopped of at the Eiffel Tower.

We ended up waiting two hours in line to go up to the top but it was worth it. We got to see the sun set from the tower and see all the lights of Paris turn on. When we got down we were walking back to the Metro and turned around to find all of the lights on the exterior of the tower flashing, giving the tower a glow of glittering. It was beautiful and amazing. The third day we went to the Louvre and got to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, Cupids kiss, the winged victory, and the dying slave.

The Louvre is HUGE and we had a fun time walking around and seeing some of the amazing works there. After we walked down the garden of the Tuleries and went to the Place de la Concorde where they had placed the guillotine during the revolution, we then also walked up the street and saw the Madeline a Greek looking church in Paris. The next day we came back to Paris for our last time and we went to Notre Dame.

We walked across the Seine River and went through Notre Dame and saw the amazing Rose windows and stained glass. We then went to the Musse d'Orsay which is a much smaller museum of impressionist works of art. We saw some amazing paintings. My new favorite was a work by Jean-Francois Millet called the Shepherdess with her flock. Having grown up with sheep most of my life I loved it. The other days we spent in the small village by our villa that we were staying in. We were out by Disneyland Paris and spent some time at downtown Disney. The village by our villa was so fun and everything I had always learned about France with the Bakery, the Butcher shop, the flower shop, the post office, the Fruit and Veggie stand, and the Grocery Store all right there next to each other. Nathan and I had fun going and buying some of our food at the grocery store and preparing our meals. I loved translating the packages so we knew what we were getting, and having fresh baked chocolate croissants for breakfast from the bakery. We also feel in love with the Mustard and Pickle Lays potato chips we found there and I have already called Lays and requested that they sell them in the US. We also drank as much Fanta Orange as we could. We fell in love with it in Italy so we loved having some more. It is an Orange soda but different from the US version in that it isn't as carbonated and has some grapefruit in it. Its delicious. We had an amazing time, and feel blessed to have gotten the opportunity to do it. I loved being there with Nathan and am so thankful for him, and his amazing ability to find ways for us to travel and create new experiences for us. Being able to experience something like France with someone you love so much makes it all the more amazing. Thanks for a wonderful trip Nathe, Je t'aime (I LOVE YOU)!

Made me Laugh

2009-03-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am a fan of Jack Johonson and I think Ben Stiller is pretty funny, my fav is Meet the Parents. Anyway I saw this on YouTube and had a good laugh. I hope it doesn't offend anyone when Ben Stiller swears it is beeped out, and all but I don't want anyone upset. Anyway it was a good laugh for me.

Preschool

2009-03-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

I had to put this cute picture of Elise and her preschool class. Enjoy!

Good News

2009-02-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

So this morning my sweet husband called me. It was like 8:30 a time most normal people are awake. Well I wasn't I was asleep and in that frantic panic answered the phone, and tried to sound awake. It was Nathan and he of course knows and says, "did I wake you up?" I say "no I am alright." He then precedes to ask me,"Guess what is coming to Utah?" I am thinking as hard as my tired brain can is it a music group, is it Jack Johnson, or Collective Soul. I am at a total loss, he then says to me that it is in St. George now. I reply HALF ASLEEP, "I don't know the circus". Nope he laughs its In-N-Out. My favorite Burger place ever. I am so excited now if they just put one in Layton, I will be set. I am thrilled out of my mind and am craving a burger right now. Nathan just laughed and replied do you think I would call you and be excited about the CIRCUS coming. Ahh I am crazy and so out of it when I wake up.

You can read the news story about it here

Georgia

2009-02-04T08:46:00.001-08:00

This January we got to go back to Georgia for our nephew Ammon's baptism. I love Georgia so I am always excited to get to go there. Spending time with the Lewis family is always enjoyable. We spent part of the week at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina and one day in Savannah, Georgia as well. We got to enjoy Grandpa all week, and just hoped he survived us. It was a wonderful experience being there as Ammon made the choice to be baptized. I still can't believe he is eight. He is a great kid with an amazing personality. Thanks for letting us be part of your day Ammon. We also got to go Bowling as a family. Elise got to turn 5 in Georgia and make a special birthday cake with her Aunt Stephanie. It was a week full of some wonderful memories.

Sledding

2009-01-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to get this on here. We were able to go sledding one day before Christmas. It was a blast. We convinced Nathan's Dad to come with us, which mad it even more memorable to have Grandpa there. The kids loved it. Elise you couldn't stop and was constantly heading down the hill. Brycen took some convincing but still enjoyed himself once he figured it out. We went to the classic "I don't fall" hill which Nathan's brother and sisters will understand. Nathan and I did go down the hill together and yes we did fall off the sled and then fell walking up the hill and laughed. We had some fun kids there that were quite the helpers. Elise made instant friends with the girls. They were kids that lived in the area and they were so great to help Elise and Brycen up the hill. At one point we saw the kids trying to carry Elise in the sled up to the top of the hill, it was quite comical. It was a great day and will forever be a wonderful memory.

Christmas Time

2008-12-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas time is here. I thought that I'd take a minute and put up some photos of our Christmas tree, and decorations. I love to see how people decorate for Christmas because its such a special time of year. We have a fishing tree. I love it and as I thought last night about how Christmas decorations can remind us of the Savior, I thought of how Jesus feed the 5 thousand, and how he asked us to be fisher of men. I am thankful for the love I have of and from Christ. Also this holiday season Elise told me that she wanted to make a bed for baby Jesus. Well since it is my month for Sharing Time, I did it. Nathan is out of town and so I spent an hour or so making a bed for baby Jesus. It was really fun. I enjoyed designing it and figuring out how to best make it. I just wish I had some old weathered wood. Anyway enjoy it, Elise is and I am sure it will work nice for Sharing Time as well. Merry Christmas everyone.

Golf Ball Hunting

2008-12-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

I don't even know how it started, but some how, some way Nathan came up with this idea of going and looking for all the golf balls that he could find on the outskirts of a certain golf course. I am not allowed to disclose the location. I already knew that when Nathan is golfing he loves to come home with more golf balls then he started with, by looking in the bushes for what other golfers have lost. Anyway that is what we have been doing any chance Nathan gets and there is still sunlight to see. It has really helped Nathan as a stress reliever and since we have had more than enough stress for a year or so I am just happy it helps. We all go to the golf course and walk in the weeds and fields surrounding and look for as many golf balls we can find I think our total count is in the 800+ range, but you'd have to ask Nathan for sure. Brycen has absolutely loved doing this and gets into it as much as Nathan.

Its cute to see it greater build the relationship they have, and to see how much Brycen is like his dad. Brycen has learned all the names of the type of the golf balls by sight since he doesn't yet know how to read. See the video below. Elise on the other hand doesn't really like it and the moment we get out there begins whining. Her latest has been that she has to go to the bathroom so that she gets to go back to the car, where in which she then doesn't have to go anymore. We have even got Nathan's dad out with us this last week. Its true that even I have to admit but even you get a sense of excitement when you find some lost hidden, little white golf ball. Nathan has now gotten mucking, or cow milking boots from my parents to wear which he loves to wear in all the cat tails that are exploding and all the smelly swampy mud. Don't even ask me what my laundry is like. I could barely handle it before. Now the question just is what will Nathan do when it snows, his response head to St. George. Enjoy the photos and the fact that the Miller's are CRAZY!

Brycen & the Golf Balls

2008-12-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's kind of hard to see what type of ball it is so heres the list:

Pinnacle, Callaway, Nike, Noodle, Pro V1, Taylor Made, Top Flite, Bridgestone

Temple Square

2008-12-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Monday night we went and got to go see the lights at Temple Square. We had a great time with Nathan's family and the kids loved seeing some of their cousins. It was beautiful as always. It seems to me that they don't light as many trees as they use to. Maybe its just because I was a kid then and all the trees were so big. Who knows I am just glad we had such a great night and got to enjoy it as a family.

I am just glad that I live near temple square and can enjoy it every year, its such a wonderful tradition to see the lights. To see the nativities, I think it always helps me focus on the beautiful truth and light of Christmas. I get so sick of all the money and merchandise that goes into Christmas. Its nice to go somewhere and just focus on the Savior and the true reason for Christmas. Its great way to help teach the kids that as well. Nathan got some great pictures. Enjoy!

Tribute

2008-11-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take some time today and write down a few of my feelings. We lost Nathan's mom this weekend. Its been rough. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed dearly by all of us and many more. I feel blessed to of known her, to of been able to call her Mom and be part of her family. I know I am even more blessed to of been lucky enough to of married one of her sons that she raised so righteously. I will miss her more than I know. She was a wonderful Grandma and my kids adored her. She was a hopeful, strong person. She battled cancer 12 years with all her might. She was very close to our Heavenly Father and loved the gospel. She was always willing to help Nathan and I with whatever we had happening in our lives. She loved to garden and taught me a great many things. I am thankful for the time I got to spend with her and will treasure the memories I have of her. I am so glad to know that she is at peace and with our Heavenly Father. I hold to the fact that I know that we will see her again and that we can be with her and our other loved ones we have lost. May I be able to emulate some of the wonderful qualities that Nathan's mother was so that I can live a life as beautiful as hers was. Love you and miss you Mom.

Click here if you would like to read the obituary

War of the Worlds

2008-11-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

This evening Stephen and Stephanie were here rocking out on the Guitar Hero with us, and when they left later on Stephen gave us a call to go out and check out the weird lights on the mountain. Nathan grabbed the camera and got some awesome shots. It looked really freaky not knowing what was causing the lights on the mountains. Once we looked at the photos on the camera we could tell it was the moon glaring off the snow. We figured that the snow had melted and turned to ice and the glared of the moon, so enjoy Nathan's awesome photos.

Nests and such

2008-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have a thing with nests, I just love them. They amaze me and I find they so intriguing and beautiful. They are a favorite thing of nature for me. It all kind of started when we were first married and we would go cut down a Christmas tree every year. One year we got our tree home and it had a nest in it. I loved it, I went and got wood eggs and put them in it. When Christmas was over I carefully pulled it from the tree to save it. All the hard work that the bird had done to make it. I honestly felt bad that we had cut down the tree with the nest in it. Anyway I saved the nest and loved it and all the fibers that were in it, I remember the mud and twigs and even the deer hair, it was amazing. Unfortunately the kids came along and it got touched to much and I had to throw it away. So then I just started looking for decorating nest so I have been collecting them, but still hope to find some real ones one day.

So the other day Elise was playing with one of her many stuffed toys and since it was a robin she decided it needed to sit on one of mom's display nests. She told me, Mom sometimes robins lay eggs so my bird needs to sit on this nest. I had to get a picture. She cracks me up.

The other day I was sewing and Elise took my extra fabric and decided to play with. She told me she was making glasses, and wanted my help. I didn't know how we were going to do it with fabric but I did make her a pair out of some pipe cleaners. Well then what do you know her lamb needed glasses, and so did Brycen, and all her friends and cousins. So Elise, and Brycen had to wear their glasses for the rest of the day, and yes that included to the store. Yep I got some fun looks, but what could I do, eye wear is so fashionable, so enjoy Elise with her lamb.

Halloween

2008-11-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post a picture of the kids in their Halloween costumes. They loved all of it and already know what they want to be next year. Elise got to be Ariel, and requested the pink dress that she wears when she eats with Eric, with the white cut outs on the sleeves. Brycen got to be Sebastian the crab. I was afraid no one would know who they were, but people did. All in all it turned out pretty good. Elise was so funny in this picture, she told me she had to hold her dress out like she is because she is a Princess. I think we have been to Disneyland, I laughed.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

Okay so I know this was so long ago but, oh well.

For preschool Elise got to go on a field trip to a pumpkin patch. Brycen and I got to join in as well. I had a lot of fun getting to know some of the other kids and mothers that go to Elise's school. We went to the Black Island pumpkin patch and had a blast. We got to go on a tractor ride and pick out our own pumpkin. Then they had all these hay slides that the kids loved. They went on all of them so fearlessly. They had a corn box instead of a sand box. Elise loved making Corn angels, Brycen and I just liked the feel off it on our toes. It was a lot of fun and we got some fun pictures. It took me forever to blog this since I got a terrible sinus infection and then had so much to catch up on. Nonetheless I am doing good now.

Chuck E. 'yucky' Cheese

2008-10-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Life lately has been like a roller coaster ride for us for sure. We have had lots of ups and downs and yet Nathan and I are just trying to hold on. We are thankful for all the support and love we have felt, as we cling to each other and this difficult time for Nathan's family.

We spend a lot of time driving down to Centerville lately and in doing so get to pass the new Chuck E. Cheese building. The kids have been begging us to go so we finally gave in. Nathan had Thursday off from work so we thought it would be a mild less busy day. NOPE forgot that it was UEA and everyone is out of school. We waited anyway to get a seat and pizza. I couldn't believe all the hectic craziness of the place. The kids had a great time and we had fun spending the afternoon together playing games. Nathan and I loved the Skee-Ball (Alley Ball) whatever you like to call it. There were a ton of games to play and they were all just one token so it was fun for the kids. It wasn't all that bad until later when we were all sick to our stomachs from the pizza. So next time we will for go the pizza and just play the games. All in all a nice time with the family which we needed.

The picture is of the kids at the Chuck E. Cheese Drawing pad boothe. Its a fun one of both of them Brycen was laughing.

Thankful

2008-09-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

I also wanted to blog today of some of the wonderful blessings I have lately had in my life. Two weeks ago Nathan was in Houston right as Hurricane Ike was about to blow in. I was so glad that he was able to make it home Thursday a day before the storm hit and that he was safe. I had been nervous about it all week. I also am so glad that Elise is enjoying Preschool, I had a hard moment when she went the first day knowing how grown up she is getting. Its nice knowing how much she loves it, like we thought she would, so that I can enjoy it with her. It is also been a year since Nathan and I got the wonderful opportunity to go to Italy. It was a wonderful adventure that we will always have fond memories of. It was so nice to see a new part of the world, and fulfill a dream that we had together. It was so satisfying to me to be able to experience that with someone that I love as much as Nathan. We are both just so thankful that we were able to do something like that. Thankful for Nathan's parents for taking on the kids and, the time that they got to spend with Grandma and Grandpa. They still talk about the things they did when Mom and Dad went on the airplane. I am thankful for many more things but these ones have been on my mind the most.

My husband

2008-09-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

Nathe is everything wonderful, he truly is. I found him downstairs with the kids while I was up to my elbows making carmel apples the other night. He was entertaining them with youtube videos of SpongeBob Square Pants and picture that he scanned it. They were all busting up with laughter. Thank you to a wonderful father and husband. Love you.

These are two of the scanned pictures that got the kids laughing. They made me laugh and I had to share. Plus the one of Nathan you can see he shaved off his goatee. Which has also been quite funny to the kids as they tell everyone, that none of us have beards anymore, and cute Bryce saying I will have a beard when I get bigger and have more birthdays. Nathe had to shave for work, since working at the refinery is potentially a danger if something is released in the air and he has to wear a face mask it has to fit his face and seal tight, thus no face hair.

Me & Kelly in Hotdog-o

2008-09-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

First of all I have the BEST husband. For my birthday this year he completely surprised me by sending me to Chicago to visit my cousin Kelly. He took time off work to take care of the kids the whole Labor Day weekend. I left Thursday and didn't come home till the following Monday. Kelly and I had a blast, acting like we were 12 again staying up late all night talking and laughing. Kelly bought us tickets to Wicked for my Birthday as well. Friday we went to downtown Chicago and went to the art museum and to Millennium Park, ate the best Italian food, made a mess at Trader Joe's, and got to see Wicked that night. Wicked was amazing, and I loved it, and laughed through the whole show. Saturday we shopped till we dropped at Forever 21, and had Chicago deep dish pizza which was delicious. Sunday I got to go to church with Kelly and see her in action as one of the Primary Presidency. Then home for naps and craft projects, and making dinner together. Kelly also gave me a Twinkie cookbook, from the memories of my and Nathan's wedding reception food. Kelly and I made Twinkie lasagna for dessert that night. Monday we shopped more and I had to have deep dish pizza again. It was an amazing trip and a great opportunity to spend time with Kelly. Nathan did great with the kids, like I knew he would. I had a fun, relaxing time with Kelly and her cute dog Boggie, but was glad to come home and see my cute family. I asked Elise if she knew where I had been and she told me I went on a plane to Hotdog-o to see Kelly, and she wanted to know when she got to go. Now I just don't know how I will ever top that next year for Nathan's birthday!

Jack Johnson

2008-08-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Last night Nathan and I went to the Jack Johnson Concert. It was really fun. He is super talented and it was fun to see him play all the different guitars he had and the ukulele. My favorite was when he sang Upside, Down from the Curious George movie. That is the song that made me really like his music. I would put the movie on for the kids just so I could hear the awesome songs. The kids got kind of sick of always having to watch that movie so good thing I got the CD. I was really surprised at how good Jack Johnson sounded live, he sound just like his Cd's. I like how casual he is, he was on stage with flip flops, jeans and a t-shirt on. We had the best seats you could get, but the funny thing is we didn't have seats and we stood the whole time. I think next time we would pay less for seats, funny how that works. I couldn't believe how close we really were. It was funny though cause we had quite the night with all the traffic getting there which was insane, and then we stood in line to get some food and when Nathan was the next in line we found out that all the chicken and all the stuff for the tacos was out. We just couldn't believe it. The Usana Amphitheatre was completely full, so we headed out a little early so that we didn't have to take forever getting home. There was quite the interesting mix of people and it was fun to people watch. All and all it was an amazing night, being out with my amazing husband Nathan, who bought me tickets and took me to the concert-I love him!

Thanks to Marci for watching the kids, we can't wait to have theirs later this month when they go to Dave Matthews.

Cookies...Anyone

2008-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

We went down to Cabelas, in Lehi. We told the kids we were going to a store with animals like the museum in St. George so Elise knew she needed her binoculars. We got down there and took the kids to the mountain by the animals and Elise pulled out her binoculars and started scanning the mountain for animals. Nathan was by her and asked her what the animal was right in front of them. Elise replied a Beaver, Nathan surprised that she knew that so easily asked her how she knew that and Elise with out question replied to her dad, "Cause I am a smart cookie, Dad." We all just laughed.

Family Night

2008-08-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

A few Mondays ago we took the kids miniature golfing for family night. They always want to go golfing when they find out that, that is what dad is doing, especially Brycen. We went to classic Cherry Hill, and we figured that about everyone else had the same idea they were super busy. It was good though cause he could take our time and not rush the kids. The first 4 holes we had to keep telling the kids to not pick up the golf balls, they definitely were new to this. Elise loved all the castles that you got to shot your ball in. The best part of the night was on the last hole. Brycen had chosen a yellow golf ball to play with that night, since yellow is his favorite. We got to the last hole and Nathan and I told the kids that once you shot your ball in the hole with the clock your ball is gone, and is put away till next time you come play. So Brycen and Elise go first and shot their ball in. Brycen still didn't quite understand. His ball went in and he couldn't find it so he started looking around, and notices on the the hole behind us that there is a yellow ball, so that had to be it. He went running over there, Nathan and I caught on to what was going on but weren't close enough to him, so we call out to him and tell him no. He just is sure that, that was his ball and he was going to go get it. So he did, and the little boy whose ball it was started crying. I ran over and had him give it back and apologized up and down. I felt so bad, but yet couldn't help but smile.

Access Hollywood

2008-08-12T09:11:00.001-07:00

Nathan's Mom is Diana in the green for those of you who haven't meet her, she is FABULOUS!

Nathan's Mom

2008-08-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to put Nathan's mom's TV debut on the blog so everyone can see how fabulous she is. She truly is wonderful and I have such admiration for her, and her great abilities. She is a fighter and I am so glad. She has many wonderful qualities and abilities I would love to learn to have. It was fun to see her on TV and how beautiful she looked. The kids of course loved seeing Grandma on TV. They love her so incredibly much and there isn't a prayer said in our house with out a blessing for Grandma. Keep fighting Mom, we love you!

Our kids

2008-08-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

This post is mainly so I don't forget the funny things my kids say and do. Lately Elise and Brycen have started telling me I am a hearsey which anyone in Nathan's family will know right where that came from. On that same note last night as we were eating dinner Elise was sitting next to me and had just finished some grapes and had the left over stem piece and went to put it on the plate with the other grapes, and being the daddy's girl she is it landed right in my cup, which again anyone in Nathan's family will understand. We all busted up laughing. Its so great to see her personality and how she is growing up, yet I hate that its happening so fast. The other night in the car she was singing to her hearts content and it was the cutest thing ever. I hope its a while till she grows out of singing Twinkle little star, my favorite line is when it says, "up above" and Elise sings it "hubba bubba".

The other day Brycen and Elise went over to a friends house to play in the sprinklers, they were so tired afterwards so we came home for naps. After naps I said to Brycen you guys played hard today, and he said to me, "No mom we played med-de-dium. " I just laughed. So glad I have such great kids, love 'em.

Camping

2008-08-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Before the 24th of July, we were able to take a break and head out camping. We went up to our favorite campsite in Logan at Spring Hollow. The kids of course loved the tent and just always wanted to be in there. We were up there for three days and two nights. We have some how lost the cap to one of our air mattresses, so when we got up there we had no way to use our air mattress. Nathan and I were truly ruffing it on that one, our backs were so sore by the time we made it home. We got to take the kids fishing, and went on a hike. We also drove up to Bear Lake and the kids and Nathan went swimming, I was way to cold and sat on the beach with all the towels on me. Good thing Nathan is a fun dad, because I wimped out. We also had some Europeans on the beach by us, and I think they translated the whole Bear Lake thing wrong- but that's a whole other story! Then we went to get the always fabulous Bear Lake raspberry shakes, I think that was my favorite part. Nathan got a Banana Cream Pie shake that was tasty and the Onion Rings were delicious. After Bear Lake we went down to Logan for the afternoon and drove around to see how much it has changed. We drove by my old apartment were Nathan and I met and it was fun to show the kids. Then we went back to the tent for s'mores and hot dogs. The next morning we were planning to get up and get going so we had all the bags packed for the most part. At about 7 am we woke up to the sound of thunder and so Nathan and I jumped up started rolling sleeping bags and got the kids in the car while we took the tent and the rest of the stuff down in about 15 minutes. Right as we were folding up the tent it really started to pour. Nathan and I jumped in the car soaked and headed for home. When we got to Logan I looked over at Nathan's white shirt and where the rain drops had hit his shirt it started to turn yellow. My gray sweat pants were the same, and so was our pillow case that had got rain on it as well. It was the weirdest thing. All and all a great camping trip and fun time with our little family.

Human or Inhuman

2008-07-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have to post about my Monday this week. A few days ago while sitting at the computer in the kitchen I heard a little chewing noise, normally I would of thought it was the kids, but they were occupied with cartoons that morning. I listened more and it was a bit tin sounding like in a can. I then realized to my horror that it was probably a mouse under the stove. I know I shouldn't admit that I have a mouse its so gross and unclean, but normal. So I told Nathan and then on Monday I heard it again, so I decided I was going to go to Wal-mart and get some mouse traps. First I pulled the drawer out of the bottom of my stove and the kids of course came running up and wanted to look under there and grab the wrapped tootsie roll from who knows when and other misc. items. I immediately stopped them and said no that we can't touch stuff from down there since a mouse had been in there, (that was a mistake) Elise hears the word mouse and wants to know if we can keep it to be Brycen's pet (she is holding out for a turtle and a cat, so of course it was deferred to Brycen). I told her no that we can't have pet mice cause they aren't the best pets. So we go get ready to head off to Wal-Mart. I call Nathan at some point and he says, while you are there don't forget to grab a box of snail bait. So we get to Wal-Mart later that day the kids are hot and tired, I am hot and tired, I grab groceries and the mouse traps without Elise knowing. We head over to the garden section one of the workers sees me coming and searching and say, " Can I help you find something?" I said yea I am looking for snail bait he shows me where it is and starts tell me all about how it works really well and kills the snails. He also tells me to not inhale it. So I start asking more about the inhaling part all the while Elise is hearing that it will kill the snails that are her treasured friends. I am all worried about this inhaling thing since Elise is constantly picking up snails and snails shells. The worker explains to me how he inhaled some the other day made it about ten feet and started throwing up everywhere. I am think great, I will get it and just have to warn Elise. Elise is now crying seeing that it is in the cart and that her Mom is actually going to buy this stuff that kills the snails. Finally I get her contained and I tell her it will only kill the snails that are eating all of our pretty flowers, (not knowing that, that is ALL the snails) she stops crying. We then see a decorative looking green bird cage that I was interested in. Well she automatically is sure that this is our mouse cage and that we ought to get it. Next crying fit. We get that one solved and we are finally on our way home. What a trip to Wal-Mart? I am sure Elise is just not sure why her Mom wants to trap a mouse and kill snails. I just hope I didn't damage her tender heart by it all. To end this crazy story we got the mouse the next morning, and the snails are all done eating the plants. Elise isn't allowed to pick up the snails where I spread the snail bait cause she knows it will make her sick. Nathan took the dead mouse out when the kids weren't watching I told Elise that the mouse went home to his family (I am hoping thats what mouse heaven is like) Hopefully now we just won't have any more request for pet mice.

the Weekend

2008-07-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

For the 4th Holiday my cousin Kelly came and spent the day with us. We have been close friends all our lives, and love spending time with one another even if its just chatting on the phone. While she was here we took her to her favorite TACO TIME to get the crisp bean burritos that she loves, and made it just in time to get a Pace's Astro Bar as well. We also made shirts which was tons of fun. She is so fun to design with I enjoy getting her view and input on things. The kids of course loved having her here and got her to play all kinds of games with them. Then on the 4th we had yummy hamburgers with Nathan's parents, and with Jess and Justin. That night cute Nathan did his dad like responsibility of lighting off fireworks for the kids. Elise was of course so excited, Brycen took some time to warm up to all of it but enjoyed it in the end. Then Saturday Nathe and I got to go shopping by ourselves thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Miller. We are such bargain hunters but got some fun stuff for our eBay hobby. We did get a 3 inch memory foam pad for the bed which I love! I don't even want to get out of bed, its ever so comfortable. Then that night we took the kids to see Wall*e, at the drive in which was a really cute show with a great meaning, of love. We had a great weekend as a family and enjoyed being together.

In the garden

2008-07-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

So I have decided I need to be a bit more like my children. We always have yard work to be done at our house, it never ends and it wears me out endlessly to think about it. So the other night while wonderful Nathan was mowing the lawn, like he always does, I decided to do some weeding I went to get my trusty shovel and weed bucket, and Brycen and Elise stopped riding their bikes and came running up to me, "Mom can we play the shovel game too." I just laughed and thought I wish weeding were a game. So I think I need to make life a bit more fun and game like. Elise and Brycen love, love to be outside in the yard with us. Elise loves snails, I can tolerate them for her, but I know she gets it straight from her dad. Nathe as a child would catch grasshoppers for hours and put them in his pocket or on the belly of his baby sister Amy. So its no suprise to me when Elise thinks its a present when I have found her a snail while weeding and has to carry them around in her snail house, and Brycen enjoys it just as much for his sister. She even tries to bring them in the house. I found leaves in the fridge a few nights ago and she insisted that they were in there for her pet snails. We also this weekend went to the Pinea garden sale and got a bunch of plants. Elise and I made a fairy garden complete with house and table and chairs. I guess I should think of all these times while I am out weeding and just enjoy it and my family outdoors.

Snorkling for WORK

2008-07-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago Nathan got to go to Hawaii for work. I was totally jealous and would of loved to of gone. Having taken the kids in March and having a blast then I would of welcomed the 5 hour flight. Anyway with having some big plans for next year for traveling I decided to stay home. Nathan got to spend the first day there just hanging out relaxing and snorkling I was glad he got some time to him self. He is so self less and such a hard worker that he deserved it and I was glad he was able to relax for atleast a day. Nathan went out early in the morning which he felt was the best and was able to see a turtle and then even have the turtle come right up to him a about a foot a way from his face. That would of scared me right out of the water. Nathe also saw a sea cucumber and a bunch of cool fish and got these awesome photos.

I DID IT!

2008-06-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am finally posting on our blog. I figured I better get on it. I thought I'd explain this title with this picture. On the way home from the store the other night we were driving into the setting sun and so I grabbed my glasses and put them on. That meant that Brycen and Elise also needed their glasses. So I grabbed them out of my purse and handed them out. Elise put hers on and Brycen decided he needed my help, I explained that I couldn't help because I was driving, and that he could do it. After a bit of whinning and complaning he got them on. He was so cute and so excited he kept shouting, "I did it Mom...I did it." I looked back so glad he had done it and to tell him good job, which I did through my laughing of how he got them on upside down. That didn't matter cause he had done it, maybe not so right but still he got it done. So when we stopped at the stoplight I pointed the camera back there and snapped a photo. I decided sometimes we need to just shout it out our accomplishments even if they are small or large or not always quite right. So here we go we will try the blogging world, can't promise I will do it to often cause this one took long enough, but hey I DID IT!!

This is our First blog entry

2008-06-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is only a test to see how this blog thing works.

Watch out for those Hyenas!!!

This was at a museum in St. George, UT. May of this year we visited Stephen and Heidi. We had a great time staying with them. We hope to do it again really soon.