Miller's Outpost

Oh, Mexico

2011-10-28T14:00:00.006-07:00

Bueno, so we missed last year's trip down to San Carlos due to the fact that Mexico is apparently now a WAR ZONE and I have a hard time exposing my children to areas where there is even the slightest chance of getting shot and/or kidnapped. Because I'm a good mom like that.

But somehow I got over that small issue because we did, in fact, drive down to San Carlos for the annual trip to my mom and Jim's condo. Happy to say that we didn't get in the middle of any drug deals gone wrong. It was actually a pleasant trip; we made sure that we filled up on gas before we crossed the border and drove during the day and all was well. And it's really only the getting there that makes me nervous. The actual condos are in a very safe and secluded area. It. Was. GORGEOUS. The water is so warm and the place we stayed was really nice.

Mason and Quinn are both part fish, so they were in the water most of the time. Another nice thing about this beach is the waves are small and we can let them go in by themselves and sit on the beach and watch without any danger of their getting knocked down or sucked away. Always a plus.

Cardon got to see the ocean for the first time. He wasn't too sure how he felt about it. LOL

Jim was nice enough to take the boys and Jake out for a sail on the catamaran. Made me a little nervous, but they had a blast.

Anyway, we had SUCH a good time. Definitely won't miss it again if we can help it.

One funny thing; Jake and I took the ocean kayaks out to a small island out in the bay to snorkel. Well, on the way there we saw something in the water that we first thought was a large sea turtle due to it's size and shape. But as we got a little closer, we realized that it was instead a large, bulky packages wrapped heavily in plastic and tape. You can bet that we paddled away as fast as we could muttering, "We didn't see anything...we didn't see anything..." LOL Can't be too careful!

Having an ADHD Kid

2011-09-23T09:11:00.007-07:00

I call ADHD the “Things Could Be Worse” Disorder. I have a son who is smart, and sweet, and loving. He isn’t lost in a dark hole like some Autistic kids can be. And thank heavens he doesn’t have any major physical afflictions or life-threatening diseases. Things could definitely be much, much worse.

But. They could also be better.

Day in and day out, life is a fight. A fight to get him to focus and complete tasks. A fight to get him to stay calm and minimize extreme emotional outbursts. A fight to get him to interact with other kids in a normal, healthy way. And this is only at home. At school—well, let’s just say that I have the upmost love and respect for teachers who are working with my son. I send him off on the bus each morning with a prayer in my heart that he has a good day. A day free of an emotional meltdown is like a burst of pure sunshine in my heart.

When you have an ADHD kid, you have your teacher’s number on speed dial. You know her email address by heart. You are familiar with terms like 504 and IEP. You get daily feedback on how his day was, and many, many afternoons spent with him being grounded afterschool. You have a child who hates going to school, and has a special desk in the back to go when he just can’t focus or sit still. Which…happens a lot.

When you have an ADHD kid, you can’t just drop him off for birthday parties. Mason is “that kid.” The one that is different. He wants friends (and has a few), but the other kids can tell that he just acts—different. One of his kindergarten teachers (yes, we had a couple) told me that it was good to have Mason in her class “so the other children can learn to interact with kids that are special.” Uh, thanks?

It breaks my heart. I just dread the day when he notices it too.

As with most kids, Mason’s issues can’t be nice and neatly packaged in the “ADHD” category. He also has Sensory Processing Disorder and falls a little on the Autistic scale as far as emotional and social issues. But like kids with Aspergers, people don’t understand why he acts the way he does. ADHD has been so overdiagnosed that it is now more of a punchline; not a real disorder to be taken seriously. Even after explaining the situation to people, they just don't seem to get it. (I mean, there's a pill for that, right?) Most assume he is just a “bad kid” or, much more likely, that we are just “bad parents.” I can’t tell you how often we have been told (especially when he was younger) that all we needed to do to “fix” him was read this book or implement this parenting style. If only.

By all other accounts, he seems like a normal kid. He is very smart and very articulate. He has an imagination that is magical. He is like the MacGyver of children—he can make remarkable toys out of a paperclip, some tape, and a cardboard box. He loves superheroes and playing on the computer. His “good” days are awesome! Unfortunately, days without a screaming session in his room are very few and far between. And it’s not like he wants to be the kid who is in trouble all the time. He really does try. I can see him physically restraining himself sometimes from acting out. It is just so hard for him.

As for getting him help, the question isn’t what have we tried, but rather what haven’t we tried. We have been going to a developmental pediatrician since he was three years old. We have done occupational therapy, behavioral therapy with a psychologist, met with a child psychiatrist, and had him tested by the school district. I have spent literally HOURS researching on the internet. Mason has terrible allergies and there is a link between allergies and ADHD, so we have regular visits with an allergist. I recently read a great book (Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies) that links food allergies specifically to behavior. So we started him on the gluten free/casein free diet (no milk or wheat). We also had him tested and found that he is allergic to wheat, soy, eggs, and all nuts. Great. That took out about 90% of his regular diet (not to mention it costs a fortune to implement), but we are doing it and waiting to see if it helps. We have him on Omega-3 supplements, DMEA supplements, iron and magnesium supplements. And, yes, we have even tried a round of ADHD drugs, which didn’t seem to help enough to justify the side effects.

It is all just about as exhausting as it sounds. But that is what you do when you are a parent. It’s part of your job. And if love could heal, there wouldn’t be a sick child on the face of this planet, let alone Mason.

At the end of the day, I do feel incredibly hopeful. Mason is a great kid. He has just been given a set of challenges that go a bit above the norm. But I know he is going to be okay. The good news is that many ADHD kids vastly improve as they get older. In the meantime, you keep searching to find ways to help him help himself. You don’t stop trying and you don’t give up. You remind him everyday how wonderful and special he is and how much you love him—just the way he is.

Less than Perfect

2011-08-15T14:49:00.002-07:00

I wish I were skinny, and stylish and chic. (I realize that “stylish” and “chic” are pretty much the same thing, but they made the sentence work…) I wish I were crafty and had an amazing sense of design. I wish were incredibly organized and motivated. I have an intense love/hate relationship with all of these blogs (mostly Mormon, some not) written by these gorgeous, skinny, stylish, ridiculously creative and organized women (some of who I know and love). Hate: Bleh, shoot me. And yet, Love: Oooo, pretty!

Unfortunately, at the moment, I am none of those things. I am not skinny and not very stylish. The style that I do have is usually an attempt to imitate, and not born out of any innate sense of my own--so that even when I do manage to pull together a really cute look, it is completely by accident. My house is usually verging on the messy side at any given moment, and sometimes even veering into “disaster zone” area depending on what is going on. I am not that engaging as a stay-at-home mom; if I can make myself sit through a game of Candyland I feel pretty good about the day. That is why we suit up and get out of the house as soon as possible—there are just too many distractions that can (and will) take me away from my children if we stay in (and one big distraction for them, called the TV).

My home décor is not modern or cute. It is pretty generic. I don’t shop at Anthropology—I shop at Target and Forever 21 and (gasp!) Walmart. And I don’t throw themed dinner-parties for my kids (or neighbors, or friends) on a random weekday or decorate to the nines depending on the season. We are not foodies, or vegetarians (although we probably should be), and don’t even eat organic (although this one I really do want to do). Our evenings are not filled with culture and refinement; they are filled with cheesy reality TV and sci-fi movies.

The truth is, my life is pretty much the opposite of these beautiful lives that I see in these blogs. I admire what these women do and how they live—but it is not, nor will it ever be…me. So why do I feel like a bit of a failure because it won’t? It is one thing to want to be a better YOU, but it is an entirely different thing to want to be a better…somebody else. And I am not, alas, Somebody Else.

Even though my house is usually a mess and not very stylish, it is full of love. (Love and sometimes yelling and screaming, but still…LOVE, I SAY!!!) My kids are told everyday—several times each day—how much we love them. True, I don’t sit down and play games hours on end, or make holiday crafts with them (heck, even getting through homework is a miracle); but we are always out and about visiting libraries, museums, and the zoo. I can turn even the most mundane trip to the park into an adventure (bugs and puddles and sand tunnels, oh my!). And last night during bath time I taught them about the human digestive system (so there, cute seasonal crafts!).

This isn’t to say that I don’t have things I can or want to improve in my life, because there are. But accepting who I am and working from there is much easier than trying to be someone completely different. And even though I know this is true, I guess sometimes as I am perusing online, I have to remind myself now and then.

I am not those things and it is OKAY. I am not less for being me.

And neither are you.

Introducing...

2011-08-01T16:57:00.004-07:00

Cardon Adams Miller

Born June 13, 2011 at 3:25 a.m.; 8 lbs 11 oz; 21 inches long.

He is the sweetest thing ever. I forgot just how precious newborn babies are. I just want to eat him up. Even when he is cranky as can be (which isn't very often) he is still completely adorable.

I always thought I would want all my kids to be really close in age--and I do really love that Mason and Quinn are so close. But to be completely honest, having the 4 years in between Quinn and this one has made things so much easier. The boys love their little brother and both of them are at an age where they don't need my constant attention; even when we are out and about. It has also given me more time to spend loving on this baby. And I am definitely loving him.

We definitely feel very blessed.

2010 - Summing it Up

2010-12-22T16:40:00.010-07:00

So. 2010.

You know, it's an even number, so theoretically, it should have been a great year (I like even numbers). But 2010 kinda kicked my rear end. There were some really good and fun things that happened for us this year, but there were also some difficult and really not-so good things too.

In October, we took a family trip to Disneyland. That was fun and really great.

But then during the trip, we learned that Jake's dad, the kids' grandpa, suffered a major heart attack while hunting and passed away. He was out in the middle of nowhere with his youngest son who had just gotten back from his mission 5 days earlier. It was really tough and continues to be a source of sadness for us and Jake's family.

We also decided to try and take advantage of the housing market here and buy a new home. This resulted in months of searching and visiting a LOT of houses. Then when we finally found one we loved (a large one-story, perfect!) we lost it in a last minute bidding war. Kind of broke my heart. Then, after a few months, we found another house that we liked (not as much as the first, but a good second--yes I am a little bitter still). It was a dreaded short sale and we spent months thinking this just wasn't going to happen. Then, it happened. Almost. Pretty much. We are still waiting for the official letter from the bank. So that has been a roller-coaster of a ride that will be a bit scary even after we move because we are keeping our current home and renting it out. Scary. But good. But scary. You get my drift.

It has also been a good/tough year for Mason. He started kindergarten and we discovered that the kid is kind of a math wiz. Good! So they moved him to a "gifted" class of kinder and 1st grade mixed. This has been a bit of a challenge with his ADHD and sensory issues. He is so smart, but can be overwhelmed by his emotions--whether they be happy, sad, or angry--he reacts with his feelings. Needless to say, that can be an issue in a large class of kids. But at the end of the day he really WANTS to learn to control himself better and so that is a big start, I think. Now we just need to figure out the best way to give him the tools to do it.

And another reason why 2010 hasn't been a favorite is because I had to suffer through my entire first trimester in it. Oh man, being pregnant IS amazing--but it really does kinda suck. Now that I am feeling a little better, I am hoping to start enjoying it (tolerating it?) a little more, but first trimesters are THE WORST. Bleh.

So I am looking forward to 2011 with hope and maybe a bit of trepidation. It is going to be a big year: moving to a new house, having a new baby, dealing with the fact that I'll be on the downside towards 40. Yikes. And yet, Yay!

All in all, our family has been truly blessed. We have had sadness and struggles just like anyone else, but also have been given the ability to overcome them. Our Christmas card this year (sorry if you didn't get one--I wish I could send one to everyone!!) was beautiful. The photos were taken by my talented sister-in-law Tara Bowman and oh how I wish we were as perfect and idyllic as these gorgeous photos portray.

But it is our imperfections and trials as a family that make us...US. It binds us together. It helps us to appreciate what we have and what is really important. And I think as we go into this new year, as long as we remember the most important things, then we will be all right.

Beautiful Vintage Wedding

2010-09-27T23:14:00.013-07:00

My wonderful step-brother Brett got married this past Friday. We are so happy for him! The wedding was absolutely gorgeous--totally country-shabby chic. His beautiful new wife, Hayley was stunning (I am seriously so jealous of that dress!) and the reception (held at his grandmother's home) was so adorable. The details were amazing. I only had my limited point-and-shoot, but will try and do the evening justice. Here are a few pics I took before the main event:

The main entry to the reception:

Cute seating area when you first walk in:

The main seating area was surrounded by little nooks of cuteness everywhere. No idea where her decorator got all this vintage stuff, but it was perfect! There were also photos of the couple and vintage wedding photos of their family spread throughout.

(Quinn modeling for me)

Mason in awe of the lighting:

Seating area for the Bride and Groom:

Cake and Dessert area:

I somehow failed to get a pic of Brett and Hayley together, but here is a pic of her and her gorgeous dress, and Brett with all the nephews...and one niece. LOL

And I couldn't resist on pic of an old (literally) married couple in attendance: ;)

Congratulations Brett and Hayley! Hope you are as happy as we are in your marriage!

School Daze

2010-09-21T21:54:00.004-07:00

Helloooooooo, internet! Yes, the Miller family is still alive. :) It's been a busy few months and now things are finally settling into a routine. The first big change is that my little man Mason started kindergarten in August! I seriously can't believe it! Here is a mandatory front-of-the-house pic for you:

And then, since it was raining like crazy that afternoon when I went to pick him up (and since the kids wait outside for parents and got a good soaking before being herded into the gym) here is an after pic from pick-up:

I really love his school. It is a newer, smaller Charter school in Gilbert and they have been really great with him. He has adjusted much better than I had hoped. We were even approached by the pricipal a few weeks ago letting us know that they wanted to move him into the school's Gifted program. I was a little worried that he might be overwhelmed, but the interesting projects and faster pace of the class seems to agree with him.

Quinn is also going to pre-school two days a week for a couple of hours. That is crazy!! I practically feel like an empty-nester around here lately! LOL Guess it is way past time for us to get on filling the gap! ;)

Vacation Time!

2009-10-11T09:20:00.001-07:00

So I finally have something interesting to blog about! LOL September and October seem to be our family's months for trips. First we had our annual Disneyland trip in September. The kids were older which made it a little more fun. Mason was tall enough to go on some of the bigger rides (Splash Mountain, River ride, etc.) and had a blast. Quinn was OBSESSED with the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland--I think we must have gone on it at least 5 times--but because it was so loud, he kept his fingers in his ears for most of it every time. Haha.

We also got to see my very dear friend, Stephanie, and her adorable little girl Madeline. I have no idea how I managed to leave without a good pic of them, but I did. Believe me, though, she is too cute! :)

This past weekend we had the chance to drive down to San Carlos, Mexico and stay with my mom and her husband at some quiet little condos that they rent out each year. It was cloudy, but warm, and the beach was perfect--small waves for small kiddos with lots of sandy beaches. Jake and I got to take the ocean kayak out to an island about a mile offshore and go snorkeling, which was tons of fun (and a good workout too!).

We've had a lot of fun, but it's nice to be home again for a while and back into the regular routine. Looking forward to Halloween!

Children's Museum of Phoenix - ROCKS!

2009-05-29T15:49:00.014-07:00

So if you looking for a place to take your kids this summer, have I got the place for you. The new Children's Museum of Phoenix is awesome! We've been there twice now and only wish it were closer. It's located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, right down the street from the Arizona Science Center. The first time I went (with my lovely cousin Beth, and her kids) we took the Light Rail train from Dobson and Main right to the center (about a block away). We also just went this past Memorial Day, so here's some pics from both visits.

As soon as you walk in, you are impressed by the enormity of the place (three stories high). The first floor has a huge system of vacuum tubes that the kids can put balls and scarves in and watch them fly out at the top. Very cool. There's also a giant tent and tunnels for them to crawl through and a few other various activities.

The second floor has a hands-on art room and a "car wash" set up for tricycles of all shapes and sizes, as well as the lunchroom.

But it was definitely the third floor that was our favorite. The first thing you see is a giant maze of swimming noodles hanging vertically (we dubbed it the "noodle forest"). Made for the occasional bonked head, but Quinn's absolute favorite.

(A little dazed from overexposure to neon foaminess--don't worry, it passes.)

There's also a little ice cream shop, a grocery store (with carts, working checkout stands, and scales), and a "ball room" where kids can roll different sized balls down several imaginative tracks.

(Even Dads get in on the action.)

The funniest thing about this place is--while it is really, really cool--almost all of the exibits could theoretically be made in your own garage. Low-tech, but very kid-friendly. But I have neither the time nor the lumber supplies, so I don't mind just coming here (besides, where in the world would you ever be able to find 5,000+ foam swim noodles?). While it is a little on the pricey side ($9 per person over the age of one), this place is PERFECT for busy, hands-on kids like mine. Best for kids under the age of ten-ish.

Two Years Old

2009-05-03T11:29:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday, little Quinners!

Can't believe that my baby is two! One reason is that you are a little small for you age. And it doesn't help that your fine baby hair hasn't done much growing the past year either. But you talk like you're closer to three than two, so I guess that makes up for it.

You are my little cuddlebug. You love hugs and kisses. You will give big hugs to strangers, especially women. I'll have to keep an eye on that... ;)

You looove trains (especially Thomas), and books and unfortunately, watching movies. Bolt is your current favorite. Your new thing is to come up to me and pat me on the cheeks and say, "You're my good boy, mommy." Melts my heart everytime.

Every night, around dinner time, you start to get the giggles. Everything is totally hilarious to you when you get in these moods, and we can't help but laugh along.

You and your brother are starting to play together. I love that. You fight a lot too, though I suppose there's no avoiding that. Mason has a tendency to barrel over you--but I've been surprised to find that you're starting to hold your own.

Happy Birthday, to my smart, sweet, lovable little guy.

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

2009-04-06T09:16:00.003-07:00

Mason turned four yesterday! Here's the happy birthday boy:

It seems hard for me to believe that it has already been four years since he was born. Even harder to believe that most of my friends have kids at least twice his age! LOL Mason is smart, sweet and loving--also extremely emotional and beyond energetic. He has definitely challenged me as a parent; but he brings our family joy every single day.

Mason requested a Buzz Lightyear birthday cake. Since we found out that those are hard to come by, here is the attempt I made at it myself:

Be sure and book me for your next event. ;)

Once there was a snowman...

2009-02-10T10:50:00.005-07:00

Snowman, snowman...

My little sister, Tamara, had her baby blessed the first Sunday of February. I plead a case of temporary insanity when I decided to drive up with my kids and without my husband. At least my mom was able to make the 12-hour drive with us, or I never would have even attempted it.

5 days and three cases of stomach flu later (yep, all three of us), we came limping home. I didn't even get to make it to the baby blessing (see previous statement). BUT we did manage one nausea-free day out in the snow. Woohoo!

This sad little snowman may not seem like much, but I was determined to get some shots of the boys in the snow.

If it looks like Quinn was just plopped into the scene for the photo op, that's about right. Sigh. Better luck next year. (And Auntie Karissa, Mason is really sorry about your carpet. Please send me the cleaning bill...)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T14:25:00.003-07:00

It's that time of year again!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

Went on a cruise, went scuba diving in open sea.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Ugh. Resolutions. I had some from last year. Some I did really well at for a while. But I petered out towards the middle of the year. I’m not going to make any “resolutions” per se this year; just keep on working towards being a better me.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Um...I am Mormon, so duh. A few of my best friends. And my sister-in-law. Oh, and my baby sister had a baby!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My grandfather’s wife died unexpectedly (not my grandmother—she passed away a few years earlier).

5. What countries did you visit?

Ooo, fun one. Puerto Rico (although technically not a country), St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Antigua.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

More self-discipline and better stress-management skills (this is from last year and still the same).

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The cruise (can you tell I really needed that vacation??), watching my sister give birth, my children’s birthdays, going to Disneyland. Mostly, though, I’ve been trying really hard to remember the little things that my kids do day to day that make me smile.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting in shape for the cruise.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Getting back out of shape afterwards.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes. I tore the meniscus in my knee. It has sucked big time and has contributed greatly to the answer to question #9 (I miss my gym!!!).

11. What was the best thing you bought?

New hard drive for my computer, Buzz Lightyear action figure for the boys (seriously).

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband for his patience and longsuffering (can we just make this answer permanent?).

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I can’t handle news stories about people who hurt children. There is nothing worse.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Toward paying off debt.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The cruise, visiting family and friends, going to Disneyland with my kids.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

I don’t listen to the radio much, but probably “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis and “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Aside from being totally bummed about my knee, I’m about the same. Happy, content.

b) thinner or fatter? Same.

c) richer or poorer? In less financial debt, so richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercising, chilling out, enjoying the moment. (same as last year)

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stressing out. Worrying. (are those the same thing?)

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With my extended family (dad and stepmom) and my own little family. Christmas Eve we went over to my Dad’s for games, Christmas Day we went back over (after opening presents at home) for the traditional Christmas Brunch of Goldenrod Eggs. (same as last year)

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Again and again.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

The Office. And I always love the reality shows; Biggest Loser, Top Chef, and Survivor were my favorites.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Hate is too strong a word. I don’t think I’ve ever really “hated” anyone. Except for a very strong, inexplicable dislike of Kirsten Dunst.

24. What was the best book you read?

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Pandora

26. What did you want and get?

Adobe Illustrator, new hard drive, stronger faith.

27. What did you want and not get?

An immediate recovery from my knee injury.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

So far my favorite for this year is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 32. My dear, sweet husband totally surprised me by having a little party over at my brother’s house.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Healing faster from my knee injury (have I mentioned that yet??). And my insurance company not sucking so much.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Inexpensive.

32. What kept you sane?

Never underestimate the power of adorable children. And escaping onto my computer.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Uhhh… I still have a minor crush left over from last year on Jonathan Tucker (he was so cute in The Black Donnellys). But other than that, I don't much get into the celebrities (not surprising with a husband as cute as mine!).

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The election, of course. But right now, this one is getting me a bit riled.

35. Whom did you miss?

My best friends who all live in different states.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

My new nephews.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

That even when things don't seem to be going my way, all I have to do is remember how incredibly blessed I am to feel better.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Count your many blessings"

Hello, Internet!

2008-12-21T20:36:00.007-07:00

Okay, I was going to slide by with just the video post below (so funny, you must scroll down and check it out, Twilight movie lovers and haters both) but then I realized how long it has been since I posted anything and The Guilt got to me. So I am putting aside my saved Top Chef episode to post this (you are welcome). :)

First of all, Merry Christmas to all our friends and family! It has been a crazy, crazy month or so for us around here. For Thanksgiving we drove up to Utah to see my sister, Tamara, who was anxiously awaiting the birth of her first baby. We made it, barely, as we slid off the road in between Kanab and Panguich. It was snowy and scary as we did a 360 right into a ditch. Fortunately it was daytime and we were driving slow and it wasn't long before a good Samaritan with a 4X4 pulled us out and we were on our way. Whew! Could have been much, much worse.

My sister did end up having her baby on December 2nd; a little boy they named Thomas Daniel. I was there for the whole thing and it was so amazing. The miracle of birth can be called only that--a miracle. Anyway, love them and wish we could have stayed longer.

I am so happy that the Christmas Card season is over! Staying up until 1 or 2 a.m. every night to finish all my orders is not my idea of fun. But I made some extra money for Christmas, so I guess it was worth it (my husband may not agree, lol).

Speaking of Christmas cards, here is ours for those who didn't get one (I usually only send them out to people who haven't seen us in a while):

Here are the photos we used for the back:

How stinkin' cute are they?? Oh, and thanks to my talented sis-in-law, Tara Bowman, for the pics.

Now we things have finally slowed down enough for us to sit back and enjoy the holidays. Tonight we all piled in the car and just drove around the surrounding neighborhoods for about 45 minutes looking at the lights. The boys get so excited by all the decorations! It is moments like those that remind me of the important things in life and how blessed I am to have the family I do. Especially when we stop and remember that this is all in order to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas season filled with peace and love!

Too Funny.

2008-12-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I laughed long and loud at this.

Cool Things...

2008-11-06T13:48:00.003-07:00

1. I discovered Pandora and it is the only way to listen to music while online. You type in your favorite artist or a favorite song and it plays similar music based on that selection! How cool is that?

2. Even though this one is going to put me out of business (ha), if you have ever thought about getting into digital scrapbooking, checkout Scrapblog. Fun way to get started!

Have a cool site you've seen online? Leave a comment and share it!

And Now a Break from Our Usual Program

2008-10-25T07:21:00.007-07:00

So yesterday on Oprah (yes, I watch), she gave away these really cool Kindle reading devices from Amazon to the audience. So, yes, that is awesome and I would have been really excited about that. But as the cameras panned the audience for reaction, there was this one woman who was crying. Like practically sobbing. And I am sorry, but unless she was thinking, "Oh thank heaven, now I will be able to sell this on eBay and have enough money to buy FOOD for my STARVING CHILDREN" there is absolutely NO REASON for a middle-aged grown woman to be CRYING because Oprah has given you this gift. If I were Oprah, I would have been seriously embarrassed. Like, get a hold of yourself woman, it's not a kidney or anything. Please.

~*~*~

Although I watch Oprah (I am especially loving Suze Orman right now), it really bugs me how every word out of her mouth is almost religiously adhered to. She has probably had a HUGE influence over this year's election in her endorsement of Obama. When she was promoting the book, "A New Earth," it was almost cult-like how millions of American women went out, bought the book and followed its tenets.

One of the scariest things about the entertainment and media industries today is NOT necessarily the content they show on the screen (although that is pretty bad), it is the way they are able to silently and subtly push a hidden agenda to the American viewer. You can hardly watch a television show today that doesn't highlight the virtues of "alternative lifestyles" or glamourize the immoral and corrupt. And they do this in ways that make it seem that if you oppose these things, YOU are the immoral one; that those who are strong in their moral convictions are ignorant, hateful, and out of touch with modern times. If there is an issue that is currently a hot button of controversy, you can bet you will see an episode of Law & Order or E.R. dealing with it in a way that subtly pushes the liberal agenda. Most people don't even realize it; they think it just makes for "compelling television." That's what makes it so dangerous. I have stopped watching more than one television program for that reason alone.

Now, I'm not even a raging conservative--I'm more of a middle-of-the road person on some of these issues--but what I DON'T like is Hollywood, which is an industry of ENTERTAINMENT telling me how I should feel and think about political issues. No. I'm sorry, but I don't need my actors, writers, and producers dictating to me and my family their personal thoughts on morality (ha), ethics (HA), and politics. Please stick to entertainment, which is what you are being paid for.

And that even means you, Oprah dear.

I got tagged...

2008-10-08T22:44:00.013-07:00

By the lovely Loree:

1. Peanut butter is my anti-drug. Seriously. I could put it on EVERYTHING. Pancakes, crackers, cookies, you name it. Want a way to improve a doughnut? PB, all the way, baby. No wonder I can't seem to lose the baby weight. ;)

2. Before I graduated from college, I worked at the following jobs (starting in high-school, and some of them at the same time): restaurant hostess, candy-shop girl, telephone/information operator, construction clean-up worker, thrift-store employee, telemarketer, librarian's assistant, waitress, post-office mail sorter, sandwich/ice cream maker (at Hogi Yogi), and copy editor. Whew!

3. I never owned a Cabbage Patch Doll. Or even one of the cheap knock-offs. And this was during the height of the Cabbage Patch craze when mothers were beating each other up over the last ones at the store. Before you feel sorry for me, I should say that I did not own one because I thought they were the ugliest dolls ever. I was a Barbie girl, through and through. (Sorry, CP lovers.) Though, in retrospect, it probably would have been better for my self body-image to have gone with the Cabbage Patch dolls.

4. I was the Nintendo Queen in Jr. High. I mastered any game I played, though I was especially proud of my accomplishments at Zelda and Super Mario Bros. 2.

5. On my mission, I was the brief owner of a car that was infested with cockroaches! I unfortunately found this out because one was crawling up my leg while I was driving. (Unbelievably, I was able to stay calm until I pulled over, at which point I jumped out and ran around the car squealing in disgust.) We only realized the extent of the infestation after using a bug bomb in the car overnight and found the car covered in dead cockroaches the next day. Yuck!!

6. By the time I made it to high school (10th grade), I had attended 11 different schools.

7. I don't like odd numbers. I don't even have particularly warm feelings towards the odd numbered birthdays that I have--I feel much more at ease with an even numbered year. I believe that most people are drawn (even if subconciously) toward even or odd numbers.

Okay, now I tag Steph, Karissa, Karina, Amy, Tara, Beth, and Valorie!

Book Meme

2008-09-29T23:00:00.006-07:00

I found this on another blog and thought it was fun. It looks like the list is a combination of the one here and one from World Book Day 2007.

Apparently we're supposed to go through this list of great books, noting everything we've read (bold), everything we really, really loved (bold and underlined), and everything we plan to read in the future (italics).

Here's my list. I'd love to see yours!

1. Ulysses - James Joyce
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible (aren't I in trouble if I don't love this one?)
7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8. 1984 - George Orwell
9. A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man - James Joyce
10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (bleh)
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy (loved it--I know, I'm a weirdy)
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger (LOVED!!!)
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (bleh)
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens (bleh, again)
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. A Passage To India - E.M. Forster
30. Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34. Emma - Jane Austen
35. The Age Of Innocence - Edith Wharton
36. Sister Carrie - Theodore Dreiser
37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38. The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway
39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40. The Wings of the Dove - Henry James
41. Animal Farm - George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. The Ambassadors - Henry James
45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery (LOVED!!)
47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50. Atonement - Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52. Dune - Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59. Heart Of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68. Women in Love - D.H. Lawrence
69. Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72. Dracula - Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
76. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78. The Call of the Wild - Jack London
79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession - AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert (rented this one from the library last week but just couldn't start it...)
86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87. Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88. A Room With A View - E.M. Forster
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. Death Comes For The Archbishop - Willa Cather
91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Postman Always Rings Twice - James M. Cain
94. Watership Down - Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96. An American Tragedy - Theodore Dreiser
97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98. A Farewell to Arms - Ernest Hemingway
99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Whew! I have a LOT of reading to do! ;)

Shameless Self-Promotion

2008-09-26T07:10:00.004-07:00

So it's getting to be that time of year again! That's right, it Holiday Christmas Card time! :) Most of you know that I have a little side business making photo cards (announcements, invitations, holiday cards) and I am asking for your help!

I'm promoting my website on a couple of "ranking" sites, and the higher your ranking, the more people that see your listing. So if my friends and family could take a minute to go to my website: www.preciouspostmarks.com, and click on the two boxes at the bottom of the far-left column of my website (below the navigation bar and the "Order a Sample Pack" button) that would be such a big help! (One says "click to rank me" and the other says "vote for me".)

Also, if anyone is interested in getting Christmas cards from me (seriously no pressure!), here is a coupon code good for 30% off your entire purchase! Just use the coupon code BLOG30 when you checkout. I will also customize any card in anyway that you want, so be sure and let me know if you want more photos, different font, etc.

Thanks so much for helping me out! :)

This one too...

2008-09-17T10:08:00.004-07:00

Made me chuckle. So true. McCain, who? Ha. (And I'm not even on the "Palin Express.")

http://www.zazzle.com/im_voting_for_sarah_shirt-235122430763750432

BTW, even though inwardly I was cringing, I had to admit that Tina Fey was hilarious the other night (I can't believe how much they look alike). And you can bet that is EXACTLY what Hilary is thinking: http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/

Because if you can't laugh at yourself...

2008-09-16T21:23:00.007-07:00

...then you are WAY too serious!

http://seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/ (Yes, this is a fake blog. But still, funny.)

http://www.lineuponlinecards.com/ (I'm going to come up with some of my own...)

http://www.stuffmormonslike.com/ (so funny, so true)

Happiest Place on Earth

2008-09-05T08:57:00.006-07:00

Click the photo to see all the pics from the weekend.

As you can tell from my last post, Jake and I LOVE Disneyland! We had passes when we lived in California, and ever since moving, we've made sure we go at least once a year. We weren't sure if we could afford it this year, but my good friend Stephanie was awesome enough to let us stay at her house in Orange County while they were gone for Labor Day, and managed to get us free tickets to Disneyland as well! (Steph, you ROCK!)

We were excited because this year Mason really knew what was going on. He was super excited. Another awesome coincidence was that I had hurt my knee (torn meniscus) a few weeks before (well, the hurt knee was not, in itself, so awesome) and was wearing a brace and on limited stair/walking action. So that meant I got a disabled pass that basically helped us bypass ALL THE LINES. It was so great! If you ever go, I highly recommend injuring yourself right before--it really is the only way to see Disneyland. ;)

We started out on the new Nemo Submarine ride (very cool) and then of course hit all the rides over in Fantasyland (Casey Jr's Train, Peter Pan, etc.). We left to take a break for naps/lunch and then were back in the afternoon for more! Mason's favorite ride was the new Buzz Lightyear Blaster ride. And Jake was nice enough to let me go on Space Mountain while he took the kids on another ride (he owed me because I was pregnant the last time we were there...). Although I have to say, going on a rollercoaster alone is not nearly as much fun with another person. ;)

We ended up staying late enough to watch the fireworks from the parking lot. And the kiddos were SO GOOD. We made it through the day with only one minor meltdown. Yay! All in all, it was a Magical Day, indeed.

Five Years

2008-08-26T21:56:00.008-07:00

So this is a little late, but Jake and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on August 9th. You know, to be honest, when I first got engaged, there was about a week where I kind of freaked out about the whole thing. Not about Jake, because I loved him and knew he was the one, but more about the getting married thing in general. Unlike most Mormon girls out there, I was older (at 27 I was practically the crazy cat lady of the family) and had been living on my own for a while. And, to be truthful, it was a lot of fun being graduated, making money, and living on the beach (I was living in Huntington Beach at the time) with not a care in the world. I freaked out at the prospect of giving all that up, and also, having been through A LOT of unsuccessful relationships by then, worried about how the whole "married" thing would work out. I mean, had I ever BEEN with a guy who didn't end up driving me crazy after a few months (of course, it was never me driving them crazy...ha)? How were we going to keep those little things that drive you crazy from turing into BIG things that drive you crazy? What if we ended up feeling completely sick of each other after a few years?!? AAAHHH!

Valentine's Day at Disneyland 2003

But here it is five years later, and I am happy to say, that all those worries were for nothing. Being married to Jake is the absolute best thing that ever happened to me. He is the most patient, loving man in the world, and believe me, I needed to be married to someone like him. :) There is not a single day that goes by that I don't conciously think about how lucky I am.

Hanging out at Jake's bachelor pad after we first started dating. 2002

Anyone who knows us will know that we are so different as far as personalities go, but in our case, opposites do attract and even manage to balance each other out a bit. And despite all my cynicism and expectations of marriage being mostly hard work (thanks, in part, to my coming from a divorced home), I am constantly amazed by how happy and fulfilled my marriage makes me and how content I am with my supposedly (by the world's standards) "unglamorous" life.

August 9, 2003

I'm not afraid in the least by the years that stretch before us, in fact, I'm looking forward to each and every one of them.

Hi-larious

2008-08-23T21:49:00.004-07:00

If you aren't one of the 10,528,920 people who have already seen this, you must watch it now. I literally laughed so hard I had tears. (Jake didn't find it quite as funny; I wonder why?? Hee.)

Warning: the following video contains funny, but slightly irreverent humor. Watch at your own risk.

I'm a totally dork...

2008-08-11T21:55:00.004-07:00

ETA: And I only JUST realized (weeks later) that the title of this entry is a-totally wrong.

But at least I am NOT a member of this website.

Still, though, I read the book (if you don't know that I'm talking about Breaking Dawn at this point, you might as well skip this entry). I got all squeally. I had a big, silly grin on my face when it was over and immediately called my sister, who is equally as geeky as me.

I won't ruin it if you haven't read it (but DON'T READ THIS if you haven't), but I actually really liked it with a few exceptions: the name Renesemee, UGH; the lack of a good fight at the end--what can I say, I like the action; the somewhat anti-climactic nature of the ending in general, like big build-up, big let-down.

Other than that, I was all over the romance part, of course, and the insight into life as a vampire was really cool.

Is this thing on?

2008-07-30T20:19:00.004-07:00

Okay, so we have been really busy around here as of late! First of all, we spent a lovely week in Idaho visiting Jake's family. The Boise area is gorgeous this time of year and seriously made us question our sanity at living in a place where the teperature was over 110 degrees for 30 DAYS in a ROW. Also, it was so fun to see Jake's family. He took off for 4 days and went camping with his brothers and I have to say, from the photos he took and how beautiful it was, I was jealous.

As for me, I have become OBSESSED with a new computer program I got called ACDSee. I use it to organize my plethora of digital scrapbooking supplies and I LOVE it. You can assign specific categories to all your supplies, and then click one button and any items that match that category will pop up for you to preview and edit and whatever. So you can bring up anything and everything that would work for "Summer" layouts. Or "Family" layouts, or all your buttons in one window regardless of where they are stored on your computer. You can also use it for all your photos, too. Like I said, I love it and it is currently taking up the bulk of my limited free time. Don't ask me what I will do when I get everything all categorized and organized. I might have to actually (gasp) scrap something. Ha.

In other news, we saw the new Batman movie, and it is true--Heath Ledger is really, creepily good. Although the "deep throat" voice that Christian Bale uses for Batman REALLY bugged. Big time. Like I couldn't concentrate on anything else that was going on in those scenes except for wondering why he was using that annoying voice. But other than that, good movie! :)

Of course I have to post a kid pic for the grandparents. Here is Quinn from his way overdue one-year photo shoot (thanks sis-in-law, Tara Bowman!)

P.S. My very talented cousin, Beth Allen, is having an art give-away on her site. Go check it out! Link it {here}

Catching Up

2008-06-17T22:35:00.005-07:00

So Jake and I are another year older. The big 32. Crazy! I am OLD!!! ;) For those that don't know, our birthdays are a day apart; his on the 14th and mine on the 15th. So we had a huge birthday/Father's Day celebration weekend. Jake was really sweet and uncharacteristically sneaky this year and had a little surprise birthday party for me.

So, I never did elaborate on our cruise trip. As you can see from the pics, we visited a different island everyday, but my favorite stop was Puerto Rico, of course, because I served my mission there! I hadn't been back since, and it was so fun to be there and relive some of the memories. Plus, it is just a fun, gorgeous place to visit! My only regret is that we didn't have more time to go around to all the spots I served in. Maybe a future trip just to there!

Another thing that I neglected to blog about in the past few months was Quinn's first birthday! I can't believe that my baby is one!! One reason, though, is because he is such a little shrimpy guy, he still seems very much my baby. But he is getting ready to walk here any day now and has a ton of personality packed into that little body of his! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Here he is trying on his brother's new big-boy underwear.

"Ew, gross! Get this thing off my head!"

Our Cruise Pics are Finally UP!

2008-05-25T11:49:00.002-07:00

Yes, we've been back 2 weeks already. But we had so much fun! I plan on an in-depth synopsis, but in the meantime, our photos are up at our Flickr site (click on the photo, then "millersoutpost photostream" to see them all).

They are in reverse chronological order on the site, though, so we actually started in San Juan and then worked our way down. Enjoy! :)

Three Years

2008-04-06T15:29:00.002-07:00

Hard to believe that it was just 3 years ago (well, yesterday, technically) that I became a mother for the very first time. My little whirlwind Mason turned 3 on April 5th!! I can still remember (vividly) every moment...well, except for when I literally passed out from sheer exhaustion about an hour after he was born. He has brought more joy into our lives than we ever thought possible, and, especially lately, the most frustration at times as well. :) But we wouldn't change a single thing. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

I think it's the chubby cheeks...

2008-04-04T11:52:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Family photographs

I personally think Mason looks more like Jake...

And here's the other one:

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Thanks for the fun link, Karina!

What'ya mean I need to update our blog?

2008-03-15T15:13:00.005-07:00

Hi there! Like many things in our crazy life right now, this blog has been sadly neglected! :)

We haven't had much excitement lately (that can be a good thing!); just work for Jake and the boys and card-making for Tara. Mason is getting to be such a big boy! He is quite the talker and loves to narrate and describe everything he sees to his mom. Quinn is as cute as ever, but that kid seems quite determined not to crawl! He does this little scoot-on-his-bum thing instead. As long as he can get where he's going, he sees no reason to make any changes. ;)

Quinn just adores his older brother! (And Mason has decided that Quinn can actually be a little fun every now and then.) No one makes Quinn laugh like Mason. Everything he does is completely hysterical. I get a kick out of them when Mason is acting goofy to make Quinn laugh. Could it be that these two might actually like each other!?!

We're getting ready for a visit from Gradma Miller and Uncle Jayce over the week of Easter. We have lots of plans so hopefully we will actually have something interesting to report! Then Mason turns THREE(!!!) on April 5th followed by Quinn's birthday on April 20th (has it really been a year!?!). Yes, I can't believe how fast the time goes by! But I'm loving every (well, almost-haha) minute of it!

New Year Survey

2008-01-10T21:06:00.002-07:00

This is late, but here it is anyway!

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?

Become the mother of 2 children; start my own little business venture.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t really have any resolutions last year. But this year I have quite a few. Mostly on general self-improvement (lose last of baby weight, read scriptures more, etc.).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

One of my college friends also had a second boy, and few cousins too.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?

Mexico.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

More self-discipline and better stress-management skills.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Birth of my second child (no need to elaborate) and general images of my children’s smiles at various times of the year.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Pushing another human being out of my body for the second time.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not treating my husband with as much of the respect and appreciation that he deserves (I take him for granted so easily).

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not really. Just some aches and pains leftover from childbirth.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Photoshop upgrade, digital scrapbook stuff (from this site mostly).

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband for his patience and longsuffering (this was my answer last year).

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Britney Spears. Not because I care about her, but I weep for her children. And (as always) politicians; mainly Hillary Clinton. Boo.

14. Where did most of your money go?

My new online business, plane tickets, and car repairs.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Giving birth to my son. (And, along with that, not being pregnant anymore.)

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

I am so out of the musical loop that it is sad and pathetic. But I (like everyone else) loved, loved Hey There Delilah by the Plain White T’s.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? About the same. More in need of some life changes, though.

b) thinner or fatter? New baby. 'Nuff said.

c) richer or poorer? Hmm. About the same but with more earning potential.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercising, chilling out, enjoying the moment.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stressing. Eating. Holding grudges.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With my extended family (dad and stepmom) and my own little family. Christmas Eve we went over to my Dad’s for games, Christmas Day we went back over (after opening presents at home) for the traditional Christmas Brunch of Goldenrod Eggs. Then dinner at my Uncle’s with all the Bowman clan.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

I continued to be in love with the same person. I fell madly in love with my new baby.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Heroes. Hands down, absolutely. Followed closely by The Office.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Nope.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Twilight Series. All of them.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I am so musically bereft.

26. What did you want and get?

A healthy baby. A new cell phone.

27. What did you want and not get?

Immediate weight-loss after having baby.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I didn’t see many. I liked the premise of I am Legend if not the ending. And I really enjoyed Transformers for the nostalgia factor. Not a big year for good movies...

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 31. I honestly can’t remember. I think we went to a movie (my mom watched the kids).

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

More money (paying off some debts).

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Maternity and inexpensive post-maternity clothes.

32. What kept you sane?

My husband. Deep breathing. Mindless reality TV.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I’m not so much into that.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

What political issue doesn't get me fired up?

35. Whom did you miss?

My maternal grandmother. And, on a much more shallow plane, Bob Barker. TPIR just isn’t the same without him.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

My son, Quinn.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

That being satisfied and happy in life has nothing to do with your circumstances; it has to come from within, or it won’t come at all.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Don’t worry, be happy."

So bad at this...

2007-12-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Karina who just had a beautiful baby girl!

This tag is about your significant other:
What is his name? Jacob Roy Miller
How long have you been married? 4 years in August
How long did you date? Dated for 5 months, then got engaged--engaged for 5 1/2 months after that
How old is he? 31
Who eats more? Jake. Unless it's dessert, and then it's me.
Who said I love you first? Uh, he did, kinda. His exact words were "I think I'm love with you" and I told him to let me know when he was sure. :)
Who is taller? Jake. He is 6'1'' and I am 5' 7''
Who sings better? Me, but only because Jake won't every try!
Who is smarter? It depends. I am probably more book smart. But he is an optometrist and knows way more about the eyes than I ever care to know. :)
Whose temper is worse? Once again, depends. I am very quick to get angry and immediately let him know. He tends to hold it all in and then let it out at random moments.
Who does the laundry? Me. He does fold his own clothes, though.
Who does the dishes? I do. But he unloads the dishwasher.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He is.
Who pays the bills? Me
Who mows the lawn? Jake
Who cooks dinner? Me
Who drives when you are together? Jake is in the driver's seat. I am a horrible back-seat driver, though.
Who is more stubborn? Both about the same.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Definitely me.
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine.
Who proposed? Jake
Who has more friends? Jake does, definitely. He is the social butterfly of our pair.
Who has more siblings? Jake has more blood siblings, I have more counting step and half-siblings.
Who wears the pants in the family? If you mean who gets their way the most, then it is me. I am a real brat when I don't get my way. :) On major decisions, we work out a mutual agreement.
I tag Karissa, Caitlin, and Beth!

Tis the Season

2007-12-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I finally had time to fancy up this here blog of ours--just in time for the holidays. We've had a very busy month or so here. First, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving up in Idaho with Jake's family. It was so good to see them all and spend time with them! Idaho was chilly, but I guess anything would be considered chilly compared to the 75 degree weather we are STILL experiencing in Arizona. It was a nice change to see some Fall colors, and the kids had fun with their Grandma Miller.

Since coming home, I have been insanely busy with my online card business. I seriously underestimated the amount of interest in my Holiday cards. It was wonderful to make a little extra money for Christmas, but both my family and my home were not ready for Mommy to suddenly take on a full-time job. Whew! Next year we will be much more prepared. :)

Now that we're done travelling, we're looking forward to spending a nice quiet Christmas at home. Mason is so excited because it's his first Christmas where he actually has some idea of what is going on. He is obsessed with the light displays in our neighborhood. It's become a nightly ritual to drive around the block so he can visit his favorite houses. Christmastime is so much more fun when enjoyed through the eyes of your children!

Quinn is almost 8 months old now and is just as cute as he can be. He has mastered sitting up, but so far hasn't shown too much interest in crawling. I'm actually okay with that. Once they go mobile, there is no going back! :)

Hope everyone is doing well and having a great holiday season!

Catch Up

2007-09-19T17:01:00.001-07:00

So it has been a crazy few months for us around here (okay, well, mostly crazy for me, but when it's crazy for me, it's crazy for all...).

August was lovely--we took a trip down to San Carlos, Mexico again with my mom and her husband, Jim. This time my sister Tamara came along and it was really great to spend some time with her (she lives in Utah with her husband).

Labor Day weekend was spent down in Rio Rico at my mom's house. It was so gorgeous and green from the monsoons, although we now suspect Mason has allergies because he was sniffling and rubbing his eyes the entire time.

Life has been busy for me, especially, because I have decided to be really brave and open up my own little online business! I enjoyed dusting off my creative skills and making Quinn's birth announcements so much that I set up a website to sell just that: birth announcements, Christmas cards, and (soon to come) invitations and wedding announcements. (If anyone is interested in buying from there, please email me so I can send you a fabulous coupon!)

Here is the address if you would like to check it out: http://www.preciouspostmarks.com/.

I'm having fun with that. It's really brought up feelings of fulfillment that I haven't had for a long time (that wasn't tied to motherhood, that is). Between that and the kids, though, I have been spread pretty thin. Fortunately, Quinn is a sweetheart, and even though Mason seems to want to give up on naps entirely, I can get him to go down every so often so I can get a break.

Life is good and we are feeling very blessed. It's easy to let the daily annoyances make you forget that fact sometimes, but fortunately focus on the important things keeps my perspective in place (even when my toddler is having a major meltdown in the middle of the "fancy" mall outside of Nordstoms and everyone is staring, haha).

Quinn at 2 1/2 Months

2007-07-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been a month or so and things are getting much more "normal." Quinn even let Mommy and Daddy sleep a 6 hour stretch last night! (Keep it up, kiddo!)

Quinn is the sweetest, lovingest baby ever. He loves to smile and "talks" for hours to anyone who will listen! Even big brother Mason is starting to warm up to him. (Haha)

Things are good for us: Jake's brother, Jayce, has been spending a month or so with us this summer--Mason likes having a wrestling partner. Jake recently started a new job at two new locations (one part-time) and is really excited about the change. We're in the process of some major home reorganization (moving the master bedroom from downstairs to up) and I'll have to post some pictures when we get things done. Also, we're taking another trip down to San Carlos, Mexico with my mom in August. Should be fun!

And speaking of pictures, we've got a new batch up over at our Flickr site!

Quinn's Blessing

2007-06-09T16:39:00.001-07:00

We had Quinn blessed in church on June 3rd. It was great to get together with the family. Quinn was as good as gold. After a rough start, he has really turned into a great baby these past few weeks. As long as he is fed and rested, he is as sweet as can be. He even gave us a few smiles the past few days. (We'll have to catch those on camera.)

Mason is still adjusting to having a baby brother. He sees Quinn more as a curiousity than anything else, and doesn't pay him too much attention--except for when I offered Quinn his first toy rattle, one of Mason's old toys, and then suddenly Mason was very interested in Quinn and in taking "his" toy away from him. *sigh* Looks like we'll have some serious talks about sharing very soon. (smile)

Angel Baby

2007-04-22T20:34:00.001-07:00

Angel Baby
Originally uploaded by millersoutpost.

Quinn Daniel Miller was born Friday, April 20, 2007 at 10:52 a.m. Weighing 8 lbs and measuring 20 inches, we think he's pretty much perfect!

Click on the picture to see more of Quinn!

A Day at the Train Park

2007-03-21T18:42:00.001-07:00

We spent the day at one of Mason's favorite places ever--the local train park. We could have saved all that money we spent going to Disneyland a few months ago and he would have enjoyed this just as much! (smile)

Click on the picture to see the rest of the day...

Way Overdue

2007-03-13T20:03:00.001-07:00

Wow. I know. It's been way too long! Well, to sum up, I'm still pregnant--very pregnant, at this stage--and Mason is still just as cute as a button. He is expanding his vocabulary by the day and it is so much fun to be able to communicate with him better. He is always on the go, go, go and we're wondering what it will be like when his baby brother arrives. If the kicks I've been feeling are any indication, this little guy may be every bit as active as his older brother! (Yikes!) But we're excited and looking forward to this new chapter in our family.

Jake has been busy with work and his calling in the Young Men. He is really enjoying working with the Teachers in the Ward and going on campouts with them. He'll be heading out for a big Mountain Man Rendezvous this weekend and is looking forward to "roughing it".

Mason will be two on April 5th (I can't believe it!). He is growing up so fast and is such a joy. I've been trying to savor these last few months with him as an "only child". In a small way, I will miss the one-on-one time we have had together. I guess it's normal to have some bittersweet feelings when a big change to the family comes.

We also were able to take a quick trip out to California last month and took Mason to Disneyland. There are a couple of pictures of that (and a fun visit from Aunt Mariah) at our Flickr site.

All in all it's been a good few months. I promise to do better with the updates from here out!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Santa and Me
Originally uploaded by millersoutpost.

Things are good here in the Miller house. We had a nice Christmas at home, spending a lot of time at my parent's house with the family. Seems like all of us got really lucky this year; Mason got a new train table, Jake got Fiesta Bowl Tickets (go Boise!), and I got a new refrigerator as a really big surprise! But the best part was spending time together as a family.

I'm getting pretty big now at almost 6 months. The baby is kicking and letting me know he's there. Yep, we found out we're having another little boy! I'm completely outnumbered, but that's okay. I like boys!

So we are looking forward to a very eventful and exciting year of events in 2007. Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our friends and family!

Trip to Mexico

2006-10-30T13:01:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a wonderful trip to San Carlos, Mexico (thanks, mom and Jim!). We stayed on a secluded beach in some charming little condos. Snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, and sailing were just some of the activities we enjoyed. We went with my brother Travis and his wife, Tara (yes, there is another Tara Bowman - don't ask how confusing that can be!). Mason loved the beach, and we had a lot of fun! (Click on the pic for more pictures.)

Well, now for the big news: Mason is going to be a big brother! We are expecting another little one in April of next year. We are all very excited and trying to get ready for the big change that I'm sure this will be. Boy or girl, I'm actually not picky this time. It would be so fun to see Mason with a little brother, but a sister would be every bit as nice (and even out the ratio a little around here!).

We will keep you posted on the details, though!

The Graduate

2006-07-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

The Graduate
Originally uploaded by millersoutpost.

Yes, we are all still alive! It has been a crazy (and eventful) last few months. As you can see, Jake graduated from Optometry school at the end of May. Such a proud day! He is now officially "Dr. Miller."

After graduation, we spent a week in Boise visiting Jake's family. We had a lot of fun and it was so good to see his family. Then it was back to Arizona where we were able to find a house in the same sub-division as my brother, Travis and his wife. After a week visiting my mom, Donna, and a few weeks for Jake in California selling pest control, we were finally able to move into our new house!

Mason is just as cute as ever. He is saying a few words and making animal sounds on command. His favorite things, we have discovered, are flags, trucks, and airplanes; and, boy, does he let us know it when he sees one! (smile)

We are so happy to be settled and Jake is really enjoying his new job. Looking forward to catching up with everyone after being out of touch for so long!

One Year Photos

2006-05-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

We finally took Mason for his one-year portrait sitting. He was not, unfortunately, in a very smiley mood. Still, we got a few really cute ones.

Our scanner's not up right now, so the quality isn't that great, but you get the idea. (More when you click.)

My Little Man

2006-05-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a professional shot of Mason from Steph's wedding. Wow. I can't believe what a beautiful child I have been blessed with--in more ways than one. He is up and walking like a pro. Getting very opinionated. But so much fun!

Looks like Jake and I will be settling down in Mesa for at least the next year or so. He took a job at an optometry office in Gilbert. We are looking forward to getting a house and actually having some space for Mason's growing toy collection!

I'm not looking forward to packing and unpacking again, but hopefully this will be the last time for a while.

The Magic Kingdom

2006-04-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

While we were in California, we had to take Mason to the happiest place on earth, of course. He was pretty amazed. He's such an observant little guy and there was so much to see! I think his favorite was It's a Small World.

Jake and I used to come here a lot when we were both dating and living in California (we had passes). Actually, he almost proposed to me here (tried unsuccessfully--our tickets weren't good for the day we came). So it was fun to take Mason there to share the love. (smile)

(Sorry the picture quality is bad; we had to use a disposable camara for the pictures.)

California Wedding

2006-04-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

We went to California for my best friend Stephanie's wedding. (I was a bridesmaid.) It was a beautiful wedding and Steph was gorgeous!

I was so happy to be able to be there for her special day. She has always been such an amazing friend and I love her so much.

Happy Birthday to Mason!

2006-04-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Our little boy isn't so much a baby any more. Sniff! He sure is a cutie, though. Very healthy and packed with personality. We have so much fun. He's juuuust about to walk, but being stubborn about it. He is such a joy and just brightens everyone's day (even strangers).

We just got back from a trip to California and Mason's first visit to Disneyland! Can't wait to get those pictures developed on online (we had to use a disposable).

We're still in Texas but will be leaving the end of May for...??? We're not sure where we'll be yet. Life is an adventure!

Click on the picture to see more of Mason's birthday.

Happy, Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

So for Mason's first Valentine's Day we took him someplace brand new; the park. As you can see, he asked the swing to be his Valentine.

He is now 10 months old and could not be cuter. This has been a rough month so far as he had his first (and hopefully last) ear infection. It is so hard to see your baby in any kind of discomfort. Ugh. But he seems to be recovering okay.

He's getting to be an old pro at pulling himself up and can stand and balance on his own for a few seconds. Won't be long before he is taking his first step. We are loving every minute of it.

(Be sure to click on the pictures to see them all.)

Mom is Trying to Poison Me

2006-02-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

How many times do I have to tell you: I. Don't. Like. Squash!

Nine Months

2006-01-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

This month Mason started to crawl. And life for us in the Miller household will never be the same (big smile).

Items found in his mouth since crawling: a "lost" earring, well-gummed paper, and (to our complete, guilt-ridden horror) a thumbtack. Needless to say, this has introduced a whole new meaning to the word "clean" around here. Time to go through every crack and crevice of the house with a fine-toothed comb before our little Human Vacuum gets there.

He has already sustained a couple of bumps and bruises from his attempts at pulling himself up on anything and everything. And with this new-found freedom has come a very independent spirit (he has this thing where he will arch his back or go completely straight when we try to remove him from a dangerous area). So we are definitely on our toes, but loving every minute of it!

In other news, we're packing things up and getting ready for the move to Texas. Only 3 more weeks! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, but also excited to be one step closer to Jake graduating and getting settled. I know the next 3 months will fly by!

Just What I Wanted

2006-01-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

Just added a bunch of new pictures of Mason's first Christmas (click on photo). He is just too dang cute. Of course he was more interested in the wrapping paper (ha).

We spent Christmas in Idaho with Jake's family and New Year's in Utah at my sister Tamara's house. Brr!

We're getting ready to move out to Jake's last residency site in Amarillo, Texas. We leave February 17th.

Family Portrait

2006-01-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

This was our "Christmas" pic. Gotta love the weather here in Arizona. Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season!

Future Baller

2005-11-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Had to post this one for Jake. Of course he has a future in basketball all mapped out for our little guy! ;) (But he does look pretty excited.)

First Photos

2005-11-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Mason got his first "professional" pictures taken last month (well, as professional as you can get for $9.99)on his 6-month mark. He wasn't quite up to smiling his "big" smile, but he still looked darn cute!

Love that I have pictures in my wallet to pull out for anyone who may or may not want to see! ;)

The little guy is a rolling fool; not quite up to crawling yet but you can tell he is thinking about it. He knows his own name, and knows to look around for the cat when we ask where the kitty is (I'm betting on that being his first word). Besides being a professional patty-caker now, he's working on waving "bye-bye."

But enough of that very exciting information! We had a great Thanksgiving with the family here in Arizona. Jake is getting set to take his last round of "Board" examinations. One step closer to graduating! Also one step closer to getting settled for good.

Up next is Christmas where we will be spending with the Millers in Idaho. Can't wait for Christmas pics of the Bubs. Although I have a suspicion that Mason will be more interested in the wrapping paper than any presents he'll get!

T-I-double-GUH-RRR

2005-11-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

My very adorable son on his very first Halloween. We had lots of fun going over to Grandpa's house and getting to trick-or-treat (he was more interested in the wrappers than anything else).

Mason is getting so big! He has discovered that he can make lots and lots of LOUD sounds and is a champ at clapping his hands for pat-a-cake. We can't get enough of him! (Except maybe at 5:30 in the morning when he has taken to waking up, haha.)

Six Months

2005-10-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! Six months already!! Can't believe how fast the time goes by. Mason is just a doll; such a sweet, smiley boy. He is a pro at sitting up now. Still hates being on his tummy though, so no signs of crawling yet.

He likes his cereal; doesn't like most of his veggies. But he is very good at getting them all over his face. He is learning to express his own opinion too. Just don't take a toy away from him, or else! Haha.

But the best part is he is learning to give hugs and kisses. Aw.

Twiners

2005-10-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

Found an outfit just like his daddy's and took some pictures over at Grandpa Bowman's place.

I can't decide which one is cuter. (smile)

Big Boy

2005-10-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

He's getting very good at standing and can now sit up all by himself without falling over...much.

Couldn't Resist...

2005-08-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics I haven't had time to upload.

He was too cute when I was taking these pictures. Trying to figure out how he's going to fit that camera into his mouth, I'm sure.

Moved In

2005-08-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Whew. It's been a busy month. Well, we are here in Arizona and slowly getting unpacked and moved in. Mason seems to really like the air conditioning (sleeping great at night) but really can't understand why I feel the need to put him into a blazing hot metal box on wheels everytime we drive somewhere.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my family while we are here for the next six months. Jake is really enjoying his work at the hospital.

Our apartment is much smaller than our old one and it's been a challenge to squeeze all our things in, but we've done it.

Mason is almost five months old now! Wow. He is a big, healthy boy at 17.5 pounds and 26 inches. He can already sit up on his own. Slow down! Ha! He really is the joy of our lives.

Happy Baby

2005-06-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

I love when you give me your big, open-mouthed, gummy smile.

I love that you have started having full-on conversations with anyone who will listen.

I LOVE that you slept through the night the other night. Do more of that.

I don't love the first moment when I'm lying in bed and I hear you start to fuss. BUT, I do love that first moment when I pick you up out of your crib and you cling to me as if to say, "I'm rescued!"

I love how you howl with anger if I interrupt your feeding to burp you. And how you stop instantaneously the second I get you back to eat again. First of all, you're angry face is too cute; second of all, I love that you are so opinionated. Just like your mommy.

I even love how you stick your fingers so far down your throat that you gag yourself. Then you get angry. Then you go right back and do it again. You are persistent, if not yet completely cognizant of your own appendages.

I love that you have discovered the joy of splashing in the bathtub; but that if you splash too hard, you scare yourself and start to cry.

I love that if you sleep too long during a nap, I start to miss you.

But most of all, Mason, I just love you for you.

Two Months!

2005-06-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! Can't believe our little guy is already two months old! He is getting so cute and really showing his personality. All of the sudden he started looking around and seeing things (especially the TV--guess he does take after his Mommy, haha). He recognizes Mom and Dad and is discovering his hands, his mouth and his tongue, all at the same time!

I'm officially not going back to work so I can just enjoy my time with little Mason and get ready for the move to Arizona in August. Jake is loving that he is done with all the studying and test taking portion of his schooling and loves just seeing patients in the clinic. We're really enjoying this fun time in our lives!

First Smiles

2005-05-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

He smiles. Great big gummy smiles that will melt your heart. Aw.

He is getting SO big! He must be over 11 pounds by now (at 7 weeks). And he is getting chubby. Nothing better than dimpled chubby baby legs.

Jake and I are getting the hang of this parent thing, little by little. Mason is so much fun. I never knew that you could love someone so much! That little guy is the highlight of our lives.

One Month

2005-05-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

Whew! Okay, we are seriously slackers. Can't believe it's already been one month since our little guy joined our lives. He is doing great--gaining weight and getting really good at occupying our every waking moments. Even when he is sleeping we just can't seem to put him down! He is just too cute for words. We're getting a little more sleep now and getting to see more and more of Mason's personality. He's a very serious baby; very observant of what is going on around him. We've also gotten a little bit of a smile here and there. Can't wait until he is smiling more often.

We were able to take Mason with us up to Utah for my sister Tamara's wedding last week. He did great on the plane--he was the only baby that wasn't crying the entire time. And he finally got to meet all of his grandparents, as Jake's parent's drove down from Idaho to see him.

I have to admit, I love being a mom. It still surprising to me sometimes to realize that he is ours to keep. And I would be lying if I didn't say that it is tough, and sometimes frustrating, work. But one look at that sweet face and it is all worth it.

We're having him blessed this Sunday at church. One more milestone in a long list of things we are looking forward to. More pictures soon to come!

Mason Riley Miller

2005-04-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Baby Mason
Originally uploaded by millersoutpost.

He is finally here and he is beautiful! Born April 5th at 5:45 a.m.; 8 pounds, 11 ounces.

More on the story soon to come. In the meantime, we uploaded pictures on our photo site. Click on the photo to see the rest!

Baby's Room

2005-03-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

Getting closer! I'm finally home from work and have enjoyed having time to get some last minute decorating done for the baby's room. We really hope we don't end up having a girl! Ha.

These last few weeks are tough, though. Just when I think I can't possibly get any bigger... We'll post with an update as soon as something happens! Hope everyone has a great Easter.

Hey everyone!!

2005-03-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is jake, I just wanted to try a posting a message on our new site that Tara created. As you can see we are very excited for the new addition to our family. I can't believe it's coming so fast. Ready or not, we're going to be parents. School has mellowed out quite a bit this quarter. I am looking forward to not having tests anymore and just being in the clinic seeing patients full time. So anyways, hi to all you friends and family out there, hope you enjoy our site!!!

Baby Shower

2005-03-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

We had our baby shower this past weekend! Despite a torrential downpour of rain and hail, everything was so nice and we were able to get some things we really needed. My mom came out and it was fun to have her here. We are feeling A LOT better now that we actually have a few things for the baby, such as clothes and a carseat. So at least we have what we need to get the little guy home from the hospital. Ha.

Also, here I am at 35 weeks. Whew! Looks like I'm smuggling a basketball under there. Not much longer... (Click on the picture to go see all of the pictures from the shower. Then click on the link that says "millersoutpost's photostream" and all our pictures will show up for you to click on and view.)

Baby's First Pictures

2005-02-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would post the pictures from our ultrasound for those who didn't get a chance to see them already. I can't believe that this little guy is inside of me!

I love the first picture because you can see his cute little nose in the profile. In the second, it looks like he is practicing his yoga moves. He has one arm in his lap, and the other making a fist up by his face. Can't wait to meet him in person!

P.S. For those of you leaving comments (we love it!), please sign your name at the end of you comment. Because if you don't have a Blog of your own, you are shown as "Anonymous."

Christmas

2005-01-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Christmas
Originally uploaded by millersoutpost.

Just testing out the bells and whistles we have on this thing. Here is Jake and I up in Idaho visiting his family for Christmas. We had a great time over the holidays visiting Jake's family in Idaho and Tara's mom and brothers and sister in Salt Lake.

Click on the picture for a better view.

The First Post

2005-01-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends and Family!

Welcome to the Jake and Tara Miller Family Website! We started this blog (short for "weblog") to help everyone keep up with all the new and exciting things going on in our life. We hope to share stories about our family adventures, pictures, and most importantly, all the news about the New Addition we are expecting to welcome to the family this Spring.

You can leave comments by clicking on the "comments" link at the bottom of each post. (Comments are available for everyone who comes to the site to read, so feel free to tell us how cute our new baby is! Ha.)

We're still new at this, but keep checking every now and then for updates on our progress getting ready to welcome our new baby boy!