millers treks, triumphs and trials

Wrestling 101

2012-01-29T18:45:00.001-08:00

This was one of Noah's wrestling matches from the district tournament this last Saturday. This is what I have learned one should do after watching Noah wrestle for two seasons.

Apparently Noah tells me these are not actually the official terms for these moves. I guess, if you want to be technical, it should read more like this:
#1 Set him up
#2 Double leg take-down
#3 Hip pressure
#4 Set up for half nelson
#5 More set up for half nelson
#6 Drive the half nelson
#7 Sink the half nelson
#8 Stay on your toes (so you can PIN HIM!)
#9 Had this one right...it's really called shaking his hand
#10 Also right

Noah had a great wrestling season. The amount of improvement from last season to this season was amazing, to say the least. He worked so hard, and refused to give up. We couldn't be more proud!

Another Sewing Project

2012-01-27T13:54:00.001-08:00

Abby is putting the sewing machine that she got for Christmas to good use! After sewing a couple of doll quilts, she picked out this super cute material and set out to make this tote bag. Of course, the bag looked like it would be way easier than it actually was! But she stuck to it and did an amazing job! I am so proud of her!

More Snow

2012-01-19T15:28:00.000-08:00

Well, we definitely got some more snow!
And then we definitely got some ice!

Snow!

2012-01-15T13:00:00.001-08:00

Finally, our first snow of the season! Yes, the kids were very excited! Yes, we built this huge snowman without Mark or Noah! Yes, the snowman is leaning considerably to the right. Yes, I did grow up in North Dakota and should know how to make a structurally sound snowman. Yes, I have been gone from North Dakota for 20 years now, and apparently have gotten somewhat rusty in my snowman-building skills. Yes, he did fall down and break into a million pieces. Yes, there were a few tears. Yes, I'm praying for more snow so we can try again!

Cole's 1st Basketball Game of the Season

2012-01-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

Cole was a machine. He definitely does not get his athletic ability from his mother (which is a very, very good thing for him). His team won 24-23. Cole passed, rebounded, shot, and had tons of fun. And scored 14 points.

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Fall 2011

2011-12-12T13:34:00.001-08:00

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole!

2011-11-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

You gotta admit, this kid has the gift-opening surprised face down to a science!

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole Henry!
You bring so much joy and energy to our family!
There is never a dull moment with you around, and we wouldn't want it any other way.
The Lord blessed us in such an amazing way when He gave us you!

Abby

2011-10-24T07:02:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned lately how amazingly proud I am of this beautiful girl? There are so many things about Abby that make me proud. She is beautiful, intelligent, a loyal friend, a hard worker, has the most tender heart for the needy, and so much more. She worked so hard and practiced so much for this year's cheer competition. And it showed. Her hard work and dedication paid off. She did an amazing job! And while the outcome was not what she had hoped for (no medal this year), I could tell she was praying with all of her heart for God to give her contentment despite the situation. And He did. And she glorified Him. And that is what makes me the most proud of Abby. She glorifies Him ... and that is the thing she was created to do.

Saying Goodbye to Summer

2011-09-16T20:13:00.001-07:00

We'll miss you, Summer ... but we're excited for the blessing of Fall ...

1st Day Part 2

2011-09-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

First day of 2nd grade for Cole.

Wait, what did I just say? Second grade for my baby!?! How did that happen?

Morning Instructions:
Be good.
Try to sit still.
Listen to your teacher.
Don't get your sweet friend Brandon in trouble.
Don't be crazy.
Don't lose your lunch box.
Don't get your backpack mixed up with that kid sitting next to you
who has the same backpack.
And, most importantly, be an example of God's love and grace.

1st Day

2011-09-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

First day of 8th grade for Noah, and 7th grade for Ethan.

Morning instructions:
Take a copy of your schedule so you know where you're going.
Go to the cafeteria and get your job.
Put your cell phone on vibrate.
Don't lose your cell phone.
Don't lose your $100 calculator.
Lock up your bikes.
Lock your bike helmet to your bike.
Stay together when you ride to school.
Stay together when you ride home from school.
Look for new kids and kids with no friends and be their friend.
Put your name on your paper.
Be respectful.
Do your best.
And, most importantly, be an example of God's love and grace.

A Day to Remember

2011-08-14T20:38:00.001-07:00

Abby has been waiting so long for this day to come. I think it probably seems to her like she's been waiting f-o-r-e-v-e-r. But today we finally made it to the new American Girl store in Seattle. We went with three of Abby's friends from church and their moms. It was such a special day. Abby was so thankful and so thrilled to be there, that it made me so thankful and so thrilled to take her there.

I know that American Girl dolls (and their endless amount of accessories) are a little on the expensive side, but I honestly just love the innocence and sweetness of these dolls. They are not "dolls" that look like girls pretending to be grown women. They are sweet dolls for sweet girls, and I will gladly support any interest of Abby's that encourages her to be a young, sweet, innocent girl.

2011-08-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

Love

2011-08-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this blog. I love it because it makes me cry. And feel sorrow. And feel hope. And feel the love of my Savior, which makes me long with all of my heart to love Him more and serve Him more. Because I am nothing, and He is everything.

A most beautiful, powerful prayer for a daughter was on the blog this morning. It so powerfully spoke to my heart. THIS is what I want for my beautiful daughter. THESE are the things that matter.

Father who breathed into this daughter…

I pray for this girl being formed into eternity….

May the wind always be in her hair

May the sky always be wide with hope above her

And may all the hills be an exhilaration

the trials but a trail,

all the stones but stairs to God.

God, clothe this girl in a gown of grace
Grace, the only dress that makes beautiful,
the style of Your spirit.

Nourish her on the comfort food of the Word,
Word, that makes her crave more of Christ,
have hunger pangs for Him.

Enclose her in communion with You
You, Love who makes her love, who folds her heart into a roof
that absorbs storms for souls,
that makes her tongue speak only the words that make souls stronger.

May her vocation in this world simply be translation

Translating every enemy into esteemed guest
Translating every countenance into the face of Christ
Translating every burden into blessing

When it’s hard to be patient… make her willing to suffer
When it’s ridiculous to be thankful … make her see all is grace
When it’s radical to forgive … make her live the foundation of our faith
And when it’s time to work… make her a holy wonder.

May she be bread and feed many with her life and her laughter
May she be thread and mend brokeness and knit hearts
May she be dead to all ladders & never go higher , only lower, to the lonely, the least & the longing
Her led of the Spirit to lead many to the Cross
that leads to the tomb wildly empty.

Oh, and raise me, Lord, from the deadness of my own sins to love this beautiful girl like You do…

In the name of Christ who rose

and appeared first

to one of His daughters…

Amen…

Our life

2011-07-29T19:52:00.001-07:00

Football and cheerleading. Pretty much the only things we talk about right now. Pretty much the only things I see everywhere I look. Pretty much what consumes all of our time.

Good thing I love my husband so much.

My Family 2011

2011-07-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

Some of the amazing, wonderful memories made this family vacation.

My parents, brother Greg, brother Garey and his family, and us.
We haven't all been together since 2005.
Hopefully it won't be another 6 years before we are all together again.

Pagoda

2011-05-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

Noah's Chinese artifact for Social Studies class.

Why, oh why, do teachers assign "crafty" homework assignments? So unfair to kids with craft-challenged parents!

But, despite my lack of creativity, Noah did a great job on his pagoda!

Ethan is Awesome!

2011-05-21T10:30:00.001-07:00

Ethan just received an Outstanding Student award from his middle school! His award was for always having a positive attitude (a glass half full kind of kid), and for academic improvement.

Ethan has always been the most positive kid. He truly does always see the good in everything (and everyone). He is a genuinely kind and loving young man. He loves people the way Jesus wants us all to love people. He is an inspiration to me.

Ethan has also improved and matured academically this year. Although his report cards have never had lower than a B+, and mostly As, he is taking more responsibility for his own learning, and that has been great to see as well.

So, in case you didn't already know, here is further proof that Ethan is awesome!

Noah's First Track Meet

2011-05-03T17:49:00.001-07:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ethan & Abby!

2011-04-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of our family and friends who helped make Ethan and Abby's birthday celebration such a wonderful, memorable occasion!

Puyallup Field Trip

2011-03-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

Cole had a blast on his 1st grade field trip to the Puyallup Fair School! He was able to see and pet lots of fun animals, and learned quite a lot about Washington agriculture.

Goodbye

2011-03-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Abby had one last visit with Bree on Friday. Bree was owned by our sweet friend, Erika, but she went to a new home on Saturday. It was a very difficult decision for Erika to sell Bree, but we definitely agree that she was in obedience to the Lord in doing so. Abby was so thankful to have one more special time with Erika and Bree!

Sentinels Basketball

2011-03-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

Cole's first year playing basketball has come to a close. He had such a fun season! He improved so much thanks to his amazing coaches. He scored 14 points in the team's final game, and was a rebounding machine. We are so proud of him!

Believe it or not, Cole is going to sit baseball season out this year. He would have loved to play again, but Mom needs a little break! Noah will start track and field in a few weeks through his school, and we'll all be back full swing into football and cheer before we know it!

Life is full, but we love every minute of it. We had one of the best compliments from another parent at one of Noah's wrestling matches this year. He said, "Wow, your family always travels in a pack!" Not sure if he meant it as a compliment, or if he thought we were crazy, but we love that all six of us enjoy life together and share in each other's treks, triumphs and trials.

2011-03-07T05:53:00.001-08:00

The Fabulous Four

2011-03-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Flowers...

2011-02-14T08:28:00.001-08:00

... from my favorite guy. I am so blessed.

Pirate Pride

2011-01-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

Noah was once again this year given an outstanding student award at Pioneer Middle School. He was awarded for his academic excellence and excellent classroom behavior. We sure are proud of this kid!

And, oh my, look how he's changed since receiving the award last year!

League Tournament

2011-01-24T09:26:00.001-08:00

Noah placed 4th in his weight class in the league tournament this past weekend. Quite an accomplishment for his first season of wrestling!

We made a decision as a family early on in the wrestling season that Noah would not wrestle any girls. We made this decision after much prayer, thought, and conversation. Noah, Mark and I were all in complete agreement. Noah had to forfeit his first match of the season because of it. And, then again at the tournament this weekend, he had to forfeit his last match for 3rd/4th place. Certainly, we were all bummed, but Noah did not waver in his decision and we were so proud of him for keeping a great attitude through it all!

Not only did he have a great attitude during the tournament, but he has had a great attitude all season, even though the learning curve for him was huge this year.

We are so proud of the young man that he is becoming, and are excited to see how the Lord is going to continue to grow him and use him.

MLK Jr Haiku By Ethan

2011-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King

why do they call you Martin

you were born Michael

Trip to Germany

dad changed Michaels to Martins

different but the same

Baptist minister

a civil rights activist

equal rights for all

Only judged by the

content of their character

his dream for us all

He was a dreamer

ideas that changed the world

black and white not seen

His dream does live on

a life cut short by hatred

he was a hero

Doctor King Junior

may your dream be realized

through people like me

Cole's First Basketball Game

2011-01-13T07:13:00.001-08:00

Cole is playing basketball for the first time. He is on a co-ed kindergarten/1st grade team, and they had their first game last night. So, so cute! Quite entertaining, to say the least! Cole was totally amazing and scored four points. He's super competitive and energetic ... which means we definitely have to work on the "ball hog" thing before the next game!

Tacoma Art Museum Field Trip

2011-01-06T13:46:00.002-08:00

2011-01-06T13:46:00.001-08:00

Joy

2010-12-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T00:06:00.000-08:00

Pioneer Wrestling

2010-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Noah's first ever wrestling match. Although the outcome wasn't what he would have desired, he made a great effort and learned some valuable lessons he will use as the season progresses.

As a mom, I'll just say this ... it was a million times more stressful than watching him play football.

I'll admit, I have been one to mock wrestling in the past. But I am quickly realizing that, while the uniform still leaves a bit to be desired in my humble opinion, wrestling is one very tough, intense sport that requires a ton of mental and physical strength.

And, although Noah is really enjoying it, I'm happy it's a fairly short season because after just one match I felt like I needed a bottle of Advil, a massage, and maybe some counseling regarding my overprotective mothering.

No School!

2010-11-23T09:12:00.001-08:00

A dream come true! No school! Too bad it's so unbelievably cold and windy today! But, as snow is pretty much a novelty here, playtime must go on!

The Second

2010-11-22T09:44:00.001-08:00

wishes coming true....early release from school...

The First

2010-11-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

of many, if the kids' wishes come true...

We did it!

2010-11-03T05:32:00.001-07:00

We made it through our first football/cheer season. (Well, except for our awards banquet, which is tomorrow night). And, in what will seem like a very short time, we'll do it all again :-) Only, hopefully it will be a bit easier the second time around.

We are honored that our franchise is featured in our local newspaper this month. Here is the link if you have a few minutes to spare.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T06:51:00.001-07:00

2010-10-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

Our new favorite tea. And I'm definitely not normally a huge mint fan...but this stuff is so nummy! Drinking some right now. Mmmm

Practice for Cheer Competition

2010-10-22T20:40:00.001-07:00

Abby's cheer team is having their year-end cheer competition this weekend. During last Thursday's practice, Mark had all of the players and their parents come into the gym to watch them have their final practice before their big day.

All of the girls did such a great job. They have worked so hard this year and it really showed in their performance. And, yes, Abby was amazing. Really, she was. And no, I'm not a bit prejudice. I know this because everyone else told me so. I just happen to agree wholeheartedly.

Fall 2010

2010-10-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Sweetness

2010-10-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Cole

2010-10-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for Cole. He discovered he actually can tackle.
And he was awesome.

Friday Night Lights

2010-10-02T22:41:00.001-07:00

Pretty much the cutest ball boys ever...

By Abby

2010-09-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

The daisy is simply sweet. She is silently waving in the breeze. She's an adorable pink with a bright yellow middle and a long green stem. She is all alone but she points to the sun as if it is her friend. She stands tall and thin and shows off her beauty. She smells very pretty. Her petals have little lines on them, and are smooth and soft as a blanket.

What a peaceful flower.

Happy Birthday Noah!

2010-09-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

As hard as it is to believe, we now have a teenager in our home. Noah turned 13 this month!

I've included this collage of how many photos I had to take to get him to smile nicely, to give a glimpse of what our life with a teenager is like.

But Noah is seriously a great kid, and we are very proud of the young man he is becoming.

Happy Birthday Noah! We love you!

Abby's 1st Day of School

2010-09-19T16:37:00.001-07:00

OK, this is a little late, but homeschooling, keeping up with two middle schoolers and a first grader, working, and football have pretty much consumed all of my time this fall. So, finally, here is a photo of Abby's first day of 4th grade!

First Day of School for the Miller Boys!

2010-09-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

We have two middle-schoolers! How can that be? Noah is now in 7th grade, and Ethan in 6th, so they both attend our local middle school. Ethan has been home-schooled for the past two years, so this is a big adjustment for him. Noah is a middle school pro now, but still has all new teachers this year (except for band). I am so excited for them to get home (they rode their bikes together) and tell me all about their first day. They should be home in approximately 21 minutes!

And our baby started first grade today! This is Cole's first experience with all-day school as he went to half-day kindergarten last year. He was so excited and brave and confident this morning. I love it! I can't wait to hear all about his day, too, when I pick him up from school in 1 hour and 14 minutes! (Except maybe the part about how thirsty he is because his dorky mom forgot to put his water bottle in his lunch today...oops!)

I am home-schooling Abby this year, but she doesn't officially start until next Tuesday. Mark took her on a little shopping run this afternoon, though, to get some last minute supplies for art class.

Homemade chocolate chip cookies are just out of the oven...I can't wait to share them with the loves of my life as they share their days with me.

Triumphs

2010-08-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Abby is love, love, loving cheer!
She is doing so amazingly well for her first year.
And, yes, she really is that cute in real life.

2010-08-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a long road since January, but you've made your dream become a reality,
and I'm so very proud of you!

Portland Zoo

2010-08-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

So thankful for a much-needed (football-free) family day!!

Anderson Island

2010-07-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

2010-07-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

2010-07-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

Chalk Art by Abby

2010-06-14T09:03:00.001-07:00

The Kiddos

2010-06-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

Abby's Dream Come True

2010-06-06T17:05:00.001-07:00

Abby has always loved horses, but we have never really had the opportunity for her to enjoy one up close and personal. Until now!

Our new church, The GraceWorks, has been such a huge blessing to our entire family is so many ways. One way is that I feel like our whole family is truly worshiping and ministering together. That, alone, is amazing. But we have also had the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful people, and are so blessed to be able to call them our friends.

Among those new friends is Erika - who, along with her husband, Scott - has become so dear to our family. They are in our weekly small group that meets at our house, and they are so amazingly great with our kiddos. And, as any parent knows, when other people love your kids, they automatically gain a very special place in your heart!

And, to make things even better, Erika has a horse! Her very own horse! And she generously let Abby and I come along to help take care of Bree one evening. Abby thought she was in heaven, and hasn't stopped talking about it since. I'm pretty sure this first visit will not be our last.

Locks of Love...Again

2010-05-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Abby donated her hair to Locks of Love again. This is her third time donating her beautiful locks.

2010

2007

2004

Is that Cole?

2010-05-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Before...

During...

After...

Noah got home from school and said, "Is that Cole?!?!"

And...Mark trying out Cole's hair as his new toupee!!

Tacoma Rainers

2010-05-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Cole is so loving baseball this season. And, it's actually been really fun for all of us to enjoy something other than football for a bit :-)

Thanks to Cole's good buddy Caleb's family, he and Mark were able to enjoy a Tacoma Rainiers game with them on Saturday evening. It was a gorgeous evening and the guys all had a blast!

6th Grade Camp

2010-04-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

What happened ...

2010-04-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

... to my baby? How did she get to be 9 already? I wish I could freeze time and keep her from getting any older.

Cole's First Baseball Game

2010-04-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Amazing

2010-04-16T09:28:00.001-07:00

Abby is amazing. She always has been. It's the way our God created her. She is the most empathetic person I know. She is the only person I know who physically feels other people's pain and suffering. Since she was little, she would feel such sadness when we talked of Jesus dying on the cross for her sins, because she would actually feel physical pain in the palms of her hands when we talked about it.

She talks to her friends at school about her Jesus. Her goal for 2010 was to know God more, by reading her Bible and praying more.

Earlier this week, I found a note from Abby on my pillow when I went to get into bed. It said:

Dear Mom and Dad,
Come in my room. I might be asleep but please write somewhere the answers to the questions I wrote on my white board.
Love,
Abby

When I went into her room, this is what she had written on her board:
1. How often do you see homeless people?
2. Could I save money to buy Bibles for homeless people, so I can give them to them and tell them, "Read these stories. They are true."
3. Will you help me save money to buy the Bibles?

See, I told you she was amazing.

I've told her that I think we should save money as a family to buy Bibles, and then pass them out along with some sandwiches, in downtown Oly or Tacoma. Any of you locals want to join us?

Birthday Feed 2010

2010-04-06T19:35:00.001-07:00

Seabrook 2010

2010-04-06T19:22:00.001-07:00

Easter Birthdays

2010-04-06T19:10:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday at The GraceWorks

2010-04-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt/Football BBQ

2010-04-03T12:43:00.001-07:00

It may have only been 43 degrees (brrrrr), but there was no dumping rain, hail, or wind, so after the week we've had, we were VERY thankful!

And, yes, Noah was there, too, but playing football with his buddies took precedence over searching for some pastel-colored plastic eggs :-)

Just because...

2010-04-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

...he still melts my heart.

Abby's Special Day

2010-03-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Abby was baptized this last Sunday! She did such an amazing job of sharing the gospel message clearly, and of explaining why she wanted to be baptized. She shared one of her favorite verses, which is Titus 3:5, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."

Abby has always had such a deep love for her Jesus, and it was so wonderful to see her take this step. We couldn't be more proud of her!

It was our second-to-last Sunday at Emmanuel, as we launch The GraceWorks (Emmanuel's daughter church) in just two weeks. It was bittersweet to have Abby baptized there, where so many people have played such an important part in her spiritual life and growth, knowing that we will be leaving so soon. But, we look forward with great expectations to what God has in store for our family as we begin this new adventure.

Third (and final!) Retainer

2010-03-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

Cole just got his new retainer on Thursday. He is doing such a great job with it! His speech is just a tiny bit slurred, but I know that will improve quickly with how well he is already doing.

Noah and Ethan both also had retainers, so we feel like we're kind of experts at it by now. Thankfully, Abby's bite corrected itself when her permanent teeth started coming in, so the dentist feels she doesn't need one.

Another year or so and we'll start all over again with braces! Oh, Grandpa, why can't you just move out here and be our personal orthodontist?!?! :-)

She's a Winner!

2010-03-08T17:32:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Abby!

You worked so hard on your science fair project, and we are very proud of you!

Vote for Cole!

2010-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

Click to Vote for Cole!

Thanks!

February in Washington

2010-02-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

TCYFL Steilacoom Sentinels

2010-02-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Check out our new football website. We have so much to learn, but we think we have a good start thanks to the help of a very kind, patient, and helpful friend!

Go buddy, Go!

2010-01-31T20:50:00.001-08:00

It was a big day for Cole today!

Here we go! First try with some help.

Getting better. A little less help.

A temporary set-back.

Don't give up, buddy! You can do it, I know you can!

A little encouragement from Daddy goes a long way.

Feeling more confident by the minute.

He's got it!

Who needs Mom and Dad anyway??? See ya later!

Changes

2010-01-26T05:25:00.000-08:00

Our family hasn't experienced a ton of huge changes over the last few years. Adding homeschooling to our schedule was certainly an adjustment. And having dear friends move away has been difficult. But, we've lived in the same house for over 6 years (a record for us!), we haven't had another baby in over 6 years :-), we've gone to the same church for almost 9 years, Mark has had the same job for over 12 years, I have worked at home now for over 7 years. And now, 2010 is going to rock our world, I think...

We have decided to join The GraceWorks, a new church plant - daughter church, really, of our current church. We are so excited about this new adventure and can't wait to see how God is going to bless this church. But, it's also going to be a big change for us, and a lot of work, too!

And, as of Sunday evening, Mark is now the franchise head coach of the new TCYFL Steilacoom-DuPont Sentinels. Again, the thought of creating a brand new football/cheerleading franchise in our hometown is so exciting...and amazingly overwhelming! The lists of things to do just keep growing and growing.

I'll admit that the unknown of exactly what lies ahead for us this next year is a scary thing for me. But with all of the changes and unknowns, it is so comforting to me to know that we serve a God who does not change; who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Anderson Island

2010-01-18T19:59:00.001-08:00

Conversations with Abby

2010-01-06T06:37:00.001-08:00

Abby: Mom, some of the kids at school say that the shows I like to watch, like Imagination Movers, are for little kids.

Me: That's ok, Abby, because you are, in fact, a little kid.

Why does everyone try to make our little girls grow up so quickly? Abby is 8. I want her to read little girl books, and play with dolls and stuffed animals, and sing silly songs. Abby is in the 3rd grade. I don't want her to be reading/thinking/watching things about boyfriends/girlfriends and high school years. She'll be 18 soon enough. Right now, I just want her to be 8.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-03T18:01:00.001-08:00

Pirate Pride

2009-12-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

We received the following letter from Noah's school last week:

To the Parent/Guardian of Noah Miller,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that your child is receiving a medallion as an Outstanding Student at Pioneer Middle School. He/she will be recognized at our Pirate Pride Assembly. Each student was selected by his/her teachers on the basis of Academic Excellence, Improvement, Leadership and/or Citizenship.

Today was the day of the assembly, and we were SO proud to see Noah receive his award. He was selected by his Language Arts/Social Studies teacher, Ms. Nixon. She is probably Noah's favorite teacher, so it was nice to see that the feeling is mutual :-) The awards were given with the entire 6th grade in attendance, so it was great for the kids to be recognized in front of their peers.

While Noah has always done very well academically in school, we have always stressed that more important than a grade on a piece of paper, is the character that is being developed. So we were thrilled for Noah to be recognized today for his positive attitude and leadership skills - two great character traits that he definitely possesses!

We love you, Noah, and are so very proud of you!

Blessed

2009-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

More Conversations with Cole

2009-12-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

Cole: "Mom, whose picture is on the nickel?"

Me: "Thomas Jefferson."

Cole: "Were you alive when he was president?"

Conversations

2009-12-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

Today at lunch...

Abby: "Let's go around the table and say what's the one gift we want for Christmas this year."

Noah: "Lego Rock Band!"

Ethan: "Spore Hero!"

Abby: "Zhu Zhu Pet!"

Cole: "A trip to Texas!"

Noah, Ethan, Abby, and me: "What??!?!?!"

(Side note: We know no one in Texas, have never taken the kids to Texas, or ever talked about going to Texas.)

Let the Decorating Begin

2009-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

Happy 6th Birthday Cole Henry!

2009-11-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday Cole!

We are so thankful that God has blessed our family with you.
You are amazing little boy, and our prayer for you is that
you grow to love Jesus more and more every year of your life.

Happy Birthday Daddy! (And Happy Early Birthday Cole!)

2009-11-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the best Daddy and husband ever!
We love you tons and are so thankful for you!

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast

2009-11-25T20:19:00.000-08:00

Each year all of the kindergartners get together to celebrate a Thanksgiving feast. Hard to believe it's our last one!

Cole and his buddy Caleb
(And, yes, I made the hat. And, yes, Noah informed me
that it looked like Abe Lincoln's hat with a buckle.)

Cole's feast

Boots and Boots

All I want for Christmas is...

2009-11-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

my two front teeth...and the two missing teeth beside those...and the two missing bottom teeth...and the other one that is loose now and will most likely be gone by Christmas...

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

After the boys' football game on Saturday, Mark and Wes took Ethan, Abby, Cole, Biz and Matt to the DuPont businesses to go trick-or-treating.

After dinner the whole gang went trick-or-treating around DuPont. A first for our kids, and they had a blast!

Our nerds!

Cowboy Cole, Spooky Nerds Ethan, Nerdy Noah and Cheerleader Abby

october update...

2009-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

this past weekend we did some fun, october-ish things... in no particular order... here they are... on sunday we made a trek to voodoo doughnuts in portland oregon... pictured is me with their famous bacon maple bar... yes it was as good as it looks...

the kids loved their choices also... ethan and noah went for size... abby and cole went for sprinkles... everybody had a good time...our friends from port orchard, the fears joined us for the trip... had a great time...

ethan, noah, myself, and friends chris, philip, miles and mike trekked out to the ocean for razor clamming... we went to ocean shores and clammed on the north beach... weather was crazy, but we had a great time and got alot of clams... a tradition we are starting to really love... (october 16th)

on saturday, after the football game (ill talk about that later) we went to port orchard to hang out with our friends the fears... we went to this neat little park where a replica train runs... it was so fun and the weather held up for us... a great evening with great friends...

gwen and martina enjoy a starbucks drink to take the chill off...

on friday we had our friends the brases over and had a great time which started with this incredible dip...Franks Hot Wing chicken dip courtesy of charity ... miles's wife and great friend of ours...

1 block soften cream cheese (8 oz)

1/2 cup blue cheese dressing(or ranch)

1/2 cup Franks Hot Wing Buffalo Sauce

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese(or crumbled blue cheese)

1 can of chicken(12.5 oz, drained from costco) or 2 cups cooked and diced chicken
soften the cream cheese... add the buffalo sauce, cheese, dressing and chicken... stir it all up... add the chicken and stir... bake at 350 for 30 minutes... itll come out bubbly hot and delish!!! we used staceys pita chips, celery and wheat thins to scoop up this warm to your toes treat!!!

the boys football team won this past weekend in the second round of the playoffs against the team they lost to in the first game of the season... it was so fun to see how our boys have improved this year!!! we won 19-13 and advanced to the game to play for 5th or 6th place overall( out of 12 teams this year in our league) so our last game is satuday, 1:30 at ingersoll stadium at olympia high school!!! come cheer us on to a strong finish!!! we are playing the capital cougars... should be a great game...

and last but not least by any means... andrew... we got to see him sunday, at his starbucks in portland... he made a mean tea for my journey home...

A Little Bragging

2009-10-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

So I had Cole's first ever parent-teacher conference this past week. And, I'll admit, prior to the year starting, I will a little bit nervous about how Cole would do in kindergarten. He's never been in any preschool or montessori before, and he's, well, kind of a talkative, busy little guy who really, really likes to have fun.

I've been volunteering in his class on Wednesday mornings, and he has seemed to be doing really well while I'm there, but I wasn't super confident he was doing as well when I wasn't around :-)

But, I had a really great conference with his teacher! She said he is doing really well academically (scored 105 out of 107 possible points to place him in the highest level reading group), and he is also just a really focused, settled student. Seriously?!?!? I mean, I knew he had the potential to do well academically, but focused??? Settled??? So amazing. I tried not to grin too much, but it was hard not to. I was one proud mama!

Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

2009-10-09T05:33:00.001-07:00

Steilacoom Photo Shoot

2009-10-05T17:40:00.000-07:00