MILLER TIME

quick update

2012-02-03T09:32:00.000-06:00

I have exactly 3 minutes before my workshop on real estate contracts begin. What do I decided to do with my time?? Write a post...well, why not!

I can say alot in 3 minutes, but I'm not sure I have anything to say that interesting so I'll just tell you what's been going on around my house the past few days.

Jay and I (which means the rest of the family as well) are on a no-eating-out challenge for the month of February. We get one break...Valentine's day (or a day near there in "honor" of Valentine's day.

We're busy with cheer leading and basketball. And I'm hitting the gym with my mom 3 times a week...not to shabby, if I do say so myself!

I ordered a photoshop elements 10 workbook off ebay...I can't wait to dive into it and become a master of the software...wonder if I can by extra time in a day off ebay too?

Rumor has it my brother Mike and his family will be coming to visit my parents in March...YEAH!! it's been way to long since I've seen them. I miss them all alot and have been a really bad sister by not keeping in touch as I should. *Shame on me* So I hope it all works out and we're able to get together and see them!

Prayers for my brother Joe and their family...his wife is pregnant and may be having some complications with her pregnancy...so I ask my readers to just whisper a prayer for them. Help them find comfort and understanding no matter what happens. It's all God plan.

Gotta run! :)

New Puppy!

2012-01-28T20:07:00.001-06:00

Meet the Newest Member of the Miller Family!

We currently call her "Lilly" however there's some disagreement about if we all like that name. So her name could change. She's a Yellow Lab we estimate to be about 3-5 months old. Weird we don't know, right? Why didn't the owners tell us when we got her, you're thinking.

Here's the back story.

I have a friend who's husband was out in their driveway when this little blonde roly-poly ran up to him, along with her black lab sister, who was more timid and shy. It was about 34 degrees outside and just too cold for puppies to be out running around, so he brought them in to his wife and six kids...they began posting pictures of the puppies on Facebook and shortly after began posting signs around their neighborhood for the owners to come claim their lost puppies....then---nothing.

Not a single call, knock or random person out looking around for puppies that were missing. Since both were the same age, same size and roaming around together, it only made sense that they were siblings (sisters), I told Jay about her posts on Facebook and he went to check it out. Of course my dog-lover husband and son (Bailey) saw the photos and ohhh'ed and ahhhh'ed over her until I had the feeling I was either getting a dog, or going to be the bad guy (shhh, don't tell but I have been wanting a big dog for about 2 years now...but shhh, that's our secret). My friend posted on Facebook that they were looking for homes for the puppies, or they'd have to go to Animal Control. ANIMAL CONTROL!?! NO WAY, JOSE'! The no kill-shelter wasn't answer phone calls, you had to email. Now remember I said she has six kids, the youngest under a year. There was just no way they could keep these puppies...and there was no way I was going to let them go--these precious baby puppies just needed a home with kids to love on them. Well if there's one thing we have..it's a home with lots of kids! We had to go look.

We had upwards basketball and cheer leading today and I knew they'd be there. Their daughter was my jr. coach, and they had two sons playing and one son coaching--I packed up my things after the game and Jay said "go ask her if we can go see the puppies" So I asked. A few hours later we had a new yellow lab puppy. I'm preparing myself for chewed up things, hyper puppy behavior, accidents in the house. If we can just make it through that time--I think she'll be a fantastic dog for our kids (and maybe a little for me)

I know some people think we're crazy (OK, most probably do!) So I guess I'm lucky I live in the family I do...because right now all I feel is blessed. It's not everyday you get a Yellow Lab puppy for FREE! Then again...ask me in a week when she's chewed up someone's shoes---

Awards Photo

2012-01-27T10:39:00.000-06:00

A picture of Jillian after she got her certificates and coupons for free kids meals at Mickey D's and Chick-Fil-A (her favorite!)

Elementary Awards

2012-01-27T08:50:00.000-06:00

Today Jillian gets awards at school for attendance and grades and behavior. She cracks me up because she's such a rule follower, I used to be like that in school too, I'm actually still like that. I so so so want to break the rules sometimes but I just feel so guilty that I just can't bring myself to do it.

But this isn't about me and my issues, it's about my sweet baby girl. Her classroom has a chart for behavior, on this chart each child has a clip. Each day everyone starts at the top, and based on how they behave they can either stay at the top or move it down, the farther down the clip goes the worse your behavior has gotten. Jillian is very proud of herself that she's never moved her clip down. I went to parent teacher conferences earlier this year and her teacher said that she's the sweetest child she's met, then laughingly said if she ever had to move her clip down she was afraid of how Jillian would react. Oh I know exactly how she'd react! hahaha, she'd be in tears all day---most likely all week!

So to keep up this sweet attitude and desire to please, we make sure to make a big deal over her never moving her clip down. We ask almost daily "did you move your clip down today?" to which she responds
"Nope not ever, not even one time." then I ask, like I don't know the answer, "You've never moved it down? Not even once?"
"Nope---not---even--once!" she says with a grin.

PJ day at Church

You just gotta love this girl! She just sparkles, sucking you in and before you know it, you've fallen in love. I don't just say this cuz she's my daughter....just ask anyone who's met her...because she's stolen their heart already!

Sick day continues...

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday's post I mentioned it was a "sick day" my throat was sore and my nose couldn't decide if it was stuffed or running. It was the sure sign of the cold I was hit with full-force later that day.

Today I'm headed to the doctor. My ear hurts, my head hurts, I can't breathe and I have a fever. OY! Did I mention I have to coach cheer leading tonight and it's picture day! This might get some people down...but not me! I'm thankful to be alive to get sick, I'm thankful that my immune system is healthy enough to fight off a cold. I'm thankful my kids are healthy. As any parent with kids will say I'm so thankful I'm sick and it's not my kids. It's true though, we parents hate to see our kids sick. Their poor bodies wracked with coughs, cheeks flushed with fever, it darn near breaks your heart, so while I'm not thrilled to be sick I'm thankful for so many other things that my cold and fever seem so insignificant.

I've been following a blog for about three years now. Ashley's Blog Lilblueboo.com has been a wealth of information for crafters everywhere. Her quirky sense of writing and photo journalistic tendencies suck you in and keep you coming back for more. She's an amazing creatively I'm not sure there's anything she's made I have been in awe over. And she very generously shares her knowledge in tutorial with the world. When I went to back to school I lost touch with my creative side for a while, I was just too busy. When the creative bug just got to be too much to resist anymore I headed over to her blog and was surprised to find out she had been through more than one person should have to go through...it was a day I spent reading backwards (as you know blogs post most recent first)

Her story is touching, heartbreaking, and full of hope. I hope you'll go over there and read it. If you don't want to, I'm gonna give you a run down of what she's been through since June or July...

1) miscarriage
2) father passed away
3) molar pregnancy which caused
4) operation to remove molar pregnancy--
5) which led to her almost dying from blood loss
6) which in turn meant to stop the bleeding her uterus has to be removed
7) Meaning no more children
8) The reason for the emergency surgery was that a tumor had broken through her uterus
9) Tumor was cancerous, a very aggressive form
10) chemo, chemo, more chemo
11) chemo didn't work
12) stronger chemo, chemo, chemo
13) Hair loss (check out her rite of passage video) here (oh bring tissues--it's very touching)
14) the stronger chemo...not working
15) back to the drawing board...stronger chemo on the horizon.

Through all of this in less than a year and her blog is never, ever, ever depressing or dismal. When her father died they found torn out devotional page, on his desk that read "choose joy" that's been her mantra ever since. And I've found myself taking it on too.

When I had a wee bit of a hysterical breakdown on the way home from training one day, because I was just so overwhelmed and was doubting if I could embark on this and take it on, I suddenly stopped wallowing in my misery and remembered, I have a choice here. Do I choose misery and self-doubt or do I choose Joy? Do I trust my Lord to lead me where my path needs to take me or do I stress about all the little things I don't know? All the way to work the next day I mentally chanted "I'm choosing Joy, I'm choosing Joy, I'm choosing Joy" because let's face it, if Ashley of Lil Blue Boo can choose joy in the midst of all she's going through, I certainly can choose joy, too!

Today---CHOOSE JOY and SPREAD JOY!

We all need an update

2012-01-25T13:16:00.002-06:00

Its been a while. I know. I could fill this entire post with reasons why I haven't blogged. Too busy, too lazy, nothing to say...blah, blah, blah. You don't want to hear excuses though, do you? If you do, I can make a list for you...someday. When I have the time, that is.

The older you get the faster life seems to hurl past you. Sometimes it takes a rainy, bad-weather, sick day (like today) to make you stop and reflect. Then you think back at the craziness that was your last two years and say...hmmm, did I enjoy that time? I can pull bits and pieces out and say yea I enjoyed it! But for the most part it's days running into nights running into days running into nights. Wash, rinse, repeat...eat, sleep, breathe.

Where in the craziness do we stop and say "YES! THIS is what I'm doing all this running around for!" When do we live? The moments I pull out of the past two years are more than family vacations, girls weekends and new toys. The moments I have been working so hard for occur at the time when I least expect it. At my photography class that I took last Saturday when I finally understood a concept I was struggling to wrap my brain around. It happened when I was watching Jillian get a special AWANA'S patch that had never been given out at that club before because she finished her book...TWICE! The moments I see my kids up on stage performing and singing. When they are being themselves, and running around the gym laughing with their friends. Those times it's like, time stops for a moment and I can enjoy the view from all angles without being interrupted. I hear the tinkle of the laughter as they duck to avoid being hit by the ball, Aiden will skip away and as if in slow-motion glance up at me and wave before he darts off again. Then as quickly as it happened, it's over. I slip back into the hustle and bustle of life and keep plowing ahead.

I think I need a game plan. A blue-print for my year. Some call these resolutions, but I don't want to use that word...resolutions are willy-nilly made easily and broken easily. I want a game plan for my year. Challenges and rewards all laid out before me. A starting point...a way to answer that question "What am I doing this for?" The obvious don't count...(raising my kids to be good human beings, healthy and happy--well of course I'm doing it all for that...but I'm talking about personal goals--made just for me.) Does that have a ring of selfishness to it? I hope not, I don't want to be selfish, but I do know that sometimes we need a moment to think...what am I here to accomplish....in order to answer that you have to look inward, I don't think that makes someone selfish.

This year I have a few things I would like to do.

1) I am totally in love with my camera. Helplessly in love with it. Problem is...I don't know how to work it. I mean I know how to work it in "Auto" but I want to flip it to manual and capture some amazing shots. Which leads me to ...

Before

After

2) Learning Photoshop! This program is amazing for photographers...everyone goes on and on about how easy it is to use and it's so user friendly...in what world do they live?? The experienced world of "I've been photoshopping for 10 years" Maybe...because as a newbie it's not that "user-friendly" so number 2 is enhance my photos from number one with photoshop and to do that I have to learn the software..

3) Make some money at my new career path. When I started school again to be a Realtor I wasn't sure what to expect. It was the first I'd stepped into a college in years....yeeeeeeeears! So I was intimidated, scared but I knew I needed to do something, figure something out, so I sucked it up, put on my big girl panties and headed out the door. I love learning. I think I could make a career out of learning new things...the real trick is applying it to real life! I could be happy to just know about the real estate business, I could be content knowing how to make music videos and photoshop too...but those won't pay for squat! I actually have to do something with this licenses now...so number 3 is sell and list a few homes...

4) Take the kids to Sea World. or splashtown or Schlitterbahn or six flags...somewhere fun!!! Just the family on a day or two trip somewhere nearby without any major disasters. (or arguments!)

and finally..

5) post at least weekly to my blog. It's an excellent outlet for my thoughts, it's a way for everyone to keep up with what's going on over here on our side of the world and I actually do enjoy it. If I can just keep up with it...which is why it's on my list. Maybe it help me remember more moment's of "that's why I'm doing all this..."

So until next time...why are YOU doing what you're doing??

Disney Vacation!

2011-01-12T10:20:00.000-06:00

We took a 5 night 6 day trip to Disney World in Orlando, FL. It was fantastic! We had so much fun. We stayed at the Beach Club Villa's right across the bridge from Epcot. The villa was a 2 bedroom, 2 bath room with a full kitchen and living room. We had plenty of space (not that we used it much) and it was decorated cute and was neat and kept up very nicely. The pool included a water slide into a sand-bottom beach. We were able to enjoy it for 1 day before it was closed for the month for renovations, which worked out well since it turned cold and swimming was out of the question anyway...besides who wants to swim with you have 4 theme parks at your finger tips?!

We started the night we got there at Hollywood Studio's. We headed to Epcot the next day and had dinner at Teppan Edo a Japanese steakhouse hibachi style. The kids loved it and actually ate with chop sticks :) We left and walked back to our villa while Aiden serenaded us with "hee hee...Shama-mon" from Michael Jackson. We were in stitches as he did the moon walk, spun around and tossed his arms out to the side and tossed his head back as only Michael Jackson (and apparently Aiden) can do!

My mom came down one day to go to Cinderella's Royal Table with Jillian and I while Jay took the boys to the 50's diner in Hollywood Studio's. Jillian was in princess heaven as she walked in and met Cinderella. We walked up to the dining hall inside Cinderella's Castle and out came Snow white, then Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty and Ariel from The Little Mermaid. She got such a joy out of meeting all the characters. It was so magical.

The boys were on an adrenalin junkie quest. They did The Rockin Roller Coaster, Test Track, and a couple managed to hit the Tower of Terror, while a couple opted out. :)

The lines weren't so bad (for Disney) and we got to hit all the rides we wanted to, we saw alot of shows as well. All in all we went until we dropped and loved every minute of it.

An update...Finally!?

2010-11-23T08:19:00.000-06:00

It's been a while! Sorry. I'll try to be better about updating our blog. What have you missed since I last posted.

Well, to start we moved back to Houston. Late July had us packing up and heading back north. It's good to be back. We were blessed to have gotten a great great deal on our home, we have settled in and are happy and liking the move.

After being here for a week or two I decided to get a job to support my expensive habits (that would be New Kids on the Block). I work at a church up the street working with kids. I also sub and help out at the Wee School (Preschool) that my two middle boys went to when we lived her last time.Then a few weeks after we moved the kids started school. ALL the kids started school. Jillian began Kindergarten and did great! I did good until I got to the car-- :) Hey, it's my baby girl...it was a little hard to let go. She came home happy and excited and all my fears were dissolved. The next obstacle was riding the bus!! But the wonderful school teachers made sure the kids all got on the right bus and I anxiously awaited them at the bus stop. She jumped off the bus and ran into my arms with a big smile, followed by her big brother, Aiden.

3rd grade is agreeing with Aiden. He's loving math and science but hating spelling. Not surprising to me. Bailey had some definite issues adjusting to intermediate school, a new place and having to find new friends. He has since adjusted and has made friends and liking all the changes 6th grade and the move brought.

Both Aiden and Bailey were in fall sports. Bailey played flag football and Aiden played baseball. Both did well and liked it. It was hectic and crazy on Saturdays but it's over...whew! :)

Christian entered the 10th grade. He's struggling but we're taking steps to keep him on track academically. The school system in the Rio Grande Valley left ALOT to be desired as we are finding out now. Christian's on a catch-up track and scrambling to keep up. He seems to be adjusting well. He got a job as a bag-boy at the local grocery store and should start that soon. He recently turned 16 and Jay and I took him to the Houston Texans game against the NY Giants. We lost but he had a great time and is trying to plan another game in his future. :)

Jay and I are doing good. I'm so busy all the time---everyone used to ask me "What will you do with all your time now that all the kids are in school" now I can respond "What time!?" I have none! I don't know where it goes, usually to work....by the time I get home it's time to eat, pick up kids, make dinner, baths, homework, sometimes back to work...and my day starts at 4:20 am!

So when I don't get a chance to update, text you back, call you back, email you back please be patient and persistent. I'm not mad, anit-social or bitchy....I'm just so busy most days that I can hardly wait till it's time to put my head on the pillow and sleep.

Now we can continue on to what you came here for...THE PICTURES!

The 2nd day of school

Flag Football

Baseball

Happy 8th Birthday, Aiden!

2010-02-20T17:24:00.000-06:00

February 13th is Aiden's birthday. It landed on a Saturday this year so we actually got to celebrate it on his day! We went to (as crazy as this sounds) Christian's Orthodontists office where they have an actual movie theater inside with seating for 25 people, popcorn, candy, juice packs...the works!!! His two best friends came and a girl from class....the showing was minimal and I could tell it bugged him but he made the best of it and had fun.

So after eating junk food until they nearly threw up, we ordered pizza! LOL....no one was hungry--so it was dinner for us later that night. Best gift of 2010???? Bakugan Maximus Dragonoid don't know what that is?JOIN THE CLUB!!!

Later that night we went to a Killer Bee's Hockey game...what fun!! more on that tomorrow though! I'm trying to get back into my posting almost daily---at least weekly!

For those that sent cards, gifts or called...thank you!!! he appreciated it. Each day (even now...) he runs to the mailbox and searches for a card for himself in there. :) So it was so nice of you to remember him!! he got Gift cards, cards, money, a few toys...he also got a bedroom make over (including a new loft bed, cubbies, and TV mounted to his wall (complete with direct tv!) and roller blades!! All in all I think it was a good birthday for a kid turning 8!

Snow Day

2010-02-11T14:07:00.000-06:00

HA! not here there's not a snow day (although my kids would adore a moment of making snow angels) A MOMENT...cuz we don't have the right gear for snow. But my sweet sister is in PA and she's probably getting hammered with snow, snow and more snow. To Heather and her gang...I wish you a quick safe thaw and happy "SNOW DAYS!" off from school.

:)

another contest!

2010-02-10T08:04:00.000-06:00

I'm a contest entering fool lately it seems, but my all time favorite webiste for sewing www.youcanmakethis.com just launched a new site the DYI DISH where they'll "SHOW" you how to do stuff rather than just sell patterns and let you muddle through! LOL this would have been so helpful to me when I was starting out--but I'm glad they're doing it now...

click there for more information or to look around...also here's a quick video of them...

So go check it out...and Kim & Kris...thanks for the entries!! PICK ME!! I would love a new machine!!!

The Wicked Witch

2010-02-09T10:27:00.000-06:00

While running around the house she was singing "Just then...The Witch....went riding on her broom stick thumbin' for a hitch"

she managed to stop for 5 seconds to peek at her basket of toys---and I caught her...when she saw the camera she just posed...I can't help it if she's a natural, can I?

2010-02-09T09:33:00.000-06:00

I'm entering a contest to win $35.00 certificate in her store!! I hope you'll jump over and check her out! her patterns is what I used to create these fabulous outfits for Jillian!!

Crafting Day

2010-01-20T11:48:00.000-06:00

I've been bustin' my butt lately getting ready for a craft fair on February 6th. I've made bow boards, bows, firecracker bows, gold fish bows and bow holders...that's the first 2 days. I'm pooped!! We have ribbon everywhere and I just got a call on the house! Oh how I wish my craft room was completed. I think it's time to take the sign down and stay put. It's taken me a long time to feel at peace about that decision but I think I'm ready to make it now. (Jay and the kids will be THRILLED) (sorry mom)

I know we're way down here away from everyone but please please please know that you are all welcome when ever! there are two airports nearby for you to fly into (one flies Southwest). We have room for a few if a lot are coming we have quite a few great hotels nearby....don't be shy!!

Disney's Rockin' Road Show!

2010-01-09T08:41:00.001-06:00

We had an amazing time at the Disney's Rockin' Road show here at the Dodge arena in Hidalgo. Jillian just LOVES these kinds of show. LIke really gets off on it...so when I saw they were coming to town I knew it had to be part of her Christmas present. :)

Me, my mom and Jillian went for a full girls day out. We started out at Olive Garden and then headed to the show, where she was spoiled with treats and toys!!

CLICK HERE

for ALL the pictures you're heart desires :)

The one's of the penny and paper are for Bailey's Science Fair Project...we're seeing what 4 different liquids do to a penny. :) (so far vinegar is winning)

the one of me...it's my "before" picture...I'm slimming down again...Christmas was really brutal on me. So far (since Monday the 4th) I've lost 4 pounds....I just have keep focused.

Holiday Review

2010-01-06T16:23:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2009 has passed and we've welcomed in 2010...and I've been too busy to get on here and blog...so as we say Good-bye to 2009 and say hello to a fresh start in 2010 I've decided to do our holiday review with pictures!! Sit back with some spiked Hot Chocolate (can I suggest Peppermint schnapps and a boat load of whipped cream?!) and enjoy :D

Here's one of my little cutie pie looking so cute!!! to see ALL our family photos from Christmas please check out the link by clicking here

We enjoyed the company of my mother and father and even got to go see DISNEY'S ROCKIN' ROAD SHOW with Jillian (part of her Christmas gift)

Cookie Craze!

2009-12-13T19:03:00.000-06:00

(and yeah these are so NOT my cookies!)

T'was 2 weeks before Christmas when the hubby declared
Christmas cookies would do very well here!
So I rose out of bed, with a yawn and a stretch
Off to the store quickly ingredients to fetch.

I blended and stirred, whipped and I mixed
I had dozens and dozens of cookies to fix!
Pinch of salt here, cup of sugar there
Soon we had flour EVERYWHERE!!

Exhausted I fell into the chair with a sigh
Wait mom, I don't see the Apple pie!!
What!? I shouted looking about
I have 10 dozen cookies, don't they count?!

The kids slunk from the room
And I grabbed up the broom
Grumbling under my breath I cleaned up the mess
Next year Betty can do my cooking
...While I buy a new DRESS!

Today we made peanut butter kiss cookies (4 dozen), Cashew Toffee and roll out sugar cookies (and frosted/decorated them) 6 dozen

Going to the Chapel and we're....Gonna get...

2009-12-11T11:22:00.000-06:00

MARRIED!!!

I recently took a trip to the fridged north country (aka Fargo, ND) where the temps hit a sweltering 14 degrees (that was the HIGH folks!!!) To see my brother, Joe get married to his (now) wife Dana. Together on Saturday, December 5, 2009 with their kids in tow tied the knot! Below are some pictures from their special day (and rehearsal dinner)

Welcome to the family, Dana, Jordan and Evan!

L to R (top) Joe, Janelle (that's me), Emmalyn (Joe's daughter)
L to R (bottom row) Bob (That's my dad), Paula (that's my pretty momma) and Nathan (Joe's son)

Joe and nemmy!

Dana

Thanksgiving at the Miller house '09

2009-11-29T08:59:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving was a quite affair at our home this year. It was just Jay and I with the kids---but we did the whole deal, turkey, corn, potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls...pies upon pies....pretty yummy, indeed...and might I add I can cook one heck of a turkey!!! YUM!

Christian enjoyed his Thanksgiving playing his video games :)

Jillian's Thanksgiving outfit (I made the top)

Awe look how cute she looks---one of many pies!

Gettign Thanksgiving dinner ready...he's an awesome husband!

Decorating the Tree

2009-11-29T08:27:00.001-06:00

2 days after Thanksgiving we drug out all the decorations---realized that 1 out of 6 strands of lights still worked (what actually happens during the spring/summer/fall to make them NOT work??) and here is the photo's to prove that it actually got done!

Bella wanted to help....

Here Jillian adjusts the ornaments just so and Christian's lending her a helpful boost. (She wanted all the ornaments up high this year...but was unable to reach that high...so someone had to lift her up)

Don't be fooled, it always ends with wrestling...no matter what we do it's gotta end in wrestling...today was no exception as Aiden and Jay start cleaning up--the wrestling match started up.

Finally all calmed down the tree is done, here's a quick snap shop of the family around the newly decorated tree.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE MILLERS!!!

Dear Santa...

2009-11-27T08:47:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all the gifts you've blessed us with in the past. I ask this year that you don't shop at Best Buy or HP. You see, Santa, I have this computer that won't stop dying. We've had this little lap top for 2 years and it's been repaired 3 times and last night it craped out again! I don't know what to do, Santa! I can throw it out the window or place it on the floor and let the kids jump on it until it's smashed in a billion pieces...of couse knowing my luck it wouldn't "break" apart that easily...I would guess it only breaks when you actually use it the way it's intended to be used. Thankfully my husband (who so deserves extra presents this year) was able to restore it, but at the cost of all my pictures. Bye bye pictures of Halloween, Grandma's visit, the pumpkin patch, Christian's birthday....HP and Best Buy should be SHUT DOWN SANTA!!! Put them on your naughty list for selling lemons like this! Maybe they should go into business selling Coal for all the naughty kids. Maybe, just maybe they'd learn to sell products that work! (you could toss in a lesson in Customer Service if you've got time)

So Santa....this year I don't want something for my self. I'm asking for something for everyone...every consumer, every eager buyer who goes in with a wad of cash, a slim, cool credit card...I ask you give them PEACE this season. Peace of knowning that when they fork over all that hard-earned money that they'll be buying a quality product that JUST WORKS, so they won't lose their precious memories with a flicker of a screen and 4 hours of reboots and reformats.

Thank you santa....the cookies are homemade by me--frosted by the kids...eat with caution!

Janelle

1) baseball is back 2) Tails from Black friday's past...

2009-11-24T06:12:00.000-06:00

Aiden's back in baseball...they've had a few weeks of practicing but last night (Monday) was the first game of the season...they kicked butt....until the bottom of the final inning...where they totally blew it and ended up losing by one. can you say..heart....breaker. :(

Tonight is game 2...and this time...we're gonna WIN! (hopefully) I'll have to bring my camera and snap some pictures of the games, then share them with ya'll.

On another topic completely---who's going shopping on "Black Friday"?

This is something my mom and I always did together...well not always..but the past couple of years I've dragged her out at the crack of dawn (Ok I lie it's way before dawn) but we'd hit store after store and she'd be going bonkers cuz she hates crowds...and traffic. Anyone who's been out on Black Friday KNOWS that's the day in a nutshell...traffic and crowds....awe but bless her heart she still went with me cuz I love the rush. But this year---this year she up and left me all alone--so I'm not going. and yeah I maybe pouting a little on the inside.

But this one time...on black Friday...(hee hee) My mom, me and my aunt Katy went shopping down here in the Valley. (trust me folks it's insane---no you don't know know, trust me...it's a whole OTHER world down here on Black Friday) but we went out (It was my first year here) we hit wal-mart before it was open and waited....split up and met back together. I was in electronics waiting on a Nintendo DS lite or something--I went and found the worker to help me and asked for this specific item. He said he'd go look. I told him I'd wait in line, I had a few other purchases anyway. He came and held up two, I chose one and the person in front of me chose one. The lady checking out said "Oh I want one of those!" the guy looked at me and then her and said "sorry we only had two left" well the gal checking out said "Well I was here first" so the employee took the DS out of my hands (literally!) and handed it to her. I was like "What!? I specifically asked for this, found and you brought it to me, you can't take it away!" he was like "She was in line first" and walked away. She finished checking out and I just stood there dumbfounded....put all my stuff back (hahahaha, I mean dumped it off on some random pile of wal-mart crap) and we walked out of there. I was so upset I was near tears....which sucks cuz I wasn't sad or anything, I was upset as in TICKED OFF...but that emotion always comes out as tears for me....

We then head to Circuit City....finally we catch a break and pull in as someone's pulling out. Until someone cuts in and steals out parking spot. My mom and Katy jump out like the car is on fire and pound on her windows (after all we were waiting for the spot with our signal on--it was pretty obvious) I thought for sure Katy and Mom were gonna be goners due to road rage. I was yelling at them from the car "It's not worth it, there's lots of places to park!" (really there weren't any!!) but they were just hell-bent on chewing her out.

Parking-spot-thief says "I'll just be a second, you can wait for it if you want" and walks in....oh did I mention she was like 80 years old, white hair and TOTALLY RUDE!! who does that?? what a jerk. My mom was furious---looking back now we can laugh that day of "Black Friday" shopping here in the Valley it was pretty sucky...I decided then and there I wouldn't do it again here. The next couple years that followed we'd do Thanksgiving at my mom's house and Christmas here. That way we could go black Friday shopping with SANE people in Corpus Christi. So to my friends out there in the Rio Grande Valley that are going shopping...GOOD FREAKIN' LUCK!! (You'll need it) it's crazy out there!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBBIE!

2009-11-22T09:58:00.000-06:00

My sweet nephew Robbie is turning 11 today!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROB!!

wish I could have a piece of cake with you tonight! :)

Going to go out tonight!

2009-11-21T10:55:00.000-06:00

We've got the sitter booked (well in advance...yeah I have to reserve my own son to babysit), the tickets purchased, the car gassed up. I'm ready to go!!! Where are we going? To a Killer Bee's Hockey game!!! I'm so excited--it's a give-a-way night...1,000 adult jerseys to be given away tonight--I love me a freebie!! Wondering though, how soon do I need to get there to ensure I get a free jersey? (hey we planned this date for this very reason!!)

I found this while looking for a pic of the Killer Bee's Logo...this is NOT a jersey...boo *POUT*

This is a 3/4 sleeve shirt!!

Maybe going out will help me forget that the Senate is gonna doom my kids and my health---then tax me to death when I can't afford it anymore :*o( Whaaaaaa!

Adventures on Craft Day

2009-11-20T15:09:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Thursday, and every month at MOPS (mother's of preschoolers) we have a craft...it just so happens I'm in charge (along with my fabulous friend Katy) of crafts for 40 women...who are EXPECTING an amazing craft! (what did I get myself into!!!) however--my adventure begins a couple nights before...shall we rewind??

Tuesday: Bible Study, which went well...then lunch with the princess at McAllisters Deli...we walk out of McAllisters and she starts coughing her precious little head off...(this has been going on for a month--comes and goes but never fully goes away) so I've had it, enough is enough, I call the doctor and get an appointment for that day. After a bunch of mumbo-jumbo and BS he states she has asthma. (she's also got a low-grade fever) so he puts her on FOUR different medicines. My mommy instincts are screaming that this is wrong---but I trust him, cuz he's been wonderful in the past and I've never had reason to doubt him. After paying 123 bucks for a doctor visit I'm not too pleased with, I leave. Go to Walgreens who's backed up 2 hours!! I'm like never mind, go to Target...they're good to go..however--one of the medicines is 239.99 (with 11 refills cuz apparently we grow money down here!) long story short, I fill one of four scripts and leave. Get home, and rush to get ready for my Pampered Chef Party (if you ordered, thank you-if you didn't--there's still time!!!) Jay's home with her and she still can NOT stop coughing...we give her the breathing treatments and she throws up from coughing so hard. :( Poor baby...we did that twice in the next 24 hours and both times she threw up cuz she was coughing so hard...needless to say we're not doing that anymore.

She sleeps in our room that night---OK sleep is a bit of an exaggeration, she was up every 20 minutes coughing for 10 minutes, passed out before waking up again..it was horrible, Jay slept on the couch (don't feel sorry for him...at least he GOT SLEEP!) I slept with Jillian and have since been running on "E" the past 36 hours.

Wednesday we stay put..we don't move a muscle, we don't leave the house...the cough gets worse and now she's still running a low-grade fever. Jay's out of town...

Thursday--MOPS...and it's craft day...Katy and I have been planning a MONSTER craft that I have to be there for....so the bad mommy that I am I have Christian stay home (Jay's still out of town) and I run to MOPS do the craft, thank goodness I did cuz Katy was super sick and couldn't stay either! On the way to MOPS I put in a phone call to the doctor and give his nurse a piece of my mind...it's NOT asthma, know you probably get mom's calling in and tell you they know more but I'm telling you IT'S NOT ASTHMA! she asked me "Do you want to come back in?" I said "No! you saw her two days ago she's the same! oh wait now she's got diarrhea and vomits when I do the breathing treatment, she needs an antibiotic" she tells me she'll talk to the doc and get back to me. I hang up...I get rear-ended. (no damage, I'm fine...it's just a testament to how my day was going) I get to MOPS do the craft (went well woo hooo!!!) and still haven't heard from dear ole doc. Now I call back...he's out to lunch. I have a few words with the receptionist about when I can expect a call and 45 minutes later they call back...they'll call in an order for Zithromax. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Last night until about 3 am she was still up coughing every 20 minutes, but once 3am hit and that medicine too hold--she's been doing wonderfully...she's napping now for the past 3 hours and I've heard one cough! ONE!!! Tonight I just may get some sleep after all.

Oh and Christian was more than happy to "Help me out" yesterday--but still THANK YOU, Baby...your a lifesaver!! and Jay's back home...can I go to bed yet?

I swore I'd never be like this...

2009-11-16T07:39:00.000-06:00

But when she comes in shivering what am I supposed to do?! I know she's just a dog, but when it's chilly here my heart breaks for any critter human or non that's shivering!! So we got her a little fleece jacket. LOL It's really cute...pathetic of me, yeah I know but she's warmer and doesn't come in shivering so much anymore!

This weekend I made my first ever from-scratch cheesecake!! here's the finished product. It was pretty good!!! but VERY RICH!!! and I forgot the topping (which was supposed to be a sour cream sweetened topping, but like I said I forgot.) :( But I MADE A CHEESECAKE!!! that's amazing for this culinary-challenged lady!

He Strikes again...

2009-11-16T07:35:00.001-06:00

Aiden's up to his same adorable antics....here are two little stories/letters he wrote this weekend...just had to share!

I think the top one is a "story" Dan Makes a Krabby Patty
Dan goes to the store. He gets lettuce, cheeses, tomatoes, buns.

The next one is a letter to grandma...

Aiden Peter Miller

I love my grandma, she is fun becuase she takes me to Pizza Hut, McDonalds, movies, beach, Little Ceasars and she plays games like Sorry.

Isn't that sweet!? Awe!

Someone's not having a good day...

2009-11-10T16:13:00.000-06:00

That someone is ME! I'm so upset at life in general.

My day started out good, bible study, time with friends...then I got a phone call and Christian got his phone taken away at school (long story--but he didn't get caught---yet got it taken away---like a cop over hearing you tell your friend you sped and then he wrote you a ticket--that type of thing)

Christian's xbox is "hacked" and this morning XBOX locked out 600,000+ people who's xboxes are hacked (open to download games on line) but the whole point of having an XBox 360 is to play against your friends online...well now he can't! When Jay called to figure out what was going on they reply "there's nothing we can do" REALLY!? aren't you MICROSOFT? Didn't you DO this in the FIRST PLACE?!

I'm not excusing what Christian did to his XBox...but to ban them from the INTERNET, to allow them to play with their friends online---THAT JUST SUCKS! He got a new game today and can't even play it to it's fullest. I will NEVER buy another MICROSOFT item again--they could have tracked the stolen games (Which Christian has none anymore--we discarded them all after a chat about the morality of it) but once your xbox is hacked it's hacked....so that means if you buy one at GameStop that's hacked...tough cookies, sweetheart, YOUR BANNED!!) To top it off...the "contract" you have to enter into to gain access was accepted by my then 13 year old..so really it's null and void...wonder if that would hold up in court! JERKS!

and finally--I made a dress to enter into a contest online and I used the wrong designs!! 2 days of work, tons of fabric and it's just not even something I can enter cuz you HAD to use those designs. Today is a good day to sit down and cry....

But here's the dress I made.

CLOSE UPS OF THE DESIGNS...uh, the WRONG DESIGNS!!

Our Newest Family Member

2009-11-09T10:21:00.000-06:00

Introducing our newest baby.... Tinkerbell "Bella"

Born August 14, 2009
Welcomed into our home on November 8, 2009

She's a blonde short hair (smooth) Mini Dauschund. She has Green eyes, white dipped paws and a white tummy. Jay would like to breed her with a black/brown mini that his friend has...so the possibilites for puppy combos are endless! :)

Don't Tip off the Waiter!

2009-11-07T16:12:00.000-06:00

The date was a bust...the group of kids who were going must have changed their mind or something cuz the whole thing didn't happen. But Christian and his friend Darren decided to still hit PF CHANGS and grab dinner. one 15 year old and one 14 year old go in to PF CHANGS on a Friday night around 10:30 pm. Oh it can only get better from here!!

After spending a small fortune on enough food to feed a small army they get the bill and experience a little "sticker shock" they split the bill and leave a tip...

A TWO-DOLLAR TIP!!! (oh I'm so glad I wasn't there--to have someone identify me as one of their parents would be mortifying!!!) Jay picked them up and they shared their story with him and he laughed and said "You better hope that you don't see that waiter outside of PF Changs again--he'll probably give you a beat down" LOL.

Guess we neglected that lesson...so all you parents out there--be sure to tell your kids that they need to tip 15-20% ...apparently that's a "learned" lesson.

He would die if he knew I posted this...

2009-11-06T08:36:00.000-06:00

Christian has his FIRST DATE tonight!! I'm sooo excited for him! It's Homecoming today at Sharyland High School and last night was his last football game (GO RATTLERS!) they won 28-7! Ending the season on a great note! While at the game Jay looked over at a cheerleader and saw Christian's number (14) on one of the cheerleaders cheeks. Of course I could hardly wait for him to be done so I could ask about her. He grinned, played dumb and got embarrassed....but fessed up her name was Raquel. Then we got home and he timidly asked if he could have some money cuz a bunch of them wanted to go to BJ's (a restaurant here) after the game. I was like "Well who's going" (diligent momma, good job!) and he turned another darker shade of read and said "Oh a bunch of us, but Raquel invited me to go" my response? "THE cheerleader Raquel!?"

...oh yeah...THE CHEERLEADER RAQUEL! hahahahaha...(unfortunately I couldn't get a good look at her so I don't know if she's a cutie or not...but whatever..my boy has his first "date!") For those with younger kids, you don't get it yet..this is huge..this is like the first step...or sending them off to Kindergarten! I feel like I should whip out his baby book and document it---but it would look weird to have it go from "First fruit: Peaches" to "well, he's 15 now and having his first date on 10-6-09" So I had to blog it! My baby boy is getting so grown up--time for Jay to have THE talk with him, I guess...

And NO Grandpa you can't call him until tomorrow afternoon! He all ready got his phone taken away at school once and we had to go pick it up and pay 15 bucks...NO MORE TROUBLE!! So you can call him tomorrow and give him a hard time :)

Grandma Helen's Visit

2009-11-04T13:13:00.000-06:00

another trick or treating shot of Aiden and Jillian

At Bailey's Last game...Aiden loves tossing the football..he's kind of a natural :)

Bailey's Last game...WIN!! they ended the season 2-2

Jay and Jillian @ Bailey's game

Aiden and Grandma go Bowling!!

A Sad Farewell...

2009-11-03T07:59:00.000-06:00

Today my parents have movers at their house, packing up their items, our memories and moving them miles and miles away to Florida. It's a sad time for me...I will miss them terribly. I know I can't be selfish and keep them here with me forever--but it was nice..it was fun...it was what families should be doing. Thank goodness there are planes and cars and we're not traveling by horse and buggy anymore!!! We'll be heading out to Florida to visit and see them in their new digs as soon as we can!! Florida holds so many fun and exciting things for young and old alike. My kids will not only love seeing Grandma and Grandpa, but Disney, Sea World, the Beach, mini golf (we have that but honestly...we never go---it's one of those vacation things we all love to do)

So this post is for my parents...HAPPY MOVE!! Safe travels and all our love going with you!!!

Grandma and Jillian practicing their "Gang Signs"

A Not-So-Spooky Halloween Night...

2009-11-01T06:52:00.001-06:00

My Fairy and my "Dan" from Bakugan

Then neighborhood was packed as usual but a lot of houses were dark. What happened to everyone handing out candy?? where is everyone going or why aren't they handing out candy? Times-are-a-changing I guess...they did a lot of walking in between houses---but when Aiden tuckered out first we made our way back home with quite a haul still. I think Jillian would have covered all of Sharlyand Plantation in her quest for candy!!

Here are pictures of my goblins from last night!!

School Dance!

2009-10-30T18:03:00.000-05:00

Bailey is off to his first school dance of 5th grade!! and looking uh...cool ??? in this get up!! A shiny sports shirt with plaid shorts....the kid must have gotten Jay's fashion sense! LOL Actually he looks kinda cute---when he arrived the girls were all over him....ridiclous!!!

Tonight Aiden's off to go bowling with Grandma Helen and Jay and Christian are hitting the High School game and me and Jillian...we'll I guess we're staying home....because someone has to be here for when Bailey gets home :)

Just before the batteries died...

2009-10-29T15:12:00.005-05:00

I caught the cutest pictures from the pumpkin patch!! I just had to share them. The pumpkin patch is just not like they are up north....some times I miss my northern life soooo bad it aches...fall is pretty much that time. I miss the apple orchards, the pumpkin-patches, the hay rides, the crisp air, moving from shorts to jeans and short sleeves and tank tops to sweatshirts (I LOVE sweatshirts..adore them infact....if they're roomy and comfy!)

But I don't live up there--I live down here.....and the apple orchards and pumpkin patches I once loved and looked forward too don't exist down here....so I make the best of what I have. In the Valley we have a pumpkin patch that a local church does. I've gone there 2 or 3 years now in a row, normally, while it's not a northern patch it isn't too bad....but this year...this year was a pathetic showing. Maybe it was the lateness in which we went, maybe it's the heat, maybe it's PMS...I don't know...but the rotting, stinking pumpkin "patch" was a huge bummer. In fact, we left and went to HEB (our grocery store) and bought pumpkins!!

Jillian enjoying the pumpkin patch

While I was there though I got a couple cute shots of Jillian and some of her friends :) and in true "I'm-kinda-having-a-bad-day" fashion...the batteries promptly died.

FRIENDS!

"R", Jillian and "D" going into the pumpkin patch!!

She thought it was a "put-your-face-in-and-take-a-picture" type Pumpkin

if you look closely you'll see the girls posed in front of the decaying pumpkins....what better way to say "HAPPY FALL YA'LL" than posing your precious bundles of joy in front of a huge pile of rotting, stinking, fly-ridden pumpkins. LOL --- I just didn't realize how horrible that was when I took the picture...what is WRONG with me?!

That mound of pumpkins behind them...yeah, ALL rotten!! GROSS!!

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-27T19:57:00.000-05:00

LOVE THIS SKIRT!!! I'm totally going to make my own version of it!! how simple is this?!?!

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!!

2009-10-27T13:12:00.005-05:00

I've been busy entertaining (I don't do that very well...sorry guests!) My parents just left and arriving today is my mother-in-law....so in between these visits I got the urge to create...I feel it deep in my bones and nothing else gets rid of it until what I set out to do is completed....while the outfit isn't completed the tops are. So please check out my latest project---Jillian's Christmas outfit..one of them anyway--I plan on making another one with darker Christmas hues and more formal prints.

Jeans with ruffles or appliquéd or decoupage will be added to this fun set...I made the peasant top white to go with anything--even "Non" Christmas outfits....and the twirl top with Michael Miller fabrics, and the straps are suspender-clasped on!! (allow me to be boastful...but SUPER CUTE!!!) lol

Keep in mind this is a long top...so with her bloomers on it looks like an awfully short dress! LOL

Reality Check

2009-10-26T20:31:00.004-05:00

I ADORE my baby boy! Honestly, I do. He's sweet, smart, funny and sensitive....but a little lost on fantasy Island (no not the one with de-plane, Boss...but in HIS OWN version of Fantasy Island)

Take for instance....this:

TRANSLATION:

FROM: ZALDE (no clue who this is)

TO: GOHAN (A Dragon Ball Z cartoon character)

I love you Gohan but why did you break up with me. I'm sorry.

Now let me clarify---

A: he's 7, spelling isn't his strongest suit.

B: He's obsessed with dressing up, acting out in pretend play, the character he's dressed up as

C: Did I mention he's sensitive and usually in his own world???

Bless his heart, he left this note on my dresser tonight and I read it, showed it to Jay and we both laughed out butts off.

Ahhh good times in the Miller house...good times indeed. I LOVE THAT BOY!! but he's one kooky kid :)

I'm still here!!

2009-10-23T05:36:00.005-05:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. I kind of fell off track when I went to my mom's (she's back from Minnesota) and I went to help her go through some things (She's moving to Florida---really, can't that lady sit still???) Upon returning home on Wednesday, I had exactly 1.5 days to prepare for a garage sale, then after the garage sale I had exactly 2.5 days to prepare for my parents visit down here, a football game and another birthday (my mom's) so I'm going with the excuse of...I've been busy.

So, last time I promised updates on Christian's birthday. Since he had school he had the option of staying home or going....oh what to do? what to do!??! he chose to stay home. (wow really!?) So we had a day of goofing off. I think all in all he had a good day. That night we made his birthday dinner (hot wings and fries) and had a DQ blizzard cake (oreo) and then POOF my boy turned 15!

For his birthday he got, Clothes (Hollister), a football, a new cell phone, new bedding (Vikings) as well as Drivers Ed and some cashola and a couple gift cards....pretty decent haul if you ask me.

On another note...I'm now making these little jewels for craft fairs....my model went from one extreme to the next (no smiles to full-out model mode) We have Archer Park coming up in 2 weeks and then on Nov. 7th we've got a craft fair at the boys' elementary school--time to get busy!!

Really...where does she learn that?! LOL

Football for Fifth Graders

2009-10-08T15:17:00.005-05:00

This has been on busy week here at the Miller household! Tuesday was Bailey's first flag football game. He loved it! He played the entire game in 90+ degree heat...and had a blast!! Aiden and Jillian and ran around throwing the spare footballs and playing with all their friends. It was enjoyable for mom and dad too! :)

Bailey's team won!! YEAH! he's got three more games and one bye then it's over :( but that's OK because soon it's going to start getting too dark to have them play longer.

Pictures of my handsome boy playing are below (along with some of his brother and sister) The first are some of him warming up with his friends and their siblings. (I tell ya it's like a block party with all the siblings there to keep everyone occupied and all the parents are talking and cheering, it was really fun)

Then you'll see Bailey in the flags...that's the game :)

I'll update you on Christian's birthday tomorrow--right now I have to get to Rio Grande City, TX and watch Christian play football...I tell ya, it's go, go, go around here!

ROOT, ROOT, ROOT for the HOME team!!

2009-10-06T07:46:00.003-05:00

Love him or hate him...he's all ours now!!

Ok so the Vikings aren't exactly our "HOME" team considering it's a 3 day drive to Minnesota...but you know what they say..."you can take the boy out of Minnesota, but you can't take the Minnesota out of the boy" or something like that, anyway.

DID YOU SEE THAT GAME LAST NIGHT!! WOW! It was great huh!?

VIKINGS WIN!!! with a gazillion (that's a technical term, by the way) Sacks and they looked gooooooooood doing it!

Bailey has his FIRST game tonight!! Wish him luck! I think he's nervous...it's Flag football and they only play those in our school district...so it should be fun to see him play. I've been waiting for him to find something worth joining. LOL...maybe this is it!! :) (pictures of that game will be posted tomorrow after his game :) kay?!)

have a great Tuesday!!

Two-rooms, 1 weekend...SUCCESS!

2009-10-05T07:54:00.007-05:00

We did it! We switched Bailey and Jillian's rooms around! Moved out furniture, painted Jillian's old room, switched fans, curtains, and then piled all the furniture back in and hung accessories that needed to be hung on the wall for the past three years, on the wall! All in a weekend!

They look good!! I miss the pink and purple of Jillian's room, but maybe I can bat my eyelashes enough to have it get done after Christmas :) (I'll even toss in a couple "pleeeease" for good measure!) Jillian's actually mad that her room isn't pink. (YEAH ME--lol) so she's on my side. He doesn't stand a chance, does he?

Here are some pictures of the finished projects!

Jillian's room got a new bookcase/reading area. She has more space to play but less closet space...boo...but we can't have it all, can we? The big window let's in tons of light and really brightens it up. She still needs paint and her name hung on the wall.

Above the bookcase I'd like to get some letters and spell out "once upon a time..." (hoping for $$ for a cricut machine this year for Christmas!!) Also, would like to get a little reading chair for her in the corner where her princess throne is currently located. They have them at www.landofnod.com and www.potterybarnkids.com but they're like 100 bucks!! HOLY COW!! (and that doesn't include the monogrammed slip cover! Isn't that nuts!?

Her room is also waiting on some storage (that we've yet to purchase) that will replace the toy buckets that is currently located between her curio cabinet and her dresser. I want to get some cube storage with some buckets that match to go there. You can see the frames on top of her curio cabinet that will be hung up above her bed when I fix one of the frames that broke on the move down here. (Heading out today to get wood-glue).

For Christmas I'm making her a new bedspread too. It will be white/pink/lime green. (in this picture her comforter isn't even on the bed...lol, that's because it was being washed.

Now on to Bailey's room...

Obviously he had a fresh coat of paint. This room went from the top half was light pink, white chair rail, and purple/pink/white stripes around the bottom to--tan on top, "alligator hide" green chair rail and "coconut shell" brown on the bottom.

The fan was switched from Jillian's pink/purple/blue/yellow/green flower fan with butterfly pulls to the one that was in his room which is much more masculine :) His shelf got repainted in alligator hide green, he'll be getting a new valance and curtains too. I hope to convince Jay to have a desk built in his over-sized closet so he can do his homework there (there's tons of space!!).

We also added a cork board for whatever he wants it for and hung up the beloved poke'mon poster that Christian got when he was like four!! LOL.

***CAUTION***

Speaking of Christian...his birthday is Wednesday---FIFTEEN!!! he started his drivers education classes this weekend. It's Saturday and Sunday morning from October 3rd until November 22nd! (yeah you read that right TWO MONTHS long) crazy!! next week he has to go to the DMV and get his permit and vision test then he's behind the wheel.

Aiden is in heavy competition with the rest of the school (mostly his brother) to collect as many box-tops as he can...so if you happen to run across some on your packages and would like to help him out he'd appreciate it!! This is serious business folks...it's a party at the end of the year for the class that's collected the most. I hear lots of "HEY! that was MY box-top!" or "I'm going to eat ALL of this *holds up new box of cereal* so I can get the box top!"

Hey, I'm not too proud to beg...PLEASE send box tops to us!!! LOL

That's about it...Tonight is Monday Night Football...Vikings v. Packers....so guess where we'll be all night long!? Tomorrow is Bailey's first flag-football game and Wednesday is Christian's birthday, Thursday is Christian's football game and Friday I have a craft booth at the free music in the park night here in McAllen....so all in all it's a week of go-go-go. Sooooo GO VIKES!

Poodles and Zippers ...I DID IT!

2009-10-02T12:41:00.004-05:00

I completed a poodle skirt for Jillian...it's a little longer than I wanted but it'll still be adorable on her. I have to complete the top, find a scarf and some keds-type shoes (I'd like saddle but they're like 30 bucks!!) did I mention I'm going to try to make a petti-skirt to go under this bad boy!? THAT'LL TAKE SOME WORK! LOL

anyway--I can't show you the WHOLE outfit, that would take away my Halloween posts! LOL...so here's the completed skirt...matched perfectly with the Alcatraz tee she swiped from Aiden :) (in case you haven't realized yet---when we're home we rarely get fancied up complete with hair, bows and clothes! LOL)

It was my first time doing a zipper!! I'm so proud of myself and would like to extend a HUGE thank you to YOUTUBE.COM for the video how-to! LOL

Jillian had a blast twirling around and around...I managed to snap a picture of her looking at the dog but she wouldn't stop twirling long enough to actually take a decent picture.

Football Blues...again!

2009-10-02T07:42:00.002-05:00

Good news and Bad news...

Good news: Christian got to play quite a bit last night at the game vs. the McAllen High School, Bulldogs! (about every 3/4the play)

Bad news: Sharyland High School Rattlers lost 14-7. :( Bummer.

but the good news out-weighed the bad in this situation. We were happy Christian got to play and he looked good doing it. :) I went to the game while Jay stayed home with the boys. (Jillian came with me) She had the cheerleaders laughing and Christian could her hear yell "GO RATT-LERS!" on the side lines. Maybe Jay won't get his way--maybe...just maybe, she won't be the best football player in the family...a mother can dream!

All photos were taken on my phone--and I've not quite mastered getting them off there yet. When I do I'll post them here! :)

How's that for Service!!

2009-10-01T15:13:00.004-05:00

Jay, Jillian and I headed to Pizza Hut (our usual stomping ground---just a different location) but we got there around 1:20 pm...maybe 6 tables were filled with people. We wait and wait...finally a waitress comes over and says "Just sit anywhere" so we weave our way through the restaurant around dirty table after dirty table...finally we arrive at a clean table in the back and settle in. We wait and wait for a waitress to bring menu's and I finally get up and steal one off the cash register, but while I was gone she came and dropped a couple off. So we figure out what we're getting then wait, and wait....and wait....and wait....and wait. FOR 20 MINUTES!!! we finally got up walked out. But I get ahead of myself...my laid-back, easy-going husband stops me at the door and says "hold on" then goes to the counter and asks who the manager on duty was. When she looked up and said "That's me" he said "my family and I have been waiting for 20 minutes for service" she was like "oh....uh, OK" then went back to what she was doing!!! He was soooo mad he demanded the regional managers phone number and is going to call them later! WOO YOU GO, JAY!! He was like "This is ridiculous! No one even took our drink order and you're not even busy!"

(no we didn't do this! LOL Pizza hut doesn't HAVE ketchup)

So, I think deep down he's hoping to get someone in big trouble--or at least a free pizza! LOL

Football Blues...

2009-10-01T06:26:00.002-05:00

The QB for Christian's football team got injured last Thursday so Christian got to play 3 1/2 quarters, won (I mistakenly posted the score last time) 29-0! You'd think that would be good enough to continue being starter, wouldn't you? But, alas, it's not. They brought up a starter for the Defense and Special Teams to be QB and are currently teaching him ALL the plays while Christian looks on...again. He's so discouraged and bummed. He really loves the game and wants to play....I have no idea why they're not using him and going with someone else all ready playing quite a bit but I guess it's not my call....I just know I have a pretty upset (not boo-hooing though, after all, he's almost 15!) young man on my hands. Yet, he still goes to practice and tries his hardest...gotta give him credit for that, he's persistent. I think if given the opportunity to quit, he would have all ready. Football isn't so much fun when you just run drills and never get a chance to play in the games.

Ahhh, High School football in Texas....

Have you ever...

2009-09-30T06:32:00.005-05:00

Written a little "you-cheated-me-out-of-dinner" Letter to a company??

Last night the menu said we were to have Taco's. Easy enough, right? In theory! Reality is much different than theory I've found. I got out my meat, browned it up and seasoned it just so, grated up cheese, pre-heated the oven for baking the taco shells and was all prepared...when I opened up the box of Taco shells I was happy to find that only one out of the six hard shells was cracked. I opened the 2nd half of the package (6 hard shells/6 soft shells) and find that I think I got the package that got attacked by a wild boar! they're torn and broken and crumbling...I couldn't even find ONE to use.

My taco dinner for six consisted of six taco's. One each. That was soooooo not going to work. Bailey ended up having a hot pocket and Christian had an omelet. The rest of us had the taco's. I had tons of meat that I just threw out. I wasn't a very happy camper but after a little note to El Paso--I felt much better. Hey, I'm on a budget, I can't be wasting money like that without chewing someone out!!! They shouldn't be selling products that people can't use either!

When I was a little girl I used to sit up on the counter tops and "help" my aunt Katy bake cookies (if helping means eating the dough) Yesterday morning I decided to make the kids Blueberry muffins and Jillian really wanted to help...so I popped her up on the counter and let her have at it. I've really gotta start doing her hair before I whip out my camera--these early morning pictures make me look like a negligent mom!

NEW POLL....

2009-09-29T06:12:00.002-05:00

Check it out ------------------------------------>

I can't decide if Jillian's going to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz or at 50's girl with a poodle skirt....help me decide...cast a vote!!! The winning answer I'll be making--so HURRY, I only have 30 days!

Like Mother; Like Daughter

2009-09-29T05:46:00.004-05:00

I confess...I didn't do my Bible Study homework this week. (In my defense, I was kinda sorta busy...) Fine, I'll blow off Bible Study...I can come up with million and one reason why I shouldn't go, and deep down I know that there aren't any reason, I have this week, good enough to skip. But I'm so blowing it off anyway. Until---my eyes pop open at 5 am...(remember how I posted I've been so tired for the past couple weeks) suddenly I'm wide awake when I KNOW I could use another hour and a half of sleep, I can't get it...I toss and turn for about 15-20 minutes, all the while knowing I need to do my Bible Study homework. Finally, I Obey that inner-voice and get up and do my homework...

This is exactly what my mom does...she'll call me and tell me she's been up since 4 am for some reason or another---and she can't get back to sleep until she completes the task at hand. How I wish God could have spoken to me at 5 pm rather than am....then again, his timing is perfect cuz at 5 pm my house is chaos supreme. At 5 am...silences (except for the occasional Kirby-cat "MEOW")

So today I'm off to bible study--fully prepared, too boot!

I have a FOLLOWER!!!

2009-09-27T07:41:00.003-05:00

It's a happy day---I woke up and logged in and saw I have a follower!! Yeah Mom, thanks!!

I've got quite a few embroidery projects lined up for the beginning of this week for my dear friend, Stacey. She is the head of the Celiac foundation for the Red River Valley (that's in North Dakota) and they're having a silent auction on the 3rd (Of this month!!) so I have to get moving!! waiting on a few designs to be delivered to my inbox and then I can get to work. Monday is when I'm planning to do all my work, Tuesday is when I'm planning on sending it out (after Bible Study)...speaking of Bible Study the procrastinator in my hasn't done my homework. I've been struggling with...well, staying awake! I am soooo tired lately. I think I'm fighting something off cuz I've had headaches 3 nights/mornings this week.

Friday I'm heading down to the free music in the park that they hold here locally. My friend Vanessa and I are going to be putting up a craft booth to sell our hard work :) If you happen to be local and in the Archer Park area stop by!!

For now though it's football day---friends, food and football...when I say football...I mean...ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL day football...as in GO-TO-CHURCH-SO-I'LL-BE-SAVED-WHEN-I-DIE-FROM-TOO-MUCH-FOOTBALL day. I wouldn't mind this so much if it were one, maybe two games...but it's never just one or two..it's like 12..back and forth between one game and the next...I get dizzy watching the channels flip back and forth. Then when football is over---it's ESPN for reviews of the game. This is over a 24 hour affair....cuz it spills into Monday night. However, I love my guy so I don't say too much about it. It makes him happy--that makes me happy---and sometimes I can sneak in a nap! :oP

So that about sums up the day for me. Football, Football and *Sigh* Football. How about you?

Disasters....

2009-09-25T07:58:00.007-05:00

This post is all about disasters :) Lucky for me I have a whole slew of them waiting to be written about.

1) as you can tell by what Jillian is wearing...she is a FASHION disaster!! (side note: Jay was impressed that the stripes at least were all "stripey"--I'm not 100% sure what that means--but I wanted to throw it out there) he also noted that if she were color blind she'd go perfectly! Thankfully, I think she can see in a rainbow of colors and just wanted to put something on to go out back and play with the dog. Not to mention it's like 7 am and her hair hasn't seen a brush for a good 12 hours...so don't look too closely!

2) Last night Christian got to play in his football game...the starting QB got hurt in the middle of the 2nd quarter (knee) so Christian got a shot (they won 22-0--woo hoo!!) and since we've had some rain the past 3 days (WOO HOO!!!!) that made for a VERY muddy football field. So the coach sent the pads home with the kids to be cleaned up....(thanks, oh-so-much...that means more laundry--and we all know how I feel about THAT !)

Back to the pads and uniform....THE SMELL!! oh heaven help me the smell was like something out of a litter box. It reeked of cat urine....it was so nasty we tossed the jersey and pants in the washing machine ASAP and the pads/helmet got a liberal dousing with Febreez. I swear he'll smell more like flowers than sweat...and I'll be happy for it! they dried over night and smell fresh and nice again. Thank-goodness!!!

Aiden tried on the pads and helmet and it was too cute not to snap some quick pictures of him being his usual adorable self. And Bailey in the background being his usual lil self too. LOL...once Aiden tried them on they all wanted to try them on. Christian kindly got down with the boys and strapped them in. Which promptly turned into a tackle fest....at 7:15 this morning.

Yes, Bailey's wearing shorts with a short sleeve tee shirt and Aiden has on a sweatshirt with jeans...can YOU guess how hot/cold it is here today?! :)

***Hint...don't refer back to the 4 year old...she thinks everyday is "shorts" day!***

Looks like he's ripping his ear off huh?

Biggest disaster of the day (so far..it's early...I may have more to post later...)

These are Christians cleats from Football last night, really, the pictures don't do them justice...they were so dirty they were kept out in the garage---I do believe the cat "odor" was coming from them...so I ask myself...since these have been at school since a week before school started in his locker...does the ground stink this bad or do they have stray cats at the school that have decided to make a bed out of my sons shoes!? Either way--N-A-S-T-Y! you know that feeling where you think you continue to smell something even after it's all gone...like you've got something stuck in your nose...just taunting you with that horrific odor...ugh that's me today--I smell it everywhere! I took the laces out of the shoes washed them with soap and hung them to dry---then moved on to the shoes themselves...a few gag-reflexes later I have succeeded...did I mention I sprayed them liberally with Febreez?! He'll smell like a freakin field of daisy's when I'm finished with him...but he will not STINK!!! How he could stand to wear that...how people could stand to be around him when he was wearing it!?!? He said on the way out the door..." Yeah the locker room is like 10 times stinkier than that!" (you'll have to excuse me I feel another gag-reflex coming on) *GAG*

************************************************

and finally, My blog is such a disaster that I have NO followers!!! it's a sad sad day when a blog can't even get the authors mom to follow it! (yeah I'm talking to you momma!) my poor, lonely blog.....*single tear drop on the keyboard*

Picture day...

2009-09-24T08:42:00.005-05:00

It's OVER PRICED PICTURE DAY!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Today is school picture day!! yes, folks it's that time again for over priced pictures of my kids!!! Can I get a "Whooo!"

here's what the kids decided to wear (OK, I confess...Jay and I decided)

We've only bought school photos once or twice....they are seriously over-priced--like (1) 8x10, (2) 5x7 and (8) wallets for like 42 bucks! I prefer to take them to Portrait Innovations where I get too many to hand out for 100 bucks. LOL...I know I'm saving soooooooo much money that way, huh!? At least I feel like I'm getting a better value (and I am!)

Then there's lil miss Jillian...she's all preppy today in a skirt I made her the other day. I wish I had more of this fabric, I LOVE IT! It's actually flannel--but the color scheme is just right up my alley..I love it!! I wish I had time to make a peasant top to go with it, even a vest over the top would have been cute too....but this will work for now. I'm on the look out for more plaid fabrics now though cuz I love the look of this little skirt, my mind is whirling with ideas and grand dreams of sending her off to Kinder next year with a whole wardrobe made from me....won't happen I know but man to be that good!!! *SIGH*

Here are 3 out of 4 of my crazy kids...taken this morning at 7:30 am!

(that early and they're all smiling...pretty proud of myself right about now!)

All in a days "work"

2009-09-23T12:37:00.007-05:00

Ok so it's not really "work" for me to sew...I enjoy it when things go my way---I wanna cry when things go badly.

I love fabrics, patterns, embroidery designs, pretty colored threads...oh the hours I could spend shopping for these items if I only had the money!

I usually get my fabric home and look at it blankly wondering what to make with it, on a side note, at the store I always have visual ideas, grand ideas (that are so out of my sewing reach it's flat out pathetic) but grand ideas they are!! I think..."oh I've seen something made that would be so cute with this fabric" or "Ohh I remember seeing something on etsy.com that I could remake with this fabric or that design" then I rush home to make it, only to realize it's 15 minutes before the kids get home and hauling out my sewing machine, serger and supplies just wouldn't be worth it in the end...so I place it in my "stash" and think...TOMORROW!!! ***fast forward 3 months*** new pattern in hand...and rummaging through my fabrics...this one? that one? oh this is would be cute...what did I buy to coordinate with it?? no, not that...this, eh, it would work but not exactly what I'm looking for....maybe a run to the store---and so the cycle begins again.

However when I ran across this blog and found this amazing pattern, I figured...may as well try it...looks easy enough and I knew exactly what fabric I wanted to use!!! I started at around 10 and finished at 12:20...factor in a phone call, starting a movie, folding the dreaded laundry (twice) I think I did pretty darn good!! and it's super cute!! Just look at my little muffin ball!!

LOOK WE'RE ECO-FRIENDLY!!!

Last night I whipped this little gem out too---it took all of 10 minutes (from finding a tee shirt to completing the stitch at the bottom) Jillian's quite impressed! (hard for me to impress that little stinker) I really am not that eco-friendly--I'll never remember to bring this to the grocery store but I know that Jillian will use it for play and Aiden can take it to sleep overs...I'll make some for the other boys for sleepovers too when I find a "manly" tee shirt :)

Puppy Market

2009-09-23T08:18:00.005-05:00

Tails from Today...

We've made it clear that when our beloved Kirby-cat passes on (which could be YEARS from now) that we'd get a new dog. In the true nature of a 4 year old, she is off shopping at her very own puppy market...

She scattered her pups out around the house, then took her shopping cart and off she went. Last night she declared "I'm a great shopper, Mom!" Indeed, you are, Jillian!! Notice there are THREE puppies in her cart...yeah, I'm thinking my house will be more of a zoo--sooner than I'm wanting.

Today is also Laundry day---woo.....hoo. is there anyone out there--besides my mom and aunt Katy (side note, how did I miss this genetic anomaly?) that loves laundry day??? I know it's NOT me. I truly HATE laundry day. I think it's the idea that even when I'm done with my laundry--I'm not *really* done...after all I have 6 bodies that are wearing multiple pieces of clothes....about 2 loads worth when you factor in pj's that they'll wear later that night. Just thinking about it exhausts me....those with one child...reading this---yeah you hush, you have NO clue! LOL. Thank goodness I have a fabulous husband that likes laundry done so much he'd rather do it himself than wait. :) I try to do it on Wednesdays and Saturday's...he does "fill-in" *cough*everyotherday*cough* laundry. Not sure how I got so lucky marrying that one, but you won't hear me complain. :o)

So as I work on the couple loads of laundry (yes I necessary evil--I know, but it doesn't mean I have to like it) Jillian's shopping for puppies, it's a rainy day and I'm actually in a mellow mood enjoying the over-cast, and looking for a sewing project to sink my teeth into. Any suggestions?! I'd like to make something for myself...just not sure what!! (and between you and me, I'm really bad at reading paper patterns! LOL)

Mickey D's

2009-09-22T13:04:00.003-05:00

so after bible study Jillian and I headed to the store then McDonalds...again...I know this has to stop...those high calorie french fries just whisper softly to my thighs...begging, pleading with me...and who am I to deny....so we went through the drive through today (because I have ice cream sandwiches in the car---heaven forbid they melt--cuz then the salty would be incomplete without the sweet as they stick to my thighs)

any-who! my goodness...try ordering a mushroom cheese burger with just cheese, mushrooms and meat down here...I may as well be playing charades with the intercom!

"No, NOT mustard...MUSHROOMS!" as in MUSHROOM cheeseburger....

"so you want no mushrooms but mustard?'

" No...I want a MUSHROOM Cheeseburger plain..NO CONDIMENTS!" (my bad, too big of a word for drive through, I realized my error immediately!)

"No what?" Shame on me...try again...

"I want a MUSHROOM CHEESEBURGER with meat, mushrooms and cheese only...."

"Anything else?" she asks me.

I read the screen, holding my order, (plain with mustard; no mushrooms) my stomach lets out an angry growl...so what if there's mustard on it, FEED ME, it's telling me. My brain and tastes buds are going into hyper-drive...NO MUSTARD! WE DON'T LIKE MUSTARD!! they're screaming. I'm conflicted...what to do, what to do!?

"No that's not right" I hear myself say "I don't want mustard."

"So just meat and cheese" I seriously wonder if I'm on Punk'd with Ashton Kutcher! Only hold up, I'm not a celebrity, except in my own mind....should I try to explain it again or just sit in my car and cry, I could refuse to move until they get it straight and block up the drive-through line for hours...(cuz I think that's how long it would take to have them figure it out)

I go for option 4....pull up to the window and go face-to-face. In the end it all got worked out...I'm the crazy lady who just wanted meat, cheese and mushrooms...sadly, it wasn't even that good...I'm sticking with Chicken Nuggets....besides what meal is worth ALL that work!?

Whew..I'm back!

2009-09-18T14:25:00.006-05:00

Well it's been a super long time *cough*likeayear*cough* since I've blogged! wowza! but I'm feeling the creative bug again...first let's update everyone:

Christian is almost 15 (I KNOW RIGHT!?!?! ugh) and will be going to do his drivers Education soon. He's in 9th grade playing football and possibly transfering High Schools from the public one to Med High which is a charter one with emphasis on medical careers. Here's a photo of him in his football uniform (number8)

Bailey is 10 and in 5th grade and playing his first year of Flag Football...so far...so good! :) Bailey's got a pay-as-you-go-phone...honestly if I knew texting would occupy so much of his time I may have gotten him one this summer and saved myself some arguing between Aiden and Bailey....how come no one shares these tips with me?? Why did you let me flounder by myself out there waiting for the "AH-HA" moment to strike. I'm blonde, take pity!!

Aiden is 7, in 2nd grade, and plays baseball (with daddy as a coach/pitcher) and has been playing for 4 seasons now...really likes it and is getting so much better than that first season when it was just fun to watch the planes fly buy and twirl around in the outfield while throwing his mitt in the air. Now he's at the pitchers spot :) Here's Aiden's updated picture...yeah..don't ask, I don't know. He's in his own world 99.9% of the time. apparently the game was MUCH more interesting upside down.

Jillian is 4, sweet as can be. She's starting to read a little bit and learning to write her letters. She goes to MOPS with me and Bible Study but no preschool. Here's her updated photo with daddy---yeah have I mentioned she gets a little excited at times! LOL and another of her imitating the Cheerleaders...GO RATT-LERS!!

Jay and I are the same. LOL...really after so many years doing the same thing it's hard to come up with things to write...so you just sit here and update everyone on your kids, which we all ready know is the only reason you come here.

but what I really wanted to blog about is not just updates...I want to start just jotting down random-ness in my life.

Let's take for example:

Today Christian forgot his posterboard in the back of Jay's car. He contacted him and asked if he'd bring it back to school...sure not a problem....woah wait..yeah there is...HS is a closed campus..meaning you aren't allowed on the campus except in the office...which seems silly to me because really--if anyone with a High schooler knows teenagers....no one is gonna steal one...they're a major Pain in the---ahem...yeah anyway back to my story...so Jay calls and asks me if I can run it up...sure sure...whatever. I get there...they won't hold the poster board either! The office doesn't "hold" items for the student. Ok fine, can you call him to come get it? Nope, we don't interrupt class....grrrr....I'm TRYING HERE LADY, can you work with ME?! at all??? no?? not even one little bit---no...have a seat wait until the bell rings then we'll call him to the office. SERIOUSLY!? yeah, 100% seriously. I babysat a piece of posterboard for 15 minutes...then Christian got a tardy for being late to class. Ahhh the wonderful world of High School in the Valley. :D

Playhouse Disney LIVE!

2008-12-29T09:20:00.005-06:00

On the 27th Jillian, my mom and I all went to see Playhouse Disney Live! at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo...to say Jillian loved it would be an understatement! Infact, she told Jay that "Quincy is real!" after seeing the show. (Nothing like keeping reality and fiction firmly separate huh?) she was grinning from ear to ear the entire show. She would walk around saying "I SO EXCITED!" and giggling from deep within her gut. It pure joy to watch. Here's some pics from our time!!

Enjoy!

Some close ups of her outfit. :o)

Thanks for peeking in at our blog!!! Hope you all had a great Christmas!!

Christmas time again....

2008-12-18T13:54:00.006-06:00

Which means that it's Christmas card photo time again. Trying to get that "perfect" picture....*SIGH*....we were bound to end up with a few funny shots here and there...this year, we had more than usual....here are some out-takes from our little adventure.

4 kids, a husband who hates doing this (but loves me enough to put up with it) and a mom who could easily do this all day long (if the batteries and kids lasted)

I almost sent a photo out with just the out-takes from our little day out, how could I have chosen just one though!?!?! However, I found one that worked and sent that. (although I didn't print enough--so if you didn't get one, I apologize!!!)

*Waaaa-hoo!!*

*I'm soooo done*

*look at me, I'm a super hero!!*

*no more paparazzi!*

*Let me goooooooooooooo!!!*

*double head fix*
*I don't even wanna know....no really, I don't!*

*you can't see me....can you?"

*no more, mom!!*

*this stinks*
*head fix*

*enough, mother*

*FINISH OR I'LL BE FORCD TO GET UGLY*

*No idea what's going on down there*
*look our car, let's go!*

*ugh my nose!!!*

*must....keep...hands......still!*

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!! may you have a blessed holiday season and get everything your heart desires!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, did we ever get the picture we wanted, you ask....

Of course!

*F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!!!*

Love,
The crazy Miller family!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN---and GO VOTE!

2008-11-02T06:32:00.007-06:00

Welcome to my blog ya'll!

Halloween was Friday (today is Sunday) And I have a few minutes to update my blog! First let me share some photos of the kids (minus Aiden who was at a his friends house playing until Trick or Treating time)

Jillian and "Frankie" Christian "running" out the door!

Don't you love the "BUN" Hair! LOL

We were obviously....the Starwars Foks. Aiden was Obi Wan, Bailey was Anikin, Jillian was the Princess (of course!)

Trick or treating went well, Bailey high-tailed it off to go with his friend BJ and returned around 9 pm...with a sack full of candy, Aiden and Jillian, Jay and I all went trick or treating with the neighbor boys and their dad, their mom stayed back to hand out candy. (cheater!) LOL. It was a beautiful night, unlike last year where it was so hot and humid, Friday was perfect. Nice breeze coming through, mild temps. No complaining....except maybe "There's not enough houses with lights on!"

I took Jillian to the pumpkin patch with a friend and picked out some pumpkins. Carved those up in scary, happy and silly faces. Her "baby" pumpkin is "crying" (at her request) cuz she misses her friends.

Jillian really wanted the pumpkin she's sitting on but it was just TOO BIG!

I'm back from my trip to Minnesota to see Stacey and NKOTB in concert. That was amazing and fun and went entirely too fast!! (Some pics of that too)

Concert was held in St. Paul at the Wild's (NHL HOCKEY TEAM) venue. It's pretty brand-spankin new and it was really really nice inside!

(for all you non-fans) this is Jordan

Finally--GO VOTE! I could say only vote if your a republican but I have to be nice and say--GO VOTE! (but only if your a republican! *hey it's MY blog* LOL) If you don't vote I don't wanna hear your complain about who got into office....GOT IT!? :o)

Until next time folks...HAPPY FALL

Updating for you MOM!

2008-10-04T20:00:00.005-05:00

HELLO FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!

Ok guys here's the latest on my family....although I have been keeping up with ya'll through e-mail pretty well, but I must update to please the momma!

I can't, for some reason, access some photos on my external drive. ??? wonder what's up with that, but I do have some recent pictures of my kids on my computer, so ya'll lucked out :)

OK the run down:
Christian has to dress up on game days!! SO HANDSOME!!

Christian--Will be 14 on Tuesday, starting QB for the White (B) squad of the football team at school. He's in 8th grade, babysitting for $$ now! He's really turning into a great young man, if I do say so myself. :D hee hee.

Bailey--Is 9, in 4th grade and doing well. He's got friends he's always wanting to hang out with, unfortunately they live in our area but not within walking distance so it's hit or miss if he can go, depending on whatever one has going on. For Christmas we're thinking of splitting Aiden and him up and adding a wall to our game-room and making it his room. We'll see...we have to get a quote first! LOL

Aiden--6 and in 1st grade. He's reading (FINALLY) and enjoying school alot. He's got a friend he loves to play with down the street but due to his lack of listening has been grounded for the next 3 days. (he wouldn't stop long enough to listen as I ticked off the days....finally after 4 days he understood and quit whining) Now he's negotiating an "early-release" for good behavior.

I'm pooped!

Jillian--she's 3 (as of August 3rd) and she is lovin' her b-day present...her swing set. Her and the dog, Sophie are two peas in a pod out there. Everything from diggin in the dirt to peein' outside (such a little lady, huh?) We're currently trying to housebreak her too!! LOL...only we want her to do it inside not out! She's either going to rejoin tippi toes or we're going to try little gym, we haven't decided yet. She likes them both. unfortunately our money tree just won't produce the $$ we'd like.

Jay is working the catastrophe team with Farmers Insurance. He was in KC, KS for 10 days, then home working 12 hour days 7 days a week....trying to file claims for the Ike victims.

We did not get a single drop of rain from IKE and it was a close call until that last 24-30 hours it was heading towards us, then Corpus Christi, then finally Houston. My old neighbors had alot of damage from a roof caving in, water leaking down the walls and into the carpet--they said the only damage our old house sustained was a tree down on the fence between our old house and theirs!! wow!

I'm doing good...I'm actually getting a wonderful opportunity to see my favorite group of all time perform again!! NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!! *EEEEEKKKKKK* I go on October 21st to see them, I'm so excited!! I know all you guys never understood and that's ok...I don't mind...this is MY time and I'm going to enjoy every last nano-second of it! so no comments to ruin it! :oP got it? :)

***FLASH BACK 1992*****

HOW's that for an update mom? :) LOVE YA!! SEE YA SOON!!! I found a house for you on Los Indios!! :) (With a pool)

*** I'm working on getting the other two boys their pics taken, and will before Christmas time, but right now I don't have any new one's of them...sorry!***

Summer time!

2008-07-06T05:42:00.009-05:00

SUMMER ROCKS!!!!

Mr. Dare-devil himself!!

I've gotta get better and updating! I'm sorry guys, it's been in the back of my mind for a while now but everytime I sit down at the computer I forget. But here in the midst of insomnia I remembered!!

This summer has taken the two older boys up to Minnesota to visit with Grandma's and Grandpa for 5 weeks. They're lovin' every minute of it and would probably stay forever if they were allowed! hee hee...but alas, they must return home.

For the one's that were lucky enough to stay home with mom and dad, we've tried hard to make it a good summer for them as well. We started off by heading to the neighborhood pool, VBS, the zoo and a movie (Kung Fu Panda) played PIRATES,

A pirate says "arrrr!"....or "cheese!"

no "cheese" here, this is serious playing!

then we took our "vacation" last week over the 4th and went to Corpus Christi and stayed at my parents house--it was alot of fun, and cooler weather than we're used too...it was over cast most of the trip but that was ok becuase the first 2 days we kinda got burned out in the pool.

Jillian swimming to dad! (pre ear-ache)

Jay and Aiden swimming at night

Jillian came down with an ear ache so that eliminated swimming for the last few days we were there but the highlight of our trip was going to San Antonio to Sea World!! That was so much fun and PERFECT weather!! We needed more than one day though!! we didn't get to see everything but we were very happy with what we did see and do.

We saw alot of shows 3 or 4 of them, here is Jay, Aiden and Jillian at one of them

We came home on July 5th and here I am at 6:07 (been up for 3 hours all ready) updating my blog. We've also had some down-time. Aiden and Jillian have been busy playing (or fighting) together, but I can tell that Aiden really misses his brothers. He's slept in Christian's room every night and I tihnk it's so he can be closer to Jillian's room...it's hard when your roomate leaves for 5 weeks!

Just hangin' out,

dang its hard havng such cute kids! (hee hee)

is he normal?

Jillian is about 85% potty trained. Not at naps or bedtime and only the occassional accident. Who said potty training girls was easy!? holy cow I'm thinking that person never had a boy to compare it to! LOL

Jay got a new position within the same company. He's excited with it came a raise and the freedom to move wherever we'd like (after our house sells...which is hopefully soon...we are going to relist it soon I belive)

Jillian will be going to Princess Camp through her tippi toes program where they'll spend 4 hours each day dancing, singing, playing crafts and eating lunch. She's really missed tippi toes since the last session ended so I'm sure she'll have a blast!!

Aiden's in T-ball through the boys and girls club and is the "RED SOX" he declared the other day after catching a glimpse of the Boston Red Sox on tv that "there's a team named after my team!" he was shocked, excited and really loving the fact that they named it after HIS RED SOX! It was really funny. No games have been played yet, just practices...I'll keep you updated (hopefully) on how they do though!

Dad helping out!

going through the drills...

SCHOOLS OUT!!

Aiden's final kinder program! (see the chunk of hair missing? (it's on the left in the front)...yeah mr. barber he's NOT!)

Last time I updated my kids were still in school, now I have a 1st grader, a 4th grader and an 8th grader!! They all passed with good marks and good behavior! whew!

Wii Fit!

Also to keep in shape we got the Wii Fit..(apparently you have to get DO it to get fit...mmm, they should tell you that on the package! hee hee) anyway here's pictures of Jillian doing it, and a video at the end of her too.

Dancing with the mii's

Yoga baby

VIDEO TIME!!

Jillian doing the Wii

Finally here is a cute video from the zoo...one that cracks Aiden up every time...a baby monkey pickin' at his booty...(yeah he's ALL boy!) This little guy was so funny though, he would hardly walk at all, instead he just rolled and back flipped and was just crazy!!! Jay said him and Aiden would get along GREAT!! they were both in their own world. Notice in the video that momma gorilla doesn't have 1 arm :( we don't know what happened to her but it was sad to see. Little baby didn't care though he still harassed her to no end! LOL. The zoo had so many baby animals, lots of baby from the monkey family, but also baby a giraffee, tiger, ducks, camels and goats in the petting zoo! I've never seen so many baby animals in the zoo before! it was so neat!! I stopped it kind of abruptly because I didn't think it was "appropriate" to have on tape, but after hearing Aiden howl at it I wish I would have let it go a little longer! LOL

Monkey scratch

Thanks for stopping by!!

Spring time!

2008-04-15T11:04:00.004-05:00

Hi guys!!

Wow it's been so long since I've updated, sorry!! Life has been one crazy ride! I think we're waiting in line for the next ride right now so while I wait I've decided to update and let ya'll know what's been happening here.

In my last post I mentioned Jillian was potty training, but we're back to square one with that. She's in diapers and is a little stubborn about this...so I'm not pushing it. She knows what to do but this is her little power trip, may as well let her have it for a couple more months. In the mean time she's singing her ABC's, counting to 12 and reading books galore! We bought some ABC flash cards and she managed to identify 20 letters. Vowels are giving her some problems along with H, J, X and Y

Too cool for potty training

Helen came to visit in March, which was fun. She had a ball playing with the kids (outside of course, since she's from Minnesota and it was freezing up there still!) they played baseball and went to the park and read books. It was a great time and we hope to see her soon!! While she was here we went to a Japanese Steakhouse and that was an experience I don't think the boys will soon forget. It was so fun!! I loved it! (pictures below)

Helen and the younger 3 after their backyard baseball game

My handsome boys!!

Japanese Steakhouse...Jillian's in shock and awe

Christian started football training again. They're getting familiar with the positions and trying a new spot every day. He's thrilled! He's been very responsible with his phone, grades and staying out of trouble. He's a great kid and he's growing up to be a great young man. We're very very proud of him!

Bailey and Aiden are doing great in school, making friends and adjusting pretty well to life in the Valley. While it's not our ideal place to live it's much better than it was a year ago! We're all being accepted and fitting in better than we have in the past.

cute isn't he?

Jillian has joined tippi toes (ballet) and it's a mommy and me class, it KICKS my butt! LOL, she loves it and honestly I do too, it's so fun and creative. We do that on Wednesday mornings. She wears a leotard and tights with ballet shoes, it's sooo stinkin' cute!! I love it.

Just Mom and Me hanging out

Aiden learned to ride his two-wheeler bike around his b-day (feb) and man alive that kid took two days to learn on his own--no one to tell him what to do, it was simply "Dad can you take the training wheels off my bike" when Jay did he jumped up there and learned how to ride lickey-split.

Jay and I are both good. We're getting ready to head up to Houston for a baseball tourneyment with his company, so while he's playing ball all day I'll be spending time with my old friends and catching up on all the gossip and seeing all the kids again. I sure miss them, terribly!! I cherish the time I get to spend with them each time around this year. 9 hours is way to far!! lol

Well enjoy the few pictures I've put up, I'll try to add more this week.

Here "Soapie" no need to feed yourself!

On a serious note my father was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, he went into the hospital on Wendesday and they removed his lower lobe in his lung, the belive they got it all and it hasn't spread. Thankfully they don't see a need for Chemo, but he will be rechecked every 3 months with a cat scan. We thank God for his continued hand in this and are so thankful we can enjoy our father even longer!! Thank you to everyone who prayed and kept my family and the doctors in your thoughts.

HUGS from Mission!
Janelle

Ever Get the Feeling the Universe is against you?

2008-01-29T12:11:00.000-06:00

First the good news!!! My kids are all B or better students according to their latest report cards!! Aiden's acing kindergarten!!! WOO HOO! Bailey's being a little lazy but still making B's and Christian's got a 3.825 GPA in 7th! GO BOYS!!!

Today is my day to feel that all the stars, planets and the moon..heck throw in the sun too...is against me. Tomorrow my brother comes to visit...then Sunday my parents come to visit and watch the SuperBowl...so what does any normal person do before company comes over?? CLEAN!!! right!

But the universe is against me today--I tried to list a simple little dress on ebay (I need some spending money) and I can't get the template to work correctly...no big deal right?? Well, what would normally take me 20 minutes ended up taking 45 which is 15 minutes too long cuz The Care Bears is only 30 minutes long. So Jillian made her way downstairs (mind you I can hear her rummaging around for something--usually she goes for the panty) Not this time....unfortunatly, so I'm clicking away hoping and praying it's just fruit snacks she's raiding...I'm hollering "Jillian Stop, Mommy's coming!!" FINALLY, I get the auction up and run downstairs...and see she's not in the pantry...she's in the fridge and has the chocolate Hershey's syrup . She's squeezed it all over the place, the dog licked it up and then puked everywhere...if Sophie dies we're blaming the 2 year old!! So I put the dog out and see that she's been chocolate-ized as well, chocolate all over her head...(is nothing off limits to her?) Meanwhile Jillian's saying "ohhh, saw-wee" (her version of "sorry") and "a mess!" (her version of..well, A MESS!) I toss the area rug, bring in the new one (it was from our dining room and thankfully we weren't using it) and put Jillian in the tub. Which she got out of, peed on the floor and got back in. I clean the floor then the rest of the bathroom while she's taking a bath.

We are potty training in this house--a 2½ year old with cinderella/dora panties running around with ½ hour reminders "DO YOU HAVE TO GO POTTY!?" which the answer is always a sing-song "NOPE!" so we go anyway...reset the timmer and she hops away again...this morning she didn't make it to her timer going off before she walked over and said "MOMMY, I POOPY." then did a cowboy walk (ya know after they get off the horse and walk bow-legged into the saloon) to the bathroom. She she did have to go poopy--unfortunatly she told me about 2 minutes too late. Ok it's expected...can't fault the girl she's learning...it's my job, not a biggie. While I'm rinsing out poor Cinderella she's got new panties on and is hopping around again...I run the wet panties down to the laundry room and start a load. While I was doing that she had to go AGAIN...I find her in the bathroom on the potty---she went but she forgot to pull her panties down!! (does that count as an accident?) LOL.

Then I try to update my blog (this is attempt two) why is it attempt two? Because my computer froze and I had to restart it...for some reason it didn't save a draft (or I lost it) and so I had to begin again!!! That was all before lunch!!

Don't fall for the innocent look...she's hell on wheels!!

She's supposed to be sleeping now but I just went there and she'd gotten her baby powder down and it's all over her floor...this day will NOT end...WHY!?!?! LOL

Whatcha doin' bubba?

I told jay (cuz he had the misfortune to call me) and he sat on the other end laughing! Then said bye---hello!? a little reinforcement here would be helpful!! Why didn't I marry rich and hire a nanny? The things we do for love. *sigh* hee hee

So now that she's in her room--and I'm waiting for her to fall asleep so I can finally shower for the day (It's only 1:11...niiice) I'm wondering if I'll even get a shower today...wish me luck!!

Enjoy the pictures and check out my auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=290202482039&Category=79714&_trksid=p3907.m29

someone bid it up high..I need money for a nanny to help me out!! (or a maid) either would be fine. :O)

I'm trying to find pictures of something other than JILLIAN but it's hard when the kids are all gone all day...she's also my model for my projects and she's pretty darn cute...but so are these guys---I'll put Bailey in next time..I've gotta tackle him down for a couple snapshots someday soon!!

ENJOY EVERY--BYE!

Walking Barb Through

2008-01-13T14:57:00.000-06:00

This is just a quick little tutorial (Sort of) for Barb...I can't explain things without actually doing them...so for those that check this and are wondering what's going on...nothing! LOL..here's some pics of the kids.

Actually these are of Jillian in outfits I've made recently. She's cute huh? :O) But I'm biased :O) (But really she's cute isn't she?) LOL

Janelle

Christmas ROCKED!

2007-12-26T12:56:00.000-06:00

Hi all-

Well as you can tell from the title of this post Christmas was awesome! Everyone had alot of fun...and got what they wanted (I hope) LOL.

We have some video of Christian opening what he wanted most (a Juke (a cell phone with MP3 player) we had him convinced he wasn't responsible enough for one just yet...so when he opened it up he was sooooo excited.

The other kids got stuff they wanted too...Bailey and Aiden got rip-sticks (I'll have to take pictures of them on 'em so you can see what they're like) Bailey's getting pretty good all ready! I'm impressesd

Aiden got a Nintendo DS (he now wants games for it for his b-day) and has hardly put it down, but better than that it's made Bailey start playing with his again. They've realized if they sit close enough together they can send messages from one DS to the Other...Bailey told me it was like having a Cell Phone with Text Messaging! LOL. He's cute.

They also go blendy pens, poke'mon cards, star wars guys, Poke'mon stadium, movies, games and just TOO MUCH! LOL...it was a great day!

Jay was a happy camper when he opened up his new Dyson Vacuum cleaner! He was like "really? this is what's in it?" hahaha..yeah!! now for some of you it may seem weird that my husband gets a vacuum cleaner but if you know him..you know that he's a cleaning fanatic..he loves to vacuum especially--so this was PERFECT..he even took my mom and dad's over the summer while they were in Minnesota and brought it to our house! hahaha, it was a great gift for him.

(I know it's sideways...I wasn't thinking straight, sorry)

As for Jillian she got a doll house (with furnishings and people) and babies and a shopping cart with boxes of food, a gymboree outfit that's adorable I can't wait until it warms up a tinch to put it on her! She had alot of fun opening her gifts and was really getting into it.

We made cookies for Santa and in the process got completely covered in frosting--Aiden did his on purpose but Jillian...that's just her little piggy self. :o)

As for me...I got exactly what I wanted: sewing items, a serger, an ipod docking station with a cd player/radio and clock in it. I also got a counter top mixer which I wanted and it comes with DOUGH hook attachements, which is PERFECT!! yeeeeeah!

The day was pretty much right on. The kids played nicely together, the meal was wonderful and the company...well I couldn't ask for better! So now that Christmas is over I'll wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'll leave you with some pictures of our Christmas morning...

We weren't expecting company but when my father got sick and hand to cancel his trip to Colorado to visit my brother and his family we glady took them in and had a wonderful visit!

It's Beginning to feel alot like Christmas....exhausted!

2007-12-21T13:39:00.001-06:00

Christmas Parties and undecorating the Kindergarten hall...that's my week in a nut shell.

Imagine this....270 glitter ornaments hanging from the ceiling, 30 beautifully wrapped presents, a twinkling christmas tree filled with oh-so-cute little apples, Letters proclaiming "santa's workshop" hanging at the enterance in adorable white string garland...what a sight to behold! it was so beautiful...I admired it one day as I was walking Aiden into class. That night, his teacher called and asked if I could come in the next morning and take it all down. Uh, sure, I can do my part, after all she educates my precious little one's mind every day. It's the least I could do.

I figure it'll take me an hour or so...how hard can it be??

THREE hours later, Jillian and I both COVERED in glitter (grrr curse you glitter happy people!) from scalp to socks the hall was undecorated. Thanks to one other volunteer who came for about an hour we managed to accomplish it. I had no feeling in my shoulder from taking down said 270 glittering ornaments from the paper clip hooks attached to the ceiling panels. Jillian discovered the water fountain in the class room (thankfully an empty classroom we had free reign of) but in the meantime she soaked :o) all in all it was actually not too bad...I'd probably even do it again next year.

Today I volunteered (the only one) to help with Bailey's classroom party. Mind you this is the gifted and talented class so why shouldn't there be a sliding race, and a bodily noise contest....really it was very...uh...well, Charming? hahaha. It was Pajama Day at school so all the kids have on their PJ's including teachers.

You'll see from the video below that it was pretty much controlled chaos. No injuries were reported (but that doesn't mean one kid didn't hit his head on the floor, get up and do it again...yeah "gifted" my foot, "special" maybe but gifted??) The party food was voted on by the third graders...who opted OUT of having pizza and opted FOR snacks instead...so the two-table spread consisted of:

Dr. Pepper
Mountain Dew
3 Bags of Candy (Sweet tart chews, nerds, skittles)
I counted 5 boxes of Cupcaks (bakery kind with extra sugar frosting)
Chips (4 kinds)
Queso dip (2 kinds)
Salsa
Cake (sugared frosting again)
Ham and cheese deli sandwiches
Sprite
oh and someone was health conscious and brought Granola bars with chocolate chips. There were fruit cups--unopened and barely glanced at.

Needless to say I'm exhaused from trying to keep up, Jillian's in a sugar induced coma in her room sleeping off her sugar rush and the little one's are outside moving at the speed of light.

We also had programs this week. These were cute...well Bailey's was kinda--not so much. LOL

So enough gibber jabber...enjoy the video's and pictures and I'll report back later!! Have a wonderful BLESSED CHRISTmas and a Happy new year!!! Be safe and thank you to everyone who sent a christmas card and/or photo.

Bailey's Performance--it's Silent Night--they were learning about sound relations to size and what-not...I don't know it was strange to say the least. I'm so proud of Bailey though, look how good he stands with his instrument...not banging it around like the crazy kid next to him (who by the way was the one who kept hitting his head at the party (in the gray outfit)) LOL

Aiden's Winter Performance...it's Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. To find Aiden locate the last row, he's the third from the left (the short one that you can't see) Sorry guys-it was the best I could do.

The parents you see in the background came for a picture and to drop off sugar..uh I mean treats and snacks then left. The man is the teachers hubby..he came to bring Queso Dip...then nearly RAN out of the room. LOL

Twister (it was the spanish verison which confused some kids as to which said "right hand" and "Left hand"...but they improvised...Jillian decided to jump in on the action here and in the background you'll see the sliding races (run, slide and see who goes the farthest) going on...they were "gifted" enough to go one at a time however..which was nice.

Can't say much about Christian this time around--he claims they sat at their empty desk and did nothing. My tax paying dollars hard at work! :o)

Christmas Letter...

2007-12-11T13:29:00.000-06:00

I'm stumped on what to write. For those that actually care about what's going on with my family--you know what's going on. You know that Bailey's 8, Christian's 13, Aiden's 5 and Jillian's 2. You know they're smart, beautiful and always--uh..mostly--er uh, ok hardly ever listen to me! You know this stuff...why must I write a generic letter stating the obvious..."WE'RE NORMAL and NOTHING HAS CHANGED!!" I've been sitting at my computer for 3 hours trying to come up with something--anything to send out--but I'm still here, blank screen in front of me, thank goodness the cursor no longer blinks like it used to in the 80's I'd have a migraine by now!

Anyone have any suggestions I can steal from you? :o) Anyone wanna write it for me?

I guess you'll find out in a couple days when you open your mailbox if I scrapped the whole letter writing idea this year or if my muse came back to me! :o)

Well enjoy the pictures...just a couple for now :o) There's some of Christian playing basketball with his friends. One of Aiden and Jillian, and some of Jillian in a couple outfits I'm either working on or made. There is a bodice for a dress I'm making and then a pants and top set I'll be listing on ebay in hopes it sells...

ENJOY! :o)

P.O.W

2007-12-04T23:34:00.000-06:00

MOTHER OF 4 LOST IN BATTLE!

Yes it's true, I've been M.I.A due to being a P.O.W. in my own home.

I've not updated in..oh...let me think.....ah, yes...FOREVER!! why? because apparently I'm a prisoner of war in my own home, sweet home. The war being that of my children. *cough*middle two*cough* and their constant fighting!! Oh did I mention I'm also working in a

Kathy Lee Griffin sweat shop? Making bows for pennies a day?

Want the stories? ok sit back and enjoy.

voice 1: *as if calling into a deep dark cave he dare not enter* Moooooom?

"Yes"

"Can I get more Poke'mon cards?"

"No you have some"

"But not as many as Bailey does"

"That's cuz you keep giving them to the kids at school"

"Only the one's who don't have poke'mon card, oh and the one's who don't have very many"
"Which you'll soon be if you keep giving them all away"

"It's only one or two"

"I know but one or two each day is 5 or 10 a week"

"But Bailey has alot of Poke'mon cards"
"That's cuz Bailey never shares anything"

"Can I get more"
"No" (Again)

*insert one foot stomp and whine* "But Bailey has more than I do!"

"We've all ready had this conversation"

"But that's not fair"

"But you started out with the same amount"

"Insert Bailey coming in with his Poke'mon cards* Voice 2: "hey Aiden look at all my cards"

*insert tears* "See he's got a whole bunch and I don't have any!" *insert running away crying*

"Bailey why do you do that?"
*Insert innocent look* "What?" *insert naughty grin "I was just showing him my cards"

"Is that really necessary?"
*insert another bigger grin with hands out palms up..." What? I was just---" (he can't continue cuz he's about to laugh. *insert background noise of wailing coming from Aiden*

"Do you have to upset him like that?"

"Yes...I mean No!" *insert laugh*

"do it again and you'll get your cards taken away"

"Ok sorry"

Voice 2 walks off.

Voice 1 reenters, tear streaked face *calling into the cave again* "Moooooom?"

"Yes?"

"Why can't I get more poke'mon cards?"
*mom thinking* because I'm gonna hunt down the inventor and suffocate him while he sleeps. "Didn't we have this converstation like five minutes ago?"

Voice 1: "But I really want some look I only have ....." *pauses to count* "10 cards, that's it and Bailey has like 17 hundred and sixty thousand."

Voice 2: "no I don't, Aiden, I have like 40!"

Voice 1: "FORTY!" *wailing begins again (like 4o is more than 17 hundred sixty thousand) *insert running off again*

"ok gimme the cards" *mom holds out hand*

Voice 2: "BUT MOM!" *mom's snapping fingers interrupt" "Ugh that's not fair, I didn't even do anything I just said I had like 40 cards, that's all!"

"I told you not to point stuff like that out to him, it just makes him upset and you know that!"

Voice 2: "UGH AIDEN!" *insert stomping off*

Now it gets good...both are upstairs ticked off... mom is in the kitchen trying to randomly throw stuff in a pan/pot/oven/microwave and hoping it turns into meal we can eat when I hear.

Voice 2: "SHUT UP AIDEN!"

Voice 1: "I'm telling mom you said Shut up!"

Voice 2: "then I'm telling her you said it too"
Voice 1: "but I didn't you did"
Voice 2: " Nu-uh you said it when you said "I'm telling mom you said SHUT UP!"

*tears.....again.*

Voice 1&2 in unison: *tattling voice* MOOOOOOOOOM

*Mom from kitchen* "I Heard, I don't care, just stay up there"

Voice 1: But Bailey said "Shut up!"

*hollering from the kitchen* "I said I don't care, just keep it up there"

Voice 1: "Bailey Mom said you are in trouble and you have to stay in your room"

Voice 2: "She did NOT!"

Voice 1: *dark cave voice* Moooom, did you say Bailey has to stay in his room?"
"Only if your fighting with each other"

voice 1: "See we're fighting. You have to"

and so it continues for about a half hour---then Jay comes home. I amazingly grow another ear so I can hear about his day---keep my ears tuned into Jillian (cuz if I don't she'll be off doing who knows what, you've read my past posts...the girl is dangerous on her own!) *see below*

Right now I think it's time for a picture break:

Voice 1 and 2 :o) *don't let the pictures fool you...they really do fight* LOL

So you wanna know what Jillian's been up to?? ooookay. *ready?* (every time I ask that I can actually feel you cringe)

As you know we've taken down her crib and put her in a toddler bed. It's going great...now. 2 months ago...not so much!! we had the repainting of the room with poop. And then about 2 days later she apparently was going to change and realized she had nothing good to wear....hence the photos below of her room after she emptied 2 drawers in her dresser! Clothes everywhere---you can see in the 1st pic she's pretty darn proud of herself....

But not for long...here she is getting into trouble...she's not fond of sitting in "time out" but she does sit there....bawling until I tell her it's ok to get out. Then the water works are turned off and playing begins again...really she'll be an oscar winner some day with those skills.

Oh last Friday she was out back playing around and she laid on an ant hill...she probably got bitten 100 times. Poor little thing...she's a train wreck...she had 33 of them on one hand alone!! She just was saying "Owww, Ouch, Owww" Bailey started yelling "ANTS! mom Ants are everywhere" they were in her clothes, diaper, hair...everywhere!!! I took her clothes off, tossed her in a bath and gave her tylenol---she wanted to go back out within the hour. When I finally let her go out again she went right back to the ant hill...HELLO!?!?! can you say "short bus"?? talk about a slow learner...sheeze. I had to bring her in for the night and then spray it the next day with ant killer while she slept.

Ahh my calm child...Christian. He finished footbal up and is currently trying out for the basketball team. The last day of tryouts is Wednesday (tomorrow) then they'll be posting the one's who made the cut late this week or early next week...stay tuned!!! In Football they came in 2nd in their division. They lost 2 times (to the same team...which is Sharyland South--when they get to highschool Sharyland (christian's school) and Shary south will merge and become one highschool) but it was a fun ride and Christian was really sad to see it end. It really brought him alot of joy to play every day and have games every week. I hope he makes the basketball team to give him some of that back.

Here he is...

Well for Halloween we had a pack 'o pirates :o) (I didn't make Jillian's outfit (or the boys') but friend of mine made her costume...it turned out sooo sooo cute!! I love it!!

Christian is "too cool" to dress up so he went to a friends house and played football with the "guys" and ate candy. Meanwhile the rest of us hit the streets to beg for candy...ahhh, gotta love halloween!! Jillian, Aiden and Bailey (below) in costume:

For Thanksgiving we went to Corpus Christi where it was FREEZING COLD!! LOL...high 40's low 50's but man alive it felt colder considering that the day before was mid 80's! My mom and I got up and went to the Black Friday sales...which was reallyquite enjoyable this year. We chatted with some people in Circut City and got some great deals in a number of stores...I got all my christmas shopping done, thankyouverymuch!

:o)

OH we made a ginger bread house too---here's some pictures of me and the kids and jay trying to get this thing to work! LOL. The roof kept slipping off...eventually the candy was picked off and we tossed it in the garbage...but it was a fun memory (hopefully) for the kids.

The weekend before Thanksgiving I had my very first craft fair...it was alot of fun!! my mom came down to help me but I worked my butt off all week tyring to get prepared and failed on teh business aspect of it...but I did get enough bows made. I didn't do as well as I would have liked but the traffic coming though was light and I did good overall I think. Here's some pictures of all the bows I made...I was pooped at the end of that week! LOL I've also been sewing which I've found alot of enjoyment out of lately....here's a top I made Jillian...

Finally my Christmas cards are being ordered...so I'll send some pictures when they come--not even a sneak preview for you guys--no no, I'm not--ok one sneak preview (I made Jillian's outift)...but that's it! no more!! (this is NOT the picture on the card) but Aiden looks 3 sheets to the wind and Jillian's well yes, she really does have that big of a mouth..hahaha!! ahhh love my babies!! all 4 of them...even though they've held me as a P.O.W. for the past 2 months!!

Have a great holiday season and I'll do better about updating I PROMISE! :o)

Till later

janelle

Jillian's new bed!! :o)

2007-09-25T10:21:00.001-05:00

Here's her new bed!

Little Angel to lil Devil in 1 week!?

2007-09-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

So my sweet perfect little baby girl has become the spawn of satan in a little over 1 week. The terrible two's have hit. Full force like Hurrican Jillian (comparable to Katrina only a direct hit on the Miller house hold)

Let's recap, shall we?

Once upon a time there lived a sweet little baby girl named..oh we'll protect the not-so-innocent and call her "Jilly". She had 3 brothers a mom and dad that all adored her. One day she decided she could crawl out of bed and practiced this until she had it down pat. So loving mommy and daddy converted her bed to a toddler bed for her so she wouldn't fall out of her crib and smash her head open. Wasn't that thoughtful?

After a night of screaming, crying and acting like we were torturing her at a terrorits prison--she got used to her new bed. Mom, stupidly though, wow that wasn't too bad!! and gave herself a little pat on the back.

Fast forward to day 3 in her new bed. Mommy had a friend over and had put "Jilly" down for a nap. About an hour later "Jilly" came down stairs naked as the day she as born, with poop all over her leg and hiney--gross and highly embrassing...talk about lady-like!! good greif! So I scoop up the little poop monster and carry her upstairs only to realize she took off her diaper, and sat down to play....each place she sat in her room I could tell thanks to the little skid marks she left behind. (oh and the top of the stairs where she sat down before she headed down to show off her nakedness) So I throw her in the tub, scrub the dried poop off her and clean her room with carpet cleaner, clorox wipes and change her bedding. Put her back in bed where she falls asleep. GROSS! Mom decides to tell Dad about this little adventure, and biggest bubba over hears, him and dad have a great laugh over that....little does daddy know his turn is about to come around. *evil laugh*

Next day--Mommy and Jillian have MOPS!! YEAH!! Daddy stays home sick from work but when I get home I'm exhausted (I'm fighing sickness too) and I tell him I'm taking a nap. We put "Jilly" in bed and I hit the sack too. I wake up about 2 hours late to Daddy freaking out over the baby monitor. All you hear is "Oh my....." then silence. Shock has set in. The sweet little baby (who's conversion to lil devil is almost complete) has gotten the diaper pail open and found....you guessed it...a poopy diaper and thought her room (which is sweet and pretty) was too sweet for a little devil like herself and gave it a make over....she "repainted" Or should I said "re-pooped" her dresser, changing table, the carpet again and herself. Needless to say I stayed "sleeping" until it was all cleaned up...I tried really hard not to laugh when he retold me the story--I mean REALLY tried...but it didn't work.

CHAPTER 2....NO ONE IS SAFE!

Think because your little in this house your safe from Osama Bin-Jillian....WRONG!!! From coloring on homework to eating the chips out of your lunch no one is safe!! Her favorite past time has been waking up at 5:15 and crawling up onto Bailey's bunk....in the process she's managed to wake up both Aiden and Bailey. How could we have spawned such a little terror! By day she's back to hurricane Jillian, pulling movie down from the shelves, throwing toys out of her toy box, raiding the pantry or refusing to sit in her highchair. All this in a very tiring 7-10 days....no wonder I needed a nap!

***** CHRISTIAN UPDATE ******

shockingly I do have time for my other kids. Christian's first game was a loss against North Shary :o( 14-0. Christian got a sack though and played very well. Pictures below:

Aiden is coming along really well in school. He is very happy and go-lucky and his teacher says he's always smiling and just a joy to be around!

Bailey's enjoying learning the solar system! He's got a comic book project on it due friday, it'll be neat to see what he comes up with, he's pretty creative when the mood strikes him. Here's a picture of the two little one's taken this morning.

1 Little Monkey Crawling out of bed!

2007-09-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

So yesterday Jillian crawled out of her crib at nap time (when it was over) and came walking out with a "Hi momma"...scared the beegeebee's outta me...think it was a one time fluke...WRONG! I put her to bed last night--she came walking out about 10 minutes later, went and sat on the couch and watched daddy play the Wii for a while until she was noticed. Scared the beegeebee's outta him! LOL

so she's a stinker---we'll keep the crib up a while longer but soon we'll be converting her crib to her toddler bed...my baby is growing up so quickly!!!

Here's some pictures of her my little ape girl...and I'm gonna try again to see if I can get the video to download on here too.

Janelle

Been a While

2007-09-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

Hi guys-

it's been a while since I've updated...ever have those weeks where you just find you woke up and suddenly it's time for bed and you just can't really pin-point where the heck the day went...welcome to my week!!

Ok on to the stuff you guys came here to read about--the KIDS!

Christian AKA... #37!

He was told Friday he would be starting Middle Line Backer at the game on Saturday morning. He was estatic!! He said to me after the "game" (you'll see why it's in " " in a moment) that he prayed he'd be starting MLB and his prayers were anwered. hee hee...YEAH! (we told him next time to be more specific and add..."and actually PLAY the game"

So we get up and get ready all decked out in our Sharyland Rattlers Shirts, get Christian to the school by 8:30 am.

We arrive around 9:45 for the 10:00 am game vs. Hidalgo...10:30 arrives...still no team to play!! Hidalgo never showed up, apparently they were playing Progresso!! Rattlers win by default :o) The kids were really disappointed and said they'd rather have played and lost than win by default :o( Poor guys...their next game is the 15th...so maybe they'll get to play. OH! did I mention they chage us admission to our own son's 7th grade game?! hahahhaa...a buck a person (including Jillian!) hahahaha...who knew!

STARTING @ Middle Line Backer--#37, Christian Miller!!

Christian and the defensive team as well as the coach!

Also, Christian was Captian of the defense on Saturday (I'm not sure if that's a whole year thing or a game to game thing) Here's some pictures of them warming up!! (he's number 37)

Waiting for his turn--mr. baggy pants! LOL

Bailey:

Bailey at Christian's "game"

Bailey went to a b-day party this weekend (actually we all did cuz it was a BBQ for everyone--it was really fun and we got to meet some new people...maybe we can survive here for a little longer! LOL)

Aiden:

Crazy Face Aiden! LOL

Last night Aiden got homework for the first time--it took him 3 hours!!! So I went to talk to his teacher today--again miscommunication runs amuck here--but staying involved is one way to help solve that. Tonight should go more smoothly...but having a kindergartener write out their numbers 1-100 was a little excessive, considering he didn't even know 2, 5 and 7---something he knows NOW!! (after mom and dad helped him)

Jillian:

Jillian's face is healing great...almost all gone now!! WOO HOO!! she's enjoying being home alone I think...she just roams around upstairs while I check my e-mail playing with her new kitchen and in her room reading books. Then we'll sit and read and play--she makes a mean cup of tea!! LOL...and it's a never ending supply!! So be warned if you take one sip you'll be drinking tea an hour later!!

She enjoyed going to christian's game..she loves looking for birds (and the moon)....so as long as there was a healthy supply of snacks and juice she was just fine :o)

Dad and Sissy

Mom and JilliFaith

As for Jay and I, we're just busy with work, home and kids. I'm trying to get my new webstite up and running, www.thelittlebowshoppe.com (nothing there yet!) and Jay's getting hsi fantasy football team up and running (LOL) other than that...nothing else to report!! Oh I got my hair cut! :o) Pictures of that later--maybe--I'm not thrilled with it..so you may have to just wait until it grows out a little

Oh we got the Wii this weekend for the kids (for Christmas) since Christian was with us we gave it to them to play all ready--hopefully they won't forget it's for CHRISTMAS! LOL...but here's some video of them playing as well as my crazy baby being herself!! ENJOY!! until next time...

For some reason I can't get another Video to show up--so I'll post that later!!! until then enjoy the one of the boys playing their Wii

Boys Boxing--BACK UP, BAILEY!!

School Update and poor lil' Jillian!!!

2007-08-29T11:27:00.000-05:00

Well I finally have a few seconds to update you guys on how the first days of school went!! You'd think with only one kid in the house now I could find more time to do this stuff but in reality it's been so crazy here I've barely had time to shower!!! (but I did manage to sneak that in) LOL

Now on to the good stuff that ya'll are here to read about:

Kindergarten went awesome!! I went and picked Aiden up from school and listened to him chatter and tell partial stories (because something else would trigger another memory and start him on another story) all the way home. When he got home and in the kitchen I was getting Jillian out of her stroller by the front door and he was still chattering non-stop when he suddenly said "Man! Kindergarten is the the most funnest ever!" (we're working on correct English--it's a slow go with some) LOL. All in all I'd say that was a success!

3rd grade: Bailey came home with rave reviews about his teacher and extremely happy about being in the GT class. The night before he was worried about being in the gifted/talented program and saying "I'm just not smart enough to be in there" so when he finally realized he was he was really happy about that. His teacher seems very very nice and I look forward to getting more involved and helping out when I can. We also walk home with Bailey's friend Kale every day.

7th grade: Christian was stressed big time about starting Jr. High and finding his classes (and cafeteria! LOL) When he *FINALLY* got home at 6:15 pm from the activity bus he was sooo tired and "starved!" He ate, handed me his homework (a paper to get signed...hey it was the 1st day--lol) and had a shower and a snack then went to bed...From now on Jay is taking and picking him up from school...just so he's home a little more. so far it's working out good. He's really enjoying football but his helmet seems to be giving him grief...Jay thinks he's not used to the weight on his head but told him to check with the coach just to be sure.

So inbetween all this choas Jillian was playing with her umbrella stroller that I'd used to take her to get Bailey from school. She seemed happy playing on it so I left it up and let her--what's the harm!?!? well some of the rubber handle was missing off the curved part of the stroller handle and she got tripped up and fell...landing on that part!! (go figure!) she cut her face and we rushed her to the doctor's office.....he thought upon first inspection that she'd need a stitch..but once he cleaned it and started examining it thought it was fine---THANK GOODNESS!!! so she's a little banged up but it should heal nicely and leave no scar--whew!!! As for the stroller, I hope it has a happy life in the dump!!! (yeah that's what you get for hurting my baby!!)

Here's some pictures of her little boo-boo! oh yeah and of talent....lifting up her dress while picking her nose--we're so proud! Also, showing you where her ears are....lol

Yesterday...such a cheese ball
EARS.....

(or maybe she's just practicing for when she's 13 and saying "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"
Awe our little lady....

picking her nose and lifting up her dress....niiiice.

1st Day of Kindergarten, 3rd grade and Jr. High!!!

2007-08-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

Well today I sent my 3 sons off to school...as the title says Kindergarten, 3rd grade and 7th....about 20 seconds after we got home from walking the boys over to school it began down-pouring...let's hope the lightening and thunder decide to come around another day---I don't want anyone scared at school.

Ok so I'll keep it short and let you enjoy the photos of this morning. But I do have to say for as excited as I was to see them go to school when Aiden got dropped off I had to try as hard as I could not to break down and cry. It seems like not very long ago I was teaching the 1's while he laid down at the adjoining door in the 2's and hollered "MOMMA" under the door crack...my baby boy is in Kindergarten!! Such a bittersweet moment. And of course I was worried about him going in and falling apart like he's been known to do in the past (at times...you just never know) but he marched in and found his cubby, hung up his bag, stuck his lunch inside his cubby, found his chair and began coloring (with a pencil--LOL) it was so long woman who raised me from my first breath. Woman who nursed me back to health when i was sick and kissed my boo-boo's when I fell...I'm in Kindergarten now--I'm practically on my own!!! oh yeah but I want spaghetti for dinner. (ok so it wasn't that bad...but it was hard) he seemed so grown up!!! here's his first day photos. I need to go cry now. :*)

I'm sorry for those that really don't care about this stuff but it's my blog so I'm gonna share everything...cuz, well I can! nah-nah. hahaha.

Ok we have breakfast, pictures of mom and aiden (and Jillian just jumped in and wouldn't leave! hahahaha...whoops guess that's my doing.

The Go gurt Monster!!

My big school boy!!

Aiden and Bailey go to the same school which makes it alot nicer for me :o) One trip up, two trips back (Kinder gets out before the rest of the school) Not to worry it wasn't all jitters and nerves this morning, they did manage to be their old selves!!

School was packed (of course) with all the kids, parents, teachers---and we all know the organizational skills here from past posts aren't the greatest---but we managed to find Aiden's room and teacher again--Bailey wasn't interested in getting a photo with his teacher--oh well I guess 3rd grade is too old for that huh?

Bailey--the 3rd grader--doesn't he look so handsome!

For some reason, unknown to me these two can never take a decent picture together--this morning proved no different!!!

The walk to school...

Don't worry we didn't have the boys carry their backpacks filled with their school supplies--but Aiden insisted on hanging his up--but in the end I had to--it was just too heavy. Also, below is Aiden with Ma. (anyone know what that means?? anyone?? anyone..Buller? Buller?) LOL...anyway Ma. Perez....his teacher.

"Hey bud, gimme five, you'll do great!"

(really it's give me your stuffed animal--you're not taking it with you) LOL

"mom, cool it with the pictures, someone might see!"

"I got it mom, it's cool, you can leave now. Thanks for the great times, I'll be in touch."

"Uhhh, Backpack is soooooo heavy!!!"

Aiden and Ma. Perez

Third grade hall--I think it's one of the last years for getting pictures of this kid going to school...

Bailey's Class room... you'll notice he's missing his button down shirt...yeah that was ditched at home...

Bailey's Desk

Dad and Christian...who had to be up at 6 am to get ready for school.

Jr. High all ready!! How can that be?!

Still dark out when he leaves for the bus--He was very nervous about starting Jr. High and finding his classes and stuff...but I know he'll do great!! He's a great kid!!

(Oh and Jay drives him to the bus stop since it's kind of far away)

New Blog Feature!? WOW!

2007-08-25T11:01:00.000-05:00

Ok so the blogger has VIDEO now!! I knew I had to try this out...with family and friends spread out all over what a cool way for them to see my kids in action (and we all know you want to) LOL...some day I'll record the choas that goes on around here for you to see...30 second clip would be more than enough I'm sure! LOL

for now it's Jillian--I caught her in Christian's room playing his guitar (which she loves) and messing with his dvd/tv...soooo naughty!

Let's see if it works (i know it's sideways, next time I'll hold the camera correctly, I didn't realize I couldn't edit the video)

ENJOY--hopefully!
Janelle

School starts in 2 days--tomorrow we'll head over to the community pool for their end of the summer party and let the kids swim, eat hot dogs, drink soda and basically go nuts before they have to go to school on Monday. I'm also registering for MOPS on the 30th to perhaps meet some new people around here---since it looks like we're gonna be here a while, so wish everyone luck!!

Bi-Lingual & Highly Intelligent oh yeah and Boys Choir!?

2007-08-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

Hi Guys!!

Last night we had our "meet the teacher" night. So we headed off to find Aiden's Teacher. He's with Ma. (not s, MA (anyone know what that means)) Guadulaupe Perez. She's the Bi-lingual Kindergarten teacher. Mmmm, ok unfortunatly my son is not bi-lingual. Better find out what's going on eh?

We head up to talk to her...Aiden gives her the bag we made and filled with goodies to her. She gives him a hug and thanks him. We chat while he goes to investigate his new digs. I ask her, "is this a bi-lingual room!?" she says "Yes! it is!" I gave her that hum, I'm really confused look and said "Uh, he's not" and points to Aiden, "so how's this going to work?" She laughed and said not to worry, she breaks the kids in groups according to the primary language they speak and then gives them instructions that way to begin then they'll start combining the languages through out the year until they can find some middle ground (so to speak) all the posters in the class are in English/Spanish and she said he should pick it up really quickly being he's so young. Jay says he doesn't even speak English that well, why not master one first! LOL...he's kidding of course, but it did get a few laughs at the school. I think it'll be good for him. (I hope he likes it)

Then we head over to Bailey's hall...he's got Mrs. Caivillo (Ka-Vee-Oh) (spelled wrong I'm sure) and he's in class with a few of his friends from last year and a couple of boys he's met through Boy Scouts last year...WOO HOO!! he's pretty stoked about that. We meet with the teacher and she informs us that this particular class is the GT class...which means Gifted and Talented....Bailey will have harder spelling words, quicker pace in math and science and Language arts....then they'll switch rooms and go next door to be with his former Student Teacher (gulp) she and bailey never really "clicked" last year...ok she was mean to him on occassion--he was glad to see her go...now he's got her for half his day all year long...guess mom will be on the watch for anything in that situation.

Christian got settled with his new class schedule on Wednesday. I'm currently trying to contact the school because he was put into Boys Choir as his elective....mmmm, how they got that out of Computer Applications and Team leadership I'm still trying to figure out. Not only that...this kid HATES singing....period. He would rather be rolled in peanut butter, feathered and sent to school looking like a chicken than go to boys choir!! Poor guy--they tell me that some classes fill up--apparently BOTH his electives got filled and he's stuck in Choir...I'm trying to talk to someone to change it because I know my son, it'll just cause him trouble. He'll start talking and goofing off and that's not the way we want to start jr. high. He can rejoin band if that's the case but choir is going--by majority vote of mom, dad and christian....now it's time to brow-beat the school...*sigh* a chore in itself!! We also found out that kids living in Mexico go to school with the kids...although that's technically illegal (zones/districts don't extend beyond the borders) the school board really can'tdo anything about it....so they just stop trying and allow them to come. (Free of course...thanks to US tax payers dollars) I have a HUGE problem with this--mmm, I wonder how many of those Mexican Citizens are in Computer Applications and Team Leadership??

So all in all...that's it from the Mission side. Jillian loved the walk over to the school and back and I know she's gonna enjoy the 4 daily walks over and back all year long...maybe I'll get back into shape too! (hahahaha, yeeeeah right)

**PICTURES** they are your reward for reading all that! LOL

New haircuts:

Bailey's stylist put his normal boy cut into a mohawk...he loved it! (He won't be wearing it like that to school though!)

Christian wanted "Short but not dorky--something cool for football that's still cool for school"

after searching through the books he found this...and it's different from his other cuts how????? Yeah exactly!

Aiden in his Halloween Shorts that I made him (he hates them cuz they were supposed to be long pants--but mommy screwed up--whoops!) LOL and his uncombed hair cut!! (we're not complaining though cuz you don't complain when your kid has bed head after a nap, your simply thankful for the nap! LOL) Oh and ignore the red shirt--it totally doesn't match! LOL

Summer is slipping away....

2007-08-22T07:21:00.000-05:00

Monday the kids start up school again. Kindergarten, 3rd and the ever speed-growing 7th grader!! Christian won't slow down, the kid is nearly as tall as I am, wearing men's size shoes and shirts and soon pants!! when did he stop being a boy and start turning into a young man? I missed that memo.

Here's some pictures of him from recently---it's hard to find a photo that has him in a shirt but I succeeded and found two!

We are ready for school....except for knowing who the teachers are and the bus schedule (can you say procrastinate on the school's side!!!) We've been bugging them for weeks to tell us teacher assignments and NOTHING....zip, zilch, nada....they start school in 5 days!!!

Well I made two teacher bags/gifts for Bailey and Aiden to take to their new teachers (who ever they may be) and they turned out cute! I'm happy with them! I hope the teachers like them. Today I'm gonna try a pair of sleep pants for the kids!! Wish me luck...I'm just starting out the sewing stuff and it's tricky for me to go slow enough to not screw it up...so ya know--I need a dose of patience!!

Well Aiden's up so my time on here is over--I hope everyone is doing well. Aiden's asking if I have grandma's phone number. When I reply yes he says "can you call her and tell her to come down here" :o) Guess he misses you, mom!

Hugs for all

janelle

Crazy Weather!!

2007-08-21T07:51:00.000-05:00

Hello again!!

It's been a crazy week weather-wise for us down here in Texas!! With San Antonio flooding that last thing they needed was more rain...but then we all got word that Hurricane Dean was heading for us...and should hit the Rio Grande Valley--so what did we do?? we took a trip to Corpus Christi and stayed at my parents house for the weekend...and kept an eye on what Dean was doing out there...thankfully now it's been pushed south of us into Mexico--cuz he's a whopper of a storm!! However, we're still prepared to do what's necessary if some bizarre chance that it heads north...(although I highly doubt that'll be happening) here's a couple pictures of some of the busses that came from Dallas and other cities in Texas to help evacuate if necessary. This is about 3 miles from my house at the convention center--the parking lot is filled with bus after bus and then it wraps around the street and down onto the frontage road as well...just lined with busses....look! Sorry they're not any clearer, it was rush hour and raining and taken from the car. LOL...I do what I have to for the picture!!

Convention Center---sorry the picture is so bad, but look closely and you'll see it's all busses.....

However, we're not letting Dean get us down--we played and shopped for back-to-school this weekend in Corpus Christi and it was FUN!! Here's some pictures from that!

Here's some of the boys playing in the water--they're such fishes!!

Aiden looks soooooo old!! He'll start kindergarten on Monday the 27th!! can you believe it!?

Stuntman Bailey---"watch this mom!!"

***********************************************************************************

Well, we're getting quite a few lookers on our house in the past couple of days--let's all pray something pans out with it...we are ready to move! It looks like the poll says to go to Houston...wanna see us move somewhere else...put in your vote! (ok we're pretty much moving to Houston, but it's still fun to see)

FOR SALE---SOMEONE BUY IT PLEASE!!! (LOL)

If you have any comments please leave them for me here...I'm always wondering who pops in and out! If your from the north please let me know the floods haven't swept you away!! Many prayers are with you and your family for getting through this CRAZY weather safely!!

HUGS!

the miller 6

Busy day!

2007-08-13T18:21:00.000-05:00

Hey all-

well today was a busy day of sewing and cutting fabric for some burp rags I'm making for a friends fundraiser. Should be fun!! Here's Jillian in the skirt I made her...please don't look too closely! LOL

Jillian in her skirt

Yesterday (sunday) Bailey, Christian and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. It's been a tradition for Christian and I to see them, recently Bailey's been really into watching the movies so he joined us...they both say it was the best yet...I, however; missed some of the lighter moments that the previous movies had in them...but it was still good and I'll still be going to the final one and I'll still be sad when it all over :o( all the kids in that movie have grown so much, it's neat to see them grow up.

I stopped by the boys' school today, just to see if they actually were registered since we haven't gotten any information on teacher assignments or meet the teacher night--thankfully they are (because here it's a bigger pain to register than most places! LOL) Aiden was fascinated by the drinking fountians--haha, he took a drink then looked up at me and went "I can reach it!"

Anyway--last week Christian had football camp, he totally loved it!! I think he's going to enjoy school this year. I can't belive he's actually going to be in 7th grade!! that's CRAZY!! He's not old enough to be in 7th grade, I'M NOT OLD ENOUGH to have a child in 7th grade! LOL

Here's a recent picture of him from up at the Larkin's Lake house in International Falls, MN

Aiden and Chrstian having a blast at the lake house!

I can't belive how he's growing--seems not too long ago he was fessing up to writing on the wall and asking for a vitamin at night to say up later.

Ok I gotta go, Jillian's apparently takin a liking to eating toothpaste straight from the tube! YUCK!

NIGHT ALL

Getting with the times...

2007-08-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

Ok ok, so it's taken me a while to warm up to this "blogging" business...but after a few friends started blogging I couldn't help myself, I had to check it out and see why it was sooooo easy to communicate with all you people from ALL over the place...and wow...after getting through the technical stuff (which I'm still sifting through) it seems pretty easy!

I hope to update this weekly, if not more--however, I don't have an overly exciting life so it may not get updated as often as I would like...but I promise I'll try very hard to keep everyone updated on what's been going on in the life of all of us Millers.

First off we are all back from a 2 week Vacation to Minnesota. My mom flew down to San Antonio and Bailey, Aiden, Jillian and I picked her up and began the 3 day drive to International Falls, MN.

Along the way we stopped off and saw some family in Des Moines, headed over to Linda's and saw my cousin and met her (not-so-new) baby girl Isabelle. It was so fun! Bailey was out in the garden helping Dave pick veggies for dinner and Belle and Jillian played (not so much interacting but mainly playing side-by-side) Belle is so cute! I swear she looks just like Linda!! (or Sarah) LOL

Baby Belle...

Bailey and Uncle Dave in the garden...digging up potatoes for our dinner!!

Of course Aiden and Bailey couldn't wait to see Christian and tell them that Linda and Dave have a pool table for a dining room table...oh and did they mention they also had a ping-pong table!!! *GASP* I know! Crazy-ness!! (ok obviously they don't eat on the pool table it's one that converts to a dining room table--just to clarify) lol

Once we finally made it back up to Minnesota we picked up Dad who was up visiting his father (he flew up--mmmm hummm...yeah I know) We visited with Grandpa Buster for a while and the kids ran off some bottled up energy. Then it was back in the car for 5½ more hours. By now we'd been in the car for over 24 hours (not all at once thank goodness!!) but we were ALL ready to be done with the car for a while!!

Poor Aiden passed out cold...

Jillian follows soon after

Well with 4 kids running amuck I need to end this---so more to come later---check back soon!!

and THANKS for stopping by and checking out my new Blog!!