SEVEN MILLERS

A Memory

2012-02-13T09:17:00.000-06:00

When B and I got married 23 years ago, we (mostly me) spent a lot of time trying to decide what song we wanted as our "first dance" as husband and wife. We chose this...

RIP Whitney Houston.

Sunday Snapshot

2012-02-12T20:38:00.001-06:00

This year I decided to utilize some of the amazing Valentine's Day templates that I've seen and make P's Valentine's Day cards for school. We decided Saturday would be our picture-taking day and we also thought it would be fun to dress up a bit.

We had to start off inside because it was about 12 degrees out!

But P didn't care! She loved dressing up :)

We were waiting for her hair to dry before braving the cold! (She had just gotten out of the bath and we wanted to curl it!)

When we did head outside, we took a few quick shots without a coat on.

But it was just wayyyy too cold.

So she put on her coat.

And flashed that big beautiful smile.

And while she was smiling she kept saying "Are we done yet?"

All in all, I think we got some pretty good shots and we had a lot of fun, even if we did freeze our butts off!

Now for my two favorites...a photo suggestion from my Mom...THANKS MOM!

And of course Sweet P was more than happy to pose for these!

As for the Valentine's Day cards...we did bookmarks with candy attached. The adorable template was a freebie from Florabella.

Head on over to Ni Hao Y'all to see more Sunday Snapshots!

My first Review and Giveaway! ClearWave System for Acne!

2012-02-10T16:13:00.000-06:00

My kids have been relatively lucky when it comes to inheriting the “acne” gene. For me, as a teen, I never had any problem with acne breakouts, but the same can’t be said for my husband. As for our offspring, so far the only one with any issue at all has been Jake, and it really hasn’t been THAT bad.

In early December I was sent an acne product for review from Brookstone, the ClearWave® System for Acne. The ClearWave® device treats acne blemishes by using a blue spectrum light. You simply place the lighted head against the “problem” skin area for three minutes, then do it two more times that same day for a total of nine minutes per area three times a week. The cordless handheld device is lightweight (only 5.5 oz), easy to use and doesn’t require that you use creams or chemicals. It’s also great for traveling because it’s very compact. The treatment head has a 600-treatment lifespan and comes with a charging stance, AC power adapter and protective goggles.

The day before my son began using the device I took a few pictures: December 7, 2011

You can definitely see where his problem areas are, and that’s another great thing about the ClearWave® system, you can target the areas that really need it. However, that's also a downside because, as you can see from the pics, he is obviously missing some spots as well.

The instructions say it can take anywhere from 4 to 11 weeks and as of today, February 10, 2012, it’s been 9 weeks.

I just took these photos of Jake (woke him up to do it, so please excuse the sleepiness).

Here is a side-by-side comparison:

He has been really happy with the results and will continue to use the system. I asked him what his thoughts were and he said he definitely thinks it works and using the system makes him wash his face more often with the recommended face wash, which is also a good thing! Quite frankly, he's gotten into a good routine and just keeps it on the charger on his bedside table.

If you, or your child, is fighting moderate acne (it doesn't work on severe acne), this product could definitely be the one for you!

Of course it would be great to win one of these, but if you don't you can go online HERE to purchase and when you do you'll see that it's on sale right now for $99.99, marked down from the original price of $149.99. Even better…you can use the promo code LOVE25 and save 25%. The code is good until the end of February.

Now for THE GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader will receive a ClearWave® System from Brookstone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Brookstone provided me with this product so that I could do this review. Opinions are my own.

Tagged in 11

2012-02-08T20:12:00.000-06:00

If I tagged you, scroll all the way down for your questions

Brandy at Momwich Tagged me in that fabulous 11 questions thing going around. She is my first. I'm a virgin "tagged person/tag-gie". Now I get to tell you 11 random things about me, answer 11 questions, ask 11 of my own and then tag other amazing bloggers to join in. As Brandy says, "it’s all in good fun and if you hate the idea of doing it, don’t worry – you’re not under contract, I just simply thought you were awesome and wanted to know more."

The Rules:
1. Post these rules
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
5. Tag them on Twitter, Facebook or their blog

11 Random thing about me:
1. I love to do laundry
2. I hate to sort socks
3. My favorite game on my iPad is Angry Birds
4. I really want to switch to Wordpress
5. I have at least 50 pairs of jeans
6. I wear the same 3 or 4 pairs of jeans
7. I recently ate rutabaga for the first time and loved it
8. I miss my dog Skeeter
9. I have a "boomerang" pillow that I love (it's shaped like a boomerang)
10. Just discovered I absolutely love Adam Levine
11. I have five tattoos

Questions and my answers:

1. What word do you find you often spell incorrectly?

weird (I can't get over the "i before e except after c" rule

2. Is it better to get married when you’re younger or wait until you’re older?

I got married young, and thankfully it worked, but I hope my kids wait until they are older.

3. Earrings, Bracelets/Watch or Necklace – which one is always on, no matter what?

I never take my earrings off.

4. The job you never want to have?

You can never "leave" being a Mom.

5. Your Favorite Charity?

An Orphans Wish.org

6. One website you visit every day?

Ni Hao Y'all

7. The hardest period in your life?

Right after we came home from China with our youngest daughter.

8. Dog or Cat? Why?

I have both and love both, but prefer dogs

9. Tennis Shoes or High Heels – and the what are the favorite pair?

Definitely tennis shoes, but my favorite are my Ugg slippers

10. The closest thing to you that is red?

Phoebe's name in Chinese on a piece of red construction paper

11. One Fool Proof Way to Cheer You Up?

Help me clean my house

My Questions for my taggies:

1. Do you work out daily?

2. What's your favorite movie ever?

3. What kind of shampoo do you use?

4. Do you like computer/mobile phone games? If so, what's your favorite?

5. Did you ever have a crush on a teacher in high school?

6. How many pairs of boots do you own.

7. I you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

8. If you were making a smoothie, what would be the MAIN ingredient?

9. What's you favorite vegetable?

10. Can you drive a stick shift?

11. What's you favorite thing to take photographs of?

My Taggies - Because I think you're pretty GREAT!

http://www.ohboyohboyohboy.com/ Twitter: @lisanoel03

http://www.stephaniecorfee.com/ Twitter: @stephaniecorfee

hppt://www.mommykudos.com/ Twitter: @MommyKudos

http://www.addhousewife.com/ Twitter: @addhousewife

http://theordinaryaunt.com/ Twitter: @ordinaryaunt

http://justlove.ly Twitter: @thingslovely

http://www.thepapermama.com Twitter: @thepapermama

http://www.itsoverflowing.com Twitter: @its_overflowing

http://www.maryannewendt.com/ Twitter: @maryannewendt

http://peacelovecupcakeshappiness.blogspot.com/ Twitter: @LoveKarinaP

http://www.goteamduncan.com/ Twitter: @DuncanBrandi

Some random photos from our weekend in Virginia

2012-02-04T15:10:00.002-06:00

These are just some pics I took to experiment with the lenses that I had.

I know there are a lot of pics of this bird, but if you click on them and check out the detail...

...it's actually quite amazing!

and then there was the beautiful sunset.

The light reflecting off the water is just gorgeous and I was thrilled to capture that.

Self Photo Challenge

2012-02-03T18:25:00.000-06:00

I really don't like pictures of myself and I especially don't like TAKING pictures of myself, but I thought this Self Photo Challenge from The Paper Mama sounded kinda fun. So this is me...today...

My self portrait and info:

Obsessing over…
Acquiring new Actions and Textures for PSE. Usually I grab freebies when I can find them, like from The Coffeeshop Blog, but yesterday I purchased a set from Florabella and I'm having a blast with my photo edits (including my self portrait!)

Working on…
Twitter...lots of twitter...and editing my pics on the side :)

Thinking about…
My amazing husband! Today is our 23rd wedding anniversary and he still gives me butterflies.

Anticipating…
So many things! Other than dinner tonight with my man, I can't wait for Jake's musical and for Annetta and Phoebe Grandma to visit, also Disney World in March and my sweet niece, Madison to come and stay with us for a week!

Listening to…
The howling wind coming in through the garage. Ever since we moved back into the house after the fire it's been doing that.

Eating…
Nothing right now. I had a fruit smoothie earlier and nuts, but I'm almost done with my partial fast (which I've enjoyed more than I ever thought I would).

Wishing…
I had gotten my husband a better gift for our anniversary. He deserves something spectacular, and I'm not very creative.

Favorite Photo Friday - "Happy Anniversary"

2012-02-03T10:34:00.000-06:00

Twenty three years ago I was blessed to marry a boy who I thought was "the coolest guy ever".

I was right.

Thank you for our life. I love you babe!

Look at Us

2012-02-03T01:07:00.001-06:00

LOOK AT US
By Vince Gill

After all these years together
Look at us
After all that we've been through
Look at us
Still leaning on each other

If you want to see
How true love should be
then just look at us

Look at you
Still pretty as a picture
look at me
Still crazy over you
Look at us
Still believin' in forever

Look at us
After all these years together
Look at us
After all that we've been through
Look at us
Still leaning on each other

In a hundred years from now
I know without a doubt
They'll all look back and wonder how
We made it all work out

Chances are
We'll go down in history
When they want to see
How true love should be
They'll just look at us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qObQhcpewig&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Happy 23rd Anniversary to the LOML!

Maternity Photo Shoot

2012-02-01T18:48:00.003-06:00

This past weekend B, Zach, Sweet P and I flew to Virginia and visited with my beautiful sister, Candace, and her family. Needless to say I took a lot of pics that I'll be posting soon, but we were able to take some time to do "Belly" photos. This will be Candace's FOURTH and, she says, her last...so we were determined to get some pictures.

I've never done a maternity shoot and wasn't sure how they would turn out.

We knew we wanted the obligatory "heart" shot :)

I think that these really turned out beautiful.

It helps to have such an incredible model!

What do you think?

I got featured!!!!

2012-01-31T10:01:00.001-06:00

Check out my feature on Remodelaholic.com! I'm so excited about this, not just because I'm proud of the work that I did on my Grandmother's vanity, but because I feel like she's watching over me with pride. I can just hear her beautiful, amazing laugh as she says, "Lotsa luck with it"!

Gram and Mom (approx. 1998)

Thanks so much to Cassity and Remodelaholic for choosing to feature the vanity. Your recognition caused me to write this post, scan this photo and gave me the opportunity to take the time to truly think about someone who I will always love so much.

Miss you Gram...

My recipe for the day

2012-01-23T15:52:00.003-06:00

Another thing I want to share today is what I made for lunch this afternoon. I know many of you don't really want to know...but this is mostly for my wonderful Mother-In-Law because I know she would LOVE this! The fast that I'm doing has really forced me to try things that I don't think I would've tried otherwise, (okay, I KNOW I wouldn't have tried ),and most of them I'm happily surprised to really enjoy!

Today I made Quinoa and Veggies (pronounced keen-wah) and it's another dish that I'll make again and again! I found this recipe online and tweaked it just a little.

1/2 cup quinoa

1 cup water

1/2 TB EVOO

1/2 cup diced onions

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup yellow bell peppers

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

2 Tbs. pine nuts

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. salt

pepper

Rinse quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer until the juices run clear. Transfer quinoa to a small saucepan, and add water. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 20 min. or until all water is absorbed.

While that's cooking, heat the EVOO in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions until soft then add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the peppers and tomatoes, squeezing the tomatoes with your hands to release their juices into the skillet. Cook over low heat for about 5-8 min.

Add the quinoa to the skillet then stir in the pine nuts, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir and cook until heated thoroughly.

Very good and you can definitely change it up by adding different vegetables! Try it...you'll like it!

Chosen as a "favorite" photo!

2012-01-23T14:51:00.000-06:00

While posting my previous entry, I saw that this pic was chosen as a "favorite" on The Paper Mama's blog.

Check it out here. I'm so excited because I really love this photo! It's also really nice when someone whose skills I admire and who is completely unbiased recognizes my work :-)

Another Phoebe pic!

2012-01-23T14:24:00.000-06:00

Another blog that I really love is The Paper Mama and every week she has a photo challenge. When I saw the theme this week, FEET, I immediately thought of another photo that Sweet P took.

I don't know where she gets her ideas, but this one she took while standing in her bathtub!

Yup, those are her very own cute little toes :-)

Pretty good, huh!

Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-22T22:11:00.001-06:00

I've kinda been laid up on the couch today with a heating pad due to back pain, so I didn't think I would get a photo up today, but I was pleasantly surprised when I uploaded pics that Phoebe took today!!

I've been teaching her how to use my older Canon and was happy when she asked if she could take some pictures outside while Zach shot some hoops.

I couldn't believe how great her photos were!

These are all P.

I think I have a little photographer-in-the-making,

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Yummy!

2012-01-21T15:07:00.001-06:00

I've been doing the "Daniel Fast" for the past week. For all those freaking out right now thinking "Fasts are bad for you", I can still eat! This is a brief description from daniel-fast.com.

What is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is a biblically based partial fast. It is a method of fasting

that men, women and young people all over the world are using as they

enter into the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting.

There are two anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 1 the

Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank

            only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast:

             1. Only fruits and vegetables
             2. Only water for a beverage

          Then in Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any precious

breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture,

            we get a third guideline:

             3. No sweeteners and no breads

             Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where

no leaven is used during the fast. So that's why yeast, baking powder and

the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast.

Finally, with all the above puzzle pieces, we conclude that no artificial or

processed foods nor any chemicals are allowed on the Daniel Fast.

When asked about the eating plan on the Daniel Fast, I often say it is a

"vegan diet with even more restrictions."

Without going into the specifics of why I'm doing this, I'll just say that so far it's been a really great experience for me.

What I really wanted to do was share a couple of my recipes!

For breakfast I made this smoothie and it was DELICIOUS!

1 cup red grapes

1 cup fresh pineapple

1 cup cantelope

1 cup spinach

ice

For lunch I REALLY stepped out of my box and made Rutabaga Fries. I was worried about this one because I've never eaten rutabaga before, but OMG, they were so good! Something I will definitely make even when I'm done with the fast.

Preheat oven to 450

Peel a rutabaga and cut like you would "potato" fries

Put in a bowl and mix with EVOO, salt, pepper, garlic powder and rosemary

Place on parchment paper on a cookie sheet

Cook for 15 min.

Turn/Flip

Cook another 15 min.

They don't come out as crunchy as "potato" fries, but are super yummy!

The Girl's got Style!

2012-01-20T17:47:00.002-06:00

Sweet P was heading out to catch the bus this morning and I had to grab my camera. She was totally rocking "all-black"!

When I can get a real smile out of her,

it just makes my heart sing!

Everybody knows this girl likes to talk.

And she was in rare form this morning. Making us both laugh!

She is one cool little kid.

Sweet P is funny AND stylish :)

5 Years Ago...

2012-01-19T18:46:00.002-06:00

It was five years ago today that I first saw my little Sweet P's face. Honestly, it was love at first sight. I remember that I thought, "What will I do with that hair?"

Then, about three months later I got this photo...phew!

And today, well she's quite simply...amazing!

We were meant to be.

What I'm loving this week...

2012-01-19T18:34:00.000-06:00

I thought I would share with you my favorite "pins" this week.

I can totally do this and it would look beautiful in Sami's room.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kimmy on Pinterest

I love edamame and this looks really yummy!

Source: allrecipes.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

I saw this and immediately tried to get Sam to let me do it with her hair. However, homework is apparently more important to her.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kimmy on Pinterest

I'm making this for breakfast tomorrow!

Source: chiquitabananas.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

I didn't know this was a Dr. Seuss thing! Makes me love it even more.

Source: thinknice.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

I need to make these for myself!

Source: makebraceletsblog.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

Tones on Tuesday

2012-01-18T13:06:00.000-06:00

I'm a day late, but I recently found this wonderful photo blog that does this every week.

I love this picture of Gracie because her eyes are so clear. So I thought, why not just focus on her eyes?

This is the SOOC (Straight Out Of the Camera) shot:

This one I edited in PSE:

Check out more great edited pics by clicking below:

Chicken and Rice

2012-01-17T11:57:00.001-06:00

This is my super-duper yummy recipe for Chicken and Rice.

Ingredients:

One whole fryer chicken
Two cans Cream of Chicken Soup
Two cups of Minute Rice
Four cups of water
One sleeve Ritz Crackers
1/2 cup melted butter

Boil chicken, let cool, then remove chicken for the bones.
Cook two cups of rice in four cups of water (like you would normally cook rice, but more watery)
Combine chicken, Cream of Chicken Soup and rice (with water)
Pour into a casserole dish and top with crushed Ritz crackers.
Drizzle melted butter on top.

Cook at 350 for 30 minutes.

Sunday Snapshot: New Lenses

2012-01-16T12:47:00.001-06:00

I was doing my usual "Stumbling" and checking out different photography blogs when I came across a blog that talked about renting camera equipment before purchasing to make sure it was what you wanted. I thought this was a great idea, since lenses are so very expensive. The blogger recommended thelensdepot.com so I checked it out and rented two lenses from them: a Tamron 28-75/2.8 and a Canon 85mm/1.8.

It was a little chilly, but the kids were pretty cooperative and let me drag them to the park to try out the lenses.

I was a little unsure about the back-lighting on this one, but I love the light on Sam's hair.

Not surprisingly, Zach was totally into coming up with different shots.

Unfortunately, P was not much into it :(

Like I said...it was kinda chilly...

The Tamron lens was really great to work with.

And then I learned a new PSE technique, using textures.

I'm really having a blast with that!

I did manage to get one smile from Miss P.

So handsome and I'm loving the textures!

My goal this year is to become a better photographer.

This was definitely my favorite shot of the day, and completely Zach's idea!

I'm hoping to head out today, since the weather is so beautiful, and try out the lenses more. FUN!

Head to this amazing site if you want to check out more beautiful photos from Sunday snapshot!

Favorite Photo Friday - B and Sam

2012-01-13T22:48:00.000-06:00

I took this as we left the restaurant after celebrating B's birthday

Love it!

My Pinterest!

2012-01-12T15:13:00.000-06:00

My name is Kim...and I am a Pinterest addict.

It's true. If I click on Pinterest the next thing I know it's three hours later and I'm still sitting in the same place and have gotten NOTHING done!

Some things are just too good for me to not share with my people :-)

Love this...obviously!

Source: google.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

So true.

Source: 9gag.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

Yummy!

Source: framed-mylifeonepictureatatime.blogspot.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

This is totally Gracie.

Source: quickmeme.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

I need to make this, it looks so delish!

Source: skinnytaste.ziplist.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

I've been researching to get ideas for Alix's wedding.

Source: brookeletourneau.blogspot.com via Kimmy on Pinterest

"Let's Do 52"

2012-01-11T11:06:00.000-06:00

I've joined a group called "Let's do 52" from the amazing photography blog, Paint The Moon Photography. The idea behind it is to encourage group members to take weekly photos based on a theme that is given to us. I started a week late, but for this week the theme is "Responsibility". It kinda worked out perfectly because P came home last week with a chart that has three chores on it. If she does the chore, she gets to put a star sticker in that section of the chart.

The three chores she chose are:

1. Brush my hair

2. Clean my room

3. Clean my kitchen

Well, at least she's brushing her hair! This is the photo I chose to post to the group.

Last night, she remembered that she had brushed her hair...that morning...so, of course, she had to stick her star on there.

I see there is a star on the "clean my room" section...hmmmmmm...maybe her hand slipped.

Best Face Photo from 2011

2012-01-09T08:28:00.003-06:00

This is my choice for the I Heart Faces Photo Challenge ...Jayden's eyes are just amazing!

The Love of My Life

2012-01-08T21:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to the man of my dreams

The answer to my prayers

The Love of my Life

I'm thankful for every day that I have with you and I love you more than words can say.

The Paper Mama "Winter" Photo challenge

2012-01-07T17:48:00.000-06:00

Each week the Paper Mama has a photo challenge. This week it was to pick my favorite photo of 2011. Now THAT was hard to do! I have so many favorites!

I love Jayden's eyes and adorable toes in this one.

Zach was just too funny goofing around in Colorado here.

Jasper looking at me like "Not another picture".

Sam in Colorado, no make-up no fancy hair...just pretty.

Then here, with the hair and make-up...still pretty.

I had so many that I loved of Jake from taking his Senior pics.

Stephen's face is priceless as he looks at P's cup of worms.

Same day as above. To me this is so Phoebe...playing outside, digging for worms, wearing a tutu!

But I think this is my favorite...just home from a princess birthday party. I love the face paint, but even more than that, I love the look...

2011 - The Year in Review

2012-01-06T12:21:00.001-06:00

I’ve gone back and forth with my“year-in-review” post for over a week. I really wanted to do it but everytime I started it just seemed so overwhelming.

So, once again, I’m going to try toget ‘er done.

January:

January was such an overwhelmingmonth after the fire (you can read all about that here), with thebeginning of the home reconstruction process and adjusting to life in ahotel. We celebrated B's birthday and my Mom came for THREE weeks to helpget me through what was such an emotional time. In the past year Ihaven’t posted a pic of my sweet little boy, Skeeter,but wanted to show his face just one time…I miss him so much and I know he wasright by my side, making sure I was okay. I like to think that he isstill always with me.

February:

This month brought some much needed smiles! Jake attended the "SweetheartDance" with his sweetie, Ali.

We moved into the Residence Inn, whichhad bigger rooms, bigger kitchens and an indoor pool!

And we enjoyed the BVHS musicalproduction of Beauty and the Beast, with Jake playing the role of Cogsworth!

Check out one of the songs HERE! With a short solo from Jake!

I also celebrated a birthday and gotquite a surprise gift...

Our new puppy, Sis, came to livewith us...such a little s@#t! I'm glad Sam loves her so much :)

March:

March was a month of decisions,decisions, decisions, and not just in regards to the houserenovations. While working for a Chinese company was absolutelythe great learning experience Bryan had hoped for, the opportunity and companyculture was not. Luckily enough for us, Bryan is well thought of within his industry and gets semi regular recruitingcalls, one of those resulted in a new job with another Americantelecommunications company called Tekelec. He'svery happy there and kicking serious butt as their Region Vice President of USAWireless.

Jake had the nerve to celebrateanother birthday and take another step towards becoming an adult. I wishthey would all stop doing that!

I really missed making jewelry andposted pics of some of my creations HERE. I was sad to have lost most of my tools in the fire, but I'm slowly rebuildingmy supply.

We moved into a rental house thatour wonderful insurance company,AAA , found for us. Ican't say enough good things about our insurance company, they really treated us well! Better than I could'veever hoped for! Since I'm mentioning the insurance company I really needto give a shout out to the company that made our house better then it wasbefore the fire, Phoenix Renovation andRestoration. We were so lucky to have Brooks May at the helm. After putting up with me for this past year he deserves an award! Actually, he won the NARI Award for our home reconstruction/renovation!! I can't thank him and the Phoenix team enough! They made my entire house more beautiful, especially my kitchen!

Day of the fire:

Day of demolition

Finished product

April:

My Daddy's birthday month!

I flew to Florida by myself tosurprise my parents and to attend a Renewalof Vows ceremony for my baby sister, Candace and her husband, Joe. They were married 10 years earlier by a Justice of the Peace in Minot, ND -where they were both stationed in the USAF. Candace wanted our Daddy tobe able to walk her down the aisle and for our Mom to be there, so she held theROV at my parents' country club in Ocala.

Jake and Sam went to prom withfriends. They both looked so gorgeous!

Jake took his friend, Bri (he and Ali, mentioned above, were “on a break”)

Sam went with our friend, Shemi, a foreign exchange student from France who wasliving with our neighbors and friends, the Orwickfamily.

And we celebrated Easter in therental house.

May:

Westarted with Jake's Rep Theater performance in Ten Little Indians. It was madeeven better because Mom and Dad flew in from Florida! It was the firsttime they had seen Jake perform and he was amazing!

While they were here, we shared Mom and Dad's 48thanniversary with them.

It was also the 4th anniversary ofour little Sweet P coming home with us from China!

The renovationscontinued to move along and we could really see the progress! There wasbarely time to catch our breath this month because Jake had another Rep play, Harvey, andPhoebe graduatedfrom pre-school!

We ended the month with a wonderfulweekend in Texas with our great friends, the Yenney's,to celebrate Memorial Day!

June:

In June my oldest "baby"turned 21! It's so hard to believe that she's all grown up.

My amazing nephew, Dylan, came tovisit with us for three weeks before he headed off to USAF BasicTraining. I'm so happy we all got to spend time with him! Love thatkid and I'm so proud of him!

Jake broke his arm while at Boys'State. We were so thankful that Kodi was closeby and able to take care of her brother.

Sweet P attended a week-longChinese Cultural Camp. She had a LOT of questions about where she wasfrom after that, and I really think it helped her to understand the Chineseculture more. I look forward to her participating again this summer!

July:

Dylan continued his visit with usand I was really happy to have him here for the 4th of July. We enjoyedthe fireworks and each other's company!

We celebrated another birthday withmy baby boy turning 13 on the 9th. Then we had to say goodbye to Shemi as she headed back to France. She is abeautiful person, inside and out, and I miss watching her learn our languageand culture.

At the end of July we moved back tothe Residence Inn after our rental house was rented to another family. Ididn't mind though...I really enjoyed "hotel" living!

August:

In August we drove out to Breckenridge,Colorado and rented a beautiful cabin with our friends, the Fosters! It was wonderful to spend the week with them! There was whitewater rafting, ziplining, shopping, eating andlots of LOVE!

The day after we got back fromColorado we starting moving back into our home! It wasn't quite finished,as a matter of fact, it's STILL not finished, but we are so happy to be backhome!

The kids also starteda new school year, Jake as a Senior, Sam as aSophomore, Zach an 8th-grader, and Sweet P started kindergarten!

We anticipated a busy year filledwith plays, musicals, golf, basketball, Daisy scouts, dances, driving classes,college applications, and graduation activities!

September:

In September we continued to getsettled into our home, and tried to fall into some sort of routine.

First big event of the school yearwas the HomecomingDance, it seemed like it came VERY quicklyafter school started. There's always a lot of prep involved, especiallyfor Sam, who went with Scott Urso. Jake tookAli, of course, CUTEST couple EVER :)

Phoebe has always loved school andkindergarten was no exception! She started to spend most of her daysafter school outsideplaying with her friends. (They've always lived right next door, but theynever played together until school started and they shared a class and the busride). It's so fun to watch her being such a social butterfly.

She also learned to ride herbike! You can watch a video HERE!

Bryan and I drove to San Antonio,Texas to proudly watch Dylan graduate from Basic Training. We reallyenjoyed the time spent with Dylan, Chrissy, Candace,Jayden and Mom.

October:

October started off with Jake'sfirst play of the year, Rythym City.

Then B decided to take me, P, and Zach for a quicktrip to Calgary to visit our friends, the Krueck's!

It was really special to go thereand visit with Michelle, Tony, Julia and Ethan...but LORDY, what a crazy shorttrip!

The month ended withHalloween. Not one of my favorites, but the kids loveit and since Sam and Jake plan their own costumes, it's always interesting tosee what they come up with.

My Supergirl

Sam (Wolverine's daughter) andRachel (80's girl?)

Jake (Killer?)

So cute!

It seems like I never get any pics of Zach on Halloween because he takes off early totrick-or-treat with his buddies...

November:

In November I was really starting tofeel settled in our home. We decided to have a "Welcome Home/ThankYou" party and invited our friends and all those that were there for usand helped us after the fire. We feel truly thankful for those thatstepped up and were there for us during that incredibly difficult time. Phoenix joined us in throwing a wonderful party that allowed us to show how farwe've come in one year!

We were then happily entertained byJake's second school production, The Foreigner. Again, he was great and Sam did a beautiful job behind the scenes.

Fall arrived and we proudly watchedas Jake got inducted into the National Honor Society!

Sam turned 16!

And continued to kill it inschool! But I really hate that they're all growing up so fast!

We traveled to Pine Mountain,Georgia to celebrate Thanksgivingwith Grandma, Margaret, Graham, Rebecca, Nick, Alix, Carlee, Jake, Annetta, Rick,Brian, Skye, Meghan and for a short time we got to meet Gabriel and hisbrother. Such a fun time...can't wait to do it again!

December:

In December my little Sweet P turnedsix! She's getting to be such a big girl! She had her first ever"real" birthdayparty and chose Chuck E. Cheese as the location. SHE had a reallysuper time and loved it

My parents came for the holidays andwe were also lucky to get my sister, Chrissy,here. We had a blessed Christmas in ourhome. I don't have a lot of photos because I made a conscious decision toput my camera down and enjoy the family time.

It's really interesting to go backthrough my 2011 blog posts and remember everything from the past year. Itfills me with gratitude for my beautiful life.

I feel so blessed to share myexperiences with the love of my life, my husband, Bryan. I'm also verygrateful for Kodi, Jake, Sam, Zach, Phoebe and the rest of my family. They certainly keep thingsinteresting and fun!

Last, but not least, I want tomention my incredible friend, Pam Orwick

Pam is my neighbor who literallysaved my life by not letting me run back into the house to find Skeeter as the fire was growing. She cleaned the sootfrom under my fingernails as I sat in shock after being released from thehospital and then she, and her family, opened up their home and sharedChristmas day with us when we no longer had a home. Pam also put up withme almost EVERY day for ten months because I would come to her house while thekids were at school so I didn't have to sit alone in a hotel room. She'san amazing person and a true friend who I am so thankful for and love verymuch!

Well, I think that's a pretty goodreview of 2011 for the Miller Family. I know this is a REALLY long post,so for those that took the time to read it...THANK YOU! It took a longtime to do, considering I had to do it THREE times. UGH!

I'm looking forward to 2012 and wishfor you that the new year brings tremendous joy andlove.

OMG!

2012-01-05T13:48:00.000-06:00

OMG! I was doing a year in review and had gotten to August when the entire thing was erased! I may not try again!

I'm so sad!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T21:04:00.000-06:00

I don't have any pics from Christmas morning because I put my camera down and was the "Santa" for the morning, handing out gifts.

Here are some random photos...

I just love how this pic turned out!

Our house on Christmas Eve

Jake and Ali

Sprinkling "reindeer glitter food" around the front yard

Cookies and milk for Santa

Zach and P

Just taking some pics

The kids all opened one gift on Christmas Eve...P got a nightgown! (Thanks Jake for the photo-bomb)

Zach got jammies.

Sam got a cover for her iPad

And jammies for Jake too :-)

One last pic before heading off to bed...

Despite the lack of photos of our festive Christmas morning...it was wonderful! We were so happy to have Mom, Dad and Chrissy there! Just wish the rest of our family could've been with us!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T11:00:00.003-06:00

We spent Christmas Eve doing lots of baking and cooking!

We made the caramels for our friends...

Thanks to Ni Hao Y'all for the recipe!

Christmas pics to come... Merry Christmas!

Phoebe's 6th Birthday party

2011-12-19T17:41:00.001-06:00

This year was P's first "real" birthday party. We told her she could choose the venue and guess what her choice was...

Yup...Chuck E. Cheese.

We invited her whole class, girls

and boys.

It amazes me how much they enjoy playing the silly games.

But I think it's really all about the tickets.

Miss P got to stand in the front and meet Mr. Cheese himself!

And we all sang Happy Birthday

There was one thing that Miss P couldn't wait to do!

Go into the ticket blower!

It didn't look like such a fun time to me...but she LOVED it!

She was thrilled to open all the cool gifts from her friends.

Even Jake's buddy, Joseph, got her a gift - PIGLET!

It's funny to watch all the kids get excited to see what her gifts were!

This was one happy little Birthday Girl!

So now that ALL five of my children have had a Chuck E. Cheese party...can I be done with that place now...PLEASE!

The Winter Program

2011-12-16T17:12:00.002-06:00

Last night was the Kindergarten Winter Program.

So P is number five for us and we've been to many, many musical programs over the years.

You would think that the whole idea of sitting through another kids' show would be somewhat painful for us.

But watching my little Sweet P perform made me smile, smile, smile!

I'm not sure how much "singing" was actually going on.

But she was having a GREAT time, that's for sure!

And she knew every word to every song.

I can't really show it in these pics, but I felt bad for the little guy in the red hat because she kept chastising him for not doing things the right way.

I like to think "She's a leader".

Yup, that's it...she's a "singing" leader!

Lordy, how I love this girl!!!

Something new...a GUEST POST!

2011-12-14T13:43:00.000-06:00

I'm doing something a little different today...

Please welcome Stephanie Corfee to Seven Millers! Stephanie has some great ideas for giving your child the "big kid" room that he or she will love!

Easy Changes To Make A Style Impact – Without Breaking YourBudget

Guest Post by Stephanie Corfee

Do you want to change up the style of your child’s room? Maybe they are out ofthe “baby” stage and need “big kid” décor – but you don’t want to spend abundle? Sound impossible? It isn’t!

Here some tips on howto make a big impact without breaking your budget:

Curtains – Consider floorto ceiling, a bold color or large scale pattern with punch. Layer WITH sheersor roman shades and use a substantial rod. It absolutely makes a difference!

Bedding- I’d go neutral, but abundant and add style with colorful tosspillows, mixed sheets and varied textures. If that's too much for your boysensibility, at least be sure to have a few layers; abedskirt, a blanket at the foot of the bed, toss pillows.

Wall Color - Use the most sophisticated version ofyour child's favorite. if he likes blue - go navy or maybe a steel blue. if shelikes pink, go muted with some grey to it, or a saturated, deep tone. Thesecolors will be a great foundation for accessories in more whimsical shades, butyou won't be stuck with a definitively KIDDIE room. It will amp up the stylefactor too.

Artwork - Nothing beats a piece of artwork that commands attentionand sets both a mood and color scheme for the room. Go boyish and retro orabstract and feminine. Something full of color and life is great!

I always say to getthe biggest piece of art you can afford for the scale of your room. If it isreally special, you don't need much more on the walls....a mirror, somehooks/shelves, maybe a bulletin board in the homework desk area....done.

This is really theeasiest, no-fail way to decorate, because every color choice you make foraccessories and decor after you choose the art, can come straight FROM theart. And it will magically all go together with that one, dominant anchor pieceto relate back to.

Author Bio: Stephanie Corfee is anartist and designer who creates intricate, vibrant artwork from her home studioin Pennsylvania. You can find tutorials, see new work, and get more advice fromStephanie on her blog at: http://stephaniecorfee.com/. You can also find her on Facebook here, http://www.facebook.com/stephaniecorfeeartist, and onTwitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/stephaniecorfee

I can't wait to try out these ideas on Sweet P's "new" bedroom. I definitely need one of these beautiful paintings for her! I love all the colors and the "bohemian" feel!

Help me out...which painting do you like best? Leave me a comment to let me know! Remember it's for a little girly-girl :)

Thanks so much Stephanie for giving me some much needed advice and for introducing me to your beautiful artwork!

Sunday Snapshot

2011-12-11T21:56:00.001-06:00

And so we end P's "Birthday Weekend", well, until next week when she has her party with all of her classmates at Chuck E. Cheese!

These pics are for my Mother-in-Law, Phoebe, she got our P this Corolle baby doll, Calin, which I've always loved and actually bought for my niece a few years ago...

P was so excited when she saw her!

I also told P she had an email from Santa! I told her I had emailed him her Christmas list and that he responded.

I don't actually have pictures of the first time she watched the video (which you may have seen on FB), because B and I were sitting with her as she watched it...with tears in our eyes because she was so excited that Santa said her name!

These photos are actually the second or third time she watched it.

She got just as excited this time when he said her name :-)

And giggled when he knew she learned to ride a bicycle.

She was just mesmerized.

I'm so happy that I learned about this Magic Santa video! It was perfect!

If anyone would like to make their own little munchkin, or anyone actually ( I made one for my hubby as well), you can do it here...

The cupcakes

2011-12-10T17:10:00.001-06:00

The amazing Sami made cupcakes for P to take to school for her birthday. What can I say, she is amazing!

YUMMY!

How could it be?

2011-12-10T16:29:00.001-06:00

It's so hard for me to believe that my baby is SIX years old!

We started the morning with breakfast in bed!

Phoebe chose "tasty bread" which is basically a toast sourdough role :)

Then she opened one gift...a dress, tights and boots...which she wore to school.

She was a happy girl!

I had lunch with her at school and sat at a table with her friends.

Coco, Rylee, Phoebe, Ava and Lexie

Of course we had to get a photo with one of her BFF's, Stephen!

They were so cute and excited to have their picture taken.

Like I said...

How could it be that my Sweet P is six already?

First Snow

2011-12-06T22:47:00.001-06:00

Today we woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground and a temperature of 19 degrees! Here comes winter...

I, of course, ran and grabbed my camera to take some quick (very quick) photos!

It's been a crazy five days because B and Jake have been in Florida looking at colleges. Thankfully, they return tonight.

My Sweet P turns 6 on Friday! It's truly hard for me to believe. At her request, I booked Chuck E. Cheese for her first ever "real" birthday party! However, with everything that's been going on and since we just had our "welcome back into the house after the fire" party, I kinda forgot to do it so her birthday is extended to the 17th :)

Oh yeah, I also haven't started my Christmas shopping...

Why do I keep hearing in my head "just keep swimming, swimming, swimming"

From Hero to zero...

2011-12-04T19:27:00.001-06:00

Okay, that's a little harsh...maybe...

Yesterday I went to watch Zach perform at the Honor Choir Festival! We were so excited that he was chosen to participate this year.

He looked very handsome, albeit a bit wrinkled, with his shirt and tie!

And I was thrilled to see such a big crowd there.

They sang beautifully

But I especially loved "Ave Maria".

Yep, Zach was definitely my hero...

Until I went into his bedroom and saw this!

That would be his laundry for the WEEK, so guess what I did all day today!
"Sorry Mom, I just kept forgetting to bring it up."

So, you tell me...Hero to zero?

It's a good thing I love that kid so much!

Be-Bop-A Blog Hop

2011-12-03T20:57:00.001-06:00

There are so many unique and special blogs out there and we all need followers! This blog hop is your chance to link up and meet some great new folks hosting some outstanding blogs.

My Favorite Things

2011-12-01T19:59:00.001-06:00

I read Ni Hao Y'all just about every day. I love to look at the photos of the kids and the way Stephanie writes her posts. Today she linked up with the Nesting Place for a Favorite Things Linky Party! It inspired me to talk about a few of MY favorite things...at least the things that are $30 or less...

1. Bigelow Green Tea for my amazing Keurig Coffee Maker. I seriously drink this tea ALL day long and with my Keurig it's super easy and brews in seconds. So yummy!

$11.00 at Bed, Bath and Beyond

2. Method Laundry Detergent - I really like that it's small and I only need to use 4 pumps per load. It lasts a really long time and I don't feel like I'm using too much detergent. I'm also glad that they make a refill bag and I can re-use the plastic "small" container!

$14.99 at Target

3. Pandora Buddha Charm - I LOVE my Pandora bracelets, yes, I have TWO! Long story, fire-related, but I now have two Pandora bracelets that mean the world to me because every charm has special meaning. I love ALL of the charms, but the Buddha makes me smile and was one of the many charms from my hubby.

$30.00 at Pandora (or wherever these charms are sold)

4. Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Shower Gel - I usually buy these on sale, Buy 3 get 1 free, and buy about 8 at a time! I LOVE the smell of it. It's all I use!

$10.50 (Unless you get it on sale!) at Bath and Body Works

5. Fabric Pinwheel push pins - My amazing neighbor, Pam, gave these to me as one of my "Welcome back into your home" gifts! I built a super cool bulletin board for over my desk and these are just perfect with it!

$19.99 at Anthropologie

6. Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Fragrance Mist - I just love the smell and use WAY too much of this! Luckily it's light and meant to use "lavishly".

$12.00 at Bath and Body Works

7. n·a·p® socks from Brookstone - Oh my goodness! These socks are so soft and comfy that I actually feel like they're helping my feet when I have them on! They're so plush and warm! Brookstone sells them in packs of three...yea! I'll be giving these as gifts this year!

$20 for a package of 3 at Brookstone

Well, that's all I can think of for now...see how easy I am to please :) I would love to know some of your favorite things, and you should check out some of the other blogs to see what they're saying...it's great for trying to figure out your Christmas list!

Linking up to the favorite things party over at the Nesting Place

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T21:14:00.001-06:00

This year Thanksgiving meant more to me than it ever has. I have so much to be thankful for after this past year. I'm thankful for my husband, my children, my animals, my home, everyone that helped to make my home liveable again, and especially for my life.

It was a blessing to spend the holiday with our "Millers" in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

We were supposed to camp in our trailer, and had planned on doing that for the past year, but the trailer was totaled in a hail storm at the beginning of the year so we ended up in this adorable little cabin. It was really small, but actually perfect!

Mom and Margaret stayed in their RV, but the rest of the Miller's camped in these yurts.

It was so good to watch P bond with her Aunt Annetta so quickly (she bonded with everyone quickly!) since she doesn't get to see her that often. And Jake was glad to visit with everyone as well.

I loved watching the kids gather around the campfire and catch up.

Of course, P LOVED the marshmallows!

And I always have a good time when I'm with Annetta!

Brother and Sister,

Father and Daughter,

Cousins! (Kodi and Nick)

And MOM!

Nick and Brian had a contest - Edward "Fortyhands"- Nick won! (Yes, the beer bottles are duck-taped to their hands)

While the "non-drinkers" played some Uno...P, Alix, Zach, Skye, Jake and Sam

P kept Carlee busy...Thank goodness for Carlee!!

Santa even came by our campsite to wish us a Merry Christmas! I think he said something about us being the "naughty group".

On Thanksgiving Day, we had SOOOO much great food! We all made something but Graham was definitely the Master Chef!

As fast as he could carve it...we would eat it!

Even Bella got in on the action...

Princess P danced around as the sun set.

We cranked up the fire and settled in to enjoy each other.

We even managed to take a family photo the next day!

From left: Carlee, Graham, Rebecca, Alix, Jake, Nick, Skye, Meghan, Brian, Rick, Annetta, Kodi, Zach, me, P, Jake, Sam, B, Mom and Margaret

Pictures can't even begin to show what a great time we had. It's so amazing to see my nieces and nephews and to get to know them as young adults. Kudos to us, the 'rents, we've done a pretty good job raising this crew.

I love you all so very much and can't wait to do it again! Let's not wait quite so long next time!

National Honor Society

2011-11-18T18:49:00.001-06:00

Jake was inducted into the National Honor Society!

Times have changed since I was in high school.

It's not just about grades anymore.

There are more requirements, like community service.

And, even though he's had the grades every year, this was the first year he's completed all the service hours.

As usual, I'm one proud Mama!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T14:47:00.001-06:00

The Foreigner

2011-11-13T22:04:00.001-06:00

After a couple months of rehearsals, it was finally time for the fall play, The Foreigner. This play was hilarious! The kids did an awesome job!

With my new camera I was able to get some great pics without having to use the flash! Needless to say, I took a LOT of photos, but I'll try whittle it down a bit :) I'll try to put a little description with each photo.

In the play, Alex (Charlie, in military garb), pretends to be a foreigner and unable to speak or understand English.

Jake (David) is engaged to Maia (Catherine) and he is a preacher.

They realize that Charlie has overheard their conversation,

Bri (Betty) comes in and explains that they can talk all they want because Charlie can't understand them.

Another character, Owen (played by Alec), is a BAD guy. Here David is explaining about Charlie.

Owen says horrible things to Charlie, and Charlie has to just smile. (it was really funny)

Charlie realizes that David isn't a very good guy.

Sam was on the stage crew, so I managed to snap a picture of her during the intermission :)

David and Owen are plotting...(they are members of the Ku Klux Klan)

Charlie is onto them, but doesn't want them to know he's not foreign.

In frustration, David shows an angry side.

Ellard (played by Grayson) and Charlie watch as David gets upset.

Owen loses it and races off to bring back the Klan.

Lot's of stuff happens and Jake is revealed to be the baddie (why is he always the bad guy?)

He has crazy hair because he got hit on the head and knocked out.

Lots of pics, but trust me, I can't even begin to do this play justice. They had a very small cast, but a cast that has worked together many times, and they do it so well!

Once again, I'm so proud!

My new kitchen

2011-11-07T12:41:00.001-06:00

There is still work being done on the house, almost one year after the fire, but I wanted to post a before and after of our kitchen. It's kind of amazing!

Can you believe it!
Pin It

Jake and Ali (Sunday Snapshot)

2011-11-06T23:27:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, B, me, Sami, Jake, Ali (Jake's girlfriend), and Zack (Jake's friend, our Zach was home watching our little P) piled into the Suburban and headed to KC's West Bottoms to take senior pictures. However, I'm not posting those today because I also took photos of Jake and Ali, just for fun...

Jake and Ali have been dating for about four or five months,

and they are just too cute together.

She could quite possibly be the sweetest girl I've ever met,

and I mean that.

They have a lot in common.

Oh yeah...in case you didn't notice...she's gorgeous!

I love that they seem to be great friends,

and totally enjoy each others company.

And she puts up with me,

the Mom who makes them pose for a picture on a swing...holding hands

and asks her to crouch next to a rose for a photo...and she actually didn't seem to mind!

I like her! Can you tell? Am I gushing?

Wordless Wednesday with Linky #WordlessWednesday

2011-11-02T12:10:00.005-05:00

This photo truly needs no words!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T22:04:00.000-05:00

Our house may be "like new" but we still have our Frankenstein! No fire damage for him!

This year P was SuperGirl

I love this because her brother was making her laugh

and this is the "Are we done with pictures so I can go see my friends" look

P with Coco and Charlie (they live across the street)

Our neighbors, the Brentano twins, Steven and Andrew, Phoebe and Charlie

Sam (Wolverine's daughter) and her friend, Rachel (Flashdancer, but I said Mathdancer)

Gee, who could this be?

My Jake, of course

He's such an actor

I do believe Wolverine's daughter can kick the killer's butt!

and the burglar is...

Zach!

This was one tired little SuperGirl

Did I say SuperGirl? I meant Angel!

Hope everyone had a fun, safe night! Happy Halloween!

One Day in Calgary

2011-10-31T18:58:00.001-05:00

This past weekend Bryan and I went to Calgary, with P and Zach, and literally only had ONE full day there! We left KC on Friday morning, arrived Friday night, and left on Sunday at 7am! It was a whirlwind, but we were able to spend serious quality time with dear friends who moved to Canada about 4 years ago.

I can totally see why they love it here

It's absolutely beautiful

So happy to visit my Michelle

P, of course, was fast friends with her beautiful kids, Julia and Ethan

Zach, Tony, Bryan and Ethan

Seriously

It's breathtaking

Me and my Sweet P (I played with the tones a bit on this one)

Michelle and Julia

Had to get a photo of the Canadian flag

My man looking all handsome

and my littlest explorer

having a blast!

One day wasn't enough

but we got a glimpse of what Tony calls "God's Country"

Sunday Snapshot

2011-10-24T08:39:00.001-05:00

Sami and P (mostly Sami) carved pumpkins...

They also put up our big inflatable Frankenstein, but I've posted pictures of him for the last 3 or 4 years so I thought I would pass this year.

Just because...

2011-10-22T16:19:00.000-05:00

Sweet P attended a birthday party today...a PRINCESS party...

I can't decide which edit of this one I like best...opinions are welcome!

I LOVE catching her in an unguarded moment

'cause believe me...this girl is a "poser"

a very beautiful little poser :-)

Rythym City

2011-10-21T23:09:00.005-05:00

Wow! I could sit all night and watch my son on stage! Tonight was the first Rep Theater performance of the year and, much to the chagrin of the students, their teacher chose a musical. The kids have NOT been happy about it, but being the great kids that they are, turned a pretty lame script into magic!

There are only about 18 rep students, so many had to play more than one role. At first Jake was a cowboy. He had a solo that was so good!

His main role was as the leader of the "Hawks". The town gang.

During a song and dance number

Jake's moment, when he teaches the boy how to sing and dance

I wish I had a video camera

Obviously, at the end of the song, the boy can sing and dance :)

The Hawks beat the bad guys and Jake is making a speech at the end

Yea Jake!

There are no words...

He's so good

I took this pic of one of the posters hanging in the school...the Fall Play...can you spot him?

I'm just not a "sports" Mom...I'm a "stage" Mom :-)

My Singing Men

2011-10-21T18:05:00.003-05:00

Tuesday night was the fall choir concert for both the Middle School and the High School and I was so blessed Jake and Zach performed at the same place! Otherwise B and I would've had to split up...

I'm so proud of my Zach (not that hair though)

He's been chosen for Honor Choir! Only two boys were picked! I've always thought he has a beautiful voice! (Check out the ties on some of those little guys!)

Jake performs in the Select Blend boys group

That's him next to one of his best friends, Alex

He's also in Chambers, with his girlfriend, Ali

Singing with Erin Moylan (she has an amazing voice, watch for her on Broadway!)

He's getting more comfortable with the dancing :-)

Ali is so sweet...and gorgeous!

Performing with the entire choir

He's going to kill me for posting this one!

I don't think there is anything I love more than watching my kids shine!

Tonight we're off to watch Jake perform in his Rep Theatre musical/play! Hopefully I'll get some good pics!

Be-Bop-A Blog Hop Wednesday!

2011-10-20T12:49:00.001-05:00

I'm off to find some new friends :-)

May I Vent?

2011-10-20T09:23:00.002-05:00

I'm not going to go on and on about this, but I need to vent just a little...

On Tuesday, P had to get a few vaccinations (that's a whole other rant!)...now this is a child that has had open-heart surgery, she didn't even cry when she broke her arm (although she did go into shock)...so she gets her shots in both arms and doesn't cry or flinch. She's amazing. I call her my "toughie" (sounds like tuffy) . So today, two days later and two showers later, the band-aids are STILL on her arms. I explained to P that it was time to remove them and we would do it very quickly so it would only hurt for a second. Well, my TOUGHIE cried when I peeled those stupid things off! Her little arms were so red from the band-aids! Please explain to me why, in this day and age, there isn't a better way??? I think that stinkin' band-aid took off the top layer of her skin.

Okay...done venting and I feel better. More importantly, I think my little Toughie forgot all about it by the time she climbed on the bus.

I know MOST of you have been through the same thing...thoughts?

And now, because I like to have a photo when I post, here is a great one of P and the twins, Andrew and Steven, from last weekend.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-10-16T22:16:00.000-05:00

It seems like I haven't posted in a very long time, but life has been a bit hectic lately! It's funny how something wonderful can happen when you least expect it...but it has for me. Without going into a lot of detail, I was offered a wonderful opportunity to work from home and I took it! I didn't think I would ever have a "job" again, but I've been truly blessed to try something new and exciting and it's keeping me pretty busy! Hence the lack of blog updates!

To make up for it I went a little "photo" crazy today. I'm lucky to have my own personal "model" and some very photogenic pets :-)

I can never resist taking pics of my big ole Jasper

Then there's my little old man, Hampton, with the messy face

Of course, my little scrapper, Sissy

And I can never seem to get away with just one photo of her

George is slowly making his way back home after living with our neighbors since the fire

I don't think he's quite sure where he belongs, and he REALLY liked it there

I always have fun photographing Sam...

She makes ME look like a good photographer

With those blue eyes

The beautiful smile

You would never know that she's a big goof (I should post some of the silly face ones!)

I have a hard time choosing a favorite

So I don't....I love them all!

A Great Giveaway!

2011-10-09T13:17:00.000-05:00

You should head on over to Perfectly Imperfect and check out this wonderful giveaway for My Memories Suite Digital Software. I entered and wanted to share this great opportunity!

Interesting Should Knows about My Memories Suite:

Rated #1 with Amazon.com in digital scrapbook software
Also in the Top 10 Reviews for digital scrapbook software
The My Memories website offers tons of new packs on a daily basis, and many of them are even FREE!!!
Great Video Tutorials if you're su-low like myself :)
*** My Memories Suite allows you to not only make pretty scrapbook pages ( and many other craft ideas) but it also has a multi media function that lets you insert media, as well as hyperlinks to a website onto your pages. That's called interactive people!!! Imagine making your wedding scrapbook album and being able to insert video of a specific moment, or the whole moment, into your pages. The Vows....and insert voice recordings to go along with the page. Baby's first birthday, or first steps, or kids sports games with video. I mean there are so many great uses for this feature....do I need to go on? Didn't think so.
My Memories online offers a Weekly Challenge on Wednesdays that look like fun to participate in.
You can even make money with their Share the ~~Wealth~~ Memories Program

While you're at her site entering the contest you should become one of her followers! She posts lots of great deals...and we all love a great deal!

Favorite Photos Friday

2011-10-06T23:41:00.001-05:00

P's first Daisy meeting today! At the end of the meeting they played "Duck, Duck, Daisy"... I think she was having fun. What do you think?

I took a billion pics with my camera, but caught this one with my iPhone using the Hipstamatic app. I love her smile!

Follow Me Fridays!

2011-10-06T22:43:00.000-05:00

Just linked up with this wonderful blog with the hope of making new "blog" friends!

Check it out!

The Amazing Sam

2011-10-06T12:25:00.002-05:00

Today is P's first "Daisy" meeting after school. For those that don't know, Daisies are the youngest Girl Scouts. I volunteered to be the parent helper at the meeting and I'm required to bring a snack to the girls. At first I was going to just buy some store-made cupcakes, but then I thought it would be cute to make cupcakes and put some little plastic daisies on them. Well, Sam had a better idea...

First, let me give you a little backstory, Sam can spend an entire day watching "baking" shows, especially Georgetown Cupcakes! She's actually torn between becoming a doctor or owning her own cupcake shop :-) So she asked if she could make them and actually make her own EDIBLE daisies to go on top! This is her first time using fondant and I thought she did a great job! She, of course, thought they were terrible and can't wait to try again.

I would love to read some comments about these yummy cupcakes! Sam would love it too!