LDS.org

Saw this a few weeks ago, thought it was VERY interesting. Check it out. Let me know what you think.

I personally am all for spreading the word and, for me, blogging is a very non-threatening way to get to spread it. My only concern is for the youth of our church. Serving in YW's, I've heard some of the things our girls write on facebook, myspace, and personal blogs and we all know that girls (and boys) aren't always so nice. In fact, they are mean. So I wonder what Elder Ballard would say to them... I wonder if the council would be different. Either way, I love blogging! And I always love to follow the council of the apostles, especially before it's given!

So, here's to continuing the discussion about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you are not a member of our church and have any questions, feel free to ask!

You Were Not There

I can't believe we are 4 days from Christmas! I'm feeling like we haven't emphasized the birth of our Savior enough around here! Sure, we've had the Family Home Evening lesson about the birth of our Savior. We've read Lainey our very accurate board book describing the very first Christmas (love it, by the way. Check it out here). We checked out a creche exhibit. We're faithfully reading our Christmas countdown book for the first time ever. But it seems that this holiday is slipping by without many thoughts of thanksgiving and gratitude on my part.

I've avoided it for years, but the business of this time of year that seems to overwhelm everyone else finally caught up with me. The funny thing is that I was 98% done with my Christmas shopping in November (yes, exactly 98, I calculated... okay not really). So I don't know what I'm so busy doing, but I've been busy. I've joined the club. And I want to get out! I want to go back to quiet Decembers spent with family and time to bake (and the energy to bake). I want to cuddle with my family and watch White Christmas in its entirety without falling asleep (twice, we've tried twice and failed to get through it). I want to remember the Miracle that has brought me Salvation, the Miracle that changed the world and changed me.

Tyler and I were listening to The Forgotten Carols. As we were listening, Tyler mentioned that his favorite of all the 'forgotten carols' was the Sheperd's song. I listened more intently as the CD continued to track 3, listened to what my husband found to be so remarkable. As this particular carol goes, a sheperd had fallen asleep and when he awoke his friends had a remarkable tale to tell him.

They said the angels told them
About the new-born king.
They had a star to guide them.
They heard the heavens sing.
They said that when they found Him,
They knew they'd never been the same.

And isn't that so true? When we've finally 'found Him' we truly are never the same, are we? And I began to see why Tyler loved this song so much.

And, yes, I did believe them
Though I'd not seen a thing.
I did not go to Bethlehem
Or hear the angels sing,
But there was something magic in the air
That made me feel as if I had been there.
I knew that as the world
Moves on through time,
There would be more stories just like mine
About the souls who've chosen to believe
In something that they never got to see.

I wasn't in Bethlehem just over 2000 years ago, I didn't walk the earth with our Savior, and I didn't see the pain He suffered in the Garden, but like this dear sheperd, I know He was born humbly, perhaps the humblest of all births, and that He came to this earth as the Savior of it. I am a soul who has chosen to believe in something that I never got to see.

And do you think you'll join us
Though you've not seen a thing?
You were not there in Bethlehem
Nor heard the angels sing.
But if you feel the spirit in the air,
Then, just like me, you'll know that
He was here...He was here
The king of king and Lord of lords was here,
He was here...He was here.
And He will come again, for He was here.

So for the next 4 days, I will "seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written" and remember the ultimate gift given to me each and every day. I, like you, celebrate my testimony that He was here and He will come again.

Holiday Cheer!

Success!

After reading this, Lainey's freak out at the Ward Christmas Party, and recollecting last years failed attempt, we had no idea what to expect from our visit to the local library to see Santa. We love this guy. Not only is he jolly and joyful, but he recites 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' with a glove that has a character on each finger. He lets the kids ask questions. He tells the kids all about the reindeer and the elves. I ask you, do you get that kind of service from a Mall Santa? I don't think so. And this guy is free. We adore him. But last year, Lainey did her adoring from afar and was terrified to sit with Santa.

You should've heard us this year. Tyler and I talked this guy up till the cows came home. Short of bribing her, we tried every tatic we knew to get her comfortable with the whole 'sitting on a stranger's lap' thing. My friends. She was jumping up and down before it was her turn. She rehearsed telling him what she wanted. Then, her number was called, and she walked up and SAT ON HIS LAP! And she told him what she wanted (is it bad that Mom and Dad coax her to want a certain item already purchased??) and she even gave him the most adorable hug. Brady didn't have any trouble crawling into Santa's waiting arms, he obviously loves the Big Red Guy.And speaking of Christmas Miracles, Tyler and I got to go on a date last night! We went to see the Broadway version of 'White Christmas'. My review: although it was VERY different from the movie, I thought it was fantastic. Lots of fun and the girl who played Betty had some incredible lungs. Not the original, but loved it. Here we are at the Denver Performing Arts Center.

And now, I'm really going to go finish making my Christmas cards. They gotta get out! If you want one, leave me your address (view my profile on the side bar under 'contributers' and click email me) if you don't think I have it!

You know you've been blogging too much when...

Your husband says, "Honey, do you want me to water the Christmas tree?"

And you say, while staring intently at your computer, "Yeah, water the blog. Thanks."

Really. This really happened. Heaven help me.

Shows of the Season

So today's holiday favorite list is holiday movies! Who doesn't love a classic cartoon that reminds you of childhood, or a cheesy Christmas movie that does nothing to restore your faith in Hollwood (anyone seen any of the movies on ABC Family lately?), or a classic tale told again in a new way? We love Christmas shows at our house. They certainly help us ring in Christmas time. So here are my top 3 favorite Christmas movies:


White Christmas

This has been a favorite at the Banks' house for decades and now we carry on the tradition at the Miller home as well. Some classic lines: "Isn't this cozy? Boy, girl, boy, girl?" Or "Mutual, I'm sure." Or "My friend, when what's left of you gets around to what's left to be gotten what's left to be gotten won't be worth whatever it is you've got left." And you gotta love good ol' Bing and the great music. (Tyler and I are going to see the Broadway production of White Christmas on Thursday. I'll let you know what we think!)

A Charlie Brown Christmas

You've got to love this movie. And for the record, I'm feeling a bit like Charlie Brown... only two cards received as of yet. (It's okay, I haven't sent mine out yet either!) Lainey loved this one. And until we came home with a real green tree on Friday, she insisted we were getting a pink one. Where do ya think she got that idea? Humpf. Commercialism. "Your a good man, Charlie Brown!"

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Watch out, Miss Piggy. There's a new gal in town. And I'm in love with your man. Kermit is the cutest! And who doesn't love this tale? But more than I love this story, I love the music in this movie. Check it out. It's great.


No preamble here. What's your favorite holiday movie? What movie makes you take a break from this crazy time of year and curl up with your kids or hubby and celebrate the commercialized spirit of this glorious holiday season?

I'm it... again

I was tagged for the Seven Things by my cousin, Megan.

The rules are:

-Share seven random facts about yourself, in your blog.
-Include these rules.
-Link back to the person who tagged you.
-Tag four more people and list their names & blogs. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged.

Here are seven random facts about me:

1. My knees make a clicking sound when I go down our stairs, especially first thing in the morning. It's kinda funny, but probably not a good thing.

2. I hate long toe nails. . .actually, I hate medium length toenails. The only kind of toenails I like are short, SHORT, SHORT! I'm always clipping them. Sometimes until it hurts. Another 'probably not a good thing'.

3. I'm like the Princess and the Pea but it's crumbs on my floor rather than peas under my mattress. I can't stand crumbs under my feet. In fact, I've been known to make my dear husband sweep and then, after I walk on the floor and feel the crumbs, I make him pull out the vacuum, too.

4. I don't like potato salad. It grosses me out because of two ingredients that I dislike even more than potato salad: mustard and hard boiled eggs. Yuck!

5. I have one of everything as far as siblings go. I have an older brother and sister and a younger brother and sister. I think it's pretty cool. Thanks, Mom!

6. I've never had my eyebrows waxed or seriously plucked. I'll yank out a few here and there, but I've never shaped 'em or whatever you call it. My eyebrows are all natural and I'm starting to wonder if that isn't the norm.

7. If I had one wish I would create an edit button for the things that fly out of my mouth, or a rewind/undo/redo/rephrase/try again button. I say the stupidest things sometimes. I would love the chance to try again on some days.

Four people I'm tagging:

Laura (I already know at least one random fact about you- how are your hiccups?)

Becca

Danner

Tammy

Songs of the Season...

We all listen to it, we all love it. Don't deny it. Here are my top 2 fav Christmas albums in no particular order:


Martina McBride
White Christmas

This is one awesome CD. Classic songs, with none of the 'I can do this song better my way' attitude. O Holy Night is amazing. Definitely worth owning.

Wilsons

Hey Santa

I know, I know, this is the cheesiest. But we love it! Don't knock it till you try it!

And 1 I just can't stomach... Clay Aiken. Way to overdo those Holiday classics, buddy. Sorry if this offends any of his Claymates.

Now guess what I'm gonna type next...

What is your favorite holiday album? We try to get a new one every year and are stumped on what to get next.

You gotta read

this. Especially if you wanna feel some Christmas spirit. Nope, it's not a book, but its awesome! Thanks, Danner, for sharing it!

I'm sorry...

So less than an hour ago I was writing a post in my head all about my dear daughter's latest escapade in disobedience.

I was going to rant about why my child never seems to listen to what I say.

I was going to tell you that this isn't the first nor the second nor even the third time she has committed this particular crime.

I was going to mention that this mammoth mess extended to the bathroom floor tile that I recently scrubbed on hands and knees til it shone.

I was going to estimate the dollar amount of the damage.

I was going to clamor about how this mishap occurred after dear daughter was given a privilege and that in and of itself should promote good behavior, but for some reason it didn't.

I was going to tell you how long it took to clean up.

I was going to go on and on and on about how upset and frustrated I was.


Then, of her own free will, she said

I'm sorry.

With the most sincerity and remorse I've ever heard. On her own. Without a prompting from me. Without the obligatory time out before hand. Without lengthy lectures (there was a minor tirade, but no lecture). And not because she thought it would get her out of her punishment. Her apology was genuine. Now, maybe my daughter is slow. Or maybe I have a really bad memory. But I'm pretty sure that was the first time she'd ever apologized for bad behavior on her own. And then, with tears on her cheeks, she meekly walked to her bedroom to endure her punishment.

Now there are tears on my cheeks. It's nice to know that she is hearing what I'm trying to teach her. But I'm more sad that I actually have to punish her when all I really want to do now is tell her how proud I am of her for knowing that she did something really bad and knowing the appropriate social and emotional response to that feeling . And its really only a few minutes in quiet time, but my heart is breaking for my barely 4 year old who had to learn a hard lesson today. Such a small moment filled with such emotion. Being 4 is hard, but being a Mom takes the cake. It's difficult enough watching our children get hurt and saddened by other people and circumstances, but to be the one that has to inflict the hurt after such contrition... its almost too much. I'm hoping there will be time later to discuss our triumph without diminishing the severity of the infraction. I'm hoping I'm not the only one who's been here....

Stories of the Season

Those of you who know me know I love a good book. In fact, an okay book is fine with me usually. And those of you who know my family know that my cutie patootie mother loves a decent book too. And those of you that grew up in my house with said mother and self know the joy of a great Christmas story. That was actually our YW activity last night. Storytime. And it was sSSsSooOOoO fun. So as we begin celebrating the season, here is a list of my top three fav holiday selections.

"The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree"

by Gloria Houston

Darling story about Christmas in the Appalacian Mountains during World War I.

"I believe in Santa Claus"

by Diane Adamson

This book makes me remember why it's okay to still Believe and why we truly celebrate the Christmas season. And even if you're a 'Santa-hater' you'll appreciate the beautiful artwork.

"The Angel With a Mouth-Organ"

by Christobel Mattingley

This one is special not only because it's such a touching story, but because of the memories I have of Mom reading it to us with tears in her eyes, evidence of her tenderness and gratitude.

I kinda feel like good old Lavar Burton (I can go anywhere, take a look, its in a book...) ,but when you find something good, you've got to share it! So now I'm dying to know, what's your favorite Christmas story?? What should we pick up next time we're at the library?

See you on the Runway!

I often have the benefit of reading my cousin Megan's thoughts on her fav TV shows. One of mine just started up again. Do I dare admit to the public what my silly guilty pleasure is? Here it goes. Deep breath.


Hi. My name is Carrie and I like to watch Project Runway.


There. I said it. And I can actually hear all of your, "Hi, Carrie"s echoing through cyberspace amongst a few shocked gasps. No, I have zero aspirations for design stardom. I can't sew. Ask Tammy. And frankly, I don't even remember how I got hooked. But I am. And season 4 just started.

I mean, honestly, I'd rather watch grown men and women fight over fabric and scissors than someone of the opposite sex (no offense to The Bachelor lovers) or a coconut that fell from a tree (no offense Survivor lovers) or a room without a view (no offense Big Brother watchers) because somehow the trivialness of it all is what makes it great but meaningless TV. And just like after the World Series (please continue to abstain from mentioning it to Tyler... we're not quite over it yet) and my newly discovered amazing talent for calling strikes and balls with astounding accuracy (Dad, aren't you proud?), I can spot great fashion and clothing construction from the first step down the runway. I'm that good. Or that obsessed.

I'm so obsessed that I won't let Tyler switch to Dish Network from Qwest cable (which would be slightly cheaper) because I won't get Bravo for the lowest cable price anymore. We'll have to up our plan to one that I am just not willing to pay for. When have I ever thrown money after something so trivial? Well, now, I guess.

All I can think of is Tim Gunn's brilliant advice. We'll just have to...


Make it work.

And what about you? What's your silly guilty pleasure on the boob tube?

THE Thanksgiving Post

So, I can't let one of my most favorite holidays pass without acknowledging it. I love giving thanks. That's why I love this holiday. But that's not what this post is about. Well, it is, but it isn't. In homage to the Music Man, I offer this witticism to explain myself. Thanksgiving starts with T, and that rhymes with B, and that stands for Becoming. So you see, I got here organically. (just call me cheesy and let's move on, okay?) 'Becoming' seems to be the new 'buzz' word in our church, (maybe it's just in our ward) but Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked about this idea in a conference talk 7 years ago. My post doesn't tie too much into his talk, but the general idea comes from his words.



Last year, I had to give a talk on 'Thanksgiving' Sunday. After reflecting for what seemed like weeks but was actually only days, I decided I didn't want to give the same old talk about how we should be grateful. We know that. And if you're like me, you really are more grateful for your blessings than words can express. I wanted to give my talk on service. When I prepared and gave my talk, I didn't really know how I got from point a to point b, at least not very clearly. I hadn't yet channeled the Music Man. But it's all clear to me now.



I'm a 'so-what' kind of gal. Meaning my thoughts and feelings generally should move me to action, or at least I wish they did. I'm grateful for my blessings. Well, so what? What am I going to do with that? I think it's great to verbally thank our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. It's not only great, but vital, a commandment even. But I've decided that it's not enough to just say it. I think if I was truly grateful I should be moved to act on those feelings, right? And here's where the Music Man and Elder Oaks references come in. It's great to express gratitude, but can't we, if we really try, become gratitude? If I 'became' gratitude, wouldn't I give up everything to show Him-who has given me everything- that gratitude?



Elder Gordon T. Watts of the Seventy said in October General Conference in 1998 “The depth and the willingness with which we serve is a direct reflection of our gratitude.” So this Thanksgiving weekend, I ask myself this question: How deeply and willingly do I serve? Because we all know “when ye are in the service of your fellow being ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)

May we all reflect on our

blessings this holiday weekend

and dedicate our lives to

becoming gratitude in the

way we serve.

Pip pip and cheerio!

Ringing in 4 with British class. And some fake tea. Okay, actually just juice.

You've heard the reviews. *See post below

You've seen the star.

Now see for yourself what some are calling the greatest birthday party EVER (especially with only hours of ibubrofen supported prepartions. *Again, see post below for clarification)

We made frames with Princess stickers, played English games (Ring around the Rosy...isn't that English??) , made paper fans, and drank our 'tea'. Is there anything better than being a girl?

The Ladies of the Colorado High Tea Society

Carrie's Rules for Living #2

I wasn't going to do another one of these till next week, but I learned something very important this week.


Never



Ever



Ever



get strep throat when both your kids have it. It's not fun.

And it gets kinda expensive. It's been a pricey week!

Two copays for the kiddos: $50
Two prescriptions of amoxicilin: $30
One copay for mom: $25 (incidentally, 1st doctor visit for me, besides ob/gyn visits, since Ty and I have been married. So eat that strep throat!)
All the throat comforting food that makes you not necessarily feel better, but makes you feel loved when your hubby brings it home for you: around $20
Mom's prescription: $10
Follow up copays for the kids: another $50
Dinner the night we were sick: Okay, free. Thanks to a thoughtful Relief Society President! Never been one of those families-so-sick-they-need-a-meal families. Kinda nice to be needy for once.

Having modern medicine to make us feel better: priceless. Okay, it was, what, 40 big ones for the drugs, but you get the idea right?

And...

The best diet I've been on in years: priceless. Really and truly I lost at least 5 pounds, what with not eating for 3 days and having no stomach large enough to consume much after that anyway.

And let's just talk for a sec about the birthday party I threw for Lainey a mere 36 hours after starting the antibiotics!

Anti bacterial wipes, so no one got strep from us: $4 (and surprisingly, none of the other moms thought it was a big issue, our major illness)
Cake, food, drinks, goodies: $20
Decorations: $20
Crafts: $18
Invitations: (okay, those were cheap)$.80
Gifts from Mom, Dad, and Brady: $40 (and she liked Grandma's gift loads better...)

Having a celebrated-in-style-newly-four little girl: priceless!

I'm crazy, I know. And you should've seen the party! Heard at the party:

"This is the best birthday party ever!" I wanted to kiss that girl! Made my day. I didn't, of course. Because of the strep. But I wanted to!

"Sister Miller, you're so fun!" I did hug that girl. Too cute! And what a major compliment from a 4 year old. Really.

But more on that later. . .with pictures.

Last 2 thoughts: what is with me and ellipses?.... anyone got any ideas? I don't even know if I do them right! Don't correct me if I don't. And what's with the hyphens in this random post?

So really, 3 'last' thoughts...can I just say to all you lovely long lost friends, HELLO! I've responded to your comments, but I'm not sure if you saw them. If you have a blog or an email address, leave it so I can see what you are up to!

Are you ready for this?

So, I often find myself making broad, general assumptions about life in general and thought I would start sharing them with you in a new recurring post called 'Carrie's Rules for Living'. Here is our first installment. (Disclaimer: I know nothing about life. I am not perfect nor do I profess to be.)

Rule #1: Nobody is paying as much attention to you as you think they are. So stop worrying about what other people think, because it most certainly is not about you.

Do you ever find yourself thinking about something you said that might have offended someone and come to find out the the offended person never gave your 'offensive' statement another thought? Or do you ever let something slip and then think, "That person must think I'm a freak/idiot/jerk/pyscho/(insert appropriate noun here)!" Well, he or she doesn't. Because chances are the minute it was out of your mouth and into your listener's ears, he or she moved on.

Case in point: A few weeks ago we had our Young Women Evening of Excellence. I made a huge idiot of myself. I said the wrong thing to someone, did the wrong thing (and caused a huge commotion in which everyone turned to look at me), and felt completely and utterly embarassed pretty much the whole night. We won't even mention the nylon issue I had going on. Okay, we will. Something was going on with my nylons and I kept tugging on them while simultaneously thinking, "Everyone must see that I am having major issues with my undergarment choices tonight."

Night over and hopefully forgotten. But not by me. In fact, I bring up my most obvious snafu of that night at a meeting a few days ago to express my embarassement and make sure no one really thinks I'm a freak/idoit/pyscho who can't control herself.

No one remembered.

See, no one thinks about what you're doing as much as you think they do.

Kabalarian

No, Kabalarian isn't a funny new language. Have you ever heard of Kabalarians? I never had. I still don't know exactly what they are, but they have a philosophy. Kabalarian Philosophy. And on their website they'll use their philosophical ideas to analayze your name and tell you all about your personality! Here's what they said about lovely, little, old me.

Although the name Carrie creates the urge to be reliable and responsible, we emphasize that it causes an emotional intensity that is hard to control. (true. Remember when I would say whatever popped into my head, rational or not because I was emotional? Okay, yes, I guess I still do it.)

Your name of Carrie makes you very idealistic and generous, with the strong desire to uplift humanity leading you into situations where you can express your desire to serve others. (I hope that's true!)

You want to assume responsibilities and to look after people; however, you can become too involved in other people's problems and tend to worry. (I don't know about the becoming too involved bit, but the worrying thing-I'm my mother's daughter, okay?)

Your name gives you a natural desire to express along artistic and musical lines. (Hmm... not sure about that one. Although, I will say, you know the angel in The Forgotten Carols? So how I feel just about every Sunday. And I guess I like to scrapbook and I'm learning to play the piano.)


You desire a settled home and family life, and are expressive and attentive to your loved ones. (Want to be settled? Who doesn't? And the expressive and attentive-I hope that I am!)

So what do the Kabalarians say about you???

Why do noses run and other puzzling questions of motherhood.

(This list has been growing for some time. Although some of these are silly and certainly rhetorical, some, I'm sure, have real answers. If you know an answer besides the obvious, please share it in a comment. And feel free to add your own puzzling questions on motherhood.)


Why do noses run? And why do my kids' noses run more than everyone else's? Really.

Why do tears fall? (Well, I guess there is gravity...)

Why do spiders look so scary? Why didn't God make them a little cuter if He knew we'd be spending so much time with them?

What is really going on inside an 18 month old brain? He's gotta be laughing at me, right?

Why does time and energy escape me so easily?

Why don't I get time outs for bad behavior? Maybe it would help.

Why don't they get it the first time? I really wanna know. Why am I constantly repeating myself?

What is under their fingernails? They haven't been outside. Where's this dirt coming from?

Why is it so easy to love my kids and simultaneously so easy to lose my patience?

What is so fascinating about boogers? Really?

Why does hair grow?

Why do I love this job even though most of the time I'm completely lost and out of my element?

Why do we like sweets and sugar more than the flavor of green beans or carrots? Why doesn't healthy food taste better?

Or why don't sweet foods have more nutrients in them?

Why can't anything ever stay clean? I'm not asking for forever cleanliness, just like a day. A day of no spills or dirt. Can't we keep the floor crumb free for a day?

Why is 'Why' such an annoying question? Particularily from a 3 year old? (Are you annoyed yet?)

How does every other mother in the world always know what to say and how to teach their kids when I never know what to say or how to teach them anything?


Will my children remember that there was a lot of fun in their childhood?

Will they know that I wouldn't trade a second of my time with them for anything else in the world?

How can two little people be so darn cute all the time?

How can only four little letters sum up all that I feel for my children?

l-o-v-e.

Road trip: How long until...

....Lainey asked for a snack: 10 minutes

....Lainey asked for another snack: 15 minutes

....Mom said, "Pick a lane, honey!": (Tyler, whether or not he cares to admit this, often drifts between lanes): 43 minutes

....we saw wildlife: 47 minutes- Big Horned Sheep. Amazing. I love Colorado. At the 2nd group of Rams that we saw there were tons of photographers with ginormous cameras taking pictures of them. Dad, you would have had to fork over major mula if you played your "Whoever sees a deer gets a dollar" game in Colorado!

....we hit the snow line: 52 minutes

....our first potty break: We made it a little over 2 hours! Go Lainey! (And Mom!)

....we had to bring out the portable DVD player: right after the potty break, but Lainey only watched 1 movie!

....spilled juice: I don't remember, but it happened. A lot.

....Mom got so frustrated we almost turned back: Um. Before we left. But then I guess we wouldn't really be turning back.

....our first 'Are we there yet?': never happened! Well, maybe I said it, but that doesn't count, right?

....we got to our destination: 8 hours 5 minutes

....we were glad we came: the second we stepped out of the car!

Where did we go?

Utah.

Who did we see?

Family.

What did we do?

Lots! We went shopping at the BYU bookstore and got some Cougarwear. Then we saw Laurie and the Marching Band practice. Then we went and visited with Grandma Dora, Craig, Marvel, and Kevin & Kristen. Then we saw Betsy, Dustin and Lucy! Then (Saturday) we went to the BYU Football game against Colorado St. and saw Laurie playin in the Marching Band. Stopped off at Grandma Dora's 90th birthday party and saw Tyler's family then headed to Betsy's to have dinner with Danner, Laurie, and the Hulers.

It was a great day- great ticket price (free), great parking (free), great weather (free), great babysitter (ok, not so free, but really great), great fellow Cougs to cheer with, great family to visit with, great everything! Thanks to all the family who put up with our crazy antics and fed and housed and took care of us whether it be with food, tickets, parking, etc. And thanks to the illustriuous BYU football team for winning! We crammed a lot into a short day and a half, but ultimately the fast pace and craziness was so worth the trip. (Note to all our Utah friends and family we didn't see: We wanted to, really bad. Sorry we didn't have time. We'll catch you (or try to) next time we're in your neck of the woods! Too little time, too many people to see! We love you all!)

Our Road Trip in Pictures

Tonights Snickers count:

only 3!

But the Butterfinger count (which Mom likes better anyway):8
Kit Kat (Mom likes those better than Butterfingers):8!!!

And Lainey's favorite, SUCKERS:12!

And not a single Smarties!

What's your Snickers count for

your Halloween haul this year?

Halloween Happenings!

A few thoughts this Halloween afternoon:

• In keeping with this holiday season, gotta tell you that I just finished Eclipse from this series. Very good. Cannot wait for the next one. One of my Mia Maids brought me Eclipse on Sunday after I complained that I was still #29 on the library waiting list. I didn't even ask to borrow it. She just brought it for me. So sweet! They made shirts for Halloween that said "Sorry Bella..." (front) "Edward bit me first" (back). So cute. I love those girls!
• The weather is crazy here. Monday- high of 70. Tuesday- high of 73. Wednesday (Halloween)- high of 50!!!! And tonight is suppose to get down to 20. Luckily, Lainey has a warm costume and she's only 3 and will not be trick or treating long. (Thanks for picking up the costume, Aunt Betsy!)
  
  
• I just realized we've snapped 297 pictures this month. Thank heavens for the digital age. What would I have spent to develop that many pictures 10 years ago? At least a small fortune.
• After Lainey's 5:40 wake up call on Sunday we put a clock in her room and covered the last two numbers. She isn't suppose to get out of bed until she sees a 7. So far it's worked like a charm. We'll see how long it lasts. And I guess that doesn't really mean that she is sleeping till 7, which is actually what I want.
• Please don't mention the Rockies' crushing defeat to Tyler. They had a great run, sweeping every post-season game but the World Series. Unfortunately, their humiliating defeat is all Tyler sees at the moment. It'll pass! (You probably shouldn't mention the Broncos either....)
• It's suppose to be quiet time at our house right now, but neither of the rugrats are actually being quiet. Ggrrr. It'll make for a long night!
• In a momentous Martha Stewart moment, I decided to try a unique way to decorate my pumpkin. Here are some pics of our pumpkin carving night.

• Yes, that's a drill. I drilled holes in my pumpkin. After I painted stripes on it. Tip: Use a large drill bit. Mine was too small, the light hardly shines through at all.

The finished product.

• This cute boy had an occupational therapist and a speech therapist play with him all morning. He's in the 5th percentile in his gross motor skills and 5th percentile for his expressive language. Fine motor skills are at the 67th percentile, which is great. So we get to start some physical and speech therapy, which will take up some of my mornings for a while. I was kinda hoping that we wouldn't need it, but his 'muscle tone' is low. (mostly putting this in for you, Gabrielle, since you know all about this and have helped me understand stuff!)
  

• He got to wear his costume to our ward party last night, didn't think the hat was too great, but he was so cute. I hope I get some cuter pictures tonight! He gets to go to nursery a week from Sunday. Mom is SssSSoOOoO happy!
• Speaking of the ward party, Lainey has decided to change our names, or at least everyone else's. Tyler cannot be called Daddy, his name is Cowboy. Brady is not Brady, duh! He's Elephant. Get it right, Mom. Lainey is Care Bear, she won't answer to Lainey anymore. And Mom is... Mom.
• I wanted to do a post about how awesome my birthday was, but it's past and I've run out of time. Can I just say that my hubster is a superstar? I didn't lift a finger all day. Literally. It was great. Thanks, babe! I love you! He always makes me feel like I stink in the birthday department because mine are always SO AWESOME!
• Took this picture this weekend. It was so funny. Lainey was vacuuming the family room and she picked up Daddy's shoes to make sure she vacuumed under them. It was adorable. I must be doing something right if, by age three, she knows to vacuum under things.

• After my Thanksgiving plea, I might not have roped anyone in for this year, but next year we'll be having a party! Thanks for all the love!
• I'm already writing my Christmas letter in my head. Is that sick or what?
• We hit our 1 year mark in this house. It feels good. Dang good. Here's to many more!
• I can't believe tomorrow is November. Where has 2007 gone? Time is just flying by. Which is why I better quit typing this random list of nonsense and get to the housework! But before I go, as an adieu to fall, enjoy these leaf playing in pictures of Tyler and Lainey!
  

Jesus' little Sunbeams

So today was our Sacrament Meeting Primary Program.

(Sidenote for the non-LDS crowd: The children in our church go to Primary while adults attend Sunday School and other meetings. It's kinda like Sunday School for kids starting at age 3. Once a year the kids do a program for our Sacrament Meeting. Its super cute, and this is Lainey's first year.)

Okay, back to my story. The primary program was great. I was crying with tears of laughter because those kids were so darn hilarious. There were kids making funny faces (tongues sticking out and everything), one kid got a bloody nose, some kids were publicly picking their noses, and there was one kid that fell asleep after the first song. The poor kid's head was bobbing up and down until finally settling on the back of her chair. She looked hilarious with her head tipped all the way back against her seat, mouth opened wide. Eventually, her teacher pulled her onto her lap where she slept the entire time. I thought how sad her mom must be to see her child sleep instead of sing the primary songs with all the energy of her three year old heart. Oh wait- I was that girl's mom.

Lainey slept all the way through her first primary program.

After I got over how funny she looked, I didn't know what to do. Should I go get her? If she wakes up she'll freak out that she's not with her friends. Should I go sit with her while she sleeps? I didn't really want to be the mom that goes up there because of her child's bad behavior (or lack of behavior). So I stayed in my seat. Poor Sister Hamilton snuggled with her the whole time.

I have to say that Lainey has never been one to sleep at church. Even as a baby she wouldn't sleep in my arms and it would drive me crazy. In fact, while we lived at BYU, I would skip church and just go home because the church was right across the street. So why, years later, would she choose the Primary Program meeting to sleep at church??

Aside from that, it was really funny. Her teacher didn't see what was happening at first, so Lainey was head bobbin, droopin, and bowing. She woke up earlier than usually this morning and after Daddy told her to go back to bed, who really knows if she actually went back to sleep. After her narcoleptic episode, I'd guess she didn't. When the program was over, I went and collected her sleeping body from her teacher and she quickly woke up. She had the presence of mind moments after waking from her nap to see that all the other kids were getting treats and she hadn't gotten one. At least she has her priorities straight.

Gold star for every primary teacher like Lainey's who chooses simple moments to show these children just how much Heavenly Father loves them. And thank goodness for a sense of humor that kept me from feeling sad that Lainey wasn't singing her primary songs with the ad lib gusto of her fellow Sunbeams.

Whaddya think?

This new design seriously took hours. (I am computer and Photoshop illiterate. It really wan't that complicated, I just don't have any skillz - yes, skills, with a z. Plus this is design #2 cuz the first one I made me wanna puke. See, I don't got any skillz. I did, however, figure out how to find HTML codes for more background colors than blogger offers, so that's something.) PLEASE leave a comment and tell me what you think. I'm not a graphic designer, so if it doesn't look right, I'd love your ideas. (does it make your eyes hurt? is the text color not quite right??)

And then answer me this: Who said this lovely quote ? (Lori and Jeanine, I'm sure you'll get it!)

“[Homemaking] is surely in reality the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, mines, cars, government, etc. exist for except that people may be fed, warmed, and safe in their own homes?….[The homemaker’s] job is one for which all others exist.”

We make the world go round, ladies!

I did it!

Guest Blogger: Brady Tyler Miller
Age: Almost 18 months

I did it. Mom can finally calm down. I finally decided to just give it a try and it was actually easier than I thought it would be. I know I'm a little later than most of my buddies, but I finally got here, didn't I? Mom says Lainey only did one or two steps at first, but I can already do like 10 in a row. And I just started yesterday. I must be a genius.

I still crawl most of the time. It's just faster. And I get so tired of Mom trying to get me to do it more, but whatever makes her happy. They call this walking. Isn't that a funny word? Anyways, I can walk now. Mom is so excited. Dad is glad cuz he was worried I wouldn't make a football team some day unless I got this walking thing down. And Lainey loves it cuz she thinks I'm trying to be like her. Which I so totally am not. I'm doin it to be cool. And to make Mom happy.

And it really does. Make Mom happy, I mean. Which is good. Mom's nicer to me when she's really happy. Like today, I got cake after lunch. I never get cake after lunch. Or even after dinner, but I got some today. Probably cuz I learned how to walk. Now I just gotta get this running thing down. Then I'll throw a football, or a baseball (go Rockies), or I could kick a soccer ball. And that'll make Dad really happy. I wonder what I get when Dad's really happy. It's gotta be better than cake, right?

Baseball and turkey.

So while I'm spending HOURS on the computer trying to get World Series tickets, I thought I would post to the blog. The World Series starts this week. Tyler really wants to go to the World Series. We're trying to get 4 tickets so that 2 will pay for our own 2 tickets to the World Series. The site to get World Series tickets crashed yesterday. There were lots of upset fans who wanted to buy tickets to the World Series. Okay, I guess that's enough about the World Series. Can you tell we're excited that the Rockies are going to the World Series?


I've been getting geared up for the holidays. I love the holidays. Thanksgiving is just around the corner but this year its got me depressed. Since half the readers of this here blog are family, you know what I mean when I say holidays are family affairs. And to be so far from family has got me sadder than sad. Last year, Danner came over and I made the whole stinkin meal for the 5 of us, one of which was not on solid food yet. Although Danner was great company, it was depressing to the nth degree to sit in such quiet and eat a teeny tiny portion of what I cooked. No loud screaming, no crying, no games, no raucous laughter...


So this post is a plea. I wanna hijack someone elses Thanksgiving guests and convince them to come to Denver instead. And since we in the Miller family are good at Sales (with a capital S) here is my pitch on why you should come to Denver for Thanksgiving.

• I promise to make a turkey that looks like this or at least die trying.
• We can have whatever dessert is your fav. even if I hate it.
• Tyler can do day-after-Thanksgiving shopping for you. He'll be out there anyway, so he might as well pick some stuff up for you.
• We won't make you do any work unless you want to.
• We won't get on anyone's case about school, work, or when they're going to have another baby or get married.
• We won't care if you unsnap your pants if and when you eat too much.
• I think I'm a good cook, ask Danner. He thought so this summer.
• Martha's got nothing on me. Not only do I have the cooking skills, but my house will be decorated perfectly without any stuffiness ensuring the most comfy cozy holiday atmosphere.
• We'll reinact the first Thanksgiving dinner for dramatic effect. Don't worry, guests do not have to participate.
• And finally, the guilt tactic. If you and lots of other families are getting together, couldn't one make the lonely drive to visit the lonely Millers so that we aren't all alone?

Now I know you're all dying to come. And I promise, we'll make room for you all. It's gonna be a great Thanksgiving, isn't it?

(Seriously, anyone wanna come over?)

You woulda thought...

That the Rockies website would be prepared for the influx of customers hoping for World Series tickets that went on sale today, but no. Their server crashed. And I've been trying all day to get some tickets. Whats a girl gotta do? Since I'm sitting here on the computer I thought I would blog some thoughts. Did I mention I'm trying to get tickets to the World Series? The World Series that the Colorado Rockies are playing in? Exciting stuff.



Warning: This post contains gushy and lovey dovey gratitude to my dear, sweet hubby. If you're not up for the love, don't keep reading.



So, I love my husband. For reasons why, click here. And to add to that list let me tell you about my day yesterday. No, it starts before that. Let's start on Thursday.



Thursday night some girls were headin to Chili's for a GNO (girls night out) and I HAD to get to Toys R Us to hit the Little Tykes sale, so Tyler graciously let me go while he put the kids to bed so I could still make it to Chilis to have some girl time.



Then, Friday I had volunteered to help with TOFW and had to leave at 3:30. He got home, helped me pick an outfit and spent the evening alone with the kids so I could do my own thing. I got home at 10:30. The house was picked up, dishes done, floor swept... what more could a girl ask for?



THEN, Saturday was more TOFW stuff and I had to leave at 6 am. Tyler not only spent the whole day with the kids, but he got up with me to clean out his car for the girls I was carpooling with and made me a mug of hot cocoa. While I was out, he vacuumed and cleaned the inside of the van and kept the house as spotless as it was when I got home the night before.



Now here's the icing on the cake. Sunday was my birthday. After having the weekend off from mommydom I got to sleep in. After waking up, my dear husband had the presence of mind to tell me, "I feel I better warn you that pictures will be taken at breakfast." When I went downstairs, presents and cards were signed, wrapped, and on the table. I got my fav breakfast (biscuits and gravy, yum) and preceded for the remainder of the day to be as lazy as I wanted. I didn't have to lift a finger. Daddy did the baths, Daddy did the feeding, Daddy dressed everyone for church (I did do Lainey's hair, Daddy isn't that good), Daddy did the dishes, Daddy brushed the snow of my car before I left (I had a meeting so he went out in the falling snow to clear my car for me), Daddy took Brady for almost all of church, Daddy made a birthday cake, Daddy made dinner, Daddy invited friends over, Daddy put Brady to bed (and would've put Lainey down too, but I wanted to), Daddy did it all. I felt like a queen.

For Mom and Gabrielle...

I changed my settings, so you can now post anonymously. Don't worry about remembering passwords and having google accounts!

Good Housekeeping

After reading this post, I decided to post a modern list of "The Good Wife Guide" that I heard at TOFW this weekend (more on that later) from the illustrious domestic diva Daryl Hoole (that's a woman, crazy name).

1. No meals on wheels. (Serve it at the table, eat it at the table)

2. Stop dirt at the door. (Shoes off. Sweep your porch)

3. Don't make 2 jobs out of one. (When cooking, try not to spill, etc.)

4. Clean as you go, wipe as you work, pick up as you pass, put away rather than put it down.

5. Leave any area better than you found it.

6. Clutter attracts clutter- messes multiply.

7. Develop a system rather than conduct a search.

8. Assign a 'home' for everything.

9. Do today's work today. (Who wants to do today's dishes tomorrow?)

10. Skim before you scour.

11. Be prepared.

12. Put the house to bed before you go to bed. An ounce of evening is better than a pound of morning.

13. Keep house, don't just clean house.

14. Revitalize your life be keeping the sabbath. To keep Sunday holy, you've got to keep Saturday hoppin.

15. Develop good habits. Its just 3 weeks to a better me. (21 is how long it takes to form a habit)

And as a side note...

It's snowing in Denver!

And not just a dusting, people. We've got INCHES on the ground and its still falling fast! Yesterday's high- 63. Nice, fall weather. Today's high- 36. Where did fall go?

The puffy blue coat

Just bought this coat

For this boy

And it reminded me of a similar bomber jacket style coat bought nearly ten years ago. This is actually one of my favorite stories from my youth. When I was a junior in high school my fam moved and to say that I was upset is putting it mildly. I did not want to move. Needless to say, you can guess where my finger pointed the blame... the 'rents. I was probably not the best live-in daughter at the time.

We moved at the onset of winter and I needed a new coat, as did my other two live-in sibs (I think). So on one of the first nights in our new place, the fam took a trip to the local mall in search of winter coats. We decided to divide and conquer, Dad and Danner going off together and me and the girls heading our own direction. After meandering through department stores, I stopped at the Gap. Now, we're not talking the Gap of today, we're talking about the Gap in its prime, its glory days, when it was the hottest ticket to fashion success in young America. I was just window shopping, knowing that even if they had a coat there is no way my parents would buy it for me. (I had actually been exclusively buying my own clothes since I started babysitting, so the fact that they offered to buy me a coat was celebratory in and of itself) And there it was...

powder blue

puffy

fleece lined

and adorable.

Mom let me try it on. I looked at the tag. If memory serves it was just over a hundred big ones. Way too much. Especially with two other coats to buy. Ah, well. It was fun to try it on. Then Dad and Danner mosey our way. The conversation went something like this:

Dad: Carrie, thats a nice lookin' coat.

Me: Yep. It's too much.

Dad: Let's see. (Dad glances at the tag) Do you want it?

Me: Nah, there was one at Penney's that was nice.

Dad: (knowing my 17 year old heart well enough) Let's get this one.

Me: It's okay, Dad. It's too much.

Dad: No, lets get this one.

And he did. And my transition to the new high school was smooth because everyone thought I was SsSSooOoOOo cool. And I was. Thanks to my dad.

And before you think me the worldliest girl in America, you gotta know that I wasn't lobbying for a coat we couldn't afford (at least I hope not), and Dad wan't trying to buy back my affection that was left behind at my old school with my old life. He was givin me some lovin in good old Daddy B style. And I'll never forget it. Ever.

Rock it!

Help! Where do I know this song from? Is it in a commercial? And isn't it so fun? I wanna rock out in a blue jumpsuit with a bajillion friends too! 1-2-3-4 . . .

What is my problem?

I've been in Forks, Washington.

I've been in the Arizona Territories.

I've been anywhere but here.

But I am here. And I have TONS to do. But I keep getting sucked in. The library is off limits for me. The problem is I have three books left to read from my last trip there (yesterday, I was there yesterday.... someone help me please!) and one of the books happens to be New Moon so we know I'll be making a return trip to Forks.

But that's not what this post is about. Its about These is My Words by Nancy Turner recommended by this girl. Shan, LOooVVveeEEdDdd it! I was so skeptical because I really don't do sad-never-a-happy-moment books, and that's totally what this looked like. And it is sad. But its also so happy at times. In fact, do you ever come across a book and wish that your husband would read it to get some romance ideas? (Nicholas Sparks, anyone?) I'm not saying my hubby isn't romantic. He is romantic for a married-for-six-years-with-two-young-children-and-working-long-hours-to-provide-for-us kind of husband. But the guy is this book is so sweet. It almost seemed worth living in the Arizona Territory from 1881-1901 to have that dude for a husband.

And beyond just the relationship, there was so much I connected with in the main character. Namely her feelings of never being as good as her dear sis-in-law, or never being smart enough. And then there is lots of gripping, nail biting (no, I didn't actually bite my freshly grown out nails) drama that inherently comes with pioneer life that makes this a page turner! Check it out!

PS Shan, what else have you been reading? How was A Walk in the Woods?

This is the way...

We play on the farm!

Play on the farm

Play on the farm

This is the way we play on the farm
So early in the morning.

(okay, it was like 10:30, not early, but still morning)

This is the way we ride on the farm

This is the way we roast a pig.

(no kidding... the volunteers ate it later.)

This is the way we 'baa!' at sheep.

This is the way we wash our clothes.

(thank heavens, no!)

This is the way we make some cider!

(What you don't see is Lainey "helping" to turn the crank that crushes the apples. She isn't quite tall enough, is she?)

This is the way we chug our cider.

This is the way me munch some cookies.

This is the way we pet the horse.



This is the way we count the chickens.

This is the way we smile for the camera!

Because we are a happy family!