Moving forward...

The past month or so I have been given an opportunity to explore new horizons with a new company.  I have been working for WSU for nine years now, I love WSU! It is my alma mater, but not only that, I literally grew up on this campus. It's filled with people who I feel are family members and is considered a second home to me - truly. Since I was 10 years old I have only been disconnected from this school for maybe 3 years total. It has been loyal to me and I am grateful for the experiences I have had while here. Thus, choosing a new opportunity with a new company, for me, was a big deal. I know some of you may feel that is WEIRD! to have such a connection to a school/job, but I am a sentimental fool - "It's my one weakness!"

The new opportunity though has brought with it answers to some long waited prayers. I know that it is the right move for me right now. Some of the benefits are that I will be able to work from home thus being more accessible to my children and a bit of a pay increase, and who can argue with that. I will be working for the company SunGaurd Higher Education who is currently undergoing a merger with Datatel. In very basic terms my responsibility will be interpreting institution's catalog degree requirements and inputting them into the computer program so that students can pull up a check list of sorts that helps them see their progress. For those who attend WSU, they call it "CatTracks."  I love higher education and could not have asked for a better compromise of being home with my kids and still keep my foot in the door of the career field I love so much. Definitely a miracle from above.

As my time at WSU comes to an end I am feeling a little emotionally bipolar! So for those who interact with me in the next couple weeks - please be patient as I will most likely be a bit of an emotional mess. That said, be comforted, as I am, that it is the right path for me and any struggle will be met with faith, hope, and smiles all around.

my cool family fan

I think this is pretty cool. Last year many of you know that I spent a good chunk of time getting to know my ancestors by typing up their handwritten life stories. It really has sparked an interest in me to spiritually get to know them. I love thinking about their journeys, what they wish they had done or hadn't done, how at this time they know my mom and probably work with her on being a ministering angel in the next life. Really - it is a fun way to spend some meditation time. I am excited to feel them close as I learn about them.
Well - just yesterday a friend posted the following link on facebook:

Genealogy Fan Chart

It is amazing! It helped me see up to nine generations back in the blink of an eye! I highly recommend everyone do it; find out where your genealogy has holes & get to work... I think I want to do some hole filling this next year.  Here is my fan chart now... can't wait to see it start to fill up!

too cool...

I love this picture. It was a great but slightly long day as we went to the movies and then to dinner down in Salt Lake. Rhett had just bought his fadora with his birthday money - the long awaited hat that makes him "cool and older", whatever makes you happy says mom! In any case, the fact that he wants to be a teenager is driving me crazy, it's practically all he can talk about - well that and skateboard video games he got for his birthday. So when you see your wanna be teenager still snuggling with his baby (yes still calling him the baby- don't even go there as I too find it pathetic) brother you snap the picture and put it in your blog for all posterity to see! I tried to ROCK STAR it up so he doesn't get too embarrassed, but what can a mom say - LOVE YA RHETT!

It's about DARN time!!

So here I sit surrounded by girlfriends, taking one BIG deep breath. Grateful for the birds, creek, and wind through the leaves of the trees that have answered my SERENITY NOW cry; I am ready to blog. I'd like to take a second to catch up everyone (or anyone for that matter) of the adventures that we as a family have been experiencing.
FIRST: I AM EXTREMELY PROUD OF MY HUBBY! He completed 18 credits this semester, is 6cr. shy of his degree, and is now accepted into the Education Certification Program. It's been three years that he started this school thing; filled with ups, downs, and an extremely overbearing wife but he was patient, worked hard, and has accomplished an amazing goal.
SECOND:  Easter/Spring BLISS!

 THIRD: BIRTHDAYS!! Both Kenidy and I completed another year. I had been looking back over the year and my "34 Dreams" post seems like it was just yesterday. And yet, I have had some of the most amazing experiences; well above 34 - so I feel completely blessed. I am not very excited about the fact that I am getting older, but I am trying to do it gracefully... fighting every gray hair that pops up. My cute new phone though is really making life fun!  I'd post a picture, but BLOGGER is buggin' out right now. In any case it's the Droid Aris, and I custom made a skin that's all cute 'n stuff - hehe ;D

Now that we are all caught up (well enough to get a move on) I'd like to showcase my latest endeavor: crochet and knitting! I don't have my knitting done, but look how DARN TOOTIN' CUTE the blankets are that I did for my soon to come niece Reagan.

I know they're pretty cute. I think my mom would be completely surprised that I did this, but all in good time. Which makes me think... I better not get angry with Kenidy when she doesn't want to learn or do things when I want her to learn or do things.  

ALL IN GOOD TIME! 

 Right Keni!

To be or not to be FOOLS!

To be or not to be... yes this week has been a week of ups and downs and still has not ended.
FOR CRIMANY SAKES HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN!

Sunday was an up - a great afternoon with family as we sent one of our own out to serve his Lord on a mission to Florida. We are so excited for him and can't wait to hear all the stories. GOOD LUCK JAKE! His mom (and supporters) did an amazing job of having the most delicious (IN ABUNDANCE) food available to easily 100 (and most likely more) people. We are going to miss those Maddox rolls! I guess we can go buy them - whatever!

Now Monday my sister had to go into surgery, which came with some slight downs and fortunately is at this point an UP - I watched her kids on Monday, and had a great time working on my knitting skills and laughing at her son be the cutest thing in the book. KEEP GETTING BETTER SWEETIE, and let us know what we can do to help!

Tuesday was SCARY I guess is a better word than down - with February a shorter month you can imagine that me being a couple days (almost a week) "late" was not a........ let say - WELCOMING feeling. Emotions got crazy, plans started being hatched, and then I got fed up with guessing and took a test - NEGATIVO!! Which was - Gracias al Senor - a relief. Now I know some of my family would say - "You should have more kids" - I KNOW:  1) my kids are beautiful...I know, ;) 2) I'm a good mom and Aar's a good dad.... debatable at times but we do try hard which says a lot, 3) how fun for Keni to have a sis. - WELL - as all of those things may be true - IT'S JUST NOT IN THE CARDS! So an appointment is getting made for Aar as soon as we know whether the insurance we have now is better than the one we will have come July.

So Wednesday WE ARE UP AGAIN... and really the UP just kept getting higher as last night I spent an amazing night with two of my most favorite men - Aar (of coarse) and MICHAEL BUBLE!!! What a great concert - if you get the chance (especially Tag and Thesha - I'll explain in a sec) GO!!! His opening act was NATURALLY 7 from America's Got Talent (I think) - THEY WERE FABULOUS - and ACAPELLA - see them in action:



and then came HIM!



SO - Now I'm on cloud 9 and can start my Easter/General Conference weekend with a smile, A BIG SMILE on my face. I LOVE MAKING EVERYDAY THE PRESENT! Thanks Mom - and Happy Birthday - it's not 'til the 11th - but April Fools is a day that always reminds me of her - she was always having fun on this day - SO TAKE HER ADVISE AND HAVE SOME FOOLISH FUN TODAY!. :D

Friday Night Concert

How do you like these rock and roll kids! We have been having so much fun the past couple of weeks playing with our kids on Friday nights. For Valentines I got Beatles Rock Band and absolutely LOVE IT! Kenidy and I sing our favorites Dear Prudence, Here Comes the Sun, and so many others (including from the other games) while the boys, including Aaron play the guitar and sweet rowdy Roman plays the "Elmo drums" - It is a ton of fun, and we end up just smiling from ear to ear as our kids TOTALLY GET INTO IT (as you can see from the photos). This Friday I decided to take some pictures and video. SO - if you have a couple of minutes please enjoy the Miller Family Friday Night Concert! Believe me it gets better as it goes. I'm also posting this picture of Keni - because well,  

SHE IS FABULOUS DARLING!

 

Bipidy, Bopidy, Boo...

Songs can be found on a Disney Princess Karaoke CD, and one of the songs is titled "A Family United" from the movie Meet the Robinsons. Needless to say, it was a great vacation!

Christmas Morning

So this Christmas - as those who have been reading know - Santa surprised the kids with a trip to Disneyland... and yes, we left on CHRISTMAS DAY! It was so much fun to see the kids read the letter from Santa, open their clue box, and come to the realization that we were going on vacation. To be honest, the boys didn't quite get it until their sister YELLED - "WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!" It was so much fun for me and really fulfilled one my dreams. We were also lucky to be able to share the experience with my sister Holly and her family. I am working on my Christmas slideshow so that will be coming real soon - I hope.

Christmas Eve

So I decided to take a bit of time and space to go through our Christmas holiday. It was fun filled and packed with excitement during that week, so I don't want to skimp. Not to mention that January is only busy with school **BOOO RING**. A lot more fun details with Christmas!





Christmas EVE: Nicholas Family



We spent Christmas Eve with the Nicholas side of my side of the family. I know, a bit confusing, but basically it's my mom's side of the family. In any case, we had a lot of fun with cousins, extended cousins, aunts/uncles, great aunts/uncles, grandpa Choate, and Grandma & Grandpa Nick.

Since I was a baby this family has been getting together on Christmas Eve. There was a split second a couple years ago when I thought it would be over, but we pulled together and have been continuing the tradition. I LOVE THIS FAMILY - they have been a major part of my life!

First, FOOD! It was great, THANKS KATHY for doing most of the work! Next, the nativity where Rhett was the inn-keeper, Keni - angel gabriel, and Roman - a wiseman (holding a sheep cuz we thought he was a shepard). This is a tradition I participated in I believe from birth. At least for as long as I can remember. After this is the Talent portion - oh what fun. Now my kids are older and can really prepare. So we went down stairs and pulled out my mom's OLD music book with all the songs we use to sing with her (and my Aunt Kathy's) children's singing group. Keni only had one front tooth missing so they decided to sing "Nuttin' for Christmas" - I don't have the music with me so I'm not sure who wrote it. Here are my kids... *warning; mom forgot music sheet and so the kids felt they had to read it - and there is no tune for them to follow, listen at own risk*

THEY SOUND BEAUTIFUL

is my official statment

Finally, presents! THANK YOU Grandma & Grandpa for the always great extra cash in the pocket! You are the best grandparents anyone could ask for, and I am humbled and grateful to be in your family tree! All my family's love! We'll see you soon - hopefully prior to *'our family's month.'

*For those of you who don't know or understand why I would quote that - Every year four families go together on a "CALENDER" - it's been a great gift that my late (amazing) cousin Jill thought up. Basically three months out of the year our family (the other families take the other months) go visit my grandparents and help around the house with odds and ends. It has been a great experience for both them (or at least that's what they tell us - and I believe them) and MOST ESPECIALLY for us!

Christmas Card...

Because I am me, and I have a Christmas trip to the happiest place on earth to prepare for *this is a Santa gift to the kids so shhh* , and my brother-in-laws homecoming, and YW meetings, and to top it all off I am speaking in church on Sunday - my Christmas card this year is being sent electronically. Because you have access to my blog you have seen what the family has been up to for the past year. SO - I love you all - and pray that this Christmas is filled with the love of our Savior, and that your days may be filled with rememberance of (that means smile when the tears are falling - even if it's hard) those who have passed on, excitement for any newcomers (either by marriage, friendships, or birth) that may enter your life, and huggs & kisses for those you share each moment with today and all the days to come.

I KNOW...

So the past couple of days have felt like my world has become heavier and heavier to carry. Little things just kept coming to a head. I have recently been called to be the 1st counselor of my Young Womens, which means I hold the mantel of taking care of the MiaMaids class (girls ages 15 & 16). Which are actually the same girls I 'advised' or taught when in the Beehive class. I guess they really are "MY GIRLS" and I am feeling it! I love them soooooo much, and they are going through some of the toughest times as a teen - Who am I? Where do I fit in? Adults really don't get me! - Life pressures and issues are more real then ever - and yet, I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES and I know that these are some of the strongest young women I have ever known! So as I don't fear what is ahead for them in their lives, I still worry that they will forget who to turn to for help. I know sometime I do!

Today a good friend - what am I saying - a GREAT friend sent me the below youtube video. It was a great reminder of the season's spirit, as well as who we all can turn to when trying to accomplish life's goals - no matter how big or long it takes!

*BE PREPARED WITH A TISSUE BOX*

THANKSGIVING!

This year we had a great time at the Millers. It is an exciting time as we are in great anticipation for Aaron's brother Benjamin to come home December 19th from his mission. I do need to say that the first picture and the last picture are two heros for me this year. My dear cousin Trudi and her girls stayed up all night and was able to get Zhu Zhu pets for my kids... yes THREE ZHU ZHU PETS + their home, a car, and slides that will just be fantastic for the kids. THANK YOU TRUDI and girls!!! Also, this year Aaron came with me to doorbust WALMART! WHAT.... yea you heard me - WALMART! It wasn't too bad as we were not getting a ton of stuff as this year we are taking the kids to a special place. Yea - I'm not even writing it out for fear that they may for some reason see the name and find out. In any case - I'm excited for the season of joy and happiness!

BRING ON CHRISTMAS!!!

GONE...

Growing up I had ONE brother... and now he's gone... OK, OK, that's a little dramatic -
but he is CLEAR IN MARYLAND!

The good news is that he and his family couldn't be happier. They are building the home of their dreams in a very exciting new location, with their sweetie Tyler and a babe on the way! We are excited too because we - someday - will be able to go visit back East and not have to pay for a hotel. They are so close to so many things out there that it's hard to imagine crossing state lines within a 30 minute drive? It will be a great experience for them... and really for all of us in the family!

We do miss them, but fortunately they are starting a blog (Choate Family) that they promise to keep up to date every week! They better or they are going to have their Grandma Nick pounding at their door one day wondering if they are still alive, and to check her list of great-grand babies! I'm givin' you guys a fair warning right now ;D

Anyway here is a few pics of our last FHE with them - it was swiming at the hotel pool!

WE MISS AND LOVE YOU GUYS!

new fun...

So during my lunch break today I started going through my FABULOUS browser sites listed below and click - click - click I came across this fun new site, Photovisi, that will do my collages for me FOR FREE!!

FABULOUS!
(I didn't have all of the pics "PSed" - photo shopped - which would make this even better)

I am so excited because what can normally take me hours to do took me literally (and I mean the literally that my BBFF - "blog best friend forever" - Lisa, that's Blue and Shoe under the list, speaks about. Which by the way you should totally read!) TWO MINUTES!

Don't my boys look so handsome - and Keni - well she just is GORGEOUS DARLING ;)

So this is a collage of my beautiful munchkins having fun at the Scarecrow Festival with their cousins at Thanksgiving Point. They had a ball (not literally), going on all the blow-up toys, playing little carnival games, and getting their face painted. The best was when my dear nephew Hayden exclaimed what I had wanted to say the whole time, but keeping my mouth shut as to not destroy the fun for the kids... "THESE SUCK" - so true, so true Hayden. Your mom and I could have TOTALLY done a better job at painting your cheeks - but it did go to a good cause! Next time though - I AM SOOOOO going to just ask that I paint their cheeks for them. I'll still give them the 2$ (I want my 2 dollars - had to be said) just give me the paint and brush.

Well, I can't leave today's entry with out a shout-out to all my NEW MOON FRIENDS! Can hardly wait to see the wolftastic movie tonight! I LOVE MY LIFE :D

Scooby Doo Halloween

This year we are having a lot of fun being the Scooby Doo clan. It worked out perfect with my new hair do... I just had to let it grow out longer then I originally had planned so I am counting the days for when I can get it fixed. But all in all we look pretty close... and my costumes are re-usable as regular clothes! LOVE THAT!!

Football UPS & downs!

In case you didn't know, I LOVE FOOTBALL! And this weekend was filled with UPS & downs! First came the downs. Weber State had an amazingly devastating loss to Montana State. It was a good game, with awesome gains on the field and a few problems on both sides. The end was a nail bitter... to read more go to WSU ATHLETICS.

NOW FOR THE UPS!!

My BRONCOS, who I was very suspicious of how this season would be when they let go of one of the most amazing coaches Mike Shanahan, is 4-0!! YOU READ IT RIGHT! 4-0!

WAY TO KICK SOME BEHIND BOYS!!


MY MAN CHAMP!

First (actually second) Day of School...

The first day of school is a tough one when every single member of the family is starting classes, including mom and dad. However, after getting through that day we were able to get the swing of it and pictures were taken, well of the kids. Aren't they sooo cute! It's also been a lot of fun to hear of their adventures everyday. Some good, some not so good, and some just down right hilarious. Roman is dealing with 'kissy girls', Keni is a star reader, and Rhett is just as talkative as a kid could be. I am trying to remember to not wish any day a way - some are easier then others.

Ten Years & Counting - to what I don't know!

Aug. 3rd 1999

was a beautiful summer day when Aaron and I were sealed for
Time & All Eternity in the Bountiful, Utah Temple.
We had a beautiful reception with a lot of family and friends. How exciting it is for us to have made it this far with many of those family and friends still a part of our lives. We have since made new friends... and new family ;) that have made our lives richer in every way - - - except for financially.... huh?! But as those who love us know - finance, shminance! What you can't take with you in the end isn't that important anyway! This is definitely a dream come true - gorgeous husband, who thinks I'm gorgeous no matter what, and can do pretty much anything I ask, and still make me feel like he's the king of my castle! I love you Aaron.
HERE'S TO 50+ more!

Dino & Clinton Firework Fun!

We had a lot of fun this weekend. First we went and saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince as a family, then met up with Tag & Thesha who were watching the Bodily boys at Dinosaur Park. We laughed hard when the boys started getting into the water fountain. And the kids loved seeing all the dinosaurs. After we went to Arctic Circle for dinner, where Tag had an 'accident.' Who would have thought. Finally, on Saturday we ended it with a bang watching Clinton's fireworks with everyone! We had a lot of fun, and we are very lucky to have such fun families!! This is one of my favorite things about summers!

I am just having so much fun with my new photography passion!! Do you love this OR WHAT! Thanks to all those who give me such inspiration. A lot of the sites that I go to for ideas are listed below in my 'Let's browse - FABULOUS' section. This was taken at the 'OAKS' up the canyon. I love these photos and am excited to continue with this photography/publisher stuff! I am holding my breath for when I can purchase Photoshop!