Miller Clan

Autumn turns 6 and Austin turns 4!

2009-02-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe our kids are growing up so fast! Since Disneyland had the free birthday day, we decided to try it out and go on Austin's birthday. We did not tell them where we were going and surprised them on Wednesday morning. We got them up about 6:00, picked up grandma and papa and took off for Anaheim. Autumn tried to guess on the way there, but was unsuccessful until we got to the front gates in which she exclaimed...DISNEYLAND????? It was cute. The had no idea what to expect! We tried to get Austin into the Jedi training camp, but weren't able to so since we were in Tomorrowland, we decided to try Space Mountain first. Austin was just tall enough, so their first major roller coaster ride it was! Austin wasn't so sure about it and said he was a little scared of it, but now he says it was one of his favorites! They both enjoyed all the rides and did awesome all day. Thanks to Papa, we got in front of several lines (he has a bum knee and had a wheelchair cart thing which got us to the front). Autumn is going to be a thrill seeker. She absolutely loved the roller coasters.We didn't see everything, but saw quite a bit in one day. It was a very memorable experience and the kids want to go back. We will see about that. Here are just a few highlights from our day!

Hello!

2009-02-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I've kinda fallen off the blogger wagon since starting facebook! I don't have any pictures to post at this time, but thought I'd at least update our happenings! We are planning the birthday parties for the kids and are looking forward to going to Disneyland on Austin's birthday for the first time (for the kids!) I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when we get there.
Jimmy is having to attend some tough classes in Riverside this last week, this week and 3 days next week. He is learning all sorts of math he never wanted to learn! It has been tough, but I am so proud of him and how hard he has worked to make it!
We are being visited tomorrow by the state which should be really interesting. We are supposed to have 15-16 people coming into our classrooms while we teach...not so sure where they are going to be standing! It should be interesting. I just hope my kids behave themselves tomorrow!
Well, better go get ready to face my day tomorrow!

Colorado Ceramics...

2008-12-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

Today we drove out to Delta to the Fat Cat Pottery. The kids were excited to paint. Autumn had ceramic horse heads, coin bank horses, jewelry boxes with horses on the lids to choose from... so logically she chose a pig sigh. At least Austin picked a football, probably due to the season ending Charger traumping over the broncos. They enjoyed being creative but they'll have to wait for Grammy to send them since they have to be fired. Jimmy kept wandering around the shop mumbling something about looking for the "refrigerator that had the KitKats." I take it Kathy has some idea what that means?

After cleaning up we walked through a couple of little shops downtown before heading to Sonic and then Walmart for a quick Christmas present exchange.

Not sure whats gonna happen for New Years. We're just hanging for the remaining time here. It's going quick.

Christmas is here!!

2008-12-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!! Hope everybody was good and Santa came to your house. I know I was and I got some pretty cool gifts. The kids had a ball opening gifts and they're at the age where their expressions are definitely bigger.

Austin got his 'rock and roll guitar' and already has the moves down. We took a break during

presents for mom's homeade Cinnamon rolls.

After getting through all the presents we headed outside for a family snowman building and sledding.

It snowed last night and was still snowing as we opened presents. Was the 'classic' Colorado Christmas. The prime rib is cookin' as the kids explore all the new toys and activities. Hope all is well and am looking to read all of your Christmas blogs!!

Christmas Eve!!

2008-12-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

Merry almost Christmas! Today was the decorating of the gingerbread houses (of course made from scratch).

The kids even managed to save some of the decorations for the house.

After that they made apple cider with Papa out in the greenhouse.

Tonight we're going to Gramas for my Uncle's birthday party and then the Christmas Eve service. When we get home we'll let the kids start unwrapping. Hope all is well with all of you and you're enjoying this season.

Colorado Christmas...

2008-12-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Well we made it to Colorado on Saturday. We left pretty much on time, which was 4:15 (aye em). We had an uneventful trip on the way with all the roads mostly clear. The roads goin through Utah were a little frosted but no issues with ice. Total time was 11:38:42.

Since we've been here, the kids have been havin' a ball in the snow. Austin has tried to ingest as much snow that has fallen, including some icicles that were bigger than he is.

Just last night we got 8 inches. Jimmy (and Austin) shoveled the driveway which reminded him full well why we live in So Cal. Keep in mind my parents dont have a Ca size driveway either... its prob 200+ yards long and 20 ft wide.

I'll try to update as the days pass. If you want to see all the pics go to millerfamilyphotography.smugmug.com.

Our Princess and Knight in Shining Armor

2008-11-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Our little climber! He was so intent on making it up to the top and sliding down! He did it!

Intent on getting the ketchup on just right!

The kids had a great time at our church Octoberblast. They enjoyed eating candy and jumping on the bounce houses!

Welcome Fall!

2008-10-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome Fall!
Photo Opportunity with Daddy!

Showing off their wooden fire trucks.

Jimmy had to work some overtime today at a community function at Home Depot for Safety Week. He called to see if we wanted to come and make a fire truck. I quickly got the kids ready and we headed out to Rancho Mirage. Thankfully the weather was perfect! About 85 degrees, with some wind, but a much nicer break from 100 yesterday!
The kids had a blast "building" their trucks and looking at the fire trucks, ambulance and playing in daddy's police car. Actually, mommy did most of the building minus a few crooked nails! When we got in the car Autumn said, "That was so much fun!" Thank goodness for spur of the moment fun!

Drivin' the Ambulance and Fire Truck! Uncle Mark would be proud!Pounding away at the wooden fire truck!

Our trip to San Diego...

2008-09-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, we had the chance to go to San Diego for a couple of days to help Jimmy's dad celebrate his birthday. We had a great weekend with family and the kids had fun playing with their cousins. Austin just couldn't wait to get there and had his bag packed (all by himself) Friday afternoon and we didn't even leave until Saturday morning! The boys headed down while Karen, Kathy and I went to Jimmy's cousin's wife's baby shower in Laguna. They got to go swimming in Aunt Sharon's huge pool. Austin, unfortunately got stung by a bee while they were swimming. Needless to say, he and Autumn were done with the swimming thing and got dressed and stayed in the house.

Sunday, we got the opportunity to ride the Trolley from El Cajon to Petco Park for the Padre game. The kids had a BLAST! Austin was mesmerized by the trolley. Once we got to the park, we split up and the kids and Kelly and Mom and I spent most of the time on the Park side of the field. They have a cute little baseball field for the kids and Austin had a great time hitting the ball and running the bases. He was too cute! Here are a few pictures of our weekend.

All the cousins from left to right, Klarissa, Austin, Kaiya, Autumn, Aurora Baker, Jackson, Trinity Baker (Sharon's grandaughters)

Austin is enjoying his Trolley ride on Papa's lap!

She really is enjoying her ride! Isn't she adorable in her hat?Our seats at the Park.

Austin's first time at bat!

His second at bat...he's got this down now with the hat thing!

He insisted on wearing it backwards!

Autumn wanted to take a picture with the Marines behind her.

Well, we had a great day and it didn't take long for Austin to melt in daddy's arms!

He doesn't do this too often now days, it was super sweet!

So.....

2008-09-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't been so good about keeping up with my posts. Life sure has been busy since school started. It seems we have so much going on all the time. Our internet hasn't been working very well either, so it has to be plugged into the office, so that means no more typing while I sit on the couch and watch TV at night! Hopefully we will get a new router soon so that I can keep up.
Autumn is loving school. Austin is loving preschool, but he has his days of not having a good day! Jimmy went to school for Autumn for show and tell and brought all kinds of goodies for the kids. I don't have pictures yet, but hope to get some soon! She was so excited to have her daddy...the police officer come and share since it was a week of talking about police officers and firefighters. Austin took Badges for all his school-mates today for the letter B. He was so cute passing them all out to each child today.

I have a good class this year. A few tough kids, but I think we will manage! They seem to really be on top of it academically and I think we will do well this year. I have been tired though as 11 more kids added to my room wears me out! It has also been about 80 degrees with about 50 % humidity IN my room...with 31 stinky sweaty kids! (I know...I've complained and so far it has been over a week since my complaint and nothing has been done!!!!!) Needless to say, by the end of the day I am ready to get out of there.

Well, I am off to go to the church tonight for family movie night. Since I am now the nursery coordinator, I guess I have to be there! Tata for now!

Autumn's First Day of Kindergarten

2008-09-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time in our lives that we send our firstborn to Kindergarten. She is attending a private school this year called Grace Academy. They had full day kindergarten and there were only 7 kids in her class as opposed to 30 which she could have had in a public school. She is having fun so far and enjoys Mrs. Moreno.

Backpacking!

2008-08-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived my first overnight backpacking trip in about 18 years! Lyndsey and I were able to join the guys on this trip last weekend. We had a great time...very sore muscles for me, lots of rests and huffing and puffing, but I made it. The sights were incredible and besides the fact that we didn't sleep too well, the stars and full moon were incredible to lie underneath!

Isn't this an awesome picture that Jimmy captured of the beautiful full moon? I am impressed by his ability to capture the moments!

Here I am trying to manuver myself over all the rocks...I was a little nervous climbing, but the views were worth it and I was able to do it without injury.

Austin's First Day...Medeival Times...The beach...and other events!

2008-08-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, these past 2 weeks have been a bit crazy for us. I started taking the kids to the library after we got back from Colorado and last week was the last week of the bug theme summer reading program. They had a show where they brought in live bugs for the kids to touch. Here is Austin holding a walking stick! Autumn didn't want anything to do with it but look at it!Last weekend we took the kids to our friends, the Swearingen's on Friday night to spend the night. The kids had fun jumping on their trampoline, then walking to the park for a few minutes before bedtime. The following day, we woke up and headed to the beach. We decided to let the kids experience the Newport Ferry and take the car on it, then go to Balboa Beach and eat at Ruby's on the Pier. The kids had a super time jumping in the waves even though they thought it was a little scary and had to hold our hands the whole time! Autumn didn't want to go in the water at first for fear of the jellyfish (her last memory of the beach was Florida and getting stung by the jellyfish!) After the beach we headed back to the Swearingen's to shower and get ready for Medeival Times. We thought the kids would love seeing the Knights and the Horses. They LOVED the show up until the Knights started fighting. Austin was pretty cute trying to drink his soup out of the bowl since they don't have any utensils and you have to eat your meal with your hands. He was pretty happy when Papa bought him a sword (don't worry...it's a soft one!) and Autumn got a Princess hat which she loves and wants a dress to go with now! They did have fun despite the fighting! Autumn of course LOVED the Horses and all the tricks and different things they did with them.

Autumn was so upset when our BLUE Knight didn't throw her an "umbrella" (hey it looks like one from far away!) She was crying and wanted one, so the next time he came out with flowers, Jimmy stood her on her chair and we both stood up pointing to her. We had this annoying 16 yr. old in front of us who was jumping up and down every time he brought out flowers trying to get one. well, he had a good arm and threw it right over her head and into my hands!!!! I was so happy for Autumn! The kids in front of us even had the gall to ask us if they could have the flower...I said "No Way...Sorry...she's 5!" Anway, here is her prized flower!

Austin started 1/2 day preschool this Monday and seems to really like it. We wanted him to get used to being at school and wanted to ease him into it, but he seems to be doing well. He asks every day if he can stay and take a nap there! All in good time son...all in good time...

And...last but not least, I got my braces on Monday. WOW does my mouth ache!!! Sorry, no pictures of them...I'm sure there will be some soon! Hopefully I'll be better about keeping up with my blog when I take pictures...posting them that day...KATHY!!! (that's an inside joke with my sister in law!) Bye for now!

First Friend Sleepover!

2008-07-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

Autumn and Paris have wanted to have a sleepover for awhile. Since Ashley had some things to do tomorrow, we thought it would be a great time! We went swimming and the girls have been playing quietly since dinner! What fun to have your friends over! They even made their own "bed" on the floor as you can see in the pictures. They have their babies surrounding them and are just havin fun!

His new past-time...

2008-07-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

So, Austin has become very proficient on starfall.com that he asks for it all the time. It is nice that we have 2 laptops and they can each play the "body game" as they call it... Jimmy caught this cute picture of him while he was in the rocking chair learning some of his letters! What a priceless moment!

Summerblast!

2008-07-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

We have been doing Summerblast (aka VBS) at our church this week. The kids have had a wonderful time. It has made for some pretty long days, but it's worth it when you see your kids learning about Jesus! Jimmy has been taking the photographs for the event and I have been in charge of the Nursery. After Monday night, things have gone pretty smoothly. Enjoy the pictures of the kids enjoying their activities!

Haircuts

2008-07-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

So Autumn decided she was ready for a "short" style. She wanted me to cut her hair like Austin's, but I told her there was no way I was going to do that! I told her the shortest I would go was her shoulders, so she was all for it. So, with hesitation, I did it. I was going to wait to donate it, but her hair was so dry and damaged from the pool that I decided we could try again with hopefully healthier hair. Austin also got his cut, but no new style. Better pictures to come of the finished look...but here are some of the actual cut!

Not quite sure what this look is all about...I think the hair was a bit itchy on his skin!!!

Home safe...

2008-07-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

A family picture with my Grandma...90 years old! The reason for our trip to Colorado!

Well, we survived our 12 1/2 hour trip today. We left mom and dad's house this morning at 5:35 or so and arrived here about 5:00 our time. The kids did awesome on the trip. Austin wanted out of his carseat and for me to hold him several times, but we managed to distract him and keep him in his seat...believe me...it was tough...he melts my heart sometime and I wanted to take him out! Autumn watched quite a few movies on the way. We had a good trip and were glad to be home a little early to go swimming in our 90 degree pool and just hang out for a bit before bedtime. The kids took about 5 minutes to fall asleep...guess they were a little tired.

We had a great time with family, it was VERY busy and didn't have too much time to talk to some family members, but it was fun to see everyone. We had everyone except 5 of the family members. I think there wasa total of about 79 people, so you can imagine how crazy it got! We had 20 kids under the age of 7...try keeping that many of them from running in the highway (just in front of my parent's and grandma's house), getting into the fast moving ditch, and just getting along with each other! We managed, but there were some times of stress!

Austin had a great time playing in the small ditch my dad uses to irrigate with. Autumn saw that he was having so much fun and decided to join him! They were quite a mess, but they had a great time.

I took Jimmy to a couple of wineries (sp??) and he got some great pictures. I also got to see some old friends and teachers while in town which was a lot of fun. I will post a couple of pictures, but we have TONS, so it is a little tough to pick.

Colorado Fun!

2008-07-03T21:05:00.001-07:00

Here we are taking rides on papa's "tractor" The kids absolutely love it! The kids are having a great time with their cousins! But they do miss their daddy though!
Meeting mommy at the airport. They were so excited to see me!
Picking raspberries with Papa!
I ate the whole bowl!

Time's up!

2008-07-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well, our time without kids is drawing to a close. I leave today at 10:00 to fly to Colorado. We miss the kids and the kids miss us! Autumn said yesterday that she is sooooooooo excited to see me! I am looking forward to seeing them, but hate to leave Jimmy here by himself. Luckily it will only be a few days as he flies out on Saturday to meet us and help us drive back. We had a good weekend in San Diego visiting with friends and family. We also went to the SD county fair which was (expensive) but fun. I will hopefully get a chance to blog a bit while in Colorado and send some updated pictures of the kids in Paonia.

Relaxed???

2008-06-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Do we look a little relaxed or what? Well, we have been the past couple of days. Mom and dad took the kids to Colorado for this week, so we have been kid free for 2 days...don't get me wrong...we do miss them, but have enjoyed just having each other for a bit! Yesterday we went out to lunch after church, then went to a movie, then to some friends' houses. Today we went up to the Palm Springs Tram and hiked around a bit. If anyone wants to see how out of shape they are (like me!)...just walk up and down the hill from the tram and you will see! I sure am not a hiker, but I really tried today. Had to take a few...make that a lot...of rests, but we had fun anyway! Jimmy can be tough to keep up with sometimes! He is a dare-devil...UNLIKE his wife! I did pretty well climbing the rocks though. Enjoy some of the pictures we took today! What a beautiful place to be!

Photo Shoot...or trial of one at least

2008-06-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I need lessons on how to use our Digital Camera because these pictures all looked good on the camera but when I blew them up, they looked blurry. ARGH! I am not very good at the photography thing yet! Oh well, I'll maybe read up on it this summer and try to learn more! Austin was wearing a cute outfit and playing ping pong in the hallway, so I wanted to get some pictures of him. After shooting several, Autumn wanted some of her too, so I made the attempt. She was too cute and wanted to do all her own poses...as you can see! She is quite the model!

I got the official call today that I will get to stay in third grade next year! YEAH! I gave all of my stuff to the other third grade teachers, so now will have to ask for all of it back, but I am looking forward to my team and staying in the same grade level. Unfortunately I will have 30 kids, but the team I am on is awesome and that will make up for it! I will finally be in the same pod as the rest of them and will be closer to them. I am very excited that I get to stay!

My parents are here for the week and will be taking Autumn and Austin to Colorado with them on Sunday afternoon. I will then fly out to Colorado on the 1st and drive back with the kids on the 7th or 8th. It will be a good change from all this heat!

First "Shiner"...and other stuff...

2008-06-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had quite a week with Austin and his boo boo's! First, we had a little incident on his forehead, thanks to Autumn and a plastic bike pump last Sunday, then on Thursday, he fell at daycare and scratched his face, then Friday night the doozy came! Jimmy and I were helping our friends Josh and Ashley move, so we got a babysitter to come over to our house and watch all 5 kids. While she was making them dinner, the kids were outside and the boys were playing baseball, well, Austin had already been told to stand back, but his eye met the plastic ball bat. Boy can Peyson swing that bat hard! Needless to say, that explains this very black eye! I guess after that little incident, he and the other kids stayed far away from the bat as possible from then on...(hopefully he learned a lesson!? :)

Tonight we wanted to get some photos for the scrapbook (that someday will be done!:) so we shot a few of these photos while he was "reading" his new favorite book to us. He is quite a character these days and keeps us laughing lots. His favorite page of the book says "Every ghost loves a BOO!" and he reads it over and over again expecting to scare us when he says boo...then of course just laughs at us when we jump! It is pretty cute.

Autumn wanted her turn with the camera as well, so Jimmy shot a few of her too. She is also loving this new easy to read book that has been sitting on the bookshelf at my school for probably 8 or so years just waiting to be read. Glad I brought it home for them to enjoy!
Only 2 more weeks of school. I am looking forward to my summer. Lots of projects to do, but have to try to get all the school stuff done too. So much to do in so little time. So far, it looks as though I will be teaching 5th grade. I am very nervous about this and the team will be an adjustment for me, but hopefully it will go well. I should know for sure by the end of this week whether or not it will be 4th or 5th, but as for now, it is 5th. I have to get my classroom all packed up and moved by next Friday...fun, fun!

Well, that's pretty much it for now. Hope you all are enjoying keeping up with the Miller Clan...click on the link below ( # comments) and leave us a comment to know that you are reading!

Happy Birthday Jimmy!

2008-05-26T07:40:00.001-07:00

So, I'm getting some grief from some of my blogger friends to get some new material on here! So, here goes!

Jimmy just celebrated his 36th birthday and we had a few friends over for a BBQ and Pool Party...well, since the weather decided to change to being very cool this weekend, it ended up mostly an indoor party (with the kids outside running wild! :)

Jessica showing us her talented hula hooping!

We had a great time with all our friends. The guys ended up ordering the fight on TV, so the girls tried to keep tabs on all the little ones running around! The kids had a great time playing Ping Pong, Basketball, riding the trike around the ping pong table, watching a movie in Autumn's room and chucking balls at each other in Austins room with the tents and tubes set up. It was a bit crazy, but they had a blast! Autumn didn't want her friends to go home.

Watchin' the Fight!

Chloe, Autumn and Natalie watching their Strawberry Shortcake movie.

The boys "playing Ping Pong."

Lyndsey and Ashley sitting in close proximity to the kids...we got a little tired of standing in the hallway, so they decided to sit!

It was a great time and we enjoyed the visiting and just having friends over. We need to do it more often! Hope everyone had a good time too...

Our Pre-school Graduate...

2008-05-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time of year. Saturday was Autumn's graduation/promotion ceremony from Pre-school to Kindergarten. We are proud of her and can't believe that she is all ready for Kindergarten. She will be attending Grace Academy Christian School next year for a full-day Kindergarten program. She is ready to go to her new school! Here are a few pictures of her ceremony. She was also in her first Children's production at our church this weekend and I'll get those posted hopefully tomorrow!

STAGECOACH!

2008-05-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

So, I get home around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and Jimmy tosses me a folded up piece of paper with 2 tickets to Sunday's STAGECOACH Country Music Festival...Long story short, I guess there was an older lady who sees he and Aaron at Starbucks often and always talks to them. She found another Deputy at 7-11 where she was trying to give the tickets to one of the workers, since the worker couldn't get the evening off, Jimmy was next on her list to give the tickets to. So, Bishop (the other deputy) calls Jimmy and gives him the tickets.

I had always wanted to go to it, but the tickets are WAY too expensive and we coudn't afford it, but since these were free...why not? He asked his mom to watch the kids and of course she said yes! Our friends Lyndsey and Aaron were also going that night, so we were able to meet up with them. There were TONS of people, but it was a fun experience. We met up with Aaron's brother's neighbor who gave us their VIP bracelets, but the VIP section was absolutely insane. We didn't end up with very good seats, but the music was great and I got to see Carrie Underwood for a second time! We also saw Gretchen Wilson and Big and Rich. The outfits we saw that day were quite interesting...glad I didn't try to show up in my bikini, Daisy Dukes, cowgirl hat and boots.....would have been quite a sight huh???? Well, it didn't matter what size you were....that's what you saw a lot!!!!! What were they thinking?????

It was a great spontanous date night! The walk to the car was not so much fun, but I thought it was worth it! We enjoyed ourselves! Here are a couple of pictures I took. The others didn't turn out so good because I just had my small camera and the lighting wasn't too good as far back as we were!

Thank Goodness it's FRIDAY!!!!!!

2008-05-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Boy what a long week. I sure haven't been very good at keeping up my blog. Sorry to those of you who like to have something to read when you look at the page! :) I don't know what is happening to me, but I sure do have Spring fever like the kids and am so ready for this year to be over. I love my class, but it just seems like this year with them should be over already.

I found out from a co-worker the other day that I am moving to 5th grade...haven't heard it officially from my principal, but I think I am going to be moved somewhere...not sure where!?!?! I am a little nervous about 5th, but I think it might be a good move. I'll definitely keep everyone posted. She is supposed to have her decisions made by June 1st, so I should know by then. I am trying to clean up my room and get it organized just in case I have to turn everything in and move rooms!

We have been testing the kids for the past 2 weeks and the schedule has been a wild one and I am sure that doesn't help my Spring fever! We have though, been able to get some art projects done and the kids just love it!

Mom and dad were here for a week which was great! The kids had fun staying home with them while mommy and daddy went to work (and Idaho...Daddy that is). Jimmy went to watch our brother in law drag race in Idaho and unfortunatly, the U-joint broke before the race even started! Oh well, they had a good time anyway!

Well, that's about it for our lives right now. We have our interview for Autumn's school on Monday, so we are hoping that goes well. Bye, bye for now!

Get Away!

2008-04-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Jimmy and I were able to get away...thanks to mom and dad Miller! My good friend Alison and her husband are moving to Washington and they had a going away party for them at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside. We had a great time relaxing and hanging out with friends. Jimmy took some amazing sunset photos which I have below! We stayed at a beach cottage with Dave and Ali and her Mom, Sister and Brother in Law (and his parents!) It was a full house, but great time without kids for a night!

On our way to the beach and back, we just enjoyed the quiet car, not hearing little voices fighting, asking for music and just talking! It was great! When we got back, we went up to Yucca Valley for a birthday party and took the kids, needless to say, we didn't have a very quiet trip up there! Don't get me wrong...we love our kids, but it is just nice sometimes to have a break from them and just enjoy each other!

My Little Monkey...

2008-03-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Austin is my little monkey and has proven that twice in the past 2 days! Yesterday we were at the park with some friends and he managed to climb up on the big kids structure and couldn't get down...I grabbed my camera while my friend Jessica climbed up to make sure he was okay. Thanks Jess!

This morning, I heard the kids playing and they were talking about their tents. AFter awhile, I realized that the tents had been put up on one of the shelves that my dad installed over Christmas break. So, I got up to check on them. They were just playing on the floor with their tents. Then I went back into the living room and a few minutes later I heard Austin calling me...MOMMY...I need some Help! Well, he had taken all of his clothes off all the racks and had used the racks as climbing bars and climbed onto the 3rd shelf...I just had to get my camera for that one too! What a climber! I can just see another broken arm...I sure hope not too soon!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter...a few days late! We enjoyed our Easter day going to church, then having dinner at our house. The day before we went Egg hunting at Jim and Karen's church picnic. The kids had a ball on the bounce houses, hunting eggs and looking for ladybugs. Hope everyone had a great Easter as well!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Good ole Friday night!

2008-03-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

Our new way of spending Friday nights together...Dinner and a Movie. The kids like to pretend they are having a picnic on a blanket in the living room and eat their dinner. Tonight Jimmy is at the Tennis Tournament with his dad, so we had a simple dinner of Mac and Cheese, Yogurt and Popscicles and 101 Dalmations! What a healthy dinner huh? Oh well, we can enjoy things every now and then can't we? Bye for now!

Exercise???What's that???

2008-03-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, after trying to get myself out to do SOMETHING to do with exercise, I finally made myself go on a walk tonight with Autumn. We had a good time walking and riding around the neighborhood. When I got home, Austin begged me to take him on a bike ride, so off we went for another loop round the block. I am so out of shape, I really need to make this a daily routine, but it is tough when I am so busy! I am hoping that I can get better at it. Wish me luck...hopefully I'll have more exciting news to report next time!

Teeth...

2008-03-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

So, many of you have asked how my appointment went last week. Well, fortunately at this point they saw no need to do a root canal, but I am going to have to have the new crowns replaced because they are not done properly. So, it is back to another dentist to get good temporary crowns put on in a couple of weeks, then we will go from there. If that helps the aches, then they will just put better crowns on. If it doesn't, they will do a root canal. Thanks for asking!

Giddy up!

2008-03-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

We had the wonderful opportunity to take Autumn and Austin horseback riding on Saturday. One of the guys Jimmy works with has a small "ranch" in Yucca Valley and invited us to come up. He was awesome with the kids and so patient with them. He showed them how to clean out their feet, lead the horse and even taught Autumn how to ride all by herself and steer the horse. They did absolutely awesome and had a SUPER time. He even rode with Autumn and started teaching her how to "giddy up" the horse! She was so cute up there on the horse and a real natural...oh no...a sign to come. She can't wait to go up there again and "go fast up the mountain."

On another note, I have been faced this weekend with some very challenging things. It is so hard sometimes to understand why life brings us the challenges that it does. I struggle to understand sometimes why God makes us wait on answers and have been challenged to just stay in prayer and trust that He has everything under control. I just sometimes wish the answers came a little quicker than they do...you know what I mean? So, I continue to pray for many unspoken prayer requests that I have and continue to wait on His timing and His direction! Until next time...I am praying, praying, praying!

Wish me luck....

2008-02-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

So, don't we all hate going to the dentist? Well, I have been having problems with the dentist (s) we have been seeing for the past few years. About a 3 weeks ago I got a new crown and on Monday I went to see another dentist to meet him and get a second opinion on some Ortho work...well, he pretty much said that the crown I JUST got needs to be fixed and replaced AND I will probably need a Root canal...thanks to that other dentist....Now I am dealing with having to deal with that other office and fight for some money back. Today I had to take the day off to go see a Perodonist (sp?). He is supposedly going to look at that crown and decide what to do about it. So...I may be having a root canal today. Since I had to take the day off, I went ahead and made an Ortho appointment too. It looks like I am going to have to get braces...BUMMER. I am going to see what they say about the invisaline which I would rather do, but I may not be a candidate.
So....all this to say....wish me luck today...more later!

Growing Up!

2008-02-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

Well, we celebrated both kids' birthdays this weekend. We had a cowboy/cowgirl birthday. The kids had a great time with their horse pinata and all their friends. Thank you to all of you who came to help us celebrate!

We had a very busy weekend with family. Grammy and Papa and Aunt Sherry and Uncle Larry from Colorado came for the week. Autumn had a recital at the fair, so we did the fair thing on Saturday. The kids had a ball riding all the rides and having fun with their cousins. Autumn even rode on the swings with Klaire by themselves. We were pretty surprised. They even wanted to ride a second time!

Autumn did a super job tap dancing to "The Little Mermaid" and "Lollipop." She was one of the original kids, so she got to be up front and she did a super job. I am going to attempt to put her video on here. This is the first time I have done this, so we'll see!

The past few days!

2008-02-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

Last night, Jimmy and I went up to the tram with some friends for an early Valentines dinner. We had a great time. It was absolutely beautiful up there. The mountains are so peaceful. We had fun chatting with our friends Aaron and Lyndsey and just catching up. Unfortunately, we had to leave a bit early as Lyndsey began feeling pretty sick. It was an enjoyable evening despite the circumstances!

This morning, we woke up to take the kids back up to the tram, but before we did, we wanted to get some Birthday pictures of the kids...so here are a couple of them!

After the photo shoot, we headed up to the tram. We had a great time playing in the snow. The kids did great despite no naps. They both loved eating the snow...we had our reservations, but it is a little hard to keep them from licking their gloves all the time! :) Autumn loved to climb up any hill she could find and since we just got her some snow pants, she loved sliding down on her bottom. She did some pretty fancy sliding and rolling! It was a great family day and the weather was BEAUTIFUL! We didn't even need 1/2 of the things we searched all over the desert for on Saturday, but it was worth it! Here are some shots of our day!

Autumn is 5....time sure does fly!

2008-02-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Autumn is already 5 years old. To celebrate on her day, we made cupcakes for preschool and then took her to Good Stuff Pizza for dinner. Grandma and Kathy were able to join us for dinner, so we had a small little "party" for her. We will have her big party next week with Austin's birthday.

Turning 5 comes with it's challenges! Where did that attitude come from?? Surely not me! Unfortunately, I think she did get it from me. Hopefully we will be able to work on that area of our lives!

She just couldn't wait to open her presents. We got her a couple more horses and daddy found her a great large horse stuffed animal which she named Starlight after a horse book she got from mommy for Christmas! She had to take it to preschool today and slept with it all night last night!

I just can't believe how time flies! My little girl is almost a kindergartener...I was told yesterday by my principal that she could even start right now and go to 1st grade next year...don't think I am quite ready for that one!

On another note, this week has been quite a week...Lots going on in all areas of my life. Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming. We are having to try to decide whether or not to keep Autumn in the current preschool she is in. I have been unhappy with it from pretty much day one and my unhappiness has been confirmed by State visits and MANY violations of state requirements and making NO effort to make any changes. I just don't know what to do at this point in the year. I may have to take a day off next week and check out some more preschools to see if I even have an option of moving her at this point in the year. I thought we had made a good decision when we put her there. Granted, she has learned a lot, made friends, has great teachers, but some other aspects of it are just unnerving! Hopefully we will come to a decision in a week or so whether or not to keep her there.

Well, it is late and I need to get to bed since my stupid crowns are bothering me...I just got the new permanant ones put on today and might have to go back again to have them adjust it once again. We'll see how tomorrow goes. Tata for now...

Vegas Trip

2008-01-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

So, we survived Vegas! We had a great time with Kathy and Rob. Rob was successful in obtaining his license to drive his 9 second car! It was fun to watch him zoom down that track. He wasn't sure how his new engine would respond and the first pass was a little nerve racking as he "thought he was in the wheelie contest!" I will have to post one of those pictures sometime!

We stayed at the track and watched a bunch of amatures drive their street cars down the track. It was what they call midnight madness. The track provides this for kids to get off the streets and allows them to race. Rob's brother knows someone at the track and talked him into letting him get his license. There were many things he had to do in order to get it, but after a few COLD hours, he did it! We made it back to the hotel around 1:30 in the morning and stopped at Wal-mart on the way home to grab some dinner to put in the microwave...so much for my diet this weekend! ARGH! Oh well, the time spent with family was worth it I suppose!

Saturday, we went out to breakfast, then to the stratusphere so that Jimmy and Rob could ride on the ride at the top. They had fun while Kathy and I just walked around the observation deck. Then we proceeded to go down to the strip. We walked around the HUGE mall and bought a few things, then decided we wanted to walk to the MnM store! Were we crazy or what? It was a very long walk. During the walk, we went to the wax museum and met a few stars! It was a good time! (see pictures above! couldn't figure out how to put them right here...) Anyway, we finally made it to the MnM store and Jimmy promptly got in trouble for trying to get into the MnM car...the sign did say, do not get ON the car, NOT IN the car!!! HEEHEEHEE

We then walked to the Bilagio to have a buffet dinner which we all loved, then we finished our walk back to the car. We were all very sore and tired after about 10 hours of walking!

Sunday we decided to hit the Outlet mall in the rain, after about 1 hour of trying to go about 5 miles, we made it. (The decided to close the freeway and not tell anyone until the exit just before closing!) We enjoyed the mall and found some great deals!

We arrived home last night about 7:30 and the kids were happy to see us. We are now trying to catch up on laundry and everything else I should have done this weekend. It sure was worth it though as we had fun spending time with Rob and Kathy. We've never really had that much time to spend with them, so it was a great opportunity. We are looking forward to doing it again!

Well, I better go help Autumn clean up her room! FUN FUN!

Vegas...here we come.

2008-01-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

So, I guess we are headed to Vegas tomorrow on a very spur of the moment trip.....without kids! Rob has to go to try to get a license to drive his car that now has a larger engine, so I guess we will go see him with his drag car. Kathy didn't want to drive up by herself as he is already up there, so we are leaving around noon so we can make it in time to watch him...if I can get a 1/2 day sub.

Not exactly sure what we are going to be doing up there, but it should be a nice weekend away...did I say without kids?!?!?!?! As it has been very spur of the moment, I have been a little stressed trying to get ready, but I just keep reminding myself that it will be fun! I guess it is what you make it right?

Let you know how it goes....

Survived?!?!?!?

2008-01-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I survived the dentist yesterday.....BUT was called this afternoon only to be told that I needed to go back in today to get more impressions, because they didn't get enough yesterday. I was pretty upset and told them I was unhappy. Needless to say, when I am finished with these crowns, I am going to switch Dentist offices FOR sure. I have had nothing but problems with them! I had to take the kids with me too which I wasn't too happy about, but praise the Lord, they behaved SUPER and I was complimented on how well they are behaved. I am glad they do this sometimes...just wish it were all the time! After taking them to the movies and dinner last night, I wasn't so sure we were doing things right! Parenting sure is tough sometimes! I just wish that we had all the right answers to our children's behavior! Anybody out there have all the answers?!?!? We can always use good advice!
Until next time...

Three Day Weekends...

2008-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

Boy do I love 3 day weekends. Sure wish I could have them all the time! I feel like I get so much more done on these weekends. I know there's lots more that I should be doing, but blogging is much more fun! We are planning on taking the kids to go see the Vegitales movie this afternoon which should be fun. I also have to go to the dentist and get 2 crowns on this afternoon:( Not looking forward to that one! I just hope and pray it goes smoothly.

Better get to cleaning my floors :( and stick to my saying "getting more done on these weekends! :)

Done!

2008-01-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

So, I made it through the 9 day cleanse. It wasn't easy, but it sure was worth it. This time I lost 9 lbs. and am down a total of 17! It is exciting to see things fit that haven't in a LONG time!

The kids are enjoying a fun time with cousins, so I thought I'd blog a bit. I am sorry if my blogs are boring and have too much info, I am new at this and am not sure what to talk about!?!?! I seem to just ramble. I have been trying to plan the kids' birthday party which is next month which has been kinda fun. We are going to do a western theme and combine the two birthdays which will make it a lot easier on us. I really should be doing laundry right now, but just don't have the energy or motivation. I just want to veg!

Please leave me comments so that I know who is reading this!
Have a super day!

Diet...

2008-01-17T17:13:00.001-08:00

So, I am ready to be done with this round of my 9 day cleanse. I am ready to eat anything at this point! I am on my first day of my 2 day liquid cleanse. Tomorrow will be the final day and I will see my results on Saturday morning. I am happy I have accomplished as much as I have so far. It is amazing to see the transformation. I am really hoping I can keep it all off and then some! I am getting a little crabby and need to keep my eyes focused on the end and the result! I am fitting into many things I haven't worn since we got married which is exciting!

I am also ready for my 3 day weekend! Coming back after Christmas break has been hard for some reason. I guess it means that there is alot going on this new year. I have to decide where I am going to put the kids for school next year which is a biggie! I really need to start thinking about that and I don't want to! You can pray with me that we make the right choices with both kids and find the best for them.

Well, it sounds like my kids are jumping on the bed, so I better get going!
Toodles for now!

Thanks Ashley....

2008-01-15T22:29:00.001-08:00

My friend Ashley came over tonight to help me get my blog up to speed! It looks pretty cool I must say! Thanks so much friend!!!

Drums???

2008-01-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

Austin is loving his new drum set that we got for him for Christmas...crazy you say? He doesn't play too much, but loves it when he does...I think Daddy is enjoying it as much as Austin is...reliving his childhood!

Cutie Pie

2008-01-14T16:55:00.000-08:00

Just trying to get a couple more pictures up on the site. Autumn had a great time helping me make chocolate covered cherries!

January 14

2008-01-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

This will be a quick post, but I am just so excited right now, that I have to tell someone! I have lost another 6 lbs. this week with my Isagenix program cleanse! I am up to 14 lbs. and am loving it. I hope and pray that I can for sure keep it all off! I have been able to keep off the 8 lbs I lost the first time doing the cleanse, so hopefully it won't be that hard again! I just want to feel better about myself and am finally starting to feel that way! I'll keep you posted on Saturday as to how much I lose total this week...only 5 more days to go on the cleanse!

Happy New Year

2007-12-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

tWell, 2 months later, I am finally sitting down to catch you all up on our lives...We are doing well. Jimmy has had to work 6 straight nights this past week and has to work on New Years. It has been a long week without him here. Mom and dad have been here since the 18th which has been a blessing. They have really helped around the house and helped me finish a few projects that I had been wanting to complete.

We had a great Christmas. The kids had fun unwrapping all their gifts, eventhough Austin woke up not feeling too well on Christmas morning. We managed to get through everything and he loved the drums we got him. He is excited to be able to play them with both hands as soon as he gets his cast off (hopefully in 2 more days!) Autumn is enjoying all the horses she received and is having fun playing her new leapster games.

Jimmy did very well this Christmas and got me several "comfy" outfits from Soma (the intimate store of Chicos) He bought so much there that he didn't even make it into Chicos! How cute he is! He picked out 3 super comfy jogging suits/yoga outfits that fit almost perfectly! He also managed to buy me 2 pairs of pants that actually fit! He did good. I love it when he picks stuff out for me. Just wish we had more time to shop together.....without kids taggin along!

As I reflect back on 2007, I am so thankful for all the God has provided for us and helped us through this year. Jimmy passing and getting his new job he always wanted, keeping Jimmy safe during his first (and hopefully the last) "little accident" on the motorcycle, finishing my masters degree, Austin and the terrible 2's...still working on getting out of those!, the doctor we found to take care of Austin's arm in a pinch, Healthy family, work going smoother this year for the most part, being able to lose about 8 lbs. thanks to Isagenix (hopefully more soon!), and just for being alive and well.

I hope that this new year blesses all of us like 2007 did! Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Bye for now!
Jana

October...

2007-10-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, So I haven't been very good at keeping this up. Life has been a bit busy with Kathy's bridal shower, getting stuff ready for the wedding...and other things. I just got back from being at a 4 day conference at Disneyland Hotel. I got my own room for the 4 days. Unfortunately, Jimmy and the kids were unable to join me, but it was a fun time with some of our staff members. I am leaving again this weekend for a scrapbooking weekend! I am looking forward to it! I have never done this before, but I am told it is a lot of pampering and just getting pages done! It should be a lot of fun!

Jimmy did a great job and passed all his Motorcycle tests and has been on the street for 2 weeks. He lead his first funeral today of a guy he worked with at the Jail 7 years ago. The guy died of Lukemia. I am so proud of Jimmy and his accomplishments. He has a few more classes to attend in the next few months to learn more about his new job, but hopefully that will go smoothly as well.

Autumn is loving tap dancing lessons and Awana Cubbies. She is also enjoying preschool. I was shocked the first week of school what they were serving for snack time, and talked to the teacher about it. It seemed by their reactions, that I was over doing it and was just a "weird" parent. They were serving 4 oreo cookies and 10 percent juice...go figure. The other days it wasn't much better. The last few times I have picked her up the snacks have been healthier so I think I may have done the right thing by mentioning it! I was just amazed that they thought that was okay to serve the kids just before sending them home!!! Otherwise I am pretty happy with the preschool. I would like for her to be moved to the kindergarten classroom, but not sure that will happen!

Well, I need to go to bed...so I can get up early to work out...not doing very well with that!
Jana

Okay...so I haven't done so well!

2007-09-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't kept up with my blogging...I have been a bit busy getting the school year started! I have a great class this year and am excited to see how we do this year! I have a student teacher who started the first day of school, so it has been a little tough to get all my work done in the time I have before having to pick up Austin from daycare, but I am making myself leave it for the next day!
Jimmy has finished pre-training for the motorcycle and left yesterday for academy for 2 weeks, so I am a single mom this week. Not much fun! I sure do miss him and it's only been 1 day! He'll be back on Friday night, but then goes back on Sunday. I just have to keep remembering that he isn't going away for 6 months, and that I should be thankful it is only 2 weeks! The last 3 weeks have been tough for him learning all the new manuvers and such. He is still a little nervous about passing the driving tests on Monday, but I have faith that he can do it! I've been praying very hard for him to pass with flying colors.
Autumn started preschool last week which see seems to love. She also started tap dancing lessons last week which has been fun for her. She should get her tap shoes and leotard this week! She is excited!
Well, I better get to bed! I am waking up at 5 in the mornings trying to work out...trying to lose weight for the wedding (Kathy, Jimmy's sister is getting married Nov. 9th, so...we'll see how it goes!)
I need to get some pictures of my new haircut! I donated my hair to Locks of Love and am getting used to having to style it every morning!!! Hope all is well with everyone!
Signing off for now!

Home Now!

2007-08-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well, we arrived safely home on Friday morning. The kids are starting to get back into their routine and missed playing with their toys. Autumn is excited to go to preschool for the first time on Tuesday. They are still in summer mode, but the director wants her to come a couple of days a week before putting her in full time. We'll see how it goes. I guess I'll use that time to work in my classroom if Austin will let me and not make too big of a mess!
Well, off to get ready for Church. Blog at ya later!

August 7

2007-08-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we are still in Colorado for another few days. Enjoying time with family. We went to the swimming pool today with the kids and they had a ball. Marion took us to their rec center pool which has a lot of fun things for the kids to do. We are looking forward to taking the kids to the Denver Zoo tomorrow! Hopefully the kids will cooperate and have a good time! They are so far doing pretty well playing together. We are really enjoying staying here in Highlands Ranch even though it has rained pretty much every day we have been here. Jimmy has taken lots of great pictures too which we view every night before we go to bed. I'll have to see if I can get some of them posted somehow on this blog.
Good night for now...

My sister-in-law is making me do this!!!

2007-08-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have blogged. We'll see if I can keep up with it! Will post later!