Miller Family

Christmas Eve

2012-01-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve PJ"s and making some magical reindeer food

Christmas Cookies

2012-01-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

Preschool Christmas Program

2012-01-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

These are a few pictures from Jamisons preschool Christmas Program. They san some songs and passed out their gifts to the parents. I can't say enough how much we LOVE his preschool. So fun!!

The Continents

2012-01-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

Jamison, "Look, I drew the continents."

I have to say I think he did a pretty good job :)

Christmas Happenings

2012-01-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa

2012-01-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

Jamison needed to change his request for Santa so he asked to "Email" Santa. For Jamison emails can be done through the computer or with the post office. So per his request he told me what to write and then he sent it on it's way. Love that snowman at the bottom :)

Christina and Kaia's Wedding

2012-01-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

My cousin and her partner were married the day After Thanksging so we were Lucky enough to be in town and get to attend the ceremony and, BONUS, see family that I haven't gotten to see for years. For many of them it was the first time they got to meet Terry and Jamison. So awesome. And I have to give mad props to my two amazing Aunts who put together such a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful ceremony and reception. LOVED IT!!

Disneyland 2011

2012-01-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

Disneyland, what more can I say, We had SO MUCH FUN!!! I just hate that we don't live in So Cal so we can have season passes and go all the time. Oh my it is just the best. :)

Thanksgiving 2011 Part 2

2012-01-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

For the actual Thanksgiving Holiday our family brought us home to Cali where we were able to spend 2 weeks in the Claifornia sun. This year Thanksgiving dinner was at my sister Jessicas house. I believe in order to accommodate everyone they had to sandwich together 4 long tables from the church.There were a lot of people there but it is always great to spend time with our family and all the Johnson Family.

Thanksgiving 2011 Part 1

2012-01-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun celebrating an early Thanksgiving in Utah with family before we all headed off in different directions for the actual holiday. We had a FANTASTIC turkey thanks to the Slaberts. Truly delicious. We also enjoyed the company of some extra Slaberts, Hebers parents joined us which we loved because they are so fun. We also had a Fornelli and the Ahlstroms. We are so lucky to have so much family here in Utah with us.

Jamison

2011-11-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

One day before Halloween I was at the Post Office with Jamison dressed as he is in these pictures. While I was waiting in line he was running around entertaining himself. As I am watching to make sure he doesn't get to out of hand an older women behind me say, "Oh he looks like he is all ready for Halloween." I have to reply, "Oh no this is everyday ware with this boy."

I just love that he enjoys dressing in crazy outfits and playing in his imaginary adventures. Although we do currently have a bit of a dilemma on our hands. He LOVES super hero's and wants to be one so very badly. The other day after "Flying" around the house for a while he stops in front of me and slaps his hands to his side and say in a very frustrated tone, "I just can't really fly. Why can't I fly and be a real Super hero?" It is a fine line to walk between reality and destroying the dreams of a 4 year old boy. Anyhow we are just trying to enjoy this fun age but it sure does seem to fly by. No pun intended :)

Gardner Village Halloween 2011

2011-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

Another Halloween has come and gone. This year was tons of fun as usual. We did lots of fun stuff. Jamison's preschool class took a trip to the pumpkin patch, went trick or treating to the neighbors around his school and had a party. We had a Halloween play date party with Jamisons friends. I'll have to do a whole other post on that one is was so fun and all the kids were so cute in their costumes We had a super fun trunk or treat at church and at the local grocery store, Dicks. We did the annual Cubical Trick or Treating at WGU with our cousins and then hit the streets on Halloween night for some door to door action. And boy did Jamison LOVE the "Real Houses Trick or Treating" He ran from house to house for about an hour then started to loose some steam but had so much fun. The day after Halloween Jamison sorted through all his candy, picked out some to save in a small bowl, then put the rest in a grocery bag, that bag was completely full, and put it out on the door step before bed so the good witch could come and collect it for the troops fighting for America (he wanted to know what she did with all the candy so this was a quick save and he seemed satisfied with it)and leave him a toy of his choice in exchange. He was thrilled when he saw she had left him a Light Saber. When he got his toy off the porch and came in he said,"Mom I know lets go do more trick or treating and I will give all my candy to the good witch and maybe she will give me a baby bottle for my baby!!!!" Had to shoot that one down but he was still very happy with his light saber. Have to give a shout out to my sister Jessica for the candy exchange idea.

Fun times and now we are full on into the next holiday.

One of Terry's 3 costumes this year. At the Trunk or treat he was a coach with the big hair and wrist/head bands etc. At work he was Tetris. And for Trick or Treating he was the Knight in Shining Armor.

Halloween Goodies

2011-10-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

I found these Halloween Treat ideas on Pintrest and knew I had to make them for Zach's Halloween package. They were so fun and easy to make and Jamison was happy to sample the goods.
The face is made using an edible food grade marker.

Meringue bones. Love them.

Play House

2011-10-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

This day Jamison and I took a trip to the local DI. (It is like a goodwill) Well guess what Jamison found. Yep this play house and believe it or not it was priced at $5.00. Yes people $5.00!!!! That is price you can't say no to. Jamison was over the moon. I picked up a few cans of spray paint because it was pretty faded from being out in the sun and gave this jewel a little face lift.

Apple Pie

2011-10-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

This year Jamison was so set on helping me with the apples. The apple peeler, corer, slicer was calling to him so badly he couldn't wait to give it a try and in the end he liked it so much he filled the whole bow with sliced apples. 4 years old. I guess you can't start them to yourg :)

Love

2011-10-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jamison asked Terry to write this for him so he could give it to me for a suprise.

He has such a sweet and caring heart. Love that boy!!

Piano

2011-10-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

Father son time

Idaho Wedding And An Event Center

2011-10-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Camping

2011-09-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Camping!!!!

OK maybe not so much but this little boy has been begging to go on a camping trip since last winter. Thank you Handy Manny for that one. Anyhow this particular day he got it in his head that he wanted to camp on the floor in his room and spent the entire day trying to create a tent with his blankets. He was over the moon when I granted his wish to let him build a tent and sleep on the floor of his room. He added a specific request that we make sure he was on the floor in the tent, daddy could sleep on his bed, and I was to just stay in my room. Nice, pushed out of the boys club already.

As bed time approached and I gathered Terry and Jamison together to get his room ready I was surprised to have Jamison tell me he wanted his mattress on the floor for camping and no tent. I guess his efforts from earlier in the day lead to him being over it and he just wanted to be on the floor surrounded by all his "FRIENDS". He was so excited and in the morning when I asked him if he has slept well he said, "Yes it was so cool!!"

I LOVE the simple joys of life.

First Day Of Preschool

2011-09-06T08:55:00.001-07:00

It happened. The first day of preschool. Can't believe it.

Jamison is so in love with going to school and we couldn't ask for a better teacher. Mrs. Cynthia is just what we needed.

So the first day we got to class and as Jamison got out of the car I was ready for a little hesitation but instead he just kissed me, asked me to walk him to the door, and then once that door opened he never looked back. Well that went better than I had expected and I have to say I felt a bit sad. It's hard to let your little one go especially when he is the only one you've got. Anyhow Upon pickup when I asked how it went he replied, " Mom it wasn't even long." Meaning he wanted to stay longer. Oh well, guess I should have signed him up for the 3 day class.

Yesterday when Terry and I picked him up he was so excited. He said," I have something in my backpack. It's a surprise. Close your eyes..... It'sssss HOMEWORK!!!!!" Oh my let's see if homework is still as thrilling in a few years :)

Jamison

2011-08-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Jamison you are such a fun little guy.

Right now he is super into accessories. He has always loved to wear sun glasses but currently has a tender fondness for the 3D Harry potter glasses we brought home from the movies. He wears them all the time. He also has a glow necklace that, "Ran out of glow" as he said, that he has repurposed into a belt that was also always worn until recently then the connector broke. He has been begging for a new one ever since. Another favorite is the Super Hero Cape. I made this little gem for him at Christmas and was a little sad when he opened it up, gave a hum, then tossed it to the side. I thought oh well guess he won't be using that. WRONG!! A short while later it became a daily piece. He wears it every day at some point. That's about 8 months so far. What else oh the lovely pink ear muffs his sweet auntie Jenna gave him. Not quite sure the draw there but it doesn't matter how cold or hot it is he loves to wear them around. There is also his plastic red watch, Zach's old wallet ( thanks Zach ;) ), any number of plastic bead necklaces, oh and his Disney socks. Finally I would be remiss if I didn't mention his "BABY" Baby is this teddy bear. that poor thing gets dragged EVERYWHERE he goes and it is starting to show the wear. I don't know what I am going to do when it is beyond repair. He loves that thing like nothing else.

Oh I love this boy and love his playful imagination. I can't believe this week he will be starting preschool. How do they grow up so fast? Time flys my friends and it feels like the older they get the faster it flys.

Jamison and his buddies including "Pillow Chicken" a new member of the cartoon club.

Ya, But I Was Safe

2011-08-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday as Terry heads out the door to play Softball in the Stake Regionals I thought to myself, "Wow we didn't have to go to the ER once this year." Ya well I spoke to soon. A slide into second and 3 innings later Terry had his injury for the year, a broken foot.

Let us recap the last few years.

2011- Broken Foot

2010- JACKED up shoulder that will require surgery eventually

and who can forget

2009- slide into, I believe, Home and left the side of his calf in the dirt and got a horrific infection in his leg that lasted for a few weeks. (See picture below in case you've forgotten) You should see the scaring left behind like a fun little reminder. It's so fun, that scar is just above the BOOT!!!!!!!

I swear and swear and swear, Like really swear. I hate Softball season!!!!!!!!

Garden

2011-07-30T05:02:00.000-07:00

I love that Jamison is so into the garden. It has to be one of the best parts of being in our new home. While be feel like we are constantly fighting an uphill battle against the weeds we still have enjoyed trying to get some fun veggies and fruits to grow. We are learning a lot as we spend this year seeing what happens in our yard and will be able to better prepare for next year. The 3 deer, evil squirrels and quail ( count now up to 26) have been the worst of all. Is it terrible that Jamison will see a squirrel in the yard and exclaim, " I am going to shoot that squirrel and eat it!" It's a bit unnerving but I think to myself, ya lets go for it minus the eating part. Bad I know. If you only knew that battle we have had with these wonderful little creatures.

Anyhow, I love watching Jamison tending this little garden. He is super great at pulling weeds, watering, and it is so rewarding to see your child out picking blackberries and green beans. And eating strawberries right off the plant. And I have to give a huge shout out to Terry for all his hard work. He has been a valiant bug sprayer. I believe he saved our cherries from a horrific bug death and he has done so much more out there. Just about everyday after work he heads straight out to the yard and is working with his little side kick until late in the evening.

Harry Potter

2011-07-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yes we love us some Harry Potter here at the Miller house. Terry and I went with Brooke and Heber to see the 12:01 am showing on July 15th. We had so much fun. It's amazing being amongst all the hard core fans, And the movie was AMAZING!!!!

Stupify!!!!!!!!!!

Expelliarmus!!!!!!!

Sisters Weekend In Denver

2011-07-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

This year the Fornelli sisters decided to get together for a weekend getaway at our sister JoAnna's home in Denver. We did feel bad leaving out our two brothers especially seeing as how they are as sisterly as to macho men can get ;)

When we arrived JoAnna had made us each beautiful gift baskets that I never did get a picture of and had our itinerary all ready to go. She and Brandon were amazing hosts and we had so much fun. It was my first time in Denver and LOVED it. If they weren't moving I would have to seriously con cider moving there.
Loved this resturant . They serve the best breakfasts you could ask for.

Not quite enough seats in the car. Heee heeee heee

Part of a cupcake tour

The Spice Shop

Hair cuts courtesy Jaeleen

Trash bags have so many uses.

Candy Factory Tour

Sisters Weekend- Crafting

2011-07-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Jessica taught us how to make these fun Banners
And behold, Yes even Jenna made one.

Jaeleen cooked up some delicious chicken wraps

Sisters Weekend, Shopping and Tastings

2011-07-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

EVOO- Olive Oil and Balsmic Tasting

Sisters Weekend Cont.

2011-07-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Brandon hanging in there like a real trooper.

Jaeleen's birthday dinner evening.

AWESOME food!!!!

The lemon cookies they served to Jaeleen were to die for. Seriously!!

JoAnna made this super cute cutting apron for Beans birthday gift.

Red Rocks

Zoo Time

2011-07-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Zoo with Aunties and Cousins

Swing Set

2011-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Yes the swing set is finally in!!! When we told Jamison we were going to be moving we told him he would get to have a back yard to play in and that we would get to put in a swing set. He was thrilled and he has been eagerly awaiting it's arrival. Well it finally came and thanks to Terry's hard work in some ugly muggy super hot weather it's now up and ready for children to use and abuse.

Hollywood Connection

2011-06-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

For Jamisons birthday we took him to play at Hollywood Connection and boy did hie have a blast. He LOVED the rollercoaster and playing golf. The rollerskating, not such a big fan. Screamed the whole way, oh well :)

Zach and classic Terry

Terry, Jamison, and Zach

Oh Auntie Jenna, such a silly girl

Terry, Jamison, Zach, and Jenna

Cousin Elsie's Birthday

2011-06-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Cousin Elsie turned 3 this past weekend and Brooke and Heber threw an amazing party. There was super awesome food and Brooke made the cutest cake ever. And the kids had a fun time trying to destroy a pinata that both Elsie and Jamison insisted was a letter E not a number 3. So cute.

Jamison Turns 4

2011-06-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yes it happened again. Jamison had another birthday. I wish this would stop happening because he is getting so grown up.

Anyhow, the big 4. Oh man how time flys. Well this year I wasn't quite as prepared as I normally am. We have just had so much going on. So poor Jamison has been asking for MONTHS for a party. I however was not ready to start those so at the last minute I decided to compromise and invite some friends over to play, have some pizza and cake and call it done. It was great to have so many kids around and I think it all worked out. So thanks your to everyone who came to celebrate, it was so great!!!

This is the moment this child had been waiting for, wating for since 4:30 in the a.m. Yes he was so excited he woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. So at about 5am I agreed to lay down with him in hopes of everyone getting a few more hours of rest. Seconds after I close my eyes I feel and smell this hot dragon breath right up on the side of my face and it is jamison in a loud whisper is asking, "Am I 4 years old now? Am I 4?"n then " Do I have presents?", Can I go down stairs and see my birthday?", Mommy is it time to get up for my birthday?" and this continued every few minutes untill Terry finially came in at 7 and got us up.

This shot of Zach is EXACTLY how I felt too.

Thanks Kathy. Huge hit!!!!!

Jamison saw a monster cake that he liked and decided that whas the one for him. Only he insisted it needed to be Pink on the outside and Blue on the inside. An that is what he got.

And I was so proud of him, he helped bake it and decorate it. Good work!!!!!

Why do kids always point with the middle finger?

Terry and Zack had to head up to Idaho for a few days so we had birthday breakfast together and and did the whole candles and singing and cupcakes before they had to go.

Auntie Jenna rushed over after work to give Jamison some very special presents. So thoughtful :)

Update

2011-06-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Well it has been quite a while since I've posted on here because the" Manor" as I like to call it has been keeping us quite busy. That and a steady stream of visitors, which we love having. It seems everyday is filled doing work around the house. Pulling out bushes, trees, planting trees, putting in a garden, weeding, unpacking, emptying out the storage unit and cramming all it's contents into our basement and starting to unpack all that, having a yard sale, painting the first of many oil based nasty colored rooms, BBQ's, play dates, birthdays, oh and more tack striping removal- finally got the last of it out, and a quick trip to Denver got thrown in the mix as well. It has been so busy and so exhausting with all that we are working on but we are loving it so much and are so grateful for this time in our lives. It is all sorts of craziness and fun.

Breakfast Is Served

2011-05-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

One morning while I was packing us up at the old duplex Jamison decided to make us a big breakfast. I love that he uses his reindeer crown he got last Christmas when visiting Santa as his Chef Hat. Uses it every time.

I love how he put all the flatware in the sugar bowl. It's all about the details :)

Soccer

2011-04-12T21:51:00.001-07:00

Jamison started his first year playing soccer. He seems to be on the fence as far as being excited about it. I think after today's game, however, he was a little more enthusiastic seeing as how when he got home he grabbed his new soccer ball and wanted to reenact the whole game with him playing the part of his "Teacher" other wise known as Coach.

So off to Farmington every Tuesday for the next several weeks. Lets hope the weather decides to cooperate and stop with all the snow and rain so our kids can get out and have some fun.

On the way to the game Jamison totally crashed out and we could not get him to wake up. Luckily after sitting at the playground for a little bit he finally started to come to.

Jamison is number 7 and this is his coach on his left in the blue. We just LOVE him. He is so great with the kids.

Note Jamison in the picture below on the left. I do recognize this as his Tiger pose. Yep ready to strike at the "Whites" as he kept calling the other team Because they had on the white shirts while his team wore red.

Jamison At Play

2011-04-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love these earmuffs? Well so does Jamison. His kind Auntie Jenna lent them to him during a snow storm this week telling him that they would keep him nice and warm. Well he loves them and says he is hiding them from Jenna when she comes over so she "Can never Get Them Back!!"

Thank You Jenna

Jamison informed me one morning that his baby was very sad because she wanted a pillow and blanket for Christmas. Translation, mom I want a pillow and blanket for my baby now. So being the dream granter that I am we whipped him up a pillow and blanket fit for a spoiled baby bear ;)

Our First Home

2011-04-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well we did it. We bought a home in Bountiful. Just down the street actually. These aren't the best pictures as they were taken in the dead of winter. Now with spring upon us we'll have to get some new ones.

Snow Painting

2011-02-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

What do you do with your child when you have been held up in your house for a week with a yucky cough and cold and you just can't spend one more moment sitting on the couch watching Snow White or Star Wars? You bundle up your sickly little one and go out side in freezing weather and let him snow paint. That's what all good mom's would do, right ;)

Heaven On Earth?

2011-02-25T05:43:00.000-08:00

How is it that I have lived here for over 3 years and only just discovered this market and bakery? I must have driven past this location a million times and never knew what I was passing by. This market is to DIE FOR. That is if you love Italian anything and everything. And the bakery had me transported back to Old Town Pasadena, California. Loved it. Can't wait to get back there for another shopping trip!!

Jenna was quite happy.

Just To Sleepy

2011-02-25T05:41:00.000-08:00

Sometimes eating dinner takes a lot out of a kid.

Time

2011-02-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

I was looking at some of Jamison's baby pictures and it hit me how fast time is going. I can't believe he is not the little baby we brought home what seems like just yesterday. It's funny how some days seem to drag by but then you realize it's all going by in a flash.

Snow?

2011-02-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

Could it be? Really ? Really? Snow?

YES!!!!!

I think I am the only on left here in Utah that is still hoping for tons and tons of snow. I just LOVE it and we haven't had very much of it this year. So when this was dropped on us last week Jamison and I were quite pleased :)

Valentines Day

2011-02-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

Painting

2011-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Jamison making good use of Auntie Jaeleen's christmas prsent on a cold snow filled day.

Graduation

2011-02-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Terry's Graduation From Western Governors University with his Masters.

Tree House Museum

2011-02-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Jamison and Elsie hanging out at the Tree House Museum. Brook and Henry were there too, I just didn't do a very good job taking pictures.
Yes that is Jamison with his superhero cape.

Super Bowl

2011-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday

Toes

2011-02-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is a weird toe thing Terry does with his toes. I really don't like it. It really creeps me out. Well what did we find Jamison doing while watching TV, yep the creepy toe thing. Terry very excited, Julie very annoyed :)

Breakfast

2011-02-03T07:40:00.001-08:00

Now this is the way to start your day. I so remember a few special occasions as a child when we got the mini cereal pack to choose our favorite cereal from. It was so exciting to pour your milk in the little plastic bag and eat right out of the box. And now it is just as fun as a parent to offer up the same fun breakfast rights to our little guy and to see him get just as excited.

Oh the simple joys of life.

Oh To Be 3 Again

2011-01-21T06:56:00.000-08:00

This is how Jamison entertained himself for several HOURS the other day. He got his hands on this tote that I had been using to house his baby blankets. Well apparently it is better used as a boat. You can't tell in the picture but he had a ton of toys crammed in there for his sea going journey.

I would like to note a few detail in this picture. First his outfit, nice brown long sleeve shirt with blue and white striped basketball shorts finished off with his favorite multicolor gloves. Jamison is very into getting himself dressed these days and insists on picking out his outfit all by himself every morning. Next the red plastic horseshoe spike hanging off the back of his tote. Here we see it is being used cleverly as an oar, but generally it is used as a weapon of mass destruction against "Bad Guys".

Finally the stuffed bear he is holding goes everywhere with him. He has been glued to this toy for the past few months. Usually he has him wrapped in a lovie his Auntie Jess made him that he used when he was about 1 years old. It is his "Very special baby" and he just thinks he is " So cute". When we took the train to Salt Lake the other day he had stuffed him in his little baseball bag to carry him along for the ride. Yes he goes everywhere with us every time.

Oh to be 3 years old when the livin is oh so easy.

Snowman Drink

2011-01-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

Jamison has never been a fan of milk. When transitioning from formula to milk that's about the time he decided he didn't want anything to do with it. Occasionally we can get him to have a little chocolate milk but that is about it.

Well while blog surfing one day I came upon this cute idea and I thought that it might do the job to get Jamison to drink some milk. And it TOTALLY did. He loved the snowman glass and fell for it hook, line and sinker.

Sunday Best

2011-01-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

Jamison was so lucky to have his cousin in town for his first Sunday in primary. She was able to go to with him to his Sunbeams class and I think it helped soften the transition.

New Years Eve part 2

2011-01-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

We had Sierra and Jamison welcome the New Year in a little early so they could get to bed. And boy did they get wild.

New Years Eve

2011-01-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

It was so great to have Jake, Meghan, and Sierra here for New Years Eve. We let the Kids decorate for the "party". And we stayed true to a long standing Fornelli tradition, we made Egg rolls. As you will see in pictures below I requested that Terry and Jake fry them on the burner on the grill outside so the whole wouldn't stink like fry oil for days. Unfortunately it was just about below freezing and made for a not quite so fun experience for the boys. But being the troopers they are they powered through and we had some awesome food and memories.

Sledding

2011-01-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

Baby Henry fresh out of the hospital. He is the CUTEST little guy. You just want to hold him all day. Anyhow we went to Sugar House to do some sledding with the cousins but had to get some baby time in first.

Heber and Elsie

Terry and Jamison

Don't you love how both Jamison and Elsie have their hands over their eyes going down. They don't see a thing but still love it.

Meghan and Sierra

Jenna

Terry & Jamison, Heber & Elsie

Terry, Jamison, and Jake

Jamison took a break from riding the sled to pull it around for a while. Fun stuff when your 3.

Out And About

2011-01-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

This evening we spent at Temple Square. We visited The Church History Museum, Welfare Square where we got caught in a lovely snow storm. We went to the Church Ancestry Center, and did some fun crafts with the kids and let them play while we waited for the temple lights to come on. We also went over to the Conference Center for a Children's Story Time and Songs.
I know Jenna will hate this picture but it makes me laugh so hard I had to keep it in here. She had been working all day at the Roof and met up with us to go see the Temple lights. Looks like she was a bit wore out. HAAAA!!!

Journal jars

Window Stroll

2011-01-11T09:43:00.000-08:00

So we loved the window stroll so much at the Grand America Hotel we had to take the Fornelli's while they were visiting. Everyone had a great time looking at the gingerbread houses and window displays. We finished off the stroll with some treats from the sweet shop.

Terry was practically salivating over this awesome toy.

While enjoying out treats I picked up this little gem. LOVE HIM!!!

Sugar Cookies

2011-01-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Decorating sugar cookies with Uncle Jake and cousin Sierra

Elves

2011-01-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

Jacob, Meghan, Sierra, Julie, and Jamison on an Elf Hunt at Gardner Village.

Sierra and Jamison attacking Jake with snowballs.

At the Bakery trying to warm up a bit and having a little snack.

The Fornelli's in Utah

2011-01-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to have my brother Jake, Meghan, and Seirra come for visit for the week between Christmas and New years. We were so afraid they wouldn't get to see any snow seeing as how we hadn't had so much as a snow flake for Christmas. But Sunday afternoon while they were driving up we got a decent covering so when they arrived the first thing we did was get the kids out in the snow. Sierra had been so looking forward to playing in the snow so I was super glad we could accommodate. :)

Christmas Dinner

2011-01-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

We have a tradition of having a "Feliz Navidad" Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day.

Being the good Mexicans (amongst other nationalities) we like to represent. I had hoped to make my first mother in laws pesole because it is Da Bomb!!, but never got with her to get the recipe directions and what I wouldn't give to have some of Humberto's homemade tamales. They are to die for. So we went with the good old stand by. Enchiladas, store bought tamales (surprisingly good), and green chili rice. YUMMY!!!!

Millers Christmas Moning

2011-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Oh how I miss the Christmases gone by where Jamison slept in until 8 or 9 am and I could get up early shower, put on fresh pj's, hair and makeup. I would have the breakfast casserole in the oven doing its thing, while Christmas music filled the house and the glow from the tree lights could be enjoyed while taking a few moments to relax on the couch.

Yep no more, not with Jamison so excited for Santa that he woke up before 6 am. No shower, I was lucky to run a brush through my hair. About halfway through opening presents I remembered breakfast and turned on the stove. Oh well it will be different but it is still the best day of the year.

Family

2011-01-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Sisters and Brother: Aunt Debbie, Michael (Julie's dad), and Aunt Kim

Christmas 2010

Christmas Eve

2011-01-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas Eve. We gather together and Talk about Jesus, the first gift of Christmas. Then we open new Jammie's. I just love making Jamison's pj's each year. Then we go out and sprinkle magic reindeer food on the lawn to ensure Santa finds our house. Finally we put out cookies, carrots, milk and it's off to bed.

Jenna modeling her new sleep wear.

Someones excited for Santa to arrive

Christmas Activities

2011-01-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

Decorating sugar cookies for Santa.

An evening at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. We did the window stroll and got a sweet treat at the sweet shop when we were done. And we enjoyed looking at all the beautiful gingerbread housed setup throughout the hotel. We look forward to making this part of our Christmas traditions in the future.

With Jamison's obsession with the movie Elf, it was a no brain er that he would fall in love with this window display. He can seriously quote a good majority of that movie now.

Here Jamison was pretending to be one of the ice skaters around the Christmas Tree

Chirstmas 2010

2010-12-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Oh my word what a fun Christmas it was this year. Jamison so got it this year. He got a video email from Santa that blew his mind and then the day before Christmas Eve he received a special package in the mail with a letter from Santa and some instructions for using his Magical Reindeer Food to help Rodolph guide his sleigh to our home on Christmas Eve. That too blew his mind pretty hard core as he made us read it like 4 times that day and then asked to have it read before he opened his presents.

So Christmas morning no longer starts with Jamison waking up at 9 a.m. This year he was up and ready to get the party started at quarter to 6. I walked in the room and he said" I did what he said, he brought the presents?!?!" So sweet. So off we went

As he walked in the room I heard him whisper, "There are so many presents!".

Jenna trying to be awake for the festivities :)

All Jamison has been asking for for months is a Toy Story Slinky Dog. He had no doubt Santa would come through.

Jenna and Terry got me Vintage table cloths thanks to joAnna. I LOVE THEM!!!

Thanks Auntie Bean

Thanks Jess

Terry got me a super awesome cake pan.

I made Jamison a super hero cape. I love it so much, he looks so cute.

Snowman

2010-12-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

It is crazy how little snow we have had so far this winter but we did get enough the other day to build a real snowman. There is Terry and Jamison's handy work for all to enjoy. I would like to note that is has been up for 2 days and now it is raining so he is slowly going away. What is the deal, we want our snow!!!

Gingerbread House

2010-12-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

Jamison has been asking to do a gingerbread since the end of October when they started showing up in the stores. Well we finally got one last Friday, he was so thrilled. We didn't actually get a chance to do it until last Monday night for family home evening. So needless to say he was beyond excited to do this project. The anticipation was more then this 3 year old could handle :) He could barely hold still to do the decorating, he was bouncing every here saying, "this is so awesome!!" Well once it was finished he looked it over, announced again how awesome it was, let out a huge sigh and asked, "Now we can eat it?" Such a silly boy. Later that night in his prayers he said, "Thank you we could make our ginger bread house, It is SO COOL!!, and Jenna fell asleep." He was a little sad because Jenna had fallen asleep on the couch after a very long day at work and was unable to participate in the gingerbread experience.

Sewing Scraps

2010-12-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

Who knew sewing scraps could be so much fun. Jamison playing with the "leftovers" from Zach throw blanket I was sewing for Christmas.

Oh Buzz, your such a good friend.

Salt Dough Ornaments

2010-12-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

Jamison has a ball making these ornaments for his grandparent gifts this year. It was our first time using salt dough and we loved it.

Dry Ice

2010-12-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to receive a gift in the mail last week from Kathy. It was a beautiful package from Omaha Steaks. She has no idea how truly awesome and timely that gift is. But the best part is that this ended up being the gift that kept on giving. In the bottom of that package was a huge block of dry ice. Terry and Jamison has tons of fun playing with it.

Celebrate

2010-12-14T08:05:00.001-08:00

Today Terry finished his last project for his Masters Degree at Western Governors University. He is basically finished now. All done, wow. He does have a test take still but no more papers, projects, assignments, it's all done. He has worked very hard for the past 2 and a half years and we are very proud of him. It is truly a challenge to go to school while working full time and raising a family. I am glad to see him get to take a little break for now, next up he wants to get his PhD . Good work and congrats!! We love ya lots!!

Nighty Night

2010-12-14T07:32:00.000-08:00

I had literally given Jamison his sandwich walked out of the room for like 1 minute and was called back in by Terry to find this, he was knocked out cold!! Maybe we need to keep the naps after all.

TV Time

2010-12-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is how I found Jamison watching TV after I finished washing the dishes one afternoon.

Snow Man

2010-12-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

Yep December in Utah and our snow total is so lacking this is as good as it has gotten so far. We got the beginnings of a snow fort and a tiny snow man for Jamison. He had fun making it and playing in the snow for a few days. Good thing because the snow was melted away soon thereafter. Oh how we are missing our snow!!

Snow Boots

2010-12-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

Jamison playing around in either mommy's or auntie Jenna's boots. He could barely walk. Too funny

BYU Football Game

2010-12-05T16:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Brooke and Heber for taking us to the last home game of the season at the Y. We had so much fun and the rain and snow held off until we were heading home. I love that in the picture below not only do you get a wonderful view of the stadium but you get to see the temple just above the seats. Sometimes I feel a world away from Los Angeles.

Jamison and Elsie sat like this until about the 4th quarter. It was like a football miracle :)

So for the last little bit they had a great time burning off some energy.

I can't tell you how funny it is to see what a huge BYU fan Jamison has become. Everywhere we go if he sees someone wearing a hat or shirt he yells out "LOOK IT"S BYU!!!!!!"

OK only in Provo, a STROLLER CHECK! I mean come on that is so awesome!! But only in Provo :) Love it. Can't wait for our boys to be going to school at the Y.

JoAnna In Utah

2010-11-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to have my sister JoAnna come for a visit. We had fun hanging out seeing the sights and of course spending some time with Brooke and Elsie also. Sister time and cousin time equal good times all around :)

First stop pick jenna up at the Roof after she got off work and get some lunch at the Lion House.

A "SWEET" Day In Salt Lake City

2010-11-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

Well with JoAnna in town naturally we had to tour some of our favorite sweet spots. First stop, Hatch Family Chocolates, then Mrs. Backer's pastry Shop, next we swung down to Dough Girls Cookies, and lastly up to Mini's Cupcakes. We did finish things off a few days later with a tour at the Sweet Factory before taking her to the airport.

JoAnna really liked her hot chocolate

jamison was not into taking pictures :)

He had been asking for a ginger bread man for a few days.

Oh my word it was so fun but also a little rough. When your dealing with two fatty livers, diabetes, a 3 year old and very cold windy weather what else are you going to do. I know, I know. But it wasn't anything a little metformin, some fish oil, milk thistle, a good meat sandwich, and a nap couldn't help. Oh my.

Gardner Village With JoAnna

2010-11-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

Brooke and Elsie met up with Jenna, Jamison, and I to show JoAnna the Village and search for those elusive Christmas Elves.
JoAnna and Jenna

Brooke, Jenna, and JoAnna

Jenna, JoAnna, and Julie, sisters :) ahhh

Jamison and Elsie