Miller Time

Paul reading the scriptures

2012-01-09T01:12:00.002-05:00

Absolutely LOVE mornings like this....

Other December fun

2012-01-09T01:10:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: All phone pictures - sorry!

Paul's preschool had a Christmas party on Dec. 15 before they were out for Winter Break.

They made ice cream come Christmas Trees

and decorated and ate cookies.

Then later that day we went to Bass Pro Shop with his BFF Ben.

When the ride operator told them to hold on, they couldn't find anything

so they grabbed on to the back of the sleigh.

They did invite this other little guy to join them, and help them drive the one reindeer.

After the sleigh ride, Laura (Ben's mom) and I spent about half an hour

watching them play on the ATV's.

That Saturday, the 17th, we visited Santa at the Highland Village fire station.

Ben's school was also out for winter break, and his parents both work

so he spent two weeks at our house during the day. On the 20th, Crystal (Lucy's daughter)

called and invited us to go to the Aquarium with their family.

Uncle Hugh bankrolled anyone who wanted to the Super Bouncy trampoline after the aqaurium,

so these two lucky boys got to have a turn.

Lucy dropped off this gingerbread house the day after Christmas

so we put it together, beautiful, isn't it?

New Year's Eve we spent the day working on the floor and other projects around the house, then went to IHOP to eat dinner with the senior citizens and pot smoking teenagers. (Okay, they only smelled like pot smoking teenagers.)

New Year's Day was a great day for Paul as he be came a CTR!

He uses his CTRness for a lot of things now. "I need to get a new CTR bike mom, my bike is too small." "If they say I am a baby, I will tell them I am a CTR."

(Side note: As far as I know, no one actual calls him a baby, but he is aware of the threat.)

Holes

2012-01-09T00:51:00.001-05:00

This what the front of our house looked like for about a week,

with the pieces slowly going under our house.

They had to put about 30 piers in to prop the front of the house up.

It was sloping by about six inches.

Luckily, they did not have to pull up my kitchen tile,

which was awesome, since they were able to come in from the outside.

Big pile of dirt from under our house

Master bedroom

My poor living room that had 8 holes.

And yes, my front porch which is now in pretty serious need of a large welcome mat

to cover the patched cement.

About three weeks after the holes were filled in, we finally had the structural engineer come

and pronounce our home level (mostly). Two days before Christmas, we were finally able to install laminate flooring. This was the easy part. Straight, no corners, no angles.

This was as far as we got the first day.....it is not as easy as they make it sound in the DIY video.

We did not get it all the way done for Christmas, but enough.

2011 isn't over yet...

2012-01-08T23:30:00.001-05:00

At least on my blog, I'll attempt to catch up what did not get blogged in the midst of moving.

Batman continues to make regular appearances,

and is always sure to keep up on local news...just in case.

Since we were mostly packed at our apartment, but not unpacked at our house,

we had Thanksgiving dinner at Cracker Barrell

thanks for the scarf Shayla!

with our friends the Desrosiers.

Fast forward, we had Paul act out the nativity for FHE on Dec. 12

Angel coming to the shepherds

Finally able to decorate the tree a few days before Christmas

Christmas Eve, Paul got to open one gift and he opened a cozy blanket from Grandma Jan

And dad opened a flashlight and Home Depot gift card from Jon and Ana.

Oh the kitten....

Christmas Eve, we Skyped for about an hour and took a picture of matching boys in their jammies.

Yep, he's pretending

Because we almost forgot to put out the traditional Baklava for Santa,

and carrots for his reindeer.

We pulled out our futon mattress and snuggled in by the fire trying to catch Santa.

But, he came and left presents without us catching a glimpse.

We were so busy Skyping and opening presents, that I didn't take many pictures....

okay, any pictures.

Paul is ready to go to church

Then we spent the evening at Hugh and Lucy's house

More Batman things!

Grandma Nae and Papa gave Paul a Batman Leapster game, Batman shirt, and a Batman washcloth.

The next day we spent afternoon visiting with Packard cousins.

(This gave me flashbacks to Grandma and Grandpa Brown's basement,

where someone always ended up crying after playing pool.)

Eating with his cousins

Jared and Talmadge Packard (His great-aunt)

President Packard, Jared, and Paul (He is the Dallas Temple President, and Jared's great-uncle.)

We were lucky to get $5 tickets to the BYU bowl game here in Dallas,

but unluckily Jared had to work. So Ben, Paul, and I went with our friends

from our old ward. We only stayed a quarter, but they won!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T02:28:00.001-05:00

*Thanks dh Images for this picture!

I know it's a little late, but we wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are so grateful for the knowledge our family can be eternal, and that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.

Our family has had a fantastic year! Most importantly, we were sealed together as family in the Salt Lake Temple in April. We have been working towards this for awhile. It was a wonderful experience we were glad to share with family and friends. We are so thankful for all those who gathered to celebrate with us, and many who contributed to that wonderful weekend. In November, we purchased our first home! We have a large playroom and a pool so, come on over ya'll. Jared and I are installing a laminate floor in the living room, and might just have enough planks that we haven't cut incorrectly to finish. Our family went on vacation to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, Sea World, and Utah.

Jared celebrated his one year anniversary with Richemont, N.A. and is enjoying his job. He spent the from April to November as the Elder's Quorum Secretary in our previous ward. Also in November, he turned 35 and I spent Thanksgiving night standing in line to get him a new flat screen television. He has wowed me with is handyman skills fixing doors, and making things work.

I continued working for my mom's cousin Lucy as her real estate assistant, then when hail season was upon us, Lucy's husband asked me to answer phone's and estimate hail damage to cars for his business. I have learned some new skills this year and brushed up on some old ones. I turned the big 3-0 in September and celebrated with friends at as surprise party put on by Jared and our friend Lissania.

Paul finally decided he was ready to be potty trained in January when I put him in underwear out of desperation. He had one accident that day and has been great ever since. In May, he turned four and started preschool the next week. He met his best friend Ben there, and they can play together for 10 hours and think it's not long enough. How It's Made is his current favorite show, and his favorite question is Why? This boy is happy go lucky and has done very well with all the changes in his world this last year. We love his little guts!

We decided to do one last family activity in 2011, please enjoy!

Oh boy...

2011-11-28T02:09:00.001-05:00

Paul was babbling in the back of the car today on the way to church about something, and without pausing, said, "That's a luxury car." then kept right on with his story. I don't even know what luxury car he was referring to, but he does like to point them out.

We're also going through a Mythbuster's phase right now, so as he is playing with cars, I hear a lot of reenactments of car crashing/exploding myths being tested right in our home.

And finally, presenting Pauly Knievel

And Paul Cat, ready to go to the veternarian

Home Sweet Home

2011-11-21T21:52:00.001-05:00

Our new home

Standing at the front door looking into the living room

From the living room into the kitchen

Super awesome kitchen

White appliances - yay!

From kitchen into living room

Master bedroom

Master bath

Love my new vanity

Wide ledge in master bath

Master closet

Master Closet

Game room

Which may be where I start my preschool

Utility area

Guest Bathroom

More guest bathroom

Paul's room

More Paul's room

Window seat!

Paul'closet

Paul's closet - he's going to be sad when the air mattress is gone after we move in.

Third bedroom

Which we are replacing with carpet

Guest closet

Big!

Did I mention poolage?

And spa?

And covered patio with fans

Enough backyard grass to play

Looooong driveway - where the grass is where the garden will be

From the driveway to the pool, no time flat.

Yep, we'll be doing this a lot!

We will close on November 22, 2011. (11-22-11) For fun!

Go Speed Racer!

2011-10-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

With helmet and gloves at the ready, we headed to the park.

He did pretty well, never crying when crashing, and getting back on when he did. For me, it was one of those "He's getting so big!" moments.

He's still got it

2011-10-10T16:23:00.001-04:00

Paul has taken his groovin' to a whole new level, by building his instruments now. You might remember my little man doing nearly the same thing last year .

Party at the Lodge

2011-10-09T17:45:00.000-04:00

As part of my birthday celebration, we stayed a night at the Redwood Lodge in Whitney, Texas. It's sits on the banks of Lake Whitney. Sadly we got there pretty late, so we just took a walk, then went to bed. We were please to find out that we had arrived for the town's observation of Pioneer Day. There was a carnival in downtown Whitney with rides, face painting, etc. They had cowboys roaming around, and we were able to catch a shooting duel in the town square. Paul was finally brave enough to get his face painted, and wanted Batman - but the face painter said it was too hard to do on small kids. Try as we might, we did not win a free night at Redwood Lodge while visiting their booth. It was so fun, and next time we'd like to stay longer. The lake itself is quite low because of the drought and time of year, but we explored the rocks anyway. (Paul channeled his inner Dallin, and threw rocks in the lake for about 1/2 hr.) I took my new camera and experimented with the settings - luckily I edited the number of pictures quite a bit!

The best part of the weekend for Paul was that we found a bike for him at one of the booths - that was what appeared to be a yard sale. It is a two-wheeler with training wheels, and he LOVES it! He rides it around the house, and it's been great for me to get back on my bike and ride together.

Ben's my best fwend, he just didn't wealize it.

2011-08-28T00:51:00.000-04:00

We love Ben! He's a sweet boy and he and Paul are stuck like glue at preschool. It was his birthday a few weeks ago, and Paul was very excited to go play with him on a stay-home day. When we first arrived, Paul hid behind me, and wouldn't even talk to Ben - grrrrr.

Doesn't this look like the face of a kid having fun?

Then the sword fighting began...

Pizza and Ice Cream - yum!

Paul "helped" Ben open his present, then showed him how to use it.

Ben saying thank you for the present.

Yes, we did get him the obnoxiously large bulldozer, hope Ben's mom doesn't curse my name.

After cake and ice cream, we went out into the arcade for some games:

First, Paul getting his groove on...

Then some air hockey, which both boys abandoned after about 30 seconds....

Then out to the go-carts! I couldn't believe they let these babies, excuse me, big boys drive!

Paul and Ben liked to look at each other while driving, believe it or not, there were many crashes.

Exhibit A

One happy racer!

The boys and their dads went on the big go-carts for some more fun. I got to visit with Ben's mom, Laura, who is very nice and great to talk to.

As we walked back into the arcade, Paul insisted Ben hold his hand.

With his balloon and party bag, he was soon out!

Crazy Go-Cart Driver

2011-08-27T01:36:00.000-04:00

Hooray for cousins!

2011-07-01T02:03:00.000-04:00

Our first visitors of the summer came last week. Jared's twin sister Jamie and her two girls came to visit us for a week and we had a fantastic time! They came in on Wednesday night and we went to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, "On the Border." They were such troopers after getting up at 6 that morning to drive the three hours to the airport - then two flights and a layover. By the time everyone got to bed, they had been awake nearly 18 hrs.

Due to the hail storm on Monday night, I ended up having to work on Thursday, so Jamie took her girls and Paul to our apartment swimming pool, and generally played around and got to know each other. Jared worked a half day so came home in time to make lunch for them, and get some laundry done so that we could take off that night for San Antonio.

Jamie had rented a Chrysler Town and Country (very fancy) so that we could all drive around together. Paul and Abby sat in the very back and got along very well with each other. Olivia and I were in the middle row, with Jared and Jamie in front. We stopped for dinner at Double Dave's near our house so that we could miss the dreaded rush hour traffic. Yummy pizza and a apple struedel in our bellies we headed off into the wild blue yonder. Matlida was our first video of the night - and besides Olivia being disgusted thinking that the cake was made with actual blood and sweat, and Paul being terrified by the Trunchbull, that got us halfway to Marlo's house. We turned on the radio and were pleasently surprised to find that a Mormon family had rented the van before us and had uploaded about 100 church songs, and other good tunes, so we listened and sang along. It was nice to be able to visit with Jamie, even though it was mostly to the back of her head. ;-) We got to Marlo's house about midnight and went straight to bed.

The next morning we struggled to wake up, to find that Jamie and her girls had been up for about an hour and a half, oops. We readied ourselves which is when I discovered that I had not packed any shirts. Good glory... I borrowed one of Marlo's to get me to the gas station near his house to buy a shirt for 4 dollars. Then we were off to Sea World!

We joined the throng of people headed in, and finally got into Sea World around noon. Olivia's first order of business? Journey to Atlantis! Paul was finally tall enough to ride some of the roller coasters, that being one of them, so we made a beeline over there. Luckily, there were severals shows going on at that time, so we waited about 2 minutes to get on. By the time we got off, the show was over, and the line had ballooned to a half an hour wait.

After Journey to Atlantis, we were feeling our tummies grumbling, so we headed to Rosito's Pizza and Pasta Buffet. We had purchased the all you can eat wristbands (which I heartily recommend!) so we slipped in and found a fantastic array of pizza and pasta (plain! bless america!). There was good fruit and yummy dessert pizza. My personal favorite was alfredo, tomato and spinach pizza. I may have eaten more than South Beach diet recommends (like by quadruple, again oops). We headed to the Shamu show after that with a quick stop at the ducky pond, where we fed Mr. Blue Bill, and watched the flamingoes.

Since we were in the spalsh zone at the Shamu show, we did not have our camera out - the lady in front of us was not so smart. I do love a good Shamu show. After Shamu we headed to Rio Loco. Paul was not quite tall enough for this ride, so he and I watched for the rest of the fam to head down the river. That ride ended up being the longest we waited that day, upwards of 45 minutes - and they didn't even get soaked. Paul rested on my shoulder in the shade and saved his energies. When they came off the ride, we stopped in the Rio Grille and got watermelon, grapes, Shamu cookies (more like scones -yum!), strawberries, and water all around, all for free thanks to our wristband. The Shamu cookies came in a cute little shamu plastic bowl, which is better than the lame-o plates they give at the other restaurants. These snackies gave us the energy to go on a few more roller coasters. Jared and I went on the Great White while Jamie took the kids to the Penguin Encounter - which sadly was mostly dark as it was nightime for the penguins. Here's my question - if they control when night is for the penguins, why not make it actually night - when there is no one there? Paul enjoyed the moving sidewalk though, and they went through twice. After that, Adventerous Olivia convinced Uncle Jared to take her on Steel Eel, which she was excited to be tall enough for. Livs was also kind enough to be horsie to Paul. Steel Eel, which they went on twice in a row, is pictured in the background.

After Olivia had her fill of Steel Eel, we made a decision to skip the water park and see more animals. Sadly, we found the dolphins and sea lions both close at 6 pm. However, we did get to see the shark and other fish tanks, which were totally awesome. We saw two real eels, which are NAS-TEE! We told ourselves to remember this kind of fish and that, and had totally forgotten them by the time we left Sea World. Paul convinced Jared that he needed a light saber. Anyone have any idea what a light saber has to do with Sea World? Me neither. It was dinnertime by now, so we headed to one of the two remaining restaurants open, Sea Grille.

After we ate, we realized the park was closing down in 10 short minutes and we were right near the kiddo rides. We flew out of the restaurant (thanks Jamie for being the responsible one and staying behind to watch the stuff.) Paul, Abby, Olivia, and Jared went on Shamu's roller coaster and my little crazy man had his hands up the whole time. (Are you proud Grandpa?) After that, Jared and Paul ran to another ride, and Olivia, Abby and I went on Abby Cadabra's pirate ship. It's a back and forth, then twirly boat, and I was a little worried since we had just finished eating, but everyone survived. After that, it really was closing time so we headed back to Jamie, gathered all our treasures together, and headed back to our vannigan.

Believe or not, we all slept very well that night!

Happy Birfday to my little guy!

2011-06-15T01:57:00.000-04:00

Paul started his birthday opening his presents from Grandma and Grandpa Miller

Paul had a swimming birthday party at our complex pool

We invited his friends John and Kate from his Sunbeam class

And their families

Plus Aunt Lucy and Lisannia to have hamburgers and hot dogs

Isn't he cute?

Then he opened presents

Then we swam some more

Race car cake came next

With yummy blue frosting - which Paul scooped off with three fingers got everywhere!

Paul's friend Hannah got a new puppy -Goose- that was a little lovey and came to play too.

Why we want more

2011-05-03T04:02:00.000-04:00

Paul leaned over to me during sacrament meeting this week and said, "I have a secret" So I leaned in and he whispered, "I love you because I want to help you."

It made it so when he screamed hysterically the 30 minute drive home because I couldn't physically hand him 5 cars at the exact same time, I only gritted my teeth and muttered under my breath.

Best. Days. Ever

2011-04-10T20:13:00.002-04:00

Best. Days. Ever

Paul-isms

2011-03-15T00:03:00.001-04:00

I should be in bed, but I wanted to make sure I got these recorded somewhere so I don't forget them.

He walked in while I was walking on the treadmill, and said "That looks like a...a...a.. conveyor belt!"

He has recently decided it goes, "Scritures, Preeyar, and Flamly Tickle Time!" before bed time.

He went to the bathroom at the library where there are automatically flushing toilets. I explained there were "automatic" which means they go all by their selves. The next bathroom we walked into he said, "Are these potties amazing?"

He walks into a bathroom and immediately asks, "Does it plush itself?"

While we were camping a couple of weeks ago, he said "Dad, is the fire stluggling?" when Jared was starting it the next morning.

Same camping trip that we went on semi spur of the moment, and did not take all the proper supplies, meant that he was eating noodle soup out of a disposable bread pan. "I eating like a pig mommmy!"

**P.S. Here is another one we were giggling about today.
Paul saw cinnamon sticks (which I use a lot of in the winter for apple cider) on my gum package, he was telling Jared, "That sticks is for yummy hot drinks, dad."

I'm sure there are more, but that's all for now folks!

Who's in charge?

2011-03-08T23:59:00.000-05:00

Saturday after we got home from the zoo, I decided it was time to get serious about getting our plane tickets for the fourth of July. We are planning on going to Utah and having a reunion with Jared's side of the family then, and I knew we had enough miles to get at least two tickets. I found the perfect flight, and was ready to book it. When I went to check and make sure that we could get both tickets, neither the departure nor return flight was there, at all. So I got on the phone with continental, and after being on hold for 16 minutes and 45 seconds, someone finally answered. She placed me on hold to ask someone else a question, where I remained for another 7 minutes and 23 seconds, then came back and ultimately the answer was no. There was only one ticket available for that flight. Sad, and trying to think of how else we could do it, I went to bed.

Sunday we decided to go to Utah for General Conference weekend and my mom's birthday. Tonight I sat down, found the flights, booked them with no problem, was able to find a flight for Jared that works perfectly with his work schedule, and viola. Done and Done.

I really shouldn't try to question and fight, because I'm obviously not in charge.

Oh Paul

2011-02-17T22:43:00.000-05:00

We were going through bed time routine tonight, and getting ready to read scriptures, and Jared picked up a car that was on the floor of Paul's room. Without missing a beat Paul piped up, "No cars dad, it's not play time, it's scripture time." Once we stopped laughing, we did have a great scripture time.

Remember when I wanted to be a photographer...

2011-01-10T03:36:00.000-05:00

I do. I'm not a professional by any means, but I enjoy taking pictures, and I usually end up with some pretty great ones. I don't have a expensive/fancy camera, because....well there are many reasons. I got home from Utah and intended to do a Christmas post so I uploaded my pictures and realized I took exactly 2 pictures on Christmas day and none of anything after that. I've no idea how that happened. So...oops. No memories this year for Paul.

In other news, here is our new year update.
Jared has started running again and has committed to running two 5ks in the early spring and a 10k before it becomes blazingly hot in our fine state of Texas. So happy for him to being doing something he loves! The beautiful thing of Texas is the outside exercising season is quite long, even in the summer you can get up early before it gets too hot. Being the awesome wife I am, I finally got him a great birthday gift and he was able to have a one hour flight lesson in a single engine plane. It. Was. Awesome. I got to sit in the back as a silent observer. (My headset didn't work. Not sure if this is instructor's wish so as not to not have a lot of chatter from the backseat.) Until the instructor told us how much exactly he spent getting where he was as a pilot, Jared was having dreams of pursuing that. Maybe someday when he's rich. He continues to be the Bulletin Board Coordinator (I think that is his official title.) in our ward. He is an awesome watchmaker and supports our family so I can stay at home if I darn well please. This makes me more grateful than he will ever know.

Paul is at the tail end of three, and yes, still wearing pull-ups. I go from "He'll do it when he's ready" to "What did I do wrong?" on a regular basis, and sometimes within in the same thought process. Just to show I'm not totally focused on that one thing (Why won't he just do it, he knows how?) he enjoys preschool most of the time, has become my why, what, how does it work child. Today he wanted to know how the window rolling down in the car work. Uh....you push a button and it works. Going to have to buy The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay and Neil Ardley. (LOVE this book.) He started sunbeams last week, and after letting me out of his death hold, he had a great time.This week he had a fever and a runny nose so no primary for him. He has a fantastic memory which I love sometimes, but at other times I have to be super careful what I say, because he remembers that I told him we would go to McDonald's after __________ even if that happens to be several days later. We often joke that he is all boy. Trucks, trains, construction vehicles all make his heart go flutter. He's my little bookworm too. When we are doing marathon potty sitting, we will sit and read for an hour and half and he never tires of books. Yes, I'm tickled over this. Yes, I may exaggerate. Sue me.

I am working full time at Kindercare in Bedford, Texas. I like the women I work with, I like the kids (just starting to be able to get their individual things that make them tick) I don't love the hours, so I'm hoping to go part time at the end of January. This will give me a chance to still practice my craft of teaching as well as get a paycheck - going toward debts mostly, got two cards paid off in two months! - but also be able to get things like laundry and dishes done on a more regular basis without being so dead dog tired all the time. Plus it has the benefit of spending precious time with Paul in the afternoons without feeling like I already spent the whole day with kids. I am still doing some real estate work for my cousin Lucy which I enjoy immensely. I was able to create business cards plus her companies Christmas card using Photoshop last November/December and it's been fun to use my analytical side for something besides planning and executing dinner. I was released from my Activities Committee calling when they were disbanded churchwide. I'm not sure when I became a big baby about being cold, but it's dipped into the 50's here recently and I have to go out to the playground with 4 layers on as my preschooler's happily shuck their coats about three minutes after we have been outside. I am dedicating myself to achieve 30 goals by the time I turn 30 in about 8 1/2 months along with my cousin Shayla. So far I have done 1.

2011 is going to be a great year. We are stoked at the possibilities it brings us. We are thrilled to be in a new place, with new jobs, and happy to enjoy the blessings we have been given.

So many pictures, only a grandma could love this post

2010-11-22T00:43:00.001-05:00

This post is all of my phone pictures from September to now....so sorry.

Pretend first day of preschool - slurpee after - we tried out a different Kindercare before I got my job in Bedford.

Free day at Dallas Museum of Art

We enjoyed the fall 70's and 80's and biked some.

Lucy was getting rid of this ladybug picture and Paul freaked out - insisted we hang it up in his room.

This turtle was in the middle of the road in Lucy's subdivision, so we rescued it and put it in the nearby pond.

Paul is becoming a Texan-through and through

We got a new kitten - we call him Tornado now - we hope that will be "fixed" soon.

In Sept/Oct the weather was usually in the 80's or low 90's so we spent a lot of time at the park.

Paul's first fitting in his fireman costume for Halloween. Thanks Grandma for sending it to us!

Who needs toys when you have a hanger and magnets? Don't freak out, he didn't poke his eye out or anything.I believe he was using it as a telescope.

Another picture of his pretend first day of preschool. On the real first day of preschool, I took no pictures because it was also my first day of work. At the beginning of the day, I was running too far behind and he was too tired. At the end of the day, I was much too tired to think of taking his picture.

More park - we spent a week at Lucy and Hugh's while they were gone, and played with our friends there.

More park - with cool sunglasses from Sonic

Tractor at Pumpkin Village

First merry-go-round - also Pumpkin Village

Hay ride - Pumpkin Village

Cool tree carving - Pumpkin Village

Super awesome airplane ride - Paul watching me post this said "Look at me spinning around in order"

Cow train ride - Pumpkin Village

"I'm in the cow"

Pony ride - Pumpkin Village

Jared "punkin chunkin" using a slingshot thing to fling pumpkins at a wood cutout of Charlie Brown. Pumpkin Village

We saw some friends from Lucy's ward - Paul and Brigette hanging out.

My favorite time of the day

Going on walks - I tried to re-lose the weight I gained back. I can now wear my wedding ring again, and back down to my smallest pant size since I got pregnant with Paul.

As you may imagine - this ended in the red thing being broken - although Paul suffered no loss of life or limb.

Can't you tell he is ready for church? Don't you wear a fireman hat and take your trumpet?

Ward trunk or treat - our friends Lissania and Edson - they were friends of friends in New Jersey and now they live in our ward here.

Potty training- this is about how it's going. 'Nuf said. Sorry Julie, I know I haven't put in the time yet, but I feel like I'm getting there.

Yep - we just let it all hang out on Saturday's here. They are most precious now that we are all 40 hours a week somewhere besides home.

Potty Mouth

2010-11-20T00:19:00.000-05:00

After a very unsuccessful attempt at using the toilet, Paul looks up at me and says, (very disgusted), "We need go to the dentist so he can fix my pee-pee."

No wonder we are having troubles potty training.....

This is Halloween

2010-10-31T11:09:00.000-04:00

Because I'm awesome like that

2010-10-15T17:55:00.000-04:00

Enough Said

Halloween Activities

2010-09-28T15:26:00.006-04:00

I found this website that has great Halloween printables for everyone, kids to adults! It was really easy to download, and Paul and I have had fun doing the activities. We will also be using them for our Halloween party this year. Follow this link, and you should be able to print them for yourself for free! http://www.e-junkie.com/python-printable-games/product/439176.php#Free+Print able+Halloween+Coloring+Pages

This Product Was a Free Giveaway

We want to PUMP you up!

2010-09-27T02:29:00.001-04:00

We got a screaming deal on a 10 bounce pass to a place called Bounce U, which is a place that has about 10 bounce things you can do in two huge rooms. Paul was really timid the first time we went, but this time he was a crazy man. It's great exercise for me, and he naps like a rock after we go. This time we went with our friends Christi and Abby, and it was super fun! I didn't get many pictures because I was busy running and jumping, etc...

The big slide!

The boxer preparing

Doesn't he look ready to fight?

Falling asleep on his huge pillow...

And the Oscar goes to...

2010-08-14T11:35:00.016-04:00

Two weeks of Fun in Utah!

I'd like to thank my parents for making it all possible, by giving us a place to stay, the airplane tickets to come home, the trip to Salt Lake, camping by the river, the Owlz game + hot chocolate, non-stop partying, and giving me some much needed time to do some things all on my very own.

I'd also like to thank Elaine and Gordon for coming to visit, enduring three days in a car with a three year old, playing with Paul along the way, and being so nice about it all.

Big thanks to Jan and Ralph for making our trip to the zoo possible, lunch up the canyon with peacocks, dinners, lunches, blueberry pancakes, and letting Paul play with Chico guy.

Paul would like to thank Sam, Liz, Jocelyn, Afton, Gabe, Logan, Brent, and Julian for being the best friends and cousins a guy could visit!

He would also like to thank grandma nae for rock-a-bye time, papa for lawn mower time, grandma Jan for the train ride, papa Ralph for playing outside with him and all of them for new clothes and loving the stuffing out of him.

And although Lynn and Sylvia made an attempt on my life with the tube of death during filming, I do appreciate the sacrifice of their time, talents, and boat trailer tires to take us to Deer Creek for the afternoon. (I hope someone has some footage of that, because apparently I do not.)

My thanks to my dear friends and family who I enjoyed spending time with immensely! (Apparently too much fun was being had to properly document with pictures, but I love you anyway!)

And as the music begins to play as my cue to wrap up, thanks to Jamie who had a delicious and fun lunch party for us; thanks to Michelle, who dropped what she was doing to help me out;thanks to the security guy at the airport that let me go through the ropes so I didn't have to wait in line; and the people sitting next to me on the plane that didn't overreact when Paul did.

My favorites

2010-07-29T02:00:00.004-04:00

These are some of my favorite pictures of Paul recently.

For Paul, eating corn on the cob is heavenly - he isn't tired here, just becoming one with the corn

Paul found a pair of Lucy's glasses, put them on and said, "I Lucy too"

My big three year old boy being so proper on his birthday

My little monkey hanging from a tree.

That's right

2010-07-10T18:06:00.002-04:00

Life is caaarazy. It's been a crazy summer so far, but mostly good. Some highlights so far in chronological order:

Paul turned three - we had a fun birthday party with some new friends, but he did keep asking where his old friends were.

I got a new job - I work for my cousin Lucy who is a real estate agent. I'm learning tons about staging houses, and the ins and outs of real estate.

We found an apartment - it's swell. It has A/C, two rooms, two bathrooms, a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and 3 walk in closets.

We have fixed our car twice - once in San Antonio, as we pulled up to Uncle Marlo's house spluttering and gasping (which he fixed for us, THANKS!) and this week replaced the water pump. Ahh the joys!

My computer crashed - one day it was working, the next day it wouldn't turn on. My dad got it working - bravo! But not fully, so we are hoping to get a new one with all our extra cash laying around soon. Like next year.

My family came - they came for a week, and we crammed and smashed more things than any 7 people ought to, but it was super fun. Everytime we drive past the airport (3 or more times a week), Paul wants to pick up gramma, cappa, zizzy, and am. Sadly, there are rarely, if ever there.

I had a broken tooth pulled that has been broken since before we left Utah....the first time. Yippee!

Jared was callled as our ward bulletin board specialist. That's right.

And I updated my blog. So there you have it.

Garage Sale Finds

2010-05-20T22:33:00.003-04:00

Dining Room table, with chairs on top

Entertainment Center

Couch - hide a bed for 25 bucks

Washer and dryer, plus our set of Calphalon pans

Grill with side burner, with a box for smoked wood chips

The week after we arrived in Texas, our cousins neighborhood had a garage sale. Everyone gets whatever what they want to sell, puts it out and we buyers hop from house to house and get screamin deals. Here are poor phone pictures, as soon as my house is clean I will take pictures in our apartment with our camera and post.

It's a Love/Hate Relationship

2010-05-03T01:22:00.002-04:00

My baby boy is turning three in a few weeks (gasp!), consequently he is picking up a few more skills some which make me smile, and others well, not so much.

For instance, he can now:
Twist the lid off water bottles
Sing songs, with most of the words (he's got quite a repertoire of Primary and Thomas songs)
Eat yogurt without getting it all over his face, clothes, table, and floor
Play the memory game better than I can
Do a somersault (without hands on the trampoline)
Go up and down stairs without holding onto anything
Put shoes on and take off
Pull pants on and take off
Take his own diaper off - not so pleased about this one - because although he claims he is a big boy and ready to go in the potty, he also at the same time refuses to.
Fetch things for me
Count to ten in English and Spanish
Sing the alphabet song most of the way - QRS really messes with him then he can't get back on track without help.
Knows about 25 different kinds of vehicles - our favorite is the ex-o-miner - which is an excavator for all you lay people.
Take turns in a game
Paddle, paddle, paddle in the pool
Put his face in the water
Lay on his back in the pool
Remember what we did that day and repeat it back

With all these changes, I'm really getting the feeling he is actual growing up. And while that is a great and happy thing....I've decided I have a love/hate relationship with this whole growing up thing.

Cascarones

2010-04-16T03:10:00.001-04:00

For those of you feeling Paul withdrawals, here is a video of cascarones at our Easter Egg Hunt and grandma Nae's house.

Whirlwind tour of Dallas

2010-04-16T00:58:00.004-04:00

Sam and Liz got to come to Dallas with us, and we had so much fun the few days they were here. We got there Saturday afternoon, so our first adventure into Dallas was on Monday. We went to the Dallas World Aquarium (which is amazing!), drove down the street Pres. Kennedy was shot, saw Texas Bluebells (along the highways-the are only in bloom for about two weeks, so we lucked out), drove past the old big beautiful houses in Dallas-including Pres. Bush's Dallas house, then made our last stop at the temple. It was a great day and we were glad Lucy was so willing to drive us around all day!
Sam and a monkey, can you tell which is which?

Lizzy trying to kiss a fish

Dallas Temple with our cousin (and hostess) Lucy Bangerter (Paul was in the car asleep, he didn't take the picture if you were wondering)

Sam really wanted to be Angel Moroni for this picture

And I'm not sure what Liz was trying to do here, although I think she said she was trying to be the T in Temple. Right.....

Eggs, and toots, and cousins, oh my!

2010-04-05T01:42:00.000-04:00

We were sad that Jared's parents left to visit Jamie in CA before Jared got there, but we were glad we got to spend the day with them before they left.

Easter egg hunt at my mom's house - with everyone in jacket's it was cold!

The egg finders

Paul's "toot" he got from grandma. Can't stop himself from dancing while he plays.

His beach set....now all we need is a beach!

For Easter Liz and Sam got to drive down with us to Dallas, then fly back on their very own. More on that trip later.

Paul and Jo looking out the window at Aunt Elaine's house.

Super Egg Finder

Pondering face

This boy loves his grandma nae and cappa.

Hit me with your best shot

2010-03-19T19:29:00.003-04:00

As you know we are in the process of moving, which means for me deep cleaning, the likes of which I rarely do. So I come to you, fair blog readers. What are your best cleaning tips? My qualifications are as follows; inexpensive, fast, easy. I'm asking for a miracle cleaner that cleans everything....anyone got any suggestions?

Pack your angry eyes....

2010-03-10T16:22:00.002-05:00

just in case - Mrs. Potato Head

Guitar Hero

2010-03-02T14:20:00.002-05:00

This kid has music in his blood.

Happy Balentime's Day!

2010-02-14T19:44:00.002-05:00

Ready to go out and play

Happy Balentime's Day everyone!

Christmas Train

2010-01-27T16:35:00.002-05:00

Get it while it's hot!

2010-01-13T15:51:00.003-05:00

I am having a 20% sale of the Shirley J stuff I have at my house right now. Here are the items up for sale and the quantities I have left:

2 Onion Seasoning 6.00
4 Chicken Bouillon 6.00
4 Beef Bouillon 6.00
2 BBQ Sauce (my fave) 9.60
4 Pizza/Pasta 5.50
2 White Cheddar Sauce/Soup Mix 32.00
1 Corn Bread/Muffin Mix 10.00
5 Dough Enhancer 5.50 (makes homemade bread nice and fluffy)
1 Honey White Bread Mix 8.60
1 Slow Cooker Pork Seasoning 7.75

I'll pay for shipping, and get it out to you as soon as I get the payment! Let me know what you want!

Paul's BFF

2010-01-10T18:01:00.000-05:00

My friend Sherry did a really cute post about Paul's BFF Carter.

I'd like to introduce you to Carter's friend, Paul. Paul is, as Carter says, "really cooool, mom. Really cooool." What makes Carter think Paul is so cool? Let me give you a run down.

Paul shares the same love of Thomas the Train that Carter does. Between the two I dare say they know every Thomas Train. And Paul is content to sit and look at a Thomas catalog with Carter.

Paul has the same taste in movies as Carter. I've yet learned to appreciate the Thomas and Friends DVDs, but Paul? Paul gets them. Paul loves them. And then we get to real play. Clearly these boys share a common love of trains, but there is more than that. Paul knows the fun that jumping on a bed in a cape brings.

Or the more subtle joy of throwing chalk into an empty clothes basket.

What can I say? These two boys just get each other. I think Carter summed it up best when he told me, "Paul isn't my brother, Holland is my brother. Paul is my friend, mom. Just Paul."

We are working on the "just Paul" part though. Especially since Carter tells me he won't play at preschool because "there aren't any boys named Paul there mom."

Cinnamon Rolls

2010-01-09T12:53:00.002-05:00

This morning as I was rolling out my cinnamon rolls with a mason jar, and cutting them into slices using a string, it made me think of my Grandma Brown. Even still, though she has been gone a little while, I think that I would really like to visit with her, and show her how much Paul has grown. She loved his blond hair, and she loved seeing Sammer so much too. I think about her asking if Jocelyn was twins, and telling Gordon that he was old. I remembered her telling us about the fact that you have to have a "start" when you make sourdough bread, and how she used to ride her horse to go get a start in Mexico. She loved to tell me stories of when she was teaching 6 grades at the same time, and when I would get home from school when I was living with them, she was ask what problems I'd had that day, and offer advice on what to do. It makes me giggle when I think that she never believed me when I told her a certain tablecloth that I had given her was really hers.

When I leave dishes in my sink for days at a time (please don't tell), I know she would not be pleased. I always had to finish eating really fast and hop up and do the dishes since neither grandma or grandpa could rest until all was neat and tidy in the evening.

I am blessed to have such great examples in my family. I like to think I have taken the best parts of them, and try to live that way, as well as teach Paul to live that way.

I know this is a lot of rambling, but there ya have it.

P.S. The cinnamon rolls were delish!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-02T16:45:00.001-05:00

The Santa Train

2009-12-16T08:42:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday, we went on Paul's highlight of the season which was a trip on The Santa Train. Take a regular NJ Transit train,

add friends,

our favorite Hantia (our friend Santia, that Paul loves!)

and yes, Santa

Mrs. Claus handing out candy canes,

and winning the raffle -which was a super cool train

fun was had by all!

End the day with a trip to Trader Joe's with Paul size grocery carts,

that gives us one happy boy!

I'm sorry, but my kid is the cutest in the whole world!

Christmas Letter

2009-12-08T23:12:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Holidays! If you read this blog you probably already know more about my life than you care too, but here is our Christmas letter for the time being.

Jared started his career this year! That's his biggest news. Even though it's been a long, hard road we are glad that he finished school in August. Even happier he finished with the highest score on the final exam. He was happy to get a job in NYC at Omega Boutique on 5th avenue near Central Park. It's a fun job in a beautiful building and he works with great people. He has rediscovered reading as he now has time on the trains to read, and is currently reading Les Miserables. He loves, loves, loves Paul and they are getting to be best friends, as Paul grows into a little boy.

It's been an interesting year for me. I was so happy that Paul got to spend time with both sets of grandparents, as well as the rest of the family while living in Utah, but I was glad to come home to be with Jared. I've been getting involved more in my ward, landing back in Primary, thank heavens as 1st counselor instead of President this time. Despite being in Primary, I have made some good friends in my ward, and we enjoy hanging out with our kids, or just us girls! (We all have only boy kiddos.) I have been crafting more this year and feel like I am really settling into our apartment. I hope to start substitute teaching starting in January.

Paul continues to amaze us with his amazing genius. (I can say that I'm his mom!) He knows all his letters, and although five gets left out regularly, he can count to 10. He has memorized parts of his favorite books and loves to read. We probably read about an hour a day total. In our ward we have 3 boys that were all born in the same month and another who is just six months older. He gets along with them really well, and it's fun for him (and me) to get out of the house and play with them at least once a week. He loves his daddy and copies everything he does. He has started to narrate everything he does, and it's pretty funny to hear the his imagination come out. We are going to start doing a co-op pre-school once or twice a week in January with his friends, and I am really excited!

We have been truly blessed as family this year. Many thanks to my parents for letting Paul and I live there while I was teaching in Draper, as well as supporting us every way they can. Many thanks to Jared's parents for their support, and for watching Paul when they could while I was there. We are glad to have our ward family out here to rely on, and feel the gospel enriches our lives in so many ways out here. Heavenly Father has blessed us more ways than I can count, somehow keeping our car running when logic defies that it should work. We feel the love and prayers of you, our wonderful family and friends, and hope you know that we love you and prayer for you often. I am sad to not be able to visit Utah this Christmas, but hope to see all y'all that live there soon. Our doors are always open, and we have lots of beds, and plenty of floor space for anyone that cares to visit!

We love you and hope you have a wonderful holiday season of joy and peace!

Love,
The Millers

Tag, I'm it.

2009-11-13T14:27:00.002-05:00

5 Things I Don’t Leave The House Without
1. Head
2. Shoulders
3. Knees
4. Toes (and all the parts in between)
5. Clothing to cover it all (you're welcome).
(Everything else is optional - sorry to copy Julie, but it's exactly how it is in my house too. Sometimes I don't even get shoes on.)

5 Cartoons I Watched When I Was Younger
1. Jetsons
2. The Smurfs
3. Care Bears
4. Flinstones
5. He-Man

5 Things That Terrify Me
1. Falling down stairs (I think it has to do with re-breaking my arm falling down stairs.)
2. Paul getting seriously hurt
3. Jared getting stuck in the city because of some sort of terrorist attack/natural disaster - have you seen how many disaster movies take place in NYC?!?!
4. Turning 30 and still be living in an apartment
5. Horror Movies

5 Things I Hate/Dislike That Everyone Else Seems To Like
1. Rootbeer
2. Black Licorice
3. Step aerobics
4. (Sorry, I got nothin')
5.

5 Things I Want To Do Before I Die
1. Go to Venice
2. Buy a house
3. Publish a book
4. Live on a cruise ship
5. Attend a presidential inauguration, a superbowl game, a world series game, and New Year's Eve in Times Square.

5 Friends/Family I Tag
1. Sarah
2. Shayla
3. Sharline
4. Chelsea
5. Sherry

Cruise pictures

2009-11-07T09:11:00.002-05:00

What a fun trip we had! It was great to get a group of 24 of your favorite people and vacation together. Thanks mom and dad , it was super fantastico!

Comings and Goings

2009-11-06T17:34:00.003-05:00

This is often how I find Paul if I'm doing dishes or making dinner. Love it!

Stare down

Pumpkin carving wore him out, so he wanted to have a siesta on a paper towel roll. Okay...

Punkin Carving

2009-11-06T16:27:00.002-05:00

A dog, a log, a noodle, a poodle

2009-11-06T16:19:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things about Paul right now is his imagination is just starting to come out more and more. While his mother only sees an empty fruit snack box, he turns it into a tunner (tunnel), a hang gwider, and birthday hat. It was everybody's birthday that night, including fire trucks, trains, and his motorcycle.

Pictures

2009-10-05T14:23:00.001-04:00

I realized it's been awhile since I've posted pictures, and I didn't post Jared's graduation and his parents visit. So, here you are, enjoy.

Playing baseball with dad

2009-10-05T14:10:00.000-04:00

Touchdown!

2009-09-12T21:05:00.004-04:00

Jared has starting teaching Paul the finer parts of BYU football watching!

To Those Who Labor

2009-09-07T20:14:00.003-04:00

To my husband who labors for me and Paul so that we have the life we have, so that I can stay home with Paul and that he supports me in doing that even though it means having less.

To my mom and dad, who have labored their whole life for me, and continue to support me even as I am a grown-up, who labored so I never wanted for anything.

To those who labor to protect our country, who put their lives on the line so I don't have to think about whether it's safe or not to go out of my home.

To those who have labored before me so that I can enjoy political and religious freedom.

THANK YOU! You are the people that I pattern my own life after, and who I think about everyday and love!

Amanda

Can't resist

2009-09-03T22:26:00.004-04:00

Paul found a microphone cord at Jared's graduation dinner. He loves to sing into anything that resembles a microphone. I don't know where the flair came from....Sam? Liz?

P.S. Sorry for sideways. I never think about it until it's too late. My camera doesn't flip videos.

Proof is in the pudding

2009-09-03T22:11:00.005-04:00

Here are some of the pictures that go along with posts I've made. I found the camera cord....it was in the drawer I put it in. Good place for it huh?

Paul's first night in his big boy bed.

First two wheeler (with training wheels)
First Salt Dough Experience

The long of it

2009-09-01T21:54:00.006-04:00

Here's the long version for the history books, and those of you who are trying to get out of doing something else by checking blogs.

Going back to Friday night of last week, my bishop asked if it was too late to ask me to give a talk on Sunday. Sure, no worries. Then it hits me that it really was. Oh well, too late now. I gave a talk on Self-Mastery and learned a lot.

Monday Jared didn't have to test until 2 pm so we slept in a little, then cleaned up the apartment and got it ready for our guests (Jared's parents, sister Jamie, and her baby William). Jared convinces me to go out for a quick lunch in my scrubs (which I generally don't leave the house in). He asks me if I will just drive him out to the test. Then convinces me it would be silly to drive home just to drive back (which is true, we were about 45 minutes from home) Only problem? I've got an antsy two year old who doesn't want to just sit still and wait for daddy to finish testing. I leave a message telling Jared that we are going to take the train home. (Which I was really going to do) While I'm walking to the train station I decide we'll hop on the light rail and go to Jared's mall instead. Yes, that is more public but it was better than the humidity! I try to message Jared after we get on the train that we will be back by the time he is done. Alas, I have no power left on my phone. Oh well, I'll be back in time. Long story short...I didn't. Jared thought I had gone home, so he left me in Weehawken. Back on the train we go to Hoboken, where I found a pay phone to let Jared know we weren't dead. Then onto the train to home. All in all I left the house in my scrubs and flip-flops with no diapers, or any other kiddo supplies at 12:30 and got home at 6:30. Sweet day.

Tuesday dawns bright and early with Paul awake at 3:30. Since Jared has to test later in the day, it's mommy's job to entertain and get back to sleep. He got back to sleep at 4:00ish after a complete bedtime routine (reading, scriptures, prayers, snuggles, singing, lights off) I was up again at 6:30 getting Jared's lunch ready to go and wishing him luck. Jared goes off to school to test and feels pretty good his performance that day. We run to Costco for supplies, and have a super fun time. We finish getting the apartment ready for our visitors.

The next day started early. I needed the car to pick up Jared's family from the airport, so we're all up early to make sure Jared is on time for his last day of school! Yes, we make it and he does great. I dropped Paul off at the babysitter's at 3 o clock(Thanks again Kluseys!). Come back to the house and put some finishing touches on the house. I head to the airport to find out the flight has been delayed almost an hour. Curse you busy NY area airports! I sit and wander, wander and sit, but mostly enjoy I can do whatever I want without worrying about Paul picking up something off the floor, or bashing someone with the stroller, or crazier things like get on the luggage carousel and somehow get out on the tarmac. It could happen...maybe. Jamie and William arrive at a different terminal about 15 minutes before Jan and Ralph's plane is scheduled to arrive. She waits while they taxi in, and while we get luggage. We pick up Jamie and Will, just in time for rush hour on the freeway, yahoo! We hop off the freeway a little soon, and take the back way home, which may have taken just as long, but at least we were moving. They drop off things, freshen up, then off to Charlie's Steakhouse for dinner. I drop them off, go get Jared from the train station, where da da da! he tells me he received a job offer for a place in Manhattan called Omega Boutique. It's on fancy-schmancy fifth avenue next to Trump Tower, Tiffany and Co, Henry Winston, etc. What I love is that's it's very near Central Park so we can meet him there when all he gets off work for a picnic dinner! Side note: We haven't actually accepted the job offer, so we may end up somewhere else, but most likely here. From the train station, we go pick up Paul two hours after I told them I would be back. Sorry Kluseys! Paul has a great time with Adrienne, a darling girl in our ward. Car load two back to Charlie's. We eat and present Jared with a watch from Paul and I for being so great, and for working so hard. Dinner is delicious and we are treated by Ralph and Jan....thank you! Girls and babies head home in the first car load. As the boys wander around Millburn waiting for the Miller taxi to return. Everybody's home. And scene.

Thursday we went into NYC and our first stop is Lincoln Center. As Ralph says, this is Jan's mecca. She was so thrilled to see Julliard and The Met. We go into the temple and visit with the missionaries there who are, surprise, from Salt Lake City! Jamie is able to feed baby Will (who at four months is such a trooper! and a porker ;-) ) and we explore the meetinghouse on the top level. Off we go to our favorite pub, The Emerald Inn for some lunch. Paul gets to play with Jasper the dog outside and gets treated to two Maraschino (sp?) cherries from Charlie the bartender. Across the street we discover Magnolia Bakery and our world will never be the same again. For those of you who come to visit that is a definite stop on our journey. We get almost back to the temple when we realize a backpack was left in the bakery (8 blocks back). The girls and babies find a pretty courtyard and relax. Paul naps in his stroller. We then discover Bed, Bath, and Beyond....three whole stories wall to wall. It really was BEYOND! Okay, everything recovered, on to Columbus Circle, quick stop at Tourneau (watch store), over to Carnegie Hall, then down to Times Square. Somehow or another, the Millers know someone who plays the piano at the Waldorf Astoria. We thought we'd try to see her. She was not there, but we left a note and quickly found a Subway restaurant to eat in as we were near perishing. Onto the train, and homeward bound. I think we walked about 10 miles today.

Friday it rains and pours and pours and rains. It seriously doesn't stop all day. Jared and Ralph went to school to clean out their desks of all their tools and magazines and manuals. They end up going to lunch with Jared's classmates one last time at Legend's Diner, a place they frequented enough, I think they have their own table. The girls and babies played at home and rested. When the boys got home Jan, Jamie, and I went off to do some shopping. A thrift store in my little town was having a 25 cent sale where a bunch of clothing and toys were 25 cents. (Really, thanks for pointing that out...) Jamie and I found a few cute things and a were most pleased about finding cheapo Halloween costumes for Paul (James the Tank Engine)
and Will (a big puffy pumpkin). Off to Kohl's for the lowest prices of the season sale. Ka-ching! Jamie finds some great post pregnancy clothes at good deals and I, sadly find nothing I can't live without. Back to the house just in time to get ready for Jared's graduation dinner. With a flurry of hairspray, make-up and the like, Jared drives the Miller's to the restaurant and Paul and I take the train, bonus for Paul...he does love a good train ride! We arrive right on time to a beautiful decorated private dining room. Immediately feel under dressed as the two other women are in cocktail dresses and I am only in dress pants. (Seriously, it's a graduation ceremony, dress up once in a while girlie! - If you keep talking to yourself people are going to think you're crazy.) Speeches given by The Head Honcho of Swatch group, who has flown in from Switzerland, the head of Swatch Group USA, and the head of Swatch Group Secaucus. Paul is excited to clap and shout yeah! all the time, whether it's appropriate or not. (Babysitter? Think about it.) The graduates receive their diploma's and WOSTEP certification. No I don't remember what it means. Two special awards are given. One is to Mr. Martinez for having the highest average on test scores throughout the two years. The other is given for being the most spirited, willing to help, and for having the highest test scores on the final exam.........WAY TO GO MR. MILLER! (Yes, they call each other Mr. _____. It's a Swiss Watchmaking thing. ) He is shocked, I am not. He worked so hard and studied so long, I am so proud of him. He received a 250 dollar visa card and a bottle of Champagne. (Which he passes onto his teacher with a chuckle.) Dinner is divine, as we sit with two very sociable and funny gentlemen from the corporate offices. I had Lemon Chicken, Jared has the steak. We wait long enough for the cookies to arrive, then grab our Peace Lily that each graduate received and Jared takes Jan, Paul, and I to the train station for a ride home. He drives Jamie, Will, and Ralph to the train station to come pick us up. We SQUEEEZE in and drive home, only to discover a checkpoint charlie. Thinking they won't appreciate two extra people in a car, and a two year old in no car seat, we successfully navigate around the police checkpoint to our apartment. (It's opening weekend at Seton Hall University so we think they are just making sure the freshmen don't go overboard their first taste of freedom.) SCIENCE! It's time for bed. (Thanks Dallin!)

Poor Jamie and William are up at 5:00 am to head to Salt Lake so she can pack up their car to drive home to San Diego on Sunday so the kids can start school on Monday. What a great sister she is to come and be here for Jared! Jan and I drop her off amid pouring rain at the airport. Back home and back to bed for me. We hang around at home for a little while the rain keeps pouring down. We decide to brave the rain anyway, drive to Jared's mall to hop on the Path train. While at the mall, I stop and buy an umbrella, which of course is the signal for the rain to stop. We start our visiting at the World Trade Center Site. There isn't much to see, besides cranes and tarped fences. We take a short walk to Century 21, the department store. It's a crazy madhouse, pyscho shopping fest, so we only stay a few minutes. We walk up to Trinity church and saunter down Wall Street taking in the sites, seeing where George Washington was sworn in as first president. (I think) Off to a little side street for some delicious NY Pizza and Lentil Soup with no actual Lentil's in it. Paul sleeps for approx. 15 minutes and decides that is his nap for the day. We say farewell to downtown and head to midtown for a long walk to the USS Intrepid. Grandpa shows us different planes and what unique features they have. Paul gets to fly in a plane simulator.
After the USS Intrepid everyone is tired so we walk a short distance up to the NY Waterways and take a ferry over to Weehawken, then the light rail to Jersey City where the car is. Much better than walking all the way back to Penn Station. We may have been able to take a bus, but Paul does love boats, and it was nice to be out on the water. Paul falls asleep on the light rail and is out for the rest of the night. He doesn't wake up at the Taqueria (yummy mexican food), or in the car on the way home, or even when I change him and put him in bed. What a long week for bubba. I feel it too. So off to bed. There you have it.

I hope I find my camera cord soon, so I have real pictures instead of these from my phone!

The short of it

2009-08-29T21:20:00.004-04:00

Here's the short version of the last week:
Sunday: I gave a talk in church and wasn't booed out of the chapel
Monday: Jared had a 2 hour written exam
Tuesday: Practical test for 8 hours - taking apart a watch, fixing the problems, putting it back together
Wednesday: Continuation of Tuesday - 8 more hours of practical test taking /Jared's parents and twin sister Jamie arrive from Utah / Receive job offer to work in Omega Boutique just off of the southern end of central park.
Thursday: Pins and needles waiting for test results / into NYC to see Lincoln Center, Waldorf-Astoria, Manhattan Temple, The Emerald Inn (yummy), Magnolia Bakery (super-yummy) Columbus Circle, and Times Square.
Friday: Jared and Ralph went and cleaned out his desk at school, and had lunch with his classmates / Girls went to the quarter sale at Other Mothers and then Kohls / Graduation dinner that night at Feelgood Restaurant / It rained and rained and rained some more.
Saturday: Jamie leaves :-( / Raining again / Rain stops in time to go to WTC site, Wall Street, USS Intrepid Museum, ferry boat and train ride back to the car / Taqueria for dinner

Guess that's not terribly short, but we've packed a lot in this week!

A quickie

2009-08-27T23:16:00.004-04:00

Just a short post to let you know Jared received a job offer here in Manhattan which we are thrilled about. We may stay in our same apartment or look for something closer to the city so the commute isn't so long. He received a passing grade on his written and three practical tests! Way to go love! We are so proud of you!

Go green

2009-08-24T19:14:00.001-04:00

with envy! My baby is now a boy. Wishing I had pictures for proof, but I can't find our camera cord. Thanks to our friends the De Jong's, Paul took two big steps into being a big boy. They gave us their twin bunk beds and a bike with training wheels. He loves his big bike, and it has a bell and everything. It needs a little oil on the chain to make it easier to pedal, but he does pretty well with it.

I was nervous about his transition to a big boy bed since it 1)doesn't have a rail to hold him in, and 2)I didn't want it to take forever and a day to get him adjusted to not getting out of bed. Luckily, I have the best boy ever. I got it put together in the afternoon and got ready for a long night. He got out 6 times the first night. Thanks to Super Nanny Jo Frost, the next night, it was only once and when he saw me, he ran back to his room and hopped back in. No troubles since then! Yahoo for Paul being so easy, peasy! I am soooo lucky!

In unrelated news, Jared is done with the written portion of his watchmaking test. Tomorrow he will start the technical portion of the testing that will last for two days. If only we had a job to go to after he graduates on Friday! We are still praying and waiting!

Quote of the day

2009-08-09T22:19:00.002-04:00

Mom: Who's that?
Paul: Duper Duper Jesus

Couldn't have said it better myself. For those that need translating, we recently caught an episode of Super Why (cartoon) and suddenly everything that he loves or is great is duper, duper. We're still working on the S's.....

Our quick trip to Philly!

2009-08-01T23:27:00.002-04:00

Jared had the day off today, so we took a little road trip to Philadelphia. Our desire to sleep in, combined with our general laziness, as well as killer traffic, we didn't get into town until about 5:30. Believe it or not, most all the sights were closed, so we wandered and took pictures from outside. We did get to see the Liberty Bell which was cool, and Benjamin Franklin's gravesite. It's an interesting feeling to walk where our forefathers walked.

Jump, jump, jump

2009-07-23T19:10:00.004-04:00

This is how white boys jump! Love you gramma!

Pathetic Contribution

2009-07-21T12:46:00.003-04:00

Everyone on the ferry with the Statue of Liberty in the background

The peeps on the Staten Island Ferry

Baby Afton and her Grandma

Staten Island Ferry

Here is the sum total of the pictures I took while my family was here. You will have to check out their blogs to see more of the fun times!

Happy Birthday Sam!

2009-07-19T22:52:00.002-04:00

A poem for birthday boy Sam!

S is for how silly and smart you are
A is for archeology which you love to learn about
M is for making me laugh all the time
U is for what a great uncle you are
E is for excellent skills in baseball, soccer, and tennis
L is how much we love you!

Happy birthday Sam, we love you!

Efficiency at it's best

2009-07-02T22:18:00.002-04:00

My little guy is becoming more independent everyday. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. He's growing so fast!

Jersey Girl once more

2009-06-20T02:09:00.002-04:00

No, I have not fallen off the planet, just relocated, and today I have finally dug myself out of the boxes, suitcases, and the mess that happens when your husband is a temporary bachelor. YAHOO! A laundromat just opened two blocks from our house. That may not seem to be such fantastic news, but it opens a whole new world for Paul and I. It means he can ride his motorcycle there, we can put the clothes in, he can ride his motorcycle home, get a snack, and ride over to switch the clothes. And it means I don't wait so long to do laundry since I don't have to devote an entire afternoon to loading it all up, making sure it's the right time for Paul (not hungry, sleepy, or cranky) I feel FREEEEEE! Yikes, pretty sad when that is what is exciting to me.

I've been using FlyLady.net to help me get organized since I was really overwhelmed and it seems to be working. I also set six goals for myself everyday. Spiritual first, physical, educational, financial, housekeeping, and sitting down with Paul and really teaching him something on purpose. I am amazed at what I get done when I have it written in my planner, and I can give myself a little "Check!" You know like when you do something good, you give yourself a little "Check!"

We are so happy to be back together as a family, and it was hard to send Jared off to Utah for his grandfather's funeral on Friday. Paul can't quite figure out why daddy always has to be a plane ride away, but hopefully we are done with that after Jared gets back on Sunday!

THANK YOU so much to those who helped me get in the air and back home. You are wonderful friends and family and I love ya!

Grandpa and Grandma Brown

2009-06-01T02:01:00.002-04:00

Because we were so busy Memorial Day, and because my grandparents birthdays happen to fall this week (Grandma Saturday and Grandpa tomorrow) we decided to head up to their gravesite to spend a few minutes with them this evening. As I sat there with three of their kids, about five of their grandkids, and about ten great-grandkids, I began to think.

Because I think that if after I'm gone, my family can get together at the drop of a hat, and be in each others lives, and love each other no matter what, and have best friends in their sisters, and cousins, and second cousins, then I will have done a good job. I know that there are times when my mom and her sisters disagree (can you imagine 5 women always agreeing?) but I also know that I long for that strength that comes with having four other women in your life, that will always be there for you, and love you, and love your kids. And knowing that I could go to anyone of my aunts (or uncles, I love you guys too!) and get the same advice and support and love that I would get from my own mother. I am truly lucky to have the best family in the world, and I know that it didn't happen without work. Grandma and Grandpa always made sure that we knew that we were part of a family. And that family was were we should look for everything. Friendship, love, support, encouragement, and example.

So again, I say, if there is one thing that will help me to raise my own family, (I hope Paulie isn't the only one!) it is to look to grandma and grandpa's example, and the example of those who have made family a priority in my own life. Because everything falls into place if you can do that.

Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for the legacy you have given us, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. (Are there great-greats yet?)

Sorry to be so sappy, I think it's time for me to go home to my sweet husband. I'm a little emotional about family right now!

Birthday Pictures in Reverse

2009-05-28T00:04:00.004-04:00

Spoiled boy, thanks everyone!

That much train fun wears boys out!

Sir Topham Hatt

We love Thomas!

Pony at the Thomas event.
To see all the fun, check out our Picasa album.
Warning: There are 135 pictures!

Shirley J

2009-05-07T23:47:00.003-04:00

For those who don't know, I've signed up to purchase and sell Shirley J products. The things we have tried so far have been delicious; yummy cheese nacho sauce, broccoli cream sauce, and as a base to my aunt's enchiladas. My mom bought one of everything so we are going to be experimenting a little bit to find out the best recipe's. I'll be documenting success (and failures!) on my new blog dinnerontime.blogspot.com so check it out if you have the time!

One of my fav Brian Regan routines

2009-04-20T01:00:00.001-04:00

Check it out, I promise you will laugh at least once.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIv-xVCCWoY&NR=1

Spring Break

2009-04-12T19:28:00.003-04:00

Tim, Brandi, Jamie and Traivs came to visit us this weekend. Brandi's sister and her husband, Jamie and Travis, live in Philadelphia right now. Tim and Brandi have been visiting them for a week and a half. They came to New Jersey on Thursday and spent the day in New York City. They came and stayed at our house that night, then we all went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Times Square, Grimaldi's (best pizza ever), and the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park on Friday. We were lucky that it only rained for about 10 minutes, even though it was supposed to rain all afternoon. They were lovely house guests, and we hope to go visit Jamie and Travis soon and see their amazing city!

Paul playing at the Statue of Liberty

Cheese!

Conservatory Gardens, by the Secret Garden fountain

with Paul's new "cheese" face.

Baseball Fever

2009-04-06T23:45:00.003-04:00

Paul is getting into spring training. Do you think he has a future in baseball?

Pirate NO FEAR Paul

2009-04-06T12:09:00.003-04:00

Seriously, he is balancing on the back of the chair. If he could say, "Hey, watch this" like his dad does before he does something ridiculous he would. Here are some of the things he does say:

woo woo: train
pulpul: purple
boo: blue
cai coke: diet coke (wonder where he learned that!)
word: only to be said while making some sort of gang sign
car: car
room room papa with hand signals: motorcycle
papa: grandpa
daeee: daddy
awa: grandma
am: Sam
Yee: Liz
at: Matt
coter: helicopter (and when asked who drives it he know it's "at")
woun and woun: you know, what the wheels on the bus do or anything else spinning
dooo: Fins, Noggins, Dude

For some pretty darn cute vidoes, see my parents blog goldingsgrowls.blogspot.com

AUGUST 21, 2009

2009-03-22T18:50:00.001-04:00

Graduation day for Jared! Buy your tickets now! We would love to see you there.

Just in case your curious

2009-02-01T11:42:00.003-05:00

This is what a reaction to Amoxicillan looks like in a Paulwog. He had an ear infection on Martin Luther King Jr. Day so we went and got some antibiotics. He took those until Sunday morning when we started to notice some spots on his legs. Since I wasn't sure what it was, I gave him some Benedryl and we stayed home from church. After his nap, he woke up with about double the spots. I called his doctor and he said it was probably a reaction to his antibiotic. He said he would call in a prescription for a medicine to help clear it up. I asked if we should come in the next morning anyway. and he said that would be fine. So Monday morning dawned and we took this picture of Pauly to document his first real scare-mom-out-of-her-mind illness. Dr. Hafen walked in and said wow. Apparently he thought I was exaggerating the night before. He gave Paul some prescription strength anti-histamine and I gave him the prescription that had been called in the night before. By that afternoon, he looked a lot better. By Tuesday he had cleared up completely. It was great to be able to stay home with him on Monday, and I really appreciate what a trooper he is. He was his usual crazy self through the whole thing.

Half a decade

2009-01-17T02:10:00.002-05:00

Yes friends, Jared and I have been officially married 5 years. We celebrated by being 2000 miles apart! Yahoo! Seriously, the night before he left we went to Tucano's and ate ourselves sick. I also got a pair of Born shoes, and Jared got pants, shirt, and part of his Power Juicer was his anniversary present. A few memories of our time together:

Our wedding: What a rockin party! I hate to tell you, but I mostly remember just Jared from that night. I recall there were other people there...

Helping with grandma and grandpa: His patience when mine was gone, and his willingness to do anything whether he felt it was ridiculous or not.

Pregnancy: Seeing him fully grasp what that meant, and pampering me EVERY day...I mean it. He really did.

Our trip across the country: I couldn't believe how much fun we had. There is nothing better than being on an adventure with your best friend. (And a little guy... he was less fun, although such a trooper.)

Everyday: Watching him with Paul. Two closer peas in a pod you can't find. Even with Paul growing up far away from his daddy, he still manages to make Jared's faces, be smart like his dad, and make me smile everyday too.

Everyday: Texting "good morning" to me every morning, loving me for who I am, and being there through this particularly hard time in our short life together.

I was adamant I was not going to do a mushy, gushy post for all the world to see, but it didn't seem right to not pay this small tribute to my love.

Time flies

2008-12-15T00:39:00.004-05:00

when you are crazy busy. Just thought I would do the bulleted (is that a word?) edition of our life update.

- Jared continues to kick butt in watchmaking school, scoring very well on tests and quizzes and going as often as possible to NYC (SO JEALOUS) to look at watches (not so jealous) with his watch hommies.

- I remembered what teaching in December is like, YIKES! My kids are crazy and getting crazier as the holidays approach. I am enjoying my job and it was good to remember that I love to teach. After teaching while pregnant my last year, I had forgotten how much fun it can be!

- Paul just finished his yummy pink medicine for an ear infection. I wish they made adult medicine that yummy, he begged and begged for more. He is really getting so smart (not biased at all). He knows about 10 signs and can say around 10-15 words depending on his mood and the day. He has started having a little separation anxiety since the last time we left dad in New Jersey. I'm a little afraid he is getting smart enough to know that sometimes when we leave, it's for a long time. The result is lots of tears when I leave, even when he is with his favorite people (all the grandpas and grandmas, Liz and Sam)

Although seperated by a long distance, Jared and I are doing all-in-all well. We are newly thankful for cell phones that allow us to stay in contact throughout the day and send pictures back and forth.

We are excited to see each other for Christmas. Jared arrives on Christmas Eve and we get to party until Jan. 3rd. We can't wait! Hope you and yours are safe and happy this holiday season!

Family Pictures - Thanks Shay!

2008-11-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Patch and Jamie's Visit

2008-10-24T23:48:00.001-04:00

2008-10-11T23:54:00.003-04:00

Day with Millers, Towers, and Mortensens

2008-10-11T23:50:00.000-04:00

Paul's in a magazine

2008-09-16T16:20:00.001-04:00

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Couple Tag

2008-09-11T23:32:00.004-04:00

Couple TAG

What is his name: Jared

What is her name: Amanda

How long have you been together: 7 years in February, 5 years married in January

How long did you date: 23 months

How old is he: almost 32

How old is she: almost 27

Who eats more: Amanda for sure

Who said I love you first: Amanda

Who is taller: Jared

Who sings better: Jared, he's been to Israel to sing, and it basically made me fall in love with him

Who is smarter: Technical stuff - Jared Useless trivia-Jared Teaching, common sense - Amanda

Who does the laundry: I do normally, although I hope Jared will instead of just throwing away his clothes

Who pays the bills: Amanda

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Amanda

Who mows the lawn: Our landlord in New Jersey....Mom, Dad, Lizzy, Sam in Utah

Who cooks the dinner: Microwave, Jared when he can. He's much better at it.

Who drives: Jared

Who is more stubborn: Jared.....d d definitely Jared

Who proposed: Jared

Who is more sensitive: Amanda

I tag Chelsea and Tyson, Danny and January, Phil and Julie

New challenge

2008-08-29T12:06:00.003-04:00

For those who haven't heard, Jared, Pauly and I are taking on a new challenge. Since New Jersey is crazy expensive, two part time jobs and a 15 month old just don't mix. We haven't ever felt good about putting Paul in day care out here where we don't have any good recommendations or know anyone good that could watch him. So, here we go. after prayer, fasting, and speaking with our bishop, we decided that our best solution right now is for me to go back to work full time. We feel like we have really been blessed with how things have worked out. The day after we decided that was the road we were going to take, I applied for a job in Jordan School District in Draper, UT. The next day I got a call to have a screening interview the next day. Friday I had a screening interview at 3:30 in the afternoon. At 5:30 I got a call for an interview with Draper Elementary. At 7:30 she called and offered me a job. So I will be starting 4th grade on September 8th.

We are so grateful to my parents who are letting Paul and I live there and having my mom watch Paul when she can. We are also grateful for Jared's parents letting us use one of their cars. Many thanks to Elaine and Gordon for contributing a crib and a bed. Thanks to everyone who has called and wished us well and offered to help.

Jared and I will really miss each other. Since we started dating almost 7 years ago, the longest we have been apart is 10 days. We are so glad we live in the age of cell phones, text messages, webcams, and email. As much as Jared will miss me, I know he will miss his little man. They are two peas in a pod, Paul loves to do everything that Jared does, right down to looking through watch magazines. We are going to start racking up the frequent flier miles as much as is financially sound and possible. It's going to be a new challenge...yeah, that's what we are going to call it....a new challenge.

If you need to smile

2008-08-23T21:51:00.002-04:00

Shayla's Visit

2008-08-15T23:42:00.001-04:00

Fun with family

2008-08-11T19:14:00.002-04:00

At the Owlz game. (they won!) He loved Hootz and throwing his stacking cups down the hill and watching Uncle Sam roll down the hill to chase them. Oh yea and there was some baseball.

Miniature golfing at Cascade Golf Course. (I won!) Super fun, Pauly loved throwing the golf balls onto the green and again watching Uncle Sam chase them. He loves his Uncle and Aunt for sure! Grandma and Grandpa rank pretty high on his list too.

Summer Concert

2008-07-19T21:57:00.004-04:00

Every Wednesday in the Summer they have an outdoor concert for free at one of the parks by my house. Staci and Austin invited Paul and I to go to one last week, and it was soooo fun. We took sandwiches and california rolls (which I love, but didn't know I did) and off we went. Paul was in great form, and had a fun time showing off to all of Staci's friends. He would sit on my lap and clap when every song finished. Even when he started playing around with the stroller and crawling around, he stopped what he was doing and clapped. So polite. Here is a video of him spinning his stoller wheels, and a picture with his glow necklace. HE LOVED IT!

Memory Lane

2008-07-17T17:37:00.001-04:00

Okay, I admit it, I stole this idea from a friend (I even copied her picture and title), but it sounds fun.

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Pauly pictures

2008-07-13T21:25:00.006-04:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted, so here are some pictures of the Paulster.

Pauly Walks

2008-07-13T20:16:00.002-04:00

Pauly is getting braver every day and taking more and more steps. He has only nearly killed himself once or twice and no permanent injuries. You'll be surprised to see how big he's gotten since we were there last.

All thanks to grandpa

2008-06-29T15:54:00.003-04:00

Sunday's are almost always crazy for me, especially when Jared has to work. All of the women I am close enough with that I would ask them to watch Paul all have Sunday callings, so we usually struggle along as best as we can. Today I was more flustered since I was also in charge of the baptism that was immediately to follow church, and I had just found out about it yesterday. Paul was really interested in pulling the cord on the stereo today, and when that wouldn't suit his fancy, he pulled all the pictures for this months song onto the floor and did his wiping the floor hand flutter thing. I paint you this picture not to complain, because it's not really so bad, but to show you my frame of mind as I sat down to play prelude for the baptism, since my pianist had to take someone home. I knew that Hymn #98 was a good calm prelude song, so I started there and worked my way through some of the hymns. Paul was crawling around on the floor, until he discovered that if he stood up and grabbed onto the piano, IT MADE NOISE! Can you imagine anything so great?! Luckily, one of my friends came at that point and grabbed him since she had finished doing what she needed to do. The next song was "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" As I began to play, it made me think of Grandpa Brown. He didn't appear to me or anything, but as I thought about him, it gave me strength. I know he did a lot of hard things and he never complained. I wish I could say that magically the rest of the meeting went well, and that next Sunday I won't come home feeling like I have run a marathon, because I probably will. But I am glad that I have a grandpa who was such a good example of sucking it up, and moving along.

Update

2008-06-18T11:18:00.003-04:00

This week has been MUCH better, thank you for all the well wishes and comments. The weather cooled down, my back fixed itself, and no doctor appointments!

Just because Paul is cute, here are some pictures.

Long week

2008-06-13T22:36:00.002-04:00

This week has been a loooong one. Last weekend was record heat and humidity since 2006. Luckily, Staci, the woman I babysit for, got new air conditioners for her house so she gave us one of her old ones. It's a window mounted a/c and it's lovely. We put it in our living room since that is where we spend most of our time during the day. Unfortunately, because it was so hot, we couldn't get our bedroom or Paul's cooled down at night on Sunday night. So we pulled Paul's bed into the living room and slept on our couch bed. Paul is a good sleeper, but he makes noises. Although I used to be able to sleep through anything, since becoming a mom I wake at the slightest Pauly sound. Not a good night's rest.
Monday dawned very hot still, and since I didn't have to work, I let Jared take the car. The power went out at about 2 and didn't come on until 7 that night. No where close enough had power for me to walk to, so I stayed as still I as could and let Pauly play in the bath tub as long as he wanted....which was like an hour!

Tuesday was cooler which I was very grateful for. After work I headed to pick up Jared from school. We decided to eat at Grimaldi's which had been mentioned on Law and Order as the best pizza in New York. They have a location in Hoboken so we went. IT WAS DELICIOUS! Jerry Orbach wasn't lying. Right after we got home there was a terrific storm with lightning, thunder, rain and wind. We were thinking we might lose power again, but we were lucky and did not. Many people did however, including Austin's school. He was out of school for two days!

Wednesday I had to take Paul to the doctor for his 12 month shots. His appt was at 9:00 am and we were there at 9 exactly. Paul loved watching the other kids in the waiting room and although I was a little grossed out I couldn't keep him entertained for the HOUR we sat there so he crawled around with a little boy that was two weeks older than him. His doctor proclaimed him to be in good health. He is 22 lbs of chunk! He had to get 4 shots on his chunky legs. ONE AT A TIME. There is nothing harder in motherhood for me, then holding him down so they can poke him. Then they also did a tuberculosis test which was a poke in his arm. AND he had to get blood drawn from his finger. By that time his was worn out so he just pressed his head back on me and whimpered. 6 pokes all together! We finally left the doctor's office at noon. BLAH! *The high point of Wednesday was that I got to talk to Shayla for an hour. We rarely have that much time to catch up, it was great!

Thursday I somehow wrenched my lower back so now I can't really stand up straight. I suppose I could but I would have to scream really loud!

Today I had to take Paul back in to have his TB test read. Although I could have called in and said, "no bump on his arm, he's good." we had to wait in the waiting room 45 minutes for a nurse to say that. I also had our car inspected, it failed. I tried to get my hair cut, they wouldn't let Paul come back into the hair cutting area. To top it all off, I had to do all these things looking ridiculous because I couldn't stand up straight because of my back being in serious pain, and I still have long, ugly hair. Because Paul had his MMR shot, he had a little bit of a fever tonight and it made him very cranky. Tylenol and off to bed early for him.

Although it was a long week, and not over yet, I am grateful to have Jared. He talks me off the ledge regularly and makes me smile even when I don't want to. I get a little teary-eyed watching him with Paul, knowing that this was the kind of guy I always looked for, a wonderful daddy that my kids would be excited to see every time. It was a year ago this week we found out we were moving here, and it's been quite a wild ride, but there is no one I'd rather be here with than my boys. I love them both so much!

Paul's birthday and other pictures

2008-05-27T23:14:00.002-04:00

Paul had a great first birthday. We had a ward breakfast in the morning. Jared and I cooked pancakes, sausage, bacon, and eggs. Pretty talented ehh? Paul has many adoring fans in our ward, mostly my primary kids. They wish he would teach sharing time. He got lots of clothes from Grandma Nae, plus a sweet car (in pictures). Jared and I gave him a jungle story book that has the animals that you push and they make sounds. We also got him a bike trailer that he can ride in while I ride my bike. I'm seriously ready to start losing the baby weight. ;-) Jared had most of the day off, so Paul got to spend time with his favorite person!

Paul loves to play the trumpet

2008-05-25T16:07:00.002-04:00

Jared taught Paul that if you yell into something it echos or makes it louder. This was their first concert. Enjoy!

Our fun weekend

2008-05-18T17:27:00.003-04:00

This weekend we had the chance to visit Maryland. Jared's brother Jon is in the Navy, and just finished medical school and his graduation was this weekend. Jared's mom and dad, and two of his three sisters came as well, so all but one of the kids were there. We got to their house Thursday night and they graciously let us stay there.

We woke in the morning to rain, so we decided to go on base and go bowling. Jon's school is on the Bethesda medical center base, so we took a walking tour after bowling. The school had a graduation luau for all the grads and their families. It was so delicious! They had really good pulled pork and all the salads were yummy too. There are some nature paths on base so we walked through the trees and took some pictures there too.

Saturday we took the train into D.C. and walked to Constitution Hall where Jon turned from plain old Jon into Dr. Jon Miller. It was a great ceremony with all the pomp and circumstance. The Marine band, "The President's Own", played for the ceremony and the speaker did a great job too. It was a very stirring sight, to see all the men and women in their dress uniforms. After the graduation, Jared, Paul, and I met up with my friend Sarah and her husband. Sarah and I first met in 7th grade and we've been friends ever since. She is a policy adviser for senator from Massachusetts and her husband works as a press secretary for a senator from Arizona. (I hope I got the titles and states right!) We thought, (I thought, and Jared believed me) that it would be just as fast to walk to our meeting spot as it would be to walk back to the train station and then take the train to where we were meeting them. Well, needless to say, 2.5 miles and 7 blisters later, (SERIOUSLY, I counted!) we no longer thought it was a good idea. It was worth it though. We had a very fun visit and got to catch up. She is expecting her first baby in November and I am so thrilled for her.

After we got back to Jon and Ana's, Jan took us out for dinner at Macaroni Grill. It was MMM....MMM! We love their bread. There is very cool boardwalk and pond, so after dinner we walked around for awhile and let our dinners settle. Then we were off to the Lindt store, where there was chocolate a plenty. After we squirreled away some chocolate for the long summer, we went to Dick's Sporting goods to check it out. Our last stop was Barnes and Noble where I got a new Stephanie Meyer book called "the host". So far it's pretty good, although I don't like it as much as her series. Jared got a new watch magazine (surprise) and we got some treats from their bakery to enjoy at home. We all went back to Jon and Ana's and chatted and watched some funny you tube videos on the computer. We were sad to say our goodbyes, but hopefully it won't be too long before we see them all again!

Jon's graduation weekend

2008-05-18T17:23:00.001-04:00

Emergency Preparedness

2008-05-10T22:03:00.003-04:00

This is a cool blog about taking preparedness preparation bit by bit in an organized fashion and without spending a million dollars. Worth a peek anyway!

http://blog.totallyready.com/?cat=11&paged=3