Miller Time

2012-01-05T21:20:00.005-06:00

Things have been, um, lets say, CRAZY, since Eric got home. Its been a wonderful crazy. Try making a schedule with just you and your kid for 5 months, doing the same things over and over, trying to get through the day without missing him to badly, and then BAM, your husband comes home and all you do for 2 months is play. It was like a splash of the most refreshing water EVER. But last week, we both looked at each other and said we were ready for some sort of normalcy again. Him to work so he didn't feel like a bum, me to clean, do playdates, make bows for Britt, or whatever that gives us some sort of a schedule every day so we can have some structure.

Its interesting that God creates people with a different need for structure. I used to need a lot more. For me, that structure was a controlling device for me. I used the excuse of needing it, because I liked the way it allowed me to control my circumstances (or so I thought). The Lords been working on that in me. And oh, its oh so fun. Being a military wife has taught me a lot about being flexible, being okay with surprise trips or deployments. But this whole adoption this has sent me back to first base in a lot of ways.

As of right now, we are still in the middle of paperchasing. We probably won't be done until March, which after then, we wait. Wait to get a child. The unknowns of this whole process can sometimes just make my insides shrink up and want to die because there is SO MUCH that I can't control, things that I have absolutely no idea how it will all go down. How long will we have to wait till we get a referral for a child? Will it be 1 or 2? Will they have a special need? How old will they be? Boy or girl? When will we get a court date after that? Will we pass court? Should we take Britt with us? How long before we are submitted to Embassy? When can we bring them home? How are we going to come up with all the money? Will they hate me? What will their story be? Will they be orphans from birth, knowing well the feeling of abandonment and aloneness? Or will they have been orphans for a short time, because their dad died and their mom couldn't provide for them so she dropped them off at the orphanage? Will they hate coming to our home, becoming part of our family because their mom told them she would come back for them, even though she signed over her rights as their mother? Will Britt have ANY clue whats going on? Will they hate her? Love her? Will she hate them? Love them? How long will it take for them to be convinced that I am their mommy, and that I will NEVER, EVER leave them or stop loving them? OH MY GOODNESS ITS NEVER ENDING.

I'm reading Crazy Love. Yeah, I know. Way behind on that one. But I'm not a bandwagon reader and therefore I read Blue Like Jazz way after all the buzz died down as well. And of course, both books have rocked my world. Crazy Love especially. Its forced me to meditate on the question if I'm all talk, or if I'm willing to put my actions, my heart, and ultimately my life, where my mouth is. I SAY that I love Him. I SAY that I know He loves me. I SAY I trust Him. I SAY I am His disciple. But what He asks of me to actually BE a disciple, am I really willing to do? To lay my life down, pick up my cross and follow Him? No matter where? No matter what? No matter if my kids from Ethiopia kick, scream, bite and scratch me for the first 6 months they come home? No matter if they hurt Britt, because they've been hurt? No matter if they don't want me to touch them, love them, hug them, kiss them or tuck them in bed? No matter what??? Because God, GOD ALMIGHTLY, gave up His Son for me. The thought of Britt dying makes me choke on tears, but I can't even go to the place that would allow me to think of killing her myself. Its too horrible. But thats what He did for me. For you. He is the one responsible for His Son's death. And I know, that no matter what He calls me to, He will be there. His love for me is proven at the Cross. And therefore, I long to offer my life back, all of it, no matter what, to love Him always. He has called us to adopt. To adopt older children. Ones with special needs if thats what He gives us. And it scares the heck out of me. But I know He is able to love and provide and heal. So we will be obedient and trust Him. And take one step closer to putting into action what we often just talk about.

I have no idea what this year holds for us as we continue on this path. And yes, my controlling prideful self longs to know everything NOW and not have to wait, but I trust Him. For He is good and holy and just.

So cheers to 2012. For the unknowns and the messiness of life. And for being blessed beyond what I could ever ask or imagine.

PS - No reason for the pic. Just thought it was cute. And it makes me happy.:)

2011-12-09T15:29:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving was SO fun this year. We went to LA to spend it with the Coles. Man I love that family. It was SO fun seeing Phoebe and Max dote on Britt and watching them all interact.
We just hung out, ate good food, drank wine and made lots of popcorn.
While we were there we celebrated Britt's one year which I'll post about later. It was perfect and I'm so glad we could celebrate with family.
Bad shot, but this was our thanksgiving dinner.:) it was yummy. Levi's sister Caroline came Phoebe helped me make the apple pie. I love this kid so much.

The cousins jumping on the couch together. It was SO fun to see them play.
We went to a Jump Zone on Thanksgiving morning where there were trampolines EVERYWHERE. it was SO fun! Britt LOVED it. She loves to bounce so much - I wish we had one here.
Wearing our hoodies.
We FINALLY got to meet Campbell. Ah it was so good to hold him and see Sam as a mom. She is a complete natural and loves Campbell so well.
Isn't she beautiful??? She makes it look SO good. We had such a good time sitting outside, drinking some beer, walking around the neighborhood and just catching up. Love them so much.
Uncle Remix trying his baby whisperer hand at calming Campbell down.:) I love watching him hold babies. He's so hot.:)
We went to the beach one day cause it was warm and beautiful - it was SO fun!!!

Britt had so much fun squawking like a seagull, running and falling all over the sand and eating it too.:) It was relaxing and wonderful to just be together as a family. I would go back in a second. I love being near family and made my heart long for the day, if the Lord wills it, that we live close by.

Happy Birthday Britt-babe!

2011-11-28T17:27:00.008-06:00

Britt Louise. How you have changed my world in the most beautiful way. I have absolutely ADORED being your mommy. I cannot wrap my mind around how much you have grown, changed, learned and blossomed into a giggling happy chubby baby.

I remember the fear I felt as we drove to the hospital. I had no idea what was about to hit me and all I knew was that my world was about to get rocked. I remember the raw emotions that surged through my heart when the surgeon pulled you out and lifted you over that curtain and you gave your first cry. My eyes just flooded with tears and thought, "Britt is here." And I watched as the nurse tried to swaddle your little breech legs but they kept popping up to be at your head. I just laughted for joy through my tears. I remember your small soft little body against mine as you learned to breastfeed. I remember you falling asleep on me and we would just lie in my bed and I would stare at you, completely amazed that you were my daughter. And then we got to bring you home. You were ours. And you never cried. I didn't really know what to do with you, you were so good. You just made little grunting noises. You never cried when you were hungry, or when you had a dirty diaper. You just patiently waited for me to figure it out - what an unexpected gift your little laid back personality was. You took my heart and ruined it in the best way possible. You have taught me so much about Jesus and His relationship with His Father. You have brought me so much joy, so much laughter. I love love love being your mommy. I am a mess today because I miss this tiny you, and I'll never get it back. But mostly because I had no idea what was going to happen to me a year ago today and how instantly and hard I would fall in love with you. I enjoyed and relished every moment I had with you in those tiny moments, and I wish I could go back and do it all over again. I love your gummy smile and that you JUST cut your two top teeth when all your friends have at least 4. I love that your little head is barely covered with honey colored wispy hair. Your big blue/green/brown eyes are covered with long lashes and EVERYONE gives you compliments about them. I love your chubby cheeks, thunder thighs and massive Buddha belly.
I love how as you've grown, so have your opinions. You used to looooove getting your diaper changed and now its as if I am murdering you. You HATE getting dressed and getting your fingernails clipped. You love any kind of medicine, Tylenol, Mylicon, and your disgusting green/brownish syrupish vitamins and scream when we are all done taking them. You love to read, and bring books to us all the time. You love to bounce and jump on our bed and are CONSTANTLY on the move. You are not a cuddlebug, which makes me sad at times, but thats you and so I love it. You love food and are just like your daddy in the way you STUFF your mouth full. The concept of bites doesn't exist to you. I adore you Britt. You are my Buddy, my Brittalious, my Britt-babe. God was so kind to give you to us. I have loved this year of parenting. You are a delight to me and your Daddy. We pray that as you grow, you will discover the vast and deep and unending love that your Father in Heaven has for you. You were beautifully made by Him and you are His gift to us.

Don't tell me babies don't have nightmares. Because they do.

2011-10-09T23:08:00.003-05:00

My heart broke in a a whole new way about two hours ago.

It was when I heard Britt sobbing.

I haven't been sleeping that well the past couple nights so I was determined to get in bed a little earlier tonight. I had been lying in my bed for about 20 minutes when I heard something on the monitor. I clicked the screen on so I could see what was up and all I could see were her feet. She was nuzzled down at the end of the crib, out of the cameras view. Which is where she was 20 minutes ago when I checked the monitor before climbing into bed. But she was crying. Sobbing. Hard.

I waiting .5 seconds to make sure I heard her right, swung my legs over the side of our Wall of China bed and bolted to her room. I burst through the door, and she was still sobbing. I bent over her crib and groped around the crib for her, only to find her still lying down, completely still, just crying. I immediately picked her up and her limp body just laid on my chest. She was still sleeping. And sobbing. My eyes filled with tears as I fumbled for a small lamp to check her and make sure she wasn't hurt. After seeing she wasn't bleeding, I immediately shut the light off and just held her and rocked her in the dark. She cried and cried until she calmed down enough to take her binkie in her mouth and snuggle down into my arms where she promptly fell back asleep.

And then I completely lost it.

For multiple reason. One, it scared the CRAP out of me. Two, it was absolutely miserable seeing how scared and upset she was. But to be honest, what REALLY made me cry was the fact that my thoughts immediately flew to my other babies. The ones who at most likely already alive, living in Ethiopia. The ones that don't have their mommy there to run into their rooms, scoop them up, and cuddle them when they have bad dreams. The ones that are alone and abandoned. The ones that don't have someone to comfort them when they are sad, laugh with them when they do something silly and allow them to be kids instead of fighters for their lives. They don't know their mommy yet and its already killing me. They have me, they just don't know it.

The reality is, is that we will most likely receive "older" children. What I mean is that we most likely won't get infants, or even 1 yr olds. And if this is the case, our children will know SO well what it is to fight for their lives. What it is to not know if they will eat again. They will know that if they fall and scrape their knee, crying won't help anything because no one will be there to wipe their tears. And I will miss years. YEARS PEOPLE. Of their lives. I can't wrap my mind around it. Britt is only 10 months old and I have relished EVERY moment that she has grown, changed, developed, learned and I will miss all of that with our Ethiopian babies.

And as much as that breaks my heart, there is hope. Because I have a God who sees all, knows all, and saves every single tear that His children shed. And I know that as I grieve their pain, I can hold fast to the promises that He is with them, that He loves them more that I, and that He will NEVER leave or abandon them. He will be there when they have bad dreams, scrape their knee or do something silly. And I trust Him. He is good, and kind. And for that, I am so so thankful.

FUN news.

2011-10-07T19:37:00.005-05:00

So.

We are adopting. From Ethiopia.

:):):):):):):):):):):)

We are just a LITTLE excited. We are in the beginning phase of our paper-chasing stage, doing our dossier paperwork and our homestudy paperwork. Its a little tricky signing all the documents we need to, since Eric still isn't home yet, so it just takes longer cause he prints them off, signs them and then mails them to me, in which I sign them and then turn them into our social worker. But anyway, its happening and we are SO SO SO excited.

We are adopting through America World Adoption, the agency I worked for while in college. They are such an AWESOME agency. We have requested two children, either gender, sibling or unrelated, ages 0-5. So we really have no idea what we will be getting. Or how long it will take. There is a good chance we could only be referred one child since younger children are in high demand from Ethiopia (such a good problem!!!) but then again, God can do anything.

There are so many things to pray for, as I'm sure you can imagine, but ultimately if you pray for one thing for us, we ask that you pray that God is glorified and made known throughout this whole process. We have no idea what we are getting ourselves into. Adoption is a long, often messy and painful process. Its NOT easy. But we know we need to be obedient to the calling of adoption and so we walk forward.

We look forward to updating you along the way.:) There is a potentially long road ahead of us and we are excited to share it with you.

2011-09-16T13:47:00.002-05:00

Life By Brandi capture Britt in all her cuteness AGAIN. I am looooving Britt at this age right now - she is trying to walk, is constantly searching my face as she tries to understand me as I talk and is so giggling and happy. So her 9 month photo shoot was an absolute blast.My heart breaks when I look at her and see how much she has grown. I got genuinely POed the other day thinking about it. I have loved each new stage, I just HATE saying goodbye to her smallness and babyness. It drives me crazy!!I adore you Britt Louise. You hold my heart in your very small, often Cheerio filled hand, and I wouldn't have it any other way. What a gift and delight you are. I can't thank Jesus enough for giving you to me as my daughter. I am so so humbled to be your mommy.

2011-09-07T15:55:00.004-05:00

Lets be honest.

Any sort of control that I pretend to have of my life is one big fake. Yeah, there are definitely days that its easier and feels like no big deal to do 3 loads of laundry, fold AND put it away. But that is a rare occasion. Like super rare. Especially with Eric gone. If I'm honest, this is how laundry is done in our house.

I do a load. One. load.

It sits in the washer overnight and I usually have to smell it to make sure it doesn't reek of mildew. If I'm on my game, it only sits for a half a day.

Then it sits in the dryer for two days, until I am forced to take it out due to the fact that there are more dirty clothes to wash.

It then gets tossed on the chair in our bedroom where it can stay for 5 days.

5 DAYS PEOPLE. Its been longer too. I've done a week.

And of course some items, due to the serious wrinkles they have incurred, have to be thrown BACK into the dryer because this lady doesn't iron.

Thats just one example. Thats just the laundry. Go ahead and judge. You're probably spectacular at getting your entire households laundry done in 15 minutes flat and for that I applaud you. I'm really ok with the lack of control I have on my life in its entirety. I mean come on people, my husband and I voluntarily gave our souls to the Unites States Air Force 5 years ago. We have spent YEARS apart if you total our time up. We have missed more than 50% of our birthdays and anniversaries together. I have very very little control over my life.

But I'm ok with it. And its because it makes me so aware over and over that I CAN'T DO A DANG THING WITHOUT JESUS!!!! Even my laundry. Yep. Totally just did that. I just spiritualized laundry. But for real, I have to. In order to get through my day without being a complete mess. Because I don't have my husband here to hug me when I'm PMSing and just need a good cry. I don't have another set of arms or able body to help get dinner on, feed Britt, and make sure Ellen isn't trying to destroy my brand new patio cushions outside. And dang it, but I don't have someone to fold laundry WITH me. So Jesus shows up in so many ways that I can easily brush Him aside when Eric is home. It makes my walk with Him so alive, so real, so tangible. Because He's not just the wonderful Heavenly Father who I have a nice time with for 45 minutes in the morning with my coffee, but He's the one thats there when no one else is. And He is even when Eric is home, I just so easily forget.

Deployments suck hardcore. But deployments remind me on a daily basis that I have a Savior who wants to enter into my life in ALL ways ALL the time. Even my laundry.

2011-08-28T08:27:00.000-05:00

Its just been THAT kind of day.

Its not that I want to have company over every night to fill the house with another human presence. Its not that I want to spend hours on the phone after Britt goes to sleep so I can have adult communication. Its not that I want to write out an email to friends or family what I'm feeling so I can feel "heard" or "listened to". Its not that I want to get a babysitter and "get a break" from my baby girl so I can have free time to myself. Its not that I want to be invited to peoples houses for dinner and a movie so I don't eat salad with canned tuna and watch last weeks episode of Project Runway. All those things are wonderful and great and often help ease the pain or loneliness. Its not that I don't ever want those things or feel loved when I get those things.

It just that I want my husband to be home. So I can talk face to face with the person who knows me in and out and be listened to and understood. So I can be cuddled with on the couch and have someone else laugh with me at the funny parts in Shanghai Knights. So I can have a reason to make a legit meal that actually requires turning on the stove. I just want my husband to be home so I can use two hands to cook dinner, unload the dishwasher, bring the groceries from the car, rent a Redbox because not just anyone, but my husband is holding my baby.

Its just that I want my husband to be home.

2011-08-24T15:01:00.004-05:00

Its been a good couple days at the local Goodwill. Since Britt is now crawling and playing more, I decided to get her some toys. She had about 5 that she was completely over and I hate spending money on kids stuff cause it either gets ruined really quickly, they grown out of it super fast or they get bored of it. So to the Goodwill we went. I found this xylophone for $2.
This I think was $4.50. I saw these are the JBF sale on Monday and the cheapest one was $10. I put new batteries in, gave it a good scrub and it works like new.
This was $2 and its one of those push the middle and the bottom spins. She hasn't gotten the hang of it yet, but when I do it, she thinks its hilarious. We are working on her collection, but I want to keep things cheap. And not a ton at once. Or at all.
$2 bright lime green puffer jacket? Done.
I thought these were super cute shorts with little yellow and black birds on them. They had a cute pocket in the back and were $1.50.
The tags were still attached, Zebi clothing anyone? I've never heard of it, but they were clearly never worn.
These were $3 and super comfy. I have a pair of green New Balances but have always wanted a more neutral color like khaki or gray, so I was SUPER excited when I saw these in my size!
This chair was $9 and I LOVE it. It has such a fun shape and the crushed red velvet fabric is in fairly good shape. I'll probably reupholster is one day, but for now, it works.
I love the nailheads in the detailing. Its a really sturdy and comfortable chair.
And this is where it landed in my house after a good wipe down and vacuum.
Man I've missed Goodwill. Its good to be back.:)

2011-08-19T20:44:00.004-05:00

You're asleep and I'm glad you are. But only because you need it. If I had it my way, we would be in the living room, playing with your toys together. The last couple days your cough has made you cry and your crying makes you cough. Which then makes me cry of course. Its been hard being home alone again. Just you and me. Not because I want a break. I don't want a break from you. I love every minute with you. Something changed when your daddy left. It was like any part of you that felt like work, became a gift. A gift to wake up at 6am and feed you. A gift to rock you to sleep, lay you down, rock you to sleep, lay you down, rock you to sleep, and lay you down because you don't feel well and can't sleep. A gift to grocery shop, run errands, get the oil changed, go to my dermatologist appointment, work out, weed the garden, make dinner, do laundry, do my make up, go to the post office, - all just you and me. I call you Buddy more than I call you Britt. Because you are. You're my Britt Buddy.

As much as I have grown accustom to our little duo, I still miss your daddy. He was my first and still is my best buddy But even though that ache is there, you bring me so much joy Britt Louise. There are so many times throughout the day that I look at you, my eyes fill with tears and I feel like my heart is going to burst. I love the way you follow me when I leave a room, and when you round the corner, and see me waiting for you, the biggest smile replaces the look of concern that your face wore. I love how you smack the buttons on your exer-saucer to make them play music and when it turns on, you whip around with the proudest smile that just says "Look Mommy! I did it!". I love when you are crawling about and as I wash dishes, you crawl to my legs, put your chubby little hands on my calfs and pull yourself up, which always tells me you are tired and you want to be held. I love how you love your baths and pool times, and yet you are always trying to climb out just because you want to explore. I love how if I put my face close to yours, you lean in and rest your forehead against mine and give a little grunt of pleasure. I love how hanging upside down and sitting on my shoulders are your happy places. I love that when you smile, you tilt your chin up, your eyes completely disappear in squinting and your gummy smile takes over your entire face.

Tear are falling, (of course) as I type this. I just can't get enough of you. My breath gets caught in my throat when I think about these days being gone. You being grown. I relish every time I get to cuddle with you and rock you to bed because soon, you will be in highschool, with your headphones in, texting your friends. And those times will be precious too. I'm not dreading THAT. I'm just dreading THIS season of life being over. Because I just love it so so much. You are such a gift and I want to breathe, savor, enjoy, and live in each moment I have with you. I think of Mary in Luke when she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. I want to do that. I want to soak it all it, not wish it away.

You are such a gift Buddy. Straight from Jesus to me.

2011-08-18T13:22:00.003-05:00

I'm a mess.

Not in a completely bad way though.

My little sister got married to her best friend less than a week ago. Two weeks ago, my best friend got a call from the adoption agency after waiting 10 months, that she and her husband had been chosen by a birth mom and could they please come pick up their little girl the next day? My little brother is trusting Jesus in new ways that makes me so proud of him and SO thankful to be his sister. My brother in law got word after weeks of waiting, that he passed his comprehensive exam for his PhD and would be moving forward in his program. My older sister told me yesterday of the turn she has taken in her walk with Jesus and how He has shown Himself faithful yet again in her life. It made me weep with joy after I got off the phone. Monday night I arrived in Oklahoma from a 5 week trip, thinking I would be so relieved to finally be in my own home, sleeping in my own bed, with everything familiar. But instead was met with a deep sense of loneliness and emptiness. This house is not a home without Eric. It feels like he left all over again. And today. Today was the first day I didn't breastfeed Britt and its breaking my heart. I know she is ready - she's the one that has done it. But it just sent me over the edge.

So many of the above things are good things. Wonderful things. And the other ones I have full faith that God is using them to draw me closer to Himself. I just don't think I've cried so many tears in one month. Its a little absurd.

Thats really all. I just needed to write it out - cleanse my heart of it. Cry as I typed. He is SO good. So faithful. So loving.

Psalm 42:11b - Put your hope in God. For I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

2011-07-28T12:14:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was your birthday. It was perfect. Except for that fact that you had to work. Britt and I woke you up with a candle in a muffin singing happy birthday. Britt was a little confused. She didn't know why she wasn't being fed.:) But we sang and then cuddled in bed. It was the perfect way to start the day.
You went to work and we started our day, but the whole time just waited for you to come home for lunch. When you FINALLY did, we packed up and went to Rascals to eat BBQ. It was delicious. Britt loves BBQ so she was a happy camper.
You went back to work and Britt and I went to the pool to play for a while. I made you a lemon cheesecake during her nap and got a movie for us to watch that night. You got home from work and thats when the fun really began. We played Mumford & Sons on iTunes while I made pizza. Britt jumped in the jumper and giggled as you played peek-a-boo and ran at her saying "I'm going to get you!!!" You were in a silly mood so you danced like a crazy man for me and Britt. And then you grabbed me and we danced in the kitchen. I loved that Britt stopped bouncing and watched us and we slowly swirled in circles, hugging and kissing.
We put Britt down and we took everything into the bedroom. The pizza that just came out of the oven, popcorn that we had to pop ahead of time so as to not wake Britt, the lemon cheesecake, beer and the movie. We cuddled up on the bed, watching the Food Network and ate. And then ate cheesecake. And then ate popcorn. I sang happy birthday to you again and we just laid together as we watched the movie. It was perfect.
I wish I had taken pictures throughout the day. I wish we could stay here until its time for you to come home. But I am SO so thankful that we got to be together these last couple weeks - what a gift. God is so gracious to us to give us this kind of "deployment" We have such a wonderful heavenly Father.
I love you baby. I love being your wife and I love living life next to you. You are my best friend, my rock, my personal comedian, my HOT stud and the best father to our Britt. You are such a gift. Happy Birthday.

Weeding

2011-06-24T11:13:00.003-05:00

Disclaimer: This is not my regular post. Not that the Lord isn't merciful to me to show me things of Himself or that I don't continually learn HUGE lessons about how I'm so not the point and that He is everything, but I never really made this blog more than just our daily activities, home decorating, and just stupid stuff I do. But I wanted to share this. And may share more in the future, but I just wanted to warn you that you're getting my heart here - not an update on the new lamps I bought for the guest bedroom (although they're ballin!)

So we all agree that weeding flower beds are not so fun. Some love to plant, upkeep, water, and tend gardens that produce flowers or fruits and veggies. I am none of the above. I don't really like any of it. I'm just not a green thumb kinda girl. But above all, I definitely don't like weeding.

Well, thats all my flower beds have been this spring. Weeds. Like George of the Jungle weeds. So stinkin thick! Its incredible how FAST weeds grow. Unreal. Eric and I finally planted some bushes in the beds near the front door a couple weeks ago, but that was it, leaving it up to me fill the rest in and to make sure weeds don't grow back, aka mulch. Needless to say, I've been putting it off. And so the weeds grew. Fast. Fast like a kid chasing the icecream man truck on a hot summer day.

For some reason, although I think it was guilt of having the WORST. LOOKING. BEDS. EVER on the cul-de-sac and how I at least owe it to the neighbors to not be the outcast, I got the urge to do something about it. So yesterday I went to Lowes (I was a Home Depot girl all the way until they decided that military discounts were something they weren't going to do anymore so they lost my loyalty. And my money.) and got $95 worth of mulch, flowers and perennials to do this bad boy.

That was the easy part. Picking out flowers and dreaming up what I wanted the beds to look like. But I knew I couldn't avoid the several hours of weeding that I knew was ahead of me. You see, it wasn't just weeds - it was CRAB GRASS (please cue the Jaws music) Crab grass sucks. Not stinks. Sucks. You can't just pull it up. You have to shovel it out. The roots go so deep and it spreads itself wide, planting itself over and over so it makes the mangled jungle of grass and weeds. No bueno.

So after Britt went to sleep lastnight, I grabbed a beer (you think I'm kidding... I'm not), my shovel and garden gloves and WENT TO TOWN. For 2 hours. And I'm not even done. The weeds aren't all gone. I haven't even planted anything yet.

Ok, let me get to my point. Cause there is one, I promise. As I dug and dug. And dug. And the Spirit's sweet voice spoke into my heart and told me that my overgrown weedy flower beds are just like my heart. Choked full of sin. And I can try to cover up or mow over it for a quick fix to make it look decent for a time but that in reality it didn't actually remove the sin. As I continued to dig, I was overcome with the picture of how hard it is to battle sin. To truly win over sin it must DIE. It must be uprooted. Its easy to memorize verses with patience for when I feel impatient. Verses for anger when I'm mad at the guy who cut me off, and verses for contentment when I get tired of my clothes. But that doesn't win the battle. That doesn't rip out at the core. My flesh is strong, rooted deep. There is only One who can remove it. Only by the power of the Spirit can my heart change at all. And as little fun as weeding is, so much less fun is the weeding of my heart. Its painful, shaming and at times utterly devastating to see the wickedness of my heart smack in the face. But isn't it a gift? Isn't it absolutely beautiful when you fall so badly that you realize that its not you doing good. It never is. Its the grace of God and Spirit doing the work. The One who wooed me to Himself in the first place. The One who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. He is bigger, more powerful over sin. For He conquered the grave, raising Himself up from the grave and He reigns forevermore. And even in my broken state, He called me to Himself, made me clean, and now walks with me everyday, picking me up every time I fall, carrying me even if I think I'm doing it all myself.

So, weeding is no fun. But even admist the pain of having the roots of sin dug from my heart, I am able to praise my Sweet Savior for having mercy on my soul to show me my wretchedness, that way He may be evermore glorified in me and draw me into sweeter intimacy with Him.

Living room floor update!

2011-06-13T14:59:00.007-05:00

Well here it is! Finally showing you pictures of what the floors look like with all the furniture AND a rug!:) It took me forrrrreeevvver to find a rug. If it was the right size and price, I didn't like it. Or I'd like one but the largest it would come was 8x10 and we were wanting a 9x12. Or it would be the right size and I'd love it and it would cost $2500. Yeah, not happening. I got this one off of esalerugs.com after seeing a post from the Little Green Notebook about a rug she bought. They have a TON of rugs, mostly Persian. Which isn't typically my style, but I wanted something classic with a modern twist. So I looked for one with colors of pinks, orange, yellow, navy blue and teal. I searched that website for HOURS and finally found one.:) It's not EVERYTHING I dreamed of and more, but I liked it alot, it was HUGE and it was under $1000. Done.:) There are so many colors it could go with anything which is great for someone like me who gets bored so quickly. All I need to do it make curtains, which are these and then the living room is complete! Well... until I get bored with something and want to paint it.:)

The medallion in the middle is my favorite. I loooove the orange.

Just a few of the reason I absolutely adore you...

2011-06-10T15:47:00.006-05:00

You dance for me in the living room. And in the bathroom when we are getting ready in the morning. And in the kitchen making dinner. And covertly in the stores while we shop, ducking behind racks and displays to make sure no one sees you but all the while gettin' down on your bad self.
You get up in the middle of the night if Britt wakes up so I don't have to.
You make up your own words to songs, and even more often, just make up your own songs entirely.
You make me laugh so hard I can hardly breathe.
You don't hold grudges.
You love, love, LOVE cool nights with the windows down in the car and the radio blaring so you can sing to your hearts content.
You sing to Britt. All the time. And she loves it.
You are really really good with all children, not jut your own.
You are the most fun person I've ever been around.
You let me name our daughter after you.
You can, and actually like, eating sushi or salad for dinner even though it's not a mans meal.
You spontaneously burst into a beat boxing session at any given moment.
The glass is always half full to you.
You taught me how to throw a baseball.
You fill up my car with gas even though you barely drive it.
You are extremely loyal.
You push the toothpaste up from the bottom of the tube so I always have toothpaste readily available.
You make me feel beautiful and desired by whistling, making cat calls and telling me I'm the hottest girl you've ever seen. Daily.
You are gentle and kind.
You put the toilet paper on so the paper runs off the top. Because you know thats how I like it. Even though you like to run off from the bottom.
You have NEVER been in a bad mood. Ever.
Family and friends are so important to you and you will do anything to cultivate and maintain those relationships regardless of the distance.
You learned to like coffee just for me.
You genuinely love and like my family.
You feed and let Ellen out every morning.
You are diligent in spending time with Jesus every morning.
You leave voicemails on my phone in song form every time you're gone on a trip.
You don't take sports too seriously, therefore you never mope because your team lost.
After you work out, you stand in front of me and flex, and make me guess what you worked that day.
You are extremely generous to others and get so excited when there is an opportunity to give.
You are witty and funny. But not at other peoples expense.
You let me paint. And repaint. And repaint. Not just walls but whatever I want.
You have never felt sorry for yourself. Moping is not apart of your vocabulary.
You validate my feelings and speak Truth to me at the same time.
You love Britt.
You love me.
You love Jesus.

And if you only did those last three things, I would be the luckiest girl in the world.

I love you with my whole heart Eric Britt Miller. You are a gift that was molded just for me and I thank our sweet Savior for allowing me to enjoy you.

The Stud

2011-06-09T09:20:00.004-05:00

This was left on my voicemail by Eric this morning. It was sung to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine". Quotations are him talking.

you are my best friend
in all the world man
i love you so much
that i would eat sand
if you would ever
feel like you could do this forever
i would be thrilled
to love you

(that sounded like we weren't married)

so i'm glad we're married now (this is the second verse)
i love you anyhow (i dont know why i wouldn't love you)
i know i have a unibrow (because I don't pluck it)
but at least you're not a cow
this is the worst song
i could ever think of
but i still love you so much
that i could think of.

Best way to start my morning. He's incredible.:)

Birth Story Part #1

2011-05-05T13:53:00.001-05:00

I woke up that morning with no excitement or anticipation. It just was an ordinary day, or so I thought. Eric and I had decided the month prior to get off birth control, but it wasn't like we had tried super hard to get pregnant and I wasn't counting every day to see when I was suppose to start my period. So I wasn't looking for anything. I wasn't expecting really anything to change.

We had our normal morning routine of coffee, prayer, showers and the like. It wasn't until after he left for work that it dawned on me that I probably should have started my period. I remembered at one point someone telling me that I had 20 days from the day of ovulation to get my period - after those 20 days, you can basically consider yourself pregnant. So, I counted. I didn't know exactly when I had ovulated, so I counted from the last possible day I thought it might be, which was March 13th. I counted and then counted again.

Holy crap, this is the 20th day, I thought. Well, to take a test or not, that was the question. I immediately thought of the test that was under my bathroom sink. I had one on hand from a pack of two that I had bought back in January. I had taken one kinda thinking I was pregnant, but pretty sure I wasn't. It was more of "I kinda want to be pregnant, and I've never taken a test before, so lets go buy one and try" test. I was right - I wasn't. So this one was left over from that time.

"Just do it." I thought. "I'm sure I'm not."

…

"but what if I am?"

I bent down and rummaged under the sink in the basket that held odds and ends in our bathroom until I pulled it out. I stared long and hard at it and thought, "Come on Miller, just do it. It won't be positive." So then I took the few short steps to the toilet, sat down, peed on it and immediately pulled it out to watch the moisture run from the end of the stick into the little circle in the middle of the plastic. My heart was pounding so hard I thought I could hear it.

It was instantaneous. As the moisture ran over that circle, two lines appeared instantly.

"Oh. My. Goodness." I choked out loud as the two lines stared back at me, telling me what I felt was impossible but yet wasn't. Don't ask me why I thought it was impossible. I guess its cause every women has that small fear that maybe, just maybe, she can't get pregnant. And there's no way to prove that you can, until you do. And so here was the impossible, becoming the possible. I could get pregnant. I WAS pregnant.

I somehow managed to pull my pants up and stand up. Only to burst into tears and fall to my knees. Words of praise and astonishment filled my mind and mouth and I really have no recollection of what I actually said to Jesus in that moment, I just remember being so overwhelmed by His goodness and in disbelief that this was actually happening.

I slowly stood up facing the mirror and said out loud. "I'm pregnant. I am having a baby!" multiple times to my shocked face.

Then I thought, "What now?? What do I do now??" My first thought was Eric, but I didn't want to just CALL him and tell him. We hadn't talked about when my period was suppose to come or anything so it wasn't like he was looking for this. And I couldn't call my mom before telling Eric. But I had to tell SOMEONE!

The only person that I could think of telling, that I WANTED to tell, although at this point, I wanted to tell everyone, and was a safe person, was my mentor Ann. She had been discipling me for 2 years and I knew I could trust her to keep a secret.

It was about 7:50am at this point, but she picked up right away.

"Do you have a second to talk?" I asked after she greeted me and asking me if everything was alright, considering I had never called her this early before.

"Of course, I can talk. Whats going on?" she asked.

"I'm pregnant!" I blurted out.

"Oh Anna. Oh my goodness!!! How my!" she exclaimed, followed with laughter and questions. I was a blubbering mess. My brain felt like it was exploding as I tried to wrap my mind around the fact that I had LIFE inside of me. I was no longer one person but was carrying another. I didn't know how I was suppose to feel, because I knew that my life had changed in the moment, but my body didn't feel any different.

It felt good to share this amazing news with someone, but getting off the phone with her still left me completely flabbergasted that this was happening and DYING to tell Eric. So I called Sam and Lindsay, my two best friends, neither of which picked up. Super lame.

I got ready for work, my head spinning. Even though I was super close with my boss, Rick, I wasn't sure if I was going to tell him when I got to work. But who was I kidding. I lasted a whole 20 minutes before I told him. Yeah, couldn't keep this kind of news in.

It was at work that I realized it was April 1st. April Fools Day. Oh my oh my was I wanting to capitalize on this.

Thats when I decided I HAD to talk to Sam and Linds. I needed their advice and I was dying to hear them scream in excitement. I needed to scream for excitement! I called Sam, who is in LA first. Once she picked up, I pretended that I had another phone call coming in and asked her if I could put her on hold. And then I called Lindsay, who is in VA. I did the same thing to her and as they were both on hold, I merged our calls together, making it a three way conversation without them knowing. All I asked was, "Hey are you there?" as if I was coming back to my call to them. The second after they both answered yes, I blurted out, "I'M PREGNANT!!!" and like clockwork, we all screamed in unison.:) We then brainstormed how I should tell Eric, going from putting a bun in the oven at home and doing a scavenger hunt to find it in the end, to going out to eat and having the waiter bring his drink in a bottle, to just out right telling him. Eric and I have done April Fools jokes in the past, and it was too ideal to FIND OUT I was pregnant on this day - I just didn't know how to incorporate it!

I agonized over it all day. I even had lunch with one of my good girl friends, and sat there at Qdoba with her and her little girl, knowing the whole time I was keeping this big secret! I couldn't wait to get home. Finally at some point during the afternoon I decided what I was going to do. I was going to wrap the pregnancy test in a little gift box, with a card, inside explaining that because I'm lame and couldn't think of any type of joke to play on him, that I just got him a small April Fools day gift to replace it. I KNEW he wouldn't believe me when he opened it and would think it was some joke.

When I got home, I quickly wrapped it up, wrote the card and put it in my closet to hide it. My heart was pounding when I heard the garage go up. "How in the world do I act normal????" I thought.

Eric walked in and I was somehow able to greet him and make small talk for 10 or so minutes without acting weird. And then I said…

"OK, so you know how today is April Fools?"

"Yeah, I totally forgot that it was till earlier this afternoon."

"Yeah me too! I was at work when I realized! So, since I couldn't come up with anything good to do to you, I bought you a little April Fools Day gift."

"Okaayyy." He looked at me doubtly, with a small grin on his face.

I knew exactly what he was thinking. That this was another joke. Perfect. I had him right where I wanted him.

I ran into our bedroom, grabbed the gift and brought it back out to the kitchen and handed it to him. He slowly opened the card, read it and then reached for the gift. My heart was pounding so loud I was sure he'd hear it. As he opened the lid to the box, he kept giving me these little glances with the look like, "Whatever, you're totally trying to pull a prank on me."

He pulled out the tissue paper and at this point apparently thought the joke was that there was no gift, because the test was so light and little that he didn't see it at first. But when he realized there was something among the paper, he said, "What is it?" I just sat there and smiled so big I thought my face would break.

"What is it?" He asked again once he had pulled it out of the box and tissue paper. "Oh! Hahahaha, who's is this? Where did you get this?"

"Its mine babe."

"No, really… Like who did you have pee on this?? Did Gabby do it?" Gabby is a friend of ours who had just told us a couple weeks prior that she was pregnant.

"Hahaha no babe. Thats my pee. I peed on it…. I'm pregnant!!!!"

He had been smiling before, but this smile was different. It was the, I'm-not-sure-youre-telling-the-truth-but-I-want-to-believe-you smile.

"Naw, you're kidding. No way!" He said.

"Really. I'm serious! Thats my pee! We are having a BABY!!!"

He stood there, leaning up against the counter, holding the pregnancy test, looking at me, looking at it, looking back at me. "Really??? Seriously???"

I got up from the table and went to him, wrapped my arms around him, smiled and said, "Yeah. Really."

2011-04-29T11:06:00.004-05:00

Well here it in its entirety. We redid our floors last weekend and are loving it. The carpet we had wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. The seams were coming apart and it was filthy, regardless of the vacuuming and steam treatments we gave it. I mean, with a dog that has BLACK hair, its just hard to even keep looking clean, regardless of it actually being clean.

Eric had a week long TDY and was going to be arriving home late on a Friday night. Well, we were having a bunch of our friends over to do the floors early Saturday morning, so he and I ripped up the carpet the day before he left. Therefore I lived carpetless for a week - not a big deal, just wasn't very homey.

Ripping up carpet is no small feat. See the small strip of board around the outline? THats what the carpet is nailed into, and that is actually nailed into the concrete base floor. Ripping the actual carpet wasn't hard, it was getting the wood strip off the concrete and the padding peeled off as well.

Some success...
Our little "helper" was great at entertaining herself while we worked. I think she was in that thing for over an hr, just bouncing and talking to us.:) she's the best.
The padding didn't just come up - its actually glued to the concrete. So all those little pieces you see had to be scraped on with a hand scrapper. Yeah, no fun.
Getting somewhere!!!
Finally the floor was clear and all the furniture moved off the area. I have always wanted a couch in my kitchen, its a shame that this was clearly is too large because I loved having it there.:)
Ready to put the padding down.
Padding down, wood going down and taking a break for lunch. We had a great group of people who helped soooo much. We couldn't have done it without them.
Watching Tim Riley work his magic. He did the hallway, which was super tricky, and it looks UH-mazing.

Getting there!!!

Starting to really look finished. We put tape the floor because it was a floating floor, aka, not glued to the mat, it had a tendency to rise up, or pop up.
And here is the finished product!!!! I need to buy a rug, (I'm pretty sure I have one picked out from West Elm) and lower the curtains, (I just made new ones out of tablecloths from Goodwill) and we are set!

2011-03-14T13:53:00.003-05:00

Naked baby photos! Britt was in a super smiley mood the other day and I had stripped her down to play on the bed with us. It was sunny in the bedroom and so we whipped out the camera to get some fun shots. These were some of my favorite.:)

2010-12-13T13:48:00.003-06:00

Britt got her pictures taken yesterday by our favorite Oklahoma photographer, Brandi Welch. She was also our maternity photographer and I have LOVED working with her. This photo is just a sneak peek of what we did yesterday and I'm DYING to see the rest.:)

My mom leaves tomorrow morning after being here for 2 1/2 weeks. I've been so spoiled having her help me with Britt and am already dreading her leaving. She is SO much fun - Eric and I have had such a fun time hanging out with her, playing games, hanging around the house and eating a TON of english muffins.:) She will be very very missed. The upside is that she comes back in ONE WEEK with the rest of my family for Christmas.:) SO - I can't be too sad.

Will post more later!

Britt is here.:)

2010-12-01T17:32:00.002-06:00

SHE'S HERE!!!! I can't believe its actually happened. That I have a daughter and I'm no longer pregnant.Britt Louise arrived on Monday morning, at 10:58am via c-section. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and is 19 inches long. She was breech, the reason for the c-section and when they put her on the warming table, her feet flew up to her face.:) The nurse had difficultly wrapping her up cause she just wanted her legs straight up next to her head.:) Breech babies apparently make great gymnasts - total perk in my mind.:)
We just got home from the hospital today - so I'll post more later. I'm going to work on our birth story - because I believe every women has one, regardless of how they give birth.:) Plus, it'll be good to document to remember.

She is absolutely perfect and I fall in love with every passing moment. I am blessed beyond understanding.

2010-10-08T08:57:00.002-05:00

Nursery Update! And its just the beginning. It is seriously my new happy place in the house. I just love the freshness of the white and in the morning when the sun is filtering through the blinds, it feels like heaven. I cannot wait until she is there to complete it.

Sorry these aren't the best pictures, but this was at 12am after a long day of driving to Dallas to go to Ikea to pick up the chair and ottoman and then putting it together when we got back. It is so fun having all of her furniture in place, although I decided I'm going to place a bookshelf we currently have in the guest bedroom and put it on the left side of the crib for her books and some of her toys. But other than that, its just curtains, pictures, a mirror and the accessories that need to be added. Oh, and Britt!!:) The best part!
The crib was a find off of Craiglist for $100 and needed no clean up or painting job so that was a blessing.

I bought her blocks from Anthropologie and I LOVE THEM. I'm really into classic wooden toys, which Ikea has a lot of, for great prices, but these blocks were too cute to pass up.

I found the dresser at an antique shop for $70 and repainted it and put new hardware on it. I"m not sold on the knobs yet, but I'm letting it sink in to see if I want to change them. And clearly I have to drill new holes for the one drawer.

You'll get a full run through when its complete.:) Hopefully when we get back from VA, I'll get to crackin'. Only 8 more weeks till the due date!:)

2010-09-30T15:51:00.002-05:00

My friend Gabby, is an ultrasound tech. She was so sweet to offer to scan me for free in 3D! I could barely wait for the to day arrive, knowing we were going to get our first glimpse of our sweet baby girls face.

And low and behold, she has Eric's lips, exactly like I wanted.:) I love how big them seem, although I'm sure they aren't as huge as I think they are. And I'll take that cute button nose and those wide set eyes any day. I wonder how much she'll look like this when she actually arrives. Sometimes babies come out looking just like their ultrasound pictures, others, not so much.

I've grown impatient in waiting for her to come, not because I'm uncomfortable, tired of being pregnant or want an end to all the back pain, continuous hunger and need for sleep. Those I don't mind because I know it means I am growing our baby.:) No, I'm impatient because I JUST WANT TO HOLD HER! I am DYING to hold her in my arms and cuddle her, and finally be able to kiss her soft forehead, rather that just feel it as she presses her head up against my ribs haha.:)
Cute little feet.:) I got two sets of boots for her from a surprise baby shower that my Biblestudy girls threw me. They are SO cute and I can't wait to dress her up in them.

2010-09-07T09:14:00.003-05:00

We started painting Britt's room yesterday! It was so fun to feel like we were actually getting her room ready. I literally CANNOT wait for her to get her - and sometimes it feels like we're missing someone when its just Eric and I in the house.

We decided to do the ceiling last minute. We felt like it would flow better. And because we were lazy and didn't want to cut the ceiling.:) Us Millers don't use painters tape - Eric swears that if you have a good brush, you don't need tape. And he's really right. A good brush and a steady hand.:)

Darby, my good friend and also a fellow College Life adult leader, came up and helped us paint. Eric and I actually just spent Saturday and Sunday down in Dallas with them going to a John Mayer concert - WAY fun. She was a doll to come help us out.

I can't wait till its all done and I can start putting her things in the room. I still need to paint her dresser - so that will need to happen sometime soon.Yes, this was the "I will conquer this room in my Darth Vadar mask" pose. This is what I look like when I paint.:) Totally stylin'.

2010-09-02T11:23:00.002-05:00

Belly update! I really don't look that much bigger... in pictures or in person. At least I don't think so. But you know how I can tell??? I have an outie belly button, and it just keeps getting pushed out further and further and is starting to flatten hahaha. But luck for you guys, I'm not into naked belly pictures... er, I mean bare belly pictures. This is probably the last time I will wear this dress, unfortunately.

I will be 27 weeks aka basically 6 months, this Saturday, and my upcoming midwife appointment is the last monthly one I will have. Then I go to every other week. CRAZY!

Another big development in the pregnancy is that Eric and I just enrolled in the Bradley Method Class. I'm super excited!!! If you don't know about it, you can read about it here. But basically it prepares you, your husband, your body and mind for the whole birthing process. It involves the daddy A TON which I love and really helps you learn to worth with your body and the pain, as oppose to fighting it. So, we start in two weeks. SO excited!!!

2010-08-26T09:43:00.004-05:00

This is my mom's kitchen. Its been this way for... well as long as I can remember, but I know at one point the walls weren't burgandy. But the cabinets and appliances have been there since we moved in.

Since doing my own kitchen cabinets, my mom has thrown around the idea of painting hers. So, we decided that while I was out in VA after going to Canada, we would tackle it and just get it done. She wanted it to be bright, airy and seem more spacious. She gave me a budget and off we went!!

She had less cabinet doors to take off and paint, but there was 30 years of grime and dirt on them that we had to soak and scrub off before we could even think about painting. So that was an extra step that we had to do to hers that we didn't do to mine.
We used a Behr paint & primer in bright white for the cabinets and a mistint pale yellow that was also a Behr paint and primer in a pale yellow.
We cleared the counters, pulled the refrigerator and oven away from the walls and got to work!

It was quite the transformation!!! It made the room seem so much bigger, cleaner and brighter!

We threw away the old hardware and bought brushed nickle handles and knobs as a replacement. The cabinet doors used to have a handles as well and we decided that knobs would look better, so we filled one of the holes with wood filler, sanded it down and then placed a knob there as well.

We replaced the hinges as well - and at 9pm the night before my baby shower, we were drilling new holes in the doors and hanging them!! But the job got done and it looked fantastic!
Yay for a $300 new kitchen!!!

2010-08-20T13:43:00.008-05:00

Good grief, its been practically another lifetime ago that I updated this blog. I am so sorry. Really. I know there are people who love us and have longed to be apart of our lives and know what is going on, and I have just been so unmotivated to blog. I'm hoping that now, with no job, I will get better at it and back into the swing of things.

This is the lowdown of what has happened in the past 5 months!!!

We went to Virginia and told all our family and friends that we were having a baby - and the morning sickness took off at full speed.:) We got to watch some very dear friends of ours from college get married. Joe and Rachel are perfect for each other and it was so fun to celebrate with them.
All the JMU Dukes at the wedding. I miss them all so much!!!

Went to Virginia Tech to visit John for his birthday. We rarely take a normal sibling picture.:)

Went to L.A. to watch Levi, my brother in law, get his Masters. He is getting his Ph.D at Biola University and has worked SO hard during his time in school. It was a fun sibling trip, Rachel and John came out as well, and Eric got to experience LA for the first time. I got a horrible cold and of course was throwing up the whole time.:)

Phoebe and Max with Uncle Silas, Levi's brother. I miss these kids like crazy.

I went to Tulsa to see Alex, one of my Biblestudy girls compete in the Miss Oklahoma Pagent. She did wonderfully and we were all completely hoarse from yelling so much by the end.

All the Biblestudy girls that came out to support. Alex placed 5th, or 4th runner up, out of over 75 girls!!! We were SO proud of her!
Mom's rose bush grew tons and tons of roses this summer.:) I have loved having all the color in our house and being reminded of her.And definitely the highlight of the summer - we found out Britt was a GIRL!:) Totally shocked but completely overjoyed, I have grown so attached to the fact that she is a girl, it would be a hard pill to swallow if she popped out a boy.:)

All our friends who came to celebrate with us. Notice all the blue.:) There were so many that thought she was a boy!:)

I threw a baby shower for Whitney, a dear military friend. Her and her husband Mike are expecting their first, Lydia Nicole on September 16th. We had such a good time. We had a hat party instead of a conventional all baby themed shower. It was so fun.

Two different kinds of quiche, recipes via the Pioneer Woman, 4 different types of scones paired with lemon curd, raspberry jam, and cream cheese. It was such a yummy party!
I bought Britt's bedding!!! I'm so excited about it. It has been on sale for the past 5 months at Pottery Barn and thank goodness it still was when I ordered it! I have been so indecisive about how to do her nursery that it took me forever to buy it.

My two best friends, Sam and Lindsay, came out to Oklahoma to visit. It was soooo refreshing and even though it was short, completely what I needed. I miss them every day.:)

Brandon, Lindsay's husband, who Eric lived with during college was able to come as well. They didn't have any fun at all together.:)

Lindsay and I got matching running shoes. No big deal. You can start to see my belly here.:)

Eric bought me tickets to a Rascal Flatts concert down in Dallas and night at a hotel. We had a fun date just being together. It was so fun! This was up in our cowboy boots and get up.

Eric wouldn't stop taking pictures.:)
I grew a baby.:)
I redid my mom's kitchen, (entire makeover to come). Cabinets, walls and all. This is the before shot. It looks SO great now!
I went to Canada with my family to our cabin on Aylen Lake. It is always relaxing and a great place to get away - although I was really missing Eric since he wasn't able to come.
There is no other place that I know that is as peaceful and calming as Aylen.
Whew! And that about wraps it up folks. I am really making a point to get back into my better blogging habits - so now that I'm basically "caught up" we can move forward.:) I love you all - and thank you always for reading.

2010-04-13T08:31:00.004-05:00

Well, here are the two things we picked up at the flea market! I'm pretty excited about them! This little table was $25 but I got it for $20. Super sturdy, all wood, lots of detail, round and pedestal. Love it all. I've been looking for something just like this for this spot beside the couch and one of our leather chairs. The size and shape works perfect for the space.
I love the detailing.

This beveled mirror was onl $30 and it's HUGE
I am loving it. I really disliked the cast iron ornate huge thing that hung above the mantle. It came with the house, you can see it here. It was finally time to say goodbye.
Sorry it took me so long to get this up for you all to see. My work computer was being funny all week and I was just too lazy by the time I got home from work.:) Happy weekend!

2010-04-08T14:10:00.001-05:00

So here's what I've been up to. Actually, these have been done for a while, I'm just lolly gagging on creating an Esty account and selling them. I LOVE cakestands, and giving lift to anything. All my makeup and perfume are on a cakestand, my sugar, splenda and coffee fixer uppers are on one, my camera's resting place in the kitchen has its own cakestand. I use them for SO many things besides cakes.:)
Stacking them is so fun and pretty.

But I wanted to give you a sneak peek of what I've created and what I am hoping to sell. They are all lovingly created and handpicked by me. Vintage and antique china, and also more modern pieces.
Now I'm getting hungry for cupcakes.:)
This one actually has 22 carat gold around the edges. Its such a dainty filigree design that is so pretty.
Annnd, to top it off for a lovely weekend, there are TWO GIVEAWAYS going on!!!:)

One over at Home & Harmony - some beautiful glasses of your choice. They are super cute!!! And the other at Ticking and Toile, for a copy of "At Home with Country" by Christina Strutt. Go check them out!

And have a lovely weekend! Eric and I going to hit up some garage sales and a flea market! Can't wait!:)

2010-04-01T07:12:00.002-05:00

My house smells like new couch.:) Its SO amazing having a couch again and this one is FABULOUS!!! I couldn't seem to get off of it.:) Its so wide, so comfy, so squishy yet firm, and WHITE.:) Perfection.

I can't wait to get the rest of the furniture painted and brought inside. I did the coffee table and a small side table lastnight, I just have to varnish them before they are finished. Ahhhh, its finally coming together.

These are my new pillows!!! I made the stripped covers when my mom was out last month, and the small yellow ticking buttoned ones I got from Goodwill that had come straight from Target for $3 each!!

I'm so grateful for my new couch.:)

2010-03-31T09:54:00.002-05:00

TA-DA!!!! I apologize for the yellowish pictures, I took them early morning so they kinda have a glow.

I'm so loving the white. It makes the space feel brighter, cleaner and fresh. The next project is to actually paint the kitchen. I'm pretty sure we're doing a very very light gray. I love gray and white together!!!

Whaddya think???And we're getting our couch tonight!!!! I'm so so so excited! Going 2 months without a couch wasn't super fun, but it will make have a comfortable beautiful couch soooo amazing.:)

2010-03-30T21:28:00.002-05:00

We had a momentous occasion this past weekend. I ate my first corn dog. Ever. I have NEVER had one before and really never had a desire. My mom didn't let us eat much frozen food apart from frozen veggies and popsicles growing up so I missed out on the corn dogs, bagel bites (although I have had those and love them) and chicken nuggets. Well, this weekend was Norman's Medieval Fair - quite a sight to behold. There were so many raccoon tails poking out of peoples rears, women's busts busting out of their corsets and long flowing cloaks that I really didn't need a corn dog to make me nauseated, the Fair itself was doing a fine job at that. Oh, and I got to watch a 70+ man put a sword down his throat. Actually, that's a lie. I didn't watch. I got the gag reflex and looked away. And then just stared at Erics face as he stood memorized with his mouth gaping open for the full 1 1/2 minutes it took the dumbie to slowly shove that thing down his esophagus.

But it did offer me the chance to have a corn dog. I was instructed that in order to try my virgin corn dog, it had to be at a state fair or something, not just the corn dogs you can buy frozen at the grocery store. I slathered that sucker up with ketchup and mustard, took a huge bite, and was done with it before I could swallow. Not my thing. I don't like em. It was too greasy, I didn't like the graininess of the corn, and overall it was just unpleasant. I think I'm gonna stick with grilled hotdogs in a regular bun, with ketchup, mustard and dill relish.
But I did it. Be proud. Oh and tomorrow I'll show you pics of the cabinets. Sorry its taken so long. Just one of those weeks.:)

2010-03-23T18:07:00.005-05:00

Well this is what our kitchen has looked like for the past 4 days. We are in our final stages of spraying the doors with the air compressor and letting them dry and I'm hoping that tomorrow they will be all placed back in their rightful spots.

This is what my house looked like. Therefore this is how my brain felt. IN DISARRAY.

So I bought these to make myself feel better. Boy did they ever.

I put them above my sink so I can look at them a million times a day. Thats actually not true. I don't stand at my kitchen sink a million times a day. It just feels like that. And I'm not even a stay-at-home-mom yet.

I put one by my bed too.

I like starfish. Can you tell? I promise I didn't bring the one from the kitchen into my bedroom just as a prop for the picture. I really do have two. Just two though.

I found this little mirror tray at the Goodwill this past weekend. I LOVE IT. I think its actually suppose to be a framed mirror, like one you hang up. Nope, not in this house it won't. And I LOVE the people on top of my mirror tray. They are some of my absolute FAVORITES.

I found this little gold clock during one of my treasure hunts. I'm really not entirely sure as to why the previous owner got rid of it because it is ADORABLE and cannot be cheap. Just needed a new battery.

And my slowly growing collection of mercy glass candle sticks. I once had a very dear friend ask me if there was any particular reason why I didn't put candles in my candlesticks. I had no explanation for her. And I still don't.

Can't wait to show you the finished kitchen!!

Ps. - I apologize for the randomness of this post. I'm not quite sure how we got from painting kitchen cabinets to discussing what resides next to my pillow.

2010-03-19T19:36:00.003-05:00

This is what I did today instead of working. I went to work, but then got sent home because the meeting that I had, got cancelled. I'm not complaining.

So, I tackled this project. I had been wanting to make topiaries for awhile, but the supplies for them can add up real quick. From the pots, to moss, and floral foam but then I read this. Julie has a great blog that is super practical and lots of fun decorating tips and made topiaries the other day that were SUPER cheap and really adorable! I found these little pots for $5 a piece at Hobby Lobby - they were 50% off therefore perfect!

Heres the first one. I think I like Julies better but they are cute and definitely made the living room more springy.
And the second one. I made Eric drive down the road the other day when we were out because we lack a supply of trees in Oklahoma our neighborhood and so I had to steal from behind a church.
Ignore the splotch of white paint on the mantle. I got into a painting frenzy about a month ago and starting painting anything I could get my hands on. Eric caught me right has I had done my first couple strokes and made me put the brush down. I still want to paint it. But then again, I want to paint pretty much everything in my house at this point. Happy Friday!!!

2010-03-18T19:21:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure why I made sushi tonight. Its actually kind of cruel because Eric LOVES sushi and he's flying tonight and won't be home till 10 or 11pm. BUT - I did make two extra rolls for him, so all he has to do is slice and serve it up. I was just in the mood. Its so yummy, filling and yet very healthy. I used canned tuna, red pepper and avacado cause it as all I had in my fridge, but it was deliciousness. I find that a lot of people are intimidated by making sushi - it really is quite easy, it just can be a little time consuming. But if you keep your filler ingredients to a minimum, its not that bad. I've been to and have put on sushi parties before where everyone assembles their own and they are so fun! It gets everyone involved and everyone likes touching their food.:)
One roll filled me up, and there was enough rice to make to rolls so those are in the fridge for Eric if he comes home hungry. I am off to work on one of my many projects. Sewing, painting or making topiaries... not sure which one I want to do haha.:)

2010-03-12T23:18:00.003-06:00

I found this blog posted on facebook on my sisters profile. And as I sat and wept at the complete abandonment that this young woman has come to for our sweet sweet Savior, I prayed and pleaded that I would be that obedient to follow Jesus. That I would lay down my life, no matter how small or big. That I would remember what it cost Him has he hung on the Cross, separated from His Father. I pray you are blessed, challenged and reminded that our time on this earth is so so short. To waste not a moment.

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

2010-03-10T14:56:00.003-06:00

Giveaway - love them. Lola B's in one of my absolute favorite blogs to read. She has a dry and witty sense of humor, is a wonderful mother, picture taker, decorator and a wonderful homemaker. And she's having a giveaway today!!! Go check out, but only if you like pretty things.:)

2010-03-09T14:49:00.002-06:00

I want this truck. Isn't it so fabulous and vintage??? I would so much rather have this one than a new one. I love old, dumpy trucks.:) We are going to look at trucks tonight and I'M SO EXCITED!!!!

2010-03-08T17:46:00.002-06:00

Mom and I have been having tons of tea. Especially today. It was rainy and kinda cold. So we sewed (I can't wait to show you what we did!!) and drank tea. We've also watched the Masterpiece Emma which was 4 hours long, watched Pride and Prejudice lastnight and about to go on a hunt for Persuasion. Can't get enough of Jane Austen!

2010-03-06T17:08:00.006-06:00

We did a little bit of this lastnight.:) For some reason, it just jumped into my head that I needed to make chocolate covered frozen bananas. Don't ask me why. I've never made them before. But boy are they good!

This is what you'll need: Good chocolate, (I used Ghirardeli), cream, bananas and lollypop sticks.

Halve and peel your bananas.

Place a stick up the middle of each banana and lay on wax paper until dipping time.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler, in the microwave, or just in a pot - however you'd like. Add a little cream to smooth out the texture - although, this seemed to make it less smooth in my case haha. All the other times it worked!!

And then dip those babies!!! Cover them good with lots of chocolate.

And Mom loves nuts - so she put nuts on hers. You could do coconut, pecans, walnuts, mini chocolate chips, chopped up Andi's mints - anything you want!

And then enjoy.:)

Have a happy rest of the week!!

2010-03-04T16:13:00.002-06:00

Mom is here!!! I am absolutely loving it. We have already worked out, gone thrifting together, gone on walks, watched Emma and had plenty of heart to hearts. She just refreshes my soul. She is here for a whole week! So, I'll probably be a little more more MIA then usual. Love you all!

2010-03-01T19:02:00.003-06:00

I have been BEGGING Eric to let me paint the fireplace white. It just needs a fresh look. He, however thinks its too risky. What's risky about white, I ask??? These are just a few pictures that I have found, (I'm sorry, I'm absolutely HORRID at remembering to source them) to try to convince him. What do you think? Yes it would look great? No, thats a terrible idea? I need help!

This is the current look - wouldn't white look SO GOOD?? - Sorry, the only shot I could find was from Christmas.

2010-02-28T12:57:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry for being so uninformative the past couple weeks. Its been a busy couple weeks, but not cause we've been partying it up or anything - its just been a lot of stuff at home. For those who don't know, I'm starting up a business, flipping furniture, and this starting phase has been a lot of selling our current pieces of furniture on Craigslist - for a profit of course because us Millers only get the best deals when we buy furniture, but it makes for a crazy house.:) And I've been thrifting like insane woman, and am on Craigslist 24/7 trying to find awesome deals. And boy have I ever! Its gotten me into the decorating mood too. Doing little things to the house that I've been putting off. Like this little project. I've been wanting to put some photos, or some sort of personal touch in the kitchen. I like picture frames in the kitchen, its a little bit unexpected - unless the pic is plastered on the frig with a magnet (and we have plenty of those, which I love) but I just needed a little bit more "us". I found this set of small picture frames in the dollar aisle at Target - but they were $2.50. Apparently the $1 aisle isn't limited to $1 items.:) I picked out three colorful photos from our shoot with Rebekah and voile - it was just perfect!

So much better. A little bit of us in the kitchen.:)

2010-02-24T08:37:00.001-06:00

Would you like to see my glasses collection? Probably not, but here you go anyway. Apparently I have a fetish with glass.

The regular, but nice drinking glass:

The bigger, not as glamorous drinking glass:

The white wine glass - I am only starting to drink red wine:

The fancy ice tea or water glass:

The champagne flute:

The cocktail/juice glass:

The small juice glass:

Stemless wine glass - probably my favorite of all:

Yep... its a bit much. We're all entitled to our obsessions though right?

Please don't judge me.:)

2010-02-23T08:22:00.002-06:00

This is seriously the best marinara sauce I've ever had. And its SO stinkin' simple. Its light, fresh and you get to just enjoy the taste of tomatoes!

1 28oz can of whole tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
5 Tablespoons of butter - its why its so amazing!!
1 med onion, peeled and halved

Stick all the ingredients in a sauce pan and let simmer for 45 mins or so. Take the onion out and serve hot over angel hair or any pasta of your preference. You won't be disappointed!

2010-02-20T23:29:00.003-06:00

I love these girls. They bring so much joy to my heart.:) We had such a fun night eating homemade pizza and oreo balls, yum! I've been leading these girls for over a year now, and its crazy its only been that long. I feel like I've known them so much longer.

Lauren and I made the pizza. And Courtney made the oreo balls.

Lauren wanted them.:)

Beautiful ladies.

Thats gross. And really funny. And very Laura. Only she would let Ellen do that. I won't.

Trying to get the camera ready and I caught this beautiful scene. Love Kaci and Carol.

We look normal, happy and quite cute. Cause we are.

NOT! We're crazy, slightly dysfunctional and we LOVE to have FUN!:)

2010-02-17T08:31:00.003-06:00

When I woke this morning, I went out to the kitchen and saw this on the table.

We are refinancing our home... so naturally Eric was pouring over the documents because he loves this kind of stuff. All the money we're gonna save and all.:)

I just couldn't resist though. The reading glasses are CLASSIC. Don't you love Air Force issued reading glasses??? They make me so happy hahaha!

Ohhhhh yeeeaaaah. Thats some hot stuff right there.

Sorry babe.... just couldn't resist.

2010-02-15T11:28:00.003-06:00

We had a Pink Party lastnight! Everyone was instructed to wear pink and bring a dip of some sort to share. It was really fun! I got Eric and I pink shirts at the Goodwill on Friday since we were both lacking anything in that color in our closets. I made red velvet cake balls, guacamole, and 7-layer dip. We had crab dip, fruit dip, chili dip, and mozzarella and cheese sticks. It was all so yummy!

Andre won the best dressed award. Sweet looking suit.

Dick and Ann. Ann is my mentor and her and her husband have come alongside our Biblestudy to help lead/encourage/give wisdom. They are WONDERFUL.

We tried for a really long time to take a picture as a group. Right as the camera went off, someone popped a balloon. Callie freaked out.:)

Finally made it.

Kiss your valentine!!! Yet what you don't see in this picture was the fact that Eric as he went to put his arm around me, I leaned in to kiss him and he nailed me in the mouth with his elbow. So he was kissing me very gently at that point haha.:)

2010-02-14T17:44:00.006-06:00

My valentine, planned a wonderful surprise for me lastnight. He told me we had plans and that I had to get dressed up and look nice. So, thats what I did. We left the house at 6pm and headed toward downtown OKC. But we drove right past the exit for the city and kept heading north. I was super intrigued at that point and had no idea where we were going. We ended up in the Arts District, at Paseo Grill. It was the cutest little building and looked really fancy. We went it and waited for our table. And thats when I saw Callie and Kyle! I was so excited we had bumped into one another and how random we picked the same restaurant on the same night!! And soon after saying hi, Callie and I realized that the boys had planned it all along.:) It was so fun!! We had such a wonderful evening eating delicious food, talking and laughing about the song that literally played for 45 minutes STRAIGHT. It was still playing when we left and there were 5 words to the ENTIRE song. "Put yourself in my place." I'm not kidding. The techno guy sang those five words over and over and over and over and over and over... you get the point. It was SO FUNNY!

We then went bowling in our dress clothes. I'm sad I don't have pictures of that because Eric with his nice button down shirt and khakis with bowling shoes was very cute.:)

There were spectaculs at each table to help you read. We couldn't help but play around with them.

Callie and Kyle had to take a picture of them and the number 20 for a scrapbook that was being put together for Callies dad and step mom who were celebrating their 20th anniversary.

2010-02-12T08:15:00.001-06:00

I love this breakfast. Toasted english muffin, cream cheese and some sort of berry. So so yummy. It reminds me of my days when I was a teller at a local bank. I ate this Every. Single. Day. Which is weird for me because I don't like repetition when it comes to my food. If you've never had this - TRY IT. I swear you'll fall in love.

2010-02-10T21:09:00.001-06:00

Your Trash, My Treasure has been nominated!!! Go check her out - cause you might have been nominated too.:)

2010-02-09T21:39:00.002-06:00

This was our evening. It used to be a regular for us. Homemade popcorn + Sequence + bed = pure greatness. It really is a great combo. I got home from work and was so exhausted (and that was after two cups of coffee and a Diet Coke - I never drink that much caffeine!) so I went straight to bed, woke up an hour and a half later and was immediately informed that we were going to the gym. I didn't mind, just a little groggy eyed. I miss these nights when Eric is gone. It makes me not take them for granted. Goodnight friends!!

2010-02-08T17:20:00.002-06:00

For those of you who follow blogs and love the giveaways...

There's a fun giveaway at Ambers Notebook going on!!! Go here and enter! http://www.ambersnotebook.com/

There is another one at In No Simple Language - http://lilacsandavocados.blogspot.com/ if you have a dog. There is reeeally cute collars that she is giving away!!!

Both are on my blog roll if you are ever interested in checking them out in the future.

2010-02-08T13:50:00.003-06:00

We are the proud owners of a new Pottery Barn couch!!! I am SO SO SO excited! Never in my life did I ever think I would buy a piece of furniture from Pottery Barn - I'm a Craigslist girl all the way! But as Eric and I talked about buying a sofa for the next 15-20 years, we could not find quality and the type we wanted on Craigslist and so we resorted to department stores. We found this one at Crate & Barrel that we LOVED. Our biggest criteria was being deep. But after waiting a couple months, we went back to look at the reviews and saw that there were several issues with it that we weren't comfortable with. If we're gonna spend some moolah, it better last.:)

We wanted a couch that super comfortable to cuddle on, watch a movie. Our old sofas were ugly and lumpy, but we sold them on Craigslist for $200!!! I was glad to get rid of these guys.

And THIS is what we bought today. I loooove it and cannot wait to have it in my living room. We have the two leather chairs that will be paired with it and I think will look really classy. It doesn't look very long or wide, but its 87 inches long and 41 inches wide. Just perfect.

2010-02-08T07:30:00.003-06:00

This past Friday night, Eric and I went to the OU versus IU hockey game. We have a friend, Kyle, who is their athletic trainer and so we got in free with his wife Callie. It has been so fun getting to know this couple. They love to laugh and are a blast to hang out with. This was actually my first hockey game, which was exciting for me, but I was told by Callie that it was a pretty boring game and that I needed to come back to one where we actually play a good team. OU beat Illinois 10 to 3. Either way, boring or not, we had a great time.

We came back to the house, ordered a couple Mazzio's pizzas and played Mad Gab. Oh. My. Gosh. I haven't laughed this hard is so long. At one point Callie and I were literally rolling on the floor. If you haven't played this game, or have never heard of it, it is SO worth trying! We found our copy at a Goodwill and have already enjoyed it so much. The premise of the game is to read the words that is written on the card and by slurring the words together, you recognize the phrase that is coded inside of the words. For example, written on one of the cards was this: "Beak Hall Size Heads Hoe." And if you say it fast enough or emphasize the right syllables, you'll hear the phrase, "Because I said so." HAHAHA! Its hilarious because you sound like you're talking in broken English and there were times we were laughing so hard we couldn't get the words out. I highly recommend Mad Gab.

Its easier to just listen sometimes to your partner say the phrase to you, rather than help them read it off the card. One of the highlights of the evening was when Eric shut his eyes, bowed his head and told Kyle, "Speak to me Kyle." We lost it.:) Here Kyle is listening to Eric trying to decipher the phrase.

2010-02-06T13:36:00.002-06:00

Our dear friend Ben Lopresti, where we met at James Madison, moved to Denton TX to attend Tommy Nelson's mens program for the year. This was the first time we met up with him for dinner (we are horrible friends) but we had such a wonderful time!!! Ben is a very loyal friend, along with being brilliant. He loves Jesus so much and is very articulate in what he believes. He has a such a grasp on the Scriptures, its really amazing listening to him talk. We talked about the Emergent Church, being apart of the military and how that compares to the Word, not having the last word in conversations, (especially when you know you're right.:) and so much more. Its always a stimulating conversation with Ben.:) It was a wonderful time. We are blessed by him and his friendship.

2010-02-06T09:08:00.002-06:00

For some reason, I woke up at 6am this morning and just couldn't go back to bed. So, instead of being bitter that this is MY day to sleep IN, I just decided to roll with it. No bitterness harbored though.

I had my devotions, switched out pictures on our walls from our photo shoot with Rebekah, made some decorations for our Pink Party coming up on Valentines Day, cleaned the kitchen and then started the coffee for Eric and I for when he woke up. This sight makes me so happy. I love our M mugs from Anthropologie and our new french press (that I'm still learning how to use) that we got at World Market in Dallas a couple weeks ago. Coffee is so much more yummy when made in a french press and when it is drank out of a pretty mug. I tend to only use the french press on weekends when I have more time to enjoy it. Otherwise, its automatically brewed at 6:55am every morning by the coffee maker.

2010-02-05T07:13:00.004-06:00

I LOVE lighting. I HATE one big overhead light, but prefer multiple lamps on to give a warmth rather than a starkness. The ceilings in our living room are about 11 feet tall, and so when you flip on the ceiling fan, it just doesn't feel warm! So, I have 4 lamps that I have scattered through the room so I don't have to use the ceiling fan.:) But below are some beautiful lighting fixture, mostly just pendants and chandeliers because I'm looking for a pendant over my kitchen sink and a chandelier (definitely not as fancy as these are - they are just so pretty I had to show them to you) for the office.

These three pendent lights are off of Pottery Barn. I love simplicity and the rustic/factory feel these have. Retro, but up to date.

Hahaha this chandelier I saw on Overstock.com and just had to share it with you cause it's so outrageous! In Paris, the hotel in Vegas, they have one of these but its like 15 feet long!:) Kinda ridiculous, but if anyone could pull this off, Vegas could.

I love the shade over chandelier kind. Its just says effortless glam to me. This one is off of Overstock as well.

As is this one. I love crystals and black together - so chic.

This lighting fixture is way awesome - its from Pottery Barn. One of my girlfriends has it - Blogging with Taylor, in her living room and its so neat! She is a graphic designer about to graduate and has impeccable decorating taste. I fell in love with it the first time she showed it to me.

This chandelier is from Overstock, for $185 whereas the one below is from Pottery Barn - for $300. And if you look at them closely, I'm pretty sure they are the exact same kind. Overstock is a great way to compare prices and see if what you want can be bought for MUCH less.

2010-02-03T20:16:00.004-06:00

I consider my thrift store excursions treasure hunting. There is so much to look through, so many places that treasures might be, and very often, I walk away disappointed and just come home empty handed. BUT. When do you do find that perfect item (especially with the perfect price tag) it makes me so entirely happy.

Actually, it's a little disturbing how happy I get.

But whatever. Here is my latest treasure!! I am so so excited about it, mostly because it saved us $400!! Here is a chair from World Market, priced $400, that Eric and I really liked and have been saving for several months to buy. We wanted to get two, and then purchase one couch. Being in the military makes me always try to consider what other kinds of homes we might live in when I am purchasing furniture, just cause ya never know what you might end up in. And instead of getting the traditional loveseat and sofa combo, we decided to do two leather chairs and one sofa in order to have the ability to split up pieces of furniture in the future if needed. These chairs were on the smaller side and even though I loved them, weren't super comfortable because the seat wasn't very big.

And then browsing through a consignment shop last week on my lunch break, I found two of these!!! I flipped. And then called Eric.:) We went down the next day and looked at them together. I asked the guy who was running the shop if he would ask the owner if she would be wiling to give us 10% off if we bought them both (never hurts to ask) and he called her right then and she said she would! So we bought them on the spot for a grand total of $389, which included tax! Now we just have to sell our couches!! To Craigslist we go...

2010-02-03T08:26:00.000-06:00

I'm sad its gone! I love the snow! Its the worse part - the melting ugly process. There are piles of brown snow everywhere and it all just looks super dreary rather than a dreamy winter wonderland.

It makes everything so pretty.

Here am I, making some white of my own. Sorry for the bandana - I hadn't showered that morning since I was planning on being inside all day painting.

Some of my projects.

Oh. my. goodness.

2010-02-02T14:45:00.001-06:00

I am SO freakin' stoked about LOST tonight!!! Anyone else?? This is my thing though, as excited as I am, I have plenty of questions I feel need answers, and I will be very very disappointed if all the loose ends aren't wrapped up during this last season. I have spent plenty of time dedicated to the Oceanic Flight 815 and I feel they are obligated to make sure that watching this confusing mess is well worth it.:)

Like, the whispers in the jungle. Where do they come from? Where are they? The black smoke - what is it? I mean, we know what it does (beats people up and also gives people visions of what they must do) but what is it really? And how does the Island have a black smoke security system floating around? Kate - she is a topic all in itself. Will she end up with Jack or Sawyer? Or neither? Why is Locke dead and yet his body is being inhabited by some dude? Why were they called to the Island, and is it really as "life giving" as they say? Were they never suppose to leave? Are the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, & 42 really cursed?

Anyone else have questions you are wanting answered? What are you most excited about seeing this season?

2010-02-02T09:59:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER!!! Rachel is one of the most caring beautiful people I know. And I'm really not saying that because she's my sister. Its because she truly is. I know so few people that really love, care and take an interest in every individual, and especially in those who are hard to like or get along with. Rachel has taught me so much about loving Jesus, living a life that counts and keeping my eyes on the Cross. She's a thinker and loves to ask "Why?" which is a constant source of growth and stretching. But beyond all of that - she is one of the funniest people I know. Living with her for a month this past year was probably one of the most fun things I've ever done. I laughed more in that month that I normally do all year long. I just LOVE being around her.

I love you Rae. Thanks for being a goof and yet taking Jesus so seriously.

Thank you for being the most wonderful sister anyone could ever ask for (of course you share that role with Sarah.:)

I love you and you make my world SO much better. I am continually amazed at the grace of God that He has bestowed on my life by giving to you to me as my sister.

2010-02-01T21:33:00.006-06:00

This is what I did during my snow days... Eric and I spent about 2.5 days inside after getting iced/snowed in this past weekend. And it was just perfect for all the projects I wanted to do. I have gotten on a kick, well, its actually more like an obsession, with refinishing furniture. And to be perfectly honest, I would LOVE to sell my pieces, but lets not get ahead of ourselves here. Here are some before and after shots of a table I did this weekend.

And here how it has been transformed! I love the way it looks. I'm going to put it in between to armchairs (I got off of Craigslist that I'm reupholstering) in the office. It will be just perfect!

The antiquing.

And all my supplies...:) Come back for more! I have so many other projects to show you!

I think white is dreamy

2010-01-30T17:26:00.005-06:00

Some may not think so, but I'm OBSESSED. I have loved white for FOREVVVVVER. Always in clothing, and from afar, in decorating. I thought that people would think white on white was boring, and that even though I loved it so, I couldn't pull it off and that my house would look like a hospital or blank canvas with no personality. Everyone always seem to say "Color! Color!" "What color are you going to paint?" "What color are you going to buy that in?" And I have always read that you should decorate your house the way you dress, because its what you naturally gravitate towards - so if we are talking my closet, and you're talking about style, my closet says comfortable, a little prepp, more boho, a little traditional, and a little rocker/edgy every once in a while... not super helpful huh? I'm a little bit of everything! Ahhh, you see why this has been so hard for me? Are you feeling sorry for me yet?;)

The nice thing, is my closet doesn't have to have cohesion. But - my house does. My kitchen, dining area, and living room all flow together. And if I decorated with the colors I tend to dress in, our choices would be black, gray and white. I gravitate towards those three colors over and over. So, we don't have much to work in that department, do we?

So I just started looking at whites. White dining rooms, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and I have fallen absolutely in love. I can do it! I can have my white and not feel sterile. (Although having a Rotteweiler will not help the keeping things clean in a white house thing.) So I wanted to share with you some photos that I love and have inspired me in my journey with white.

I LOVE this kitchen. Especially the white tile as not on the back splash but the entire wall!

This living room is a little too shabby chic for me, but I just love all the textures and different shades of white. (Another obsession of mine are chandeliers and mirrors - and this room has both - total win.)

This nursey, SO PRECIOUS! I want to do something similar for my baby girl or boy - white is so versatile! Its not gender specific and feels so clean and fresh.

Another living room - a little more modern with some glam, definitely more my style.

This living room is HOT. A little too modern for my home, but I still love it! The floating stairs are awesome and I love the clean lines of the sofas along with the accents of a lot of black and gray. This is my closet in a room!!!:)

I have ALWAYS had a thing for canopy beds. I just find them so romantic and dreamy. But they can often feel, Victorian or country, but if done right (in white, in my opinion.:) it can be so perfect.

Again, another canopy dreamy bed. Man, I've used dreamy a lot - but white just IS!

I love this light fixture - its from Ikea. I love the moderness in it, but its shells, so it has a shabby chic, beachy, not so stuffy feel to it. I LOVE WHITE!!!:) What colors do you love? What colors just tend to pop up in your homes and apartments?

13 days of chili are baaaaack.

2010-01-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Remember this? From here? Well, it is that time again. Time to bust out the big pot and stock up on kidney beans and high grade ground beef/turkey. If you have no idea what I'm talking about you really should go back and read last years post about it. It's a fun story, one I hope we can keep up long after we have children.

We kicked it off this past Monday (we are now on day 5 out of 13) and Courtney came over for dinner. Court is one of my Biblestudy girls.:) I love her. It was fun to share this with her. She was feeling a little shy for the camera that night.:)

Next up? White chicken chili!!!!

Ugggghhhh I want it baaaaack

2010-01-28T22:50:00.002-06:00

I am absolutely DYING to have my long hair back. WHY IN THE WORLD DID I CUT IT ALL OFF???? Oh yeah... I donated it. And it was worth it. Seriously. To be able to give someone hair, real hair, to make them feel more like a person again is really really cool. To help make anyone feel more feminine, pretty or just plain normal is a really special thing. I would totally suggest you do it - at least once in your life.

But all that aside, I reeeeallllly want it long again. I hacked it all off almost one year ago. And its slowly coming around. And when I say coming around, I mean growing. These two pictures of Sienna Miller (can we just talk about the fact that I have loved the name Sienna for so stinkin' long, but there is no way under heavens that I could ever name a child that now, since there is a well known actress with that name, followed closely with the last name of MILLER. Dreams dashed of ever having a daughter named Sienna. Awesome.) and Jennifer Aniston are ones I've had saved on my computer ever since I lost 13 inches last March. I'm dying for summer golden highlights and long layers. God was so smart when He made our hair grow back. He knew I couldn't take permanent change.

Ski trip, birthday, brother came to Oklahoma

2010-01-28T16:46:00.000-06:00

I love being on top of a mountain with Eric. It's so freeing, like nothing is holding us back. I completely forget everything. There are no thoughts of the future or past, just thoughts of the present.

Elizabeth and Laura. They are both complete joys and tons of fun. And good ski/snowboarding partners.

The town of Crested Butte, CO is below. It was an adorable little town with tons of coffee shops, vintage stores and restaurants.

Darby and Laura helping me prepare dinner on my birthday.:) They were wonderful.

Lots of garlic bread. I mean, when you're feeding 28 people...

Making sure everything is just fiiiine.

Paper products. Lots of paper products.

All the people to feeeeeeeed.

My birthday cake! Made by the lovely Sarah and Laura and recreated by Darby.:)

Happy birthday to meeee!

Cats leave paw prints on our hearts. I mean seriously, the BEST sweatshirt ever.

Out to dinner in town the last night.

John and Steve being goofy.:) They make me so happy.

John surprised me and came out to go boarding. I freaked when I saw him.:) It was the best birthday present EVER.

I LOVE THE MCFALLS.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I could eat it all.

Love you Laura Gassaway. One of my Bstudy girls.

Lots of Catch Phase. It got intense sometimes but was so fun!

We needed some green in our house

2010-01-27T18:35:00.003-06:00

And so I bought some plants. I found these adorable little pots for $1 each at Goodwill this weekend! And we have no plants in the house (except for the one my mom gave me over Christmas vacation which is what got me inspired to bring more "life" into the house.) I forget what they are called but aren't they cute?? I'm really hoping I don't kill them. I don't seem to have the best luck with plants, but I think it purely comes from my lack of patience to maintain them, and oh yeah, water them.:)

I promise I'll post pictures tomorrow of the ski trip. I've been putting it off cause I had so many to upload. But they are ready now, I just have to narrate through them.:)

Carcassonne, champagne and cheese.

2010-01-21T23:01:00.006-06:00

I was suppose to host a Wine and Cheese night the other day. It didn't happen. So, we packed up the leftover champagne from New Years Eve, the gouda and manchego cheese that I had bought for the party and went down to Jeremy and Michelle's where we played games and ate lots and lots of cheese. It was yummy. The company and the cheese.

I could eat cheese every. single. day.

Have you ever had gouda with HONEY? It's amazing. You should try it! Just slice a hunk off and dip it in honey - the creaminess of the cheese and sweetness of the honey is absolute deciousiness in your mouth.

This is one of my favorite games. It looks similar to Settlers, the game I posted about a couple weeks ago, and thats cause its made by the same company. Its super interactive, and even though each person is their own team trying to win, it definitely involves everyone in decision making and strategy, so it feels less competitive. ALWAYS a good thing for me.

Wes likes the peace sign.

Darbs looks super cute in her hat. Love her.

Braces? No thanks.

2010-01-21T11:42:00.006-06:00

I went to the dentist yesterday. Fun, I know. I actually don't mind it horribly. I don't have a fear of the dentist like some other tend to have. I've never had a traumatic experience. Just the normal annoyances that come with any dentist visit. For instance, the fact that my hygienist (and I think I'm pretty safe saying MOST if not ALL hygienists in the world) likes to talk more than she cleans my teeth, therefore my 45 min appointment turns into 1 1/2 hours. I'm not exaggerating either. My regular 6 month cleaning literally took 1 hour and 30 minutes. No flouride, no x-rays. Nada. Just cleaning.

Anyway, back to the whole talking thing. It's always been a mystery to me when it comes to dental hygienists and their overactive mouths. I mean, don't they understand that when they're sticking both of their hands in my mouth, and then proceed to ask me important questions such as, which TOMS do you like better? Silver glitter? Or gold glitter? Either one or both of the following will take place: there will be a long awkward silence and which will feel like I either don't like the question, or are contemplating really long and hard about silver and gold glitter, or are just trying to ignore the person that sits 3 inches from my face. When in fact, what I'm really doing is contemplating the fact that if I do try to answer, it will be completely inaudible and sound quite like a rendition of "Chubby Bunny" and I, very well might begin gagging and choking due to the pool of saliva that has gathered at the back of my throat. I usually go the Chubby Bunny/choking route. Not wanting to appear rude is definitely more important to me than the possibility of gagging to death. I would really like to see the implementation of a mandatory Learning the Timing of Talking and Questions during a Dental Visit 101 class during dental school.

Anyway, there is a point to this post and that is the fact that I was told by my dentist during my visit that he feels it is 100% mandatory I get braces. BRACES. Uuuuuuuggggghhhhh. Are you serious??? Why didn't I get them in 4th grade when they were cool??? (I literally used to pray every time I went to the dentist that she would tell my mom that I would have to get them - that and glasses. What was wrong with me??? Glasses and braces?? Ultimate geekfest. Geeze. Well, I got the glasses wish granted very nicely, since I am considered legally blind these days by the driving/optometrist world. Thanks to stupid stupid stupid 11 year old prayers and bad genetics.) Anyway, apparently the type of bite I have, which is an overbite, is condusive to severe jaw and teeth problems 15-20 years down the road. He says one side of my jaw is working properly, and the other side isn't. Therefore, braces would correct the way my teeth lay, therefore causing my bite to shift into correction position. Yada yada yada. I am SO skeptical when it comes to stuff like this, ya know, huge money making industries that try to convince young middle-class society to partake their life altering, could not live without, services. Braces and orthodontists definitely hold that place in my head. I know they can be necessary at times, and they ARE a life saver to those who have horribly crooked teeth or severe jaw problems. BUT MY MOUTH IS FINE. I grew up with a very very VERY good dentist telling me for 20 years that braces would be beneficial (due to my crooked bottom teeth - purely cosmetic reasons), but not necessary. Then this young dentist has the audacity to tell me that it is 100 PERCENT MANDATORY that I get them! Tell me that's not hard to believe. I have too much faith in my childhood dentist, who not only loves Jesus (thats qualifies you to be VERY good at whatever you do, doesn't it?) and very good at what she does (no, but really, she is), and saw my teeth from ages 4-20, to believe she would have missed the fact that my jaw/bite/teeth will be in dire need of reconstruction come 10-15 years.

I was going to give you some pictures of people with braces just to finish the effect off, and then decided I'd spare you. But I did googled braces. And guess what came up? Tom Cruise and Ashley Judd's picture. By heavens, wouldn't you know that they have both had braces in recent years?? Well if that didn't make me want to jump on the metal-brackets-in-my-mouth bandwagon right now. Please note dripping sarcasm. Just thought it was interesting they popped up.:)

I'll keep you posted. And any opinions/advice/experiences including braces are welcome. Please.

Yele Haiti

2010-01-17T16:58:00.003-06:00

One of my best friends, Sam Ballard, is married to this really cool guy. His name is Jordan. I'm a pretty big fan of Jordan. I'm also a fan of his vintage t-shirt company, Local Celebrity. Jordan and his brother are based out of L.A and t-shirts can be bought online, but also sell in stores such as Urban Outfitters. The shirts are super comfortable, very well fitted for both girls and guys and are made of high quality material.

In light of the tragedy in Haiti, Local Celebrity has collaborated with Wyclef (if you don't know who that is, you're clearly not into hip-hop) who is a native Haitian and started the foundation Yele Haiti several years ago. LC has designed a t-shirt to help fund assistance for Haiti during this time. The Yele Haitian/Local Celebrity shirts are $30 each and 100% of the proceeds go to helping Haiti. Visit www.localcelebrity.com to donate and get an awesome t-shirt as well - PLEASE HELP!

Ever have a need to cook 18 chicken breasts?

2010-01-10T21:13:00.002-06:00

Cause I did. Eric and I are going to Colorado on Tuesday with the college group we do ministry with. And I'm the cook for 28 people while we are there. So this is my preparation for the Santa Fe soup I am making for one of the dinners. I figured it would be easier to prep here than do it in some condo with who knows what kind of dishes and utensils.

I like chicken... but this is just gross in my opinion. I can't take that much cooked animal meat in one sitting. Ugh.

Lasagna's for one night! It'll be an easy night of cooking - which I'll probably do on Tuesday (my birthday) so I can hit the slopes and not have to come back too early to start dinner.

LOTS of canned beans, rotel, stewed tomatoes, corn - all for the soup. My budget is $540, but I think I'm going to be waaaay under, which will make Jeremy happy.:)

Happy Birthday to me!!!... a week early.

2010-01-08T15:17:00.004-06:00

This is what Eric bought me for birthday! I LOVE IT! I have always wanted a cross, but have found very few that I have actually liked. I wanted one that was simple, but different. And this is both. I love love love it.

It's meant to "rest around the hollow of your throat" or so the designer of this cross says. We found her on Etsy. Have I said how much I love it??

I thought this was a fun shot.

Just missing the Phoebesters

2010-01-06T17:54:00.004-06:00

Isn't she just the cutest thing?? Ahhh, I can't get over her little scrunched up nose, big brown eyes and curly head of hair. It was so fun hanging out with her over Christmas. She has truly grown up to be a beautiful little girl. Phoebe, of course, holds a special place in my heart as the first niece/granddaughter of the family. I cried when I got the call she was born, and then cried again when I held her for the first time. Rachel and I swear we will never be able to produce children as cute as my sister has, I mean seriously. Who can compete with that curly head of hair??

Love it. She looks SO much Sarah in this picture. Those eyes are HUGE!

She is very much into Cinderella and being a princess. I believe her Grandma (Levi's mom), got her this for Christmas.

She also aspires to be the next Karate Kid.:) This is one of my all time favorite pics of Phoebe and is actually the photo for my desktop on my Mac. I just can't get enough.

This one makes me feel like she's saying, "Look me straight in the eye Daddy. What about what I'm saying do you not understand??" Hahahaha... she would too. A strong and wonderful aspect of Phoebe's personality is her strong will and her ability to speak it. She is not disrespectful (most of the time) but if she doesn't want to do something, such as play with certain toys, or come hug you, (which is always sad, but you gotta respect!) she won't. I love how Levi and Sarah allow to make her own choices, even at 2 1/2.

Settlers

2010-01-04T19:36:00.006-06:00

We've been playing this a lot lately. Christmas in Virginia brought plenty of Settlers lovers at my parents house with my siblings and then also with Eric's brother and sister-in-law. We have dear friends staying with us right now that are some of our first Settlers friends. It sounds so... cultish, doesn't it? Kinda is. You're either in the Settlers of Catan Club.... or not.

We played until 1am lastnight with Julie and Chase. And of course left the board up so we could play again tonight. That is if Julie and Chase ever get home from their dinner....

I have a love/hate relationship with Settlers. It can be a very frustrating game, or very invigorating. The entire nature of the game has EVERYTHING to do with what the dice decide to roll - naturally, that being pretty unpredictable. So, you can have the best numbers and the dice are your best friends, or it may not just be your day.

But it makes me happy. It reminds me of friends. I love looking at the inside box top where the winner of every game puts their name and the date so we can remember when and with whom we've played. It's filled with family and friends from California, Virginia, Oklahoma, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Canada and more. I love it.

Champagne & Confetti

2010-01-02T21:27:00.009-06:00

This is the third time we have hosted the Fondue New Years Eve Party. Its kind of becoming a tradition. Which I love. I love having parties at our house and we rarely do anymore. As much work as it is to put on a party for 25 people, cheese and chocolate fondue with all the works, champagne and beer included, it is always a blast. I never am sure who out of our friends will show up, but it always turns out to be so fun. Everyone is asked to dress up, suits and cocktail dresses, bring $20 to cover the costs and are invited to spend the night. I make scones and coffee for breakfast and then it's normally sitting around until 1 or 2pm to play games and talk.

People getting their cheese fondue on. It is so yummy. I had two fondue pots going and we ate almost at it all!

We always have a "photo shoot" backdrop so every couple can take a picture in front of the Happy New Year sign. I got smart last year and didn't write the year on it, that way I can use it every year.:) One less thing to do. So here we are, boa and top hat included.

All the guys and their spiffy suits. Even Casey got dressed up! (He's come in jeans the past two years just to spite all of us.:)

The girls - all decked out.

Whitney and Abby. Beautiful ladies.

Darby, my ex-roommate from this summer. I love her. And her husband Wes in the background.:)

This is the original bunch. The couple on the right are the Russells, who now live in Nicaragua and the couple on the far left, Kenworthys, live in NYC. But these were the couples that helped start the tradition of the New Years Eve party and I love everyone of them.

Happy 2010!!!! New Years Eve kisses!

Kelly, a wonderful and dear friend, apparently didn't like having Eric taking her picture.:)

Every year I put confetti on the ceiling fan and when the ball drops and midnight hits, I turn it out and the confetti floats down on everyone. It's really fun, but horrendous to clean up. I find bits and pieces of confetti all throughout the year. Its a fun reminder of all the fun and excitement of a new year.

Lots of confetti.

Lots and lots.

Breakfast the next morning.

So fun.:) Until next year! Happy 2010!!

New Years Resolution

2009-12-30T10:54:00.009-06:00

Well folks, it is that time. When we all review the year that just took place and look forward to the upcoming, hoping to learn from the past and better our future. This year is no different. Except for the fact that for the first time EVER, I will be making my very FIRST new years resolution. I have never been into new years resolutions. You see, if you know me at all, you know I am embarrassingly one of the most competitive people you may run into throughout your lifetime. I am so competitive that I compete with myself. ALL THE TIME. Its actually really really REALLY annoying. It mostly comes out when I'm at the gym. For example, here is a glimpse of what happens in my head

[Anna thinking to herself]:

"I'll just swim 20 laps, then get out and do some abs.... sounds like a plan."

....about the 18th lap...

"What? Can't do the last 15 laps to finish the mile? That too hard Miller?

"No, its not too hard. I just don't want to."

"Riiiiight. Its cause you can't."

"Nooooo, thats not why. I said, I don't WANT to."

"You can't.."

"Yes I can."

"Can't."

"Can!"

"Can't!"

"OH MY GOSH FINE!!!! Another 2 miles!"

Quiet snickering.

I need help. I know. But anyway, THIS is why I have never made a resolution because I knew I would HAVE to follow through, due to my competitiveness - ALL YEAR LONG. I wouldn't be able to give up. Which is kinda funny cause I feel like most people try their hardest NOT to give up. Me? Nope, don't have the problem. So here I am. Looking into 2010 and am about to embark on a new experience. So here it is:

For an entire year, for personal purchases (will be descibed in detail later) I will ONLY buy used items. Nothing new. It must be bought from garage sales, consignment shops, thrift stores, ebay, or hand-me-downs, the ONLY requirement is that it is used.

I will be blogging about my experience down reused, someone-else's-trash-could-be-someone-else's-treasure lane if you would like to join me. You will find me here, scavenging through other peoples things, looking for all kinds of goodies. Who knows what kind of hunts I will have to go on this year - and hunt I will, because if you have ever spent any amount of time in an Oklahoma thrift store, you would know they are NOT organized the least bit, nor is there rarely anything worth purchasing.

And THIS was my last purchase for the next year as a consumer of all things new and unused. I bought it yesterday, out of sheer terror of losing all things new.:) Just kidding... kinda. I will say though, the last purse I bought was from a flea market for $2, and I get a TON of compliments on it... I wonder if this purse, though $38 more expensive, will evoke the same response.

So I hope you decide to join me on this fun adventure. Happy New Year! Hope to see you at Your Trash, My Treasure!

Phoebes first snow

2009-12-22T09:37:00.002-06:00

It was so fun watching Phoebe in the snow. She had a blast. John, Eric and Levi built her this massive snow fort, complete with a slide on top.:) Since she has spent the majority of her little life in LA, this was quite an exciting event for her. She loved to throw snowballs at everyone.

SNOW!!

2009-12-20T19:19:00.005-06:00

Man we got a lot of it too. We arrived in Philly around 9pm on Friday night and when we woke up Saturday morning, there was already 6 to 8 inches on the ground. By the 6pm that evening, there was a good 18 inches and in Virginia, Facebook was reporting 20-22 inches. It was SO fun! Except when Eric and I decided to go visit Lauren and Jeff and we had to drive back in it - and we took the wrong road and so it took us 2 1/2 hours instead of the 40 minutes it should have. Seeing the Bryants was definitely worth it though.:) We have missed them and it was good to have lunch and catch up for a bit.

So pretty.

Me and Lauren. It's always a treat to see her. We lived 3 doors down from each other while at JMU and would have sleepovers, wake up and go to class. She was a bridesmaid in our wedding and still remains a dear friend. I love her to death.

The whole Bryant Family.

Ridley and Cooper, the Bryants dogs. They are adorable and very well behaved.

This is on our way home from the Bryants... it was not a drive in the park. We spun out once and that was pretty scary. By His mercy, Jesus got us home safe and sound.

Love me some Hatz's

2009-12-19T16:26:00.009-06:00

Eric and I drove started our trek to the East Coast on Thursday. We did a whole 16 hours to Cleveland so we could see some of my family on my Dad's side. They barely know Eric and so it was so fun to stop and spend some time with them. We arrived at 11:30pm after spending 16 hours in the car, drinking nothing so we wouldn't have to make many stops. We ended eating Taco Bell, (which I had not had in 6 years - it'll probably be that long again before I enter one of their establishments) This was the wonderful signed that welcomed us into the Hatz home - it was so sweet! Katherine and Kelsey let us use their room which was so nice of them.

We started the morning with Eric showing everyone up on the piano. Celine Dion, "My Heart Will Go On" is definitely the way to go when you want to get into the Christmas cheer - cause thats what was playing.:)

Their tree was HUGE!!! It was 10 feet tall and that was after shaving off 2 feet! It was beautiful!!! Eric would LOVE to have a tree that size if we had the room - the bigger the better in his opinion.

Love my beautiful cousins Kelsey and Katherine. I helped to take care of Katie when she was just a few months old and spent hours playing with Kels when she was a little girl. They have grown into beautiful young ladies who are such a delight to be with.

And Rock Band begins. Eric had the grand idea of bring our PS2 and the whole Rock Band set so we could play and boy did it come in handy. We heard "Creeper" and "Say it Ain't So" about 10 times each. Eric was so fun with watch trying to instruct everyone on their instruments. "OKAY! We're in BAND now! This is for real! This is the REAL thing! We are ready to ROCK! Are you ready to rock?!?! Let's get ready to ROCK!!!" Hahaha, it was awesome.

Katherine was a natural on the drums. True rocker at heart.

TJ was our singer - ALL DAY. He busted some rhymes like no other.:) What a cutie.

Tim had some serious skills on the guitar. He actually plays the drums in "real life" so of course he was good on those as well.

Kelsey is such a pretty rocker.:) Love you!

Some more pics - I mean seriously, we were on this all day.

Adam and his son JJ. It was the first time I got to meet JJ and he is such a doll!!! Gorgeous blue eyes and the cutest chubby cheeks.

Hanging in the kitchen with everyone. I love this family. We have been through a lot together and its hard not living near them. The Lord is good to give me family that I adore so much.

The many faces of Tyler Mark.:)

Holding the cutie pie JJ.

Love him!

My beautiful cousin Kelly. I have so many fun memories with her and her husband Tim. They are so fun and Kelly is wonderful role model as a mother and wife. She is a lover of Jesus and so precious to me.

The backpack is as big as he is.:)

It was a little heavy.:)

Tyler stepped up and helped out.:)

Happiness is...

2009-12-16T15:51:00.006-06:00

These are the things that make me smile these days. Enjoy!

I love my brown glass christmas trees - they're a touch of glam in my living room.

My J.Crew tweed leather gloves that were given to me from my dear friend Holly Myers. I have been wearing them every day this week with all this cold Oklahoma wind.

All the beautiful pictures of friends and family all over the world. Its so much fun seeing them every day on my frig. They remind me to pray for them, they remind me of how blessed I am and how absolutely LOVED I am by my Heavenly Father for so many wonderful people in my life.

I particularly love this one and am SO excited to see this little munchkin.:)

Ahhhh. If you've never had creamed honey, you're missing out on a beautiful part of life. This particular kind is from Trader Joes, which Oklahoma has FAILED to produce. I'm SO excited to stock up on some stuff while we are in VA.

The oil painting I was given by my boss, Rick Fry, for Christmas. He is an extremely talented artist and this painting is no cheap gift. I LOVE it! Now its just getting it framed and finding the perfect spot in the house to hang it.

My teal bowl full of oranges that sits on my dining room table. I love the bowl and I love oranges. And I love teal and orange together - so its pure happiness.

My jars filled with pretty glasses ornaments. I love all the fun colors and that they aren't just gold, red and green. Pink, purple and teal are Christmas colors too!!

The Dove chocolate Eric gave me in my stocking - love it.

Virginia!!! I can't wait to go! We leave tomorrow at the butt crack of dawn. And I don't mind a bit.

And last, but definitely not least, my nativity scene. I didn't add to it this year, but I kinda like it the way it is. Its simple, not overcrowded.

Our Christmas

2009-12-16T15:10:00.003-06:00

We had our own Christmas on Monday night since we of course, will be in Virginia over Christmas. Our traditions are to always make a nice meal together, open presents, and usually watch a Christmas movie. We aren't big drinkers, but we try to have a nice bottle of wine, but this year we were a little busy and forgot to get one, so leftover beer from a function we had a month ago (I'm telling ya, we hardly drink!) had to suffice. We also normally make Eric's favorite, stuffed mushrooms, which was also forgot... I guess life has been a little crazy. Anyway, we got fresh tuna from the fish market and made a special sauce with a rice medley as a side - it was yummy!

So pretty. I love colorful food.

Eric is always ready with the camera. At this point, I asked very sweetly, "Can we please sit and enjoy dinner together?" Hahaha - he rarely puts the camera down!

I tried a new recipe for dessert, from Barefoot Contessa on the Foodnetwork - so yummy! Eric loves lemon desserts and so Lemon Curt Tart it was. I think its a favorite.

Ready to open presents! We did $30 stockings this year - last year we overdid it and we really wanted to cut back. So this was a nice alternative.

I love Eric's cards to me. They are always so thoughtfully written and he always makes me smile. The "To: and From:" on the envelope is always cute and makes me laugh. This year it read, "To: The best woman in all the world. From: The luckiest guy and due to association, with the aforementioned, some may consider the best guy." Where does he come up with this stuff?:)

Opening his gifts. What could be inside I wonder??

Aviators from Urban!!! No more of the 60's dorky looking Air Force sunglasses anymore! Yay!

My little plaques from Eric. He wrote little coupons on these wooden plaques instead of cardstock - he hates being predictable.:) But with these came a nice little Anthropologie giftcard - YAY!!!

Christmas Card Crisis

2009-12-12T15:16:00.006-06:00

Okay so here it is. It has now been printed 4 times. Truly absurd. The amount of time and energy it has taken to just get our Christmas picture right. We're not even doing cards! For everyone who is expecting to receive a Miller Christmas card, be warned: just a picture, no card, no letter. And probably at this point, no note cause I'm just too dang tired of it all. Here is our first try. The problem with this one, is the border that was SUPPOSE to be there. But instead, you see that little sliver of white at the bottom? Yeah, thats all we got for a border. So, it was a no go for Picture #1.

Picture #2. I got them reprinted and the border was great, but if you look closely, it reads, "3 1/2 years as the Miller". MILLER. No plural there. Just one. One Miller. This time, the border has covered the S, thus making us a family of one. And if you haven't noticed at this point, the word HELL is written right behind Eric's head. Which Eric (not me, but I was willing to deal with it) thought was funny, but the longer I looked at it, I kept reading it as one sentence. And this is what our Christmas card was communicating to all our friends and family the more and more I looked at it: "Merry Christmas! We love you and hope you had a wonderful year! We would like you to know that it has been 3 1/2 YEARS AS THE MILLER HELL." No way jose. I was SO not about to send that one out.

Picture #3. I picked a different picture, which was nice, lovely, and even though it wasn't a close up, would do a job. I mean, seriously, I had these printed last night at 1am at the One Hour Photo at Walmart via the internet so I could have them prior to leaving for Virginia. I went to pick them up today and what did I find?! A nice pea-size purple splotch on Eric's leg. Printed on all 60 copies. At this point its really just comical.:)

I took a closer picture of it - see? Can you see it? Not horrible, but definitely not ideal. Phil though, the nice grungy long and curly haired high-school boy at the Photo Department offered to photoshop it out and print them again for me if I was willing to wait another 10 minutes. For free. I had a strong urge to pat his grungy mangey little head for being so kind. I restrained myself and just gave him a very sweet smile with a very sweet thank you.

So here is Picture #4 and definitely the last reprint of our Christmas picture. We won't even get into the fact that I had to SPECIAL ORDER envelopes because there are NONE to be found in stores that JUST fit pictures!!! They are all either way to big or way too small. I don't even want to begin to add up how much we've spent. Oh well, we are only doing $30 stockings this year, so our Christmas cards have just made up for the difference. Merry Christmas to you all!!!:)