Just When You Need Friends...

So, today has been extremely hard around our house. It seems just when we have a system going on, it gets messed up! Well, we had a party for a good friend of mine who is expecting a baby. I was very excited to get out of the house and go enjoy myself amongst good friends!! And, of course, life throws you a curve ball. Jack's "other dad" seems to always know when I am in a good mood, and does something not so nice - and then I'm left to pick up the pieces.

I wanted so desperately to enjoy myself at the party - so, to all my friends there, I am sorry for my orneriness (is that a word?). I was extremely thankful to be among you all when I felt like I might explode! THANK YOU.

On a lighter note, for FHE on Monday we decorated Gingerbread houses. The kids had a ton of fun, even if the gingerbread houses looked as if they had seen better days.

New York, New York...

Well, we are finally home from our week in New York - and what a week we had. Dusty, Jack and I went with American Fork Marching Band to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We had such a great time (other than we didn't get to see Wicked because of the strike - ugh!!). Jack had so much fun, I am so thankful we got the chance to take him. Next time we'll take Bree.
We saw the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and lots of other sites. We went on a dinner cruise around the harbor. Even though we didn't get to see Wicked, the travel agency planned a fun night for us instead. They made arrangements with some actors from different Broadway shows to come sing for us in the ballroom at our hotel. They made it like an American Idol - it was hilarious. We had a good time, and they had AMAZING voices.

Dusty's mom and dad were there as well, and Jack loved hanging out with them - he really does idolize them! Jack loves his Grandpa Miller's Band, and was very proud to be a part of all the festivities. We are so grateful to Dusty's dad for giving us the opportunity to go to New York!!

So, please forgive all my random pictures (I did take over 200). I couldn't choose which ones to post, so here are quite a few...

Happy Birthday Bree !!

We celebrated Bree's birthday tonight with the family since we will be gone on her actual birthday. Dusty, Jack and I will be in New York this week, and Bree's birthday is on Thanksgiving. So, our families came over tonight and we had pizza and cake and ice cream. Bree loved having all the attention - she is such a little princess!
We sure do love Bree, and are so thankful she came into our lives. She has surely blessed us more than we ever thought possible. Happy Birthday Bree! We will miss you!

"Broken Tooth"

So I'm feeling very old today - my baby lost his first tooth yesterday! We were sitting in Sunday School, and Dusty leaned over to tell me Jack was in the back with the Primary President. I couldn't think why, unless he got in trouble. So, I met them in the hall and they were both so excited to tell me his tooth had fallen out (that Sis. Wyatt is sure great!!). Jack kept calling it his "broken tooth".

Well, he was very excited to put the tooth under his pillow and see what the Tooth Fairy would bring. To his surprise, he had two dollars waiting for him - but, he wondered what had happened to the tooth?

And, Dusty still wonders why he got two dollars - we usually got 25cents!

Thankful...

I seem to be home all by self tonight - that is sure a rare occasion! Dusty is out with friends, and the kids haven't been to my mom's for a while, so here I am alone. It has been a rough couple of weeks for me, but I am reminded often of all my many blessings (which are many!). So, I am taking cue from my dear friend Karli, and will share a few things that I am feeling thankful for tonight...

1. I am very thankful for my friends. I know I say it often, but Dusty and I did not know anyone in our ward for about 2 years. But, through the persistence of the few people we did know, we have met some of the most amazing people - EVER! They have truly shown us what it is like to be "Christ Like", and I only hope I am the same way with them.
2. I am thankful for the gospel! I still feel like a child sometimes - you know, when you don't feel like you truly understand everything about the gospel. But, that is the beauty of the church. You get to learn every day! I am so grateful that my kids can know their Heavenly Father, and gain a testimony of Him all on their own.
3. I am thankful for trials (I know, crazy!). I seem to be going through my own little trial right now, but I hope that one day I will beat it. And, I am thankful that I will be able to help someone someday because I went through this! I KNOW that trials make us better people.
4. I am thankful for a loving mother and father, who seem to know me better than anyone at times. I am pretty sure that me and my children can do no wrong in their eyes. They are a lot like Jesus, I am sure! How amazing that I was placed in their arms at just 8 days old, and how thankful I am for that. I thank Heavenly Father every day for them and their wonderful example. I am also thankful for Dusty's parents who raised a wonderful son! They are such great examples to me of hard workers and loving parents.
5. I am most thankful for my AMAZING, HANDSOME, LOVING HUSBAND and my two BEAUTIFUL, KIND, LOVING CHILDREN. How lucky I am to be part of their lives. I can't believe that I will get to be with Dusty for all eternity - what an amazing blessing. And, that our children can be sealed to us (one day, Jack, I know!!!) and will be our family forever.

Thanks to all of you for making my life better! I am very, very thankful for all of you.

3 Things...

So, I'll have to get mad at Michelle later for "tagging" me:) But, I will do it. And, I saw on another blog that someone just listed random "5 things" about themselves. So, I am going to do the same, but I will shorten it by doing the "3 Things" about myself. Sorry to bore you, but here goes:

"3 Things I'm Passionate About..."
My family, Musical Theater (and just regular theater), My Ward (the gospel:)
"3 Things I Want To Do Before I Die..."
Go to Italy, Go to Paris, Perform on Broadway (keep dreamin', I know)
"3 Books I've Read Recently..."
New Moon, Twilight, Harry Potter 7
"3 Things I've Learned This Year..."
Nothings more important than my eternal family, Work is NOT that fun, I love my husband more every day
"3 Random Things About Me..."
I love interior design, My favorite musical is Oklahoma (please don't make fun:), My all time favorite actress - Audrey Hepburn
"3 Movies I've Watched Recently..."
Sense & Sensibility, Emma, An American in Paris
"3 Singers I Love..."
Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble', Sting
"3 Things That Make Me Laugh..."
My kids, My husband, A good movie (ex: Bringing Up Baby - hilarious!!)
"3 Things I'm Thankful For..."
Family, Friends, My Heavenly Father
"3 People I'm Going To Tag... (sorry)"
Shannon, Karen, Hannah

Cornell's

I got the chance to talk to a very dear friend yesterday on the phone who is living in Alaska. And, just so we can all be thankful for the weather in Utah, it is 1 degree there!

Jack is helping write this post because he misses his friend Lexi very much. He wanted me to add the pictures of him with Lexi (and Tyson & Bree). Jack and Lexi have been friends from the first day he was born. And, Robyn and I have secretly planned their wedding, but we won't tell them that just yet!

Robyn has the most beautiful kids with red hair! We sure miss them a lot, and can't wait to see them.

I'm a Miller !

I finally did it - I finally got my drivers license changed! It has only taken my 4 years - I am a bit slow I guess. My father-in-law would always give me such a hard time, and tell me that I just didn't want to be a Miller. But, in reality I was just being lazy:) And, every time I traveled I just took a copy of my marriage license. Well, when we went to New York in October, they almost didn't let me get on the plane - so I decided it was time. I went yesterday, and really, it didn't take long at all. I don't know why I waited so long - maybe because it is a good story to tell:)

Apology...

So, I feel horrible about my post on Sunday. I guess I was having one of those "poor me" days. So, I am sorry - but I am also very grateful for my many friends. Thank you for keeping me in line, and for helping me remember who we are! I am VERY thankful that I have been blessed to have you all in my life. Thank You! And, thank you to that friend (you know who you are:) that just knew it might have been a rough day for me and called me on the phone Sunday night to see how I was doing. I always love and appreciate our conversations, especially the times that we can cry together. Thank you!

Great Lessons...

I am very thankful that Dusty and I decided to drive home at 5 a.m. this morning so I could attend church. For some odd reason, I just knew I had to be there! Well, I know why. Relief Society. Kim taught a great lesson on Self Worth, and I think it was for me. I seem to be one of those people that have horrible self-esteem. No matter what happens in my life, I always feel horrible about myself. I'm just too hard on myself, I guess...
But, I was very thankful for the lesson, and all the comments that were made. It was a great day to be at church and feel the spirit!

End of a Season...

So, this weekend Dusty and I (and the kids) headed down for my last field show competition with my girls. For those of you who don't know, I work at American Fork High School as the color guard director. Well, we had a show in St. George, and two in Vegas this weekend. The girls did amazing. The band won every show, which is great. But, it was also very emotional for me because at the end of March, I will be "retiring" from that world!! (IT'S TIME TO BE A MOM - YEAH!!!) But, I have been at American Fork for 7 years now (and other schools before that), so I will miss it very much. I will miss the girls the most. I have grown to love all of them, and they are just great people to be around. I am so proud to have worked with such an amazing group.

Happy Halloween

So, I apologize for all my random posts today. Yesterday was such a crazy day - but, it really was a great Halloween. Jack was the red power ranger, and Bree was Cinderella. If I called Bree by her name yesterday, she was quick to inform me that she was not Bree, but Cinderella - silly mom! And, as you can tell, the kids did a lot of trick or treating. They each ended up with two big (Ziploc) bags full of candy. I am not sure what to do with it all, but of course I won't eat any...

Anyways, we had fun trick or treating. We went with the Ray's and Karli and her kids. We were not going fast enough for Jack and Karsten, so Dusty ended up going ahead with them. And, now that we actually know our neighbors, it sure made trick or treating much more enjoyable (thank you!!).

After trick or treating, we came home and had soup with our good friends David, Shannon, Katelyn and Morgan (thanks Shannon for the recipe :). We always enjoy spending time with them and their kids (and playing the Wii).

I hope everyone had a very Happy Halloween.

Tired Princess

So, on the way home from Dusty's work - (the kids went trick or treating there and racked up the candy!!) Bree fell asleep. I guess she's had too much fun today, and was worn out. Oh, what a life a princess leads!!

Wonderful Grandparents...

So, the kids were able to see both grandparents today for Halloween - and, of course they got a load of candy from each!!

Grandpa & Grandma Miller with Jack and Bree

Grandpa & Grandma Rupp with Bree and Jack

Dusty and I are very thankful for both of our parents, and how much they love our children. Now, about the candy... :)

Halloween Parade...

Bree and I went to Jackson's Halloween Parade at school. He had a great time, and was very proud to be a "RED" power ranger. It was fun seeing all the kids walking around, and seeing all the different costumes.

Carving Pumpkins

We had a fun night of carving pumpkins - even though we were a bit late (the night before Halloween). The kids ended up coloring theirs, which was less messy. But, they helped Dusty and I clean out ours. I think Bree was quite disgusted by the inside of a pumpkin.