Miller Time

What a way to spend a Saturday

2011-04-10T17:02:00.001-07:00

This Friday was opening day for the Detroit Tigers, and Garry and Chantel had tickets for the Saturday game. As it turned out they had two extra tickets, yay for us!! Brien asked Ian if he wanted to go, but he was in a mood and said no. So Brien asked Avery and she said she would go only if she got to eat a hot dog. She is so funny. So Brien and Avery went to the game with Garry, Chantel and their kids and had a great time. Thanks so much for inviting us Garry and Chantel!!!

Avery and her hot dog.

The Game in action

Outside the stadium

Brien and Avery enjoying the game. Brien said we will have to go to a game next time. It is something you just have to see in person. After all we live in a city that has professional teams we have to see them. This has made Brien to really really want to go to Red Wings game. Hockey is much more fun to watch I think.

Garry, Chantel, Carter and Addy, you guys are the best!

First Hair Cut

2011-04-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Max after the hair cut

We finally did it, cut Max's hair that is. We have loved Max's hair. It has the cutest curls and we thought when we cut his hair we would lose those curls forever. However, when his hair started to cover his eyes we knew we had to do it. So when Matt and Kenzi came into town I asked her if she would cut his hair. I knew she would do a great job and of course she did, but best of all Max still has his curls!!!

Kenzi and Max

Max during the hair cut

This is why I love Michigan

2011-02-02T12:22:00.001-08:00

Just kidding, I really hate the snow and it was for this reason why I was not excited to move to Michigan. Other than the snow I love Michigan. Most of the time this is me shoveling the snow, but since a big storm was coming in schools were cancelled and so was Brien's rotations for the day. This is Brien starting to shovel the snow, this part was mostly covered by the garage so it was not that bad. Further down the drive way I think it was more around 9 inches.

It took Brien about an hour to do the first half of the drive way and than our neighbor John came over with the big guns. I told Brien if we end up staying in Michigan for residency we are for sure buying a snowblower. This just outside out front door with the piles of snow, and we are expected to get another 2 to 4 inches tonight. That means since Brien has to leave at 5 am to be at the hospital it will be me returning to my shoveling duties. YAY!! (not really)

And here is the backyard, not all of those grills are ours and yes we should have put them in the garage, but now they have become a way to measure how much snow we have.

Now to show you just a few of our Christmas pics. We did the traditional decorating cookies for Santa. As you can see Max just enjoyed eating the tube of frosting. The kids love decorating the cookies and making a mess.

And here we are Christmas morning. Max got cars and things to carry them around in (loves putting things in lunch boxes and taking them with him), Ian got Thomas and Batman stuff, and Avery got a DS and art stuff. That afternoon we drove up to see Grandma and Grandpa Lacher and Garry, Chan, Carter, and Addy. Where the kids were spoiled by the grandparents. It is nice to be so close to family and spend the Holidays with them.

Who visited Baby Jesus....

2010-11-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

Oh thats right Spiderman. This weekend we put up our Christmas decorations and this is how Ian set up the nativity. He is so funny, I just had to share with you.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

I just love Halloween, this year Avery was Hermione (from Harry Potter), Ian was Blue Batman, and Max was Spiderman. Brien and I decided last minute to throw together an outfit so he was Peter Parker and I was Mary Jane. I know not very creative, but it was last minute. Next year we will have to plan better and get some fun costumes. Nevertheless we had so much fun, I just can't seem to get Max out of the candy, he finds it no matter where it is hidden.

Every year Sharon and Gary's work put on a Halloween party for the kids; and since we are so close we decided it would be fun to go up and see them. The kids just loved it. Each department was decorated in a theme. One was a circus, Doctor Sues, and there was lots of spooky decorations, not to mention tons of candy. It was lots of fun and so worth it to see Sharon and Gary.

Avery at 6 years old

2010-09-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today we went out and took Avery's 6 year old pictures. She just loved this!! She got to dress up fancy and take pictures with her boa. I would pose her than she would pose herself, it was quite cute. Avery brings so much fun and life into our lives she truely is a JOY!!!

School Time!

2010-09-08T11:49:00.001-07:00

She loves to pose, the way she likes

Yesterday was Avery's first day at kindergarden; she picked out her clothes, told me how she wanted her hair done and could not wait for the morning. Here in Michigan it is all day kindergarden, and my only concern with that was it was going to be to long and she would get bored with it. However, it has only been one day, but she loves it!! She had made new friends one of which is Molly. She told me it was Miley, but today when I saw her, her name tag said Molly. Thank goodness for name tags. Avery has never been good with names. Ian misses Avery while she is gone, but on Monday Ian will start preschool and be busy there for a couple of hours. It will be me and Max and I can finally go to the grocery store, anyone with kids will understand what I am talking about. Well time is going by fast, the kids are growing up, next year Avery and Ian will be gone all day at school, than I really will have some free time.

Our Summer Time

2010-08-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have not blogged in such a long time, so I will do a quick check up for you all. First of all we have moved to Woodhaven Michigan; and I enjoy being back in a big town, but most of all being back by family. Garry and Chantel are only 10 min away and Sharon and Gary are a 3 hour drive . So YEAH to being by family. The move went well, I hated the drive, but we made good time, it took about 12 hours!! We have been here for about 2 months and things are starting to settle into place. So here are the things I have not posted about. First being Ian's birthday. It was May 22 and we had a How To Train Your Dragon party. We made shields, dodged fire balls, a pinata, and of course CAKE!! Than after Ian's birthday I started to pack up the house, Brien took boards, and than it was time to move. We moved out on June 24. This just happened to be Max's birthday so we had to postpone the party. When we got here Sharon came down to help with the kids while we unpacked. It was so nice to have her here to help. She also brought a cake for Max and we had a little party. I did have pictures of that day, but our computer crashed, AGAIN, and I lost them. However we did a little party for Max the next week and here are some pictures of that. He did not get into the cake like he did the first time. It was still fun to watch him though.

Then after that my parents came to visit. We had lot of fun with them and enjoyed the time we had with them. Here are some pictures that I took while they were here.

Here we are at Greenfield Village. We fed the ducks, rode the train and the carousel, watched them blow glass, and saw some pretty fun chickens. It was fun, it was hot, and it was good to get in an air conditioned car.
Avery loves the Fancy Nancy Books, and now likes everything to be fancy, even Nana. Here is Avery making Nana look FANCY in the morning. We just loved having Nana and Grandpa with us for two weeks. We do miss seeing them.

Than it was time for Avery's 6th birthday!! (August11) I cannot believe she is SIX she is growing up way to fast. But if you cannot guess we had a Fancy Nancy cake. We sat down together and found the perfect cake for her. She told me just how to make it for her and I think this is the funnest cake I have done so far. Avery was even nice enough to let Brien blow out the candles with her, since his birthday was August 9.

Time is going by so fast, but we are enjoying it all as much as we can. Brien is now in his third year of medical school and I like clinic work much better than book work. I will be done with my bachelors in February. YEAH! Brien asked if I want to keep going and I say with three kids, you gone all time, no, I am done. So I will be celebrating when its over and I am hoping that the stress level will go down as well. But that is the major stuff that has been going on with us, nothing to exciting I Know, but I hope you enjoyed this little recap of the last couple of months.

He is mobile

2010-08-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is Max starting to walk, he is getting better every day. Also, here are his one year pictures.

Max's Faces

2010-05-08T18:30:00.001-07:00

Max has been giving us so many funny faces lately.

This one he does to make you smile:) Which is in between bites while he is eating or when he is playing and wants your attention.
Here are the oh so sad faces :(

We get these when we tell him no or whenever I leave the room.
He is definitely a momma's boy and that works for me, most of the time.

Fun Run

2010-04-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Every year the SAA, which is a organization that the medical school has that supports the med students wives, husbands,and significant others, it is great I have loved having it here and all that it does to keep us sane while our students are busy with school. Well the SAA puts on a Fun Run it is a 10k, 5k, and 1 mile run in which all the proceeds go to a local charity. I have always wanted to do it, but last year I was pregnant and running + my big belly were not good combinations, so this year I was really excited I could do it. I even talked Brien into doing the run with me. Since we both were not running on a regular bases we decided to do the 5k, and it was so much fun. I know running fun, well I enjoyed it any ways. This is us after we were all done with race. Who knows this may be the first to our many runs together.

Family Pictures

2010-04-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented Tamara Jacobs took our family pictures. She did such a great job!! So I thought I would share them with you all.

Easter Time

2010-04-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the egg hunt at Truman State, the local university. Every year they put on a Easter Egg Hunt for the community. This year the Easter Bunny came and the kids were so excited. Although I was more happy that the frog from the aquatic center came. Seeing all the eggs scattered on the ground the kids had a hard time waiting for them to blow the whistle telling them to go. As the whistle blew the kids were off and of course in two different directions. We were hoping they would stay together so we could film and take pictures of them both; we should have known better. So Ian was caught on film and Avery was caught in pictures at the egg hunt. It was a lot of fun and the kids enjoyed it too.

This a tradition that I think we will do every year, the kids had so much fun. For our Easter project we made Panoramic Easter Eggs. the kids were so excited when I said we were going to make them, we went to the store to get things to put inside the eggs. Avery wanted to put a pink bunny inside and Ian wanted to put a porcupine inside of his. When we got home and got everything ready Avery told me she wanted a purple egg so we made a purple egg. Ian told me he wanted a yellow egg, (which yellow is his favorite color), but than changed his mine and side he wanted a green egg. I knew I should have just made it yellow, but I thought he really does want a green egg. So just as we were going to put the green sugar in the mold he said NO NO, I want a yellow egg. So I decided since it was just sugar we would make a yellow, after all this was a project for them so I let him do a yellow egg. The kids just loved decorating the eggs, putting the inside together and decorating the outside of the egg. They were having so much fun they didn't want to go to bed, but than what kid really wants to go to bed. Anyways we had fun and I think we will make these eggs every year.

Finally, this one is for you!!

2010-03-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

This post is for all you that tell me I need to update the blog, and yes I agree with you all it has been along time since an update of any kind has been posted. So let me bring you up to with what is going on at the Miller home. I will start off by telling you that our computer crashed, again, and I did end up losing a couple of pictures that I had recently uploaded to the computer. Luckily I got caught up on my scrapbooking so they are not lost forever. Other then putting the computer back together, I am busy taking care of the kids, doing school work, trying to maintain a clean house, being stressed about moving to Michigan, losing the last bit of baby weight (which is coming off much to slowly) and trying to keep my sanity. As for Brien it is school like always, busy, busy, but we are almost done with our second year and than two more after that, then 3 to 5 years of residency and then we are done. And yes that is a long time, sometimes it is hard to picture that day when we are done, but others tell me it will come and that it is worth it. Well enough of that lets get to the pictures. This is an update of Max, whom is now 8 months old, how time flies. He is now crawling and getting quite good at it. He started out by getting up in the crawling position and than hopping like a frog to move around. Then he figured it out that you could get your toes involved and then he would move into the downward dog pose move his toes forward than back down to his belly. It was so funny to watch. But now he is just starting to crawl the normal way. It has been fun to watch him figure out how to move his tiny body around. Avery and Ian just love him to death.

Here are some picture of us at the carnival the SAA put on. There was a giant slide, a bungee run, Velcro wall, sumo suits, mini golf, a life size operation table, giant twister board (that was mostly used as a trampoline) and yummy food. Needless to say it was a lot of fun. An hour before it opened they let the kids come and play on everything, but at 6:30 it was all for the adults and the kids went to the babysitting area. It was lots of fun and we got to enjoy acting like big kids. Brien and James sumo wrestled. I thought the suits looked to sweaty and gross and passed on the sumo wrestling. I liked the bungee run and the Velcro wall, (Sarah I still need to give you pictures of that night). Needless to say we had a good time and are lucky to have the SAA that puts on such fun events for us.

For Christmas, yes that was along time ago, but it has been along time since the last post, we went back to St. George for Christmas. We flew into Veges and decided while we were there we would go to the shark reef aquarium at Mandalay Bay. It was cool to see and the kids just loved it. Avery wanted to pet the sting rays, but when she put her hand in the water she got scared and thought it would bite her, and pulled her hand out. At least she attempted it. After the aquarium we went to eat with my mom and dad at there buffet because it is so good. Well we were all trying to check us in at the little computer thing, because it is a job that takes four adults, not really, but as we were doing this I noticed that Ian was gone. We all started to panic, he was no where in sight, I looked out and just saw tons of people in the casino and knew he was out there somewhere. Brien took off towards the aquarium thinking he might have tried to go back, my mom stayed at the buffet entrance with Avery while my dad and I were on our way to look in the casino. I then saw my dad point and start to jog a little and sure enough he had found Ian, just walking around the slot machines. I ran to grab him and of course he saw me running and thought it was a game and he too started to run. He ran to a slot machine started to climb on the stool and said lets play a game. I then told him these games are not for kids and he needs to stay by mommy and daddy. Losing your kid in a Las Vegas casino is not something I ever want to experience again.

Then there is Christmas at my parents. It was so nice to be back home with all my family and enjoy the holidays. It was good times and good memories. I hope this post has satisfied all of you , because who knows when it will be updated again. Just kidding I will try to be better and not let it go for that long, but until then I hope you all are doing well, we love and miss you so much.

Max Playing

2009-12-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Max playing in his exersaucer, he really does like it. I can not believe he is 5 months, boy how time flys. Well I hope eveyone is doing well and we cant wait to see everyone in St. George for Christmas!!

She Is To Little

2009-12-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

On Friday the kids and I were at a Cindi's house making Christmas treats, when Cindi told me she thought Avery's tooth was loose. Avery kept saying it is really wiggly. I looked and saw nothing and then I looked at her bottom teeth and sure enough it was loose. For a matter of fact it was just hanging there. Shortly after that Brien was at the house, and he did the job of pulling it out. Avery was a little scared at first, but then she thought it was kind of cool. I just cant believe she lost a tooth, I just kept saying she is to little.

Avery's Christmas Tap Dance

2009-12-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

Avery's dace class was asked to perform their tap dance an event that was here in town. You really cant see her feet, but it is still fun to watch.

Halloween and more

2009-11-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

Since I have not posted in a while I will start with Halloween. Well for the kids choosing a costume seemed to be a bit of a challenge this year. At first Avery and Ian would pick a different costume everyday. So one day I said we are picking what we want to be and it is final, Avery picked a monarch butterfly and Ian picked bumble bee (the transformer). Well when I went to get costumes Avery's coustume was all out and they didn't have Ian's costume in his size. I looked online and they were all out, so I made them pick again, Avery said she would be a witch, but a pretty witch and Ian kept changing his mind. The last thing he said was a turtle so that is what he got. Ian would go around and say he was Ian the monster turtle, it was really funny. Max was the easiest one to buy a costume for, I found a cute monkey costume that was nice and warm and he looked so cute in it. Although, he spent most of Halloween asleep. To sum up Halloween, the kids loved it, Ian still is sleeping with his pumpkin and I have most of the candy hidden from them. All they want to do is eat candy. I have also included some pictures of the kids at the ward Halloween party and the kids making cookies and carving pumpkins, or should I say coloring pumpkins.

This is Max's 3 month picture, yes I know he is 4 months now, what can I saw I am behind. He is growing up so fast, he started to roll over at 3 months, much sooner then I thought he would. He loves to laugh and smiles all the time, he really is a happy little guy. Avery still gives him way to much love and at times it drives me crazy. But at least she loves him.

Brien and I are doing well, Brien has two more weeks of school before it is Thanksgiving break. One of which is finals week, I will be glad when this quarter is over. I think he will too. I will be done with my associates on December 13, YAY!!! It is in busniess administration with a emphasis in medical billing and coding. Then in January I move on to my BA in healthcare administration, and then I will be done. I almost forgot in June we will be moving to Michigan, the Trenton area. Why the move, this is were Brien will do his rotations for the next two years. The school does what they call a match, every student puts in their top 6 places were they would like to do their rotations and a machine randomly gives them a spot. Lucky for us we got our first pick. I am excited for the move, but not the weather. I do miss St. George, but we will be going back for Christmas so that will be really fun. I guess I will just have to visit St. George for while until Brien is all done with school. Then who is to say we will make it back. Until then life will go on, so far it has been an adventure and a good one at that.

Busy, Busy,Busy

2009-08-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Ever since Max came into our lives, there is not enough time to get everything done. So needless to say blogging has been pushed to the bottom of the list. But today I was making it a goal to get it done so I'm not too far behind. Brien has started school again and is almost done with fourth quarter. They say fifth quarter is a killer, so I'm planning on not seeing him at all. So cross your fingers that I make it through it. As for me I am busy with the kids and school (only 5 more class left), Avery will start pre-school after Labor Day, so that will be nice. Ian is still potty training, he just will not poop in the potty. So I hope he will get that soon, really soon. Max is getting bigger every day and I wish he would just stay little. He has been so much fun getting to know. So here is a little of what we have been up to for all you blog readers.

We had a wet 4th of July this year, but it was still lots of fun. In the morning it was raining just a little so we put the kids in their raincoats and went to the parade. Where they got way to much candy. After the parade we had plans to have a BBQ and do fireworks with some friends. The rain had let up by this time so it was really nice. Brien was so excited to do fireworks, because back in Utah all the fun ones were illegal (like that stopped him before) so he could not wait. It did start to sprinkle a little bit, but not enough to stop the fun.

My parents came to see us in July, or should I say they came to see Avery, Ian, and Max. No matter how you say it it was good to see them. While they were here we thought it would be a good time to bless Max; because this would be the only time my dad could make it out this way. Brien's mom and stepdad Gary came to see us the week before so we were not sure if they could make it out here again so soon, but they did and it was so nice to see them. Also, Brien's dad came out, we have not seen him in such a long time we were so glad he made it. And as a treat Brien's brother Dave was able to come, and it was good to see him. It was so nice to have so much family around even if it was for just a little while. Max was blessed by. (going left to right in the picture) David, Chase, Tim,Brien, James, and Don. On July 19, 2009.

While my parents were in town we thought it would be fun to go to the fair. The kids had so much fun on all the rides that they had there. Brien was even able to win them both a prize. First Avery wanted a prize and he won the game and she picked a dragon. Then Ian saw it and wanted one too. Luckly Brien won the game and got Ian a dragon, if he had not won I think Ian would not let us leave until he got one.

Avery grew this flower from a seed that she got at preschool. She is so proud of it. Everyday she would go out and water it. We just might have a little gardner on our hands.

I cannot believe that Avery is 5!! Time has gone by so fast. For her party she said she wanted to have a princess party; so we invited some friends and had our party. It was really fun my friend Cindi came and helped me out, the girls made princess hats and necklesses, had a princess lunch and played games. They all seemed to have a fun time. After the party we gave Avery her presents, she got a big bike. She loved it; she went riding it around until she crashed. She scraped her knee pretty good, so after that she said we had to get a helmet and knee and elbow pads. So we did and she now rides her bike all the time.

Max Miller

2009-07-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

Max Tim Miller June 24, 2009 7lb. 7oz. 20"

I was induced on the 24 of June due to the fact that I was having kidney problems, it seems to only happen when I am pregnant. Max is such a good baby he sleeps most of the time. I am also lucky to have Brien home for the summer, it has been so nice to have him around and to help out with the kids. I will really hate it when he starts back to school on the 27; so for now we are enjoying the time we have together as a family and are enjoying our new little guy.

Catch-up

2009-06-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

Ian's 3rd Birthday
Ian turned 3 on May 22, but since it was finals week we decided to do have his party the following week. We had some friends over, ate hot dogs and let the kids play in the sprinkler and little pool. Whike the kids played in the pool the adults had their own little water party. There was a water ballon fight and Brien got a bucket of water dumped over him, it was pretty funny. All in all we had a great time and I think the kids did too.

Avery's Dance Recital

Avery had her first dance recital at the end of May. It was so cute to watch her dance. She would sing the songs and dance it was so cute. She really enjoys it and I am glad she does. Her first dance is Jesus Loves the Little Children, every year the dance studio does a performance based around Jesus. A little strange to me, but she loves the song. The next dance was the Mexican Hat Dance. She gets a little mixed up during the circle part, but finds a place in the end. The last Dance is the Lonely Goathearder, and I love the costumes. At the begining there is a girl in front of her, but we were able to see Avery for the last part of the dance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It is cute to watch them when they first learn to dance.

Brien

Well Brien has finished his first year of medical school. YAAAAA!!! It is going to be nice to have him around. I am so proud of all that he has accomplished this year, he has done awesome. Starting June 8 he will be doing a preceptorship in Unionville; which is about 45 min to an hour away(so not to far) He will do that for two weeks. What it is, is kind of like shadowing a Doctor, but he will be able to diagnose the patients. I am posting a pic of him and his hair cut he got, due to losing a coin toss to Chris. He still finds time to do dumb things. It has since grown out and I just gave him a haircut. So needless to say he had been sportting a hat for the last 3 weeks.

I have to show you this pic. One day Brien came home and just crashed on the floor, and the kids decided to put him to bed. It was so cute I had to take a picture.

As for me I have a week off for school, so that is nice. Then I have to cram all I can get done before the baby comes, which I hope is soon. The kids are keeping me busy as usual. We are trying to potty train Ian right know, so if you have any great ideas, I am up to hear them. Other than that I am just ready to have this baby and add more chaos to my life.

Tornado

2009-05-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Some of you may or may not know, but yesterday evening a tornado hit Kirksville. We were not hit by it, but many of our friends are without a home. When we first got the warning I though no big deal, we had a warning last week and everything was fine, but as the weather changed for the worse it got a little scary. I was glad to have Brien home with us at this time. There is a lot of open area where we live so we could see the clouds circling and the dark patch of clouds moving. Then we got a phone call that it had hit the north part of town and roofs were torn off and peoples houses were gone. Then it hit me that this really happened and we are lucky to be safe. Needless to say a different plan has been set in place, so if this happens again we know what to do. We had talked about it before, but like most others never thought it would really happen. I am glad we are ok, but my heart goes out to those that lost their homes. I guess what I have learned is to be better prepared.

Crazy Weather

2009-03-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

One thing is for sure, Missouri weather is crazy. We were told if you don't like the weather in Missouri wait ten minutes and it will change. That is no lie. Last week it rained almost everyday, and yesterday it snowed like crazy, then today it was 53 degrees. I thought it was going to start to warm up, not here. So with all the snow Brien and the kids and our neighbors Chris and Shannon decided to build a snowman. We were thinking we would build a regular snow man, but not Chris. He thought we should build a mega snowman. Brien and the kids helped do the bottom of the snowman, but we had plans to go see Monsters vs Aliens so we had to bail and told Chris we would come back to help finish. We left at 4 and at 6 chris texted Brien saying it was done. It was so funny, he stayed out there to finish it. When we got back from the movie and dinner we went over and took a picture with Chris. The kids get so excited to go outside and look at the snowman. I have a feeling it will be around for a long time.

St. Louis

2009-03-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Over spring break we took a trip down to St. Louis and we had so much fun, it was nice to get away for a couple of days. The weather was great and so were the kids. They loved the zoo and the museum, Avery thinks we should go back everyday. So here are a couple of pictures of our trip.

We're are having a ????

2009-03-13T18:46:00.001-07:00

Sorry, we have known for a while, but we are having another boy. Finals are finally over another quarter down just a bunch more to go. Brien has a week break so we are going to Saint Louis for two days. We are planning on going to the zoo, children's science museum, the arch, and just have fun. I will post some pics when we get back.

Fish Family

2009-02-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

Avery really wanted to get a frog. So we told her she had to earn it by being good and obeying. So every time that she did this we got her something for her frog tank. A couple of weeks ago she got to put it all together. As you can see there is not a frog, but fish. When we went to go get the store they were all out of frogs, so we asked her if she wanted a fish. She then saw some pink fish and said that is what she wanted. We got the fish and put them in the tank and had them for about 2 weeks, then I decided I would clean the tank. I ended up killing all the fish. I didn't know you had to put chemicals in the water to make it cleaner. I was hoping Avery wouldn't notice that the fish were gone, but of course she did. So when she asked where the fish were I told her and to my surprise she took it really well. So the following Saturday Brien took Avery back to the store and brought back two yellow fish, and two pink fish and one snail. They will glow under a black light. Brien learned about them in undergraduate and thought they were pretty cool. As for the snail Avery told him they are slimy, gross and disgusting but she has to have one. So this is now her fish family and Brien is in charge of cleaning it out. She has named them pinkies, yellows, and pinkie snail.

Our Tiny Dancer

2009-01-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

Avery had her first dance review Saturday. It was to get the kids ready for the spring rehearsal in May and it is a tradition for them to do this performance. It was your typical dance for a four year old, but she loved it. We couldn't get the camcorder to work and it was really dark so pictures didn't turn out, but this is a couple of the good ones. The thing that made me mad was the next day I messed around with the camcorder and it started to work. I guess we will be ready for the May recital.

Fire Station

2009-01-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was the children's social and we went to the fire station. The kids just loved it!! When the firefighter put on all the gear I thought that the kids would be a little scared, but they thought it as kind of cool. Avery just wanted to stand by the firefighter all day. Ian even gave him a high five. When they took us out to see all the fire trucks Ian was in heaven. He kept wanting the firfighter to pick him up, he was so happy. Avery liked to sit in the driver seat and hold on to the steering wheel. But I think they liked it the best when the firefighters slid down the fire poles. We had a lot of fun!!

Christmas

2009-01-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas was like a month ago, I'm a little slow on this blogging stuff. Well for Christmas we went back to Utah to see the family. We had a lot of, but the drive was way to long. 21 hours in a car is not what I call fun, we did break it up into a 2 day trip. So I told my mom if we come out next year we will be flying. Before we left the SAA (it's like a support group for all the wives and significant others of the medical students) had Santa come to see all the kids. Avery and Ian were so excited to see him, but as soon as they got their bag of candy they were done. So the day before we left to Utah there was an ice storm, there was a like inch or so of ice covering everything. Brien was at the school studying and when he left to come home like at 1 or 2 a.m. the car was stuck. It took him about half hour to get out of the parking lot. He was about to give up and sleep at the school, but he made it home. As for Christmas in Utah it was great, we just hung out with family and saw a couple of friends and enjoyed the time we had with everyone. The kids did really well on the drive there and back, which makes things go more smoother. Here are a couple of pics.

Time for an update

2008-12-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I have been out of the blogging loop, so here is an update of life in Missouri. First, I will tell you about Halloween, I know it was along time ago. Well Avery was going to be princess Aurora and Ian was going to be a cowboy. Then like two days before Halloween I bought the Tinkerbell movie and Avery fell in love with it. So you can guess what she wanted to be for Halloween. That's right Tinkerbell, it was a good thing she was Tinkerbell last year because I was not going out to find a Tinkerbell costume two days before Halloween. As for Ian he loved being a cowboy, but who wouldn't like to walk around with two toy guns and a cowboy hat. So after that I decided that I wanted to go back to school. So I did all the research and I have started back in school. It is going well and I am so glad to have a break for Christmas. As for Brien, he finished up the first quarter right before Thanksgiving. He did really well and we are so proud of his hard work. So far the seconded quarter is going well. That's that is a quick wrap up of what we have been doing, I will try to be better at keeping you up to date. We will be coming to St. George for Christmas. We will leave here after Brien's test on the 19th and get to St. George late on the 20th. So we will have to get together to see you all, we do miss you. Here are some pics of Halloween, Santa Clause and of our new addition. Oh that's right I'm 10 weeks along and due July 9!!

Still-A-Bration

2008-10-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Still-A-Bration is really founder's day for the school. And this year they did a Western theme. For the kids they had Pony Rides, Jumping House, Cowboy Branding (Tattoo Station),Coloring & Sheriff’s Vest Station, Rawhide Roping, Beanbag Toss and bubbles. The kids had so much fun!! Ian loved the bubbles and stayed there most of the time. As always Avery was everywhere. They did have adult games, but we mostly stayed with the kids. After games they had a dinner, dancing and a talent show. It was a lot of fun and a good way to spend time together.

Who are you most like?

2008-10-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have nothing to do today, other then bake a cake and it is cooling right now. So I love the Twilight books and found this site and took the test. It was something to pass the time, try it if you want and see who you are most like.

Corn Maze

2008-10-10T11:41:00.001-07:00

Last week my mom came to see us and she stayed for a whole week!! It was so nice to see her and the kids just loved having her with us. While she was here we went to the corn maze and had a lot of fun. Ian was justing getting over a cold so he wasn't as happy as usual, but I think he had fun. Avery had a blast, they had a jump house, straw they could jump into, a tractor ride, a cannon that shot corn to the cows and straw bail maze not to mention the corn maze.

Ian in the straw bail maze

My mom, Avery,Ian and me on the tractor ride

Avery as a pig

Avery jumping into the straw, she loved this!!

Brien and Ian jumping into the straw

Nana and Ian

Avery shooting the corn cannon at the cows

The corn maze was shaped liked a train, so in the middle of the maze they had a whistle

At the start of the maze we let Avery pick the way we should go, but that lasted only about a ten minutes. We kept going in circles. Then Brien and I took over the leading, but we were not doing very well. Then we ran into some friends and they had a map so we were able to find our way out. I don't know how long we were in there, but it seemed like forever. It was fun, but I was glad to be out. This is a picture of Avery as we got out of the maze.

Nauvoo

2008-10-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

When we moved to Kirksville I didn't realize how close we were to all the Church sites. I have never been to any of them so I was really excited when Brien had a free weekend. Some friends of ours wanted to go to a session at the Nauvoo temple so we took a road trip down to Nauvoo. It was kind of last minute thing so we didn't get a babysitter, but it was fun to see the town and the kids had a good time as well. I really didn't take to many pictures because I was enjoying it all and taking it all in. I know this isn't going to be last time that we come here so I'll take more pictures next time. Here are some of the pictures that we took

This is us in front of the Nauvoo Temple

Joseph and Emma's House

s

Hyrum, Joseph and Emma's graves. Also the area next to the house where the graves are

Ian playing with some wood animals

Avery after she made some rope

The ER

2008-09-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

Last night Brien got out of school early so we thought for dinner we would have a BBQ. Brien fired up the grill and all was going well. The kids were outside playing and having fun. Then it happened, Ian decided to ride his bike. He was trying to get on it when he feel off and hit the grill with his arm. At first we thought he hit his head on the grill, but there was no marks to be found as we brought him in side we saw that his arm had gotten burned. We ran it under cold water and skin started to blister. And as he screamed and cried he would rub off the skin. We knew it was a second degree burn so we went to the ER to make sure that it would be okay. We got there about 6:30 and left about 9:00, and this whole time Ian screamed and cried. I thought this would have speeded things up but it didn't. So now we just have to keep it clean and change his dressing often and in about a week we will go back for a follow up. This could have turned out so much worse then it did, so I am very thankful.

Update

2008-09-20T23:10:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give you all an update. Things have been going well. Brien is of course way busy with school, it seems like there is at least one test every week. But I guess that is what comes with med school. He is doing really well, I so proud of him and all the hard work he is doing. With all this studying and test taking he always makes sure he spends good family time with us. So I thank him for that. He has a test on Monday and no more for the week ( besides his patient encounter), so we are hoping to go camping with some friends before it gets to cold. So that should be fun.
As for me and the kids we are staying pretty busy too. Avery started preschool and LOVES it. She goes every day but Friday for about three hours so that's when Ian and I have our time together. But I can tell he misses Avery. Mom just isn't as fun I guess. The weather is finely looking nice. For the last couple of weeks it has rained like every day, so we had a lot of inside time and going to friends houses to let the kids have some fun. Brien's mom got the kids some rain coats and they have really came in handy.
I will have to remember to take my camera with me when I go out to show all the things we are doing. Just yesterday there was like six deer in our back yard, it was so awesome. But when I drive I feel like I'm contently stopping for the squirrels, they just run out in front of you. I hope that I don't ever hit one.
So that is a little of what is going on with us, we are finely into a routine and it is starting to feel like home. The support we have out here is so nice, I love it. It is making this med. school thing go by much faster and much more enjoyable. Hope all is well with everyone, we miss you!!

Xanadu

2008-08-31T16:42:00.000-07:00

So we have been here for almost a month and we have been so busy!! It seems like we have plans every night, but I guess that is good so I'm not so bored while Brien is at school or studying. Last night the school rented out the skating rink so the students and families could go rollerskating and since Avery and Ian kept putting on my skates and would try to skate inside the house we thought we would go. And they loved it. Of course Ian couldn't stand up on the skates so we held him as we went around the ring. At first he would let you hold him up with his legs on the ground but he liked it better when you picked him up because you could go faster. As for Avery, miss independent, she had to do it all by herself. That is until her feet started to hurt then we had to skate around holding her too. Good thing Brien can skate well, he did most of the holding. That was until Jeff came. One of Brien's friends that the kids JUST LOVE. He told us he wants to babysit for us. I think we will take him up on that. Here are some pics of our night.

Other then late night skating we have been staying busy. Brien is of course at school and studying most of the time, but we do see him around 6 and have him most every evening so it has not been that bad. As for me a couple of the girls get together and work out in the mornings. That has been really good because It gets me up and moving and the kids get to play with their friends. We all take one day out of the week to babysit, so it works out great. Then there is a play group, scrapbooking night, and dance classes that keep me busy too. Avery will be starting preschool on Tuesday and she is so excited, a lot of her friends will be in her class. Then in like a week she will start ballet and tap so that should be fun. Other then that it has been going well. I will try to remember my camera more so I can keep you up to date.

White coat Ceremony

2008-08-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Today was the White Coat Ceremony. It is a tradition of inducting new students into Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. At the ceremony they have the students come up and say their name, what college they attended and the degree they received. It kind of makes it all seem real. I'm so proud of Brien and all that he has done to get here. It is going to be a long journey and it will not always to be easy, but we are looking forward to all it has to offer us.

Michigan

2008-08-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of our trip to Michigan. We had such a good time and we can't wait to go back.

We Made it!!!

2008-08-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

We made it!! The move to Missouri went well. As we were coming through Colorado we hit a REALLY bad storm, good thing Brien was driving. People were pulling off to the side of the road it was that bad. But we got through it going about 35 mph. All I can say is good thing we have a DVD player. Then when we were suppose to drive through Nebraska, I say suppose to because instead of taking the 76 East we took the 70 East. Which was not bad we just went through Kansas, which was a 50 mile detour. Again thank goodness for the DVD player. But after that it was smooth sailing or should I saw driving. Brien and I unpacked the truck which was fun ( HA HA) it took us about 3 or 4 hours to do that and we were done for the day. The next morning I couldn't sleep so I started to unpack the boxes and by that evening everything was unpacked and put away. We were in the house for about a total of 5 days before we took a trip to Michigan to see Brien's mom and step dad as well as Garry, Chantel and Carter.

Before We Move

2008-07-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

This is going to be the last post that I post until we get to Kirksville. We will be packing up all little things tomorrow, which means bye bye to the computer. We want to thank everyone for all their help in this moving process, but most of all your friendship. That is what we will miss most. I will try and be better at posting now that we will be so far away so that everyone can still see us. You have no idea how much we will miss all of you thanks again keep in touch. We love you. The Millers :)

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

For this 4Th we wanted to keep it simple because this is the last time we will see our family in a long time. So we just had a little BBQ

Brien and my Dad were in charge of the Grill

While I watched the kids in the pool

After dinner we did some poppers

and sparklers

We went out back and had some Popsicles and waited for the sun to go down

When it was dark the kids went and sat on the curb. We lite some fireworks and the kids loved it, they just sat there . I was so happy because for my kids to set anywhere longer the 10 sec. is a miracle. But then it happened, Brien lite of whistler. At first it was great it went off and the kids loved it then the whistleing came and I have never seen Ian run faster. I as about to take a pic of them with the firework going off, but instead I got this.

A nice blur shot of Ian. It was so funny. And for the rest of the firework show Ian watched from the safety of the garage. I hope everyone enjoyed the 4Th like we did.

New Car

2008-07-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

For the longest time we have been a one car family and I hated it. So we went and bought a car. Some of you have wanted to see our new car, but because we don't live by you I will send this pic. It is a GMC Acadia, and I LOVE IT!!! Brien had me test drive the Suzuki's, Durango, Journey, Pilot the list could go on. But this was the car I wanted and when he drove it he understood why I liked so much. We will be breaking it in when we drive it to Kirksville at the end of July.

2008-06-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you an update. Ian is off the Binky, YA!! The first two night were NOT GOOD, and by day four things were pretty much back to normal. As for us we only have five weeks left until we move, time is going by so fast. But I can't wait to get things started. We will be having a get together before we move, so if you can keep the 12 of July open for a lunch in. And Avery wants to have a birthday party will all her friends too, so we will just do it all on the 12. Other then that things are the same, we hope all is well with everyone and hope to see you soon!

Wish me Luck

2008-05-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm going to need a lot of luck these next couple of day, we are getting rid of the binky! He dose fine during the day, but at night or nap time watch out. We went to the Doctors yesterday and he told us we need to get rid of it so the gap will close and not get worse. I knew all of this, but it is so nice when they are screaming just to put it in. So we have gotten rid of them and hope he will forget about it fast.

The Lizard

2008-05-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Last night the kids were playing out side when Avery found a lizard.

They were so in wounder by it. The poor thing was so scared when I saw it I thought is was dead because it was so still. But when the kids touched its tail it moved.

They chased it off the porch, to the grass and into some bushes. They were trying so hard to get it to come out. Ian was trying to feed it leaves and Avery sang Twinkle Twinkle little Star to get him to come out. Final I told them we had to go in side so he could go back to his family. I hope it didn't die of a heart attack.

Salt Lake

2008-05-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went up to Salt Lake to see some family and friends before we head out to Kirksville. We had so much fun seeing everyone. We saw Brien's brother Rich and his family and had fun playing with the water guns and Avery really enjoyed playing in the mud. We went and feed some horse that were down the street, the kids loved it.

Ian wanted to hop over the gate to get a closer look, but when he was feeding them I think he thought he was going to lose a hand, because he would feed them again. Avery loved it ( she loves pony's ) the little horse didn't scare her, but she was more hesitant around the big ones.

After Rich's we went and saw my friend Shahada and her family. She use to live next door and we were always together. It was fun to see Avery and Jacob play so well together and if made me wish she still lived next door.

Jacob,Emily,Ian and Avery on the swing

We also saw some friends Brien had growing up. Jess helped put together a BBQ at the park. It was good to see everyone and there family's and just get caught up on life. Thanks everyone that came out is was good to see you!

We also spent time with Brien's brother Garron and his family but I didn't take any pics while we were with them. And now I wish I had. We had a BBQ with Garrons family, his sister Christen and her family from AZ and his brother John and daughter. We really enjoyed seeing everyone. Avery really liked her uncle John so much,it was hard to get her do anything, she just wanted to play.

The tip was wonderful and seeing just about everyone was great. Thanks to everyone help plan get together for us. And everyone that could make it. It was nice to see you again and we will miss you when we move. Thanks again!!

Happy Birthday Ian

2008-05-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Can you believe he is TWO!! Time goes by to fast. For Ian's birthday we are having a Mickey Mouse Club House Party. He LOVES Mickey Mouse. He would watch it all day if we would let him. This morning I finished up the cake (Tootles with Mickey on to, not my best but it will work) and the whole time Ian would can up to me, put his hand to his mouth and say "Oh Tootles" it was so funny. I will post more pics of the party later tonight so you can see more.

Happy Birthday Ian we love you tons!!!

My Slideshow 5/22/08

To watch the slidshow click on it, but first pause the music on the main page.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Disneyland

2008-05-09T09:16:00.001-07:00

Disneyland was so much fun, the kids loved it!!! The first day we went to the beach. It was a little cold so we didn't stay long, but the kids loved the water and the sand. Ian liked to be out in the waves and throw sand into the water. It was funny to watch him, he would grab a handful of sand run to the water and throw it in and run away before the water touched his toes. It was cute to watch. Avery liked everything about it the water, sand and the birds.
The next three days were spent in Disneyland. What made the trip the best was to see the kids enjoy it so much. To see Avery's face when she saw the castle and when Ian saw Mickey made the trip worth it. We went on every ride that the kids could go on, and found out that Avery loves roller coasters. There are some rids we will not be going on next time Pirates, Roger Rabbit and Pinocchio. Ian did fine on all the rids but Roger Rabbit. And Avery told Brien that he can't say yo ho yo ho in the dark ever ever again. Other then that the kids loved it.
It was good to have this little break and have fun as a family. I made a slide show with some on the pictures we took, if you want watch ( I know it is long ) but we had lots of fun.

Graduation

2008-05-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

He did it!!! We knew he would, but it finally happened. This was Dixie's first Graduation class for their Bachelors in Biology and Brien, Sean and Sam were the first three to receive it. We are so proud of Brien and all the hard work he has done. For the next three months I will have a husband back. YEAH!!!! Saturday we will be leaving to go to Disneyland with the kids, we are so excited to go. With Brien graduating we are one step closer to Med. school and we can't wait.

Here are some pics of last night.

Time For A Dip

2008-04-29T09:50:00.001-07:00

Since the weather has been great we took the kids swimming. My parents and my sister Coree’s kids came with us and we had so much fun. We went about seven that night and it was perfect!! Avery loves the water and I knew she would enjoy it. Ian I was not sure how he would like it, but he LOVED IT. He would walk around, go up and down the stair and didn’t mind when he fell in and got his face wet. Then he started to get out of the water and jump to us. It was so much fun. It started to get a little cold so we went to the indoor pool. Avery and Maddi would swim down to the deep end, climb up the latter and run back down to jump in. They did this the whole time. After we had been there for over an hour we came home. We got the kids ready for bed and they were out in no time. The good thing about swimming is it makes the kids really tired, they slept great that night.

Bath Time

2008-04-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

This was so funny, well to me any way. Avery has taught Ian many things and one of them is how to pretend to be a dog. Well at bath time tonight Ian was doing just that. I have found many of the bath toys with teeth marks in them and this is why. Ian would put a toy in his mouth and drop them outside of the tub and he did this the whole time. I found it quite funny. They always seem to make me laugh.

Catch Up

2008-04-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Things around here have been very crazy so let me start at the begining to get you all caught up.

Easter, Brien had the flu and Ian had the flu with a croupy cough. So for about 3 weeks I was taking care of my sick family. So last Sunday was the first time they wore there Easter clothes and I have yet to take a picture of that, but here out some of Easter morning.

Avery got a tea set(by the way there is water every where now) and Ian got a Car's race track.

While Ian got better Brien's flu turned into a sinus infection and was still sick for about another week or so. While this was going on we were able to find someone who wanted the house but we had to be out in THREE DAYS!!! So while Brien was at school I packed the house up in boxes and thanks to Brien and all his friends we moved out all in one day. With out all the help with trucks and trailer and not to mention all the man muscles we would not have done it, so thanks guys!!! Brien and I cleaned it out that night and the next morning, had the carpets cleaned and it was done. Thank goodness!

All of our stuff is in a storage unit and we are living at my parents' house. So far so good. Ian has had a little trouble getting use to the new sleeping arrangements so I have found him in some funny places. Here is one.

Now things our getting back to normal, if you can call things normal. Things have worked out for us so fast and we are truly blessed for it. On May 2ND Brien will graduate with is Bachelors in Biology, then we are taking a family trip to Disneyland, I'm so excited for that. Than we will hang out here for a little while. Brien and I plan on going some where just the two of us. Then in July coming up to Salt Lake to say good bye to family and friends. On July 27 Brien and his friend will move all our stuff to Missouri and my mom, the kids and I will fly out on the 31. Medical school is going to be a big change for us, but I'm so proud of Brien and all his hard work to get us there. I can't wait to start the adventure.

I just have to throw in these pics of Ian getting stuck it the kitchen and in a box. It was so funny.

2008-02-17T13:21:00.001-08:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

2008-02-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

My Man

I was tagged by kristen

What is his name?

Brien Rex

How Long have you been married?

6 years this January, boy does it go bye fast!!

How long did you date?

5 years, but I did dump him on his birthday

I know I'm heartless.

How old is he?

Who eats more sweets?

Lately him, I'm trying to be healthy. HAHA

Who said I love you first

Brien, we went to park and talked all day and later

that night he told me. It was sweet.

Who is taller?

He is

Who can sing better?

Me, but if we are singing punk Brien all the way!!

Who is smarter?

The one going to Med. school

Who does the laundry?

Me most of the time. Brien can wash it, but I

have to fold.

Who pays the bills?

If we want them done on time, Me

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?

I do. I make Brien sleep by the door, so when someone brakes

in Brien can kick there butt!!

Who mows the lawn?

The association

Who cooks dinner?

I do, but Brien does on the weekends to give me a break.

Who drives?

Brien, I just tell him where the cats and dogs are. So they don't get hit.

Who is more stubborn?

We both win here!! He always has to be right and so do I.

It's amazing we get along.

Who kissed who first?

I say him, he says me. I guess it's who you talk to.

Who asked who out first?

He did. Homecoming 1997

Who Proposed?

Of course he did. He took me up to the mountains where we

had our first date.

Who has more siblings?

He does, 5 brothers 3 sisters

Who wears the pants?

Well thats easy me, I just let him think he does.

Thanks Kristen it was fun.

I tag: Tiffany, Cindy, Haile, T'Ann, Emily, Erin and Shah'ada

Silly Face

2008-01-16T15:33:00.000-08:00

For the longest time I have been trying to get Ian's silly face. He does it all the time, but when I grab the camera he stops. Not today, I finally got it and thought I would share it with you all. Don't make fun of Brien to much it was the only way Ian kept doing it.

The Egg

2008-01-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

While Brien and I were out we found this dinosaur egg, that if you put in water in 72 hours a dinosaur will hatch from it. When we got it home the kids were so excited to watch it hatch. We had to tell Avery that it was going to take a while for it to come out. So I told Avery we would take a picture of it every day to see how much it has changed.

Day one

Day Two

Day 3 It's a T Rex

Day 4 its out

2007-12-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Graham Cracker House

2007-12-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

After seeing her cousins graham cracker house Avery wanted to build one too. So while Ian took a nap we built one. Avery handed me the M&M's for the roof and I put them on, but then she did everything else. We had lots of fun and she loves to show everyone when they come over.

Santa Claus

2007-12-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

This year Avery was really excited about Santa, so we told her we would go see him. Some friends of ours came with us too. We went to Tuacahn to see the lights, ride the train and of course see Santa.Avery and Whitney on the train

Avery loved seeing Santa. She told him that she wanted a black horse.

Ian on the other hand could have done without seeing Santa,

but he did enjoy trying to get into the water.

At the end of the night Avery and Ammon had lots of fun running around and throwing money into the water fountain.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-26T18:22:00.001-08:00

We hope that this season was as good for you as it was for us. All though it was crazy and busy we did get to spend some time together and enjoy the holidays.
For our family Christmas pictures we had to give Ian some insentive to stay. Some pictures he had his binkie and others he had M&M's, it was a little stressfull, but they turned out okay.