October Break

Every Fall poor Ron is always so busy at work. I try to keep the kids busy during October Break but this year we thought it would be fun to brave a trip to Utah with out Ron. Leslie was gracious enough to take us in and my kids were in heaven at their home hanging with cousins and constantly playing. Leslie's kids were still in school so we kept busy during the day going to temple square with Uncle Allen, visiting and touring the Conference center, Joseph Smith Memorial, temple baptisms, a live session for me at the Salt Lake Temple and visiting some relatives.  Our original plan was to leave Wednesday and drive to North Salt Lake stay for a few days then head home. My friend Erin was planning on visiting her parents in Spring City the same week and offered for us to stop and hang with them for a day before finishing our drive to the Miller home. On the drive to Spring City we stopped in Richfield, UT for dinner at Arby's. We got out of the car stretched ate inside the small restaurant and got back in the car and headed for Springfield. We arrived at the Hawker home (in the middle of nowhere) after dark and headed inside to set up beds and rest. We had a lot of fun staying with "Uncle Bart" and "Aunt Debbie" as long time family friends I grew up thinking they were our real Aunt and Uncle. We went on a beautiful hike with them, hung out at a pond near their property and did some quad riding (Mason LOVED that).  As we packed up the next day after all the fun I started to look for my purse and wallet. I thought I had just left it in the car from the night before. As I realized I didn't have it I started to panic. I called the Arby's in Richfield and miraculously they still had it. We were a little disappointed to have to back track an hour to get my purse but so grateful that it had not been stolen or really lost. 

We lived the "Miller" life. Freezing cold football games, endless card games and snuggles on the couch.

Mason got to do baptisms in the Salt Lake temple and the Provo City Center. That building is amazing.

Aprils First Day of Preschool

Today was the last time I will experience the "first day of Preschool" with my kids. I know that sounds weird let me explain. I had a conversation once with a close friend about the struggles of motherhood. We were both venting about lack of sleep, struggles with teaching and trying to be patient. She said something to me that I have never forgotten. She said something along the lines of "I try to think of each moment as a potential 'last' moment in my experience as motherhood." For example when my daughter comes into my room at 2am and climbs in bed with me and I resume my sleepless night on the edge of the bed because she sleeps horizontal... positive thoughts could be "this might be the last time Callie asks for comfort and snuggles" Not sure if that makes sense but in life sometimes we don't always know when the "last" moments will be. We don't know when we will lose a close loved one, the last time my 10 year old son will give me a hug in public, the last time they will ask for help with tying shoes, not to be dramatic but I didn't know the last time Mason would have 2 functioning eyes. My really long point is today was one of those known "last days". I kept it together and was really proud of myself UNTIL she got in the car AFTER her first day of preschool. She started talking about all the friends she made, the things she did and the birthday celebration they had for one of the preschoolers. Listening to her talk I could feel the tears rushing in (thank goodness for sunglasses Haha). When I asked what her friends names were she replied "ummm I 'dagot (forgot) I sink (think) her name was 'Uh-nelope'." I hope she never stops pronouncing words like that. In her sweet little mouse voice it's my favorite. I guess I just got all teary thinking about her experiencing things with out me. She's always been my little buddy. Her sweet little voice constantly telling me time after time that I'm her best friend. The adorable little hand that is always willing to clasp mine. The little cutie that makes me stop and literally smell the roses. My shopping companion that stops the shopping cart abruptly EVERY time we come across something pink. She has my heart and it's a little sad to think about things she will now experience with out me.

Back to School

Mason 7th Grade

First year at Franklin Jr. High

Mason loves weight training, basketball, and girls. (or maybe I should say a specific girl.)

Mason made the basketball team he enjoys playing and making new friends.

 Noah 5th Grade

Franklin Elementary School

 Noah loves Kickball at recess, math and computer class.

Noah tried flag football at school this year and has really enjoyed playing.

Callie 3rd Grade

Franklin Elementary School

Callie loves Art, friends and recess (when it's not too dang hot!)

She still has a handful of boys swooning over her writing her notes and giving her jewelry. 

I still can't believe  Mason is in jr. high.  It's fun to hear him talking about girls at school. He's not girl crazy but I am surprised at how easily he talks to girls and invites them to things like his games. I was not that smooth at this age.

Noah's Hero

I came home from a busy day to find this gem on my kitchen table. Noah was working on this poster for school and I was pleasantly surprised when I read over it. Happy tears to my eyes.

I'm generally not a fan of homework. I have a theory, it's totally just punishment for parents. But this assignment. This assignment I'm going to treasure forever. April has been gluten free for almost a year now and I am so proud of how she has handled it. Like Noah said she's always happy and understanding. She is constantly asking "Is it gluten free?"