the mystery on the living room floor

This is just too funny.....

The family has been struggling with a strange "sickness" - Allison had a fever, I had headaches, and then Allie and Jonathan both threw up one time in the middle of the night 24 hours apart.  As a result I've been up from about 3am on both Sunday and Monday nights....every time someone coughs or sputters in the other room I fly out of bed anticipating well.....you know.  

So early this morning after Allie had done her thing and gone back to sleep, I was trying to sleep from 6-7am.....and she comes up to me in the bed and says....."Mommy there is something all over the living room floor."  "What is it Allie?"  "I don't know just something."  Ok - so if you were me what would you assume?  Two nights in a row up with barfing kids, I am thinking great - the dog barfed?  Who barfed on the living room floor?  What else could it be if she doesn't know what it is?  

I decided I didn't care what was on the living room floor because I was tired and my head was pounding too much to get up.  "Just don't step in it - I'll be there in a minute."  Finally I mustered enough courage to get up, face the day, and face the living room floor.  Much to my relief "it" was a big, black racetrack!  Last night after Allie had gone to bed a sweet friend had dropped some "hand me down" toys by for Ryan and he'd set up the racetrack.  Allie had never seen anything like it!  What a relief!

junior baker

I love the way Madison works in the kitchen....whether it is fixing breakfast, lunch, or baking a special treat - she always arranges things so they look pleasing to the eye.  In these pictures she is making cookies for daddy's birthday which is today.  Butter pecan cookies will be yummy!  It is a blessing to have another cook in the kitchen!

No - she is not licking the batter!  I think she is deep in concentration

slip slidin' away.....

What else are you going to do when there is no school and it is over 100 degrees?

They said they were "making a whirlpool".

pure action shot......

yikes - there is no way my old body could take that......

I'm sorry, I can't help it!  His rear end is so cute - and I missed his head!  It won't be long and that little tush will be bigger and not photographic!

swimming lessons

It's that time again.....summer swimming lessons.  For almost the last 8 years I have sat outside watching at least one of our first 3 kids cry through a session!  Every 2-4 year old had done it.....so this year I said - I can't take it.  I told my friend who teaches them.....if Jonathan cries I am waiting until next year.....not paying to watch him cry!  Well guess what?  He wins the prize for the first Miller toddler NOT to cry in at the first swimming lessons!  He loves it and does whatever he's asked......what an agreeable guy.  It won't be long and they'll all be fish!

Allison is doing great!

Jonathan waiting his turn - he kept asking, "Me? Me?"

what can I say?

This is what happens when momma is on the phone too long and folding laundry in the back room: (captions provided by my mom)

The Miller Ensemble.  Number Three appears to be striking a pose.

Hmmm.  Thinking this over.  Not enough stretch in this leotard--and I think the flounce is just a little too much..

Back to business--- Let's see---where was I?  

father's day

Happy Father's Day #10 to my dear husband.....hard to believe it has been 10 years since he celebrated his first.  Now our little baby girl has turned into a young lady and there are 3 more kiddos to celebrate with! 

Merl is has become a father beyond what I dreamed he would be.  In fact, when we met - I had no idea what to think about what his "potential fatherly qualities" would be. - and frankly I am embarrassed to say that I didn't really care.  I just knew I wanted to marry him and would worry about the rest later.  Hmmm......I don't recommend this reckless philosophy - I am just an example of God's grace and mercy - as a result I am married to a changed man and amazing father!  

Merl has a kind and Godly way of dealing with our kids - shepherding them - I think he had great examples from his parents who I know have prayed faithfully for him every day of his life.....I also take great comfort in knowing that he desires to do what the Lord calls him to do.  And he desires to be a Godly father...I am thankful for this man!

Walnut Canyon

On Friday our vacation came to a close.......hard to say good bye but how blessed we are to return to a home, friends, and family we love.  We are SO blessed.  Since we checked out of the timeshare early I suggested we prolong the time by visiting Walnut Canyon.  Fun!

The kids worked on receiving their Junior Ranger badges (filling out a booklet with answers you find throughout the park and museum) and we had fun exploring the cliff dwellings there.  It was great timing since we studied Native Americans at the beginning of the year.

The hike is quite steep down into the canyon and then back up.  Originally we planned on letting Jonathan run off some steam but when we saw the steep drop offs, we decided he was safest in the backpack - one trip to the ER was enough!  As we worked our way back up, Madison and Ryan ran up the stairs like mountain goats not even winded.  Merl had Jonathan on the back of him and didn't seem winded.  Allie and I pulled up the rear - we were relieved to reach the top!  

What a glorious week of exploring and enjoying God's beautiful creation.  

A view from the top of the trail