Deck the halls.....2011

Most years our decorating happens the weekend after Thanksgiving. This way we have over a full month to enjoy the Christmas season and are ready for advent. It was not to be this year. Just seemed we couldn't get it done.....but as that week wore on the kids began to ask...."Can we put up the Christmas lights for dad?" I didn't even consider it - crawling around on the roof, extension cords, etc. - how would they know what to do? They knew their dad was extremely busy and they wanted to bless him. Finally - after almost a week of begging - I noticed the kids had been out front a long time without checking in. I went out to the garage and they were up in the attic with the ladder pulling the lights and tree down.

Have you ever had one of those parenting moments where you know you should stand your ground - you've told them time and time again no - but you just don't have the energy to do it? This was one of them. I just turned around and went back in the house. Didn't want to fight the battle. It was sweet of them to want to help their dad - but really - how would they accomplish this?

Don't ever underestimate the power and will of these kids! I guess they have assisted their dad enough years in putting up the lights, because within a few hours - the Millers had lights on their house and they looked great! Merl came home part way through, and as the kids worked outside we sat inside amazed.

The kids were so pleased with themselves they even pulled the tree out and got it up along with the nativity. Looks like we have more capable help around her than we originally estimated! What a blessing. Thanks guys for helping us out - you're the best! Now we've had a decorated house for several weeks due to your perseverance and capability!

Love the teamwork.....

Arizona boy in the freezing cold!

"camping" in the back of the van while the big sibs do the lights....

Beginning work on the 40 year old Christmas tree

Project foreman

Jonathan contemplates the nativity.....

Happy Birthday ~ Madison Joy ~

Madison - age 1

What does a momma say when her firstborn turns 13? Probably the same thing as when she turns 18 - or 21 - or gets married.....pretty much speechless.....

Maybe if I kept the baby pictures out where I could look at them all the time I'd be reflective more often. Where does the time go? It marches on. It speeds on while I grasp at its end. I can still remember what it was like to saunter through the grocery store with Madison in the cart - at a leisurely pace while we talked and browsed......Now we fly through the aisles while Madison helps to keep us all together and is my right hand lady helper snatching things off the shelves.

Capable, confident, joyful ~ creative, organized, on time ~ helpful, servant's heart, and sensitive ~ there are many ways to describe our first baby.....independent, great with younger children, and reliable. I realize as I write how much I have come to depend on Madison because of her abilities. She is able to complete almost any household task and is even learning how to keep a budget, garden, run small businesses, organize events, teach little ones, and volunteers with me at the Hope Women's Center. But her life isn't all seriousness.....

Madison says she loved being 12.....and she will continue to be full of fun at 13 ~ enjoying her dog Aslan, rollerblading, shopping, painting her nails, playing games, swimming, cards, cooking, baking, decorating, sewing, making crafts and jewelry, playing piano, and going to the park.....the list goes on because she is eager to do most anything. I love her wide range of interests and willingness to try new things!

Madison's father and I pray for a heart bent toward loving the Lord - as she continues in service and love toward others....we can't imagine our family without her - our love. What a joy she is to our family and those around us! We are thankful for the opportunity to nurture her spirit as she grows and experiences life with us!

1st day of 7th grade....

Loving the color green in her room.....

Chasing white butterflies in Grandpa's garden....

Helping her sister....

Serving grandma....

Fun....

Loves sports....

Diligent student/loyal dog.....

It's a Tangled Birthday Party!

Little girls love princesses and ours are no different! Allie wanted to have a "Tangled" theme birthday party for her 7th birthday - and it was her big sister who was central in making the dream come true for her this year....7 years after she had her own princess party at the age of 6!

Madison loves to plan parties and events so she helped Allison plan a special afternoon. She and I worked together - but looking back - I basically provided transportation, finances, and a little direction! Madison primarily did the rest! She is so creative with her ideas of how to pull things together and is completely heads above me when it comes to presentation, colors, and decorations! She is a fast thinker, keeps the event moving, and is great with the kids!

Allison received a special Tangled dress/nightgown for her birthday and wanted to dress up at the party so Madison came up with the idea of having the girls receive "spa treatment", dress up fancy with special jewelry, get their hair done and then go to the movies. After the movie they went "out" for special dessert. In the meantime they also got to make cute rings and hair clips! I think the girls had fun......

Pardon me while I post an abundance of photos and commentary!

The Tangled Party Coordinator's To Do List.....

Madison created a beautiful table....with simple place settings.....

Grandma's specialty "dirt cake" in the center and paper "Pascals" lovingly handcrafted by Ryan graced the table.....

Madison fixed up the bathroom for the "spa".....feet, nails, hair, and such.....

Towels and soap for the feet.....

In the "dressing room", the dresses were awaiting a little girl.....

Accessories were abound..... Hair ribbons, earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets.....even refreshments!

So many choices.....

Necklaces and bracelets were hanging in front of the hair flowers....

Rings and clips....

After having their nails done, dressing, and choosing jewelry, Madison did each girl's hair.....

Beautiful girls on the outside and inside!

The girls making rings....

After all the dressing up it was time for snacks and the movie.....

The anticipation!

Our special parties would not be the same without Grandma and Grandpa's help and love.....

The end of a dream of a day!

Happy Birthday, Allison!

First photo shoot with Amy G.....(around 6 months old)

Allison, June 2011

Another wonderful year has gone by like a blur and Allison is older, taller, and wiser! This year I think she has been more excited than ever for her birthday - beginning the countdown until today over 2 weeks ago! She is blessed to have siblings who have joined in the excitement and an older sister whose gift is making a day special. Some days I feel along for the ride! OK - most days!

It's been an eventful year. Allison lost many teeth, has strengthened her reading and writing skills, learned to play baseball and flag football (thanks to big brother), and started a ballet class. Allie has a tender heart which is especially soft toward babies and little ones. She cannot wait to interact with them when we are with friends, at church, or small group. She is such a little lady - loving putting together her outfits, hair, shoes, and purses. I can already see the glimpses of a dedicated wife and amazing mother. She is still a special cheerleader for me - often the first to realize when I am down or need an encouraging word. I believe the Lord has also given her a tender heart for her each of her friends and insight as she seeks to love them.

Always game to be at the park.....

Diligent student!

She can be rough and tumble if needed!

Even willing to hold a crayfish!

We are thankful for the blessing Allie is in our family - what an amazing gift each child is with their unique strengths and challenges. We are looking forward to a memorable day off of school today, celebrating Allison in her 7th year! We love you, sweet girl!

It's a good day for a hike.....

(Click to enlarge and you can see downtown!)

Now that the weather is finally cooled down our goal is to take one hike per month - minimum. This was our first one.....Wind Cave at Usery Park. Of course they had to drag me out of bed and away from the easy chair and my coffee.....but I was fine near the end! Takes me awhile to warm up....

The one time Jonathan slowed down enough the whole 3 miles round trip to pose for a picture!

View on the way up

Always running....

View from the top!

View on the way down.....