It's #11 for Ryan......

Ryan has had another year of energy, fun, and firsts! Happy Birthday, son - we are so proud of you! Ryan is not afraid to try new things for sure and is always looking for a challenge. I love his desire to go for it and do things well.

In the spring, he built an amazing treehouse with Grandpa Spence!

This summer Ryan ran his first 5K with dad......

It is encouraging to watch Ryan develop rich friendships! He is fortunate to have so many who love him. Most of us are drawn to his passion and enthusiasm for life!

Isaiah and Ryan at a Diamondbacks game

The three musketeers watch Latin American soccer!

Ryan and Matthew with his new treasure....

As parents Merl and I appreciate Ryan's commitment to his siblings as he loves, cares, and seeks to protect them. Jonathan especially looks up to his brother and loves to play football, legos, and rollerblade with him.

Huddle in the backyard....

I will admit......one of my favorite things about Ryan is his passion for sports and competition! I could sit and watch him play all day! He plays soccer, swims on swim team all summer, runs, plays football with friends, rollerblades - you name it - he is game!

He always has a smile on his face!

It is also wonderful to see his selflessness on the field - passing the ball to his teammates so they can score. He seems to have a great balance of giving 100% all the time but not being overly concerned with the win or points, etc. I appreciate his kindness toward the opposing team's players as well!

Quite the rollerblader!

Ryan is also a servant and loves to help his dad and pitch in where needed. He is beginning to reason and think through his faith on a different level and it is a privilege to discuss the questions of life with him. We are blessed to call him son! Happy special day, Ryan!

winter rest and reflection in anticipation of rejuvenation....

It sure doesn't look like this here......but as I sat and sipped my coffee looking out the window at the New Mexico snow a month ago, I couldn't help but feel rested and reflective. The new year is often a time when people seem to start "afresh" with new goals and thoughts.

Wandering around the snow-capped garden where I had just snapped pictures in the fall, I was reminded how parts of the garden must die or become dormant before the rejuvenation of spring and planting of new seeds.

Really my life is no different.

Pruning from the Lord takes place......"He must increase, but I must decrease....." John 3:30

Thank goodness the Lord does this in a loving way - with patience and grace.

Through trials and daily events He works with me - and if I am responsive to His molding.....new life is around the corner.....

Maybe lessons learned.....

Added color and viability....

Transformation in the new year....

19 years......

19 years ago on Jan.2, 1993 was a day that couldn't have come soon enough for me! After more than two years of being separated from each other over the miles (Florida and New Mexico) I was finally marrying my prince. I was sure he was a prince anyway....but really....what did I know? I am convinced now that at the time we marry we really know next to nothing about what we are getting into! What wisdom and knowledge do we have at the time? Not much. Sure - I had done my research. I'd spent time with the family, asked all the questions and thought through all the potential problems. Honestly - I glossed over some of the likely difficulties.

Fast forward 19 years. I actually have life experience now - and like - some wisdom. Marriage is work. It is more than the wedding, first apartment, first year, and first baby. People change. A lot has happened. I could be up a creek without a paddle.

But I'm not. The Lord is gracious. The man I am married to now is not the man I married 19 years ago. He is MORE amazing. He works as many jobs as it takes to provide abundantly for our family - going above and beyond. He is a visionary and works to build his skills in his career so that his opportunities don't run out. In 19 years I don't believe the man has ever been out of bed after 7am - even when he is sick. He rises hours before me to work on ministry or his job. He is honest, wise, and self-less. He believes in me even when I don't. He works extra and does without so I can have the resources to make homeschooling easier. "Vegging" on the couch in front of the tube is not an issue here. He is an insightful and loving father. He spiritually leads our family.

It is humbling to realize how things could be. I see the situations all around me. Why me? He is not what I deserve and I don't think I could ever be to him back what he is to me. There have been so many wonderful and difficult times....and in reality.....where did the years go? But during that period we have grown and changed. We are not a family of 2 but a family of 6.....that things are different is an understatement!

We are a transformed family here - working on life with the Lord and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am SO glad I married this man and am thankful for the husband he is to me. I am grateful the Lord has given us so many years to "walk" together. And in Christ we will continue to walk - imperfectly - but together! : )

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

Renewal.....2012

In 2012 I pray for a teachable spirit and change as I seek a closer walk with the Lord. Let go of the old and bring on the new.......

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "

Jeremiah 29:11

graham cracker houses.....aka gingerbread!

Last year the Miller cousins had a great time decorating "graham cracker houses"..... they had such a good time it was decided the event would be repeated this year......much amusement and entertainment!

The waiting ingredients.....

Such careful work....

Aunt Valeta helps Sydney.....

Bryan and MacKenzie teamwork....

"I can do it!" says Zander....

Meticulous work....

Allie's finished product!

Madison's house

Ryan's log cabin....

Tara's "church school"....

Happy cousins: Katie, Tara, and Madison

The line-up.....

1st Annual Miller Scavenger Hunt

Awhile back I saw an idea for doing a family scavenger hunt at Christmas. I thought it looked like a blast and so was psyched when the rest of the family was game. The primary purpose of the hunt was to spend time as a family (young and older) and enjoy one another. We also weaved the gift exchange for the kids into it. We divided the 22 family members into 4 teams and away we sped in our cars with cameras. After we had all finished we met at Grandma and Grandpa's for lunch and sharing our stories. I think overall it was a success - though will need some adjustments for next time. Here are the pictures from my group:

Find a vehicle decorated for christmas....

Find a cookie recipe.....

Katie and Aunt Valeta checking our list.....

Buy a package of candy canes and hand them out to strangers....

Bring home an inflated red or green balloon......yeah Chik-fil-a!

Find a santa, put a scarf around his neck and take a team photo! It was fun knocking on this guy's door and asking for permission for a photo!

Team photo with an inflated snowman!

Team photo with Salvation Army bell-ringer and do something kind for him/her. This lady was so blessed by our offer to buy her a hot drink or lunch!

Count the trees in a Christmas tree lot! This was easy!

Perform a random act of kindness.....It was so fun to pay for the person that happened to walk in and order after us....."You totally made my day!" she said.....

My scarf on another Santa.....

Find three nativity scenes......

Just a few of our adventures.....hopefully it will be an enjoyable tradition for years to come!