This morning

All of these pictures were taken before we got snow dumped on us this afternoon. Look how nice and blue the sky was...then after 12pm the dark, gray sky rolled in and we couldn't see the hills that are behind us. School was 2 hours late today, to only be released early. We had a nice walk. Tim and I went back a few hours later. I made pointsetta spritz cookies for Lila's class and the office workers. They were so busy.

The morning sky was glorious.

Evan took this funny picture of our reindeer Jack antenna ball.

The thujas, which you can't see anymore since the wind whipped the snow on them. But here they look pretty flocked.


BRR...the perennial sun garden, not so sunny.

Daddy stayed home from work for his safety and the safety of others, wink ;) We are happy he is home with us. We played Disney DVD Bingo and made him snickerdoodles. I think he's happy to be home too.

Off to finish the spaghetti.

Stay warm!

Miller out.

Best boss ever!

So, there's this guy, Tony, happy lookin' fella, isn't he? Well, he is my GM. And he just made my day. You know the saying...it's the little things that count? Well, Tony just called and told me they are calling out people not to come in to work because it is going to be slow because of the weather.

This is a blessing. I am bookended by 2 giant hills. The sirens have been in full force this morning and I woke up super early to give myself plenty of time to attempt one of the hills...now I don't have to.

Thank you, Tony!

Yesterday...

Evan: "Mom...since I don't have school, you know, maybe, we could, like, go to Starbucks???" Mom: "Sure Evan, your treat?"

Evan: "Yes Mom, it would be a treat for me."

Wise guy!

First snow of the season

Getting all bundled up and ready for some chilly fun...The trampoline is the first place she heads off to every time it snows.Conditions look perfect for a snow angel."Mama, if I put this snow on my face, I look like I have a beard!"

The sheer excitement in the eyes of a small child when they see the snow is starting to fall is the best! After being outside for an hour and a half (whoops), Lila's little fingers and toes were red cold and it took quite a while to get her warmed up. She said it was okay though because she had fun!

Christmas Pageant 2008

Angels Gabe & Mike sitting precariously on 2 chairs atop a table. The angels with sun glasses on anticipating the bright star that was coming.

Buddies Tyler & Evan after the pageant, happy it was over and pleased with their performance. Everyone was pleased!

Lila Grace enjoying the great breakfast between services. She loaded up on grapes...which she said are junk food because they are too sweet to be good for you. Eat all that junk food up!

Special thanks to Ina, Grandpa, Grandma, and the P-D's for being with us today. We love you guys!

Formal Dinner

Our church had a formal dinner for the junior high through college age kids last night. Evan asked Raven, if she would accompany him. She said yes. So to make it official we went to Brown Florist and they made the most beautiful wrist corsage on a black rock bracelet. Here Evan is posing in front of the florist.

Ah, the awkward first time seeing each other with both mom's in the wing. Raven was (is) gorgeous in her black and white gown. The moment after I took this picture Evan gave me "the look" and asked me if I would please leave. I complied, heart a flutter, at my handsome boy, growing up too fast before my eyes.

The rest of the pictures were taken by Evan after I left.

Raven's corsage.

No pictures, please! Here's Raven's little sister with Maryn, our friend's, the Powell's, oldest daughter.

Peace on Earth.


Evan's youth pastor, Kathie Shank. We have a similar picture 2 years ago when Evan just past her in height.

A couple of Evan's silly friends. Tyler (L) and Jonathan (R).


Finally, a picture, unexpected mind you, of Raven. She likes to cover her face when she sees you coming with a camera.

Ha, ha.. Gotcha!

All the kids had a great time and Evan really enjoyed the story that was accompanied on guitar, by Mike Carter. Thank you Praise Covenant Church for this wonderful evening for our kiddos!

Gabriel and Michael's Excellent Adventure

It's Christmas pageant time! This time Evan has one of the 2 leads, (Michael), and Lila Grace is an angel, (again). It is this Sunday the 14th @ both services :
Praise Covenant Church
3501 S Orchard St
Tacoma, WA 98466

9am & 10:45am

We'd love to see ya there!

Also, on the following Sunday, the 21st, the Tim Miller family will be doing a reading and lighting the Advent candle. Lila Grace chose the longest section to read. Very sweet!

Yo! It's about that time

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Kickin' it old school

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So much fun... Nutcracker 2008

Every year rain or snow, rich or poor, a Nutcracker we go! Lila's biggest, most thrilling, outing of the Christmas season. Usually, it's either Tim or I that takes her, but counting our blessings with the out come of my health this year all 4 of us went. We called and invited Grandma and Grandpa Miller, since we don't get to see them as much as we'd like and they live fairly close. Turns out they were baby sitting Tim's brother's kids and they were all able to come, and bonus, Tim's sister's youngest came too. It was a great turn out and a special night!

Lila makes paper fans at home, so she was thrilled they were selling "real life fans". She looked just like the Spanish dancers.
Posing with Gramma and Grandpa.

The boys waiting patiently for the show to start.

Intermission and Justin treated all the kids to 2 cookies each! What a generous heart!

During intermission who came and said hi to Lila? Clara, the star of the show. What a treat. Lila was a little star struck.

Daddy and his girl. What special memories.

I LOVE this picture. Cole was chasing Evan every where he went and kicking him or hitting him. Not in a bad way, just wanting to play and get his attention. He got more than he wished for! Evan made him dance like the ballet dancers. Cole was laughing so hard, it was hysterical.


Kind of dark, but the gang leaving the performance.

Here's the picture you asked for Abby, the one with the light shining up on you both. Pretty girls, for sure.

Now, a fancy evening has to end with dinner at an exclusive restaurant.

You guessed it!

Lila's date should have dressed a little more appropriate for the occasion. He looks like a clown!

Um...?

I was very curious why Lila's baby had a napkin covering it's face. Then this is what I see when Lila came out of the kitchen. I didn't even know we owned a bandanna...

If you look carefully, you will see that yes, that is a clothes pin on her nose. Are you figuring it out yet? Let's just end this post with, Evan's nick name from Lila has been "Stinky Evan", you get the picture? Poor girl.

Sorry if this offends anyone. If you were here to see her reaction it was priceless!

Happy Birthday Uncle Pat

We love you Uncle Pat and are so happy you were able to come over on your way to dinner with your parents! Lila and I enjoyed making the brownies with special frosting and putting the number 55 on top. We hope the rest of your special day was wonderful...we're sure it was, because you're a wonderful person!

See you Christmas day...Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Lila really enjoys crafts...I don't, so much. But, we found one that Mom likes, hooray! We had fun making snowflakes. 6 sided ones at that. We made 10 of them and hung them above the Christmas village.

It's a winter wonderland in our dining room.