What The?

Everything is Amazing & Nobody's Happy

2011-10-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Too funny and too true...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk&noredirect=1

Useless? Refuse?

2011-10-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days that you want to do-over, pretty much right from the start? I had one of those days this week. I felt a little bit like our big pile of dirt, the pile that feels useless, ugly (nobody really wants a big pile of old dirt, right?):

But then He shows me beauty in the mess, a reason for the refuse. Really it's always there, I just have to look for it or I miss it.

And sadly, on this day, I would have missed it. I wasn't looking. But my husband was and I am so thankful he saw what I would have missed.

This song came to mind. He DOES make beautiful things out of dust, out of us:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR7VOKQ0xJY

Now I just need to remember, and look.

Every So Often...

2011-10-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

Or once every 10 years, we live on a quiet street and our kids can play/ride their bikes where they would NOT be allowed on a normal day.

Not So Rude Awakening

2011-09-28T20:27:00.001-07:00

Labor Day weekend we were awoken early by these flying right over our house:

Though we usually prefer to go to the night events it was fun to be able to watch these all fly over head in our PJ's!

Bittersweet

2011-06-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Why is it both wonderful and sad when our children grow up? It happens too fast (and not fast enough)!

May the 4th Be With You

2011-05-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

First of all, Happy Birthday to my youngest brother (if he even reads this blog at all).

I tried to get a little geeky yesterday (well I think I am already geeky in some ways, just not this one) and am a tiny bit proud (and honestly surprised) at the results:
Yes, that is the Death Star! and an X-wing fighter! (I had to look that one up)
For dinner tonight:
Greedo Burritos
Yoda Soda
Wookie Cookies

For breakfast we had:
Padawan Pancakes (though really they are from the Pioneer Woman cookbook so they are possibly from a source completely opposite of space ships, etc., though really wasn't Star Wars pioneering many things in the movie industry??) the kids did get tired of me calling them Young Padawan all morning, but I had fun :)

Loved to Pieces

2011-04-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

I think that this is possibly the world's most loved blankie, that is still, by some miracle, holding on by a few teeny, tiny threads:

The red part in the background is actually not a part of the original blankie, but our attempt to make it last as long as possible...

Spring Cleaning

2011-04-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

SPRING CLEANING
by F. Miller

When the leaves sprout and the flowers bloom,
We attack spring cleaning, with a broom.
Mom loves it and tries to make us help.
But we run and hide; we'd rather eat sea kelp.
But we help anyway, and not just to be nice.
We don't want creeping from the shadows rats and bugs and mice.

There's A First (and a Fifth) Time for Everything

2011-01-26T12:30:00.001-08:00

Last night was our school's cub scout Pinewood Derby. I forgot my camera (bad mom!) so these were taken afterward. We are so proud of them:

I think some people were calling E's car "Captain America", he got fifth place, out of about 20 boys, which he was very proud of.
And C got FIRST place with his car "The Cobra":

A Problem by C. M.

2010-10-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

A problem that I had in my life was where I could not think of a problem to write about. I kept thinking and thinking but couldn't find one out. I looked all over the room trying to find a problem but couldn't. I started talking to my friend who couldn't find one out either. I told him that I have a problem right now, which gave me an idea. I am now finished writing down my problem about not having a problem.

You're Invited

2010-09-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Walking distance from our house is a fun end of summer activity (for those of us unable to make the 7am activity - which we hear is great) that we unfortunately have not attended since a few days after the birth of our youngest:

Yes, that is a huge crowd of people between us and the balloons.

Our middle child wanted to get as close as he could to the balloons (this is as close as I would let him go, I think he would have gotten in the basket if allowed). It is really, really warm when they are running their burners. And the people on the left, leaning on the basket, are holding it down so it won't fly away. Which was highly nerve wracking for our oldest who keeps thinking of better ways they could do it so the balloon doesn't accidentally take off into the night.

These three did not want to get as close to the balloons and flames (see the oldest, hiding, concerned). It is actually less crowded in among the balloons. Far more pleasant than trying to get anywhere near any of the food booths or trinket sellers.
So, if anyone is around on Labor Day weekend and wants to join us, we would love to have you! Though you need to come early if you want to park anywhere near our house :)

Some Firsts

2010-07-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

First plane ride (at least that she can remember):
First time off the diving board (for the boys):

All 3 in the deep end without Mom and Dad - which means relaxing pool trips for Mom :)

First missing tooth, though the new tooth grew in before the baby tooth fell out (and last first-loose-tooth for our family):

Obsession

2010-06-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

The current male obsession around our house the last few months (I could have taken HUNDREDS of pictures like this...)

Current time to completion 7 minutes! Yes, on his own, without help...

Current time to completion 2 minutes, 51 seconds!

I'm not sure he's figured it out yet...just kidding. Current time to completion 5 minutes 30 seconds.

Lets see how many more times I can put "current" in a post...

Uncle Mac Will be Proud

2010-05-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

I had thought that we had avoided the "boys-taking-apart-electronics-to-see-what-the-inside-looks-like-and-how-it-works" phenomenon. Apparently I was wrong, they just hid it well (and fortunately were small and not items that we use on a daily basis):

**It's a watch and a calculator, in case you were wondering.

Who says Shrek isn't real...

2010-04-24T20:04:00.001-07:00

Look at the cotton "candy" he gave our daughter (in non-ogre form). Wasn't that sweet?

Olympic Inspiration

2010-04-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Future speedskaters?

Warning for Pregnant Women - There might be some rat photos

2010-01-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Most of you who read this blog know that I have been out of commission for a while with some back problems. I am working my way back into normal life again and will try and catch up here on our silly family blog. I'll be posting some Christmas and Cub Scout Pinewood Derby photos later this week, but until then here are a few things that have happened around here the last 6 weeks:

He really wants the tooth fairy to come...

Little beggar...

Somehow, in all the chaos we lost our 9 year old for a while...

So much for painting our house, here is where our money is going now...

I don't think Mary and Joseph had hat and gloves, or snow...

2nd place despite having uncooperative rats...

This was lots of ice, on the INSIDE of the windows...

Thank you Food Network

2009-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

I Think I'm Getting Old

2009-12-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Because it seems like just yesterday she was like this...

And this weekend we did this...

(It was cider, but the image was a little shocking)

Random

2009-11-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I haven't updated for a while. Things have been a bit crazy here. Here are a few random photos of what has been going on...

Sickness:

Painting the kitchen (still not quite done, but close):
More sickness:
Science fair project that didn't go so well. Our rats are not lab rats. (Close your eyes Song):
Music (I'll try and post a clip later):
Sad dog, because mom was at the book fair A LOT (my box of stuff that I dragged back and forth):

A store where you could buy "folds". You can see them on his little table:

Mommy's New Toy

2009-10-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

We will post pictures of the kitchen once it is all done, and we are pretty close. Hopefully only one week! However, here is my newest toy. It is not a kitchen necessity but a fun addition (I even used it to fill the dog's water bowl, just to have more reasons to use it):

Cute Chaos

2009-10-20T09:57:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure what was happening here, but I blame her boy cousins.

A rare moment with no movement...

Can you guess which one was posing for the camera?

"I like Petey! I like Jakey!"

Piano lessons, of sorts.

Spinning, spinning, spinning...

I love the bed head.

Ah...the signs of fall

2009-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins and mums (I know they are not blooming, but you can pretend)

Wait, what are you doing? Checking out our display?

Oh, you were helping us carve our pumpkins early, thank you (maybe)!

Do you remember...

2009-09-25T17:54:00.001-07:00

...when you first learned to read?

Please Make This

2009-09-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

It is cold, and snowing/raining here and I miss my stove. Doesn't fall make you want to bake? So will someone out there please make this...not for me to eat...just for me to know that someone is enjoying it:

http://www.bakerella.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-pie%E2%80%A6-oh-my/

I think it might be the first thing I make when my stove is installed sometime in the next few weeks!

Glimpses of Pretty Rock

2009-09-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a glimpse of our new counters. Unfortunately the kitchen doesn't look quite like this right now, it's back to more of a construction zone for a few more weeks. HOWEVER, as of 30 minutes ago my sink is fully functional! With hot water! And a disposal (which is a first for us)! And an installed dishwasher (another first - the other hooked to the faucet)! Bit by bit it is becoming a kitchen:

Not for the Faint of Heart

2009-09-10T16:26:00.001-07:00

We have two new family members. Gifts to our son for his birthday in July, they arrived last week and are cuter than some of us expected. The first one shown on our son's shoulder is Petey and the second one is Jakey:

Lovely cabinets, clean, empty, waiting...

2009-08-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Finally! The cabinets are in, and we love them:

There was one door that was the wrong color which is why we are missing the drawer front above it (it was sent in to color match the replacement).

Next will be counter and appliances...

Some quotes...

2009-08-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Some things heard around our house lately...not all are from our kids:

"I can't wait for school to start. I hope my homework is harder this year."

"You are SOOOO lucky! You live right next to a slug bug!"

"I can't wait until Friday!" says son.
"Why's that?" asks mother
"I get to have a spelling test!!"
**really, I'm not making this one up!**

Kitchen Update #4

2009-08-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here is our new floor (we are going for a bold, unique look):

Just kidding, that's our weird underlayment, here is our pretty new floor:

Coming up soon (very soon)...cabinets!

What Does It Mean...

2009-08-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

when your son is reading a book called "Illustrated Stories for Girls" and uses a large wooden sword for a bookmark??

Kitchen Update #3

2009-08-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

One of the cabinets and my sweet husband painting (I think he missed a spot):

Why Boredom is a Good Thing: Part 2

2009-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Because when you are bored, making a blanket out of newspapers is fun!

For Those Who Asked

2009-07-14T10:43:00.001-07:00

For those who were interested in seeing some of our color sample/choices here they are:

The door is the color of our cabinets, but not the style (ours will be shaker style)
The bottom tile is what we are putting on the floor
The paint sample is what we are planning on painting - this might change
The top tile is for our backsplash

Kitchen Update #2

2009-07-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

All our inspections passed so we were able to put up drywall this weekend. It's starting to look more like a real room! Also, our cabinets arrived in Denver on Friday and are waiting for us (much better that us waiting for them).

There's Just Something About Sprinklers

2009-07-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

They make some dance:
Some leap:
And some strut:

Kitchen Update

2009-07-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

We passed electrical inspection today! Yippee! Only the structural inspection remains - hopefully completed tomorrow - and we can start putting drywall up. Here are shots of all the electrical work Ian did. Keep in mind that this room had only two outlets and one light. All the blue tape you see is either an outlet or lighting of some kind:

Our pretty brick - we are mostly finished sealing it. Our friend Tim did an amazing patch job to fill in the old hole for the original stove:

One of the reasons that we wanted to do this:

This is the old drain pipe - yuck!

This is the CLEAN water pipe - double yuck!

I'll post pictures of our new plumbing once the lights are hooked back up in the basement...

Happy 3rd of July!

2009-07-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ours has been happier since this date 9 years ago:

Technical Difficulties

2009-07-01T12:32:00.001-07:00

The Miller Channel has faced some technical difficulties (mainly producer mom has been too busy) so here is a commercial for Revend Cucumbers to hold you over:

A Bit Elvish

2009-06-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

"They are quite different from what I expected - so old and so young, so gay and so sad, as it were."
J.R.R. Tolkien

Miller Channel Summer Schedule

2009-06-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tune in to the Miller Channel - show times as listed (though may appear at the availability and discretion of the producer):

Mondays 3:00pm - Food Petwork

Tuesday 3:00pm - The Impossibles

Wednesday 3:00pm - Secret Shows/ (like "The Spy")

Thursday 3:00pm - Wheel of "Torture"

Friday 3:00pm - M.I.L. Movies

Saturday 3:00pm - Top of the Squirts

Sunday 3:00pm - Fashion Freak

** Reality episodes may appear on any day of the week

What a Mom Will Do

2009-06-18T11:17:00.001-07:00

I just smelled all my childrens armpits...what is that about?? They were concerned that they all needed deodorant. The verdict - it is not necessary yet...Thank you Lord!
Oh boy, our daughter is giving her brothers a lesson about puberty now...

Hidden Treasures...

2009-06-17T16:54:00.001-07:00

Digging into the walls, floors and ceiling of a 87 year old house can reveal some hidden treasures:

800 and Counting

2009-06-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

After 2 1/2 weeks the kitchen looks pretty much the same...we have pulled out at least 800 nails, and we're not done yet:

Our temporary kitchen:

Temporary dining room:

Temporary counter:

Temporary dishwasher:

A Story - Without Words

2009-05-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Demo: The Filth

2009-05-25T21:33:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Tim, Cindy, Vince, Song and Peter for enduring it with us!!!

Horse hair insulation from under the sink:

Oh, the dust...

Kitchen Demo: After

2009-05-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

12 Hours Later...

Kitchen Demo: During

2009-05-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

No fires were started during the filming of this project:
Looking toward the back door:

The window above the sink:

Looking into the kitchen from the dining room:

Kitchen Demo: Before

2009-05-25T20:56:00.001-07:00

So long, farewell
Auf Wiedersehen, goodnight
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight...
(You all know this song from The Sound of Music so sing with us)

Overcoming Fears the Girl Scout Way

2009-05-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Mom's Fears (no appendages or limbs were injured or lost in this event):

Daughter's Fears (no fingers were burnt or hair singed - and yes, she did get her first campfire built and started all by herself):

It's Spring and That Means Track and Field Day!

2009-05-12T08:23:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid I was HORRIBLE at field day. I remember falling out of the back of the hula hoop when I raced with my friend (she was too fast, I was too slow), rope burns from the tug of war and almost always getting last place. Fortunately our children got a bit of their father's gene's and do better...

First Field Day for our youngest:

He got first place in the bean bag toss:

Each class votes for the "Best Sportsman" (who shows leadership, has a good attitude...) and guess who won:

Last Field Day for our Oldest:

Lots of waiting in the "bullpen":

She didn't win, but look at that form!

Second place in the three-legged race!

What Will People Think (AKA Why Boredom is a Good Thing)

2009-04-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

TEEN ROCK PRESENTS IT'S FIRST EVER CONCERT:

Front Stage Security: Cubit Dear

Singer: Toby Gonzales

Drummer: Buggy Hills

Lead Guitar: Sammy Gonzales

For your listening pleasure (thank you to DC Talk - though they will probably never see this):

It's Official

2009-04-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Our lovely daughter will be starting on a new adventure - she was accepted on the 2010 US Olympic Ski Team - not really, she was accepted into the International Baccalaureate Program in middle school this fall. Yippee! She has worked hard and we are so proud of her!

Another Reason Celebrating Resurrection is Best

2009-04-13T10:05:00.001-07:00

Because when celebrating bunnies and eggs, things like this can happen:

"Oh, I'm sorry, was I not supposed to do that there?"

and...

"HELP! HELP! I spent too much time in the jacuzzi!"

**Our daughter thought it was unfortunate that they named these poor creatures. It made their downfall much more significant to her. May Sunny and Honey and Lil Traveler rest in peace.

The True Meaning of Easter

2009-04-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

The True Meaning of Easter
By F. Miller 2009

Candy and bunnies and Easter eggs too
Egg hunts everywhere, even at the zoo.
Kids wait in their beds for the Easter bunny to come
and fill their baskets with candy toys and gum.
With all this in our minds we sometimes forget
The true meaning of Easter
The reason that's best.

While everyone was playing and creating "mishap"
A boy sat in the corner a book upon his lap
"They say that Easter is about candy, eggs and toys.
But I know better than they do
I have more reason to rejoice."
After thinking this he turned in the book upon his lap
To John 20, page one-four-o-two, just to be exact.
"Early, 1st day of the week, Mary went to the tomb
Seeing the stone rolled away, she wondered what to do."
"Do not be afraid", said an angel from up high
"The Lord is risen! Go rejoice! He has been taken to the skies."
So Mary ran and told the disciples causing them to be very confused.
But the Lord appeard, and said to their fear "I will tell you what to do."
Go and be disciples of all nations, telling of me everywhere.
And when it comes time you'll join me in heaven, you will like it there."
With this said he rose to heaven and took his Father's side.
Watching over us all the time, from near and from wide.
The boy then closed the book, feeling a surge of thankfulness
Then he spoke a single prayer, "Thank You for Your forgiveness."
With this he stood up and following the Lord's words,
went and told the other boys and girls the wonderful gift of the Lord.

Am I Dreaming??

2009-03-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

This morning as I stumbled out of bed this is what I saw my family eating:

This is what was all by itself in the cabinet:

Ok, this NEVER would have happened in my family growing up. I think Trix (or any sugar cereal for that matter) would have lasted maybe 10 minutes among me and my siblings. This box has been opened for 1 week - really.

We Break for Spring

2009-03-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Rock Band
Sleep
Skate City (wow, too many people)
Clean Bedding
Monsters vs. Aliens (IMAX 3D - we can't wait)
Friends
Rock Band
Cool shirts/jammies
Visit Evergreen (house is beautiful Dad and Mom)
Sweet Tomato
Car Trouble
Snow - yea!
Wrestling
Reading (three books and counting for daughter)
Pizza with friends
Rock Band (yes, lots of Rock Band)
Boys in shorts and no shirts in a blizzard (too much Rock Band)

If this is wrong, I don't want him to be right

2009-03-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Scene from this Sunday morning, 9am, day 2 of spring break:

Rockin'

2009-03-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Looking on the Bright Side

2009-03-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

Our van is having it's transmission rebuilt, not fun, but they provide a rental car so I get to drive a fun little Mazda around for a few days :) I'm trying to not think too hard about the fact that something is going to be REALLY expensive if they give you a free rental...

AKA (Also Know As)

2009-03-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

In talking with the kids tonight I realized that we use a lot of random acronyms during the day. Here are a few of the ones that we came up with:

COGAT (Cognative Abilities Test - thank goodness my son knew what this meant - because I didn't - of course he did just score the highest in his grade on it - way to go bub!)
CSAP (No idea)
PG (Parental Guidance, for those who don't know that already)
PSP (PlayStation Portable)
PE (Physical Education)
T (Teen - video game rating - not allowed)
M (Mature - video game rating - really not allowed)
GT (Gifted and Talented)
DS (as in Nintendo, I'm not sure what it stands for...husband just said Dual Screen)
IM (Instant Message)
PCI (Payment Card Industry)
OSI (Open Systems Integration)
SAN (Storage Area Network)
CDP, STP, VTP, VLAN, P2P, BGP which is a type of EGP and EIGRP which is a type of IGP (Sure, whatever you say honey)

...and I miss Nemo SOOO much!

2009-02-28T18:26:00.001-08:00

Our beloved fish Nemo (who lived for three years) died almost two years ago but our sweet middle son still prays this, every single day.

Pre-teen Angst (Kinda)

2009-02-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

A new song from our daughter, who wishes she had pointed ears and darker eyebrows - to make her look older (does this mean that her mother - who is definitely older - has pointed ears and dark eyebrows, I'm scared to think on that too hard):

LIFE'S TOO MUCH

School and chores, pets and more
Just plain everyday life
Book and music, personal likes
Which can I sacrifice?

Chorus:
Life's too much! I've had enough!
There's just too much going on.
I have nothing done, but I need some sun
Catch me later, I'm going for a run.......

Down the sidewalk, toward the school
Run into the teacher, Mr. Brew
He said, "Where's your science project?
Your test was a flunk, and your Abe Lincoln summary is duuuue."
I just said...

Chorus

I ran past him, toward the church
Ran into Pastor Bob
As I explain he nods and says,
"Here's a lesson you can learn.
When life's too much,
You've had enough,
And you have just too much going on
Tell the Lord what's to be done, and He'll help you some,
Then celebrate with a run....

I get it now. I've got it down.
No more "I've got nothing done."
I need some sun, but I've got everything done.
Catch me later I'm going for a run.........

New Chorus
Life's still too much, I may still have had enough
There's still too much going on
But I have everything done
Thanks to the Spirit, God and Son
Catch me later, I'm going for a run...
I said... (repeat new chorus)

Life's........ too.........much............

(copyright 2009)

Snowshoeing 101

2009-02-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

1. Put on snowshoes

2. Test them out

3. Head out in search of adventure

4. Find frozen lake

5. Yes, it is frozen

6. Send Dad and Grammy out to test it

7. Fall down (ignore mismatched snow clothes, please)

8. Eat snack

9. Warm hands in truck

10. In conclusion

If Dogs Could Talk

2009-02-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

"I know you are trying to leave the house...
and I rolled in the grass...
and I am a huge mess...
but aren't I cute?"

You cook like a monkey and spell like one too!

2009-02-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Uncle Mik! We love you! This is what happens when your niece and nephews send a birthday note, one word at a time:

More Good Stuff!

2009-02-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Uncle Seth!

The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe of York, Mariner:

2009-01-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

Who lived Eight and Twenty Years,
all alone in an un-inhabited Island on the coast of America,
near the Mouth of the Great River of Oroonoque;
Having been cast on Shore by Shipwreck,
where-in all the Men perished but himself.
With An Account how he was at last as strangely deliver'd by Pyrates.
Written by Himself

Robinson Crusoe day
The first day of February Anno Domini 2009

Friday is Joke Day

2009-01-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

It Lost It's Soul

2009-01-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

Some cultures say a photo will take your soul. This poor balloon lasted less than 12 hours.

The Red Balloon

2009-01-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

Have any of you watched the old movie with the floating red balloon? I am sure we watched it several times in school, though I am not sure why. All I remember is that there was a red balloon that randomly floated around the town, I don't even think there was any talking in the movie. Well...
eleven days ago some dear ladies from our Bible study gave me a late birthday party (thank you!). They decorated with some beautiful balloons. This one (and one other) are STILL floating...strange.

I Can Hear Them Breathe!

2009-01-23T08:48:00.001-08:00

Recently our daughter explained that this wonderful song by Jon Forman (if you have never heard his music, you need to) scared her (correction: freaks her out):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoXWIK1lfyo

because she can hear them breathing... really!

I Don't Know

2009-01-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome! My kids often say "What the?" when they are shocked, surprised or perplexed (example of such a phrase inspiring situation to the right) so I thought it would be an appropriate title for our family blog. Not that this blog will be shocking or surprising (occasionally perplexing). Just mundane things that happen in our lives for you to check out when you are REALLY bored!