Arrow Rock
July 18, 2009
We were able to go water skiing with the Simmons', Wilkey's, and the Tolman's. We had so much fun playing in the sand, eating a picnic lunch, and playing on the water!

~ Bryan and Carrie~

~Three moms with three babies~

~Jake, Lizzy, Amber, and Hailey on the Boat~

I am up...

I am back where I am comfortable...

~Hailey Skiing~

Girl's Camp July 7-10

I had the opportunity of going to girl's camp this year, and although I missed my kids, I had a great time! Miracles happened at girl's camp to our little ward! I was so proud of our young women. They really went the extra mile. They were always willing to serve, and most importantly the reached beyond themselves, and looked to help one another! It was the best!

Our ward posing with our flag, and lighthouse. The lighthouse went along with the theme, "Anchor your Soul in Christ". The return to virtue flag is a symbol of our ward following Sister Dalton's admonition to bring us all to live more virtuous lives. Sister Dalton (the General YW's President) has admonished all young women across the world to RETURN TO VIRTUE. In her remarks she shared a story about her years as a youth when her leaders asked her to choose a symbol that could represent what she wanted to become. She chose a white rose, because the white rose grows more and more beautiful over time, and because white stands for purity. As a youth group, we are choosing our symbols for our lives...our goals...our aspirations...our individual motto's.

My symbol is a candle stick with a heart shaped candle holder with a yellow flame. My symbol symbolizes my desire to turn my heart to my Lord and Savior and to do His will (Hel. 3:35), and by so doing letting my light so shine (3 Nephi 12:16). It also reminds me of the parable of the ten virgins and their oil lamps. It reminds me to keep my "oil" full. Each color that I used also serves a purpose according to the young women colors. I chose the heart to be red, because it stands for the blood of Christ and it serves as a reminder that Jesus Christ loves me and died for me, and it also reminds me to turn my heart to Him as I seek Him. I chose the candle to be white, because it represents purity, and I want to always be pure. I chose the flame to be yellow, because it stands for good works, and I hope that my life will be full of good works as I strive to turn my heart to the Lord. I also used gold threading to represent virtue. This has been a great experience for the leaders as well as the youth!

We put on a skit for the young women depicting the parable of the ten virgins. The experience was amazing. The skit was set up in such a manner that the young women were able to participate as if they were waiting for the bridegroom. They visited ten stations. At each station there was a different virgin with a different story. Five virgins followed the Saviors teachings, and were ready for the "bridegroom". Five virgins represented our natural man tendencies that keep us away from our Savior and His love. As the girls reached the last virgin, the previous virgins gathered, and started exclaiming that the bridegroom was near. The five wise virgins continually admonished the young women to prepare, because the bridegroom was coming. In the midst of these proclamations, the five foolish virgins' oil lamps went out, and the five foolish virgins began panicking at their lack of oil. They begged the young women, and the other virgins for oil. I had the opportunity of playing the role of a wise virgin, and in this moment the skit truly came to life. I felt awful turning away women I loved, and being unable to share with them my oil (the oil being a representation of past good works, which truly is not something that can be shared). The foolish women cried, begged, and pleaded...at the last moment they left with great lamentations searching for a market in which they could buy more oil. Meanwhile the wise virgins entered the wedding. When the foolish virgins returned they were welcomed by a closed door. Each of the foolish virgins tried to enter, but the door was closed to them. One by one they begged and pleaded for entry promising to do better. One of my friends was playing the role of a foolish virgin, and the spirit was so strong as she literally cried at the closed door begging for entry. At the end of our evening the young women were offered as a gift to the Lord, and they were permitted to enter. The whole evening was amazing! I know the spirit was felt by the girls. As we returned to our camp fires, my young women bore testimony of the amazing event. Each of them felt the importance of keeping our lives clean and pure, so that we can someday enter into our Lord's Kingdom.

KID PHOTOS

Just before Hailey's baptism, I asked my dear friend, Pam Grant to take some photos of my kids, so that I could make a book for Hailey. I made a book on-line, which I named "Eight is Great". It contains all of our families' testimonies. Each family sent me a picture, so it could also be in the book. I then added pictures in chronological order from Hailey's birth to now. I wanted pictures of Hailey in her baptism dress to put in the book with quotes on baptism.
I love these photos! They capture my kids, and melt my heart! I never want these moments to pass me by...my kids are growing too quickly!

~I love Hailey's eyes in the picture!~

~Hailey in front of the Boise Temple~

July 4, 2008; Independence DAY on so many levels...

Hailey was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 4, 2009. While celebrating our nation's Independence, we also celebrated an amazing choice made by my dear, sweet Hailey! I had so many emotions as we prepared for her baptism. I encouraged, and admonished Hailey to pray, study, and seek the truth for herself. I really wanted her to KNOW, really KNOW what she believed, and be prepared to stand by her beliefs. Becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a small thing. It means being a disciple of Christ, which takes constant nourishing, and patience.

This year I decided to plant a garden and some flower pots for my young women's faith project. This experience has really taught me what it means to have faith, and what it takes to be a true disciple of Christ. I have learned that planting a garden takes effort, and that same kind of effort is needed in gaining and maintaining a testimony. A garden needs nourished every day with water, and sunlight just like a testimony needs nourished every day with prayer, and scripture study.

How has my garden survived? It hasn't. I didn't put forth the effort of daily watering, and weeding that was required to produce vegetables, and beautiful flowers. In the beginning my plants were amazing. I remember stopping in my driveway just so I could look at my beautiful flower pots. In the beginning, I would find someone to water my flowers, and garden when I was leaving town...just to keep them nourished, and safe from the summer's heat. As the summer wore on, my plants got less and less attention. I found myself busy with swimming, church, family outings, and by the end of the day, I neglected my duties to my garden. The end result...--I no longer stop to admire my plants, or my garden. In fact, I sometimes deliberately shut my curtains just so I do not have to "admire" the dead foliage. I stopped nourishing, watering, and weeding, and the end result was a wilted, dried mess. So what was my lesson in regards to faith and testimony? I truly believe that gardening has extreme parallels to testimony, discipleship, and faith. Faith takes time. It is not something that will blossom in the beginning, and continue to blossom if it is left to itself. A testimony (faith) needs to be nourished each and every day. Life is busy. There are constant distractions that can pull us away from what matters most. If we do not make our testimonies a priority, then we will lose all that we have gained. I never want my testimony to resemble my garden. I never want my children's testimonies to resemble my garden. I hope that my family will learn from our "parable" of the garden, and nourish our testimonies always. I also hope that I can act as an instrument in the Lord's hands on my children's behalf's, and guide them to maintain, nourish, and flourish their testimonies, and through their independent choices they will always seek to be a disciple of Christ!

~My garden box with plants that can't be eaten~

Another thought...my garden didn't have room enough to stretch its roots. In Alma 32:28, it states "now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves--It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me...Now, behold, would not this increase your faith?" Drawing another parallel from this garden box and this scripture...my garden box did not allow the plants to swell, and therefore, the plants were not good. If we do not allow experiment upon the word, we will not allow the word to swell, and therefore, our testimonies will not have room to grow.

So, how does this have anything to do with Hailey's baptism? Making the decision to be baptized is a lifelong decision. I know that there will be bumps along the way. We all have struggles... I do believe; however, that if a decision is our own, then our ownership of that decision will bless our own individual garden of decisions. Let me explain... If we "own" our decisions, then just like my flowers started out beautiful, because they had proper soil, sun, and water, then so will that decision be beautiful, because it was made through thought, prayer, and personal revelation. It is my hope and prayer that Hailey made this decision based off of her beliefs...not mine, not Bryan's, not anybody else. If Hailey's decision to be baptized was based off of her individual testimony, and I think it was, then her "soil" for life will be well prepared. Through her own testimony she will have the strength to resist the trials that may beset her, and her garden will flourish. If she was baptized on a borrowed testimony, then when the trials come, her testimony will not stand against the summer's heat, and the parable of the garden will come to pass. I know this is not the case with Hailey. She has an amazingly strong testimony of her own. I believe that she will withstand any force that may beset her, and when she meets her Savior, she will blossom just like a watered garden. It is my hope that Hailey will always remember this day, and remember to keep her testimony watered.

~ Hailey and Bryan just before Hailey's Baptism~

~Hailey and Bryan after Hailey's Baptism~

~Family Shot~

~Hailey and Grandma~

Hailey received several gifts with symbolism on her baptism. One of those gifts was this quilt that Grandma Jo made for her. The quilt symbolizes the warmth of the Holy Ghost. Just like a blanket can warm you on the outside, the Holy Ghost can warm you on the inside.

Bryan and I gave Hailey an "Eight is Great" book, which held all of the testimonies and thoughts of those most dear to her. Whenever Hailey struggles, she can turn to this book, and seek guidance from those who love her (along with the scriptures). We also gave her a movie, which depicted her life from birth. And finally, we gave her a white dress with matching white jewelry. The color white symbolizes purity, and it will hopefully serve as a reminder to Hailey to keep her self pure, and clean, and unspotted from the world.

Grandma Elkington gave Hailey a new set of scriptures, and Aunt Sheri, Piper, Eric, and Uncle Layne gave Hailey a scripture case.
Aunt Andrea gave Hailey and INDEPENDENCE willow tree angel, which will remind Hailey of her amazing decision to get baptized.

I had the opportunity to give a talk at her baptism, and I found an idea on-line that paralleled a tarnished penny to baptism and being clean and unspotted from the world. In my talk, I demonstrated that a tarnished penny can become "clean" if baptized by the right authority (right authority meaning priesthood; i.e. salt and vinegar). The once tarnished penny was then removed from the waters of baptism clean and pure. We then talked about how clean and shiny the "baptized" penny looked, and how it represented how God wanted us to live our lives. We talked about how baptism makes it possible for our sins to be forgiven and our "tarnish" removed. After baptism, we are as clean as a new penny. The children were then presented with a new 2009 penny to always remind them to remain clean and untarnished by the world.

~Mom and Dad Kiss~

After a family dinner, we ended our day by setting off a few of our own fireworks, and then going down town to watch the city firework show.

Hailey Gets Her Ears Pierced!
July 3, 2009
Hailey wanted to get her ears pierced; however, both Bryan and I wanted her to earn the privilege by demonstrating responsibility. Hailey had been working on reading her scriptures daily, and practicing her piano without reminders, so we decided that if she could continue this gaol (for one month) without reminders from mom or dad, then she could get her ears pierced!! On July 3, 2009, we surprised Hailey by taking her to Claire's...she had met her goal, and it was up to us to fulfill our side of the bargain!

Hailey was so excited to get her ears pierced! She had a few tears from the shock of the pierce, but then she was all smiles!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILL

My friend, Coralee, and I went to Utah to surprise Jill for her 30th birthday. (Julie Carroll was going to come too, but at the last minute, she was unable to come.) Coralee and I arrived at Jill's house just prior to her party. Her surprised expression made the five hour drive well worth it! I am truly grateful to Jill for her friendship! She is one of my dearest and closest friends. I am so grateful for good friends. I often think of the song, "Each Life that Touches Ours for Good" when I think of all my friends. I have learned something from each of my friends, and I feel so blessed to have them!

~Me, Jill, & Coralee at Jill's party~

~Stephanie Wilkey's family was also visiting Utah, and they were able to go to Jill's birthday party too.~

LAGOON
Coralee and I had planned to take Jill out for a day of fun...we decided it would be fun to go to Lagoon without kids! We had so much fun!

Rattlesnake Rapids was our favorite ride by far! We had so much fun trying to dodge the water! Our "dodging" almost got us into trouble when I almost fell out of the boat! Our stomachs hurt from laughing so hard!

While at Lagoon, we posed for a photo (I am actually holding an umbrella...not a bat).

Saying Good-bye

Miller Family Conference
June 2009
Every summer we make lifelong memories at the cabin with The Miller Family at our annual Miller Family Conference! We spend the week riding four-wheelers, swimming, playing games, and simply enjoying each other's company. By the end of the week my kids are dead tired, and ready to have a vacation catching up from our vacation. However, at the close of each and every family conference, we can't help but feel a bit melancholy that another year has passed, and our week of fun is over. Perhaps the moments are truly over, but those moments have created memories for my family that last a lifetime. Memories that are strong enough to bind a family together forever! Memories that will carry us as we begin to look forward to next year's MILLER FAMILY CONFERENCE!!

~Swimming in the Culvert~

INTRODUCING MARSHMALLOW GUNS, GOLF, & WARS

Logan, Carly, and Amber shooting at the adults behind "some" coverage.
~We had so much fun making marshmallow guns, playing golf with marshmallow's, and then (of course), having marshmallow wars!~

~Bryan playing marshmallow golf~

~Hailey concentrating while shooting her marshmallow gun!~


MOTORCYCLES

I had gone on a four-wheeler ride, and just as I was arriving at the cabin, I saw Hailey in a heap in the dirt. She had tried to ride the motorcylce, and had fallen. My heart was beating as Bryan helped her out of the dirt. Gratefully, Hailey was fine; however, I am not so sure that I was fine as I watched Bryan instruct Hailey on proper riding of a motorcycle. I watched tentatively as she and Bryan rode together for several rounds, and then it was Hailey's turn to do it by herself...

SHE DID IT!
I think sometimes it is more difficult for the parent to watch their child "try again" than it is for the child to actually do it again. However, these are the moments that teach perseverance, determination, and self-confidence! These moments may be difficult for me to watch, but are definitely required in raising a child. I was never in doubt that she needed to get back on that bike...I just didn't like it.

~Jakey + Four-Wheeler = LOVE~
Jacob loves four-wheelers, and he begged for a ride from anyone and everyone who would give it to him. He sat in the garage on the four-wheelers chanting "four-wheeler ride please" over and over again! Many of his older cousins obliged him several times...along with mom and dad, and grandma and grandpa, and aunts and uncles...Jake was always on a four-wheeler.

~THE GIRL COUSINS, and their matching bracelets, which Hailey made as a special gift for each girl.~

The GIRLY GIRLS with Grandma...Karen was unable to come, and she was missed greatly!

~MILLER FAMILY PORTRAIT~


BOAT RACES

When I first married Bryan, I do not think I appreciated the value of this tradition, but as the years have passed, and memories have been made...I wouldn't miss this tradition for the world! Someday I will have to ask how this tradition was ever dreamed up, but for now it suffices to say that it is a simple tradition in which we all choose "boats" (i.e. sticks, pine cones, cow pies, weeds), which we then throw into the stream, and cheer like crazy for our "boat" to persevere! The winner is always the most talented boat (of course)...except when my boat is behind, and then is mere happen chance that someone else's boat won. Actually..., this is the first year my boat was even in the running...but, boy did we have fun!

SECOND PLACE with SHOOT 'EM UP...I think that's what I named it...we all give our boats names too...it's good for cheering purposes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAILEY!!!

Eight Things We Love About Hailey:

1. Her pure heart, and her desire to do what is right.

2. Her empathy for others.

3. She is so very helpful, and so very kind to her siblings.

4. Her excitement for life...she loves sports, outdoors, family time, and so much more!

5. Her beautiful smile!

6. Her courage through tough times.

7. Her spirit...she is so close to her Heavenly Father!

8. Her ability to be a TRUE Friend. Hailey would never hurt anyone on purpose!

WE LOVE YOU, HAILEY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

On Hailey's birthday, Hailey wanted to make Aunt Dana's special cream filled cupcakes. When I called Dana for some directions, she invited us to her home to make the cupcakes. The girls had so much fun licking the beaters, stirring the mix, and pestering their Aunt. Once the cupcakes were finished, the girls enjoyed the fruits of their labors.

~Eating the Cupcakes~
Going to Aunt Dana's house to make cupcakes was definitely a highlight to Hailey's big day!

Before our family party we went to a Hailey's soccer recognition night. We had a great time playing soccer, eating food, and cheering for our star soccer players.

After the soccer party, we went home and celebrated together as a family. Hailey popped balloons that were filled with the many reasons we love her, she opened presents, and ate root beer floats.

~Opening Presents~


We went to the cabin on the weekend for some more birthday fun...

~Blowing Out Candles~

~Riding Four-wheelers at the Cabin~

An Attempt At Lagoon

It was the first week of June, the sun was bright, and it was time for our yearly pilgrimage to Lagoon! We all woke up bright and early excited for the adventure which surely awaited us...until...the gates were locked...there were no attendants...the rides were definitely not running...Lagoon was closed!

It truly was sad, but true. We drove five hours to enjoy fun times at Lagoon, and we were turned away. We had a moment of sadness, and then the planning began. What were we going to do now? So, off to Seven Peaks we drove. My sister met us there with discount tickets, so the day was looking promising. In all honesty, we had a great time at Seven Peaks. The kids were not disappointed in the least! They played until they were exhausted. We did not stay the whole time, because a thunder storm created cooler temperatures, but all in all we had fun!

~Jake and Mom on the Slide~

~Swimming at Seven Peaks~

Bryan and I stayed an extra day, so we could go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. It was such an awesome experience for our family. We felt the spirit within the walls of this magnificent House of God. WE feel so blessed to be able to worship our God in His holy house.

~Jacob Kiss~

~Our Family~

~Roxanne, Kendall, Tyler, Scott, Devin, Kalli, Amber, Hailey, Jacob, Bryan, & Carrie~
We met up with the Bennett's while we were at the temple. It was a fun family get together! We were so glad they could meet us there!

After the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house, we went to temple square. Here is a picture of "the girlie's" standing where Bryan proposed to me ten years ago! The girls loved hearing the whole story, which we had to tell over and over again. (We even reenacted parts of it.)


Finally, just before going home we went to the Simmon's home for a swim. (The Simmon's are good friends of ours that moved from Boise not too long ago.) We miss this sweet family, and it was good to spend some time with them. Oh, how we wish we could have met up with more of our friends while in Utah...time is always so short while traveling!

~Lifelong Friends~

~Lizzy, Hailey, & Amber Swimming~