December 6 & 13

GYMNASTICS

Amber's gymnastics season has started off great. She has been placing in every event including the all-around thus far. She absolutely has a passion for this sport. She shines as she performs. It is so fun watching Amber do something she absolutely loves. 

December 6 Meet: 

December 13 Meet: 

SUPER HERO

WE ALL HAVE SUPER POWERS

When I picked Jake up from school, he said, "Mom, did you know that we are all born with a super power? My super power is that I can punch really hard."

"Oh", I said. "What makes you think that? Have you tried?"

"Nope," he said. "I just know."

I started to tell him he had lots of other powers too; however, he wouldn't be swayed. He was sure that he was absolutely awesome at a super punch.

While Jacob was in the act of convincing me, his good friend, Spencer Tobler, chimed in his super power by flexing his neck muscles really tight and showing me how scary they looked. He was sure this was definitely a super power, because it could make people really scared.

When Jacob got home, he stood out in the rain, and stood looking at the falling rain. I was amused at his serious attitude as he seemed to be in deep contemplation. With the rain cascading down his face, he said, "This is my super punch! Just like Baymax!" (Baymax is in the new Disney movie, Big Hero Six.)

Jake is absolutely right! We do have super powers. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He sends us here with gifts that will bless and enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. As we traverse through this life, and as we seek Him, He will guide us to become aware of our gifts.

Elder Hales said, “In the scriptures, we are taught of spiritual gifts the Lord has given His children and of our responsibility to develop these gifts. During our time here on earth, we have been charged to develop the natural gifts and capabilities Heavenly Father has blessed us with. . . . As we exercise and magnify these gifts, we will be able to accomplish the callings and responsibilities that will come into our lives.”

He further states, "To find the gifts we have been given, we must pray and fast. Often patriarchal blessings tell us the gifts we have received and declare the promise of gifts we can receive if we seek after them."

(Elder Hales, Recognize and Develop Your Spiritual Gifts, February 2002).

I have no doubt that although Jacob has a Super Punch for a gift, he also has a Super Testimony, and a Super Big Heart, and an Awesome Smile, and a Courageous Spirit, and a Faithful Heart, and ... He has many gifts that are sure to bless many lives!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

We traveled to Idaho Falls for Thanksgiving this year. All of my siblings and their families were able to come.  On Thanksgiving morning, some of the family went ice fishing while the rest of us stayed home to help prepare the meal. I can't remember a Thanksgiving where we didn't go fishing—it’s tradition. Thanksgiving dinner was at mom's house. It was just like old times as we were crowded tightly together in the kitchen while a dull roar of conversation echoed throughout dinner. Afterwards, we had two Christmas gift exchanges--one for the children, and one for the adults. It has been a long time since I have laughed so hard--we truly had a great time!

The day after Thanksgiving, we were able to go to the temple to complete some family temple work. It was an awesome experience being in the House of the Lord with my family. I feel so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the blessings of family. I am truly blessed to have so many great people in my life.

Elder Cook said, “My counsel is that we need to focus our energy on strengthening our families by talking, rejoicing, preaching, and prophesying of Christ, that we may enjoy the reward of righteous families so we can be eternal families”

(BYU Women's Conference, May 2014).

ICE FISHING

KID'S GIFT EXCHANGE

Michelle prepared a gift exchange for the kids. She wrapped different gifts with packing tape--the person with the wrapped blob of gifts worked to remove a gift while the person next to them tried to roll a double with a set of dice. If the person with the blob of gifts removed a gift prior to a double being rolled, they were able to keep it; however, if a double was rolled prior to extracting a gift, the person with the gifts did not get a gift, but rather passed the gift to the next person in the circle (the person who had been rolling the dice). I honestly can't believe how intense this game became. It was so funny and exciting!

Rules Explained

Jacob's arms weren't strong enough to remove a toy without a little help. Amber's turn was just prior to Jacob's turn, so towards the end of the game, she started breaking off chunks, so that Jake would have an easier time.

TEXAS HOLD 'EM

For the adult exchange, we played TEXAS HOLD 'EM. I have never played this game, so I was a bit apprehensive; however, everyone promised to be helpful. The first couple to lose, would pick from the pile of gifts first. The second couple could then steal, or pick a different gift, and so on. Bryan was the first person out of the game, so I assumed we would be picking from the gifts rather quickly; however, through some miracle (and help)--I was lucky. I have never laughed so hard as Kendall, Roxanne, and I battled for the winning pick. I had a few lucky hands, and I was definitely in the lead; however, my lead quickly turned and I lost it all. I'm so glad I don't really gamble! But playing this game with my family was super fun!

My stack compared to Kendall's stack

Betting it all...and losing.

TEMPLE WORK

On Friday, we were able to go to the temple to do family names. It was such a sweet experience to be in the temple with my family. I am so grateful to my family for their willingness to take time to go to the temple. I know that it is through the temple ordinances that we are sealed together forever. I have no doubt that while in the temple, we are closer to Heaven than anywhere else. I can feel the love of my Savior as I enter, and I am so grateful to have been able to share those feelings with the people that matter the most. 

Early Thanksgiving & Monster Concert

MILLER'S EARLY THANKSGIVING

We were able to go to Jeff and Shaura's house for Early Thanksgiving. I simply love this tradition. I love that we can spend time with both sets of families around the Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope this tradition continues for as long as I am alive. It is such a blessing to be with family!

This year for Early Thanksgiving, the girl's and I had a previous obligation. It seemed a bit crazy to drive down to Rupert for such a short period of time; however, we decided that time spent with family would be make the effort worth it. The girls and I missed the actual dinner, but we were able to enjoy an evening and a morning with the family before heading back to Boise. Bryan and Jacob caught a ride back to Boise with Dan and Danny (so grateful to them). 

Little Miss Hailey is in love with Wyatt. She kept stealing him from everyone else.

Jacob played in the Frozen Finger Football Game. He kept telling his daddy that he wanted to go inside, because he was so cold, but he stayed outside, because he didn't want to let his team down. He was so sweet. He has such a big heart. After the game, he was a bit exhausted.

MONSTER CONCERT

If the Monster Concert was any other concert, we would have simply missed it; however, both Hailey and Amber had partners that were depending on them to perform. If Hailey and Amber hadn't shown up, it would have left their partners in a lurch. I was somewhat sad to leave Early Thanksgiving, but because it was important to live up to our commitments--we did so. 

The concert was beautifully done, and the girls did a great job. Both Hailey and Amber earned a spot on a Grand Piano, which was truly exciting for the both of them. Prior to the actual concert, they perform for the conductor, and the best pianists are placed on a grand piano. For the Monster Concert, there are 20 pianist following a conductor. It is amazing to hear so many pianos playing in unison. 

Hailey's face is peeking out from her piano as she watches the conductor. 

Soccer Party

PIZZA SOCCER PARTY

I wish I had taken pictures of my beautiful decorations. There were lights strung in between mason jars. The mason jars had rickrack tide to the top and poking out of each jar was a cute straw for drinking efficiency. There was as plate tower filled with food; there were carrots and celery in clear cups ready to be eaten... The party looked awesome, and I didn't take one picture. How am I suppose to remember my awesome ideas without any pictures? 

Truly, though...besides not taking the pictures that I should have taken--the soccer party was a big hit. These girls truly love each other. They had so much fun playing Catch Phrase, Apples to Apples, and watching a girly movie. Giggles and laughter filled our home. We are so grateful for this team. It was a great party to end a great season--I can't wait until next season!

Snow Day

I LOVE YOU

Hailey and Amber have stolen my heart. The snow had been falling nonstop since early morning, and these two decided to go outside and write me a message--so SWEET! These are the moments that help me feel reassured in my mothering. After playing in the snow, Hailey prayed in our family prayer that there would be a snow day the following day. My little brother, Brandon, was visiting, and he asked her what she would do if her prayer wasn't answered? She simply replied, "It would then mean that God wanted me in school, but I can always hope that He likes the idea of a snow day too."

SNOW DAY
Her prayers were answered...

Veterans Day

Veteran’s Day at Cabin

I love spending time at the cabin. The kid's had two days off of school, so we begged Bryan to take the time off from work and we headed to the cabin. We played "Ticket to Ride", and enjoyed riding around the ranch on the four-wheeler's.  While we were "adventuring", we witnessed the first snow of the season.

There is snow falling. The picture doesn't depict the snow, but their tongues demonstrate their excitement!

Finally the snow captured in Amber's hair.

This is what we do for fun--throw rocks through the ice!

...and pike sticks through the ice.

...and try to break the ice with our hands.