Disneyland is NOT the Happiest Place on Earth!

Now don't get me wrong Disneyland is wonderful, but Heber, Utah is the most wonderful place on earth. More specifically, Millers Outpost, Grandma and Grandpa Millers place. Haven't been there for forever, but it will never be far from my heart. The kids and I had many fun times and summers there with my friends and their kids. Kathy Cahow (now Garnica) and Ann McEuen would graciously allow me to tag along for part of the summer with all our kids and I honestly think they were the best summers ever. Don't know where the , time went, now the kids are all grown up with beautiful, not to mention ever growing families of their own. These "kids" above now have 23 little ones of their own with 5 more due. I miss those days. Many times I wish we could turn back the clock. It really is true, appreciate the time you have.

Cabo San Lucas

Ok...so it has been forever! I keep thinking I will go back and fill in, and of course never do. So I will just go on from here and with any luck I can fill in at a later date?

The end of Feb we took a last minute trip to Cabo San Lucas for a week. Had a great time. We stayed at a Time Share we traded for and used our points to fly so the trip was almost free! I usually have not been happy with the places we have exchanged for, but this was the exception. Beautiful and the staff was unbelievable! I even had two massages and a facial! Oh how I needed to relax. We stayed at the Hacienda Encantada on "Millionaires Row'. Only downside was it really didn't have much of a beach, just a small strip, and I guess the only private one, but the views are fantastic. Next door Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz and a bunch of others have their homes. We went quad riding and saw whales from our rooms every day. One day we were in the infinity pool and the waiter pointed out a whale not so close to shore I thought we would get splashed! He was showing off and kept it up for about 20 minutes. We could watch the whales from our room also, that is after they moved us to the top floor. This was after we spent a sleepless night with a lady tap dancing and rearranging the furniture above us! It was nice to just sit on the balcony and relax. I always take a book to read and of course never get as much reading in as I hope, but the time was well spent. We were about 10 minutes from downtown Cabo so there virtually was no noise what-so-ever. Went into town and sat at Baja Cantina a couple of times. Possibly the best Coconut Shrimp in the world! It was fun just sitting and people watching. We were in a roped off area, so the people selling their wares on the beach couldn't come up to us, but if we wanted something they were in arms reach. As usual, it goes too quickly, and before we knew it the week had flown by and it was time to come home. I usually do not like to go to the same place again, as there are so many wonderful places to see in this world, but I do think I would like to go back for another week fairly soon. (We got a free 4-day/3-night stay for going to a Time Share tour, yea-another free trip!)

Thanks For the Memory

THEN

                                                                             NOW

Friday Feb 19, 2010 was a sad day in our home. We had to say good bye to our little pal Wicket. This was harder than I thought it would be. I knew the time was coming, but no matter how old your "puppy" gets, you never are ready. He has been a huge part of all our lives. The kids got him for Christmas 1991 and at first I was against the idea firmly under the belief little dogs weren't really dogs...boy have my ideas changed! He brought such joy to us. He was always there, licking your tears, running to you as soon as you came in the door, climbing onto your lap as soon as you sat on the floor. The true meaning of unconditional love. He would take turns sleeping with Dean and Brittany and eventually found his way into my room. When he was just a puppy he would go to school with me on Fridays as a reward for the kids in my class. I really think this helped develop his wonderful personality. I don't know how many of my friends got Shih Tzu's because they fell in love with Wicket. He touched so many lives and will be missed so very much. We all love you.

How Do You Slow Down the Clock?

I will never forget the morning Brittany blessed us with her pressence.

It was one of the most unique, breath taking moments of my life.

I will never forget that wonderful feeling.

Never.

I must keep reminding myself that my beautiful sweet little girl is only on "loan" to me from our Heavenly Father.

Brittany has such a beautiful, dear, sensitive sweet spirit.

She loves life, and what it has to offer.

Her choices are thought out. Always. In great extent.

She is patient and kind.

She is hardworking and loyal.

She will make an amazing wife and mother.

She is outgoing and cheerful.

She is particular and cautious, yet daring at the same time.

She is like me in some ways, much better in most.

She cleans the house before a trip.

She gets anxious when her plate is full. However she always gets the task done.

She is organized, however when she is home her room is a mess!

A trail of bobby pins seems to follow her wherever she goes.

She is both wise and responsible beyond her years.

She teaches me more about life and what really matters than anyone I know.

Have I mentioned that I love her, and can't bear to think where I would be if I had not been given the honor of being her mother?

Happy 25th Birthday. I love you Angel Bunny XOXOXO

See more pics here

HELP!!!

Can anyone please tell me why when I go on my blog music plays and no matter what I do I can't get it to turn off??? I deleted my Playlist but still the phantom (not from the play, but from where it coes from) music keeps on coming...How do I get it off my site?

New Moon

Can't believe I got so into the whole Twilight drama, but I did. Loved the book. I usually stay far away from vampires, werewolves and all that stuff. However after hearing the buzz over and over again I gave into peer pressure and picked up the first of the series. That was the end for me...I have never read four books so quickly and was never so sad when I finished. I had to part with dear friends!
The movie was a different story. As usual the book was SO much better than the movie, but in this case I was even more disappointed, because I had such high expectations. I went to see Twilight and felt let down. I was not looking forward to New Moon coming out, and in fact thought I would just wait and see it when it came out on video. This trailer changed my mind...
See for yourself.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Boat, Jet Skis & Friends

We finally got another trip to the river this summer. We actually got to use our time share which is right on Lake Havasu. It is wonderful as we can leave the toys in the water the whole time. We were lucky enough to have two of our kids join us along with some of their friends. Brittany brought Katie, her roommate who she had known since sixth grade, and their friends Ana, Kevin and Tony. Yes they are "just friends". Rozlyn came with her boyfriend Jonathan and his son Jaiden and we brought our lawyer, chiropractor Jonathan aka "Dr J". We also brought our granddaughter Juliett.
It was 118 on Friday and cooled down to 112 the other days. On Thursday night I got several messages informing me of the fire in our area. I had no clue. I called my neighbor, Jill, and she kept me up to date. It was about three miles from our home, but she didn't think we were in much danger (at least that's what she said to reassure me!) Thank you for all your calls and offers of help. I even had a friend from elementary school offer to take the horse to his home in Malibu.
We had four days of jet skiing, boating, tubing and just having fun. I was shocked the lake wasn't crowded, but I guess with Labor Day being the next weekend people waited to come. We loved it. Copper Canyon was almost empty, a site you don't see often.
Everything went fairly smoothly until the boys got a bit daring and tried to occupy the same spot on the river with two different skis. A bit of damage, but the important thing is they are fine. A reminder of just how careful you need to be. About a month ago dear friends lost their 23 year-old son in a boating accident. Makes you stop and think just how fragile life is. Other than that the only thing was Monday morning while Raul was out for an early morning ride Juliett decided to lock the bathroom door from the outside. Hence I couldn't get in to use it! Did I mention we have a Time Share right on the lake??? Didn't have any other choice! Funny now, not then...

Almost 30

Rozlyn turned 29 on Saturday. Her boyfriend, Jonathan, put together a surprise party for today, and pulled it off. She had no clue! She thought she was meeting Brittany for lunch, but had to stop by Raul's brothers house first, which is where the party was. As usual though, she was late and we were all waiting for almost 45 minutes! But is was worth it. Notice the new haircut-she donated it to Locks of Love. Happy Birthday, we love you!

Beamer

Dean loves animals. Always has and always will. If he had his way he would bring home every stray and have a zoo. Don't get me wrong, I love animals too, it's just you need to remember how much work pets are. He is cute though, and he loves Dean to pieces.

A Decade

Your mom is always right. When I was young my mom told me time passes so quickly and as you get older it will pass even more so. Thinking how can a clock go faster when you are older when there are still 24 hours in every day, this made no sense to me. Well, guess what? The older I get the faster that 24 hours goes!
We have been married ten years today, and have lived a lifetime in those ten years. Some good, some not, some fun, some heartache and on and on....I often think the Lord gave us a full plate so we could bond in ten years what normally would take 25! So really this should be our 25th, isn't that your Silver Anniversary? We were supposed to go to Italy and celebrate, but had to cancel. His mom is doing better. Hope we can reschedule. I need a trip!
Happy Anniversary!

The Trip That Got Away

This was the road they rode up






My life seems to start out as planned. Start being the operative word. Then something seems to take a turn... We planned a trip to Italy, with Raul leaving on the 23rd of June and I would be joining him on the 29th. He was going through the Alps on a motorcycle ride with some friends. I was going to meet him in Vienna, spend a few days there then fly to Milan, visit "Georgie C" in Lake Como, then on to Venice. After that we were going to Florence, then Rome. In all Raul would be there three weeks and I would be there a bit over two. Sounded like a trip I really needed.
Well, I know everything happens for a reason, but I'm still trying to figure what that reason is...I was supposed to leave Monday morning, but Sunday I got a call from Raul's brother telling me his mom was in the hospital and had to have emergency surgery. She had a twisted intestine and it had died and infected her blood. Thank heavens he went to pick her up for church and found her. I scares me to think what could have happened.
I had no idea how to get ahold of Raul as he was riding and I didn't know what hotels they were staying in on their journey. I figured he would call me sometime that day, and when he did I had to tell him the news. Ever try to get someone home from Europe on the week before the 4th of July? Guess everyone wants to come see our fireworks. Add that to the wave of fans coming for Michael Jackson's funeral, and it makes for no flights. I couldn't get him home for almost three days and then the cost was about three times what we paid for a round trip ticket. Thank heavens for friends, sisters! Julie and Bill gave us their miles so I could get him home in one day. While a normal flight costs about 35,000 points this was 106,000! Yea you read that right, they really gouge you when you're down. Anyway words can not express the gratitude we feel for them. Now that is true love. Lesson learned, take your cell phone.
His mom was in the hospital for almost two weeks and just got home Sunday. Someone had to be with her round the clock, so everyone is extremely tired. She is staying with Richard, but is with us for a few days while they are at the river. She is lucky to still be here, and we are thankful for all your prayers. Guess it was a good thing it happened when it did. Can you imagine what it would have been like if it happened 24 hours later while I was on the plane to Vienna?
Anyway Raul had a trip of a lifetime and thoughly enjoyed himself. He said the pictures don't even do it justice. It was beautiful. We would love to go back, maybe in six months or so.
Funny thing is: as I'm writing this I realize our plane should just have come in from Rome!

Going Private (Really This Time)

I know I said I was going to do this before, but then time got away and here we are again. I have most of your e-mails, but if not send them to me and I will add you. Have not really checked out how to do it, so I hope I get it right.

Our First Bar-B-Que (No Roasted Bunny!)

Well we finally got the Bar-B-Que finished, and just in time. Really I mean JUST. At 7:00 Friday night Raul got it to light. For several days it had been one thing after another, ending with the fact that when we went to turn on the electricity, we discovered the electricians didn't run power to the source we were pulling power from! Thank heavens Dean and his friend Jessie came through!
We are starting a new family tradition-having lunch on the Saturday before Easter. A bit more relaxing that way. Dean bar-b-qued a tri-tip and it was yummy. We were flying by the seat of our pants, but it turned out great. If anyone has any tips, please let me know. To anyone who wants to attend-mark your calendars now.
The Easter Bunny came early-the little ones loved hunting for eggs (especially the ones Uncle Dean hid in the waterfall-although Jaiden just about went swimming while trying to retrieve them!) The kids played with the horse and goat, did hula hoops (how come I can't do this anymore?) ran around and just enjoyed eachother. I know I say this all the time, but I have the best family ever!

Dean Turned 27 (Well at Least Physically!)

Our only boy turned 27 today. I know we all say this...but where does the time go??? He has grown a lot this past year (and this time I don't mean physically). He got a new (to him) truck a few months ago. It's a grey 2004 Niesen Frontier, and he loves it. Thanks to Kevin we got a good deal and he could afford more car than he thought. Well actually Grandma fronted him the $$$. I was so tired of driving him around for six months I think I was the happiest of all! He also moved into a friends house and is doing very well. I do think he is missing the comforts of living with his parents though. Isn't it surprising what we take for granted until we don't have it?
The song from Fiddler on the Roof couldn't hit home better..."Where is the little boy I carried, where is the little boy at play, I don't remember growing older, when did they?"...
Dean is still very thoughtful and is always doing something nice for someone. He has a surprise box for Devin and Juliett that they may pick from if they can tell him something new they have learned. He doesn't have much money, but he finds good deals so he can keep the box stocked. It's hard, you try to teach your kids to be giving, but that needs to be balanced with saving and taking care of your own needs also. Dean will give you the shirt off his back, wish I could temper that just a bit.

Cousins Christmas

We have spent virtually every year with all our family/cousins for Christmas. A few years ago we were forced to change it to the Saturday following Christmas because as our family grew so did the commitments. Christmas day will never be the same, but I am glad we still make it a point to celebrate together, it's really a highlight. There is nothing more important than family. There are four of us that rotate having the party, so this year it was in St George, Utah. Maybe because we left the day after Christmas or for another unknown reason, the traffic going there was worse than the Annual Sale at Nordstrom's. What is normally a six hour drive (remember the kind of driver I am married to...) was an eleven hours endurance marathon. The drive back was only a bit better, ten hours (but that included an hour in line at a gas station to use the one seat potty!). Once we got there we had a great time, Saturday we went for a hike in Snow Canyon, and I was impressed as my mom went with us! She is 81 years old, but does very well and had many hands to help her. The ages ranged from two-months to 81 years! After that we went to the church and played soccer. If any of you know my family to say we are competitive is an understatement. The rules were no hands what-so-ever, you had to kick the ball from where it was, even if that happened to be under my chair while holding my almost one-year-old niece in my arms. Back to the hotel to shower and then off to my cousins home for dinner. We found a new way to sing Christmas Carols this year. Another cousin, Steve, cut pipes different lengths to make chimes, handed them out and then gave us nails to hit them with when it was our turn. He had the notes to play printed up so we could follow. If one person screwed up you could hear it. I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time. By the end we were doing fairly well. After that we played "Mafia". It's basically a game kind of like Clue without any game board. Everyone really gets into it and it's all about lying and trying to talk the others into believing your way, with the main point of not getting killed, or not letting them know you are the mafia. We played until 1:30 in the morning. It's amazing what comes out of your mouth when you are trying to lie, and keep a straight face, all while not giving something away. The whole day was so much fun, but it just makes me miss my family all the more. Rozlyn's boyfriend, Jonathan, went with us and I was a wondering if he would be overwhelmed, but he loved it and fit right in. We missed those that couldn't make it this year. As you can see by the picture we had a good turnout. What you don't see is that about half are missing. Hope next year we can have as much fun and even more can attend. It's at my house so plan ahead PLEASE!