Skootoosh...The Epic Saga of Skoot

It's HAPPENING!!!!!!

2011-05-11T07:05:00.005-06:00

Okay...so I know I should have done this a LONG time ago & I also know that y'all are gonna want details, but for now this is what you're gonna get!!!!

I'm getting MARRIED!!!!! We're planning on 7.9.11 so "save the date". I know it's a little difficult to plan for the entire day, but we're still waiting on her sealing cancellation (as some of you know how that goes

I'm seriously the LUCKIEST boy in the world to have found such an AMAZZZZZING girl!!!

Again...I WILL update with more details & hopefully better pics soon!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Birfday FUN!!!!!

2010-09-07T11:05:00.017-06:00

A picture is worth a thousand words &
the words in this picture speaks VOLUMES!!!!!

This last weekend was one of my favoritest birfday weekends!!!

It all started off Friday morning with my BEST golf...EVER!!!! I know my score wasn't even good compared to some of my "Pro" friends, but for me it was REALLY good!! Eggspecially since I beat my Father & Brothers!! That's never happened before!!! We played Lakeside Golf Course (the "Sponge") [because it's FREE on your birfday!!]!! It was such a BE-A-UTIFUL day!! I couldn't believe how well I played!! The golf "Gods" were blessing me on my birfday!!!

Next the "boyz" went to breakfast at good-ole Dee's Family Restaurant!! Nothing like a good, hearty breakfast to end a golf morning off right!!!

Later that evening most of my family (we missed you Charlie, Haley, Kannon & Charlotte :'( :'( ) went to Boondock's in Kaysville because I got a FREE Unlimited Attraction pass [another free event on your birfday!!!] It was a BLAST riding the go-carts...skidding out on the "Slick Track" was the best!!!!

Thanks also to ALL my wonderful friends for the birfday wishes by Facebook, text & in person!! I truly LOVE you all!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

SOOOO Blessed!!!!!

2010-05-27T15:21:00.002-06:00

I LOVE my life!!! I might complain [often] about certain circumstances that are currently occuring in my life, but the more I think about it [which I do a LOT] the more I realize just how BLESSED I really am!!!

I've got an AMAZZZZING family!!! I've got GRRRREAT friends (new AND old)!!! I've got a place to lay my head at night (thanx Mom & Dad)!!! I've got health (well...sort of)!!! I've got a job that helps me to pay my bills & allows me to keep my "toys"!!! I'm a member of the TRUE church on Earth, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!!!

It's this last point that I'd like to touch on today!!

The leaders of the Church are TRULY inspired men!! It's because of this inspiration & their LOVE that I'm able to attend an Institute class for "Mid-Singles" (ages 27-40) from the Salt Lake/Davis/Weber County areas.

The class started up around the same time that I moved home (mid-February) & that couldn't have happened at a better time!!! The class meets Weds nights from 7-8ish-pm in Centerville. If you're interested in knowing some of the "going-ons" of this group you can find out at: ldsmidsingles.org or on Facebook under "27-40 Mid-Singles LDS Religion Class" (shameless plug)

Anywho...I'm hoping to have another excuse to be more consistent in my blogging by posting a blog or two about the lessons that we have so I can hopefully share some of what I learn!!

If you're reading this blog you MUST be a part of one of the first two catergories of "blessings" that I mentioned at the beginning of this blog & for that I THANK YOU!!! You have TRULY been a blessing in my life & have made it possible for me to be where & WHO I am today!!!

LYB!!!!!

"In The Arms of His LOVE."

2010-05-27T15:20:00.001-06:00

This week the Kjar's gave an AMAZZZING lesson based on Elder Neil L Andersen's talk, "Repent...That I May Heal You" from the Oct 2009 General Conference!!! What GRRREAT testimonies the Kjar's have!!

Sis Kjar started things off by sharing how this Mid-Singles class came about & also shared her testimony of the importance of the class. This left the majority of the class for Bro Kjar.

I LOVE talking about the conference talks with others because it gives me the chance to see things from another perspective & to possibly hear/see something that I might have missed!! As happened with this talk!!

Bro Kjar pointed out how we often think of repentance as a difficult or strenuous task...something that brings pain or anguish. But Bro Kjar pointed out that Elder Andersen said "The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a LOVing appeal to turn around and to 're-turn' toward God." Before Elder Andersen said these words he spoke a great deal about "arms". He shared an experience he had w/Pres Monson after he had received his call to the Quorum of the Twelve. At the conclusion of the interview Pres Monson opened his arms to embrace him. Elder Andersen said of this "As he wrapped his long arms around me and pulled me close, I felt like a little boy being held in the protective arms of a loving father."

This got me thinking of how much I LOVE being in other's arms as well!! There's just something about a hug!!! The joy...the security...the comfort that is felt in an embrace with someone you LOVE & care for!!! Oh how I LOVE hugs!!!!!!

I pray that we can all feel what Elder Andersen said the scriptures say of God's arms. They "speak of His arms being open [Mormon 6:17], extended [Alma 19:36], stretched out [2 Kings 17:36; Psalm 136:12], and encircling [2 Kings 1:15]. They are described as mighty [D&C 123:6] and holy [3 Nephi 20:35], arms of mercy [Alma 5:33], arms of safety [Alma 34:16], arms of LOVE [D&C 6:20], 'lengthened out all the day long.' [2 Nephi 28:32]"

LYB!!!!!

What Motivates YOU?!?!

2010-05-24T19:11:00.024-06:00

I apologize if this doesn't make much sense, but...here you go anyhow!!

Last night I attended a fireside that featured Justin Osmond. He is the son of Merrill (Mary) of the Osmond fame. Justin has suffered from hearing loss his entire life & last night he gave an inspiring message of motivation & determination.

During his presentation he shared 5 Principles of Motivation:

1. Understand & come to a knowledge of who YOU are...a Child of God!!!

2. Understand & come to a knowledge of Heavenly Father's LOVE for YOU!!
At this point he shared a visual rendition of a poem that I LOVE!! He pulled out his violin & recited the following poem:

Touch of the Master's Hand

"Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
thought it scarcely worth his while
to waste much time on the old violin,
but held it up with a smile;
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar"; then two!"
"Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars, once; three dollars twice;
going for three.." But no,
from the room, far back,a gray-haired man
came forward and picked up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
and tightening the loose strings,
he played a melody pure and sweet
as caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
with a voice that was quiet and low,
said; "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.
A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,
and going and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand
what changed its worth." Swift came the reply:
"The touch of a master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
and battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
much like the old violin,
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
a game - and he travels on.
"He is going" once, and "going twice,
He's going and almost gone."
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
never can quite understand
the worth of a soul and the change that's wrought
by the touch of the Master's hand."

~~Myra 'Brooks' Welch
3. Live the Gospel!!

4. Service!!
Justin shared a statement from Pres Hinkley where he once said "the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others."

5. Recognize that your BIGGEST weakness can become your GRRRREATEST strength!!! (Ether 12:27)
At this point Justin shared an experience he had with one of his friends that had some pretty tough challenges of his own in life. At one point during one of their conversations Justin's friend said "I'm not gonna let that get in the way of me enjoying...". How inspiring!! We shouldn't let the little things get in the way of enjoying what's around us!!

The last thing that Justin challenged us to do was...drink, swear, steal & lie.
Drink from the "Waters of Life"
Swear to live the Gospel
Steal away time every day to serve someone else
Lie down at night to the Lord (Alma 37:36-37)

So...what motivates YOU?!?!

LYB!!!!!

Moab...Where Adventure Begins!!!

2010-05-16T20:28:00.001-06:00

The first weekend in May most of my family (missed you Jared, Mic, Taylor & Rachel!!! :'( :'( ) took a little getaway to Moab because Father had to work down there. While Father was at work we spent the daylight hours soaking in the sights!! It was a MUCH needed vaca!!!!!!!

Balancing Rock

Delicate Arch / Wolfe Ranch

Such an AMAZZZZZING view!!!!A HIGHLY recommended hike for ALL!!!
Come on...I made it!!!!

Fiery Furnace

Skyline Arch

Middle Finger

Garden of Eden

North Window

Double Arch

Parade of Elephants

Cove of Caves

Pothole Arch

Dead Horse Pointe

Landscape Arch

Sand Dune Arch

Grandpa's Finger

Rafting the Colorado River

Old Man Sleeping

World's Largest Alligator

LYB!!!!!

PAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But Worth It!!!!!!!

2010-04-20T16:23:00.018-06:00

So...this year I decided to spend some of my tax return on myself!! Wait...I ALWAYS spend it on myself!!! Anyhow, I justified this purchase by getting something to help me lose weight & get in shape!!! And anyone who knows me knows that I'm a procrastinater & therefore you know that I've been puttin off using this item for it's original purpose!!

Not that I haven't been getting good use out of it, I just haven't been using it for the original reason. I know the anxiety is must be killing y'all so I'll just tell you what it is...I bought this...

I've been procrastinating by playing this...

...and this...

...with my Sista, Brotha, Chilens & Pappy!!! YES...I SAID PAPPY!!!!!!

And now...to reveal the "justification" that I used to make this purchase is and the reason for the title of this post...

Now a little background as to why I decided to start using "Active" this week...

1) Since the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays I've been putting a LOT of the weight I lost the prior year back on. I haven't been feeling very well & haven't been fitting into my clothes as well as I'd like.
2) Last week I broke the back of my office chair as I leaned back to relax & I also broke a piece of my car seat.
3) This last Saturday my ward was doing a service project & I was working in the yard of one of our AMAZZZING members. We had just cut up & loaded onto a trailer a GIANT tree from their backyard. We still had some time before we were supposed to meet back at the church for lunch so we started doing some general yard work. Moving the tree wasn't incredibly strenuous but I had absolutely NO strength to do any more work!! I was TOTALLY depressed & wasn't feeling very well the rest of the day so I decided that I'm going to make a change!!!

Well...I've only used "Active" for that last two days, but I've come to realize that I'm EXTREMELY out of shape!!!! I've got parts of my body that hurt that I didn't know could hurt!! The workouts haven't felt very intense, but seriously...I CAN'T MOVE!!! And when I do...IT HURTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anywho...that's a little of what's new with Skoot!!!

I hope all is well with y'all!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Welcome...Alette Ke'Alohimaikalanimai Harker!!!

2010-04-08T16:33:00.009-06:00

WELCOME to Ms Alette Ke'Alohimaikalanimai Harker!!!

She was born this morning to Nick & Ku'ulei!!! She weighed in at 6 lbs 15 oz & was 20 inches in length!!!

The WHOLE family is doing well!!!!!

Alette was VERY excited to arrive as she is TWO weeks early!!! We're all SOOOO excited that she's here!!! She is part of an AMAZING family!!!!

LYAB!!!!!

FYI: Ke'Alohimaikalanimai translates to "the shining brilliance from heaven here upon us"

I Pitty Da Foo!!!!!!

2010-04-01T15:10:00.006-06:00

Happy April Fools Day!!!!

“Wikipedia is the best thing ever. Anyone in the world, can write anything they want about any subject. So you know you are getting the best possible information.” – Michael Scott

This year I got to wondering...where did April Fools come from?! Therefore, I turned to my faithful friend, Wikipedia, and he didn't fail me!!!

"In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392), the "Nun's Priest's Tale" is set Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two.[2] Chaucer probably meant 32 days after March, i.e. May 2,[3] the anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, which took place in 1381. However, readers apparently misunderstood this line to mean "March 32," i.e April 1.[4] In Chaucer's tale, the vain cock Chauntecler is tricked by a fox.

"In 1508, a French poet referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally "April fish"), a possible reference to the holiday.[3] In 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on April 1.[3] In 1686, John Aubrey referred to the holiday as "Fooles holy day", the first British reference.[3] On April 1, 1698, several people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to "see the Lions washed."[3] The name "April Fools" echoes that of the Feast of Fools, a Medieval holiday held on December 28.[5]

"In the Middle Ages, New Year's Day was celebrated on March 25 in most European towns.[6] In some areas of France, New Year's was a week-long holiday ending on April 1.[5] So it is possible that April Fools originated because those who celebrated on January 1 made fun of those who celebrated on other dates.[7] The use of January 1 as New Year's Day was common in France by the mid-sixteenth century,[3] and this date was adopted officially in 1564 by the Edict of Roussillon.

"In the eighteenth century the festival was often posited as going back to the time of Noah. According to an English newspaper article published in 1789, the day had its origin when Noah sent his dove off too early, before the waters had receded; he did this on the first day of the Hebrew month that corresponds with April.[8]" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools'_Day

References
2 The Canterbury Tales, "The Nun's Priest's Tale" - "Chaucer in the Twenty-First Century ", University of Maine at Machias, September 21, 2007
3 a b c d e f Boese, Alex (2008) "April Fools Day - Origin " Museum of Hoaxes
4 Compare to Valentine's Day, a holiday that originated with a similar misunderstanding of Chaucer.
5 a b Santino, Jack, All around the year: holidays and celebrations in American life, p. 97, 1972
6 Groves, Marsha, Manners and Customs in the Middle Ages, p. 27, 2005.
7 April Fools' Day, Encyclopædia Britannica
8 Olmert, Michael (1996). Milton's Teeth and Ovid's Umbrella: Curiouser & Curiouser Adventures in History, p.186. Simon & Schuster, New York. ISBN 0-684-80164-7.

LYB!!!!!

MOTHER!!!!!

2010-02-19T11:46:00.014-07:00

I got the following in an email from a co-worker. Along with emailing it to a certain few, I thought I'd put it here for the world (as I know it) to read!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(All men & women, sons & daughters, need to read this)

BEING A MOTHER

After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'

* * *
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years, but the demands of my work and my two boys had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

* * *
That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

* * *
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?

* * *
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

* * *
'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'

* * *
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last birthday.

* * *
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said, as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.

* * *
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.

* * *
During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary but catching upon recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.

* * *
As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.

* * *
'How was your dinner date ?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

* * *
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.

* * *
Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.'

* * *
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.'

* * *
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby ... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history.

* * *
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct ... somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

* * *
Somebody said being a mother is boring ... somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.

* * *
Somebody said if you're a 'good' mother, your child will 'turn out good' ... somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

* * *
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother ... somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

* * *
Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first ... somebody doesn't have two children.

* * *
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery ... somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten ... or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'

* * *
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married ... somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.

* * *
Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home ... somebody never had grandchildren.

* * *
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her ... somebody isn't a mother.

Pass this along to all the 'mothers' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn't just about being a mother; it's about appreciating the people in your life while you have them ... no matter who that person is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LYB!!!!!

Time for Change!!!

2010-02-02T13:57:00.008-07:00

Dear Utah County,

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for the last 10 years of my life!!! You have provided MANY good times & few sad times!! I experienced a LOT of "firsts" with you & there will always be a place for you in my heart!! I will miss the friendships/acquaintances I've made & I hope that they can continue on with the many advances in technology that allow for contact over "long distances"!!!

The change of which I speak is that I will be working for a new State Farm agent in Salt Lake and therefore will be moving north. For the time being I get to stay with my AMAZZZZING Parents & wonderful Sister!!! I'm VERY excited to be closer to my family & I'm also VERY excited to experience new things & hopefully make new friends!!

To all my "southern" friends...I will miss you tremendously & please know that I LOVE you ALL!!!! You have all played a BIG part in who I've become & I know of no way to express how much each of you mean to me!!! I hope that we can still stay in contact thru Facebook, blogs, emails, etc!!

LYB!!!!!

The Holidays...2009!!!

2010-01-21T21:10:00.001-07:00

I'm following the example of just about everyone I know, except I'm taking mine to the extreme & that is...procrastination!!!

I have no "real" excuse for taking as long as I have to post about the holidays...I just haven't taken the time to do it. I'm sure there's still pictures & videos that I've missed, but they could easily be added in at any time!!

I hope EVERYONE had a TERRIFIC holiday season & got to spend much deserved time with the ones they LOVE!!!!

Thanksgiving Weekend: Skate Park

Turkey Bowl: Bountiful

Santa: Home Ward & Family Party

LYB!!!!!

More Cartoons (Thanks JKL-E)

2009-12-16T18:27:00.006-07:00

LYB!!!!!

More Cartoons (c/o JKL-E)

2009-12-16T15:10:00.004-07:00

LYB!!!!!

HILARIOUS Christmas Cartoons

2009-12-16T14:42:00.007-07:00

LYB!!!!!

Updates to 3 Blog Posts...Check Em Out!!!!

2009-12-11T16:59:00.005-07:00

I updated 3 blog posts with pics & vids!!! Check em out!!!

US National v El Salvador Soccer Game_09052009

Ferron Peach Days Demolition Derby_09122009

Taylor's Football_10032009

LYB!!!!!

Me Doth Think TOO Much!!!!

2009-11-11T17:11:00.002-07:00

These last two months (Oct/Nov) have been VERY disheartening for me!! Not just because of circumstances in MY life, but due to events/losses in the life's of some friends!!! One LOVEd one passed after a LONG battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, another passed suddenly after a dentist appointment & yet another was hit by an automobile!! These last two losses have made me think/ponder more & MORE about how short or brief our time might be with those we LOVE!! We just never know when it's someone's "time" to "go"!!! I know this is a VERY sensitive subject...emotionally!! But it's what's been on my mind as of late & I just needed to get it down!! I know I'm not going to give my thoughts or emotions justice, but I'll just have to deal with that!!

I want to let EVERYONE that reads this, whether we are Family, GRRRREAT Friends or simply Acquaintances, that I truly appreciate you being in my life!! I'm certain I could go thru each one of your names & give at least ONE example of how you've influenced, nay...IMPACTED, my life, but then I'd NEVER get thru this blog!!

PPPPPLEASE just know that I LOVE & appreciate you & the fact that we have been/were brought together!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Waiting...Waiting...Waiting

2009-10-19T13:43:00.004-06:00

I've been waiting to post 7 blogs & I finally gave up waiting!! I've post 3 of the 7 & those three will probably be updated with vids as I get around to them. I just haven't had access to my computer, nor the HOURS to download the vids. More will come when/if I ever get back to my computer!!

LYB!!!!!

Taylor's Football_10032009

2009-10-05T16:04:00.010-06:00

This last weekend I was lucky enough to get to watch my nephew (#74) KICK BUTT!!! Supposedly his coach mostly puts him on the offensive line where he doesn't do much, but you can see from the vids below that when he plays defense he gets the job done!!! Way to go Big T!!!!!

{The STAR defensive lineman!!!!}

{#74 makin a spin move to get in on the play!!!}

{#74 takin on the "BIG" guy!!!}

{#74 makin the tackle!!!!}

LYB!!!!!

BYU v Florida State Tailgate Party_09192009

2009-10-05T15:53:00.008-06:00

My friend, Spence, was hosting a Tailgate party for the first home game of BYU's 2009-2010 season!! We were HOPING to be able to play PS3 & show it on my "old" projector, but it turned out to be just TOO light outside!! So instead there was just a LOT of standing around & goofing off!!! GOOD TIMES!!!!

{Spenc & my Lady Friends!!}

{Andrea Playin' DJ!!}

{Young Cheerleader Driving By!!}

{This is what happens when you take a pic on my camera & leave it on there!!!}

LYB!!!!!

Ferron Peach Days Demolition Derby_09122009

2009-10-05T15:34:00.016-06:00

Oh the FUN days of Summer!!! And the MANY city "days"!! There's the Pleasant Grove "Strawberry Days" & rodeo, the Payson "Onion Days" & the Ferron "Peach Days" & demolition derby!! MMMM...fruit & cream!!! What an AMAZING combination!!!!

Last year was my first year at the Ferron PD & DD. It wasn't really the best experience of my life, but it WAS entertaining seeing who comes out to these things (soo WT)!!

This year I was able to make it down earlier in the day so I got to spend some time with my friend's family & friends!!!

{I LOVE the white trashness of the demo derby!!!}

{Mulletts RULE!!!!}

{I was laughing SOOO hard when I saw this shirt!!!

I just HAD to get a pic of it!!!}

LYB!!!!!

US National v El Salvador Soccer Game_09052009

2009-10-05T15:21:00.015-06:00

Despite the fact that we had drunk El Salvadorian fans RIGHT behind us spilling beer on us ALL game, it was a GRRRREAT time to spend with all my siblings!!! LOVE You ALL!!!!

{Pre-Game Warm-Ups}

{Player Intros}

{Which Team Has the MOST Team Spirit?!}

{You see some REAL "characters" at these type of games!!}

{Jodi's Favorite Player...Donovan}

{Some TRULY dedicated fans!!!}

{And YES...that baby DOES have ear muffs on!!!}

]{2nd Half treats...gotta LOVE the churros!!!}

{FINAL Score...2-1!!!}

{View of the Oquirrh Mountains from our seats!!!!}

LYB!!!!!

Rachel May Miller's Baptism_09052009

2009-10-05T15:11:00.007-06:00

I LOVE my family & times when we ALL get to get together!!!

LYB!!!!!

Most Important Day...Sept 3rd!!!!!

2009-10-05T14:54:00.008-06:00

I DEFINITELY should have posted about this day on the said day, but...I didn't!! I try to avoid mentioning this day at all costs!! I think in the back of my mind I hope for a "Sixteen Candles" b-day!! Don't get me wrong...I LOVE when people REMEMBER my b-day!!! I just don't like having to REMIND people that it's here!! If you LOVE me you'll remember!!!

Anywho...this year one of my BESTEST friends on the planet arranged to have a b-day dinner for me!! This year I chose Pizza Factory because ON your b-day you can get a pizza in the shape of your age!! I actually had been thinking about this for a couple of weeks & was trying to think of a number that would get me the MOSTEST pizza!! I chose the number "88"!! I figured I could get away with that number!!!!

{SHEER JOY!!! "Why" you might ask?!?!}

{Here's WHY!!!! I LOVE my Family!!
They know EXACTLY what makes me happy!!!!}

LYB!!!!!

Summer Concerts!!! Aug to Sept 2009

2009-10-05T13:46:00.012-06:00

This year I was lucky enough to be invited by some of my friends to attend a couple different concerts. One I've been wanting to go to for YEARS, another was a spur-of-the-moment thing & the last was a tradition I've started with my Sister & a couple of friends!! I'm SOOO envious of the talents of others!!!

Def Leppard & Poison_08252009
I got a text from one of my friends a couple days before this concert aksing if I wanted to go!! I was SOOO excited because I was supposed to have gone a few years earlier but a prior family engagement didn't allow it to happen!! (Lost money on the deal, but Mother's non-disappointment is more important...LONG STORY!!!)

I must admit...the concert was good, but the people watching was EXQUISITE!!! See for yourselves!!!

Lonestar_08282009

The day before this concert I got yet ANOTHER text message aksing if I wanted to go to this one. I've always been a fan of Lonestar, but never really thought about going to any of their concerts. It just so happens that this concert fell on the same day as one of my friend's (Becca L) b-days, so I DEFINITELY could not turn down the offer.

Before the concert I went to Pizza Factory with Becca & some of her friends. Then we all went to the concert. It was WAY fun, eggspecially watching the fans have fun at the stage RIGHT in front of other fans!! Gotta LOVE the non-considerate fans at concerts!!!

{Becca & I before the show!!
And, for your info...I was just resting BEFORE the show!!!}

RS & RB_09112009

This concert has become a WONDERFUL annual tradition for my sister & I!!! For the last 4 or so years they've held this concert at the AMAZING Thanksgiving Pointe Waterfall Amphitheatre (http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/), but for whatever reason they weren't able to book it there so they held this benefit concert (http://www.nowican.org/) at the Scera Shell Amphitheatre instead!! It was yet ANOTHER AMAZING concert from RS & RB!!!

Utah County Fair_Aug 15 2009

2009-10-05T13:23:00.009-06:00

With working for a "brand new agent" (David M) since my uncle retired, David has been given some good opportunities to try to get his name out in the local community. One such opportunity was at the Utah County Fair at the Spanish Fork Fair Grounds. There were a few agents that were lucky enough to get in on this a below are some pics of the fun times & fun people I gots to hang with whilst I was there!!!

{Me with some of the other agents & staffers on hand}

{The HIT of the Fair...old-fashioned wooden gliders!! Everyone LOVEd State Farm for these!!}

{Nothin beats a FREE 5 minute massage...well maybe two or three of them...YES I DID!!!!}

{I just HAD to get pictures with these wonderful folks!!!!
Can you REALLY blame me?!?!}

{What would a day at the Fair be
without gettting a picture with the wild life?!?!}

LYB!!!!!

Blog Catch-Up!!! Aug to Oct 2009

2009-10-05T13:14:00.004-06:00

As is the same with MANY of my blogging Friends, I've fallen behind on my blogging!! I've had a VERY fun past few months & you'll get bombarded by many blogs from the Skoot!! I'll try my hardest to keep them in order, but I'm sure they'll be some grouping as I get lazy & tired of blogging!! I HATE playing catch-up!!!! Be patient as I try to find time to get all the fun pics up!!!

LYB!!!!!

Patriot's Day: 11 Sept 2009

2009-09-11T11:30:00.001-06:00

HONORING PATRIOT'S DAY!!!

It's unexplainable but I'm feeling VERY patriotic today!! Along with this patriotism is also my "Miller emotions"!!

Example...as I was getting ready for the day I turned on my BOSE to 101.5 The Eagle & they were playing "Where Were You (When The World Stop Turning)" by Alan Jackson!! My eyes teared up!! Something came over me & I flashed back to that day 8 years ago...I was getting ready for work & watching FOX13 morning news when they showed the footage!! I couldn't wrap my mind around what was happening!! I thought they were previewing a new movie or something, but as I kept watching it began to sink in that this had/was actually happening!! When I got into work, my Uncle Norm & Cousin Kacy were trying to get Norm's little black/white 5" portable TV to tune in to ANY channel so we could watch the news updates, etc!! Throughout the day I kept telling myself "this isn't really happening!!"

GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!!

After hearing "Where Were You" I continued listening to The Eagle hoping I'd hear my ALL-TIME FAVORITE Patriotic song "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood!! I didn't hear it & while I was sitting at work I HAD to download it from iTunes (TGIMiPhone!!!). I've already listened to it 4 times!!

Along with my "flashbacks" to times past I am also thinking about those that I know that have/are serving in the Armed Services of this Blessed Country!! I know I don't say it much, but I'm SOOO grateful to these fine men & women that are putting their lives on the line EVERYDAY to protect "our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children" (BOM: Alma 46:12)

LYB!!!!!

Mother's Mucinous Cystadenoma

2009-08-25T11:40:00.010-06:00

The Family's had some "fun" (to say the least) medical adventures lately!! The one I'm posting about today is in regards to my AMAZING Mother!!

Mother has been in a great deal of pain over the last month or so...it's hard to tell exactly how long because Mother does not reveal to anyone when she's suffering!! A quality I wish she didn't have!!! Anywho...it was discovered a couple weeks ago that Mother had a mucinous cystadenoma growing inside her!! (Thanks Dr Nick for the medical terminology!!!!)

On Tues, Aug 11th Mother went in for surgery!! When she came out the doctor told her that the cyst that was removed weighed the size of a small watermelon...a whopping 12-lbs!! YES...you heard correctly...TWELVE POUNDS!!! Can you believe it?!?!

We are VERY blessed in the fact that the cyst was tested & the results of the test showed that it was benign...NO CANCER!! PHEW!!!!

{Mother's X-Ray}

{Mother's Cyst Identified}

Mother is now at home recovering!!! She should be having a follow-up visit & supposedly the doctor took pics of the cyst. This being said, there just might be an upcoming posting with "sick pics"...if you know what I mean?!?!

Thank you SOOOO much to ALL my Friends & Family for your LOVE & concern for not only me but my Family!! Words will NEVER express my appreciate for your support!!!

LYB!!!!!

NEW Arrival...Charlotte Paula Miller_08122009

2009-08-13T09:05:00.022-06:00

Yesterday was ANOTHER momentous day in our family!! My brother, Chuck, & his amazing wife & her little boy, Haley & Kannon, welcomed to this world a BE-A-UTIFUL little girl...Charlotte Paula Miller!!! She was born at approximately 11:10pm, she weighed in at 7 lbs 10 oz & measured 19 1/2 in long!! Chuck's been keeping Charlotte's middle name a secret...not really a secret, but they've been trying to think of a "good" one & I guess yesterday while Chuck & Haley were at lunch (or dinner...I don't remember the EXACT specifics) they were mentioning names & once they said Paula (my Mother's ONLY sibling who passed away last year after battling cancer) Chuck said the Spirit hit him like a "ton of bricks" & the rest is history!! As those of you who know us Miller's, once we got the text from Chuck announcing the "newbies" name we all burst out in sobs!!! I absolutely LOVE my family!!!

I wanted to get some shots last night with my camera, but once I got in the room I didn't want to flash the baby out, so I got a few on my iPhone!! I will post more as they become available, but here's the few I took!! ENJOY!!!

{Kannon & Me Outside the Hospital}

{Grampa, Kannon & Jodi Awaiting the Announcement}

{Grampa Miller With Baby Charlotte}

{Aunt Jodi With Baby Charlotte}

{Baby Charlotte Already Showing Her Fun Side}

{Baby Charlotte Scoping Things Out}

{Baby Charlotte Close Ups}

Welcome to THE Family, Charlotte Paula Miller!!! You are LOVEd!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Attitude...Improving It!!!

2009-08-12T10:11:00.009-06:00

I've been doing my usual "deep thinking" lately, which isn't good cause it gets me down, which is LAME cause I've had some GRRREAT times with family & friends (old & new)!! Just the other day I was talking with a dear friend about memories...how is it that some of the best memories can be buried deep in our consciences, yet the not-so-good ones are readily available & nearly impossible to forget?!?! Don't get me wrong...I pride myself on being a "rememberer"...almost TOO good...what I'm referring to is times, people & experiences that should not be dwelt on that just can't seem to get out of my head!! It's VERY frustrating!! All well..."life goes on and life is good"!!! (MA.T.)

Of course I know that life has it's challenges & my family hasn't had the best of luck lately with medical issues...Father in the hospital with bleeding ulcers, Jodester wiping out on the Alpine Slide, & Mother having a 12-pound cyst removed from her abdomen. But then there are good things coming about as well...baby Charlotte due ANY DAY NOW!!!

Well...with all this going on I've been trying to think of ways that I can improve my attitude...not only personal but professional as well!! One of my all-time favorite quotes on attitude is from Charles Swindoll:
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than failures, than successes. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company. . . a church. . . a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. . . we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is attitude. . . . I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."

A GRRREAT example of this positive attitude is a gentle-man by the name of George D Durrant. I first met Bro Durrant while on my mission in the Great White North. Bro Durrant was serving as a CES missionary & EVERYtime anyone greeted this fine brother & aksed him how he was doing he would reply: "My Best Day So Far!!" It didn't matter how many people aksed him it was always the same response!!

All this being said, my boss sent me the following in an email earlier today that I feel is good enough to share with EVERYONE:

Do You Want a Smile With That?
By: Michelle Joyce

The McDonald’s drive thru in Huntersville, North Carolina, has personal face-to-face service. (I actually put my car in reverse because I thought I had missed the intercom!) When I drove up to the window, the friendliest guy on the planet greeted me with an energetic, “Good Morning! How are you today?” I was stunned.

I am not a big fan of fast food – or their lack of customer service – but when I drove through this particular McDonald’s to get a cup of coffee on my way to work, my attitude changed. This smiling employee actually put me in a better mood.

He was happy and friendly. He greeted me and engaged me in conversation before he took my order. He then offered a variety of options that I didn’t know existed. A simple cup of coffee turned into a medium, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat latte. And when the transaction was over, he thanked me, wished me well, and told me to “drive safely” on my way to work.

I received better customer service in those 30 seconds, than I did when I bought a brand new car last year. And this guy didn’t even work on commission.

As I drove to work, I continued to think about the transaction. Salespeople often get into a routine of saying the same thing, in the same tone, and in the same sequence every day. But this worker’s positive attitude and desire to serve was inspiring. I didn’t expect this type of “VIP treatment” at a fast food joint, and I was blown away at the pride that this gentleman took in his job. The more I recalled the event, the more I realized… if this guy could evoke this much emotion from me over a medium, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat latte, then what kind of a difference could I make in the lives of my prospective customers today? I was up for the challenge.

The plan was simple. All I had to do was follow the three steps that made this transaction so memorable:

1. Start with a smile and engage your prospect in a friendly manner. Would you do business with someone you didn’t like? Well, neither would your prospect. This guy made me like him – immediately. And when he made that connection, the transaction became enjoyable. And it was all about me, not just my order.

2. Offer alternative solutions. People want choices. And just because you can recite all the bells and whistles of your products in your sleep, don’t assume that your customer is aware of them. Uncover their needs and help them make a choice. McDonald's already mastered the upsell technique with their famous line, “Do you want fries with that?” What kind of additional features and services can you upsell? Better asked, what kind of additional revenue are you leaving on the table at every sale?

3. End the transaction with something memorable. When is the last time that a fast food worker told you to “drive safely”? I am used to the generic lines of “thank you” and “have a nice day”; but this guy was genuinely concerned about my personal safety. (Or at least he made me feel that way.) What are you saying to your customers that make them remember you personally? What differentiates you from every other salesperson?

The plan is simple. But it’s not a matter of understanding these principles; it’s a matter of you actually practicing them every day. I am thankful that a friendly person reminded me of what it takes to be great in sales and service. I needed that kind of jolt to refocus my attention to the simple details that work – and away from the “doom” that everyone keeps talking about. The reality is that people are still buying products and services in this economy. The only question is will they buy them from you?

Focus on these three steps today:
1. Greet a new friend.
2. Up sell something.
3. And make them remember you.

Oh, and if you are ever in Huntersville, North Carolina, stop by the McDonalds on Statesville Road. Ask for Burg – he will take excellent care of you. (be careful of the up sell!)

**Sales Caffeine Issue 404, Aug 4 2009, Jeffrey Gitomer (Publisher), http://www.gitomer.com/salesMagazine/PrintableEzine.html?key=ajcdMibak3OArFpX8WdWvA%3D%3D

These principles don't have to apply just to "sales"!! They can apply to ALL aspects of our lives!! I always hear "can one person really make a difference?!" Well...I believe they can!! I LOVE the movie "Pay It Forward"...even though it's depressing as H***!!! The underlying point is what really matters!! "Things" have to start someplace & why not with me (or you)!!! I hope that I can take what I've written into my life daily...NO...every second!!!

LYB!!!!!

Provo Canyon Camping_July 31 - Aug 1 2009

2009-08-09T19:41:00.015-06:00

Last year I had the AMAZING opportunity to go camping nearly every weekend!! It was SOO much fun!! This year I haven't been as lucky, but I've still had some GRRRREAT times!! The other weekend we planned a trip to our "old" spot. We had more people show up to this one then any trip we planned last year!! Hopefully we can have more chances to go this year!!

This trip Spencer went scavenging for some firewood & while he was out he came across a big round tree to make some seats for around the fire!! We got a little distracted making the seats cause the inside of this log was a little different than other trees...the inside was falling out right in the middle!! You can't see from these pics how it was "falling out" BUT it looked like it would make a perfect "Throne"!! It became a running joke throughout the rest of the night!! I didn't get a very good pic of the finished product but just know it was GOOOOD!!!!

{THE Throne}

{The Morning After}

{Spencer Making Breakfast & My Smiley Face Pancake}

{Spencer Working on THE Throne}

LYB!!!!!

Park City & Oakley Cabin _July 24-25 2009

2009-08-09T18:52:00.005-06:00

I'm SOOO grateful for the times that I get to spend with my family!! A lot of times we don't do much, but when we DO get together & DO do something we have TONS of fun!! Even though sometimes there might be some injuries!! But the scars can be well worth it, eh Jodes?!?!

For the last several years my family plans a trip to Park City in celebration of my Mother's b-day. This year there was just WAY too much happening around the 1st of the month & the only weekend we could all get together was the 24th!! My brother Chuck's bishop has a cabin in Oakley UT & Chuck arranged it so that we could have a few night there. It was SOOO much fun!!! Thnx Chuck & Haley for working out the details!!!

I'm hoping that in the future I can be more prompt in posting my blogs so that I can take the time to not make a slide show & be able to explain the pics more, but for now...DEAL WITH IT!!!

LYB!!!!!

Fairview Cabin & ATVing_07112009

2009-08-09T18:48:00.002-06:00

I was invited to spend sometime at a friend's cabin near Fairview!! You can tell from the vid clips that we did a little ATVing!! This is TRUE ATVing!!! It was SOOOO much fun!! I can't wait to go again!!!

LYB!!!!!

Nick's PickUp Hockey & Applebees_07022009

2009-08-09T15:47:00.001-06:00

My GRRRREAT friends, Nick & Ku'ulei, have returned from medical skool for a few weeks & I've been lucky enough to spend a little bit of time with them!! Hopefully I will have MANY more opportunities, but below is a slide show of just one of the nights!!!

LYB!!!!!

Kemmerer WY & BungeeMe_06282009

2009-07-30T12:00:00.009-06:00

Although I've been lacking in the blogging realm I have NOT been lacking in the enjoyment one!! Over the past month I've had SEVERAL fun weekends & just fun times in general!!

The weekend before the Fourth of July I was invited by my good friend, Spencer, to go to his home town of Kemmerer WY to spend the night with his family!! His Mother & one of his sisters, Lynzee, were performing in Kemmerer's Annual Community Choir event & so we took off to support the family!! Below are a few pics & vids of the fun times we had whilst there!!

Whilst in Kemmerer, Spencer & his family played this new game they've become addicted to!! He's named is "BungeeMe"!! As you can see from the following videos it looks like LOTS of fun, but it can also be a little dangerous!! No worries...you don't need to cover the "little one's" eyes!!

In the following video you can hear a Mother's Plea to stop for safety's sake!!

And in THIS video you can see the "dangers" of having TOO much fun!!!

LYB!!!!!

Strawberry Days Rodeo_June 19 2009

2009-06-21T20:47:00.017-06:00

This last Friday night I went to the Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Rodeo with Spencer & some other friends!! This is the third year that I've gone!! This year wasn't as good as the past couple of years, but then again...the last two years I went on the last night of the rodeo & they tend to be the bestest nights!! Following are some video clips of the events from the evening!!

{Mutton Bustin'}

{Dual Dirt Bike Jump}

{Dirt Bike Back Flip}

{ALMOST 8 Seconds}

{This was HILARIOUS!!!!}

{Poor Rider got kicked in the back}

LYB!!!!!

"Protector" of the New Office

2009-06-21T20:32:00.007-06:00

Thursday while I was delivering some items to our new office I noticed this spot of bird doodoo on the ground.

I was curious as to if there was a nest in the tree & when I looked up this is what I discovered!!

I couldn't believe it!! I don't think I've ever seen an owl in real life before!! It was only about 4-6 inches tall & had the most yellow eyes!! It looked right at me!! I HAD to get a picture, mostly for my sister-in-law cause she LOVEs owls!!!

LYB!!!!!

... & Me!!

2009-06-08T18:52:00.013-06:00

For some time now I've been wanting to watch the movie "Marley & Me"!! I've been hesitating because I've heard from a plethera of sources that it's a REAL tear-jerker (& I haven't been able to find anyone to watch it with me :'-( ... but enough of the sob story)!! I FINALLY watched it yesterday afternoon!! I'm now VERY upset that I waited SOOO long to watch it!! Yes...it WAS a "sobber" (especially if you're a Miller), but it's now one of my top 5!!! LOVED it!!! Gonna buy it!!!!

I don't know if you can get the FULL effect of the movie without being a dog-owner/dog-LOVEr!! My families been lucky enough to have two dogs!!

Our first dog was Nikki!! She was originally my Uncle Norm & Aunt Helen's!! I have such FOND memories of when I would "dog-sit" her while they were out of town on family vacations!! Oh the FUN times!!! Then, before my mission, my Uncle's family moved into a condo where they were not allowed to have pets!! We were lucky enough to be aksed to take care of Nikki!! She was an amazing dog & instantly became a member of our family!! We had her for YEARS & then one day in July 1999 I came home from church & let her out the door & the next thing I know she was laying in the middle of the street!! She would NEVER go into the street!!! What had happened this day to make her do something that she had NEVER done before?! It was a VERY sad day in our family!! It was a TREMENDOUS loss!!!

Then...for Mother's Day/Mother's B-day in 2000, Charlie came up with an AWESOME present!! He had overheard Mother telling stories of when she was younger & how she used to have a chocolate lab!! Charlie happened to have a friend that just had a litter of pups & what do you know...they were chocolate labs!! He surprised Mother & the whole rest of the family with Jessi!! It's been a REAL "delight" since that time!! Much like the movie ("Marley & Me") we soon learned that we had to hide ANYTHING that was edible!! Anytime we left the house Jessi would go "exploring"!! We would come home & find wrappers from loaves of bread on the floor!! When I say loaves of bread I mean...LOAVES!!! It's seriously AMAZING how much these aminals can eat!!

After seeing this movie it made me want my own dog EVEN MORE than ever!!! I know how much attention they require, but I also know how much LOVE I have to give!!! The thing I LOVE the most about dogs is how excited they get when you come home!! I know with me & Jessi she's just excited to see a new face, but from my experiences with both Nikki & Jessi I know how much LOVE these aminals have for their "masters"!! All I know is that as soon as I get a place of my own I'm getting myself my own "Best Friend"!!!

Enjoy the slideshow below!! GRRREAT memories for my family!!!! LY!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Stihl Timbersports @ Thanksgiving Pointe_06062009

2009-06-06T17:49:00.015-06:00

This last weekend I got to spend some quality time with my sister-in-law, Haley, & her boy, Kannon, while my brother, Chuck, was teaching a coaching class!! Friday night we went to "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian". I didn't think it was as good as the first one, but there aren't many sequels that match up to the first ones!!

Saturday we spent most of the day at Thanksgiving Pointe at the Stihl Timbersports Series!! I've watched this event a couple of times on ESPN2 & enjoyed every minute of it!! I was SOO excited when Haley & Kannon wanted to go to it!! I had a REALLY good time & look forward to seeing us on TV!! Sadly it's not set to air until Nov 15th, Nov 29th & mid-Dec sometime!! :'( Hopefully I'll remember come that time!! All well...it was still GRRREAT spending some time with Haley & Kannon!!! Thnx you two!!! LOVEYouBOTH!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Fun Times...And Still Alive!!!

2009-06-03T19:24:00.005-06:00

So...here's the video I made mention to on my last blog!! It's not bad & it's not the worst that happened that day, but it's still not something that you want your Mother to see!!

LYB!!!!!

Squaw Peak Trail_Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T21:46:00.013-06:00

I've gotta start this blog out by stating/testifying that I believe WHOLE-HEARTEDLY in guardian angels!! Even for the unwise!!!

Today my good friend Spencer & I went ATVing & after completing some work that he had to do on this wonderfully BE-A-UTIFUL Memorial Day, we hit the canyon!! Spencer was able to convince a friend of his & her roommate to join us!! We had some great fun, including PB&J or PB&H for lunch, snow slide climbing & LOTS of nature!! I LOVE being in the outdoors & friends make it all that more enjoyable!!

LYB!!!!!

{Spencer Going Over Snow Slide}

PS - I've been advised to not show me coming across the Snow Slide!! If you'd like to see it you'll have to talk to me in person!! Or maybe I'll post it later...we'll see!! LY!!!!

Jared's B-day Dinner & Playing w/Mator_05232009

2009-05-24T16:34:00.005-06:00

This last weekend started as another one filled with fun AND family!!!

I LOVE special occasions which provide excuses for us to get together!! This time it started out with a celebration of Jared's birth!! Jared chose to have dinner at the Macaroni Grill in downtown Salt Lake!! It wasn't the best meal we've eaten together, but we were together...that's all that matters!!

{The Fam at Macaroni Grill}

Saturday we took Mator out for some Memorial Day fun!! I was VERY nervous that it was going to be SUPER crowded due to the holiday, but to my surprise...there was NO ONE there!!! And when I say "no one" I'm not exaggerating!!! You can see in the slide show below that I'm telling the truth!! I had such a GRRRREAT time, even though I mostly just spent my time sitting with the none-riders!! I LOVE being with my family & seeing others having fun & being happy!!!

LYB!!!!!

Firsts of the Season...Part II!!!

2009-05-24T15:59:00.005-06:00

This last Thursday night we had our first bowl night of the Summer season!! It twas SOOO much fun to get some of the old gang together again!!

{Miracle Bowl, Orem, UT}

{Applebees, Orem, UT}

LYB!!!!!

Firsts of the Season!!!

2009-05-20T16:02:00.006-06:00

This last weekend was one of "firsts" for the Summer season!! It started off with our first camping trip!!

Thursday night Spencer & I drove up Provo Canyon to check on last years camping spot above Hope Campground!! To our devastation the road to our site was still closed!! Therefore we tried to find another spot for Friday night. On our way down the Hope Campground road we stopped at a couple of spots that we thought might work & at one of the spots we spotted a new "friend"!! We aksed him to watch the spot for us in case we came back the next night!!

{Spencer & Our New "Friend"}

After a brief visit with our new friend we drove further up the canyon & thought we'd check out Wallsburg!! We found a PRIME spot but figured it was too far away & too hard to explain directions for a first camp of the year!! We're excited to use it later in the season (or in a week or so)!! ;0)

Since Wallsburg was soo far away we thought we'd check out Nunn's Park in Provo Canyon!! To our amazement the best spot (#10) in the park was still available so I arranged to get up early to reserve the spot Friday morning!! It was a FUN night with some new friendships made!! Hopefully we can get more & more throughout the year!!

{The Morning Fire & The Leftover Campers}

I've got to admit that one of my FAVORITIST parts of camping is the AMAZING breakfast that Spencer & I make!! Don't believe me...guess you'll just have to come & try it out!!!

One of the other fun parts about our camping trips is the game of Washers!! Soo addicting!! Again...you've gotta come to experience it!!!

The second first of this season was my first golf trip!! The Landlord & I hit up Cascade Fairways at the mouth of Provo Canyon!! I LOVE my first golf trips cause I tend to play a bit better than any other time of the year!!

There's another "first" coming up later this week & I'll post on it after Thursday!! SOOO EXCITED!!!!

LYB!!!!!

I Don't Know!!!

2009-05-17T20:48:00.004-06:00

Earlier this evening I attended a fireside where a dear friend, Jack R Christianson, was the speaker!! He is such an amazing man with an even MORE AMAZING testimony!! I could listen to him speak ALL day EVERY day!! Everytime I hear him speak I get HIGHLY motivated to become a gospel scholar!! Of course, we all know that that's a long shot, eggspecially since I struggle reading!! It's not that I can't, it's just that I don't like to!! I'm a very visually stimulated individual!!

I'm VERY grateful for the experiences & stories that Bro Jack shares, and more eggspecially for his testimony!! He's an emotional individual & it makes me feel a LOT better about the fact that my emotions, like my whole family, is right on the surface!!

I'm SOOO grateful for the gospel & the knowledge of this!! I'm VERY grateful for all the examples that I have in my life!!

LYB!!!!!

A VERY Special THANK YOU!!!!!

2009-04-28T08:52:00.007-06:00

This last week/weekend has been one full of emotions for many reasons!! But the toughest part was leaving a place & people that have become very dear to me!! Change is good yet SOOO hard on the heart!! I'm VERY grateful for the acceptance I have felt in this place where oftimes I was as a fish out of water!! There is no way for me to put into words the gratitude I feel for these LOVing individuals that opened their arms & hearts & willing accepted an "outsider" into their midst!!! Thank you SOOOO much "Ladies" for what you've done for me over these last 9 months!!! I owe you all my life!! I hope y'all will call on me for ANYthing!!! I will miss you ALL & will LOVE you always!!! All joking aside!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Family FUN & ... Food!!!!

2009-04-27T19:45:00.008-06:00

I know everyone says this, but...I have the best families in the world!!! But it's TRUE!!!!

Now you're aksing yourself..."why did he pluralize the word 'family'?!" It's because I've not only been born into an AMAZING family, but I've been "adopted" into many other families as well!! I'll have to talk about my "adopted" families in another blog, because this one's "all about the Miller's"!!!

These last several weeks I've been spending time with my family in Bountiful. As you'll see from the pics below it's been some GRRRREAT fun!!! When my family gets together we don't only like to play & just be together, but we like to eat!!! We don't eat at the fanciest restaurants, but we DO eat well!!!

This first pic is from our family dinner celebrating Father's (04/20) & Mic's (04/25) b-days!! Mic chose to eat at Tepanyaki Sushi Bar & Restaurant in SL!! I've eaten at their location in Provo several times and had good experiences, but this last visit at the SL location has been the BESTEST so far!!! Chef Ping was HIL-AR-IOUS!!! He was TRULY entertaining & made the visit SOOO much fun!! The sad part about it being such an AWESOME experience is that all other visits will pale in comparison!! It's gonna be VERY hard to top Chef Ping!! I regret not taking more pictures, but this one will have to spark memories for all of us!!

This next group of pics is from the "surprise" party Mother put together for Father. It was the Old Man's "60th" this year & he didn't want anything special done to celebrate his tenure here with us. But as is common in our family...when someone mentions that they don't want something done, we know their true intentions & tend to do the opposite!!

It is VERY tough to find presents for members of my family!! I struggle EVERY b-day trying to come up something to get. This year Jodi & I were trying to think of things to get or places to even look when Mother mentioned just going to the DI & getting a tie. What a GRRRREAT idea!!! We went with the only intention of getting a tie, but then we decided to walk thru the "nick-nacks" & as Jodi was explaining to me what she was looking for she turned &...BAM...there it was!! What could be more appropriate for our Father then a "Best Father Ever" nick-nack!!

Mic, Jared, Taylor & Rachel got Father a card that...if you know us Miller's...brought tears to his eyes (picture not included). Haley, Charlie & Kannon put together a collage of recent family photos that Haley took up Mueller Park Canyon!! (Check out Haley's blog here!!)

Whilst Jodi & I were wandering thru Wal*Mart after our trip to the DI, I's gots to thinking that I should probably get Pops a gift. Since we were back in the DVD area looking for GRRRREAT deals in the bargain bin, I decided to jump over to the TV section & look for a TV DVD that Father might like...I chose the good ole "Get Smart" Season 1. I'm excited to watch the infamous Don Adams play the blunderous Maxwell Smart. He did a MUCH better job than Steve Carell, but no one will EVER play a better Michael Scott!! Everyone's got their own niche in life!!

Mother has been aksing me for weeks to look into getting Father a program that will assist him in converting his old LPs & cassette tapes into MP3s/CDs. Around Christmas time I remember seeing something at Costco, so I checked it out on a lunch break from Foundations & was able to pick it up!! Now we just gotta get the computer at home functioning well enough to run the program!! I'm excited to get this functioning so I can re-live some fond memories with the music he's got!!

These next couple of pics show what happens when we get together. Lots of sittin around chattin...and oh yeah...Mic studyin!!! I'm SOO excited for her to be done with skool!! Then she can enjoy our times doin...well...nothing much!!! GOOD TIMES!!!!

I LOVE how much fun kids have with my friend, Mator!! Let me share a little story with y'all...a couple of weeks ago I left Mator at the Parents because Jare & Mic were going to borrow it to play at the Little Sahara. Whilst it was at my Parents, Taylor & Rachel spent some time there. Jodi went out to check on the kids because they had been outside for about an hour. She discovered them taking turns sitting on Mator pretending they were driving him. I took the following picture after Father's b-day party. The kids were playing "camping". You can see on the back of Mator the "firewood" & camping equipment they were hauling around. I sure miss having the imagination of a child!!! I don't EVER wanna grow up!!!!

Okay...this next picture is really just for me, but I had to post it. This is my ALL-TIME favoritist dish that my Mother makes for me!!! It's called "Creamed Eggs on Toast" or also know by the armed services as SOS (Shi* on Sandpaper)!!! Trust me...it's heaven on a plate!!!

LYB!!!!!

I Looked Out the Window & What Did I See...

2009-04-23T22:19:00.005-06:00

I know that I'm VERY late at posting this blog, expecially [yes...I know I spelled it wrong ;0) ] since just about everyone I know experienced this, but what the h***!!!

So, I LOVE the outdoors!! I LOVE being in the outdoors!! I LOVE playing in the outdoors!! I LOVE the outdoor weather...most of the time!! There's just something fascinating to me about 6 inches of snow on "Tax Day" of all days!!! It seems to me like someone else is morning as well!!! LOVE You Mother Nature!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

April Fool's 2009!!!

2009-04-05T13:48:00.002-06:00

[I promise I started this the night of April Fool's!!! I've just been VERY distracted!!!]

Fore Warning: This is going to be a LONG blog!!!

As most of you know I've been working for my cousin in American Fork since July 2008. "The Boss" & I are the only full-time males of the office and there are 6 females that officially "rule" the office. This being said...you can only imagine MANY of the conversations that take place in the office...most of which are geared towards the feminine side of life. There is one office member in particular that holds NO reserve in letting it be known that her & her husband (Jenna & Andrew) are trying to bring a "little one" into this world!! It's become common talk in the office to guess the order in which the Ladies will become pregnant. I find it VERY hilarious!!! But I know it's stressing "The Boss" to the max!!!

Anyhow...on with the story...for the last month or so the Ladies of Foundations have been planning an April Fool's joke to play on "The Boss". With all the pregnancy talk around the office the Ladies decided to play a pregnancy April Fool's. Alyssa decided she'd be the one to "pull The Boss' leg". It played out perfectly!!
For the last month or so Alyssa's been talking about how she missed her "friend". We've been teasing her that it's because she's pregnant, but she's been adimant that it's not possible, however we kept harassing her.
So...a week or so ago she found out that an acquaintance of hers is pregnant & Alyssa approached her to see if she'd be willing to provide a "positive test" for us. She was hesitant, but after a little persuasion gave in & acknowledged the hilarity of the situation.
So...Wednesday morning (April 1st) Alyssa came in to the office & stated that she was sick yesterday when she got up & that she wasn't feeling any better this morning. We harassed her that she was "preggy" & Emily told her that she was going to go next door to Albertson's & get a pregnancy test. After much debate Alyssa conceeded, but she said that she had forgot her cell phone at home & if she WAS going to take the test that she would need to have it so she could call her husband. Of course it was agreed that that would be appropriate.
Of course the whole time she's gone we're joking about her going someplace to get a "sample" but then we'd also joke about how disgusting that would be to have the "sample" floating around in her bag when she came back, so we blew off that idea.
When Alyssa returned we joked with her a bit & then Emily & I went next door to Albertson's to get the "test". However, on the way over Emily mentioned to me that Alyssa picked up a test when she (supposedly) left to get her phone. Alyssa had her acquaintance take the tests & gave them back to her & Alyssa gave the tests to Emily in the original packaging so that The Boss wouldn't recognize the difference. {Man...I just realized how long this story is getting...sorry if I'm boring you but it was HIL-AR-IOUS!!!!}
Emily & I returned to the office, gave the tests to Alyssa & she disappeared into the bathroom for what seemed like an eternity, but was actually only about 10 minutes. We began to worry that maybe she really WAS pregnant...especially when she first came out of the door. The look on her face was SOOOO convincing. She came out of the back of the office with her hand over her mouth & she was shaking uncontrollably...at least until she got past The Boss' desk, out of his line of sight, then she got the BIGGEST grin on her face. She grabbed her bag & walked straight out the front door to her car without looking back!! She drove off!!!
The look on The Boss' face was unforgettable!! He was a little hesitant at first...he even asked: "do you think someone could act that good?!" We played off of his hesitancy for about 1/2 an hour. Alyssa called & spoke with Emily & they continued to make it sound like she was struggling but that Alyssa would return to the office shortly.
When Alyssa returned we continued to talk about it, but not too much because we "knew" how sensitive of a subject it was. (RIGHT!!!!) We kept it going for about an hour & then...out of the blue...Alyssa made a comment similar to: "wouldn't it be funny if I left to get my phone & had someone else take the test?!" The Boss wasn't paying too much attention to what was going on, but you could tell her heard what she said because he immediately stopped was he was doing, paused where he was for about 30 seconds, then turned around & aksed: "are you serious?!" We all just screamed "APRIL FOOL'S" and EVERYONE had a good laugh the rest of the day!!!

Oh, the fun times I'm going to miss at Foundations!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Sarah A's B-day Dinner...Cafe Rio Style_03172009

2009-03-29T17:06:00.003-06:00

I had the WONDERFUL priviledge of being invited to the exclusive birthday dinner in honor of the AMAZING Sarah A!! It was prepared by the OUTSTANDING Claire B!! Somehow Claire-Bear got her hands on the recipes for Cafe Rio's pork & "house" dressing!! It was SOOOO good!!! Thank you SOOO much for including me in this celebration!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Cecily B's B-day_Fat Cats_03162009

2009-03-22T21:30:00.002-06:00

Second only to spending time with my Family is...spending time with my Friends!! And bowling none-to-boot!!! Thanks Friends for including me in the FUN!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

A Day With The Family_03142009

2009-03-22T21:00:00.001-06:00

As you'll see with this blog I've discovered a wonderful way to make a slideshow of my pics (slide.com...very cool)!!! And since I like to take a LOT of pictures & it's TOO difficult for me to pick just a few to post I figured this would be the best & easiest way for me to post them all!!

Last weekend I decided last minute to spend the day with my family!! On my way home I called to "warn" them...if you will...and to my surprise Kannon answered the phone!! He was bragging about eating Mickey Mouse pancakes & eggs!! I told him how jealous I was & asked that he ask Gramma to save some for me...which luckily she did!! MMMM...I sure do LOVE my Mother's cooking!!!

It was a fun-filled day which began with breakfast & ended with a bowling excursion with Jared, Jodi & Danny!! This first slideshow shows the amazing pancake & eggs that we got to enjoy along with some of the score/screen shots showing the skillz that our family has at bowling, as well as some photos of Jessi playing and eating snow!! What a fun family member she is!!!

Following are some photos of the fun time we had while cleaning out our cars!! Kannon was a HUGE help, after he completed his stop sign of course!!

This last slideshow has some photos that Kannon took!! It's amazing how much he takes after his Mother!!!

This little video clip shows how much fun Kannon has when helping us out!!

LYB!!!!!

Haley's B-day Dinner_Texas Roadhouse_03072009

2009-03-22T19:15:00.006-06:00

I absolutely LOVE my family and ANY opportunity that I get to spend time with them!!! This blog is dedicated to Haley's B-day dinner at the Texas Roadhouse!!! Time VERY well spent!!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Baby Wright's Baby Shower_03032009!!

2009-03-08T21:12:00.013-06:00

Over the past several months I've been dwelling WAY too much on the "things" that I don't have or have lost instead of appreciating the "things" that I do have. This last week I had a few experiences that brought this fact to my attention & helped me see the error of my ways!!

I'd like to share one such experience now!!

The last several semesters of my college "life" I had the WONDERFUL priveledge of "volunteering" at the Orem Institute of Religion & becoming good friends with the office staff!! I spent nearly every morning (& every evening) helping w/registration & what ever else they requested!! One of these staff members is a friend of mine that I made in one of my wards (Orem College 16th), StashaLee!! StashaLee & Doug met in our ward & were married in 2007. I've become good enough friends with these ladies (& Doug), that I was invited to a baby shower for Doug & StashaLee's boy that is due in the next 5 weeks!! Following are just some of the pictures from this occasion:

{MOST of the attendees}

{YES...I picked this out ALL BY MYSELF!!!!}

{A couple of the other gifts given/received}

The reason I post this as one of my "experiences" is because of the great LOVE & acceptance that I feel from these WONDERFUL Sisters by being included in this time-honored "female" tradition!! These AMAZING Sisters helped to keep me active & going strong during this period of my life!! I am FOREVER indebted to them!!!

LYB!!!!!

Nick's B-day Celebration 2009!!!

2009-03-05T08:00:00.003-07:00

So...I LOVE to eat & I LOVE to celebrate special occasions & when the opportunity comes that they come hand-in-hand...I'm ALL for it!!!

Tuesday (03/03/09) was my good friend Nick's b-day!! He's not been around to join in the festivities the last couple of years because he's is in the Caribbean going to medical skool @ St George's University. This year HE'S lucky enough to have his new wife, Ku'ulei, there to celebrate it with him!! I miss them both VERY much, but that's not the point of this blog!! The point is...well...there really is no "point" I just wanted to let Nick & Ku'ulei know that we're thinking of them if though they're MILES away!! I hope you had a good one Buddy!!! BACOCNAOI...ACS!!!!!!

This year a few of Nick's friends got together at Bangkok Grill (one of Nick's favorite food establishments) to commemorate Nick's arrival to this world!! 3 out of the 4 of us enjoyed the Masaman (my FAVorite!!!) It was good getting together!! Oh how I miss the old days!!!

{Skoot, MandyAnn, Rob & Ben P enjoyin the BG!!}

I hope EVERYONE...ESPECIALLY Nick & Ku'ulei...had a WUNDERBAR day this last Tuesday!!! Whether it was celebrating a special day or just having a "good one"!!!

LYB!!!!!

One Non-Stop Weekend!!!

2009-03-03T22:16:00.014-07:00

There are two types of weekends that I LOVE!! The first is where you can sit around doing absolutely NOTHING...and feel good about it!! And the other is where you have SOOO much planned that you can hardly breathe!!! This last weekend was the latter!!

Babysitting (aka Kid Watching) Some of My Cousins

It all started Friday night when I got to spend the evening watching some of my cousin's kids...Darron & Heather's: Halle, Ava & Thomas and Ryan & Melanie's: Maxwell!!

It's been a LONG time since I've "watched" kids & it was fun getting to do it again!! One of the reasons I like spending time with kids is because I consider myself as having "Peter Pan Syndrome"!! One of these reasons is due to the unconditional LOVE that children have for others!! I wish I had this type of LOVE!! The reason I say this is because I haven't done much with any of these kids...even at family functions...and they welcomed me right in!! Here's a small example: Halle was SOOO helpful especially with Maxwell!! Maxwell is VERY shy & I didn't get to spend much time with him before Ryan left so I'm sure that added to his bashfulness!! Thank goodness for Halle!! She helped him feel welcome & helped to lighten the mood!! Gradually Maxwell came around & joined us for a little dinner!! After we finished dinner we made our way downstairs to the "toy" room. Halle had put "Cars" on the TV for Maxwell earlier so I just finished watching that while I also got to play with the kids a little!! Overall it was a very good night!!

Golfing at The Ranches w/Andy, Ryan & Rich

Earlier in the week my friend Andy called to see if I'd be available (and willing) to go golfing!! LUCKILY I hadn't had anything planned for Saturday yet so I agreed!! It doesn't take much twisting of my arm to get out to play golf...or to spend time with my friends!!! I was SOOO happy that I got to go...even if I didn't play well!! But let's be honest...when do I ever play good golf!!!

BYU-Utah Basketball Game w/The Landlord

Saturday morning JUST before heading to the golf course The Landlord sent me a text aksing what I'd be doing at 3pm that day!! I told him that I'd be on the "links" & he said that he had an extra ticket to the BYU-UofU basketball game!! I told him that I'd LOVE to go but it all depended on what time I got done golfing!! He said that that would be fine!! I wasn't expecting to be SOOO long at the golf course, but we didn't end up getting to the game until 25 seconds left in the first half!!! Which was fine...according to the Landlord...because BYU wasn't doing very well!! I must be a good luck charm for BYU cause they ended up "pulling it out" & beat the U by 13 points!!

Bowling at Miracle Bowl Before Dave F Leaves for PA

Jessica & Andrea planned a surprise dinner/gathering for Dave F who is heading back to PA to be with his family!! I have some of the AWESOMEST friends that think SOOOO much of others!! The reason I say this is because Jessica & Andrea sat at Iggy's for OVER an hour just to get a table big enough for the 16 friends of Dave's that ended up showing up!! After dinner at Iggy's we went bowling at the Miracle Bowl!! I LOVE bowling...even though like golf, I'm not all that good!!! But being with GRRRREAT friends makes up for the bad bowling!! Don't let the picture below fool you...Andrea & Matt REALLY did have a good time!!!

LYB!!!!!

Chelsey & Monika's B-day Celebration!!!

2009-02-22T19:21:00.016-07:00

What a Saturday night I had!!! I got to celebrate the births of a few of my friends!! Monika & Steph D's birthdays were on Thursday while Chelsey's birthday was on Saturday!! Steph D & some of her friends made the long drive to Mapleton from Riverton, while Chelsey made the even LONGER drive from St George!!

When I asked Chelsey what kind of cake she wanted she IMMEDIATELY told me that she wanted her Mother (Ma Judy) to make pear pies!! I'd never heard of "pear" pie before, but I'm glad she suggested it because Ma Judy made some AMAZING pear pies!! Thnx Ma Judy!!!!

Thnx also to my cousins Kacy & Darin for allowing us to use their home!!

{The PAAAARTAY party!!!}

{Yes...I DID make the cake & Ma Judy made the Pear Pies...MMMM!!!!}

{Didn't Jessica, Andrea & Lisa do a GRRRREAT job decorating?!?!}

{Smokey watching over us playing UNO...gotta LOVE it!!!}

LYB!!!!!

An Iggy's Weekend!!!

2009-02-22T18:33:00.010-07:00

This last weekend I got to try out a new restaurant, Iggy's Sports Grill...TWICE!!! Once in Orem with some friends, the other in Centerville with some family!! They've got quite a wide-spread menu...burgers, samiches, pizza, pasta, seafood...TOO many choices!!!! I got the Halibut Fish N'Chips Friday night & the Chicken Strips Saturday afternoon!! Both were...GRRRREAT!!!!!

{Good food & Good Friends}

{Iggy's Chicken Balls}

{"There are several things considered sacred in this life. One of those happens to be another mans fries. If you remember that you will live a long and happy life." (Name that quote & you'll win a prize!!)}

{Family time at Iggy's Sports Grill}

{We missed you Charlie, Haley & Kannon!!}

LYB!!!!!

Valentines Weekend 2009

2009-02-19T21:45:00.002-07:00

This weekend was like most of my weekends lately...I got to spend it with Family!! This weekend was with "the Landlord" & his family!!

Friday night I was invited to go to dinner with "the Landlord", Beckham & Avi. We went some place I hadn't been for months...Burgers Supreme!! MMMM!! The kids were excited as well...at least at first. You can tell from the pictures that things changed thru the meal!!

As I've mentioned in an earlier blog "the Landlord" owns a flower shop!! And as you know...Valentines is a VERY busy time of year for florists!! In fact...Valentines is when florists make most of their money that helps them to stay in business for the rest of the year!! This Valentines "the Landlord" asked if I would help make deliveries. I helped them out last Mother's Day & it was VERY rewarding seeing the joy that these Mothers experienced from such a simple act of kindness by their LOVEd ones!! I wanted to witness this "joy" again so I HAPPILY & WILLINGLY agreed!! Sadly, this year, I only got to make about 3 deliveries & none of them were home so we just had to leave them at the door!! :'( All well...maybe next year!!!!

{Amy hard at work preparing the AMAZING flower arrangements!!}

{Some of the AMAZING arrangements created!!}

{Sadly...none of these balloons were sold!! Why not?!?!}

{This one's for you Sis...Happy Valentine's Day!!!!}

One of the funnest parts about Valentines this year was after the snow stopped falling!!! I got to spend some "quality" time with Mator!! After cleaning the Landlord's driveway I went across the street & started cleaning off the walkways of the church. The best part about cleaning off the church walks is doing donuts in the parking lot!!! I've been contemplating selling Mator cause I'm getting desperate for money (DANG economy!!!!), but after this weekend...there's NO way I could get rid of him!!! It's just WAY too much fun!!!! I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can hit the trails!!!

LYB!!!!!

Way TOO Long!!! But It's Because...

2009-02-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

...I've been having TOO much fun with my family!!!!

I have a confession to make...I make some of the BESTEST cookies...EVER!!! There's just something about 'em!! I can't explain it!! Those that have had them know what I mean...right Mel D-M?!?!
I can't take ALL the credit this time though, cause my Mother & Sister "chipped" in (ALL puns intended)!!!

{Yes...I'm ACTUALLY doing it...I PROMISE!!!}

{Gotta use the mini ice cream scope to get the perfect shape; How the family likes to eat the cookies!!}

{The finished product...YUMMMMMMM!!}

I LOVE helping people!! It just makes me feel good!! Even if it's something I've never done before...at least I can learn & I'll know how to do it (or at least look like I do) down the road sometime!! I'll admit...I can't do everything, but what I CAN do I'm VERY good at (see story above)!! I mean I'm NO mechanic or AC/Heating man (I rely on Uncle Rodney for pointers in those two departments...THANX Uncle Rod!!!!) One of my favorite ways to think of myself is..."a jack of all trades, but master of none!!" The reason I say this is because a couple of weekends ago when I was up at my parents my sister aksed me to help her put together a new bookshelf that she bought!! Check out my workings!!!!

Now for a little trip down memory lane...

Growing up we would frequent Grandma & Grandpa Miller's EVERY Sunday (or more)!! Back in the TV room there was often set up a card table with a puzzle-in-progress on it!! When I would sleep over...which was VERY OFTEN...I would help Grandma put the puzzles together!! Oh the memories!! Most of the puzzles were "landscapes"...they were BEAUTIFUL!!! Where did those puzzles end up?!?! I'm gonna have to track them down...SORRY...I digress!!! Anyhow...the other week I was up in Bountiful & saw some puzzles that Mother had bought for the kids & I was feeling in a "puzzle-making" mood!! As you can see from one of the pictures...I put ALL my focus into it!! Mother even came over to give me some help!!! LOVE YOU MOM!!!!

For Christmas the "Boyz" bought Father a game for Christmas that we used to play every year right around Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years/Super Bowl!! It's become a classic & as most things do...as worn out!! Well...Charlie & Haley found this EXACT game someplace while they were on their "second" honeymoon!! It's called "Electric Football"!! While I was putting the puzzle together the other weekend Father played this "treasure" of a game with Taylor & Rachel!!

I SURE do LOVE my family and ALL the wonderful memories we have!! As most families...we don't get along ALL the time & there's one or two members of the family that are just a little TOO competative...okay...VERY competative!! But without the competition...where would the fun be!!!

LYB!!!!!

MNB: Monday Night Bowling

2009-02-01T14:40:00.006-07:00

Last summer we had a "connection" at a bowling alley in Orem & therefore would bowl once a week (& sometimes more)!!! It became quite an AWESOME (& MUCH missed) "tradition"!!! This last Monday a few of the "old gang" got together to re-live the "tradition"!!

{Some of the old gang...Ben P, Jessica, Cecily, Lisa & Andrea!!
Also...someone's breaking the rules!!!!}

{Don't I have just AMAZING form?!?!?!}

{My new camera has many features that I'm just discovering...this one is called Color Accent}

{This camera features is Color Swap...Caley's sweater WAS green & the cup WAS blue!!!}

LYB!!!!!

Jodi's HAPPY Day 2009!!!!!

2009-01-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

Friday (01/30/2009) was Jodi's b-day!!! So...that night we had a little family gathering!! We were lucky to get MOST of us together (we missed you Taylor & Rachel!!!)

I LOVE getting together with my family...whatever the occasion!!! The main reason is cause of the LOVE & excitement that is shown when we get together!! Take for instance this get-together...as I pulled into the driveway & got out of Pepe', Kannon was on the porch yelling out my name over & over & over & over again!!! I LOVE being LOVED!!!!!

{Kannon preparing the table for dinner!! MMMM...Mandarin!!!!}

{Jodi blowing out the 2 candles!!! Jared & Mic watching on!!!}

{Kannon LOVES being where the fun is!!!}

{Kannon just could NOT wait to get to the cupcakes!!!
He SURE LOVES messy foods!!!}

{The aftermath to the Miller parties!!!!}

LYB!!!!!

Panasonic PT-LB60NTU Projector

2009-01-25T15:17:00.003-07:00

This is a very, VERY tough decision, but it's one that NEEDS to be made!! I've decided to post this here first wanting my Friends to have first choice!!

I NEED to sell my projector!! I've had a nice run with it, but I need the $$ more than I need the "toy"!!

As most of you know it travels well & is VERY easy to set up!! It's in EXCELLENT condition!!

If you're wanting to use it other places than your home you will need a separate DVD player (which I've got one I could sell with it for REALLY cheap) & someway to emit sound!! (Sorry...I'm NOT selling the Bose!!!) I'm initially asking for $1,200 (OBO, which includes a replacement bulb)!!

Here is a link to Panasonic's website with more details about the projector!!

LYB!!!!!

ARRR...Beckham's Pirate B-day Party!!

2009-01-18T14:38:00.007-07:00

Although Friday was Beckham's official b-day he celebrated with his friends on Saturday by hosting a Pirate Party!!! All I gots to say is...Britnee is soo FRIGGIN' creative!!!!!!!

While the kids were opening their "treasures" Beckham was elsewhere checking out all his "loot" that he got!!!!

The map to the kids' "hidden treasure"!!

LYB!!!!!

Pass the Pigs!!!

2009-01-18T14:27:00.002-07:00

For those of you that TRULY know me you know that one of my passions is...Pass the Pigs!!! I was first introduced to it in high skool. One of my fondest memories of PtP was playing it at the JSBMB whilst waiting for one of my friends wedding luncheons to begin!! Oh the memories!!!!

As you can tell...Hayley & Alyssa don't quite have my "passion" for PtP!! Too bad for them!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Taylor's Bowling B-day Party_01092009

2009-01-18T13:45:00.008-07:00

For Taylor's B-day this year we went to Fat Cat's in Salt Lake!! It was SOOO much fun getting to spend time with my Family!!! We all had fun whether we bowled, watched or played arcade games!!!

As we were finishing up bowling we noticed that in the lane RIGHT NEXT to us was Big Budah from Fox13's Morning News crew!!! He is SUCH a good "sport" & was willing to get his picture taken with us!!

LYB!!!!!

Last Day @ the Univ 16th Ward!! :'(

2008-12-28T16:51:00.005-07:00

Today was my last day as a member of the University 16th (YSA) Ward!! :'( It's VERY hard to leave, but it's time to make the change!!! I became VERY good friends with the Bishopric & their families...being Asst Ward Clerk helped a GRRRREAT deal with this...and I'm going to miss them all TREMEDOUSLY!!! I REALLY appreciate ALL they did to make me feel welcome & to feel a part of their families!! I REALLY admired all their efforts in attending as many ward activities as they could!! They would travel from Lehi to Provo AT LEAST twice a day on Sundays (Sacrament Meeting in the mornings & Ward Prayer at nights) and sometimes a couple days during the week to various activities!! They are TRUE examples of dedication to their callings from the Lord!!

Now to the new ward!!! After Sacrament Meeting (appr 10:30am) I transferred my records to my new ward (another perk of being Asst Ward Clerk), the Edgemont 2nd Ward. About 1:30pm "The Landlord" received a call...it was from Bishop Kohler!! He was calling them because he had just received my records & was calling to verify things!! I'm gonna LOVE this new ward if the Bishop is THIS up on things!!!

Welp...that's my life to date!! I hope ALL is well with you all!!

LYB!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTmas...EVERYONE!!!!

2008-12-26T10:00:00.007-07:00

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!! I don't really know exactly what it is about this AMAZING holiday that makes me SOOOO happy!!! I'm thinking that it's just being with my family & seeing HOW much we LOVE being together!! Gifts are fun, but...TIME IS SOOOO MUCH BETTER!!!!!

The kids enjoyed playing w/each others gifts!!

My family are the MOST creative gift wrappers!!
"Use what ya got!!"

Father explaining the charms on the bracelet he gave Mother...
they contained the birthstones for each of us...their kids!!

Gifts that remind us of times passed!!

At times the kids would get bored waiting to open the gifts THEN...

Gifts that fit appropriately to our needs & lives!!

Gifts to keep us warm!!!

Gifts that make us happy!!!!

Gifts that bring joy & the gratitude felt!!!

Random pic from the day's events!!!

Poor Jesse was feeling a little left out this year!!!

Thank you SOOOO much to my Family for...EVERYTHING!! I had such an AWESOME Christmas this year!! I LOVE you all SOOO much!!! There is NO way I'm EVER going to be able to show my LOVE & appreciation for EVERYTHING you do for me...just your concern & interest in my life let's me know I'm LOVEd!!! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

Merry CHRISTmas Eve!!!! (At Uncle Rodney's)

2008-12-26T08:23:00.017-07:00

I LOVE Family traditions!! One of my FAVORITISTS is Christmas Eve dinner & the reading of Luke 2 @ Uncle Rodney & Aunt Paula's (We miss you!!!)!! It's SOO much fun getting together with my Mother's side of the family & catching up on everything that's going on in their lives!!

This year I was lucky enough to be the narrator of Luke 2!! Normally during the reading the smaller kids will set up the Little People Nativity scene, but it was unable to be located this year!! There's always next year!!!

I'm SOOOO grateful for Family traditions & the way that they keep my Family together!!!

LYB!!!!!

A Merry Miller CHRISTmas!!!

2008-12-21T19:30:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE CHRISTmas?!?!?!

Yesterday was the annual Miller Family CHRISTmas Party @ my parent's ward house!! This is ONE of the many family activities I look forward to EVERY year!! If you know my family you'll know why!! Following are a FEW of these reasons...

FOOD!!

There are four food staples to every Miller party: 1) Blonde brownies [not featured at the CHRISTmas party :'( ]; 2) Potato Salad [Grandma Miller made the bestest, but the attempts at matching are still REEEEALLY good!!!]; 3) Darin Scott's 7 Layer Dip; & 4) Brenda's Cheesy Meat Dip.

{Attempts at Grandma Miller's Potato Salad!!}

FAMILY!!

I can't really think of what to say except...I LOVE them!!!

SANTA!!

For the last 10 or so years I've been playing Santa at these CHRISTmas parties!! The "older" kids have caught on to the fact that it's me, and last year Rachel May even saw through the disguise!! Therefore I've been trying to decide how we could change things up to throw things off!! So...this year Charlie stepped in to fill the "suit"!! I was pretty sad about this happening this year because the theme for this year's party was "Mele Kalikimaka" and Santa was asked to dress Hawaiian!! (see more info below) It would have been REALLY fun to have a little change to the "usual" Santa routine!! All well...Santa Charlie did a good job!!!

MELE KALIKIMAKA!!

This year Norm, Helen & their kids/grandkids were "in charge". Due to ALL of Norm's travels to Hawaii & other "islands" they decided to go with a theme of "Mele Kalikimaka"!! Along with this Norm had his grandkids do a little singing/dancing for the family!!

LYB!!!!!

Guitar Hero World Tour w/"The Landlord"

2008-12-19T08:31:00.005-07:00

The other night "The Landlord" bought the new Guitar Hero World Tour (GHWT) for him & his family for CHRISTmas!! Lucky for me, he is impatient & didn't want to wait til CHRISTmas to open it so Tuesday night & last night we "jammed" on his new game!! After playing Rockband SOO much it takes a little adjusting to get used to the new drum layout (see pic below), but I'm I've gotta say...I like the drum setup in GHWT a LOT better!!!!

Thnx for the good times "Landlord"!!!!!

LYB!!!!!

CHRISTmas AT Foundations!!!

2008-12-18T14:45:00.002-07:00

I absolutely LOVE CHRISTmas time!!! It is by FAR my FAVORITIST time of year!!! (Even though this year has been extremely tough for me) It's the time of year that gives us ALL-THE-MORE reason to think of others!! ie - Michole (Jared's girlfriend) is trying to find out from some of the SL homeless shelters/food banks if they are in need of any "helping hands" to help serve dinners on CHRISTmas night!! I'm SOOO excited to (hopefully) bring some joy into someone else's life this year!!!!

Enough of that...back to the real reason for this blog...CHRISTmas at Foundations Insurance!!

I've been away from the Foundations Office for the last week & a half!! When I returned today there was a tree in the office!! I LOVE pine trees!! I don't know WHAT it is about them, but they make me SOOO happy!!! There's not much to this CHRISTmas tree, but I still LOVE it!!!

As I was walking to Albertson's this morning to get breakfast I was thinking to myself: "I should REALLY get something for the Foundations Ladies for CHRISTmas!! I don't have ANY money for presents, but I REALLY need to get something to show them how much I LOVE & appreciate them." As I was walking to the produce section I passed the "flower cooler"!! I saw ALL the beautiful flowers & a thought popped into my head...get them flowers!!! I was like...WHAT A GRRRREAT IDEA!!!! But...what color do I get?! What IS the appropriate color for "Friends"?!?! I should have called my WONDERFUL Friend the Florist, Britnee, but I really didn't want to bother her with it...especially since she helped me yesterday with something else!! Anyhow...I saw this AMAZING bouquet of Bella Vita Roses and said: "DONE!!!!"

Thank you "Ladies" for your kindness AND patience with me!!! These flowers are the LEAST I can do to show how much you ALL mean to me and how much I appreciate your FRIENDSHIP!!!

LYB!!!!!