Christmas with the Griswolds...I mean the Mills Family

"Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white butt down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch on this side of the nuthouse." Clark Griswold

This Christmas we decided to go and spend with it the Mills Clan. We started out by spending Christmas Eve at my sister's home. It was fun to do their traditions and some of theirs are ours too. We had pizza together to start off the night.

Then we always give pajamas for Christmas Eve and so do they, it is not even something that we did growing up but something we both implemented after getting married. This year my littlest sis made the pajamas for everyone...SHE IS AWESOME! They all looked so great and they were so soft and a perfect fit for all.

Then we we all got hot cocoa and watched the Polar Express. At the end of the movie Uncle Ben talked to us about what we BELIEVE and showed us the light in the bell. We are so blessed and so grateful for our beliefs in Jesus Christ and the HOPE that He gives us.


Then the excitement of Christmas morning and all the gifts....What a great couple of days. And how blessed we are that we have family to spend such a great holiday with.

We also had Christmas Brunch with my Grandma Mills. It was so great to see her and spend some time with her. She is a great lady, that has taught me much.

Another great year has come to an end and to that we shall "drink" with cousin Eddie, out of our most wanted Moose Mugs.

Clark: So, when did you get the tenament on wheels?

Eddie: Oh, that uh, that there's an RV. Yeah, yeah, I borrowed it off a buddy of mine. He took my house, I took the RV. It's a good looking vehicle, ain't it?

Clark: Yeah, it looks so nice parked in the driveway. [Raises class to his mouth]

Eddie: Yeah, it sure does. But, don't you go falling in love with it now, because, we're taking it with us when we leave here next month. [Clark nearly chokes on his drink]

Happy Holidays to All!!!

A Piece of Humble Pie

Wow, I was just called to be the 2nd Counselor in the Primary Presidency. I am truly humbled. I did not expect this for a million years. There are so many great women in our ward that I just figured they had it taken care of. I was very shocked when the Bishop asked me and I did not know what to say...I asked him if he was sure and he said it wasn't him who called me it was the Lord. That made me feel even more overwhelmed. I think I walked around the house for the next couple of hours just stunned. I do know that this is where I am supposed to be and have felt that confirmation even with the overwhelming thoughts of what my calling entails but I know that the Lord sees the bigger picture and if I follow his will, I will be blessed. I will have lots of learning to do but I know that with the Lord and my testimony in the Gospel I will make progress and become a better woman. The women that I am serving with are truly AMAZING women and I know that I will constantly be learning from them and their great examples. They are women who walk in Christ light and I know that I am blessed to serve with them. The children in our ward are so special too I know that these precious, pure and treasured spirits are going to bless my life in ways I never imagined and I just feel honored that the Lord trust me enough to play such a big part in their lives.

Christmas Party

We have a Christmas Party every year with all of our great friends. I love to cook and so this a great way to cook for all of them. This year we did things a little different, instead of the ham and trukey dinner. Brian and I had taken a Thai Food cooking class and so we wanted to share what we had learned with all our friends. So we made Thai Food instead and I think everyone liked it, well at least they were nice and told me they did. ha ha ha. The white elephant exchange was a bowl full of laughter and so much fun. I am glad all of you made it and those who didn't, maybe next year. :)

Hunter's Christmas Program

Hunter had a Christmas Program at Pre-school and it was so cute. He had to sit by Noah and Jaxson. I think that they are three peas in a pod. It is a good thing that Ms. Toni knows what to do with all these 4 years olds.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend with the Clark Clan. Brian's parents and brothers came. It was so great to spend time together and just enjoy one another. The kids love their uncles and can't get enough while they are here. We enjoyed a relaxing Thanksgiving day. Then on Friday we all went shooting. It was so much fun, even the kids liked it. I know that we all made memories that will last forever. Having family is truly a blessing that we all take for granted and I am grateful for our trials because I know that is what brings us closer together.

The girls just relaxing watching a movie with Grandma in bed.

And yes I hit the target the FIRST time. Despite Brian's reaction that I might miss. I think it turned him on that I know how to shoot a gun. He owes that thanks to my Grandpa. ha ha ha

Rob teaching Hunter how to aim and shoot.

Brianna and Grandpa watching on the sidelines.

Then Grandpa took his turn and he had quite a shot. I dare say that he enjoyed it too. Go Dad!

Look at those CUTE boys, lucky for me one of them is mine!!!!

Rob and Brianna watching the Price is Right....who has time for that anymore. It was great to lounge around.

I am so blessed. There are sooo many things to be thankful for. I am truly a blessed woman. I know that the grand life I live is all owed to my Heavenly Father but that I couldn't do it alone here on earth and that is why He gave me Brian. I know that through thick and thin we can get through it all together. Happy Thanksgiving!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy Brianna

Brianna turned two this last week. Wow has two years really gone by. She is such a joy in our home and life would just not be the same without her. She truly keeps us on our toes and never stops. She is as curious as ever and willing to do whatever it takes to figure out that curiosity inside. She is into everything and loves to be the center of attention. She is even been potty training herself and tells me on a regular basis that she has to go potty and she does. What a bright little cookie. And such a great future ahead. She has so much inner beauty that keeps coming out the more her communication expands. Brianna, we love you and can't wait to see what your future beholds. Happy Birthday!

Elmo has seemed to catch Brianna's eye. She loves him and can always find him in stores and books. However she will not watch him. So an Elmo cake it had to be. Thirty-seven cupcakes in all. What a cake for a two year old, huh.

I just can't believe how much she has grown. Just look at that little snitcher. Trying to get some cake before the guest arrive.

Even Grandpa came and sure enough as soon as he sat down she resumed her position on his lap.

Lots of presents and fun with all of our friends.

Let it Wave!

I am so proud of our country and all that we have because of our freedom. I have tried really hard to instill that same pride in my children and today was a great reward. Hunter saw the flag flying and said "Mom, there is the Am-miracle Flag." After he said that he repeated the Pledge of Allegiance to which I credit his great teachers at pre-school for teaching him. His statement really made me think and it truly is a miracle flag and all that it stands for. We are so lucky and so blessed to have such liberty. I am truly grateful to all the men and women who go through so much to give me all my freedom and liberty. They too truly are miracle souls who fight in my behalf and to that I am forever indebted.

President Woodrow Wilson, 1917
This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us — speaks to us of the past, or the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote upon it.