Christmas...through a child's eyes

This Christmas was so much fun. Different, because we weren't with as much family - we usually travel to either Texas or East TN - but this year I wanted to stay home as a family and that's exactly what we did! The in-laws and Zachary stayed too so it was nice to share this special time with them. Mr. Miller's birthday is on Christmas Day so we had a little birthday celebration for him in the midst of it all.

Two words to describe our Christmas experience this year...

1) Relaxing
2) Magical

Relaxing b/c again we didn't have a million places to go and a million people to see. Of course we definitely missed seeing all our family and friends this year. However, we did get to Skype! And my Dad and Dana did get to come up and visit the weekend before Christmas so that was nice:)

Magical b/c of the look on Hudson's face when he got to open presents and play with all his new toys. Seeing Christmas through a child's eyes is really something. His reaction to most everything was so cute! I didn't get a lot of pics however since we were busy videoing it all but here are a few - - - -

getting the hang of tearing into the presents

Mommy helping Hudson open his new Vtech Laptop from my step-sister

...and he loves it:)

Granna & Papaw got him a table and chairs for the playroom

very into cars these days

Hudson got lots of Little People toys

This one is his favorite from Aunt Dianna, Uncle Josh, and the kids!

It's a bus and he always says, "Beep beep!" 

Basketball goal from Uncle Zacky. 

This too was a hit

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Year End Book Review

because I'm such a reader....hardly, but I did manage to read a handful of entertaining and inspirational books this year. And I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. In no particular order --

The Help

I mean, unless you lived under a rock or away from planet earth this year you have probably heard of this little book by Kathryn Stockett. And if you haven't heard of the novel then you have probably seen or heard of the movie, The Help. Both are very good. If you haven't read the story or seen the film...Go, go, go now!! Such an eye-opening and inspirational story. 

A+

Any book by Christian author, Karen Kingsbury

Thus far, I've read the entire Redemption series (book 1 out of 5 pictured above). My friend Hayley W. turned me on to these incredibly uplifting books. Karen Kingsbury is a fictional Christian author and I'm gonna go out on a limb and say any girl would appreciate a good storyline/drama like the one KK presents in these novels. Addicting? Y-E-S!!! Just ask my husband. He's had to put up with me toting these books around for months. I have now moved on to her second series, the Firstborn series, and I must say KK's got it going on! Not disappointed at all:) 

A++

The Story

The Bible as one continued story of God and His People

The Story. Heard about it from Christian author and speaker, Angie Smith. Saw it at Lifeway one day and it caught my attention - mainly because of what it is. It's the Bible told as a story, in a novel form, from beginning to end. Who wouldn't like that? I mean, this is right up my alley. To be honest, unless I'm involved in a bible study or focused on a particular topic or story, it's difficult for me to just pick up my bible and start reading. Because, well...where do I start? Old testament? New testament? I think I've pretty much read the entire bible throughout but it's taken years. Yes, years. And I must say this book is an easy read, it's entertaining, it's inspirational, it's rich with history, it's the story of God and His people in an easy-to-understand-and-comprehend kind of way. Perfect for people like me! 

A+

So, there you have it. Just my opinion but again I would encourage everyone to read any of these books. They are all so wonderful!!! 

Dear Santa,

My mommy says I've been a good boy this year and I think you look really nice and jolly, but all I want for Christmas is to get off your lap!!!!

Yours truly,
Hudson Miller

Remember

Please take a moment to pray for the Harrison family today as it has been one year since the passing of their sweet angel, Evie Grace. Let's lift them up by remembering and celebrating Evie's life. We have been so blessed by this family and pray that God continues to pour out his blessings on them today and for the rest of their lives. We love you Jonathan, Alicia, Ramsey, & little baby Harrison!

And of course....we love and miss you so much Evie Grace! 

"Suddenly your grief will turn to joy when you see me again" 

-John 16:22

*Snow Day*

December 7, 2011

Well, we woke up to snow this morning! It was so pretty. Hudson wasn't quite sure what to make of the whole spectacle but after awhile he warmed up to it:) I didn't get a lot of pics but here are a few from this morning. Hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful day!

checking out the white stuff...

my polar bear baby

not sure???

sweet boy

I told him to look up - - ha!

Finally starting to like the snow:) 

Introducing...

The newest member of the Miller family -----

Yep. That's our little June Bug Miller. We found out in October that we're expecting Baby #2! Hudson will be a BIG BROTHER next June. Micah and I are absolutely thrilled and feel so so blessed!! And one of the coolest things is that this baby's due date is June 15, which is my Mee Mee's birthday. I think that is super cool. Not that the baby will actually come on his/her due date but one can dream right?

I was 12 weeks on Friday and must say that so far this has been a completely different pregnancy than before. I don't ever really remember being sick with Hudson, just tired and always hungry. Always. My friend Natalie says I was like Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven - if you've ever seen the movie he is eating something in every single scene:) That was how I was the first time around. This time however, I have felt very nauseous and have had some serious aversions to food. But I should be thankful because I know plenty of girls who have had it much, much worse.

Anyway...cat's out of the bag. Not sure this little guy understands the news but he sure looks cute in his Big Brother shirt. We love you Hudson, and think you will make a terrific big bro.

And for those wanting "bump" pics see the 12 week pic below. The bump is definitely out already! More pronounced if you see me in person (I think). 

Happy Halloween!!

For Halloween Hudson sported a very cute (but scary of course) dragon costume. We borrowed it from his friend Charlie, thanks buddy. The costume was a huge hit and Hudson really enjoyed wearing it I think. I didn't get a lot of good pictures unfortunately - my camera battery died shortly after leaving the house for the evening. Awesome! Well, we didn't let it stop our Halloween fun I tell ya. 

Went by Granna and Papaw's first and then headed to the Harrison's to fellowship with friends and trick or treat. I'm not sure Hudson grasped the whole concept of going up to a house and holding out his bag for people to put candy in, but he started getting good at reaching into a bowl of candy and taking one piece:) It's a start. Maybe next year he will perfect his trick or treating skills. Here's a few pics I managed to get before my camera died. Enjoy! 

scary dragon boy!

Owen and Hudson going for a ride

Ready...Set...Go!!!!!

trying a pumpkin rice crispy treat

Our Fall Break

Fall Break
Oct 14-Oct 21

We headed to East Tennessee for our much needed Fall Break this year. We all had a wonderful time and enjoyed getting to relax and spend time with family and friends. East TN is really beautiful this time of year. Here are a few pics of our Fabulous Fall Fun!!

Boys at the UT/LSU game

Got to see some of my favorites

Bride-to-Be! Congrats Lindz!

GO V-O-L-S!!!!

Went to the State Park in Crossville to get some fall pictures of the kids.
Camille and Kylie (my step sister's kids) and Hudson

Daddy and Hudson

Miller Fam

And then we headed back to Memphis to celebrate Ann Catherine's 2nd birthday at the pumpkin patch.
Hudson had so much fun. What a great place to have a birthday party!
We were impressed with all that Priddy Farms had to offer. I believe we will be going back next year.

Buddy picking a pumpkin

sweet boy:)

Mommy and Hudson on the hay ride. He was not a big fan.

He liked this one

Here mommy

One Happy Hudson:)

That's it for now. Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful time of year.
Next up - Halloween!

Ahh, the sweet smell of Fall

Last weekend we had some cooler temperatures. Can I get an AMEN?! Let me just say I love Fall.

Yes sir.

Everything about it.

Seriously, bring on the jeans, boots, sweaters, and scarves. Bring it.

This guy also seemed really happy about being outside in the nice weather

Welcome October. I've been waiting a long time to see your beautiful face. 

Nashvegas

UT/FL Weekend
September 15-18

We headed to Nashville to visit friends last weekend. Hudson and I went on Thursday to see Julie and meet her little sweetness, Allie Nicole. Prettiest baby ever. Enough said. We had a great time catching up and hanging out with them. I got a precious pic of Allie and her Daddy. I think it's pretty clear Jeff is totally smitten.

Jeff and Allie

Friday we packed up and moved locations to the Allen's house in Brentwood. They were so nice to invite a bunch of us "Memphians" down to watch the UT/FL game. I suppose Fiji reunion would be a better description of the weekend's festivities:) Micah always loves getting to spend time with his closest friends - I mean "brothers." The kiddos had a good time as well! Saturday night we got 2 babysitters and all the adults enjoyed a night out on the town. We went to downtown Franklin and ate dinner at a fun authentic mexican place called Sol. Yumm-o!!

Wrong way Buddy 

Aunt Casey helping Hudson jump on the trampoline

All that jumping made Ramsey tired:)

Uncle Michael and Hudson

Go V-O-L-S!!!

Halftime show

Hi Blake

Hudson digging for the corn hole bags

He's a natural

So glad we did this. Can't wait til next year. Thank you Jeff and Julie and Kyle and Courtney for a great weekend!

The Millers have Moved!

We are very thankful to have found a new place so quickly. 

We closed today and move in this weekend. 

Come by anytime! 

A little off the top please

Well, more like a little off the back technically.

On Sunday Granna gave Hudson his first haircut. Rat tail removal was a success. I think its funny that our almost 16 month old just now got his first hair cut. That boy is turning out to be more and more like mama. I apparently didn't have a head full of hair til I was 3 so looks like that's the path Hudson is going to take. Awesome. Good thing our buddy is a boy!

getting my first haircut

sweet little blond hairs

 saving this

On a side note. Can you please take some time to pray for Hudson and me right now? He is on an eating strike for some reason. He's had eating issues for some time now but he had really made some strides this summer and was becoming quite the good eater. Which was such a relief! However, over the last 2-3 weeks he's really regressed. I don't think the boy eats but a handful of cheerios and fruit all day! Before buckling down yesterday I was giving him anything and everything I knew he'd eat because I was getting so worried and didn't want him to starve to death.

However, per the doctors orders I am filling his tray with the basics - the foods we eat - healthy foods - a variety of foods - you name it, I'm trying it. If he doesn't eat what's on his tray that's it. He doesn't get any milk after (because the doc says he'll just figure out if he doesn't eat what's out then he can fill up on the milk) and then runs around or goes to bed on an empty tummy.

Hard. Very hard. Hard on baby. Hard on Mommy. I have cried lots this week as well as Buddy. Please pray that God would restore his appetite and allow him to enjoy mealtime. Right now it's like wrestling a bull to get him in the highchair. Please pray for me and that God would grant me patience and trust during this time. Right now its so tough for me because I get really frustrated and angry that he refuses to eat. On top of that I am extremely worried about his health. Basically this is consuming my every thought throughout the day. Thank you, your prayers are much appreciated:)