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).