Anniversaries

December is a beautiful month. Not only is it a magical time of year with everything happening with the holidays but it is also the month of two very important anniversaries.

December 30th is our wedding anniversary.

December 31st is the anniversary of the first time Jake and I met and had our first date.

This year we celebrated 7 years of marriage

Also this year we celebrated 11 years since our first date

There have been many ups and downs, unexpected events and everything in between in these last 7 years. The constant has been Jake by my side, experiencing it all with me. That has been one of the biggest reasons I feel I can look back at these past 7 years and say I have had a wonderful and happy 7 years!

As others might say and I will completely agree - deciding who you marry is the most important and life altering decision a person can make. I am lucky that the boy I fell in love with 11 years ago was the right one for me.

No matter how little money or how much heartache a child can cause us we hold on to each other and find happiness in the love and life we have together.

Change of Plans

Former idol contestant, beautiful girl, amazing singer and my friend Brooke White...

trying her hand at acting!

I have seen a couple of promos and watched the trailer a couple times but it is still strange to see my friend of almost 20 years on TV - acting!

For her first time I think she looks like she did an pretty awesome job (I get nervous talking to more than a few people and can't even memorize my husband's social security number so I think most average people couldn't do what she is doing)!!

PLEASE WATCH CHANGE OF PLANS January 8th on Fox

Miller Family Christmas Party

The Miller family had their Christmas celebration a little early this year so that almost everyone in the family could be there.

As you can see Becky made some awesome decorations

One of the cutest pictures of Ryan (he is holding still AND looking at the camera - Christmas miracle)!

I guess the flash didn't go off so without the color this picture does not properly do justice to how cute and crafty Becky's decorations are

It is tough to get picture with my active little boys so I was trying to be quick before people came over and had Jake snap a few pictures.

They both are wearing such 'big boy' looking clothes

The family had lots of fun making gingerbread houses

Also had to get a couple of these pictures to show how funny Ryan is

Sorry those are not the best pictures of our get together but it is difficult to remember to take pictures while enjoying the party as well!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Brody is actually singing....

What a lovely and beautiful Christmas miracle to hear my little boy sing

Brody's holiday party

Last week Brody had a holiday party at his school.

Parents were welcome to come. I also brought our little Ryan to join in the fun.

Here are some pictures of his classroom, Ryan playing in the classroom and Brody enjoying circle time with the other kids.

Goodbye

Jake's sister Delaina and her partner Kris are moving back to Kansas City. The day Delaina graduated they packed up and made the drive.

5 years ago they moved here from Kansas City, Missouri. In the 5 years they have lived in Tucson, Arizona we have been spoiled by having them so near. They both went to school during those years at the University of Arizona.

There have been many trips they have taken here to visit. Some have been short and others have lasted a bit longer. Other times we visited Tucson.

We have been spoiled by their wonderful company, amazing cooking, helpful advice as well as the occasional project around our house. They are all around two of the most amazing people I have ever known. We will miss them and their kind hearts.

We are excited to be able to visit Kris and Delaina in Kansas City. It gives us a great excuse to visit a city Jake and I have really enjoyed in the past. I suppose the biggest question is now to bring Brody and Ryan or be selfish and have a trip with just Jake and me!!

The Graduates

This past weekend we had a family party celebrating Jake's siblings who recently both accomplished some pretty amazing things.

Firstly, Jake's brother, Josh, graduated with his bachelor in Speech and hearing from ASU. He is now going onto pursue a masters/doctorate degree in Audiology.

Second, Jake's sister, Delaina, graduated with a master's from U of A. Her degree was in Library Science.

College is tough. College takes a lots of time, effort and mental capability as well as endurance. Then to be able to get through college and have a degree is an amazing accomplishment. From being married to someone who has achieved a bachelor's and in a few short months a master's degree I can attest to how amazing this accomplishment is. And I am now done with my first semester of classes at the University of Phoenix and even though I am still just barely tasting the difficulty of life and college I can also say first-hand any degree, whether an associates, bachelor's or masters, is a wonderful accomplishment and should be applauded.

Congrats to both my wonderful sibling-in-law for their amazing academic achievements.

Puzzle king

Brody LOVES puzzles.

He can now do a couple puzzles that are 100 pieces on his own. We now have a whole cupboard dedicated to puzzles. Let's just say I LOVE that the dollar store stocks puzzles Brody likes.

Brody especially loves Disney ones. When people are around he sometimes wants help. It has been fun sitting around working on puzzles with him.

One of the best parts of this love of his is when he is finished with a puzzle he is SO excited and proud of his accomplishment that he beams with pride.

He looks at the people around him to cheer him and congratulate him on his accomplishment.

All of this without words so it is sweet to see him smile and giggle once he finishes a puzzle. Then he looks for our eyes and attention. He loves it when we clap for him.

Just my adorable children!!

Took a quick shot while someone was pulling them in their wagon. I LOVE when they are in the wagon together cause it is longest and closest they are next to each other and for a second they almost look like they are brothers :)

Brody is becoming such a little kid - no longer a toddler!

Could this little man be any cuter?
He's got everything he needs to just kick back and relax!

Brody is laughing at Finding Nemo (his new obsession)

Ryan's winter hat

This was the longest he would wear it

Being adorable and funny

I am not being rough or hurting Ryan like it might look...really just trying to get him to hold still for two seconds so I could maybe get a "mommy and Ryan" picture for once!