Sunday, June 3, 2012
Sorry no posts
I have not been able to log into my blog for months. On a whim I tried logging in from my mom's computer in PA and it let me in.... Not sure what it up with all that. We are visiting them for a few more weeks so I will try again when we get home. We will see how that goes since I am now in my 3rd trimester with little Abigail due August 3rd!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
New Year- Time To Try New Things
I've never been much of a fan of personal " New Year Resolutions" . I don't think that I will end up keeping them, so I don't make them, sad but true....
I am however, trying new things to see if they may make enough impact to stick around awhile. One of those things is trying to eat more whole foods and less processed.
I have started drinking " green smoothies " in the morning before my coffee or anything else. I pack it full of spinach and what ever fruit I want and whirl away. I have noticed enough of an energy boost to keep this as a regular on my breakfast table. The kids love them too, so it's a great way to sneak more veggies in their diet! What do you like to do to make a positive impact on your health?
I am however, trying new things to see if they may make enough impact to stick around awhile. One of those things is trying to eat more whole foods and less processed.
I have started drinking " green smoothies " in the morning before my coffee or anything else. I pack it full of spinach and what ever fruit I want and whirl away. I have noticed enough of an energy boost to keep this as a regular on my breakfast table. The kids love them too, so it's a great way to sneak more veggies in their diet! What do you like to do to make a positive impact on your health?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Christmas 2011
We had an enjoyable holiday season this year. Clint finished with finals on December 16th and slept for two days after that! He so needed the rest. We had Christmas with Clint's family on the 23rd and my parents came to Allen on Christmas Eve. We went to Watermark for Christmas Eve service and had a nice low key day on Christmas day. So glad to live close to family.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Halloween
I'm so far behind in updates, I'm not even going to try and catch up. We had a low key Halloween. Clint had a huge test that day so we just let the kids go around our neighborhood on Monday night. We went to see Mimi in Oklahoma for the weekend and the kids got to " Trunk or Treat" while we were there. We also carved pumpkins with the girls in mom's bible study group. The kids had fun and Jackson loved dressing up. This is the first year he knew what was going on. He is still running up to us with a "spooky" voice and saying "Halloween!!"
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Food!
I feel like I am on information overload! I have been really convicted about what I am feeding my family. To say our budget is tight would be an understatement. I want to use the money God has blessed us with as wisely as possible. I am trying to get away from any processed foods, and when I look in my pantry it makes me sad. My husband is a " bargain shopper " by nature, but we don't always see eye to eye on what "bargains" to buy for our family. I am doing as much reading as I can while my kids nap or after they go to bed at night. The more I read the more convinced I am that taking the time to buy whole foods and make as much as possible from scratch needs to start now! I am saddened by how much soy is in our food. My mom's cancer Dr. has made it very clear that she should not eat soy. It is not good for you and can cause harm in the long run. It is in all kinds of things, like any sauces I buy, and even the bread we eat. Ugh! I am trying not be discouraged, and instead use this as a motivation for change. Wish me luck!! I will need it. Now, off to bake something :)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Happy Birthday Jackson
I get a failing grade in the birthday department this year. Our family is just a little out of sorts right now with all the transition going on. We did have a little party on Saturday with Grandma Joy and Clint's side of the family. Jackson's "actual birthday" was the 19th. I wanted to do a special dinner, but things just sort of blew up, so I took the kids to Sonic and the park. He was probably happier going to the park anyway....
Happy birthday to my sweet little boy, the past two years have gone way too fast!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Summer trip recap
I said I would come back and talk about our trip so here we go.
In typical Miller style we drove to Pennsylvania instead of flying. We spent the first night in Memphis, TN and Louisville, KY the second night. We made a stop at Lake Erie for lunch and got to Athens, PA around dinner time Friday night.
In typical Miller style we drove to Pennsylvania instead of flying. We spent the first night in Memphis, TN and Louisville, KY the second night. We made a stop at Lake Erie for lunch and got to Athens, PA around dinner time Friday night.
It was good to spend time with my dad over the weekend. We had fun just visiting and taking the kids to the park. We found a local book sale and got there about 20 min. before they closed up. They were charging $1 a bag for books! I found several fun science books and classics for Hannah. I think we wound up with four bags of books in all. I love to read, so I was super excited.
My parents were gracious enough to watch the kids for two nights while Clint and I went to NewYork City for a little get away. Clint and I had fun just walking around and seeing all the sights.
We went to Niagra falls and it was HOT! It was 100* while we were there. Now I can say I have seen it, not sure if I would go back.
We had a good time seeing my parents and headed back home by way of Lancaster County. Before arriving in Lancaster we made a stop at Gettysburgh. We did not stay long because a huge storm blew in with lots of lightning!
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Monday night we stayed in Gattlynburg, TN. We had a nice view of the mountains and the hotel had a fun kid's indoor waterpark. I think it was the favorite stop for both my kiddos. The last stop was Memphis, TN where Clint walked over to Rendevous for some ribs. The kids and I stayed at the hotel. I was not up for taking them to a little barbecue joint after such a long day on the road.
Last day of school.
Waiting in the carpool line.
Taking her turn to mix the ice cream.
Jackson fit right in and took his place on the rug.
Having fun on the slide.
Lancaster County is know for having a large Amish community and plenty of covered bridges. We did not make it to the Amish area, but we did see a few covered bridges. We also made a quick stop in Hershey, PA to see where Hershey's chocolate is made. Hannah was in heaven!
Monday night we stayed in Gattlynburg, TN. We had a nice view of the mountains and the hotel had a fun kid's indoor waterpark. I think it was the favorite stop for both my kiddos. The last stop was Memphis, TN where Clint walked over to Rendevous for some ribs. The kids and I stayed at the hotel. I was not up for taking them to a little barbecue joint after such a long day on the road.
Monday, August 8, 2011
First Day of School
Well, day one is done. We will do some fun crafts while Jackson is napping, but our book work is complete.
Hannah said she is going to like this homeschool thing.
We are starting slow so mama can get the hang of things. We did our first Saxon Math lesson and a lesson from our reading book. She worked on handwriting, read me an easy reader and made a Bible "keeper" to keep her Bible in. We worked on our Bible lesson and memory verse.
Not bad for day one. It all took an hour and a half. I think I have some work to do over the next week. We will add on some fun "big books" for mom to read out loud and take a few trips.
So far, so good.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Corn
I am a pretty random person and this blog thing is proving to be sporadic at best. I have just a few more days to prepare for the school year. Since I don't know what to expect, I will just jump in and see what happens.
We just returned from another family road trip, but this time we were only gone two weeks. We headed to the north east this time. We enjoyed spending time with my parents in Pennsylvania. I did not realize how many mountains there were out east and also did not realize how rural Pennsylvania and New York were. I would say we enjoyed a break from the heat, but we did not. It was hot the whole time we were gone. Niagara Falls was 100* the day we were there. Despite the warm weather we had a wonderful time seeing family and new places.
Now that we have driven a good 3/4 of the US, I have come to realize how much corn we grow all over our great nation. It is beautiful and strange/scary at the same time. I guess it takes a lot of corn to make all that high fructose corn syrup and who knows what else that is added to our food supply. Makes me want to take extra time to really read labels and see what my family is eating. That said, we had some very delicious fresh picked sweet corn from a farm in rural Pennsylvania. I miss it already :)
We just returned from another family road trip, but this time we were only gone two weeks. We headed to the north east this time. We enjoyed spending time with my parents in Pennsylvania. I did not realize how many mountains there were out east and also did not realize how rural Pennsylvania and New York were. I would say we enjoyed a break from the heat, but we did not. It was hot the whole time we were gone. Niagara Falls was 100* the day we were there. Despite the warm weather we had a wonderful time seeing family and new places.
I will post more about our trip and add some pictures later this week.
So, about my title.....
Now that we have driven a good 3/4 of the US, I have come to realize how much corn we grow all over our great nation. It is beautiful and strange/scary at the same time. I guess it takes a lot of corn to make all that high fructose corn syrup and who knows what else that is added to our food supply. Makes me want to take extra time to really read labels and see what my family is eating. That said, we had some very delicious fresh picked sweet corn from a farm in rural Pennsylvania. I miss it already :)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Just the beginning
I have decided to go ahead and start with some of our homeschool stuff. We have already begun the lessons in the " Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons" So far everything we are doing has been review since she is already starting to read. I told her it's ok if she already knows what is in the lesson, this is just review and practice. I know she is ready to get going! We are also working on handwriting.
I decided to hold off on Saxon math until August. The book starts the lessons on reading a calender and the first month is August. Clint starts dental school in August so it will work just fine. We are not ignoring math all together. I have some other fun workbooks and activities to keep things fresh in her mind.
I'm still trying to find things that will help us incorporate science and history.
I am also looking into dance, or gymnastics, or something along those lines that is affordable. We are trying to get through the next four years on as few loans as possible.
Let the fun begin :)
I decided to hold off on Saxon math until August. The book starts the lessons on reading a calender and the first month is August. Clint starts dental school in August so it will work just fine. We are not ignoring math all together. I have some other fun workbooks and activities to keep things fresh in her mind.
I'm still trying to find things that will help us incorporate science and history.
I am also looking into dance, or gymnastics, or something along those lines that is affordable. We are trying to get through the next four years on as few loans as possible.
Let the fun begin :)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Last day of school
We have absolutely loved the time that Hannah was able to spend at GEM Express preschool. The school has such a heart for God and teaching children about God as well as ABC's and 123's. I look forward to the day that Jackson will be able to attend GEM.
For the last day of school they had a birthday party celebration complete with a bounce house, party games, and homemade ice cream. Jackson and I went up to take a few pictures and help watch the kids on the bounce toy. It was wild and the kids had fun.
For the last day of school they had a birthday party celebration complete with a bounce house, party games, and homemade ice cream. Jackson and I went up to take a few pictures and help watch the kids on the bounce toy. It was wild and the kids had fun.
Last day of school.
Waiting in the carpool line.
Taking her turn to mix the ice cream.
Jackson fit right in and took his place on the rug.
Having fun on the slide.Graduation
My oldest baby graduated from preschool a few weeks ago. I have always thought preschool graduation was silly, but it is cute and makes for a fun memory. They did a little program and then had a ceremony complete with cap and gown.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Baby Steps
Well, we are on our way to getting our plans in order for homeschool. Hannah is excited most days, other days she says she wants to go to school with her friends. That usually lasts a little while then she is back to being excited about homeschool. She does want a "real" school desk and I found one on craigslist for $15. I will post pictures when I get the chance.
I ordered her books yesterday. We landed on " Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons" for reading/spelling/handwriting. I ordered Saxon level 1 for math. They had a handy dandy test you could give them to determine which books to buy. I'm glad we did the test or I would have wasted my money on the Kindergarten books and she would have been board to death.
I also ordered a book to help with Bible stories. It comes with music, games, and craft ideas.
We also plan to start piano lessons with Mimi. I will do my best to help her practice. I should be fine at first, but I have no doubt she will surpass me quite quickly. As far as history and science go we will be doing some reading and hands on things as her interests stir her.
This will be a whole new ball game for me. I am not a planner! I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal. I am doing my best to get things lined up and in order. I will be enlisting the help of my wonderfully organized , planner of a mother :)
I plan to join a local christian homeschool group so I can have support and we can do field trips with other kids. They meet up in one way or another every week so that will be nice. You can do as much or as little with them as you wish. I am anxious to meet some other families with kids Hannah's age so she will have some playmates that know what she is up to everyday.
The adventure continues. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the coming school year.
I ordered her books yesterday. We landed on " Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons" for reading/spelling/handwriting. I ordered Saxon level 1 for math. They had a handy dandy test you could give them to determine which books to buy. I'm glad we did the test or I would have wasted my money on the Kindergarten books and she would have been board to death.
I also ordered a book to help with Bible stories. It comes with music, games, and craft ideas.
We also plan to start piano lessons with Mimi. I will do my best to help her practice. I should be fine at first, but I have no doubt she will surpass me quite quickly. As far as history and science go we will be doing some reading and hands on things as her interests stir her.
This will be a whole new ball game for me. I am not a planner! I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal. I am doing my best to get things lined up and in order. I will be enlisting the help of my wonderfully organized , planner of a mother :)
I plan to join a local christian homeschool group so I can have support and we can do field trips with other kids. They meet up in one way or another every week so that will be nice. You can do as much or as little with them as you wish. I am anxious to meet some other families with kids Hannah's age so she will have some playmates that know what she is up to everyday.
The adventure continues. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the coming school year.
Monday, May 2, 2011
We chose....
We finally chose what we will be doing with Hannah next year. Clint and I talked a few days ago and we decided we will try homeschooling Hannah for kindergarten. We will see how it goes and play it year by year. I think my greatest challenge will be keeping on task and making sure Hannah gets out of the house enough. I am hoping to get a piano in the house to start lessons on a real piano instead of the keyboard we use now.
I am leaning toward Singapore Math, but not sure yet what to use to help teach reading and spelling.
Let the journey begin.
I am leaning toward Singapore Math, but not sure yet what to use to help teach reading and spelling.
Let the journey begin.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Easter
It is no secret that taking pictures of my children makes me crazy. I am not gifted with the camera and getting those wonderful shots so many of my friends seem to capture is not in the cards for me. I feel blessed if I get a hand full of printable shots, so this was a good day for me :) I got about 6 or 7 I would print and frame.
In other news, I feel like I am the only mom around that does not do the "Easter Bunny" thing. My parents did it when we were kids, and it was fun. I just have felt like we can make things fun with out adding a bunny in the mix. Clint and I have been trying really hard to keep Christ the focus on Easter and Christmas. It feels like it's an uphill battle these days. Try feeling like a good mother when the checkout lady at Target says " Are you ready to see what the Easter Bunny is going to bring?" and your child says " What's an Easter Bunny?" The looks from people are not very nice.
I feel like we had a good weekend even without "The Bunny". We went to the Saturday service at Watermark for Easter. Hannah's class made Resurrection eggs. I was glad they made some, because I was meaning to and just did not get it done. Sunday morning we drove to Durant to attend church with my parents. We then had a wonderful lunch with family and friends. We let the kids hunt eggs after lunch. Hannah even got to help me put candy in the eggs. She felt so big getting to help with that. It gave me the chance to explain why people hunt eggs on Easter. It is a fun thing to do, but not the focus of the day.
We had to change them into play clothes because it had been raining and the yard was quite muddy. The kids had fun looking for the eggs and chasing the chickens. Jackson did not know what was in the eggs at first and he was dancing around with them, and shaking them in the air. When one fell and the candy popped out it was on.... he would look for the next egg and then stop to eat what ever was in it. All in all it was a good weekend.
Hunting eggs
After Church in Durant
After church in Allen
I love his face, "What?"
In other news, I feel like I am the only mom around that does not do the "Easter Bunny" thing. My parents did it when we were kids, and it was fun. I just have felt like we can make things fun with out adding a bunny in the mix. Clint and I have been trying really hard to keep Christ the focus on Easter and Christmas. It feels like it's an uphill battle these days. Try feeling like a good mother when the checkout lady at Target says " Are you ready to see what the Easter Bunny is going to bring?" and your child says " What's an Easter Bunny?" The looks from people are not very nice.
I feel like we had a good weekend even without "The Bunny". We went to the Saturday service at Watermark for Easter. Hannah's class made Resurrection eggs. I was glad they made some, because I was meaning to and just did not get it done. Sunday morning we drove to Durant to attend church with my parents. We then had a wonderful lunch with family and friends. We let the kids hunt eggs after lunch. Hannah even got to help me put candy in the eggs. She felt so big getting to help with that. It gave me the chance to explain why people hunt eggs on Easter. It is a fun thing to do, but not the focus of the day.
We had to change them into play clothes because it had been raining and the yard was quite muddy. The kids had fun looking for the eggs and chasing the chickens. Jackson did not know what was in the eggs at first and he was dancing around with them, and shaking them in the air. When one fell and the candy popped out it was on.... he would look for the next egg and then stop to eat what ever was in it. All in all it was a good weekend.
Hunting eggs
After Church in Durant
After church in Allen
I love his face, "What?"
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About Me
- Elise
- I am a wife to Cint and mom to Hannah and Jackson. I am just trying to share a little about our comming and going. Sometimes it can get quite crazy.