Josh Quote...

Now that Caleb is older, we unfortunately don't have that many quote quotes anymore for him. He is just sooo mature now that he is seven you know!! The other day Josh and Caleb went outside to play in the backyard. Jessie chewed up Josh's mittens a month or so ago, so all I had were some knit gloves for Josh to wear. He apparently HATES the feeling of fabric in between his fingers and put up quite the fight putting them on. It was too cold out, so I gave him the ultimatum of "wear your gloves or stay inside...those are your choices." Well, his desire to play beanbag toss outside with Caleb was greater that the disdain for gloves, so the tears shut off and he ran outside to play. He was out there for about 5 minutes and then the tears and crying began to flow. Jon pulled up in the driveway after his work day and assumed the crying was coming from inside. It was so loud though and he thought "is it that loud when Josh cries that you can hear him that well out here?" He then realized that the cries of desperation were coming from the backyard. He went to the backyard and took Josh into the garage and tried to figure out what could possibly be so wrong that he had to tell the entire neighborhood about it. Jon assumed that he must be hurt. Wrong...after many sobs and muffled words, he figured out what was wrong....Josh wanted his gloves off but his hands were too cold with them off! Oh...serious stuff!! Jon got down on his level and looked him in the eye and told Josh that he was to never scream and have a fit like that again outdoors for everyone to see and hear. He was way too old for that and he was to come inside and ask for help with whatever was wrong. Josh looked at Jon and quietly said with big crocodile tears and his little lip quivering, "but I've...only...had a...few...birthdays?!"

February...

We decided to revive an old tradition of spending Super Bowl Sunday at the Frericks' home this year...we have not done that since moving to SF 4 1/2 years ago. Jon managed to convince Joe to participate in a game of "Indian Leg Wrestling" while we were there. Apparently this is an old Miller tradition that I have never heard of until I met the Miller crew. So...I pulled out the video camera and camera and watched a well overdue rematch between Joe and Jon.

I think they spent more time laughing hysterically than they did wrestling... This is how it goes. They lay down with their hips matching up in the middle, put up their legs, count to 3 and then lock one leg to see who can force their opponents leg down first. Kind of like thumb wrestling, but with your legs! There was a lot of laughing and guttural grunting involved... but, in the end, Joe won! Caleb & Cassidy had tons of fun with a sleep over and grandma's house and spent some time playing Moshi Monsters (their new favorite thing to do together)! They were each on a computer playing on the website...fun!

We spent many cuddly Saturday mornings at home. Josh loves his new cozy spot in Daddy's robe and then Jon makes pancakes or french toast every Saturday morning for all of us!

Thanks Daddy!!

We also celebrated Josh's first Spiritual Birthday on Feb. 13th. He was so excited for his special day and so were we!

Thanks to all of you that sent him a special message. I will put all of them in his scrapbook to remember his day!

We took this family picture at the end of his special day. It was amazing...everyone smiled on the first try with the timer...rare!!

We also had lots of fun preparing Valentine's and treats for all our special friends & teachers at school. Josh was thrilled to finally be able to do this now that his is in school too!

He worked so hard writing each of his friends names and signing each one. I was surprised at his patience and for how well he did. His teacher said that he has some of the best penmanship in the class...especially for a boy. Let's hope that continues!

They were both so excited to show all their Valentine's from school and all the fun crafts they made.

Then, we had our own little party. Every year we have hearts with candy leading them to their gift from Jon and I.

This is one of Josh's favorite books at school so we got him his own copy for home.

He also got a Diego video game that he and Caleb had lots of fun with!

We went back to the farm the end of the month for President's Day break while Jon worked in the NE area of the state. Margaret and Joe got Josh an ice cream cake to celebrate his 1st Spiritual Birthday too...fun!

Joe and I did some painting in the living room and halls while Margaret stayed pretty busy with the boys. Lots of book reading...

and she gave Caleb his first piano lesson!

He really enjoys the piano and also learned "We Three Kings" from Cassidy. Lets just say that we ALL know that song really well!! He likes to play it here at home on the keyboard all the time now!

Joshy was pretty worn out with all his playing and 4-wheeler rides!

Joe also agreed to help us out with Caleb's pine derby car for Cub Scouts. Caleb and I chose a pattern and drew it on his pine block and Joe got busy cutting!

Thanks for helping us with his car Grandpa :)

When we got home, we sanded, painted and assembled his car. You can see how it turned out in out March post. Also, how Caleb did in the race!

January!!

Bet you were wondering if I was going to keep my promise??!! The nice thing about winter is that there are not a whole lot of photo ops, which means less pictures to post. Lets just say that things get a little less exciting and somewhat boring during our LLOOOONNNGG South Dakota winters!!

Sooo...we have to get pretty creative to pass our time! I found a recipe for "Ooblek" online and it looked like something Josh would love to play with. He loves messy, slimy things and getting his hands all gooey! It is the strangest stuff made of water and corn starch. Feels dry and solid when you squeeze it in your hands and turns to a liquid when you let go!

Needless to say, Josh played with it for quite a long time. All his safari animals were covered with the messy stuff and then he moved on to his motorcycles. I signed Jon and Caleb up for an ice fishing outing at the Outdoor Campus so they got to try that out for the first time! One boy did catch one but Caleb was not so lucky!

We also get to enjoy lots of forts and tents that the boys build...looks like Jessie does too!

Lots of block and tower building too!

Josh was pretty excited to get this lollipop from preschool for finally getting his winter coat zipped on his own! That was the goal for the week and he made it...such simple victories :)

Caleb and Josh have both enjoyed Logo's more this winter.

Our Friday tradition...a slushy after school to celebrate a great week! Caleb really looks forward to his weekly slushy!

And, we celebrated Jon's birthday at the end of the month! My, he looks good for 27 (oh, I mean 37)!

Caleb and Josh both enjoyed the Oreo cake I made for his birthday...

and Jon enjoyed all the special cards and pictures that the boys made him! Thanks to all of you who sent birthday greetings as well!

Happy Birthday, Jon!

Thanks for Your Patience!!

I know that I announced a few months back that we were going to switch to Shutterfly for our family "Blog." Well, after trying it out, I decided that I liked the format here better...so...Miller Memories will remain here! But...I have just been so busy that I have not had a chance to post these last few months :(

My plan is to "catch-up" over the next few weeks, so check back in!!

Thanks!!