I Need It

Mark and I are blessed with the opportunity to sit with Mark's brother Ben and his family (Toni, Mason, and McKay) as well as Mark's mom (Mary) at church each week as they are in our ward. It is great to think that I am part of a family that takes up a whole big pew at church.
This morning Mason said something that really was so cute. He always says "I need" whatever he is wanting at that point in time. So, today in sacrament this is how it went.
The bread was getting past the pew in front of us.
Mason: "I need that bread."
Mark: "No, Mason. You don't need that."
Me: "Actually Mark he does need it as we all do."

Isn't it amazing how a child's excitment for "snack time" in sacrament really does have a deeper meaning? During Christmas time I always try to find deeper meaning in our Savior's ministry and this morning was what I was looking for. Jesus Christ was born in such a special way. But what he did for each of us is the true and ultimate gift. How thankful I am to know that Jesus and Heavenly Father love me so that I could have a way to be forgiven for all the stupid things I do. I hope we each can have a peaceful Christmas full of love, true peace and happiness.

Merry Christmas!

Well, I have been a total slacker the past couple of months on my blog for a couple of reasons.
1. We renovated our lighting store. We added some more wall space and sections to showcase families of lights (chandeliers that match bathroom lights that match entry lights, etc). We also took out a wall and combined our back and front office space.

2. We added an apartment to our lighting store. While we were at it we converted our office space upstairs to an apartment. We added a full kitchen and bathroom.

3. We moved into the apartment at the lighting store. We did this to simplify our life a little bit. Cleaning my house never got done because there was too much to do. Now I can clean my apartment in a couple of hours.

4. We are renting out our house. Thus, I had lots of cleaning, organizing, storing and moving to do. We did most of it the week of Thanksgiving. The family renting from us is super nice and I trust them completely.

5. Spencer has been sick as have I. We both got the flu after our trip to Portland (I think we got it from traveling). Since then both of us have not recovered completely.

6. Young Womens has been crazy!!! With the end of the year comes big parties, events, and activities that I have helped with. I should really learn to say no sometimes but I can't help myself. I love the girls in my ward.

So, there is my excuse list. Of course there are a lot of things I have left out for the sake of not boring anybody. Below are some pictures of some of the things mentioned above.

This is a picture of Spencer's bedroom/Laundry room. He doesn't need closet space so the closet is the laundry closet. It works well except no running laundry while he sleeps. Spencer has adjusted well to the move. The only problem is that now, while at work he wants to be upstairs watching ELMO. He loves that little red furry friend.









This is a picture of the kitchen. Mark and I had never done plumbing before. We haven't had any problems though so we are both proud of the work we did (ok, the work Mark did while I stood in the background with Spencer and watched).




This is my room. I am still looking for curtains for the closet but other than that I love it.



This is Spencer being cuddled by dad while he was sick. He didn't want anything except loving from Mama and Det (as Spencer calls him).





Some of the new walls we built.

Our Trip to Portland

For our Miller Family Vacation 2009 Mark took Spencer and I to Portland, Oregon. It was beautiful! We spent three and a half days there, all three days it rained though. Our first day we drove up the Gorge and saw about 20 waterfalls. These pictures are of our favorite. I loved the fall leaves with the beautiful and lush green. It was so pretty. We also took Spencer downtown and did some window shopping, and some playing in a great toy store. Of course Spencer made out with some awesome toys!
We also took a drive to the Portland Temple. Seeing this temple makes seven temples Spencer has gotten his picture taken at in a year! I love being able to teach Spencer about being a child of God and how he can visit Heavenly Father when he goes to the temple. The last two days Mark and Spencer toured without me while I was at a scrapbooking convention. They went to the zoo, the beach, Tilamok cheese factory, and lots of other fun things. I think they had a lot of fun without mommy but it was great when they came to visit me.
I had such a blast at the Close to my Heart Regional Celebration that I went to. We took master classes on a variety of subjects from blogging to games to play at gatherings. I got to create lots of cards and 2- 2 page layouts for our family scrapbook (pictures coming). I made some great friends who would go early to save our special seats (Thanks sweetheart!). The most rewarding part was meeting Jeanette Lynton, the founder of Close to my Heart. She is so sweet and inspirational! I am sure that I came away from the weekend a stronger more focused individual and I am so excited to be a part of it all.

Swine Flu

Well, Spencer and I both had the flu last week. The doctor didn't check to see if it was the swine flu because he didn't want to swab out Spencer's nose, but he had all the symptoms so I am sure that is what it was. About four days of a fever, aching, headache and coughing. We stayed at home and did just about nothing. Nothing except watch Baby Signing Time 300 times and Elmo about 600 times! That is all Spencer wanted so, I let him have it. Mark was a great nurse taking care of both of us when he wasn't at work. It wasn't nice to be home because I should have been cleaning, or packing, or organizing, or working, but all I did was sleep, watch Elmo, try to eat/drink, and sleep some more. I am back at work (as of Monday morning) and I am feeling much better. So, the flu hit our house and hopefully we are done being sick for the holidays =)

Lesson Learned

Spencer has learned two things this week and taught me one big lesson.

What Spencer learned:

1. How to turn the tv off and on.

2. How to fold his arms and bow his head for prayer.

What Spencer taught me:

This morning when I was doing the dishes Spencer turned the tv off. He then said "Ut Oh." He then quickly folded his arms and bowed his head. I laughed at him and said jokingly "So, you think praying will get you out of trouble?"

The more I thought about it, the more I want him to learn that when he does make big mistakes he can turn to Heavenly Father for help to overcome anything.

Thanks Spencer for helping mommy learn something about teaching moments.

!!! Fire Power !!!!

So, when we got back home from Salt Lake on Sunday I called my sister who lives in Cedar to let her know we were back in safety. She said she had been at our lighting store and it smelled like something was burning. She looked around and didn't see anything unusual so she said not to worry.

When we got home the power was out. Apparently, it went out at 12:55, we got home at 7 or so. We sat in candlelight/by the fireplace (the only way we could heat our house at the time) for two more hours. Go figure!

Monday morning we came to work. We looked out the window to the back of our property and low and behold, a fire went down the weed alley along the whole back side of our building! Not only our building but most of the buildings on this two block street! No worries though, none of our property was damaged. I will take pictures and post them soon.

All I can say is thank you Heavenly Father for protecting us and our stuff! I know we were blessed for listening and watching all of General Conference, but these extra blessings that I usually take for granted everyday really were things I needed!

Cards

I thought I would show y'all some of the fun cards that Close To My Heart has come out with. I would love to teach anyone how to make them. Each one costs less than 60 cents to make! These images are from CTMH website (although the ones I have made like these are just as cute). I just love the bright colors of this first one because even though fall has lots of deep colors they are always vibrant. Hope you all enjoy!

Card Kit Giveaway!

Hey Everyone!
Close To My Heart is giving away card kits for anyone who spends $60 in stamp sets. Also, anyone who places an order gets put in a drawing for a card making kit. The kit is worth $40! This sale is happening until September 30th! Check out my website for more information. Thanks!

September Pictures

Spencer's Birthday was on the 1. He got to have two parties because of the family in different ends of Utah thing. This picture is of his cake at my Mom and Dad's. It was so nice to be able to have the party outside. The weather was perfect. Spencer got lots of fun toys like Tickle Me Elmo and Tigger, and some new clothes. Thanks family!
This picture is from his party in Cedar. Mark and I got Spencer some blocks and a soccer ball for his birthday. He is eating the sucker Dave and Joy and the kids gave him for his birthday. It was a big sucker but my little guy ate the whole thing in two days! He loved playing with all his new toys with all of his cousins there.
For the party in Cedar I made cupcakes and a regular cake. Spencer had the beginnings of a cold start the day before his party so by the time at was time to have fun he didn't feel good at all. He really didn't get into the whole "make a mess with your cake" idea in Cedar. He did enjoy the frosting though.
Spencer had help opening his presents and then playing with them. I loved this action shot.
As you can see, Spencer really enjoyed making a mess with his cake at Nanny and Papa's! We were all worried that the frosting would stain his face but it washed right off with the garden hose.
For Labor Day my family went to the petting farm at Thanksgiving Point. I was really impressed with how well priced it was. For $3.50 you got two tickets to either ride a horse or go on a wagon ride plus pet as many animals as you wish. The kids loved it. This picture is of half of the gang that went for a horse drawn wagon ride.
Spencer loved the horse ride! He was a little scared at first but quickly warmed uo to the idea.
This is Ashlynn, Carter and Spencer getting to pet a baby cow. Spencer kept calling everything "Daw, Daw" meaning Dog, Dog.
This is Issac and his dad Tony. Issac is my sister Heidi's third son. I think this is a wonderful picture of them.
This is my brother Tim with his adorable boy Jackson. Jackson is the youngest of all my parents grandchildren (6) but he is the same size as Spencer. All well. We have had a lot of fun with family this month.

Happy Birthday Spencer!

I can hardly believe it but Spencer has turned one today. We are going to have a party tonight with some friends and family. Pictures will be posted hopefully tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Spencer! We are so proud of you. We love you!

Summer Is Over

Can you believe that summer is over? I can't. This summer has been so jam packed with so many things that I am not quite sure what all I have accomplished. So, I am relying on photos to prove that I actually did things this summer. Plus, I promised pictures from my last entry. Please note that these pictures are in no particular order. Also note this is just a few pictures of what we have done this summer.

Spencer has discovered that he loves dirt and mud. With all the work we have done outside this summer he has learned to love being outside. I am a little worried about what we will do when winter comes.

This is at Family Night at Scout Camp. Mark enjoyed every minute of camp, but he was so excited to see Spencer after three days. The scouts did a flag retiring ceremony that was just beautiful. I love the young men in our ward and the good that they do.

This is a picture of me (in the brown shirt) at Girls Camp. They had a game to see who could stand on a cinderblock the longest. I must say that I am not as strong as I used to be, but I did win against the other leaders. I loved Camp. I enjoyed the girls, singing to them at bedtime, and singing to them to wake them up, cooking, goofing off, dancing and everything else that we did.

My little sister, Stephanie got married! Now, you all may be thinking that is cool but how does that involve you Carrie? Well, I helped with: their engagement pictures, order invitations, tried on wedding dresses with Steph (she couldn't decide which one), cut fruit, created a wedding video, helped with the wedding pictures, did lots of running around with my mom and Steph, made their wedding book, etc. etc. That is how I helped. It was a beautiful sealing and I am so happy for Steph and Carter. I love you guys and hope that your marriage is even better than you dreamed it would be.

Mark and I have done so much with the youth of our ward this summer. We went: swimming, to the Oquirah Mountain Temple Open House, Youth Conference, Girls Camp, Scout Camp, and so much more. This is a picture of Spencer and I swimming when we went with the youth. Spencer loves all of his friends at church and really does love going to Young Womens and Young Mens.

This is a picture of Spencer giving his Papa a "bump." It is when you touch foreheads. It is a game my family has played since I was a little girl. Spencer has gotten to spend so much time with his Nanny and Papa. He loves them dearly, as do I. Thanks Mom and Dad for all you do for us!

A Real Quick Update

We have been so crazy busy that I haven't had the time or ambition to update our blog. I still don't have the time so this is the quick and dirty version of what has been going on. Pictures will come in roughly 10 days (please read #13-15 for information on this)

1. 24 of July we spent at my parents.

2. 25 of July Mark went to a family reunion. Too far of a drive for me and Spencer so we stayed at my parents.

3. July 29 thru 31 I went to Girls Camp. It was a blast but I missed my Spencer.

4. Mark survived Girls Camp week without me!

5. August 1 my brother's father in law passed away. We have all been deeply saddened by Dan's sudden death. We love you Dan and miss you!

6. August 1 attended two bridal showers (Valerie Harris and my sister Steph). Lots of fun!

7. August 2 Mark was sustained as the Elders Quorum President. He is going to do great.

8. August 3 thru 5 Mark went to Scout Camp as his last Hoorah! with the young men. He loved it!

9. I survived Scout Camp week without Mark!

10. August 6 went to Fillmore for a fundraiser for Steph and Carter so they can buy a conversion van. It went great!

11. August 7 going to Dan's viewing.

12. August 8 going to the temple with my little sister, Steph. Super excited.

13. August 9 thru 15 WEDDING WEEK! Mark is going to Cedar to work while Spencer and I stay in SLC to help with wedding stuff. I know we can survive one more week, can't we?

14. August 14, reception in Salt Lake.

15. August 15, wedding in Manti Temple, reception in Fillmore.

16. August 16 thru 21 I am hoping to finish my front yard and get my house clean since I have hardly lived there for a month and lots of people are coming over for a reception!

17. August 22, reception at my house.


And there you have it. A real quick and dirty update.

65 Questions

65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked. Or I Answered Just because I had some time.

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Bright Yellow, from CEU

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
My Baby Spencer, of course. Hopefully it will have less slobber.

4. Do you plan outfits
Are you kidding? Heck No

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
About normal. I might be coming down with allergies

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
cell phone

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
I yelled at my laurels for not staying for all of class

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Nope, all repeat customers

9. What are you craving right now?
bajio

10. Do you floss?
Yes, but my gums bleed every time

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Clog America Tour to Hungary/Romania

12. Are you emotional?
Daily

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Yes, usually when walking long distances I count my steps

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Usually bite it

15. Do you like your hair?
If I ever do my hair, then when I have a good hair day I do!

16. Do you like yourself?
Most days

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Sure, especially if he pays.

18. What are you listening to right now?
the air conditioner running

19. Are your parents strict?
my parents were but they weren'y strict to the point that it felt like they were

20. Would you go sky diving?
No!

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Nope, but I do buy it for Mark when it's on sale

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes

23. Do you rent movies?
Yes

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Crystal Chandeliers, I'm at work, what do you expect

25. How many countries have you visited?
11, I think

26. Have you made a prank call?
Not in a very long time.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes, loved it

28. Brown or white eggs?
White

30. Do you use chapstick?
Not enough, my lips are always chapped

31. Do you own a gun?
No, unless my dad bought a gun in honor of me

32. Can you use chop sticks?
Yes, but it takes twice as long

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Mark and Spencer

34. Are you too forgiving?
No, I probably don't forgive enough

35. Ever been in love?
Still am

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
Mark- going to Young Mens, Steph- probably working, Spencer- growing up

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes. But prefer eclairs

38. Last time you cried?
Last Night

39. What was the last question you asked?
If Spencer wanted more fruit? of course he said "moa"

40. Favorite time of the year?
Spring

41. Do you have any tattoos?
No

42. Are you sarcastic?
Usually

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No

44. Have you ever walked into a wall?
Yes

45. Favourite color?
purple

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes, usually sarcastically

47. Is your hair curly?
No

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Lullabys for Spencer, last September

49. Do looks matter?
No

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
I think I could

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
Not usually

52. Do you like your life right now?
Yes

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Nope

54. Can you handle the truth?
Better than a lie.

55. Do you have good vision?
Yes

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Hate- No Dislike- Depends on the day (today None)

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
Several times per day

59. What are you wearing?
jeans and a t-shirt

60. What is your favorite animal?
the kind I don't have to take care of

61. Where was your default picture taken?
at the hospital the day spencer was born

62. Can you hula hoop?
yep

63. Do you have a job?
Yep, Mountain Lighting and Close to My Heart Consultant

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
stuff to make pasta salad

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
yes, when the door was locked but the window was open

Summer Fun

Here are some pictures of what we have been up to lately. Mark and I both have stayed busy doing things with our callings in Young Mens and Young Womens. Mark has gone on several camping trips. Scout Camp or Girls Camp or on the agenda in two to three weeks. This last Tuesday night for Young Mens and Young Womens we took the youth swimming at the City Pool.

It was a blast! Spencer got to swim for the first time and he loved it. Here are a couple of pictures of our swimming adventure. All of the youth love Spencer, and he loves them too. He lights up when he gets to see "all of his girlfriends." Mutual night is one of the highlights of the week for Mark and I.

For the Fourth of July we went up to Cherry Days in North Ogden. Mark loved seeing all of his friends in his old stomping ground. I don't have any pictures from up there so just imagine us having fun with friends and you got the picture.
We left North Ogden and we did a b-b-q at my mom and dad's for the 4th, my mom's birthday on the 5th, and my Grandma Kersey's birthday on the 3rd. This has always been one of the best times to celebrate with my family because of all the holidays. This is a picture of the older grandkids (yes, that includes Spencer) posing in front of the kiddie pool that they had been playing in.
After playing outside we all went in for presents and wrestling with future Uncle Carter. All the kids love Carter (and so do Mark and I)! That night we went to the Bees Game. After several extra innings (Carter jinxed the game) we got to sit on the grass of the outfield to watch the fireworks. The fireworks were awesome. Again, no picture so imagine some awesome fireworks. My mom and dad watched Spencer for us which was really nice. Thanks again!
Not much is changing at home except Spencer. He seems to keep growing up despite my efforts to have him remain my baby boy. Mark and I bought Spencer a potty. The first time we sat him on it he actually went pee. It was awesome! but totally a fluke. He has gone a couple more times. Hopefully we can have him out of diapers before the age of 2. We hope to keep having tons of summer fun!

10 Months Old

Spencer is now TEN months old! I can hardly believe it. He is not a baby anymore. He is my boy. When we bark like dogs he says "Dag." He is getting faster everyday. We love him.


Also, my first party for scrapbooking and card making will be next Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 at my house. If any of you want to come call me and I will give you directions. For those who want to come and can't, shop on my website. There is a link on the left. I am so excited.

Something New For Me

I am so excited to finally have something truly new in my life to share with you all. I am going to be a consultant for a scrapbooking/stamp company called Close To My Heart.
It is a company based here in Utah. I have been looking into working with them for a few months now and I finally decided to just do something that I wanted just because I wanted to. I know it kind of sounds selfish but I am so excited to be able to share a love of scrapbooking with those around me with such a great product. It will give me a good excuse to leave the boys for a few hours a couple times a month. I am so excited! I will let you all know when I have my first product party.

On another great note: Spencer has slept two nights in a row!
That means I got to sleep two nights in a row!!! I am like a whole new person. I can't believe how nice it is to actually have a good nights rest. I hope that this trend can continue for at least a couple more days.

I hope that you all have a great weekend!

Shelf Reliance Give Away!

Go to their website and you can win one of their 72" shelving units. All you have to do is leave a comment on the blog. Good luck to all, but I think I will win.

http://www.shelfreliance.com

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

So, I know I go on and on about how lucky I am. Sunday just gave me another day to brag about my boys. Mark is a wonderful father. Spencer loves his "dada dada" so much.

Four Wonderful Years!

On Tuesday was our Four Year Anniversary!
It is amazing to think we have been married that long. It has been the best four years of my life. We have done so much together. Here are a few pictures of some of our travels together and here are the four top reasons I love Mark!

1. He cuddles me at night so I can sleep better. Any of you who know me know that I love to cuddle and have lots of pillows and stuff so this is a big deal to me.
Yosemite National Park 2007

2. He puts up with my annoying habits and bad attitudes. He is always trying to please me and do what he can to help me out. He is kind and generous to me and always puts our families needs before his own.
Frankfurt Germany Temple 2006

3. He always makes me laugh. Everyday Mark gets me to smile. He does the same thing for Spencer too which also gets me to smile.
Logan Temple 2009

4. I love Mark because he is a good, righteous man who loves me with all his heart. He has given me the world.
Jordan River Temple 2008(Yes I am pregnant in this picture. Three weeks before Spencer joined us)

I love you Sweetheart! Happy Anniversary Again!

All I do lately...

The past two weeks have gone by so quickly. I swear the older I get the slower I become. Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to. Sorry so many but they are all just so cute.
This first one is of my Grandma Adams and Spencer. Memorial Day weekend we went to visit my families graves. This has always been a tradition with Grams and I was excited to take Mark and Spencer with us.


Next is a picture of Spencer playing in the grass at the cemetary.


That afternoon we had a family b-b-q. It was tons of fun but with 6 grandkids it can get a little crazy so I offered to take 4 of them all for a walk. I ended up taking 4 grandkids, my mom, brother, Grams, sister and her boyfriend. This is us heading out on our journey. I am sure we looked like quite the crew walking around the neighborhood.


This is my cute neice Ashlynn. I love her so much! She looks so much like her mom.


This is the three boys that have been born in the last nine months. Oldest on the left, youngest on the right. Spencer at 9 months; Issac almost 3 months; and Jackson about 6 weeks.


Next is all of the grandkids. From left to right: Matt, Ashlynn, Jackson, Carter, Issac, and Spencer. What a handsome crew.


Spencer is becoming a pro at pulling himself up on furniture. The fireplace mantle at my parents is the perfect height for practicing. (Don't you love the star on Spencer's bum)


On Memorial Day Mark and I took Spencer for a walk and this is how he was when we got home.


Spencer loves his bathtime. Of course, he is always a pretty happy little guy. He loves to splash around chase his toys in the bathtub.


This is a picture of Spencer on his 9 month birthday. I just love the smile.

And a story that doesn't revolve around me. My little sister Steph has been dating a wonderful guy down here in good old Cedar City. That means she came down twice last month. And the two weekends that she didn't come down, we went up north. It has been fun to see my family so much. Anywho, last Saturday Steph got engaged to Carter!!! It is way exciting. Congratulations you two! They are getting married August 14. So, the next couple of months are going to be a lot of planning, as well as many trips up north.


That is about all I have been doing lately...
Have a good weekend!