Jordan's Court of Honor

Tonight we were able to attend and participate in Jordan's Eagle Court. It was exciting to honor him and his friends. I never really understood the significance of scouting until I became a Mills. I find it very impressive when young men complete the scouting program. I know that it doesn't happen without help from family and friends. I have posted a slide show from tonights events to honor our Uncle Jord's accomplishment. Enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!

Check out my Slide Show!

Merry Christmas

What a Christmas! It almost felt like a marathon. It all started at about 7:30 am (6:30 for mom who took a shower). Santa came to our home and Josh was thrilled to find a bowling ball, pins, and bowling shoes. Parker got a new baby play gym and seemed to enjoy it (a plus). My parents joined us for the fun and we even got to talk to my brother Chad who is on his mission in Philadelphia, PA.

The fun continued with a trip to Grandpa and Grandma Mills. We met up with the family to exchange gifts. Josh was most thrilled to find he got a baseball bat and tee. He also got a basketball hoop that counts and cheers for him.

Then... we headed home to change and go to Aunt Teri's. We had our annual brunch and gift exchange. Teri's home looked wonderful and fit everyone so nicely. Gramma Mills gave us all the most wonderful gift. She has worked for the past year preparing her life history. She gave us charts and pictures, but best of all a CD with her life on it. It was the best gift. I can't wait to start listening to it and looking at the pictures.

The party wasn't over there. Then... we went to my parents for the finale. We opened gifts and Santa came there too. Josh and Parker got a really cool new wagon that we will look forward to using to go to the park. Then we had a lasagna dinner. My parents had the missionaries, Aunt Teri, and a friend name Steve for dinner too. We ended the evening with karaoke. It was a blast.
It was a long day, but full of fun. All total Josh ended up with 12 new balls, 3 basketball, 3 baseball, 3 mini four- square balls, 1 bowling ball, 1 football, and 1 paddle ball. The boys were very good and even better, they both slept very well last night. That was our small Christmas miracle!

It's Christmas Morning...

Well, it is 6:34 a.m. and I couldn't sleep any more. I thought while I had a minute I would post pictures of the boys before they went to bed last night. Aren't they so cute in their matching sock monkey pj's. They were even cuter in person. Oh, too much fun. This is the first time they have ever matched.

Our Slide Show

Family Fun

Every year David's Gramma hosts a Grandkid's Christmas Party. This started many years ago and has continued to be a family tradition, even with the loss of his Grandpa in 2002. So last night was the big event. We all gathered at Gramma's where she had decorated and prepared delicious food. There were 14 of us total including two great-grandchildren. We had so much fun visiting and talking about names for new babies that will arrive in 2008. The best event of the night (which I missed because I just stepped out to warm a bottle) was when David's cousin, Fallon, shook up a bottle of Parmesan Ranch salad dressing and the cap flew off. The dressing shot out of the bottle like soda covering the arms, faces, and shirts, of those sitting next to her. George, her fiance, got it the worst. It provided a good laugh though!
We also enjoyed receiving our annual Christmas ornament from Gramma. This year she gave us each a gold ornament from her collection. Everyone loved them. Janell shared with us a talk that Grandpa Mills gave at Christmas time that was touching. It is obvious how each grandchild loved and miss their Grandpa. This tradition gives all of us an opportunity to remember him and learn new things about him.
Overall, it was a great evening. It is always fun to catch up with everyone and celebrate this season!

Helpers

What mom doesn't appreciate a little help sometimes? This particular evening two nights ago, both boys helped out in their own way. Josh insisted on tasting the corn before we used it for taco salad. It must have been good because he ate half the can. (That didn't turn out as bad as I thought it would later!) Then Parker-oni hung out in the clothes basket for a bit while I tried to tackled some laundry. I figured after 4 days or so, I really should fold it.

Oh Boy!

Josh always finds it fun to help me get ready in the morning. He jumps up on the toilet and watches me put on my make-up. Sometimes he likes to get into the action himself. Here is his personal make-over this morning.

Christmas Fun

This has been a magical season for our family. This is the first year Josh is excited for Christmas and all that it brings. We have done so many fun things this month. We went to a Night of Nativities, a Christmas party at the library with our teddy bears, breakfast with Santa, dinner with Santa, watched almost every Christmas show that's been on t.v., listened to Christmas music, and driven through many neighborhoods to look at lights. If you know Josh, he pretty much only plays with athletic balls. So, his most favorite house is one that has decorated their hoop with lights, including a ball in the basket with lights on it. He ooo's and awh's every time. (I think I'd better write that family a thank you note.) Josh has plans to bake Jesus a brown cake, candles and all to celebrate his birthday. On the flip side, even though Parker has no idea what to think of Christmas, it is so fun to have this be his first Christmas. Josh is making sure he is well taken care of!