Nathan's 22nd Birthday

Our cousin Nathan takes his job as cousin above and beyond.
He attends all our family functions, he goes out of his way to help family members from painting, house-sitting, to even dog-sitting, he has put together multiple video presentations for birthday parties (that always takes time), and has been willing to help Dave with scouts on a short notice call. Not to mention he's amazing at cartoon voices, which the boys just love!

After all the things he does for us and the celebrations we've had,
it was time to celebrate him.
Nathan is an avid movie man. He has plans to work in film and has made many movies of his own. So, the theme of our party was the Academy Awards.
His brother in-law lured him to our place by telling him there was a desk he needed help moving. So we all waited outside on the red carpet for his arrival.

(Click on the image to play video)

After the red carpet we headed in to enjoy some goodies.

An of course an Oscar was there

And what's a ceremony without a podium

Nathan was still really surprised.

With popcorn in hand, we were ready for the movie presentation.

Kairsee put this together from just a few
different productions Nathan was part of.

After the movie, Wolverine (aka Peter) presented
the honoree of the night with his golden award.

An course, there was a speech...

And then some birthday singing, with Nathan's help.

After cake, we played a game as a group.
Peter had to stretch out to get ready for the game.

We played a word game called Funglish. Everyone got into the action.
If you ask Gramma, she'd say the ladies won the game by one.

Then there were gifts. Nathan loved his new bag.
Actually, Kairsee didn't wrap it, so he got to dig through her purse until he found what he thought his birthday gift was. Turned out to be movie tickets.

We had a lot of fun celebrating with Nathan.
We hope he knows what an important part of our family he is.

That color is you Parker!

Fresh from the bath, Parker ran into his room and jumped on his bed. He laid there for 5 minutes so quietly. I thought maybe he was tired (I should known better). Instead he found a tube of my lipstick. He only got a little on his pillow, but the rest was on him. I think he's going to be stained for a few days.

Ladies first

I have tried to teach my boys ladies first, it applies to all ladies, even our "little" lady friends. Josh is so good at this. The other day we played Old Maid and he insisted every time I go first. He said, "Mom, ladies first." Then he was playing games with Gramma Jean and I heard him say, "No Gramma you go first." When we were on vacation and were getting in the car, he insisted I get into the car first.

On Saturday I had mentioned to the boys that I thought we'd go out to dinner that night. When David woke up Josh told him of my plans. Then I heard him say, "Mom, you choose where we want to go to dinner tonight, since you want to go out." I tried to ask for opinions from my men, but all insisted that I choose, they said ladies choice. I tried Josh one more time, "What sounds good to you Josh?" He said, "No mom, you choose what you'd like."

I have to say, I feel like a Queen in my house. My men are all so good to me and appreciate my attention. It makes me feel special. So, while I wasn't sure ladies first would stick, it has and I like it. I am grateful for my sweet little gentleman Joshie. We'll keep working on Parker.

A give away at Paper from the Heart

So, Teresa Wright (the woman responsible for introducing me to my husband) is also an extremely talented scrapbooker/card-maker. She is having a paper punch give away on her blog Paper from the Heart. If you're interested, go on over and check it out. She makes some wonderful cards you can purchase or kits to help you make your own.

Happy Easter

We celebrated both Saturday and Sunday for Easter this year.
On Saturday our cousins Alexa and Fallon joined us for egg decorating at Gramma Jean's house.

Alexa wasn't too sure about the whole egg coloring deal

Parker realized that it was possible to get messy, so he was all in.

Joshie kept dropping his eggs off the dipper before they could get into the cups. After a couple cracked eggs, he got it down.

The kiddos took a break to play outside a bit while the weather was good.

Then we went back to work making Rice Krispy eggs with Aunt Teri.
The kids dipped them in chocolate and sprinkles, they were tasty.

On Easter morning, we had some Easter goodies.

When I asked Josh why we celebrate Easter, he said, "for Conference!"
I said no, but think of another reason... he got it right the next time
celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Although enjoying conference was a bonus in helping us celebrate Easter this year.

Here is a picture of our eggs before they where hidden.
We had real ones that we colored, some sports eggs filled by Grandma Mills, and Spiderman eggs, and some other filled eggs. The big hit were the eggs that I filled with a sticky ball on a string. Who knew!

We decided to hunt inside, since it was raining pretty hard by the time we were ready for our hunt.

(This is me in the picture with Parker, but I thought it was Janell. I had to remember what I was wearing to know it was me, kind of funny)

My boys are best buddies. They didn't race to see who got the most, they helped each other out to make sure they were both getting eggs. What sweet boys I have.

Parker found one in Papa's shirt pocket, surprise!

We had a really nice Easter weekend and gathering with the family.
We hope you did too!

Mills birthday celebration

The Friday after my birthday we worked at Peter & Janell's new place, painting. We decided to celebrate that evening since we would all be together (hense the paint on my clothes and looking a little rough around the edges.)

So this series of pictures (totally makes me laugh) because on my birthday the boys blew out my candles before they even finished singing. So, I joked that I will actually get to blow out candles this year for my birthday when Dorene brought out the cake.

But... Dave thought otherwise and blew out all the candles before the song was over, just to make me laugh. He offered to relight them though.

It was a wonderful celebration. We had a delicious lasagna dinner, bread, and a deluxe salad.
We received fantastic gifts, enjoyed laughing and visiting after dinner.
Thanks everyone for the party!

My birthday celebration!.

I woke up to a happy celebration with excited kids and a husband who had all the extras to make it a special day! (birthday hats, donuts, a People magazine, confetti, birthday napkins, balloons...)

David even baked and hid a birthday cake for me the night before

I received some beautiful flowers (that are still lovely)

The boys kept calling me the birthday girl

Then we went to The Mannions where we were greeted with a lovely birthday banner

and delicious birthday lunch

and Chocolate Molton Cake!

After my pedicure, I opened presents

Josh took this picture so Dave could be in a shot, not too bad

Here I am with my birthday loot, freshly painted toes, a new sewing machine, gift card for sewing lessons, and a kit that has thread with extra bobins.

Then we headed to BJ's for pizza and rootbeer

Lastly off to see How to Train a Dragon in 3D (it was good, even if the boy's faces don't convince you)

It was a just a great birthday. I had many birthday calls and wishes, along with little surprises. Thank you to everyone who thought of me on my day. It made me feel special.