Hair cuts!

I took my kids to get haircuts today, and this was the first time either of them has had a haircut that wasn't from Aunt Kathryn (other than the really bad chop job I gave to Steven myself, of course). I took them to a place that specializes in kids cuts, and I think I will take them back there again. They give them toys, cookies and a video of choice while they get their hair cut, and a balloon when they are done. Steven still wasn't thrilled with a stranger touching him, but the man who cut his hair was very patient, and I'm sure it was way better than he would have done at a regular salon. And, more importantly, even with all of his wiggling and moving, his haircut still turned out okay. And the lady who cut Elise's hair gave her a "princess" hairstyle when she was done - Elise couldn't have been more thrillled. This was basically just a few curls in front, but give it a name like "princess hair" and Elise is sold. She couldn't stop looking at herself in the mirror. What a nut. Obviously, Kathryn is still the favorite "hair cutter" around here, but I am glad we have found an acceptable substitue for when she is not around since she does live an eight hour drive away.

Flashback Friday: Miller Cousins

July 2006March 2008November 2008Here are a couple of group pictures of all of the Miller cousins. The first one was taken at my sister and brother in laws pool in July of 2006. The second one was taken last March on Easter, just a few days after my in laws returned from their first mission to Ukraine (Steven was missing in action for this one, I believe he was taking a nap). The last one was taken this past November, and is the only one that is not missing anyone. Although, it has already been outdated by a couple of weddings and a pregnancy. I guess photos get outdated quickly in big growing families. It was kind of fun for me to look at these pictures and see how everyone has changed.

Here are a couple of pictures just for fun that were taken the same day as the July 2006 cousins picture:

Looking for a Single Guy with a Tie

The other day out of the blue Elise said to me, "Mom, I am getting so big. The next time I put on one of my princess dresses I am going to get married to Dad, because I am big enough now." I tried very hard not to laugh, and explained that she couldn't marry Dad because he is already married. She looked very concerned, and asked, "But who can I marry then?" Trying to think of someone her age, her very best bud Zach came to my mind, so I said, "How about Zach?" As serious as can be, she replied, "Mom, I can't marry Zach... he doesn't even have a tie!" I guess if you are going to get married, a tie is a definite necessity. So now she is on the lookout for a single guy with a tie.

A Trip to the Park

The title of this post should actually be "A Really Bad Haircut," because I am posting these pictures because I told my mom I would post some pictures of the really bad job I did cutting Steven's hair. I'm not sure why I thought I could cut it myself, but it was obviously a bad idea. I think we will definitely be going somewhere Monday to get it fixed... poor Steven!

Flashback Friday

I was looking through some old pictures from last year, and I thought it would be fun to post a few. These pictures were taken in March of last year. It is funny how kids change so much in just a year when they are young, but as you are just going along with life you don't really realize it until you look back at photos. At this time last year Steven was still screaming nonstop - I'm sure glad he's outgrown that. Elise just looks so young to me in these photos. Looking at these photos, it actually kind of surprised me how much she has changed in the last year. Her hair sure has grown fast!

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

This year, we celebrated St. Patrick's Day with the wearing of green, and by making and eating rainbow sprinkle cupcakes with green frosting. Elise helped make them, and we had a lot of fun. Steven had too much partying before we even made treats, so he crashed in his high chair while Elise and I did the baking. The kids enjoyed the cupcakes, or at least the frosting as you can see from the pictures.

See's Candy???

The Young Women in our ward are doing an Easter See's candy fundraiser for girls camp. If anyone would like to order some through me, I would be happy to deliver or mail it to you. Above is a flyer of the options for what can be ordered, and the prices. Just let me know if you are interested. Thanks!

I don't want Steven to grow up to be a big boy...

This morning Elise said to me, "Mom, I don't want Steven to grow up to be a big boy, because I will miss the baby Steven." So sweet. I didn't have the heart to tell her that he's really not a baby anymore anyways. Although, he still is a baby to me... where has the time gone?

Little Accessorizer

Elise LOVES to dress up, and LOVES accessories. I took this picture of her on our way out the door to the grocery store the other day. She was about to get in the car, and she said, "Wait Mom, I forgot something, I'll be right back!" She came back wearing her minnie ears, a necklace, and a purse. Definitely essentials for the grocery store!

Hugh

I made Steven this little robe for Christmas, and it is so soft I love it! It is out of the same material as his blankie, so he loves it too. I think he looks like such a little man in it, it is cute. However, whenever I put it on him, Chris calls him "Hugh" (reference to Hugh Heffner). He claims that he is wearing the robe for Halloween this year, and he is going to draw chest hair on him. Don't worry, I won't let him do that, but the thought does make me laugh.

Passing the Fun Along...

My good friends Elizabeth and Curt did a little pay it forward activity on their blog. They will make something for the first five commenters on the post, but the catch is that each of those five has to do the same for the first five commenters on their own blog. So, I am excited to say that I was commenter #6, but because they love me so much (and also maybe a little bit because I begged... I'm not above begging. They are totally fabulous and creative people and I can't wait to see what they make) they are letting me in on it anyways. Sooooo, the first five commenters on this post will get something made by me for them, with a catch. Here are the rules:

The first 5 people to respond to this post will receive something made by me. What I make will be my choice, but it will be made just for you. Sorry, it won't be a Curt and Elizabeth Original like I am getting, but I will try to make it something great. It will be a surprise. But, this offer does have some restrictions and limitations:1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! 2. It'll be done this year (might be December 31st, but you WILL get something) and I will post pictures of whatever five things I decide to make as they are completed. 3.The catch? The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. Happy commenting (AND posting!)

Perhaps a little bit of her Nana in her...

Anyone who knows my mom knows that she is definitely not a thrill seeker. She can't stand heights, and her idea of a very scary rollercoaster is Thunder Mountain at Disneyland. Elise is actually quite the little daredevil normally. She climbs higher than I would like her to at the park, and goes faster than I would like her to in her little Dora car. However, I think that she might have a little bit of her Nana in her afterall. We were at California Adventure last week, and as we were walking past the free fall ride, Elise looked up, froze in her tracks, and said, "Wow! That is very not cool!" It cracked me up the way she said it. She and Steven were happy to ride the fish carousel over and over, without a second thought to the scary ride. Although she did mention much later that she thinks she might like that ride when she gets "more bigger." Sorry Nana, maybe there's not quite as much of you as I thought in her after all.

I don't want to give my cash away yet...

Today we were driving in the car, and Elise said to me, "Mom, I don't want to give my cash away yet, but when I get bigger I will give my cash away. " A little bit puzzled, I asked, "Give your cash away for what?" "Give my cash to Jesus so he can build churches with it!" she said. I'm thinking they must have had a lesson on tithing in primary yesterday. It's not something we've ever really talked about with her, as she's never really had any money, but I guess we need to talk about it since she feels like she doesn't want to give her "cash" to Jesus yet. She seriously makes me laugh sometimes.

Hello

I walked into our office yesterday, and found Steven chilling on the couch with my cell phone. He was just slouched back with it up to his ear, and he kept saying "Hello." Okay, it was more like, "Hewo." But, I thought it was cute. He doesn't say too much... screams plenty, but not a lot of talking. So it was fun to see him pretending to talk on the phone.

What I was doing up past midnight last night...

Yes, I was up past midnight making this dress. I cut out all the pattern pieces weeks ago... maybe even months??? But, I just hadn't gotten around to actually making it. So, last night I was sitting and watching 24 with Chris, and I thought to myself, "I hate this show. Why don't I go do something useful?" So, I did. And voila, here is the fruits of my labor. It is kind of a funky mismatched style, but I like it and Elise likes it, so I guess it worked out.

How I Get Things Done...

I believe that these pictures need no explanation, other than to say that besides giving me a little bit of time to get something done, I have found that suckers are also great bribery to stop the screaming when we are leaving Steven with a babysitter. Needless to say, I now always have a bag on hand. Bad for the teeth, but oh so good for the sanity. Sometimes you just have to compromise.

Helping Himself

The other day Elise was finishing up her fruit loops for breakfast while I did the dishes. Steven was already finished with his breakfast and was wandering around. I turned around to find him on top of the table with the cereal box in his hand, and he was dumping out fruit loops and eating them off of the table. I took the cereal box away, but I let him stay on the table and finish up the fruit loops, because at least he wasn't trying to climb inside the dishwasher and grab all the knives while I did the dishes like usual.