The Von Miller Family

Okay, this is really funny and cute. Sometimes when we as parents are really tired and the thought of getting 5 kids ready for bed sound just way to exhausting, Nathan will blow a whistle and this is what happens.

The kids all run laughing and get in line in birth order.
They line up right where the carpet meets the lamente because that is a straight line. Then Nathan blows out some different noises and starting with Taylor and ending with Andrew the kids step forward one at a time and say their name and something silly. All done while they are laughing hysterically.

Finally, Nathan gives the instructions as they huddle. Shower, brush, floss, rinse, read on your own and be ready for family scriptures and prayer in 10! The whole while I'm laughing at their obedience. And guess what? It really works. They race each other to see who can get done first! And in 20 min. Nathan and I are home free for the night! Until they start getting out of bed one by one:)

Roasting Marshmallows

How fun is this!

It's the best having friends who don't have kids yet because they always want to do fun things for our kids. Roasting Marshmallows after dinner on a nice October night. Nathan now wants to get a fire pit for our backyard. This, I agree with.

The women put this fire together and nothing burned down!:)

Andrew after he shoved an entire marshmallow in his mouth.

Taylor's 11, WOW!

Taylor turned 11 and all I could think about was the night of events that lead to him coming into this world. Yes, we all say this, it really feels like yesterday. The only reason I get sentimental is because he is the first everything. The first child, first son, first to walk and talk, play sports and go to school. He'll be the first to drive, graduate high school and the first to leave home. Nathan always reminds me that in 7 years he'll be gone and I won't be able to see or talk to him for 2 years. Please cry with me now:(

So, his birthday started out as all the kids birthdays start out. He woke up bright and early and waited patiently for all the others to rise up out of bed. Then, we all started down the stairs to see if he could find anything out the ordinary. Kylin hid her present in the play kitchen.

A rock colored Black.

Straight from her imagination and her sweet heart:)

Jalyne did really good hiding her gift in the book shelf.

(I love that the older they get, the smarter they are)

A painting she created in Art Class.

Ashlyn thought the pantry would be a good place to hide her gift.

It did take a while.

A painting she created in Art Class.

She was very clear that she messed up and had not intent to paint the baseball pink.

New baseball cleats and wristbands from mom and dad. The poor boy was squeezing into cleats a 1/2 size to small till we could afford new ones.

A new Rubics Cube from dad which he can now complete in under 3 minutes.

As much trouble and heartache my dear son gives me I still give into his every well not every request. Which for his birthday consisted of:

Omelets and toast for breakfast

Del Taco for lunch and Brownies for his whole class

Fettuccine Alfredo for Dinner with Homemade Donuts for Desert

So between all my running around and chaos for the day, his every wish was granted.

But only for 1 day a year!

Happy 11th Birthday Taylor!