We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all did as well! I hope to add some pictures soon but until then, just wanted to say HI from the Wii Santa left under our tree!
God is Good!
The story of the Mills' Family. Nate and Carol have been married since 1997. Taylor was born in 1998, Drew was born in 2001 and Toby was born in 2005 and joined our family forever in 2007. Here is our journey, where God leads us, we will go. That is my prayer.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Greeting
Merry Christmas To All!
Well, in light of the season, and our busy lives, I have tried very hard to simplify Christmas. Simplify gift giving, simplify baking and cooking, and simplify Christmas Card Sending! It is a tradition that I love, and has been very difficult for me not to run out and print and mail cards, but creating this one Christmas card took about 10 minutes, and those of you that are near and dear to us check in on us here, so I figured this was the best place to send all of your Christmas cards to! We love you All! Enjoy!
God is Good!
Well, in light of the season, and our busy lives, I have tried very hard to simplify Christmas. Simplify gift giving, simplify baking and cooking, and simplify Christmas Card Sending! It is a tradition that I love, and has been very difficult for me not to run out and print and mail cards, but creating this one Christmas card took about 10 minutes, and those of you that are near and dear to us check in on us here, so I figured this was the best place to send all of your Christmas cards to! We love you All! Enjoy!
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| Make a Smilebox greeting |
God is Good!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Lots of Posts
Well, we've been busy the past few weeks! So I took a few moments to update what has been going on with several new posts! Especially since we'll have several more to add with the upcoming Holidays!!
God is Good
God is Good
First Snowman
Well, the kids were so excited to see snow actually covering the ground. It's been a pretty lame snow season so far! They wanted to go out and "play" in the snow and I told them they were crazy. There wasn't enough snow to do anything! But of course they had to prove me wrong! I guess the snow was great for packing as you can see!
And simply because I thought this photo was adorable and there really was no other post to put it in, I'll throw this photo of Toby in! We went shopping Saturday and found this great Buckeyes store at Richland Mall. Toby really wanted one of these!
God is Good
And simply because I thought this photo was adorable and there really was no other post to put it in, I'll throw this photo of Toby in! We went shopping Saturday and found this great Buckeyes store at Richland Mall. Toby really wanted one of these!
God is Good
Toby on Stage
Toby had his first chance at singing with the Little Praisers the past week. He sang in the Contemporary service last week, and this week they sang in the Traditional service. I have video, but it is on the camcorder and it takes a little while to get it off, so I will add to this post later, but for now, here are a few photos!
God is Good!
God is Good!
Buddy The Elf
Taylor had the opportunity to perform with the Orrville Community Theatre Company again this winter. They did an adaptation of Elf the movie. They did a wonderful job. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, as that is such a big movie, but they did a very good job. Here are some photos and videos from the play.
Taylor had a very good time, and is looking forward to what comes next! She was also told about a very exciting Theatre Camp that we are going to look into for this summer! That girl loves being on stage!
God is Good!
Taylor had a very good time, and is looking forward to what comes next! She was also told about a very exciting Theatre Camp that we are going to look into for this summer! That girl loves being on stage!
God is Good!
Train Ride!
For Toby's last day of school, they took a field trip to the Lodi Outlet Mall to see Santa and ride the train! Toby was so very excited!!
Unfortunately, when we got to the "Santa Room", there was a note from the big guy, saying he couldn't make it! What a bummer! But he did leave treats and tell the kids they could sit in his chair! Here is Toby getting one of his favorite treats, a candy cane!
Then, unfortunately there was only one train working, so we had to wait quite a while for our turn on the train, but once they said the train was ready, there was no holding Toby back, as you can see!
And I think you can tell by the smile on his face, he enjoyed every moment of it!
The following night, Toby and Drew got to go with Grandma Derri and Aunt Katy on the Polar Express. I was not able to go because Taylor had her opening night performance of Buddy the Elf, so I don't have any photos, but Aunt Katy promised me she took a whole bunch, and when I get them, I will be sure to post!
God is Good!
Unfortunately, when we got to the "Santa Room", there was a note from the big guy, saying he couldn't make it! What a bummer! But he did leave treats and tell the kids they could sit in his chair! Here is Toby getting one of his favorite treats, a candy cane!
Then, unfortunately there was only one train working, so we had to wait quite a while for our turn on the train, but once they said the train was ready, there was no holding Toby back, as you can see!
And I think you can tell by the smile on his face, he enjoyed every moment of it!
The following night, Toby and Drew got to go with Grandma Derri and Aunt Katy on the Polar Express. I was not able to go because Taylor had her opening night performance of Buddy the Elf, so I don't have any photos, but Aunt Katy promised me she took a whole bunch, and when I get them, I will be sure to post!God is Good!
Upward Fun!
We finished up another season of Upward! Drew had a wonderful time and I'd say they had a pretty good season! All their games were very close, and they won about half of them! Here are a few photos of Drew in action!
Drew with Coach Daddy!
For a few of the games, Drew had some of the CUTEST Cheerleaders! Here are Kiley on the left and Averie on the right! Drew's cousins cheered nice and loud for him!
This photo was from Drew's last game. He got to play in the "big gym" for his last game. He likes playing in there, the ball bounces better, he says!
Drew with Coach Daddy!
For a few of the games, Drew had some of the CUTEST Cheerleaders! Here are Kiley on the left and Averie on the right! Drew's cousins cheered nice and loud for him!
This photo was from Drew's last game. He got to play in the "big gym" for his last game. He likes playing in there, the ball bounces better, he says!
More from the Christmas Program
When I posted the previous post about the Christmas Program, it was from the first performance. But both sets of Grandparents were at the second performance, so I thought I would share these great photos of the kids with some of their Grandparents.
Here they are with Papaw Rudy and Grandma Debbie.
And a photo of them with Paps and Grandma Derri.
What a special photo op!!
God is Good!
Here they are with Papaw Rudy and Grandma Debbie.
And a photo of them with Paps and Grandma Derri.
What a special photo op!!God is Good!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas Program
Well, let the season begin!! This past weekend Taylor and Drew were part of our church's Christmas musical, "First Christmas". Drew was in the choir as was Taylor. Here's a sampling of their opening song.
And Taylor also had a solo. What is ironic about this song, is with having lost Kaleb, we often wonder what Christmas is like for him and our other children in Heaven. What a precious song, and to have Taylor sing it so beautifully... well yeah, tears flowing from this momma!!
Toby got to sing in big church on Sunday, but my video isn't real close. He is singing again next week so I will try and get a better video and get it loaded. Also this week, Taylor is singing for the school program! I will likely share that as well.
I've had a day beyond words of frustration, but sitting here and taking a few moments to look at these videos of my children again, makes it all melt away! There is nothing in life as important and precious as these gifts God has given us!
God is Good!
And Taylor also had a solo. What is ironic about this song, is with having lost Kaleb, we often wonder what Christmas is like for him and our other children in Heaven. What a precious song, and to have Taylor sing it so beautifully... well yeah, tears flowing from this momma!!
Toby got to sing in big church on Sunday, but my video isn't real close. He is singing again next week so I will try and get a better video and get it loaded. Also this week, Taylor is singing for the school program! I will likely share that as well.
I've had a day beyond words of frustration, but sitting here and taking a few moments to look at these videos of my children again, makes it all melt away! There is nothing in life as important and precious as these gifts God has given us!
God is Good!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
BarlowGirl~!
**WARNING... THIS IS A LONG ONE :)**
What a night!! Not sure I can capture everything that happened in one post, but I will try! So the evening started out not so good, with me getting out of work about 25 minutes late. I had to rush to pick up Toby at the sitter, run home and change and let the doggie out, then run and get the other two at school. Drew was going to Braden's house for a birthday part and Toby had to go to my parents house for the night. We still made it to the church by 4:30. We thought they were going to need our help, but turns out when we got there, they didn't. So Tay and I ran for some dinner and got back to the church around 4:45. We decided to just stand in line at that point, because doors opened at 5:30. We were the first person in line with Artist Circle tickets, so Taylor was pretty excited to be the first one in the doors! We got in around 5:30 but they weren't opening the doors to the student center until 5:45. Again, Taylor went straight to the doors to be first in line! She was, and we were the first ones in and we got Front and Center seats! WOW!! Taylor was thrilled! We had a while to wait before the Question and Answer session started with Barlow Girl, so Taylor hooked up with some friends!
Here she is with Macie and Maddy from school! (and oh yeah, did I mention Nate got a call that Barlow Girl needed to use his Bass? It's there on stage in the background)
And this photo was actually taken at intermission, but we found cousin Sara! Aren't these two of the most beautiful ladies you've ever seen!
Here are some photos from the Question and Answer time... and once again... Taylor was the FIRST to ask a question! She asked what other bands BarlowGirl likes! They said bands like Relient K and Switchfoot, a few more of Taylor's favorites as well! Here is Becca and Alyssa chatting.
And Lauren answering a few questions! (She's the youngest ;)
We then had a photo op with Barlow Girl and yes, once again... Taylor was FIRST in line!! Can you see why my girl was smiling from ear to ear? During this photo op, they were standing right in front of our seats, so Taylor got the priveledge to be the "assistant apprentice" and helped their assistant with the cameras. It got to the point that they were all saying "Get your camera from Taylor!" What an honor for her!
Following our time with BarlowGirl, Mr Matt Carter and Andrew Simms took the stage! Matt is a very dear friend of ours, as he and his wife Sarah are in our adult small group at church and Nate plays Bass for him in Worship band. And Andrew is a friend that our Drew looks up to! Andrew and Drew share a birthday and a love for drumming! Drew calls him his "Brother from another Mother!" What an awesome time of Worship once again!
Then Pastor Nick came out to introduce BarlowGirl! The time had come for their amazing show!
I won't give commentary on these photos, as they are just various shots that turned out. Most were blurry because I didn't want to use my flash since we were right in the front. I didn't want to blind the poor girls!
Oh yeah... and here's Becca playing Nate's Bass!
After the show it was time for autographs. As we were waiting in line for BarlowGirl (and no, we weren't first this time, we waited until the end...) Taylor and some friends got Matt's autograph! He wrote "Taylor, You're my Hero, Your Dad is my Bassist"! Pretty sweet of him... He's going to make a GREAT dad one day ;)
So, when we finally got up to get autographs, the most special thing happened for my Taylor!! they all remembered her from her helping out with the cameras. She got up there and had brought several things along for them to sign, but they were saying "only one thing can be signed." So she was trying to figure out what she wanted to have autographed. Well, we got up there, and since they remembered her, they were like... "oh no, we are signing everything for Taylor!" And they just gushed over her. She got two CD's signed, a program and her shirt! She also got to show them a photo she had taken with them back in 2005. They thought that was great (especially since Lauren was not a blonde, something they tease her about mercilessly!)
But Nate did take this photo at the end of the night with his phone, but I thought it was a great shot! It is Andrew Simms, Becca Barlow, Matt Carter, Alyssa Barlow and Lauren Barlow! What an amazing group of musicians!! God has Blessed them, and they are Blessing others in return! What a testimony to Obedience to God!
The night was simply AMAZING... and I didn't even touch on the actually concert. It was a small intimate setting for BarlowGirl, as they usually rock the place LOUD! But it was amazing in a whole new way! As usual, their songs were brought hope to many of the young ladies (and old ladies :)) that were there, and many lives were changed by the message of their music!
I could not ask for any better role models for my daughter, and I will do everything I can to encourage her interest in BarlowGirl and music and a lifestyle that Glorifies God!
God is Good!
What a night!! Not sure I can capture everything that happened in one post, but I will try! So the evening started out not so good, with me getting out of work about 25 minutes late. I had to rush to pick up Toby at the sitter, run home and change and let the doggie out, then run and get the other two at school. Drew was going to Braden's house for a birthday part and Toby had to go to my parents house for the night. We still made it to the church by 4:30. We thought they were going to need our help, but turns out when we got there, they didn't. So Tay and I ran for some dinner and got back to the church around 4:45. We decided to just stand in line at that point, because doors opened at 5:30. We were the first person in line with Artist Circle tickets, so Taylor was pretty excited to be the first one in the doors! We got in around 5:30 but they weren't opening the doors to the student center until 5:45. Again, Taylor went straight to the doors to be first in line! She was, and we were the first ones in and we got Front and Center seats! WOW!! Taylor was thrilled! We had a while to wait before the Question and Answer session started with Barlow Girl, so Taylor hooked up with some friends!
Here she is with Macie and Maddy from school! (and oh yeah, did I mention Nate got a call that Barlow Girl needed to use his Bass? It's there on stage in the background)
And this photo was actually taken at intermission, but we found cousin Sara! Aren't these two of the most beautiful ladies you've ever seen!
Here are some photos from the Question and Answer time... and once again... Taylor was the FIRST to ask a question! She asked what other bands BarlowGirl likes! They said bands like Relient K and Switchfoot, a few more of Taylor's favorites as well! Here is Becca and Alyssa chatting.
And Lauren answering a few questions! (She's the youngest ;)
We then had a photo op with Barlow Girl and yes, once again... Taylor was FIRST in line!! Can you see why my girl was smiling from ear to ear? During this photo op, they were standing right in front of our seats, so Taylor got the priveledge to be the "assistant apprentice" and helped their assistant with the cameras. It got to the point that they were all saying "Get your camera from Taylor!" What an honor for her!
Following our time with BarlowGirl, Mr Matt Carter and Andrew Simms took the stage! Matt is a very dear friend of ours, as he and his wife Sarah are in our adult small group at church and Nate plays Bass for him in Worship band. And Andrew is a friend that our Drew looks up to! Andrew and Drew share a birthday and a love for drumming! Drew calls him his "Brother from another Mother!" What an awesome time of Worship once again!
Then Pastor Nick came out to introduce BarlowGirl! The time had come for their amazing show!
I won't give commentary on these photos, as they are just various shots that turned out. Most were blurry because I didn't want to use my flash since we were right in the front. I didn't want to blind the poor girls!
Oh yeah... and here's Becca playing Nate's Bass!
After the show it was time for autographs. As we were waiting in line for BarlowGirl (and no, we weren't first this time, we waited until the end...) Taylor and some friends got Matt's autograph! He wrote "Taylor, You're my Hero, Your Dad is my Bassist"! Pretty sweet of him... He's going to make a GREAT dad one day ;)
So, when we finally got up to get autographs, the most special thing happened for my Taylor!! they all remembered her from her helping out with the cameras. She got up there and had brought several things along for them to sign, but they were saying "only one thing can be signed." So she was trying to figure out what she wanted to have autographed. Well, we got up there, and since they remembered her, they were like... "oh no, we are signing everything for Taylor!" And they just gushed over her. She got two CD's signed, a program and her shirt! She also got to show them a photo she had taken with them back in 2005. They thought that was great (especially since Lauren was not a blonde, something they tease her about mercilessly!)But Nate did take this photo at the end of the night with his phone, but I thought it was a great shot! It is Andrew Simms, Becca Barlow, Matt Carter, Alyssa Barlow and Lauren Barlow! What an amazing group of musicians!! God has Blessed them, and they are Blessing others in return! What a testimony to Obedience to God!
The night was simply AMAZING... and I didn't even touch on the actually concert. It was a small intimate setting for BarlowGirl, as they usually rock the place LOUD! But it was amazing in a whole new way! As usual, their songs were brought hope to many of the young ladies (and old ladies :)) that were there, and many lives were changed by the message of their music!I could not ask for any better role models for my daughter, and I will do everything I can to encourage her interest in BarlowGirl and music and a lifestyle that Glorifies God!
God is Good!
Black Friday!!
Well, on Black Friday, I woke up before the worms and did a little shopping. Let's just say I was back in bed and fast asleep at 6:30 AM! I enjoy going, but didn't have as much shopping to do this year! After I got some more rest, Taylor and I headed back out for a little more shopping, and Drew and Daddy headed out to the University of Akron Football game. Uncle Tommy got some tickets and offered them to the guys in the family. So Nate, Drew, Papaw Rudy, Uncle Tommy, Lincoln, Derek, Uncle Michael and Braden, along with others, headed up to the game! As you can see from the photos. It was a little cold, but they enjoyed themselves!
Now That's a GAME FACE!
As you can see, Drew had a great time! He talked about it for days after!
Just as the guys were getting home, Taylor Toby and I were heading out the door to go to Orrville's Home for the Holidays event. We went with Aunt Mel, Averie, Aunt Mer, Braden, Kiley and Dawson. There were lots of nice activities for the kids, and Taylor was asked to hand out flyers for her upcoming play "Buddy the Elf" which will be performed at the old Orrville Junior High December 18, 19 and 20. Again, it was cold, but with all the walking around, we stayed warm enough! Toby and Dawson got their faces painted!
Taylor was decorating a cookie... or is that licking the icing? Good thing it was just for her! She kept commenting that these Orrville folks better not say anything about her Generals stuff! The rivalry begins!
All and all a busy, but fun Black Friday!
God is Good
Now That's a GAME FACE!
As you can see, Drew had a great time! He talked about it for days after!Just as the guys were getting home, Taylor Toby and I were heading out the door to go to Orrville's Home for the Holidays event. We went with Aunt Mel, Averie, Aunt Mer, Braden, Kiley and Dawson. There were lots of nice activities for the kids, and Taylor was asked to hand out flyers for her upcoming play "Buddy the Elf" which will be performed at the old Orrville Junior High December 18, 19 and 20. Again, it was cold, but with all the walking around, we stayed warm enough! Toby and Dawson got their faces painted!
Taylor was decorating a cookie... or is that licking the icing? Good thing it was just for her! She kept commenting that these Orrville folks better not say anything about her Generals stuff! The rivalry begins!
All and all a busy, but fun Black Friday!God is Good
Thanksgiving Fun
Our first stop Thanksgiving day was my parents house! Not a huge meal, but my sister was in from Pittsburgh so the kids were excited to see Aunt Katy. I think Drew or Toby took this picture, so it's a little blurry, but I think it's a good photo of Katy!
Taylor and Toby enjoyed a few games of "Going Fishing" as they waited to eat!
Taylor was kind enough to set the table for us! She's such a helper now. Getting to be a Young Lady!
And my dad, showing off his amazing turkey! He did an awesome job with the meal!
After my parents house, we took off for Nate's family's get together. They had already eaten, so as soon as we walked in, they were ready to throw cards. We have a Euchre tournament each year. We threw cards for a few hours, ate lots of desserts and finger foods, and then wrapped it up and headed home!
It was a rather peaceful Thanksgiving this year! Much to be Thankful for, but Family is certainly high on the list!
God is Good!
Taylor and Toby enjoyed a few games of "Going Fishing" as they waited to eat!
Taylor was kind enough to set the table for us! She's such a helper now. Getting to be a Young Lady!
And my dad, showing off his amazing turkey! He did an awesome job with the meal!
After my parents house, we took off for Nate's family's get together. They had already eaten, so as soon as we walked in, they were ready to throw cards. We have a Euchre tournament each year. We threw cards for a few hours, ate lots of desserts and finger foods, and then wrapped it up and headed home!It was a rather peaceful Thanksgiving this year! Much to be Thankful for, but Family is certainly high on the list!
God is Good!
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