Poppy To The Rescue!

My dad...AKA Poppy

I don't know about you, but I struggled with math all through school. However, one thing I always enjoyed was science. I loved learning about it then and I LOVE teaching it now. The more I learn about the world we live in, the more in awe I am of it's creator. So, I share my passion for teaching with my sweet mom. While my passion for science, is all Dad. Before retiring, my dad worked for Eli Lilly's as a chemist for 40 years. He also managed to have a gift in teaching me ways to remember things in math and science when I was growing up. I still remember some of those silly sayings today.

Recently, I started teaching a middle school chemistry class at our homeschool co-op. I love this age group kids. I didn't think I could but I do. I am geared more for elementary kids by nature but having a daughter in the class has helped me realize these kids are not so scary! :) Anyway, when I saw that we were going to discuss some topics that I would struggle to explain in a way that my students would understand, I gave my dad a call. So last Monday, my dad came in to help me teach my chemistry class. He ate lunch with the girls and then we got started teaching the difference between ionic and covalent bonds using marshmallows, baggies and toothpicks.

Poppy explaining bonds to the kids.

Doodle loving having Poppy in class.

While we were teaching I asked a friend to snap a couple pictures for the year book. What I didn't realize, how much I look like my dad! Here we are listening to questions at the end of the class time.

Like Father, Like Daughter....HUH?

Thanks Dad for taking time out of your day to come save your girl again. It meant the world to me and it made your granddaughter's day.

Divine Appointments

A couple days ago, Bean saw that our girls from Romania were online via the Yahoo! Messager. So I hopped back to the computer to double check and by golly, she was right! So I sat down to see if they could chat for a few minutes, as I know they are busy studying for college exams and there she is with a simple phrase that is music to my heart, " Hi Mom!". God so ordained that meeting. I know it sounds so silly, but I truly believe the reason we still have contact and feel the way we do, both sides, is because God has tied our hearts together. I was able to catch up with my girls. :) Happy momma for sure. There are no words to express what I feel when I see their username light up telling me they are online. I can't just pick up a phone and call as I do here. I have to wait for those divine appointments which I cherish. After a lovely chat, I always hate to "hang up" our conversation. I can tell our conversation is coming to an end and I get that weird feeling in the pit of my stomach because I realize I do not know the next time I will get to "hear" their voice. If that makes sense. I love G. and V. so much and I hate that they are so far away from us. But one thing their being that far away has taught me, God is in control. He will find a way to bring us together at just the time we needed and those moments are so precious that they will sustain us until the next time.

Isn't that kind of like our time with God? I mean, I am so eager to see that I have the ability to have complete silence to be at the foot of the cross. When I see that I will have that time, I am so eager to sit and be attentive to Him and Him alone for those few moments that pass so quickly. Once I realize our time is short, I hate to "hang' up as well and I walk away feeling so content with the time we had and yet longing for more. God uses all the situations in our life to teach us more about Him. I am thankful that while I may not understand why all of us can't be together, I do not find frustration or bitterness, instead I find God's heart and gentle hand as He guides me through these lessons. He is such an awesome teacher! Now, if I can just get myself pulled away from the computer so I can sit with Him...it is so hard once I talk to the girls, I want to sit by the computer all the time just in case. Hmmm, now there's another lesson...I think we all should feel the same way about God's time with us...just a thought. :)

Blog Question

Ok ladies, you who change your blog templates often, I can't fix the title of my blog to the way I want it and can't figure it out. So hopefully you can help me. I want the words towards the bottom of the picture instead of at the top. I want the verse all the way to the bottom. Any ideas? Thanks!

Are We There Yet?

Have you ever had a moment where you suddenly realize that your life is no longer what it once was and your not sure when that change occurred? While that is the longest sentence ever, the thought behind it is quite simple. ;) As the girls have grown up, I have so enjoyed each stage. Granted, there are times that have been busier or more difficult, but truly there are blessings in each stage. With each passing of stages, whether when we had no more diaper bags, no more crib, no more blankie, no more whatever, it tends to sneak up on me.

While on our trip this year, I was walking through Animal Kingdom with our girls. Matt had a meeting so he joined us after he was finished that afternoon. While walking, I noticed that we have hit a new stage. It was a bittersweet moment. What lead me to this realization? Well, you know me....here's the picture of that moment:

Doodle and Bean walking through Animal Kingdom

You see, this was Bean's 5th time to Disney and Doodle's 4th. (Bean went with us while Doodle went with my parents to Virginia once) Each time before, they were young enough to be walking right by me either holding my hand or at least within arms reach. At 12 and 9, they are now at the stage they walk in front of me with confidence. They rode some of the rides without us. They were so cute walking through the parks talking along the way. I just walked behind them and wiped away a tear of joy for this new stage and maybe a tear for realizing the stage we just left will not return. I am so excited to see what this new stage we are entering has in store for us and truly am blessed that I have two precious girls that still like to hang out with Mom and Dad. Enjoy each stage for what it is and know that the next one will bring it's new blessings and trials. That is the joy of parenting. So here is a little walk down memory lane....Disney style! :)

1st Visit~ 2003

2nd Visit~ 2006

Bean's big trip~ summer 2008

One more time~ Fall 2008

Winter is SNOW fun! :)

Before we headed out for our little family trip to Florida, we had a great snowfall. I happen to be one of the weird people who enjoys snow. I love it! I think it is so beautiful. As a kid, I remember making snow ice cream with my parents. I also remember bundling up and playing outside with my brother and sister for hours! My girls are the same way. They love to get all bundled up and head out.

Doodle and Bean all bundled up for some snow fun!

When they come back inside, we sit by the fire with a cup of cocoa. Nothing better!

Bean looking way too cute trying to warm up once inside.

Finally Back!

We had a lovely time on our trip to Disney. Truly, it is just a magical place to go to with your kids. There is something about getting to put the cares of the world behind you and just play together and giggle like crazy! So, here are some of my favorite pictures from our trip.Matt and Bean walking down Main Street! Love it!

The Miller girls with Daddy....and a castle!!!

We FINALLY got Jesse and Woody's autograph. One of Doodle's favorites.

Crazy girls...passing some time before a 3D show.

The picture we get every time we go on the Buzz Lightyear ride. :)

The Miller girls ready for their big day at Animal Kingdom. (Daddy had meetings:(

Girlies in front of Expedition Everest.

During lunch, the girls wanted some pics...so here they are looking cute.

Then me with Bean.

And finally, Doodle with me.

Breakfast with some characters....the Mad Hatter....and Alice were fun, but best of all was....POOH!!! (my favorite)

Our hotel had a cool water park....here they are enjoying their "bubble".Their new passion...Lego's. Matt with his girls after they rode Tower of Terror!

The girls trying to teach Matt a hand game....too funny!!Doodle waiting for the parade at night....hula hoopin'!

Saying good night to the castle...until next time!

Disney Bound!

We are off to Disney World tomorrow morning at 5AM. We will be meeting Mickey and his friends by noon. Yeah! So I am taking a break from my blog for the week. I will be enjoying my time with my family and hopefully a little sunshine. Regardless of the weather, all days are better when I get to go see Pooh Bear and giggle with my girls and my honey. :) See you next week!

Math Tutor

We do a lot of schooling on the floor in our living room. We have desks, we just don't use them! :) Anyway, Bean and I were working very diligently this past Monday. We finished the work she needed my help with and she laid down on the floor to do her math. I came back in the room to find I had be replaced......with our dog, Rocky!

Rocky giving Bean a little assistance during math.

I have decided he likes math because he did the same thing when Doodle use to do her math on the floor.
Of course, the last picture is proof that either he loves math or you should not leave your camera in the room with your kids. You choose!

Seriously cracks me up!

Rooks, Pawns and Knights, Oh My!

For Christmas, Doodle received her first chess set. It is very basic but it is called the chess teacher. Each piece has little directions on the base to help her learn how to play. She was excited for this gift as she will be taking chess class in our co-op this semester.

Showing the new chess set on Christmas.

My sister's husband, Mark, is a quiet guy. He doesn't talk a whole lot, but when he does, we so enjoy those times. While we were hosting dinner each night during the swim clinic week, one night I came around the corner to find Mark helping Doodle with chess. She was playing against D-man. So, I did what any good mom would do....I grabbed the camera! :)

Uncle Mark and Doodle watching D-man make his move.

So serious!

I know this seems silly to post about, but you know what, Doodle has a new respect for this quiet man. He laid there on the floor talking her through each move until they beat the D-man, which was something she had not done yet that week. Uncle Mark was patient with her and quite impressive with all his knowledge of chess. We all learned that he played a lot as a kid/teen. Who knew!?! Regardless, loud or quiet, I appreciate anyone who takes the time to get down and teach a kid something new. Thanks Uncle Mark!

Mousin' Around

Over our Christmas break, we were blessed to have a few days where my sister and her husband held a swim clinic which Doodle and their oldest D-man were able to attend. While they attended that all three days, the "little" guys all hung out at our house. They enjoyed having this time together and I loved having them at my house. I made dinner for the entire crew each night and have a new appreciation for cooking for a family of 9! Regardless, at the end of the three days, the Logan kids all three spent the night at our house. We had fun.

The three "littles' enjoying a litte story time.

One of the days the Logan's were there, we were all playing a game when Doodle went to the kitchen to get something. She screamed a blood curdling scream and we all came running. This is how I found her....

and then this is how I found my big brave nephew.....

and finally this was the last group...

Guess what she saw? That is right, a mouse. Luckily, she saw it before it had made its evidence of being in our home. Matt caught it that night and no more mouse! Sorry Mickey, nothing personal. We like your house, but this house does not do mice. :)

Happiness in a Garage Door!

I know I had posted earlier about watching God work on that list I made of concerns at the end of 2009. Little by little, God checked several things off that list. I wanted to share the pictures of one of these things...my garage door. If you don't recall this amazing story, you can read about it by clicking here. Otherwise, just have a moment of happiness with me....

This was our nasty, old garage door.
I know, you are jealous! :)

The pretty new door!


The whole enchilada. Love it!

Favorite Christmas Moments

I know I am a bit behind, but truly I did not upload my pictures from Christmas until yesterday due to being a bit busy. So, as I flipped through the pictures on my computer, I saw some of my favorites that I thought I would share with you. I already shared two of my favorites with the Perkins' girls and the ones with Doodle and my dad, but I hope you enjoy these too. Doodle and Bean on Christmas Eve.

The Miller Family

My cute parents! Love them!!!

Some people would not like this one, but I think it is hilarious!
All 8 cousins after I took the "Christmas shot" did one crazy one.

My sweet sister and her honey.

(not sure why I don't have a pic of my brother and his wife this year! bad!)

Our Tree
Bean reading the Christmas story to us this year.
Daddy and Doodle. Too cute!

Doodle and her favorite gift: interior design studio kit.
Bean and her "stocking".

Since we just got the new mantel, we hated to hang anything

on it, so we used pillowcases and she thought it was fun! :)
My mother and father-in-law in a rare moment of silliness.

The four "Miller" cousins. All taller than me in one year. :)