The Milam Life

It's been a long time!

2012-01-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

Well Everyone.... It has been a long time! So much has happened it's hard to know where to start. So- I won't start anywhere I guess.. except for here, now.

I am living in Utah with the kids. Donny is in Afghanistan flying contract for the military. We are getting divorced and should be final very soon. I am going to school at Utah Valley University and on track to graduate in April. I have mixed feelings about that and not really sure where life will take me at that point.

Samantha is in Dance and LOVES it! She is so talented and really would do everything if she had the time. But, I think her most favorite thing to do is to write. She writes stories, letters, songs and anything else she can think of.

Jacob has been in gymnastics and karate. He is just happy doing SOMETHING. I think his most favorite thing to do is soccer and I am trying to find an all-year soccer team for him to be part of. He really enjoys kindergarten and playing with his friends. Especially the playing with friends part. He is still a very picky eater! It's very difficult to make something he will eat.. so I actually stopped worrying about it. He just eats what he can find that he likes.

Joshua is still so much fun! He is so dang cute! I wish kids would all stay this cute! Unfortunately, they don't. I think it is safe to say that Joshua has been my saving grace! He is really what has kept me going! The Lord blessed me with that baby at the time that I needed him the most! He does cute things like grab your chin and turn it to him so that he knows he has your attention. He tells me that he loves me all the time! He will put both of his little hands on the sides of my face and kiss me. He is so gentle and loving and tender. He loves to sit with me while watching tv.

I am grateful for my three kids. The past year and a half has been very difficult and we have gone through a lot of changes, but we have stuck together and are getting through it. We know that God is blessing us everyday. We try to do the things that we know we need to do so that we will always be able to receive the blessings that are in store for us.

I hope to be able to write again at some point, but for now, this is going to have to be IT for a while. Just too much going on and not enough time in the day. We thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts. We are well!

Utah State Fair

2010-11-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

In September we went to the Utah State Fair in Salt Lake. I mainly wanted to take the kids because I wanted to take them to see the rodeo- which I don't think they have ever been to.... or if they have, they were way too young to remember. So- we went and spent almost the whole day there. The kids had so much fun. Here are some pictures of some of the rides they went on.... This one, Samantha went on by herself... she sure is gutsy! She went on almost all of them! This one went REALLY HIGH and then DROPPED!

This was her after the drop! She loved it!

Joshua playing with some toys on a magnetic board in the natural science section ( I think)...

These things were actually really cool! They were little go cart things on two wheels and they moved as you steered them... They were awesome! The kids loved them. I would have bought them both one... but decided not to.... a little pricey for me right now. Would have made excellent Christmas gifts.

One more ride they went on.. they just had so much fun!

Joshua didn't really go on many.. I took him on one or two and then we all went on this one. HE had a blast! He loves doing what the big kids are doing!

Then came the rodeo.... It was awesome! We bought some kettle corn and enjoyed the show. It started off with two parachuters landing in the rodeo arena. It was so cool! Here is a picture of the first one. Unfortunately, my battery on my camera forgot to charge itself before we went on this venture...... and this was the only picture of the rodeo we got. However, the kids LOVED it and laughed and were amazed and just.... an incredible experience. I am so glad we were able to go. Hopefully, we will be able to go to more of these in the future.

SMORES TIME!

2010-11-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

Well, this was probably one of the funnest times I have had! Kevin and Rachel invited us up to the canyon to have a marshmellow roasting party. The drive was amazing! When we got there, we were going to start up our own fire, but then there was this older couple who had already had their dinner and were leaving and offered us their fire. It was almost dead, but we just wanted the coals anyway- so it worked out great! So- we pretty much were able to sit down and start roasting away. Smores were just around the corner.... YUMM!!! Here is Kevin and Rachel enjoying one together... Here is Jacob roasting his marshmellow. Jacob there behind him. The fire was hot and it was a little difficult for the younger kids to get very close.

Kevin, Rachel and Annie

ummm....how many did Kevin eat anyway???

Samantha and her burnt marshmellow. She actually likes it this way. Crazy girl!

Annie eating just the chocolate I think....

I didn't get a picture of me or of stockton.. oooops.... NEXT TIME!

Jacob's playing soccer

2010-11-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jacob wanted so desperately to sign up for soccer with Jaimen. Well, we got him signed up, but he ended up NOT getting on the same team as Jaimen. So- he was all on his own, but he had so much fun and he really is SUCH a good soccer player! This is him striking a pose after one of his games..... This is actually a huge rock that is pretty difficult to climb.. but he manages. This is what Samantha does during the games. Sometimes she will sit and watch, but sometimes she just can't stand looking at the huge hill next to the field and just HAS to roll down it.

This is what Joshua does during the games. He plays with his own soccer ball. He is a NATURAL! He LOVES to kick a ball. Both of my boys must take after their dad, who also played soccer....

When Jacob had to sit out for a break, Joshua decided to sit on his lap because Jacob was sitting in "his" chair- which actually was not "his" chair at all.... it was Jacobs..but, Jacob got injured and wasn't happy about it. Poor kid! (look at Joshua and how he is laughing that he beat up on his brother! LOL!).

Jacob making a goal!

Jacob blocking the goal... they don't really have goalies at this age, but Jacob sure knows what to do when the ball gets too close.

Jacob kicking the ball.... This is his coach in the background...

This was a picture of Jacob after his last game. They don't do banquets here in Utah.. a little strange. So- when the whistle blows.. that's it.

Oh, but the coach does pass out a certificate (which he didn't sign) and a little soccer necklace...no trophy or anything. I wonder if they do that for ALL ages? Hmmm... It was fun watching him play though. He is very good and I can see me being a soccer mom for a very LONG time, which I will thoroughly enjoy!

Samantha's First Day of School

2010-11-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Samantha's first day of school was early this year. She started school at the end of August. She is in the third grade now. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. Her Teacher is Mrs. Hoover. She is quickly getting to know more of the kids in her class and school. She really likes it so much. When they did the reading assessments, the teacher said she is reading at a 5th grade level. AMAZING! That's Montessori school for ya! Thanks Mom! She misses all of her friends from her old school and the fact that she knew just about everyone. She was so excited to start school though... check out that smile!

Salt Lake City Water Fun!- Summer 2010

2010-10-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

So, Rachel (Norris) and I took the kids into Salt Lake City to this little water park area. It was so much fun. Crazy thing was.... it was so dang hot but the kids still didn't want to get wet at first. The cool water felt so good to me! So, here are some pictures from that day. I noticed that Rachel and I are not in any.... planned??? This is the back of Stockton and Jacob. Samantha getting "used" to it!

Samantha and Annie.. so cute!

Jacob running through... this took a lot of coaxing... he REALLY didn't want to do this...

Joshua wouldn't go in without me.... and, well, I didn't really want to get all wet. I wasn't prepared to get soaked.... so- he only got to go in at the edges where it was "safer" for mom. He still had fun!

This is Samantha, Annie and Jacob.. not sure where Stockton went.

Jacob... striking a pose... took them a while to get gutsy... but they finally caved and had a blast!

Dinosaur Museum- August

2010-10-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to this Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving point. It was amazing! We watched a movie about the dinosaurs, played in the sand and dug up some bones, talked with archeologists and played some scavenger hunt games... so much fun! Here are the pics.... This wasn't turned on it's side when I uploaded it...so, I have no idea why it came up on here sideways.....

Samantha and Morgen playing in the sand... having a blast!

Samantha, Morgen and Jacob in front of one of the dinosaurs.

Joshua... I wouldn't let him get in the sand.... poor boy.... had to watch!

Samantha , Morgen and Jacob digging up bones...

This was taken a little earlier. The kids were having a fun time drawing with sidewalk chalk. This was the world I think they said... can't remember.

4th of July pictures- Provo Days!

2010-10-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

These are all in backwards order... so if you want, you can start from the bottom...... But, this is how it ended. We came home after watching fireworks at the BYU stadium and lit our own fireworks. It was a late night, but they had so much fun! Samantha looks tired.... right??

Rachelle and Danny Call and their kids- Whitney, Morgen and Presley.
Jaimen and Jacob playing swords.

Fireworks at BYU Stadium....

Cee Cee and Rick and their kids.. Kai, Madeline, and Shae Weight... (Jaimen was off playing with Jacob). My little Josh! He loved the fireworks.... but he got tired!

Me, Rachelle, and Cee Cee....

Earlier in the day we went to Provo days. I took all the kids but Josh- Cee Cee took him with her so the kids and I could go and have fun. Jacob is here with Jaimen and some of their friends that we saw there.

Jacob and Samantha got to go on this ride. The bungee jumping ride.... and they LOVED it!

Samantha got really high.. and was even doing summersaults in the air. Pretty cool!

The boys did marble painting. This was actually a really cool idea. I might do it sometime for something!

While the boys were marble painting, the girls were doing girlie things.... like painting their nails red, white and blue. I even did mine!

All the girls got their hair done by a salon that was doing hairstyles for free.... This is the back of Samantha's hair. It looked so pretty!

This was the front.....

We watched a reptile show.... here are the kids petting a HUGE snake.... can't remember what kind of a snake it was.... but it was pretty dang big!

Habitat for Humanity had a SAND TRUCK.... which the kids thouroughly enjoyed.

And that is it for our 4th of July pictures. It was a great day! Thanks to all who shared it with us!

Where to Start?

2010-10-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

I am not sure really where to start. It has been such a long time since I have blogged and not sure if I should start with the most recent and try to go backwards or if I should go back to where I left of and catch up from oldest to newest news?? Hmmmm......

Well, Let me summarize... Since visiting Utah this summer... the kids and I have come back to stay more permanently for a while. Donny and I have seperated and this is just how it ended up. So- the pictures I will be posting will be all here in Provo. We are living in the basement unit of a good old friend of mine- Cee Cee Weight. She was one of my College roommates from Ricks College. It's actually a pretty large space. 2 very nice sized bedrooms and a bathroom, kitchen, Living room and Dining area. The boys share a room and Samantha and I share a room. Our room is big enough to fit my king size bed and her queen size bed and still have room. HOWEVER..... when we moved our stuff here from Washington, we found mold hiding behind a dresser in our bedroom and we had to almost tear out the whole room and the bathroom. It was really bad. We had it treated and now just waiting for it to get all put back together so we can have a room and bathroom again. In the meantime, all the kids are in one room, and I pull out my bed at night (which is against a wall during the day). It works, but I really can't wait to get a room again!

Anyway- We have been busy getting settled in. We have gone to Dr. appointments, gotten involved in some of the community sports and stuff, trying to get to know our way around here and get used to it. The kids really love being here, but miss everyone back home.

So- a little update on everyone..... Let us start with Samantha. She started school very early- end of August. Her teacher is Mrs. Hoover. I think she likes the idea of being in a school where most everyone is LDS. When they tested her skills.... she was at a 5th grade reading level. WOW! I knew she was a good reader, but I had no idea it was that good! I wasn't able to get her into soccer because we were late on the bandwagon and it was too full. So- we signed her up for gymnastics instead. She LOVES it! She goes 2x a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is involved in her activity days at church which she does twice a month. She is such a big helper (still) and I don't know what I would do without her!

Jacob.... well- I just love my boy! He gets to spend some pretty good time with mom these days. We got him into a headstart program (which I am not too fond of so far), which he seems to like, but not sure if he is really getting anything from it. He only goes in the afternoons for now, so he mostly plays with Josh in the morning. Good "brother bonding" time. Jacob was in Soccer and he is so good! A natural I think. He is a fast runner and a strong kicker! I am pretty sure we will be doing soccer with him for many years to come! Right now, we are working on getting him off of Pull ups at night. He is doing pretty good. He gets a special prize/treat after 5 nights of being dry. Yesterday was his first special prize... he wanted a toy...a cap gun and toy handcuffs. So funny! But, he is already talking about what he will do for his next special prize/treat. He also already has a list for Santa. I tell you, this boy doesn't waste any time!

Joshua.... is just growing up WAY TOO FAST! He is truly such a joy! He makes new milestones all the time.. beginning to run a little now, walks down steps all by himself, throws balls VERY WELL, kicks a soccer ball almost as good as his big brother, drinks out of a big boy cup, and just recently has been taken off of the binkie. This is frustrating at times for the both of us... but we will deal with it and get through it. I am hoping that by doing this, it will help him to talk to us a little more... hopefully.

Me.... well, I can't believe how busy I have been. I will be going back to school in January to get a degree in Emergency Management Services. I am so very excited about this! It is something that I have been interested in for years. I have volunteered with the Habitat for Humanity and will be looking for opportunities to volunteer with the Red Cross soon too! Other than that, I am just surviving and making some life changes that need to be made. Life is good and I know that the Lord is taking my life and turning into what it needs to be.

So- I think that is it..... Now time for some cute pictures. This is the LONG part of blogging.... I think, anyway! So- I will start with the oldest pics.... I left off at 4th of July....

Okay... it's not letting me add any photos... .dang! I will try again in a minute.

Lehi Days

2010-07-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

So- last weekend we went to Lehi days. Lehi is where Rachelle lives. It was so much fun. Lots of things for the kids to do. Lots of free stuff AND the rides and everything else were so affordable!! Like, all the rides were 25cents. We stayed for a long time and let the kids do rides for a long time. Just lots of fun hanging out. Oh- and I ran into a guy from my mission- Brian Allred. That was CRAZY! Who would have thought I would have actually seen anyone I knew? Hmm.. anyway-- here are a few pics from Lehi Days....

This is Samantha after she got her face painted with a red, white and blue butterfly... What a perfect little model! Dang she is cute!This is Jacob with his spiderman face painting job. Can you believe these were only .25 cents??This is all of us (minus Josh- he didn't get his face painted- too young). I got a little design on the side of my eyes too... can't see it very well, but it was really good! This is Josh swinging! He did NOT want to get out of this swing... but he was starting to get RED! So- No option there!And- this is Josh with his new little friend Presley. Isn't she just the cutest thing?? They are so cute together! They are sharing the stroller right now. They both just climb up and sit there and look around and talk to each other. Cute kids!

A little catching up....

2010-07-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

So- I haven't been on here in a long time. Just haven't had time. I started classes at GRCC to get my ECE certificate a few months ago and it has just kept me VERY busy!! Not to mention- alot of things going on in my personal life, end of school for the kids, and everything else. I decided that my life was quickly becoming unmanageable.... and I had decided to take a vacation to Utah for a couple weeks. Well, later I decided to make it for a couple months. I needed to take a step back from everything going on and get clear on some things. So, the kids and I are in Provo, Utah. We will be staying at least until the middle of August. The kids are loving it! I am staying with one of my BFF's from college (Ricks). She has a furnished basement that she had renters in, but they moved out about a month before we got here. Perfect timing! It was meant to be. Anyway- I am only 20 minutes away from another one of my college roommates- Rachelle, another one of my BFF's, and it is just so great being with them so much again! I love it! The kids all have their new friends..... Cee Cee has Jaimen who recently turned 5. Him and Jacob do everything together. Cee Cee also has Shea- who is 8 and her and Samantha do everything together! Rachelle has a little girl named Presley- who is the cutest little thing! And Joshua LOVES her! Although, it wasn't love at first sight. Pres is a bit of a bully and it took a while for Josh to warm up to her- and her to him... but they are great friends now, giving loves and sharing all the time! It is so cute!

Jacob has learned how to ride his bike without his training wheels! He was afraid at first, but I knew he was ready. I don't think his training wheels have been touching the ground for months now. It sure has sped him up though! He LOVES to ride his bike even more now. Cee Cee's oldest is Kai and He sure does play with the kids well too. It's the big brother they never had. and then Cee Cee also has Madilyn who is 11 I think. hmmmm.. hope I didn't get that wrong. Rachelle has a daughter Morgen who is 10- so they hang out when we are all together. Rachelle also has one more- Whitney who is 12. She just does whatever... The kids are getting to know everyone real well though. When we first got here, Danny- Rachelle's husband, was trying to get Josh to high 5 him... Josh just looked at him like "what is wrong with you!" But, amazingly- somehow Josh figured it out because the next time we saw Danny and he asked Josh to give him a high 5- Josh did it! It was so cute! Now, he walks up to everybody and gives them a high 5. I also got Josh's hair cut again-- the long hair was just too much in this heat! So- he looks like a bigger boy now!

Samantha has been trying everything with her friends... she has gone to hula, basketball camp, and she has been invited to go to a cheer class with Morgen. She is really loving it!

Anyway- since we are in UTAH, we celebrated the 4th of July on the 3rd of July.... really confusing to my kids... but, it was fun! It was different not being with my family! I really missed that. But, I did try my best to do it CARROLL style... I made my Dad's famous BBQ sauce and made ribs, a layered salad, corn on the cob, fruit and chips. It was so yummy! Peanut butter brownies for dessert as we watched BYU stadium fireworks going off. It was a good day! So- here are some pictures of some recent events.... I don't have 4th of July on here yet, but I will hopefully get those up soon! This is of Joshua golfing.... We went to hit some balls after my birthday dinner at Milam's and Joshua decided to try it out on his own. He actually looks like he knows what he is doing. CUTE! This is Samantha and Jacob at Gene Coulon Park in Renton. We had a 3 day weekend but didn't really do anything... .So, I decided to take an extra day and go play.. so we did! Had a great time!This is Joshua- playing at Gene Coulon Park. He had so much fun!

New York, New York

2009-12-29T01:56:00.000-08:00

In early November we went to New York for the 2nd time to visit Suzanne and the family. Paige was getting baptized and really wanted us there. Not to mention the kids really wanted to BE there! So- we went. My mom went with us to help me out with 3 kids. First time flying with Joshua- so it was nice to have her there. It was so much fun. It's always nice to get away for a little bit. The one special thing we did while we were there, besides the very special baptism of Paige Mckenna Quillen, was to go to New York to see the Statue of Liberty. It was GREAT!!! I loved it, and the kids LOVED it! I don't think they will EVER forget it! So here are the pics of that wonderful event!

Suzanne, Paige and Samantha sang a really pretty song at the baptism. Samantha still sings it. Maybe she will want this one sung at her own baptism in May this next year. Hmmm...

Oh- Aren't they cute together?

Paige opening birthday gifts and baptism gifts.

Perry stole Paige's hat. It did look really cute on her!

On the ferry to the Island to see Lady Liberty herself!

And there she is!

Do we look good or what?? I decided that being the Statue of Liberty for Halloween next year would be a good idea.

The (big) kids!

Me, Samantha, and Jacob

At the airport waiting to head home....Joshua

Jacob

and Samantha (she is such a big helper!).

I think this at least catches me up to the first week in December. Phew!! Now to just get my last Mt. SI hike pictures and Christmas pics up. It's on the list! Anyone want to take a guess on how long it will take for me to do that???

More Catching up....

2009-12-29T01:40:00.000-08:00

So- I also have some pictures of Samantha at Soccer. It was her first year playing. She LOVED it! She couldn't be still... she would bounce around all the time, she was so excited!

She played defender best... so she only did goalie about 1 or 2 times.

and of course- have to eat the oranges at half time!

This is a pic of the cake I made for the Banquet. It was actually a half circle soccer ball cake. It was my first ever attempt.. so, not the best, but it worked! :) Her team name was the CHEETAHS..

This is at her Awards Banquet. She was so excited to get an award! The boy with her was a brother of one of the other team members. Coach Lori couldn't make it, so he handed out the awards to the girls and tried to make each one of them special...it was cute! Can't wait for next season!

Some Serious Catching up...

2009-12-29T00:56:00.000-08:00

Okay- so I have some serious catching up to do. I was looking at my pictures these past few months and noticed I havent' been updating this very well. LOTS have been going on. My brother Alan FINALLY married Christie! It was a beautiful wedding! And, it is especially wonderful to OFFICIALLY have Christie part of the family now! Here are a few pics of the wedding day. I have lots more, but these are just a few.

Cutting Cake and eating Lunch

Carroll Family pic- (at least all of us that were there).
Keith, Rochelle & Alayna

Donny and I and then my Mom & Dad

Then, my brother Mike and his girls Stormy and Tessa.

Alan & Christy with James right after the ceremony.

Keith and Brandyn

Christie's Sisters and Cousin (bridesmaids)
Alan and his boys (best men)

Donny and Dad

Alan & Christie (love this pic)

And here are two really cute pictures of my boys in the bath. I know, one of these days I am going to REALLY be in TROUBLE for these ones! Oh well! LOl!
Joshua eating his "Y"

Jacob & Joshua

Who said so??

2009-11-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

So- I was teasing around with Jacob the other day, bugging him about growing up... I said- "You have been growing! Who said you could grow?? I thought I told you that you weren't supposed to grow anymore!" He said- "Daddy said I could"- Daddy denied that! then he said "Samantha said"- Samantha denied it too! A little while later he said- "I know who said I could grow.... Heavenly Father!!" I said- "Well shoot! He trumps me big time!!! I guess I can't argue with him!". Jacob thought he was pretty cool and funny.... I think because he finally thought of the only RIGHT person! Cracks me up! He is such a smarty pants sometimes!

Joshua has definetly been teething! He is such a crank! Not his norm. His little bottom is so rashed that he is bleeding and has blisters where the raw skin is. The desitin won't even stick to the raw skin. I cake it on so thick, hoping that it will get better... but it doesn't really. Today- I started using neosporin- I'm afraid it is going to get infected! Poor baby! Makes me want to cry!

Samantha had her teacher conference today. She got a good report card! She is doing very well. Last night she was reading her library book to us. She decided that she was going to read it with "EXPRESSION". So- she stood up in the front of the living room on the step and read the book to us, with expression, and stood the whole time. It was cute! She really is a good reader! I hope all my kids are that good in school- and stay that way. Donny did really well in school too, Hopefully they get his skills for good school work and study skills. Life will be much easier on them if they inherited that trait!

I- climbed Mount Si on Saturday with Melanie Willden and Brandyn Parks. It was great! 4 miles to the top- where there was snow! I wore just my short sleeved shirt the whole time until about 50 feet from the top. That was when I decided I was getting a bit chilly (sweating the whole time until then... I think the sweat started to get me cold at that point) and put on my fleece jacket. When we got to the top, we were going to eat something and then head back down. We started eating lunch and then a big gust of cold air came... BRRRR!! It was VERY COLD! So- that was when I put on my jacket. There were some birds up there who would come and get food right out of your hand. It was very cool. Beautiful birds!

We did Thanksgiving dinner for Donny on Sunday. He left today and will be gone on Thanksgiving day too! I wanted to make sure he got a nice Turkey dinner, so we invited Don and Ginger over, (Jamison and Callie came because they were staying with them for the weekend- Scott was out of town), and Ken, Amber, Chad and Natalie too. It was a nice little get together for Donny! It was very yummy! Happy Thanksgiving Honey!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you too!! Hope your week is a safe and Thankful one!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween! We had such a busy day! Samantha's last soccer game of the season was at 9:30, then we went and got flowers and cute little trinkets for Wendy's grave, went to the grave- also cleaned off David's and Jewells grave. Then came back home, got ready for a Halloween party at the Super Jump. We were really late, but we made it for a little while! Then, grabbed some groceries and came home for just long enough to let everyone use the restroom, Get Daddy, and off to go to a little get together at Kentlake Highlands and then FINALLY- Trick or Treating!! Man! What a day! We didn't get home until after 9pm! Samantha stayed at a friends house overnight and Jacob and Josh came home with us. They didn't get in bed until after 10. Jacob wanted to sleep in our room on the floor because Samantha wasn't home and he was afraid. So- he is on our floor in our room. Crazy kid! But, we all had a fun day, the weather was PERFECT, and everyone got along! Really a great day! However, so glad it's over! Im tired! Joshua was a little monkey..Jacob was spiderman...Samantha was this pumpkin spice girl (which she wanted to be because she wanted to wear these orange fake eyelashes and nails. When we tried to put them on, the eyelashes weren't sticking and the glue got in her eyes- at which point she was no longer interested in those... when we put the fingernails on, they wouldn't stick. I finally got them on, but they soon fell off and she just pulled the rest off and told me it just wasn't going to work.- I HATE- yes, a strong word, but HATE those cheapo fake fingernails!) ... I was Medussa, and Donny... Well, he kept telling me to tell everyone he was the Invisible Man! (Because he's usually MIA).. kind of funny! But, he DID go trick or treating with us tonight! That was fun! He doesn't get to do that every year! I hope the kids had fun hanging with their dad! I Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween too! Pictures to come... I really mean it this time!

2 Teeth! and more!

2009-09-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well- In all that has been going on lately.... I forgot to mention that Joshua has 2 teeth already! I didn't even know they were coming in! They just appeared out of nowhere! They are so cute! and now- he BITES! OUCH! But, he is still soooo cute! At his doctor appointment two weeks ago- he was 17lbs 11.5 oz., 27 inches. He is growing sooo fast! Crazy!

Samantha on the other hand has been losing teeth! She just lost another one last week and got $2 from the toothfairy.... She is so excited to lose more! Crazy girl!

Jacob and Samantha have both started soccer! They play in the Maple Valley league. They have a Pee Wee league for Jacob. It is so fun to watch them play! Samantha had her first games on Saturday (Jamboree). She won her first one (2-1) and lost her second (1-2). But, all the girls on the team did so well! I can see some great games in our future! I will take some pictures of them playing as soon as I buy a new camera. I broke mine a couple weeks ago..... :< Very SAD!

We got to go to the cabin for a few days last week. It was so nice. LOVE going there! Gets me away from all the fuss in life...... SOOO did not want to come back. We got the jet skis out one last time.... and then put them away for the winter. That is always a sad day!

I have decided that I am going to train to hike Mt Rainier next summer with a friend of mine. I think my sister Ronda is going to do it too. I have no idea what that all entails.. but I am ready for an adventure.. and it sounds like it will prove to be a great one! I am really looking forward to it!

I think that is all the updates for now, so I will sign off. Still no school yet... teachers on strike. Hope a contract gets signed soon so that life will be NORMAL...... Kids are supposed to be in school in September.... not home aggravating their parents! LOL! Bye for now!

The death of my oldest brother, Dave

2009-08-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you already know... but my oldest brother died this last week- Monday August 24th. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer a little over a month ago. I was able to see him a few weeks ago and I could tell he was in so much pain. I am glad that he doesn't have that pain anymore. I am also glad that I had a chance to tell him that I love him and how much I appreciated him as my big brother. I hope he knows how much we will all miss him. Im a little jealous that he gets to be the first one to see my little sister again, although, Im not ready to go yet. I think of his kids and how terrible it is to have to lose your father. I know that losing one of my parents would be very difficult for me to go through, and I am so much older than them. It just doesn't seem fair to have to lose an Aunt that you were so close to, and then to have to lose your father all in 18mos. If that doesn't challenge a testimony, I don't know what would! I am so glad that I have the gospel in my life. I am so glad that I know the plan of salvation and that it is TRUE! How much more difficult this would all be if I didn't have that knowledge! I pray for my family. I pray that we can all stay strong and faithful and know that our Father in Heaven will not leave us alone. He loves us! I know that he will help us all get through this pain... I love you family! I love you so much! Remember that!

David Robert Carroll August 8, 1966 - August 24, 2009

Rest in Peace, David- We love you!

This song is for you Dave! (Silent Lucidity- Queensryche)

Family May Birthday BBQ

2009-07-06T00:32:00.000-07:00

So- We have a birthday BBQ every month for all the birthdays in the family for that given month. And this is the MAY Birthday BBQ. We had a really big turn out this month- Alan and Christy made it from Idaho, Jerry, Victoria and Rebekah were there, and then of course now that Kathy, Brandyn and Brittney are back - it makes for a huge feast! We had so much fun! I think there are more pictures somewhere- but I can't find them. It was a little chilly that day and the mosquitos were out having their little feast too!!! If anyone else has any pictures they want on here, just send them to me- KK??? (That's for you Britt!)

So much for catching up!

2009-07-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

I had every intention to get caught up the last time.... so much for that! So- Going back- AGAIN! May Birthdays! Samantha and Donny.... Donny doesn't like a bunch of hoopla so, we took him out to Red Robin- the kids wanted him to get sung to! It was funny! Donny said no at first, but then finally gave in to his very begging children! So- here is Donny at Red Robin Samantha had a Hannah Montana Birthday party. We just did a little party here at the house. She had lots of her friends come- they jumped on the trampoline, played on the swingset, had a pinata, ate cake (I made her a guitar Chocolate Rice Krispee cake- it's what she wanted!) , and opened presents. It was a very nice party! Here are some pictures of her and her friends!

Catching up!

2009-06-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Oh my!!! Life HAS been a little crazy! I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted! Well- this is what I have been up to in a nut shell- driving kids to school, nursing baby, showering, nursing baby, picking kids up from school, nursing baby, cleaning house (or something), picking more kids up from school, nursing baby, fixing dinner, eating dinner, cleaning up dinner, nursing baby, pajamas on, get kids in bed, go to bed..... yep that's about it! When I am not doing that, I have been working for my mom at her school 3 days a week. So- I really need to catch you all up on things. Let's go back to Easter! Yes, Easter! I have cute pictures! We went to Milams for Easter dinner. They did an easter egg hunt inside because it was raining! That's Seattle in spring for you! Then we did a few at home too- when the sun decided to come out! Here are some pictures!

Happy Easter Craft

2009-04-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

My kids and I decided to make something for the Grandmas for Easter. They were wood blocks that we first painted, then put scrapbook paper and letters on and then wrapped them to give away. Jacob and Samantha had a lot of fun helping paint them and put them together. They are always so interested in helping out- wether cooking, crafting, cleaning .... whatever the task may be. I am so thankful for my kids. Here are some pictures of our craft ....

Samantha at Cheer Camp

2009-04-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Samantha had a cheer camp the Saturday before I was due. I was really debating wether or not she would be going- but decided that if I hadn't had the baby by that Saturday, that she would be able to go. She had soooo much fun! The cheerleader that she had so much fun with was named Avery. I am so glad that she got to go. Now she does a cute little cheer and dance and she makes such a cute little cheerleader. Here are some pictures of her day.

Welcome Baby Joshua Donald Milam!

2009-04-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

We would like to announce the new addition to the Donald G Milam family- Joshua Donald Milam! He is absolutley beautiful!!! 7lbs 15oz. 20in long. Lots of dark hair- our little tradition- and it looks like maybe another blue-eyed child. The C-section was the most strangest thing I have ever felt in my life! I thought having a little thing growing inside of me was strange as it was---- but having your body completely numb and feeling all the tugging and pulling and whatever else- definetly topped that! Needless to say- it only took 18 minutes (so Donny says) to cut me up, pull baby out and sew me back together again! Absolutley amazing!! This was my first sight of him- (below-sorry for the blood)being held by Dr. Kathleen Hanlon. Donny actually did great in the operating room and looked so cute in his "scrubs"- which he said- not the right look for him- I think he would rather wear his flying uniform. I thought he looked cute!

As far as the recovery goes- I am doing good. Up and about already- which people say is great! S0- Nothing to complain about on my end. Donny has been great at taking care of me and the kids and whatever needs to be done. The kids LOVE their baby brother! They were so excited to see him for the first time. Samantha was counting down the days! Here are some pictures with them and their new brother Joshua- whom they call "Joshie".

Aren't these faces adorable?? And- the first kiss-

Here are some pictures of our guests holding Joshua..... (L-R: Aunt Kathy, Grandpa Carroll, Grandma Carroll)

(L-R above: Cousin Nathan Pollock, Cousin Brittney & Brandyn Carroll, Grandma Milam) (L-R below: Uncle Shawn Pollock, Aunt Ronda Pollock, Cousin Bryce Pollock)

And some more: Unlce Scott Milam, Cousin Jamison Milam & Cousin Callie Milam

And last but not least----- Cousin Nicole Hoffman!

I thought I had pictures of Grandpa Milam, Uncle Brian Milam and Auntie EM(ily) Milam- but not here... hmmmmmm my cameraman (Donny) must have decided to take a nap!

Anyway- This is mostly all the pictures I have. I will add a few more misc ones at the end- including the one of my most favorite nurse I have ever had- Kristen Graves- who actually is a member and lives within my stake! She was wonderful- if you happen across this Kristen, thanks so much for a pleasant experience!

Hope you all enjoy my little bundle as much as I have!
Oh- The picture of the dragonfly.... for those of you who don't know.... This has kind of been Wendy's little trademark since she passed. She loved dragonflys and every now and then one will pop up in some way... and I noticed that in the corner of the artwork that was in my room.... was a dragonfly..... Hmmmmmm... So- I took a picture so that I will always remember that Wendy was there in her own small way (and I did notice on my walks in the halls that it wasn't the same picture in every room).

Baby coming tomorrow!! (hopefully)

2009-03-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I went in to the DR's office on Monday- my due date and found out that the baby is breach. The DR tried to manually move him and turn him around to no avail! So, we have scheduled a c-section for tomorrow (Wednesday- April Fools day!) and hopefully with no fooling, we will have our baby boy tomorrow. Ronda jokes around and says maybe it will come out a girl! I would die!! I have totally prepared for a boy! The surgery is scheduled for 12:00 noon and from what I am told- takes 8 minutes to get the baby out and about 40 minutes to sew me back up. Sounds like way too much work! and Pain! So- Just wanted to give an update of where we were at with things. I will be back home probably Saturday, but don't know when I will get back on the computer again. Hopefully soon with some pictures! Thanks for all who have been calling to check up on me! I appreciate it! Talk more later!!

Baptism in the family!

2009-03-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

Well, last month, Feb 28, 2009, my niece and nephew (Oldest Brother, Dave's, oldest kids) Brandyn (16 yrs) and Brittney (15 yrs) were baptized. They recently have moved back to Washington from Ohio with their mother, Kathy (age unable to share as she might hurt me). They started coming to church with my folks and Brandyn was almost instantly interested in what needed to be done to pass the sacrament and was asking questions. So, we gave phone numbers to the missionaries and scheduled their first missionary lesson. I think just over a month later, they were baptized. Their missionaires were Elder Blanc and Elder Tenney. They were great missionaries who I know will never be forgotten. Elder Blanc baptized Brittney and Uncle Donny Milam baptized Brandyn. It was a late night. Donny wasn't able to get off of work and didn't get home until 8pm to the airport- so the baptism was scheduled for 9pm!!! yes- that is right! And SOOO many people came to show their love and support. It was great! Amazing and Great! (This is them with their Mom, Kathy.) I am so proud of them and am so excited to see where their lives will lead them in the future. They are great kids! Anyway-Just thought I would post this very memorable event!

(to the right- some of the younger cousins- L to R; top-Samantha, Bryce, Nathan, bottom-Alayna and Jacob)

BTW- No baby yet! Stay tuned!!!!

Samantha playing "Teacher"

2009-03-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was doing something and letting the kids just play- which they were doing so quietly! Which usually is a bad sign! So, I went to go check on them and this is what I found- Samantha pretending to be "teacher" and reading a book to Jacob who was sitting directly across from her. It was so cute. I quickly went to get my camera trying not to let them know I had just peeked in on them. The first picture I got without them seeing me, but then they started to pose and get silly! I thought it was adorable. Samantha says she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. I used to say that too- along time ago. I think it's a good reflection on the teachers that she has and has had- she must be having a good experience with them. She will even play teacher with me on occasion and give me "mini lessons" teaching me on a drawing board how in silent e words- how the words are sad without the e- something like that! It 's cute. I hope she always loves school as much as she does now- and I hope she is always a good student like she is now.

New York! New York!

2009-03-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

January 10th- January 17th, 2009- New York, NY visiting Suzanne & Jim Quillen & girls.....

Well, I wanted to post some of our pictures of our trip to New York on here. We had so much fun! It was soooo cold! I can actually say, though, that I have been in colder weather before- St.Louis, MO on my mission. We were there for a week, just me and the kids. Donny had to work and with the baby on the way, I knew that if I didn't get over to see Suzanne and the fam before the baby was born, it just wasn't going to happen for a while. I am not too sure how I feel about flying with 3 kids by myself. We'll have to see. Anyway- Suzanne has a beautiful house! Huge! Wish it was mine! and a huge yard! When you think of living in New York, I just don't picture big houses with big yards. But, they actually live about 90 minutes away from New York- which would explain it a little. There actually is a "Po dunk" in New York. I suppose it's more like "country". Whatever! Anyway- It was really cool. Some of the things we did...... went sledding- the kids loved! loved! loved! this!!!! They probably sled a little bit every day. Although, I really mean a little bit when I say it. Because it was so cold, sometimes they could only stay out for ab0ut 5-10 minutes before they were FROZEN! Even Jim, Suzanne and I went sledding once- I figured if my doctor found out I was sledding while being 8 mos. pregnant- I might get into a little trouble. Gotta live, right?? We also went into New York city one day. Took the train in with the kids. That was fun. Certainly an experience. I must say it was very cool standing in Times square with all the buildings, lights, people and traffic! Just like on TV. Completly different than Las Vegas if you ask me!

We also went to Sleepy Hollow, NY. - we drove around, saw some pretty cool things. Spooky Hollow cemetery, a Gentlemans club or something- looked like a mansion! Saw a castle, and ate at a very expensive McD's!

Saw Jim's workplace. Took him to lunch. All the rivers were covered with ICE from being so cold. The day after we were in New York City, was when US Air Airliner landed on the Hudson and everybody survived! Truly amazing! That water had to have been VERY cold with all that ice on it.

Anyway- It was a fun trip! The kids had so much fun being at Aunt Suzi's and seeing their cousins! and.... Suz and I even got in a little scrapbooking! It was a great break! Thanks Suz! (and Jim, Paige & Perry! We love you guys!)

Wow, Time Flies!

2009-02-07T00:24:00.000-08:00

Wow, I'ts amamzing how time flies! I didn't think it had been that long since I wrote on here----woops! I guess I have some catching up to do. Let's see---- Christmas---- Christmas was fun and stressful at the same time. I had some crazy idea this year to make christmas advent calendars for all of the siblings in my family and my husbands siblings- total of 14 were made. They were felt calendars that really had sentimental meaning to me- we had one when I was a kid and loved it! I really wanted my kids to have those same memories.... and the other kids in my family too! So- thus the wonderful idea! I actually started in January before Wendy passed away... but then the rest of the year kind of went downhill fast and these advent calendars got put on the BACK burner, the VERY back! So- I started it up again in November! I know- what was I thinking? But, with alot of help from my mom, sister, sister-in-law and bff Amber, I got them all done! I think everyone really LOVED them! Here is sort of a picture of what I did.... I have been wanting to do these for Sooooo many years... Finally done!

Also- another craft that I have been trying to do for years is stockings for my kids and Donny and I. Again, something that I started like 2 years ago at least! I wanted my mom to embroider (on a new fancy machine she got) on all of them something that related to each of us, but then she started having problems with her machine, then they moved and packed it up, then they forgot how to use the darn thing- so finally- got the stockings embroidered and finished those up CHRISTMAS EVE!!!! Crazy! Anyway- here is a picture of those----

Donny has the Santa, I have the Bear cooking, Samantha has the gingerbread house, Jacob has the snowman and I even made one for the baby- who has mittens.

So, trying to get all of these projects done by christmas was the not so fun... It actually was fun, but just a lot of work and stress- which I really didn't need. But, HUGE thanks to my mom and dad who did the embroidery on these stockings.... They turned out so cute! And I know they were just as busy as I was getting "projects" done.... So, I really appreciate their help in getting these done for me! Thanks mom & dad!

We did send christmas cards to hopefully everyone- sorry if we missed you this year- let me know if I did- maybe I don't have your address! Anyway- we took a little family picture to put on the card... It's a terrible picture of me- I think it should be a golden rule that you just don't take pictures of pregnant people! Anyway- here it is!

Well, I still have so much to catch up on- but it will have to wait until next time----- It is almost 1am and I need to get to bed! Goodnight for now!

IT's a ..........

2008-11-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

Boy!!!! Yep, it's a boy! Jacob is so excited!! The only thing Samantha could say was "not another boy like Jacob"! She really wanted a little sister, but she will have to dress up her brothers! She already does a pretty good job of that with Jacob. He is always wanting lipstip and makeup and jewelry. We hope he turns out alright!

We have come up with absolutetly NO names yet! Boy names are so hard! So, we figure we have another 4 1/2 months- no need to rush things!

The latest

2008-11-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

Onto another month. Geez! Well, Halloween was fun. It was a little different not spending the entire evening with my sister, Ronda, who was on a family vacation. But, we managed to find some good friends to hang out with and had a very nice evening. It rained all day and stopped just in enough time to dry out a little for the evening events. Samantha was a tooth fairy this year- as she FINALLY lost her first tooth and thought the tooth fairy was the best after giving her $5.00 for it! She was so cute! Jacob really wanted to be an alien of all things- but we had already bought him a horse outfit that I was hoping he would agree to wear when it came down to it- and he did. We went out for about an hour and then we were ready to go home- except for Jacob. It think he could have gone all night!! We went to one house where there were real people all dressed up in all sorts of ghorry (sp?) outfits with a really cool decked out yard. They were very good to the little kids and didn't scare any of them, but as my kids went up to the door, I said-" you should scare them at least a little bit"! One of the guys said"okay". So, when Jacob and Samantha came away from the door, one of the guys started slowly walking behind them, and when Jacob noticed he started running towards me. It was the funniest thing. He actually went back to investigate a little on his own- tyring very hard to be brave and find out a little about these scary guys. He would get scared and back off a little, but then go up again to look. crazy kid! I knew he would like it. When we were coming down the other side of the street and passed that same house, Jacob said-" I want to go over there (pointing to that house)"! So, I said that we could go look, but not trick or treat. Again, he did the same investigating. Brave boy! Not even any nightmares that night. These other pictures are of us carving pumpkins. Daddy was home to help out. Thank goodness. He cut them up after we told him what we wanted and then Samantha and I dug out all the gooey stuff. She liked that too! Weird kids! Anyway- We find out this Thursday what we are having- boy or girl. We will see!

Crazy Times!

2008-10-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it would just figure that right when I start getting a little extra time only working 2 days a week for my mom, that she decides that she needs to go and break a leg! Okay, not really her leg, but her ankle!! She broke it in 3 spots and had to have surgery the next day. She is supposed to be off of her foot for 3 months! Yikes! You know what that means, right? No more free time! Yep- I have been helping her out at the school since she is not able to get around much. I am actually surprised at how well she is doing. But, she is still in a wheelchair and not very accessible when needed quickly with a child at school. So, Kayla and I will continue to keep the place nailed down and the kids working. Mom is there MOST of the time now, and still works with each of the children everyday, so that is nice. I try to get a day off here and there to get a break and keep up with other things going on. So, I will try to keep this updated.

But, for the news..... Let's see- well the biggest news for our family is that we will be adding to our family in March 09! Yep- we don't know until next month if that new addition will be a new brother or sister...... so stay tuned! Donny is currently going through ground school/simulator training for his new plane. They took away the plane that he was flying and putting him in the 400. Good news is.... he will be Seattle based again, so he will be home more often- which will be great! We miss him so much when he is gone. Samantha is doing well in school. She just got her hair cut short- it is such a good look for her. I will get pictures on here as soon as I can. Jacob- cute but challenging at the same time. I thought we had him potty trained! But, as soon as you have a thought like that, something always goes wrong..... he still needs a little help once in a while- and sometimes- it's too late! UGH! What a lot of work. The goal is to get him completely on his own before baby #3 arrives. We can do it!!!!

Hmmm..... I think that is all for now. Like I said, I will try to get some pictures on here soon of everyone- except me! Ha! No prego pictures allowed! Until next time! ADIOS!

Getting Started- Phew!

2008-09-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, Here is my blog. Maybe I can keep this up from now on. EVERYBODY seems to have a blog these days, so I guess I better jump on board. This is officially my first POST. I will be going to a little class with some friends for Relief Society, so maybe I can pick up a few cool things to do. So, stay tuned!!!!