Hugging

I saw a patient in the office today. She was a new patient to me, but had seen other providers in the clinic. Apparently, her thing is hugging. So when I met her, she gave me a big hug and gave me a print out of the following. It made my day. I'm not sure if she wrote it, but either way, you just have to smile.

"Hugging"

Hugging is healthy; it helps the Body's immune system, it keep You healthier, it cures depression, reduces stress, induces sleep, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects and hugging is nothing and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug. Hugging is all natural, it's organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100% wholesome. Hugging is practically perfect. There are no moving parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation proof, non-fattening, no monthly payments, non-taxable, non-pulluting, and of course fully returnable!

Love, Happy

And Happy is what it made me. What a great reminder! Give someone a hug today. (And Sarah, this made me think of you. You are always so amazing about giving hugs!).

Ring in 2011 with Family!

About 3 years ago, I was making a similar post about our weekend in Trout Lake. But that was with 3 less nieces and nephews! Basically, the Millers INVADED the Rummel Lodge to enjoy some white stuff! I love it! Now that we've done it twice...it's a new tradition!!!

Tobin & I even experienced an entire night with a preview to parenthood. We stopped by sister's house in Salem, and took their son Porter with us up to Trout Lake. Porter was such a trooper for us. He knew his parents weren't there, but he didn't cry, he kept on his regular schedule, and slept through the night! I'd like to take credit, but I know I owe it to his great parents and Porter's easy-going personality.

Anyways, we had lots of fun over the weekend. I took some photos. Ironically, almost entirely of the kiddos. We laughed together, got all bundled up, went outside and played in the snow (using various forms of cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling), ate together, laughed together some more, and repeated!

Cousin love.

My VERY pregnant sister admiring the feat. These were some of Tobin's old toys. This was quite a fun thing for the kids to try and stack/balance.

Bundle up it's 10 degrees outside!

Packed and ready to go. A kid's got to go prepared!

Tobin started hauling Kate in the sled. But when she saw Mommy she kept crying until Mom climbed into the sled with her. So Tobin towed them both! He was like an amazing Alaskan Husky Mushing.

Zoey was our little trooper. She kept going, despite her tiny little strides. My kind of girl!

Grace and Benjamin on the hard snow in 8 degree weather!

Gracie's turn hauling Zoey and Porter!

I kept thinking of the song, "I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna get me down."

I wish I captured Zoey's face when Grace had nearly pulled her up the sledding hill and let go of the rope. Zoey almost when down backwards. It was a classic "fear of death." Kind of look. But then she laughed, as if to say, "I loved that feeling...do it again!" Dare devil!

I think this was Porter's first taste of snow. He loved it!

Next year it will be all 4 of them going down together!

Ready to go for a ride!

I wish I had some of the photos my brother took of the kids driving the snowmobiles, etc. So much fun. I love getting to do fun, new things with the kids. We even laid on the living room floor one night and did the "Ho, Ho, Ho" game. It's where you lay your head on each others stomachs and try to say Ho, Ho in a sequence and do it without laughing. Your head bobs up and down and it's nearly impossible not to laugh. Makes you feel alive!

First Christmas...

...In our own home!

Here we are with the stockings hung!

Tobin's new wooden Iphone case! Perfect for the Wood Man!

And...

Getting intense!

Completely shocked!

However, I must admit this was staged. The guy knew what it was. Adult Christmas' with joint accounts just aren't as fun. Oh well, I knew he'd love it!

Watch out!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Thanksgiving was so great with family. I've posted on some of that. But we also went snowshoeing!

Definitely Porter stole the show! I think he has on 5 shirt/sweatshirts, and 3 pairs of pants.

He didn't get cold!

Porter had the biggest smile after this move!

The rest of the clan...and yes my 33 week pregnant sister went too!

She's rugged!

Today, I cracked out the few Christmas Decorations I have...I love the fireplace we have now!!!

And a few lights!

That time of year again!

Well, Thanksgiving is now over, I had a wonderful time with family and truly remembering why we should be Thankful! So now it's time to start thinking about Christmas, decorations, and yes Christmas Cards! I love sending out an update each year, and I love receiving family updates and being able to put up photos of friends and families on my fridge to enjoy all year long! So this year I have been thinking and considering what we'll use for Christmas cards this year. I use this time as a chance to reach out to friends and family and share the love of Christ. So I also want this card to be about CHRIST-mas and not "holidays." So I've been searching for cards for this. I'm still undecided of what pattern I should use though. How about I chose a few that I like and you (my dedicated blog readers) can vote! I'll be sending them to a lot of you anyway. May as well get something you want to put up on your fridge! So here goes in no particular order:

Card #1

Card #2

Card #3

Card #4

Card #5

So I realize there is somewhat of a theme, but I'd love to hear your comments. I especially love focusing on those things of Love, Joy, and Peace, because truly Christmas is about those things, all through Jesus Christ! I also LOVE photos, photos in the house and work, etc, etc. Somehow looking at those smiling faces helps me be positive and get through the day! Take at look at these fun mugs and calendars...you truly can get pretty creative!

Wishing that Christmas for you is a season of realizing God's True Love and showing Love to Others, and not about the hustle and bustle of presents and stress. If your looking on trying to decide what to do for your Christmas card, take a look at this site, and it'll give you some ideas!

Climbing!

Today after everyone had finished their Black Friday shopping...and for the record Jo-Ann Fabrics on Friday, is insane! The line to get your fabric cut is way too long! Anyways, most of the entire Miller Clan went Rock Climbing! It was fun and the kids loved it!

Benjamin

Gracie was a little timid at first, and then every time I looked up she was on the wall!

Gracie and Zoey. After this first try, Zoey didn't like using the rope much, but she later tried free climbing (i.e. bouldering with the help of her Aunt Christy) rather than going up on a rope.

Porter also loved playing, and he wanted to be right next to the rock! He liked the "tools" of climbing: pulling on ropes, holding caribiners, etc.

Dad (Grandpa) and Dad (Andy)

Good Family Fun!

SNOW!

Tuesday morning I awoke to a phone call, "The clinic is closed till noon, possibly all day. We'll reassess later this morning." I instantly jumped out of bed and said, "It snowed!!" I looked out the window to see peaceful, snow-covered trees, bushes, and deck! I loved it! I turned on "Let it Snow" music and baked cinnamon rolls. Then I got to frolic in it as I took some family photos for a friend and her family...to get family photos in the snow of course.

It was a great day! I ended up seeing a few patients in the afternoon, but what wonder. I love it! I even drove in it, didn't die, and didn't even need to watch Stormtracker coverage.

See the big branches that fell with the winds the night before.

There's a deer there.