Things I Have Learned From My Kids

I have learned that...

• sticky kisses are the sweetest kind.
• saying please and thank you are very important.
• you are never too old for play doh or bubbles.
• saying mommy 150 times can make a mommy give in to any demand.
• a little jelly/pizza sauce/chocolate milk on my shirt is a fashion statement.
• when he says "I didn't touch her!", it doesn't mean he didn't torment her in some way.
• hesitation in answering usually equals a lie.
• there is so much more to taking a walk than just walking.
• vacuums are scary. So is the dark.
• monsters are real. But they are no match for mommy's monster spray.
• you can function on .2 hours of sleep a night, but not for very long.
• there is no better sound than the giggles from a child.
• a few scribbles on paper to you, is a masterpiece to me.
• dressing up in costumes isn't just for pretend, you really become that person.
• you can live for days on cereal and mac and cheese.
• the most peaceful sleep is with a baby on your chest, a two year old cuddled up in your arms, a six year old snoring lightly beside you.
• hugs from a child can mend your heart.
• forgiveness is easier when you are 6.
• I am not perfect.
• I don't have to be perfect for my kids to love me.

Waiting...

10 Years

Dear Brian,

It is hard to believe that we have been married 10 years today. It seems like just yesterday I was walking down that isle, looking at the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with, scared and excited and absolutely sure there was no one else in the world for me. We have shared so many memories in our 14 years together (has it only been 14? The first year felt like three because we went through so much, but the next two years only felt like two because we were apart, but then the 4th year felt like a year and a half...).

You are my best friend, the one person who knows each and every flaw I have, and loves me anyway. You are such a huge part of who I am today, and I honestly don't know what I would do without you. I know we get lost in the days and the schedules and the bills and the kids, but I hope you know how very much you mean to me. I could not have picked a better father for my children, and I am thankful daily for you and your relationship with our kids. You are a wonderful father, and a wonderful husband.

Here is to the next 10 years, may they be as wonderful as the first.

I love you Brian Miller, Happy Anniversary.

Update

Since I haven't been on here for awhile, I thought I would just give you a little update on the Millers. We have been busy as usual. Austin is adjusting nicely to 1st grade, as I knew he would, and we are all getting back into the swing of a school schedule. He loves his teacher and so do I, he is making new friends, and has found all of his old ones too. I still try to pry details of his day out of him, getting only who he played with at recess and an "I don't remember" to any other questions asked. At least he remembers the important stuff! Aubrey is adjusting to being back in Mother's Day Out, and likes her new teachers as well. One of them is a big Red Sox AND Steelers fan, so we can't go wrong there! She goes three days a week, for 5 hours a day while I work. Brian takes off early two of those afternoons to get the kids, so I can work a full day. I now have two full days off and one half day which is wonderful (instead of one full and three half days, because even if I only had to work half a day, the whole day was ruined!). Aubrey and I have big plans to spend beautiful fall days at the zoo/park waiting on Nahnie to get out of school.

We had a busy Labor Day weekend full of cleaning (finally!!!) and playing. We started the weekend fun early by going to our last baseball game of the season on Thursday night. We got free tickets to the Oklahoma Redhawks (triple A of Texas Rangers) who were playing their last game at home this year, and it also just happened to be Thirsty Thursday ($1 beer, yea!). Both of the kids got to see Rowdy the Redhawk (team mascot) and both got a ball from an umpire after the game. So glad they both got one, cuts down on the fighting and screaming! After the game we got to pet the horses out in front of the stadium while they were waiting to take people for a ride.

After a lot of cleaning on Saturday, we spent a much deserved Sunday afternoon swimming at our Red Sox friend's house, then went to a free outdoor concert in the park with the Oklahoma Philharmonic. It was a lot of fun, with fireworks after. The boys were very excited to see the fireworks, especially since they were rained out on the 4th of July. Aubrey however, clung to mommy, not wanting to watch but not being able to look away, crying and screaming "I scared!!". Much is her same reaction to the vacuum, which is my excuse for not using it very often...

Austin holding Aubrey's hand on the way to the car after church. What a sweet big brother.

I love this picture.