12/15/14
The Millers: 2014 summed up in an Infographic
I wanted to do this for our christmas cards this year but it was too much. So i did different ones. But i still want to share this..the template was purchased from craftremedy.com, in case you might be wondering.
12/4/14
Thanks and Giving
I hope everyone had a fun Thanksgiving! I was excited to see all the people's pictures of their families, turkeys, desserts, and people sleeping in front of the tube haha. I had so much to give thanks for this year..SO MUCH. I think it is pretty obvious but I will go ahead and say it out loud, cause I can, and this is my blog.
Of course my thanks goes to my health, my home and my family. the gift of my Charlotte, and this amazing transition from work to stay at home to work at home mom. and...im thankful for cinnamon rolls.
Wes has been an absolute pillar and foundation in our household. I can't believe how much his priorities have changed and his willingness to step up to all the responsibilities and challenges being a husband and dad have brought on him. Remember, when i met this guy- he was going to the karaoke bar with his best buds three times a week....yeah and SINGING even..like lots of singing. Now his singing consists of an audience of 2 ladies in the living room, with a mug of hot chocolate instead of a pint of beer.
So with everything that has happened this year, its easy to see that, i've also changed my priorities. It's true, as they say, you don't know until you have children, what the changes are and that leap of courage it takes to be a parent. Until you have that child, and think of the miracle he or she is, you just have not felt that overwhelming love.
So this year, our Christmas Giving Open House is especially important to me. I think of all these kids battling with all their might to just have a healthy life...not normal...Healthy. and the families that are going through all of these challenges and trying to be a beacon of strength for their little ones. I can't even imagine.
You know, I know i've been over the top with my invites about this, I know it probably sounds like a broken record or cliche at times. I just don't understand, though, how some people can shun such an important part of being alive, which is giving back. i don't care if its not for Primary's, but just in general. I am disgusted seeing all these commercials on TV for the new toys or electronics to coax peoples brains as to what is important. It really is retarded. im using that word...retarded. its retarded cause all these things are stupid now. I used to think money would buy happiness, would raise my status quo, would keep me in the crowd...this when i was working, when i had that extra income. Now that we are a one income family, its been a hidden blessing and a true gift. its been a complete eye opener that I DO have everything I need. Although I have started this Etsy business, its all so I can have something to do, to keep my brain sharp, and hopefully supplement a little income so I can give Charlotte a great education.
I think of my life now as to what it was 10 years ago...and wow! talk about a complete change. maybe cause im older, a mom now, and i just don't give a crap about certain things. I really think its because i've become whole..my husband and my daughter and my entire family have become my center. That is why the cause to donate to Primary's is so important..I want all families to have this feeling of Wholeness, even if its for a moment as they are busy building memories over a puzzle or a painting project, that's what you can do for them, help them build a memory as a whole family. Kids are our future and before they even have begun to live, they are fighting conditions we have only read about and can't even imagine their battles. And it so pitiful that some people give it the side eye and head to Target for the next sale.
I have most certainly been guilty of shunning charity- sometimes because i felt like i need too. but this past year, my needs have been met, and my needs, in the scheme of things, are not so important. I've learned that the more i give, even if im going without, brings me more happiness and joy into my home than a new TV or a new pair of jeans.
I hope everyone gets a chance to give to those that need it. Its not a lot of work, nor does it take a lot of time. just think about it and do it. that's it.
**exit off the soapbox**
and Now.. Thanksgiving this year at the Miller's, complete with hand traced turkeys!
It was just us this year. I have never done a full on thanksgiving spread and I wanted some practice so i could host for the big family gathering next year.
I prepped all week long and then it all came together so nice the day of. it was actually a relaxing day.
This was my best batch of cinnamon rolls ever!
We snacked on cream cheese jalapeno jelly dip and spiced apple cider while the turkey was cooking
Speaking of turkey..tada! this turkey got the treatment i tell ya! I brined it in apple cider, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, garlic and herbs. I brined it for 8 hours then drained it and let it sit in the fridge to dry out. In the morning i buttered the whole thing with an herb butter i made, and the last 40 minutes of cooking, I carefully laid some thick cut bacon on the top. I mean...whatever you think it tasted like, it was better. Juicy, tender, flavorful and tan!
Yeah, we had a lot of leftovers, to say the least!
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I was trying to get a cute photo of these color block leggings, but I couldn't help capture that face...THAT face..she just melts my heart.
Of course my thanks goes to my health, my home and my family. the gift of my Charlotte, and this amazing transition from work to stay at home to work at home mom. and...im thankful for cinnamon rolls.
Wes has been an absolute pillar and foundation in our household. I can't believe how much his priorities have changed and his willingness to step up to all the responsibilities and challenges being a husband and dad have brought on him. Remember, when i met this guy- he was going to the karaoke bar with his best buds three times a week....yeah and SINGING even..like lots of singing. Now his singing consists of an audience of 2 ladies in the living room, with a mug of hot chocolate instead of a pint of beer.
So with everything that has happened this year, its easy to see that, i've also changed my priorities. It's true, as they say, you don't know until you have children, what the changes are and that leap of courage it takes to be a parent. Until you have that child, and think of the miracle he or she is, you just have not felt that overwhelming love.
So this year, our Christmas Giving Open House is especially important to me. I think of all these kids battling with all their might to just have a healthy life...not normal...Healthy. and the families that are going through all of these challenges and trying to be a beacon of strength for their little ones. I can't even imagine.
You know, I know i've been over the top with my invites about this, I know it probably sounds like a broken record or cliche at times. I just don't understand, though, how some people can shun such an important part of being alive, which is giving back. i don't care if its not for Primary's, but just in general. I am disgusted seeing all these commercials on TV for the new toys or electronics to coax peoples brains as to what is important. It really is retarded. im using that word...retarded. its retarded cause all these things are stupid now. I used to think money would buy happiness, would raise my status quo, would keep me in the crowd...this when i was working, when i had that extra income. Now that we are a one income family, its been a hidden blessing and a true gift. its been a complete eye opener that I DO have everything I need. Although I have started this Etsy business, its all so I can have something to do, to keep my brain sharp, and hopefully supplement a little income so I can give Charlotte a great education.
I think of my life now as to what it was 10 years ago...and wow! talk about a complete change. maybe cause im older, a mom now, and i just don't give a crap about certain things. I really think its because i've become whole..my husband and my daughter and my entire family have become my center. That is why the cause to donate to Primary's is so important..I want all families to have this feeling of Wholeness, even if its for a moment as they are busy building memories over a puzzle or a painting project, that's what you can do for them, help them build a memory as a whole family. Kids are our future and before they even have begun to live, they are fighting conditions we have only read about and can't even imagine their battles. And it so pitiful that some people give it the side eye and head to Target for the next sale.
I have most certainly been guilty of shunning charity- sometimes because i felt like i need too. but this past year, my needs have been met, and my needs, in the scheme of things, are not so important. I've learned that the more i give, even if im going without, brings me more happiness and joy into my home than a new TV or a new pair of jeans.
I hope everyone gets a chance to give to those that need it. Its not a lot of work, nor does it take a lot of time. just think about it and do it. that's it.
**exit off the soapbox**
and Now.. Thanksgiving this year at the Miller's, complete with hand traced turkeys!
It was just us this year. I have never done a full on thanksgiving spread and I wanted some practice so i could host for the big family gathering next year.
I prepped all week long and then it all came together so nice the day of. it was actually a relaxing day.
my table scape consisted of me cutting and gathering things from my backyard
She wasn't sure at first about the mashed potatoes, but then she got into it, and i think she decided she like it.
11/5/14
Moo-ventures
I'm usually pretty consistent with the blog, but i've had some things going on keeping me so busy!
I remember when Wes had the conversation with me last March about quitting work and being a stay at home mom, and all I could think about was "How in the heck am I going to survive without a $400 monthly spending habit?" No, seriously...its true..$400 a month. But that is why I worked, so i could afford to afford...you know? And the second thing I thought of was how I was going to be an equal in providing financially for my family. I'm not a crazy feminist or anything, but I believe I have a rightfully equal role as my husband in providing for my family. He wasn't going to argue with that either haha, we had split everything down the middle, even groceries.
A few months later, I felt relieved that I didn't go back into the workforce. My baby bug needed me so much, and I really needed her. She turned into my world and my center, not just the center of my world. I then felt overwhelmingly grateful and appreciative for my husband and his will and fortitude to support all of us with just his income. I have significant empathy for one income families, but also I share with them a rare opportunity to see our child grow and develop and also maintain my home with love and diligence. My appreciation for 'family' in every sense of the word, is greater than ever.
I took some time to just be with my baby. I spent every waking minute she had playing with her and singing to her and holding her. and when she took naps I would start feeling a little empty and i just wanted to do. to do whatever to make myself feel like i felt when i was playing with my baby- fulfilled, satisfied and gratified. So I started baking again and maintained the garden, cleaned a little, and just filled that time up until she woke up from her nap so I could just hang out with her again. I know this is a little weird, but I started to think to myself " If I died tomorrow, I don't ever want my daughter to feel like she wasn't loved enough by me" SO depressing right? speaking of..cause it was true, my post partum depression has been slowly disappearing, thanks to some happy pills...and now I know why they call them that. I was ashamed of it at first, but now I feel like it is something that I think many women go through and we aren't alone in the battle. If it helps us get through the depression, then go ahead! Everyone is better off with you on them then off of them. Not a long term solution, but I can see how it is just that little bit of push to get you over that slump.
I love pinterest...no really...LOVE it. And I saw some baby leggings posted up that were so cute! I wanted to buy them and pulled the trigger, but then they were sold out! And then I thought, I could just make these. I bounced the idea off a friend and my husband and a couple months later, brushing up on all my sewing skills..I decided to do it and open up shop. Came up with a name and worked on a few patterns and designs. I started with a few headbands and a pair of leggings and got great response. Then I decided to take a risk and sew all sorts of shit and test the market. So if you are on FB or IG or Pinterest and are seeing all sorts of crazy stuff regarding baby clothes, you have been part of a test.
My husband and I have a big plan with Tiny Limes Co and its not something I want to divulge yet, its in the works and we feel it could really take off with the right planning and patience.
I have found out this past month or so, as I have been sewing and selling and shipping and sewing and posting and posting and sewing....and posting and sewing and selling and shipping and ...yeah it is a bit over the top, I know, but it is what I have in the means of getting the word out that won't cost me more than $2 a day. Back to the point, I have found out that there are people who truly support you and who truly disregard you when they see you try something new. I've always been a do-er, a go-getter, and I've always tried. So you may think ' Here she goes again with something else' and I am glad you are thinking that...'something else' just means to me I'm moving forward. Everything I try out doesn't always succeed, but I can say i've done it. Wedding planning..still doing it, maybe not as successful as I had imagined, but I am amazed at how many people now associate weddings with me. Baking blog? yeah its still going and I still bake and post when I can, and maybe not as often as I used to, but again, people continually associate me with baking and ask me for tips all the time. And now sewing baby items..though I am still new, I've already had people ask me to help them out, and of course I will. I'm really proud of myself and, now, during Charlotte's naps, I fill the time with creating, designing, cutting, basting, sewing and then posting my creations- cute, crazy or whatnot. So for those who've deliberately made it a point to roll your eyes at another moo-venture, or to put me down in a non direct way- it's okay, i am not going to try and win you over. For those who encouraged me, complimented me or even "liked" my posts...I appreciate all that support..That support keeps me moving ahead, to fill in my time when my baby is napping , that fulfilled and satisfied emotion for a few hours each day. And when she wakes up- she rightfully steals my attention and fills my heart again.
Of course, I want to make money too, to help out with the bills and be able to equally provide again in the household. I want to feel I'm contributing in that way. Its important to me, and my family knows that ts important to me and they support that decision. This is going to be a long process for me, but with the support and love and encouragement that has come my way- I know that I can do this and do it well.
What is a post with out some pictures?
A flourless chocolate cake for my gluten sensitive friend and a birthday friend. I love these two and that silliness that you see!
My friend, Kim, from High School, loaned me her sweet child to show off some of the things I made for Tiny Limes Co. This little one is a riot...her and Charlotte had a moment of simultaneous crying and I thought to myself "and some people have two kids on purpose?!"
I am thankful for mountains, and that we get sunrises behind them that casts such a glorious silhouette of our great state's beauty.
Shes almost 6 months old, she's gotten taller and rounder in the face and I love her to pieces!
It took me forever to come up with a name for my company..FOREVER! I didn't want to be a typical shop where two unique names are separated with an 'and'...you know what I'm talking about and if not..just go to etsy and look at kids shops. Tiny just means for kids, Limes because I wanted something that wasn't taken, Vines, Tribes, Lemons, Apples ...all that was taken. Plus I like the abbreviation of it too.. TLC! You bet I'll be using that in something!
The most popular item in my Etsy Shop.
I tried to do a boys version of these, and they didn't get the same response. but I will keep trying.
Her face! You just want to kiss it all the time...and I do!
I remember when Wes had the conversation with me last March about quitting work and being a stay at home mom, and all I could think about was "How in the heck am I going to survive without a $400 monthly spending habit?" No, seriously...its true..$400 a month. But that is why I worked, so i could afford to afford...you know? And the second thing I thought of was how I was going to be an equal in providing financially for my family. I'm not a crazy feminist or anything, but I believe I have a rightfully equal role as my husband in providing for my family. He wasn't going to argue with that either haha, we had split everything down the middle, even groceries.
A few months later, I felt relieved that I didn't go back into the workforce. My baby bug needed me so much, and I really needed her. She turned into my world and my center, not just the center of my world. I then felt overwhelmingly grateful and appreciative for my husband and his will and fortitude to support all of us with just his income. I have significant empathy for one income families, but also I share with them a rare opportunity to see our child grow and develop and also maintain my home with love and diligence. My appreciation for 'family' in every sense of the word, is greater than ever.
I took some time to just be with my baby. I spent every waking minute she had playing with her and singing to her and holding her. and when she took naps I would start feeling a little empty and i just wanted to do. to do whatever to make myself feel like i felt when i was playing with my baby- fulfilled, satisfied and gratified. So I started baking again and maintained the garden, cleaned a little, and just filled that time up until she woke up from her nap so I could just hang out with her again. I know this is a little weird, but I started to think to myself " If I died tomorrow, I don't ever want my daughter to feel like she wasn't loved enough by me" SO depressing right? speaking of..cause it was true, my post partum depression has been slowly disappearing, thanks to some happy pills...and now I know why they call them that. I was ashamed of it at first, but now I feel like it is something that I think many women go through and we aren't alone in the battle. If it helps us get through the depression, then go ahead! Everyone is better off with you on them then off of them. Not a long term solution, but I can see how it is just that little bit of push to get you over that slump.
I love pinterest...no really...LOVE it. And I saw some baby leggings posted up that were so cute! I wanted to buy them and pulled the trigger, but then they were sold out! And then I thought, I could just make these. I bounced the idea off a friend and my husband and a couple months later, brushing up on all my sewing skills..I decided to do it and open up shop. Came up with a name and worked on a few patterns and designs. I started with a few headbands and a pair of leggings and got great response. Then I decided to take a risk and sew all sorts of shit and test the market. So if you are on FB or IG or Pinterest and are seeing all sorts of crazy stuff regarding baby clothes, you have been part of a test.
My husband and I have a big plan with Tiny Limes Co and its not something I want to divulge yet, its in the works and we feel it could really take off with the right planning and patience.
I have found out this past month or so, as I have been sewing and selling and shipping and sewing and posting and posting and sewing....and posting and sewing and selling and shipping and ...yeah it is a bit over the top, I know, but it is what I have in the means of getting the word out that won't cost me more than $2 a day. Back to the point, I have found out that there are people who truly support you and who truly disregard you when they see you try something new. I've always been a do-er, a go-getter, and I've always tried. So you may think ' Here she goes again with something else' and I am glad you are thinking that...'something else' just means to me I'm moving forward. Everything I try out doesn't always succeed, but I can say i've done it. Wedding planning..still doing it, maybe not as successful as I had imagined, but I am amazed at how many people now associate weddings with me. Baking blog? yeah its still going and I still bake and post when I can, and maybe not as often as I used to, but again, people continually associate me with baking and ask me for tips all the time. And now sewing baby items..though I am still new, I've already had people ask me to help them out, and of course I will. I'm really proud of myself and, now, during Charlotte's naps, I fill the time with creating, designing, cutting, basting, sewing and then posting my creations- cute, crazy or whatnot. So for those who've deliberately made it a point to roll your eyes at another moo-venture, or to put me down in a non direct way- it's okay, i am not going to try and win you over. For those who encouraged me, complimented me or even "liked" my posts...I appreciate all that support..That support keeps me moving ahead, to fill in my time when my baby is napping , that fulfilled and satisfied emotion for a few hours each day. And when she wakes up- she rightfully steals my attention and fills my heart again.
Of course, I want to make money too, to help out with the bills and be able to equally provide again in the household. I want to feel I'm contributing in that way. Its important to me, and my family knows that ts important to me and they support that decision. This is going to be a long process for me, but with the support and love and encouragement that has come my way- I know that I can do this and do it well.
What is a post with out some pictures?
I tried to do a boys version of these, and they didn't get the same response. but I will keep trying.
Her face! You just want to kiss it all the time...and I do!
My mom is in Georgia for a while visiting my half brother..it is so odd she isn't just a car ride away. I really miss her, and part of that is because the last time i saw my dad, he passed away..i worry , though my mom is in great health, that it will happen to me again.
This picture is so unfair to charlotte. She has recently learned to put her binky in her mouth, but sometimes she misses or does this...she was so frustrated with herself and all i could do was laugh and take a picture to send to her dad...lol!
The Millers do Halloween!
#Adorkable
Im so glad I saved this text message ! Its is so crazy!
I don't know why, but i love flamingos this year and i think its going to a big thing this Spring.
Somewhere between 5 months old and today, she learned to sit in a chair thats all hers. I Love my Lil Pumpkin!
10/17/14
Easy Kids Teepee
I've been wanting to make a teepee ever since I saw the blow up of its popularity on Pinterest. But every time I looked up how to make one, I was like, meh... Complicated! I have a photo shoot coming up for a baby clothes line I'm making and I wanted the theme to be nature meets rocker chic meets ... Indians? Anyway, it will be cute but it prompted me to make a teepee. Once again, all the tutorials I read were really ridiculous. Drill holes and loop your string, sew this and that... Pffft. So this is what I came up with:
I'll probably add the fourth leg, the package of rubber feet came with four- it just makes sense. But this teepee will cost you about $20. Not bad!!
Go to Home Depot, ....or Lowes- whatevs.
You will need:
3 or 4 5/8 wooden dowels
A package of rubber feet things see pic below
A canvas drop cloth, or I actually had some linen fabric at home
A safety pin
A pipe clamp
Decorations
I made a 3 sided teepee
First put your rubber stopper feet on the end of your dowels, these will provide stability from slipping
Then set up your frame and slip the clamp over your dowels and tighten with a screw driver til it holds the dowels up right
Drape your cloth around the frame and trim what you need after you fit it the way you like it. After you do that, secure it at the top covering the clamp , with a safety pin
Then add ribbon to clean it up, I also added feathers , to make it more ..authentic?
And the final product looks like this
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