It seems the Holidays just keep getting better and better. The older the boys get the more aware they are of the Christmas traditions. They helped decorate the house. Mac made a count down to Christmas chain. Breaking a link off was the first thing he did every morning, after which, he announced how many more days until Christmas. Brownie the elf made his way to Kentucky with us and we have loved him here- how am I going to get my kids to do anything once brownie leaves.?:) The boys humored me and only watched Christmas movies and shows. Everyday we looked forward to opening a present for the 12 days of Christmas, "on the 1st day of Christmas my grandparents gave to me..." Family nights were centered around the true meaning of Christmas. Retelling the stories of Jesus and discussing ways we can be more like our Savior.
I love the Christmas season and all the traditions that come with it. Especially the ones that bring my family closer together.
Annie is keeping us on our toes. She's one hyper, happy, loud, talkative baby and we can't get enough of her. Here's what our little 11 month old is up to these days.
She waves goodbye... She loves Top Ramen, but that's expected... Crawling.... Walking with help... Making messes and getting into everything- she hits up the toilets daily. We're lucky if the toilets are just full of water when she gets to them. She gets stuck in the weirdest ways...
We spent Thanksgiving Day with the Millar Clan- Grandpa Millar, his kids, their kids, etc... I love this family! They won me over the first time I met them. Some of the nicest, most fun people I have ever met. I feel pretty lucky that we get to see them as much as we do.
Highlights of the day:
Rocket Launching. Grandpa Dad (Drew's Dad) built a rocket launcher that launches paper rockets that the kids make. Mac and G had the highest flyers...they did have some help from Grandpa and Uncle Jed. Would it be Thanksgiving without football? Of the 28 Millar grandchildren, 16 are boys. Of the 16 boys, 13 are married and 8 of the 13 had baby girls within the last fourteen months. 5 of the boys are pictured below (from left to right, Trevor (Bridget), BJ (Carley), Jed (Maren Jane), Jeremiah (Quinn), and Drew (Annie). I've said it before - these Millars are some of the manliest (hairiest) men I know. Hopefully the girls won't follow suit :)
This year we had 2 Thanksgiving- major plus of being "home" for Thanksgiving! The first was
with my family on Wednesday night. Grandma Heaps came over early in the day to help make some of the food. She was bossing us around the kitchen and we loved every minute of it!
Christmas Pj's are now a Thanksgiving tradition, since we are never all together for Christmas anymore.
The other day we went for a walk. I left the boys and baby girl at the bridge to play while I made a couple laps around the park. I came back to a full on boat race. This is why the boys love their dad!The first of November our bishop and his wife moved to London. It was a sad goodbye. Bishop Blogdett has played a huge role in our lives since moving to Kentucky especially Drew's. We are grateful for their 8 years of service in the Tates Creek ward and for their willingness to serve like they did! London is lucky to have them.Bishopric- 2 of the 8 counselors that served with bishop here's the letter we added to book for bishop and christie...
One of the highlights of attending church over the last six years was the smile I would see on Bishop’s face and his excited greeting of “Drewsky” each and every Sunday.We have enjoyed the opportunities to labor together during these years and will cherish the memories that we have made together.As you prepare to embark on another opportunity and challenge together, we would to list a few reasons that we will forever be grateful that your time in Kentucky was as long as it was.
1-You were two of the first people to welcome each of our children into the world.As the kids have grown you have always been gracious to them and great examples to them.Our kids have only had one Bishop to this point and we are sure that your caring nature and many of your generosities (i.e. suckers) will be greatly missed.We are grateful that as they have begun to establish their testimonies of church leadership, that they have had such a good man to look up to.
2-After a year in the Stake I am only now beginning to get used to a church meeting without the Bishop.For over 5 years I had the privilege of serving with you as the Executive Secretary, the Young Men President, and a Counselor in the Bishopric, and I can honestly say that I looked forward to 6:30 a.m. Bishopric Meeting more than I have to many other things.
3-My priesthood line now goes through your own.You ordained me a High Priest in July of 2008, but I think the ordaining to the office was only the beginning of the blessings that I received from serving with you.I am grateful for the faith that you had in me and the encouragement that you gave me to more fully magnify my priesthood.
4-For several years both Ash and I had the privilege of serving with Christie as she blessed the lives of the young women.We still have many of the heartfelt thank you notes you wrote and appreciate your example of love and service and also your ability to bless those you serve with and not just those you serve.
While our birthdates may be separated by a few years, we can honestly say that our friendship with you over these last three years has been one of the richest we have had.We wish you only the best and you move forward and look forward to any opportunities we may have to reunite in the future.You have made such a difference in our lives and we are grateful every day that you spent the last decade serving so valiantly in the Tates Creek Ward.
Grandma Heaps came over early in the day to help make some of the food. She was bossing us around the kitchen and we loved every minute of it!
