The Mills

To blog or not to blog??

2011-12-08T09:58:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been over a year since I last posted a blog entry! Life has become so busy these days with McKenna in 1st grade, Parker in a 5 day pre-K program, a husband in ministry, trying to finish his Masters, & writing a book.... you get the idea!
I miss blogging and documenting the day to day stories and memories of our family.
So here is a brief recap of this year and then on through the holidays & into 2012!

The following pictures catch up from January-May....from snow, to gymnastics, trips, friends, spring soccer & baseball:

Sante Fe Soup recipe!! A fall MUST HAVE in your recipe box!

2010-11-06T12:50:00.000-05:00

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Fall!! The leaves changing, the cool temp's, football, fire in the fireplace...ah, pure bliss!! It's even better with a yummy, yet EASY soup for supper with the family!

Here is the Sante Fe Soup recipe I made for our family last night that many of you have wanted the recipe for.... however, I can not take the credit... this recipe as well as the famous Pumpkin Crunch cake recipe (found here) are from The Holiday Gathering cookbook done by my great friend Denise Lopez!

SO here goes...

Sante Fe Soup -

2.5 lb. ground chuck
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 med. onion
2 cans corn
1 can Rotel
2 cups water
1 can diced tomatoes
2 pkgs taco seasoning mix
1 can black beans
2 pkgs Hidden Valley Ranch mix
1 can pinto beans, drained

*Brown meat with onions.
*Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot.
*Simmer for 2 hrs or use crock pot on low.
*Serve with tortilla chips and grated cheddar cheese.
*Freezes well. When I reheat, I usually add a cup of water.

Denise also made this soup for a fall wedding shower for a couple and served this soup in "pie pumpkin" sized pumpkins (hollowed out of course) and garnished the plates with tortilla chips! SO CUTE!!!

So there ya go! Enjoy!

Halloween flashbacks!

2010-11-01T09:35:00.001-05:00

After uploading our halloween pictures for this year, I started looking back at years past at just how much the kids have grown up and changed through the years in their costumes...

2006:

2007:

2008:

2009:

2010:

Hope everyone had a fun filled night!!

Coming soon...

2010-10-12T16:12:00.003-05:00

Blog post coming soon about our trip to Disney World last week over our fall break!

Parker's 4th birthday party!

2010-10-12T16:05:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Parker's 4th birthday at our neighborhood pool with some of his friends and our great neighbors! Of course the theme was Toy Story... b/c of his love for Buzz & Woody right now! Here are some pictures from that fun day back on August 8th! Love my sweet boy and I can't believe how fast he's growing!!

Cake with friends!

YUMMY CAKE!!

Opening gifts.

McKenna & Reagan

Chloe & McKenna

Parker & his "secret crush" Jailee

(our middle school pastor's daughter)

Pizza & cake time

Some of the men at the party. :) Love Shannon's face in this!

-----

Celebrating my birthday!

Lunch in Little Rock at Pei Wei with my

grandparents this summer!

Excuse my absence! :)

2010-10-12T15:55:00.000-05:00

Well I know it's October...and honestly, there are no other excuses for my blog absence except to say, once school got out last spring after my last post, "summer in student ministry" began...thus, CRAZINESS in the Mills household. From camps, to other ministry trips, Brian out of town traveling & school starting here in TN the first week in August, summer was just a blink of the eye!!

So, school began and my baby girl went off to Kindergarten! :o(
To my surprise, I've held it together though. She is SO excited & has LOVED every minute of it. She is blessed with an AMAZING teacher and knows kids in her class from Long Hollow (our church here). So no complaining here when she comes home bubbly every day. There was even the day when she came out to the car rider line & jumped in the car, ripping out a paper out of her back pack yelling... "I HAVE HOMEWORK!!!" (with extreme enthusiasm!!) haha... Brian & I looked at each other like, we'll see how long this excitement will last! ;)

So here are a few pictures of the "first days of school" of both my little princess & my bruiser precious boy as he began preschool again this year.

Next up...post about our FALL BREAK TRIP to DISNEY WORLD!!! (Coming soon...)

Senior Trip to Destin, FL

2010-04-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

We just returned from Destin, FL with our amazing Senior class for their senior trip! We spent three days at the beach with no agenda but to soak in the sun & have fun! :) It was an amazing week and I'm so glad that I got to go. We also took McKenna & Parker with us and of course, they had a BLAST!!!

Here is the link to an album of pic's on my Facebook.

Tests & Trials...“Life on Earth is a Test!”

2010-03-31T13:54:00.000-05:00

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful;
he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
- I Corinthians 10:13

The Lord is really taking me through a spiritual growing season in my life. A lot of times things happen in life that we don’t understand "why?" or "how?", but the fact is that it simply is.

This morning at our women’s bible study on being an intentional mom, Wendy challenged us to read this chapter of The Purpose Driven Life, where is talks about seeing life from God’s view. She challenged us with the question, " What extenuating circumstances do you find yourself in that requires a new perspective?" She discussed how hardships are new adventures & opportunities for growth & we are to teach & MODEL this before our children. So that when they are tested, they will trust in the LORD that HE is their source of strength & that He will not give us more than we can handle. And that through our trials and tests in life that God wants to teach us something about Himself, which will strengthen our trust in Him!

---------------------------

(The following is some excerpts from Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life”,

chapter, “Seeing Life from God’s View”. )

“The way you SEE your life SHAPES your life….

How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships.

The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God’s view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment.

Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and ALL of life is a test. You are ALWAYS being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, & even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions…

We don’t know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, & even senseless tragedies.

A very important test is how you act when you can’t FEEL God’s presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don’t sense His closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, “God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him & to see what was really his heart.”

When you understand that life is a test, you realize that NOTHING is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. EVERY day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to Demonstrate love, or to depend of God. Some tests do seem overwhelming, while others you don’t even notice. But ALL of them have eternal implications.

The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them.

In the book of James, it says, “Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

--------------------

My oh my! How I needed this word from Him today! I hope that be sharing the following excerpts from this devotional might help someone else today look at their circumstances in a new light!

I know it did mine!

“HE holds the pieces of us together when we are broken!”

Here are some encouraging scriptures to pray over & promises to MEMORIZE!!

-Psalm 73:28, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”

- Romans 8:28, “And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to His purpose.”

-Psalm 40:5, “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak & tell of them they would be too many to declare.”

- Psalm 89:1-2, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”

-2 Corinthians 1:9, “Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead!”

Soccer has ended & another league begins

2010-03-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Parker's soccer pictures. He's growing up WAY TO FAST! Parker just finished his couple months of playing 3-4 yr old indoor soccer at the YMCA. He loved it & did such a great job! I am so proud of him!

His YMCA Team group picture.

Brian was the coach with the help from Shane & Travis both on staff with us at Long Hollow.

---

McKenna has also decided she wanted to play Spring soccer in a league with 5 yr old girls. She has her first game two weeks ago! She did awesome & I am so proud of her too!

Stretching with her team. Coach Joey & the Blue Princesses!

McKenna's first soccer game!

McKenna & Reece

Action shot!

Easy Summer/Spring Dinner idea

2010-03-15T09:27:00.002-05:00

Poppyseed Chicken:

Ingredients-

- 4 boneless,skinless chicken breasts

- 2 cans cream of chicken soup

- 1/4 cup water

- 8 oz. shredded cheese

- 3 TBSP poppy seeds

- 2 rolls of Ritz crackers

- 1 stick of butter (melted)

Instructions-

Boil chicken 10-15 minutes. Cut into small chunks or shred. Put into casserole baking dish. Mix water, soup, & melt in saucepan. Add sour cream, shredded cheese, & 1 1/2 tbsp of poppyseeds. Pour mixture over chicken & stir.

Smash crackers in a ziploc bag; add melted butter to crackers, and the other 1 1/2 tbsp of poppyseeds to bag and shake to mix. Sprinkle crackers over to the top of chicken mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 min's.

Spinach Salad with fruit & Dressing:

Ingredients:

-1-2 bags of spinach salad

-Apples, strawberries or dried cranberries (choose one fruit)

-Feta cheese

-red onion (slivered)

-Candied walnuts/pecans (sauté in some butter, cinnamon, sugar & then lay on wax paper to dry/caramelize)

**Layer salad, fruit, feta cheese, red onions, & walnuts. Then add dressing and toss.

Dressing:

Ingredients:

-1/3 cups olive/veg oil

-1/3 cups vinegar

-1 cup sugar

-1 TBSP worscheshire sause

**Heat to dissolve sugar.

--Wisk together 1-1 1/2 tsp Paprika, 1-2 cloves of garlic (crushed), salt/pepper to taste. Add to liquid mixture. Chill. Pour over & toss with salad right before serving.

Fruit Tea!

Ingredients:

1-can frozen lemonade concentrate

1-can frozen orange juice concentrate

5-6 cups of tea (@ 3 tea bags)

3 Qts water

1-2 cups of sugar

sliced oranges

Combine lemonade, orange juice concentrates in pitcher, add sugar, and brewed tea (still warm), & water to fill pitcher, stir to mix all together until concentrates dissolve. Top with sliced oranges & chill before serving! Extrememly refreshing & delish!

Family get-away to the Smokies!

2010-03-15T08:59:00.001-05:00

The view from our cabin

Sweet McKenna

Brian & I at the Pancake Pantry!

Silly faces!

Downtown Gatlinburg

By a river on our adventure through the woods.

Brian & the kids

Parker & McKenna, ready for a day at the Ripley's Aquarium

Day 2 @ the Aquarium

In the shark viewing tank

This weekend we had the amazing opportunity to go stay in a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN that belongs to one of our gracious church members! It was such a blessing to getaway as a family & create memories together. We had a blast and really enjoyed the sights & foods in Gatlinburg! We made stops at The Pancake Pantry, The Peddler's Steakhouse, No Way Jose's (mexican food!), & The Applewood Farmhouse restaurant at The Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge (DELICIOUS!)! Also made some stops by the Tanger Outlet mall & some "hiking" in the Nat'l. Parks with Brian & the kids.

Such a beautiful place and a great reminder of how creative our CREATOR is!

We came back to LongHollow for the last service Sunday morning to see my cousin, Courtney & her hubby Andrew lead worship as a Guest worship leader. SO great to see them & their 3 sweet kiddos. The last time Courtney & I saw eachother, I was pregnant with Parker & her middle child was only 4 months old! We had them over to hang out & eat dinner at our house last night.

Here is a pic of all the "2nd cousins" together!

Courtney & I

What a blessing to get to spend a whole weekend with family! :o)

Another Snow Day! Funny moments from Parker & McKenna

2010-02-16T12:37:00.001-06:00

The past few weeks we have gotten a little bit of snow here in Nashville. Therefore schools have been closed, no church activities, etc... needless to say there have been a lot of days where the kids & I have gotten a little "stir crazy" here in the house.

Today was one of those moments where too many funny things happened or were said that I just had to get written down so I don't forget them.

Today while grocery shopping at Publix the kids were sharing a drink & riding in the "car" cart. I'm looking at my list & coupons when McKenna starts screaming, "Ah, Mom, Parkers nose is bleeding!!" I turn around to blood pouring everywhere, and when I asked what happened, Parker simply said with tears in his eyes, "I stabbed my nose with my straw!" -- OMG!

After we were done at the store, the kids were starving, so I decided to grab a few tacos & head home. While in the drive thru at Taco Bell, I had a rather gender-confused lady who was working at the window & when I pull up to pay, McKenna screams from the backseat, "Mommy! Is that a boy or a girl?!?" -- And yes, the lady heard!

Later on after the whole nose-bleed drama in the middle of Publix, we were back at home when Parker's nose starts to bleed again! As I'm holding a tissue to his nose, McKenna walks by & says, "Oh my! He has issues!" and keeps walking on by....

Oh my heavens... either they really are some of the funniest kids I know or I'm easily amused lately due to the lack of adult conversations I've been able to have due to all these crazy SNOW DAYS!! I swear all stay at home moms are going to be in a mental institution after this winter is over!

Happy Snow Days everyone! :)

ATTN ALL MILLS FAMILY BLOG READERS!!!!

2010-02-09T17:03:00.000-06:00

Our student ministry has officially begun our You Tube Challenge contest.... each Middle School & High School small group was suppose to do a video to submit to our student ministry you tube site that promotes Long Hollow Student Ministry.

I'm a small group leader for 11th grade girls, and here is our video....

Please view it in its entirety!! The group who has the most hits on their video by the end of the month wins $200 for their small group to use as the ultimate prize! So, please help me out... it's only a 1 1/2 minutes long!

Thanks,

Jennifer

January 2010 Tennessee Snow!

2010-01-31T16:38:00.002-06:00

Parker's 1st Soccer Game

2010-01-28T15:36:00.001-06:00

Parker had his first ever ball game last Saturday... 3/4 yr old, indoor soccer at the YMCA! He loved it & had such a blast! His daddy did a great job coaching their team. GO COBRAS!! :)

Warm up drills... he was ready to go!

"It's Your Life"...

2010-01-22T09:10:00.000-06:00

This morning at 6:30 on my way to my weekly breakfast with one of our sophomore girls I was listening to Francesca Battistelli's album. LOVE her... her lyrics to her songs are so pure & genuine, and she has the most unique voice! I love her song "It's your Life"! This song challenged me this morning, maybe it will for you to... "The world is watching you... who are you living for?"

"It's Your Life" Lyrics"
by Francesca Battistelli \| from the album My Paper Heart

This is the moment
It’s on the line
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle between
Wrong and right
But you know after all

(Chorus)
It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

Are you who you always said you would be?
With a sinking feeling in your chest
Always waiting for someone else to fix you
Tell me when did you forget

(Chorus)

To live the way that you believe
This is your opportunity
To let your life be one that lights the way

(Chorus)

Praying for Haiti...for "such a time as this..."

2010-01-13T13:26:00.003-06:00

The following is copied from David Landrith's blog (Pastor, Long Hollow Baptist Church):

Haiti Relief Effort
Posted on January 13, 2010:
Many of you have already called or e-mailed with questions and offers to help. Continue to check longhollow.com for updates and real time information, but here’s what we can say at this time:
The orphan village we are building is located in Jeremie, which is at the end of the southern peninsula - quite a distance from the epicenter of the quake.
There is some damage in the Jeremie area, but at this point it doesn’t appear to be as extensive as in Port-au-Prince.
Both our church and school are nearing completion, but we don’t know at this time the impact on construction.
It’s too soon to say what impact this tragedy will have on the Long Hollow mission trips that are scheduled for this year. Stay tuned for more details at longhollow.com.now, there are three ways you can
Pray.
Click here for an update from Joe Knittig of the Global Orphan Project about specific ways to pray right now.
Give to Long Hollow’s Haiti Relief Fund.
This offering is not for our orphan village, but rather all of it will go toward relief efforts, including food, medical supplies and other related relief expenses. Click here for online giving.
Prepare to be mobilized to go.
We are waiting on instructions of how and when we can help with on-the-ground relief efforts in Haiti. If you are interested in going email Maribeth Burns atmaribeth.burns@longhollow.com.
It’s no accident that God directed the heart of our church toward Haiti several months ago. He has called us for “such a time as this.” We have a tremendous opportunity to be the “hands and feet of Jesus.” Please pray for the suffering people of this poor country and pray about how God may want to use you to help. Above all, let’s pray that out of this tragedy thousands will be born into the kingdom through the life changing power of the Gospel! - via David Landrith's blog, Long Hollow Baptist Church
PRAY PRAY PRAY THAT THE POWER & PEACE OF GOD WOULD INFILTRATE THAT COUNTRY AND BE WITH THESE PEOPLE DURING THIS HORRIFIC CATASTROPHE!
What a reminder to us all to always, BE ENGAGED...BE PRAYERFUL... HAVE A GLOBAL FOCUS!! For "such a time as this"!

Happy 5th Birthday McKenna Grace!

2009-12-22T11:19:00.007-06:00

The most amazing Christmas present EVER!

Happy birthday McKenna~

You are definitely Daddy's Girl!

I love this picture from when you were 4 months old!

Giggles & Grins!

Nine months old & love that grin!

Your 1st Birthday!

16 months old

Your 2nd birthday party in Arkansas

You Christmas Dress on your 2nd Christmas! (technically 3rd!)

2 1/2 years old

Your 3rd birthday party! DORA!

3 1/2 years old...

Your first fish! 3 1/2 yrs

You LOVE to swim!

Halloween 2008

Happy 4th birthday...

Party with your friends at Westwood Gymnastics - Katy, TX

This picture sums up her personality!!

You light up my life McKenna & you are such a joy & blessing!!

I can't believe you are five years old today! December 22, 2004 forever marked my life & you were the most amazing Christmas present I've ever received!

You are a bundle of joy & energy and I love that about you!

You will be going to Kindergarten this fall and that absolutely baffles my mind!!

Where has the time gone?!?

Happy Birthday

to most precious, tenderhearted, hilarious, compassionate, caring, funny, beautiful, smart, little lady!!!

A Princess Birthday party!

2009-12-16T23:05:00.004-06:00

My Birthday Girl...

McKenna isn't quite five just yet, but since she is a "Christmas Baby" we had her birthday party with her friends at our house last Saturday before all the hustle & bustle of Christmas parties, etc....

She wanted all her girlfriends "to come over & play dress up and do nails"!

So we did just that....Simple, but oh so fun!

The girls came dressed up in their "finest ball gowns" -- they decorated their own tiara's, decorated a cupcake to take home with them, we had a time where we painted all the girls fingernails & toenails, they each got a pair of their own flip-flops to wear home so their toes wouldn't get messed up! :) And of course, cake & ice cream!

Oh my, a house full of girls....

Here are some pictures to sum up her day! What a princess and a JOY she is to my life! I am so blessed to be her mommy!! I can't believe that she will be FIVE in only a few short days!!

Parker says, "All these girls are giving me a headache!"

Christmas...this makes you re-think...

2009-12-06T23:32:00.000-06:00

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

2009-12-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

Today is the 50th birthday of my amazing Dad!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

I love you so much & am so blessed to be your daughter.

You are such a fantastic Husband, Father, Papa, & friend!

Have a great day!

Thanksgiving 2009!

2009-12-04T22:36:00.005-06:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving, I know we did in the Mills family. This year my parents came to visit Tennessee for the first time since our move here. They arrived on Thanksgiving Day just in time for lunch that Brian & I cooked!! That's right, my first total Thanksgiving meal done on my own (with a lot of help from my amazing husband!)....

and it was so yummy!

Great memories were made. Such a special holiday with lots to be thankful for as we have made several changes this year and are now settled into our new home.

We definitely have much to be grateful for.

Mom & Dad were able to take a few days during this holiday season to stay in TN and visit! So we kept ourselves busy. After making a few Black Friday stops we had a day of shopping, a day into Downtown Nashville & a tour of the Christmas decor at the Opryland Hotel, an early birthday party with Gigi & Papa for McKenna's 5th b-day (which is coming up on the 22nd), their first worship experience at LongHollow, Sunday night Mom & I took McKenna to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular as part of her birthday, and more shopping on Monday at OpryMills! So much fun! Here are a few pics! :)

Another Fall Favorite: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

2009-11-06T17:15:00.003-06:00

Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

Quick! & Easy!!

Ingredients Needed:

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 tsp. basil leaves

2 Tbs. minced onion

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

3 chicken bouillon cubes

1 tsp. dried chives

1 tsp. parsley

1 - 2lb. bag of "Southern Style" hashbrowns

2 cups milk

1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed

4-5 strips of bacon, crumbled

**Bring the following ingredients to a boil in a stock pot:

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 tsp. basil leaves

2 Tbs. minced onion

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

3 chicken bouillon cubes

1 tsp. dried chives

1 tsp. parsley

**Add hash browns and boil until tender.

** Add 2 cups milk & Velveeta cheese, cubed.

**When cheese is melted, add 4-5 strips of cooked bacon crumbled.

**Top with shredded cheddar & serve!

This is a quick & easy & delicious soup -- perfect in time for fall!!

I made it for our family tonight on this crisp, chilly fall evening before

we head out to a high school playoff football game!

Hope you enjoy! :)

Update & Trick-or-Treating 2009!

2009-11-02T13:28:00.003-06:00

Once again... LONG TIME since my last post! A lot has been going on since our move here to TN back in August. It has flown by but has been such a great journey. When we first moved to Hendersonville we moved into an apartment temporarily as we looked for a house. We found a home rather quickly that was a new construction home that had been sitting on the market for about a year. We placed an offer on it that was much lower than it was on the market for & the Lord chose to bless us with our new home in Tennessee!

However, for the past 65 days, we've been waiting to move in due to the house closing process having to go through bankruptcy court with the builder. So after a long road, and the walls closing in on us in our apartment, we were finally able to move in last Thursday!!

We are SO very blessed!! God has been so good to us & we are so grateful!

------

With Halloween being on Saturday we went out trick-or-treating in

our new neighborhood with our kids.

Although it was COLD...the kids had a blast and we met lots of our amazing neighbors!

So here are some pic's of lil' Spidey & Miss LadyBug!! :)

Parker, McKenna & her new neighbor friend, Reese!

Trick-or-Treat!!

Parker was fired up & ready to go on to the next house!!

The kids were all scared of the witch on the front door...

One of my favorite FALL recipes!

2009-09-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

The famous pumpkin crunch cake recipe!

Pumpkin Crunch Cake:
1 pkg. Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
3 eggs, beaten
1 16 oz. can pumpkin
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup pecans
1 cup melted butter

- Spray bottom of 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 350-
- Combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, spice, and salt; mix well.
- Pour into 9x13 dish
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
- Top with pecans
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 1 hour until golden brown & bubbly - it sometimes needs longer.
- Cool completely before serving.
- Serve with Cool Whip topping. (**Especially good with the "French Vanilla" flavored cool whip!!)

-ENJOY!!! HAPPY FALL!!

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage...

2009-09-21T10:32:00.006-05:00

As a little girl we've all sang that catchy little song,
"(Boy) 'N (Girl) sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage!"
Today, Brian & I are celebrating our 7th Wedding Anniversary! I can not believe it that it has already been seven years, but it has! So much has happened in those short seven years.
And what a BLESSING this journey has been!
In those seven years...
We've moved four times!
Served at five churches.
Lived in four states!
Owned four homes...
Experienced the gift of LIFE & had two PRECIOUS babies!
A daughter. And a son.
We've seen the Lord do AMAZING things in ministry.
Celebrated many holiday's together.
Made lifelong friends.
We've been challenged in our faith.
Stretched in our love for each other.
We've learned how to fight effectively.
Laughed A TON!! Shed some tears.
And through it all we've seen The Lord's Faithful Hand guiding us through it all...

What an INCREDIBLE BLESSING my marriage has been... I know that not everyone can say that. But I truly am blessed with an amazing, godly, leader as a husband. Who also happens to be a FABULOUS father to our two kids. Who also happens to be an INCREDIBLY gifted student pastor & communicator of God's Word!
Happy Anniversary Babe!
I love you more than words can say!
I can't wait to spend the next 70 years by your side!

So back to that catchy little song I sang as a little girl, it has come true in my life...
crazy to think of how fast the time as gone, but we certainly did fall in love (after a crazy few years prior to), had an amazing wedding which has evolved into a great marriage - centered on The Lord, and then built a family together with adding our two babies!!
I couldn't imagine my life without these three people in my life.
I feel so overwhelmed that the Lord has blessed us so....
and is so thankful to the Lord for the beautiful picture of marriage.

The night we got engaged...

"We are ENGAGED!!!" March 2002

Engagement picture - summer 2002

Our Ceremony - September 21, 2002, 2:00pm @ FBC - Springdale, AR

Mr & Mrs Brian Mills!!!

Waiting to head over to the reception!

Staff Retreat...

2009-09-18T15:40:00.004-05:00

So much has been going on since moving here to Tennessee, but one of the most fun - by far - has been our staff retreat we took last week. Our pastor & his wife Jennifer planned a fun short trip to Franklin (South Nashville) for all of the staff & their spouses for a time together to reflect on our ministries, the church, our families & our marriages. It was a great time to look back at where we've come from as a church, what God is doing right now through the Crazy Love Campaign, & where we are going in the near future.

Can I just tell you just how much I am a fan of our pastor, David Landrith! He is one of the most amazing leaders I've ever met. I can't even begin to tell you how exciting it is that we have such an excellent communicator, pastor, leader & friend to serve on staff with! God has His hand on him and is definitely moving & blessing LHBC! Goodness, we are so blessed!

And let me brag for a minute on the women of Long Hollow-both staff & staff wives (pictured below). They are some of my new favorite people! Each of them I got to know this weekend as we laughed, ATE, shared stories, went shopping together, painted pottery, & worshipped with...and let me tell you - they are such an AMAZING group of women!

You know, it's no coincident that we are here.... GOD KNEW this is what we needed as a couple & a family. He knew this was the next step He had planned for our lives, even though we weren't looking to take a step in leaving Houston. As Brian & I have looked back over our past 7 years of our marriage & ministry together - it is so evident to see God's hand guiding every church we've been apart of, every move we've made as a family - and yes, there's been a few...but through it all, each experience built upon the last one to bring us to where we are today at Long Hollow. We are very aware of what the Lord is doing in our lives & we just don't want to miss a minute of what He wants to do in our lives and our ministry together.

We are so incredibly blessed to be a part of such an amazing church & staff here.... this weekend was also a great reminder to me of the importance of praying for your staff & your pastor of your church - wherever that may be! The Enemy is out to attack today's church and it's leaders and it is evident more today than ever! Don't forget to be lifting up your church, your pastor & your church staff to the Lord every day for His protection & provision!

An August Update

2009-08-27T10:58:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I have officially been HORRIBLE at updating our family blog!

There has just been SO much going on throughout this transition that we have been crazy busy! But we are loving every minute of it! We are LOVING Hendersonville & our new church family here at Long Hollow Baptist have been AMAZING! They have been so kind, helpful, & caring and have made this transition SO much easier! Brian has been so busy in the schools, at football games/practices, meeting school administration, etc.... he has definitely hit the ground running since arriving here at Long Hollow. He is having the time of his life!

God has been SO good to us through the decision of coming here. When Brian came to me back in June & asked that we seriously begin to pray about the possibility of moving here (an offer that was first presented to us back in April), I will admit I definitely had reservations about it. We were very happy with where we were in TX & had only been there for right at two years. So of course my thinking what "Lord, are you kidding me?!?" ... but He wasn't kidding & He has confirmed to us over & over again through His Favor & His Blessings that we are right smack dab, in the middle of his will for us!

There is NO other place I would rather be! He is so faithful when we are faithful to live a life of complete obedience to Him & His will for our lives.

He has a plan for our lives that is perfect & one that is far better than one

that we could ever put together on our own! Life is good.... I am one blessed woman!

***********

Here are some pictures of life in an apartment, the kids first days at their preschools, & McKenna's first gymnastics class. :)

Playing at the church's playground our first Saturday here, it was 70 degrees!

At the park with Daddy...

My little "Nashville Stars"! Performing on their "stage"... :)

Parker & I went shopping at Opry Mills Mall in Nashville! Great mall!

McKenna's 1st day of Pre-K at her preschool

My "not so little" man on his first day of preschool at Treasure Creek!

McKenna's 1st Gymnastics class...

During the beam circuit @ gymnastics.

Move in day at the apartment, the kids had a blast playing hide & seek in the cabinets!

My baby boy is now three!

2009-08-08T15:05:00.008-05:00

I can't believe that three years have gone by since this sweet

little boy came into our lives, changing it forever! Little did we know just how much joy & love he would bring with him! He is growing up so fast & growing into a little boy! Parker is now potty trained! Finally grew out of his notorious bitting phase that about did me in! Talks a LOT more clearer & more structured sentences than last year! I could go on & on... he has changed so much during his 2nd year of life....

Parker I can't wait to see just what this 3rd year of your life will bring to our family!

You are our true pride & joy! And you are loved VERY much & we are SO proud of you!

(Enjoy the pictures through Parker's first three years....)

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY BABY BOY!!!

"Sons are a heritage of the Lord, Children are a reward from Him!"

Psalm 127:3

Happy Birthday Brian!!

2009-08-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BRIAN!!!!

I know I've been HORRIBLE at our family's blog lately & there is SO much to update about, vacation, the move, our house selling, etc etc and I promise I will get to all that at some point, but today, I just want to say that I am INCREDIBLY BLESSED

to be married to the most amazing man in the world!!

Today is my husband, Brian's 31st birthday & I can't imagine my life or my family

without this amazing man!

Brian, you truly are the most incredible husband---

I am SO honored to be YOUR wife & walk through this

journey called life together with you by my side....

You're an amazing Father, to our precious children who absolutely ADORE you....

& you are the most incredible best friend any woman could ever dream of!

You truly are a "Psalm 1 Man"...

Psalm 1:1-3

¹ Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

I am so thankful for you!

Hope you have an amazing day!

I love you Brian!

Our Family - Florida, Summer 2009!

The Lord is SOOOO good....

2009-07-26T23:02:00.002-05:00

Even though we are on vacation, we are still working back home with our realtor about our house that WAS for sale! We received an offer on it yesterday right when we arrived here to Florida, we sent back a counter-offer, they countered back

& we accepted their offer this afternoon!!!

So now our home in Katy is officially "SOLD"!!!

(Well we are waiting on the appraisal which we feel very good about!

So hopefully we will get the ball rolling on this all tomorrow!)

We know that the Lord is faithful & will always provide our every need, especially when we are trusting and following in obedience to the calling that He has placed on our life...but it makes it SO MUCH MORE CLEAR when in today's economy he provides a buyer for our house so quickly!

Our home was on the market for 8 days when we received our offer!

God is good ALL the time!

Time of Transition....

2009-07-21T17:31:00.003-05:00

A verse that the Lord has brought to my mind over & over again over the past few weeks is Proverbs 3:5-6.... honestly, I can quote it and have it memorized but today I did more of study on it and looked at it in other translations and my new FAVORITE is the New Living Translation of this verse....

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (NLT)

In just a few months, Brian & I will be celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary. In those 7 years of marriage & ministry, we have always said that we will ALWAYS follow the Lord WHEREVER He asks us to go! When He says GO, we will always be obedient to that calling and GO....

I know what a lot of you might already be thinking as you read this...

"Moving again?!? Are you kidding me??"

And to be honest, as of about a month ago, before the Lord confirmed this calling in my heart, did I say the same thing! But it is true...The Mills family is under yet another transition in our family & ministry. After MUCH prayer & consideration we have accepted a position at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, TN (a suburb of Nashville). You can read Brian's blog for more information about his new position and opportunities that lie ahead there... but I just wanted to write a little bit from my heart.

The Lord has taught me so much through our journey in ministry & one of the main lessons is that He is ALWAYS good & He has a plan that is the BEST for us, & He is FAITHFUL to work in our lives if we ALLOW Him the freedom to move.

We are extremely excited about the opportunity before us at Long Hollow but it definitely has been the hardest decision we've ever had to make. Second Baptist has been amazing! We absolutely love this church, our pastor, the staff here, 210 student ministry & the students here, and we absolutely have LOVED living in this great city of Katy! The West Campus has been such a fun place to serve & do ministry & we will never forget this place or the people here. Everywhere we have served at has left it's own precious impressions upon my heart....I have absolutely loved this "chapter" in our lives and we are certainly looking forward to this next one at Long Hollow.

School starts there in two weeks, so we will be making a quick move. We will be leaving August 13th with our last Sunday at Second Baptist being August 9th.

Please pray for our house to sell quickly to help with an easy transition to Hendersonville! If anyone is interested give our realtor Steve Reddell a call! (you can view the MLS page here)

Just a word of encouragement to anyone out there who is struggling with God's will for your life... always remember to simply, TRUST in Him!

Hope this verse brings encouragement to you today!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6, (NLT)

1st time to fly...

2009-07-17T22:45:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we took a weekend trip to Nashville, TN & we took the kids with us!

This was their first flying experience, well technically McKenna's 2nd time. Her first time to fly, she was 4 months & she pooped (actually had an "explosion") all over both of us on that joyous experience. So this was the first one that they both will remember.

They did really well and Parker is really getting into airplanes, cars, trains, etc... So he LOVED watching "those HUGE planes" take off and cruise around the runways! They did good for take-off (a.k.a. "blast off") Parker was a little tripped out the first time and

wouldn't let Brian open his window shade. It was really quite comical.

Here are some pic's from their first flight! :)

Waiting at our gate eating such a healthy breakfast.

McKenna took this picture from our window... pretty good for a 4 1/2 year old!

Ready for take off.

McKenna & I were flying buddies!

McKenna was content with her apple juice & Shrek 2!

Parker & Daddy were flying buddies up there.

This awesome 'Mega Blocks' castle was in this airport

toy store in the Nashville airport.

Playing in the airport toy store on our flight back home.

Monday=Family fun day!

2009-07-07T22:31:00.003-05:00

After our fun 4th of July weekend, Brian had Monday off for the holiday, so we loaded the kids up to take them to do something "cool" since it's been 100 degrees here everyday! We thought it would be so fun to take them bowling...The kids had a blast with their first experience!

They did so good and we had so much fun as a family.... LOTS of laughs!

McKenna's first frame... Parker wanted to go EVERY time!

Having fun!

"Daddy, did I do good??"

Daddy helping Parker

Parker didn't get staying BEHIND the line...

Our 4th of July!

2009-07-06T13:29:00.002-05:00

Hope you had an amazing July 4th weekend! Besides the weather being incredibly hot & the temp being OVER 100 degrees...we still had a blast ALL weekend!

Great friends, Great food, Great fireworks = Great FUN!!

The kids on Sunday, July 5th!

My sweet little girl with her Flag!

Best Buds: McKenna, Caden, & Parker

Our neighbor, Mark, and his $500 firework show for our cul-de-sac!

AWESOME!!

The past two weeks in Arkansas!

2009-06-30T10:27:00.004-05:00

After beach retreat & McKenna's recital the kids & I loaded up in the car to head to my parents in NW Arkansas for the week while Brian was at J-High beach retreat & then as he went to speak at another camp in Tennessee! While we were there it was time for my 10 year high school reunion which was so fun to catch up with friends that I haven't seen in SO long! I went to a small private school & only graduated with about 43 people, so we were pretty close and it was so fun to get everyone together for a formal "adult" dinner on Friday night, and then a family swim party on Saturday. I only took McKenna with me to that night since I didn't have any help since Brian was out of town! McKenna and I had fun and it was so cute to watch her play with my high school friend's children! So weird!! :)

The whole gang at the family night!

McKenna was my date! ;)

----------------
Fun pictures at my parents house!

Parkerman riding his bike!

McKenna holding her baby cousin, Ethan!

McKenna with Gigi!

Brian FINALLY flew back in to Little Rock last Wednesday and we headed back to Katy last Thursday! Did I mention that we drove down and spent a few days in Hot Springs at Brian's parents house too before Brian got back & we drove back home?!?...Whew.... I'm wore out!

~
Now to catch up on housework & have fun in the sun with my kiddos!

McKenna's 1st dance recital!

2009-06-30T10:14:00.004-05:00

We came home from Beach Retreat and geared up for McKenna's very first, dance recital! She takes dance at Juleigh Holley's School of Dance here in Katy, & Mrs. Juleigh did a phenominal job!! The recital theme was the story of "Alice in Wonderland"!

McKenna had a blast performing her tap routine for the number, "Tea for Two".

Enjoy some pictures....

Taylor & McKenna

My lil' dancer & I, backstage at Dress Rehearsal!

All the girls waiting patiently backstage!

Dancin' away...

The ending!

Mommy & Daddy are so proud!

Posing with her flowers from us & her grandparents!

I absolutely LOVE this picture of her!

Mimi & Poppy were able to come all the way from Arkansas!

------------

We are so proud you McKenna Grace!
You did amazing & worked so hard this year!

High School Beach Retreat!!!

2009-06-30T09:35:00.005-05:00

Okay, so it's time to play catch up in the blog world of what has been going on in our lives this last month!

High School Beach Retreat 2009!

June 7-11th was Second Baptist's High School Beach Retreat (summer camp) in Gulf Shores, AL. All 5 campuses of SBC come together to be a part of this amazing week. We took almost 800 high schoolers from the West Campus! AMAZING!!! God is so faithful and He just continues to pour out His blessings on this ministry here in Katy!

I was a Condo Leader of 6 amazing girls who will be sophomores at Seven Lakes High School! They were awesome & I had the best week with them. I was so blessed to be their leader. On the last day, they all went shopping at the Wharf in Gulf Shores and all put their money together and made me a Build-A-Bear & they included a recording in it with all of their voices!!

West Condo - 601 - You girls are the best!! :)

------------
God moved & it was an amazing week to be a part of!

My girls!!

Students coming back up from the beach from Silent Sounds (Quiet time)

Our AMAZING dance team for the week - Led by: Criscilla Crossland Anderson

My amazing husband, speaking on the last night @ Campus night!

Our AMAZING 210 Student Ministry Staff!

Sade & I before they loaded the buses! :-(

Group Picture, BR'09 -- All five campuses!

Dr. Young baptizing a student on decision night.

Brian & our West campus Pastor Keith @ baptism!

West Campus students observing more baptisms at the condo pool on the last night at beach retreat! Such an amazing testimony & sight to see! I was blessed to be apart of this week!

Update from May: Mother's Day & Summer fun begins...

2009-06-05T15:00:00.005-05:00

Yes, I am just now updating my blog about my family.... I'm so sorry it's been so long!

For some reason life has turned into a whirlwind and I'm just doing good lately to keep my head above water - if you know what I mean!

Here are some pictures from our preschool Mother's Day tea....

from McKenna's class and Parker's.

Parker-man!

My sweet little girl...

Happy Mother's Day pose! :)

Then I just had to post some of these random pictures of the kids playing in the rain last month and an evening with watermelon!

Happy Summer!!

More wedding fun pictures!

2009-05-26T10:24:00.003-05:00

All the Bridesmaids!

At the rehearsal....

Leslie & I

Elevator shot, on our way to the Bridal Brunch!

Bridal brunch at Leslie's aunts house.

Waiting.... :)

Dancin' the night away with her adoreable nephew, Eli!

The Mr. & Mrs.!!! ;o)

Leavin'.......

My Best Friends Wedding!

2009-05-23T16:31:00.003-05:00

No, I'm not blogging about the movie, but about my precious best friend/roommate from college, Leslie! We just got back in town from Dallas where we had a fun weekend together celebrating her wedding to her sweet husband, John. So much fun!!!

I love Leslie to pieces and she is the most precious friend and woman that I have ever known! She is gorgeous both inside & out...and she made the most beautiful bride I have ever seen!

One word described her when I first saw her all dressed & ready to go out to meet her groom.... BREATHTAKING!!

Congratulations John & Leslie! God is so good and so faithful!

Brian & I were so blessed to be a part of your special day!

For more pictures, click here.

Parents: Are your lives "OUT OF ORDER"?!?

2009-05-04T19:43:00.004-05:00

I challenge you to watch this message http://www.tcabc.com/series/outoforder/outoforder.html

because it will radically change the way you view your marriage, parenting, the family unit, your priorities in your life, & your children!!! It challenged me a great deal today as I watched it during the kids naptime. Yes, it's long, but I promise you it is GOOD STUFF. EVERY parent, single adult, married couple, etc should listen this series by Alex Himaya. Alex is the Lead Pastor at The Church at BattleCreek in Tulsa, OK where Brian & I had the privilege to serve on staff at several years ago back at the beginning of our marriage. Alex always has great sermon series...but this is GREAT! I promise!

If you watch it, please leave me a comment & let me know what you think!

For those of you who won't watch it, here are some quick notes that I wrote down while watching this this afternoon...maybe this will give you a little taste of just how good this is! :)

In a culture that calls mothers, "Super Mom" & leaves us living a life of complete chaos with our children running our Day Planners, what does the Bible have to say about Parenting....

BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF PARENTING:

"Parenting is teaching & training your children to leave. "

1.) TEACHING: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up."

-Do LIFE together with your children. It's not about a family devotion time, but about teaching them about the Lord and His word as you walk through life together.

2.) TRAINING: Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

3.) LEAVE: Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

There is an origin to parenting, but what is our destination?

To raise children who are independantly dependant on their God!

But this is secondary to the marriage which should be our main priority as parents.

God's design for Life's "GPS" is really "GSP" -- God, Spouse, Parenting! (AND YES, IN THAT ORDER!!)

Two Poor Parenting practices the Enemy has deceived families with today:

1) Making your children the focus of your attention. "The whole world revolves around me!" mentality.

*"Attention is something they desperately need, just like water. But too much water can make them drown!"

*Married couples... "Keeping your children first in your household will create A.D.D. (Attention Deficite Disorder) with your spouse."

2.) Organizing our schedule around our children.

* We are all guilty of focusing on our children getting to experience things that we ourselves were unable to experience as a child. We've been guilty of this for generations, but we are to the point now that we have created a generation of children who are "experience rich" yet they are "relationally poor".

The enemy has taken our affection & twisted it to be more concerned with our children's experiences in life at the cost of being/teaching them to be relational.

Make a priority as a couple to Re-energize, Re-focus, & Re-connect with your spouse DAILY. Put the kids to bed at a decent hour so you have quality time with your spouse and keep your priorities in order!

Main thing to do to keep your marriage in the #1 spot in your life:

DATE YOUR MATE!

Protect this time & let this be the rule & not the exception. Invest in your marriage!!

Metro 09- More than just 5 days at the beach!

2009-04-25T21:57:00.004-05:00

Metro is a conference Brian & I are blessed to attend every year of 50 other youth pastors and their wives from all across the country! This is such a refreshing week for Brian and I as a couple and for ministry. I have the amazing opportunity to sit with 49 other wives each day and hear their wisdom about raising a family, having a healthy marriage all while serving in full time ministry. While we are meeting together as wives, our husbands are all in a separate meeting sharing ideas & encouraging each other! The theme this year was "Innovate" -

"See I am doing a new thing! NOWW it springs up; Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert & streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43:19

As I've written before, ministry is a life that most people do not relate too so it's so encouraging to spend a week with couples who are living exactly like you do! So many laughs, tears, great conversations, prayers, & great wisdom during this week. There is SOOO much that I could share. Things I took away from my personal devotion times with the Lord each morning, friendships that I made, words of wisdom that were shared with me, amazing ideas for Girls Ministry, etc etc...

The Lord really used this week to renew me as a wife, a mother, and a youth pastors wife!

Thanks Mimi once again for taking care of our sweet babies so we could go away to be re-charged as a couple!

2009 Metro Wives

Tops'l Resort where we stay each year.

Ahhhh.....

Dinner at Mitchell's - YUMMY!

Audra & I at dinner

Brian & I on a dinner cruise hosted for us by Student Life

Brian & I leaving dinner on our last night in Destin! (Love that "rear view".... Thanks Jordan! )

"The Lord has done great things for us, & we are FILLED with Joy!!" ~Psalm 126:3

Easter pictures...better late than never!

2009-04-25T21:51:00.002-05:00

He is ALIVE!!

2009-04-12T13:07:00.000-05:00

Hope you have an amazing Sunday today as we celebrate the TRUE & AMAZING meaning of what this day is all about --- the life, death, & RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST!!! Of all religions HE is the only GOD who is worshipped who is not dead in a grave somewhere - for HE IS ALIVE!
"Holy, Holy, Holy is THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! Who was and is and is to come!!!! With all creation I sing, praise to the KING OF KINGS, You are my everything and I will ADORE You!"

I absolutely love Kari Jobe and this amazing song. Enjoy & have an amazing Easter Sunday!

YouTube- our experiences at Kemah! :)

2009-04-11T23:01:00.003-05:00

This video is HILARIOUS... we thought we'd share our amusement ride experiences with the world of YouTube! Enjoy!

Videos from the rides at Kemah!

2009-04-11T17:54:00.002-05:00

It's coming...Beach Retreat 2009!

2009-04-03T07:58:00.006-05:00

Yes.... it's that time of year again!!! :)

B-E-A-C-H

R-E-T-R-E-A-T

2009!!!!!

Here is a video of some clips of Day 3 last year.

Also, here is a video that some of our adult leaders have done who have gone to Beach Retreat in the past!!!!

If you're interested in going with us as a sponsor this year, let me know!

God is doing a GREAT thing in the lives of young people today! Pray about being a part of it this year! We will probably take 800-1000 kids this year just from West Campus alone!!

Join us for an amazing week at B.R. 2009! I promise, it's a week that you don't want to miss!

Fantastic weekend!

2009-03-22T19:56:00.003-05:00

Spring Break has come to and end and Daddy is back home!! :)

So the weather was absolutely FANTASTIC this weekend & we spent the majority of it OUTSIDE!

Here are some pictures taken of the kiddos outside Friday evening... but if your interested...(Grandparents in AR)... you can click here to view more.

Not sure why Parker's belly is showing here... :/

McKenna (aka~ my little popsicle lover!)

Parker (aka~ My Blue-Eyed Boy!)

Then Saturday morning went to get our annual flowers and mulch to "spruce up" our landscape out front. It was warm and gorgeous and yes, I got sunburned and it's MARCH!! The weather has been sunny & in the low 80's all week & weekend! Can't complain...that's for sure! :)

"Looking up to his Daddy" - I absolutely love this pic!

Have a great week!

First swim lesson of 2009!

2009-03-20T14:47:00.003-05:00

Today was the kids first swim lesson this year with the great, Ms. Nancy!

They were SOOOOOOO excited!! We started the morning off at the donut shop, came home and worked in the yard, then headed out to their lesson at 11:30!

McKenna had her swimsuit on at 10:00!!! She was SO pumped.

She & Parker did SO well, it's like they picked right back up where they left off last fall!

A look into the heart of Ministers Wives...

2009-03-18T22:35:00.004-05:00

This week is Spring Break here in Katy, and it has been such a great week for me to get caught up on a lot of things here at home! Not teaching this week has been such a nice break!

I've also been working on being consistant with Parker's potty training, but that is another post! Maybe tomorrow :)

****

As I was catching myself up on a lot of the blog's that I love to read, but rarely have time to read anymore, I ran into this post on Beth Moore's blog at LPM blog and wanted to write some thoughts about it.... as I sit here with tears in my eyes, I was so touched by these three short clips... If you are reading this and you've always wondered how you can pray more specifically for your Pastor/Ministers & their spouses who serve on your church's staff... click here to go to a post of 3 videos she put up that are just some "annonymous" quotes/thoughts from a conference for ministers wives that she just did in Nashville.

****

I could totally identify to many of these thoughts from women who's husbands serve in some form of ministry all around our country. Serving in full-time ministry is an absolute BLESSING!But, at times, it can also be the most isolated & lonely calling. I once heard someone say, that "there is no vacation in ministry because Sunday is always coming." And how true that is...

Brian & I have only been in ministry together for almost 7 years now and my "role" in the whole pictures has definitely changed over the past 4 years since having McKenna & Parker.

My #1 priority is my relationship with my God, #2 is to my marriage to my amazing husband, #3 is that I can be the best mother than I can be to my two children who I love with all my heart! #4 our Home, making it the place of refuge & our haven together, and #5 is serving in our church family/ministry.

Over the past few years, I really have struggled with my "identity" in our ministry together, because it has changed during thise phase in life. My main priority in my family right now and having two preschoolers is an extremely demanding job!

There are times that I feel guilty that I am not more involved in our student ministry right now than I am...but I have peace and rest in the fact that I know I am doing my best with what I have to give at this phase in my life right now. I definitely have a passion for ministry. Watching students give their lives to the Lord and to watch them GROW and develop their own passion for Him is the most gratifying feeling, and to be apart of what God is doing here in Katy just leaves me feeling completely blessed and humbled that He would choose to use Brian & I with all of our flaws & imperfections to do His Kingdom work! It is so exciting to be apart of what God is doing!! I wouldn't change it for the world! Yes, it is SOOO hard being 7-9 hours away from our families back home, but when you are where the Lord wants you to be, doing what He desires for you to be doing... there is nothing that can compare to that kind of peace. To see my husband so happy, fulfilled, challenged, growing, leading, and enjoying going to work every day makes it all worth it. I have the best husband in the world!! Not only is he an amazing Student Pastor, communicator of God's Word, and a great leader...but he is amazing at balancing ministry & our family. That is such a blessing that he is always so conscious about making time with me & the kids a priority! There is ALWAYS ministry to be done, but you only get these brief moments together as a family for a moment.

Anywho... sorry for the "randomness" tonight...isn't that what blog's are for?!? ;)

I just found her post tonight to be interesting and thought I'd share.... please do your pastor's wife a favor and bathe her and her family in prayer right now... you never know just what she or her family might be going through at this very moment.

There is so much peace & power in prayer!

***

-Phillipians 3:8-11

"Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life."

March MOPS meeting - Speaker Gina Warner

2009-03-09T21:39:00.005-05:00

Tonight was our monthly MOPS meeting at church. I love this time because it's such a refreshing evening for me as a mother. I always leave encouraged and challenged to be a better mother! Tonight our speaker was Gina Warner...she was great!! She has four children of her own, three of which are now in college...
Here are some of my notes from tonight. They may seem "choppy" but I hope it can encourage anyone reading this in their parenting!

Things we can pass on to our children:

1.) GRACE... always give grace.
Grace means "to bend"... we need to be flexible but also relevant to our children...
**We need to pray that our home be "wallpapered" in Grace.
Some grace "killers" are, guilt, rage, high expectations, etc...
2.) IDENTITY.
What they do does NOT determine WHO they ARE.
We need to instill in them an UNSHAKABLE identity in CHRIST.
Challenge: "Who am I, that can not be taken away from me?"... not that I am Brian's wife, or Parker & McKenna's mom, or a Housewife... because all those things can (God-forbid) be taken away from me at a moment...so what is left that is the Core of ME?!?!
I am a Daughter of The KING of KINGS!
**Do I believe that I am someone, that I want my kids to become... a legacy to leave behind in them???**
3.) FAITH.
-Faith is believing in something that we can not see.
-If I as their mother, believe in the Word of God...do I live by it... will they, when the challenging times come, make their Faith their own?!?
-Can I pass these lessons in Faith on to them through my parenting?
- Do I live it?!?
-Build character in them... godly character that will withstand the hard/challenging times.
4.) THANKSGIVING.
-The ability to be thankful in ALL circumstances...the good & the bad!

These G.I.F.T's are what Christ gave to us, that we should give daily to our children. To leave a rich heritage of Christ in our children for generations to follow.....Not just to attend church, but to have them rooted and bathed in

GRACE, IDENTITY (in Christ), FAITH, & THANKSGIVING!

~Psalm 139~

Dance costumes are in!

2009-02-28T17:04:00.003-06:00

Today we had a make-up class for McKenna's dance. To our surprise Ms. Juleigh announced that the girls recital costumes for their "Alice in Wonderland" show, were in and that they got to take them home. She let them all come out and try them on and then do a run through of their routine with their tutu's on! :)

Luckily I had my small camera in my purse so I could snap some pictures of the girls who were there...

Video from Monday morning on the Today Show...

2009-02-24T16:47:00.002-06:00

I found this segment on the Today Show yesterday morning to be SO interesting about the 2008 Election & how Obama was elected due to the media bias during the primaries & the election! I was SO surprised the Today Show even had this guy on to talk about his documentary "Media Malpractice" http://www.howobamagotelected.com/

Parker & his new underwear!!!

2009-02-15T20:49:00.005-06:00

This past week or so Parker has really been interested in the POTTY!!

HOORAY!!!

I really wasn't planning on working with him on it until Spring Break...but if it's not done by then, I will use that week off from preschool for both of us to go to "potty training boot camp"!

haha... J/K!
Mommy & Daddy are SOOOOOOOO excited because when this great skill is mastered it equals NO MORE DIAPERS for the Mills family & oh what a glorious day that will be!

Honestly, he's not even close to mastering this skill yet, but he's doing a great job at learning to go and beginning to tell us when he needs to go! And HE has initiated it... every time he sits, he goes... so he is SO proud of himself and so are we!

Yay Parkerman! Mommy is so proud of you!

Here are some pictures that should give you a great laugh! ;-)

Proud of his CARS undies!

What a cute lil' behind! ;-)

(He will kill me one day knowing I posted this on my blog for the whole blogworld to see!)

"CHEESE MOM...but I AM sitting on the potty!"

16x20 canvas

2009-02-15T20:46:00.002-06:00

This was a picture of a canvas I did back in December. I never posted it because it was an order for someone's friend for their Christmas gift. Such a great verse on friendship!

Tagged! I'm it...

2009-02-06T20:36:00.004-06:00

Here's how you play!

1. Go to your 4th folder where you store your photos.

2. Select your 4th picture (no exceptions)!

3. Post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger
4. Tag 4 people (or as many as you want) to do the same!!

This is my baby girl, McKenna, at the beach with Brian's family in August 2005! Look at those chubby lil' legs!! She was about 8 months old here and yes... eating the sand! YUCK!

So, now it's YOUR turn...

1. Jill W.

2. Haley

3. Leslie

4. Lindsey

Picture of Ethan, isn't he a pretty baby!?!

2009-01-31T14:58:00.005-06:00

I'm an Aunt/update on Harper/hilarious Ed Young Jr video

2009-01-28T21:04:00.007-06:00

That's right... my baby brother became a daddy today. Some of you know this long road my family has been on over the past year & I am grateful for your prayers. Ethan Aaron was born this morning at about 2:30am weighing 6lbs, 1oz. and 19" long.

Congratulations Josh!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord; children are a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3

I don't have pic's yet because of the huge ice storm that has pounded NWArkansas this week! My parents and thousands of others are without power again today due to the ice. They are going to send pic's when they get power restored, which they're being told could be as early as this weekend or as late as next week!

Oh my!! I would FREEZE my behind off!

This is an actual pic from a friend of mine back home... that's his street! Brrrrr!

*********

***See my update to my previous post about the GREAT day Harper had at http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/! ***

*********

Brian found this video tonight posted on Ed Young Jr's blog from when he was on "The Colbert Nation" on Comedy Central! It is hilarious!

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Ed Young

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Colbert Report Tickets

Paul McCartney Appearance
More Funny Videos

Update -- Kelly's blog -- God is SO good!

2009-01-26T21:23:00.004-06:00

Update from Wednesday... Praise the Lord for HE is GOOD! :)

www.kellyskornerblog.com

(Kelly feeding her sweet lil' girl!)

-------------------

I went to Kelly's blog this evening to find this....
look at that precious baby girl!
She is doing so much better! PRAISE JESUS!!
Read Kelly's blog here & please keep praying for The Stamps!

Wrap up of another week!

2009-01-23T10:55:00.004-06:00

Well another week of teaching eleven 3-year-olds has flown by & today is our "family" day! I love working at His Kids preschool & all the great women that I get to work with every

Tuesday-Thursday!
----

My college suitemate, Taber, had her beautiful baby boy, Jett on Monday!

He is beautiful & healthy, 8 lbs and 20 3\4 in long!

Praise the Lord!

Congrats Adam & Taber!

----

The 44th president of the United States was sworn in on Tuesday, January 20th! For the first time in American History, an African-American man will be the President of the United States of America. That is such an exciting day for America. And although I didn't vote for him, nor do I agree with a lot of his morals & values, he is still my President & the leader appointed to lead this amazing country that we have the blessing to live in!

I've been really challenged to pray for President Obama & his wife Michelle and their two precious little girls on a daily basis more than I have with any government leader in the past.

I found this list on another blog & believe it's dead on:

*Pray for President Obama and his family daily

*Their protection and safety

*Wisdom in their decision-making

*Support the President in all decisions you believe honor God’s Word

*Be optimistic about the future of America

*Believe in the American people

*Ultimately trust in the Lord that He is in control of all things

----

Every Friday, Brian tries to take off away from the office to spend with us. I always look forward to Friday & Saturday each week because it's just great downtime together to have fun, and just 'chill' as a family! Today...we're off to the library & to lunch! Then I'm going to coffee with a sweet friend of mine while the kids are napping! Some may say, that's "real" exciting...but that's our life right now! What a blessing it is!

----

That's my "weekly wrap up" for this week! Take time this weekend to spend 'quality time' with those you love! Have a beautiful weekend!

Harper at 43% oxygen today!!! YAY!!

2009-01-23T10:52:00.004-06:00

Harper is continuing to make improvements! She is slowly being weaned off the venilator. Today Kelly posted that she is at 43% oxygen!! They might be able to wake her up soon!! I know Kelly is so ready to hold her, love on her, & get to see those precious eyes looking up to adore her mommy!
Keep praying for them for they are still on a long journey with little Harper!

But God is faithful & He is so good! Please continue to keep the Stamps in your prayers.

Harper update...

2009-01-17T13:24:00.003-06:00

Isn't she gorgeous!?!?

Update from Sunday night: www.kellyskornerblog.com

=============

Kelly updated her blog about an hour ago... Click here to read about how good our God is! For at this very minute Harper is getting better little by little & "on her own" without the need for the ECMO machine for the heart/lung bypass that they were thinking that she was going to need for the next 5-7 days. Kelly is currently preparing to be discharge so that she can be reunited in Tulsa with her sweet hubby, Scott & precious Harper!

Keep praying... she's not in the clear just yet!

God is so good!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE STAMPS!!!

2009-01-16T21:42:00.005-06:00

UPDATE: They have flown precious Harper to Tulsa, to St. Francis. Please keep praying for this precious family as they walk down this road with their sweet baby girl!

------------------------------
For those of you who have followed Kelly Stamp's blog http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ you know she went in this morning to be induced with their miracle baby girl, Harper.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE join me and the rest of Kelly's friends & family in lifting up this baby girl to the Father! She was born not breathing well, but as Kelly just updated... the report from her dr is NOT FAVORABLE... they are at this moment air lifting baby Harper to Arkansas Children's Hospital!! According to her dad's blog, they think Harper may have pneumonia due to fluid in her lungs. The dr in the NICU said he did all he knew to do, thus the need to fly her to Children's hospital. (you can follow her dad's blog here)

This is the most precious, godly couple & they have had a long road of battling miscarrage, & infertility & have finally been blessed with this precious little life!

Pray for complete healing for baby Harper as well of God's peace to surround Kelly, Scott & their parents. This was the first grandchild on both sides! As well as wisdom for Harper's doctors!

Jesus, please be with this precious family!!!!

Another great recipe!

2009-01-16T18:53:00.002-06:00

Again, another recipe from Denise... a huge hit tonight with the family! It was great on such a chilly winter night!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp basil leaves
2 Tbs minced onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tsp dried chives
1 tsp parsley

1 2lb bage of Souther Style hashbrowns
2 cups milk
1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
4-5 stips of bacon, crumbled

- Bring top section of water & seasoning to a boil in a stock pot.
- Add hashbrowns & boil until tender.
- Add 2 cups milk & velveeta cheese, cubed.
- When cheese is melted, add 4-5 strips of cooked bacon crumbled.
- Top with shredded cheese & serve!

Super easy!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy!

The famous pumpkin crunch cake recipe!

2009-01-16T18:45:00.003-06:00

Many of you have asked for this recipe that I made quite a bit over the holidays... so here it is....
(Props to Denise Lopez... I got this recipe from her!)

Pumpkin Crunch:

1 pkg. Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
3 eggs, beaten
1 16 oz. can pumpkin
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup pecans
1 cup melted butter

- Spray bottom of 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 350-
- Combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, spice, and salt; mix well.
- Pour into 9x13 dish
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
- Top with pecans
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 1 hour until golden brown & bubbly - it sometimes needs longer.
- Cool completely before serving.
- Serve with Cool Whip topping. (**Especially good with the "French Vanilla" flavored cool whip!!)

4 year old check up & FIVE SHOTS!

2009-01-15T20:13:00.002-06:00

(McKenna playing last Saturday at Andrew's b-day party at Inflatable Zone! )

McKenna was a trooper this week!! Monday she had her 4 year old check-up at the pediatrician...she did GREAT, however, the appointment ended on a major downer!! SHE HAD TO GET 5 SHOTS... they were all one's that she's had before but they were just the "booster" doseage of them...I guess...

So after 2 shots in each thigh, and one in the back of her left arm,

I took my baby girl to go across the street to the mall and let her

pick out a cookie at the Cookie Co. !

A little chocolate makes all things better! ;)

My little boy & his new toys!

2009-01-15T20:00:00.003-06:00

Pictures of Parker playing the other night...

Parker & his new acoustic guitar! Future Rock Star!

His cars loaded into "Mack"

Lined up & ready to race, but paused for a pose! ;)

Orders---complete!

2009-01-15T19:45:00.004-06:00

I've been working in the evenings on some canvas orders that I have had since the holidays....

phew...it's hard to keep up with it all now that I'm teaching preschool & still juggling my main "job" as a wife, mommy, & housekeeper, but when I make the time to sit down and DO IT... I really enjoy it!

A gorgeous wedding & an update... finally!

2009-01-05T22:20:00.005-06:00

Okay, so I have slowly become that HORRIBLE blogger who rarely updates her blog!

I use to be really good at updating this...but it seems like the past few months have been a whirlwind!

After getting back from Christmas in Arkansas, we had a great week off of school and spent New Years Eve with our friends Grant & Lindsey!! We had a great time. Then Friday morning Brian, McKenna, & I headed to Dallas for Brian's best friend's wedding. Nathan & Brian have been good friends since college, and it was so much fun to see old college friends again. We took McKenna with us & left Parker here at home with Joy!! (Thank you so much again Joy!!) McKenna is VERY into princesses, bride dresses, any kind of dress up ANYTHING...so we thought she'd really enjoy it! She did great through the ceremony but her favorite part was staying at the Doubletree! We were on the 17th floor and she thought the view was so cool! Her first comment was hilarious... "Mommy, look at all that traffic!" LOL... not, look at all the cars...but "traffic". You can tell she is growing up in Houston, where traffic is a daily adventure!

Brian & I

McKenna with her cranberry juice/7-up "cocktail"...LOL

One of my dear friends/mentors from college, Kim & I!

Brian & Michael = trouble! ;)

McKenna on the elevator on the way to the rehearsal dinner!

Yesterday after church, Brian left for the global youth staff retreat at Roundtop, but luckily he'll be home tomorrow. Today, she had ballet where they are working on their routine for their dance recital in May. And tomorrow school begins! I can't believe it's already time to go back!

Here's to a great week!

Have a good one!
============

I'm also working on SEVERAL orders, that I needed to put off until after the Holidays...

pictures of those coming soon!

Holiday Pictures & videos from The Mills children...

2008-12-27T11:02:00.005-06:00

I'm taking a break to post this in between loads of laundry, packing up our Christmas decor, and unpacking TONS of clothes & toys from Christmas in Arkansas & McKenna's 4th birthday!

Here are some videos from our week in Hot Springs! What a divine Christmas we had this year! We are SO blessed! :)

Click here for Christmas morning pictures!

Click here for the annual Christmas Eve Mills family pictures!

"Jingle Bells" from Ty, Haley, McKenna & Parker Mills:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRLwLmSwJw8

Santa Clause called us on Christmas Eve!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygS6si1mUmc

McKenna's Happy Birthday Song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXtVa85VVD0

McKenna is now a 4 year old!

2008-12-25T16:15:00.003-06:00

Where has the time gone?!?! It seems like just yesterday that Brian & I brought home our new beautiful bundle of joy in 20 degree weather on Christmas Eve, 2004! Now she is a fun-loving, sweet, hilarious, shy at times, smart, precious, tenderhearted, gorgeous four year old.

Brian & I are so blessed by you McKenna! You light up our lives! We love you baby girl!

Click here to view some pictures from her family birthday party.

My birthday girl - party #1!

2008-12-14T18:16:00.003-06:00

Last night we celebrated McKenna Grace's 4th birthday at Westwood Gymnastics. The kids all had a blast as they tumbled around & wore themselves out! This was her "friends" party...next Saturday is her "family" party...then Christmas!! Tis the season! ;)

Here are some pic's from last night!

Our visit to see SANTA!!

2008-12-13T14:27:00.005-06:00

Since yesterday was Brian's day away from the office we decided that we were finally going to make the big "visit"!! We finally made room in our crazy holiday schedule to take the kids down to see SANTA CLAUSE! And boy were they excited!
Parker started to kinda freak out once we got there, but once he actual saw him with the other children before us, he warmed up to the idea & both the kids did great! They smiled & they even each told him what they wanted for Christmas!
While we were waiting in line, I was reminded of the simplicity of JOY that we should all have this holiday season as I watched a small class of special needs children who were visiting Santa before us in line. The absolute joy & excitement that they each portrayed while getting their picture made with Santa was such a treat to witness! They were precious! Hoping your holiday season is filled with JOY!

Here are some pictures of us waiting in line:

Telling Santa what they wanted for Christmas! So CUTE!

Congratulations Leslie & John!!

2008-12-11T21:49:00.004-06:00

Okay... so tonight I received a call from my amazing college roomate Leslie!!
SHE IS ENGAGED!!!! AH!!!!!! I am so excited for her & her precious fiance John!
Leslie is one of the most amazing, and genuine people I have ever met! We met when we pledge Tri Chi at OBU our freshman year. She was a transfer student from Baylor & we hit it off right from the start & lived together until I got married! We will be best friends until we're old! It doesn't matter how much time has passed between us seeing eachother, we can just pick right back up where we left off!

Talk about someone who just "gets you"...that is her. We always knew what eachother were thinking, we could finish eachother's sentences, we've been through MANY great times and she has been there for me through many down times too. I am so incredibly excited for her & this new godly man who has swept her off her feet! I have been praying for Leslie & her future spouse since I got married & left OBU.... I knew she was so extremely amazing & needed someone SO deserving of her! And John is one LUCKY guy! WHAT A BLESSING!!

Leslie, my heart is THRILLED for you as you begin this new chapter in your life with John! I can't wait to see just what else the Lord has in store for you both in your new life together! :)

I love ya so much & cherish you and our friendship. MERRY Christmas TO YOU!

Love ya, Jen

210 Student Ministry Christmas Party!

2008-12-10T17:02:00.002-06:00

Okay, so to be honest, my blog has definitely fallen to the bottom of the priority list these past few weeks! Things have been SO busy with teaching preschool three days a week, keeping up my home, painting canvases for Christmas orders, & attending three Christmas parties over the past 3 days, one of which I hosted here at our house for our 210 Student Ministry Staff! What a whirlwind! Last night all of our 210 Staff & their spouses/"significant others" came to our house for some yummy Italian food & great desserts! We played a game to see which couple knew the most about each other and that was a great time of laughing & learning more about the families that we are doing life & ministry with day by day! Our staff is such a blessing & Brian & I talk all the time about what a unique & amazing team God has put together here at the West Campus of Second Baptist Church! WE ARE BLESSED! :) Here is the 210 Staff Christmas card that we are sending out the whole student ministry...

"From our 210 Family to Yours! Merry Christmas!"

Christmas "tour"...

2008-12-02T21:37:00.007-06:00

As I've said in a previous post, I absolutely LOVE this time of year.
Last night we finally finished the some final touches on our house, both inside & out...
Here's a little sneak peek "tour" of The Mills residence in December!
Merry CHRISTmas!

View of the outside (Good job Brian & Jeremiah on the lights!)

Parker with his "buddy" Frosty!

"Welcome to our home!" ~ Our sign on the door says "Happy Birthday Jesus!"

Come on in...

Our tree in the dining room front window!

View of the mantle

Santa pictures of the kids from 2005, 2006, 2007!

"Thanks for stopping by...Merry Christmas!!"~McKenna

Child-like Faith

2008-11-29T21:04:00.002-06:00

Tonight, as we were putting McKenna to bed, we were going through our nightly routine of reading a book, praying, and quoting her bible verses that we've been working with her on memorizing. I'm so impressed because she already has memorized four verses.

She told me tonight that she is ready to learn a new verse....

I love that she already has a thirst for God's word. My prayer & hearts cry is that she never forget His Word that she is 'hiding in her heart' even if she is only three (almost four) years old!

It just made me think of how little I take time out to memorize God's word. I need to make it more of a priority before my little girl passes me up!

Lord, thank you for reminding me through my daughter just what it means to

have faith like a child,

I pray for that unending thirst for Your Word!

The next verse on our list in time for Christmas:

Luke 2:11-

"Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord."

~
I found a great "quick link" for some great verse for children that I thought I'd share... Click here.

(Scroll to the bottom of the page & there is a quick

reference of verses aligned with familiar children's rhymes or songs.)

I thought it would be fun to hear comments of any ideas your readers use with your children to instill faith & scripture in the hearts of your children.

The Holidays!!

2008-11-22T13:46:00.006-06:00

I absolutely LOVE this time of year! The holidays are just around the corner...a time to gather with our family & friends to celebrate & be thankful! I love to decorate (thus the change in the look of this blog!), the music, the sights & sounds, the food, the laughter & joy....

this is my favorite time of the year!
There are SO many things that I am thankful for....I'm working on a list that I will post later. I have to remind myself of these things often to keep my heart in check as a reminder to maintain a grateful heart & attitude!
I am SO truly blessed! Mainly, because I have a Savior that makes my life worth living...no matter what circumstances life throws at me....there is always a HOPE through HIM!

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...."

Let's remember to be THANKFUL as we celebrate our true GIFT this

Thanksgiving & Christmas season!!!

~
We are off to visit all of our family in Arkansas this week -

I hope you all have a wonderful week & a fabulous Thanksgiving!

My Friday...

2008-11-14T21:15:00.001-06:00

Today has been a great day! I've gotten so much accomplished that has been on my "to-do" list... We started the day off with McDonalds breakfast, printed & finished McKenna' b-day party invitations for her "princess party", our info is blured out on purpose ;-) .... picked up my computer from the "dr" it had a virus infect it last week so we had to have it wiped clean, ran to Hobby Lobby (love it!), came home - finished canvas order #1 while the kids napped, (it's super cute, but I can't post it b/c it's a Christmas gift!) then Mckenna & I went to Michael's & ended up purchasing Christmas gifts for my kiddos teachers, purchased stuff to do canvas order #2, & some frames for canvas order #3, stopped by Target for some much needed groceries & found some items for the kids Christmas & McKenna's b-day, came home put a pizza in the oven & somehow that burned....

(I think Brian set it to pre-heat on "broil", not "bake"!).
So we ended the night at Chick-fil-a for dinner! Phew! I'm done in, it's time to call it a night!
Have a great night & a FABULOUS FALL weekend! :)

I guess you could call it a bathroom "remodel"

2008-11-14T20:45:00.002-06:00

When we purchased our house a year ago, it was a spec house that was already finished & move in ready. So we came in and we are adding our Mills "touches" along the way.

Really, all we've done is paint, but we just went in our little power bathroom & re-modeled it a little. A coat of paint, new mirror, new wall decor & accessories, and after Christmas a new light fixture will finish it off... turned out pretty cute I think! :)

Lindsey's "not so little" business!

2008-11-12T22:10:00.001-06:00

My sweet friend Lindsey is so incredibly talented & I had the priviledge of getting to help her at her booth at Second's Celebrations Christmas market this past weekend!

She did GREAT & I am so proud of her & her amazing talent!
Here are some pictures of us at her booth on Saturday!

Check out her blog here.

Baby gift - canvas for Elliot

2008-11-03T20:28:00.001-06:00

"How to VOTE for President"

2008-11-02T15:37:00.007-06:00

That was the title of this mornings message brought by our pastor, Dr. Young. I found this sermon to be very insightful and thought I would just share some of the points that he made this morning.
He spoke about the illusions in our culture. How illusions are a mirage, they keep you from seeing the TRUTH. Jesus was in the business of dissolving illusions.

Here are some "illusions" in our culture today:
1.) Christian's shouldn't be involved in politics.
- This is so far from the truth. We should be as involved as ever because we are citizens of the United States of America & we hold every right to make our vote/opinions count. Not only are we citizens of the US, but more importantly we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are to be "salt", "light", "fire", "water", "leven", & "keys" in this world. These were all metaphors that Jesus used in the New Testament when challenging his followers to make a difference. To be these things in our culture today, we MUST BE INVOLVED in the culture.
2.) American's believe that their vote doesn't count.
3.) That we shouldn't legislate morality.
4.) That you can be "neutral" on the issues.

*As Christians then, how should we vote:
-Habakkuk 2:1-11
Begin at the "watch tower" (Habakkuk 2:1). Get above all the media, the family/friends opinions & points of view to see the whole picture. Look at the history, their records, and their character as a human being.
-Moses as an example, in Exodus 18:18, when his father-in-law Jethro came to visit him while he was in charge of leading 2 million people through the wilderness, pointed out to Moses that the task of one man managing that many people & problems was a "task that was too heavy for him". Leaders represent the people before God. Therefore they should get their wisdom from God, taking all the problems to Him.

Exodus 18:19-21 (Jethro speaking to Moses)
"Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain..."

Things to look for in a candidate for President:
1.) They should have proven character.
2.) Comptence in decision-making.
3.) Courage, for without it = failure in leadership.
4.) Shame, humility.

So as Christians we need to do three things:
1.) Get on our "watch tower" (Habakkuk 2:1)
2.) PRAY & Repent.
3.) GO VOTE!

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and

seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from

heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

II Chronicles 7:14

Trick or Treat from Sleeping Beauty & Tigger!

2008-11-01T10:05:00.004-05:00

Click here to view more pictures...

Noah's Ark Days at Preschool!

2008-10-31T08:40:00.004-05:00

This week at His Kids preschool we had a fun week of dressing up like animals for "Noah's Ark Day" which was held on Tuesday & Wednesday for the different classes. Since my kiddos go three days they got to participate in dressing up both days! The first day Parker didn't do so well seeing me with my class in the audience, but he did a lot better on Wednesday seeing only daddy & the 210 youth staff in the audience. :)

Carving pumpkins!

Have a safe & happy halloween! :)

Family, Faith, & Country...

2008-10-25T22:08:00.003-05:00

I don't want to make my family & business blog about politics, however, I am a strong advocate for everyone who is registered to make their voice heard this election year! The time is now!!
I came across this video sent in an email from my friend Jill. It was put out by the Catholic church, but has a powerful message about coming together to take a stand & to SPEAK UP for what we believe in & what this country was founded upon!

Please go out & VOTE!!! May God Bless AMERICA!

Slideshow of previous 3 years of Fall!

2008-10-25T21:55:00.001-05:00

Dewberry Farms, pumpkin patch fun!!

2008-10-25T20:57:00.004-05:00

We started our Saturday out at the pediatrician's office for the kid's flu shots... then we were off to a farm north of Brookshire, TX called Dewberry Farms! The weather was beautiful today but it quickly warmed up while we were there. We went through their cornmaze, on a hayride to pick out a pumpkin, the kids & I rode the "corn train" while Brian laughed his head off at me (see pic's below in the album of the "train"), we played in hay & saw the animals at the petting zoo section! It was a FULL DAY!! Happy Fall!! I can't believe it's already the end of October!

Click here to view all pictures from our day at the pumpkin patch at Dewberry Farms!

Family Pictures!!!

2008-10-21T20:22:00.004-05:00

They're in.... and Brett did a great job!!!

Despite the fact that both of my sweet children were in a HORRIBLE mood Friday morning, they turned out pretty cute!

I highly recommend Brett....
he is so talented & is just getting started in the family picture/senior picture scene!

Here is just a little sampling of the hundreds we took!

If you want to view all of the good pic's click here to view an album through Facebook!

Lindsey's blog --- check it out!!

2008-10-21T20:15:00.003-05:00

My sweet friend, Lindsey, has started her own little "business" of creating the most amazing & personalized jewlery!!! You have GOT TO CHECK OUT HER BLOG!!!

CLICK HERE!!!

Amazing gift ideas for the holiday's that are just around the corner!

Way to go Lindz, I am SO proud of you! You are so precious & incredibly talented!

Reminiscing....

2008-10-18T16:36:00.006-05:00

Today while "assisting" Brian while he cleaned our carpet (our fun Saturday project for this week), I was going through some old pictures from when the kiddos were younger....

It's so sad to think how fast they are growing up &

how much they've changed in just ONE YEAR! :(
I thought I would share some...

Grandpa Johnson w/ Parker last Easter

Parker at 4 months!! (Our lil' linebacker!)

Miss Sassy! :)

Parker at 8 months

The beach w/ The Mills family - last August

Parker's 1st bday party.

Our first week in Katy, Tx.

The mischevious duo!

Halloween 2007~

What a difference a year makes…

Not only have our kids grown like weeds, but our student ministry that we are so blessed to be a part of here at Second Baptist has as well. It has been such a fun journey and I can’t believe it was ONLY one year ago that we all moved here to see what God has in store for 210 student ministries. Our youth staff is AMAZING & we wouldn’t change a thing about our move here to Katy, TX. EXCEPT OF COURSE TO BE CLOSER TO OUR FAMILY BACK IN ARKANSAS. But God is good and He has blessed us with great friends & an amazing church to be a part of.

Happy Birthday Mimi! (a day late...)

2008-10-18T16:32:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU MIMI!!!! :)

Hope you had a great day, even if you did have to work...

We all miss you

and

we can't wait to see you at Thanksgiving!!!!

Friday night football - Katy vs. Morton Ranch

2008-10-11T21:05:00.003-05:00

Last night, we took the kids to the Katy vs. Morton Ranch high school game & it was PACKED out... There was so much energy & it was a great game to watch,

as Morton Ranch was coming into the game undefeated & then Katy, is just Katy...

We have lots of students in our student ministry that attend both schools and God has given us INCREDIBLE favor with both football teams on each campus so we were cheering for both!

McKenna informed us as we were getting ready for the game that she was going to be a cheerleader for the game & needed to wear her "Razorhog" (that's what she calls the Razorbacks) uniform, there was no changing this 3 1/2 year olds mind... so she wore her Arkansas cheerleading uniform to the game! :)

The kids had a blast & the weather was AMAZING!!

It actually felt like a cool FALL evening here in South Texas!

Conversations...

2008-10-11T20:59:00.002-05:00

Brian took Parker with him today to the Verizon Wireless store to have some things worked out with his phone. While they were there they lady gave Parker a phone just like Brian's new one... but it's not real, it's one of the model phones they use for display purposes in their store. Brian asked for one for McKenna too.... so when McKenna & I got home from shopping this afternoon, she had a "smart phone" too! We've created a monster... ;-)

This is what I walked into tonight to find occuring on the couch after their baths...

they are both in "serious conversations" with people--

McKenna with her friend "Morgan" & Parker with "Deacon"....

(the second picture looks like Parker is texting already!! )

Baby Caroline~

2008-10-09T21:50:00.002-05:00

This is a 20x24 canvas that I finished for a nursery baby girl.

The bedding is the Sophia bedding from Pottery Barn Kids.