Late Again.............

Belated Birthday Greetings to my beautiful Ladybug - Alyssa turned 10 on March 12th!!

We had a lovely time on her birthday, which was on a Wednesday - great timing. On Wednesdays, she has Dance Company class (which is her competition team), then we have an hour and fifteen minute break til Stretch Class (intense exercises helping to strengthen muscles and techniques to perfect turns, leaps, etc), so usually during this break a slew of moms and girls go catch a bite to eat together. Several of her closest friends were able to be there and brought presents against my instructions - they disagreed with me that presents were unnecessary! We went to Chili's - one of her fave eateries & a fellow dancer mom made a fabulous Red Velvet Cheesecake (Alyssa's two fave desserts combined in one!). She got four Webkinz & was simply delighted - they are almost like having new babies & alot of work!

Alyssa has such a beautiful spirit that I cannot take all the credit for - alot of it just comes natural. She has always had an interest and kinship with the Special Friends in her class & they love her as well. She loves to sing and is active in her school choir. She is looking forward to the bigger opportunities she will have next year at the Intermediate School in regards to their awesome music program. Her dream is to play the harp (could she pick a more expensive instrument?!) but probably does not have the time for dance, choir and orchestra next year! And I don't have the gas money either! ha ha

Blessings, Alyssa!

Belated Birthday Greetings

Wow, I am now officially the mother of a teenager! I feel so blessed and old!

Austin's b-day was on the 15th, but he was very ill with a 102 temp, so we have yet to officially celebrate. He actually spent all of his birthday and the weekend in bed. I don't know if it was officially "the flu", but was pretty darn close if not the real thing.

The pic below was taken in summer 2006, but it was a very good photo and it was already on my computer, so it made it super easy to load on here.

He is such a wonderful boy - super smart - loves to read huge books - polite - almost taller than me - big science geek - his dream job is to someday develop video games - plays the flute beautifully - and best of all, still loves Momma's hugs n kisses!

Congrats, Austin on your new chapter in life :)

LOOOOOOOOONG OVERDUE NEWZ!!!!

Okay so I have been told - not that I didn't already know - that I need some new news posted on here (& this is so one of the reasons I did not want to start a blog - I knew I'd fall behind!!!), so here goes......

I have been trying to get a TA (teacher's assistant) job for several months now. Subbing makes more money per day, but a TA position is consistant pay and also my paycheck is broken down into 12 month increments, so I will get a paycheck even during the summer months. Right around Halloween, I was offered a position at my kids elementary school, which is absolutely perfect. I work 9 - 2 in a Pre-K class where we have 19 four year olds - all are at risk children - 6 are foreign & 4 of those speak no English (2 are Mexican and 2 are Japanese). Now, from here and there, I have picked up a few Spanish words, I can count to 20+, and can sing Feliz Navidad almost all the way correctly! However, I only know hello in Japanese, so not very helpful there. Needless to say, my days have gotten a wee bit crazier. Almost daily I get that feeling of, "What was I thinking?" You know how it is when you want something so badly and then when you finally get it, it wasn't exactly what you thought it'd be?!?! That's me! However, I asked God for a TA job and He gave this to me, so I am very thankful for His providing hand.

I got sick the Sunday before my very first day at work. Our church had it's version of a Halloween thing which was called Cove Country Fair (our church is Church of The Cove) and we were outside all evening in the somewhat brisk mountain air. They also had a Chili Cook-off for dinner, which did not sound very tasty to me that evening, so I didn't really eat any supper - we had also eaten a late lunch that day. Then we had a lady from FL, who recently started at our church and who is a Line Dancing Teacher, teach us steps to 4 songs and we had a "Line Dancing for Jesus" session - which was a blast and very hilarious! By the time we got home my throat was feeling scruffy and I was very tired. I decided I needed to get a good night's sleep. so I was gonna take some medicine to help my throat and some Tylenol PM to help me fall asleep quickly. I have no idea what hit me - if it was a stomach bug or it was the medicine on an empty stomach - I woke up at 2 am deathly ill. And I'll spare most of the details, but I was in horrible pain, curled in a ball on the kitchen floor next to the trashcan for the next 2 1/2 hours. I hadn't received or signed my hire papers for my job yet, so I wasn't "official" at that moment, so I knew I had to go to work the next morning as I couldn't call in a sub for me! As if that wasn't bad enough, when I woke up the next morning and for almost the whole week, I could hardly talk! So besides all the other "normal" stresses of the classroom, that didn't help at all. It made for a very interesting week!

So have you ever seen the poster or saying, All I Ever Needed to Know in Life I Learned in Kindergarten? Well, what follows is my version........

Things I Have Found in Pre-K

I have found I do not like being in the same classroom all the time.
" " " hand sanitizer does not eliminate all germs nor does it taste good.
" " " hand sanitizer gives you "old lady" hands.
" " " very creative hand motions for words like potty, sit still, & be nice.
" " " little shoes hurt bad when they're kicking the shins.
" " " that pre-schoolers will eat anything - even recycled tire mulch!
" " " when they say it's a bathroom emergency, they mean it.
" " " some people should not be allowed to be parents.
" " " no child should ever go hungry.
" " " safety pins should never take the place of a belt on a child.
" " " Thursdays are the new Mondays.
" " " it hard to keep a straight face when farts are called "stinky business".
" " " even the most unruly child can melt my heart with, "I love you."
" " " even with huge language barriers, you can be close friends.
" " " whatever the paycheck - it's not enough $$$.
" " " there's very little that is "not in my job description"!
" " " you never want to hear the words, "I got lots & lots bi-arrea!"
" " " some days, "Good-bye, Ms. Esther." are my favorite words!
" " " aliens sometimes land on our playground.
" " " it is a bad idea to wear skirts to work because, (see next line!)
" " " some pre-kers have no shame regarding their body parts or yours!
" " " "hor-nadoes" are very scary, but fun to draw.

I am sure there is so much more joy, pain, sadness and triumph that I am forgetting at the moment. But you can see why I have been AWOL for awhile. I have tried to keep updated on all of your happenings, but look fwd to chatting more frequently!

Take care, y'all & a quik reminder to be thankful for what you got & be faithful in what He asks - that is where God has my mind right now. I know from personal experience how very easy it is to get so caught up in what we don't have & it can even be "needs" and not just "wants" but, friends, we have soooooo much that He has blessed us with!

Love & Prayers, Essie

Concerned Momma

Hello friends, I know it has been awhile since there was new news around here and I do have another blog draft I have been working on to explain why. But, for today, I felt the need to get some other info out.

I have been hearing bits and peices about this new movie coming out that is bad news, but I hadn't taken the time to really found out why. Even when a respected source gives out info concerning a movie, I prefer to do my own research and then make a decision. I don't want to jump on the bandwagon simply because every one else is. I want to believe in what I am supporting or boycotting. I know this will not affect some of you, but if you have friends or family that attends the movies, please pass this info and web links along for them to check out. It is scary how anything can be used to get into our families.

There is a new movie coming out this holiday season tageted for children audiences called, "The Golden Compass." I have seen the trailers for the movie and had thought it looked very interesting until reading further. The Golden Compass is the first of the trilogy and in the third book, the author has the children killing God. Here are parts from different sources, plus some web links to check on yourself.

Sources:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Compass_(film)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,305487,00.html

"HELP US STOP THE MOVIE ABOUT KILLING GOD!!!! THE GOLDEN COMPASS, a new movie targeted at children, will be released December 7, 2007. This movie is based on a the first book of a trilogy by atheist Philip Pullman. In the final book a boy and girl kill God so they can do as they please. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that 'MY BOOKS ARE ABOUT KILLING GOD.' The movie is a watered down version of the first book and is designed to be very attractive in the hope unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the the movie and that the children will want the books for Christmas.The movie has a well known cast, including Nicole Kidman, Kevin Bacon, and Sam Elliott. It will probably be advertised extensively, so it is crucial that we get the word out to warn people to avoid this movie."

Source:National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families
800 Compton Road
Suite 9224
Cincinnati, OH 45231
Phone: (513) 521-6227
Confidential HelpLine: (800) 583-2964
http://www.nationalcoalition.org

Parent Alert: The Golden Compass to be Released December 7

"Google The Golden Compass, an upcoming movie based on a trilogy book series His Dark Materials by British author Philip Pullman, and you will find more than 4.5 million resource results. And as the December 7 release date draws closer, even more attention will be focused on the movie!

Why all the attention on one children’s Christmas movie, you ask. The Christian Post reports, “Christian groups such as the Catholic League have criticized the movie and charged the intentional removal of anti-religious themes as a ploy to encourage kids to read Pullman’s pro-atheism books.” The Catholic League has even published a brochure aimed at exposing the atheistic elements of the work entitled The Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked.

Pullman denies his work is selling “atheism for kids” as accusations assert. Rather he says, “I prefer to trust the reader...everybody has the right to form their own opinion.” But in an article by The Washington Post he said, “I’m trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief,” adding that C.S. Lewis would describe his books as the “devil’s work.” And upon the release of his book trilogy in Australia in 2003, Pullman told The Sydney Herald that his “books are about killing God.”

What’s a parent to do?

After weeks of researching both the content and intent of The Golden Compass and the book trilogy series His Dark Materials, the National Coalition recommends you:

Tell your family and friends about the movie AND ask them not to buy the books in the trilogy.

Do not take children to see The Golden Compass when it opens in theaters December 7. In addition, consider contacting your local theater and let them know you are offended by the movie and believe it poses a dangerous threat to our children.
Please forward this information to friends and family to help them make informed, God-honoring choices during this season of celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ."

Source:Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

"Watch a video of the Catholic League's Bill Donohue discussing this issue here: http://catholicleague.org/catalyst.php?year=2007&month=October&read=2322.

A film called "The Golden Compass" opens December 7. It is based on the first book of a trilogy titled His Dark Materials. The author of this children's fantasy is Philip Pullman, a noted English atheist. It is his objective to bash Christianity and promote atheism. To kids. "The Golden Compass" is a film version of the book by that name, and it is being toned down so that Catholics, as well as Protestants, are not enraged.

The second book of the trilogy, The Subtle Knife, is more overt in its hatred of Christianity than the first book, and the third entry, The Amber Spyglass, is even more blatant. Because "The Golden Compass" is based on the least offensive of the three books, and because it is being further watered down for the big screen, some might wonder why parents should be wary of the film.

The Catholic League wants Christians to stay away from this movie precisely because it knows that the film is bait for the books: unsuspecting parents who take their children to see the movie may be impelled to buy the three books as a Christmas present. And no parent who wants to bring their children up in the faith will want any part of these books.

"The Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked" is the Catholic League's response. It provides information about the film, "The Golden Compass," and details what book reviewers have said about Pullman's books; a synopsis of his trilogy is also included.

Copies are currently available of the electronic edition (the booklet has sold old). To order, use our online form or call 212-371-3191. The cost is $5.

It is important that all Christians, especially those with children or grandchildren, read this booklet. Anyone who does will be armed with all the ammo they need to convince friends and family members that there is nothing innocent about Pullman's agenda. Though the movie promises to be fairly non-controversial, it may very well act as an inducement to buy Pullman's trilogy, His Dark Materials. And remember, his twin goals are to promote atheism and denigrate Christianity. To kids.

Please get the word out."


Please, read these sources and if you feel as strongly as I do, let's help get the word out! Thanks for listening to the thoughts of a concerned momma!

I'm baaaaaaaacccckkkkk!!!!

Didn't even know I was gone, did ya?!

We were sure our computer had completely died, but it only almost died. A very nice man from our church help revive it with minimal costs (as part of his ministry he doesn't charge for his labor, only the parts) and lots of new upgrades - what a blessing :)

So after being without my computer for over a week, I was in major withdrawal. I felt I was on a deserted island and I didn't even get to take my three things with me! It was almost like being on the outside of that clic you so wanted to be a part of but they never had time for someone like you - so glad I'm no longer in jr high, by the way! I was very excited to get back in touch and "hear" everybody's news - thanx again y'all for sharing.

And, now, I can post some more pix of my cute, cute kids and lil nephew, too. A friend of mine takes pictures on the side and took these pix of our sweet kiddos last summer.

If only my scanner would take the hint and follow suit, I could share some of my trip to India last Spring. That is my next goal - well, one of my many next goals - well, it's on my list, anyways :)

I just have to shout a lil here today. In fact, imagine IHC and the guy who always grabbed the flower pot, put it on his head and took off running - that's how I feel! We have had such wonderful blessings this week and just like God with his fabulous timing, they could not have come at a better time. Let's just say things have been a bit dry at the Miller well recently and God has just poured and poured His sweet rain down on us and now it it overflowing! My prayer is that this overflowing spills right over onto everyone around us. I want it known that Jesus is the source of this wealth and nothing I have done on my own. I want to remain thankful to Him for the blessings He provides us everyday - those things we find ourselves taking for granted - but, I also find the need to share in the great things God has brought our way. For me, sharing blessings has been somewhat of a hard thing to do, in that I felt like I would be bragging or drawing the focus on me. But, isn't it just like satan to try and squash our joy any absolute way he can? Well, I wanna squash him right back - PRAISE BE TO JESUS FOR HIS WONDERFUL SPIRIT THAT LIVES IN ME :)

Lots of Love to all my blogger friends out there in Blogger Land!

our almost teenager

our lovely ladybug

our comic relief aka mini me of Derek

what wonderful kiddos

my cute nephew included



boys being sweet

and not so sweet

But I don't wanna be it!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you guessed it - I have been tagged! In the sense of fairness, unfortunately, I feel I must adhere to the rules of the game. The problem lies therein - I do not know that many blogging friends as I am a newbie to the game (which brings up a point I will address later!) and most everyone I do know has already been tagged. So either I am it for a very long time without the possibility of even retiring to the mush pot or someone new shows up for me to tag. (Hint! Hint! Someone send me a link!)

Now back to a previous statement.........I feel there should be somewhat of an option out clause for those new to the game or maybe even a length of time appropriate for being in the blog playground before getting attacked by a tagger. I strongly recommend that this should be discussed at the next town meeting and such said rules should be voted on as amendments to The Articles Of Tagging Laws.

So without further ado - drum roll, please......
the 7 Random Facts of Queen Essie :)

1. I found this out when my infant daughter had thrush. My tongue was white and splotchy; I thot, oh no I have it too. But, nooo, I was medically diagnosed with a Geographic tongue. "What in the world?", you may say - well, read on for more info!

Definition from a medical journal: Geographic tongue is common and unimportant. The tongue develops smooth or rough areas that fluctuate, producing patterns that look like world maps, if you have a vivid imagination. Cause is unknown. Symptoms range from none to mild burning; some have noticed an increase in symptoms after certain foods or fruit juices. (If you feel the need to gather more data, just Google "geographic tongue")

BONUS: I can use this Geographic tongue to touch my nose!

2. I am actually officially allergic to pantyhose (probably most accurate is nylon!)! Why this most important fact could not have been discovered while I was still a student at Bible College where such attire was required every day, I do not know. However, I am very thankful for such a revelation as it is very hard to explain why you are scratching and clawing at the backs of your legs, not to mention squirming in your seat during church or school - oh, it is also, incredibly UN-ladylike!

3. I was pregnant at the same time as my mother-in-law! And have a sister-in-law younger than my oldest child! Totally weird, I'll tell ya!

4. I had a wreck when I was in high school delivering a cookies n cream Oreo Blizzard to my sick best friend. It was raining, I slid, I over-compensated, and I ended up in the ditch - apparently after flying thru the air at some point in time because of an impression on a telephone wire pole. I don't remember this part since I was knocked out briefly by a head bump on the window. Further adding to this emotional trauma: the blizzard plastered all over my car, me and my extremely long and thick hair - same hair that got velcroed into the head bumpers placed around me when I was strapped to the body board - same hair (and face) that got snuff juice dripped in/on by one of the volunteer firemen carrying me up out of that ditch. Thankfully, I was not majorally injured and my car was totalled, as it would have been a further nightmare trying to clean up ALL that blizzard goop that was EVERYWHERE in my car!

Technically, this may be have been enough info to qualify for more than one fact, however, after checking Article 2, Section 3b, no such definition is supplied of fact powers thereby giving way to free interpretation of fact lengthage. (Another issue that may need new proposals discussed at the town meeting, should you feel the length of said fact has violated the previously mentioned Articles Of Tagging Laws)

5. My Mom was an English major, so she constantly corrected us (without even thinking) and strictly taught and enforced the usage of proper grammar. Therefore, at age 3 I knew what an adverb was and would readily pass this info on if I heard someone using one incorrectly. Also, "ain't" was considered a bad word in our house and, even if it was in the dictionary, really wasn't even a word.

6. My body refused to go into labor by itself and I had to endure a Pitocin-induced labor with all 3 of my children's births. Due to the extremely painful, rapid and continuous contractions associated with Pitocin - plus, I'm a major wimp when it comes to pain -I proudly requested epidurals at the earliest convenience & when they worked, I enjoyed lovely birthing experiences! Thru these whole epidural experiences I found out I actually have a very small epidural place - which probably was why the 2 epidurals given by a new med student never took and by then my baby girl was crowning and I was almost dying - bringing up another reason I'm extremely thankful for the epidurals when they did work!

7. Probably the best one of all - I was extremely blessed and privileged to go to India with my church on a mission trip in March 2006. If you are familiar with Indian culture, they do not eat beef because cows are considered holy or sacred in accordance of their beliefs in reincarnation. Not even Christians will partake because of it interfering with their witness to people about the one true God. So, we ate alot of fruits, rice, chicken, and goat. At one meal we were given the opportunity to taste an India delicacy. I figured while in Rome.....(do as the Romans do) and besides when would I ever get this same opportunity, so I said, "Yes, I will try it!"
I then made the mistake of telling our host that it was actually pretty good, whereby he told the servers to give me a second portion! Oh, my! I was only trying to be polite!
But, once you got past the slimy, almost jellied texture, the taste of the goat BRAINS were actually not bad!
And, no, it didn't taste like chicken!


Hope you enjoyed these glimpses of randomness in my life :)
TTFN

Today, as always, We Remember