Menu Plan Monday

School has started and we are trying to get back on our Planned Weekly Menus :)

Did you miss me? Ha Ha!

Monday: Sausage and Rice with biscuits

I don't even know where this recipe came from, but it has been made in my family for years and my kids LOVE it!!


2 boxes Uncle Ben's Chicken Flavor Rice


1lb ground sausage (we like it a little spicy)


1 can biscuits


Brown Sausage/drain


Cook Rice as Directed on the box


Mix Sausage and Rice together


Serve in a bowl with biscuits on the side

Tuesday: Fabulous Orange Chicken

Served with rice

Wednesday: Taco Night

Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner

Pancakes

Eggs

Bacon

Friday: Oven Baked Chimichangas

Rice

Beans

Saturday: Dinner Out!!!!

Sunday: Baked Ziti w/ Vodka Sauce

Salad

Texas Toast

XOXO,

Miller

Don't forget!!! I'm linked at orgjunkie.com!!!!

Reach for the sky!

As most of you know, it has been an unforgettable week for the Miller family. On Tuesday morning, Malakai lost his best friend, Connor Simpson. Not only did he lose his best friend, a mom and dad lost their son, a sister lost her brother, and a community lost a very amazing little boy. Never in my life did I ever think that Josh and I would be having the conversations with Malakai that we had to have this week, at such a young age. I can't imagine how our dear friends Charleen and Lonnie are feeling right now, I have never lost a child. What I do know is that my heart has hurt in a way that it has never felt before, and the thought of it only being a fraction of what they are feeling right now is unmanageable.

We have been selling the orange Leukemia bracelet's at the St. Paul soccer tournament this weekend and I was asked to write a little something to go up on the board that we made for Connor, I would like to share that with you.

Connor’s Story

Connor Simpson, at 5 years old, was a ball of energy. From the moment his mother Charleen got him up in the morning, until his father Lonnie put him to bed at night, he was nonstop motion-- laughing, tearing around, and alternately playing and fighting with his older sister Anna. He had a passion for Mario and Luigi, Toy Story and his friendships. In other words, he was a lot like any other kid his age.

Over July 4th weekend, 2010, Connor was admitted to the hospital with a fever and back pain. After several tests, he was released to go home with a diagnosis of a tick-borne illness. He took his medication and was back to his normal self.

On July 17th while out shopping with his family, Connor started complaining again of back pain. After a call to the pediatrician, it was decided that Connor would be taken back to the hospital. He was admitted and on July 19th, Connor was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Otherwise known as ALL.

A three year treatment plan was immediately put into place. Connor spent almost 28 days in the hospital receiving round one of treatment. It was a tough few weeks but Connor was such a fighter. The smile he would put on his face could light up the entire room. Every week we were all updated with the good news that the “Bad Guys” in Connor’s body were slowly decreasing and Connor was released to go home on Friday, August 13th. Still very weak from the intense treatments, he was happy to be home and in his own bed, spending time with his mom, dad, and sister Anna.

A fever and a stomach virus put Connor back in the hospital on Saturday, August 21st. His numbers were low upon arrival, but slowly climbed back up. On Tuesday, August 24th, God decided it was time for Connor to grow his Angel wings and join him in heaven.

What would you do in 5 short years? Would you make them the most or hide from your fears? Our little Connor chose to live everyday with a smile and love to give. Though stricken with Leukemia he lived life like it had just begun. No matter how bad he might have felt, he always knew to make your heart melt. Living life to its fullest each day he awoke, he could make you smile every time he spoke. He filled the room with laughter and tears, and touched many lives in his 5 short years. He fought hard to beat the “ALL” he had, and would never complain of feeling bad. For someone so young, his heart was of Gold. You would never have known he was just 5 years old.

Our lives are all forever changed with the loss of sweet Connor. Just remember, Connor would always want you to “Reach for the sky” just like his good friend Woody.

XOXO,

Summer Lovin...

The Miller Family is BUSY....everytime I say that I giggle to myself and think of THIS...I'm pretty sure I linked to this in my last post, but it was so long ago I can't remember...haha. I also tend to giggle now everytime I ask someone how they are and they reply with "oh you know, busy"

We have been scratching items off of our summer to-do list left and right. It has been a pretty HOT summer here in the Lou. Usually I love the summer and can tolerate the heat for the most part, but when you walk outside and the moisture is so heavy and the air is not circulating it makes me wish I was living in the Arctic!

The kids and I spent some quality time at the park which had a very refreshing Splash Pad. Leila is pretty timid about running through the water, but Malakai has a blast everytime!

Do you notice that most the pictures of Leila throughout this blog, include this scowl?! It is like her signature look! She really is a very happy child, she just is constantly giving this look! OMG! It drives me crazy!

Lots of updates to post....hope I don't get too "busy" *giggle*

XOXO,

Ten On Tuesday

1. I now know why I never grow my hair out! My hair is the longest it has EVER been and it is AWFUL in this humidity! The positive side is that it is long enough to wear curly if I want, but I have to be in the right mood. Unless I am staying in the office all day (which never happens) straightening my hair is a big.fat.waste.of.time!


2. Speaking of hair, Leila's hair is a HOT MESS! It is in such an awkward stage that I don't even know what to do with it. Someone PLEASE HELP ME!! I can't stand it when it is down, which means I am ALWAYS putting in pony tails. Would you cut the back to make it more of a shortish bob until it all evens out? Cutting her bangs is not really an option since I must have them grown out. Please feel free to offer advice!

3. I'm very excited for our family trip to the Lake of the Ozarks in August. We have been doing this yearly trip since I was a little girl. My whole Rader side of the family goes and it is eventful to say the least. I missed a few years here and there throughout college, but that is life. Malakai has went every year since he was born and it is now a much looked forward to tradition for him as well. We eat at the same restaurants, ride the same go-karts, and get custard at the same places. The family time is very much enjoyed by all!!

4. Fantasy Football is right around the corner!! Love it!!

5. Big Brother makes me VERY happy! Do you think it is a requirement to have an annoying laugh?! OMG!

6. I survived my first (that I count) Glamping/float trip! It ended up being a very fun and eventful time. There are a few things I would do different (like avoiding the Party Pit) next time but had a blast with everyone we went with. Definitely have to take Malakai camping! He would LOVE it!!

7. Not only have I been awful at blogging lately, I've been awful at picture taking! I hate that! You can blog and catch up on what you missed, but you can't catch up on those days of missed pictures. Ugh!!

8. If you NEVER read any of the posts I link, PLEASE, read this one! It is SO true and I can post it because I am guilty of it as well!!

9. I ordered the Planet Earth: Pole to Pole DVD for Malakai and he is now OBSESSED! Check it out, discoverystore.com still has it on sale for $1.99!! I also had a free shipping code (which is since expired) which made this an even more awesome deal. He loves it!

10. Whenever you go to a party and have to bring a dish (appetizer, side, whatever), what is your go-to item you like to take? Please feel free to link to, or enter the entire recipe.

XOXO,

Miller

Menu Plan Monday

Yes, it is Monday again :)


Monday: Yummy Bean Burritos
Chips and Salsa

Tuesday: Baked Swiss Chicken
Caesar Salad



Wednesday: I have a work function so Josh is doing dinner :)
Crescent Dogs
Macaroni and Cheese
Fresh Fruit

Thursday: Sausage and Rice
Biscuits

Friday: Date Night for Josh and I...probably ordering pizza for the kids :)

Saturday: Smoked Turkey and Artichoke Panini's
Grilled Asparagus
Fresh Fruit

Sunday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Cheese Garlic Bread
Salad

I'm linked at orgjunkie.com

XOXO,

Mail Call!!!

I would give ANYTHING to have family that lived close by! I HATE that we are spread all across the United States. One of the few good things that come from this is receiving care packages! My kids absolutely LOVE getting things in the mail. As I'm sure, most do. So you can imagine the glow in their little eyes when this package, from Aunt Heather and Uncle J Paul came for them!!

I immediately got my camera to take pics because it was so cute and creative!! We LOVED deciding which individual items were picked out by Aunt Heather and which ones came from Uncle J Paul ;)

Here is a pic BEFORE the kids tore into it!

Not only was the stuff so cute, but there was TWO of EVERYTHING! That meant NO fighting over who gets what! Thank you guys for that!! You have no idea what a lifesaver that was.

There were only two items that were different, but it was obvious one was for Leila and the other was for Malakai.

Here is another view of all the fun loot. The shot glasses were a little side item thrown in for mommy and daddy!


Thanks Aunt Heather and Uncle J Paul! We love you TONS and Miss you SOOOOOOO much!!<>

XOXO,

Broken...

Computer cord....can't charge the laptop!!

Working on getting it fixed :)

XOXO,

Miller