Ten on....

1. I know I've said this before, but I'm saying it again! We have created a monster in Malakai with the video games!! Because my dad and Lisa got him a Wii Fit for Christmas, it has gotten worse! On the positive side, it is GREAT for bribery! We have started a great system where he can earn his video game minutes. It seems to be working out for now. I like to think it is a little educational as well, since he checks the weather on the Wii every morning before school. I love these pics of him and his little friend Gwen playing. So cute!

2. I have NO idea where he gets it ;) When the kids go to bed, the grown-ups get to rock-out! Our friends are the GREATEST!! Check out Josh! Who knew??!! LOL!

3. Leila is Sneaky!! She is notorious for stealing Malakai's drinks and snacks! Josh and I find it rather comical, and Malakai even seems to have a good attitude about it. The SECOND he leaves something unattended, she is ON it!!

4. On that same note, she wants to be next to him at all times. We are totally guilty of having second child syndrome with her. A capri sun/sucker/candy never even touched Malakai's mouth till he was MUCH older than her. With her though, she sees him with it and NEEDS it as well. I have to pick my battles with this girl and that is one I choose not to go in to. Pictures of them together are so rare....

5. Some of you saw this on facebook, some did not...My dad found this picture of me when I was little and you would be surprised how many people actually think it is Leila!! Surely they know me better than that, come on, those shoes!!!!??? Totally 80's!



6. Poor Malakai has been given my sensitive skin! His lips are cracked all winter, his nose is dry, and he has a SEVERE case of eczema on his knees, ankles, and wrists. He even got in trouble at school for having his hands down the backside of his pants!! When we got home, I checked him out and sure enough, the eczema had moved its way to his poor, little, bottom. I took him to the doctor and got some heavy-duty steroid cream which seems to be doing the job. He was NOT happy about going to the doctor though, can you tell??!!

7. Lego's have taken over my house!!! They are everywhere! Have I mentioned they HURT to step on!!

8. I have a new favorite spot in the house. This is where you can find me, unwinding, everynight after the kids are in bed. It's so warm and cozy. Love it!

9. Does anyone else's children INSIST on removing their shirts as soon as they get home!? I feel like so many of my pics my children on topless!! I never even really noticed till I started going through a lot of them. Seriously! The Miller children love to bake though! We had a great time making these cookies this past weekend :)

10. Last but not least, what are your children doing for the summer?! Some of Malakai's friends are doing a camp at the local sports complex which would be really fun for him. A part of me kind of wants him in that good ole' Summer Camp. You know, the one where they are outside all day playing, go swimming, play creative games, do arts and crafts, and take the occasional field trip. Do those even exist anymore? I would love to hear what you have planned for your children!!

XOXO,

I'm Baaa-aaack

I'm done with the whole "reflection" time of my blog, and ready to get back into it. I just had to step away for a couple of weeks and focus on some other things going on in my life. But no worries, I am back!


As always, the Miller family has been crazy busy! I will try to give you a "brief" synopsis, but if I tried to write about all of it, I would be having carpel tunnel surgery in my near future.


Malakai has turned into my five-year old big boy. He is obsessed with Mario and Luigi, video games, and taunting his little sister. His imagination is amazing! To hear the things he says blows my mind. His wheels are always turning. He invents things on a daily basis, started asking questions about death, and 90% of the time is the most respectful, well-behaved gentlemen. Let's not forget he is five, so that other 10% is brutal.




Leila...what can I say about Leila? She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it. If she doesn't....look out!! She wants to do everything her big brother does, but on the other hand, she is SO girly. She plays with babies all day long, wants make-up "like mama," has a VERY strong opinion on every article of clothing she puts on from hair bows to shoes, and continues to blow my mind with her love and tenderness. I can't believe she is going to be two in just a couple of weeks! She is very much looking forward to her Abby Cadabby party :)


Josh and I have been busy as well. You know, work, family-time, co-ed volleyball, getting the new house "liveable." Pretty much just the normal stuff. We had some fabulous sushi on Valentines with one of our favorite couples, Autumn and James. The kids stayed the night with Grandma, so it was SO nice being able to sleep in and enjoy the quality time. My menu planning has gone AMAZING! I started the beginning of January and I have almost every week night since then! So if you ever have a great family-friendly recipe, shoot it my way! I'm always looking for new things!!

That's about it in a nutshell. A few more things come to mind, but then I wouldn't have anything left for my Ten on Tuesday! So, I will leave you with a few pics!

XOXO,

Boring....

The one word I can use to describe my blog lately! It just seems so boring. Like I've gotten into this repetitive routine and it is driving me crazy! I used to be so much more than just 10 on Tuesdays and the random paragraph of something that just seems, well, boring.

This is bothering me a lot. It seems I work VERY hard in all aspects of my life to keep them from being repetitive and boring. Like Josh and I, for example. I have the biggest fear of falling into a rut of a relationship that has no excitement, is totally predictable, and has little to no spark left in it. This takes A LOT of work!! Somehow, over the years, we have managed pretty well. Constantly making time for just the two of us and focusing on being a couple and not just a couple of parents. This goes the same with my job, my kids, my friends, etc. I try to take nothing for granted and live each day to the fullest. Don't get me wrong. Some days my day consists of nothing more than work, home, dinner, bath, kids in bed, snuggle, and bed for myself. Okay, maybe most days. But even then, I try to do one thing everyday that is unpredictable.

So, why have I let my blog slack?

I have learned that in the blog world, this is known as the Slump. I started this blog, lets see, in April it will be two years. I'd say the Slump started about 5 or 6 months ago. Writing is hard. Writing is hard in more ways than one. First, it's hard to think of good things to write. Some days I'm so tired. Some days I just don't feel very smart. Some days I don't feel creative. I don't want to share what's in my head because I don't feel like there IS anything in my head. NOTHING. Nothing but a plethora of random Microsoft passwords and pin numbers bouncing around in my brain. Nothing but "don't forget to pick up milk and fill out Malakai's school forms and I have a 7:30 meeting in the morning". Plus, when I look back over things I have written I start to get really critical. I start to think maybe this is stupid. Maybe I can't write. Maybe any of the excitement I felt when I started this blog has already run its course, and I have gotten all I can from it.

I guess now would be the time to examine why I really did want to do this in the first place. I love to write. It is obviously far from being my expertise, but my whole purpose of this blog is to have it put into books for my kids when they are grown. They are going to get to this point, stop reading, and say B.O.R.I.N.G! I also wanted to do this because I was starting to feel lost. Like I was losing my identity in a suburban neighborhood driving an over sized SUV, working 9-5, trying to prove that working mom's can still be darn good room-mothers. I still want to be Karissa too. I wanted to do this because I felt like I would lose my mind if I didn't start doing something creative. Something that challenged me. Something that made me think.

So here is a promise to myself, and to my children and their one-day spouses, to focus more on not making this blog boring. What does this mean? I don't really know. I feel like I have gotten away from opinionated blogs for fear of upsetting people. Not anymore folks. An opinion is exactly that...an opinion...and it's mine! If it's not the same as yours, that's okay! In fact, I would love to hear yours. I respect everyone's beliefs and opinions, even if deep down, I know mine are right. Ha Ha! It's a joke people, lighten up! Colleen and I have been best friends for 12 years or something like that and we agree on a lot of stuff. However, we probably have different opinions on even more....I love that! My blog used to be a place where I could log in and just let it out. Congratulations to you if you live in pure bliss, if your not scrambling some evenings making sure at least one of your five year olds 12 uniform shirts are clean for the next day, if you never have the feeling of wanting to shut yourself in the bathroom and scream at the top of your lungs because your kids are fighting over the same damn toy you've taken away 12 times, if you husband is perfect and never forgets to update his work schedule with you (or the nanny). These imperfections are what makes The Miller's us...what makes our chaos pure bliss. I love it, and I need to express it more.

So, here is to February! Thank goodness I made it through January, the longest, coldest, most miserable month EVER!

XOXO,

Bow-Riffic!

I have succeeded in completing my first few hairbows for Leila this weekend!! I dragged the kids to Hobby Lobby Saturday night and picked up $25 worth of supplies. This included a glue gun and basically EVERYTHING needed to make a crap load of bows! I didn't really go all out on the ribbon selection, since I wanted to see if this was even something I could remotely do. I think they turned out pretty good. Now I need to focus on smaller ones since her hair always seems to be in a pony or piggies nowadays.

These bows would cost me a minimum of 5 dollars a piece on Etsy....not including shipping. So I almost have my money back :)

I'd have to say the most difficult part was lining those stinking alligator clips...Dang! Hot glue gun burns do not feel very good!

XOXO,

Ten on Tuesday....where did the week go?

1. We had a fabulous weekend with the Maw Maw and Pa pa Miller this past weekend! A lot of just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.

2. Josh and Bob spent ALL day Saturday and part of Sunday putting together the new swing-set they purchased the kids for Christmas. Here are a few pics of the LONG process. Along with their little helper :)

They got the monkey bars and swing-set added, Josh just has a final few touches to make :)


3. They brought Great Grandma Miller down with them as well!! Little Miss Leila took to her immediately and really enjoyed bringing her her babies, crawling up on her lap, and the occasional back scratch!

4. The kids also had a great time with Maw Maw coloring, reading, and just having some great quality time! We sure do love having them here!!

5. Leila has reached that wonderful stage of toddler-hood where she has started undressing herself when she is down for a nap! Ugh! I totally remember Malakai going through this...I just forget how long it will last! However, as you can tell from most of the pictures, she doesn't have to be in bed to undress herself! She's a less is more kind of gal!

6. Speaking of Leila, she hasn't mentioned her B in almost a week now. She survived the dramatic transition!! Or should I say, I survived the dramatic transition?!

7. Have you seen Bella lately? She's a MOOSE!! Heart seems to be ticking just fine...for now!

8. I started my new position this week! Some of the ladies from the old office and I went out on Friday night to celebrate/mourn. It was a great time had by all!! I love those girls! Take a look at what they chipped in and got me! I'm SO excited and have already used it numerous times!! They know me ALL to well. Josh may be the king of the carpets, but I am now Queen of the hard floors! Ha Ha!

9. Malakai got his mop cut this week. I don't have a recent picture but I will get one up as soon as I can. I seem to be the only one who loves his hair long! Because of this, I always catch a lot of crap once it gets past a certain length. Apparently his teachers have said something about it being in his eyes because once he got it cut he said "Mrs. X will be very happy my hair isn't in my eyes anymore!" Seriously?! Not really sure that is their place, but whatever.

10. Give me a "Whoo Hoo!" if your cheering for Alli on The Bachelor. Jake still hasn't grown on me much, but I really LOVE her!

XOXO,

Ten on Tuesday

1. I plan to get back to more blogging, other than Ten on Tuesday REAL soon!

2. The B's are gone!! For those of you not aware of what a B is, it is what Leila referred to her binkies as. I hadn't really planned to do it this past Sunday, but we misplaced the LAST one we had lingering and what better time than then?! The first night was fine, however, Monday was a NIGHTMARE! She screamed and cried for it from the second I got home from work at 5:30 and continued for about an hour after she went to bed at 6:45!! It broke my heart! And honestly, if I had one to give her, I probably would have. It just seems so sad, this item that she has depended on for her entire life for comfort has just disappeared. I knew it was time though, and tonight was MUCH better! She didn't even ask for it! Whoo Hoo!!

3. I have a new hobby! I had mentioned before how I have really been getting into DIY projects. Hence the ever growing list of inspiring blogs in my blogroll. I have found so much satisfaction in something getting complimented and me being able to say "I made that!" I will have a future post featuring some of my projects! I'm definitely a beginner, but having a lot of fun learning! I hope to buy a sewing machine REAL soon!! I'm not sure where I will find the time, but I always seem to manage somehow :) Along with scrapbooking!

4. Because of 3, I have a new favorite site! It is called You Can Make This! I have started making Leila hair bows and taught myself from an ebook on this site that cost only 7 dollars! How awesome is that!!! Totally worth the investment, considering I was spending a small fortune on Etsy!! I can't wait to dive in some of their other awesome projects!

5. It has been BLISTERY cold here!! We were finally hit with our first official (I say official because it caused a snowday) snow of the season. I was starting to get jealous that Kansas City was getting all the good stuff and we weren't getting ANY! I wasn't quite expecting snow AND below zero temperatures, but we managed. I even got a few pics of the 5 minutes the kids were allowed outside to enjoy it...4 days AFTER it originally snowed :)

6. Speaking of snow, this is the first time we have EVER had to shovel a driveway!! Our previous house was totally maintenance free, which means we never had to shovel and we never had to do yard work. So when Josh woke up at 6:30am after the snow, looked outside and noticed all the other men were already out shoveling their driveways, he hurried out there. Gotta keep up with the Jones'! He informed me that no man wants to be "That Guy!" on the street :)

7. Menu planning has been going exceptionally well! I've enjoyed the cooking and the kids are even starting to warm up to the idea of eating "different" foods! I can totally see the savings it is giving us. I even made a special trip to a grocery store I don't normally use, but they were running a 10 for $10 sale that you could mix and match with. There happened to be stuff that we use quite a bit. Take a look at all the stuff I got for...wait for it...30 dollars!! Hello!! Not pictured, a case of water :)

8. I am SO loving this season of The Bachelor! I don't really think Jake is the guy he tries to portray, considering he gave the special rose to the first girl that stuck her tongue down his throat, however, these girls are VERY entertaining! Plus I laugh out loud as Josh watches and continuously is saying "Vienna Sausage, just GO HOME!"

9. I received my checks from the Baby Einstein recall! Guess what I'm treating myself to?! The Wii Fit!! I really want The Biggest Loser AND the Jillian Michaels game! Even though I will continue my running since we are doing the St. Louis Half Marathon, I want something fun that will give me something different than just running, without going to the gym. Anyone have any views on either of these?

10. My feet stink! This problem has seemed to come and go through out my life. I'm not gonna lie, they can get funky! Does anyone have any suggestions for this as well? I can't even wear my uggs without Josh making me wash my feet before I get into bed. This is not very fun for me!

XOXO,

Ten on Tuesday!

1. We have yet to celebrate Christmas with our KC family :( Due to crazy work schedules and darn Missouri weather, it just has not been possible. Right now we are looking at making it up there the first of Feb. Better late than never!

2. However, the in-laws are coming in town next weekend and we are very excited! They sent the kids this AMAZING play-set for their new back yard and Barb and I get to sip some wine and sit back and laugh at Bob and Josh as they try to put it together :) The kids love spending quality time with their Maw Maw and Pa Pa!

3. Our good friends, The Meyers had a fabulous New Years party! It was filled with great adult cocktails, fabulous conversation, and plenty to keep the kiddos entertained. We actually did our midnight countdown at 9pm with all the kids. They were so cute and excited to ring in the new year. This put us home in time to put them to bed and relax on the couch to watch the REAL countdown. Good times had by all!

4. New Years Day was one of the few days that we have had to spend as a family in A LONG time!! We stayed in our pjs and played all morning, headed to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch, did some furniture shopping, and just enjoyed our time together. Oh how I dream of the days that Josh will have normal hours and be home on the weekends :)

5. As many have noticed, and also pointed out. Santa DID NOT take Leila's B's (binkies) when he visited our house on Christmas Eve. He had full intentions, but thanks to Colleen, who game me his email address, I sent him a message filling him in on the situation. Malakai (knock on wood) has NEVER had a diaper rash...EVER. And, neither has Leila...until the week of Christmas!! She had some massive poop for like a week straight (no other symptoms) which in turn made her bottom one, huge, red, hot mess. We couldn't change her without her crying and yelling "Blow! Blow!" It was so sad. Anyway, through this time, her B was her only sense of comfort and there was no way I was, I mean Santa, was going to take it. Soooooo, Santa emailed me back and said he would alert the binky fairy, have her get in contact with me, and set up a good time for her to come visit :)

6. Our family pictures came!! Thank you so much to Terri at Life Reflections! The have made a fabulous addition to our new fireplace!! I haven't had a chance to take a great pic, but this gives you an idea :) They are beautiful!!

7. My first week of menu planning is half way over! I spent TWO hours on Saturday night trying to plan for the week! Surely it gets easier...right? I have to say it has been nice coming home from work, knowing what is for dinner, fixing it, and having great left-overs for lunch the next day!

8. Josh and I have been asked to play on a co-ed volleyball team with some friends! Bring it! I can't wait for a little friendly competition! Should be a lot of fun with a lot of great people!

9. This is the first time that we have experienced a "Christmas Break" with Malakai as far as school goes! OMG! When it came time to go back this past Monday...he was NOT excited!! He had so much fun hanging with mommy and daddy, going to holiday camp at the rec center, and terrorizing Sara and Carrie, that the last thing on his mind was going back to school. Again...it gets easier...right?!

10. Last but not least...thank you for the additional prayers for my favorite nephew Alex! He was placed back in to the hospital this week and gave us all a scare. I can't imagine how my brother and Rebecca are feeling as they have gone through this emotional roller-coaster with him. I just wish we were all closer to each other so we could give them the support they deserve to have from us. Thank you to Colleen and Patrick for for being my eyes and heart out there! He is home now, it seems to be nothing too serious, and we all plan for a full recovery!

XOXO,