Daisy finishes swim lessons

Daisy took swim lessons as she puts it so she wont "drain" (drown) The day she dove off the diving board all she wanted was the boys to go and yell "go Daisy, go Daisy!!" They are her biggest fans!

Body Worlds Exhibit

We headed out to LA to see the Body Worlds Exhibit at the California Science Museum. Pretty cool stuff. The kids were a little bored but Brian was in amazement, I couldn't pull him out of there. As you can see it pooped out Brody but that doesn't take much. He needs his nap time.

Love the Beach!

If we ever leave California we will miss the beach so much. We can get there in 30 mins. The kids have such an awesome time and other than your car coming home with enough sand to fill a playground sand box it really makes for a relaxing day!

Earthquake hits our house

Yep you guessed it! Every house on the street is fine. But the Millikens house took the blow! Thats Brian trying to get to the electrical box standing on the car. Ha Ha!! Just kidding! We are fine and well. It shook us pretty bad some pictures fell off the walls, all the dresser drawers were opened. I had enough time to call everyone under a door jam then I started thinking are we suppose to be under a door jam or in a bathtub....So I yelled everybody out of the house!!! Our garage door was jarred enough that the opener came off the spool so we have to have someone out to fix that. Just lovely! Always something with the Milliken madness.

Growing Kids Gods Way 4

The Fathers Mandate Chapter 4 Chidlren need to TRUST their fathers. A moms arms are comforting but dads arms are secure. Neither time, age, nor gender should limit a fathers touch. Our children are never to old to be kissed, hugged, or held! If you fail to communicate your love through your touch you will leave behind a yearning heart that can be taken captive by anyone willing to give it attention. Many kids have all the material things of life but lack what they really need affection from their father. I truly believe my kids are not lacking there, My husband is always the biggest LOVER. He says even at the alter on their wedding day he is going to give them the biggest sloppiest kiss ever. ewwww! * It is not fear of failure that holds a child back it is the fear of failing someone (usually dad) Let your child trust that you will remain loving and accepting even when he or she fails. View your child's failures as the first steps to success. A father should breathe life into your children's dreams and goals. Hot tip for the dads: Write your children a letter (especially the girls) they will cherish them forever. I have every letter my dad has written me. Whether they be post cards when he was stationed in Saudi Arabia, or a quick note written on a paper bag. At the study I was able to share one that I had on a cork board in my kitchen that said "so do you have any more jobs for me" My favorite part.... Love, Dad

Harvest Crusade

In Memory of Christopher Laurie may we all pray for comfort for this family and for Greg as he prepares to touch the masses in just a few short weeks. God bless you!

Pinecrest Church Camp

Budd left us for 5 days to go to Camp. By the 2nd day I was missing him so bad! He however was not missing us! He had a blast and can not wait to go back next year! Thank you Pastor Devland for all that you do for my kiddos!!!!!!!!!!

Growing Kids Gods Way 3

Touch points of Love Chapter 3 This chapter talked alot about all of different love languages: Words of encouragement: to express love by words of legitimate praise and recognition. Acts of Service: Doing something special for another person that you know he or she is going to appreciate (hint hint...unexpectedly is nice Brian) Gift Giving: a gift of value to them not necessarily something of value to you Quality time: invest yourself in undivided attention to someone else Physical touch: physical touch and closeness (duh most men) I encourage you to learn yours and your love ones love language.... Your primary love language is how you show love and how you feel most loved when it is spoken to you. We all need to learn to speak it the way that is primary for the one receiving it. Think how discouraging it is to say "I love you" only to have it rejected time and time again. To learn your childs love language you can give them a child friendly quiz found at www.growingkids.org They say kids under 7 haven't found their primary love language. We tested Budd prior to taking the test he asked if we wanted him to answer like he really thought or in a godly (non selfish way) he tested high in gift-giving when we told him he questioned the "giving" part??? Ha! Your family is so important. It should be a haven and the center from which love flows!

Brody at Karate Camp

Brody spent the week at karate camp. One day him and Daddy rode their bikes down to the dojo. Downhill getting there. Up hill coming back (that part killed daddy)

Daisy with the worms

We feed our turtles live worms once a week. Daisy loves to pull them out of the container they come in and feed them to the turtles. Ewwwww! NO thanks!

Budd on Guitar!

One of Budds wonderful presents this year was a "group gift" electric guitar! Ohhh my goodness we need to get headphones and lessons immediately. He has not stopped rocking out!

JONAS BROS for Budds 9th Birthday!

There was alot of air guitar and rocking out going on! Go JOBROS! Their seats were about 100 yards away from the VIP section and alot of the cast of Camp Rock was there, they were so close. Ohhh my Gosh! ahhhhhhh!!!!! The concert was being filmed for a 3D video that should be coming out in December. Keep your eyes open for Rocker Budd!

Visit from Tex

Great friends of ours, from Texas came out for a visit this week. We all had a great time and miss them already! By the way our friend is single and looking for a good gal, hook him up. ;-)

Growing Kids Gods Way 2

Chapter 2 Right Beginnings Okay this chapter threw me off because I thought this study was about parenting NOT about my relationship with my husband. What the??? Okay here we go... Everyday we choose to love everyday we choose not to love! You will never be a better parent than what you are as a spouse. The "quality" of the relationship carries over. (OUCH heavy stuff volume speaker turned up high) Woman alone completes man, and man alone completes woman. The husband and wife form the nucleus of the family unit. Children do not complete the family; they expand it. Together you are the head and heart of the family. tip: couch time (harder to do than you think)

Growing Kids Gods Way 1

Brian and I have recently started a small group bible study at our house. We are working on the book Growing Kids Gods way. I want to keep you all updated on what was most insightful to me on a weekly basis. (this will help keep me be accountable and to continue doing my homework) Chapter 1 How to raise a Moral Child Without Moral principal placed within the heart the heart will not be stirred. Act Morally, think morally, I need to be a great moral parent. Tip: preactivity encouragement

Happy 4th of July

What a hot day it was! We started the day off marching in the 4th of July parade with the cub scouts. Ending it at the Fitzgerald's awesome annual 4th of July party. Great friends! Yummy food! Good fun!

Happy Brithday Reid

Reid would have turned 12 years old this year. We miss you Reid, my kids talk about your often. :-)

Dodger vs. Angels

Dodger vs. Angels at Dodger stadium. Hoo Hoo!!

Wet 'n Wild

We got a BIG slip and slide this year! these are the pictures of my children before casts and stitches. LOL