Music Composer Valentine Cards (Set of 12)

I made this set of 12 printable Valentine's Day cards for my High School Men's choir. Yes. They want to have a Valentine's Day party, complete with DIY Valentine's mail boxes and everything. So, I figured I'd make my own cards to pass out, and I figured I'd share too. You're welcome!

These would also work for private piano/voice/instrumental studio students. Just print on cardstock, cut to size, and sign your name on the back!

Click Link HERE for your own pdf! {{Printable Music Composer Valentine's Day Cards}}

Christmas Letter - MAD LIBS STYLE! (and 23 other ideas)

Each year we do a family Christmas letter. I've been doing this now for 22 years. I also print an extra one for each child, and on the back I write a personal message to them. I love this because the letter is a record-keeping of what we've done over the year and my personal letter is {hopefully} meaningful. I add the letters to each of their scrapbooks. I think they will love looking back at these one day.

Because I do not want to be *that* mom, the one who writes a novella about how wonderfully awesome all of her kids are, I try instead to come up with interesting Christmas Letters. In the past I've done a newsletter style, a rewrite of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a Crossword Puzzle, written from the perspective of the family pet, Top Ten, a Christmas Tree shape poem, a Blooper's Edition, a Lost & Found letter, a Stick Figure Story, a comic strip, a Year in Review by month, a game board, a recipe, and a Magazine Cover. This year, we decided to do a Mad Libs letter.

It's pretty easy to create your own, and we've had fun hearing (via text, email, and pics on social media) what our friends have come up with. The best was a text from a friend which read, "We are dying of laughter over here. You just farted Margherita pizza 7 times!"

Other ideas I am toying with for future letters are puzzle pieces, a color by number, post-it notes, conversation bubbles, an acrostic poem, an open letter to Santa, a rebus, and a script. See? The possibilities just go on and on.

For your viewing pleasure, our Mad Libs letter for 2016. Thanks for stopping by and I'd love to hear what you've come up with in the comments!

Giving from a Place Sincere

This should probably be a journal entry, as it is pretty much a reflection and documentation of my growth. But since it is the season of giving, I thought it apropos to share. 

Since becoming an adult, I can remember for years picking names off of Angel Trees or Sub for Santa lists at work, church, or town hall. I would use my own money to help buy gifts and essentials for those in need during the holiday season. I donated to food banks. I quilted blankets for kids and babies at the children's hospital. I organized clothing drives. I loved to help others and I loved the way I felt when I helped.

I heard once that We give charity with in the same spirit we receive it. This was one of those "huh?" moments.  The etymology of the word 'charity' is derived from the French word charite, meaning benevolence for the poor; and charite is derived from the Latin word carus, which means dear. In old English it carries the sentiment of The Christian love of one's fellows, or how we would say today-- the pure love of Christ. All of this makes sense to me in the spirit of giving. But what about in receiving? How willing am I in accepting charity? 

After my divorce, I went through some rough years, emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially (child support wasn't coming in). My life felt hard. As much as I pushed through and told myself I could do this, there was a huge part of me that wasn't quite sure. I still remember stressing over one Christmas in particular. How would I provide for my children? This was definitely a year I would not be helping others on the Angel Tree, because I could barely help myself. 

I'll never forget when a lady from church stopped by with paperwork and asked if I'd be willing to fill out the forms so she could turn in our names to the city Angel Tree. I said, "Absolutely not." No one was going to help me. I didn't want to admit I needed the help. I didn't want to admit I could not do things on my own. I felt ashamed - that somehow this was my fault.

This lady, gracious but persistent, invited herself in, placed her hand on my shoulder and said, "Look. The city is asking each church to nominate 8 families. They have many willing to give. Please let us put your name in." 

I replied with, "You don't understand. I'm usually the one giving." 

This lady was quick. "All the more reason to say yes. It's your turn to receive." These words stung a bit. Seeing the confusion on my face she added, "Let me put it to you this way. I am turning your family's name in for the city Angel Tree. It would be best if you could fill these out so people know what sorts of things your children might like." 

I didn't like that she was right, that I needed the help. I didn't like that it was my turn to receive. I didn't like feeling rebuked and humbled. I filled out the forms and handed them back, although I was still a bit irritated. Was I too proud to receive help? If I was too proud to receive help, did this mean I previously possessed an element of pride in my giving to others? This was definitely something to reflect hard on. 

I loved to give because I loved to help, because helping others feels like a good thing - and it is. But the giving, MY giving did have an element of pride. If I was truly going to be honest with myself, I had to admit that I loved to give because there was a small part of me that felt as long as I had enough to give, that meant I didn't need. That grain of pride is what can lead to feelings of superiority if one is not cautious. This was a "whoa" moment. 

When the time came to pick up the gifts, a lady from the city office called me. She told me I could come in anytime to pick up my family's donations. I asked her how late they would be there. She told me that she was staying late to accommodate those who worked, and that she was planning to stay until 9pm. I felt ashamed. I didn't want to drive to city hall in broad daylight and load my vehicle up with donated gifts. I told her I'd be there at a quarter to 9. 

Once I arrived, I gave the lady my name and she exclaimed, "Oh! You're that family!" (Uh oh. Was this a bad sign? Did she know my situation?) "Your family's gifts are over against that wall," she said pointing to opposite wall. 

"Oh, okay. Which ones?" I asked. 

"All of them," she beamed from ear to ear. I was confused. I mean, this was a pretty big room. I was sure she didn't mean the entire wall-span contained gifts for my children. Sensing my confusion she giggled and whispered (as if anyone around might overhear - even though we were alone), "I'm not supposed to tell you this, but Menlove Toyota picked your entire family off of the Angel Tree. Those are all for you." I broke. I couldn't breathe. I could speak. I couldn't see - the tears were rolling thick down my cheeks. I was drowning in a sea of bills with little hope, and this wonderful local dealership was throwing me a lifeline - a way for me to "save" Christmas. Alongside the bags and bags of gifts there were also boxes full of about a year supply of toilet paper, paper towel, soap, detergent, toothbrushes, etc. from Costco. What a shock. 

The lady went to her desk to grab a nearby box of tissues and returned with the Kleenex and an envelope which simply read, "For the mom of family #___. OPEN BEFORE CHRISTMAS." I opened it immediately. Inside was a $200 gift card to the local grocery store and another $100 gift card to Wal-mart. The card said, "We know there are probably some things you might like to get to maintain your holiday traditions and make Christmas special." As if I could not handle any more. 

Honestly, I was expecting a few items. I cried in the dark as the lady and I loaded everything into the back of my van, and then into the front passenger side. I nearly had to make a second trip. I was moved by the generosity of strangers - of the workers and owners of this local business. I never even would have guessed. I mean, I am crying now just at the memory of it all. 

Luckily, we only struggled through a few Christmases before I got a pay raise, and then remarried. When I got remarried, I shared this experience with my husband and expressed my desire to help a family each Christmas, hoping he'd be on board with it too. He was totally supportive of me and even said, "One day, hopefully sooner than later, we will be able to adopt a family and give them the sort of Christmas Menlove gave to you." (I just love this man!) 

As I look back at my experiences, especially through my divorced years, there have been countless times I had to learn to accept charity graciously. There were several acts of kindness and acts of service shown to my family and to me, that not only taught me about humility, but about the purity of Christ's selfless love. 

Now when I give, I don't even consider how it makes me feel; I only think about how the other person feels. I worry if they will accept my offering and understand that it comes from a place sincere. I worry I might offend them. I concern myself with finding ways to show them they are loved, without them feeling like I am overstepping my bounds. I have found that when I focus on love instead of the actual act of giving, the "what" that I am giving is usually received with humility and gratitude. 

I hope that none of you are faced with the trials and hardships of having to ask for help this holiday season. But if you are, remember to accept it in the spirit of charity (the pure love of Christ.) Receive, and know that those who are doing the giving are most likely doing so from a place sincere. And if you are in any sort of position at all to help someone in need, I hope you can find that same spirit of charity within. 

Quickly I'll Obey

When my mother calls me, 
quickly I'll obey.
I want to do just what is best, 
each and every day.

When my father calls me,
quickly I'll obey.
I want to do just what is best,
each and every day. 

These are the words of the first two verses to a children's song the kids sing in church. It's also a concept my husband and I taught to our 3 year old class in church just a few weeks ago {see here for lesson} It's also a principle we're STILL working on with our 10 year old. I don't know what it is about his spirit that just wants to fight. But just about any time he's asked to do something he cries, whines, talks back, or simply ignores us.

We've tried sooo many things. We've talked until we're blue in the face. We've given consequences which run the gamut. I gotta say, it can get maddening. The older kids (ages 16-22) have even offered their advice ("It would be so much easier if you just do what they ask the first time.")  Of the older three, only one struggled with this, but he finally grasped this by the time he started kindergarten.

That being said, I realize all children are different. I also recognize that this particular 10 year old had a different start in life, and perhaps it was his fight-or-flight response he learned as a toddler that has just stuck with him. The problem is, it is out of hand. Luckily, he's too embarrassed to try this with his teachers any more (at least this past year). Thankfully the daily phone calls and emails home from the school are behind us. Unfortunately he still does this with us. And like a soda bottle that is agitated until it explodes, my husband and I have had our fair share of "exploding." (Not exactly our best parenting moments.)

In our defense, we do not ask very difficult things of him. I'm talking like, "Please go get your pj's on" "please refill the cat's water" and "please fetch me a package of ground beef from the garage freezer" type stuff. I could totally understand his reaction if we were kicking back in our easy-boys, popping bon-bons in our mouths and we asked him to get dinner started, or something. But by his reaction, you'd think we were asking him for his kidney.

Our child's therapist recommended we somehow help him to recognize his initial response, that he tracks it or puts a marble in a jar every time he whines, or something. But she also suggested we acknowledge and reward him when he obeys right away. The hope is that drawing to his attention just how often his gut reply is a whine, back-talk, etc. then he'll begin to self-regulate. She believes that he isn't fully aware until it's too late; in essence, that his poor response behavior is a bad habit, and that deep down he truly does want to listen and obey.

Hence, the chart. {{Click here to download FREE pdf}}

Anytime he's asked to do something and he does it the first time, without complaining, we thank him and tell him to check the appropriate box on his chart. Once he reaches the first "reward" he gets to pick something from a prize jar (coupons for things like 15 minutes extra video game time, 1 soft serve cone, etc.). Anytime he's asked to do something and he ignores, stomps his feet, throws a fit, whines, talks back, etc., then instead of us getting upset we simply say, "Okay, go put a mark in the did not obey side" and he does. Then he still has to go and do that thing which we initially asked of him. If he gets to the sad face box, then he gets the consequence of an extra chore.

We're hoping this works. Today is just the beginning. Wish us luck.....!

I'm The Mom, Not Your Entertainment Coordinator

Ahhhh....summer! I remember summer when I was a kid. When I was in 4th grade, we moved to a little town in Northern Indiana. Those years hold the best summer memories for me. We lived across the street from the town park, which held an annual "Summer Fun" program for kids.

Parents could register their kids for free and drop them in the park anytime between 9a-12p, and again from 1p-4p. There was a monthly calendar of events, most of them free or nearly free. There were board games, organized kick ball, art projects like little plaster of paris molds to create and paint the next day. There was a scout cabin in the park, so in extreme heat we'd do activities inside the cabin. And at the end of each day we got a frozen otter pop. The city hired some awesome youth counselors to run this program. Kids had to be school ages - or at least potty trained to be dropped off and the city parks and rec dept took care of the rest. Awesome tax dollars at work.

Next to the park was the public library, so we also had that option and it was like 50 steps from my front door!

During the summer while I was in elementary school, my bedtime was always the same, every night, even in the summer. We had a routine. We still bathed and ate our meals and did our chores according to our "normal" routine. But the thing that made my summers the most fun were these structured daily activities that encouraged good sportsmanship, exercise, creativity, confidence, and the freedom to just be a kid! (Boy, did my mom luck out too!) It wasn't until we became teens that we stayed up too late, binge-ate, and became unproductive slobs, haha.

I've come to learn some kids - in fact MOST kids - thrive when they can operate off of a structured schedule. I've mulled this over and wondered when this shifted in our society. Then I realized it hasn't. My father was born and raised on a farm. While his "play time" wasn't structured, everything else was - when he woke, dressed, ate, chored, -- all of it. Play time was a luxury if you were lucky! I think so many kids today have become so dependent on electronics and constantly being entertained, they don't even really grasp the concept of "playing."

Okay, so where does this long and out-of-hand-supposed-to-be-quick introduction leave us? Well, this is where it leaves me. I have learned that I function better and my kids function better when we have summer schedules. (At least until they become teens with their own social lives and summer jobs.)

I still have one elementary school age kid and for the last 3 summers, I've created daily schedules and planned activities to keep us both sane. We've learned with him that he requires a full 10 hours of sleep. He also takes forever to wind down. So we have get-ready-for-bed time and actual bed time 30 minutes later, knowing he won't be asleep for at least still another 30 minutes. We are giving him a slightly later bedtime this summer, since he's almost 10. We're going to try 9p instead of 8, and 10p on Fridays. I told him we'll see how it affects him the next day and pending his mood we'll either proceed or go back to an hour earlier.

Tips for planning a daily schedule for your child:

1. Figure which tasks you want your child to complete every day regardless of what else goes on. Put those things in the schedule. I want mine to get dressed every day, unless he is sick.

2. Determine what attributes/talent/skill you'd like to encourage your child to develop. Is there a daily habit in which they can engage that will promote this attribute/talent/skill? For us, we want our children to have their own personal relationship with the Lord, so I give them reminders to pray and hold their own private devotional time. Even though school is out, we don't want them to stop reading either, so we have reading time scheduled too. If mine played an instrument, you bet I'd put practice time on the schedule too.

3. Plug in the "constants" - wake up time, meals, bedtime, etc.

4. Are there weekly chores or activities? Scouts, laundry day, piano lessons? etc. Plug those in next.

5. Check your personal calendar. Plug any family events or appointments into your child's schedule.

6. Now - what else can you do for fun??? Check your local community calendars for free movies in the park, new exhibit at the nature center, special discount days for bowling, free library events, local pool or splash pad hours. Is there a chocolate or cheese factory nearby that gives free tours? Join or create a Summer Fun facebook group page for locals. Share some of these events there - coordinate play dates. We do a library day every 2 weeks and on the in between weeks we do a dollar movie, or other fun activity. Plug those in the schedule.

7. Present the schedule in a draft form. Discuss concerns with the child and of course your spouse. Make changes as necessary.

8. Put simple explanations on the schedule for anything out of the ordinary in order to prevent the "WHY? That's not fair?" For example, if I move bedtime early one night, I put a note next to it like You have to get up early tomorrow for camp. 

9.  Only print one week at a time, as things will come up and you want to avoid reprinting if you can.

10. Have a place where both parent and child can review the schedule and check the progress. We use the side of the fridge and a heavy duty magnet clip.

11. It is the child's responsibility to read and check off their schedule each day. If you do an allowance, you could tie their "pay day" into the schedule as well. Let them manage their own schedule, and resist the urge to micromanage. Don't hover! Give them the chance to work their schedule, and just check in with them once or twice a day to see how it's going.

That's it! I will give you a fair warning that you should probably create the schedule when you have nothing else to do that day. Sometimes this process can take several hours. Once you've got the master schedule finished, then tweaking it each Saturday before printing for the following week will be a cinch. I am including a link to week one of my youngest child's summer schedule, just to give you an idea of how we do it. His schedule is pretty intense, but he has ADHD so every scheduled task is worth its weight in gold.

Good luck! Let me know if you give is a try.  {Sample Summer Schedule Week 1 - Printable HERE}

Irish Faire Perfect for your St. Patrick's Day Dinner

Honestly, while I can eat corned beef, I am not a huge fan of it. Or rather, should I say my acid reflux is not a huge fan. So, I tend to avoid making it, which leaves me to come up with other alternatives for our annual St. Patrick's Day dinner. But honestly, I love the challenge.

Here are some dishes I've tried over the years, and some that are on my list for future St. Patrick's Days.

First up is my family's recipe handed down to from my Grandmother Velma. She comes from a line of Lawsons and Garveys (O'Garvey), both of Irish descent. This bread recipe can be made into rolls, as many people prefer.

Grandma Velma's Irish Potato Bread

Allan Rosenberg/Cole Group/Photodisc/Getty Image

There is also this yummy recipe from Taste of Home for Irish Soda Bread {click here} which I'll be serving up this year.

Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

As far as the rest of my menu, here is what I am making:
Dubliner Irish Chicken {click here}

Photo courtesy of Kerrygold USA | ORNUA FOODS NORTH AMERICA INC

as well as Roasted Ranch Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese {click here}

Photo by Joyously Domestic

I will also be paring it was some steamed asparagus, and for dessert caramelized pears with pistachio creme. (Pictures and recipes to come later.)

12 Other ideas:

Bangers & Mash {click here}

Best Ever Shepherd's Pie 

Irish Fish and Chips {click here}

Boxty, aka Irish Potato Pancakes
Side note: Serve your Boxty with smoked salmon or roast beef & gravy.

Irish Lamb Stew {click here}

Rachel Ray's Irish Pub Meatloaf {click here}

Irish Pork Stew {click here}

One-Pan Irish Chicken {Click Here}

Irish Farmhouse Chicken Casserole

Irish Chicken and Dumplings {click here}

Irish Soda Bread Pizza! {Click here} - True, perhaps this isn't a traditional, ancient Irish recipe, but it is an authentic one, and one the kiddos will love!

Gammon Steak (Irish Ham Steak) {click here}

Miller Family Dynamics

As a kid, I remember watching certain sitcoms or family drama films, wherein the family dynamics elevate until a major argument breaks out and everyone is mad at everyone else, and finally the lead role is either the hero or gets a second chance, and everyone is soon hugging again. I remember thinking, how ridiculously unrealistic situations like that were. Then I grew up.

I know families where situations have escalated and there has been a blow up and everyone is left picking sides. The difference between their situations and the ones on the big screen, is that they don't make up in 90 minutes. The families I know like this are now (or were for an extended time) estranged from each other. This saddens me.

As much as my siblings and I probably drive each other or my parents nuts, we've always been on speaking terms. All 9 of us. All the time.

Sure, when we were little we'd bicker and give each other the silent treatment over something stupid. But as we became adults, in my opinion, we became better friends than we ever were as children. I'm not a psychologist, nor do I play one on TV. But, I have quietly analyzed our family dynamics for years, wondering what makes us function.

#1 - We avoid confrontation. I don't mean to say we run from it, although I know there are some of us that do. {Me} What I mean, is if something bugs us about one of our siblings, we don't confront them. We figure, it's just who they are, and if they're happy with themselves and their choices, than who are we to judge? 

That being said, if there was an element of danger to one's life, such as drugs or alcoholism, we'd also be the first to rally together to help them. Even if it meant an intervention, keeping in mind an intervention is the person has to be willing to change or you cut them out of your lives. Thankfully, none of us are in that sort of situation. So, unless we're ready to cut one of the others out of our lives completely, we avoid confrontation. 

#2 - We are good at biting our tongues. Now, for those who know us, you might not believe this, because we are all pretty strongly opinionated about many things. But while we may not be concerned about speaking our mind outside of the family, we self-edit more within.

#3 - We choose our words. This doesn't mean we bottle up or suppress our emotions. We just choose not to share if we don't think it will do any good, or if we don't think the other person wants to hear it. We're pretty good at stating, "In my opinion, I'd rather..." and another might say, "Interesting. I believe..." And we just respect that the other person is crazy, er, um, I mean, has a different opinion. While some have made certain life choices others may not agree with, we all still love each other enough to respect the other person's choices. I think we figure we're all crazy to some extent about something, so live and let be.  

Recently someone jokingly said "Because you Millers don't feel" and then, "You're all just passive-aggressive." Well now, that had me thinking. I know I was pretty passive-aggressive in my first marriage. I feel I have learned a lot from that and have come a long way. As I've tried to reflect on my daily actions at the end of each day, I think for the most part, I have indeed overcome many passive-aggressive behaviors.

I am guilty of a few times I have been offended by someone, and then vented on social media (without using names). After I cooled off for about 24 hours, I deleted the post. That's probably passive aggressive, since I didn't discuss it directly with that person.

But honestly, I'd rather do that instead of confront the person. Why? Well, obviously #1 above, and honestly, because I tend to get over stuff in usually about 24 hours. I take that time and replay the offense in my mind over and over and try to see it from the other person's view. I usually make up my mind it isn't worth fighting over. It's not worth the drama. And I'm always grateful after the fact I didn't allow my feelings to get out of check. I don't think it's always good to confront the other person to fully express our feelings, because it can unnecessarily blow up into a huge argument.

It's sort of like in the "olden days" when people used pen and paper and actually wrote real letters, you'd hear the advice to write the person you're angry at a letter, but don't mail it. The process of writing it out/venting might be enough. I usually like to give it 24 hours. If I still feel bugged, I might even give it another week or so. All the while I pray about it as well. I always tell myself, if it still bothers me, I'll talk to that person. I will say that I've never had that talk with one of my siblings. If something has bothered me, I have always gotten over it. And I've always been glad that the confrontation was avoided.

I probably get this from my dad, but I've never been one to hold a grudge. There is only one person in this world that has hurt me so badly that I no longer have communication with. But that's only because that person has ignored my attempts at a reconciliation. I finally came to the conclusion the stress and frustration of trying to salvage the relationship was futile, and sadly decided to leave it alone. I wouldn't say I hate the person though. And if I saw her in the grocery store, while I wouldn't go out of my way to chase her down to say hi, I would definitely greet her if face to face.

Honestly, I truly believe it is not always appropriate, advisable, or in one's best interest to fully express emotions or hash things out, especially in social situations, or group settings, such as parties, gatherings, church, work, etc.  I think if something occurs which we don't like we can ask ourselves, "Is it beneficial to the group if I fully express my feelings right now?" I believe it is possible to temper our reaction to someone else, while internally acknowledging it ourselves.

"Make a distinction between feeling your feelings and expressing them." This is a statement I read from psychologist Dr. Gay Hendricks. So, do Millers feel? Absolutely. I know I for one feel deeply. We just don't see a need to always express ourselves fully. Especially if it might upset the other person unnecessarily.

#4 - Gentle persuasion. My Grandma Goldie was a sweet little Amish lady, who had an art for gentle persuasion. Upon hearing anyone's situation, she was never one to say, "Try this" or "You should do that." She was never one to push her opinions onto anyone else. Instead she'd say, "Have you considered trying this?" If the person was interested in hearing more on her opinion they could ask about it.

#5 - Timing is everything. Don't poke a sleeping bear. While we may not be as gentle as Grandma Goldie, it seems to me that if one of us Miller kids really thinks another Miller kid should be doing something different, we are cautious in how we proceed. Because here's a little secret. While we don't go looking for confrontation, and while we'd rather just internally acknowledge our irritation for the sake of the group, if we are caught off guard by something directed at us, the surprised uncertainty will almost always result in lashing back, (because we feel attacked) and it will probably be something we will regret saying later. We know this about each other, so we don't go poking our inner sleeping bears.

#6 - We choose not to be offended. This is easier said than done I suppose. I remember being little and getting offended at something my sister said. I went to tattle and my mom asked, "So?" Not that she was being mean, although it probably comes across that way in print. She basically taught us that if someone says something offensive, most of the time it can be ignored. She'd say, "Well, is it true?" And if the answer was "no" she'd say, "Well, all right then." If the answer was yes, she'd say, "Well, all right then." Haha. Yeah, she's pretty down to earth.

My sister said I was bossy and when I told my mom she said, "So. Is it true?" And when I thought about my actions, I answered, "yeah." Which is why my mom said, "Well, all right then." Meaning, if I am being bossy, I don't have to right to be offended if someone calls me out on it.

Another time I tattled because someone called me stupid. My mom said, "So? Is it true?" I said, "No." She answered, "Well, all right then." Meaning, as long as I knew the truth about myself, it didn't matter what dumb offensive thing someone else said. I could rise above it. Who knew "Well, all right then" could have so much power. That being said, bullying was never tolerated. But how she handled that is a whole other blog post.

We don't take things personally. If I invite my sister to come shopping with me and she's too busy or doesn't want to go, I don't take it personally. If I'm at a family gathering and brought a potluck dish and others didn't like it, I don't take it personally. If someone remarks they have a headache but they turn me down when I offer them Aleve because they don't like Aleve, I don't take it personally. If I gave someone a gift and their reaction isn't as excited as I anticipated, I don't take it personally. I shrug and think, "Well, all right then." Haha. It's hard to not take things personally, especially once you start interpreting things as such. It's very easy to assume the other person meant something one way when they did not. Once you start down that path, everything can quickly become "personal", and you will find yourself always feeling hurt or offended by that person.

In general, us Miller siblings are able to spend time together laughing and playing and telling lots of funny stories. I'm not saying we're the template to be followed for all successful family relationships. This is more or less MY analysis, or my interpretation rather, of why I think we all get along so well.
I am sure there may have been times it would have been appropriate to fully share our frustrations. But I also think if something were that big of a deal, it would have eventually come out.


I just returned home from a 2 week vacation, 6 days of traveling and sight-seeing, and 8 days of visiting with siblings. Our theme this year was "SURVIVOR. Out Eat, Out Talk, Out Play." We accomplished all of those things. I know my family had a blast. I can honestly say I do things that drive my siblings nuts. But, they love me enough to let me think they don't care.

I mostly feel sorry for the in-laws. I'm sure it's difficult to adjust to the way Millers do things, especially when we're in full-force.

It's like I told my husband, just nod and smile. Nod and smile.