First Day of 2nd Grade!!

Hannah stared 2nd grade on August 18th, which was depressing. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. Time flies by too fast :(

Anyway, her teacher's name is Miss Webb who she seems to love already. Hannah was thrilled that Jaime (a friend she's had in her class since Kindergarten) was in her class and that they were on the same "track" as each other. Here are some photos from the first day :)

Greg had to go out of town that morning so he got up early and made Hannah breakfast since he couldn't walk her to school. She ate those pancakes (he made a huge batch) all week long so she could think of him. It was a special moment for her.

The tradition of taking a photo on the porch before heading off to school. Hannah was bothered by the sun in her eyes but we were able to get one picture with her eyes open, which I was thankful for.

Since Greg and I were in Chicago on the "come meet your teacher" day, Hannah didn't meet her teacher until the first day of school. Hannah came home saying how much she enjoys Miss Webb and how she wants to stay in 2nd grade forever so she can always have her as her teacher, which is music to my ears compared to last year.

Hannah went in to hang up her backpack so I took a photo of her at her desk. Doesn't she look so cute!?!

Then it was off to the playground until the bell rang. Hannah found several of her friends from last year but none of them, except Jaime, was in her same class. Look how cute...she's holding Megan's hand...ahhh!

I went to go pick her up from school and I noticed that they had already done some artwork and had them hanging in the hall. I couldn't help but take Hannah's down and take a photo of it. It says "I like making dizines (designs) and this is just a dizine." and then again "this is just a dizine." So cute!! :)

When she came out of her classroom, I asked her to show me on her face, how her day went and she gave me a huge smile. That said it all! She had a wonderful day. When I asked her if she liked her teacher she said something like, "Yeah, I like her alot! She didn't even yell at us once today!" So, for those of you who are aware of the frustrating situation from last year, I'm happy to say that this year seems to be the complete opposite, which again I'm very thankful for :)

Our Trip to Chicago!

Greg and I went on a fun little get-a-way with our friends Steve & Ashley. We went to the "windy city", Chicago. We all left the children at home, which then allowed us to act like little kids! It was a lot of fun and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Here are some photos from the trip!


Here's downtown at night. Isn't it beautiful? I loved the downtown area! It was amazingly clean and not a bum in sight! Loved it!!


We went to the Chicago temple, which was an interesting experience. First of all, Greg & I had forgotten our recommends so good thing we had our 1st councilor with us. He asked the man on the phone, "What do we got to do to make this work?" A phrase that we heard many times on this trip. So, they cleared us to go but we arrived right as the session was to begin. Again, Steve and his "What do we got to do....?" and they decided to hold the session for us. We hurry in and then we realize that they no longer rent clothing!! NOW WHAT?!? Don't worry, they have us covered. They allowed us to "borrow" clothing, which only took about 20 min. for the lady to round up, meanwhile the session continues to wait for us. So finally we make it to the session, YIPPEE!! I'm glad that the 'conductor' was a bit grouchy because he kept it entertaining. Nothing like looking at him, as we're suppose to view him, then see him pull a grouch face because the movie won't play or whatever. At least it kept me awake!! :)JK...I don't fall asleep. Then (being vague here) when I put my arm through, instead of my hand landing on a shoulder, it landed on a somewhat greasy head!! Yes, talk about complete embarrassment!! The dude must have been 4 ft tall!! I felt so awful!! Anyway, by the end, we were very grateful for their willingness to help us "high-maintenance folk" from Utah.


We went and saw "Wicked", which was just that...wicked (in the very 80's sense). I totally loved it!!! I knew that it was about the Wizard of Oz but that was it and let me just say, I highly recommend it! Definitely worth the money!!


Before we saw Wicked, we decided to go to dinner at a nice little place on the corner, near the theater. Well, when we got inside and Steve asked, "what's the wait?", the lady smirked and informed him that they can book up to a year out!! With that, I turned to go; we were way out of our league. But leave it up to Steve and his "What do we got to do...?" and the next thing you know, we have the so-called "last table" in the place. We had a wonderful dinner and a very, very interesting waiter. Greg must have thought the waiter was AMAZING because he gave twice the tip that Steve did but by complete accident!! He said he noticed it and went to go change it but the waiter was coming toward the table. So he paid a high price for his mathematical skills being rusty.....Steve thinks Greg was just trying to make him look like a putts! :)


Here's Ashley and I hanging out with our new friends. We got sick of the guys constant whining and complaining so we ditched them. I think we made a wise choice. Our new friends were much more exciting!! :)


We went on a Sunset boat ride to see the city from the water. What a beautiful view!! I give props to the husband who came up with that idea!! :)


Just hanging out waiting for the boat to leave port...Steve, Ashley, & Gregor or should I say Michael?!? :)


Here's a picture of the pretty water. It was a bit windy & chilly but don't worry, I had my trusty "Chicago" sweat shirt to keep me warm. Hey, it was on sale that makes it OK.

These other photos I post for my own satisfaction & for my own enjoyment. I will leave no explanation except they all have their own "had to have been there" story, which I'm sorry to say, can't be shared. I know it's hard to be left out in the cold but maybe thinking up your own story lines will bring some excitement into your life and warm you up a bit :)

Our Church History Vacation-July 2008

This is going to be a very quick post with a very vague description of our 2 week long trip. I took over a thousand pictures so it may be quite tricky to come up with just a few to share. We went with our close friends from where we used to live.

I am so glad that I got to go. My testimony grew tons while visiting each of the places. I can't believe how much tribulation that the early saints had to endure. My respect for them quadrupled during this vacation. I encourage anyone who can, to go on a church history trip. It may have been the best thing I've ever done!


The Nauvoo temple. It was so beautiful. We got to go to one of the sessions, which I am very grateful for. It was a wonderful experience. We stayed at a hotel that was kiddie-corner from the temple. Hannah was very excited because when she woke up in the morning she was able to see the temple from her window, even before getting out of bed.



This is my Great (x4) Grandfather's home and gunsmith shop, Jonathan Browning. I couldn't believe the emotions that I felt as I heard the tour guide tell of his life in Nauvoo. There was a photo hanging on the wall of Jonathan's wife that looked so much like my grandmother, it was freaky. Maybe I'll add them so you all can compare.


Ok, so my grandma is on the left and Elizabeth Stalcup Browning is on the right. Now if you remove my grandmother's glasses & wig, which would leave her with white hair, it would be even freakier!! If Greg would reinstall my photoshop on my computer, I could do those simple alterations but he hasn't yet (hint-hint: just in case you do read my blog :)



Here is my mom, me, and my friend Karie. It was the 4th of July so we had on our festive T-shirts. When I came out of the bathroom wearing my T-shirt Karie just started laughing because she had brought the same one. Even when we're states apart, we always seem to be on the same wave-length :) Anyway, the house behind us was where the idea for the Relief Society happened. The lady that lived here and then went onto Salt Lake was the RS Pres. for almost 50yrs, or something crazy like that. As soon as the guide told us that Karie gave me a nudge and my eyes got huge!! Can you imagine having to be in position where you are constantly being critically viewed for 50 yrs?!? I couldn't handle it, that's for sure!!


This is a shot of the Mississippi River where the Saints had to cross to leave Nauvoo. It is at the end of the Trail of Hope/Trial of Tears, which ever name you are familiar with. I can't even imagine having to leave everything behind, even family, and head across a huge river with no idea of where you're headed, just knowing that the Lord is guiding you and that you need to be faithful. It's just too much for me to even comprehend! My extreme gratitude can not be put into words!


Here's the "Millnik" family, that's what we go by when we're on vacation...one big happy family :) (L-R) Ken, Dustin (front), Karie, Daria, Gabe, Greg, Me, Hannah (front), and JoAnn. We are standing in front of Adam-ondi-omin (spelling?). That was such a beautiful place and to think that Adam and Eve once dwelled there, was amazing!!


Gabe & Greg sitting on the very steps on which the prophet Joseph Smith preached after being dragged from this house and was tarred and feathered. It was a very humbling experience to know that he stood there, many many times, teaching the early saints about the gospel. I wonder if my love and admiration for the prophet will ever stop growing? The more I see and learn, the more I truly understand what he went through for this gospel. No words could express how grateful I am!!


The trail that leads into the Sacred Grove. I can't explain the feeling that washed over me just as I stepped past that wooden fence and into the grove. It seriously was like entering into another world. It was so amazing. The Spirit was SO strong that it almost overwhelmed me. I sat pondering in my heart what happened within those trees and trying to memorize the feeling that I had, so that I would never forget it.


Karie brought her scriptures and read the first vision to the children. It was so amazing to see their reaction to her words. As soon as she got to the "pillar of light, above my head" part, little Dustin gazed up into the sky. Look at the look of wonder on his little face. Then she went on to the "I saw two personages standing above me", and that's when Hannah looked up (see next picture). Her face is full of wonder as well. Wouldn't it be amazing to have the faith that our children have? To just know what is true and to not even waver?









This is the room where Hyrum & the Prophet Joseph Smith were killed. That is the exact window he fell from. I was just about to take a photo of Greg & Gabe looking out the window when Greg reached down and wiped the tears from his eyes with his shirt. I didn't meant to interfere with his moment but I'm so glad I was able to capture it. The Spirit in the room told the story of what happened in there better than the words spoken could. "Praise to the Man!"


This picture shows me exactly why we went on this Church History trip. To bring our children unto Christ. This photo says it all!



Here we are at Niagara Falls. It was a fun little stop on our way to Palmyra. Yes, we are all wearing the same "Millnik Family Vacation" t-shirts. It's a tradition :)


Here are our friends being clobbered by the mist/rain from the waterfall. It didn't look like it was going to be that wet from the dry land. Boy were we wrong!! But it was so much fun, drenched and all. The only annoying part was the fact that the wind kept puffing up our slickers and practically ripping them off!



Here's what Gabe thought about the boat tour. Yeah, he wasn't too happy. At one point I heard my mom say "Greg help me!" and I quickly turned around. Gabe's slicker, which we had tried to tie around his stroller, had puffed up into a big balloon and little Gabe's face was surrounded by it! Freaked me out!! So, Greg took Gabe under the canopy part of the boat to keep him safe because the wind wasn't as strong there.


We had a good trip and lots of fun new memories!! I wonder where the "Millnik" family will go next? :)

Breaking Dawn

Anyone out there finished the 4th Twilight book? I'm dying to chat about it. Leave your thoughts as a comment so they don't become "spoilers" for those who haven't read it yet and I'll respond to your comments :)

More Songs, if you're interested

Ok, so now I am on a role. I want to share some more of the songs by "Casting Crowns". If you would like to listen to them just click the link. Then let me know what you think. Again the lyrics are amazing and so deep. I love to think about the symbolism and then apply them to my life.

"The Voice Of Truth"

These lyrics bring to mind the adversary who tries to convince us that we are wrong and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is wrong but at those moments, we need to listen to the voice of truth. They also say that the adversary tries to pull us down and convince us that we aren't good enough and to just give up, again in those moments, we need to listen to the voice of truth.


"Who Am I"

I think this song really hits home for me. Sometimes I really wonder how our Savior can love me as much as he says he does. He sees past my failures and short-coming and still loves me. We are all children of God with a divine heritage. We are of unimaginable worth but how often do we actually feel that way? For me, not so much and I know that it's just Satan convincing me of my supposed "worthlessness". This song inspires me to not only be proud of who am I but to actually believe who I am.


"Does Anybody Hear Her?"

This song is one that makes me reflect on how I treat those around me who might have different lifestyles than I would choose. I like that part in the song where it states "under the shadow of our steeple, live all the lost and lonely people, searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me. Can anybody hear her? Can anybody see?" It makes me wonder how many people around me I don't see or at least recognize when they are struggling. Do I assume that just because my neighbor has a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other that he isn't worth sharing the gospel to? Sometimes I feel I'm guilty of that because I assume that the individual wouldn't want to hear but who am I to make that choice for him? Anyway, this is definitely an area that I need to grow in. Sometimes in our "Mormon culture" we assume people are "bad" because they are different and because we don't want that influence in our lives but I would encourage us to realize that they don't know any better. How could they? They haven't been taught yet. It's up to us to teach ALL of God's children!!

I think this next song fits under the same topic as the last song. I know the video is a bit "B-" level but the message is clear. Hope you enjoy this one as well...

"If We Are the Body"



"Stain Glass Masquerade"

This one reminds me of our lesson a few weeks back in Relief Society, when it was said that it's nice to see others weaknesses because then they're more real and we don't feel like we're all alone. This one hits home, well, all of these do but I do find myself looking at other families or mothers and comparing myself to them, and every time I lose!! I know that's not what the Lord would have us do, so why do we?




Ok, so that's it for now but believe me I could go on & on, especially if I moved on to different artists but I think this will do for now. I really hope these touched you the way they always touch me :)

The Song I Spoke Of In My Lesson

So, I promised that I would post this song to my blog so that those of you who were present today in Relief Society could hear it and not just hear the words. I have a couple of links that I will post below. The first one has the writer explaining why he wrote the song. It's a touching story. The other one is just something that someone put together after the New Orleans Hurricane and put the pictures/video to the song. It's touching as well. I will also put the lyrics here, so that you can contemplate the symbalism within them.

This song helped me more than I could ever express and I am so grateful that I found it. It brings me so much peace and strength. I hope, if you are dealing with a trail that seems overwhelming to you, that this simple song will ease that pain and help you endure through it.

The song is from a modern Christian group named Casting Crowns. Their music is amazing and I enjoy their upbeat music with the sentimental lyrics. I may choose to post a few other songs of theirs to see what you think.


"Praise You in This Storm"
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now
that you would have reached down
and wiped our tears away
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining.
As the thunder rolls,
I barely hear you whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as your mercy falls
I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for you are who you are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
you hold in your hands
you never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm.


I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
you heard my cry to you
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone
how can I carry on
if I can't find you?
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as your mercy falls
I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus



Let me know what you think! I hope it helps someone out there, the way it helped me!!