Just another Sunday Morning...

I am having so much fun learning to digi scrapbook. I have a fantastic subject too... she makes for some pretty pages! The only problem I am having is that I am not getting anything else done! LOL!

Sweetheart Dance 021409

Tonight Bekah went to EHS Sweetheart Dance. Hair and make-up by Robert. Bekah decided not to go with a date this year, she went with friends instead. She wanted to be able to dance with everyone she said!

Bekah's Style

Holiday Traditions Layout

I like the way this one turned out. I like the techiques used in this layout. I know I haven't been writting too much lately in my blog, I have just been posting pictures. I will soon! I need to get back to writting! :) But until then... here's another picture.

Beautiful

Beautiful you, by Jessica Sprague- Beautiful You kit.

The Good Stuff

I decided to sign up for a Digi-scrapbooking online class. Wow, what a difference it makes to actually watch the steps that need to be taken. It is very helpful. I was searching for an online class and found Jessica Sprague on FB, Google and had seen her layouts before. I decided to try her classes because she has step by step video that can be paused and replayed as many times as needed. I have looked at other website but hers seemed straight forward and easy to follow. So here is my first layout from the class. It is very basic, a little more basic than the one I did of Bekah from "Digital Designs 2" but the nice thing about it is the step by step instructions and really showing an easier way to get the layouts completed. I am getting ready to start my next lesson.

It has been a very lazy day, I can't remember when I spent the entire day in the house? With the traveling this week and the stress of work, I just needed a day to decompress. I didn't even work! I will have to tomorrow some, but for today, I watched the entire season 1 of Lipstick Jungle, organized files on my new laptop and finished lesson 1 in the "Up and Running with Photoshop" with Jessica Sprague. http://www.jessicaspraque.com/. I guess you would say I took a "personal day".

Beautiful, inside and out

Bekah Our Sunshine

I am reading the book, digital designs 2 for scrapbooking. This is where I found the design ideas. I am having fun learning about digi scrapbooking... I can't wait to learn more! 

Special bond between Father & Daughter

Playing with Pictures

I haven't taken a class yet, I'm just seeing what can do with Photoshop Elements... I have a lot to learn but I like the idea behind this photo.  Pictures from Bekah's Homecoming game and dance 2008.  

My Weekend

The weekend is over.  I am happy to say that I was able to accomplish a few things this weekend that I needed to.  I finished cleaning out the computer armoire, I purchased a new laptop online (I can't wait until it comes!), we straightened and swept the house, I bought a birthday present for a friend and sent a Valentine's gift to Zack, went to lunch at Sonny's, went to a movie and did not see it (sold out), came home and watched a couple rentals while we enjoyed popcorn and snow caps.  We bought a new mattress for Bekah, went to the grocery store, took a walk to the local diner for breakfast and watched the Pittsburgh Steelers become the AFC Champions going to the Superbowl. 

 I would say all in all it was a very productive weekend.  

This year my goal is to simplify and organize. Time to get rid of those things we haven't looked at for awhile or used in the last 6 months. Cancel those magazine subscriptions that I never have time to read and start combating all the junk mail.  Time to simplify! 

As I said before in one of my postings, this year, I really want to learn how to do digital scrapbooking.  I started going through some old photos and scanning them for organizational purposes and for safe keeping. It is so much fun going through old photos.  This is all part of my organizational goals this year.  Little by little it will get done.  

It's back to work tomorrow, I am positive that my day will go well. 

This picture is of Rich coming out of the College Park Diner this morning when we went for breakfast.  

Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go!

I'm really enjoying this year's football season. Rich, Bekah and I have been watching the games together, going out to sports restaurants or watching them at home. It has been fun dressing the part in our jerseys, hats and waving our Terrible Towels cheering on our favorite team! We make sure we text Zack during the game to see if he too is watching! It's a family affair!

Go Steelers!

Our Christmas Tree 2008

Christmas 2008

Another Christmas Season is behind us... well almost behind us, there are still remnants of Christmas decorations, opened gifts that haven't found a home, oh and the Christmas tree is still prominently displayed in all its grandeur. But besides that, Christmas is "almost" behind us. We had a very relaxing Christmas Holiday this year (even though I wasn't able to get away from work). We started with a cookie bake with Lisa and Kyle Broesch, on Dec. 23rd, Rich, Bekah and I went to Disney for the day. We had a great time visiting all the places, eateries and rides that we enjoyed as kids. "Gotta have a pineapple whip... you know from the place across from Swiss Family Robinson Tree House!" We also enjoyed the Christmas decorations, the lights and holiday performances. We jumped on the monorail from Magic Kingdom to Epcot so we can visit the Countries and see their holiday decor. We bought candy in Italy, listened to Santa in Canada and ate a hot dog in America all in one day. We then made our way back to the Magic Kingdom to see Cinderella's Castle light up! It has been a few years, many in fact, since we have been to Disney. We enjoyed the day, taking our time strolling through the park, taking pictures and enjoying each other's company. Christmas Eve was a Mexican Fiesta! Fred, Amy, Katie and Lauren invited us over for a fiesta, we had maracas, sombreros, fajitas, burritos, Mexican decorations to set the mood. We even played "Pin the tail on the donkey" of which Rich proudly won a sombrero wearing rubber ducky. When we got home, Rich and I finished up the wrapping (yes, we were still wrapping) and Rich finished working on his "surprise" for Bekah.

Then alas it was Christmas Day, the gifts were presented beautifully under tree. Rich's surprise was dressed magnificently next to the tree.... okay, so here's the story on the surprise. Bekah was sharing with us how she loved the way we "presented" gifts under the tree. She loved the Presentation! When she was little, presentations were easier to do, we always left one big gift unwrapped under the tree. Whether it was a baby doll or skateboard with all the accessories, the presentation of the gift meant a lot to her. So this year, I asked Rich to make a manikin of sorts! As a teenager, the gifts are usually clothes or electronics, and such which makes it a little more difficult for the big presentation. Clothes laying out on the floor just isn't the same, that happens after Christmas! So Rich built a manikin out of 2X4s and a sign. My resident MacGiver. We dressed the manikin with Lucky Jeans, a sweater and a wrap and hat (to add flair). We contemplated printing a picture of Bekah to paste on a head, but frankly we were too tired! (Bekah said that would have scared her anyway, I think we made the right decision). The manikin looked great! She was surprised all right! The manikin stood between her new jewelry box and the Christmas tree. Now you know the story... I will get back to Christmas Day. It was the three of us Christmas morning. We had a nice leisurely morning. We made Cinnamon rolls like we do every Christmas morning. We were excited to watch each other open the gifts. We missed Zack this year and did talk to him to wish him a Merry Christmas. We were also missing my mom and Bill this year as they were celebrating Christmas in TN with Bill's parents and my sister and her kids. Later that evening, Rich's Mom, Dad and Uncle Rich came over along with my best friend Lisa. We had a nice ham dinner, very laid back and relaxing.

I am so appreciative of all my blessings. I enjoy so much spending time with friends and family. Whether it's a big planned event or just hanging out together.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Bekah with her manikin and Cinnamon roll. Bekah with the outfit on and her favorite gift...a Pippi Longstocking picture! :)

Well it is 4:26 PM and I am really just starting my working day. What I mean is that I started around 8:30 AM this morning, but with all the work I have left to do, it really is only the beginning. I like the financial freedom my job provides, we are not "rich" in monetary standards by any stretch of the imagination, but we do well for ourselves, have had the opportunities take vacations, be entertained, to entertain and provide for our family and not have to watch every dime we spend. It is a good feeling. Sometimes the stress of my job makes me wonder if it the "appropriate" amount of stress? What if I did something completely different, artistic, free spirited... would I be just trading off one stress for another? Helping to provide for our family and live like we are used too for the stress of not knowing if I can pay the bills? I don't know? But what I do know, is my daughter is happy! Where did that come from within this post you may be asking yourself. Well, I'll tell you, no matter what choices I have made or Rich and I have made together, we did right by our children. They are both happy, productive, well adjusted young adults. Bekah tells us often how grateful she is that we are her parents. She enjoys laughing with us, spending time with us and is truly appreciative of the way we have raised her. So, at the end of the day... to me, that is all that really matters! The rest will figure its self out. So for now, its back to work.
(This picture is from Christmas 2007, when we rented a cottage in Savannah, GA for the week)

Thank our Troops

Join My Team, Mills Family and Friends

I started a personal team to help support Child Mothers through an organization called Mochaclub.org. For only $7.00 a month, the cost of 2 mochas, you can help Feed, Educate, Save and Provide for someone in need. There are 5 other projects that you can donate to as well (Education, HIV/AIDS, Job Creation, Orphan Care and Sudan Regrowth).

Gulu, Uganda is replete with people who have lived in fear since the mid 80's. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel paramilitary group in Northern Uganda, has terrorized villages through raids where they are taking children to add to their army, killing villagers, and destroying the village. Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, has denied this. There are many young women in Gulu, Uganda, however, who tell a different story...

These young women are called "child mothers" because they were only children themselves when they were abducted, trained as fighters, and given as sex slaves to rebel soldiers in the LRA. Now that they have escaped or been excused as expendable, the community at large rejects them and their children.

Please join us in funding the "Village of Hope" where nearly 500 of these child mothers can live in a safe community with shelter, a job training center, a medical facility, and a school for their children.

Please visit the site and get the word out!

Link

Thank you.

For volunteering and getting involved closer to home, check out
Hands On Orlando

Link

It is so easy, open the calendar and any activity that has a link there are still spots available. Click the link, sign up and show up! That is all there is too it. Bekah and I have volunteered at the Westminister Care of Orlando and really enjoyed doing crafts with the residents there. Bekah and Zack volunteered at a Special Olympics basketball tournament through Hands On Orlando as well. Our experience with Hands On Orlando has been very positive and rewarding.

EHS Homecoming Week

Last week was a BIG week! It was Edgewater Homecoming week and Bekah was busy, busy. Bekah is amazing, she really stayed on top of everything that was going on all week and enjoyed doing so. As a cheerleader, it was her week to represent the school! Sunday, we built the Homecoming float at the house, the girls came over to help decorate, eat pizza and practice their bon-fire routine. It was fun spending time with the girls. Monday kicked off Spirit week with "Style Switch" day, Bekah dressed in clothing she normally would not dress in, she called her look "nerdy" however, she looked cute. The clothes she wore were not the hottest look, but she pulled it off! On Tuesday, it was "Twin" day and all the Varsity Cheerleaders wore the Varsity away football jerseys, jeans and the Varsity garter. Of course she looked cute! Tuesday night was the Homecoming parade down Edgewater Drive. Rich drove the truck pulling the float with the Seniors on it and the rest of the girls walked behind it doing their cheers and tossing candy. They looked great! After the parade, there was the powder puff game and the bon-fire where the team performed.
Wednesday was hillbilly day, luckily Bekah had overall shorts she could wear with her Dad's flannel shirt! Thursday, was Hippie Day and Friday was the Homecoming game, so Bekah wore her cheerleading uniform (with the Football Jersey as the top) The game was a lot of fun, the cheerleaders looked great and all squads performed. Unfortunately, we lost the football game. But the Cheerleaders did GREAT!

Saturday was the biggest day of all, the DANCE!
Bekah started the day with getting her nails done, then it was off to Roberts to get her hair and makeup done. She got dressed at Roberts and came home for half a minute for us to take pictures! We went to the Orlando Country Club to take more pictures with the Junior class. Then it was off to Jackson's, then on to dinner and the Dance which was at the Whyhdam Resort on I-Drive. Wow.. I'm exhausted just recapping the week. Bekah got home about 1:30 AM from the Dance and we were up until 3:00 AM talking about it! Bekah had a great time and danced all night long.
I am so happy for her, these are memories she will have for a lifetime. I am proud of her for being involved, finding joy and living out her high school days to the fullest!

You Lead Life; It doesn't Lead You

We can all blame others for something, all of us have had someone in our lives that we felt betrayed by, whether we had something to do with it or an innocent bystander. It happens, life can be disappointing. But the good part is that we are all in control, we can continue to have pain and blame others or we can choose to move on and create our own happiness. Maybe blocking out those you once cared about and who cared about you is an attempt to find happiness, but I have to believe that is only a band aid. "Happiness is never something you get from other people. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give." I believe this to be true. I would like to share something I read today on the plane. It is from "What I know for sure" by Oprah, a book that I carry with me for a bolt of energy.

In the 3rd grade, I learned the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." I loved those words. I wrote them on everything and carried them around in my book satchel. I was a good-deed doer. At one point, I even thought I was going to be a missionary. Every Sunday I would go to church, site second pew to the right,take out a notepad and write down everything the minister said. At school the next day, I would recite the sermon on the playground. I called it Monday morning devotion. My classmates would see me coming and say, "Here comes that preacher." I was 8 years old.

When the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church was trying to raise money for the poor children of Costa Rica, I started a campaign. I was going to collect more than anyone else. I gave up my lunch money and convinced the other kids on the playground to do the same. It was all part of the principle of "Do unto others" that I lived by. In the fifth grade, I ran into some problems. There was a girl in my class who didn't like me, so I went around school talking about her. One of my friends pointed out that if I believed in doing unto others and was talking about this girl, chances are she was talking about me, too. "I don't care," I replied, "because I don't like her, anyway."

For a long time, whenever I would say or do something that went against my better self, I would try to justify it that way. What I didn't understand is that all of your actions, both good and bad, come back to you and most often not from the people you are acting toward. Now I know that you receive from the world what you give to the world. I understand it from physics as the third law of motion: For every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction. It is the essence of what Eastern philosophers call karma. Your actions revolve around you as surely as the earth revolves around the sun. The more conscious I became of this, the more quickly my actions came back.

Today I try to do well and be well with everyone I reach or encounter. I make sure I use my life for that which can be of goodwill. Yes, this has brought me great wealth. More important, it has fortified me spiritually and emotionally. When people say they are looking for happiness, I ask, "What are you giving to the world?" I'll never forget this couple who appeared on my show. The wife couldn't understand why their relationship had broken down. She kept saying,"He used to make me so happy. He doesn't make me happy anymore." What she couldn't see was that she was the cause of her own effect. Happiness is never something you get from other people. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you are able to give. If you think something is missing in your life or you're not getting what you deserve, remember that there is no Yellow Brick Road. You lead life; it doesn't lead you.

See what comes into your life when you spend extra time with your children. Let go of your anger with your boss or coworker and see what gets returned. Be loving to yourself and others and see that love reciprocated. This rule works every time, whether or not you are aware of it. It occurs in little things, big things, and the biggest things. I have an advantage because I work in a profession in which everything I do generates an immediate response in overnight ratings, e-mails, and phone calls. Every day of your life, you are performing your own show, and the returns may come in more slowly or be less obvious. But everything is being returned. What you're thinking what you're saying, what you're doing, is having an impact on you and the people around you right now. I know it for sure. Oprah

I truly believe what Oprah is saying in this article. I believe that we choose to be happy or in pain. I choose to be happy, I choose to let go of pain and be in control of my own life. I choose to own what I need to own and will not own what isn't mine. My heart is full of love and will not feel guilt for someone else's pain that they choose to blame others for and hold on to. You lead life; it doesn't lead you.

Celebrating 21 years!

Rich and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary last night. Often times we go out of town for our anniversary but this year we decided to stay home and go out for a nice dinner. It was a perfect evening. We went to Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge Resort. We arrived early for our reservation so we could try to get a window seat overlooking the waterfall, although we did not get one of those seats, we did get by a window. Our menus were printed with "Artist Point Wishes The Mills Party A Magical Anniversary" it was a nice touch. The restaurant was very nice and the food was amazing! As I was enjoying my Cedar Plank Roasted Pacific Wild King Salmon with Pear and Chipeta Potato Truffle, accompanied by a glass of Kiona Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain '06 and Rich taking in the flavors of his Seared Jumbo Day Boat Scallops with Hazelnut Butter Potatoes, Brentwood Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, and Preserved Lemons with his glass of Columbia Gewurztraminer, Columbia '06,
I commented... we have come a long way from those "Fry Daddy" days! Rich then looked at his scallops and said.. Oh! I bet this would be good in a Fry Daddy! He's always thinking.
It doesn't seem like twenty one years, it really doesn't. When I sat across the table from Rich last night I thought, "Wow, how lucky and I to be married to my best friend." I love being with him. After twenty one years, last night I still hoped I looked okay for him, wanted to plan a perfect evening and wanted to make sure that Rich was happy, as that makes me happy. There are some differences now that we are in our 40s, we have worked hard for what we have and appreciate what life has to offer, treating ourselves to new experiences, trying new things. What I appreciate most about my marriage is that Rich and I have grown together. We grew up together, learning, understanding, supporting each other and challenging our own thoughts and beliefs that we were raised with to really figure our who we are. We don't agree on everything, but we respect each other's opinions and learn from each other. What a wonderful journey...
Oh and after 21 years, I learned that Rich doesn't really like Peach desserts, who knew, something new all the time.
After dinner we took a walk around the resort grounds and headed back to the car.
A simple, relaxing, enjoyable evening.
Perfect.