Beautiful Snow in AZ

This morning we awoke to one of the most beautiful snows outside our cabin windows!  

There must have been at least 12 inches of the fluffy white stuff.

 Kendall digging out the truck

 The birds were very happy their feeder was full!

 



Little Star written by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Mark Elliott

Little Star written by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Mark Elliott

A father tells his young son the story of the star that shone on baby Jesus the night of his birth.  The little star was ignored by other stars because of his small size.  The stars were excited about the upcoming birth of a king that would change the whole world forever and a special prize would be given to the star that could shine the brightest the night the baby king was born.  When the baby was born to poor parents in a stable, the other stars didn’t believe that he could possibly be a king.  The little star was the only star to realize that the poor baby was the king and he came to show all – no matter how poor or small they are – that He loves them.  The star shone brightly to keep the baby warm all night long.  He shone so brightly that he burned himself out.  Because of this sacrifice, God rewarded him in return and the little star is remembered always by the star that is placed on top of a Christmas tree every year. 

Remember, it is a fictional children’s story book that is a springboard to other conversations about Christmas, Jesus’ birth, the treatment of those different from us, and love.  In that regard, I can recommend the book for young children.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Enjoy an excerpt from the book.

Belated Valentines

We loved the surprise of Valentines in the mail today.  It takes a long time for them to travel thousands of miles.

Thanks Rachel & Emma!!



Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you all love!

A Valentine Truffle

Truffle Mica (a truffle that sparkles) -- what a delicious name for a car color!  My new wheels...

Lois' Birthday Events

We had such a good day!  We had nails done, ate cake, had dinner out and enjoyed a great concert.

Although Whole Foods didn't have her favorite cake, the Chocolate Raspberry was a great second choice!

We had a great dinner at The Claim Jumper.  This is Lois' grilled salmon

(she said yum, yum!, I said yuck)

Her friend Janis (and husband Todd) joined us for dinner, and then Janis headed off to the concert with us.

Amy Grant

Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant

Michael W. Smith

Lois and Janis

What a GREAT concert!

Lois' Birthday

How appropriate that World Nutella Day is the same day as Lois' birthday!  We're pleased she could spend the weekend with us.

Lady in Waiting



Lady in Waiting written by Susan Meissner
What a lovely blend of modern and historical story lines in a novel. The novel begins in Manhattan in the present time as we are introduced to the main character, Jane Lindsay. She is trying to make sense of her husband leaving town, and her, to explore the prospect of a new job in New Hampshire. She is a devoted mother and wife, blindsided by her husband’s decision.

Jane manages her great-aunt’s antique store in the city. As part of acquiring inventory, she finds a beautiful old ring in a box obtained at a British ‘jumble’ sale. The ring is engraved with a Latin phrase and her name – Jane. She is intrigued by the ring and searches to find ‘Jane’ and wonders how the ring came through history to her hand.


It is through the connection to the name of Jane that we are introduced to Lady Jane in the historical portion of the novel. Lady Jane’s sixteenth century experience is told through the lens of her dressmaker, Lucy Day. The both lives of the Jane characters bear similarities in the tenor of decisions that are in and out of their control. Through it all we are reminded that love is a choice you make every day.

The author invites her readers to reflect upon their own lives and choices. It is a read that pulls you in, wondering of the connections of the two women and how each of their stories will conclude.

Enjoy a free download of the first FOUR chapters.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Taco Soup

Yesterday I did Taco Soup for my TV spot on AM Arizona.  I joined my friend Janne and she did Cheesy Cheddar Biscuits that went very well with the soup.

I drove through a mini blizzard on the way into Prescott.  Brrrrr!

Miami

I was in Miami for a few days this past week on business.  The accommodations were quite adequate at The Epic; the suite even had a doorbell!

 A hallway led into the living room

The balcony had a sitting area as well as this dinning area

Very comfy bed

A bathroom to rival most upscale homes

A view of the water

Nice sunsets

Pickin' Lemons

Kendall's dad was in town to use VIP tickets he won for the Barrett-Jackson Auction.  Kendall went with him on Friday and they had a great time hobnobbing with those in the VIP section.  We had brunch with him after church yesterday, then he picked some citrus to take with him to cold Kansas.

Jenni's Birthday Party

Last night we attended the 50th birthday party for our friend Jenni.

 Jenni, the birthday girl and Jeff

Several women have been taking line dancing classes, so Jenni had the instructor come and lead the group in some line dances.  Jenni's mom (Lou) is on the left cutting a mean rug with her oxygen tank strapped to her side.  She said she didn't dance until she was 80 and now she will dance any chance she gets!  Go Lou!!



Snow

Early yesterday morning we headed north to visit the cabin.  There had been a big snow the week between Christmas and New Years and we hadn't be back since then.  We didn't know what to expect, but there was snow!  The crunchy hard on top kind that had started to melt then refroze.  We got stuck at the end of the driveway after getting past where the snowplows had left a bit of a bank.  Kendall did some shoveling and the car was in front of the cabin in no time!

The Pirate Queen

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman


Saphora Warren is ready to leave her husband, Bender, when he arrives home midday to tell her he is dying of cancer. Her world is changed overnight as they move to their coastal home at her husband’s insistence. Through their journey both find questions as well as answers about faith and God. The wonderful characters of Tobias and Jamie add flavor to the story line.

One of her grown sons chose nursing as a profession. It is disappointing that the choice is portrayed as not ‘ambitious’ and less than a desirable vocation, although it is represented as the opinion of his father, a plastic surgeon.

The final chapter is a bonus! What fun to see the characters years later and the journey it has taken them. Another charm of the book was the quotes the author used at the beginning of each chapter; often the works of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. These quotes set the stage for the tone what was coming next in the book.

Definitely a recommended read!

Enjoy an excerpt from chapter one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New Year's Day 2011

We enjoyed a family brunch with Urbane's homemade pancakes, Luke's egg bake, Phebe's homemade bread, Mom's cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and too many other goodies to remember!

Lois, the yummy pancakes (blueberry, plain and chocolate chip/peanut butter chip), Urbane

Chloe, after Grandma helped with her bath

The afternoon brought a rousing game of Mexican Train, naps and other games

Dayne, Blake, Jason, Moya

Rachel and Asa playing Scrabble on the computer.  They start young in this family!

Annual Bell Ringing

Every year since the 1970's the extended Miller family comes together to ring in the New Year.  It's a tradition that I hope continues for many more years to come!  We gather at 11:00 PM on New Year's Eve and sing for about 50 minutes and then huddle on the porch in the cold night air to listen to the bells.  Following the bells ringing, there is food and catching up with extended family for the next hour before cleaning up and getting a few hours of sleep.

 Aunt Dorcas reading a poem and acting as emcee for the evening

We sing Christmas songs as well as New Year songs

 Cousin Naomi and husband Andre from NYC

 After the singing, the bell in the Old Catholic Church is tolled to welcome in the New Year.  Even the 'ol married folks get caught up in the spirit! (Karen & Urbane)

...as do the young couples (Whitney & Ben)

Christmastime in Maryland

Oh, the fun of being home for the holidays!

Evan and his Pa

 Luke, Emma, Moya, Jason

 Emma, Pa and Grandma

Josh, Luke, Kristen

Rachel holding Chloe

 Chloe - our latest addition

Noah



Emma helped to make the gravy for Christmas dinner.  She would like to be on a TV cooking show someday.  Not bad for stirring for the first time for the 7 year old!