Miller Moments

Summer has begun!

millermoments — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:13:34 +0000

Been super busy with the boys. Memorial Day weekend was a blast. Cook outs, T-ball games, and a parade. What a great way to kick off the summer! T-ball is now in full swing, and the boys both seem to really enjoy it! It’s great to watch them; I admit I wasn’t too excited about the thought of it. The league does it fairly and pretty painlessly! The kids really have a great time while learning some of the fundamentals. I’ll enjoy this one year where the boys are on the same team. This might be the only time they are!

School ended this past week. I can say that Teagan is an official first grader now! Even though I keep joking with him that he has to repeat kindergarten! He did very well this past year, and has made some lasting friendships. I think I had a harder time saying goodbye to kindergarten than he did! Landon is still in ROE preschool at Growth. It is a year-round program, so he’s having a hard time understanding how Teagan is on summer break but he is not! The two days a week I work, the boys still go to the same daycare as throughout the year. They have awesome things planned for the groups during the summer, including swimming at the community center every single day! No fair!

Landon had his scopes on June 1st. They really didn’t find anything with the scopes themselves, just when Landon was in the process of being put out, he began the stridorous breathing that he has been doing at home. THANK GOD someone finally witnessed it! They make me feel at times I was losing my mind! They were able to scope his airway while he was in this episode, and found that his vocal cords are not functioning properly. Hmmmmmmmm . . . So now Landon has an appointment with a vocal cord specialist. I feel like we’re getting somewhere! Yeah! So we’ll see what they have to say. Thank you to everyone for your prayers. Landon did have to stay overnight because when he was coming out of the anesthesia, he had another episode and required some assistance getting through it. So they gave him several doses over the night of IV steroids, along with closely monitoring his airway.

We’ve got lots planned this summer. I’m as excited as the boys are for all the activities! All my sisters will be home at the end of the month, so all the cousins will be together! Talk about exciting! Can’t wait to show you some pics. But check out this link to my facebook pics to catch some fun times already had!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2066633&id=1315418200&l=a9fa5d7407

Team Miller

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Two years . . .

millermoments — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:13:46 +0000

Two years . . . Sometimes it feels like yesterday. A lot has happened in two years. We moved. Got a new car. A new job. Have made new friends. Lots and lots of tears. Soccer and T-ball games (oh, how I could see Corey out there coaching!), Teagan started and finished kindergarten. The boys are now 4 and 6. They miss Daddy. I miss Corey. I talk a lot to him still. Sometimes, I feel he answers. A lot can happen in two years.
Landon and I will be spending this angel-versary on the other side of the wall where we were two years ago. Landon will be having some procedures at Children’s in Milwaukee – which is connected to Froedert, where Corey left his earthly life. Not where we want to be, but it’s where we need to be.
I encourage all of you, if you are not already, to follow us on facebook. (Hint, hint, SARA). It’s a wonderful spot to keep in touch with many people, and see lots of pictures. Thanks for all your continued thoughts and prayers.

Here’s a link to our latest set of pictures – see how big the boys are getting!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2065446&id=1315418200&l=391978a4d7

Team Miller
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Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of soleminity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. -Henry Scott Holland-

Holiday Programs

millermoments — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:08:41 +0000

Teagan singing with the Millikin Kindergarteners 12/09

Teagan is so proud of himself and classmates!

Teagan gets tired while waiting for the rest of the classes to sing!

McKinlee and Teagan - Millikin Holiday Program 12/09

Landon singing with the ROE preschool, Growth Inc. 12/09

LL eyeing us up - 12/09

Doing the Blitzen Boogie

Thanksgiving

millermoments — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:31:51 +0000

Thanksgiving came up fast. Well, I guess it always does! We celebrated with family at our house. It was fun – and exhausting! My friend Michelle came over the next weekend to watch the boys while we stepped out to a craft show. We came home and surprise! A clean house. Thanks Michelle! On top of all of that, all the kids were happy and having a good time. Amazing. That weekend we also went and saw the Lighting of the Commons. The boys never get tired of seeing the tractors!

Landon on the big tractor

Teagan in a big tractor's wheel

Teagan and Landon on the horse-sleigh ride - 11/09

Teagan on Thanksgiving - tooth #5 out. 3 more loose in his mouth!

Landon and Jaliyah - hoping to sit at the grown up table!

And in the kitchen - Aunt Jessy wearing Landon's apron - but it is true, Chef in Training

Ghosts and Goblins

millermoments — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:56 +0000

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Hello all! I’m writing this post with fall in the air. Literally. The neighbor behind us is burning leaves, so Landon and I are stuck inside even though it’s a nice day. Bummer. But at least I can update! The costume festivities started off last week, with a Halloween parade in Bettendorf. I was concerned at first, because I thought the kids would be disappointed not to get candy, but instead they thought it was a blast throwing the candy out to everyone. We walked with the credit union my sister works for, and the boys are still talking about it! Then the next day, we headed off to Southpark Mall and met the Sprangers for a little trick or treating through the mall. All the kids had a good time, and it was nice walking in the costumes without having to be bundled up! The next week brought Halloween parties at school, where both the kids decided that they needed to change costumes. Thank goodness we have a chest full of dressup clothes and costumes, and that’s where they got their outfit changes. Teagan started off being a Ninja Turtle, then Batman, then back to the turtle. Landon was Ironman, then a Ninja Warrior, then back to IronMan. Funny. After the school activities, we finally found time to carve pumpkins. Then Saturday brought a town party in Geneseo, and then neighborhood trick or treating that night! What a blast. I must say that this neighborhood knows how to party! Candy for the kids, adult beverages for the big kids, speakers lining the streets with Thriller and MonsterMash playing, and a haunted house in people’s yards. What a good time. Enjoy some pics:

Not sure why I can’t get the captions to show. If you hover your mouse over the pic, it will tell you the caption then.

Other than all the parties and sugarfests, there hasn’t been much else happening. Teagan got his first official report card and did excellent. I think he takes after his mother. The boys are in full present-gear already. They have been sifting through the catalogues we get in the mail and circling the ones they want. Landon asked for a baby brother from Santa. Know I won’t be able to deliver that one! There are two turkeys that must live in some of the trees along Route 6. Landon thinks it’s so cool to see them everytime we pass there. They even have “talked” to us. Pretty neat. The kids have been able to avoid most of the bugs out there. Teagan did end up with an ear infection this week, but I feel fortunate that that’s all it was. Hope you all are able to say healthy!!

More soon from the Millers.

Fall Fun

millermoments — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:45:15 +0000

Whew! Where is time going? We have been having a fun-filled fall. We have had two trips to the pumpkin patch, and Landon also had one with his preschool. Mom had a night away while attending a wedding up in Wausau, and a trip up to Manawa to see Corey’s family, just to name a few. I had Teagan’s parent/teacher conferences where I heard nothing but glowing remarks from his teachers. The only thing they said he could improve on was his shoe-tying skills. I told him that and he practiced for three days straight, where he then went in and showed his teacher how well he could tie now. She was impressed. Landon is doing well in preschool and at the new daycare also. (Though we still really miss our friends at Wausau Child Care). His school had an open house last night and his teachers commented on how well behaved and on how Landon plays so well with other children. Not sure if they’re talking about the right kid, but hey, we’ll take it! Really, both the kids are doing amazing, and so is Mom. I started my job a couple of weeks ago and I am really liking it. Lots to learn – I’ve never dealt with rheumatology really, but the staff there is great.

We have a lot coming up – including a Halloween parade Saturday that the boys are going to be in, Halloween parties at school, and lots of trick-or-treating. The costumes are sure going to get their wear this year! Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Halloween!

Kara & boys

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Landon checking out the scarecrow

Landon and Teagan using the pulley to feed the goats

Teagan in the pumpkin totempole

LL, Tator, and Jaliyah on the hayride out to the pumpkin patch

Landon found his!

Teagan of course found a huge pumpkin with no stem! It was a pretty funny picture with my sister and I trying to get four pumpkins and three kids out of the patch and onto the hayride. It wasn't pretty!

On a much nicer day, we went to another pumpkin patch with the Sprangers. From left, McKinlee, Hayden, Avery, Teagan, Landon

Yes, T wanted this one, and no, I wouldn't let him get it. But he's still pretty cute!

Here they all are again - Hayden, Teagan, McKinlee, Landon, and Avery

Teagan and Landon on the cow train. So many fun, kid activities!

We tried! Teagan, Mom, Landon

Fall update

millermoments — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:08:52 +0000

Okay, we’re back! We took some time off to “regroup.” But we’re here now, and ready to update you all! We had a fabulous summer. Did lots of fun things. We did have a small cookout to celebrate Corey’s angel-versary. It was great to see all those green balloons flying so high. The boys are sure Daddy had a great party with them! We went to fairs, BBQs, zoos, waterparks, parades, all the fun things you do in the summer. As most of you know, WE MOVED! We moved in the beginning of August down to Illinois. We are now close to many friends and family. The house that we bought fell into our laps, and we love it! It is perfect – just right for us. The boys are really enjoying having their own rooms, and all the extra space. We can’t wait till the basement gets finished so they can have a HUGE playroom (and all their toys can go down there!!!) Teagan started Kindergarten this year, and is loving it. He quickly found new friends, and is learning so much – it’s amazing. Landon started a new daycare, along with a new pre-school. He too has quickly adjusted. I start a new job next week. I took my time and found a great one. I’ll be working in a rheumatology office, doing IV infusions. I’ll be working 2 days/week. Just enough for benefits. The other time will be spent with MY BOYS. I love being a mom. They are great.

It’s starting to get cold here, and along with that are the trips to the pumpkin patch and costume-talk. The boys are super excited about Halloween, and they change their minds everyday on what they want to be this year! The leaves are beginning to change – it is beautiful. We still have a few more trips up to Wausau planned – we need to get the house up there sold.

I hope you all had a wonderful summer! Enjoy these pics from our summer events - I will be good about the updates – I promise! I would love to hear from you all!

Kara & boys

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Teagan graduates from pre-K! 05/09

Landon and Teagan on the train at Marathon Junction 06/09

Yep, LL's still doing this - and doing great!!! 07/09

Landon and Mommy at the QC Riverbandit's game 8/09

Teagan and Aunt Nancy on the watertaxi - Mississippi River 8/09

Teagan getting off the bus - 2nd day of school 8/09

My big boy goes to school. REAL school, Mommy! Teagan 8/09

Landon on the motorcycle ride at Walworth Co. Fair 9/09

Teagan lost tooth #3! 9/09

Landon and Mommy take a break from Adventureland! 9/09

Landon walking for Team Miller in Light the Night 9/09

Teagan got tired - resting on his balloon - Light the Night 9/09

I'm walking in memory of my Daddy, Corey Miller 9/09

Landon checking out the elephants - Niabi Zoo 9/09

Teagan's hanging out - such a monkey!!! 9/09

On the train! Teagan, Jaliyah, Jessica, Cannon 9/09

On that note – we did participate in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night. It was an amazing turnout. We helped raise money to destroy the beast. If anyone is still interested in donating, you may visit our team website. We also have small bears for sale – $5. All proceeds go directly to our team’s total. Email me if you are interested. Our team’s website is: http://pages.lightthenight.org/ia/QuadCiti09/TeamMiller

Summer is flying!

millermoments — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:50:43 +0000

Whew! Is it really the middle of May already? We have been having a great time outside. The boys had gotten a trampoline for their birthdays, and our great neighbor Pete put it up for them last month. Oh my goodness, they have been having a blast on it. Every extra minute is spent outside jumping. What fun!

Let’s see, three weekends ago I took the kids to a small waterpark hotel and spent Saturday night there. That means we were able to play in the waterpark all day Saturday and all day Sunday. It was a yucky weekend weather wise, but it was a blast inside. The kids had so much fun! The constantly are asking me when we are going back!

Teagan's all ready for swimming!

Landon's favorite - the froggie slide!

Of course, they loved the fact we had a hot tub in our room. They sat in it and watched Alvin and the Chipmunks!

So, the next weekend I had gotten tickets through work for the Carnival of the Animals, put on by the Wausau Dance Theater. We went to the matinee show with a couple of other ladies from work. The boys loved seeing the dancers dressed up as all the animals. We all had fun. Beforehand, they had a craft session where the kids made hats, masks, megaphones, and played games.

Teagan with his hat he made

LL coloring and glueing his hat

Teagan and his chicken mask

Landon and his elephant mask

So, Mother’s day weekend. What a fun weekend. My parents and my sister headed up here from Illinois. Saturday, we went out with the kids pretty much all day. They were worn out. After they went to bed, my mom, sister, and I went to a movie. We had fun, and I stayed awake! On sunday, after the kids gave everyone their cards and gifts, My mom, sister and I went out for breakfast. It was fun. After the IL people went home, the boys and I headed to the movies. We saw 3D Monsters vs. Aliens. Teagan loved it and had so much fun. Landon, well, all he could say was that it was too loud. I think he enjoyed the movie though. I had a wonderful day, and I am so blessed to have been chosen to raise these boys! Here are some pics from the weekend:

Landon and Jaliyah watching Papa mow the lawn

Teagan with his Helmet Hero

Landon loving his cousin Cannon

Aunt Jessy jumping with the kids on the trampoline

Teagan and Mom

Landon making sure Papa does a good job. Can you believe how big Corey's trees are?

Landon has been doing awesome. His IgG levels were 1010 last week! Remember they started off around 500. He has been the healthiest he has ever been! The doc has even started talking about reducing his other meds. Yeah! 6 hours every 3 weeks is okay if we stay healthy the rest of the time.

Landon's all set - his bobo (blanket) and gummies!

Hope everyone else is having a great start to summer too! We love to hear from all of you.

More later,

Team Miller

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PS – Corey still lets us know he’s around

This rainbow was amazing, end to end in front of our house!

Easter

millermoments — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:05:15 +0000

We had a quiet Saturday and Easter morning. The Easter Bunny found us! The boys had a great time finding their baskets, and even found one for Ozzy. We headed off Sunday to meet my Mom, Dave, and Jessica’s family for Easter dinner in Janesville (the halfway point between us) at the Olive Garden – yum!! We don’t have an Olive Garden here in Wausau, so it’s a treat for us. It was a late night, and back to the grind on Monday. We had a fun weekend. Landon had a IVIG treatment today, which went extremely well. His IGg levels today before treatment were 869. They want him above 1000, and three weeks ago he was 562. Yeah! Way to go LL! This weekend Mom and Dave are headed up here again to help with some projects I have listed out. Fun fun!

Teagan went right for the peeps!

Landon and his basket

The Bunny even brought Ozzy a basket!

Cannon and Teagan

Landon enjoying Easter dinner with the family

Landon sleeping through part of his IVIG treatment 4/15/09

There is some construction going on outside, so Landon had a great time watching them!

More later,

Team Miller

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We are here!

millermoments — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:55 +0000

I know – same excuse. We have been busy. And out of town. But having fun. I posted a bunch of posts that highlight what we have been doing over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully you all are doing well. We are happy to see sunshine today. The grass is starting to green up a little! Love to hear the birds chirping. Remembering last year at this time – we spent Easter with Corey and Landon inpatient at two different hospitals. Looking forward to a healthy Easter this weekend.

Love to all,

Team Miller

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