Jolly Ole St. Nick at (Pooles General Store)

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,A
nd away they all flew like the down of a thistle.- - -

I just love George's face in this picture.

CHRISTMAS 2008

We just wanted everyone to meet our newest member of our household this Christmas season. Razler the elf hails from Rekjavik Iceland but has lived with Santa and the other elves since 1908. Razler wanted to succeed in everything he did, so he took up toy making at the tender age of 8 and worked tirelessly making children's Christmas' memorable. After retiring from toy making at 23 Razler studied hard to become the North Pole's first ever OB/GYN. From 1938 to 1988 he successfully delivered 34,000 elves. A record that still stands today at the North Pole. After a brief sabatical Razler decided to inquire about a santa's helper position as he thought this would be easy on the body and soul. A career jump that he has enjoyed ever since and we are so fortunate to have him in our home this Christmas.

Welcome Razler!!

Sewing 101

Sewing 101 at the Kentlands ward.

Brought to us by a very talented teacher Terri Sabin

* Second project was this little girls apron.

*First project was a receiving blanket.

*Next project an adult apron.

Each month we do a new sewing project that teaches us new tricks and techniques. I can hardly believe I am sewing in a straight line. I am having fun learning , but can tell I have a long way to go before it all makes sense. The math part of sewing is what fowls me up every time. That and I am still learning how to read and follow a pattern. Can't wait for the next one.

HOW SAFE A DRIVER ARE YOU?

Created by The Car Connection

The Perfect Day!

A Great Day of Thanksgiving!

Mary and the chief

Miller Family

Bond family

(Best dressed)

Markoff family

The whole gang

Good food, fun and family

We all gathered at the cottage for dinner and it was decorated so beautifully. The pictures don't even begin to do it justice. The food was delicious and the decorations were amazing. The mood was wonderful and the company even better. We all had beautiful pictures and quotes at each of our place settings. We took turns going around the room reading our great quotes from past presidents and leaders of our country. Then we went around again saying what we are grateful for. Let me just say again "I am so grateful for Natalie and her hard work making this an unforgettable Thanksgiving and all the Markoffs for including us in this magical day. To end off the day we went back to Natalie's and had yummy pies of every kind. She gave each family the most precious book of pictures from the Thanksgiving before with a poem/story that went along with each page. It was the perfect day, and Thanksgiving is quickly becoming my favorite holiday.

Talent show

Piano, jokes, skits, singing, poetry, dancing, and accordion playing.

This year was the adults turn to put on a talent show. It was a much dreaded event by some, especially me, but it turned out to be really fun. In third place was the singing duo Jennifer and Alex, in second place the cheerleaders "perfect cheer and dance" by me and Johnny. First place was taken by the most talented chief playing the accordion. There was a good mix of talents and it was fun to have the kids participate by scoring the event.

Activities

Archery, walnut toss, horse races, and the best tricks on a horse

Little Nicholas Markoff won the $20 prize by hitting the smallest turkey pumpkin smack dab in the middle of the heart. Natalie Markoff came in with the second best shot and a $5 prize. The Indians overall did better in the archery. The Pilgrims won the walnut toss. The Indians won the horse race due to the Pilgrims getting a slow horse and Nick getting bucked off (OUCH!!) The Pilgrims came back to even the score by winning the best tricks on a horse.

Pilgrims and Indians

"WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT AMERICA IS A GREAT NATION TODAY NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT GOVERNMENT DID FOR THE PEOPLE BUT BECAUSE OF WHAT THE PEOPLE DID FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR ONE ANOTHER."

Richard Nixon

37th President, 1969-1974

Sunday Activities

Throughout most Mormon families Sundays consist of or a variation of:

First - Waking up hoping it's not fast Sunday

Second - Getting ready for church.

Third - Walk into church and enjoy an hour and 10 minutes of babysitting if you have a toddler that does not like to sit and color or draw with his big brothers. Today at Stake Conference they were all simply amazing. We actually heard every talk.

Fourth - Drive home wishing there was something good to eat at the house for lunch (if its not fast sunday). Today it was eggs and toast.

Fifth - Since church was over at noon we forced our kids into a nap when we got home with the bribe that they could do this!!!!!

It was a mighty fine 2 hour nap!!!

ode to George

A real enlightening experienced happened today with little George that I thought would be very fair for him to get his own post. I love this little boy so much and he is 85% of the time a real cute boy and fun to be around. The other 15% consists of mood swings and loud outbursts at Kelley and myself for not being on time to his beckoning demands. We really enjoy having him around and he is very helpful to Kel during the day when it is just him and James. I think when Johnny leaves for school George steps in and takes the oldest role and does what he can to help out Mom.

Anyways on to my experience today. Kelley and I woke up this morning with the understanding that I was going to drive George and Johnny to school on my way to the office but because I was asked by a friend to take his sister to the airport I ended up not going in. At that point I had an upset wife on my hands... NOT GOOD!!! :) Kelley ended up taking the boys to school with James in tow as I stayed back to work. Luckily it turned out that today was George's parent teacher conference which both Kel and I forgot about (by the way that is wives role in the household, that and doctor visits). Kelley called me on her way home to tell me that she had forgotten the conference and she was glad she drove today. I asked how the conference went because mentally i revert back to that 15% I mentioned earlier not knowing how George is outside the home and outside of our care. George's teacher LOVES George! She said that he is the most kind, caring and helpful student she has. He is always the first to pick up messes, finish his work before play time and is always looking out for others. That is just the tip of the iceburg and you may not think this is that great but as his Dad it made me feel good. The other day another student was having trouble putting on his jacket and my little George all 4 1/2 years of him stopped what he was doing and went over to help that student put on his jacket. I do not know to many little kids that would even have that type of knowledge to go and help someone struggling with a jacket. Kudos to you George! You are a great little boy and i love you dearly. Keep up the good work and know that your Mom and I love you so much.

On a funny note: George's dinner prayer tonight. Bless us that we will like our new cups and bless us that we will not shoot ourselves.

HALLOWEEN 2008

Napoleon Dynamite

Count Dracula
He made the perfect Dracula, and got a lot of compliments during his class parade.

Batman
If you ask James who gets the bad guys, he will say "BATMAN"

"Vote for Pedro "

Johnny got a lot of laughs and stares during the school parade.

Other ghouls and freaks on Halloween night.

Happy Halloween

Peek-a-boooooo,

Not the best picture of the ghosts in the windows, but the boys love to get them up every year. The spider is also a big hit.

Halloween Pillow Cases

Every Christmas they get pillow cases, and I thought it would be fun to make Halloween cases. They love them and have not had them off since they were put on. Halloween is such a big deal out here they really get into stuff like pillow cases with ghosts and bats. They do however plan to take them off to go trick-or-treating. Johnny said, "this way I can get so much candy and it won't get full like my bucket did last year."

Happy Birthday John!

Happy 33rd Birthday to the best dad, uncle, man, son, and husband!

We are so glad that you are ours. Thanks for all you do, and being the way you are. We love you so much!

Good Times

Some of our best times here in Maryland, are spent with one of our very favorite families, the Girts'. They have been invited us each summer for the past 4 years up to their house in Deep Creek to enjoy some much loved wakeboarding. Truthfully, these trips are the highlight of our summers. The Girts' are so good to us and we are so thankful for the wonderful times we have had with them. Thanks for all the great memories and fun.

The boys and John, Jenny, Kerri, Jeffery, Steven, Brian and with no luck could I find one of Sally who is always behind the camera taking the pictures.

Some of Sally's camera work of John and me having a great time wakeboarding.
I am amazed every year when we go up that we can still get up and do this . We hope to keep doing it for a long time.

Memory Lane

I saw this on my sisters blog and thought it would be fun.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together.

It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot. Anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people

leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty fun to see the responses.

If you leave me a memory about me, I'll check if you are playing the game

and I'll come to your blog and leave one to you.

It's easy just try it.

1st Day of School

Johnny's 1st Day of School

James and I walked Johnny to school, gave him hugs and off he went without turning around. He is growing up way to fast. I asked how he liked his first day, and he said "It was great mom, I loved it." "Phew what a relief." Who knew it would be harder on me than on him. (no fair)

Numero Quatro

Kelley and I realize that telling everyone this early on is a little outrageous but since Kelley cannot keep a straight face when someone asks her why she has a bulge in her belly we feared it would get out before we had a chance to spread the word.

Please welcome to our family potential child number 4. Have a great day!

Peace!!

Visit From the West

Camp CALLEVA

Last week my 2 nieces and their brother came to visit us and to enjoy a fun week of adventure at Camp Calleva. They were all a little nervous about the humidity and the bugs but that is partly my fault because I made it sound worse than it really is. The weather couldn't have been better as it was really nice week weather wise. (Lucky) They each got to do all sorts of activities like kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, caving, and adventure island to name a few. I think they had a great time and even learned a few camp songs to take home and teach their friends. I can't believe how fast they are growing up and I am glad they got to come and visit. I am so thankful for those that helped make this happen, I truly can't thank you enough for all your kindness.

New York at a Glance

My sister came out as well and visited for a week and a half. It was so much fun having her here. We got to spend a weekend in New York, which was so fun but definitely not enough time. We stayed in the Millennium hotel which was half a block from the heart of Time Square, and had the most comfortable beds. The highlight of the trip besides spending time with my sister was seeing Wicked. That is one show I don't think I will ever get sick of. We did some great shopping and a little sight seeing. Thanks for all those who helped make this possible and to my Wonderful husband who stayed home and watched six plus kids. You are the best!

JUMP

James jumping with no fear

Johnny's Jump

Crazy looking Mom's jump

George's JUMP

Big Daddy's Jump over little nervous Johnny

Uncle Mitch's Jump for the full effect.

After going to the dunes early in the morning I was glad to know that I will probably never be stranded in the desert. What a horrible way to die.

OBX 2008

Each year for the past 3 years the East Coast Miller's have teamed up with the West Coast Miller's and enjoyed a relaxing week on a couple different beaches that are offered here in the East. Our first year we stayed close to home and chose Bethany Beach which is located in Delaware and is only about 2 hours from our homes. Even though we decided to stay close to home it still felt like you were not on vacation (well for me that is).

If you have ever driven in Maryland or DC you have most likely seen a sticker that looks something like this:

When we first moved to Maryland all we saw were these stickers littered all over peoples cars. We had no idea what OBX was and we had to come to the realization that it was probably some propaganda for an elementary school. Those are way to common out here as well. Finally, I decided to ask a friend at work (who had a sticker on their car) what OBX was. If I remember correctly she was a little taken back that I did not know what OBX was. Almost offended... She explained that her family has been going to the Outer Banks, North Carolina for over 15 years and to this day it is still a yearly commitment of theirs. Intrigued and not to wanting return to Bethany, I felt compelled to bring it up with the East coast powers of Jennifer and Jill. Well as you will see from our pics in the blog that it was not hard to convince EWCM that OBX was the place to be. We have been enjoying the warm water and shallow beaches of the OBX now for 2 years. It is absolutely the best place to visit without breaking the bank. I have talked to many people out here who say that besides St. John in the Caribbean, the Outer Banks is by far the best place for families and best bang for the buck. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

click to see details.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2727968053_27eeb5c4c9_b.jpg

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday My Big Handsome 6 Year Old!

This is one yummy ice cream cake, and is now going to be the new cake I do for birthdays.

The Skull and bones is themed for the pirate party he is going to have with his cousin Mitchell.

Little Green Frog

George is my bug lover. He also is great at catching frogs and fish with his bare hands. Johnny tried holding the frog but just can't manage the slimy feel. James didn't seem intrested in holding it at all. George doesn't seen to be afraid of bugs or little creatures and I hope it stays that way.

(It tickles)

This was the cutest frog I have seen in real life. It was bright green, and just so cute.
(Wish I had an up close picture)

OWLETS 2008

A GLIMPS OF OWLETS 2008

Getting dressed for play.

Don't I make a cute Raindrop?

Art project week 2. Owlets books about camp.

Painting back sacks.

James with his counselor Becca.

Archery, Look at that form.

Camper of the Day!

These two survived the canoe trip, much to their chagrin.

Hot mommas waiting for their canoe.

I don't really think I am ment to be a tree .

The Great horn play.

Elf performance

Snowy performance

The beautiful canoe trip.