Miller 2009 Year in Review

Well?! Every other news outlet, music channel, even the cartoon network is doing their own best of... so why can't I? I don't do Christmas letters. Well, I did, then thought I was so silly sounding in them that I spared you all and quit. I enjoy getting other people's letters, but when I start to proof read them, ugh! I embarrass myself! I write one every year, but it goes thru the shredder after one read-thru. Tony says I should start sending one, mostly cuz he had a patient who basically put it like this: if you can't keep in touch once a year, why bother. OK, point taken, maybe next year I'll give it another go. But for those of you lucky enough to read this (hehe), I'll review this past year, some good, some bad, just for funzies.
I'd like to start this off by stating that nothing is more important or means as much to me as my family. Without them: Dad, Mom, Manda, Paul, Marcia, Daniel, Rick, Debbie, Dustin, Kim, Craig, Heidi, Elaine, Charlene, Ginnie, Tony, and Aria, my life would be pretty empty and they all support me in ways that I could never begin to express or repay. I love you all!!

January: The start of 2009 and fairly quiet in the Miller household. Tony has begun the search for yet another sleep doctor in Havre to maintain their accredited status. Snow fall has been remarkable this month and I spent one day stranded at work, cuz the highway was shut down due to severe cold and blizzard conditions! (Thankfully, I was in good company!)

February: A sleep doctor has been found and with her comes the start of a new project for Tony: starting a sleep society organization in Montana.

March: A memorable month, but not in a good way. On Aria's 3rd birthday, we discovered a lump on her jaw that became probably our greatest challenge we've had in our lives. The big "C" word came up and we were on the path to ruling out cancer. An ultrasound a few week later found it was a vascularized tumor, but a biopsy would determine of what. The needle biopsy was preformed less than a week later and by the time the results were in the lump was nearly gone! The results were inconclusive, but 2 weeks after the biopsy was done, the lump was gone. Now as medical professional, Tony and I are aware of all possible outcomes, but this was difficult to face. I am convinced she was healed by God. So many people were praying and believing in a miracle. Perhaps a lesser person would say, "oh, it was never anything to worry about", but that person didn't see the ultrasound or feel the lump that was there. Perhaps it was nothing life threatening, but I know it was gone and it mystified the doctors. Usually when that happens, something bigger than what medical professionals can explain has occurred. It has never re-appeared and Aria is happy and healthy as ever. Several doctors visits, lots of blood draws, some imaging, and one surgery later, we made it thru... and did I mention that Aria cried only ONCE the entire time. She was a superb patient and I think to say she's a trooper would be a gross understatement.

April: The thankful conclusion to last months ordeal. Tony has begun building the website for the Montana Sleep Society. You can check it out at montanasleepsociety.org to see what it is all about. He and a few other sleep tech and doctors around the state of Montana started this organization to increase awareness of sleep medicine and a place for medical and non medical people to share ideas. Tony is serving on the Board of Directors in this organization, and also is the treasurer (I think) for the Respiratory Board of Montana, serving his second term on that. If you know some one who has or will graduate with a respiratory degree in Montana, it's Tony's signature you'll see on their certificate. I am so proud of all his accomplishment and his desire to be a well known/recognized individual in his field.

May: Tony's annual paddle fishing, boys-only, trip to the Breaks. This year, it was catch and release only when they got there, cuz the quota for fish caught had been met before they got there. But they caught all sorts of fish and had lots of great pictures to prove it! Tony loves this trip and looks forward to it every year.

June: A milestone was celebrated: our 10th wedding anniversary. We went to Bigfork (minus Pookie) to a quaint place called the Islander Inn. Highly recommended, by the way. We were right next to Flathead Lake and ate on a deck right on the shore every evening. This area in my new found heaven on earth! I love the beauty of western Montana. Early June is a great time to visit that area cuz tourism season is just starting to kick off, so it was easy to get around Glacier and the surrounding areas with not much crowds to contend with.
Mid-June also marked the Joplin Centennial Celebration and it was fun! I think I have pix and stuff posted from that event, so check back to see specifics. Tony, Rick and Craig were 1 of 3 entertainment acts for the evening and they were a hit. They were asked to perform for a wedding in October!

July: We took the boat out almost every weekend or if family was up to visit. A life long dream of mine was granted and we rode on Flathead Lake on another trip to Bigfork. Tony and Aria fished and I tried not to look at the depth monitor (300 feet deep in places!). A fun family weekend and Tony didn't seem to mind double-hauling the camper and boat too bad.

August: Aria and I broke in the "Cobama" (our new Cobalt we traded the suburban in with the cash for clunkers program, hence the cobama moniker) with a 2000+ mile trip to see my gramma in Idaho, friend Amy and family in Wyoming, and back to Billings to see the Hanson's. Paul and Daniel had both returned home from the war, and while I couldn't see Daniel, I did get to see Paul. They are both doing well, I am happy to report. Tony also went to West Yellowstone to hang out with his friend Jason and the Hughes family (becoming our adoptive family). This is becoming an annual event for him also.

September: Another milestone: I turned 30! It was actually pretty non-eventful, but I did get a few reminders I am getting older (black rose for starters). I actually don't mind getting older, cuz even tho my younger siblings think I am old, they will eventually get old too, I just will beat them to it! Actually, several family members turned 30 this year, as well as several of my friends! So to all my fellow 30 year milestone makers: at least we're in this together and we aren't 40 (yet)! Aria also has started going to a dance class once a week which she loves and is prepping for preschool...

October: Preschool starts. You know what? I didn't shed a tear! Mostly cuz that particular day was so busy anyways, but I figured I'd fall apart when I left her. For the time tho, I accept that she is growing too fast for my taste and her life will get busier and busier. It also helps that she just loves going. There was one day that I didn't take her cuz the weather was reporting freezing rain and she let me have it all day how I should've brought her to preschool! (we live 10 miles from where preschool is). It has become a bit more complicated with work and sitters getting Aria there 2 times a week, but that is where Debbie is a blessing. Well, she's a blessing all the time, but she is so helpful on days where I am at work and she gets Aria to and from preschool no problem! Tony, Rick and Craig also performed for a wedding mid-October.

November: Aria and I flew down to Georgia to see Marcia and Daniel. We also took in Disney World while there. So good and fun to see those 2, it just wasn't long enough! Lots of memories made on that trip for sure! Tony and Dustin both got the biggest bucks to date (the buck are currently residing at a taxidermy) and I hunted with Dad and Paul for a few days. Those hunting trips with Dad and Paul and I are some of my most greatest memories!

December: Possibly the biggest news yet! We will have a little NIECE late May, early June 2010. Marcia and Daniel are expecting a little girl! YAH!! Daniel is leaving for Korea January 7, for a year, but he'll hopefully be able to be home around the time baby girl arrives. Marcia is a strong, independent person, so I know she'll do great. She has several people around her to look out for her while Daniel is gone and we talk all the time! I hope I'll be able to get down there to see her and help when and where needed and meet my little niece! It's so fun to say that! So what sounds better: Auntie Annie? Aunt Annie? Auntie Nannie... we'll see.
Aria was in the church program and we had a fun Christmas home with the Millers.

So, a pretty eventful, blessed year. Hope that wasn't too painful to get thru!!

I'm no professional, but...

Our caragana's in our front yard. I hate these trees, but tonight, I kinda think they're pretty!


Baby, it's cold outside... but it's nice to look at!


There's my attempt at still photography! Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday!

Merry Christmas, dear family and friends!

This time of year is probably my favorite (minus the cold and wind)! I love the decorations, the songs, the food, the good cheer... I do miss my family tho. This year, schedules and work made it hard to work around, but I was able to see all of them over Thanksgiving! We celebrate Christmas with the Millers this evening, then some of them are leaving for vacations. We'll have our first Christmas at home, EVER! While this sounds like it's not a big deal, it kind of is to me. It will be the first time since we've been married where we haven't been at family's house or had everyone in our home for Christmas. I'm actually looking forward to it. Tony, Aria, and I will open our gifts to each other and from my side of the family. I'm cooking pulled pork sandwiches and pumpkin parfaits for dessert. We'll have our own little family Christmas, and while I love the choas and excitement of family Christmas's, our quite little family Christmas sounds just as good. No matter what your plans are, what life is throwing at you, I hope you enjoy family and friends and the real reason we celebrate: the birth of Jesus and the joy and peace we can have if we choose to make Him the Savior of our lives.

Back to the NFL... week 15 already?!

As the season winds down, so are many teams. The surprising stat to me is the decline the once clear dominate AFC. The only team with any consistency to speak of is the Colts. And this conference includes the Patriots, Steelers, Titans, Ravens... you get the idea. But like the economy, there are ups and downs in the NFL. Perhaps the AFC is going thru a recession?

Colts vs. Jaguars: Tonight's game is sure to be a barn burner, unless Caldwell keeps his starters on the sidelines to rest for playoffs. The Colts have already clinched their division and home field advantage. What else is there to prove? 14-0? They've already surpassed New England 21-0 regular season game streak by getting 22-0 last week. I wonder about the Colts ability to play consistently if "rested" for the last 2 weeks of regular season. Past seasons would point to this being a terrible idea. Peyton seems to lose his timing if he sits out the remaining games. I say play 'em and keep 'em sharp, but I am pretty sure my coach/couch ratio is low. Still Colts should defeat the Jags in a no-meaning division game by 10.

Dallas vs. New Orleans: Dallas is living up to their disappointing December to a tee, much to my delight. Where is our darling Tony Romo when we need him?! Oh yeah, going to Vegas, AGAIN! HA! The Saints are becoming the new media darlings, and really with good reason. When they brought in Sean Payton as head coach a few years back, the difference was noticeable almost immediately. Now, having Katrina to fight with that same year gave them obvious morale, but they've grown tremendously. I have never been a Saints fan, but 13-0 is nothing to sneeze at. Saints should clean the floor with Dallas, by 14.

49ers vs. Eagles: Tensions may be high in our house as our respective teams duke it out on Sunday. We have the church Christmas program to distract us, tho, so maybe it won't be so bad! Eagles have the lead in their division over the Cowgirls and Giants and another win would push them closer to clinching their division. While my '9ers have struggled, they are coming off a huge win last week against the Cards and *stammer* Alex Smith has come to play! An Eagles win would put a nail in the Cowgirl coffin, which I am %100 for, but the '9ers could use another win! Aw, who am I kidding?! '9ers by 6.

Bengals @ Chargers: A sad day in the Bengal locker room on the passing of their rising, yet troubled WR, Chris Henry. Another story of how poor decisions, lots of money, and notoriety usually don't bode well in the sports arena. Can we hear one story of how our sports heroes stay out of trouble, respect their marriage vows, abstain from drug use? There are way more do-gooders out there aren't there? There are, they just don't make headlines. Anyway, this may have been a good game as the Bengals were gaining some ground and the Chargers continue to get (undeserved) media props. But, another chapter is added to the Bengals drama script, and this will be an understandable distraction. Chargers will win, but not with my blessing, by 7.

Vikings @ Panthers: Where to begin? Brett was his usual smug self at the press conference following last week's game clinching a playoff spot. Others see it as charming and self deprecating, but if you've followed Brett like I have, it's really selfishness. He really thinks he's doing this single handedly and if it weren't for him, the Vikings wouldn't be in this position. I still think he's on the verge of some sort of breakdown, either mentally or physically, but I am quite sure they're not going to the Super Bowl. For Brett, that is great, for Vikings fans, that's not so great. The Panthers, once very dominate, are clearly struggling. I'd like to see them win (surprised?), however, by 4.

Giants vs. Redskins: Another division game, but with no meaning really for the Redskins, but a win for the Giants would put them over the Cowgirls and that sounds good to me! I don't know what happened to the Giants mid season. They were 6-0 to start, and now they are 7-6. You never know till is over, or almost over. Giants by 12.

Awww... good to be back! Yah football!

Smith residence

A few pix taken around the Smith house. These two are great hosts and have a cozy home. So good to see them and spend time with them. I wish they lived closer!

I hope you enjoyed these pix from our trip. We took so much more than this, however. Again, you can check out Tony's or Marcia's facebook page. Marcia was more thorough and even included some that Aria took!

Helping Shosh decorate

Marcia's department store front ready Christmas tree. Nice job!

Ready to kick Taliban butt!!

At Marcia's work

Posing by the tree


Wah.. I don't wanna leave!

Hollywood Studios

Our fourth and final day at Disney. It was also HOT and not busy! I think this is the smallest park there, but could be wrong. Lots of fun attractions, esp. if you're a Hollywood "expert" like me;).

Famous symbol of the park

Sorcerer's Apprentice topiary style

BTW~I took a few minutes to get my autograph and prints done, but I miss spelled my own name and got the date wrong... geez, celebrity is tough!

Aria met these two on this day also. One of her favorite movies, so this was a bonus.

Probably the best ride we went on, the Tower of Terror. We took Aria on it the first time. She did not laugh, scream, cry.. nothing! I wish I would've kept the picture from the ride, cuz everyone on the ride is laughing, their arms are up... but Aria is sitting there, not impressed. Daniel and I went on it again. Best ride at Disney as far as I'm concerned.

So that was our trip to Disney World. Great memories made, fun times, and have been catching up on sleep since we got home. That is a good sign the the trip went well. Once complaint, tho: it was WAY TOO FAST!!!

Magic Kingdom

The third day started off by getting Aria a princess makeover. It was all Marcia's idea and Aria ate up the attention all day. Marcia bought the dress and shoes and eBay, then we brought her to a place where they convert little girls into princesses for the day. Aria picked out the hairstyle and they did the rest.
Getting started. Her stylist was from Brooklyn... her accent cracked me up!

Placing the crown

The reveal. Aria didn't see anything till the final result. Her face says it all...

Then off to Magic Kingdom. I have been to this park before, like nearly 15(!) years ago for Life '95, a youth convention affiliated with the C & M Alliance Church. I remembered bits and pieces, but lots have changed since then. And experiencing it with a 3 year old is a whole new level of fun! Aria met some more Disney characters, took in some rides, a parade, funnel cake, fireworks, oh my!

On the ferry to the Magic Kingdom.

Waiting for the parade.

Waving at her favorites!

The castle looks like it's made of sugar at night! It is soo pretty. I want one.

One of my fav pix from the trip.:)

I love the long exaggerated hug for Mickey!

Taken on the Small World Ride. I love my sister:D

Marcia took this gem on the Mad Hatter Tea Cup ride. We rode this twice!

We took a few minutes to rest our tired feet and Aria played in a toddler-only play area. She met this little cutie, Nicholas, and it was love at first sight. She chased him for maybe 15 - 20 minutes. At one point he ran into his mom's arms, and Aria pulled him down and demanded "RUN!". His mom and us thought it was pretty funny. I took this picture just to email to her. Our kids first date... how time flies *sigh*.

About 1130 pm: Princess is too pooped to change to pj's!

Just in case someone who journeyed with me to Florida in '95 is reading this, I did not go through a garbage can, flip over a turn-style or make friends with imaginary dogs this time. ^_^

Epcot/Osborn Family Dancing Lights

Our second day was spent at Epcot Center. There just wasn't enough time to take in everything this park has to offer. We hit the highlights, but still missed a lot! One of the neat shows we went to was where Crush, from Finding Nemo, interacts with the audience. That kind of technology is amazing to me. Even his facial expressions matched what he was saying! In real time!

The famous Epcot Center. Inside is actually just a ride and it's a bit on the lame side. It's the history of writing and starts off (cue booming voice) "Millions of years ago!..." you get the idea. Lots of neat animitronic scenes, but a bit of a disappointment for one of the most recognizable structures in the world, I think.

Aria on the fountain to the entrance of my favorite spot in the park: Morocco. Other than Victorian style, this is my favorite decorating style. I love the colors, patterns, textures of the Moroccan theme. It's in my bedroom, so I'm always looking for inspiration.

Waiting for Daniel's favorite ride, Soarin'. It simulates flying and it was fun. Aria really liked it.

Our self portrait.

The evening we went to the Osborne Family Dancing Light Spectacle. It was awesome! 5 million lights that flashed to music. I took some video, but my blog won't let me upload any video. Pictures don't do it any justice, but if you like lights like I do, this is a must! Think of the most impressive light display you've ever seen and multiply it by a million times 5... you'll get something close to this.
They blew "snow" between songs and it was like Aria has never seen snow before. She was completely mesmerized by it!



Apparently, this was a private collection from the Osborne family from Arkansas, I think. Everything in this display was on their home and homes surrounding theirs they purchased just to decorate. Not sure if it was donated or sold to Disney, but it is on display at Disney now during the holidays. For example, the big Christmas tree was on top of their house over the kitchen window. One wonders what their electric bill looked like in January! Or what they did when a strand went out!!

Animal Kingdom Disney World

We drove to Orlando Wednesday evening, the day before Thanksgiving. Our first day at Disney was spent at the Animal Kingdom. We had breakfast that morning in the hotel and watched the Thanksgiving Day parade on their poor excuse of a big screen TV. Being the first day at Disney, it was for Aria the most exciting, I think. She got to meet a lot of Disney characters, start pin trading (a fun project that her and Marcia did very well at!), got Mickey ears... I just getting started! Everyday was fun, but there's nothing like the first time!


Aria's face for the first hour in Disney!


The token souvenir!


Meeting Mickey... it started with the longest hug from Aria. It was too sweet!


Meeting Minnie


Aria meeting Donald


Meeting Goofy as Santa


Watching the parade. A much better view from here!


A sort of classic pose Daniel and I are perfecting!


After a fun-filled day, Aria couldn't even make it to the parking lot!


Since Marcia is preggers, Daniel and I went on a few rides sans Pook and Shosh. They took in some kid-themed activities and we hit the Expedition Everest roller coaster. We all took in a safari as well. And the place was decked out head to toe in Christmas decor with Christmas music piped thru the sound system everywhere. Saying it was enchanting would be an understatement!

Prayers for my Gramma

Hey everyone! Sorry about the lack of posts lately. I'll have good intentions of posting pix from our trip to see Marcia and Daniel, but have been catching up since I got home... who knew 10 days would set one back so far. It was totally worth it tho. If you want to see some highlites, go to Tony's facebook page and if you're not a friend just request it and hopefully he'll accept. Sometimes a few people have requested and he deletes them then mentions in passing "such and so requested to be my friend and I don't know them!" and I'll be like "that is _______ !" So try again! I don't and won't get a facebook page, but I'll use his on occasion like for putting pix up for him to see while we're away, so it's kinda like I have one I guess.

Anyway, the real reason for today's post is for my gramma (my dad's mom and the only living grandparent I have left). She had back surgery a few weeks ago and has been on the decline ever since. Please keep her in your prayers. Pray for her mentality, as that has come into question (and she was pretty with it before the surgery) and physically. If she doesn't start becoming more compliant with her care, things could become grim quickly. It's hard to know what is going on with her, but the power of prayer is amazing. Thank you!!

Happy Thanksgiving from Georgia/Florida

Lots to be thankful for... great family, wonderful friends, warm home, reliable vehicles, the best husband, super daughter, jobs I love, made it (finally!) to Georgia. I am celebrating the holiday with my sister Marcia and her hubby Daniel. We are going to Disney World this evening for a 4 day stay. Aria and I were bumped from our regular scheduled flight on Monday and took a red eye to get to Atlanta 12 hours later than planned, but we're here and that is all that matters. We have been catching up on sleep and just taking it easy... what vacations are all about, right? While we were enduring our 6 hour layover in Salt Lake City, we met a few people who were in our same sort of predicament and they gave us food vouchers (so we ate for free pretty much the whole time there) and just made the time go by much quicker. I started out feeling pretty sorry for myself, but these "angels" really made our evening quite enjoyable! God is always looking out for us, even in airports! Plus, Daniel has the whole time off while we're here, so he was able to pick us up at 6:30 am no problem. Bless his heart cuz he drove approx. 8 hours that day! It is so good to see them... I can't tell you how happy I am today. Should be a great, fun weekend.

I am also thankful that I will be an auntie and that Marcia is in her 2nd trimester!! (and she is showing:D)

Hope you all have much to be thankful for and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Dad, Mom and Paul were just here:)

They arrived Wednesday and left just this morning. Dad, Paul, Tony and I went hunting a couple of times. Paul filled a tag, but that was it. We put the sneak on a few deer, but were spoiled by some cows of all things. It has been a while since Paul has been able to join us, so it was just like old times. We had a blast. Mom hung out with Aria. It is always so good to see family!

The 49ers beat the Bears! I missed the game cuz I just plain forgot about it, visiting with family and all. When Paul told me the score, I just about lost my teeth! After their embarrassing loss to the Titans, I was ready to pull out my paper bag again. I really think they are improving. Not as quickly as I would like, but they were terrible a few years back, and these things take time. Cutler threw 5 INTs! Good job "best arm in the league"! While I am at it, why don't I post my picks for week 10 (already?!)

Bills @ Titans: The Titans seem to have some new life since Vince Young took over as QB. The Bills? Meh. I think the Titans continue their little engine that could momentum and win this by 13.

Bengals @ Steelers: Ooohh! Almost my pick for game of the week. Should be interesting to see the surprising Bengals take on the hot Steelers. The Bengals have already beat the Steelers once this season, but I don't see them going 2-0 against them, esp. cuz the Steelers are at home and dominate in their stompin' grounds. Steelers by 6.

Cowboys @ Packers: So, the media continues it's love/hate relationship with Tony Romo. This week they love him. He's the perfect QB. His Novembers have always been strong... but then the playoffs happen and we have a totally new Romo to discuss. The Packers, well, I like them cuz Brett isn't there and that is about it. This is a bias pick, cuz I don't like the Cowgirls and so, for an upset, I pick the Pack by 4.

Eagles @ Chargers: Hmm. Eagles lost a close one to the Cowboys last week. Poor coaching choices that hopefully they've learned from. The Chargers appear to have the edge and they are at home. I think this game comes down to which QB has a better game. McNabb in inconsistent and Rivers is a hot-head. I look for McNabb to pull himself together a bit and win this by 12.

Patriots @ Colts: My obvious game of the week. These 2 teams have a rivalry that is becoming like the pre-Super Bowl game lately. I am torn to how to pick this cuz while the Colts are 8-0, let's not forget how many of those wins were by thismuch and who those losses almost came to. These 2 teams prepare very well for each other, so it should go to the wire. Manning, while a master QB, needs to continue winning to have a smooth transition into home field advantage for playoffs. I pick the Colts to win by 3.

Ravens @ Browns: When they put this schedule together, the powers that be probably thought this would be a great Monday night match-up. Not unless a miracle occurs for the lowly Browns. Ravens by 21.

Now I enjoy the weekend of cleaning house, and starting to put up Christmas decorations, prepare for our trip to Florida and Football Sunday! Later=)

Happy Veterans Day

Daniel, when he was in Afghanistan

Paul, when he was in Iraq


To say that I am proud of these 2 is an understatement. They are both currently in their respective homes at the time. Daniel will be going to Korea for a year in January. They and thousands of other military personnel (and their families) deserve our respect and support. It is said over and over almost to the point of losing meaning, but they really do protect us, our country. What happened last weekend at Fort Hood is a reminder of how much these men and women put on the line for us, even at home! So, as I put my flag out tomorrow in honor of those who have served, are currently serving or just signed up to serve: THANK YOU! It is an honor to recognize your sacrifices.

The faces of ignorance

What happened yesterday is a sad moment in history. "A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi compared the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later." Yeah, look how well those are doing today.
"Pelosi added that the bill would also reduce drug costs for seniors, prevent insurance companies from charging women more than men for the same coverage, and would allow young adults to stay on their parents' insurance until their 27th birthdays. She also promised that the bill would add 'not one dime to the deficit.'" If it's too good to be true, it probably is. As a health care professional, this makes me sick. One of the biggest issues, aside from soaring taxes and massive waiting lists is this: what was one of the biggest complaints about health care in the recent past? Answer: HEALTH CARE WORKER SHORTAGES!!!! Do they think insuring everyone will resolve this issue as well. Hell no! It will compound an already horrible situation. Wake up, people! If you already have to wait 2 hours to see a doctor because of short staffing in clinics, think how much worse it will be if you can see a doc cuz your nose is runny (I may be exaggerating a bit, but not by much. Don't believe me, go to an ER on a weekend or holiday when Indian Health Service is closed.) Government can't run health care. Medicaid, Medicare, IHS... should be proof enough of that. Plus, health care does not need to be reformed. Who among us has had poor health care? It happens, but so does getting the wrong order at a restaurant, or buying a article of clothing that falls apart the first time you wear it. I would be willing to bet that if you go to the hospital sick, you go home well or at least on the way to recovery. It helps to be pro-active in your care, but if you go to your follow up appointments, let your doc know of any changes, I'm pretty sure your healthcare is fine. Now, insurance pricing needs some work, pre-existing conditions need to go... there are things that need to change. But we here in America have great healthcare! The only thing that needs to change are the people running our government!!!

Week 9 Picks

Here we go again!!

Cardinals @ Bears: Last year, this would've been easy. But this year, not so much. I think both teams are struggling. They're just about dead even in all stats categories and they are both 4-3. I will give it to the Bears, since they are at home with the edge by 4.

Ravens @ Bengals: Another game that could go either way. The Bengals already won the first match between these two and is coming off a bye week. The Ravens started hot, but have kinda fizzled out. I am again picking the home team, Bengals, by 6.

Texans @ Colts: I know a lot of sports writers, bloggers and such are expecting the Colts to receive their first loss in this game. But again they are at home and have way more weapons and experience than the Texans. Colts by 10.

Chargers @ Giants: Okay. The Giants are a mess right now. I don't know what happened but they really need to win this to get some wind in their sails again. I believe they have a more talented roster than the Chargers and I think that Manning is much cooler under pressure than Rivers. Giants by 6.

Cowboys @ Eagles: My Week 9 Game of the Week. I expect the Eagles to win, mostly cuz I loath the Cowgirls, but I think the Eagles have more depth. They are also at home... anyone else noting a pattern here? Eagles by 12.

Steelers @ Denver: The Steelers, after starting pretty slowly, have won their last 5straight. The Broncos are coming off their first loss of the season last week. I am gonna stick with my theory this week that home teams have the advantage and predict the Broncos to beat the Steelers in overtime by a field goal.

Some good match ups. My '9ers are playing the Titans... so guess who'll win that one?! Hehe. Have fun watching week 9 everyone!

Some random things in no particular order

It's supposed to be in the 60's today. The urge to decorate for Christmas is very tempting. I am trying to decide if I should start now or wait till I get back from Georgia. I like to have everything done around Thanksgiving. I will be gone however, so I usually would do it before I left. Well, I work every day of the week before we leave, so that puts me decorating between now and next week if I want to come home to a Christmasy house December 2. Plus, we decorated at the Art Center for Christmas yesterday to coincide with the show we are doing this month... I am in the Christmas spirit for sure! All the decorations are up in Great Falls already too.

Heidi and I went to Great Falls together this past Tuesday for a girls day out. The real reason to go was to see Michael Jackson's This Is It movie. But also to get out of town for a day. The movie was not at all what I expected, but it was still interesting. I kinda expected it to be like a dress rehearsal, but it took some of the producers highlights and interviews with the various dancers and musicians and mixed that with some rehearsal footage. The sets were amazing, the band sounded incredible, the dancers were unbelievable, but Michael... hard to say. He could still move a little, but it wasn't anything close to 20 years ago. Was he saving himself for the actual performances or was what we were seeing it? He did a duet with one of his background vocalist and she was spot-on. He was, well, pitchy. He would move around his dancers: was it cuz he was checking their accuracy or because he couldn't do what they were doing? I guess I still had a bunch of unanswered questions as to his ability to perform 50 concerts. I don't think 50 is old, but I think 50 is different than 25 or even 30. Not only that, but he has not preformed in nearly a decade. I was stunned at his appearance: gaunt, frail, and his eyes seriously had a lifelessness about them. Perhaps he realized how great a feat he was about to take on, and maybe was getting overwhelmed by it. I think he was constantly chasing the Thriller days, when he should've been grateful for that moment in history maybe no one else will get to experience. I did have a major eye rolling moment at the movie when it threw some environmental propaganda at us. Obviously, Michael was an environmentalist, and he was gonna include some of it in his show, but for the movie to dedicate as much time as it did to "the earth has a fever" and "we have only 4 more years before the damage is irreversible" was maddening. Drop that crap and show some more songs!! I really liked the Thriller and Smooth Criminal sets. I have had an increased interest in Michael Jackson since his death, as a medical person and as a music enthusiast. The movie did not delve into anything post June 25, so some questions were left unanswered, perhaps on purpose? BTW~ this was the first movie theater I have been to since I was 7 months preggers with Aria. To which Heidi quipped, "Wow. I don't know to be proud of you or feel really sorry for you!" Funny girl, that one. Anyway, we did have a great time. We had been planning this day for a long time, so it came slowly and went too quickly, not surprisingly. We'll have to go again, SOON!

I was almost prepared to post my predictions for week 9 today, cuz the NFL network advertising made it sound like Thursday games started today. But it actually starts next week (way to get my hopes up, tho... good job, boys!), so due to today's longer post, I will save that for another post. Now... should I start pulling out the Christmas stuff... decisions, decisions!

Happy Halloween (a day late)

Craig, Heidi, Tony, Aria and I got together on Thursday evening to carve pumpkins. It really is alot of fun to do stuff with a crowd!

Aria helped to create this little pumpkin, a product of Heidi's TLC!;)

My jack-o-lantern pumpkin, thanks for the idea, Country Living magazine!

On to Halloween night. Aria picked out this costume like a month ago. She had never seen the Little Mermaid (at least all the way thru), but since purchasing this costume, she's seen it plenty of times. I curled her hair, added glitter cuz it's pretty (tho you can't really see it in the pix) and put on a bit of make up for funzies. Other than the wind blowing like crazy, it was a really mild evening, considering it was October 31.

I am biased, of course, but she could win those (creepy) child beauty pageants! She is certainly a girly girl and loved getting dressed up for this.


She had a successful run. We were out for an hour and went with Tony's cousin, Stephanie and her daughter Presley. In fact, their whole family showed up for the weekend to visit. While Tony and I were busy checking out some info. on the computer, Aria sat right there with us and chowed down. Maybe we should've paid a bit more attention, cuz about 2:30 that night, I heard wailing from Aria's room. I came in to find she'd lost all stomach contents from that evening! Not sure if she OD'd on candy, ate a bad piece or what, but the up-chucking lasted till afternoonish. (she felt well enough in the morning to go to church, however!) She has fully recovered, but I think we all learned a lesson!