The Millers

New Addition to the Family

2011-07-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome Ryker Marie Handy

On July 13, 2011 Johnathon and Kayte brought a beautiful baby girl into this world. She was 7 pounds 1 ounce and 18 inches long. She is the most amazing thing I have seen. I never knew how you could love someone so much in such a sort time. As a sister I am so proud of my brother and his future wife. Watching them as parents is such a joy....Its so funny seeing Johnathon changing diapers, feeding and burping the baby, and cooing over his little girl! I have never been so proud!

The New Family

Favorite and Only Aunt Megan

A New Update I Promise

2011-04-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and the first semester of my education program at IUPUI is almost complete. I have to say it has been the busiest 5 months of my life with work and school so im sorry there hasn't been any recent pictures or updates, but I have so much to share! I will be posting more blogs here in the next few weeks to get everyone caught up with the Miller/Handy family for all who have been hounding me to get on it! HEHE!

Check back to read more on what we have been up to!

Love you all

Megan

A Great Book Everyone Should Read

2010-05-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Since I am not taking any summer classes this summer I decided that I was going to do some educational reading. This was my first book choice and it has been the best one I could have chosen. Temple Grandin is a very special person with Asperger's Syndrome. Aspergers is on the mild spectrum of Autism. Temple is the first person to give us an inside perspective on Autism. I have learned so much from her. She describes in her book how she was diagnosed with Autism as a baby, how she graduated from highschool, graduated from college, and got her PH.D. Most people with Autism are given a label that they will never live up to anything. Grandin takes that label and throws it into the garbage. She provides insight on how to treat an Autism student, how to help them learn, and what parents should expect and do when they have an Autistic child.

After reading this book I feel even more like this is the path I need to be on. Working with special education students is my calling! I cant wait to be done with school and actually get be a teacher, have my dream accomplished, and my passion for working with students started. Again I really recommend this book, even if its just for some good reading.

Our New Addition To The Family

2010-05-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Newest Edition

Sorry Everyone for not updating my blog since last September! But I will be updating it weekly since I am done with school for the summer! Hope you all enjoy!

Here is our puppy Molly when we first got her! Isnt she so darn cute?

Here is Molly and Malice playing nice and loving on each other! This hardly ever happens. They dont usually lay on the same bed with each other!

Here is Molly again in March, as you can see she has grown a lot since we got her in November. She hated that cone but I loved it, she ran into everything and I laughed so hard!

And this is Molly today on May 2nd! She gets bigger and bigger everyday! Currently she weighs 53 pounds and eats about 4 cups of food a day. With her only being 7 months I cant imagine what she will be like at a year! Still love her though just not the hair she leaves in the house!

Our Sunday Date

2009-09-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Date

09/13/09

Matt and I took the bike on a little ride today through the country to Byron, IL. The road we take follows along the Rock Rivers lined with trees. Its one of the most beautiful, relaxing scenery that you could ever see. We took this road into Byron and stopped at Sam's drive in dinner for lunch! After lunch we kept on riding along the river to Oregon. Here are some pictures of how beautiful it is!

We had a great time together, talking and riding. We then stopped back in Byron and went to a some winery there. I had heard about the place on the radio and it sounded interesting to me even though I dont really drink. We stopped in and tried the harvest apple wine made there from Illinois apples and I bought my first bottle of real wine! Well see if I actually drink it though! hehe! Overall it was a great day! matt and I havent done this in a really long time. I love him so much! he is the best husband in the world!

The Millers Came to Rockford

2009-08-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Family Time In Rockford

Matts mother, sisters,nieces, and nephew came up to visit us on thursday night! They got here kinda late so we just visited for a while and then went to bed. Friday we woke up and went to the Discovery Museum down the street! It was so much fun and the kids had such a blast that we stayed for about 5 hours, came back to the house to nap and then went to dinner and to get ice cream. After ice cream we went and had a fun time at the park! It was a great trip and it was sad to see everyone go on saturday morning.

Here is everyone on the fire place. What a cute group!

All the Kids being funny and climbing on top of us!

Dana and Michelle the Ancor Women!

Matt trying to make electricity by turning the crank real fast!

And this is the final finale and it is the funniest of all! This is a video of Evan and Emerson being the ancor women at the museum! Evan is so cute and so funny you have to watch!

Gotta love family and time together!!!

Wheel-A-Thon Walk

2009-08-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Rockford Wheel-A-Thon

About a month ago Matt and I did a walk for the Rockford Wheel-A-Thon. Our team raised over $3,000 to help people in our area in wheel chairs. This money goes towards ramps for houses, actual houses, wheel chairs and many other necessities for thier needs! It was a great time and it felt so good to help others!

Camping in South Haven Michigan with the Miller's

2009-06-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

South Haven, MI

Camping with Matt's Family

Here is Our niece and nephew Paige and Colson at the beach. We went on so many walks to the beach because the kids loved sticking their feet in the water even though it was 50 degrees. It was a hoot watching them look for cool rocks and shell from Lake Michigan! They are all so precious!

Here is Matt and Emerson(another neice) but Emmy was not looking. The next picture is of the girls making smores. They ate so many marsh mellows it wasnt even funny!

Here is Evan (another neice) after eating a marsh mellow! She is so funny and loves being a littel goof ball!!

While we were there Michelle(Matt's sister), Mike (Matt's dad), and I joined the 5k walk/run at the park on saturday morning. We took Michelles dog Abby with us for the walk. It was a lot of fun and we all got a free t-shirt from the park and McDonalds free items. I decided to run the last mile but it was a lot of fun. We also did some accidental hiking through the woods after going up some sand dones that looked like paths that went no where but where we were not supposed to be.

Here are some other pictures of the just the beautiful sceanery that was there. And me in the woods.

This is little Mya walking on the beach which I thought was so cute! and the dune we climbed up!

Girls Weekend

2009-06-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Girls Weekend with the Besties!

So I met up with Katie bug and Amanda in Utica, IL for a fun girls weekend which turned out to be a really fun weekend with Megan drinking a little too much and puking and Amanda and Kate making fun of me in the moring. We stayed at the Grand Bear Resort that had a arcade, swimming pool, amusement park, golf, and many bars inside and outside...

This is Kate and Amanda on a ride that I would not go on which they said was not that great at all but I stood back and took pictures anyway. I love Kate's scared face and Amandas face that looks like she is having so much fun!

Here is me and my Katie Bug at dinner/another bar waiting for our food to come out which her and Amanda ate in the mornign cold which is soooooo gross!!!

And here are the pictures of our last day which we took at the entrance of the hotel inside and outside. We thought the wooden bear was really cool!!!! Kate tried to ride it but we didnt get a pic of that ! Over all it was a really fun girls weekend and I cant wait to schedule another one real soon! Love you girls!

Home(Indiana) for the weekend!

2009-06-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Indianer the Place I Love!

Here is a picture of little Samuel who was having fun with the a water bottle spraying everyone and everything. It was so cute. And here is a picture of Malice and Matt and Grandma Handys. What can I say Indiana brings out the best in everyone... Even Malice!!

Here is Grandpa and Jeaner Beaner listening to the Indy 500 and I wish I had a picture of Grandma when her driver came in 1st place. She was so happy!! And here is a picture of my twins Grandma Handy and Wanie! Its scary how much we look alike.

*Well Matt and I had a great time home visiting and cant wait to come back!

2009-06-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

I will be posting some new stuff this weekend! Sorry its been so long!

MOMMA"S DAY

2009-05-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

For mother's day Mom, Steve, and George came over for a cook out at our house. It was such a nice day that we were able to sit outside to eat and talk. It was a lot of fun just to hang out with everyone and be with my brother made my and mom's day so good.

Me and My Brother

The first picture is of me hiding mom with her squezing her face through. The second we tried to take a nice family picture but it didnt turn out the best. The third is me and my handsome, hot hubby!!

Matt's New Toy

2009-05-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

2003 Honda VTX 1800

Here is Matt's New baby. As all of our friends are having kids we are buying dangerous Motorcycles to have fun on. There is plenty of time for kids right now is our time to have fun and do fun things together so.........

Here is Matt on his bike. Can you see his smile. When he got this I was so scared and held on so tight that Matt could drive confortably. We have rode quite a few times now and I am used to it and actually love it. And yes Wanie my HELMET just came in so im safe!

Updates on the Millers and Handys

2009-05-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well pictures are soon to follow this blog with fun new additions to Matt and I's life. But right now I just want everyone to know that my brother is HOME!!! YEAH!! He is my old brother and I love it, I have spent 3 out of the 4 days with him so far and each and every day make me cry because it is just so wonderful to get to spend quality time with him and him enjoy it. Second of all I changed my major on friday with a counselor at school to special education. I am so excited and know that this is the best choice I could have ever made for my future. God put this wonderful feeling on my heart and I knew this was my future occupation. I cant wait to help all th children out there who are singled out because of a disability when they are just the same as everyone else. After my bachelors that I will receive in 2 more yrs I will be going for my masters degree to specialize in autism!! Yeah I finally know what im going to do and am going to have to work really hard to get it done!

Mindy, her aunt Debbie and another lady are opening their own salon so they have been so busy working on that and making it their own. It is now finished and looks amazing, dad did a great job on everything. The long hours really paid off! Pictures will follow once I charge the battery on my camera.

Matt and I added a Honda VTX 1800 to the family. If you dont know what this is its a motorcyle and again pictures will follow. I trip to Indiana will follow as well this summer on it so you can all see it. I was really nervous and scared to ride on it at first but now I love it!

Well I guess that is all for now. I love you all and wish me luck on my finals next week!

Father & Son

2009-04-18T13:04:00.001-07:00

Here is the latest poem from Johnathon that he wrote for dad! It will make you cry!

O, how I miss those Days,

sitting there fishing, But in a haze.

Watching how he does it,

making sure I am doing it right,

And keeping my line tight.

O,how I miss those Days,

Riding my Bike down the road,

looking in the creek for that big old toad.

Missing those winter days.

Riding in the truck,

through the country

hoping not to get stuck.

How I miss those Days,

coming home from work together,

cleaning up, sitting down,

eating pizza and watching T.V. together.

Missings those nights of him.

Falling asleep in the chair,

waiting to hear him say......

I am resting my eyes,

which is nothing But lies.

Everythings dissappearing,

But I'll always remember hearing.......

Him telling me those four words.

I love you son.

I'll never forget those days,

I love you DAD.

Check this Out!!

2009-04-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

First of all Happy Easter Everyone!! I wish I could be with you today but you know how life goes. I want to share a poem with all of you that my brother wrote. He has been writing a lot of poems and this one we published on poetry.com for him.

If Only, If Only
I thought you were different, I still don't know.If only, If only you could of seen, what else I had to bring.If only, If only you would of stuck around,you would of seen a new side of town.You say you were scared of me.I don't know why?If only, If only you'd give it a try.Maybe I am wrong about you,I haven't a clue.But all day I still think about you.If only, If only I could hear from you.So I know what to do.I haven't heard from you,that's probably a clue,So I guess I can't have you.If only, If only.
Johnathon Handy
Copyright ©2009 Johnathon Handy

Here is the link if you would like to check it out on your own. It is awesome, something I could have never done because I am just not a writer but it sounds like to me that he is a great one! Love you all!

My Birthday and Girls Weekend!

2009-03-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well friday Mindy and I had a pampered chef party on my birthday. There was a lot of people there and I turned out to be a lot of fun!! Also Kate and Sarah came up on friday and left this morning. We had a great time with some much needed shopping and girl time! I cant wait for more of these fun times. Also thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. I had a couple cousins call me on my birthday and say they were my favorite!! We should start out saying that Brooke, Kel, and Matt all say they are my favorite. Kel called first and matt called second but Brooke sent me a card the day before so really who is the favorite? You are all great cousins adn friends and I love you all the same so there is no compition. You three can fight over it but as for my birthday Brooke became the favorite because I got her card first! Haha! love you all!

Sunday March 1, 2009

2009-03-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

Last sunday mom and I went to Our Lady of the Assuption church and spoke to highschool and confirmation students about drugs and how they can affect not only you but your family as well. They wanted Johnathon to speak and he accepted but because of his current situation he couldnt so mom spoke for him. She told his story about his life before durgs, during his drug addiction, and his current situation right now. Johnathon gave her some thing that he wanted her so say so she just translated for him which as great. I was asked to give my perspective as as sister of a drug addict and this is my speech I gave. Im posting this for all of my family on blogger who want to know a little more about Johnathon's addiction. This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and Im very glad I did. I just hope that I was able to help someone to not make the choices Johnathon did. Who knows maybe when Johnathon is out and clean we can go and do this together to many schools!

Hello my name is Megan Miller and I am the sister of an addict. As a sister you can’t imagine the pain and suffering I had to go through seeing my little brother using drugs and his life falling down the drain. We had been so close since we had moved to Illinois about 8 years ago. There is only two and a half years between my brother and I and we have always been close until he began using drugs.
Let me tell you a little bit about him before drugs. He was kind and caring. He had such a love for his family, he was fun to be around, he loved to explore and we used to build forts out in the ditches of the corn fields back home in Indiana and pretend we were in some far off land and no one could see us. He loved life. This all changed when we moved to Illinois and had to start over with no family, new friends, new schools, and new everything. He was 14 years old when he started getting into drugs. Yes, he was 14. At first no one knew about his experimenting with drugs but then I started to see a change. One day I caught him smoking pot in the garage with a friend before school. Of course trying to be a sister and a friend I didn’t tell my parents because I thought well it’s just pot and we had a good brother/sister relationship that I didn’t want to ruin. I was very wrong. From here he went downhill. His pot smoking turned into smoking cigarettes, drinking, and using heroin.
His addiction had gotten so bad that he was steeling everything from all the people he loved for his drugs. He got arrested a couple of times for stealing and I couldn’t bear to see him sit in a jail cell so my husband and I paid his bail. He was so very thankful but continued steeling and he became homeless for a while when he turned to me. As his big sister I felt it was my duty to help him and couldn’t even think about him on the streets. Against everyone’s wished I opened my home to him only to find that while I was at work he had found someone on the street who knew where he could get drugs. Coming home to find him high and items missing from my house was the worst feeling I could have ever felt. As I sat to ponder I felt betrayed but still loved him and couldn’t let him leave my house. Since then my brother has been in and out of rehab centers only to return to the drugs. These situations caused him to overdose twice. When I got the call to come to the hospital my heart burst into a million pieces and so many things went through my mind. Seeing him laying in a hospital bed hooked up to wires, not awake, and knowing the events that had almost taken his life I began to fear his life would come to an end and he wouldn’t be this lucky again.
On June 14th, 2008 I had my wedding in our hometown in Indiana. My brother was going to be one of my brides maids. I teased him a lot and told him he would have to wear a dress like the girls but he was still excited to be a part of it after knowing he didn’t have to wear a dress. He even came over one Sunday with my mom and helped me put M&M’s into bags for the guests. Not knowing what was to come, Johnathon was court ordered to rehab the day before my wedding. Knowing that my brother wasn’t going to be at my wedding caused a feeling to go through my body that I can’t even describe. That day was the best day of my life but in the back of my head I kept thinking about how much I wanted him there to enjoy this day with me, and to see me walk down the aisle. Looking back at the family pictures from that day his face seizes to exist in them. I video tapped that day for him and when he went to watch it shut if off because it hurt him to see that he was not there.
As a sister and a friend who was so close to her brother you can’t imagine the pain and suffering that goes on knowing that your brother is in jail and that there is nothing that you can do about it. I started to blame god for what he was doing to my family and my brother. Were we such bad people that we were being punished? Questions like these ran through my head many times. After the arrest for his friends death in November our lives turned upside down once again because finally for the last two months before the arrest he was getting back to the brother I enjoyed to be around and loved spending every moment with. I then realized that God has a purpose for everyone, me, my brother, my family, and anyone who believes. All I can do now is pray. I had to find god again and be strong for my brother. I had to get him to believe in God again because God and Johnathon are the only ones who can make this change in his life.

Today our society has become filled with drugs, drug addicts, and drug overdoses. My brother’s story is just one of many. Remember that peer pressure is not east but you have to be strong and let God help you to say No!! Drugs will ruin your life just like it did to my brothers. It took away his childhood, his graduation from high school, his confirmation as you are all doing now, his family, his friends, and has made his life not worth living in his eyes. So I’m asking you today to remember my brother’s story when you are put into the situation he was put in the first day he decided to be part of the crowd who did drugs.

Update on the Millers

2009-02-28T18:54:00.001-08:00

Today Matt and I went to look and test drive the car I have been researching. We found a 2008 Ford Focus at a dealer about 45 minutes away. We were there for almost 3 hrs and they wanted us to buy the car that day. They would not take no for an answer. We just wanted to look around at a whole bunch of places before we made a decision and yes they had the best price but they were so pushy that when we finally left I told Matt I didnt even feel like getting a car anymore. It ruined my experience. So we decided to go out and have a nice dinner together.

Tomorrow Mom and I go to our old church In Beloit, WI and talk to the confirmation class and their parents about drugs and how they can ruin their lives. Mom was asked to tell Johnathon's story and I was asked to tell my side of the story being a sister of an addict. Its going to be rough but I think it will be good. If i can just change the life of one kid, or prevent one kid from becoming an addict from my story I will know I went through this for a reason.

Got to see Brother

2009-01-31T11:33:00.001-08:00

Today I got to see George and it was harder than I thought!! I tried not to cry but im a Handy and the tears flow, I didnt let Johnathon see them though. We got to do it face to face over a phone instead of through the video cameras which was so much better!! He seems ok but I know he is hurting by the few tears that came to his eyes when he saw dad, mom, and I waiting for him to come in.

The only complants he had were that the food was gross. the only good food is the hot dogs!! I miss him so much and want him out but I am starting to realize maybe it is good for him to be in there for a short time but not years!!

He still needs our prayer and support. If anyone wants to write him send it to:
Rock County Jail
Attn. Johnathon Handy
200 E. U.S. Hwy 14
Janesville, WI. 53545

Im sure he would love to hear from us family!

If Everyone Could Pray!!

2009-01-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

The Handy family has had a rough couple of years and right when things were looking up they got worse then they have ever been before. I know everyone who looks at my page is family so im asking if you all could pray for us and for Johnathon. He needs us more now then he ever has before.. He is hurting and is so scared, and there is nothing we can do!! Attorneys for this kind of offense cost between 25 to 50 thousand dollars so all we have is to depend on God. Its really hard for me to do this right now but its all i have got.

Please im asking for as many prayers as I can get!! Johnathons whole life depends on it!!

Thanks

Why does God always have to knock us down?

2009-01-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

I know God is with us at all times, but everytime something good starts to go right why does he always through a right jab into my face? I know he is always here but he never answers my prayers. Can anyone explain this to me?

First Day of School

2009-01-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day of school and it started out with me having to leave early and drive in a blizzard. It took me an hour and a half to get there. First of all campus is so big that I walked three miles just going from class to class, and I only got lost once. Overall it was a great day, I love all of my classes but Biology and am excited to finally be in the last few years of my education. My Associates in Art dipolma should be coming in the mail any day and I cant wait!!!

Torn

2009-01-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Well I had my orientation at Northern Illinois University today and it didnt go anything like I had planned. I found out that I will be there for 3 years and not 2 which makes me very unhappy. Also im very torn on what to do about my major, im trying to decide if i want to major in early childhood ed and get my masters in special ed. or do my major in special ed. and get my whole 3 years paid for my the state because of the shortage of teachers need for this field and get my masters in early childhood. Ive wanted to be a teacher my whole life and now i just cant decide what is the best decision for me. I dont want the free schooling to decide my choice I want it to come from my heart and what I feel I want to do for the rest of my life. So im asking if everyone could pray for me to help my decision go a little bit easier. Maybe God has a plan for me and Im just not listening hard enough.

God please show me the way and let me help children, they are all special to me no matter what their abilities are. Just help me decide what is best for my future!

House Project #2

2009-01-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

House Project # 2 Complete

Matt and I got up on New Years Eve morning and started our next project for the house and painted the living room. It was originally all white like everything else in the house and is now flint smoke which is a light grayish color to match the carpet and fireplace. We love it!! We also rearranged the living room which gave it so much more space. The house is slowly but surely coming along and we are so excited to have a new fun change.

you can hardly tell but the first one is the before which is white and the second is the after which is the flint smoke color.

New Years Eve

2009-01-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Partying Like its 2009

First the night started out going to Buffalo Wild Wings for Johnathon's Birthday. Dad, Mindy, Breann, Johnathon, his friend Mike, Matt, and I all went to dinner. It was a lot of fun and Johnathon is now a year older. I think Johnathon was glad to have us all there to help him celebrate. He got new bindings for his snowboard from matt and I, new shirt, hat, and shoes, which he is wearing from dad, mindy, and breann.

After dinner dad, mindy, breann, matt and I all headed down to the Wheel which is a bar close to dads and had a drink to start the night out. Matt and I then headed to my friend Chelsea's for the night. We had a great time hanging out with all out friends and bringing in the new year.

Matt and I

Kaela and Tony

Kyra (who I call Sugar)

Over all it was a great ending to 2008 and a new beginning to 2009. Hope everyones New Year was as great as ours turned out to be!

Hell No!!! I aint going!!

2009-01-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Us Crazy Handy's

Well the day after Grandma Handy's Christmas we all went out to Wanie and Mike's for the day and had a lot of fun being the Handy's. You all know, drinking, playing fun games, laughing, and just being the fun family we are.

To start the story let me just say that Kel and Lucy were in town and Lucy had this fake phone toy that was sitting in the kitchen and out of no where Grandma picked it up and started talking on it and this is what she said.....

(Hell No Noreta Im Not Going to Florida)

Then it became a fun game and we all joined in on the Hell No!! game. And we crazy Handy's ended up with this....

And this.....

Oh and I also had to add this picture of my Wanie because it was just so cute and so her!! You will know what i mean.

Vera Bradley accessories Yeah!!!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas With All My Family (Its the best time of year!!!)

Christmas at dad's. It's Matt, me, Colten(mindy's nephew), & Breann(Mindy's Daughter)

Here are the love birds, aren't they so cute!

Johnathon and I got really soft blankets and we were saying Oooooooooo so soft!!

This is us making corn casserole. How many people does it take? I guess 3.

Christmas @ Grandma Handy's

There are a lot more pictures from grandma's so look on the next couple of posts.

Here are two more love birds. gosh!!

Me and my Katiebug!

Christmas with Mom!

Mom and Steve playing the Wii. She was really getting into it as you can see, and steve's face was really funny in this picture.

Matt, Me, and George (our christmas picture)

Me and Malice, this was her new sweater from mom for Christmas (how cute)

My baby on Christmas morning with some of the stuff that santa had left for him under the tree.

Heading to Indiana again!

2008-12-25T07:18:00.000-08:00

Yeah we are leaving for Indiana tomorrow to have the Handy Christmas on Saturday! We are so excited to see everyone! See you tomorrow family!

Fixing Up The House

2008-12-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

Fixing up the house (Project #1 for winter)

Today Matt and I went to Home Depot and loaded up a Naturescape van full of blow in insulation. Yes we are going green and bought the Greenfiber brand that was 85 % recycled. It took us four hours to blow 25 bags into the attic. I had the job of filling the machine while Matt was in the attic blowing it in. We forgot to take a after picture but that is ok because it took a while to get it out of my eyes, nose, throut, eyelashes, and hair. Overall it was a fun project that we did together!!

Thanksgiving in Michigan

2008-12-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

A Time to be Thankful

At 3:00 a.m Thanksgiving morning Matt and I left for a 6 hour drive to Michigan to visit his family for the Holidays. The drive really wasnt that bad considering it usually take us around 8 hours to get there but with my driving I cut it down to 6.

Day 1

On Thursday we went to New Baltimore, Michaigan to have Thanksgiving with his grandparents on his dads side. His grandpa is bed ridden and his grandmother just broke her arm so it was a Meyer bought dinner which Matt wasnt too keen on but it was still nice. Here is a picture of all the grand kids on this side of the family.

Day 2

* We went to YaYa's (means grandma in Greek) for Thanksgiving on Nancy's side. This was a fun filled day full of playing with children and eating realy Thanksgiving dinner. We had a great time. Here is a picture of YaYa and all her young great grandchildren and grandchildren. Doesnt she look like grandma Handy?

Day 3

* Matt and I drove up to Dana (his sisters) scrapbook store that she just sold to help her get the final boxes she needed and for me to do a little shopping before she handed the store over!! Hehe!! Here is a fun picture of Emerson with my sunglasses on! She loved playing in my purse with the perfume, chapstick, and sun glasses.

Day 4

* We all went up to Dana and Kevins and did Christmas with the kids early since Matt and I cant go back up for Christmas. The adults then had a Wii tournament which was so funny to see grown people fighting over who gets to play next. Here is a picture of Dana and Kevin boxing each other(they are husband and wife and Kevin really wanted to box her)

Day 5

* Matt and I went up to Dana and Kevins again and hung out all day with them and the girls. It was a fun and relaxing day!

Day 6

* Matt and I left to come back to Illinois in the blizzard.

I have been tagged!

2008-12-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

My cousin Kelly tagged me so I guess I have to do this. So here it goes....

10 things that make me happy (in random order)
:1. Spending time with my family
2. Shopping
3. Reading a good book
4. Playing the Wii with Matt
5. Having girls night with the girls
6. Exercising
7. Renting a movie and curling up in a blanket
8. Scrapbooking
9. Cleaning the house
10. Trips to Indiana, Michigan, and Florida

Northern Illinois Univeristy

2008-12-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Yeah!!! On Black Friday, while in Michigan, I got an emial from the university of my choice. Northern Illinois University. I finally got in!!! I have been waiting for this for almost 2 years and I am finally going to be working toward my Bachelors Degree. By the end of December I should graduate with my Associates in Arts at Rock Valley College and starting in the spring I will be at NIU.

I cant wait!!!

Xango Distributor

2008-11-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Xango

http://www.xango.com/

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am now a Xango Distributor. Xango is an excellent company started by a guy named Joe Morton. Xango is the first company worldwide to market the mangosteen drink made from the Asian mangosteen fruit. This is a juice that has the most nutritional attributes that you will ever find from a single fruit.

Xango has been known to cure many ailments in many different people. For instance Matt's mother has horrible blood pressure and has been on medication for years. Since she has been drinking the Xango juice she is no longer on medicaiton. Matt's dad has had horrible acid reflex his whole life and took prilosec for years just to be able to eat. He now takes nothing. I have been drinking the juice for a few months now but not how im supposed to so havent had any luck but I am going to start drinking my two ounces everyday and see if it can cure my problems.

This company and this product is the most amazing thing I have seen in a long time and that company is still growing, providing healthy vitamins, juice, and skin care that is enviromentally friendly and great for your body. If anyone is interested I placed a link at the top of the page to the Xango website and you can give me a call if you have any questions or would like to sign up.

Halloween

2008-11-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween Night

Kyra and I went to a Halloween party with Mom and Steve and then went to a bar for the rest of the night! Man was it a night to remember!!

Kyra and I before we went out! She was a pirate and I was a dumb cop(it was mom's outfit from last year)

Me and Nikki, she was the Nanny from Super Nanny but everyone thought she was Sara Palin.

Mom and Steve Before

Mom and Steve After! They were flashers and actually won a trip to Lake Geneva from the bar we were at! It was a very interesting night!

And here is my mother flashing cars when the light turned red. It was the funniest thing Ihave ever seen. The looks on peoples faces were great, It was like watching Americas Funniest Home Videos!

Fowler Trip

2008-11-02T08:23:00.001-08:00

Man I Miss Home!!!

Two weekends ago I went home to Fowler, Indiana to see all of my family. It had been way too long and it felt so good to be with all the people I love. Here are just a few pictures from the trip, they all consist of Lucy cause she is just so cute that, that is the only person that everyone focused on!! She is so Cute!!

Me and Lucy Goosey!

Lucy and her mommy had some professional pictures takin out at Wanie's and here are a few cute ones! Miss you both already!

Getting Involved in our Church

2008-10-19T12:55:00.001-07:00

Today I met with a lady named Betsy Frost at our church to talk about getting involved in the childrens program. I am now a sunday school teacher at Rockford First Assembly!! I am so excited, I love working with children of course and this is a chance to give me some more experience and get more involved with our church. I dont know what got into me the other day but I called to see if they needed anyone and baam!! I believe God was telling me that I needed to add more of him to my life and this is one way I can do that and pass my knowledge and love for God down to the children!!

Our New T.V

2008-10-19T12:51:00.001-07:00

Today Matt and I went out and finally got the T.V. Matt has been wanting for the last 3 months. He was so excited and has been messing with it for the last 2 hours and Im guesing he will be all day!! As you can see from the pictures above he is happy!!

Week Three Complete

2008-10-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

Friday I finished week three of my running pod cast. I think it gets better and better every week. I love it and not gonna stop. i just have to get some new running shoes that support me better, which if anyone has any suggestions on which are the best let me know. Right now im still using my Nike shocks and they suck!!

As the days get colder i am finding that my lungs are getting used to the cold so I am able to run and breathe properly and no die!! haha!

Well thats all for this week, ill keep you updated on next week, maybe Brooke and I can run together next week when I am home!!

Edwards Apple Orchard

2008-10-07T14:01:00.001-07:00

Mom, Johnathon and I went to Edwards Apple Orchard over the weekend to get some hot apple cider doughnuts and some wonderful apples. It was a lot of fun and was very neat. A while back we had a horrible tornado touch down about 20 minutes from here, it hit the apple orchard. They have now newly renovated and started to get the place back to the way it was and had amazing pictures of all the damage shown up on the walls. It is crazy what Mother Nature can do in just 4 minutes. Luckily everyone was safe and the Orchard is now back up and running.

Here is a picture of Mom, Johnathon, and I. I miss these kinds of times with my brother!!

After the Orchard we stopped by Demter to see dad and this is what we saw when we pulled up. This is Rick one of the employees at Demeter. One of the other employees made this replica of him next to the break building. I was dying with laughter because Rick doesnt have any teeth and if you look closly this pumpkin Rick only has 3!! Haha. To make it more Halloweenish they stuck a screwdriver and metal rod through his head with blood dripping down. What people do when they have too much time on their hands.

Caden's First Birthday

2008-10-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

My Boy is growing up..... My godson Caden Bouslog turned one year old on September 25th and we had his birthday party for him on the 27th!! I cant believe he is one already. Its so neat to see all of the changes he has gone through during this first year and how much he has grown into a little man!!

His mother got him his own little birthday Blue's Clues Cake and then everyone else got this big cake!! The look on his face was priceless. He had no idea what to do with his cake so daddy Coley had to show him. He then got the hang of it and Godmomma Megan got the priveledge of giving him a bath before he opened his gifts!!! They always give me the fun jobs!

Fowler Town Fun

2008-10-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have been about three weeks behind on my posts so i am putting them all up now. Sorry Everyone!! Anyway Matt and I went out to our friend Kaela and Tony's for a tractor race a few weekends ago. I was prepared for it well living in Fowler and all but Matt I dont think this is what he had in mind. It reminded me so much of home and was so much fun! After you see the pictures you will see why.

*This first picture is a picture of the track in thier back yard!!*This is my friend Brian, on his tractor(lawn mower).*You cant see all of the tractors but there were about 10 people racing. What they have to do is each time they go around the track twice they have to stop at the pit and down a beer, put their forehead on a baseball bat and go round and round, then get back on and do it again. I have never seen something so funny in my entire life. It really mad me miss home!!

Matts 25th Birthday

2008-10-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

On September 22nd my hubby turned 25 years old. Can you believe that? I cant! But anyway we did a little celebrating a couple weekends before when his parents were out but on his real birthday we took a trip to Best Buy and got him his new ipod nano(even though we now have 3 ipods). For anyone who doesnt know Matt is upsessed with technology especially apple products, so this new Ipod was the highlight of his day! As you can see below!

Mom gave him a cake at work for his birthday too and this is what he did with it!

Week one Complete

2008-10-03T16:14:00.001-07:00

Well I finished my first week of running and wow do I feel different. I forgot how good running felt and just how relaxing it was. Every time I run I listen to my ipod and get lost in how beautiful the scenery around me is. The leaves are starting turn into the wonderful shades of red, orange, and yellow as the trees slowly shed them. I love fall except the cold weather going into my lungs. I guess I should stop smoking too!! Cant wait to start week number two and get a little better and stronger so I can reach my goal!! Brooke I can see why you do it but I still think your crazy for how far you go!!

Running Again

2008-09-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow September 29th I am starting my couch to 5K podcast that is going to start me from the beginning with running. I am really excited to start back up but it will be a struggle to gain up the endurance I used to have. My goal is to do this 3 times a week and heopefully once I reach my 5K I would like to take it a step further. Im gonna need a lot of support and push because I have recently gotten to be really lazy with my working out but I hope to put that behind me and relax again while running! Wish me goodluck!!

Chrisopher O. Palmer (9-4-08)

2008-09-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

Last wednesday my world crashed when my friend Chris died from a drug overdose. Not only was this a big shock but it struck me hard because of everything going on in my life. The services were sunday and monday and were the hardest days of my life. I still dont believe that it is actually real! Chris was the kind of friend who could always make you laugh no matter what was going on, on a bad day or a good one, he always was the life of the party, he was a horticulturist, a volunteer fireman and EMT, a brother, a son, a uncle, and over all a wonderful friend. I will always cherish our fun times together, and will always remember him. One fun memory I have was attending the Rockton Fireman's Ball with him. He made that night so fun and never was I bored. Chris I love you and will and miss you so much! Your legacy and memories will live forever through me and all of your loved ones! You are a great friend and we all will miss you dearly!

Andrea's 21st Birthday

2008-09-09T19:30:00.001-07:00

For Andrea's 21st birthday, us girls went to the Wisconsin Dells for the night to go out to the bars and stay at the raintree resort. We had an awesome time, and it was a great little git away. For anyone who know him we got to meet and spend the night in V.I.P with Devin Harris an NBA basket ball player. Girls trips are always fun but its even cooler to tell people that you got to go bar hopping with a celebrity!!

Malie Graduated Doggie School

2008-08-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Yeah!!!! Last Sunday Malice graduated from her dog class. She has done so well over the past 8 weeks and has made a lot of progress. Here is our family picture that they took of us and her special certificate of graduation!

An Answer to My Prayers

2008-08-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a new Headache/Migraine center to get a new opinion on what I could do for my headaches. Well for the past 7 years my current doctor just kept giving me new perscriptions to try and I am so tired of my body being run by drugs. But today God answered my prayers.....This new doctor gave me hope that he can get rid of these things, he even believes he knows exactly what my disease is that causes my headaces. I have never been so excited to go to a doctor in my entire life and Im so happy to see what lies in my future for my health!! God does answer prayers, it just may take longer than some people want but he does listen.

Dad's Surprise Birthday Gift

2008-07-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today Matt and Johnathon worked hard for three hours to put dad's new b-day gift together. The directions said it would only take an hour but they beg to differ but had a fun time doing it. Over all it was a great day and we all hope dad likes his new gift.

12 Hour Day with my Brother

2008-07-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

What An Awesome Day we Had!!

The day started out at 6:00 a.m. when I left the house to got pick Johnathon up in Woodridge. We then attended a Narcotics Anonamous meeting at 8:00 which was an experience in itself. Never have I attened something that could make me feel so proud, so sad, and so sorry all at the same time. There are so many people out there with an addiction that need help and its so nice to see that a group of addicts, all different ages, sizes, and nationalities can become a family and a support group. All you need is support from loved ones around you and you can do anything if you put your mind to it. After class Johnathon and I had an hour and a half trip home where we cooked out at my house and played some washoes(sp). We then played a little Wii and went to dads to put his birthday present together. Today was so much fun and it was awesome to have my brother back. He is back and is ready to take a stand, its more than obvious, he can do it, we all just need to keep him in our prayers. I love you Johnathon and always will. Your one of the most important people in my life and I will always be here for you!

New Haircut!

2008-07-13T11:25:00.001-07:00

Last thursday i went and saw Chelsea to get my hair cut off. I had grown it out for so long for the wedding and it was time for a big change. So I told her to cut it all off before I could look and now I absoluetly love it! Its long in front and short in back, the only down side is I cant put it up in a pony tail any longer!

I got a fun new do..............................

New to the Iller Family

2008-07-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Kale Iller

Last sunday Matt and I went to Janesville, Wisconsin to visit my close friend Tayrn and her new baby boy "Kale". It had been quite a while since we had been able to get together but it was great catching up and getting to hold her new bundle of joy!! Kale was 8 pounds and 23 inches long! Plus he had mommy waiting a long time after her due date. She thought the wait was worth it though(haha)

*oh and a little side note for my mother and Wanie, just because there is a lot of babies going on in my life, that doesnt mean I have to have one! Im waiting!!

Caden's Sleepover #2

2008-07-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Caden's 2nd Sleepover

This was Bubba's second sleepover with Matt and I. As you can see he is starting to like Matt a little bit more. Caden is now 10 months old and is getting funner and funner everyday. We love having him come stay with us for the night! As for Malice she still doesn't know what to think of him. But Matt and I are learning, it only took 2 minutes opposed to 45 to put the pack and play together this time!!

How Something Little Can Be Something So Big!!

2008-06-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

*My brother recently entered Woodrige Interventions which is a rehab center in Woodridge, IL. He entered treatment three days before my wedding which he was supposed to be in. That day while being one of the happiest days was also one of the sadest days of my life. I had to go on through the day like nothing was going on in my life and that I was as happy as can be while only some knew I was really dying inside!

*I was able to go and visit him for the first time on wednesday and I was amazed at what I saw. In just a few days by brother had accepted that he had an addiction, he had started to let God back into his life, and was finding the real person in himself who had been hidden in the dark for the last 4 years. This is his fourth time in a treatment center and this was the first time he actually admitted that he had a real problem and was going to finish out his full recovery.
I have never been so happy in my life then to see him last wednesday. He was my old brother again, and his will to fight this disease this time stole my heart! He still has a long way, but I believe he is on the right path and can fight this, he just needs our help. He can use all the thoughts and prayers he can get so im asking everyone, please pray for my brother! He is my life and means the absolute world to me! I want him to have a normal life, a life he can look forward to, a life without drugs!!

Renewal of Vows

2008-06-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Renewal of Our Vows

On June 15th of 2007 Matt and I got married in the Rockford Courthouse on one of his leaves from the military. None of our family was there and we wanted to include them in on our marriage so last weekend June 14th 2008 we renewed our vows in front of our families. It was a great weekend, that was full of lots of fun, visiting, and running around but mostly it was great to spend time with our families.

Here is a pic of Matt and I

Over the weekend I also got to meet someone very special, her name is Lucy Sky Mikolajczyk!

She is absolutely beautiful and looks exactly like her mother Kelly. Oh by the way Lucy is my new second cousin. She lives in Florida with John, Kelly, Kevin, and Pancake! I was so happy I got to meet her, I just wish I could have spent a little more time with her.

Here is a picture of Matt, Me, Lucy, and Kel. Isnt Lucy so beautiful! She even had on a little daisy dress!

*Here is a pic of a few other special people who attended the wedding. Grandma looked so cute, she really was a trooper. She even got out and danced with my dad and my cousin Matt!!

It was such a fast weekend, now when I look back there was a lot of people I didnt get to talk much to and get pictures with but I love you all and will be back to visit soon!

Bridal Shower #2

2008-04-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Fowler Bridal Shower

The weekend of March 15th I had my last bridal shower back home in Indiana. It was so great to see all of my family all at once and to actually get to spend time with them! Matt and I recieved a ton of great gifts for our new house and our first camping trip together! We are so excited!! Even Malice liked our gifts(well mostly just the tissue paper)! My family is really the best and went to a lot of trouble to put my shower together, and I am very thankful for what they had to do to make it such a wonderful time! Now we are just waiting for the day Matt and I can renew our vows, the day before our 1 year anniversary!! I cant beleive ive almost been married a year, back up, I cant beleive im married! Haha! I just wanted to let everyone know I had a wonderful time at my shower and I cant wait to see everyone at the wedding!!

My 21st B-Day!!

2008-04-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

My 21st Birthday

For my 21st Birthday we went to the Wheel Inn in South Beloit, IL. My husband Matt, my dad and his girlfriend, my mom and her boyfriend, Colette, and some of the people dad works with all came. When I walked into the bar everyone in the bar sang me happy birthday!! It was neat but kinda embarrassing!!
1st drink- Yaeger Bomb(not so good, I gagged)
2nd drink- Miller Lite(the best choice of the night)
3rd drink-strawberry Cheesecake shot which you can see in the picture above
4th drink-Chocalate Cake shot-in the picture below
5th drink-Show of tequila rose(not one of my favorites)
6th drink-Miller Lite(by this time I had become a cheap date cause i was feeling pukish!!
Over all I had a pretty good time, but turning 21 isnt such a big deal! Drinking really isnt my thing, but im glad I got to experience the bar for the first time with my family, the ones that mean the most to me!

B

My God Son!

2008-02-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

This is Caden Michael Bouslog my Godson. Last friday night Matt and I had dinner with our best friends Andrea and Coley. At dinner we were asked to be Caden's Godparents! I was so touched and excited!! Caden's Mother and I have been friends since highschool and then we both got married on the same day! Weird Huh! Well I was there the day that Caden Michael came into this world and it was the most amazing and gross thing ever! Never would I have imagined that someone as small as him could impact my life in such a way, that is irriplacable. Isn't he so cute!!

Shower #1

2008-02-18T16:55:00.001-08:00

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

Johnathon and mom threw me a bridal shower over the weekend, for some friends and their mothers. It was a very nice day, we played a few games, we had some food, opened gifts, and chatted. I loved every minute, I know I wasnt to keen on having any showers since I am already married but I have to admit I had a lot of fun!! All I can sayd is Bring on the next one!!

Malice Miller

2008-02-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Febuary 2, 2008, Matthew and I got our new puppy Malice. She is a Bichon Frise and is now 8 weeks old. I guess you can say she is my little baby. When we brought her home she was welcomed home by her grandma, grandpa, and uncle.(hehe) Matt didnt want a dog but let me get one any ways, and he wasnt very fond of her, especially after he saw what she looked like after her first bath. The other day he was playing with her and I heard him say I love you to her. Once he knew I had heard him he took it make with a big grin and said no I hate you. (haha, He loves her) This was Malice's first bath. She looked like such a drowned rat when I was done with her.