family reunion.

This past weekend we had a Miller Family Reunion (my mom's family). We had perfect weather and a great time hanging out, eating yummy food, playing games, catching up with family members ... including grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins and taking the yearly family photo (which gets more chaotic and crazy every year)!

Here is the entire Miller clan (minus my one cousin, his wife and their son who came down with croup the night before) ... this includes my Pop-pop and Nana, their 4 children and spouses, 10 grandchildren and spouses (we were missing one and my little brother is the only one not married), and 22 (since we were missing one) great-grandchildren! By the end of the year there will be 26 great-granchildren (unless one of my siblings or cousins is holding out on telling us something)!

And here is the Mellinger family (well, everyone is a Mellinger except for the Herr's!) ...

more books.

Since my posts with book recommendations seem to be a high request, I thought I'd mention our new favorites:

Hailey has been loving The Building on the Rock Series. She is often asking for more time to read before bed because of this series. The books are laid out as devotionals with questions at the end of each story. "The stories themselves include a good mixture of historical adventure, childhood experiences, remarkable instances of conversion and dramatic, edge of your seat, rescues from danger. The topics from the 5 books include missionary tales, remarkable conversions, living for God, the value of scripture, honouring God, dramatic deliverances, faithful witnesses and childhood faith."



All of our kiddos thoroughly enjoy listening to the CD by Aussie Colin Buchanan from Practise Being Godly. They enjoy reading the book too, but listening to the CD is a favorite.



Another fun favorite as of late is Seven Silly Eaters. Our kiddos are convinced that Emma is a silly eater since she only likes egg yolks which is probably why they get such a kick out of this book. Thankfully, my other children aren't very picky eaters (although I still empathize with Mrs. Peters!); but even I enjoy this silly, engaging story!



My new favorite cookbook that I've been putting to good use is Gluten Free Cupcakes by Elana Amsterdam. Even though we don't eat gluten free, I enjoy mixing it up in the kitchen and use many different grains/flours for baking and cooking. I love, love, love the recipes in this cookbook for muffins/cupcakes that use coconut and/or almond flour. They are delicious and loved by all who eat them!

While I'm talking about coconut flour, if anyone is looking for a good place to buy coconut flour, Tropical Traditions is a great company to buy from that will often have free shipping days and also has great sales that are always running on different items. They have a ton of other great coconut products too.

Speaking of baking; we ran out of bread and english muffins this morning so it's time to get baking!

my moms.

I am one blessed Momma. Not only do I have a wonderful husband and five precious little ones who have doted on me all day long, but I have also been blessed with a wonderful Mom and Mother-in-law of my own!

Mom - Thank you for how you tirelessly serve our family. Your trips to our house twice a month for the past (almost) 10 years have been one of God's kindest blessings in my life since getting married and moving away (and Dad - yes, I'm fully aware that I owe you big time). You enable me to run errands, go shopping, get out with one kiddo for a little date, have doctor/dentist appointments without lugging along 5 kids, and most importantly - have date nights with my love! You are quick to serve me in any way you are able and any time we have a need (including coming to help when Brian travels, babysitting the kiddos for overnighters, taking my little ones when I have projects to get done, helping out with school and any random jobs around the house). You are the greatest example in my life of showing what it means to serve others in such a way that is completely selfless and in complete joy. You have played such a part in making me who I am as a wife, mother and homemaker as I have had the privilege to watch you in action as your daughter (and Brian thanks you!) ... I pray that one day I can bless my daughters in the same way that you bless me! Thank you for being the best Mom a girl could ask for; I love you!

Mom #2 - I am so grateful to you for how you have raised your son to be a Godly man who fears the Lord and desires to honor Him above all else. I am a direct beneficiary of your hard work, time and investment that you made as a Mom. We have been so blessed by your care for our family. We love your trips when you come and visit to spend time with us and I love that you are always bringing something along that you know will bless me and the kiddos. Thank you for serving our family by sharing produce from your garden, lending a helping hand with applesauce and corn, delivering my poultry to me (often times already broken down by pound and bagged for me!), cleaning places in my house that only get cleaned when you are here, investing time with the kiddos and loving me like your own daughter; I love you!

Happy Mothers Day to both of you ... I am blessed indeed!