Smiles and Miles

So...I've realized I'm not the best at keeping up a blog considering it's been a couple months.  However, it is the beginning of a new endeavour, and hopefully, the habit will come with time.  What's entertaining is the fact that most of my blogging ideas come when I'm away from the computer.  Maybe I'll start writing ideas on a post it. =)  Anyway, for all you wondering if we Millers fell off the face of the planet, or buried ourselves under a bunch of books, here's an update on the past couple months...

February began with a BLAST not only because Chris' dear Packers won the Superbowl (did I mention I went to elementary-high school with one of the players), but our nephew, Jack Wyatt Cazin was born!  Phone calls and pictures over text filled the next few days and we planned a trip out to see the little guy in March.  We got to spend a week with everyone in Grass Valley, visiting a snow-covered Tahoe, enjoying quality time with the family, and I definitely got my share of baby time!  Melissa and Charlie are amazing parents and it made me feel quite old sitting as a married woman next to my sister with a baby!  Even Alan spent a day with us before heading to his new job.

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary early so we could eat our cake...it was delicious!  really, it was!

Our return to Texas began a month full of training for the 5K Zoo Run with the middle school students from Morningside (an inner-city school where Chris works).  Most of the students have never participated in a 3 mile run, or even had any type of training.  For about four weeks, Chris trained the students twice a week, and raised support for their entry fees.  Last Saturday, we ran the race through the zoo and part of the community around it.  It was a beautiful day and all of the kids did awesome! 

To finish out the weekend, we went to the Arts Festival in Downtown Fort Worth, which reminded me a little of the good days at the Nevada County Fair.  Although we both miss the mountains, the nice thing about a big city...there's always something to do!  So now, you're all caught up with our lives...and yes there have been a ton of smiles and miles!  Love to you all.

This ones for my sister...

As little girls we dreamed we would be
Together forever...you and me
We'd share all our stories and memories too
But we'll never share the same pair of shoes

We laughed lots and we talked
We took many walks
Fun times filled with camping and hanging with friends
Led to some traditions that will never end

Our journeys grew longer, the miles increased
But following the Lord brought us much peace
The missing continued, and love it grew stronger
It is true with distance, the heart grows fonder

You told me you were pregnant, I couldn't help but cheer
But sadness came quickly cause I wouldn't be near
It hasn't been easy, pictures had to do
Trusting the Lord is what I turned to

And now as you await this little one to come
I miss you more than just some!!
What a great mother and nurturer you'll be
You holding your baby I can't wait to see

So know that I love you, it's hard to be away
But my heart rejoices for the day
When I'll be by your side, seeing this new gift
For when I think of it, my heart always lifts!!

Congrats to you both!! I love you tons and am so excited to meet this new little one who will call me Aunt!!!  Praying for you this month!

Baby Cazin is coming soon!!

Tender Tennessee Christmas

1,032 miles was the distance of our first journey to Tennessee to celebrate Christmas with the Miller family.  We traveled along the prettier part of East Texas, the rocky roads of Arkansas and the entire state of Tennessee.  And of course, we listened to a small bit of country music just to make it feel like home.  We arrived at 3am not so bright-eyed nor bushy-tailed, but praised the Lord for a safe trip.  The green machine (Chris' truck) was faithful til the end of his days and we were glad to give it to Dad.

Visits with Mom and Dad, Harry, Stacee, and Ross filled the next few days, with a special trip to Yamato's...Chris' favorite restaurant.  For anyone passing through Johnson City, TN...it's worth a stop in for their sesame chicken with shrimp sauce.  Sunday gave us a chance to visit with the Antioch church family and share some special memories and stories.  A hike up Buffalo Ridge in the snow brought us to the spot Chris wanted to propose and after he did for the second time, I said YES!!

One of the greatest parts of the trip included the walk down memory lane of Chris's childhood.  We visited the oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough, which reminded me of Nevada City. Also, the park where they had baseball parties was the same place Davy Crockett was born.  We stopped by Mamaw Miller's and I met the oldest living member of Chris' family...what a precious woman.

On Thursday, we had a chance to meet up with the Robinson family in Asheville, NC.  It was a great time of reconnecting, laughing, drinking coffee...it was guud.  Later that afternoon we braved the 22 degree weather of the downtown Asheville streets and found a cute little restaurant and cupcake shop to enjoy.  Our drive back over the mountain gave us some amazing sights to see on the snowy, smoky mountains.

Christmas Eve came quickly, and led to the Miller Christmas Eve party.  I wasn't sure what to expect since I was warned some uncles might show up with underwear on the outside of their pants, but found out they went easy on me for my first year.  In other words, it was a blast and I loved being inducted into the family!  We spent the night with Harry, Stacee, and Ross and woke up to a beautiful white Christmas!! YAY!

Christmas was a wonderful, fun-filled day of presents, delicious food, hikes in the snow with Ross and great family time.  It was such a joy and blessing to celebrate Christ's birth, reflecting on the incredible ways He has blessed my life this past year, especially with such an amazing husband!!

The snow continued to fall through Monday, keeping Chris from preaching at Antioch, but allowing us to enjoy some quality time with Mom and Dad and each other.  Sledding, walks in the snow, movies, football, and cooking brought relaxation and refreshment.  We headed back to Fort Worth on Tuesday after a wonderful meal at Cracker Barrell and walk on the river in Pigeon Forge with Mom and Dad.  Our first Christmas together was all I hoped it could be, and we are looking forward to many more!

Can you tell it's his favorite??

A view on a clear day shows all Johnson City and Mom and Dad's house

Jeff, Mama, and Justin Robinson

Millers

Merry Christmas

Chris and I are enjoying our first Tennessee Christmas together on a beautiful snowy morning.  Thought it was a great time to start a blog, giving you all a glimpse into our journey together...our miller mileage.  This one's short, but hope you all have a very merry Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ with friends and family.  With love