brad & jill + 3

Snacktime

2010-09-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

My heart meds tend to make me quite tired. After my afternoon powernap, the kids had made me this delicious snack...

Summer '10

2010-09-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

In July we had our first official Miller family reunion. We spent several days in Tamarack, Idaho at my sister Trina's cabin.

The Conders

The Millers

Our annual 24th of July camping trip with Brad's brother's family. This year was at a Jordanelle campground. Our site was beautiful - right on the river, but we had to set up our tents on platforms which was a pain, and also made sleeping a little more chilly.

These marshmallows were enormous

The Latest

2010-04-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

It's been another long while since updating. Here are some of the latest from the Conder household.

1. Brad was able to spend an amazing several days heli-skiing in Valdez, Alaska. He is now hooked and can't wait for his next trip. He is in ski-withdrawl right now, and is anxious to get out on his mountain bike. For the moment he is injury free, and hopefully things will stay that way so that he doesn't lose out on another biking season.

2. In March I was able to travel to NYC with my mom and sisters to visit Melany. We had an unforgettable time! I got to meet Megan's sweet baby Claire who lives in Missouri. I'm hoping that the Miller Girl trips become at least an every couple of years tradition.

3. Elly lost both front teeth...finally! She also decided to give Irish dance a go this spring. She will be back in ballet for the summer, and we'll see where she ends up this fall.

4. Brooke broke her arm playing Tarzan and Jane on the shower curtain rod, which she found out isn't actually bolted to the wall. She will be performing--with cast and all--in a ballet performance of Copellia in a few weeks.

5. Ethan started preschool in February. He loves it! It is strange to be home alone after 9 years of almost-never alone. He loves to be outside on the neighbor's trampoline, and always wants friends over to play. He loves to be read to, and I love that about him.

Pipes

2010-01-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight Brad was saying bedtime prayers with Ethan. Part of Ethan's prayer went something like this:

Ethan: Please bless my body won't throw up.

After amen was said...

Brad: Please bless what won't throw up?

Ethan: (making invisible stripes with his finger across his tummy) the black pipes in here.

(???)

Nutcracker

2009-12-17T12:11:00.001-08:00

Nutcracker rehearsals and performances have seemed to commandeer most of the last few months for the girls. They don't complain and they love it. I love it as well. It's fun to watch them grow and improve. Only 2 more performances to go!

The Angels

Party Girls

The party girl hair has proved to be quite a challenge...

Built-In Babysitting

2009-12-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

We have recently used Brooke as a babysitter, which we love. When we got home last time she babysat the dishes were done and the washing machine was running. We were super proud of her. Now don't worry, we were on dates at friends homes on our same street, so we weren't too far away. Plus we get this as well on our return:

I'm Thankful.

2009-11-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. I enjoy being able to reflect on the things that I'm grateful for, the things that my family has been blessed with, and even the challenges we've faced. So many of these things are so small, and maybe even seem trite to others.

On my mind lately is the birth of Ethan four years ago yesterday. It was the day before Thanksgiving. (Many of you know this already, but I'm recording this more for my own sake.) I had been on bed-rest for just over a month. During that month I was on meds that made my body constantly feel like I was on a caffeine high, making it difficult to rest. My mind and thoughts were foggy from the meds, and the little baby inside me was restless. I wasn't due until January 5th, so I understood the seriousness of the situation we were in. Our daughter Elly also was preterm. Born at 35 weeks. I was only 33. I figured if I made it just a few more weeks, then we would be out of the any real danger or complications. Unfortunately, on the night of the 22nd, I began losing amniotic fluid. We knew I had to deliver within 24 hours. I had feelings of panic for our unborn child. I also knew that we fortunately live in a time where there was so much that could be done medically to save pre-mature babies. For that knowledge I was very grateful.

On the evening of the 23rd, around 10:30pm, little Ethan was born. Seven weeks early. Five pounds, ten ounces. A giant preemie. Although his size was in his favor, his little lungs were not ready to breathe on their own. The doctors did what they could from AF Hospital, but after surfactant treatments, and other treatments that he could get from that particular NICU, he wasn't responding well. He was transported to UVRMC in Provo, where he was hooked up to an oscillating respirator. I said goodbye from my hospital bed around 2 am, not having been able to hold my baby. It was torture for me. The most I could do was stroke his tiny body from the small window of an incubator. He was connected to so many IV's and tubes. He looked very peaceful and comfortable, and to me that was such a blessing. I kept remembering how so many mothers left hospitals without their babies at all, and I knew that I was VERY lucky. He was in extremely capable hands. So Thanksgiving that year was spent a little unconventionally. Brad was at the hospital with Ethan, and communicating with me as much as possible on Ethan's progress/setbacks. I was able to rest well. I think Miracle on 34th street was being played continuously throughout the day. I probably slept most of the day. I hadn't really slept soundly for over a month. The sleep was bliss, and kept me from worried thoughts.

But Ethan rallied. He was the little giant in the NICU. He was home for Christmas that year. He stayed on oxygen for his first 4 months. And as many of you know, his lungs work just fine! I often look at him in wonder. I know that the prayers of friends and family, desperate parents, and a priesthood blessing from his father, grandfather, and uncles did not go unanswered.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Germs

2009-09-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ethan looked at my arms and said in a very concerned tone, "Mom, you have germs all over your arms. Look, they're everywhere."

Me: "Sorry bud, these are freckles, and when you're bigger you'll get the same kind of germs."

Ethan: "Gross....when I'm bigger like you?"

Catch Up Time

2009-09-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Our summer in picture form. Not in chronological order...

Fourth of July

At the zoo with cousins

First day of school

Hanging out on a Sunday evening at the mouth of Grove Creek Canyon

Great-grandpa Conder went to heaven. We love and miss him.

Camping/Boating trip at Deer Creek and Strawberry

So Ethan...

2009-08-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning as I was trying to wake up, Ethan climbed into my bed with me (typical morning routine) and opened the shutter on Brad's side of the bed.

Ethan: Mom! Birds!

Me: What color?

Ethan: Gray. Do you want me to catch them for dinner tonight?

What Happened Back In May...

2009-06-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

Brad and Matt and a few guys went to Moab to bike. My hubby was the only one who came home without the use of both wrists. Still waiting on MRI results.

The guy at the top of the photo is where he went over the top of his bike. The bike to Brad's left is where he landed, and where they're standing is where he finally stopped sliding...a good 20 feet or so in all.

My little brother Tom is now a married man!

Here he is with his sweet wife, Serena...we love her!

Is it really spring break?

2009-04-16T07:59:00.003-07:00

This is what we woke up to this morning. It is beautiful, but a strange way to spend Spring Break! Our goal this week was to plant our garden...hmmm.

This is our newly blossomed weeping cherry tree. I think it is actually weeping. Hopefully the blossoms will survive!

The view from our back deck

Easter

2009-04-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love what it represents, and I love the renewal that springtime brings. Here's a glimpse of what our day was like before we attended church...

Soaking the eggs

The Easter Bunny brought them paint this year...they were anxious to use it!

They attended a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, and got plenty of candy from that, so the E.B. brought other surprises!

GLOW

2009-04-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

The second grade classes do a play called "Glow" each year. Brooke was a parrot/narrator.

The side shot is my favorite.

Next time you see me out and about...

2009-04-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

So Elly...

2009-03-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

The other night we were sitting around the table finishing up dinner. Brooke and Ethan left the table, and Brad and I were commenting on how different each of our kids are. With Elly still at the table we were telling her how unique she was and how we wouldn't have as much fun without her in our family. Her response, very seriously, with no smile, "that's because I'm the only cute one in this family."

Elly's 6th Birthday...

2009-03-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

Just like any other parent, I can't believe that she is already 6. She is such a great little person to have around...life around here would be a lot less exciting without her!

We started the celebration at Kangaroo Zoo...

And finished off with cake and gifts at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Just one reason I was never in a beauty pageant...

2009-03-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Mom Survey

2009-03-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Brooklyn's blog and thought it was a great idea. Thanks Brooklyn!

Elly: (5 years old)

1. What is something mom always says to you? clean up

2. What makes mom happy? be nice

3. What makes mom sad? be mean

4. How does your mom make you laugh? tickling and do funny stuff

5. What was your mom like as a child? me

6. How old is your mom? 21 Ethan's answer: 4

7. How tall is your mom? big...really big Ethan's answer: big

8. What is her favorite thing to do? play

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? do laundry

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? a movie star

11. What is your mom really good at? helping

12. What is you mom not very good at? Elly shrugged her shoulders and then said, "yelling."

13. What does your mom do for her job? staying home

14. What is your mom's favorite food? salad and fruit Ethan's answer: eat noodles

15. What makes you proud of your mom? making food

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Charlie Brown's little sister (Sally)

17. What do you and your mom do together? play games

18. How are you and your mom the same? we both have bodies

19. How are you and your mom different? cause you're taller and I'm smaller

20. How do you know your mom loves you? because you love me

21. What does your mom like most about your dad? he's mostly funny

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Grandma's house and New York

Brooke: (8 years old)

1. What is something mom always says to you? be quiet

2. What makes mom happy? obeying you

3. What makes mom sad? when I don't obey you

4. How does your mom make you laugh? like when she does something funny with Ethan

5. What was your mom like as a child? like you were always happy

6. How old is your mom? 31 or 32

7. How tall is your mom? tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do? make cookies with me and Elly

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? go shopping for groceries

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? playing the piano (???)

11. What is your mom really good at? helping me with my homework

12. What is you mom not very good at? playing the violin...it was squeaky (so true)

13. What does your mom do for her job? clean the house, which I should pay for (love that)

14. What is your mom's favorite food? lasagne

15. What makes you proud of your mom? you're very sweet and kind

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Velma-the one with the glasses (the unattractive one)

17. What do you and your mom do together? sometimes shop

18. How are you and your mom the same? we both like to cook, and we have brown eyes

19. How are you and your mom different? you don't go to school, and I go to school

20. How do you know your mom loves you? because she gives me hugs & kisses and says I love you all the time

21. What does your mom like most about your dad? he's funny

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Italy

Eight Favorites

2009-03-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

1. My sister-in-law introduced me to Hummus on whole grain crackers this week and I'm in love.

2. Our new Apple computer. No more waiting for pages to open, or updates to download. Ahhhhhh.

3. I love that Elly says "keep it in your head" if she wants me to remember something.

4. Brooke is concerned about "polluination." Can you blame her?

5. A good panini. If only I could duplicate what I had in New York.

6. Friends, new and old.

7. Old movies. Philadelphia Story, Roman Holiday, Topper, and the like.

8. Watching my daughters with my dad:

This is exactly what my sisters and I would do to his longer 80's hair when we were little.

Homecoming

2009-02-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

They're home! We welcomed my parents home in mid January from their mission to Milan, Italy. It has been wonderful having them back home, and watching them get to know their grandkids again.

SNOW

2008-12-17T08:20:00.001-08:00

Our family has always loved the snow. Yesterday was the first real snowstorm that the kids could get out and play in. It wasn't "snowman snow" but they still had a great time.

Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-16T09:46:00.001-08:00

Every year the Conder side of the family gets together for dinner, gift exchange, and gingerbread houses!

Elly's Recital

2008-12-16T09:39:00.001-08:00

This December has been filled with ballet. Brooke began rehearsing for the Nutcracker a month ago, and as I'm writing this, she is performing (as a cookie) for school groups at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. She performs with Utah Regional Ballet. Elly performed with her class at UVU at the beginning of the month. She was an elf...and in my opinion a very cute elf!

Ethan is 3!

2008-12-16T09:32:00.001-08:00

Ethan's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, so he got to celebrate before church and after church!

He got the movie WALL-E, and a couple little things from his sisters.

We can't believe he's 3! We are so happy that he's part of our family!

We Yearbooked Ourselves

2008-11-10T12:32:00.001-08:00

I highly recommend yearbookyourself.com. (Thanks Megan!) Ethan has always been a thinker.

Brad tends to be a rebel with his long hair and all.

Elly has always liked flowers and fingernail polish.

Academics are important to Brooke, why, she must read all day long!

Crap, I forgot to tuck my bangs into the fro.

Halloween

2008-11-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our little goblins. We could not have asked for better trick-or-treating weather. It rained on us a little but we didn't freeze like we have in previous years.

Watch This...

2008-10-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

My sister Melany shared this with me and I can't get it out of my head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adc3MSS5Ydc

List of Eights

2008-10-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

Tagged by Rees.

8 TV shows I love to watch
1. The Office--dang, I missed it tonight
2. Leno on Monday nights for "Headliners"
3. What Not to Wear...I know, you'd think I'd learn something from it
4. Mythbusters
5. Dirty Jobs
6. Deadliest Catch...yep, I like the Disovery Channel
7. Everest (hope they do that again)
8. The Office--I know I already said it but its worthy of 2 slots

8 things that happened yesterday
1. Spent the day with my sis Melany who was visiting from NY
2. Had a bee land on my sweater at the mouth of Battlecreek canyon and had a conniption when I saw I was being swarmed
3. Made homemade applesauce
4. Went to the park with Melany, Elly and Ethan
5. Got shakes at Purple Turtle (Peanut Butter Cup)
6. Watched old Silly Symphonies
7. Got to see Brother-in-law Matt
8. Went to bed very tired

8 favorite places to eat (not in any specific order)
1. Macaroni Grill
2. Costa Vida
3. Goodwood
4. Olive Garden
5. Bombay House (only been once, but loved it)
6. That one place in Park City that's name escapes me
7. PF Changs
8. Taco Amigo

8 things I look forward to (only 8?)
1. My braces coming off
2. My mom and dad coming home and being with ALL my family at one place at the same time!
3. Our family vacation in a few months
4. The possibility of going to NY again next spring...and taking Brooke with me
5. The holidays
6. Skiing this winter
7. San Fransisco with Brad
8. Going to bed

8 things on my wish list (once again, only 8?)
1. Real world peace (stole that one from Rees, as well as a bazillion beauty queens)
2. Unlimited funds and time for travel
3. More time with Brad...time that isn't at the end of the day when I'm at the end of my rope
4. That our children will make good choices throughout life
5. Heart problems gone...as well as anxiety
6. Finish my college education
7. That people would generally be more respectful and kind to one another
8. I wish someone I liked was running for president

8 people I tag
1-8: anyone interested

I Almost Forgot!

2008-10-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Elly had her first visit from the tooth fairy last week! It looks like another visit may occur in the next day or so. The tooth next door is hanging on by a thread!

What We've Been Up To...

2008-10-13T12:27:00.001-07:00

This past month has been so fun. We went out to Bishop, CA at the end of September to visit Brad's grandfather who is 96 years old and amazing. While we were there we went to a Native American (I believe it was Piute) parade and Pow-Wow.

Another milestone this past month was Brooke's 8th birthday. We celebrated by taking her and some of her friends to a pottery studio. They had a great time and painting, playing, and eating cake.

The highlight was definately last Saturday. Brooke made the decision to be baptized! It was such a great experience for her, as well as the rest of us. There has been a very sweet feeling in our home since then, and we hope in stays... Brooke with 2 of her friends. 5 were baptized from our ward that day!
Brooke with her proud Papa

The Birthday Bash!

At Grandpa's house in Bishop

At the park...also in Bishop

The Pow Wow...one of the neatest things I've ever seen.

Tagged by Carola...

2008-09-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules: Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

1. I'm indecisive when it comes to shopping...for anything. And after purchasing, I'm either unhappy with the choice or I feel completely guilty for spending the money. It annoys not only myself, but the poor person shopping with me.

2. When I wash my hair, I don't let the hair go down the drain...I don't like clogged drains. So I collect it all and 9 times out of 10 leave it in the shower. Brad hates this. I also do the same when I blow dry. I don't want my hair all over the floor, so I put it all in the (Brad's) sink, and then forget about it.

3. I enjoy popping zits...other people's as well, though I limit that to immediate family. My poor kids when they are teens. And I LOVE peeling off sunbuned skin.

4. I click my fingernails when I'm nervous...sorry Megan, I am especially careful around you. I also click the battery covers on and off of remote controls while I watch TV.

5. There are specific words that I can't stand hearing (other than curse words). Most have to do with reproductive organs or human anatomy. Just thinking about them makes me cringe.

6. I am terrified of squid and octopus. (I literally just shuddered.) They look all inside-out-backwards-upside-down, and just wrong. Sorry, marine biologists.

Wow, I feel slightly exposed. The list could have gone on.

I tag: Amie, Andrea B, Andrea W, Brooklyn, Jen, Megan (sorry, I don't know how to link you)

In The Canyon

2008-09-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

After church last Sunday, we went up to Tibble Fork to enjoy the afternoon. It was a perfect afternoon. We feel fortunate to live so close to such gorgeous places!

Back To School

2008-09-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

School began earlier this year. August 18th for Brooke, and a week later for Elly. They have loved being back in school.

Summer

2008-07-30T08:06:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the things we've been up to this summer. The photos start with our most recent camping trip to Strawberry Reservoir and boating at Deer Creek. Super fun trip with Brad's brother Robert's family. At the beginning of the month (for the 4th of July) we had Melany and Matt come in from New York for the weekend as well and Megan and Travis and their cute kids from Idaho. It was an extremely fun weekend and as always I wish their stay could have lasted longer.

At Deer Creek
At Strawberry
Brooke and Lauren (niece) fishing at Strawberry
She loves her hair in this one
We attempted to find a geocache, but were unsuccessful
With Melany and Megan 4th of July weekend
Horrible face-paint jobs and a very tired Ethan
Waiting for fireworks to start--those glow in the dark sticks loose their charm with the flash of a camera.

Brooke taught herself how to ride a 2-wheeler...she wanted NO help
Ethan--the very mischief--note the pen markings on his legs and arm. He is almost always into something messy.
Playdough creations by Brooke and Elly
Yes, I'm now 32.
The girls with Aunt Melany--playing with shells Matt and Melany brought back from their Portugal/Spain/France trip.

Italy Pics...Finally

2008-06-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a glimpse of our trip to Italy. My apologies for taking so long in posting. It has been a busy month. It was such an amazing trip! The pics got jumbled a bit while uploading, so nothing is in order. We look forward to our next Eurotrip.

In Venice: Behind Brad is the Bridge of Sighs. It is a place where prisoners were taken from court to prison. They would sigh at their last glimpse of their beautiful Venice.
We got ourselves lost in Venice--mostly on purpose. We ended up winding through the streets finding old cathedrals and plazas where children were playing with sidewalk chalk.
On Rialto Bridge

In Bellagio--a small town on the shore of Lake Como

An unfinished Michaelangelo in the Sforza Castle (Milan)
Lake Como
Bellagio
Lake Como
The Galleria next to the Duomo

Trina and Melany took pictures like this when they went...we couldn't resist.
On the rooftop of the Duomo
One of the many inside views of the Duomo
In the Sforza Castle
Milano Centrale (Train Station)

Ciao!

2008-04-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Brad and I are headed to Italy! (without our kiddos) We will be staying with my parents (serving a mission) in Milan, and from there we will most likely visit many other places. We plan on taking our time...we don't want to be in any sort of rush. Our blog won't be updated for a couple of weeks. We hope you are all well! Ciao!

Poetry Day

2008-04-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today Brooke's class had a poetry reading. Each child chose a poem to read to parents. She chose Hug O War by Shel Silverstein.

They closed the reading with a poem entitled "Pluto."

Tulip Festival

2008-04-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Last week was spring break, so we took some field trips. We went to the Living Planet Aquarium, and the Thanksgiving Point tulip festival. The tulips were not quite ready, which was a little disappointing. However, the weather was beautiful, and the kids loved it (so did I.) We also did some kite flying. We live at the mouth of grove creek canyon, and at the mouth is a mostly empty retention basin. It is the perfect place for the wind to catch the kites and really make them fly.

Not quite sure what emotion is being displayed here, but I love this face!
The Italian Garden

(they were hoping to see Grandma and Grandpa here)
Taking a break and eating snickerdoodles the size of our faces...my favorite kind.
Photo by Brooke

Long Time, No Blog.

2008-04-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

I love how hard Elly is working in the background.

At the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum

Hey Mom...am I going cross-eyed? I love those big brown eyes!

Elly celebrating the big 5!!!

After ballet class.

Five Favorite Things

2008-03-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

1. Being married to my favorite person. I knew that being married someday would be a "rewarding experience," but I didn't realize just how cool an experience it would be for me. Brad and I had a lot in common from the get-go, so it's been great to build on that and to even find out how different we are. I love that when he doesn't quite get me, he honestly tries to. I love seeing how he reacts with our kids...they can't get enough of their dad. I love that he's self motivated, that he is willing and able to try things out of the ordinary....

2. Being a mom. Okay, so it is the hardest thing I have ever done. Still, at the end of the day, I am so smitten with my kids. They inflict every possible emotion upon me, good and bad, and I am addicted to them. They make me want to be a better person.

3. My Mom and Dad. They mean the world to me. Never have I relied so much on what they have taught me or the way they raised me. I think about it constantly as I interact with my kids. I love that they are young and vibrant and willing to continue serving us...even if it is from Italy. I miss piling on mom and dad's bed with everyone else and laughing about nonsencical things. Piling (and I mean piling) in the van for another Teton/Yellowstone/Bear Lake loop while waiting for my turn for a spot on the bench. I will never forget making up songs about ourselves and our cars while the rain doused our tent in Arches...come to think of it, I don't think the constant rainfall helped Tom's situation at all. My parents amaze me.
4. My brother and sisters. Who would've thought (as a young kid) that you'd care more about your siblings than your friends. I look forward to every visit, every phone call, e-mail, text message, you name it! I love love love them.
5. Travel. Oh man, just to get out of dodge. It is rejuvenating, freeing, liberating...I think you know what I'm getting at. I love new places, new faces, new surroundings.

We Have Arrived

2008-03-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

We have been told by many friends that we may be the last people on the planet not to have a blog spot. We tend to relish our anonymity, which may be the main reason it has taken us so long to begin this. Be patient with us!

It has been an amazing winter! Plenty of great snow...our arm and back muscles got seriously worked out shoveling. Brad spent many winter Saturdays skiing...his passion (besides me, of course ha ha). Our kids (mainly Brooke) has fallen in love with snow. Since the first few years of her life were spent in Santa Rosa, CA, she is discovering the beauty and fun that comes with winter. She loves skiing, tubing/sledding, creating snowmen, snow angels, and snow porcupines (complete with sticks for their prickles) and offers to "help" shoveling the driveway, even though she actually means "play" while we clear it all up. Our Elly likes it just as much, she just doesn't like to be cold for any extended period of time. She wants hot chocolate after about 15 minutes outside. Still, she is a blast to watch. Ethan is usually taking his nap while we play outside. I am looking forward to getting them all up skiing soon. At the same time, I'm noticing buds on our maple trees and I begin to feel a little spring fever coming on. I love living in a place where we can see the changing seasons.