California McMillans

It has been a great year and I look forward to 2011. I have grown to love and appreciate life more fully with each year. While some events are expected and anticipated others are not. Whatever the experience, each has the opportunity to help transform you and your family in one way or another. I look back on the year and realize that this year has been full of many of these experiences. I have improved and achieved some things and have a long way to go with many others. Some of these experiences of 2010 .... January. Scott got a Pumpkin for his birthday which started a great journey with RC. It doesn't matter what the hobby, but is miraculous to see how it can unite a family, create memories and bonds. It is all about the time spent together. February. Waiting for baby. Tired and apparent blood pressure issues which turned out to be a hyperthyroid. March. Surprised with a little girl! Having a girl is something that I never knew I wanted or would ever have but that has be

Top 5 things about Christmas... Visiting Carl's Grave. We read the Christmas story in Luke 2 on our way. When we got there we got to explain to the kids that the entire reason we celebrate Christmas was because Jesus was born and he made it possible for Carl to return to live with him and for us all to return to live with him someday. The spirit was so strong. The graves were filled with flowers. It was a rainy day and I loved to see people visiting loved ones. It made me so grateful for my knowledge of Christ and his gospel. It was a great reminder to me and the kids to what Christmas is all about. Scott's prayer . He said three things...."I am grateful for Jesus. I am grateful that today was Jesus, Carl and Pops Birthday. I am grateful for my guinea pig." So sweet, so genuine. Santa Letter. We read Scott and Tyler a letter in the morning from Santa (the irony of it all) about the true meaning of Christmas, all the great things they did that year and a co

I will never forget the two Christmases of my mission....it truly was as close as you can get to understanding the true meaning of Christmas. The first in Barcelona, the second in Benidorm. Th e miracle of both was that as a missionary you are totally immersed in the Lord's work. The day was spent with others, sharing the Christmas message and spirit. Lifting hands and bringing others to Christ. Spain was full of different nationalities and cultures. I soon realized that some of the most faithful, giving people were also the most humble. Here is a video that I love that reminded me of my mission a little. It is about a humanitarian vineyard of the church. The end is about a Spanish Branch full of people who deserve a break more than most, yet understand the true meaning of the season. Enjoy! https://lds.org/ensign/2010/12/christmas-in-the-vineyard?lang=eng

Christmas of 2008 was perhaps one of the most spiritual days that Danny and I have shared. Our son, Carl, was born at 1AM Christmas morning. While the world was anticipating waking up to presents under the tree, we were able to feel the greatest gift of all. The gift our Savior gave of peace and hope. While Carl's body was simply an empty vessel his spirit filled the room. We knew he was in a better place. He continues to teach us the miracle of Christmas. It was a simple Christmas focused on the true meaning of why we celebrate. I want Christmas to be more than just presents for my kids. I want them to feel and understand the joy and happiness of giving rather than receiving. That Christmas, Danny and I were able to give our son the gift of a body and we in return received so much more. He has and continues to be a cherished and important part of our family. As this Christmas season approaches, I have had the blessing of attending some amazing events that have helped me foc

Last night, Barack Obama and his family were in my dream. We were to interview them at my parents' home in Utah. They were all seated on the couch in the living room and I said, "Barack, you look tired." He said, "I know." I said, "You can take a nap if you want." He shoulda taken the nap because he was out of it and the interview wasn't really happening. A weird dream.

I simply CAN"T BELIEVE we have an 8 Month Old!! I just can't believe it. This is about the time that I get baby hungry. I was pregnant when Scott was 10 months and Tyler was 9 but that won't be happening this time around. I never thought I really liked babies but I guess I do, because I am kind of sad that I don't have a baby anymore. Kira is big. Not in size, but in doing big girl things. Not just sitting and being a baby and that is kind of sad. It just goes too fast and I want to hold onto the time that they let you hold them whenever you want and need you for every need they have. It is such a short window that goes too fast. Here is Kira at eight months in a nut shell.... Eats more formula than breastmilk. I usually nurse until 9 months partially out of laziness and mostly out of a love that my babies don't feed every 1.5 hours when they are drinking my watery milk. I really do miss the convenience of nursing when I am done. Kira is the first child

Had a great trip to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with my folks. We drove the 2005 Toyota Highlander 4wd and I had to drive most of the way since Heidi didn't like driving in the snow. Here is a picture of me and Scott riding Utah's Traxx light rail system in SLC. Layton's indoor pool, Surf 'n Swim On the platform for the diesel-electric Frontrunner At temple square, 15 second exposure at f/22 Adam and Lisa. Lisa claims that I bought her that hat from Ecuador, but I don't remember. It's a nice hat, anyway. At the Heber Creeper's Polar Express train ride Linzer and my dad At the Gateway in SLC Kira with my phillips screwdriver Chelle and Jared Mrs. Clause with the parentals and grandkids Kira, Jade, and Lily On the Polar Express Twas a fun trip even though we got detained on I-80 in both directions for a total of 3.5 hours. Thank goodness for 4wd and my savvy driving (I used to practice doughnuts on Bessie and the blue car so I knew how the car would perfor

The three cars: Bandit, E-Maxx and Rustler. The 3 drivers: Scott, Danny and Tyler. 1 problem: Tyler no longer wants his once fast car, the Rustler, because a newer and faster car came along, the E-Maxx. I now know why my parents always got two of everything during our younger years. We shall see how this dilemma will be resolved. Of course Danny being the Daddy that he is usually ends up carless or with the slow car again. What a guy. I told him to get 2 E-Maxx's, one for him and one for Tyler and get rid of the Rustler, but then we have a towing problem as you can see with the size of the thing. Best of luck!

My kids love bath time. They throw a ton of toys in the bath and can play forever. Tyler and Scott like to line up cars, squirt each other, make bubbles and watch their sister. Kira loves to hit the water and watch and feel is splash. It never gets old for her. She plays with toys and lets her brothers pour water all over her face. Something they would definitely not let her do to them. So fun seeing her old enough to interact and play with her brothers. So cute. Scott is much more of a father figure, protective, baby sitting type brother to her. He makes sure that she is safe, has a clean diaper, will hold her for me and makes sure she knows the rules. Tyler is all about having fun, being mischievous and having someone to play with. It will be interesting to see their roles and relationships play out in the months and years to come. Love sibling relationships. It is so fun to see.

Danny's birthday was November 10th. We had a great day and I think Danny did too which is AWESOME and makes me really happy! Everyone woke up early to open presents. The kids wrapped the E-Maxx in a huge box and of course loved helping him open it. Everyone was excited. Danny asked for a RC helicopter for Scott to drive. We now have three nice, fast, fun cars and helicopters so that everyone is having fun. Lately Danny has been left carless since the boys take the fast ones after about one minute. Danny was excited for his new toys. He also got a voice over book and some money to take a class. That needs a whole post explanation in itself. He had a good morning in the office and we met him for lunch. We have the same routine everytime we meet Danny. Wendy's lunch at the park. We had a brownie cake and sparkling cider to celebrate. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and the boys played with their toys. So much fun and so lucky to have a two hour lunch. The staff blocked out an extra

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER?? Three years ago I took on 1 more swim lesson in my already full schedule. The person on the other line seemed cool and quite frankly I used to have a really hard time saying no. A last minute decision that I am soo grateful I made. Stacey and her family became great friends! At the time Stacey really liked photography. It soon became a dedicated hobby and eventually a passion. I have watched Stacey transform from a really good photographer into literally the best photographer that I know. She is INCREDIBLE!! She uses fun, bright colors, catches the little moments and has such a fun style. I am sooo proud of her and want to tell the world. She is so busy and probably doesn't need anymore work, but if you are looking for an amazing photographer for lifestyle, babies or weddings, you should definitely check out her site . So impressed!! Here are a few photos. Casey's Wedding...AMAZING!! We were on Aquabears together. I thought this shot was cool...Have no id

Before My Heart Stops : A Memoir By Paul Cardall http://beforemyheartstops.blogspot.com Paul was born with a similar condition to Tyler and is one of the oldest survivors today. He wrote a book about his journey with a single ventricle. It was so great to hear and read a book from someone who is walking in similar shoes to Tyler. Before Tyler was born he came to me in the temple. He came as a man on the other side. He told me that he had a special heart; a heart to teach, a heart to love and a heart to learn. I have seen how Tyler's heart has given him and our family unique opportunities that would not be possible with a normal heart. I came away from reading the book with an added appreciation for being a heart mom. With added appreciation for how Heavenly Father creates each of us. And an added appreciation for my testimony and faith in my Savior and membership in my Church. Anyone who is dealing with illness, either themselves, their family or an associate should read t

Danny had been an associate for four years. It has been quite an experience. In dental school there are a couple of routes people can take. You can associate, specialize or be in the military after school. Danny envisioned himself as a general dentist. He loves working with people, loves doing a variety of things and feels he is good at what he does. The first year out Danny was blessed to work with two amazing mentors who were great dentists, teachers, role models and so much more. After a year, Danny left one of the practices, realizing he didn't envision himself buying the practice, and had a couple of jobs that were interesting to say the least. His first job was at a failing practice with no work and a boss who was in school to specialize. Danny realized that he actually did LOVE working on teeth. He was so bored not doing much dentistry and eventually left. His second was with a dentist who asked Danny to do things he didn't feel comfortable with. Danny realized h

Where do the months go?? It feels like Kira has been a part of our family forever. I can't recall what it was like without her. We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Kira so much!! At 7 months you... Love being outside. If we are playing outside you will sit and watch happily for hours. Puts everything in your mouth. Today I fished out two big leaves. Paper is your favorite and often comes out the other side. You LOVE your thumb. My first child that wouldn't take a pacifier. Just like your mom. Love your brothers. Love watching them, love when they hold you and sing to you. Scott sings "Rockabye" when you cry and Tyler tells me to feed you when you cry. You really only cry when you are hungry, tired or need to be changed. You smile like Tyler. You look like your dad. You are beautiful. You are radiant!! Petite. You don't like a bottle much. You don't eat much. You have the smallest features and are just so petite. I don't think you will ever be big, but it

I went to Northgate High School growing up. The football team was awesome our Freshman year and went downhill after that. This year they have won all of their games. Danny and Scott decided to go to Homecoming to cheer Luke on. It was fun and they enjoyed it. Sadly, Northgate was losing 35-0 at the half. Meanwhile, back at home, I slipped on the stairs while holding Kira and almost killed myself and my child. All I can remember was holding onto Kira, crashing and watching Kira in slow motion roll down a stair or two. I can't remember much of the event. I did manage to hold Kira through the initial fall, but let go once I was down. I very rarely freak out about medical issues, but I seriously thought I had damaged Kira's head and that my leg would need surgery. Panicked, I called Danny to tell him to come home. I then went into shock sobbing on the couch while holding Kira. Danny arrived and said, "Her eyes aren't dilated, she's tracking well, and she

Tyler goes to a little Mom's Morning out type deal from 9:30-12:30 every Friday. There are twelve kids and thus I work with another mom every six weeks to watch the kids. It is low key and a great little program at a local church. You are either in charge of snack or craft on your day, the kids have lunch and get to play. The first time I did it was total chaos. All the kids were there including two kids that had MAJOR separation anxiety. It of course made two others that are normally fine kind of sad. It was really sad, I remember being there with Scott about 2 years ago, but I recognize the kids will survive and this is so good for them to transition away from their mom. The second time I did it went WAY better and it was so fun. I was unsure if I wanted to commit to another activity, since it seems we are starting to loose our freedom, however, Tyler seems to enjoy it and it has been so nice to have some time with Scott. I really enjoy the days that I get to teach to ge

I got the party supplies two months ago during Tylers actual birthday and am proud to announce I FINALLY had Tylers party. It was so fun!! Highlights in pictures...#1 Table...Kids photographed are either obedient or just plain hungry. #2 POP's Spiderman Masterpiece. #3 Tyler and Max eating cake. Tyler claims his favorite part of the party was eating Spidermans' eyes (a HUGE piece I might add). #4 Cousin Roman attempting to out-eat Tyler in the cake eating contest. #5-7 Friends. This sums up the party. These boys figured out how to get six kids on this car all by themselves. All 15 or so kids played so nicely the entire time. It was the BEST part for the kids and the parents. #8 My adorable niece Paisley drunk with milk. #9 My adorable nephew Roman on the trampoline. I think at one time all the kids were on the trampoline. #10 The presents. Best part of the party to watch. I put all the presents on the table and they were all open in about 1 minute. It was awesome