Happy Birthday Elena!

Today is my sister's birthday. I feel blessed to have her as my sister. She's always been someone I admire. When I was younger I always wanted to be like her. My sister Ines and I were so jealous of her. She had the looks, the clothes, the boys and more friends than we could hope for.

She's had a lot of trials in her life, but has endured them with grace and dignity. She's been the greatest example of gospel living I have ever seen. Her faith in God has always been a part of her life, but has been willing to share it with others including her family.

She is the pioneer in our family. She was the first to be baptized in the church and Ines and I followed her example. Our brother Marco followed in the same direction.

These are the fruits of her faith. A wonderful husband and an abundance of beautiful spirits that bring her an abundance of joy! I know that she feels richly blessed.

A more devoted mother and grandmother you couldn't find anywhere. She will go to the ends of the earth for her children. Even when things were hard she would do what needed to be done to provide for her family. Perfect she is not, but honest and devoted to her family she has always been. I saw her struggle as single mother, but never giving up. I saw her rise up from a job that didn't pay much to working as a teller in a bank, to better jobs always trying to provide for her children. All along staying steadfast in the gospel.


Her love is unconditional and her arms always ready to receive and welcome you in.
Her heritage is very important and she works hard on keeping that connection with family. She's made a few trips to Honduras to visit our Aunt and family still there. Her visits help the rest of us stay close to our roots. Something I appreciate very much. Their needs is something she doesn't overlook and tries to help them as much as she can. She has been a great Tia to my children. Always making them things and being there for important events in their lives.
As a sister she has been very good to me and has always been there for me. Supported me in all the important times in my life. I love her deeply and know that she thinks more about the needs of others than she does her own.
I wish I could be there to celebrate her special day, but since I can't this is the next best thing.
So, Elena I love you very much I'm grateful to have you in my life and wished daily I could be closer so we could have more sister time. I hope you have a wonderful day! I know your heart is always in the right place. Thanks for all that you do. I know that you never expect anything in return but I hope that the Lord will continue to bless you with many more wonderful blessings. You surely deserve them.
Even though you wouldn't let my kids pour syrup on more than just the top pancake, they still love you and it makes for a good story. You're an awesome sister! Thanks for always being there for us. We love You!!

Celebrating Aby!

Happy 6th birthday Aby!
Since we can't be with you on your special day we wanted you to know how much you mean to us. We love everything about you. You are a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day. A shining star on a dark night and precious as a gem. You are a girl with style and grace. You are our cup of (herbal) tea, full of energy I wish I had. In the long run herbal tea will give you more energy. I hope you understand what I mean. One of our favorite things is to watch you with your daddy. We know you are one of his greatest gifts. You are daddy's little girl.

You are so blessed to have such a beautiful family who loves and adore you!

Your cousins love you and would do anything for you including carnival rides. It's a good thing because us old people don't do well on carnival rides.

You are blessed to have cousins your age that you can play with and spend time with.
I love that you are a party girl who loves to dance and sing. You fit right in with all your tias because we love to have fun!
Thanks for letting Tia be part of your cool band and letting her sing with you. It was an honor!Being part of your world is an added blessing in our lives.
You are great big sister and we know you will always be the best example to your brother. We hope you know how special you are and that we love you very much. We send tons of hugs and kisses your way. Have a wonderful day! We love you! Uncle Al, Tia Ana, Ammon, and Samuel

The New Faces of New Generation Jazz

Saturday New Gen had their first performance at the Apple Fest. It's sponsored by the Cancer Society. Don't Worry that girl is not that tall she's on a platform and has heels on. Since so many graduated last year they have quite a few new members. I don't know all their names yet it will take me a while but I'm sure eventually I'll get the names down.

They sounded wonderful and they picked some great songs to sing. They sang Thriller, Play That Funky Music, Sir Duke and Some boring song I've heard before but I can't remember the name. It's one of those that will for sure put me to sleep. Anyway, they also sang Back in The USSR. I liked all of them except the boring one. Although, the girl that sang the solo was fantastic!! Last year they had two boring songs I didn't like and of course, Ammon had to tell the director what I said. They had quite a few conversations about it in class.
They seem to sound better this year than last year at this time. I look forward to some the concerts this year. Although, I did tell Ammon I wasn't going to the all the concerts because I don't like how all the same people get all the solos. It's my way of protesting. I guess I'm not at all in agreement how the director picks the solo parts. I felt the same way when Leah was in elementary school and she got all the solos. It became the "Leah Miller Show". I think they need to spread the Love! You see I'm pretty sure that all these kids are capable of solos, otherwise they wouldn't be in New Gen. I could go on and on but what's the point. I'm the only one that gets what I'm trying to say. I'm coming from the audience's point of view and I would like to hear my son sing at least one.

I'm really posting these pictures in honor of Leah because I figured she might be interested to see the new kids. I did have to vent at least a little. It fun to see the new faces and to hear the new blend of voices. I'm sorry Leah, I can't give more information but you probably know these faces more than I do. I did try to post them on Facebook but couldn't get it done. It's our computer screen and a long boring story I'm sure no one will care to hear!The best part of New Gen is meeting all the parents. I have some very good friends we have such a wonderful time when we get together. We are looking forward to many get togethers this school year. I'll miss my good friend Betsy who moved to Fargo. She was the party!!

LeeLee enjoy the pictures. Try not to miss high school and New Gen too much!