Our Family

2011-10-26T14:24:00.000-04:00

Happy 10th Anniversary, Luder, I love you.

October 27 2001, Washington DC Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The man I love.

How do you put into words the love that has changed you? Growing up, I always wanted a family. I wanted a companion and someone to share my life with, someone who would care for me. As I became a young adult, there was a realization that it would be hard to find the person that I could imagine spending forever with.

Looking back, my mind is flooded with memories. Memories of building our life together as a young married couple, of precious time surrounding the births of our beautiful children. Memories of graduating at the same time, building our life in Richmond and of many many blessings and trials that our marriage has withstood.

As I reflect, I am brought to tears and laughter. We have truly had so much fun together. I don't know where I end and he begins anymore, nor do I care. I have grown to rely on him so much and the only thing I would change about us right now is that I wish I could see him more.

I am so proud of him, no one knows the person that I see. That is the privilege of marriage I suppose. He is a dedicated father, I have rarely seen a father like him. He puts everyone else first. He loves the Lord and has a rock solid testimony. He amazes me with all the kindness that he wishes people, even people that are unkind to him. He is patient.

What touches me the most is the way he loves me. He tells me that I am beautiful and would never say otherwise. He supports everything I do. He would give me anything I want, knowing that I would never take advantage. He is my best friend. We can talk for hours and there is nothing I would rather do than ride along a country road with him, discussing our dreams.

I am so grateful for this blessing from Heavenly Father and can't wait to see what the next 10 years will bring us.

Silly

2011-09-21T13:36:00.002-04:00

Parents-tell me, is this normal?
I have a kindergartener and a 2nd grader. When the oldest child was in kindergarten, we decided to have my husband take him to school (because I had just had a baby) and he would ride the bus home. I became acquainted and annoyed with the school system's transportation rule. The rule is, if you have a kindergartener come home on the bus, an authorized person must be at the bus stop with their legal ID every single day. If you go to the bus stop to get your kindergartener on the 100th day of school (bus driver has seen you 99 times before with your ID) and you do not have your ID, the bus driver will take your child back to school. Leaving you at the bus stop, probably in tears and leaving your child on the bus, pulling away in tears. This never happened to me but it causes great anxiety for a mother everyday around 2:00pm.
As I thought about this, I thought to myself-1. I am glad that they don't let kindergarteners off the bus alone, that they check and make sure the person is authorized etc (even though they make mistakes all the time) and 2. I have legal custody of my child, it's my child and you are telling me that a stranger (bus driver) has the authority to drive away with my child, taking them back to school, all because I, as the parent, registered MY child for kindergarten and allowed them to ride the bus and forgot my ID one time? This is silly.
Back up to May when I registered my 2nd child for kindergarten. I did some research and found out that there is a waiver that I can sign to have my child get off the bus without the ID everyday. I wanted him to get off the bus with his older brother, we live about 40 feet from the stop, I can see the stop and they can see me. I would be outside, watch them get off, walk about 20 feet to where I would split the difference and all would be well. I wouldn't have to get in my purse everyday, pull out my ID and walk to the stop and sit there for who knows how long. Seems like a good plan to me.
So, I signed the waiver and on open house night, I spoke with the Vice Principal or resource teacher about this, on the first day of school I sent an email to both teachers of my children and I was at the bus stop with my ID just in case.
It's a good thing because they had NO idea about any waiver I had signed. So, I spoke with the bus driver about the situation, showed my ID and went into the house with the children and called the school. They said they would handle it.
It's now the third week of school, the bus driver still calls my son the wrong name and looks like he's confused. Yesterday, I was at the stop (because I am too nervous to not be there and because I like to watch them come off the bus) and the driver told me to come over to the bus. "WHAT NOW!" I thought as I walked over.
He had a copy of the list of people that I turned in to the school that are authorized to pick my child up, like my child's grandparents, my best friends that could help if I was in a pinch. He told me that I had to take one of their names off and replace it with Cason's name. Right. So I should take a responsible adults name off the list and add a 7 year olds name. Ok. And, they also said at open house that if you don't put yourself on the list, you can't pick up your own child.
So, I called the school again to ask if this was correct. After they laugh and agree with me that this is ridiculous, they do some research (talk to the Dept of Transportation) and call to tell me that the driver is correct and they will be sending me a new authorization form to fill out in my handwriting to add Cason and take someone else off.
I forgot to mention that they wouldn't let my sweet little kindergartener get on the bus the first day to come home because his name tag said his middle name (which he goes by) and not his first name. He had to argue and tell them his full name, at 5 years old.
All of this is silly. This is all because they do not want to get sued. How far have we gotten from caring about the children and putting them first because we are afraid of a lawsuit or being fired? Where were the mother's and parents when they decided all of these rules and procedures of our PUBLIC school system? Where are our rights as parents? More and more red tape is added each year. You should see the amount of releases I have to sign to have my child at school.
I am tired of it. I love the teachers that my children have. I really like the school and I think the staff and principal are wonderful. I think they care.
I don't know where the breakdown happened or why I have to go through so much just to have my children return home to my open arms when I, their mother, am physically there every single day.
Who else has this policy?

You Did It, Elder Cason

2011-08-08T16:42:00.014-04:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has asked all males at the age of 19 years old, who are able, to serve a full time mission. These young men dedicate two years of their lives to a mission. They are assigned to any possible part of the world where their service is needed. They teach people about Jesus Christ, they provide manual labor for free, they baptize and bring a message of hope to those who are willing to hear.They do not see their families for two years, they do not talk to them on the phone or text them (with the exception of two phone calls a year, one on Mother's Day and one on Christmas). They are not paid, they actually have to pay for everything themselves. These young men serve the Lord willingly and do nothing else for two years.

Scott is the the first missionary in our family to serve The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is no way to adequately describe the change that happens to these young men when they go and serve. Some people say that they leave a boy and come home a man. I have seen the blessings of a mission. My husband served a full time mission in Costa Rica and I benefit from it everyday. I have also been blessed because of Scott's faithful missionary service.

This was always a dream I had for my little brother and I know it was his own dream. As he began to prepare and the time was drawing close, some people did not understand why he would want to go. Why would a 19 year old boy want to leave family, college, dating and the comforts and safety of home to talk to people about God?

All I can tell you is that I have seen his life change, as he changed the lives of others. He has written home and shared with us the many miracles that have happened while he has been away. He has walked the streets and met people who were hopeless, taught them that there is hope in this dark world and through this, he has changed them forever. He has performed hard manual labor, helping communities in California. I have seen the mile long hills he has had to climb in 100+ degree weather on a bicycle with a pack on his back. His life for the last two years has been filled with purpose and dedication. He has been in leadership since he began his mission and through this, he has learned many valuable life lessons.

I have never heard him happier, than he has been these past two years. Although I wasn't able to talk to him regularly, his mission strengthened me. It blessed my family. It increased my testimony and changed me forever. I am so proud of him and I love him.

He did it! He did it!

To learn more go to: lds.org

Mother's Day Tea

2011-07-26T14:52:00.001-04:00

So, for the past several years, I have had the great privilege to go to a Mother's Day Tea at the preschool where they honor Mother's. It is a special day. What touches me the most is his excitement. He is so excited to finally be able to do something nice for me and make me feel special. I love the little write up they do, they ask them our name, our favorite food, how old we are and the answers are so funny. I think this year I was 15 years old and my favorite thing to eat was casserole. He also said if he had a lot of money he would buy me a beautiful necklace. I love the opportunity to see myself through my child's eyes.

Grateful

2010-12-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful. I am grateful for a family that loves me. I am grateful for a warm home with food and the ability to create things in my home that make us happy. I am grateful for my faith and the freedom that I have to believe what I want to believe. I am grateful for my sweet little children who are each uniquely wonderful.
I am grateful for my parents who have made me who I am today, for all that they do for me, for the way they love my children more than anything else. I am grateful for girlfriends and good times. I am so grateful for a man who loves me and brings out the best in me and even though he absolutely drives me nuts sometimes, I wouldn't trade him for anything or anyone.
What are you grateful for?

2010-11-30T23:32:00.000-05:00

You do not know your strength until it's tested. You do not know the capacity of love until it's tried. You do not know how you will respond in a crisis or how it will feel until you are there. You do not know who really cares until you are alone.
Does everyone feel as old as I do? I feel young at heart and yet I feel as if I am 100 years old in wisdom. I wonder if people 50 years ago felt this way? It's as if every morning I wake up, I step onto a battlefield of choices. You may say that sounds dramatic or depressing. It is neither. It is reality. I choose to focus on the positive things in my life, the bright moments. I believe it would be easy to look around and list off all the suffering, there is so much but I want to look around and take note of all the miracles. I want to stop and stare at my children and take in the moment and have it forever. I want to rest my tired body on the soft cool grass and watch the stars. I want to have the strength to lift another and avoid the next opportunity to judge them.
I heard someone say, what you focus on grows. It has.

July 2010

2010-10-01T16:04:00.000-04:00

I love my family. I have this aunt, (far left) and for some reason, we are more like sisters than aunt and niece. She is my Dad's younger sister by 14 years. We look alike. She is the South Carolina version of me. We have a great time together. We have three boys, blond hair, similar in so many ways. She is a little ahead of me in life but we still have a great time together. I love her and her kids.

We went to visit them in July. She had just found out she was expecting their 4th baby, so we went down to check out their new pool and help cheer her up from her dreaded morning sickness. My Mom went with me. My Mom is also wonderful and she puts up with me and my children on road trips. I think she really likes it.

We are at the local peach farm with a petting zoo. It was comfortable to be in SC in July. We had a great time. Leslie's boys are so helpful and loving to my boys. I hope that my boys grow up to be as sweet and nurturing. I am looking forward to our next visit.

Technology "Break"

2010-09-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

Seriously. In the last couple of months (more like the last month) my cell phone, camera, computer and printer all have died. I would say that I am pretty techno savvy. I don't cheap out and always buy the bottom of the barrel products and I do not let my children play with my technology. I take care of my stuff. Heck, I still have the first generation ipod and when the missionaries saw it, they mocked me openly and said it should be in the smithsonian...... thanks guys.

What is the deal? We so rely on these technology tools. They are expensive and is it just me or do they never work like they are supposed to? I am sick of it.

The only way I have made it lately because I know you are suprised but I don't have the funds to go replace it all at once, is to limp along with some of my parents old stuff (thank you Mom and Dad) and get a free phone, thus the comment on facebook about Luder's phone being better than mine.

A few years ago, it would have absolutely sent me into grumpville to have any one of these break. Now, I just try to think outside the box for temporary solutions and think of it as a little "break" from the world.

Business of Being Beautiful

2010-08-24T15:53:00.000-04:00

So, I was thinking the other day....yes I do that sometimes, and I think that we as women have outsmarted ourselves. Men clearly haven't. Women compare ourselves to other women. We wear makeup, jewelry, accessories, purses and style our hair. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be a man. You get up, get your clothes on that your wife probably picked out for you at some point, take a shower, shave your face and do your job.

I am not even going into the whole realm that some women find themselves in of endless working out, eyelash extensions, botox and plastic surgery.

If we, as women all did not wear makeup (no, I am not kidding myself, I don't think this would really happen, nor would it be good for the world necessarily) we could save ourselves a lot of time and money.

I am all for taking care of yourself but there should be healthy limits. I see women (mostly ones I don't know) spinning out of control. Eating less, running more, more beauty products, procedures, more more more. Maybe the men have it right.

For now, I am happy to boycott makeup on occasion, eat heathy as much as possible, get a little exercise and not worry about all that business of being beautiful.

2010-08-24T15:28:00.001-04:00

Facebook. I am not sure how I feel about facebook. I like that I get to keep in touch with friends and family. I find some things strange about facebook, not judging, just observing. I think that most people have figured, if we can't beat them, join them. So, they are on facebook, lurking, commenting and posting with the best of them. I recently got a friend request from my Grandpa. I am glad to stay in touch with him via facebook, it's just not what I expected. Facebook has reached all generations, all people, sane and insane. I think it is interesting and sometimes funny when people choose to get on facebook and have an arguement with people they do not know. Talking with strangers about something that you have strong feelings about is not "smart" in my mind. I think we all end up there sometimes.

The older I get, the more I am repulsed by drama. I would rather hide out, not listen and for sure not be a part of any drama that may be brewing. I don't have time. There are times when I want to write an occasional crazy or funny thought on facebook, then I think of the previous crazy status updates I have read and I cringe. I think to myself, "it isn't worth it."

I wonder how long facebook will last. What will replace it? Part of me thinks it's sad that we use facebook to get to know each other or to stay in touch. Really? Has life gotten that out of control? Appearantly, it has.

Motherhood

2010-08-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

It's official. I am Mom. I drive the van I said I never would, don't knock it. It has several DVD players, auto everything and I LOVE IT because it makes my life easier. I have three kids. It's more like, they have me. My life revolves around them. Everything I do is devoted to being a good mom and helping my children have the best lives. I know that I am imperfect and I sometimes wonder what they will say about me between the time that they "know everything" and then have their own children and "realize how smart and wonderful I was/am" like most new parents do.
Being a mother, I have learned, all has to do with balance. Emotional, spiritual, physical. Everyday I think about all these things. I focus on trying to keep all of us healthy in every way possible. It is also so important to have fun along the way. Luder has forced me to learn that and I appreciate him for that. He has me stop and just sit outside or take a walk in nature with the boys. We all end up feeling better. I get through life a lot easier with a sense of humor. If you can laugh about it, it makes it a lot more fun. So to all of my mini van driving sisters, the next time you want to die of humiliation in public because of something your kids do, laugh and live it up.

2010-08-06T16:26:00.003-04:00

Declan turned one this month. He is a charming little man with lots of personality. He is the most laid back baby I have ever seen and I thank God for this every day. He can talk, almost walk and crawl. He loves to eat everything we eat. He is so fun and he listens! It's amazing. We have so enjoyed having him in our family and I look forward to watching him grow, not too fast though! Happy Birthday Declan. We love you.

Declan's Blessing

2010-01-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

Beautiful baby Declan was blessed at church on December 6, 2009 by his father. In our church, the baby is brought before the congregation and given his name and a special blessing for life that is specific and unique to each child. It was a wonderful day for our family!

Declan McCoy Milton. Declan is the name of an Irish Saint and it means, "man of prayer" and McCoy is my mother's maiden name. It is special to me because it was Nan's name.

The "A" Team and no they didn't plan matching outfits.

December Traditions and Snow

2009-12-07T22:54:00.000-05:00

The boys looking at the temple.

Luder and I took our family to the temple to see the lights at the temple where we were married in Washington DC. It was gorgeous!

The visitors center where all the nativities are from all different countries.

Too much celebrating.

They played the cutest pass the gingerbread game at the preschool, Abram and Sarah were the last ones and Abram won and was so excited. It was really cute.

The girls and I making pretzel sticks and various other treats for Christmas one night, late.

The boys watching the snow start. It was so exciting and beautiful.

Straight off of "The Christmas Story" with the kid that "can't put his arms down."

Chapped face and hot chocolate.

A Couple of Thanksgiving Pictures

2009-11-27T19:31:00.002-05:00

Right before Thanksgiving dinner, Aunt Anita, Aunt Leslie, Declan and I (his first Thanksgiving ever) and Caroline, my cousin Blake's girlfriend.

For Thanksgiving we went to my parents, then went to Luder's parents on Saturday. It was one of the best Thanksgiving's ever. We missed my lil bro Scott though.

My little cousin Justin and Declan.

Dad and Grandma.

Declan passed out at Gramomma's.

The boys wanted to play in the leaves at Gramomma and Gramps' house.

Happy?

2009-11-22T20:17:00.002-05:00

2009-11-16T15:57:00.001-05:00

For the boys' birthday, we rode the train to Gramomma and Gramps' house and they each had individual celebrations on their special day. These are out of order bc the blog site is not user friendly and I don't have time to figure it all out right now.

On the way up to Frederickburg Friday night, on the train.

I love this picture of Luder.

After the train, they passed out.

A little "FUNLAND" experience.

Cason reading his cards on his bday.

Gramomma made cakes for the boys to have at her house.

The train ride home. They are so cute.

Abram's preschool birthday.

Turkey time!

Abram's celebration at our house.

Luder got to go to the preschool party for Abram.

Cason's celebration. He had Turner and Caleb over.

Cason got a special ROAR award for citizenship in front of the school during an assembly. I was very proud of him! I love you Cason!! Good little man!

Skyline In November

2009-11-03T18:38:00.001-05:00

We went to Skyline Drive in early November to see the leaves and eat at the Big Meadow's Lodge. It was so much fun. The view was breathtaking. I loved every minute of it. This was at a pull off on the side of the road.

This deer was huge and eating peacefully on the side of the road as you can see the white line.

My Dad took them on a short hike. It was freezing!

Cason looking at the deer.

The buddies on their hike.

Halloween

2009-10-31T22:08:00.001-04:00

These guys are scary.

This year we had 2 Batmen and one miniature giraffe.

The "Bat Mobil"

What is this world coming to?

2009-10-14T13:37:00.010-04:00

Knowledge Is Power
So, this summer as I got everything ready for school, you know, sent the health forms in and filled out the gobs of paperwork for kindergarten (it's kindergarten people) I was thorough. Cason needed a booster in September of MMR and one in October of Hep B. I made the appointments and went on with life.
Before school began, I get a call from the school nurse that I need two boosters or he can't start school. I call the school and inform them that "per the pediatrician, Cason cannot have the boosters until Sept and Oct and I will get you the updated shot records when the boosters are administered." I get the "oh, Okay." We hang up and go on with our lives.
After school begins, I get a phone call from the school nurse again, that Cason needs 2 boosters. I call back again and tell them that he will get the shots when he goes to his apt in September and in October and that according to VA State law, I have 30 days to have the shots done and that I am following the pediatrician's guidelines anyway.
We go to the apt, Cason get the booster he can have in Sept, he is up to date and in compliance with everything. I send in the updated form. The school nurse calls and says that I need his Hep B shot still. I remind her that this is my third time telling her that he cannot have the shot until October, "per the pediatrician and standard shot schedule." Before calling her back, I had taken a deep breath, with all the stress I was under, I wanted to use her as a scapegoat, it would feel so good. I didn't. I was kind.
I went in today to take Cason in late. Again, I feel like I was being a good mother, I kept him home yesterday and called the school to tell them where he was when he had a low grade fever and symptoms of pink eye. When I called they gave me the 5th degree, asking me all kinds of questions, I kindly replied-because I knew where it was all going, "No, he doesn't have the flu, thanks, good bye." So, I arrived late with Cason today because I wanted to make sure that he was ok to go to school. As I walked in, I could tell Cason was worried about being late, I told him it was ok etc.
Then this happens:
Nurse: Has he had his Hep shot yet? ( She had pulled his file when I called and was waiting to practically hit me upside my sleep deprived head with it.)
Me: No, I told you that he would have it sometime in October, there is a 3 week wait to get in right now and I have 30 days to get it done. He will have it later this month.
Nurse: He can't come
Me: Excuse me?
Nurse: He can't come
I look at her, she has already screwed up so many times, should I talk it out here and now with her? What good would it do? You learn to listen to people when they tell you that they are crazy. I decided at that moment that I better leave. I didn't want Cason to hear all the things that would have to be said or be afraid. I didn't want to go to jail for choking someone who in my opinion was on a power trip and very ignorant. I would back down from this strong position if I had felt the least concern for my child.
I said, leaning into her face, reading her name tag with a conniving smile, Jane Doe huh?
And I turned and said, C'mon Cason. Let's Go!
As I walked out I thought, giving birth pays off, I will have Luder handle this, after all, this is a little thing compared to giving birth etc. He can't tell me no. I called him, he got the principal on the phone. In the meantime (this is where it pays to know your rights and be organized) I took 20 mins to go home, find the blank exemption form, get it notarized and happily walk back into the school with the form and send my son to his class.
I will get the immunizations when they are supposed to be administered but until then, Jane Doe, have your fun with someone else.

*I decided to save you from a tangent about how it's my God given right as his mother to know what is best for my child, not a public school system and certainly not a nurse (is she even a nurse anyway?) that can't remember talking to someone 3 times all while administering meds to children. Sorry if you think I am hating on school nurses, I just find this rediculous.

30

2009-09-28T14:06:00.011-04:00

Luder took me to Morton's with my parents and some friends. That was wonderful, then after he surprised me with a private chartered canal cruise. It was a beatiful. As we cruised through the city on the night of my birthday, my loved ones took turns sharing memories and making toasts to me and my life. There were lots of laughs and some tears. I am so grateful for my friends and family.

I turned 30 this weekend. There is something weird that happens as you turn 30. You think more about where you are in life, where you have been and where you are going. Some take it harder than others. I was somewhat distracted with my new baby but I want to share my greatest accomplishments of these, my 30 years.
Not necessarily in order of importance, so please no emails about that.

Great Accomplishments

A Happy Marriage in the temple to someone that I can't live without
Three beautiful children, all who Luder and I have put first in life since the day they were born
Having my family all be my best friends
A college degree
A healthy physical body, emotional state and a testimony of Jesus Christ
Buying our first home and decorating it frugally
Learning to cook (so what if it's not gourmet)
Wonderful friends who I truly enjoy and love
The ability and desire to express my feelings to those I love without reservation
Learning how to maintain a home-interior and exterior-including the landscape
Becoming organized
Snow skiing, water skiing and pilates
Appreciation for nature-I need to be outside like a drug
Traveling Internationally
Great negotiating skills (especially with car salesmen and Luder :)
Realizing and maintaining perspective
Giving most people at most times the benefit of the doubt

There are more but what matters most to me are the relationships I have with the people that I love, my husband, children, mom, dad, brother, family and friends. Sometimes I think of life from the end looking toward today. My greatest wish would be that everyone who I loved would know it and they would know how much I wanted them to be happy.

Declan at 7 Weeks

2009-09-25T17:14:00.000-04:00

2009-09-25T17:10:00.001-04:00

Trials and Triumphs

2009-09-07T21:36:00.007-04:00

Scott about to go into the MTC in Provo, Utah to prepare for his two year full-time mission.

After Scott's farewell sacrament meeting at Mom's house.

My boys, always with their "triumphant" little spirits.

Declan at one month old.

I never knew that one could have so many extreme emotions until recently. Sure, I knew that postpartum women were crazy and that life is full of ups and downs, trials and triumphs. I feel like this past month has been the craziest month of my life. I don't even know where to start. We had the wonderful birth of our third son. Triumph. Delivery was easy, everyone was happy and taken care of, all was well. We get home from the hospital and throughout the first 16 days of Declan's life, I feel like I am in the fight of my life. Declan had a hard time learning to eat, so he wouldn't latch to breastfeed. I worked with him day and night, had lactation specialists helping. I took him into the doctor, all the while he was losing weight. About a week after he was born, I knew something was wrong. Luder had returned to work and I was alone with the baby. The boys were at Patti's. I took Declan in to see the nurses and get help. I left the lactation office (a part of the hospital) in tears but with a plan. I was in tears because they said that I had to start pumping and supplementing with breastmilk and formula. I was in tears because they said that my baby was "the kind of baby that would go home and silently starve to death" if I wasn't careful. All this was out of love and concern but it was hard to hear. I cried because I didn't know how I would do the hour and a half ordeal that they wanted me to do every 3 hours. How was I going to take care of our other children when I couldn't even find the time to sleep, eat or pee? I knew that the only way that this would work out was if there was a miracle. I got a blessing, Declan got a blessing, we got a few actually. I cried and prayed and cried and prayed more. I learned that there is more than believing when it comes to faith.
I was blessed to have so many loved ones, helping with the boys. I had great sisters from church bringing me meals, calling and showing love. My husband helped so much. I don't know what I would have done without Luder, Mom and Patti.
So, while all of this is going on, my little brother is scheduled to go on a mission. We have a big party planned, a special sacrament meeting at church and a farewell at the airport at 6 am on Tuesday August 18th. Triumph. My brother is the first person to serve a mission on either side of my family. I am so proud of him. I wasn't expecting some of the emotions that came with seeing him walk away for two years. Trial.
This same week our air conditioning goes out and our van goes in the shop. Trial. Somehow, we made it through. Triumph.
This all was a couple of weeks ago. Now the baby is eating, Scott is sending us the most remarkable letters ever and I am staring kindergarten in the face. I will send my first baby to kindergarten tomorrow. I don't know if I have even had the time to realize what that means. Maybe that is a blessing. All these things are triumphs.
I feel like life is moving at a much more rapid pace than the usual exhaustingly rapid one. Things are piling up and it's ok. Triumph. I know what is important and what isn't important "will still be there when I am dead and gone" as Nan used to always say. I now know that she meant that all these unimportant things will be here for us but those important moments won't always.

Birth Day ~ Announcing: Declan McCoy Milton

2009-08-11T16:57:00.029-04:00

August 6, 2009

It's 6:00am and we are about to check into Labor and Delivery for the induction.

Getting settled into the delivery room, they were taking all of my information and getting me prepped.

Supportive Dad, Luder has been amazing. He has been there for me in every way imaginable.

Things were starting to get rough. The baby's heartbeat would slow with contractions and the pain was mounting. I got an epidural and waited. The labor was roughly two hours long. It was the quickest and easiest delivery yet. I couldn't believe it. Right before he was delivered, people started moving quickly to get into position. It helped that I had warned them all that I thought things would go fast.

One of the best moments of my life, captured here on film. I was so relieved when he was born and we were both healthy and together at last. He was born at 12:12pm.

After I recovered for a while, Grammoma, Gramps and Aunt Dale brought the boys to the hospital to meet their new brother. I cannot adequately describe the excitement that they had been feeling for months. It increased as we got close to the exciting day. Cason picked out special matching shirts that they both got from their Aunt Anita that say, "Big Brothers Rock." They had cards for me and presents for Declan. Luder had gotten them special presents from Declan and wrapped them up. It was a moment I will never forget.

Big Brother Cason. He was so happy.

Proud Grandparents, Luder's parents. Grammoma and Gramps.

Grammoma and Aunt Dale. Dale came all the way from Charleston to be with us and help us out. Thanks Aunt Dale!

Proud Grandparents, my parents, Grammy and Bop.

Uncle Scott holding Declan. I can't believe Scott will be leaving next week for his mission for two years!

Heading out of the hospital to take our baby home.

Cason got Declan a small little bear that he put into his crib months ago and it has been waiting on him since. When Declan came home, Cas gave him the bear and he actually held it tight several times.

Reflections of a Pregnant Woman

2009-07-23T21:06:00.004-04:00

So, I went to the doctor yesterday. The babe is preparing to make an exit as my body is starting to show signs that he and I are gradually getting ready. I have two more weeks until he comes. I am trying to sleep, eat and get as ready as much as possible for him in the meantime. The boys are so excited, they can hardly wait. They are taking a sibling class on Saturday. I am interested to see how that turns out.
As the time draws near, I can't help but think about how my life will change. I think about how it has changed with every person that we have added to this little family. I think about the work that is involved in raising a child but more than that, I think of the great blessing it is to have this little baby boy come to me. I am so grateful to be a mother, although it can be difficult at times, there is nothing I would rather do than take care of these sweet boys.
For some reason birth always makes me reflect on life. Thinking of life makes me reflect on my family, what is important and the people I love. It makes me think of those who are around but also those who aren't. This child is my first child that I will not be able to take to see his Nan (my grandmother). I have thought of her so much lately. I believe that we come from a loving home with God when we are born and we return to the same place when we die. I can't help but wonder if this little man that is about to come to us has been with his great-grandparents and loved ones that have passed on.
Life is something that happens so quickly to us. What perspective do we have? I am thinking a lot about birth, life and even death at this point. It is one eternal round.

Temple Time

2009-07-23T20:53:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite places on earth is the Washington D.C. Temple. Luder and I were married there and lots more special memories have taken place at this gorgeous site. The temple is special because we believe that it is Heavenly Father's house here on earth. We believe that the ceremonies that take place inside these sacred walls last through this life and through eternity.

Scott went through the temple for the first time in June and it was such a special day for our family. I am so glad that I was a part of it and that he has decided that the temple is important.

A few weeks ago, Mom, Scott and I got to go to the temple together for some special family work. It was one of the best days ever in the temple for me. I am so grateful to have this glorious place.

Girl's Beach Trip

2009-07-23T20:42:00.000-04:00

I randomly made Carol go on this with me. I forget what it is called but someone rides a bikes while pulling you through the park. It was fun.

Carol, this picture is for you. Ask her about it.

When we can, Carol and I head to the beach for a short trip. We have decided that the only bad thing about our trip is that it is too short. So, husbands prepare yourselves for a longer version in the future.
We sat on the beach, with no one bothering us. Well, maybe with the exception of the lifeguard training that we thought were real people drowning at first. After we got over that heart attack and realized that it was just a training, we relaxed and enjoyed the beach. We talked our heads off on the balcony, ate dinner outside, shopped until we dropped and fell asleep looking at gossip magazines. What more could we want?
We also got some cat calls, which I thought was interesting and funny since I was 8 mons pregnant. I think Carol was embarrassed! Can't wait to go back!

Congratulations Luder

2009-07-01T09:44:00.008-04:00

This is one fine looking young man. Luder was nominated and named a "Rising Star" in the Super Lawyers Magazine.

"In selecting attorneys for Super Lawyers, Law & Politics employs a rigorous, multiphase process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.
The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource to assist attorneys and consumers in the search for legal counsel."
-Super Lawyers

Congratulations on a huge accomplishment!
www.superlawyers.com

8 Months

2009-06-17T20:09:00.005-04:00

I can't believe that I am 8 months pregnant. Time is definitely flying. Each pregnancy seems to go faster. The nursery is coming along. I still need to put the final touches on it. It seems like I have to do this project on the side because of all the other things (good things) going on in our family.
I went to the OB and the baby is growing and healthy. Until this point I have been pretty calm, I am noticing a little anxiety start to creep in. I think that I am worried because I am not worried. It's almost as if I am afraid of being blindsided somehow. Today I washed the baby's clothes and put them into the drawers. It made things so real. Everyday we do something to prepare for the baby.
Left to do:
put up swing and bouncy seats
decorate the walls of the nursery
wash the bedding and put it up
register at Babies R Us and Target
and whatever else.....
The boys are so excited. They got a "new" room last week. We put Cason and Abram in the same room with bunk beds. Abram calls them "punk" beds. They jumped up and down and screamed happily at the sight of their new beds. They love to be together. Initially I didn't want to put them together but after Luder and I saw that they had been sharing a room while traveling for 3 weeks and they were great, we decided to give it a try. So far, so good. I am still waiting for the storm. They have three big adjustments this summer; a room change, kindergarten and a new baby. We spread out the events so they will come gradually. Wish us luck.

Milton Family Tradition 2009

2009-06-16T09:44:00.021-04:00

We have started a tradition of going to the beach on Memorial Day week every summer. We have enjoyed it so much. The boys talk about it all year. They spend their days in the wading pools, catching hermit crabs and minnows. This year we had Grandma Mary with us (my Grandmother) my Dad's little sister-Leslie, her three boys, my Great Aunt Pat and Uncle Bud and my Aunt Janet and Uncle Dickie and of course my parents and brother. I think we all had a great time. We spent the days on the beach, we ate dinner together and had a fire in the evenings. We visited and laughed all week. It was great. Luder and I were able to have a lot of good conversations and it was one of the best vacations I have had with my little family.

Scott, Justin, Ethan and Ashton.

Men at work.

Look at that hottie.

Our little growing family. Me at 7.5 months pregnant.

I get this look a lot.

This is a kid that threw up a couple of hours before. He is a trooper.

Uncle Scott took them on a walk. He is a great Uncle. Scott just got his mission call to California Riverside Mission where he will be a full time missionary for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for two years. I am proud of him!

Cason

2009-06-16T09:30:00.007-04:00

Cason graduated from preschool in May. I can't believe that the baby I held in my arms a few years ago will be in kindergarten this year. I have heard about the mixed emotions and I always thought that I would be different. I am not, I am sad to let him go. The days of having him with me everyday to be at home, help me run errands and be carefree are gone. Once I pushed past the sadness which is only selfishness on my part, I am happy and excited for him to spread his wings and fly. I can't promise that I won't cry on that first day, especially since I will have just given birth and my emotions will be spilling over.
Kindergarten seems like the first step that leads to a path that goes away from me. I know that it won't be long until we have to have talks about bullies, mean teachers, rules and later those life lessons that dictate a perspective for a lifetime.

Lake Anna

2009-04-29T12:00:00.005-04:00

So, Luder and I decided to take the boys back to "the beach" right after we got home from Florida. We went to Lake Anna. They have a beach at the state park. We had a great time and it brought back so many memories for me. My parents took me there for many summers as a child. We had a boat and would water ski, picnic and fish with our extended family. Some of my favorite childhood memories were made on the lake.
The weather was perfect. Good idea Luder!

Two weeks in Paradise

2009-04-29T10:08:00.029-04:00

My Mom, my brother Scott, Cason, Abram and I all went on a great vacation recently. We went on a seven day cruise to the Eastern Carribean and to Disney for about three days on the way home. We drove to Florida and we were able to visit with my Dad's brother, sister and Mom on the trip. The boys were really well behaved and I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the trip went with the boys.
On Sunday April 12, we boarded the ship. The boys were excited and couldn't believe the size of the ship. They had a set sail party on the deck where we sat by the pool with music and food and watched Florida dissappear.

If you know the Pat and Frederick Milton family well, you know that they have passed a genetic addiction to ice cream to their children. The gene has been passed to my children. They had a 24/7 free ice cream bar that my boys rank up there with being one of the best things about taking a cruise.

The First Stop: Grand Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI

We literally walked off the ship to a paradise tropical beach with free lawn chairs and all the fun you could want. We had a little issue, Cason had gotten croup as we were leaving the States. He had a flare up on the beach. Scott and I were even worried, it goes without saying for Grammy. Scott was the hero that whisked Cason away to the ship and got him the breathing treatment he needed in almost no time.

Next Stop: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Mom rented a day room at a sweet resort so that we could have a place to go when we docked. There was a beach, an awesome pool with a swim up bar and food. The highlight of the boys' day was a water slide that Uncle Scott helped them enjoy. I wasn't sure who was having more fun.

I had to archive this part of the trip because we spent some of the trip dealing with Cason's croup. He got better though and is back to normal.

Next Stop: Phillipsburg, St. Maarten

We took a water taxi to the beach. Abram's sunglasses broke so he had to wear my spare pair.

This was the beach where we landed and played for a few hours. It was beautiful.

There was another stop in the Bahamas. Lots of sun, fun and food at sea. They had a children's program that was wonderful. I could drop the kids off to learn about what pirates do and go eat sushi and rest in the sun. Pretty good for a pregnant lady.

Last Stop: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
We woke up to breakfast being delivered to our room. I let the boys eat on our deck and watch the boats and airplanes go by. Abram is pointing out the boat passing by with his piece of sausage. It was a great trip and I am so grateful we were able to go.

More pics later. My camera died just in time for Disney. I have to get them from Mom and Scott.

Lacking

2009-03-29T20:27:00.003-04:00

So, I haven't posted anything in a while. It seems like March has been so busy. The fact that I can barely keep up with myself and that I am pregnant combine to drain any motivation and aspiration for creativity. I will get back to it soon.
We are getting excited and ready to go on a two week vacation. I am really nervous and excited at the same time. We are driving to Florida, taking a cruise and then hitting Disney on the way home. All of this is happening without Luder's help. He has to work. My mom and brother are going with me. It should be a lot of fun and stress all combined. I hope the boys will be good. We had to get them passports and all kinds of documentation saying that Luder was ok with me taking them out of the country and that I am healthy to travel pregnant. Pray for all of us. Have you ever seen those National Lampoon movies? I have a feeling.....
The pregnancy is going well. The little man is getting bigger and he seems to be pretty calm compared to the other boys. Maybe he just isn't big enough yet to make me as miserable, I don't know. It is getting difficult to reach my feet. Luder finds this amusing but he helps me with my shoes so I can't get too mad at him. I am not huge (yet) and I have found that because I do not look big and pregnant, this is a disadvantage. I do not get the sympathy that a pregnant woman in month 5 deserves. I am sure this is good for me in some way, I just haven't decided if I am happy about it. Of course I am happy that I am not huge yet.
The boys are so excited about the baby, they can barely stand it. Abram still asks occasionally when we are running errands if we can go by and "pick the baby up now?" Cason asked the other day, "Mom, can you show me exactly where that baby is going to come out?" YIKES. I was not ready for that! I almost choked, laughed and tried to answer his questions.

It's A ............

2009-03-20T13:29:00.002-04:00

Boy! We are having a boy in August! Luder and I are happy. The boys are so excited that Cason did the happy dance as they screamed and clapped together while sporting some huge grins. I just sat there smiling. I knew it was a boy. Luder was ready to hear it was a girl (really wanting it to be a boy). It was an exciting day for our family. I felt overwhelmed and exhausted, so many emotions. The pregnancy is going well. The baby is super healthy. We got a really good profile shot and he looks just like his brothers! I can't believe I will be the mother of three boys. If this little boy is anything like his big brother's, I cannot wait to meet him. I wouldn't take any frilly girl for my beautiful, sweet and smart little boys! I am so blessed!

Update

2009-02-18T15:49:00.003-05:00

All is well with the Milton's. I had another OB appointment yesterday where I heard the baby's heart for the second time. It is a great sound. The nurse couldn't find it for a while (it seemed like a long time) she was trying to make small talk with me. It reminded me of when you get your blood taken and they are asking you questions to distract you. Well, I just stopped listening to her and talking to her. I was about to jump on that button that I keep buried that says, "PANIC AND CRY NOW." Just before making the decision to stomp on that I heard the sweet sound of my baby. I was relieved. It was a healthy 150 bts/min.
I taught a parenting class last night for the women at the church. It went well I think. I enjoyed it. It made me realize how much I miss that part of my life. I was told to expect 5-10 because it was a mini enrichment and over 20 people showed up. The best feeling was to see the hope in their eyes that they could do their calling as a Mother better.
Luder has been working a lot but we are so grateful to have a job. A great job. Thank you Heavenly Father. We are so blessed. He is being recognized in an official way for his great efforts in his career. I am so proud of him. More to come on that later.
Last week was filled with Valentine's, to the point of almost coming out of my ears. Two preschool V-Day parties, baking, making Valentine's for school and Grandparents. At one point Luder and I looked at eachother like, "What is this madness they call Valentine's Day? AHHH!" Saturday night we grilled steaks and had a quiet night at home. Then we watched a movie that Luder said was a "total buz kill." Whatever that means. He cracks me up. I love him.
Being pregnant is such a roller coaster of emotions. I seriously laugh until I cry fairly frequently. I feel overwhelmed more easily. It is amazing to me this change that happens. This has been the best pregnancy so far though. Pregnancy has never been "easy" for me but I am so much more relaxed, more peaceful and calm this time.
We wish all of you well. Please keep in touch and if it's not going to snow for real, bring on SPRING!

Good Day

2009-01-27T13:58:00.001-05:00

It started out rough with a winter storm but I ended up having a good day. I went to the OB today for a check up. The baby's heartbeat was "strong and healthy" the nurse said. It was such a sweet sound to hear my baby for the first time. I am relieved and grateful. It is becoming more real.

News

2009-01-24T19:44:00.004-05:00

We are having a baby in August! The official due date is August 10th. We are excited and nervous. The boys are so excited. Abram keeps asking me if we can go get the baby now. Cason keeps asking if it is ok to tell more and more people. He told his primary class, his preschool class (for both of those I got directly contacted by the teacher, to validate his story) and he has told lots of others. They are going to be great big brothers. I go in for another appointment on Tuesday. This time I will meet the doctor and they will make sure all is going well. I have already had an ultrasound where I saw (didn't hear yet) the baby's heart beating and saw him/her for the first time.
I am assumming that this baby is a boy for the sake of simplicity. Why wouldn't it be? I will be happy with either. Luder has been working a lot lately. I have had lots of nasea and back pain. I have stayed home and just resigned myself to the fact that life isn't always what you plan, so be happy anyway.
I am grateful for this new person that will change me in more ways that I can imagine, just as Cason and Abram have. Those of you who we love, thanks for your support and your prayers. We will take all we can get.

Funny Luder's

2009-01-13T13:26:00.006-05:00

So, two funny things have happened to me recently that I would like to share. Luder "Abram" informed me yesterday on the way to the grocery store that he is sick of going to the grocery store. Wow, funny from a three year old. Conversation is as follows:
Abram: Where are we going, Mommy?
Me: To the grocery store.
Abram: I am sick if I go to the grocery store.
Me: What?
Abram: I am sick if I go to the grocery store.
(He kind of mumbled the middle part bc he was trying to say something new he really didn't know how to say).
Me: You are sick of going to the grocery store?
Abram: Yeah!
Me: Me too.

So, the other one has been a consistantly funny episode in my life for 8 yrs. Before Luder and I got married, I decided he needed a nice alarm clock, so I got the big numbers one that has the radio and the two settings (so I would have a setting after we were married etc.) and I was really happy with it. The big numbers were for pre- lasik Ginny time period. It has a weatherband feature (which we still don't understand) and all kinds of things. Luder informed me that he didn't want the alarm near his bed, I thought this was foolish (I didn't want him to wake me up) so I said, leave it beside the bed. I remember the first couple of times I noticed things weren't working out as planned when he would not hear the alarm going off. I hear it and wake him. Then, he (and Luder is very smart) could NEVER IN YEARS get the alarm set to anything but static. So, for a long time I have been waking up to static, trying to reset it for the poor boy during the day and somehow it goes back to torturing me again with the static (because he doesn't hear it like I said). If he does happen to hear the alarm, he either 1. hits the snooze button several times or 2. turns it off and promply goes back to bed, remembering none of this later. I have laughed about this for years. Then today took the cake. I wake up to him standing beside the bed hitting it and talking to it and ( in really mad tones) turning it off and on. I woke up and said, "Uhh, Luder, chill out, it's ok." He kind of woke up and started laughing at himself. Literally, typing this makes me laugh so hard I cry. Poor guy. Needless to say, he is still one of the first ones to work everyday. Whatever works...or doesn't.
**The attorney's wife has privilage to this information and it can be shared with those person's she sees fit in a biased manner.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T21:54:00.014-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,
This year has been a great one for our family. We have so much to be grateful for. We were able to go to the beach as a family, take a trip to Charleston, SC, Lake Gaston and visit lots of family. I was able to go to NYC with my Grandmother and Aunt. We were busy! Most of it is posted here.
As for what we are up to, Mr. Milton is still working for a great firm downtown called Hirschler Fleischer. He enjoys it there and I am happy that he likes his job. He is involved in the BYU Management Society here in Richmond. He is working with a few others to get it started and Luder's firm is hosting an event next month that I think will be great. He is still the Young Men's President at church. He loves those guys and is very concerned about their future. He is also a great husband and father. Did I mention how attractive he is? (hubba hubba)(He wrote that and it is true).
Ginny is still taking care of everyone. Life consists of finding the outstanding moments in the most mundane things. If you don't know what I mean, hang out with Cason and Abram, they make you laugh and smile constantly (and sometimes want to pull your hair out.) She teaches the 6 yr old Sunday School class at church. She also holds a Girl's Night Out once a month with friends, mostly from church. She has a passion for health and wellness so she spends time on her personal health through exercise and helps others with theirs, through Juice Plus.
Cason is five years old now. He is interested in anything pretend. He likes to ride his bike and he is a great big brother. He can write and read small words. He loves books. He had a primary program this year, in which he memorized his few lines very quickly and delivered them to the congregation at church very clearly. We are proud of him. He is sensitive and funny.
Abram is now three years old. Time flies. Someone said it best when they said, "He is a full spirit in a little body." Abram has personality to spare! He is a quick leaner, he likes to do whatever Cason does. He started preschool this year and has been LOVING it. He was potty trained before he started and has been really successful with that. He makes us laugh constantly. He is a determined little soul, we have learned a lot of patience through him.
Life is full of ups and downs. When I am tempted to complain I think of all the wonderful blessings we have been given: Family, Jesus Christ and His beautiful gospel, the best country ever-the U.S.A. and our health. I hope that we can all take a moment to think of things we are grateful for and what we can do to be better. We love and miss all of you who we will not see this Christmas time.
Merry Christmas!

Love,
Mr. Milton, Ginny, Cason and Abram

Happy Birthday Aunt Dale!

2008-12-23T21:32:00.001-05:00

Spellbound

2008-12-05T11:39:00.003-05:00

Luder took Abram to his office to get something one Saturday. He loved looking out Luder's office window at the train and the river. Abram is a big fan of "Blue's Clue's" and has been pretending to be Steve. He pretends Cason is Joe. When they were in the office and one of Luder's colleague's says hello to Abram and asks him his name, Abram replies, "Steve." Luder had to tell the guy that we didn't name our child Steve. So funny.

NYC in November

2008-11-04T16:13:00.003-05:00

This year I went to NYC with my Grandma and Aunt Leslie (who is more of a sister to me) and we had such a great time. It was wonderful to get away. I haven't had that much fun in a long time. At night we went to dinner at all types of different places, Irish Pubs and Thai-were awesome. We saw a Broadway show, Jersey Boys which was incredible. We walked Time Square and had a blast, checked out the shops. We also took an awesome tour on the top of a bus at night across the Brooklyn Bridge and we rode along the water in Brooklyn to view the Manhattan Skyline. It was amazing. During the day, we toured. We went to Chinatown, Soho, Little Italy, Central Park. We also went to Harlem and as we drove down Malcolm X Blvd, you could see the long lines to vote. It was such a great trip. I can't wait to go back!

This is Grandma and I at Rockefeller Center. The flags are in the background because it was election day. It was beautiful. They all lined the skating rink.

My Aunt Leslie and I on the bus. We got a bus pass on one of those double decker buses. It was too cold to be on top on this day! Note: the scarves and coats are the same colors, we are so much a like, we laughed about it the whole time.

Time Square, we stayed a couple of blocks from here. Between here and Central Park. It was so fun.

Radio City Music hall, one of the oldest theatres in NYC. This is where the Rocketts are!

We got up and saw the Today show on the last day, it was pretty interesting, right across from Rockefeller.

The Ground Zero site behind us, it is totally under construction. There were no memorials really to speak of, a few people that had witnessed the planes coming in, talked us through the whole morning of 9/11. There was definetly a somber spirit all over that area. Quiet and sad.

One night we went to the famous "Serendipity" restuarant. This was one of my favorite things we did, the three of us got a table and you are almost touching others while they dine, we talked intimately and ate some of the best dessert I have ever had. Wow! the picture isn't great because when we came out a cab was waiting so we had to move fast to snag it.

The New York City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was neat to be on the top of the bus, the tour guide pointed it out, "and to the right, the Mormon Temple."

Grandma on top of the bus. Right by Central Park. We went by Lennon's apartment, where he was shot outside.

We did the Central Park carriage ride. It was so beautiful with the fall folliage. We got to see where lots of celebrities live, where films were being made. The Ritz has a telescope in every room that you can see, so that guests can see Central Park. After the ride, we walked around and there was so much going on. The Plaza Hotel was there where Home Alone was filmed. There was artwork everywhere and a huge Apple store that is open 24/7. Packed with people and all glass.

Halloween Night

2008-10-31T15:48:00.000-04:00

Waiting for the sun to go down, we were ready!

Abram-the chubbiest little Pooh I have ever seen!

Cason-an excited dragon.

At work, for more treats than tricks.

Cason's preschool class. Abram wouldn't wear his costume at school. One battle I did not fight.

Happy 7th Anniversary!

2008-10-27T15:36:00.000-04:00

The best seven years have been spent with you. Luder, I love you!

My Girl Sarah Palin

2008-10-14T13:27:00.016-04:00

So, Luder got me two tickets to see Sarah Palin. Mom and I decided to go. It was much more than I had expected. It was so exciting. We spent about five hours there in the hot sun, yelling, screaming, meeting people .....

because of heat people ended up going out with EMS workers all around me but I was determined to see Sarah...

...as I waited for Sarah I crept up to the front hoping just to be able to reach close enough to shake her hand. I was able to see her motorcade come in, following that her bus (back left of the above the pic), behind that secret service agents (on the catwalk). The agents came in and it was seriously like something out of the movies, their SUV doors opened and they jumped out and secured the premises, they were so serious. Then came her assistants off the bus that double checked her technology and put her speech on the podium. After what seemed like forever, I was in the front of the catwalk where she would walk by to get to the podium...out she came and I WAS FLIPPIN....she came in and introduced her husband and Hank Williams Jr. who sang a song that he rewrote for her and it was hilarious and awesome all at the same time.

After she spoke, Hank came around and gave me his autograph.....

then the best part, she came by, she talked to me, shook my hand and signed my sign...she was wonderful, loving and beautiful. I couldn't believe how much personal attention she gave us with so many stops to make and so many people. Todd, her husband did the same, talked to me. What a nice guy he is!

Let's just say that I was proud to be an american, excited about this race and inspired by this woman to say the least. I don't care who you vote for, GET OUT AND VOTE!

My Birthday

2008-10-04T20:22:00.012-04:00

Cason has picked me flowers since he was a baby. Everytime he picks one I am reminded of his love and thoughtfulness. He got me these flowers and took me out (his preschool's potluck happened to be the night before my bday) to a nice potluck dinner, in which he told everyone there that this (the potluck dinner) was his special treat to me on my birthday. How cute. They also made me cupcakes. Luder bought me a cell that I wanted and roses and my fam came and took me out to dinner and babysat for us. It was a pretty good one.

As my birhday came around this year I couldn't help but retrospectively analyze what I have learned and realized through living on this earth.

I have learned that:
1.cliche's are cliche's because they are true
2.perfectionists are miserable, letting go is liberating
3.i am blessed to have Luder (these are not in order of importance people)
4.there are some things that mean more to me than I ever imagined-
God, country, family
5.voting is a privilage that I take very seriously
6.the older I get the more grateful I am for loving, hardworking parents who have stayed together
7.giving people the benefit of the doubt is the best thing
8.taking care of our bodies is important, exercise makes me feel good
9.good Old Abraham Lincoln was right, "People are about as happy as they make their minds up to be."
10.friends are a brightspot in my life
11.a lot of things people stress over don't matter, a lot of things that people don't care about matter
12.Time goes too fast, if I stopped to think about it, I would get too sad
13.Everyone has a "story" it is what you do with your story that is really all that matters
14.doing things for other people makes me feel good
15.babysitters and datenights are neccessary
16.sleep deprivation makes people crazy, makes people do crazy things
17.children are always on a higher intellectual level than you think
18.i am SO PROUD TO BE A SOUTHERN WOMAN
19.when people act weird, it is about them
20.i need to go "home" ever so often....ahhh The Shenandoah Valley
21.i need GNO's (Girl's Night Out)
22.there has to be a balance in just about everything in life
23.i love to be outside, the changes in the seasons and holidays-stressfree style
24.being a mother can be very embarrassing (temper tantrums in public)-not worrying about it is the way to go
25.i really do want to be more like Jesus Christ, even though I will try the rest of my life, I will fall short and he will make up the rest
26.bad things happen to good people and it doesn't mean that they are being punished by Heavenly Father
27.my finite mind cannot begin to understand Heavenly Father's infinite wisdom
28.Nan was right
29.selfish people get on my nerves
30.Thirty scares me
31.it is important to flip the world the bird sometimes, figuratively, not literally

Happy Halloween

2008-10-01T10:59:00.000-04:00

Cason Scores

2008-09-20T09:10:00.004-04:00

First game of his life, opening game of the season, my little man scores a goal. I am quite proud of him! He practices once a week and has a game once a week.
He's #5 in the center. I got really excited so it's a little shakey.

First Day of School

2008-09-09T09:40:00.005-04:00

Abram had his very first day of preschool today, September 9th. He was so excited and ready. He is growing up, I can't believe it!

They were so excited to go together. They love eachother so much, aren't they cute?

Monday, September 8th was Cason's first day of 4 year old preschool at Bright Beginnings.

Survivor

2008-09-05T16:00:00.003-04:00

NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and
3 kids each for six weeks.
Each kid will play
two sports
and either take music
or dance classes.
There is no fast food.
Each man must
take care of his 3 kids;
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
and complete science projects,
cook, do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills
with not enough money.
In addition, each man
will have to budget in money
for groceries each week.
Each man
must remember the birthdays
of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out
on time--no emailing.
Each man must also
take each child to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment
and a haircut appointment.
He must make
one unscheduled and inconvenient
visit per child
to the Urgent Care.
He must also
make cookies or cupcakes
for a social function.
Each man will be responsible for
decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside
and keeping it presentable
at all times.
The men will only
have access to television
when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done.
The men must
shave their legs,
wear makeup daily,
adorn themselves with jewelry,
wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished
and eyebrows groomed.
During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe
abdominal cramps, back aches,
and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain
or slow down from other duties.
They must attend
weekly school meetings,
church, and find time
at least once to spend the afternoon
at the park or a similar setting.
They will need to
read a book to the kids
each night
and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 7:00 am.
A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father
will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height, weight,
shoe size, clothes size
and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labor,
each child's favorite color,
middle name,
favorite snack,
favorite song,
favorite drink,
favorite toy,
biggest fear and
what they want to be when they grow up.
The kids vote them off the island
based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy
to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.

I wouldn't trade it for the world. ~Ginny

Charleston, SC

2008-09-05T10:16:00.002-04:00

We went to Charleston over Labor Day. We had such a good time. We went to Folly Beach and spent a day just the four of us.

We went on Uncle T.W.'s boat to Morris Island for a day. We also got to have a birthday dinner with Derek and fam and a couple of other fun things. The mosquitos are making it onto my blog. I have never had to jump in a car, peel out with the windows down to watch them finally leave us alone! It was CRAZY!!

This is my favorite view. Morris Island lighthouse. This is where Luder proposed marriage. You can walk all the way across, it is only knee deep all the way.

Cowboy Way

2008-09-04T10:06:00.000-04:00

Oh My Gosh! So Cute. Note the boots.

So, after we went to Charleston I decided I had to finally potty train Abram. It is something that I dread but it hasn't been too bad. He has been hanging out around the house in his undies for about a week now. When he dressed up like a cowboy and fixed me some "breakfast" I laughed to myself and had to get a pic.

Typical Cason, enough said.

The Lake

2008-08-07T09:50:00.002-04:00

My Mom, Dad, brother Scott, Cason, Abram and I all went to Lake Gaston the weekend of August 9th. Luder had to work. Cason fell in love with fishing! We had a great time, we spent the day on a pontoon boat docking it on different beaches and swimming. After dinner that evening we left the pontoon boat and went water skiing. I was so happy to get up on those skis the first time!

Beach Trip 08

2008-05-26T10:26:00.001-04:00

The last week in May we went to Myrtle Beach, SC. My parents and Brother went. We were able to see some other family while we were there too. The weather was gorgeous and the kids had an absolute blast. I think it was one of the best weeks we have ever had.

We have taught them to say I love you this way. They do it all the time. The best is when I am driving away from preschool and I look back for a second to see their little fingers making this sign.

I love this feeling.

They were just so busy building sand castles, they caught 35 hermit crabs in one day, they did all kinds of stuff. They slept like rocks when we took them home.
They had to wear their undies because the sand/salt water combo rubbed the skin on their legs to the point of bleeding. I was a little uneasy about it at first but I got over it. Whatever.

A trip to the beach just would not be a trip to the beach without The Dixie Stampede. The kids loved it again and they go around acting it out at home.

One day it rained a little so we hit the aquarium. Abram got tired toward the end.

Preschool Graduation

2008-05-20T19:55:00.004-04:00

My little man, Cason graduated from the 4 year old preschool. Now he will be going to 5 yr old preschool because he has a late birthday. I am happy about this!

Fake "Chhheeeezzzz" and what he really wants to say is, "Can we finish up these pictures already!?"

These are some of the other women in his life. Mrs. Grider and Mrs. Johnson, his preschool teachers.

Busch Gardens and Sesame Street

2008-05-12T14:45:00.005-04:00

We went to Busch Gardens with Luder's firm in May. They have a cool VA fun pass that you can upgrade your one day ticket to so now we have season passes. The boys were amazed by the water and gardens throughout. They are so cute here together!

Ok, so this is my favorite memory of the day, or atleast one of them. The little girl atendee for the ride has to help the kids get in and out and it goes in a circle once. They have to get out when it comes back around. Well, when it is time to get out, Cason gets out and Abram turns his head to her. He won't get out or talk. I had to go in there and I said, "Abram, it's time to get out now." He said, "I not getting out now." He cracks me up. It was like if he ignored that girl, she would just let him cruise on by. How would she notice, right?

So, they got on this chocolate milk kick. I would let them have it if they had taken a "good rest" meaning Abram sleeps after jumping up and down in his crib for about 1/2 hr and Cason is quiet during his nap because he won't sleep. So, they asked for a straw out of the pantry and I guess they couldn't wait to get back to the table because I look over and they are sharing a cup of Cason's chocolate milk in the pantry.

OH MY GOSH! Grammy took them to see Sesame Street Live! They LOVED it! Scott came to watch them, watch it. They were so excited! It was cute. I have never seen so many preschool aged kids in my life. Wow!

When the characters came out on stage, I looked over and he was waving to them. So cute!

Luder's 31st!

2008-05-06T19:15:00.003-04:00

I asked Luder's parents to come over for his birthday. They came and so did his Uncle T.W. and cousin Thomas. We had a good time sitting on the deck, visiting and eating.
These are my bosses. They are demanding and short but I love them!

Mountain Lake

2008-05-02T12:23:00.004-04:00

I went to a training for Juice Plus this past weekend. It was awesome! They had it at Mountain Lake near Blacksburg. It was where the movie, Dirty Dancing was filmed.

This was our group, "The Comedy Club" the other people attending called us. It all started when we had introductions and my brother got up and told the whole group that he was a stay "at home Mom." It brought down the house and we laughed about stuff the whole time. It was a hilarious trip. I learned some too.

This was our cabin. We had a fire every night and it was placed on a ridge, it was neat. I got my brother to sneak around the porch the first night to scratch on our groups windows and scare them. This was after the bear stories of course.

This is Terri, Joey and Scott. Terri used to babysit me when I was around 2 yrs old. She has been close to our family for almost 30 years.

We went to the barn where the dance scene was filmed in the movie. They had a dance and tons of food for us. We acted crazy and danced until we were exhausted and sweaty.

Scott was teaching me how to swing and we were being silly.

March Madness

2008-03-23T20:51:00.000-04:00

We recently went to the Children's Museum of Richmond. It is one of their favorite spots. They love the waterplay.

They have a "backyard" at the museum with lots of cool outdoor stuff.

This was Cason's Easter party at school. His Dad even got to come to this one!

After the party we went to see our family in Fredericksburg. Aunt Becca came in from Mexico with her new baby, Juliana. Caroline, Chad and Joseph came in from TX and Kristen, Shannon, Emma and Nathan came in from PA. It was a fun get together, complete with an egg hunt, chilli and lots of laughing. Abram had borrowed Joseph's Superman hat.

Birth order: Kristen (bottom right), Luder (bottom left), Caroline (middle), Rebecca (top left), Jonathan (top right) who recently got his two year full time mission call to Thailand! Congrats JoJo!

My new beautiful neice Juliana, Rebecca and Uli's daughter. They live in Mexico right now.

This is our family, swinging at the grandparent's.

Coloring Easter eggs on Easter Sunday with Grammy and the rest of the fam. Grammy fixed us the most delicious Easter meal ever. Thanks Grammy!

Luder and I took a night away the last weekend in March. It was so relaxing. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast outside of Lexington, VA where we used to live. The view was spectacular. I miss the mountains. This was the view from the room. We had a great time eating at our favorite old spots and going to see W&L and SVU and noticing all the changes.

We drove in the driveway to this, I felt so loved. Aren't they cute? (My parents who had watched the kids while we went to the B&B)

Easter Time Easter Time

2008-03-16T21:38:00.014-04:00

Cason, going after eggs at an Easter Egg Hunt at the church where his preschool meets. He had other children come up to him afterward saying, "Wow, Cason you got a lot of eggs." He was a good little Easter egg finder.

Abram got a few and then gave his basket to his Dad and went to play on the slide. I took him to another egg hunt earlier this week and I was so excited. We all had to bring eggs to the park and hide them. I did my part and when it was time for them to get the eggs, Abram didn't want to do it. He just wanted to play on the slide. I had to let go even though I really wanted him to do it and I really wanted some candy. I laughed and told Luder later.

These are my two little buddies, Fidesco and Richmond. They are Liberian refugees. Their mothers live together and make things work between them. They come from a very humble place and I love them so much. We take them to church and have them over. Cason and Abram love them. They have become very close to us. This was their first egg hunt.

This is my little man that lives across the street, Matthew Settle. This little guy is a great baby and he knows I love him because he smiles at me every time I talk to him!

They got their faces painted like little bunnies at the egg hunt.

2008-02-13T20:50:00.001-05:00

In February the circus came to the Richmond Collesium. I have always wanted to go, so this year we took the kids with Luder's cousin Thomas. It was awesome.

Cason's preschool also had circus week the same time. It worked out perfectly. Abram was happy because he got a balloon. Cason's school is so great. We are really happy with it.

One of my best pictures of Luder. Messervy's unite!

Abram loved the elephants the most. Cason liked the clowns. It ended up lasting around 3 hours. We were beat from all the fun when we got home.

Gramps (Luder's father) turned 60 in February. We celebrated when he came home from Mexico. Luder wrote a book filled with all of his Dad's famous quotes (he has a lot of them) and shared it with him that night. It has his picture on the front and is really neat. What a tribute.

Cason and his cousin, Nathan, enjoying the birthday cake. To a toddler, it is the most obvious reason to go to a birthday party.

Look at those cheeks!

2008-01-17T20:47:00.001-05:00

One day in January, I was at home when my Mom called and said they were getting some snow the next day. The kids had been dying to see snow and Richmond doesn't normally get much so I packed them up and we headed to the Shenandoah Valley for a beautiful snow. I remember thinking, "This is a little extreme" but I am so glad I did it because it was the only snow the children got to play in all winter. They had a blast.

Dad always goes out first and this time he came in covered.

Little Abram found his own little hill and went to it!

This was when Abram first saw the snow. This was the first snow for him, it was exciting.

Cason made a snow angel. They were in heaven.

Post Christmas

2008-01-15T22:45:00.000-05:00

I will get some pics of Christmas up here soon. Today I thought I was going to crack up ....I was driving with my sons to wal mart. Abram can be grumpy sometimes and I have found that it is best not to talk to him when he is grumpy. I have told Cason several times, "Don't talk to him, he is grumpy." I am trying to protect Cason's feelings and my sanity. As we are driving, Abram is grumping hardcore and Cason proceeds to talk to him and he goes, "Tayson, DON'T tawk me, I GUMPY!!!"
This is how my days go.....yesterday Abram jumped up and busted my lip open. I have determined that being a stay at home mom for me means oscillating between moments of "ahh, I hope they never grow up, they are so perfect and I want to squeeze them" to "Did I really sign up for this? I can't believe this is happening to me!" mostly laughing to/at myself.
I just can't believe how fast time is going by. About a month ago I said I have a 1 and 3 yr old, at the end of this year I will be saying I have a 3 and a 5 year old. I am glad I have this blog to journal our life. It makes me stop and archive for the sake of archiving.

2007-12-24T22:22:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas 2007! Happy New Year 2008!

Handsome Cason on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting Santa!

Abram, my cutiepie started to get the hang of Santa and Christmas this year!

It is a tradition to have Christmas Eve as a big family, we all exchange gifts with extended family and have a huge Christmas feast. Uncle Scott is helping the kids open their presents. Cason looked back on this picture later and said, "Uncle Scott was so nice to me." It was cute.

Santa was in the area and stopped by to give a couple of gifts to
the children, this is them looking at him.

Christmas Letter

2007-12-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,
It's that time of year again. I hate to miss out on sending snail mail Christmas cards the traditional way but November was way too busy to get ahead with those type of projects and here I am right before Christmas just beginning to think of it again.
This year has been a great one. We are so blessed! In May Luder began working at Hirschler Fleischer. He enjoys his new job and is surrounded by great people. It has been a good change for our family.
May was a big month, Luder and I took a 5 day trip to Boston for his 30th birthday where we saw the Red Sox and toured. We had a great time together! Mom turned 50 and we had a party in Harrisonburg for her, it was great to be with her side of the family! We also had our summer vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC for a week with the kids. We saw all kinds of family and really enjoyed the sun and water. The kids are already asking to go back.
This summer it seemed like we had something to do almost every weekend. We went to Lake Anna, visited the grandparents, I went on an overnight get away with Carol to VA Beach (it was so needed and a blast) we went swimming whenever we could and Cason took his first swimming lessons at Burkwood.
The fall started off with a Milton family reunion at Patti and Frederick's house and a pumpkin patch visit. My girlfriends literally kidnapped me for my birthday and we spent the night out at my favorite restaurant and shopping, I am so grateful for friends that make me feel special.
October and November were really the busiest. I took a cruise with my family, incredible! We got ready for Halloween, it is a really big deal when you have preschool aged kids. We had the boys birthday party in November at Chuck E. Cheese and my Dad turned 50. We traveled to Southern Pines, NC for Thanksgiving and then had a surprise party for Dad near Greenville, SC.
December rolled in so fast, I can't believe it is almost Christmas! A little about each member of the family:
Luder is still working hard at his career. He is trying to balance his family responsibilities, work and church. He is the Young Men's president for our congregation. He does a great job at everything he does and is especially an exceptional father.
I am enjoying the "toddler world" where you fight for toys, throw food and embarrass your parents at least once a week. A since of humor makes it so much more fun. I laugh at my life and constantly think, "Wow, if you would have told me I would be doing this 10 years ago, I would have laughed at you." I love these little children, I just look at them and thank our Father in Heaven that they are healthy and beautiful. They snuggle with me and tell me they love me. Being a stay at home mother is overwhelming sometimes but I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to put my whole life into my family. 2007 has been a year for me to learn more about myself. I have been reading, traveling, home improving and volunteering at church in the Young Women program. I have also started my own wellness business with Luder's support. I am excited about helping people get healthier.
Cason has been going to school three days a week in the morning. He still LOVES trains. He has a fish and a dog named Charlotte (who is really my parents dog but it is working for me so far). For the most part he adores his brother and is very helpful. He melts my heart with his sweet compliments to me and he has slowly started to read over the past couple of months. His preschool teachers say he is going to be a President. He is pretty good at persuasion so we will see.
Abram is a sweet, funny, chubby little man. He loves to play outside, to be read to and he learns very quickly. He sings his ABC's, knows the sounds of the letters for the most part and can count pretty high. He loves backhoe loaders "bak ho-woders" and anything construction related. He makes me seriously laugh uncontrollably sometimes.
We have had a great year together. I am so grateful for all the blessings that we have enjoyed as a family. Life has it's trials but we grow from them. I still think about losing Nan over a year ago and she helps me keep things in perspective. Life is short, I want to be present as much as possible.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Year. We hope that you will take time to enjoy the season and maybe even get a little sentimental if possible.
Love,
Luder, Ginny, Cason and Abram Milton

Scroll down to see pictures of mentioned events.

Christmas Is Here

2007-12-17T12:51:00.000-05:00

This is the Washington DC Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this is where Luder and I were married 6 years ago. The temple is breathtaking all year, I had never been at Christmas to see it decorated. It was amazing, there was a live Nativity Scene and I felt such a special feeling while I was there. Luder took this one of me and my little men. Abram saw the fountain behind us and said, "I get in it!!!" It was 30 degrees and I laughed.

Luder and I agreed that this is truly Abram. This is how he looks most of the time!

Cason had Santa visit today at his preschool. They have a Christmas party complete with Santa, a reindeer craft, Christmas Bingo and I don't know how this always happens to me but I get designated to bring in stories and read to the children at all the parties. It is probably because I get really into reading to them and I learned how to do it "correctly" in my parenting class-Thanks Dr. Rodriguez!

Part of the whole preschool party ritual is eating these really good treats, Abram has officially made himself a place at the big kids table. He is looking to enroll next year! I don't know what I will do with myself with a break like that!

So last night we had Christmas with the Milton Grandparents and Jonathan, Luder's brother. Granmoma got them a pretend chainsaw. So funny, Abram went around all night pretending to use it. I don't think he knew what he was doing. At one point he said he was doing "adjustment" which is what his other Grandpa "Bop" does. My Dad is a Chiropractor and adjusts the kids when we get together.

Dad Turned 50!

2007-11-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Dad is surprised, very surprised...we had a surprise 50th Birthday Party for him at his sister, Leslie's house near his birthplace in South Carolina. We were able to have lots of his family and friends from that area be a part of the celebration. Mom worked hard to make it a success. It was a fun time!

This is my Dad's sister Leslie. She is like a sister to me and family memebers think we look and act a lot alike. It is almost scary sometimes!

These two are inseparable when they are together. Cousins: Cason and Ethan.

This is my Grandma Mary, my Dad's Mom. Can you believe she is 72? I can't, I hope I look this good when I am her age!

Thanksgiving Feast

2007-11-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

At Cason's school they have a Thanksgiving Feast where they dress up like little Native Americans and display their crafts while we have a big feast of delicious Thanksgiving food. I take the opportunity to make sweet potato casserole each time to relieve a craving that is slowly growing out of control by that point.

Cason's first portrait of Luder.

I made Abram's favorite meal for his birthday dinner; pancakes, eggs and bacon. We followed that with a family birthday party complete with cupcakes.

Welcome Matthew

2007-11-15T15:34:00.000-05:00

One of my best friends, Carol had a baby and he is precious. Matthew Scott Settle. Born on November 15, 2007. Welcome to the world little man, you are going to get to know me pretty well...

"Sweet dreams little one;
your life has just begun.
May angels guide your journey
and keep you safe from harm."

Two Birthdays at Chuck E. Cheese

2007-11-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

We had the boys birthday at Chuck E. Cheese this year. Abram turned two on Nov 21st and Cason four on Nov 8th. As long as they will let me I will have their bday parties together. Everyone had a great time. They were so lucky to have lots of family (all four grandparents, I don't think that has ever happened to Luder or myself)cousins and lots of friends. They had tokens for the games, pizza, cake and their own personal Chuck E. Cheese show. It is the way to go for a parent!!!

4 years ago..........

2007-11-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

Today is Cason's 4th bday. He was born November 8, 2003 at 4:23am. I can't believe he is already four! Time goes too fast. Today we gave him a little family party. He and I made a cake and he wanted "chicken legs" for dinner. My good little southern boy! I am so proud.
He is a friend to me when I need someone, he challenges me in ways I never thought possible and he makes me laugh constantly. He is full of hugs and sweet compliments. On top of all that, this little man is smart! He amazes me with his complicated questions.

Happy Birthday Cason! Congratulations to me for being a new mom and making it this far!

Halloween and The Little Dragons

2007-10-31T22:00:00.000-04:00

First off, the kids were so sick. Cason missed school and they both had high fevers. Abram was in the hospital Sunday night. By Wednesday things weren't a lot better but they still wanted to go so we hitched up the "dragon wagon" and pulled them around. Kids are funny, Abram didn't want to trick or treat, he thought it was too fun to ride and pull the wagon in his costume. Whatever, I wasn't going to make him get candy. I just enjoyed how cute they looked.

Luder came home a little early, he was so excited to carve our traditional pumpkin. The sad part was, no one got up from couch.

My little dragons in front of our house.

Cason and Granmoma, the kids were so lucky, Granmoma, Gramps and Grammy were all there. Grammy flew back from a convention and couldn't get home because she got sick so she got to see the kids on Halloween. Gramps stayed at the house to hand out candy. It was fun!

I asked for a smile and he is trying so hard to make me happy. Poor kid.

This was the most I had seen out of Abram in days. He was so happy.

My Fashion Icon

2007-10-24T09:10:00.001-04:00

I love this little man, almost every day he makes me stop what I am doing just to laugh and enjoy life. He has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined.

Cute

2007-10-15T02:52:00.000-04:00

I go in their rooms at night to check on them and I watch them sleep so peacefully. They make me laugh with their hilarious sleep positions.

Bermuda, Bahamas, C'mon Pretty Momma.....

2007-10-01T11:50:00.000-04:00

In October my parents took my younger brother and me on a Bermuda cruise. It was so relaxing and wonderful. I didn't have to clean or take care of anyone but me! I slept, read, swam, took in sun and a lot of good food. Thanks Mom and Dad! Thanks to my wonderful husband, mother-in-law and Carol who held the fort down at home!

This is one of my favorite spots on the trip. It was absolutely gorgeous.

This was the ship, I was on my way to shop and hit the beach with my fam.

We took a cab tour of Bermuda as a family. This photo was taken on a 100 million dollar estate. The concrete/grass pattern in front of us was a map of Bermuda. The mansion overlooked this pool. The average home in Bermuda is worth $1.3 million.

This was taken on an old military base. This bench had the most incredible view of the water - which had SO MANY different colors.

I took this picture at a park we visited. The cab driver led us as we walked behind a parking lot and down a little trail with no one was around. Just when I thought he had lost his mind, this view appeared. I just stood there for a long time, I didn't want to leave but we were at the top of a cliff and it was dangerous.

This was the fist thing I did on my cruise, I sat down in a lawn chair. This was the view as we headed down the Delaware River out of Philly towards Bermuda.

Here we are pulling out of Philly to start the trip. It was cool to see the skyline and go under bridges. (I didn't know if we were going to be able to fit!)

Milton Reunion

2007-09-22T16:00:00.000-04:00

On September 22, 2007, we had a Milton Family Reunion in Fredericksburg with Luder's parents, siblings and their families, (minus Becca/Uli and Shannon). Patti had organized a very special hay ride at a local farm just for our family. We had a great time.

Abram thought the hayride was a blast - he just threw his head back and laughed for about 3 minutes straight!

Then he started getting hot......

Just as the kids started melting they got to hit the watersports!

None of the kids could get up enough speed to get a good slide on the slip and slide so Gramps got pressed into duty. He must have been bent over slinging kids down that slide for about 45 minutes. I imagine he was sore later but the kids absolutely loved it. I thought a few of them were going to catch some air!

First Day of School

2007-09-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

On September 10, Cason went to his first day of preschool for the year.

We went to a family reunion in NC and he was so excited to be in a hotel!

I take the boys to the Children's Museum frequently and they love playing in the water exhibit.

Where are they going?

Summer 2007

2007-07-09T17:12:00.000-04:00

Thanks for checking out our blog, scroll down for more eventful entries. We hope everyone is having a great summer.
Lots of Love, The Milton Family

What goes on during a normal day in our family? This is my current day to day. These little men are so funny!

A modern-day toddler campsite transformation.

Cason has learned to play educational games on the computer. His little bro is fascinated.

Bum Bum watching TV. Abram's nickname is "Bum Bum," he got it from his cousin Nathan.

I had to take this picture to show you that this IS MY DAILY LIFE! I hope I never forget it. Did you get any pudding in your mouth, little man?

After baths, before bed.

Beach Fun 2007

2007-05-30T13:14:00.000-04:00

The last week of May we went to Myrtle Beach, SC for a week. We had a great time. We were able to spend time with almost all sides of the family (my Mom and Dad's sides and Luder's Dad's side.) It was a great reunion every day on the beach. We never knew who we were going to see the next day! Abram loved running on the beach, mostly away from me (it's a good thing he is so cute!) and Cason loved to play in the water with his cousins. People on the beach came up to me and told me that Abram was "entertainment" for them. Luder got to read a few books and we ate a lot of good food and went shopping. The highlight for Cason was the Dixie Stampede. The boys loved the show with all of the animals. The weather was 80 and sunny every single day!

Abram doing what he does best. He didn't really like the water this year.

Cason enjoying the waves. He became more and more brave as the week went on.

This was Luder's first full week off since becoming an attorney. He was pretty happy to be away. The kids really missed him when he went back to work.

Here are the boys before going out one day. They're at our "little house" as Cason called it. He loved it, but was glad to go back to his "big house."

If you look closely, you'll see that Abram is covered in sand, peanut butter and jelly. It was a hard week for a neat freak!

Abram had fun playing in little puddles with his sand toys. Each morning we would dig him a hole where he would sit and play in between sprints.

Cason fell asleep reading a book on the way to Luder's cousin Shannon's house. The beach wore them out!

Early May 2007

2007-05-03T20:00:00.000-04:00

So much has happened since I last wrote. Luder started a new job on May 7, 2007. He moved to another Richmond law firm - Hirschler Fleischer. We are very happy with the switch!

http//www.hf-law.com/HFlmilton.asp

During Luder's job change, he turned 30, so I took him to Boston to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, ("Fenway Paawk"). The Sox played the A's. We both really enjoyed the game. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed myself, everyone else really enjoyed themselves and some even a little too much! Those fans like their beer! LOL!The game was the highlight of our very busy trip.

We toured Boston, Newburyport and Plum Island where Luder lived for two years as a child. We had such a great time and we were able to visit Harvard, the Boston LDS temple (beautiful), take a Boston Harbor Cruise, tour Bunker Hill, eat at the North End (known as "Little Italy.") It was a trip filled with lots of history and culture. We were exhausted when we came back but we had a great time.

This is Luder and I at the wheel of the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest ship in the US Navy. Luder wanted a picture here because his Grandparents posed in the same spot when they visited Luder's family in Newburyport.

Plum Island, Massachussetts on the wildlife refuge Luder's Dad managed while they lived here.

Boston Commons, right down from the Capitol Building.

Luder on the Harbor Cruise with the Harbor behind him about where the Boston Tea Party occured.

Christmas 2006

2006-12-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

A quick glimpse into our Christmas, we were at the Cason's for Christmas Eve. We had a great time. We all really missed Nan but we carried out her great legacy of love by focusing on children, making her recipes and having "Santa" come. It was great to see the children so excited and also to be with Luder and my family.

Pre Christmas Christmas

2006-12-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

On the 23rd we met up with Luder's; Mom, Dad, brother Jonathan, Aunt Peggy, Uncle T.W. and Cousin's Jessica and Thomas. We had lunch at a restaurant in Ashland and then went back to our house to have some Christmas bonding time.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-21T16:20:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2006, Santa came to Cason's school.

Christmas 2006

December 21, 2006

Dear Friends and Family,
It’s Christmas time again and we wanted to update everyone on the last year or so of our lives.
A brief recap for us: in the spring of ’05 Luder graduated from Washington and Lee School of Law and I graduated from Southern Virginia University. We did this while Cason was one year old. Then Luder studied for the bar all of last summer while I was pregnant and searching for a home for us in Richmond. He passed the bar and we bought our first home in Richmond. Luder began his legal career at Morris & Morris in downtown Richmond and we settled in and prepared for the birth of our second son. Luder Abram Milton was born on November 21, 2005.
Abram has been such a joy to our family. Shortly after his birth he had a prolonged case of jaundice. When that passed he became ill for the next several months. We quickly learned patience and long suffering. We were very sleep deprived. One of his last major battles with his illness happened to fall at the same time that I lost one of my best friends in this life. My Nan (my maternal grandmother) passed away on May 6, 2006. It was a really hard time for our family but we managed to get through it.
Abram is healthy now. We just celebrated Abram’s first birthday and Cason’s third. Abram is talking and walking. He can say mommy, daddy, duck, go, Bop, no, yes, bath, hot dog, book and several others. The words aren’t really clear but they are understandable. He grunts loudly and aggressively when Cason is trying to take something from him. It is really funny! He loves to eat, play and read books. He loves to try to keep up with Cason. He is an all around great baby!
Cason started school this year. He is in a preschool that is close to our home. He loves to go to school. He loves his friends at church and school and he loves visiting family. He isn’t a big eater but I guess that is normal toddler behavior. He is funny and very smart. He loves to learn and is very sensitive. He has recently told me, "Mommy, I'm crazy about you!" and "I couldn't have done it without you." Whenever I apologize to him he says, "It's Ok Mommy, everyone makes stakes." (He means everyone makes mistakes.) He really loves his brother, when they wake up they run into each other’s rooms and squeal. It is so cute!
Luder is still working hard in his career. He has more cases than ever and is really excited because he just landed his first lobbying client. Lobbying has been a goal of his for a long time. He was also called to be the Young Men’s President at our church. He still manages to be an incredible father. It really makes my life more enjoyable to see this type of love shared. Luder hasn’t had a lot of time for his hobbies this year but occasionally he exercises, reads and keeps up with sports. He really looks forward to going back to Costa Rica one day.
As for me, I am barely able to keep up with the two little monkeys at home. It seems like I am so busy with lots of “help” from the boys. We try to take time every day to play outside or go somewhere fun. We go to playgroup and the gym, which everyone enjoys. I am also in the Young Women organization at church. I teach on Sundays and help with organization and weekly activities. It is good to be around the youth. They are strength to me and provide an opportunity for me to make myself better as I know they are looking to me to be an example. Richmond has been a great place for me. I have met some good friends and found some neat places that I enjoy.
As usual, we wish there was more time for visits and less distances to be traveled to make that possible. As the year passes I realize that Nan's passing has had me thinking and reflecting about health, life, death and I guess I take more time to stop and be in the moment than I used to. This is why I didn't get out the traditional Christmas card. I just couldn't take the time away from the boys.

We wish you all health, safety and peace this year. We are so grateful for our many blessings, especially the birth of our Savior. I hope you will all stop and spend time with those you love and let them know how you feel. We love and miss you all.

Love,
Luder, Ginny, Cason and Abram Milton

Early Christmas

2006-12-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Aunt Becca came for an early visit to have Christmas with the boys before going to Mexico to see Uncle Ulises. We all had a really good time!

Thanksgiving 2006

2006-11-29T21:26:00.000-05:00

We went to SC for Thanksgiving. We stayed at my Aunt Leslie's house. All of my Dad's brothers were there. Most of the family was able to make it. We had a great time. The day after Thanksgiving we woke up at 4:30 am to go shopping. There were some crazy good deals on top of no taxes for the weekend!

Luder hanging out.

My two cousins who live in Charlotte. Logan is at school at UNC and Blake
just became a Chiroropractor. We were like the three musketeers growing up.

Cason spent a large portion of the trip playing with his cousin Ethan and Ethan's toys.

Right after dinner Abram and I were hanging out.

Happy Thanksgiving, this is my little cousin Ashton.

Leslie and Justin. My Dad's sister and her son. (Ashton is her son as well.)

Abram's 1st

2006-11-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Abram's first birthday was Tuesday November 21st. I can't believe he is one year already! He is a happy baby. He is trying to walk, it won't be long. We had a birthday party for them on November 11th at our house. You can see the pictures from the party here.

Other Family Sites of Interest

2006-11-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

Our old website and Luder's bio on his work website are still available.

Thanksgiving Feast at School

2006-11-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

Cason had a "Thanksgiving Feast" at school. It was a real turkey dinner with friends and they were dressed as little Indians. We had a great time! This is his little friend Makayla.

Fifth Year Anniversary

2006-11-04T17:27:00.000-05:00

For our 5 yr anniversary, Luder took me horseback riding through the mountains in the Shenandoah Valley. It was autumn follage at its best. It was so peaceful and perfect. After that we went to one of my favorite restaurants where we lived when we were first married. We stayed in a newly renovated historical hotel and had an awesome breakfast at a nearby restaurant that was featured in Southern Living . It also happens to have Nan's favorite pies. The whole weekend was a lot of fun. I had not been on a horse since riding on the equestrian team in college. I have missed it tremendously. It was a very cold weekend, we look a little dorky with our 10 layers of clothing and our helmets. I told Luder that I needed both of our brains to be intact for the rest of our lives, he agreed to wear a helmet. This disclaimer is necessary to let me post Luder's picture. He says he looks like a "complete dork" in this picture.