The "Frankie" Face

We all think that Emery looks allot like her Daddy. Right down to the scowl! If you look closely, even the eyebrows are the same! Frank always jokes that he'll put on a wig to show us what Emery's going to look like in 38 years.

Anyways, it has been a crazy couple of weeks. We decided to rip apart our house and engage in some spring cleaning. I had forgotten how long it takes to accomplish anything that big with a little baby in the house. She is sweet, but very demanding. We will EVENTUALLY get the house back in order. Although, with the weather over the last few days, did we miss spring and summer? I immediately went back into hibernation mode, and stayed home all weekend. Brooklyn and Jordan especially loved that! It was quite enjoyable. There is something to be said about closing out the world and just being with the ones you love!

A Quiet Moment

Between conference sessions on Sunday, Frank took Emery for me while I made lunch. When I found them, they looked so peaceful, that I had to take a picture!

The Millington family had a wonderful weekend watching conference. What an experience it was to be able to stand together with our brothers and sisters in the gospel and sustain President Thomas S. Monson as the 16th president of the church in the solemn assembly Saturday morning. The rest of the conference had a very special spirit to it this time. I know that the spirit touched me this conference as we listened to the counsel of our prophet. I enjoyed so many of the messages that were given. I look forward to watching them again.

We had a faith building moment this weekend. As you know, Jordan plays soccer and loves it. He plays in the developmental league. Spring try outs are starting. We were told that Jordan's first tryouts were scheduled for yesterday. We have never let our children dance or play sport on Sundays. That is not only the Sabbath, but it is also our family day where we know that we will all be at home together. We debated for a bit on whether we should make an exception for the try outs because we could fit it inbetween sessions and he wouldn't be missing church. We knew that it might affect Jordan's placement on a team and in the league, but we just didn't feel right about it. So we put our faith in the Lord and said no to the Sunday tryouts. The coordinator got right back to us saying that Jordan could join a different group and try out tonight! Jordan, who was upset that we said no to the tryouts, was happy once again! The Lord does bless his children for trying to do what is right!

BUSTED!

We have a rule at our house, I'm sure you might have the same rule at your house. It is that there are no treats unless Mommy and/or Daddy say yes. This rule is very hard for our children to follow right after Halloween (Thank you, Neighbors!) and Easter (Thanks a lot, Easter Bunny!)

Let me give you some background about our home from school routine. Every day after school, Brook and Jordy scatter when they walk in the door. This is to try and prevent Mommy from asking them to do anything to help me out. Their hope is that if they are quiet enough, I will forget they are here. I think that there is an unwritten law of parenting that we, as parents are forbidden to forget our children. Besides, I can hear them playing and arguing reguardless of how quiet they think they are. I particularily find it amusing when the "whisper fight" as their whispers aren't that quiet.

Anyways, about 45 mins. after we were home yesterday, Jordy reappeared to give his baby sister, Emery a kiss (Very sweet!). When Mommy saw him, I politely asked what he had been up to. He told me that he was playing X-BOX in the basement and that's all. I further questioned him on whether he had eaten a snack (I was just curious, because there had been no requests from either of my older children about having a after school snack). He, with a straight face, answered NO (TWICE!).

Now I ask you, would you believe him?!

Emery's Smile and the Dogs' "frowns"

We finally captured a really great picture of Emery"s smile! Big brother Jordan took this picture when he was playing with the camera. He spent about an hour taking pictures of Emery and the dogs. Isn't she precious?! What a great little photographer Jordan is!

Now about those dogs!

This is Marshall. He is my parent's dog. He is staying with us while they are playing on the cruise ship (Poor them!). I'm sure they are having more fun than Marshall and that he wishes he was anywhere but at our house.

Let me explain.

This is Merlin, he's one of our dogs. He is seven and as he ages he get crankier and crankier(Don't we all!). He used to love having Marshall come and stay with us. The two of them would play from sunrise until sunset. Merlin is no longer the gracious host he used to be. In fact, he is quite the pill. He sulks all the time and won't give Marshall the time of day. As well, he stays glued to Frank and I, constantly tripping us because he always underfoot. This is to insure that he has our undivided attention, and Marshall does not. Poor Marshall, he has to sneak loves from me when Merlin isn't looking. I'm sure Marshall is expecting a BIG present from his Mom and Dad for having to put up with Merlin for a week and a half! (Hint, Hint, Mom and Dad!)

Now about Maggie, she is our 11 year old puppy. She's hiding in her kennel because Merlin is taking out his aggression over Marshall staying with us on her. She's trying to keep a low profile, which for the most part is working. She comes out at night when everyone is asleep to eat, drink and then cuddle up to Brooklyn on her bed. She is very grateful that at night, Merlin parks himself on Mommy and Daddy's bed just to make sure that Marshall doesn't! Merlin doesn't move a muscle until the morning.

Poor Marshall and Maggie, for having to put up with a big grump!