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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve.  We started the evening by going to church, then headed to dinner at Fred’s Hickory Inn.  The mass was a children’s mass and it is always one of my favorites.  I love to hear the voices of the children’s choir.  Such a sweet, sweet sound!  Dinner was excellent.  It’s always a fun night.  The same families have reservations at Fred’s every Christmas Eve, so we always look forward to seeing some of our nearest and dearest friends.  I love Christmas traditions:)…..

Walking up to the church.  Notice the 1 BRIGHT shining star on the right side.  Made me think of our bright star, Miller McNeil, shining down from heaven on us…..

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Cole wanted his picture taken hereSmile…..

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The stable, before Baby Jesus was placed in the manger…..

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Baby Jesus in the manger:)…..

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Nana and Papa at Fred’s…..

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Our little family…..

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Cole’s color sheet.  Check out the paper dolls!!!  Miller was making his presence knownSmile…..

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Sweet Boy…..

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Cole with Nana and Papa…..

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Can’t beat some macaroni and cheeseSmile……

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Setting cooking out for Santa…..

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Friday, December 23, 2011

6 months in Heaven

It’s hard to believe that it has been 1/2 a year since we last held our precious baby boy.  We continue to miss him more than ever, but find great comfort knowing he is in Heaven and are SO proud of the legacy he has left behind.  Our little guy made a positive impact in this world, that is for sure. 

For the most part we are doing really well.  It still seems to be the random things that get to us.  The things you prepare for aren’t usually as bad as you expect, but it’s things like filling out paperwork at the doctors office that punch you in the stomach unexpectedly.  For instance, my Facebook status from yesterday:

“At the doctor filling out paperwork...# of pregnancies-2, # of miscarriages or abortions-0, # of living children-1. Doesn't add up quite right, huh? It's things like this that get me every time.”

I woke up to this photo posted on my Facebook wall by my friend, Kate……

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Miller definitely answered prayers.  One of the many prayers that he answered is evident in this Facebook message I received this week:

“I just wanted to say thank you for a few things! First - thanks for your beautiful Christmas card! I have it hanging on my card tree in the kitchen and it reminds me every day to love a little more on my 4 sweet children.


I also wanted to thank you for sharing Miller's story and wanted to let you know how he is working in my life. We have always been a church-going family but I used to see it more of a hassle than a blessing. Since I "met" you and learned of Miller, I have recommitted to my faith. I even met with my minister today to finally join our church and get my children baptized. I am sorry it took me so long to take that step but I am so grateful that I can clearly see all of the blessings God has given me and the path I am meant to take. I know I was led to Miller's story for a reason!


One of my favorite Christmas carols is Ding Dong Merrily on High. If you don't know the song, it goes "ding dong merrily on high, in heaven the bells are ringing." Every time I hear it, I can't help but think of Miller up there ringing those bells as he beams proudly on your family.
Have a wonderful Christmas as you remember your sweet angel. We are still sending prayers your way every day!”

I can’t leave you without a picture of our little angel, so here ya goSmile…..

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Merry Christmas, Miller McNeil.  We will forever be grateful for OUR greatest gift this year…..and that is YOU, sweet boy!  You brought more blessing to this world than you will ever know.  I wish you were going to be here celebrating Christmas with us, but I can only imagine what Christmas must be like in Heaven.  I know you are happy and that is what I have to keep reminding myself, as my arms ache to hold you.  We will hold you again and what a glorious day that will be.  God Speed Little Man…..Sweet Dreams.  Mommy, Daddy and your big brother Cole love you SO, SOOOO much!!!!!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

3 years of Christmas Cards

Christmas Card 2008: by Mika Beth Edwards Photography

(Miller would have been this age this year)

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Christmas Card 2009: by Mika Beth Edwards Photography

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Christmas Card 2010: by LaLa Photography

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Christmas Card 2011: by Sarah Bussey Photography

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Monday, December 19, 2011

Soccer

Cole is still playing soccer and loving it!  We have missed a few weeks for different reasons here and there, but he was glad to get his game face on again;).  The Winter League is indoor, which makes it nice.  He always has to stop on our way out and say hi to the fish…..

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Early Christmas

This is our year to celebrate Christmas with Patrick’s side of the family, so my family came up to celebrate a little early.  Bud, Peg, Brady and Ryan met us for pizza before heading to the Razorback Basketball game on Saturday.  It was Brady and Ryan’s very 1st time going to a Razorback Basketball game.  They were literally in Hog Heaven:)!  After the game we came back to our house to grill steaks and exchange gifts.  You can tell from the pictures below that the BALL Cole got totally won the “favorite present” award:)!!!  However, since we have his Kindle Fire up and running now, I think it has taken the lead.  It is definitely my favorite present he got, because I have my phone back now!!!  Thank you Bud and Peg!!!  Sunday afternoon before they left town, dad wanted to take the boys to Lewis & Clark to climb the rock wall.  They were excited about it, but said they had climbed a rock wall before, so they didn’t really act like it was any big deal, UNTIL WE GOT THERE!!!  I don’t think the rock wall they had been on before was quite as big as this one!  Neither one of them made it all the way to the top, but they had fun trying, and we had fun watching!!!  It was a VERY fun weekend!  We got lots of quality time squeezed into a short 24 hour visit!!! 

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