back!

It gets tough to blog when you don't have a fast computer, time, and a camera. I now have 2 of 3 so I am ready to blog about projects, trips, and thoughts! I'm back!

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the special Mothers! Especially my mothers...

My Mom

Happy Mothers Day Mom! You're my best friend, my secret keeper, and my hero. I love working with you, learning from you, and our late night chats. You're the best Mom any girl could ask for!


Grandma Miller

Grandma Miller, there's no other Grandma that loves to shop, makes the best Hmong food, and is so much fun like you! I'm so grateful to have you for my Grandma!

This was one of the "Women's conference" retreats. I loved to have Mom and Grandma come visit and have "girl time". We always went to my favorite restaurants and laughed till our belly's ached.

My Mom and Grandma have taught me valuable skills and hobbies that we all love and share together. I love having quilting retreats at Grandma's. I love my personal quilting sessions where I get Grandma and her quilting expertise all to my self. Thanks for sharing your passions with me and keeping the traditions in our family alive.


Grandma Johnson

My Grandma Johnson is one of the best listeners. I love visiting with her and spending time just chatting. We always have a great time when we are together.

Graduating from BYU is one of my "big" accomplishments in life. Grandma Johnson supported me through my BYU career and it is because of her love and support that I am a graduate from a four-year University. Thank you for beliving in me and my education.

LOVE motorcycles

A couple days ago I was leaving Heathers softball game. When I pulled my car out of the parking lot I heard a loud clanking noise, immediately stopped and got out to see what happened. I discovered scrap metal stuck under my car somehow. I drove the the gas station and tried to pull it out, but it was STUCK! I got on my phone to call my dad to come rescue me when a Harley biker dude pulled up. He asked me what my problem was, then easily pulled the worthless scrap metal out from my car. He saved my day! I was so thankful, and glad to know there are still people today who will stop and help someone in need. A big thanks to Mr. Biker Dude whoever he was.

Update...Its been a while

Trip to COLORADO

My Aunt Kelli and her husband Ben, went on a cruise and I got to watch her three kids for 9 days in February. I learned a lot and had fun doing it. While in Denver I took the kids to the Cabin, dropped the boys off at school, picked them up, read books, played lots of games, had a birthday party for Ryan, got to play the "Toothfairy" for Matt loosing his 1st tooth, and had 6 cute little valentines for Valentines Day.

These are my little cousins I got to spend lots of time with.

I made Ryan a Bakagon cake. I think Bakagon's are the new "Pog" for everyone who played Pogs

Here are some of my memories from the week with my cousins

Sydney. I loved having time without my sisters and mom to baby hog Sidney. She's the cutest little baby girl always dressed in super cute outfits and smells baby delicious!

Kate would wake up every morning "Yissa, Yissa, Yissa" and I knew she was ready to get up for the day. She would also walk around everywhere holding my phone and talk to "TamTam, and "Sidney". One day she was walking with me to the mailbox when the neighbors dog came to greet us. Kate didn't see the dog until he was right infront of us. She let out a scream and her whole body was shaking. She was too busy on her phone that she didn't see the dog until he was right in front of us. I had no idea she was so afraid of dogs

After Nicole got her hair done one day at the cabin, Nicole said " I bet Melissa will think my barrett is beautiful, huh Melissa" Oh yeah, her barrett was gorgeous. I got to pick Nicole up from preschool. As soon as she saw me come through the door she got a huge smile and started jumping up and down. Her excitement and enthusiasm made me feel like I was a prize she had just won on national television.

Ryan was really worried about me not finding my husband yet. He would ask me daily why I don't have a husband? I ask myself the same question Ry, someday... haha. :) I also got to pick Ry up from preschool and Loved it. He would walk down the hall like such a grown up little boy. While there I got to celebrate Ryan's 5 birthday!

Matt was learning about Lewis and Clark at school. He would come home and share facts from school like what Sacajawea's name means. Matt was my special helper. He would tell me what his mom does and helped me tons with the little questions I had in being "mom". He also read me books every night before bed. I was so impressed that at 6 years old he was reading at a 3rd or 4th grade level. Smartie!

Nolan is the kid that can make me laugh. He has this contagious laugh that fills the room. He's also very smart and reads some words better than I can. Nolan was the victorious winner of the "Polor bear run". He stripped down to his underwear and ran from the cabin to the lake, barefoot in the snow. Go Nol!

Since my February get away, I have been busy working for a Home Health company here in town, training for my half marathon (which is in May), and my biggest news is my new car! Yeah! I bought my first big purchase! Its a 2004 Black Mazda 3. I love it!

December 16... Happy Birthday DAD!

Today is my dad's birthday. Living at home again I feel lucky to be able to strengthen my relationship with my dad and have him become one of my best friends. He teases me about being too busy for my old man, but I really am grateful for my dad and the great man that he is.

I am grateful for all my family but since this is Dad's special day, I'm most thankful for him today. :)

Memory Lane: This was a Daddy daughter date from high school ,March of 2002. I was 16 and sara was 15 years old, part of what Sara and I like to call "akward years". Even through he "akward years" I have been really fortunate to have an awesome relationship with my dad. I talk to him about my friends, worries, and use him as my advisor when making important decisions.

My first waterskiing attempt at age 6, with my Dad as my coach. My dad has always been an active part of my life. He was at every soccer and basketball game, and the perfect "10" boat driver so that I can pull all my tricks behind the boat. What more could a girl ask for in her dad?

My first deer October 1998. Hunting is a daddy-daughter activity that I treasure. I love being on the mountain walking and talking with dad. Even now that i'm older I look forward every hunting season to take a hunting trip with dad. I'm still waiting for the elk in Weiser to come out of the high country so dad and I can go huntng together before the end of the year...

Happy Birthday DAD! You are so speical and I'm so grateful to have you as my Dad. Thanks for all the heart to heart talks, gossip sessions, money spent, time driving, and love you give to your favorite daughter. (No Sara, Heather, Jessica, or Angelie are not your favorites... Its me, Melissa)

"I'm a Watch Dog"

I have a real job! I started working for a Home Health/Hospice company in September. It's nice to be making money and staying busy. I'm living at home with my family and think I have the best roommates! I'm planning on saving my money to buy a new car. I want the car to fit my personality. Here are two cars I really like. Help me decide which one is "more me". Some necessities for me are 4 doors, stick shift, a/c, and its gotta look good.

Mazda 3

Honda Civic

I am enjoying my job. I see about 9 patients a week, and have great stories almost every day. Here are a few stories...

One of my patients called me a "Watch Dog"and says my mom "Is a Stern one". One visit, my patient was upset because the only tree in her yard had leaves all over the ground so TrueGreen couldn't come spray. She was so upset she didn't want a shower (my main purpose of our visits). So I told her if she took a quick shower, then with the leftover time (I have an hour in the home)I would go rake her leaves for her. She's never taken a shower so fast before which was still 35 minutes long. But when I went out to rake her leaves two neighbors had already started. It was so neat to watch this patient be so grateful for the help from her neighbors.

One of my patients has taught me a shower trick. After you finish your shower, turn the water to cool and let the water rinse you off. You feel really refreshed after wards with the hot and cold combination. It sounds goofy, but it's really a nice shower trick. Try it!

Another patient sings "Hallelujah" every time I come. She says she knows Jesus is watching her when she sees my red car pull up. I get a good laugh at every visit...

I have a Hospice patient that is recovering and doing significantly better than when I first started coming. This is exciting because most people that go on Hospice have a limited time to live. Not this patient, she's improving everyday.

I'm really happy with everything that I get to do. I stay busy, but figure it's better to be busy than to be bored. Love you all!

Sara and Gavin's Idaho Reception

The Wedding! A special thanks to everyone who made the trip to come support Sara and Gavin and the rest of our family. We loved to see EVERYONE. I think we have a pretty special family and group of friends that surround us. Thanks, and We love you!

Mom and Dad. They worked so hard to make Sara's Day special. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Sara and Gavin

Baby Kate. Kelli and Kate came with Grandpa and Grandma Miller, and Randy and Deb. We were so glad they came to Idaho. Thanks for making the long trip the reception would not have been the same without all your hard work! Love you lots!

The Sullivans

You can do it Sara! Thats a lot of dress to squeak through a small hole...

Doug and Lani

The Sisters...Bridesmaids
Natalie, Jessica, Me, Nicole, and Dana

Bride Sara and Groom Gavin.

Jessica, Jake Lockie, and Heather. The Lockies are our best friends from Idaho Falls. Thanks for making the trip! Love ya!

The Bouquet toss. Look at the fighting girls. Natalie, Gavin's sister caught the bouquet. Go Natalie!

Heather, Jessica and I being the great sisters that we are wanted Sara and Gavin's reception to be remembered so we did a little dance to "He's all That" from Cascada. We think Sara and Gavin are ALL THAT!

The Dance Heather, Jessica and I did for Sara and Gavin. They LOVED it!

Its True. Sara's Fairytale did come True. She found her prince and will live Happily Ever After, just like she always planned.

Dad and "his Pepsi". He kept a private stash to sip on during the Reception. Go Dad!

Gavin, Sara, Me!

The Johnson's and Sullivans

Gavin Carrying Sara so her dress didn't get all grass stained. Haha. "Run Gav Run"

The Johnson Family