Our Annual Update
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As we reflect on 2023, our hearts are full of gratitude and pride. From academic triumphs to professional strides and personal milestones, it's been a year of growth, challenge, and joy. We've watched our boys flourish in their respective fields, marveling at their dedication and achievements. L has continued to excel and innovate in his career, bringing not just success but real change to his workplace. I am so very grateful for the many blessings we have seen this year.
As we share our journey with you, we hope it brings a smile.
C - A year of adventure...
C - A year of adventure...
We're watching him soar this year! He is at Cal Poly as an Agricultural Science major with a minor in crop production, and he just finished his fall term with a 4.0 GPA + Dean's List. Woo hoo!
His summer job at Dare 2 Dream Farm was a dream come true for him. He's been visiting their farm since he was little, and he really enjoyed the work. This fall he worked on an olive harvest and is working on an ongoing research project on avocado disease management, taking after his great-grandpa Gallagher who owned an avocado orchard in Fallbrook.
He was super excited about his favorite college class so far - machinery safety. He was so excited to drive tractors around the field, and because he already knew how to drive a stick, it was a cinch. You can see him in the mirror in the photo above. :)
His first adventure in living off-campus has been fun. Thursday night farmer's market trips, weekend bonfires at the beach, and more tri-tip sandwiches than we can count. He's really enjoying his college adventure.
He's worked on a farm on row crops with cows, goats, and chickens. He's worked in an olive orchard, so next he's hoping to try his hand in greenhouse horticulture production.
He just finished up his second interview with the largest succulent grower in the US! The rest of his internship interviews begin in January. Wherever he lands this summer, I'm sure it will be amazing.
C's LinkedIn
M - A year of excellence...
M - A year of excellence...
He constantly amazes us with his math - physics - engineering - chemistry skills, and his quick wit keeps us laughing. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout college and earning a spot on the Dean's List yet again, he's not just surviving college, he's thriving. He earned the prestigious Sonrisa Enterprises Scholarship for academic excellence in engineering for his hard work. He most definitely takes after his dad in the math and science department! Brilliant!
Because of his innate ability to understand the most complex concepts, he's taken on the role of volunteer tutor. His ability to demystify the complexities of math and science has made him beloved by his classmates.
This spring, he'll graduate from Allan Hancock College with three degrees!
AA - Math and Science
AS - Physics
AS - Math
The photo is of him and his chemistry professor.
As he applies to Cal Poly for Computer Engineering in the Fall of 2024, his eyes are already set on an additional master's degree in Electrical Engineering. He most definitely has an amazing future of adventure and learning ahead of him!
He commutes about 1,000 miles/month, so if you have a lead on a reliable commuter car for sale, please let us know!
M's LinkedIn
L - A year of recognition...
L - A year of recognition...
As I look over his end-of-year summary for work, I can't help but marvel at everything he accomplishes! He worked on improving the safety and efficiency of the Fluid Systems Components Lab and the Mechanical Lab as well as enhancing their inventory management system adding nearly 1,000 new images to the database to help with identification.
He played a significant role in the development and execution of the Pressurization Vent Cart for an upcoming mission and consulted on the optimization of database processes with the East Coast. He also spearheaded the scrubber liquor testing process, aimed at enhancing in-house capabilities and cutting costs.
His hard work and diligence were officially recognized as a Lockheed Martin 2023 Space Award Honoree for his "significant contributions to Lockheed Martin's mission objectives and unparallelled mission execution in the field of spacecraft propellant loading for the NRO and flawless implementation of a detailed propellant training program" - well deserved, indeed!!
I can't believe we're already at this point, but he sees retirement as a far-off sparkle glistening on the horizon. It's not quite yet in reach, but we're starting to dream about it.
J - A year of gratitude...
J - A year of gratitude...
2023 has been a roller coaster for sure. Tragically, we lost L's brother to a heart attack earlier this year. L was able to go up to be with family for the memorial service. We are so sad he is gone, but we have faith he's resting in peace.
There have also been so many blessings in our family. My mom had her second very scary open heart surgery, this time up at Stanford, and came through with flying colors. My grandma, the fighter that she is, is still with us. ♥
Our boys are absolutely thriving at college. And L + I are approaching our 30th year of marriage, and we are more in love than ever. I am so very grateful for everything.
My body has continued to fight me with a pretty big autoimmune flare. However, my business had a slowdown at exactly the time I needed rest, which worked out perfectly. I'm moving a little slower these days, but I am so very thankful to still be moving! I jump on the elliptical or walk our block most days & M has even been challenging me with strength training. I am slowly working back up to some strength and stamina, and I just joined a 70-mile walking challenge for January. After 50 trips around the sun, I am learning that taking a rest is not laziness, sometimes you just need a nap. How truly wonderful it is that my life and family provide me with such a wonderful luxury.
My favorite part is when everyone is home under one roof - family game night + good food always bring laughter and make happy memories. I am truly blessed. ♥
As this year comes to a close, we wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and joyful New Year. May 2024 bring you peace, health, joy, prosperity, and countless moments of happiness. We're grateful for the shared memories, the support, and the love that connects us all, no matter the distance. As our family looks forward to new adventures, continued learning, and more game nights filled with laughter, we hope your year ahead is just as bright and blessed.
Happy New Year from our family to yours!
♥ The Miller Family
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