With the due date of their first child fast approaching, and COVID in full swing, Micayla and Jonny Miller became just the seventh homeowners at Painted Prairie. It was 2020 and the world was upside down, but the couple had fallen in love with the vision for the community and took a leap of faith. Despite a laundry list of COVID-related delays, the house was ready just weeks after closing—in time for the first little Miller to arrive. Nearly six years later, now with two more little Millers in the mix, faith continues to be a guiding force for the couple as they embrace life to the fullest.
Micayla and Jonny met at Colorado State University and clicked right away. Though they came from very different beginnings, they shared a vision for building a life together in a thoughtful, unified way.
Micayla’s early life had required her to take charge, and she had done it with gusto. Growing up with her young single mom and grandparents, she learned the value of hard work, excelling academically (at private schools that her mother worked tirelessly to fund) and taking advantage of every opportunity. She participated in gymnastics and cheer, and graduated high school with a semester of college already under her belt. And there’s more: a model search winner for Maurices and a spontaneous successful try out for the CSU cheer team—Micayla continued to believe and achieve.
Jonny grew up in a traditional home with both parents and his brothers, in a world-is-your-oyster environment. His exceptional football prowess at Mullen High School led to a dream opportunity to play quarterback at Syracuse University. In the end, Syracuse didn’t work out, and Jonny returned to Colorado. What felt like devastation at the time ultimately led him to CSU and that fateful encounter with Micayla.
Since graduating CSU, Micayla and Jonny have been busy with careers and family. Micayla was a teacher at KIPP and DSST before committing her time to raising and homeschooling the couple’s three children. Jonny splits his time between his hybrid tech sales position and his most important role as husband and dad. At the center of everything is their faith. “We have prayed for these things,” Micayla says. “They didn’t just fall into our lives.”
The whole family takes full advantage of all that Painted Prairie has to offer, and neighbors have become part of the Miller family rhythm. Because the homes share an alley, the kids run freely back and forth between houses—a simple but meaningful part of daily life. Micayla and Jonny host a weekly community church group, and generous neighbors have helped watch the kids when they host. “We hope to see this vibrant community continue to come together.” says Micayla, “It makes raising a family here incredible.”
