Hill Family Photos

Jason, Amy, Kadin, Hunter, Mason & Lilly

Great Grandma Hill

Kris and Celeste with new twins Jaxson and Shaun

23 Hill Grandbabies

Justin, Mindy, Isaac, Ethan & Abby

Shaun, Liz, Gabe, Victoria, & Lydia

Weldon & Gean Hill

Ben, April, Natallia, Joseph, Nephi, Lexi, Moroni, & Bella

Great Grandma Beecher

We just got the long awaited family photos back from the Hill reunion. I think they turned out great. After all, it's not east getting 49 people in the same photo and keeping 23 little wigglys still. I love this family and feel so grateful to be a part of them!

Irrigation

I wish I had gotten a photo today, but our sweet neighbor and friend becky Phillips invited our kids over to play in the irrigation water at her parents house today. Growing up in Missouri, the concept of irrigation was completly forgien to me, but hey...we are always up for new things. Our kids had a blast playing in the water with all of their friends. I love all of the sweet people in our new neighborhood, especially Becky Phillips. She is such an inspiration to me. Thank you for making us feel so loved and including our family in so many of your fun ways! You're one in a million!

Hill Kid Quote #3

Well, this one is more like a conversation. Many of you know, but we believe our Isaac to be very spiritually in tune. He has often said things that astound both Justin and I even as a little baby. I was putting the boys to bed the other night after reading scriptures and saying our prayers. After prayer Isaac said to me, "Mom I hope it is okay that I just said my own prayer in my head." I reassured him that was a good thing. Then he continued, "I asked Heavenly Father when he is coming back to Earth and he said to me, Isaac you are a very special boy, I am always on the Earth with you." Pretty insightful when you are 5. I then kissed them goodnight and went to Abby's room to relieve Justin of her very lengthy bed time routine as he had put her to bed several nights before that. Isaac then comes to Abby's room and stands in the doorway and says, "Guys, what does it feel like when Heavenly Father is with you?" I asked him what he thought it felt like. He said, "Well, I think it is when your heart feels are warm and comfy inside like mine feels now." May we all remember that warm and comfy feeling we can receive when we are living close to our Savior.

First Day of School

Today was Issac's BIG Kindergarten Debut!

He loved it and he loves his new teacher Mrs. Headman. Justin thought it was funny that mom was struggling with this so much. I did have to fight back a few tears and had a nervous feeling in my stomache. We are so happy and proud of our big Jellyman!

Prepare to have your funny bone tickled!

Morphed Abby Girl
Skinny Isaac
Toothless Ethan

Justin discovered this new "morphed" software on his I-phone last night so we sat around creating these and laughing so hard our stomachs ached. I think they are hilarious!

Funny Hill Kid Quote #2

I decided after the "dropping the kids off at the pool" post that I would start recording some of the insanely hilarious things our children say. Regrettably, there have been so many that I have missed the opportunity to write down maybe I will think of some of them now and then and include those. Here is one from early this morning: After my third night of insomnia and an interesting twist of events, I ended up in Isaac's bed and he somehow ended up sleeping with Justin. I awoke this morning to Ethan saying, "Mom, daddy says it's time for you to wake up." I opened my eyes to this sweet boy. I love him always but especially first thing in the morning. You see, he just has this sweetness about him at that time of day that many days we do not see the rest of the day. So I felt like asking him for a kiss. He rarely ever wants to give me a kiss and it is ALWAYS on his terms. In addition, he does not believe in kissing on the lips (a practice I hope he keeps for many years.) Every once and awhile I will know that I have done something really great because he will land a big one right on the kisser! This morning, I got my occasional kiss to the forehead. Immediately following this kiss he wiped his mouth and said, "Ewww, now I have to wipe the girl off of me mom." I feel special.

Pistachio Cookies

So many of you have asked for this recipe that I had to post it. I'm sorry there's no photo to go with it. The truth is, every time we have had these at our home they have been made by our wonderful nanny and her family. But I did finally get my hands on the recipe. They are sooooo YUMMY!

1 Cup Butter
1/3 C Powdered Sugar
1 Egg
1 t vanilla
2 C Finely Chopped Pecans
3/4 t Almond Extract
2 C Flour
1 Pkg. Instant Pistachio Pudding
1/2 C Mini Choc Chips

Cream butter, sugar and eggs, add extracts-mix well. Combine flour, pudding and add to mixture, stir in chocolate chips. Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in chopped pecans and place on greased cookie sheet. Put a thumb print hole in the middle of each cookie before cooking. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 min.

Prepare filling:
2 T Butter
White Choc. Chips
4 oz. cream cheese
2 C Powdered Sugar
1 T Vanilla

Place filling in large ziplock. Snip one corner and pipe filling out onto each cookie in thumbprint hole.

Chocolate topping: Melt 1/2 C Semi-sweet chocolate with 2 t shortening. Drizzle lightly over each cookie

Dropping the "Kids" Off at the Pool

Can you believe that this guy starts Kindergarten this week (Sniff, sniff)....He is ALWAYS making me laugh. He is so much like Justin it absolutely kills me! I love watching him and imagining that was what Justin must have been like as a little boy. I have to admit that last night while at Wal-Mart he had a moment that he realized he URGENTLY needed to use the restroom. You know, all kids do it and it's usually ALWAYS in a public place with a way icky bathroom. He waited to tell us until he was about to poop himself. We rushed to the bathroom. Then he sits on the toilet...and sits....and sits. Then he starts to try to have a conversation with me. I looked at him and said, "Dude, would you just drop those kids off at the pool already." He looks at me a says back, "Mom, I am trying but the kids won't get out of the car!" Oh man I love him....just hope he doesn't get pink slipped his first day of Kindergarten for saying something like that!

Missing My Hubby

In search of one Mr. Justin Hill.....he's tons of fun, gives the best hugs and kisses and loves to watch movies. Though we have been coexsisting the past few weeks, between house guests and sick kids, I have missed you! I look forward to the weekend and spending some much needed time with my sweetheart. TGIF Ya'all!

Downy Dumps

I saw this photo of Abby when she was about 5 months old today and thought it best describes how she has been feeling lately. Our poor Tweeter was in the dr. office yesterday for several hours. They were trying to get a urine sample on her. Not an easy task since she is only 2! We did finally get a sample, and discoved she has a UTI and a sinus infection. Poor girl! She's one tough cookie. We are going to stay home this weekend and nurse her back to health.

Another Pasta Salad

Hagrid, this post is for you....who continually gets drug home from the office by Justin to do little electronic projects at our house. Hopefully we feed you well while you are here. I love that our boys get so excited when you are around. I think that is a hint that Baby Trent will love having you as his poppa. You're just a fun person to be around.....Here is the salad I made for lunch the other day:

1 package noodles cooked al dente (I like to use penne for this salad)

1 cucumber peeled and quartered

1 container of grape tomatoes, halved

2 small cans sliced black olives

Ranch Dressing

Shredded Parmesean Cheese

Toss it all together with a little salt and pepper

I love these two sweet people with all of my heart. I feel lucky to have known my in-laws since I was about 14 years old. They are the best grandparents I could have ever wished for my babies. They are always willing to lend a helping hand. They manage to evenly spread thier love to all 6 of their children, 6 spouses and 23 grandchildren who live all over the country. I took the opportunity to help all the grandkids make this mural for mom and dad while they were here visiting. Mom and Dad Hill you are special to all of this and we all greatly appreciate your many gifts!

Still Recovering

Sorry for the lack of posts. I was on quite a roll. I think I somehow managed to post something every day in July. Still not sure how that happened exactly. The truth is, Justin and I are still recovering from all of the great visitors. We were so excited for the weekend. The kids had so much going on though and we had Courtyard's Summer Party. We were wiped! I had thoughts of skipping Sacrament Meeting yesterday and asked Justin if there would be any announcements that I needed to be present for. He said probably not, just as a member of the Bishopric called reminding me to be there because they were going to sustain me as a new member and as an official member of the Primary. I hurried to get out the door, and made it there just in time (thanks mostly to Justin's help getting the boys ready). I was grateful for going, Bishop Plothow and a member of the Stake Presidency reflected on what a wonderful day last Sunday was. Getting through Primary was a challenge this week. With so many squirmy Sunbeams (my son When I got home, the Missionaries called and wondered if they could stop by just to visit. Then the Ward Missionaries called to see when I wanted to start my new member lessons. Still recovering from such an awesome baptism day and doing my best to make it to church each week....I realized that this Church IS NOT FOR SISSIES! Onward I go.......

Notice: Hill Family Bed & Breakfast Closed

It was wonderful having all of you as guests. We truly enjoyed sharing our home with you. We are out of food, clean sheets and towels. Regrettably, we have decided to close the Hill B& B at this time. We're taking some time off and going to eat happy meals for the next several days. Thanks for being patient with this frazzled host and all of your helping hands. We love all of you so much and are so grateful for the chance for our kids to all play together. Wishing you safe travels home.
Until Next Time: Justin, Mindy, Isaac, Ethan, Abby, Brittan the Dog, Heidi the Cat, 2 Crabs, & 1 Snake :)

Hill Family Reunion~Water Style

The wave runner put poor Abby to sleep :(

Umm, does it look like a good time was had by all?

Lots of Hill cousins in one boat
Trying to "un-purple" his lips

Beachgoers

Grandpa Hill gettin' his EAT on!

AHOY! Taking the boat for a spin!

Ready to hit the water!

This is how a Hill Princess lounges on the beach!

With April's oldest, beautiful Natallia

Justin and I

Isaac Loved holding his new cousin Jaxson

Wow! It has been such a great time these past few days having all 23 Hill grandchildren in one place! Yesterday, we spent a fun filled day at Deer Valley riding wave runners and little boats. A good time was had by all.

Speechless

Wow! I am speechless! What a great day this was for me! Thanks to the hundreds (really) of you who made Sunday one of the most special days of my life. I am completely overwhelmed and overjoyed with my special baptism day! Nearly every person I love and adore was in that room on Sunday. I am eternally grateful for The Gospel and Heavenly Father's Plan for us. I could have never reached this destination without the love and support of all of you.

Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate This Weekend

1. 4 uninterrupted days off work with family
2. All my sister in laws in one place at one time
3. All 23 Hill Cousins have days to play all together
4. My Baptism this Sunday (Yeah that's right)
5. Meeting our twin nephews
6. Blessing the babies
7. Introducing Abby to the Caldwells
8. Blasting off in Gabe Hill's rocket ship
9. Water Fun at Deer Creek & The Heber Creeper
10. Seeing so many friends, especially the Tanners and Walters YEAH!

It's going to be a fun and special weekend! I am SO excited!

Good Kids Reads

For those of you who don't know, Shel Silverstein is one of my favorite authors. I discovered the magic of his humor at my first job working with Alzheimer's Patients. His poems are simple but to the point, something that most people with AD appreciate. Later in life, as my children have grown, it has become a bedtime favorite for them. I also remember reading them at bedtime with Justin when we were first married. Sadly, Shel passed away a few years ago at a very young age. But his works live on in my heart. If you haven't read his books, they are a true delight! One of my favorite poems of his is this:

"We gave you the chance to water the plants, we didn't mean that way, now zip up your pants."

Having two boys I can really appreciate this one even more now.

Another family favorite of ours is Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are". This book has an especially important meaning to Justin and I. In the Spring of 1999 we got back in touch with one another after many years. Things moved quickly as I believe we both finally knew that we were meant to be together. I decided to fly to Utah to visit him and some of his other family members. In the weeks before my visit, we talked about many things. At some point I asked him what his favorite children's book was. I had already started my own collection of kids books. We decided not to tell one another and I would bring mine and we would share our books with one another during our visit. The first night I arrived in Utah, we got our books out. It turns out that "Where the Wild Things Are" was both of our favorite! In addition, the copy of the book that Justin had was his own copy as a little boy. You see, we were meant to be together! It's another great classic!