Hill Family Reunion 2011

I have been remiss in posting about this only because I took no pictures. Not a single one :( We went to Island Park over Labor Day weekend. It was so wonderful! I am one of those oober lucky people that has amazing in-laws, and Burke's parents and all of his siblings/ in-laws, and his niece and nephews were there. We also were excited to meet Brooke who will be joining the family officially right after Christmas! Since I have no pictures here are a few highlights that I enjoyed (in no particular order):

• Family Picture Bingo
• Games and Play-dough with the kiddies
• Walking to church in the mountains
  
• The Cat-Eye Night Hike
• Pedicures
• Canoeing Warm River
• The Brother's Bike Ride
• Reading Burke's journal that his parents kept for him when he was small.
• looking at scrapbooks and old funny family photos
• laughing until my sides hurt
  
• All of Grandma's Yummy treats and food :)

We also were lucky enough to sneak in a quick visit with my parents and Ron and Brittany Lyn on Monday evening. Then, Tuesday we went to Grandma and Grandpa Hill's to see the chocolate factory and we tried a few new flavors (Huckleberry Creme anyone?) and had a nice visit there. Afterwards, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Ferguson's and enjoyed fresh tomato sandwiches on Grandma's famous toast before we hit the road for home. It had been far too long since we had enjoyed a visit with them, so I was thankful we had the chance to go and see them. I wish we had found time to see my Grandma Youd before we left, but hopefully I will get to see her & Grandpa over the upcoming holidays. As always, it was too quick, but we are all counting down the days when we will get together for fun times again!!

Temple Square

On our way to Idaho for Labor Day weekend, we stopped at Temple Square to see the model of the Salt Lake Temple. It was so beautiful and wonderful to talk with our little children about our testimonies of the temple and see so many details of the building both inside and out. I have not been to the Salt Lake temple for an endowment session since right after we were married, I was surprised how many of the details I actually remembered about the ordinance rooms.

We went at about 10:00 in the morning on a Friday so there weren't tons of people around, but enough that I couldn't get a clear shot of the inside of the model-- there is a picture of it inside the September 2011 Friend. Anyway, it was so beautiful and hearing my children's ideas and opinions about the temple was so sweet.
I can't wait to be inside this building with these little sweeties someday. How I hope they know how important it is to me.

They were also very impressed with the conference center-- it was fun just to tell them about how the prophet and apostles would be speaking here in just a few more weeks. They thought that was amazing :)

I really love the temple. I wish right now more than ever I lived nearer to a temple. I find myself aching for more opportunities to attend. I am so sad to live so far away (and that I didn't treasure it enough when I lived right by it.) Realizing of course that when I say "so far away" it is still relatively easy for me to get to the temple and many people in the world would consider a day trip to the temple an easy distance-- but working out the child care seems to be the big hitch-- it is just a really big day to leave my kids with a friend or to pay a sitter (though I have done those things). But in the end those are excuses, and I need to make more regular attendance to the temple a priority. How else will I teach my children how important it really is to me? I am looking forward to getting my recommend renewed as it will expire soon. I love to assess where I am and report my worthiness before the Lord and find my spirit renewed with determination to make time for the blessings of temple.

Children Will Listen . . .

I have been thinking a great deal lately about my precious children. Like many of you, I am blessed with active, spirited children who push limits, and have wildly independent thought. I find myself completely overwhelmed in some moments. There was one day this week when I turned into Mommy Monster. I knew I was out of line, but oh how they pushed me that day. And I snapped. And I said awful things. Things I didn't mean. I pushed them away with unkind words and calloused impatience. And after I had sent them off to their beds that night, I had that heaviness in my heart. I knew I was so wrong. So in tears, I knelt in prayer to right myself before God. He is kind and forgiving. He is merciful and just. He is patient with my shortcomings and He {still} believes in me as a Mother. And most important, He is ever willing to guide my steps and give me the strength I need to improve. He teaches me to guide with love in my heart. Because they are not mine; they are His. And even though I cannot fathom how, I know He loves them even more than I do.

When I was a freshman in college my two younger sisters were in a musical, "Into The Woods". I went every night I could, I can remember going at least 2 times. Each time when my amazingly talented friend Rachel would sing the hauntingly beautiful refrain of "Children will Listen" I would cry and cry. I thought it very weird--as I had no children of my own and was not even close to having them, but I was so moved and knew I would reflect on it one day when I had children of my own. And the day has finally come-- when I understand a little more what the song really means. (And it still makes me cry . . .)

Here it is . . . (And I must apologize that this singer is so scantily clad--there were no other YouTube versions that I liked the presentation of-- so just close your eyes!)

According to Rebekah . . .

We went to the Baptism of a sweet little friend a few weeks ago. After her baptism and confirmation we went to their home to celebrate with friends and the young girl's family. So at FHE this week Burke was teaching the kids about the 4th Article of Faith. We were going through all of the principles and ordinances of the gospel and Burke asked, "What do we need to do after we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?" Rebekah didn't hesitate to say, "We go have a picnic!"

Andrus Family Reunion 2011

The Andrus Family Reunion is always great and there is never a dull moment! It is the only time I see most of my siblings each year as we don't often gather well for holidays. Here are a few pictures of the fun this year. We went to Camp Jackson near Blanding, UT. It was so beautiful and nice to sneak away for a few days :)

Playing a game that Grandpa made. This has an actual name but I neglected to ask it. Preston calls it "Golf Ball thrown onto the Rack Game" They both loved this!

Grandpa's Toy. The kids thought this was awesome (and when we needed to get something heavy down to the lake it was pretty handy too!)

Preston observing and learning all the time-- here he got a fair understanding of the game of chess as he watched his older cousins play for hours!

And here he had some fun learning some new knots from Grandpa. Preston LOVES to tie ropes, strings, clothes, shoes, or anything. (And I am not in love with this hobby I just have to say)

Rebekah In the sandbox. This was so nice right by the pavilion where the adults naturally gathered together. The kids had a swing set and play structure and sandbox to play in.

Rebekah loving her bike (Me Not Loving the pushing around it took to navigate the bumpy road!)

Lots of campfire and guitars and singing :)

Ignore my goofy expression, the kids were singing the lollipop song and I was helping them be brave! They did awesome :)

Preston digging "trenches" with a stick. Thank goodness for hot showers :) That is the only way I could let him get covered with dirt head to toe each day!

More 4 Wheeler rides :) Preston's little hat sticking up on the other side of the toolbox!

Biker Dudes. Ron went too, but didn't make the photo-shoot! These guys are tough (crazy?!)

Some cowboys came to collect cattle--they gave a few horseback rides. My kids LOVED this! Unfortunately I took no pictures (but Rachel did-- in fact all of these photos are from her!) so I don't have one of Preston on the horse.

Really love this boy :)

I think this was after the obstacle course observation (Preston says it was way too hard for him!)

It was such a fun gathering and we had many more unpictured activities, we played pretty hard and didn't sleep enough, but it was well worth the few days it took me to recover :)

In Review: The 4th of July 2011

The forth of July is always one of my favorite holidays. This year was a little too busy for us to leave town-- then we all got the plague and didn't do any of the things we were supposed to do anyway! Luckily by Monday (the actual holiday) we were much better and were able to get out for a few activities!

We hiked part way up the Lower Monument Canyon

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You can see the Monument (sort of-- have I mentioned I should probably get a new camera?!) in the picture above -- it is the "tower" to the left of the cliffs.

My awesome hiking companions!

. . . and my work horse!



Went to the park to play and enjoy some shade

Tried out the GJ parade (pretty weak sauce)

Love this picture of Burke-- his feet were dangling-- I asked him if he felt like a kid with his feet not touching the ground!

Cute little patriot!

Overall a very fun day!

In Review: Preston Graduates Preschool

So sorry for the poor picture quality. It is BEYOND time for me to invest in a new camera, but it is sadly still not very high on my list of "must aquire" things!

Preston had an awesome year in preschool! He learned a lot and enjoyed his experience very much :) For every frustrating moment there were many more rewards and seeing his love for learning is inspiring and motivating to me!
Ms. Cheyenna was a great teacher for him!

Preston earned the "Ravenous Reader" award and it is so true! This boy LOVES to read! (Mom is feeling lucky here!)

With his diploma :)

Receiving his diploma! Way to go Preston!!