The Hill Family

Break from schools

2010-03-18T19:42:00.006-05:00

Another break from my schools so it's time to blog! Our family was blessed to take a vacation to New Orleans over Spring Break. I wanted to take the kids for several reasons: get away, hang out with the family, and have the kids see a different way of life outside of themselves and their normal environment. It worked. We had the best time! Brian and I tried to show the kids how fortunate we are, and how less fortunate others are, without losing the innocence of the kids. Crazy, I know, but I was amazed at how quick they were to pick out someone who needs Jesus. We played and walked and laughed and walked and shopped and walked and looked and walked and ate and walked. Yep, we walked all over the big easy. We stayed in a hotel in the French Quarter whose pool was broken but had arranged for their guests to use another hotels pool two blocks away...so the kids walked through the French Quarter in swim suits and towels (and coverups of course) for two blocks to the pool a few times. We got quite a few looks but it was neat.

The weather was a little on the chilly side, but at least it kept the city smells down. I was amazed at how well New Orleans looked. The city really is on the mend.

Behold

2009-12-23T06:18:00.003-06:00

You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12

"Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds my future;

and life is worth the living just because He lives."

Hurry Up and Sigh Deep

2009-12-22T14:28:00.005-06:00

I don't even drink coffee and I can so relate!

I mean seriously, folks, let's try to at least look like we're enjoying this Christmas break.

How sad that we spend more time stocking up for the perfect gifts to give our families and we miss the perfect opportunity to give to the family...ourselves.

You know what I was reminded of this moring? That my kids love to watch TV with me.

We love to laugh at the commercials and cartoons and just giggle for no reason

while laying around on each other.

I've really missed that.

I've missed Matt climbing on Sunshine Mountain (me) and "perching" on me.

I've missed Drew's millions of questions for me and his zany answers to my questions.

I've missed Meg pestering me to play with her hair or rub her arm.

I've missed sitting down with the family to a meal every night.

I've missed telling the kids good-night.

So that's what I'm stocking up on this Christmas season...memories and laughter and love.

Joe Schmoe Truck Driver

2009-12-13T21:24:00.004-06:00

I simply must share a picture with you taken at Halloween. The kids at my school always dress up, and since I'm not one to miss out on the fun, I decided to join in with my own costume.

I only used what I had at the house and viola, meet Joe Schmoe - Truck Driver:

It was so funny to see the expressions on some of my co-workers faces when they first caught a glimpse of me! Would you trust this individual?

Meg's boots, my jeans, Brian's blue shirt, Brian's checked shirt, eye liner and mascara for a beard, my mullet wig, my hat, and my bed sheet (aka my belly): all rolled into one very fun character to add a bit of laughter to our day.

Good times, good times!

Updates and Memories

2009-12-11T16:18:00.002-06:00

WOW...I can't believe so much time has passed since I last blogged. I used to be so dedicated to my journaling, and then life caught up with me. Where, oh where do I begin? Think I'll borrow a line from Julie Andrews and start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.

I went back to college in August...after a 12 year lapse. Most people complete high school and college before starting a family. I did the high school and college route, and then took a different path of marriage and family. Looking back, I think my directions gave me a deeper purpose in my drive to finish my degree.

I'm non-stop from dawn till WAY after dusk...and then I'm burning the midnight oil trying to keep an A average. I have classes two days a week, and meet with a study group one day a week. These classes last seven weeks, with a final on the eighth, then I put those books away and get ready for the next round. I'll take four classes in one semester. It's EXHAUSTING trying to juggle the family, big school, little school, Church, etc., but I'm bound and determined to get my teaching degree. HOPEFULLY, come fall 2011 I will be the master of my own classroom...we shall see.

The family has been a TREMENDOUS help. Meg is now in charge of the laundry, Drew is in charge of sweeping, and Matt does what can keep Matt's attention (usually picking up things off the floor), with Brian and the kiddos pitching in for supper. Actually, the kids rotate planning the meals for a week. They have to plan everything. And we have to eat what they plan. We've had some creative meals and they've enjoyed this.

I am now on my Christmas break from big school. One of my favorite memories of college will be that I was fortunate to be a part of their Singing Christmas Tree. That took place last Friday and Saturday night. Let me set the stage for you...around 90 of us students and faculty members gathered Friday night in the gym to warm up. The tree was right next to the building so they had all the lights off for us to make our grand entrance. As we were practicing, the director warned us that there was something coming down, they felt it was rain, and if that was the case, be prepared to quickly pass back the row of lights that we were to hold during the ceremony. We were a little bummed but agreed that this plan was better than being electricuted! The choir was lined up, candles were passed out (so that we could walk throught the dark night to the tree), the silent procession made their way outside, we blew out the candles and placed them in the trash cans located by the tree, climbed to our spots, the strings of lights were passed down, the director gave her cue, the giant spot lights were turned on, and a collective gasp was heard. IT WAS SNOWING! Not just little bits and pieces, mind you, but think, brilliant, showers of blessings were flowing from the Heavens! HOW MAGICAL! I will always remember that special moment when I glimpsed snow. Truly a blessing!

Quiet Comtemplations

2009-09-09T05:14:00.002-05:00

It's 5:00 am and all is well. It seems as if I'm the only one up ~ husband, daughter, sons, dog, and even the world outside are all grasping for a few more minutes of blessed slumber.

Sweet peace.

I treasure this time when I can be alone with my Heavenly Father. When the wisdom's from God can find their way to my heart and soul. Call me crazy, but I always find new meanings to old verses during these private sessions with God.

"See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all." 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Father, keep my eyes open for those who need the blessing of kindness.

Give me ears to hear Your voice and an obedient heart to let You use me.

Family Reunions

2009-09-07T14:57:00.002-05:00

My family spent this past Saturday at a Hill Family Reunion. I must say that it was quite the eye opener for me, not by way of what the oldies but goodies were saying (some of them actually thought that Brian was my Dad), but by what they couldn't remember. You see, Brian's Granny loaned Brian three VERY old pictures of past family members. Brian very faithfully made copies and returned the originals to Granny at the reunion.

I thought that since there were so many Hills at one spot, the reunion would be a perfect place to jot down a few names and recollections that were in those three pictures. My heart hurts just thinking back on how long it took to name gather a few details, and we're still left guessing at who a few are. Grandparents were spotted immediately in those pictures, but their names are now forgotten. Long-departed aunts and uncles were recognized, but very little information could be recollected about them.

I left the reunion saddened that all we have left of previous family members are the pictures that they stood for all those many years ago. And it got me to thinking, I know about my parents, but do my own children? And many years from now, will they remember their own grandparents names, or remember the stories that I told them? Will they be able to look at a picture have all the details readily available to them?

So I am now on a quest. Sometime between Church, my work, college classes, family, and Keli-time, I will go back through every photo I have and make some notes. Not a detailed journal, just the basic info. of names-dates-places-etc. I don't want to fall into the same "missing" category years from now that I experienced at the family reunion.

Baby, Really?

2009-08-22T22:47:00.003-05:00

I dearly love my husband, but he has got to be the oldest 39 year old out there. Here's just one of the numerous examples I could give you:

This afternoon we loaded up the family for our weekly grocery trip. Time was of the essence so a leisure walk through Wal-Mart was out of the question. Nada.

We pull in to the parking lot and I hear Brian announce, "Would you look at that. I wore my houseshoes. No, don't take me home. At least I'll be comfortable shopping."

Can you believe that! Shuffling around Wal-Mart in his houseshoes like an Alzheimer's patient. Isn't he the best ~ my man, Cousin Eddy!

That's From Your Side of the Family

2009-08-22T22:35:00.002-05:00

Thursday, when the kids and I got home from school, we noticed that our garbage can was missing from the curb. Unusual, since that is one of the boys job ~ to bring the can up after trash pick-up. Oh well, it must be in the garage; maybe Brian came home for lunch and took care of it. Fast foward to today ~ college and life got me busy so I completely forgot about the can until this morning when Brian needed to throw something away in the garage. Yep, the can was AWOL. Neither trace nor sign of this vital missing item. So what's the first thing a mom will do when something is not in it's assigned place? You ask the kiddos, right?

Since Matt Matt was the only child up at 6:30 Saturday morning, he received my simple question, "Matt, have you seen the big black garbage can?" Without missing a beat, Matt replied, "Maybe a Hobo came and got it, cause that's what they do. Maybe the hobo needed a new home." Sure Matt, hobos, in our gated subdivision, stealing a used trashcan to live in. Yeah, and Big Foot helps you squash bugs. Weirdo.

No comments about apples falling far from trees, please.

Nice!

2009-08-09T22:10:00.002-05:00

OK, before you read this entry, you've got to read the latest blog from Kara or this won't be near as funny. Go ahead, I'll wait for you.

So by now you've read about Kara's rough week and that Wednesday she made a hospital run to check on the man diver/builder. I had the pleasure of getting Kolton for a few hours while Kara and Kevin checked on the poor man. When I got to Kolton's day care with my kids, we saw that Kolton had the infamous red dot on his hand. After explaining what all was going on at his school, Kara bid us good-bye.

We ran a few errands and then hit D-Q so that my kids could get their hamburgers and Kolton could get his chicken. I spent a few minutes before we ate reminding my own children that when Kolton shows out, we shouldn't laugh at his behavior...that would only encourage him to continue. Am I right? The boys and Meg agreed and did a great job of discouraging and encouraging. Such great listeners to their momma!

Not two minutes later, Kolton spit at his Aunt Nene (one of my many name changes with the little man)! I quickly got on to Kolton and we moved on with dinner...or so I thought. Kolton soon popped a french fry into his mouth, spit it out, and then demanded that I EAT IT! What could I do, I lost it! Nice!

"Way to go, Mom."

"Good one, Mom."

"That's teaching him, Mom."

Nice!

Ice Cream anyone?

Thanks For Your Present For Me

2009-07-27T10:28:00.005-05:00

My dear, sweet husband will be celebrating his 40th birthday in November ~ and he's having a tremendously difficult time with the upcoming event. He absolutely dreads getting older! In an effort to relieve some of the self-imposed stress that Brian's accumulated, I told him that he could get his mid-life crisis out of the way this summer, as long as it was family friendly. Many plans were tossed about ~ skydiving, a trip to Vegas (yes with me!), a motorcycle, etc., but one was always at the top of his list ~ a new 4-wheeler.

Well Happy Mid-Life Crisis, Brian! He found a GREAT gently used 4-wheeler on Craig's List and bought it last week. The thing is massive. Luggage racks on both front and back. Automatic transmission. Like, a lot of horse power or something. Um, it's green. Anyway, I don't know too much of the details but I do know that the smile on Brian's face when he came home with it was priceless!

Hop on, he says. Let's go around the neighborhood, he says. We won't go fast, he says. LIE! A roller coaster goes slower than we did! OK, no exaggeration...I was FREAKING OUT! No way was I ever going to ride on that thing, much less drive it.

Now here's where I eat crow:

Saturday, Brian borrowed a teen 4-wheeler (thinking about getting it for the kids but decided not to) and took the family to his deer camp. I rode with Brian and Drew on The Big Green while Meg drove Matt on The Red Baron. We tooled around for awhile until Brian switched gears on us.

Keli, you drive mine, he says. It's real easy, he says. You can do it, he says. AND HE WAS RIGHT! Meg and Drew hopped on board with me and we hit the road. Definitely not as fast or swirvey as Brian through the neighborhood, but fun none-the-less. By the end of the day I was asking for my own, only in hot pink.

Only 4 more years until my mid-life crisis!

A Stitch Just in Time

2009-07-25T07:59:00.004-05:00

OK, so if you read the previous entry, you know all about our personal hospital that we open here at our house for Tex. Well, I failed to mention that we had an addition to that hospital.

Meg and I stayed home from Church on Sunday to be with Tex and the boys went with Brian; they were going to go to the Deer Camp and play in the afternoon.

I get a call around 3:00 from Brian and here's how it went:

Brian ~ I've got to tell you something but I don't want you to freak out.

Keli ~ OK, what's going on?

Brian ~ We're at the hospital in Kosciusko and Matt's getting stitches.

Keli ~ What!!!

Brian ~ Don't freak out, remember?

Keli ~ What the bleep are you talking about? (I really said bleep folks)

Brian ~ We were at Deer Camp and Matt cut his pinkie finger on something. They're going to put a few stitches in and then we're coming home.

Keli ~ But Matt leaves for a week camp tomorrow morning. Can he still go with stitches?

Brian ~ KELI! Stop freaking out. He's a boy and he'll be fine.

Keli ~ Brian, please put Matt on the phone, now!

Drew ~ Mom, Matt is getting his finger looked at. I'll take care of him since you're not here, even though he threw up on me.

Keli ~ You're a very brave and wonderful big brother. How bad is it?

Drew ~ Well, there's blood and throw up all over Matt and me.

Keli ~ We can get it cleaned up. Thank you for being there and helping. May I speak to Matt now?

Matt ~ Mom, they put in four cat stitches on my finger and I threw up three times and it got all over me and Drew and the nurse. I can't get my finger wet or dirty until the stitches come out.

Keli ~ OK, baby. Just come home and I'll love on you.

Matt ~ OK, but you might want me to change clothes first.

Brian has no idea how Matt did it, but he sliced open his little finger. I got my boys home, loved on them, and made sure I knew what to tell the nurse at the boy's camp the next day. Remember, he can't get it dirty or wet.

Monday ~ I drop off the boys at camp and made sure that the camp nurse and Matt's counselor know that swimming is out, cannoeing is out, and he needs to wear a baggie on his hand during shower time. They all understand.

Friday ~ I pick up the boys from camp and find out that Matt has won the Belly Buster Contest in the swimming pool, he had a blast in the lake and canoe, he showered with one hand out of the curtain, and knocked a few of the stitches around when he got hit in the dodge ball game.

Honestly, if I survive July it will be a miracle!

I'm so ready to go back to school!

Updating for Future Remembrances

2009-07-25T07:03:00.003-05:00

These past few weeks have been a whirl-wind for my family. I've come to rely on my blog as personal journal and have been lack in adding any new entries. So the following might contain gory details of what has transpired lately. If you have a weak stomach, you might want to skip this.

Two weeks ago, our Church conducted Vacation Bible School. On the very first day we had record numbers of attending kids, a great thing for a small country Church. I led the Opening Worship and taught the 10 and up class (we averaged 13 in my class). It was turning into a fabulous week for all involved.

Until Wednesday.

Our VBS started at 6:00 and ran until 9:00 which meant that Brian had to leave work early everyday and rush to the house, pick us up by 4:30 so that we could get to the Church by 5:30 and get all our gear ready for the night. By the time we got home in the evenings it was around 10:00 and we were EXHAUSTED!

Wednesday night was going to be our lazy night. Brian had taken Thursday off so that we could stay at the Church, get to bed early, and sleep in on Thursday. We were going to play on Thursday and just enjoy being together as a family, all 6 of us, Tex included.

The house we stay in at Thomastown is right beside the Church, with a huge field directly behind the house. We've attached a running line for Tex going from the back porch of the house to the field that allows him the freedom of roaming (albeit in a straight line). Our Recreation for VBS is also in that field. Wednesday we had attached Tex to the runner ~ Brian was in charge of rec and was going to keep an eye on Tex (plus Tex loves watching the kids play ~ he's like the mascot of the Church).

My group was the last one in rec on Wednesday night. We were out there from 8:00 to 8:30 and had a great time playing. After our rec. time was over, we went into the Church for snack. Brian came in as well and was going to leave Tex out on the runner for a little longer, nothing unusual, we've done that many times. We had not been inside for 15 min. when a Church member came running inside to get Brian ~ Tex was being attacked. This man had just stepped outside to make a phone call and heard something screaming, he thought it was a child. He went around the corner and saw a bull mix on Tex. By the time Brian got to Tex, the bull had Tex on his side, had one paw on Tex's side, and his mouth on Tex's neck trying to pull it off. Brian saw red and charged.

I had heard that the bull was over with Tex but didn't think it was bad, I seriously thought that Brian was going to take care of it...we've had problems with that dog before. Not two min. later a lady came to get me saying that it was bad and that I needed to get over there before my kids saw it.

I took of running not sure what I would find. Brian had grabbed Tex and put him in this big laundry room at the house so he could get some help from a few men. I can not tell you the amount of blood that was in that room when I opened the door. It was a literal blood scene. I don't know why Tex wasn't in shock from the massive amounts of blood he was loosing.

We made some phone calls, wrapped Tex in towels, and jumped in the car. By now it was 9:00 and we had found a vet in Kosciusko that agreed to meet us and look at Tex. My poor kids had to walk into the house, see the gore, and just wait. Thank goodness for my friend who stayed with them and cleaned up the mess.

We met the vet who was surprised that Tex wasn't already dead. There were numerous DEEP puncture wounds on the right side of his neck and the inside of his right ear had been shredded to pieces. When the vet would put a stick of gauze in Tex's ear to find where all the blood was coming from, the stick would come out of his neck. I am so grateful for that man, he worked on Tex for 2 hours before we left. If Tex lived through the night he might just have a chance. We decided that since there was still a lot of bleeding, and Tex was sedated, we would drive back to our own home and take care of him there.

By the time we drove back to get the kids and our stuff, and then drove home, it was after midnight and we were exhausted. I put everyone to bed, made a pallet for Tex in the living room (we've got tiled concrete so clean up is easy), and then started my nursing career. Tex came home from the vet with a drain tube and open wounds that leaked, no poured. My washing machine and dryer worked over time that first night.

So, from Wednesday night until Monday morning, someone had to stay with Tex. We needed to make sure he didn't scratch at any of the puncture wounds and rip them open further, keep an eye on the drain tube in his neck, and clean up behind him whenever he left the pallet. It was a family act of love. I would usually carry Tex, or walk with him in case he couldn't make it outside; the boys were on "blood detail", having to clean and sanitize the floor from anything that dripped out; and Meg was on scratching detail, making sure he wasn't opening any new holes. Definitely gross, something that not all people understand ~ Tex is just a dog after all, but we did anything and everything because Tex is a member of our family.

This past Monday the drain tube was removed but the puncture wounds are still open and leaking, though not as bad. We took Tex to our vet the Thursday after the attack so they could begin treatment. It was their advice that none of the wounds be closed, that they be allowed to stay open and drain out instead of keeping all that fluid in and risking possible infection. Tex is more mobile now, still not eating much of anything, there's still swelling around his right jaw, and he's lost hearing in his right ear. The vet is talking possible reconstructive surgery in his ear because the ear canal is destroyed. They want to see how well the ear is going to heal before we take that step, though.

Here it is Saturday, a week and four days since this ordeal began. I would post some of the pics I took but they are definitely too gory. We've always said that Tex was more cat than dog. If that's the case then he's about out of lives. This is the same dog that almost went blind in one of his eyes due to a thorn scratching it. This is also the same dog that was run over ~ ON HIS HEAD ~ and lived. This is also the same dog that smiles when he's with his family, that likes to sing, "I love you" with his mom, that loves to go riding in the truck with his dad, and will spend a little of each night making the rounds to check on his kids.

Praise the Lord that our friend went to make that phone call and heard Tex.

Praise the Lord that it wasn't a child that was attacked.

Praise the Lord that we found a vet that would see us after hours.

Praise the Lord that Tex is still with us.

Praise the Lord!

Chee's Back!

2009-07-10T12:09:00.002-05:00

So those who know me know that I have bad chee. It's not always evident, but if you look real close at my life you'll see it. Bad chee, the bain of my existence.

Brian is always reminding the kids not to park their bikes too close to the driveway, one day we'll hear a crunch while backing up and bye-bye bike. Well, last evening I heard a crunch as I was backing up but it wasn't a bike that I hit...it was Brian's truck. Yep, chee.

One of the kids had not followed Brian's advice and instead of moving the bike and then parking, Brian just pulled in behind me; not all the way behind me, but just enough that I would have to do some fancy swerving to maneuver away from his mode of transportation.

I thought I had cleared myself from Brian's truck and had turned to look over my left shoulder to make sure that I didn't run over any power or TV boxes when I heard the gut-wrenching crunch. As bad chee would have it, Meg and a friend were with me. GREAT! We jumped out of the van, assessed the damage, and then jumped back into the van with my threat, "GO GO GO" filling the air. Then my words changed to, "Crap" and Meg followed with, "OOOOOHHH. Now you've got to tell Dad. I'm gonna call him."

Through much schmoozing, Brian was told (although AFTER I got back from the video store). Now I have matching bonks, both on the right side of the van. So my advice to you, if you see me and feel like being in a collision with me...please hit the left side of my van ~ I don't think the right side can take anymore!

Are You Ready?

2009-07-09T11:41:00.002-05:00

Not much time left now, what is it ~ 24 days for faculty?

While I've enjoyed my summer, I'm ready for the routine of school.

So to all my teacher friends...live up the last few days of summer!

So Simple

2009-07-01T11:19:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning and decided that a good dose of hard working, sweat dripping, yard cleaning medicine would be just what I needed to chase away the blues of missing Meg while she's at camp. Call me crazy, but I absolutely love mowing and weed eating.

I begin my morning with mowing the front yard, only my lawn mower is having some technical difficulties. Hhmm, wonder what's going on with that? Putting on my detective hat I discovered that the problem probably lies with the STICKS that someone has put in the gas tank of the mower. Well, shoot, so much for mowing. I'll just move on.

My next job was weed eating. I drag out this monstrous machine that Brian bought to ease the burden of weeding. Perfect ~ except I can't work the thing! After several aggressive tries to start this technological wonder, I give up. Plenty more to do, right?

My next attempt at the front yard is to trim the bushes. I'm fighting the heat, slinging sweat out of my eyes, have asked the boys to help bag the debris, and feeling like I'm finally accomplishing something this morning.

After a few minutes, I notice that it's very quiet in my yard, a little too quiet for my taste and experience. I turn around in time to see the boys running down the street to a friends' house while yelling over their shoulder, "It's too hot to work in the yard, Mom. We're going on a slip-n-slide. Be back for lunch."

And you know what? They've got the right idea. It is too hot for yard work. I'll finish after Church tonight when the heat is hopefully not so oppressive. So, if you drive by my house please overlook the half mowed front yard, the angrily discarded weed eater, and the shaggy bushes. My heart was in the right place but darn I still miss Meg! Wonder if there's any chocolate in the house?

Round Two

2009-06-29T15:49:00.003-05:00

Meg returned from Pinelake's Base Camp Saturday evening at 6:00. After a delicious dinner of homemade fajitas and an enlightening conversation about her travels, Meg hit the bed. I, on the other hand, stayed up emptying, washing, and then refilling her suitcase for round two.

Our Church's youth group (all three of them) went to a Youth Camp in Florida today (they left at 4:45 this morning). From the looks of this Camp, they are going to have a GREAT time! Staying in a resort, hearing Jeremy Camp, Tony Hunt, NewSong, Tony Nolan, and Francesca Battistelli, having the beach at their disposal, living-breathing-soaking up God...I so wish I were there with them!

2009-06-24T21:47:00.003-05:00

It's difficult to grasp that at this time last year, my family was homeless...literally. In trying to move our family closer to the kids' school, we sold our home and set out on a quest to follow God's lead. Little did we know the extent of which our travels would take us.

Living in a camper for a week ~ check.

Living once again in the house at Church ~ check.

Having ALL our clothes in rubbermaid containers in the back of my vehicle ~ check.

Sometimes not knowing where we were going from one week to the next ~ check.

I think back on the stress of last summer and shake my head in wonder. I don't know how, but we survived and are living in a great house just 5 min. from the kids' school. Well, I do know how we managed, by God's grace.

It was crazy, it was stressful, and at times quite depressing, but God was faithful and we are blessed.

Still Moments

2009-06-22T07:50:00.005-05:00

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

In between a very successful youth fundraiser car wash and our Father's Day Supper at Church, my family went fishing Saturday. I was exhausted from washing about a bagillion vehicles but grabbed the camera and took one for the team
(you know me and making memories for my kids).

We loaded up Henry (my Honda minivan) with our fishing gear and water bottles and rolled out to a Church members' pond ... it was so beautiful! This man has a dock that goes out into the water ... and my goodness is his pond stocked!

I grabbed my fishing pole, caught a few fish (Saturday we were on the catch and release program) and then I sat back and enjoyed the view. Gigantic bullfrogs serenading us, crickets responding, the wind gently blowing through the trees, soft grass beneath us, big fluffy white clouds floating over us, the laughter of my kids as they caught fish after fish, still hot as heck but a wonderful, peaceful, relaxing time together.

Just What Are You Teaching Me?

2009-06-10T22:50:00.002-05:00

I am blessed to teach a 7-9 year old Sunday School class at our Church each Sunday morning. For good and bad, my students include Matt and Drew and one other boy (remember, we're a REALLY small Church).

So, this past Sunday I was introducing our Bible Story about Joshua and his huge battle. I began telling them about the Children of Israel and Joshua and how they were asked by God to walk around a certain city once a day for six days, and then on the seventh day they were to walk around the city 7 times.

I then asked the kids if they remembered what the name of that city was.

The boys thought and thought, and then Matt responded with, "Sacajawea?"

OK, so I think my family needs to lay off the historical studies and delve deeper into biblical characters.What do you think?

The Steps of Their Father

2009-06-06T20:06:00.003-05:00

My sweet husband will do anything to provide shelter, food, clothing, etc. for his family.

He's always had a very strong work ethic, many times working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Brian is very diligent at showing and teaching and sharing with the kids that no job is too menial, as long as you give it your best.

This was evident in their joint venture last fall. Brian, Drew, and Matt decided they would sell pecans ... whole and cracked. Little did I realize that their trip down money lane would evolve into a family affair. I can't tell you how many HUNDREDS of gallons of pecans we gathered. My poor kitchen was transformed into a pecan assembly line ~ plastic bags for delivery, plastic bags to be cracked, 5 gallon buckets to be divided, you get the picture.

I must admit that it was a good learning experience for the boys to be involved in.

And then came this summer and watermelon season.

You guessed it, Brian and the boys once again put on their salesmen hats and have been selling watermelons. Silly me, I thought this leg of their selling journey would be a small business.

Guess how many watermelons Brian bought on Wednesday for the boys to sell?

And how many watermelons are left?

That's right, in 3 days my little charmers sold watermelons to the young, old, single, families, friends, and strangers. Brian even caught Matt in a new selling technique: when a car would pull into the parking lot, Matt would take them a watermelon, place it in their car, and then ask for the money, that was even before the poor victims had a chance to ask how much they cost or why the boys were selling watermelons ... Matt just took the bull by the horns and made the decision for the customers that they were going to purchase a watermelon. Too funny.

So, here's a few pics of the future Fortune 500:

Happy Anniversary to me! Um, to us!

2009-06-04T08:32:00.003-05:00

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary. Can you believe it? I've been married to the same sweet, exasperating, aging, loving man for 15 years! That just blows my mind!

At this time on June 4, 1994, I was decorating Pinelake (the old one) and trying to put everything in its place. I wanted a simple, Christian wedding and got just that.

It was perfect.

The wedding party was to be at the church for pictures at 1:00 and at 12:00 I realized that I needed to leave and get myself ready. I can't believe how simple everything was. I literally ran home, jumped in the shower, got dressed, and then wondered how I was going to fix my hair! Seriously! I remember standing in front of the mirror in my parents bathroom thinking, "I've got 30 min. to get my hair fixed and put my veil on. How can I make this work."

God made my fingers fly and put together something that resembled a bride.

And boy howde, Brian was one handsome devil in his tux!

We had friends and family help with as much as possible. Brian's aunt, a rose LOVER, supplied us with a few beautiful arrangements; the prelude was all hymns played by a family friend on the piano and my mom on the organ; another close family friend sang heart touching songs; two of my buddies from college videotapped the ceremony (a funny note here - when Brian and I were watching the tape after we returned from our honeymoon to Hawaii, we noticed that many of the scenes would fade to black and then return a few seconds later. When I asked my friend what was happening, he replied that he had been in a car accident that morning and that he was blacking out! No lie! When he would feel faint, he would fade out the scene and his friend would take over).

We were so young and in SO much love. We thought we had the world by its tail and couldn't wait to start our adventure together.

Here's one of my favorite hymns that I just had to have played in our wedding ... it holds true then and now:

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care; in thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use thy folds prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

Sweet Home, from Alabama

2009-06-02T14:22:00.005-05:00

Our family just returned from a relaxing mini-vacation in

Gulf Shores, Alabama. We left Saturday morning at 6:15 (I know, it's that whole early bird thing) and returned Monday evening around 5:00.

The temps were perfect, the breeze was perfect, the company was perfect, the sand was not! I wish it was acceptable to take a vacuum cleaner on vacation with you, my poor van sure could have used a few minutes of TLC each evening. I know I drove my poor family absolutely nuts with my obsessive hollering, "Brush all that sand off. Don't sit on the bed until you've taken your shower. Watch out, you're getting sand on my beach towel (that one's a hoot, right?)."

I did enjoy myself. Loved watching all the people ~ we were very lucky and played on family friendly beaches all three days. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't take near the amount of pictures I should have. I wish I had gotten one of Meg with her cover up on, I just don't feel comfortable showing her off in her cute bikini.

This is in front of a Souvenier Shop in Gulf Shores.

The last time our family took a picture in front of a shop down on the beach, it was blown away by a hurricane. So, my sincere apologies if anything happens to this little cutie!

Drew found his calling on the boogie board. He would literaly swim/float for hours on this thing.

The only way we could get him in to shore was for suntan lotion and food!

Matt was SO excited to find a shell with "something" in it. Mama ... not so much.

Tropical Island Get-A-Way

2009-05-26T20:23:00.004-05:00

I've just got to brag on my 1st grade teaching team ... we just gave our first graders the end-all, beat-all end-of-the-year party! Going with a tropical island theme, we had 11 different stations of fun and learning for the kids to travel to, and BOY did they travel, complements of Northwest Airlines (get it?), an itinerary, and congrats letter to the children and parents for a job well done this year.

The kids were divided evenly among 11 Tour Groups, which were led by Tour Guides (parents). These groups (all of which had tropical island names - Fiji, Bahamas, Cancun, etc.) visited each station which was called an "excursion".

Here were some of our excursions: learning a real hula dance, making a message in a bottle, the limbo, learning and eating poi (applesauce folks, but the kiddos had to eat it with their fingers ... so right up their alley), the list goes on and on.

Each Tour Group stayed at their excursion for 15 minutes, at which time they rotated to the next excursion.

We were blessed to have some VERY clever parents who turned our school's gazebo into a Snack Shack, complete with a GINORMOUS grill that was put to good use for our hamburgers and hot dogs at lunch.

Our festivities began at 8:30 that morning and did not conclude until 1:00 that afternoon. We could not have asked for better weather, cuter kids, or tastier food.

I still shake my head over how well everything turned out ... THANK YOU JESUS!

Stormy Weather

2009-05-11T09:01:00.004-05:00

So last night I receive a phone call from my sister, Kara, who was traveling home from Jackson and noticed the weather turning a bit nasty. I told her that the sky over our way was looking darker but that nothing had come across the T.V. about bad weather and they should be fine to make it home. As soon as those words leave my mouth, our T.V. show is interrupted with a Severe Storm Warning for our county. GREAT! I tell Kara that I need to amend my advice and that they should be very cautious coming home. Kara tells me that the wind is knocking against their car to the point that they had pulled over

and taken shelter at a gas station.

Not the safest place in my imagination, but whatever.

Now, I'm not afeered of storms, but tornado's just get beside me. As long as there's not a tornado warning out there, I'm fine.

Well, what do you know, Kara calls back a few minutes later for an update and once again, as soon as I tell her that it's just a storm warning and they should be fine to get home, the sirens (which, by the way, are right outside of our subdivision and very LOUD!) go off and a tornado warning is plastered on our T.V. screen. So once again I have to amend my advice to Kara and her family to be very careful and get the heck away from a gas station ... no way did I want my family sitting on explosives in the middle of a potentially dangerous storm!

So here I am on the phone with my sister trying to keep her updated and alive while at the same time I'm yelling at the kids to grab their shoes and the dog and get in my closet AND I'm grabbing my purse-Bible-Brian's phone and keys and wallet-and anything else we might need. WHEW!

I pause now, in the midst of our life-threatening dash, to tell you how my husband was handling it all at this point. As I am praying for the safety of my family, Brian asked me to put a pizza in the oven for his supper. I know the look that I aimed at him was one of stupidity, but what the bleep! You want me to cook you a pizza?!?!? HELLO! That black swirling mass of clouds outside doesn't ring a bell that maybe we should seek shelter? And guess what I did? I cooked the boy a pizza! Don't ask me WHY I dropped everything and took care of his meal (in my mind it was his last supper), but I did.

Thankfully, the weather passed over us, Kara and her family made it home, no one was injured, but darn it - I burnt the pizza! Wouldn't you know it!

The Names the Game

2009-04-22T18:04:00.004-05:00

So, my sister Kara is going to have her second baby in October.

With ALL that she and her husband have going on in their lives,

I've decided to name the baby for them.

I'll at least pick out HER first name,

they can throw some handle in the middle, whatever.

Here are the names that my family has come up with:

Girls ~ Kemily, Kendall, Kaitlin (can't be Kaylee, that's too much like Lili), Kayla, Kiley, and Kennedy.

Boys (even though it will be a girl) ~ Kyle, Kody, Kade, Karson, and Keegan.

What are your suggestions?

Keep in mind that the first name must begin with a "K"

or suffer irreversible complexes for the rest of HER life! Just kidding there!

Wild Ride

2009-04-21T18:27:00.006-05:00

Brian brought home a sweet surprise today for our family. No, it wasn't chocolate or candy or even a chick flick. He purchased a go-cart from one of his customers. We all had to take a ride around the neighborhood and try out our new wheels. So here's how we rolled ... Clampett Style.

Of course, for safety measures, mom had to go first and try it out.

My copilot for this adventure was Drew:

Drew tried his hand at driving - solo, but we were all so scared we took off running

and forgot to get a picture. Next time, my boy, next time.

Meg, the speedracer, with her passenger Matt.

And Matt "I'm ready for the Indy Races" finished us up tonight.

So much fun! I envision many hours of enjoyment for our family with this recycled toy. Hopefully many memories and not many trips to the E.R.!

A Day in the Life

2009-04-17T21:39:00.004-05:00

~wake up at 4:00
~quiet time
~laundry
~shower
~kids
~school by 6:45 (or 6:50 or 6:55 but DEFINATELY before 7:00)
~dismiss from school at 2:00 but
~stay late for school
~so get home at 4:00
~mom changes and cleans kids, dad grills hamburgers and packs chips and fruit for dinner
~leave for church revival at 4:30
~eat dinner on the road to church, there's no dinner on the gounds tonight, sad face on me
~listen to boys fussing about eating their food off of broiler pans in the car - hey, those things make GREAT trays in a pinch!
~REVIVAL HIT THE SPOT!
~head home at 8:30
~walk in the door at 9:30
~get ready to start the process all over tomorrow

NO WAIT ~ TOMORROW IS SATURDAY!

~sleep WAY past 4:00
~wear pj's as long as possible
~eat country breakfast
~do practically nothing else

~aaaahhhh, just what the doctor ordered :}

Are you for real?

2009-04-15T20:32:00.003-05:00

OMG ~ I've got to share what happened at school today!

I was lining up my kids in the class to go to lunch when I heard someone knocking on our door. As anyone else would in that circumstance, I simply opened the door and said, "Hello."

It was then that I noticed a sweet second grade girl running from our door to hers down the hall. I quickly called out,

"I see you ______" and heard her giggle. Can you believe it!

We were ding-dong-ditched at school!

Can you say SPRING FEVER!!!

Wait, my son Matt just asked me to change ding-dong-ditch to knock-knock-ditch, since there are no doorbells at school.

WHATEVER!!

I still can't believe she did that!

And when I asked her after school if she came to my door today, the little pixie acted all innocent. Too funny!

2009-04-15T18:15:00.008-05:00

Psalm 139 : 7-10

"Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast."

When to let go

2009-04-14T19:36:00.002-05:00

OK, so my daughter REALLY wants to be on Facebook. She's got it BAD. But notice I said "wants" and not "needs" (I know, that's the mother talking). A further question to ponder is this, do 13-year old's REALLY need to be on Facebook? Aside from hooking up with old friends for a High School reunion, or possibly working a business angle, what's the deal with Facebook? These kids are around each other ALL day at school, almost every prepubescent that I know has their own cell phone with HALF of the Middle School programed in, and they ALL have their own e-mail address. I just feel like I'm yelling in the wind when it comes to Facebook.

So who needs to let go? The mother who is trying to teach her child that it's ok to not have EVERYTHING ever invented in this amazing world or the child who just wants to spread her wings and fly?

Psalm 19:14 ~ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

New Look, Same Me

2009-04-13T20:08:00.004-05:00

Well, my daughter finally guilted me into updating our family blog. In Meg's words, my blogging was "getting on her nerves" (parental translation, my LACK of blogging was getting to her).

So here I am, a new great look, but the same ol' me...

Have you ever taken a step back from life and looked around at all that God has blessed you with? Maybe I shouldn't say you, how about this...has God ever stopped you in your tracks and gently shown you His greatness in your life?

The other day, my sweet man asked me what we should build next for our home. Here's the deal with that...we absolutely LOVE building furniture together. We've built a rather large kitchen table, a pie safe (more Brian's doing than mine), two bedside tables, three end tables, a coffee table, and a massive TV stand. Most of the materials have been found around his family farm so were free to us. What can I say, the rustic look appeals to me! Not to mention the satisfaction of looking at a finished project, knowing that it came about with a hammer, nails,

some screws, just a few heated words, and two loving hearts!

So when B-Man asked on Tuesday of last week what we should work on next, my thoughts immediately went to our bare back yard. Knowing that my parents, sis, bro-in-law, and nephew were coming over Friday night for a meal, I suggested we try our hands at a picnic table.

And guess what? We did it, or rather we made it.

Brian was given permission to get some 2 by 4's from his deer camp and brought those home Wednesday night. Thursday night found our family putting together a 7 foot picnic table!

From scratch, well, from an adjusted plan that Brian Googled up.

As soon as I find my camera cord, I'll post some pictures for you.

Long story, I know, so I'll bring this narrative back around. Tonight, before the rain came, my family sat around our new picnic table for our supper: fried pork chops, potato salad (yep, Kara, still eating on that potato salad!), baked beans, cheesy broccoli, and pink lemonade. Sitting there with family that I love, with food on our table, in a house that keeps us safe and warm, in a neighborhood that protects us, how could I ask for more?

Sometimes when God opens that window and shows my heart all that I have been

blessed with, one of my favorite songs comes to mind:

"So if there's anything I've learned from this journey I am on,

Simple truths will keep you going, simple love will keep you strong.

'Cause there are questions without answers, and flames that never die.

Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise.

So thank you , Lord.

How could I ask for more?"

And I sigh in contentment ...

Getting the Swing of Things, or Are We?

2009-02-28T14:04:00.003-06:00

The boys and I entered our second 5K this morning. This run/walk benefited the March of Dimes, sponsored by Millsaps. Kara and Kevin participated as well ~ Kara took some pictures that I'll have to add at a later time.

Matt was up at 5:00 this moring ready to run! He is so stinkin' funny! Drew was up at 6:00, a little slower, but wanting to beat Matt BAD! The big discussion at our house was if Matt was going to let Drew finish first or if Matt was going to cheat. Anyway, we get dressed for our run, hoping that we would have enough clothing on ... Drew in t-shirt and running pants, Matt in t-shirt and shorts, and myself in t-shirt and shorts. It was 50 outside before we left but we all felt like we could handle it. WRONG! Who knew that the wind would pick up and the temps would drop and our breath would show and I would expose my children to frostbite!!! My crew ended up wearing our race t-shirts over our other clothes to gain some heat.

As I trudged along, I had a lot of time to think and I've come to the decision that Drew is a long distance runner, he did GREAT on the 5K. In fact, I had to call Drew back several times just so I could keep him in my sights!
Then there's Matt. I think Matt would do well with short sprints. I literally had to pull and drag the poor boy down most of the road, that is until we would come to a group of Sorority Girls from Millsaps (I think today was one of their Service Projects). As soon as Matt got a glimpse of the gals at each station he would let go of my hand, get this HUGE smile on his face, and puff out his chest! It was too funny! Drew and I just shook our heads and said that's Matt for ya!

By the way ... the temp when we crossed the finish line was 45 with the wind chill at -18, no lie. Drew crossed first, I let Matt cross second (there were girls cheering him on, how could I not?) and coming in dead last was good ole Mom. Kevin finished the three miles in something like 30 seconds, or maybe 30 minutes. Kara finished in 35 seconds, minutes, whatever. Team Hill finished in 45 hours, minutes. Someone said that 250 raced and Team Hill came in 190-193, but don't quote me on that. I do know that we had a lot of fun and are already strategizing about our next 5K. Maybe we can get Meg on board with us!

New Job ~ New Outlook on Life

2009-02-20T05:00:00.002-06:00

So without giving too many personal details, I've gotten a new job/replacement job/promotion...however you look at it, I'm there. My personal view, and that of many others at the elementary school where I work, is that I am considered a "SWEEPER". If there is a position that needs filling, short term or long, Keli's the gal. I honestly believe that I've been exposed to every single station in the school and now I'm in yet another one. Call it crazy, call it un-natural, but I've NEVER been an assistant in a regular classroom

in all the years that I've been associated with my school!

That changed Monday when I was placed in a 1st grade class and I absolutely LOVE it! I feel as if I've gone from being an aunt to the children at the school (knowing literally every child there but not really anything about them) to being a step-mom of one class. In the brief time that I've spent with "my kids", I've gotten to know their personalities - their inner workings so to speak.

Can I just say that I love my life? I am so honored that I have had the opportunities to work and get first hand knowledge of ALL the workings of a school. Answer phones and deal with parents in the office - check. Clean up puke and empty trash - check on being a janitor. Work with special ed children - check. Experience in a library - check. Start and maintain a computer lab - check. Heck, I've even dished out meals in the cafeteria - check.

Now I get to handle taking attendance and collecting lunch money and

Thursday Take Home Folders and I am on cloud nine, baby!

God has just blessed me with a great group of family at school. I know that my sister is one of my bosses, but sometimes family goes beyond blood ties. It stretches into heart ties and right now, my heart is tied to so many people at my school. I'm beating my mind trying to remember a special bible verse that comes to mind when I think of my school. Shoot.

I'll have to add that later.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my warm fuzzy feelings with ya!

Just Me and the Boys

2009-02-14T16:03:00.006-06:00

This morning I spent some quality time with my boys participating in a 5K Walk in Jackson. I had initially signed the boys up for a 1 mile Fun Run and Meg up for a 5K Walk. I was going to go WATCH the boys and Meg was going to walk with her Aunt Kara, Uncle Kevin, and several faculty members from school (I'm so proud of all my gals who went today, you guys are the BEST!).

Weeelll, Meg bails on us in our driveway as we were leaving for the big event ... she had a bum ankle so I can't fault her for her decision. That leaves my twin towers of powers and me, I can handle it, right? Long story short, the boys did not run in their event but walked (and illegally jogged) in the 5K Walk WITH THEIR MOM (remember I was going to just watch them)! We had such a GREAT time together! I was a little worried because we were instructed SEVERAL times that the boys could not run, that they had to walk. Problem is that my walk is not that of my two boys. Being the mother of invention, I fudged a little on the rules and let the boys jog every now and then.

I can't wait until the next 5K ... I think we'll have to participate as a family!

So how do you entice two boys to forget about a one mile run

and encourage them towards a 3 mile walk?

Like this:

DISCLAIMER: No children were harmed during the taking of these pictures or the walking/jogging of the Marathon. There were, just briefly, two sets of pouty lips when made to properly dispose of the can before much was consumed.

And all God's people said, "Amen"

2009-02-12T22:53:00.003-06:00

After many months, and many more beggings and pleadings, the Hill family FINALLY has the internet. Now, I understand my husband's reasonings as to why we had to hold out on "dialing in" but dag-nabit a girl can only go so long without blogging. And I don't think it's a TRUE blog without a few late night posts, so you can count out borrowing a sweet sister's computer for a quickie (how'd you like that one, Kara?)!

Seriously and all Christian-like, my mind is just a wondering at all the places I can go ... forget joing a gym, I'm joining CVS. And if you just thought you liked the songs played during our morning announcements at school, just you wait until I can O-FFICIALLY download some mind-blowing tunes. Forget about traveling to my husband's office after hours for kids' reports or travel info., or anything else. Why, I can sit in the comfort of my own home and let my fingers do the walking. And no one EVEN sees my pj's or glasses or no make-up or fuzzy slippers.

LIFE IS GRAND!

My, my, my, I can't WAIT to get my hands on my blog and get it updated ALL the way! What's that song? "I'm coming out, I want the world to know..." Thank you Brian Hill and God and technology and AT&T and electricity and probably Bill Gates but not in that order :) I love life!

Don't get too excited

2009-02-01T18:00:00.002-06:00

I'm not really here yet.

Crazy, I know, but that's me all the way around.

We still don't have Internet at our house so I'm bumming off of my sweet sis.

I'm hopeful that February is not only the month of LOVE,

it's the month of Internet for my family!

CROSS YOUR FINGERS!

Connecting and hooking-up might have one meaning for some this month, but I can assure you that at the Hill House, it means the web and blogging and homework for the kids and downloading songs for the mom and getting sermon info. for the dad.

You name it, we've been missing it.

I promise, if my man doesn't get us the goods soon,

there's gonna be a revolt of history-making proportions!

No promises that I can update my blog soon, but when I do you'd best settle in for a long read. I'm talking novel here people!

Miss all of you and can't wait to join you permanently, I am ~Keli Hill!

Comedy of Errors or Errors in a Comedy

2008-08-13T10:54:00.003-05:00

Brian and I always joke that nothing comes easy for us. No, really, it doesn't. There are those who can make a decision and follow through with it and have no difficulties at all. There are others who can make a decision, meet some resistance, maybe change a few plans, but then it's smooth sailing. We're nowhere near those categories. Have you ever seen Sharks Tale? Remember the scene where Sykes (the car wash boss) places Oscar (the main character) on the list as far as importance in the ocean? And Oscar finds that he is way below whale poo? Well, the Hill's are not whale poo, but, oh man, I forgot where I was going with this. Oh well, I think I'm trying to say that nothing comes easy for us.

Take me going back to school. You would think that a gal returning to college would be a big deal to the institution. You would think that they would have some sort of guidelines to follow when assisting returning students (especially after 13 years, yes I said it...13 years). You would think that someone would say, "Keli, I know it's been awhile since you were last here with us. Let me tell you what you need to do." That person might be out there in LALA Land, but I've yet to bump into them on my journey through the undergrad world. I just want a degree, is that too much to ask?

Apparently, for me, it is. You see, I've spent the last hour and a half (which I'm never getting back by the way) on the phone with a bevy of people at ___ trying to get my classes lined up. Remember when I said that nothing comes easy for us? Here's a prime example. This higher institution could not grant me my classes because they did not have Sherry's graduate work from Ole Miss, plus my Praxis 1 and 2, on file. For those of you who know me, do you see my dilemma? Point A, I've yet to take any Praxis-much less 1 and 2. Point B, to my knowledge, I've never even stepped foot on the Ole Miss campus. Heard it was a great place, just never visited there before. Point C, my name is not Sherry Hill. I've had numerous guises before (Granny Addy, Super Girl Rock Star, Aunt Lili) but somehow Sherry has never popped up. After visiting with half the staff at this wonderful college, I discovered that I had been given the wrong PIN number and my social was on a wrong form. Go figure!

And while I'm lamenting about my crazy morning (I'm really not a fussy person, trust me) let me just go on record as saying that gone are the days when you meet a person face to face and get your degree on track. Everything now is computerized for easy accessibility. This is the former computer assistant speaking, WHATEVER! No wonder people are afraid to return for their degree, because they'll get the 3rd degree! Is all this really necessary?

Hmmm...lots of thinking to do. Praise God for Barq's Root Beer and chocolate!

I'm Back!

2008-08-11T08:46:00.002-05:00

It's been one month since I last blogged and boy, what a month it has been! Where to begin? I believe I left off with our family in the process of purchasing a foreclosed house. Well, that house fell through (I really don't hold banks in California in the highest regards). I literally had spent one Monday picking out floorings, carpet samples, paint colors, you name it, I choose it. The kids and I were exhausted! We even cleaned the house! The next day my husband called to inform me that he had found us a new house and a job for me. Long story short, I am the proud owner (we close on our home at 10:00 this morning) of a FANTASTIC home and have a cool job that lets me go to college in the morning and see my school kids in the afternoons. Can my life get any better?
Of course, the journey this summer was not all fun and games. There were several tense and stressful moments. Alot of moving around. Living out of my car for weeks on end - literally - our clothes were in giant rubbermade containers. Each day I would have the kids go out to the car and pick out their outfits. But hey, I'm not complaining. A little inconvience that certainly paid off in the end.

Homeless

2008-07-10T14:46:00.002-05:00

Well, it's official. As if 11:30 am on July 10, 2008, we are homeless. Brian and I signed away our perfect home and are now living on the road. Literally. We have some of our things stored at the parsonage in Thomastown, a good bit of goodies in a storage POD (but to perfectly honest I have no clue where that POD is stored) and yes, even things stored in my van. God knew we needed more room in a vehicle when we traded in my beloved Expedition.
Oh, my sweet home in Florence. If ever there was a perfect mesh of living space and family, it was our abode in Florence. Yard, open floor plan, hardwood floors, it had everything we needed, just not the right school district. Brian and I went round and round in the discussion of which to move...schools and kids or houses. Kids won. We made the right decision, it's just difficult letting go of something that you once held so dear. Material possessions, I know, but when you're on the move as much as the Hills, you become attached real quick.
We've made an offer on a house on the Rez, just haven't heard about it yet.
See my red shoes...there's no place like home, there's no place like home.

Simple Times

2008-07-02T17:05:00.003-05:00

Ever have one of those days/weeks/whatever when you just can't catch a break? Right now the word in our house is "IF" and is usually attached to the phrase "THIS WORKS". Our house has sold (we sign the contract on the 10th) but we haven't found a place yet. We've got a couple of temporary options but nothing permanent yet. Seeing as how we have to be out of our home on the 6th, let me see, yep, we're getting stressed. I needed to take a breather today and calm down...here's how I accomplished that.

Updates

2008-06-27T07:02:00.002-05:00

Well, no new house yet. We've got nine days (counting today) to find a new abode and get moved in. If my math still works, we move out on the 6th but don't sign papers until the 10th. That gives us a little wiggle room and it's AMAZING what the Hills can get done with a little wiggle room!

The kids are excited about the move, getting to be closer to their school friends and all that jazz. Brian is beginning to feel stressed, he just wants to take care of his family - he's really good like that. Tex (our Beagle boy dog) is just glad to have his family home for the summer...as long as Tex has his kids with him he is a happy camper. Me, it's kinda scary how laid back I am about all this. You would think I would need some Valium to keep me in check. Nope. I really haven't even started packing yet. I told Brian that I would start getting everything together on Monday, that there's no need to rush. HA HA - I won't elaborate on what all he said, it would definitely not get lost in translation.

Call me crazy, but I know the Lord is in this and I just can't wait to see where we'll end up. So many things have come together too easily for us not to be resting in His righteous right hand.

That's my story as of 7:11am on June 27, 2008. I reserve all rights to change my mind at least once every day, um, hour.

Hurry Up to Wait

2008-06-25T07:29:00.002-05:00

Timeline of the Hill Family:

Thursday, June 12th - Put our house up for sale by owner

Friday, June 20th - Couple signs a contract on our house contingent on selling their house

Saturday, June 21st - Couple places a for sale sign in their yard (3:00pm)

Sunday, June 22nd - Couple sales their house (3:00pm)

Monday, June 23rd - Couple calls us to inform us of their sale. The catch? They must be out of their home on the 10th of July and we need to be out of our house on the 6th of June. That's in two weeks.

Forget the milk, got aspirin?

Cross your fingers

2008-06-21T08:22:00.003-05:00

The couple that looked at our house on Tuesday came back over last night to have a second look and sit down with us. Their initial response Tuesday was that it was perfect for them but they really wanted to downsize from their current house. As the week went on, they began to change their minds and decided that ours really would be a perfect match for them (that and their family lives next door to our house ~ how cool is that!).

This nice couple looked over our house last night, and even invited their daughter-in-law over from next door, and then sat down to sign a contract...a contingent contract, but a contract neon-the-less. Brian is ecstatic! The kids are thrilled. I'm on the cautious side.

All they have to do to sell their house is put the sign in the yard.

This sweet couple is under the impression that their house will not be on the market long.

Knowing their real estate agent, I'm inclined to agree with them.

For the sake of the Hill Family, I hope it is sooner rather than later!

Things You Don't Say to Your Wife by Tim Hawkins

2008-06-18T20:18:00.002-05:00

This is probably why Brian and I have been married for 14 years. He has followed Tim's advice and never, well, almost never, says the wrong things to me. Now, for those of you who know George (pronounce it as if you're in Mexico) or Nairb (Brian backwards) those guys are notorious for saying crazy things to me.

By the way, George and Nairb are my husbands alter-egos...one is no better than the other.

Remember - we're the Hills!

Still Selling

2008-06-18T08:59:00.002-05:00

Yep, our house is still for sale. I keep telling myself that it's only been on the market for less than a week, and we've had someone look at it everyday, and more call about it, but that doesn't sign the papers. Know what I mean? I was REALLY hoping for a Killough connection - put it up and sell it quick. This is a great way for the Lord to teach me patience, to just be still, sit back, and watch God work. Frustrated-yes, opportunity for a learning experience-yes, ready to move-yes, going to place it in God's hands-yes, need to fill up on chocolate and Barq's Root Beer-yes!

Humor, God's Style?

2008-06-16T06:28:00.003-05:00

Ok, so you know we have to move to the Reservoir, right? Let me fill you in on the few bits of humor, or patience tests, that we've had so far. One of our friends is a real estate man and has agreed to help us. We were all set to put the house on the market a few weeks ago when our agent developed blood poisoning and was put in the hospital for a week. No problem, we'll just place the house "For Sale By Owner" until he's back on his feet (which, praise God, he is now out of the hospital-still has to have an IV everyday and limit his walking but at least he's alive). We take a few more days to work on the house and then we place out the signs on the road. That was Saturday.

Saturday afternoon we leave for Church, not hearing anything from a potential buyer. Sunday evening services are cancelled due to Father's Day so we head home after the morning service. Buy the time we grab drive through at Sonny's BBQ and get to the house it's 2:30. We're starving, our weekend bags have been dropped on the floor, whatever right? WRONG! We get a call that a lady wants to see the house, like NOW! AAAAAGH! Thankfully, Brian buys us until 4:00 which is just enough time to finish eating and hide all the evidence.

Long story, I know, but here's where the "HUMOR" fits in. I send Meg outside with the directions to look at the house as if you've never seen it before. Find anything that's out of place. While she's walking around outside, I'm doing the same inside. When I head into my bedroom, I notice something moving on our bedside tables...ANTS, millions of ants! In the three years we've been in this house, we've NEVER had ant. We don't eat in our room, we don't drink in our room. What's weird is that they were coming in from behind the bed and splitting up to go to the tables; no ants were anywhere else...no bed, no floor, no wall, just tables. I freak out and yell for Brian to come help me. Have I mentioned that Brian had his top two wisdom teeth taken out Friday and was feeling poorly by now? Poor baby, but suck it up, we've got a house to sell!

We are on ant patrol when we hear Meg screaming by the front door. I come running to see how she's dying, yes, it's that type of scream. To my horror she is outside the front door pointing at a BAT! Once again, we've lived here for three years and have NEVER had a bat! Meg's freaking out screaming, "What is that thing? For real, what is that thing?" Here we go again... BRIAN! Have I mentioned how great it is to have a man in the house?

Infestation taken care of, and with a scant two minutes to spare, I throw some cookie dough in the oven for a homey appeal and wallah, here is our prospect. We send the kids around the neighborhood with our dog so we can tour uninterrupted. I know it's hot, but what's a mom to do? The prospect adores the house, loves the neighborhood, thinks it's perfect for her and her husband, yadda, yadda, yadda. Only problem is that her husband is still in Houston and she doesn't want to sign anything without his approval. Understandable. Keli to the rescue...I take some pics and e-mail them to the husband. Cross your fingers. I think the fact that she stayed for a while is a good sign. My poor kids kept calling on Meg's phone asking if it was time to come home, if we forgot about them, if it was ok to die on the road from heat, ect.

Lesson learned? Always keep your head in the game, a sense of humor in your heart, and a bottle of ant poison & bat broom at the ready :)

14 Years

2008-06-04T17:19:00.005-05:00

June 4, 1994 2:00pm Pinelake Baptist Church

Brian Evan Hill ~ Keli Denise Tompkins

It's hard to imagine that Brian and I have been married for 14 years! When I think back to all the moves we've made, the children we've had, the Churches we've been involved with, it's amazing. I can't say that's it's been full of fun, but it's been full. Never one to mince words, Brian has helped me to grow, challenged me to think, taken care of me, and never stopped loving me. I think Charlene Frazier on Sugarbakers summed it up best, "My heart is full."

Thanks, B, for being you...all of you, and letting me

be all that I can be.

I can't wait to see what the next 14 years brings us!

Facial Hair Already?

2008-06-02T20:26:00.003-05:00

For years I've had the privilege (and no choice) of shopping with all three children in tow. Now that Meg is into this babysitting stage, if feels WONDERFUL to tell the kids that we are going out for a little bit and Meg is in charge. Let me tell you, shopping with just your husband is TOTALLY different that shopping with the kids.

The other day Brian and I were out getting some groceries when Brian saw this gumball machine with fake facial hair and BEGGED me for a quarter. Have you guessed that we're not your typical family? He thought it would be funny for me to come into the house wearing the moustache that he got. The boys freaked out! They took it to the next level and tried to find crazy places to wear it themselves. Sorry, no pictures of Mom with her moustache, I think I'm allergic to cheesy facial hair.

Boys Will Be Boys

2008-06-02T20:16:00.003-05:00

As their mom, I can say it, Drew and Matt are active. Never ones to sit still for very long (video games and TV are not permanent fixtures in their lives, thank goodness!

Both are LOVING summer ~ the long hours, the great weather, the bugs...yes bugs, but these I can handle. Lighting Bugs :}

Home Improvement

2008-06-02T20:07:00.004-05:00

We're getting ready to put our house on the market. Let's see:

Install a new dish washer...check.

Remove 1970's wall paper in bathroom...check.

Paint said bathroom...check.

Put up a wood fence...check.

New curtains...check.

Install two ceiling fans...check.

Bottle of aspirin...check.

Repeating Psalm 19:14...check.

Time spent with husband on honey-do lists...priceless.

Check out the his and hers ladders as we tackle one of the ceiling fans.

The Change

2008-06-02T18:30:00.003-05:00

Ever try getting a house ready to sell, deal with Church stuff, kid stuff, husband stuff, and try not to blow your top at some point in the journet? DIFFICULT! Here's my new remedy that I found, and yes, I've used it ALOT:

Psalm 19:
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are
radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

You should try it. The next time you feel a Julia Sugarbaker (Designing Women for all of my 80's junkies) comment flowing from your mouth, switch to verse 14. It's an AWESOME change!

The New Generation

2008-05-19T22:05:00.002-05:00

OK, gals, just giving you a heads up.

My daughter is DYING to have her own blog.

She feels this will only help with her writing and communication skills.

WHATEVER, MEG!

Maybe we can negotiate something here.

I give you a blog, you give me a clean room. Even stevens baby :)

Hide and Seek

2008-05-17T19:34:00.009-05:00

I thought I was loosing my mind. For almost a week I couldn't find my camera! For those who know me, that's almost as bad as loosing a purse or chocolate :)

So sit back, relax, grab a root beer and some ding-dongs...I'm making up for lost time, baby!

Entry #1...Summer Magic

The Hill's attend Church a far piece away from our homestead. We try to find something each Sunday afternoon to do as a family. One of the Church members has a nice pond that we can use when weather permits. Here are some great pics of our adventure there:

Entry #2...Rites of Passage

The boys decided they were old enough to shave with Brian one Sunday morning. Talk about a glimpse into the future:

Entry #3...Getting Ready

My extended family is taking a trip to the mountains for a family holiday get-together. My dear, sweet husband has his heart set on snow boarding while there and is now in a rigorous training program. Location~check, the front of our house. Equipment~check, Matt's skateboard and bicycle helmet. Insurance~check, luckily Brian works for Shelter Insurance. Blackmail~check, Keli found her camera just in time:

Entry #4...Making Memories

Brian and the kids bought a tent today while I was getting a long-awaited book signed by Terri Blackstock (Kara, I can't believe I didn't get a picture with her!). As you've probably come to know about the Hill's, we can make an adventure out of almost anything! Give us a backyard and we can transform it into the ultimate camping experience complete with tent, campfire, make-shift table, food cooked over the fire, mosquitoes; you name it, we had it:

Summer anyone?

2008-05-12T17:45:00.004-05:00

I thought it would be interesting to see how everyone is planning on enjoying their summer. Here's my list (so far) ...

Five things I want to do:

1. Read an insane amount of books

2. Learn more spanish

3. Build a bookshelf for my insane amount of books

4. Organize our family pictures

5. Watch Kolton

Five things I have to do:

1. Move

2. Enroll at school

3. Head up our Vacation Bible School at Church

4. Finish writing and teaching our children's summer choir program at Church

5. Get Kolton

Five things I am not going to do:

1. Stress

2. Have more than one coke a week

3. Stay tanless

4. Regret anything I do/don't do

5. Keep Kolton

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-12T17:29:00.002-05:00

I hope all of you lovely ladies had a wonderful day yesterday. As for myself, I claimed the WHOLE weekend as MY day. In fact, at the conclusion of Church yesterday morning we sang "This is the Day" but for some reason Meg didn't care for my version..."This is my day, this is my day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is my day, it is Mother's Day, I am happy 'cause I'm K-e-l-i. This is my day, this is my day, this is Mother's Day." Yea me!

Mom, Meg is DEFINITELY my girl; she asked me how many Mother's Day's I've had. No lie! Straight faced as she could she asked how many times I've celebrated Mother's Day. When I finally set Meg straight on how her birth and the number of years I've enjoyed Mother's Day are connected, Meg was speechless. Her reply? "I can usually talk my way out of stupid talk, but I feel really dumb with this one. I just thought you added all of our ages together." And guess who jumped on that one...Matt. His response? "Um, Meg, if you add all our ages together you get 27 and Mom's only 35. That means she would have had to have us when she was 8!" Have I mentioned that Matt LOVES to do math in his head? Much to his sister's dismay, I might add!

Get with it, Mom

2008-05-07T20:29:00.002-05:00

My baby girl took me to the woodshed tonight due to my lack of blogging. Apparently, she can't read my mind any better than I can read hers and the only way she can get into my head and know my true thoughts is to read the blog. Hello, ever heard of listening when I'm giving you all those pearls of wisdom? OMG, Meg! You so crazy :) So, Meg, this one's for you...

I was a little sneaky today, sweetie. Sometimes Moms do think of themselves first. Want to know why I didn't care for your first choice of shoes? I was buying YOU shoes that I would wear, literally. If the shoes weren't going to grace my feet, I wasn't putting the money down. Care to know something else? I've got my eyes on a certain pair of earrings in your room. Still think you want a sister?

Seriously...
When my children were younger, there were days when I was majorly reconsidering my sanity. In my opinion, God had a huge sense of humor and I was His target. Through the years, many sage women would tell me to enjoy this time because it would soon pass, leaving me with memories, gray hair, and stress lines. They were right.
The other night the kids gave me a glimpse into the past, but in a way that might just surprise you. Meg decided to clean the kitchen after supper , Matt took out the trash, and Drew swept the kitchen floor. I sat there watching those little Hills and took a mental picture. That used to be me doing all those things for the three for them. My, how rolls reverse.

When my future holds days of busyness and tension; when one task slips by only to quickly be replaced by another; when I feel as if I'm sewing Jell-O to pudding, my precious babies, now quite grown up, have made me a very blessed woman. I may joke with them, about them, and to them, but I love them. I am proud of who they are and what they are and what I know they will be. I love you more than you love me and no take backs!

How do you really feel?

2008-05-07T20:23:00.002-05:00

I was thumbing through all my fav. blogs and ran across some interesting info.

My fellow worker-girl, Kristen Wells, and I were married on the same day.

No kidding. June 4th must be a lucky day.

But get this, I was married 11 years, YEARS, before Kristen!

If I wasn't so in love with my age, I would feel pretty old right now.

It's kinda cool to tell people you're 35 and see their reaction.

As long as I've got chocolate and Clairol, I'm gonna kick it until I'm 100.

Show me 5

2008-04-08T17:55:00.002-05:00

Has it really been that many weeks since I've last blogged? I promise I'm not that neglectful of my family, well, not all of the time. At least the kids are old enough to take care of themselves! Have I mentioned that Meg is a great cook on the grill, Drew is getting the hang of laundry, and Matt, well, he does good just keeping his clothes on :)

I was getting familiar with all my friends and their blogs when I realized that I had been tagged. Just in case you were needing some great information on Keli, here are a few basic facts about me:

5 things that WERE on my to-do-list today:
1. Exercise this morning - I did walk to my chocolate bucket twice, but I don't think that really counts
2. Begin printing over 500 invitations, 85 diplomas, and about a bagillion programs for our 5th Grade Graduation
3. Mop my floors at school - I realize we have very capable janitors to do this, I'm just very particular about who bumps around the Computer Lab
4. Bathe my 4th child - Big Tex Ranger Hill
5. Mop my floors at home

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Chocolate covered cashews
2. Hot, buttered popcorn with peanut M&M's mixed in
3. Cheesecake bites from Sonic
4. Little Debbie brownies
5. Awesome French Fries with Ranch from Oby's (chased with a Root Beer)

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Tithe
2. Erase all our debt
3. Set aside money for my kids' car
4. Set aside money for my kids' college
5. Build a sound-proof library filled with my favorite books, comfy chairs, lots of chocolate, and Cherry Dr. Peppers and/or Barq's Root Beer in a cute pink fridge

5 bad habits (I suppose I'm to fill this with mine and not my husbands):
1. I forget about life when I have a book in my hands, for real. When I begin a book I will literally stay up all night and read it from cover to cover
2. I'm a hopeless planner (thanks parental figures!)
3. I think I have a named disease where I start one project but then am easily side-tracked with another one
4. Sometimes I sleep with my glasses on - explanation time. I'm like scary blind and get a little freaked out at night when I can't see what's going on. My husband HATES it, but it makes be feel safe, so there :)
5. Placing others ahead of me, almost to the point of neglecting areas of my life that I need to concentrate on

5 places I have lived (although it might be easier to list those places I haven't lived):
1. Dallas, Texas
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Pelahatchie, Mississippi
4. Jenks, Oklahoma
5. Florence, Mississippi

5 jobs I have had:
1. Day Care worker at FBC Brandon, Mississippi
2. Secretary at Cable in the Country in Clinton, Mississippi
3. Mothers' Day Out Worker in New Orleans, Louisiana
4. Assistant Librarian in Flowood, Mississippi
5. Assistant Computer Lab Person in Flowood, Mississippi

5 people I want to know more about (I apologize if you've already been tagged. As I've stated earlier, I'm a little behind on the blog world):
1. Sarah Smitherman
2. Emily Witcher
3. Monique McGonagill
4. Emily Tate
5. Anne Elisabeth Peacock

Another wild hair

2008-03-19T07:16:00.004-05:00

Crazy me came up with another zany idea, only this time I brought back up!

I convinced Sharon Ryan (got to give her credit for hanging with me on this) to join me at the US 96.3 radio station at 7:30 Tuesday morning.

I had it in my mind that we would invite hosts Karen Lowe and Scott Steele to do a live show during NWRE's Family Walk Night on the 28th of this month.

Picture this now, Sharon dressed up in our school's Cougar outfit, me holding 4 dozen HOT Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and 6 kids all bombarded the station. When Meg passed out the fliers for Family Walk Night and Marshall Madness, Marshall Madness got the most attention. We were even asked to speak about Marshall Madness on the radio (Sharon did a fabulous job with that) and the kids gave their best impersonation of a cougar growl.

In my most humblest opinion, US 96.3 - and Scott & Karen - have got it going on! They didn't have to speak to us, didn't even have to take the donuts we brought. But they did...and they brought us back to their "room" like we were old friends! Way to go, guys!

When you want what you've never had ~ you must do what you've never done

2008-03-12T20:30:00.007-05:00

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let now your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Well, I took a HUGE step today and did not sign my intent at school.

Take a breath, Keli.

I am going back to big school in the fall, MC to be exact. As my kids say, "Mom's going back to school to learn how to be a teacher."

Breath in, breath out, Keli.

I can honestly say that this is one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make.

Hang in there, girl.

I just knew that if I didn't go through with it this time, I would never finish my degree.

I have tried to go back to school, about 4 times. I've even applied, got financial aid going, the whole works. Funny thing ~ it just wasn't God's plan. Each and every time I would get my ducks in a row, we would find out we were moving or that I was pregnant. No lie.

God got my attention in a big way!

Brian and I have been talking and PRAYING, like forever,

about me making this move and we just knew.

The time is now.

I was so terrified about stepping out of my comfort zone, about moving away from my NWRE family, about leaving behind all that I feel I'm known for.

Crazy, right?

Me, Keli Hill, infamous mover

(I've been married for almost 14 years and we've moved 8 times

in three different states), is petrified of taking a different road.

I must need my head examined.

It is my goal in life to have stability for my family. An outsider might look at the Hill's and wonder how we can be on the go so much of our life. We live in one city, Brian works in another, the kids and I go to school in yet another city, and still our Church is an hour and a half away.

We are gypsies.

But if you look a little closer, each time we make a "chess move", it is with the ultimate goal of consolidating our life. I can honestly say that I have found the end of the tunnel and a bright and glorious light awaits me. No, I'm not dying, not that type of light.

Peace.

I think that's what the Hill's are craving. That's what God is leading us towards.

That's what my light looks like.

Today I went to school without a heavy weight. I could take a cleansing breath, shake my head, and know that I'm doing God's right thing. For my husband. For my kids.

For myself.

Others might question the saneness of our decisions ~ have I mentioned that we now have to move to keep the kids at NWRE. For real. Like we HAVE to move this summer.

But you know what, I fall back on my new favorite life-line,

"Those that mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind."

Someone at school asked me today if I was coming back. You bet. She asked if that was a promise or a threat. My response? If there's on opening, it's a promise. If there's not, it's a threat. Hey little sis, keep something on the back burner for me.

Snap, I need a tissue!

Curious?

2008-03-12T20:10:00.002-05:00

OK, I'll spill the beans about Saturday night with the Killoughs. I'm still shaking my head at my crazy expectations.

Many of you wouldn't guess this, but my sweet - very redneck husband - Brian, is a member of the Richland Rotary Club. I'm not really sure who or how many Rotary Clubs were involved with this plan, but somehow and someway we were told that the Harlem Globetrotters were coming to Brandon. That's right folks, the Harlem Globetrotters! Actually their B-Team, but the team nonetheless. Every Rotary member was to sell tickets with all proceeds going towards the March of Dime (I think). Kara jumped on board with me, both of us thinking that we could get some ideas to use for our school's Marshall Madness Basketball Benefit.
I immediately knew something was wrong when we pulled into the Brandon High School parking lot and there were very little cars. VERY LITTLE! Dun, dun, dun. Then, we got a glimpse of the Harlem players, all 5 of them.
Come to find out it's not the Harlem Globetrotters but the Harlem Ambassadors! The only resemblance between the two ~ the red/white/blue basketball and the name Harlem. That's where it ends. Their team consisted of 4 guys and one gal, who was the coach. They had one, 1, uno, lapel mic that they rotated to whomever needed it. They did bring an announcer who also doubled as their music technician on a laptop and speaker beater, yes speaker beater. The Harlem Ambassadors had brought one speaker that had a short in it so every few minutes the announcer would run over there and shake/beat it.

Poor Kolton was running a fever and DROOLING a puddle everywhere (he's still the cutest thing ever). Lucky sis and family got to leave early. My family had to stay until close to the end.

I hate to say it but NWRE ladies could definitely teach the Harlem Ambassadors a few things about basketball and entertainment. You ain't lived until you've seen our teachers play it out on the court!

You or me

2008-03-08T21:23:00.003-06:00

OK, Kara, should I tell everyone about Saturday night or would you like to have that pleasure?

Those little moments

2008-03-05T17:30:00.003-06:00

Looking back, it's been a while since I wrote anything of substance. I think today would be a fine day to remedy that problem. The kids are entertaining themselves, which could lead to future problems but at the moment I just don't care. I'm blogging. Yep, words refresh me.

The boys are playing soccer this year, on the same team if you can imagine that. Their first game was the other day and I can honestly say that I've NEVER laughed harder during a sporting event than when I was watching their game.

If you've never met Matt, he's Tigger re-incarnate. That boy doesn't walk, he jumps EVERYWHERE! I don't think he made a move on the field that didn't include at least one hop. Most of the time he kept his hands in his pockets and skipped down the fields, WAY behind the rest of the players. Too funny. This is also the child that LOVES to spell words. His latest word to spell is "Eugene" but why he picked that name to attempt is beyond me. Care to know how he spells "Eugene"..."youjean". How can you correct that?

Drew was a hoot to watch on the field as well, but for entirely different reasons. He is such a caregiver and nurturer. When one boy from the other team got hurt, Drew took it upon himself to walk the boy over to his coach ~ patting the boy and trying to comfort him the whole way. When another child fell and wouldn't get up, Drew was the one to tell the whole field,

and I mean the WHOLE field, to take a knee.

That leaves me with Meg. Where, oh where, do I begin. Have you ever eaten a ton of your favorite food and then felt sick? It tastes great in the moment but leaves you with a bad taste afterwards. Life with a pre-teen is like that. I have never experienced so much laughter with my sweet girl only to be followed by a significant mood swing that left a horrible taste in my mouth. At this point in her life, she could be in a Sci-Fi movie and win an Oscar for her performance. Got to love that girl! Right now she is fascinated with a moustache on her face that quite frankly, only she can see. Just proves my point.

Short but sweet

2008-03-02T15:57:00.002-06:00

I'm supposed to be cleaning my house right now (don't tell my husband) but instead am curled up with a good book. It's beautiful outside, there's a pleasant breeze flowing through my house, I can hear the boys in the backyard laughing with the neighborhood kids, and Meg is giving me a few minutes of peace and quiet. Aaaww ~ serenity...why waste that on cleaning!
I've come across a line in this book that states, "The ones that mind don't matter and the ones that matter don't mind." How true is that! Be yourself, be an original, be true.

Come on, guys!

2008-02-10T08:31:00.000-06:00

Ok, time for a little venting.

This is not my normal perky post but I am deeply disturbed by what I am witnessing in today's society, and quite frankly, how it is trying to change how we live as the Hill Family.

I am just plain tired of having to remind my kids that just because so-and-so has something, doesn't mean you should too. But what is really getting to me is the amount and type of "things" other parents are buying for their kids. Since when do kids need I-Pods AND MP3 Players AND every video game player imaginable AND Razor phones AND ginormous TV's WITH DVD players PLUS digital cameras in their rooms, all at the same time? And what really gets to me is how those "priviledged children" look down on my kids for not having all that is expected. It's not unuasual for someone to make the comment to my kids (and even to me), "I can't believe you don't have this" or "You mean your parents haven't bought you that?" What happend to teaching kids the value of money instead of buying into their every whim? How do you expect to top the next gift if you're still paying off the last? What happens when your child grows up and suddenly faces that harsh reality that no one is going to give them their every latest crave.

I'm sorry, but it sickens me to see YOUNG kids being so picky because this doesn't boast the correct name or that doesn't have the right dollar amount attached to it.

And don't even say the words, "I'm bored" to me. P-L-EASE!

Whatever happend to being thankful for what you have?

Or this one ... that's it's OK to say no to our kids once in a while?

Here's one, how about spending time with the family instead of sending everyone to their own corners of the house and hope all is ok with them?

Are we really doing our children a favor by being their friends instead of their parents?

Are we really so concerned with appearances that we push valuable life-lessons out the door, regarding them as old-fashioned and out-of-date,

something that won't possibly work with this current generation?

Not that anything new is wrong, but can we try a little moderation and see if that works?

Call me crazy, but I think in our moving towards a new and better life, we are fast loosing what our families need most ... each other.

Joshua 24:15 (New International Version)
"Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Notice that the verse says "me AND my house." We are all in this together!

Whew!

Tag, I'm it

2008-01-30T18:17:00.000-06:00

So apparently there is this tag game floating around blogville and I'm it. Hang in there folks because these are my 7 Random Things that you didn't know, and probably wouldn't have even guessed, about Keli Denise Tompkins Hill. Anda heeerree we go...

1. I've been married 14 years and have moved 8 times. Since I became a Hill, I've lived in 3 different states, a duplex, an apartment, a parsonage, and of course the Hill Mobile-I'm really a gypsie in disguise.

2. Oh, here's a good one. One of the houses we've lived in was haunted. I promise. Weird things happened that were TOTALLY out of any explanation realm. Let's just say that after I moved in I found out that the previous owner's wife had died in the house and that's why he was moving. Creepy!

3. I am a book nerd. If I find a book that is interesting, I will bury myself inside the covers until I finish. I do take care of my kids at some point, just not mother of the year worthy. It's nothing for me to pick up a book when the kids go to sleep and stay up all night until I finish it. I LOVE READING!

4. I have a tremendous fear of heights. At this point in my randomness I need to apologize to my former vehicle, Fionna the Ford Expedition, for the damage I inflicted on her door handle during our family trip to the mountains this summer. My husband thought my freak-outs HILARIOUS until I broke Fionna's handle. Sorry ole' girl, my bad.

5. I hate feet. Don't touch my feet, don't put your feet in my personal space ... feet just bad!

6. I am going to donate my body to science when I die. We move around too much to have a personal burial plot, that, and I wouldn't be a very good hostess if someone did come to visit me. In addition to that morbid fact, science really needs to know the effects of chocolate on ones body -and what better a body to study than mine?!?!

7. On New Year's Eve our family likes to blow up our Christmas Tree.
Here's the 411:

Get a big tree.
Water as little as possible while still staying well within the fire safety codes.
On New Year's Eve take your brittle tree out into an open field (a VERY open field) and insert the tree into a snug hole to keep the not-so-evergreen stable during its assult.
Load that sucker down with every imaginable firework you can lay your hands on. My advise is to keep all rockets pointing in an upward direction (trust me, bad past experience). The more firepower the better.
Light the tree and run Forrest, run! It is so cool!

Ok, so now you've got the inside scoop on my life. Rubbing my hands together in a sinister fashion, I now pick Katie and Charlotte as my tag victims. Have fun and make it good ladies!

True Brothers

2008-01-20T05:12:00.000-06:00

I was in the kitchen working and just happen to overhear Matt talking to his brother behind me. Apparently, someone was misbehaving and Matt took it upon himself to deliver "the pep talk". As I was standing there listening (I didn't want to turn around and ruin the moment ) to Matt speak of calming down and thinking before you act (it really was sweet), out of the corner of my eye I noticed Drew walk past the front windows outside. I had one of those movie thinking moments...if Drew was outside, and Matt was inside, and Matt was talking to his brother, who was the brother? Slowing turning around so as not to bring attention to myself, my heart stopped. Matt had our Beagle dog, Tex, on the couch delivering the most precious parent sermon I have ever heard or given! I love it when you can capture one of those moments on film. The best part is that my two "boys" never knew I took the picture, they, or rather Matt, went right along with his sermon.

Can you see the offending toy by Tex's feet? If I heard Matt correctly, Tex went into Matt's room and nabbed the goods, only to take off running with it. I personally think Tex was trying to get Matt to play with him. Matt, unfortunately, did not see it that way.

Southern Snow

2008-01-19T07:31:00.000-06:00

So, all last night my kids were talking about the possibility of snow. They were planning on staying up ALL night long to watch for snow, they were strategizing about the best outfit to wear to achieve optimum snow play, they were discussing who would be the first one to receive a phone call when they saw snow ... you get the picture.

I, on the other hand, was planning on sleeping in late and enjoying a nice, peaceful day.

At 6:30 this morning my boys were SHAKING me awake to come and see

the snow with them! They were SO happy!

Forget getting properly dressed, we just HAD to get some pictures before the snow melted.

It really is pretty outside and man, is it coming down :)

"Our first Mississippi snow"

"This is the BEST day EVER!"

"I'm making the first snowball""This is totally cool trampoline"
"Now this is how you make a snowball, Drew"

Tossin' the cookies ...

2008-01-10T16:55:00.000-06:00

... AND THEN SOME! Matt was sick last night. :(

I mean VERY sick.

For real, he was gross sick!

Did you ever see the Eddie Murphy movie, Daddy Day Care?

Remember the restroom scene? Eddie looked one way with a horrified expression on his face, only to turn and look the other way, and then down, and then up. That was me.

My poor baby ~ he had to have lost half his body weight with one blow (no pun intended).

That's Matt waiting patiently for me to get the "sick couch" ready for him.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-01-10T10:42:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, January 8th was my birthday. I had the BEST birthday EVER! I knew my day was going to be special when my sons prayed the night before that I would have a good birthday.

It was so sweet to listen to them ~ tears!

I spent my birthday surrounded by flowers, thoughtful wishes, Little Willie's, Barq's Root Beer, chocolate cake, sweet hugs, and many "Happy New Year" from a Kindergarten class at school! Hearing that announcement from those precious kids got me to thinking...isn't that what we should be focusing on? Not that we are one year older, but that we are blessed to live another year with those that we love, doing the things we love, and giving love.

It is a new year for us. Does that make sense?

I am so proud of my 35 years! Yes, I am now 35 years great! So, I need to rephrase my title to "Happy New Year to me" :)

Yes, they can be hired out for parties. You should have heard their opera version!

Hunters - R - Us

2008-01-10T10:23:00.000-06:00

Matt and Brian went hunting the other day and came back with a surprise for me. Hunting for those two is really a code word for male bonding. If you know my son, quiet and still are not his strongest characteristics! Love the kid, but he has more energy in his jaw bone than I have EVER had in my 35 years (but that's another blog).

Imagine my "happiness" when Matt brought me his treasure...right into my kitchen...swinging from his hands! He was SO proud of that rabbit, and Brian was the one that killed it!

My, my, time sure flies!

2008-01-06T17:04:00.000-06:00

It's finally here, time to go back to school.

Gone are the days of sleeping in and staying up late.

No more eating when you want and the optional shower (just kidding).

Make-up is a must and you better make sure you have enough change for the coke machine ~ LOVE caffeine!

Deep breath in...deep breath out. Here we go ladies!

Family Fun

2008-01-03T17:52:00.000-06:00

January 1, 2008 saw the Hill family (well, three of us anyway) funning it up with the Killough family at Gattitown. I took my boys and hooked up with the 3-K's and man, did we have a ball! It was hard to tell just who had the most fun, the adults or kids. Kristin, the next time you guys head this way I think a trip to Gattitown is DEFINATELY in order!!!

A Christian New Year's Resolutions

2007-12-31T09:34:00.000-06:00

How can I use the New Year to better serve my Lord?
I’ll read my Bible every day, and be more in accord.
I’ll find new ways to serve others; I’ll love my neighbor, too.

I’ll focus on "give" instead of "get" in everything I do.
I’ll forgive the people I’m mad at; angry feelings I’ll discard;

I’ll try to love my enemies, even though it’s hard.
In the new year, I’ll lift people up, instead of putting them down.

I’ll fill my heart with love and joy, and never wear a frown.
I’ll let go of my worries; I’ll put it all in His hands;

I’ll repent and try to sin less, and obey all His commands.
These new year’s resolutions are difficult, at best,

But there’s something I can do each day that will put my soul at rest:
I’ll love my Lord with all my heart, with all my mind and soul,

And if I do that essential thing, all the rest will be in control.

By Joanna Fuchs

Changes

2007-12-27T19:18:00.000-06:00

Don't let the dust settle on anything, that's me. Heavy rotation, that's my life (um, but not with you Brian). I think I change blog designs almost (ALMOST) as much as I change purses and move furniture! Why get into a rut? There's so many cool things to discover out there...step outside of your box!

Because

2007-12-27T18:34:00.000-06:00

You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths,

lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds my future; and life is worth the living just because He lives."

Out of the mouths of babes

2007-12-25T06:02:00.000-06:00

OK ~ so I've thought long and hard over this decision. I normally don't place other children on my blog (parental reasons) but I just had to show this video that I made for our kids' Christmas program. While I love all of the responses, I have to admit that my favorite clip is the last one. It is too cute!

The Elves are in the Hill House!

2007-12-24T12:22:00.000-06:00

Just had to do this for my out-of-state family. Aunt Carol Jean and Mama, this one's for you:

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1764247373

Just the facts, Ma'am

2007-12-24T11:22:00.000-06:00

For those of you who have yet to meet my husband, Brian has the DRIEST humor in the known world! Our family went grocery shopping the other day, crazy for the Saturday before Christmas but it had to be done. We were getting some bananas when this "sweet" older lady approached us. She was greatly concerned about the small size of some of the bananas. When she questioned me about them, I respectfully told her that they were plantains and they are meant to be small. She became so flustered and once again questioned me ~ this time about whether they were edible or not. Brian popped up at this point and replied, "Little monkeys eat them" and then we walked away. You should have seen her face!

A Christmas Laugh

2007-12-18T19:54:00.000-06:00

We had our children's Christmas program Sunday night. As the preacher's wife, the duty of children's choir director fell on my lap. No problem...just write a few lines for each child, have the kids sing a couple of songs, throw in a song for the congregation to sing, add a diddy with our kids playing their handbells (oh yes, we may be a small time Church but we have BIG time talent), and don't forget the mini movie.

I got CHILLS just watching the kids transform from a group of 13 nervous wrecks (ages 3 to 12) to a true performing troup! They were perfect!

The only thing I regret is that I didn't have it taped.

Maybe next year; I'll have to make myself a sticky note, right Mom?

Here are three excerpts from our mini movie.

That's my kids ~ honest to the core!

Fun Times!

2007-11-24T14:51:00.000-06:00

This week has FLOWN by! I can't believe that we have to go back to school on Monday! Here's some pics from the Hill/Tompkins Thanksgiving Celebrations:

Here's Meg with Brian's mom, Julia. Doing the bonding thing while making jewlery.

Granny Hill (she's 86), Brian, and Meg. It was fun to get to see everyone. Brian's family all live on "the farm" ~ all of his aunts, uncles, grandmother, and parents live on the same homestead. Definately makes visiting the family easy!

The happy cooks at the Hill House. Who says you can't have enough cooks in the kitchen.

Lil' sis ~ that was the BEST Seafood Bisque I've had yet! Such a great Thanksgiving meal, thanks for the suggestion!

Lovin' Cousins

Beauty sleep is definately in order after spending the day shopping with the gals (and our chaperone Kolton). Since Brian went hunting before the rooster even thought about waking up, I curled up with the next best thing!

Content

2007-11-20T19:03:00.000-06:00

Have I stated lately just how much I love my job and those I work with?

I am very thankful for those ladies (and a few precious gents) and can't wait to see

what the rest of the year has in store for us.

Philippians 4:11 (King James Version)
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content.

B-Man hits 38!

2007-11-20T15:46:00.000-06:00

Brian had his dreaded birthday yesterday. Actually, EVERY birthday for Brian is dreaded...he HATES getting older. I, on the other hand, embrace every new year. How did we ever hook up?

Red Velvet cake and a cup of milk, could life get any better than this?

Might small piece of cake, you deserve a BIGGER one!

Thanksgiving Feast

2007-11-19T10:14:00.000-06:00

Our Church had its Thanksgiving Feast last night. I've NEVER seen so much food in one place. It was delicious!
Brian's birthday is the 19th and there is a sweet lady, Vena Pearl, whose birthday was the 17th. They both thanked everyone for coming to their birthday celebration last night, HA HA! Mrs. Vena Pearl turned 83 and Brian will turn 38 ~ they are pictured together with Brian trying to steal a kiss. I've never heard a seasoned woman giggle like Mrs. Vena Pearl did when she saw what Brian was trying to do...I think she has a little cruch on the Preacher! I need to keep my eye on those two!

Hallelujah !

2007-11-19T07:38:00.000-06:00

Matt was baptised yesterday at Church. It was an extra special day in that his Dad did the honors; Brian was blessed to baptise all three of our kids! It was such a neat experience for our family.
Congrats Matt Matt !

Faithfulness

2007-11-18T04:30:00.000-06:00

These are my two favorite songs...the first by Sarah Groves, the second a hymn. One day I will learn how to add music to this page.

Sarah Groves ~
Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch Him amazed,
in awe of the mystery of His perfect ways.

CHORUS:
All I have need of His hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me.

I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain.
I can't remember one single regret
in serving God only and trusting His hand.

CHORUS:
All I have need of His hand will provide,
He's always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song,
the theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, He will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.

CHORUS:
All I have need of His hand will provide,
He's always been faithful to me.

Hymn ~
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Happy Thanksgiving !

2007-11-17T11:59:00.000-06:00

A little visit from Leisure Land

2007-11-14T18:53:00.000-06:00

Halloween Day the faculty at our school joined Granny Addy and came to school in style! I hooted louder that day than ever before. There were a couple of teachers that had me stumped at their true identities until they spoke. Here's a glimpse at what the kids had to learn from:

Suga' Mamma & Granny Addy...Hmmm, they look famaliar...
That's where I've seen them!

Suga' Mamma (aka ~ Assistant Principal Killough)

Our friendly, albeit slow, Administration

Would you believe this is our Principal and Custodian?

The crew from "Leisure Land Retirement Village"

Where do I start?

2007-11-14T18:30:00.001-06:00

It seems like ages ago since I last added to this blog. Wait, it HAS been ages! So much has happened but here are the highlights:

We've had yet another birthday. Meg turned 12 and was treated to a Southern game with two of her friends, compliments of her Aunt Kara & Uncle Kevin

I was honored to babysit my precious nephew while his parents were at the game ~

Matt is such a wonderful cousin sitter

Drew and Kolton swap "Mom Stories"

Even Uncle B-Man gets in on the fun!

The Sweetest Sound

2007-10-31T03:17:00.000-05:00

I'm the type of person who doesn't like to lay around when I'm awake. It's not unusual to find me up-&-at-em at 3:00 am (this morning for instance). I'm finding that in those mornings when I'm up before every other normal person, there's a reason.

So I'm folding laundry just now and hear this noise coming from the boys' room. Knowing they HOARD sleep whenever possible I slip in to see what' up. I trail the noise to Matt's bed just in time to see his face pressed in the slats of his loft bed ~ a HUGE Cheshire cat smile on his face! That strange noise? Something in Matt's sleep has him tickled. Not the soft chuckle of a good joke, mind you, but the type of laugh that has your whole body moving! You just never know what you'll encounter with my kids!

Thanks, Lord, for giving me such a great thing to wake up to. And just think, if I had slept in I would have missed the sweetest sound in the world!

"God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."
Genesis 21:6

(If it's good enough for Sarah, it's good enough for me!)

Barely Surviving...Literally

2007-10-27T17:26:00.000-05:00

So Matt had his 7th birthday party today, a Survivor one just like his brother. Where everything went right for Drew's in the set-up, everything went WRONG for Matt's! Let's just say that Kara is not the only one in the family to have car difficulties.
I ended up with a flat tire on the way to Matt's party! Yes, a flat. Not a problem, I think, just whip into the nearest gas station and fill it up. First, I don't have correct change. When I went inside to get change, the attendant informed me that the air pump didn't work. GREAT! As I was walking back to my car a very nice gentleman came to my rescue. He just happened to have bought an air pressure pump and it was in his truck. Thank you, Jesus! As he was unpacking the equipment he noticed that the hose was not included. Very funny, God. So I call Brian to see if he can come to my aid. Today is Richland Day and since Brian sells Shelter Insurance in Richland, he had a tent set up and was doing business. Being the loving husband that he is he dropped everything, jumped on his white horse (actually into his white truck), and came right away. By this time it is 2:00 and the party started at 2:00.
I got on the phone to see if my sweet sis can hold down the fort until I get there. Kara, you are a LIFESAVER! Brian shows up, I throw all of my gear and the boys in his truck, and then peel out. I finally get to the party at 2:30 and had a blast! I think there were 17 kids that showed up. We had team challenges, physical challenges, food challenges, buffs, a pinata, cake and boy, do I need an aspirin! Matt had fun ~ that's what it's all about.
I'm sure the angels and the Lord were just sitting around on the clouds, their legs dangling over the edge, eating popcorn and drinking root beer, all having a huge laugh over my dilemmas! I can just see God elbowing his fellow angels saying, "Watch this, it gets better!" One of my favorite sayings is this, "If you want to hear God laugh just tell Him what you've got planned." I think my day was just full of laughter, all the way around!

The loves of my life

2007-10-24T19:15:00.000-05:00

"Every child born into the world is a thought of God, an ever fresh and radiant possibility"
Kate Douglas Wiggin

Matt ~ 6

Drew ~ 7

Meg ~ 11

My Inspiration

2007-10-24T19:06:00.000-05:00

Many of you have asked me what my husband must be like to put up with a gal as CRAZY as I am. Brian is a wonderful man, extremely hard working (he's a bi-vocational pastor), a man who would do ANYTHING for his family. But, hiding behind that tough, manly exterior is a mate that's perfect for Keli Hill. May I introduce my husband, Brian Hill...

Family Ties

2007-10-19T04:17:00.000-05:00

It always AMAZES me when people at school find out that Kara and I are sisters. They are just floored! After the "secret" is out, they can see the resemblance and just chuckle. I wonder how many teachers at school know there's another one out in Texas? Hint...we are birth order. This is my favorite pic of us gals, it brings to mind this verse...Ecclesiastes 4:12 "And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." (New American Standard Bible)

SUPER slide anyone?

2007-10-17T15:51:00.000-05:00

I finally found my video from THE BEST VACATION EVER! We went to Asheville, NC (Sliding Rock to be specific) and made some Hill family history. This is the coolest, literally, slide in the world. You would think that in JULY the water temp. would be perfect. NOT! The water was 49 and FREEZING! One man went into shock as he hit the water ~ no lie! Did that stop our adventurous family? No way! Let me set up the scene...Brian is at the bottom right of the screen and is the first one to hit the water as soon as the video plays. Meg is second down, middle of the screen, and gets out of there as soon as she can. Too funny, she breezes by her Dad, not even stopping to chat! Drew is last (he couldn't find a good spot to make the ultimate splash) leaving poor Dad to wait in the water until Drew comes down - got to give my hubby props for waiting in that frigid water for his son, what a Dad!

This is a natural water slide that is part of some nature park I believe. I went down Sliding Rock as a Senior in High School. Back then they didn't have the hand rail on the left to hold on to as you climbed up. The slide now has a life guard on duty, something else they have added since my first sliding days. I kept pumping up this place, telling the kids how awesome it is to slide down this really cool nature made incline and splash into a deep pool...there were even fish swimming around you! How many times can a parent take their child back in time and share/make a memory with them? Precious mental snapshot.

We Survived!

2007-10-09T04:08:00.000-05:00

One of Drew's favorite TV shows is Survivor so that became the theme of his party. The setting was the park, the Tribes were Ooga and Booga, the theme was Outwit~Outplay~Outlast~Season 8. We had different colored buffs (bandannas) for each tribe, individual and tribal challenges, rewards, and prizes. And the best part was that 12 kids showed up! Grant it some were siblings to those who were invited but I was not about to turn ANYONE away!

I think it was the perfect balance of organized activities and free play on the playground. Those kids were moving for a solid 2 hours in CRAZY heat but they had the best time! The icing even melted off the cake, that's how hot it was! I don't know who had the most fun ~ the kids or myself!

Thanks, Drew, for being the BESTEST birthday boy in the world! I love you more than you love me and no take backs!

THE BEST VACATION EVER!

2007-10-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

This summer our family took our very first non-work related vacation. It was the PERFECT combination of fun and free-play. We traveled to Tennessee and North Carolina and experienced everything ~ Put-Putting in the rain, hiking to a waterfall, staying in a cabin in the woods, white water rafting, you name it...we tried it! I can honestly say that all of us enjoyed every single minute of the trip and are already planning our next adventure! It is so cool to sit down with the kids and find out what they would like to do for fun and then plan it all out.

While in North Carolina we went rafting for the first time. Brian has been before but the rest of us were novices. Here's how it broke down ~ Brian and I had a great time, Meg is terrified of boats but was a trooper for Team Hill, Drew would have imitated Jesus and walked on the water to get to shore, and Matt was mad because we wouldn't tie him to the back of the raft and drag him down the river! I am so glad there was a photographer on the spot to get our reactions!

The Mom Song

2007-10-04T16:46:00.000-05:00

For all you mom's out there who need a spokeswoman, here she is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM
I am SO glad she is in our corner!

An ode to my family

2007-09-29T08:37:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you drive me crazy,

a little frustrated and confused.

But there's one thing to remember ~

I will always love you!

I love you more than you love me and no

take backs...I beat you!