Kiss Me

Since it's Valentine's Day I thought this picture of Candace was appropriate. She gets a kick taking pictures of herself or random stuff. She's too fun.

So I'm wondering what Valentines traditions you all have? Please share. I'd love to know how you all celebrate.

Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

So for those you you who know me, know that I do not have fun trying to cook my Gluten Free way. Today I thought I would attempt to make sugar cookies. Boy was it an adventure.

First off the dough is extremely sticky and then you have to use lots of gluten free flour which costs $5.00 for 2 cups I ended up using 4 cups of flour to keep them from sticking while getting cut out and more flour on the pan so I could scoop them out.

What a joke! Anyway, I am proud to say they turned out pretty good. I'll have to attempt to make them again when I'm feeling RICH!

I have been tagged My letter is the letter B. In this tag I am to write down ten things I love that start with the letter B.

1. BEING A MOM- this one has taken me awhile to get the hang of- my kids have taught me so much. I just find it overwhelming to be responsible for the future of our country. I have so many hopes and dreams for each one of my children. They are a blessing in my life and I can't imagine missing out on such an awesome adventure!

2. BOYS- I love my boys Blair and Blaze. They have taught me so much and seem to have an endless amount of curiosity, love for things with motors and a great way of showing love and appreciation for the things I do for them. They inspire me to want to me a better wife and mom.

3. BEST FRIENDS - I love all my friends out there who have supported and encouraged me through all my ups and downs. Bethany- love the elevator talks :) Kandis -love the way you always know the right time to call I just wish Buffalo wasn't so far away! Jess- love the crazy bookstore stories! Jane - Camex Rocked! Melody-thanks for all the encouragement and advice. Linda- truly an answer to prayer. Kirstine love the morning walks & talks. Melanie the best sis anyone could have. Kelsie for always stopping by to see me when your in town. Karen- thanks for never giving up on me ( you are not a stalker )JaNae- love that we can always start where we left off. There are many more so please know if you weren't listed it wasn't because I didn't love Ya!

4. BUBBLE BATHS- Can't have too many "Calgon" moments

5. BACK RUBS - Just like the bubble baths you can't have too many. I so look forward to any massages or free back rubs from my honey.

6. BOOKS- I haven't always loved to read, but through the years have found reading to be quite an escape. I read the Twilight series and would have loved to have never read the fourth book at all! Breaking Dawn - big disappointment for me---anyway I read all types I love the Peace giver and am reading Broken things to Mend- ( thanks Val) it has been very inspiring definitely a must read.

7. BRIGHT RED SPORTS CAR- I dream of owning a vintage Mustang with the pony package. I have pretty particular specs for this car and one day I know I will have it and can't wait to hear the engine roar and my hair fly in the breeze!

8. BEING BROKE - NOT - since we are a causality of the economic depression we have become very resourceful and we have tried to be very creative with family outings and grocery shopping. I coupon shop and price match. We have lots of fun playing board games for family time. Ashley rocks at monopoly - she is going to be very rich someday! I am not saying it's easy to be broke it just makes you be more creative which isn't all bad.

9. BEAUTIFUL HOUSE - I love my beautiful two story home. It has an amazing rock fireplace and four huge bedrooms. I feel so blessed to have it...however as mentioned above it's hard to make house payments when you are broke and neither one of you have jobs - So if any one is interested in buying a 3600 square foot home in Clinton leave a comment and we'll make a deal!

10. BLESSINGS - It's not all doom and gloom. I can say I have been blessed through these last months of HELL oh oops I mean trials, sufferings, lamenting and gnashing of teeth! Seriously, I am grateful to have the gospel in my life to have witnessed my Saviors love and concern for me and my family during this time. When I have days of despair there is usually a phone call, a letter or someone there to encourage me. When it doesn't look like we are going to have enough money for a bill or medicine graciously someone anonymously or family has sent us money in the mail. I do know that the Lord is mindful of me and I am so blessed to have wonderful family and friends who are there to answer my prayers. I am so very blessed to have such tender mercies in my life!

Woodside Bankrupt

And my husband is out of a job! Due to the economic down turn Blair was let go from his job as Construction Superintendent for Woodside Homes on November 21, 2008.

At the present time and after several job applications he has not found work. I am using my blog as a networking tool. If anyone out there has any contacts or knows of any job openings we would appreciate it so much.

He has a bachelors degree in Construction Management, and is open to possibilities both in and out of the construction industry.

Christmas Eve 2008

Here are a few traditions and photos from Christmas Eve 2008. I think the kids loved throwing carrots on the roof for Santa's reindeer!

FLOWERS

Sorry, I have to jump to the present, then I will go back and post Christmas. Gosh it's a bummer when you have to play catch up.

Anyway I just received these beautiful flowers from one of my most amazing friends. I can't tell her enough how much she has been an answer to my prayers these past CRAZY months.

Thanks so very much they brightened my day...but most of all I appreciate your kindness and listening ears especially with all the DRAMA...Love ya lots!

I know it's past...but here is what the Hill's were doing 2 weeks before Christmas

Blaze had a Christmas Choir concert at Madison Middle School...doesn't he look handsome ( he's the one with the red tie )? He really did sing too. It was a fun concert.

Ashley enjoyed making a gingerbread house in Mrs. Davis' 3rd grade class, she even made a fun Christmas gift. I'll share what is was when I post Christmas.

For those of you in Idaho you know that it was snowing and blowing so the kids took a picture moment outside great grandma's house to show how much snow was there.

If you look at the neighbors house there is a snow drift that is almost as tall as there roof! The picture didn't turn out as good as I had hoped. There were snow drifts as tall has my suburban on 7th south.

It had been a long time since I'd seen winter like that!

Blaze Turns 12

I'm a bit behind- so please be patient. On the 7th of December Blaze turned 12. I am so proud of what a good kid he's turned out to be. He actually turned 12 on Sunday so he was able to get the priesthood that day. He bore his testimony and I cried- he really has the spirit and testimony of the gospel...I am grateful for all the good examples and teachers that have helped him.

We took Blaze to Toads (a fun all place) for some FUN- loved the go karts!

Isn't he the CUTEST DEACON!