David Archuleta

oh my did we have a fun girls night our last night. We Mojo her friend and lil roo and I were 14 rows away from David.

I was curious how they would act because this was their first ever real live concert. It was fun to watch them cover their ears because of the noise and then slowly get into dancing, screaming, and having fun!

Lil roo called it quits about 9:30 and feel asleep exhausted from all the excitement. The other two did not want to stop! So Cute.

We bought a poster of the boy and this morning it was already up on the wall, lil roo walked up to it started singing "crush" and then kissed him on the lips- lol

Warning Long Post..it's been awhile

So I thought I'd just highlight a few Hill family happenings: August

- Back to school-

Buzzy boy started 7th grade, Mojo is in 4th grade ( and has my mom for a teacher) and Lil Roo is loved so much that her mom didn't want to send her to school until next year.

September

Jenn survived BYU-Idaho back to school rush- Blair made several trips in the truck hauling fuel up and down the 15 corridor. The kids settled into school and our desktop and laptop computers quit working on the same day! The desktop was returned and fixed after 5 days but the laptop was doa -fried motherboard talk about luck!

We were able to have some family pictures in there - here are just a few of my favorites:

/> October:

Seems like everyone has managed to dodge the swine flu. We've had touches of tummy troubles but for the most part have remained healthy. Lil Roo has finally been able to go to daycare with out getting so upset that she make herself throw up.. and I have been able to go to work without make-up smeared all over my face from crying because of Lil Roo's upsets...to me that is progress.

Another fun October happening was potato harvest the kids got a whole week out of school great for them...stress for me. However, I was lucky to have help from my sister, mom and a fun teenage babysitter so they could all stay home and sleep in! Buzzy boy had fun gleening potatoes for his ym activity- and we've enjoyed potatoes straight from the field- YUMMY!

The kids had a fun "parent-less" Halloween - Buzzy boy was a moto crosser Mojo was a twister game and lil roo will be Hannah Montana glam-a-fied! She is so excited. I missed out on the fun however, I was is in Las Vegas for training. Blair flew down and spent a couple days checking out the Vegas scene together. It's been a busy couple of months and I hope to do better at keeping this blog up!

Summer Fun

Our lives have not been the same since I've gone back to work. Summer fun moments have been few and far between. However, we did find some time over the 4th of July to create some family fun. We went to the Riot Zone and to our surprise there wasn't a lot of people there. In fact I think we had the place to ourselves. We had a great time!

I loved chasing the kids with the tubes, and we all laughed on the bouncy toys and to top the day off we enjoyed a Lime Rickey, french fries, and an ice cream cone from Arctic Circle. Gotta love creating memories

Can it get any CRAZIER?

Okay so Blair's old job called him back....Never guess that the good ole Bookstore would call ME back! Seriously....strange turn of events - but what a blessing at the same time.

Now we have two houses in two different states. I have a rental house in Rexburg and an amazing weekend house (still for sell) in Utah. I really don't know how all of this will work out. All I can pray is that we will be able to live all together as a family soon. I don't really want to do the single working mom thing. I hate the challenge of finding good child care for the kids and only being able to see Blair on the weekends.

Seriously, having a great job with benefits is so appreciated and such a blessing- and how it all came about really strengthened my testimony that the Lord does know us each individually now.....I just want it to all work out- the house to sell, Blair to find a great job in Idaho and for us to be a family. Is that asking too much?

Can Bad KARMA stick twice?

Well really our life is just a yo-yo of events. Our most recent turn of events started with a telephone call from Woodside- Blair's previous employer. They need an "Assistant" for three housing developments. Blair will start work soon which is good and bad. The good is Blair has work - YEA! The bad is they are paying him 1/2 what he made working as a Superintendent and the job is temporary - maybe 6 months to a year- and NO benefits.

It's simply crazy to me! However, I am grateful for him get back to work doing what he loves, even if it's a "demotion" in some respects. Woodside is so lucky to get such a hard worker for such a steal of a deal. It's hard not to be too cynical at this point - Anyway.... Enough said- We'll have to see where this ride leads us!

A Few of my Favorite Things

This is my mother's day gift! I love it! It makes me so happy- I am so lucky to be a mom and have such wonderful children who make me smile everyday! LOVE them LOTS! I don't know what it is about dandelion bouquets that make my life as a mom a little sweeter. There is nothing more precious then seeing the darling brown and sparkling blue eyes of my two daughters gleem with pride as they hand over all the beautiful yellow flowers they could find! Ah it's moments like these that melt my heart and make me so proud to be a mom!

What do these 3 things have in common?

A. Blaze wants to be a dirtbike cop when he grows up.

B Blaze out ran the cop on his dirt bike

. C. Blaze had his first run in with the law because of the dirtbike.

If you guessed C you are right. Tonight Blaze called us to the front door tearfully- at first I thought he wrecked his dirt bike and had gotten hurt - but then saw the Clinton City police car and officer coming up to the front door behind Blaze.

My first impression was of shock not sure what is going to happen. The officer explained that he could fine us up to $3,000.00 and make it so Blaze could not get his drivers license until he was 18!

I was stunned! I wasn't aware of the law. As parents we told Blaze it was okay to ride his dirt bike in an open field by our house. Well the field is being developed for homes so it's private property...anyway. We told him it was okay to ride there. Well after tonight we know the law. First, no dirt bike can be rode on the road. Second, can't ride a dirt bike that is not licensed. Third, can't ride a dirt bike on public land unless Blaze has taken a riding course. So for each offense it's a $1, 000.00! Lastly, the officer said that we could be charged as parents for contributing to a minor - I thought that was only alcohol but its for driving without a license too! CRAZY!

So tonight, I am grateful for a cop who wasn't on a power trip to make and example out of Blaze---I know the whole experience made a lasting impression on us all. Needless to say no more dirt bike riding for us! Unless, it's on private property!

Our Spring Break Vacation

Drive -In Movie style..enjoy

New Plan

Well in my previous blog we were hoping to go to the Happiest Place on Earth---due to budget restraints this may not be a possibility.

So do any of you have some great budget friendly get-aways for spring break?

We are using the "Secret" and I am putting my order out to the universe and know that Blair will be enjoying a new job around the first of April. For those of you who don't know what the secret is -google it. I really believe it works - so here's to a new job and a fun family vacation!

Happiest Place on Eath

Okay- I am enlisting help from you all who read my blog. I am trying to plan a budget friendly family vacation to Disneyland and San Deigo. We will be leaving over spring break and I would love any tips or websites or must see ideas. This is what I need to know- Have any of you heard or used the Southern California City Pass? It sounds like a great thing. You get admission to the following six attractions:

3-day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket* valid for admission to both Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park

1-day admission ticket to SeaWorld Adventure Park® San Diego

1-day admission ticket to the San Diego Zoo® or San Diego Zoo® Wild Animal Park

1-day admission ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood™©

The best way to purchase this is through Costco and it averages out to be around $200.00 a person.

My next question is we will be spending 4 nights in Anaheim and then driving to San Deigo to hopefully rent a beach house for 2 days. Do any of you have any ideas on great beaches to try? Or any suggestions on websites to find beach houses?

Time is limited so if you have suggestions please comment!

Krispy Kreme.

My kids have trained me to STOP and go to krispy kreme donuts whenever the light is on for a FREE hot delicious donut, but tonight to our dismay learned they have a new policy. You now have to purchase something to get a "free" donut. I was so unimpressed.

However being the good mom that I am, couldn't look at Candace's sad face and empty hands-so I bought a dozen fresh donuts! Lesson learned Nothing is Ever FREE.

Lucky

I don't know if it's the month of March or the reflective mood I am in, I just can't help but feel Lucky. I am lucky to have such wonderful family and friends. I am lucky to have the gospel in my life. I am lucky to be a mom. I am lucky to be blessed with all that I have.

Although, at times I have been bitter about the trials our family is going through I still find it amazing how lucky I am to have witnessed tender mercies of the Lord in my life. At times I have really wondered what kind sense of humor my Heavenly Father has. Doesn't he know me....doesn't he realize I have been pushed to what I think are my very limits? ( which never tell the Lord you can't take anymore because he will show you that you can )...thus

More trials come

I have learned that he knows me better then I know myself. I have learned that I am not the one driving this car I call my life- someone else is and he is trying to teach me to ENJOY the journey.

I don't want pity- I just want to let those of you who have been there through it all to know how much you mean to me. I really am Lucky!

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!