Hello 2016.... Goodbye 2015

So every year I try to sum up the events that lead to our most memorable moments, and this year will be no exception.  2015 brought a lot of fun and laughter, but also some tears and tribulations.  Definitely moments that I hope are forever cherished. Little moments and Big moments.

There's no way I can announce them all but here's a little preview of what 2015 had in store for the Hill family! (tried to do chronological order)

January: I started a "Better Me 2015" effort.  For the most part I did change how I eat and what I eat! I wish I could say that I lost weight but I think I had some grandiose plans for change and my multi-tasking did not go as well as I thought I could! I am hoping with some "financial weight" lifted I can truly focus on this physical weight!

February: My sisters and I put together a "surprise" 60th birthday party for my mom! I think we did a bang up job and we joked about creating a business! But seriously let's maybe do that!  Mom had a great time and we sang the night away with karaoke!

March: Spring Baseball as an A.  We had a lot of fun at OHYSA Spring Season Ball as we played our second season of Coach pitch.  Coach Steven and Daddy led us to many victories and Momma got to sit in the stands and do a lot of cheering (and photography!)

April: Trevor prepared all year for First Communion. Early May he completed this spiritual journey with many family members watching! God Bless Trevor! I was a catechist again and continued to grow as well in my spiritual relationship with God.

May: We decided to hit up Florida this year for our family trip and drove all the way to Orlando for some Disney, Seaworld and Universal Studio fun; stopping in Fort Walton, FL and New Orleans LA. It was a long drive but so glad to get opportunities like this to bond and make memories with my little family.

June: Was a good month but it also gave us a few reminders of how precious life is and how we need to cherish each moment! We lost 2 members of the Wyatt family (Marvin and Linda), plus my dear friend's hubby started his battle against brain cancer with radiation treatments.  Sometimes life hiccups and forces you to pause and reflect on the things that really matter! We are so blessed to have family and friends we love so dear in our lives and try so hard to never take those moments for granted.

July: Trevor turned 8 this year and we celebrated at the neighborhood park with a few family and friends.  Pokemon was the main theme of fun this year for Trevor so of course it was our theme for partying! He also lost his first tooth! If you're familiar with his condition we thought this wouldn't happen for a few more years! So he was super excited to have his first tooth loose! :)

August: Third Grade here he comes! Trevor continued at Barton Creek Elementary in third grade with Mrs. Georgakis! A rough start but he's doing well and just loves reading and learning! :)

September: I celebrated my 37th birthday by treating myself to Garth Brooks tickets in Dallas, TX. I was so blessed to have 3 of my closest friends come with me to share in the fun! #bucketlistitem

October: We did our "third" trip to the beach with the Harr/Hutson and Griffin families! It was nice to get away and catch up with my bestie! Can't wait to do it again this year! We had smores, made sand castles and swam in perfect weather! Truly a blessed memory of fun and friends!

November: Lindsay became DEBT FREE!!!! This might not make sense to some, but Justin and I have separate finances in regards to our credit. It's not that we don't share these but he has his bills and I have mine. After 4 years of trying I finally made it a reality! I paid my last credit card bill on November 27th!  Now to work on Justin.  (We also applied for a home loan and that's a whole separate story, for another time, but one we're hoping it has news in 2016!)

December: We continued our 25 days of holiday experiences this year (as we did last year) and repeated some of our favorite things. We try to focus on events that remind us of the reason for the season..... Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet, Zilker Tree and Trail of Lights, family nights, church services and giving to others.  Mostly we are so happy to have Justin's Grandparents closer this season! Gail and Jim have traded their California home for a Texas one and we couldn't be happier!

So 2015 was pretty kind! We both still like our jobs, my photography biz skyrocketed, and we're still kickin! For those of you that had a part in our 2015 THANKS! We hope it was memorable for you as well! For 2016 our biggest goal is to stay on a good financial path, make more memories with those with love and continue to be happy with the choices/path we follow!

CHEERS!! Happy 2016 everyone!

Conversations with an 8 year old

So last night I went on a sweet walk with my son -- now 8 years old! I cannot believe how time flies.  Moments will flicker reminding me of how little he was and still is, but then he'll say something so profound I forget he's only 8.

Last night was a moment like that.  As we were walking down our street for an impromtu (suggested by him) walk, we talked about differnt things - the day, what he did, what he liked; then he asked me "Name 5 harmless animals."  So I did - something to the likes of  "a fly, a worm, a bird, a cat, and a fish (regular one!)" I asked him to name 5 harmful animals and he did  - "shark, bear, mosquito, snake (and one other)"  The subject changed a bit then he said "Momma what are your 5 biggest fears?" 

Good question, my son, I thought to myself.  How honest should I be, I asked myself.  So I went vague but true....leaving out my worst fear - losing him (oh and the dentist -- I really don't need him sharing my anxiety!)  I said "fire, tornados, snakes, my brakes not working in my car (i tend to dream a lot about this) and heights."  He said "you're afraid of heights? But you went on that ride at Schiltterbahn!"  He's referring to climbing up the 5 flights of stairs at Blastenhoff to ride the Master Blaster, which freaked him out the first few times.  I said 'Yes it scares me but I try to just keep looking up and not look down.'  He seemed satisfied with that response and made his own reference to his little fear.

I turned the question back to him - "What are your biggest fears?"  He repeated most - "hurricanes, snakes, heights" but then said "dying. I'm afraid of what dying feels like."  A bit saddened - I think I actually uttered an "awe" - I tried to bring it back to a positive vibe saying "I don't know what dying feels like but you believe that you'll be safe with God and Jesus in heaven, right?"  He agreed but then asked "I mean like are you just flying around all day? Is it like dark or bright all the time? I'm just saying like what is it like?"  I just said I didn't know.  He then moved the conversation to when he would be a grown up I  would be a grandparent.  I just said I hope so and grabbed his hand as we walked the last few houses to our own.

At the moment I knew this was a great conversation we had just had.  But looking back now I realize how special it was.  I think back now of all the things I should have said or could have but it doesn't change the fact that my child - children in general - really have deep perplexing thoughts.  Even at 8 years of age.

I really want to document more of them.... but for now, here's this one.

What do you think dying is like? Or heaven?

Letters to my Son - Love

Dear Son -

Lately, you've been very interested in things much too mature for what a mom would like a 7 year old to be asking questions about.  Nonetheless, I am answering those questions as frankly and positively as possible.  Many may question our motives as parents, why we would talk to you about such things? But I firmly believe that  you should feel comfortable asking us any question you think.

So what have those questions been?  Well, you asked about sex. Your friend had already told you the jist of it so there was no need for us to elaborate much more. You've asked about body parts (breasts, breastfeeding, vaginas, penises, etc.) We even talked about you having a girlfriend and what you thought it meant.  I'll be honest in saying it totally made me gasp at what you might have said, but then I relaxed when you stated that "we just do fun things together" as for what boyfriends and girlfriends at age 7 do.

I love your curiosity. I love how in tune you are with emotions and the giving of love. Your hugs fuel me and your kisses are soft reminders that you are so sweet.  I hope you never lose those parts of you.  I love how you look at a woman and love the curves and smiles the best!  One day you'll be a great husband/boyfriend (although you have sworn to me that you will never marry!)  As much as a mom wants her baby boy to stay with her forever, I know you will grow up to love another woman more than me - or differently than me.

Though we've already discussed a lot of the "birds and bees" so young I just want to remind you of the key points we want you to remember, cherish, value and protect.

1) Your body is YOUR body and no one else has claim to it.  You give permission for someone to touch, caress or harm it. Protect it; value it; and respect it.

2) Just as your body is yours -- HER body is hers!  Value it and RESPECT it!

3) RESPECT that is the best word I can teach you about relationships - whether they are friends, lovers or spouses.  You must show respect to get it in turn.  Be kind and be patient.

4) Show your affections and emotions.  It never does anyone any good to pretend to not feel. Boys can cry and hurt.  But you can also be angry without screaming or hurting. So learn how to handle those emotions as well.

5) Just as you want someone to hear you out - you have to be willing to hear them out! Communication is key to any relationship and it should be honest, sincere and thoughtful.  Try not to speak in anger as it can do more harm than you think.  Communication can be verbal, nonverbal or written.

6) Don't give your heart (or "v card") to just anyone.  Make sure they are deserving and treating you with respect and love.  It's ok to say not right now - even if all the other kids are doing it!

There's probably a lot more I could tell you. How to not make the mistakes I did or to do this and that. But ultimately it's your heart.  Continue to question - continue to be willing to love, even if your heart has been broken.  I hope that you can always feel comfortable asking us those "serious" and possibly "embarrassing" questions.

Now that I'm sure I'm completely embarrassed you (by telling your stories and talking about s-e-x!) I'll finish my letter with just a little xoxo and I LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Momma

A Year in Review.... so long 2014

It's time for the annual review of the year.  Last year we had weddings and celebrations; this year was of course more celebrations but a bit more quiet in the weddings department!  The year was full more of family moments and memories than huge highlights...but to us THESE are the BEST times.

In no particular order..... possibly chronological.... our Top Ten moments of 2014.

1) Baseball Champs! Spring Season with the Rangers (Coach Steven and Tim) brought us a Championship win.  It was a great way to end our T-ball seasons and head into the summer.  Fall ball brought a few challenges but we still managed to walk away with a 3rd place champs trophy!  We had a new team and new coaches but quickly saw Trevor emerge as a ball player!  He was dubbed "most consistent" on his team :)  We can't wait to see what the 2015 Spring Season has in store!

2) Annual Cabo trip brought on some fun and stories to last a life time!  We were accompanied this year by the Moore Family.  I worked with Kathy for 2 years when I was pregnant with Trevor. She is my 'soul sista' and such a sweet lady. Her hubby and son, Patrick joined us and definitely gave us some memories -- fire in the hotel, screen door run in, anniversaries galore and sunbathing shopping! It was a good time and we were so excited to share it with dear friends!  Like we always say -- anyone is free to join us! Just ask the Moores  - I think we know how to have a good time ;)

3) Hottest, Coolest Time in Texas - Schlitterbahn!  Instead of our annual trip to Seaworld for Trevor's birthday we opted for Schlitterbahn this time as Trevor has gained great skills in swimming and we felt he could hold his own!  The Seeleys met up with us for the fun and fun it was! Trevor did great - only getting flipped a few times and separated from the group once!  No one got kicked out (yes this has happened before hahahaha) and we all left with smiles and photos of our adventures.

4) Birthdays, Birthdays - oh my!  Trevor celebrated his "golden" birthday this year with a swim party at my sister's house Octonaut themed (sea animal) - receiving a dolphin as a gift (well really it was a donation to WWF in his honor -- which meant a dolphin named for him).  Fun was had by all - especially our new cousin Hannah!  Justin celebrated the big 4-0.  We had a big gathering at the DeGroot Ranch complete with the band, munchies, and a photo slideshow of his 40 years of life!  I was able to get a few surprise guests to attend and I have no doubt Justin was loving every minute of it (my little Leo!!!)

5) Friendly Celebrations and Tribulations -- I got a free trip to the Katy Perry concert in Houston! Thanks Michelle G!!! However, we sadly said goodbye to Justin's Uncle Reed (catching up with family we hadn't seen in years) as well as one of Tim's Brothers. Heaven gained 3 angels in a short period of time for Justin.

But with every moment of solace there are moments of celebration. Amanda finally weds!!!! Though this might be something that would be in her highlights, it was also one of mine for a few reasons..... mostly I was just so happy for her.  She had a few milestones this year and I was so happy to help and be a part of so many of them - wedding, new house, new job and watching Avery grow to be a BIG sister! She is one of my dearest friends and her happiness is our happiness!  Her bachelorette party, the 100s of invitations (haha), moving day, photo shoots and bridal shower!!! Memories.......Plus now we have a place to crash when we go to Schlitterbahn lol ;)  

6) Trainer of the Year - yep you heard right, I was named AAEYC Trainer of the Year!  It's the Austin chapter that I won - which put me in the running for Texas - but I didn't get that one :(  That's ok because this honor was super special anyways.  I got honored in front of family and friends and managed to get thru my "speech" (I actually did a powerpoint training presentation just to liven up the place) without too much crying!  Thanks to everyone who put in their nomination for me.

7) Surfside, Texas - back again! Yep we did our annual beach trip right before school started as we always do with the Denton family.  They are always so sweet to host us for a long weekend and we always have such fun.  Trevor really perfected the art of boogie boarding and still loves to go crabbing and feed the gulls.  It was nice to just sit and relax, listening to the sounds of the ocean.

8) Bye bye First Grade - hello Second!  Well First grade ended with a trip or 2 to the principal's office but with rave reviews from his teacher.  We love Mrs Ward and all she did for our little man.  Second grade started just as rough but we are hoping it's stopped with the visits to the Principal.  Ms Browder is just as loving to our boy and he's still excelling academically so we couldn't be prouder.  Now to get that little socialization and impulse control under wraps :)

9) Holiday fun - For Easter, my dad had his brother, SIL and niece visit so we had a huge yet yummy luncheon at Cafe Blue.  For Thanksgiving we gathered at Macee's for a yummy traditional meal.  Then for Christmas the whole family was together (again at Macee's - she's the one with the huge gorgeous house!!!) for a new traditional dinner (Chinese take out).  We were blessed to all be together for our little gatherings. They may be here and there but always nice to see everyone all together just enjoying catching up or playing a little competitive gambling of LCR!!!!

10) Work - we are glad to say we both still have the same jobs and that we both still LOVE our jobs.  Not many people can say that they LOVE what they do but I am glad we do.  There's always that dream of more money, taking more trips, just sitting at home and doing nothing but if we had to work I think we'd both pick these jobs!  Photography has been going steady and was a bit crazy the past 2 months.  I've been learning more and more and hopefully my clients would say I'm getting better and better.  I've got a handful that are repeaters so that should say something ;)  It's still just a hobby that helps pay for trips, pay off debt and give a little cushion to that savings plan you're supposed to have (which we never really did).  It feels nice to be in a good place financially (though it's nothing splendor) and not living quite so paycheck to paycheck as we have.  God has been good and hopefully he'll continue to grace us with his love.  We hope to have even better news in 2015..... but you'll just have to wait to hear all about that!

Thanks to each of you for being our rocks, support, cheering section or shoulder to cry on.  For listening to our whines and celebrations.  For attending sporting games, award ceremonies, birthdays or friendly gatherings.  We love and appreciate each of you and what you have given us.  We hope that 2015 brings you all you wish and desire.  Remember that life is what YOU make it.  We're trying hard to make ours full of memories and moments of love and joy!  Here's to 2015!!! CHEERS

Long time no chat..... 2014 happenings

Hmm it's been awhile since we've chatted, sorry about that.  It's been pretty busy - a good busy.

Trevor started 2nd grade and photography has been booming (so to say.)  We did our annual trip to the beach before the school year and did Coach Pitch baseball this season!

We celebrated birthdays, holidays and just because days (everyone deserves those!)  Needless to say there's just too much that happened to truly catch you up on it all.

My best thing is to put a few pics here and then do my Annual BEST of blog for the year!  So here it goes...

a little frustrated --- can't get my photos to load in calendar order.... so bear with me. Scroll down to see some summer, fall and winter fun!  Get ready for the BEST of 2014 Blog! It'll be coming soon!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Second Grade here we come - August 2014

Circle of Games in School (Oct 2014)

Coach Pitch Baseball Season - Fall 2014 Timber Rattlers

Grandma Gail, Patsy and Mark visit

Thanksgiving at the Couch House

24 experiences for Christmas brought  us to Bethlehem (Burnet TX)

Surfside Fun August 2014