You never promised me that this would be easy
I never knew that anything could be this hard
I wanna trust that You know what You're doin'
But right now, I'm just fallin' apart
It's hard to see it when I'm livin' in the moment
But Your love's still written on my heart
I get lost when I feel the wind blowin'
I gotta cling to who You are
'Cause You are good
Even when You're not understood
No matter how many skies fall down
I'm covered under the peace I've found
You're my shelter when there's nowhere else to go
No matter how many times I break
You promise always to keep me safe
You're my rescue when I'm spinning outta control
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
I'm leaving doubt and sorrow in the distance
I'm gonna trust, and cast my fears aside
My life's a work that I know You'll finish
I know I'm gonna be alright
It's You I'll chase
Even when I can't see Your face
No matter how many skies fall down
I'm covered under the peace I've found
You're my shelter when there's nowhere else to go
No matter how many times I break
You promise always to keep me safe
You're my rescue when I'm spinning out of control
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are
And oh, oh, oh, oh
My God is always faithful
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(My God, my God)
And oh, oh, oh, oh
My God is always faithful
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(My God, my God)
No matter how many skies fall down
I'm covered under the peace I've found
You're my shelter when there's nowhere else to go
No matter how many times I break
You promise always to keep me safe
You're my rescue when I'm spinning outta control
Lord, you are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are
Oh, You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are
This song came on tonight as I was rocking Hudson to sleep. I was sitting there, thinking back on the last four years and my journey as a stay at home mom. I was worrying about tomorrow and the days to come. My stay at home mom status came to an end tonight when the board approved my position. And it is very bittersweet.
I have been preparing for this day for many months. When Tim and I started talking about seriously getting out of the Navy and moving back to my hometown, I knew I would go back to work. Tim has sacrificed so much in the last four years for me to be able to stay at home. He has supported me 110%. I knew it would be my time to sacrifice going back to work with him taking a cut in pay to come to Athens to work.
Whoever coined the phrase "the days are long but the years are short" couldn't have been closer to the truth. Days at home with kids aren't always easy. Some days seemed like they would never end. Some days bedtime couldn't get there soon enough. Some days, I may have cried more than I smiled. But then.....most days were better than anything you could ever imagine. Most days, I enjoyed every single thing about being at home. I loved being able to volunteer at Darbie's school. I loved being able to take her to school and pick her up. I loved being at home with Brylee and being able to shuttle her around to activities of her choice. I loved being home with Hudson every single day from the time he was born and watching him change daily into the little boy he is now. I loved being ministered to and ministering to other moms through MOPS. I loved my coffee dates with dear girlfriends. I loved being able to be home when the love of my life walked through the doors after a long day at work. I loved the Bible studies. I have LOVED this season of my life and I will forever cherish it.
Before I became a mom, teaching was my passion. Then I became a mom and being a mom took front seat. I pray that God directs me in this new season of my life and I learn to manage working and being a mom and wife. (and being good at it all)
While the tears have already started flowing, I am so excited about this next chapter in my life! I know the transition is going to be difficult as I will miss my kids oh so much. I pray that they transition well during this new season and we all make it out on the other end happy.
I never regretted walking away from my passion of teaching to be a stay at home mom. I have loved it! So when tomorrow I walk out the door while all of my babies are fast asleep, I will tuck these million memories inside my heart and be thankful. Thankful for the opportunity I have had and for what's to come.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Happy 5th Birthday Brylee Kayden
Dear Princess Brylee,
Mommy and Daddy can't believe you are FIVE today! Where has the past five years gone? It really does seem like yesterday we were in the hospital completely smitten over you!
YES, that was five years ago!
You are growing into such a sweet, caring, affectionate, funny, silly, smart, adventerous, thoughtful, beautiful girl. You have a heart the size of this country. You love others. You would do without so someone else could have something. You are very motherly. You are very sensitive. Your heart gets broken easily. You would never harm anyone. You love being with family and you love your brother and sister so very much! You are so beautiful, inside and out!
You have your five year old check up on Friday but you are currently standing at 46-47 inches tall (I think) and weighing about 40-45 lbs.
![]()
This year in review:
You ran your first 5K and did a good job.....You actually ran a good mile of it =) You LOVED the color and sparkle =)
![]()
You went on your first cruise and I do believe you are hooked, just like your mommy and daddy =)
![]()
It snowed a lot in VA in January and you LOVED it! Here was your first time snow sledding and you were a pro at it!
We moved home to Alabama in April and although you love being around family, you miss your friends from VA terribly. You have had the hardest time adjusting. It has been hard on mommy too =( I know once we really get settled here you'll make new friends, but your friends in VA were your first friends you remember. You had such good girlfriends there. I loved watching you grow and make friends there. That's one of the hardest parts of being a military family, you say goodbye a lot to close and dear friends. I know you'll see them again and maybe you'll be life long friends with some of them!
You danced this year but since we moved, you didn't get to dance in your recital. I am so sorry baby girl. I know you worked so hard and was so disappointed that you didnt get to dance in your recital in VA. You can't wait to start dance again in AL. You played t-ball for the first time. We'll see if you stick with it. Some days you like it and others you don't. But I love watching you play, even if it is in the dirt half of the game =)
You had an early birthday party in VA before we left so you could celebrate with all of your friends. You had a Royal Tea Party and it was magical. You pretty much planned it all yourself!
![]()
I still can't believe you are five today. You love Jesus and I pray that you always do. I pray that you always follow His plan for you life. God has big plans for you Brylee Kayden Hill and I can't wait to see what all He does through YOU! I love watching you grow every day. I love being your mommy! I am so honored and happy that He chose me for you! I hope FIVE is all of what you dream it to be! Happy Birthday Sweet Princess! We love you to the moon and back!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Mommy and Daddy can't believe you are FIVE today! Where has the past five years gone? It really does seem like yesterday we were in the hospital completely smitten over you!
You are growing into such a sweet, caring, affectionate, funny, silly, smart, adventerous, thoughtful, beautiful girl. You have a heart the size of this country. You love others. You would do without so someone else could have something. You are very motherly. You are very sensitive. Your heart gets broken easily. You would never harm anyone. You love being with family and you love your brother and sister so very much! You are so beautiful, inside and out!
You have your five year old check up on Friday but you are currently standing at 46-47 inches tall (I think) and weighing about 40-45 lbs.
You ran your first 5K and did a good job.....You actually ran a good mile of it =) You LOVED the color and sparkle =)
You went on your first cruise and I do believe you are hooked, just like your mommy and daddy =)
It snowed a lot in VA in January and you LOVED it! Here was your first time snow sledding and you were a pro at it!
We moved home to Alabama in April and although you love being around family, you miss your friends from VA terribly. You have had the hardest time adjusting. It has been hard on mommy too =( I know once we really get settled here you'll make new friends, but your friends in VA were your first friends you remember. You had such good girlfriends there. I loved watching you grow and make friends there. That's one of the hardest parts of being a military family, you say goodbye a lot to close and dear friends. I know you'll see them again and maybe you'll be life long friends with some of them!
You danced this year but since we moved, you didn't get to dance in your recital. I am so sorry baby girl. I know you worked so hard and was so disappointed that you didnt get to dance in your recital in VA. You can't wait to start dance again in AL. You played t-ball for the first time. We'll see if you stick with it. Some days you like it and others you don't. But I love watching you play, even if it is in the dirt half of the game =)
You had an early birthday party in VA before we left so you could celebrate with all of your friends. You had a Royal Tea Party and it was magical. You pretty much planned it all yourself!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Friday, April 4, 2014
Update on the Hill's
Hello everyone!
I wanted to give an update on our crazy life! We are now officially in Alabama! We are all getting adjusted...some of us better than others. We pulled in late Sunday night and it is now Friday. I feel like I am just now getting a chance to come up for breath. We are completely unpacked and I am sure my parents are thinking "what in the world did we get ourselves into?!" LOL We are living with my parents until we buy or build. Tim is here until April the 11th, and then he will fly back to VA until July. I am also flying back to VA with him on that day because last Friday, while our house hold goods were getting loaded into the moving van, I almost totalled my car. It is getting fixed and I am flying back in with Tim and driving back to AL a few days later. Did I say our lives have been crazy???
Tim has a second interview and a tour of the plant with a company here on Monday. Were praying all goes well and just maybe he'll be offered a job! That would be a nice birthday present for him =) I am thinking of finding a part time job in the evenings until school starts here. I'm not sure if or how that will work out, just some thoughts. I have LOVED this season in our life where I have been able to be home with our children. It has been the BIGGEST blessing of my life. I have loved every single minute of it. With that being said, we believe this season maybe over and I am going back to work full time in the Fall. I am going to miss my little man sooo much =(
Darbie started her new school on Tuesday and is actually loving it. She is adjusting very well! She is excited about the amount of "nice" girls and that many are openly "Christian" as she says =) She is, of course, loving being here with family and with Nana and Papa.
Brylee is having the hardest time of all adjusting to living here. She loves being around family but asks on a daily basis about her old house and her friends in VA. It makes my heart ache. She talks about them often and wonders what they are doing =( Hopefully, things will start to get easier. She has her first softball game in the morning. Last night her team had a scrimmage and she was quite a character. She hit the ball and ran to 3rd instead of 1st =) We laughed so hard we cried but she got right back other that next time around and did ok! It will definitely be a learning experience for her!
Hudson is doing just fine. He is sleeping in the room with us so that is an adjusment to all of us. He is in his own bed but he is such a light sleeper that even with the radio on he still hears us shifting in the bed =( He is LOVING having Nana and Papa and asks about a million times a day where they are. (they are working=)
Please be in prayer about us and our transition here in Alabama. Please pray that we are able to purchase the home that we LOVE and that we make whatever house we buy our home. Please pray for us while we are separated from Tim for 3 months. Please pray for the kids that they continue to get settled in ok, that Darbie continues to make friends, that Brylee's little heart hurts less and less each day for her friends she misses, and for Hudson to be sweet =)
We miss you guys and love you soo much! We can't wait until we see you again!
The Hill Family
I wanted to give an update on our crazy life! We are now officially in Alabama! We are all getting adjusted...some of us better than others. We pulled in late Sunday night and it is now Friday. I feel like I am just now getting a chance to come up for breath. We are completely unpacked and I am sure my parents are thinking "what in the world did we get ourselves into?!" LOL We are living with my parents until we buy or build. Tim is here until April the 11th, and then he will fly back to VA until July. I am also flying back to VA with him on that day because last Friday, while our house hold goods were getting loaded into the moving van, I almost totalled my car. It is getting fixed and I am flying back in with Tim and driving back to AL a few days later. Did I say our lives have been crazy???
Tim has a second interview and a tour of the plant with a company here on Monday. Were praying all goes well and just maybe he'll be offered a job! That would be a nice birthday present for him =) I am thinking of finding a part time job in the evenings until school starts here. I'm not sure if or how that will work out, just some thoughts. I have LOVED this season in our life where I have been able to be home with our children. It has been the BIGGEST blessing of my life. I have loved every single minute of it. With that being said, we believe this season maybe over and I am going back to work full time in the Fall. I am going to miss my little man sooo much =(
Darbie started her new school on Tuesday and is actually loving it. She is adjusting very well! She is excited about the amount of "nice" girls and that many are openly "Christian" as she says =) She is, of course, loving being here with family and with Nana and Papa.
Brylee is having the hardest time of all adjusting to living here. She loves being around family but asks on a daily basis about her old house and her friends in VA. It makes my heart ache. She talks about them often and wonders what they are doing =( Hopefully, things will start to get easier. She has her first softball game in the morning. Last night her team had a scrimmage and she was quite a character. She hit the ball and ran to 3rd instead of 1st =) We laughed so hard we cried but she got right back other that next time around and did ok! It will definitely be a learning experience for her!
Hudson is doing just fine. He is sleeping in the room with us so that is an adjusment to all of us. He is in his own bed but he is such a light sleeper that even with the radio on he still hears us shifting in the bed =( He is LOVING having Nana and Papa and asks about a million times a day where they are. (they are working=)
Please be in prayer about us and our transition here in Alabama. Please pray that we are able to purchase the home that we LOVE and that we make whatever house we buy our home. Please pray for us while we are separated from Tim for 3 months. Please pray for the kids that they continue to get settled in ok, that Darbie continues to make friends, that Brylee's little heart hurts less and less each day for her friends she misses, and for Hudson to be sweet =)
We miss you guys and love you soo much! We can't wait until we see you again!
The Hill Family
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Hudson is 2!!!
Dear Hudson,
I don't think I can make it through this blog without crying, seeing that I started crying yesterday with just the thought of you turning 2 today. It seriously feels like you were just born yesterday evening. It was one of the best births ever! (Brylee's was amazing too, but I was sick and they gave me some medicine and I fell asleep right after nursing her for the first time and felt groggy even when I woke up a few hours later) With you, I had 2.5 ml of something, and it never made me bat an eye. I had the best feeling after giving birth! You were the most beautiful baby boy I had/have ever laid my eyes on. You have taught your daddy and me so much about so much! You are loving to the ends of the earth and back. You are as stubborn as a mule. You can get aggressive (which we work on on a daily basis) You already have empathy for others. You have taught us paitience when we thought there was none left. You've showed us what true exhaustion really is, and we still got up every morning ready to start a new day. The rocking chair that we bought from Walmart on a whim because I thought I wanted one has become one of our most favorite things in our house. Daddy and I use it to rock you every single day at nap time and every single night...and it has had many uses in the middle of the night too. =) Brylee loves to play in it and Darbie loves to sit and read in it. We may never get rid of that thing!
Well, let's talk about you being 2! You weigh 32 lbs and are 37 inches tall. (I'm not sure what percentile you are in.) You haven't had any immunizations since either 9 months are 12 months. Not for any serious reason, although we steer clear from a few...It's just whenever we go to the doctor, it never seems like a good time to jab you in the leg =/ Your doctor, Dr. Posang, always encourages me to get them but smiles when I tell her "maybe" She has been a fabulous doctor these last two years and I truly believe she loves all three of you guys! Food allergies... You were tested via a blood test about 6 months ago and they came back negative. We actually do think you are good on soy now. Twice, you've had meat marinated with a mixture and soy being in it and you've been fine. Eggs still upset your tummy terribly. You LOVE eggs and during Thanksgiving this year, you'd beg us for deviled eggs. =( You settled for the egg yolks, which you arent allergic to anyways. We had high hopes of putting you on cows milk at 2 but that can't happen. We've tried to slowly introduce dairy into your diet for the last 6 months, and although it doesnt seem to upset your tummy anymore, you break out from head to toe in exzema. Only problem is....you LOVE yogurt and cheese. I have to hide both of these from you in the fridge.
When you say yogurt you sound like a German guy! It IS the funniest ever! the word "water" is the same way. Your vocabulary is steadily increasing on a daily basis. You are an actor. You love to "act" things out. If we can't understand what you are saying, you'll either act it out for us, or take us by the hand and lead us to it. You currently call your headsets in the car radios...You aren't big on animal sounds, which is driving your daddy nuts. For some reason, he thinks you should know and be able to say the animals sounds and you just wont do it other than a puppy...which is a high pitched barking sound you make.... its pretty cute! Today, as I was singing "happy birthday" to you... you jumped right in and started singing it right back... we sang it all day long and you loved it!
You are into Cars, Monsters Inc., and trains right now! You are 100% boy! You are starting to love books but still wont sit and listen to more than a page or two. You like tv but are usually too busy to sit and watch anything. You are very adventurous. You have no fear which gives us great fear. If it can be climbed, you will climb it. If it can be crawled under, you will wiggle your way under it. You love to jump on things. You get bruises on your face/head on a daily basis.
You had your brithday party at The Bounce House and it was Cars themed. You had a blast!!! IT was perfect for you! Your friends had a lot of fun too! We normally go out to dinner on your actual birthday but daddy is out to sea right now, so we had a nice "Hudson" dinner at home tonight.....mac and cheese, hot dogs, and veggies....all completed with cup cakes that you picked out =) Tonight you skyped with Nana and Papa for over an hour and you showed them every single toy you own!
You love your sisters! You love to play with them and you cant understand why you can't always go with them...whether it be with Darbie to school.....with Brylee to ballet...or if I send them both to the bathroom in a store... you just dont understand poor buddy. I can't say you are a mommy's boy or a daddy's boy... I think you are equally both. You LOVE your gaga (this is what you have been calling your daddy for months and months now. You are very capable of saying the "d" sounds and say it in other words...but not dada or daddy" He has grown to love being called gaga...when he's out to sea, you miss him terribly. You are his side kick. Because I am home with you all day, you love your mommy too. You are the best helper when it comes to cleaning the house. You love to wash windows and cabinets and you love unloading the dishwasher and putting detergent in it when its loaded ready to go. You love to play with the settings on the washer and dryer. You will help me pick up shoes and dirty clothes....when it comes to toys... its whatever mood you are in. You can be very tempermental!
This has been FUN year with you! I love watching you grow, although I so wish I could stop the time, or slow it down some. I try to cherish the good and the bad...the pretty and the ugly.....the tired and not so tired days.... because if time keeps zooming like it has in the last two years, you will be grown before I know.
So little man of mine, I pray that you continue to grow and that you love and serve God with all of your heart. I pray nightly that you will become a Godly man, husband, and father.
You stole my heart 2 years ago at first sight....just like your daddy did many years ago.
We love you and can't wait to see what this year holds for you!
Love,
Daddy and Mommy
Pictures from this year!
I don't think I can make it through this blog without crying, seeing that I started crying yesterday with just the thought of you turning 2 today. It seriously feels like you were just born yesterday evening. It was one of the best births ever! (Brylee's was amazing too, but I was sick and they gave me some medicine and I fell asleep right after nursing her for the first time and felt groggy even when I woke up a few hours later) With you, I had 2.5 ml of something, and it never made me bat an eye. I had the best feeling after giving birth! You were the most beautiful baby boy I had/have ever laid my eyes on. You have taught your daddy and me so much about so much! You are loving to the ends of the earth and back. You are as stubborn as a mule. You can get aggressive (which we work on on a daily basis) You already have empathy for others. You have taught us paitience when we thought there was none left. You've showed us what true exhaustion really is, and we still got up every morning ready to start a new day. The rocking chair that we bought from Walmart on a whim because I thought I wanted one has become one of our most favorite things in our house. Daddy and I use it to rock you every single day at nap time and every single night...and it has had many uses in the middle of the night too. =) Brylee loves to play in it and Darbie loves to sit and read in it. We may never get rid of that thing!
Well, let's talk about you being 2! You weigh 32 lbs and are 37 inches tall. (I'm not sure what percentile you are in.) You haven't had any immunizations since either 9 months are 12 months. Not for any serious reason, although we steer clear from a few...It's just whenever we go to the doctor, it never seems like a good time to jab you in the leg =/ Your doctor, Dr. Posang, always encourages me to get them but smiles when I tell her "maybe" She has been a fabulous doctor these last two years and I truly believe she loves all three of you guys! Food allergies... You were tested via a blood test about 6 months ago and they came back negative. We actually do think you are good on soy now. Twice, you've had meat marinated with a mixture and soy being in it and you've been fine. Eggs still upset your tummy terribly. You LOVE eggs and during Thanksgiving this year, you'd beg us for deviled eggs. =( You settled for the egg yolks, which you arent allergic to anyways. We had high hopes of putting you on cows milk at 2 but that can't happen. We've tried to slowly introduce dairy into your diet for the last 6 months, and although it doesnt seem to upset your tummy anymore, you break out from head to toe in exzema. Only problem is....you LOVE yogurt and cheese. I have to hide both of these from you in the fridge.
When you say yogurt you sound like a German guy! It IS the funniest ever! the word "water" is the same way. Your vocabulary is steadily increasing on a daily basis. You are an actor. You love to "act" things out. If we can't understand what you are saying, you'll either act it out for us, or take us by the hand and lead us to it. You currently call your headsets in the car radios...You aren't big on animal sounds, which is driving your daddy nuts. For some reason, he thinks you should know and be able to say the animals sounds and you just wont do it other than a puppy...which is a high pitched barking sound you make.... its pretty cute! Today, as I was singing "happy birthday" to you... you jumped right in and started singing it right back... we sang it all day long and you loved it!
You are into Cars, Monsters Inc., and trains right now! You are 100% boy! You are starting to love books but still wont sit and listen to more than a page or two. You like tv but are usually too busy to sit and watch anything. You are very adventurous. You have no fear which gives us great fear. If it can be climbed, you will climb it. If it can be crawled under, you will wiggle your way under it. You love to jump on things. You get bruises on your face/head on a daily basis.
You had your brithday party at The Bounce House and it was Cars themed. You had a blast!!! IT was perfect for you! Your friends had a lot of fun too! We normally go out to dinner on your actual birthday but daddy is out to sea right now, so we had a nice "Hudson" dinner at home tonight.....mac and cheese, hot dogs, and veggies....all completed with cup cakes that you picked out =) Tonight you skyped with Nana and Papa for over an hour and you showed them every single toy you own!
You love your sisters! You love to play with them and you cant understand why you can't always go with them...whether it be with Darbie to school.....with Brylee to ballet...or if I send them both to the bathroom in a store... you just dont understand poor buddy. I can't say you are a mommy's boy or a daddy's boy... I think you are equally both. You LOVE your gaga (this is what you have been calling your daddy for months and months now. You are very capable of saying the "d" sounds and say it in other words...but not dada or daddy" He has grown to love being called gaga...when he's out to sea, you miss him terribly. You are his side kick. Because I am home with you all day, you love your mommy too. You are the best helper when it comes to cleaning the house. You love to wash windows and cabinets and you love unloading the dishwasher and putting detergent in it when its loaded ready to go. You love to play with the settings on the washer and dryer. You will help me pick up shoes and dirty clothes....when it comes to toys... its whatever mood you are in. You can be very tempermental!
This has been FUN year with you! I love watching you grow, although I so wish I could stop the time, or slow it down some. I try to cherish the good and the bad...the pretty and the ugly.....the tired and not so tired days.... because if time keeps zooming like it has in the last two years, you will be grown before I know.
So little man of mine, I pray that you continue to grow and that you love and serve God with all of your heart. I pray nightly that you will become a Godly man, husband, and father.
You stole my heart 2 years ago at first sight....just like your daddy did many years ago.
We love you and can't wait to see what this year holds for you!
Love,
Daddy and Mommy
Pictures from this year!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Enough
When I started this blog a few years ago, I had every intention of "blogging" on a regularly basis. Well, yeah, that didn't happen. You see, I have a lot I want to say, but I am not a very good writer. Hmp, anyways.......I've been struggling with not being enough here lately. It seems like there is never enough time in the day.....I've gained some weight after weaning Hudson....had I have known that, I'd have nursed him for forever! Ive had to finally give up on the idea of ever fitting back into my size 4 jeans and pass them on to my ever so growing daughter....I am never enough.......(you insert it here and I have probably felt it) But today, as I was sitting in Bible study (with some AMAZING PWOC ladies) listening to Priscilla Shirer......I heard God whisper ever so gently..."YOU are enough.... I have made you enough.....put your whole heart into me and depend on me and you will be enough"
Psalm 84:11-12
"For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven's Armies, what joy for those who trust in you."
Philippians 4:19
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
On days where I am just not feeling enough.... I'm going to cling to these words and know, that in Him, I am.
Psalm 84:11-12
"For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven's Armies, what joy for those who trust in you."
Philippians 4:19
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
On days where I am just not feeling enough.... I'm going to cling to these words and know, that in Him, I am.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Happy 4th Birthday to my sweet Princess!
Dear Princess Brylee,
I can't believe you are already 4 years and 21 days old. Yep, I am a little behind. Our life has been C-R-A-Z-Y since mommy went back to work "part time". You have adjusted well and you love playing with one of your best friends, Riley while mommy is at work. I haven't even gotten through the first few sentences and tears are already stinging my eyes. Maybe this is one reason I've been putting off writing this...... I remember the day you were born just like it was yesterday. I remember the car ride to the hospital with daddy driving and Nana in the back seat. I remember so badly wanting to stop by Hardee's to get breakfast but they had told me no food. I remember every tiny detail about my labor and delivery with you. Just a few weeks ago something was said and I told you I had you being born on video. You asked me if you could watch it and I was hesitant but decided to let you. (I did turn down the sound of mommy yelling though) You watched with amazement in your eyes. You were grinning from ear to ear and you thought it was the neatest thing ever! You talked about it for days and you then asked to see Darbie's birth and Hudson's birth. Silly girl!
You are now 40 pounds and 43.5 inches tall! You are currently sick with what we think is strep throat.=( You are starting to feel a little better today! Finally!
This year, you decided to eat at Chick-Fil-A for your brithday dinner! It was right up your alley. We ate outside and you and Hudson played! You opened presnets from mommy, daddy, Darbie, and Hudson. That night, you and mommy had to drive to Norfolk so you could have a sleep study done at CHKD. I don't know what kidn of information they got from you because you barely slept. You had to have the sleep study done becuase your tonsils are about the size of bouncy balls in your throat and have always been HUGE! The ENT doctor is trying to decide whether they need to be removed or not and the thought of you having surgery scares me to death! You had your birthday party at Chuck E Cheese again this year. You love that place and had a blast with all of your friends!
Currently, you still love the Disney Princesses, Minnie Mouse, Doc McStuffins, My Little Poney, Dora.....and just about anything else on Disney Jr. You continue to have a LOVE for talking =) You have turned into a little mommy, especially with Hudson. You look after him so well. You take care of him, you share with him, and you help him. It is a sweet sight to see! You love your big sister so much! You look up to her like no other! I hope you all three always have a special closeness that nothing can tear apart! You are very opinionated, especially when it comes to clothes. I almost don't buy you anything without your approval first. =( You are missing our family back in Alabama more and more as you get older. You guys just spend spring break and Easter in Alabama and that's all you have talked about since. You want to see Ellie bug. You want Nana and Papa to come visit your home in VA. You want to spend the night with Uncle Zach and Aunt Laura..... It breaks my heart and tells me that we are all ready to go home next summer for good! You still love roller coasters and will ride anythign Busch Gardens will let you on! Your friends here in VA that you love to play with are Riley, Hailee, Addyson, Alicia, Jordyn, Austin, Riley, Ava, Abigail, Lincoln, Logan, Peyton, and I am sure a few more I am missing. You can keep our social calendar booked! Here recently, you orchestrated a water party that mommy knew nthing about. You even invited Alicia over for it! You have been on my case to have this party of yours so as soon as school is out for the summer, we are having it!
This year, you went to AWANA on Wednesday nights. You went from crying when I dropped you off to crying when I came to pick you up. you think it's your school, since you dont go to preschool like some of your friends. You picked up ballet again in January and just finished your second recital! You did an amazing job! Mommy and daddy LOVE watching you dance! You also tried out gymnastics and you liked it ok! You are also playing in your first season of soccer. You are hanging in there! We will see if you continue to play =)
You are such a smart, sweet, caring, kind, giving, active, sassy girl who loves Jesus! You love church and you loving doing your nightly devotionals. You often ask us to pray for you for some reason and it melts our hearts.
Mommy and Daddy love you sooooo much and although we would love for you to stay little, we know that that can't happen and we are excited to see what God does with you! He has big plans for you, Brylee Kayden Hill! You are so funny and I can't remember what life was like without you!
You, just hours old!
this was walking into the mall to get your first haircut! Yes, your first haircut right before you turned 4!!! I miss these long curls (although it doesnt look very curly in this picture)
Yes, we told her to even it out not realizing how much hair that would be....about 6 inches later, you were in love with your new haircut and mommy and daddy wanted to cry =)
Opening presents at Chick-Fil-A
At Chuck E Cheese for you birthday party!
Your 2013 recital. It was during Hudson's nap time so he stayed at home with a friend!
You and Jordyn =)
Riley came to watch you dance =)
You little silly girls who love to talk during soccer games =) It has been so much fun watching you two play soccer!
I can't believe you are already 4 years and 21 days old. Yep, I am a little behind. Our life has been C-R-A-Z-Y since mommy went back to work "part time". You have adjusted well and you love playing with one of your best friends, Riley while mommy is at work. I haven't even gotten through the first few sentences and tears are already stinging my eyes. Maybe this is one reason I've been putting off writing this...... I remember the day you were born just like it was yesterday. I remember the car ride to the hospital with daddy driving and Nana in the back seat. I remember so badly wanting to stop by Hardee's to get breakfast but they had told me no food. I remember every tiny detail about my labor and delivery with you. Just a few weeks ago something was said and I told you I had you being born on video. You asked me if you could watch it and I was hesitant but decided to let you. (I did turn down the sound of mommy yelling though) You watched with amazement in your eyes. You were grinning from ear to ear and you thought it was the neatest thing ever! You talked about it for days and you then asked to see Darbie's birth and Hudson's birth. Silly girl!
You are now 40 pounds and 43.5 inches tall! You are currently sick with what we think is strep throat.=( You are starting to feel a little better today! Finally!
This year, you decided to eat at Chick-Fil-A for your brithday dinner! It was right up your alley. We ate outside and you and Hudson played! You opened presnets from mommy, daddy, Darbie, and Hudson. That night, you and mommy had to drive to Norfolk so you could have a sleep study done at CHKD. I don't know what kidn of information they got from you because you barely slept. You had to have the sleep study done becuase your tonsils are about the size of bouncy balls in your throat and have always been HUGE! The ENT doctor is trying to decide whether they need to be removed or not and the thought of you having surgery scares me to death! You had your birthday party at Chuck E Cheese again this year. You love that place and had a blast with all of your friends!
Currently, you still love the Disney Princesses, Minnie Mouse, Doc McStuffins, My Little Poney, Dora.....and just about anything else on Disney Jr. You continue to have a LOVE for talking =) You have turned into a little mommy, especially with Hudson. You look after him so well. You take care of him, you share with him, and you help him. It is a sweet sight to see! You love your big sister so much! You look up to her like no other! I hope you all three always have a special closeness that nothing can tear apart! You are very opinionated, especially when it comes to clothes. I almost don't buy you anything without your approval first. =( You are missing our family back in Alabama more and more as you get older. You guys just spend spring break and Easter in Alabama and that's all you have talked about since. You want to see Ellie bug. You want Nana and Papa to come visit your home in VA. You want to spend the night with Uncle Zach and Aunt Laura..... It breaks my heart and tells me that we are all ready to go home next summer for good! You still love roller coasters and will ride anythign Busch Gardens will let you on! Your friends here in VA that you love to play with are Riley, Hailee, Addyson, Alicia, Jordyn, Austin, Riley, Ava, Abigail, Lincoln, Logan, Peyton, and I am sure a few more I am missing. You can keep our social calendar booked! Here recently, you orchestrated a water party that mommy knew nthing about. You even invited Alicia over for it! You have been on my case to have this party of yours so as soon as school is out for the summer, we are having it!
This year, you went to AWANA on Wednesday nights. You went from crying when I dropped you off to crying when I came to pick you up. you think it's your school, since you dont go to preschool like some of your friends. You picked up ballet again in January and just finished your second recital! You did an amazing job! Mommy and daddy LOVE watching you dance! You also tried out gymnastics and you liked it ok! You are also playing in your first season of soccer. You are hanging in there! We will see if you continue to play =)
You are such a smart, sweet, caring, kind, giving, active, sassy girl who loves Jesus! You love church and you loving doing your nightly devotionals. You often ask us to pray for you for some reason and it melts our hearts.
Mommy and Daddy love you sooooo much and although we would love for you to stay little, we know that that can't happen and we are excited to see what God does with you! He has big plans for you, Brylee Kayden Hill! You are so funny and I can't remember what life was like without you!
You, just hours old!
this was walking into the mall to get your first haircut! Yes, your first haircut right before you turned 4!!! I miss these long curls (although it doesnt look very curly in this picture)
Yes, we told her to even it out not realizing how much hair that would be....about 6 inches later, you were in love with your new haircut and mommy and daddy wanted to cry =)
Opening presents at Chick-Fil-A
At Chuck E Cheese for you birthday party!
Your 2013 recital. It was during Hudson's nap time so he stayed at home with a friend!
You and Jordyn =)
Riley came to watch you dance =)
You little silly girls who love to talk during soccer games =) It has been so much fun watching you two play soccer!
Friday, March 15, 2013
hippie-fied =)
I giggle on the insides when I think of becoming hippie-fied! It all started a few years back. Brylee had just turned one and all of sudden we couldn't keep her bottom clear of terrible diaper rashes. I was tired of putting medication on her bum every diaper change...we switched from pampers (which I loved) to huggies hoping that would make a difference...nope....so I started secretly researching cloth diapers. I had tons of friends who did this but I always thought they were a little crazy for doing it! I mean, you have to wash out poop and who needs another load of laundry to do??? When I thought of cloth diapers the image of prefolds kept together with pins and the white covers (that you can still get from walmart) over them came to my mind....but I was desperate for my sweet girl to have a clear bottom. I didnt mention it to Tim because I knew he would laugh out loud and tell me flat out NO.....but....one day he came home and caught me red handed looking up cloth diapers....he said "are you thinking of cloth diapering Brylee?" I hesitantly said, "possibly... I mean... I don't know..." yes, I was stuttering and choosing my words carefuly! He then said, "if you want to try it I will support you and do it with you." and that is what started our journey of becoming hippies! We researched, found what we thought was economical (since at the time we weren't having any more kids) and made our first order! Obviously, we fell in love!
The next step to becoming a hippie family came not long after that when I decided I wanted us to start eating a little more healthy. We already ate what we though to be healthy but I wanted to make a few changes....this came a little harder to pull over Tim but with the encouragement of our doctor in Charleston, we made some minor changes to what we bought at the grocery store...then the next summer we even started our own garden..some organic seeds, some not...but a chemical free garden! We loved the whole process!
Not long after cloth diapering I started looking into making our own cleaners and laundry detergent. I went at it from the stand point of saving money...We had just went from a 2 person income down to a one so I could stay home with Brylee and I knew Tim would come more likey to trying these things if it was from a financial stand point! HA! I was right......we started making our own detergent and some household cleaners! Let me say I love our detergent and all purpose cleaner and window cleaner... however I never did find a recipe for bathroom cleaner that I liked...oh well, method works great =) I should say this though...when it comes to making laundry detergent, I may have made it the first two times, with the help of my lovely husband, but it quickly became something he loved to do and he took over it! He makes all of our laundry detergent now and has for a few years.... he is a huge advocate of it and spread the news all of the time... he even helped a friend of ours that was about to have twins learn to make it... they had themselves a little laundry making party at our house one night! (I thought it was pretty cute!)
The last adventure we have taken started a few weeks back....and we are back to foods....we have meal planned with e-meals for 3 years now and have loved it....it took out the fight of whats for dinner...it cut down on our grocery bill...and it has given me some amazing recipes....just a few weeks ago I was thinking of changing things up a bit and wanted to eat a little healthier and was thinking of changing our meal plan to a different one offered by e-meals when a friend posted a blog about the frest 20... I looked into it but was kind of skeptical... I didnt know if my family would eat the kind of meals they plan.... but at this time, Tim was making huge changes in his diet...he had cut out almost all artificial sweetners...he was trying to make healthier decisions with food and I knew I needed to join him... So, I asked him what he thought of changing our meal plan to The Fresh 20.... I told him a little about it and showed him a sample meal plan. he quickly said it sounds great! I was going to wait until our e-meals subscription ran out but he encouraged me to go ahead and make the switch. We could always switch back to emeals after the 3 month subscription of The Fresh 20 if we didnt like it.....So I ordered it and we are on our second week! Let me say we havent had a meal yet that we dont like! They have been amazing and i know they are good for us and for our three miracles! The meals are centered around 20 fresh ingredients each week. My fridge is all of the sudden full of greens, and yellows...and reds..... and my pantry is kind of empty. I am cooking with a lot of herbs and fresh veggies and we are LOVING IT!!! Tim and I are loving cooking together...some of the meals take a little time to prepare but we both love to cook and it is sooo worth the time! (There is a way to cut down on the time in the kitchen though and the meal plan tells you how each week.) I found out this past week that Tim loves cooking with me.... I never knew that... We've been married for over 6 years and I didnt know! I knew he loved to cook but never thought it mattered whether he cooked with me or not. When we started this plan two weeks ago, he told Darbie, "mom is getting hippie again and we are changing the way eat and what we eat!"
I used to think the term "hippie" was bad...ugly...old fashioned...i dont know but I can tell you that if breastfeeding, baby wearing, cloth diapering, detergent and household cleaner making,buying as much organic food that we can afford, and cooking with I'd say 75-80% fresh ingredients is "hippie....then that I am....and Tim Hill, you are a hippie lover!
The next step to becoming a hippie family came not long after that when I decided I wanted us to start eating a little more healthy. We already ate what we though to be healthy but I wanted to make a few changes....this came a little harder to pull over Tim but with the encouragement of our doctor in Charleston, we made some minor changes to what we bought at the grocery store...then the next summer we even started our own garden..some organic seeds, some not...but a chemical free garden! We loved the whole process!
Not long after cloth diapering I started looking into making our own cleaners and laundry detergent. I went at it from the stand point of saving money...We had just went from a 2 person income down to a one so I could stay home with Brylee and I knew Tim would come more likey to trying these things if it was from a financial stand point! HA! I was right......we started making our own detergent and some household cleaners! Let me say I love our detergent and all purpose cleaner and window cleaner... however I never did find a recipe for bathroom cleaner that I liked...oh well, method works great =) I should say this though...when it comes to making laundry detergent, I may have made it the first two times, with the help of my lovely husband, but it quickly became something he loved to do and he took over it! He makes all of our laundry detergent now and has for a few years.... he is a huge advocate of it and spread the news all of the time... he even helped a friend of ours that was about to have twins learn to make it... they had themselves a little laundry making party at our house one night! (I thought it was pretty cute!)
The last adventure we have taken started a few weeks back....and we are back to foods....we have meal planned with e-meals for 3 years now and have loved it....it took out the fight of whats for dinner...it cut down on our grocery bill...and it has given me some amazing recipes....just a few weeks ago I was thinking of changing things up a bit and wanted to eat a little healthier and was thinking of changing our meal plan to a different one offered by e-meals when a friend posted a blog about the frest 20... I looked into it but was kind of skeptical... I didnt know if my family would eat the kind of meals they plan.... but at this time, Tim was making huge changes in his diet...he had cut out almost all artificial sweetners...he was trying to make healthier decisions with food and I knew I needed to join him... So, I asked him what he thought of changing our meal plan to The Fresh 20.... I told him a little about it and showed him a sample meal plan. he quickly said it sounds great! I was going to wait until our e-meals subscription ran out but he encouraged me to go ahead and make the switch. We could always switch back to emeals after the 3 month subscription of The Fresh 20 if we didnt like it.....So I ordered it and we are on our second week! Let me say we havent had a meal yet that we dont like! They have been amazing and i know they are good for us and for our three miracles! The meals are centered around 20 fresh ingredients each week. My fridge is all of the sudden full of greens, and yellows...and reds..... and my pantry is kind of empty. I am cooking with a lot of herbs and fresh veggies and we are LOVING IT!!! Tim and I are loving cooking together...some of the meals take a little time to prepare but we both love to cook and it is sooo worth the time! (There is a way to cut down on the time in the kitchen though and the meal plan tells you how each week.) I found out this past week that Tim loves cooking with me.... I never knew that... We've been married for over 6 years and I didnt know! I knew he loved to cook but never thought it mattered whether he cooked with me or not. When we started this plan two weeks ago, he told Darbie, "mom is getting hippie again and we are changing the way eat and what we eat!"
I used to think the term "hippie" was bad...ugly...old fashioned...i dont know but I can tell you that if breastfeeding, baby wearing, cloth diapering, detergent and household cleaner making,buying as much organic food that we can afford, and cooking with I'd say 75-80% fresh ingredients is "hippie....then that I am....and Tim Hill, you are a hippie lover!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)