My Family--all 15 of us

Well technically one won't be "in" the family until next month, and then all 4 of the Hill kids will be married. This is in Puerto Rico last week....(ryan lives there) and we all met up for a week long trip. My youngest brother (far right), Kirk, proposed to Rachel whom he met in high school before his mission to Idaho. Russell and Kim (3 and 4 from right) have been married a year and a half and it just so happens that Kirk & Rachel introduced Russ & Kim to each other before Kirks mission--are you following me here? Ryan and Alayna have 2 little boys whom my children loved playing with. I actually had to import myself in from another picture, that's what I get for being the photographer, I can't actually be in the actual jumping shot. I LOVE Kim in this one! She and I got the most height!



We actually had to hurry at this photo session....all the others beaches were so packed with swimmers, Ryan told me about this hotel/golf course that is private we could go to....well, the guards weren't excited about our herd (in all matching brown shirts) going onto the beach. Ryan's charm and excellent Spanish allowed us in for 10 minutes....10 minutes???? That's not enough time! I had BIG plans for family shots....several different poses--this was pressure! They turned out pretty well despite the guard watching us the whole time.

Our first escapee

The boys never did this, and it's surprisingly taken alyssa (our climber) this long....and she does it so gracefully...effortlessly....TURN YOUR HEADS TO THE SIDE, I CAN'T GET IT TO ROTATE (I'm very new to the video thing)!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

non Alcoholic Hangover

I got 3 hours of sleep last night...thankfully Michael got up with alyssa at 6 when she woke up and gave me 1 extra precious hour of sleep. I had to know that when I stayed out until 3am that I would feel this way, but at the time, I felt okay. I went to a 10 o'clock movie (Evening) with some friends and then we headed to IHOP for a little bite to eat. I REALLY wanted to try the funnel cake, but I felt a little ill as it was from the treats at the movie....so, I was sensible and got sausage and eggs...a little protein. I love staying up late, and to share it with friends and laughter was even more fun. I haven't done that in a loooong time, and now that i'm in the final year of my twenties, I have to LIVE IT UP, right? Have fun, throw caution to the wind? We all knew that when morning came and our husbands went to work, we'd be laying on the couch hoping our kids would enjoy a morning program....Unfortunately, Alyssa doesn't care for cartoons and kept shutting the armoir door. So here I am, blogging about my tiredness. I'm a little extra tired b/c I just got home from a fun filled trip to Puerto Rico yesterday afternoon. We flew into Houston monday night around midnight and I drove back home yesterday morning. anyway....babbling....a full account of my PR trip is coming, but I'm having some issues with picts, so it will be a while.

Chubby Hubby

Love the name....I found a new flavor of ice cream last night that I really enjoy....I'm not a HUGE ice cream lover, but I love some CHUNKS...and this has chunks!



This is what someone said: "This has got to be the best flavour of ice cream in the world. Creamy vanilla malt ice cream with swirls of peanut butter and chocolate fudge and then....the creme de la creme.....the chocolate covered,peanut butter filled pretzels. I am telling you - it is Heaven in a carton!"

I mean, chocolate covered, peanut butter fille pretzels? Yumminess!

To read a funny story about how the flavor was born, click here. It also will tell you the unfortunate calorie content:(

OK, since we are on the subject, I'll mention 2 of my other favorite frozen treats. The first has been hard for me to find....other Dreyers Loaded flavors are easier. When I first saw this, I originally declined because it looked WAY too rich for me. I was visiting my friend Natalie in Dallas and I wasn't sure I'd like it, but oh boy did I ever!!!! I've purchased this myself a few times since then.


And third but not least--these miniature little morsels just melt in my mouth. I'm usually able to control my portions, but sometimes it becomes difficult. It must be mint, no other flavors. Oh so yummy!

Michael's new job

Michael started a new job today. He is very excited for the change, but it was a little hard for him to say goodbye to friends at his old clinic. In October it would have been 5 years. His first PT job out of school. Good memories for him. But he really wasn't satisfied with "corporate america." All about numbers, blah, blah, blah. He's been shadowing an orthopedic surgeon pretty much since he started. Physical Therapists do that to 1) get to to know the doctor so the doctor will also refer patients to his company and 2) to watch surgeries, and commiserate (sp?) about how to treat the patient, etc. He's really liked this doctor and loved getting his patients because they healed faster b/c he is such a good surgeon. About a year and a half ago this surgeon said to him, "why don't you see if Healthsouth wants to open a new clinic next door to my office, and you run it" Michael was very flattered that he asked him that. Well Healthsouth toyed with the idea and went back and forth and ultimately decided not to do it. Then they kinda went under and got sold. ANYWAY....last October the doc said, "I'm gonna open a PT clinic and I want you to run it." It was never official until about April, but now it is officially official. Michael is very excited, but he will be the only PT there and kinda running the whole deal, but the doc funded all of it. There are actually some laws Michael has to figure out, because physician owned clinics are actually illegal in some states, but not in Texas (something about a doc sending patients to PT when he owns it, even if they might not need PT). He needs to make sure he follows all the guidelines correctly. We shall see how this all progresses. He gets to choose his own hours, and they aren't concerned about a time clocks (like before) and he gets to go on bike rides at lunch time and be home at regular hours (they were really odd before t/th 7-4, m/w/f 10-7). That's the news here! We're really excited about it all! Keeping fingers crossed that it isn't too good to be true.

Thank you for coming to the other side

I just sent out 124 invitations to the people in my life. Many of you I haven't seen in a very long time. Friends from Jr. HIgh, High School, College, my grandpa, my aunts and cousins, my neighbors and friends here in Texas, and even to some people I haven't actually met yet:) I love to share my life--I am an open book. You can ask me anything and I'll probably tell you. However, I often don't just offer up information to people unless they ask. I guess if you come to my blog, you are asking to know more, so here you go!

A couple of months ago I got a site meter on my blog that tells me how many are visiting and from what city they are visiting from. I think I started to get a little freaked out when I was people were visiting from places I didn't know anyone. Even from countries I didn't know. As much as I love to "Blog hop" to peoples blogs that I don't know, it was a hard decision to make this private, also because those people that want to read my blog that I do know, I didn't want to make it harder for them to get here. I hate to sign into things b/c I forget my user name or password, etc.

I have been blessed in my life by the people whom I have met and they have helped influence the person I am today. I love meeting new people and I feel that every person I cross paths with, I can learn something from. Thank you all for the things you have taught me and by the stories you've shared. When I came across each of your names entering them into this to invite you...I smiled and had stories flash across my mind. I hate the idea of not keeping in touch with people that at one time in my life meant so much. I'm doing my part, now you do yours....email me, start a blog, or just leave a comment so I'll know you stopped by.

our trip to Utah

The main reason I wanted to take my kids to Utah is because I wanted them to see and experience all the great memories I have from my childhood. I got concerned when my Grandma H. said a few months ago that she was going to sell her land to developers. She lives on about 5 acres and they have horses, etc. My stomach sunk at the idea that my children wouldn't get a chance to really know that place. To love it like I did as a child. I wanted to document it photographically as well as show the kids all the things I love about it. My granparents and their homes are filled with memories for me. The horses, the knick knacks, the cousins, the mountains. Utah is a beautiful place in the summertime!


I wanted to put lots of picts up for my grandparents and extended family to all see...and so it begins the beginning of my travel log. I've resorted to collages to make it easier for me, and thus have the trip also ready to print as a scrapbook page.

We begin with airplane shots and the kids acting crazy all crammed together in our rental car. They were so excited to go to Utah to see the mountains and whatever else was in store. I wanted to take them to a place that I visited every summer growing up. I love Utah in the summertime. I lived in the state for 2 years of college and thats it. I don't think I'd want to live there with my family, but I do love to visit. My grandparents are all there as well as most of my extended family. We had a very packed full week, and had so much fun together as a little family of 5.

This first collage depicts the kids rolling in the soft Utah grass. I told them it was a must and I walked barefoot when the opportunity presented itself. The grass is SO soft there. One memory of my childhood.

My little brother, Kirk also finished his two year mission in Boise Idaho. We decided to surprise him when we met him and my parents up at my grandparents home. He had never met Alyssa--he left a few weeks before she was born. It was so much fun to see him again and have the boys play.



We've never been to a cemetary on Memorial Day. We've never been near one with anyone we knew on Memorial Day. In Utah, it is tradition. It was nice to go and see all the flags and flowers. Two loved ones are in this cemetary. I've visited the cemetary various other times. My dad's dad is there. And my older sister. Grandpa died a few years ago. Ruth Rebecca died as a newborn before I was born. It was a great experience to talk to Tyler and Matthew about cemetaries and about our loved ones. They are very receptive to sacred things.

This is Bridal Veil Falls in Provo. I love Provo Canyon, so beautiful and many great memories here. The kids loved to throw rocks in the raging river and we were just happy not to have anyone hurl themselves accidentally over the edge. They also found a cute little caterpillar to play with.



I love this set. The boys learning gold from their Great Grandpa who LOVES to golf! He was so thrilled to share his favorite pasttime with the boys. And this pict of Alyssa sleeping. Everyone knows that vacation time is difficult to get little ones to nap. They know they will be missing something fun! Alyssa was exhausted and would not nap. She climbed onto Great Grandpa's lap for a safe refuge and I let her be for a few minutes. When I came back she was sound asleep. I guess feeling safe from the nap happy mommy she relaxes so much. They sat there for 2 hours. Grandpa was in heaven with her sleeping on him, he kept saying what a special treat it was that she did that. Awww, so sweet.



Horses at Uncle Dean's...can't go there without saddling up. Well I did, but everyone else got a ride, even my mom. The kids were first a little leary of the horses, but they learned to enjoy them. Also playing in Great Grandma's basement (bright sleeping bag) and eating breakfast at the counter I loved to sit at as a child.



Misc. picts here....the top you see Matthew sitting in the front seat of the car. Our rental car you could turn the airbag off--actually it could "sense" the weight of whomeever sat there and turned off automatically. The boys took turns riding in the front and they thought it was so cool! More horses, ping pong in Grandma's Basement, Grandpa's tool area, and resting.



Bowling in my Grandma's favorite past time and she LOVED going with the boys. She wasn't feeling so great that day and even after Michael beat her by a few points, she challenged him to another round and she beat him. We called her Super Grandma for this!I love my other Gma eating cheetos--and we then went to Antelope Island to the Great Salt Lake. It was hot that day!



Temple Square is a place that has deep meaning for me. The Pioneers of my hertiage settled here to have religious freedom. The temple is so beautiful, and see the Christus statue is always so peaceful. People from around the world come here to seek out their ancestry or learn about the Savior. And we even got to see the huge conference center where we hear from our prophet every six months. I feel a great spirit of peace here.

Alyssa's Birthday

My baby turned 2. Oh she is at such a cute stage and loving the "babies" and "dollies" which I love! I have had my eye on the pretend carseat/stroller/crib playset since tyler was a baby. When I was in Utah, my grandma took Alyssa and I shopping for A.J.'s bday and she got the set for us...I mean her. She had to have a baby in the carseat, one in the stoller, one in the stroller basket, and a few got stuffed in her own little diaper bag.

I tried to make a cool strawberry cake, but it didn't turn out quite like the sample, but that's okay. She was actually quite sick on her birthday....bronchitis. Pretty calm all day, but when the presents came out, she got really excited and she perked right up!

It was a fun day, and good we didn't invite friends over (because of her sickness) because she hauled off with a lot of loot! Grandma Duke made her a church bag to match her brothers...grandma Rae got her a cabbage patch, and I found the cool purple haired strawberry shortcake friend--Rainbow Sherbet. Fun time by all! This is a lot of picts, but not even half of what I took! It was so funny to watch her play mommy.

whirlwind!

I just got back from nearly 2 weeks away...first we took a family trip to Utah, then stayed at my moms for a week in Houston. I need to go through all those picts and post them, but I have so much to write about. This weekend, maybe. I came home for 2 days last week (my mom offered to keep my kids so I was home alone--Michael at work) because I had 2 photo sessions. The first one I was a bit hesitant to agree to, because it was a guy wanting picts with his girlfriend. I am charging more now, and wanting to know ahead of time if it is worth my while to invest time into photo sessions, so I want to make sure they will be profitable. I inquired as to what he was looking for and mentioned a minimum purchase to which he agreed to. I then found out after a brief chat with his girlfriend that he was in Iraq in the Army when he found my site on the internet and on his way home for a 2 week leave before he heads back. Michael said, "they'll be engaged by the time they get to you...." Well, they weren't, but about half way through the session, the guy said to me, "I'm going to propose in a few minutes." To which I smiled and simultaneously got butterflies in my stomach. I've done weddings, but this was "off the cuff." I then got all nervous about my camera settings and hoping I wouldn't "mess" this up for him. What a cool idea, huh? So here he is, proposing!

what's been going on....

I haven't blogged in a while, so here are a few picts...Tyler finished kindergarten and that was a bit emotional...I've been the room mom this year and we couldn't have asked for a better teacher for Tyler. When I was all worried last summer about who he would get, I just prayed that he would get someone that would be loving. I am so grateful, she truly loves her students! We got to know the people at school, the principal, the office staff, other children. It was the greatest when the children would say, "hi Mrs. Duke" or "hi Tyler's mom" or "can we play with Alyssa?" Another mom and I put together a quilt with all the kids making a square and then my mom (my professional seamstress) assembled it for us. We did field day, the zoo, all lots of fun. What a great year! Hopefully the summer will be kind to us

Kick Counting

A fellow photographer lost a baby due to stillbirth and is trying to get awareness out there on how to prevent stillbirths by counting kicks.

From Blair Blanks...founder of the Baby James Project.

"1 in 150 births is a stillbirth, and that number is generally considered a low estimate. Think about this, most women have two children. So that means roughly one in 75 mothers will go through this. Do you know 75 women? Neighbors, school moms, moms from church?

Some stillbirths are unexplained and some are unavoidable. But in some cases, stillbirths can be prevented if the mother is highly aware of her baby's movements. You can track your baby's activity by using a written log of kicks. While every baby is different, in general, babies in the third trimester should move at least 4-5 times an hour. If you detect a change, either a decrease in movement, or an unusual increase in your baby's level of activity, it may mean your baby is in distress. Should either occur, call your doctor at once. If you can't reach your doctor, go to the hospital to have your baby checked. Don't wait until office hours; go to an ER if you have to. A "false alarm" is far better than having a stillborn baby."

Please take a minute to visit the site below if you or someone you know is pregnant!! It could save their baby's life! (click on the brown box) If anyone wants to be pro-active and put this banner on their blog, feel free to take it or I will get it to you.

Randoms about me....

On my photography board, someone wrote: "Show me your randoms... " Requesting everyone to confess random oddities or quirks about themselves. It is hilarious to see how WEIRD people are, but we all have our "things." Here is a list of random things about me....

-No one is allowed to touch my collarbone! I broke it as a child, and have phobias--I only recently can stand to wear necklaces that touch it
-I HATE onions--I know, they are in everything, but not in the food that I eat
- I don’t really care for ice cream…unless there is cake or a brownie next to it
-I've only had a few, but I giggle like crazy at a pedicure when they rub the dry skin off
-I HAVE to wear socks to sleep, no matter how hot it is...my feet must be covered
-a blanky or pillow must be between my knees, and between my elbows
-I can't stand to walk around barefoot on a hard surface floor--always little tiny particles that get stuck to my feet (I love carpet--fighting Michael wanting hard wood everywhere)
-I have teeth braking phobia...so scared about damaging them
-I can make a dolphin sound with my lips and a horse sigh...hard to explain....
-I HATE all soda...it tickles my nose and hurts my throat
- I hate taking baths...why would I want to sit in my own filth and have my shoulders and knees stick out and get cold?
-I have to force myself to eat vegetables, but I love broccoli
- I love a loud radio when I'm in the car by myself, and the more I like the song , the faster I drive
-I don’t mind chaos…I actually thrive in it
-I have no desire to skydive, scubadive, bungee jump, etc. I see the fragility of my life now that I am a mother
-I can really appreciate good handwriting b/c mine isn’t
-I wish I could give better reactions to surprises/gifts from others (my face doesn’t show what I feel)
-Every morning when my alarm goes off (at 6:50), I curse our shool district for making elementary school start so early
-I bust out in drill team moves at a moments notice (5...6...7...8....)
-I'm all about semantics...don't tell me I'm "angry" when I'm just "frustrated" BIG DIFFERENCE
-I pull my hair when I'm thinking

If anyone can think of anything else quirky about me, feel free to comment.

My girls....weekend away

I have these 2 girlfriends that have known the real ME for a very long time--half of my life. Wow, that sounds like a long time! I met Natalie (above right) when I was 14, just before my freshman year in high school....I had just moved to Houston. We lived in the same neighborhood and went to the same church. Emily (left) didn't move to the area until a year later....she also went to my church, and she and Natalie ran track together and became friends, but we didn't become good friends until we were both 16 and the boys we were dating were best friends. So we did a lot of double dating and chatting about the in's and out's of those boys we liked. They went to BYU before me, but I met up with them there and we had the same major and took some classes together. We all got married within a year or so from each other. We've lived all over, and kept in touch and saw each other when we could (all our parents still lived in Houston).

(Here we are, back in the day) The past two years, they have both been in Houston, just a few hours from me. So we'd meet up and talk about our lives...parenting and such. It's just so great to have solid people move through the stages of life with me. They make me laugh, we cry together, we hold each other up when times are tough, remind me to be my best self, and keep me in check when I'm slacking off. Collectively we have 8 children and still going....I know all of their siblings and they know mine...their husbands actually grew up and went to our high school, too. They truly care about me, and for that I am grateful. I love these girls!

We met up in Dallas b/c Natalie just moved there and has the baby, Emily drove up from Houston, and I drove from Austin.....all by myself! Michael actually called me on my drive as I had my MP3 player blaring my newly downloaded favorite songs, and I exclaimed to him, "I am having so much FUN with myself!" Just to sing loudly with the idea that I was meeting up with my friends. Navigating the unknown Dallas area with my mapquest map beside me I crossed over 8 lane highways and thought, "I'm a BIG girl now!" Emily is moving in a few weeks to the East coast which is so sad, but we've decided its worth it to do these "Girl Weekends" at least every other year. Remind me again why I can't pick all my favorite people to live on the same street as me? Stinks sometimes.

We ate out....went shopping, and stayed at a hotel with down comforters and nice padding. And just talked all night long.

I'm so grateful I have a supportive husband who doesn't "bat his eye" at holding down the fort and encourages me to have fun like this. Also grateful for good friends who helped me when my hubby couldn't get off work the whole time.

hair chop

i like to grow out my hair then chop it off....I just got an inkling one day last week and went for it. I like that i can do two "little ponies" as Em calls them, aka pigtails and they are fun. Great for summer. My hair is so heavy, I also get it thinned out....I know a lot of you are horrified at the idea, but its my life. A great bleasing I know I don't fully realize...good thick hair.

Domestic Darlings

My friend has a business selling really cool and cute aprons...check it out
http://www.domesticdarlings.com/

Yummy Yummy Banana Bread

My friend Emily M. made this for me at Christmas, and I LOOOOOOOVE it! It has butterscotch chips, pecans, and cherries. Sounds weird, but it is oh so good. I finally got the recipe this past week and made it today with my nearly too far gone banana's.

Recipe:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

3 mashed ripe bananas

2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 cup pecans

1/4 cup cherries (cut in half)

1/4 butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x5 bread pan. Cream sugar with butter. Beat in eggs. Add in bananas. Mix in baking soda and flour. Stir in Pecans, cherries and butterscotch chips. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until toothpick is clean.

Recipe works best (this is what I did) if you double it and bake in 3 medium bread pans.