The Hills

Little Miss Articulate

2009-12-01T20:07:00.003-07:00

One word commonly used by others to describe either Ben or me has been articulate. So it shouldn't be any surprise that we would pass this trait onto one (or both) of our kids.

Lately I have been musing over just how well-spoken Jocee is for her age. Not only does she speak in complete sentences, but she is also acutely expressive with what she chooses to say. This little girl has such a big personality.

She is especially good with asserting herself when she is angry, sad, or hurt. I find this ability particularly endearing. So many examples come to mind, but two always seem to stick out in my memory.

The first:
One day in September, Jocee rushed into the kitchen while I was in the process of cooking. She wanted to play, but I had water boiling and chicken grilling. At first I asked her to leave nicely.
Then I offered an incentive.
Then I threatened.
Then I counted to three.
Nothing.
So...I harshly took her by the arm, dragged her away from the stove, and out of the kitchen.
She began to cry, and exclaimed, "You hurt me! Be gentle, Mommy! Be gentle with, me! Be gentle with, Jocee!"

Tears immediately flooded my eyes. At that point Jocee had often heard me tell her to "be gentle with Sophie," while she would play with her. But in this situation I wasn't showing Jocee the same concern, and she knew it.
(Once dinner was done and the kitchen was safe, I hugged her, apologized, and have since resolved to be more gentle. She absolutely deserves it.)

The second:
We moved in with my in-laws on November 7th. It was hectic like most moves are. The day after, both girls had been up most of the night and were extremely fussy. Jocee has always been the more dramatic of the two, and was crying quite a bit.
After a while I impatiently said, "Jocee! Will you just be quiet?!"
Without missing a beat, she sweetly said, "No, Mommy. I'm crying. I need a cry!"

Again, a realization hit me. All throughout this process I have tried not to cry when I'm around Jocee. I've wanted her to know that we are all going to be okay. But despite my effort, I have cried in front of her...several times. Each time she has been patient with me, and has never reacted negatively (not once). On some level she understands that everyone needs to cry sometimes, and that it's completely acceptable.

I am just so honored to be Jocee's mother. At 2 1/2 years old her simple insights, and view of the world seem so poetically profound. I love that she is able to articulate herself, even in difficult situations. I love the things she comes up with everyday. I love listening to her cute little voice. I love everything about her. She is amazing!

Thankful

2009-11-26T21:15:00.001-07:00

To say that life has been difficult recently would be an outright understatement. There are so many emotions to deal with on a daily (and sometimes hourly) basis. I find myself wishing things could be different, wishing I could just have the life we had planned on, wishing I didn't have to be without my best friend.

But at the same time, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for what I do have.

1. There aren't words enough to convey how thankful I am for Ben.

(In fact, I should probably do a different post for him entirely.) But I will say, I am thankful for all the time we were given. I am thankful for his enduring sweetness, and selflessness. Even now, his love and concern for us leaves me in awe. Marrying Benjamin David Hill is unequivocally the best choice I have made, and will make in this life.

2. I am thankful for Jocee and Sophie.

Jocee's eyes are Ben's exact shade of brown. She has a will, wit, and passion for life that will never fade.
Sophie is Ben's littl e carbon copy.

She is sweet, easy-going, and smart as all get out. I couldn't have been entrusted with more beautiful, intelligent, amazing little girls.

3. I am thankful for all of my brothers and sisters-in-law. They are more than just "in-laws," friends, or even best friends. They are my family. There are no favorites. I genuinely love them all. I am so very fortunate to have each of them in my life.

4. I am thankful for Richard & Elaine. While living with them has been an adjustment for all parties involved, their generosity is remarkable. To spare me from more trauma, Richard stepped in and took care of all the ugly details and final arrangements for Ben. Elaine has helped me through so many difficult moments with this whole process.

5. I am thankful for my parents and sister. My dad has always been such a good example to me. My mom is the best grandmother. And my sister...(you can read more about her...here). Gotta lover her!

6. I am thankful for good friends. I feel so fortunate to have people who love me and are supportive of me outside of just family.

7. In short; I am grateful for such a strong support system. Lately it seems like people's general comments have revolved around how "strong" I am. In all honesty, I nearly never feel that way. I couldn't handle things the same without such amazing people in my life.

And once again, there aren't words enough to express my gratitude...

Photography by Crystal

2009-11-15T21:57:00.013-07:00

Friday was another difficult day.
The finality of our mortal circumstances will always bring tears to my eyes.

Family brought cameras.
We felt it was important to have something to show the girls when they're older.

Sophie was asleep for most of it.
But Crystal got some adorable shots of Jocee.
This little girl and her sister bring such light and strength to my life during seemingly somber times.

I love my sisters!
(All 6 of them!)

100 Years

2009-11-12T14:19:00.005-07:00

It's the title of a song.

Whenever I would hear this song, I would fondly think of all that life had in store for Ben and me.

Having babies...
Watching these beautiful girls grow up...
Ben taking the girls hiking, camping, fly fishing, etc... (And all while Jocee screams her head off! A tomboy, she in not!)
Celebrating their every milestone together...
Buying our first home..
Buying and/or building our dream home...
Traveling when we would eventually get the time, money, & pilot benefits...
Sleeping in when all of our kids went off to college...
Becoming grandparents...

(Not to mention all the little plans we had for the coming days, weeks, & months.)

These plans are now interrupted. To say they are completely ruined, for me would imply a sense of hopelessness.

I've always been the kind of person who likes to live in the future. I like to plan. I like to have goals to strive for and anticipate. The "5-year-plan" is something I'm all too familiar with. Although none of these "plans" have ever entirely come to fruition, I would continue to make them anyway. Having some direction is better than none at all.

For the first time in my life, I am not making any real plans. I am really only able to live in the present. Right here and right now is all that I can control. It is all that really matters.

I will not think of how I will get through this next week, month, year, or five years.
Right now is all that matters.
Right now, I will get a glass of water.

One Year Ago Today...

2009-11-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Ben writes letters to the girls from time to time in journals that he bought, when each of them were first born. I always love reading what he puts in those little blank books.

He wrote the following to Sophie, on the day we brought her home.
(One year ago, today...)

11/8/2008

My Dearest Sophie,

We brought you home from the hospital today. You are perfect, and your mother and I are overjoyed to have you. You were born 3 days ago by c-section at Orem Community Hospital. 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 19 inches long. While you look very much like your sister did at birth, your mom and I immediately noticed that your voice, your cry is different. Through the whole pregnancy things have been different. From the foods your mom craved, to the way you moved. Your sister was, and is as of this writing, a kicker. You have been very calm and since your birth, very mellow. I was there at your birth, took you while the doctor stitched up your mom. I was with you the whole time. When your eyes opened, I was the first face you saw. Mine was the first finger you held. I am so happy to have you. I loved you before you were born, and that has only grown stronger these last 3 days. I am excited to be your father.

Love,
Your Dad

(Ben's signature)

Dear Sophia Leigh...

2009-11-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Sophie,

Today you turn one year old! One year ago today, we welcomed you into our family. Instantly we knew that you were perfect, beautiful, and nothing short of amazing.

With time we have been able to become acquainted with your sweet little spirit.

You are sweet to the core!
You are kind.
You are affectionate.--You love to give hugs, and have earned the nick-name, Buggy. Our little "cuddle bug."
You have developed your adorable sense of humor!
You have the best little laugh, and love to be tickled.
You are assertive. You don't let your big sister push you around.
You are without a doubt, a talker! I am amazed by how many words you have already.
You have your daddy's calm temperament.

You love your sister, and like nothing more than to play with her. It has always been our hope that the two of you grow up to be best friends.

Your daddy loves, and will always love you; more than I could ever relate. He has adored you from the moment he was told of your existence. Daddy spent every moment he could with you. If you had a hard time sleeping, he would get up with you at night or early mornings. He would play with you. He would talk to you. He loved to comfort you and sooth your cries. He would cuddle with you whenever you would let him.

Daddy wants the absolute best for you. He would give you the world if he could. He wants you to be happy, healthy, and safe. Most of all, Daddy wants you to always know how precious you are to him. Daddy will always watch over you with concern for your well being. You are so very blessed to have him as your father.

(Sunday morning, 18 Oct 2009)

Love,
Mommy

My Life's Love

2009-11-04T22:10:00.005-07:00

I genuinely enjoy writing.
Although, I leave plenty of room for improvement.
I wish that I could put my emotions into words more adequately.

I like to blog...
But I never thought I would be grateful for our blog.
Most things on the internet can turn into a waste of time.
Priceless, finite time...

I am grateful that I took some of that limited resource to write and post the following 2 entries.

5 Years & 2 Kids Later...

30 Reasons Why I Love, Benjamin Hill

Oh, how I wish I could put my feelings into words.

Sweet Baby Girl

2009-10-29T20:13:00.004-06:00

Sophia Leigh will be one year old in exactly one week.

I am flooded with emotions by this realization. For weeks I have found myself musing over this last year (and preceding pregnancy), and feeling abundantly blessed for every moment.

When I was pregnant with her, I wondered if I could love another child as much as I love her sister. I loved and adored her from the second I found out that she was on her way. But would it be equal? Could I make them both know how precious they are to me? These were just some of the questions that would cross my mind periodically.

Then Sophie was born, and I found that my heart had been waiting for her all along. Just like before, my heart and whole being expanded...almost exploding in complete awe of her.

As her mother, I am filled with gratitude. She is more than I could have ever hoped for. Getting to know her sweet spirit is a gift.

Although part of me is sad that she is growing up so quickly, I am overjoyed and looking forward to each new phase of her life. She continues to amaze me everyday!

FYI

2009-10-29T13:38:00.002-06:00

Sometimes when I get busy, I'll write a post and schedule it to be published at a later date.

Silly, but I usually try for once a week.

About 2 weeks ago, I wrote 2 posts and predated them.
I don't have the heart to take them down.
The first will post tonight.

The one that I scheduled for Nov 8th, now means so much.
And, you'll soon see why.

I love and miss Ben in a way that mere mortal words fail to express. The concept of eternity is the only thing that brings me peace. I'm just so sad that our time was so short. The three of us are so blessed to have him as ours.

Pretty Toes

2009-10-16T20:26:00.006-06:00

Jocee loves when our toes match!
She picked the color & even "helped" paint it on.

Thanks Laura, for starting her young.
(Tonight before bed, she asked for "blue toes." I blame you.)

Its good to be King.....if just for one day

2009-10-14T22:26:00.005-06:00

Departing KPVU

Nothing but ground in the first wing over

800 Shaft Horsepower a side makes a happy boy Chicks dig Beta

Potty Like a Rock Star

2009-10-06T22:05:00.022-06:00

This cute girl is POTTY TRAINED!!

Potty training is a task that has been looming over my head since I found out I was pregnant with her. I loath diapers. They're expensive, unsanitary, smelly, and bad for the environment.

But how would I approach such a huge undertaking? Years ago I took a child development class through UVU in which potty training issues were covered. Needless to say, the topic has always intimidated me.

Most other moms have told me that it takes time (months).
So my original plan was to get her a potty when she was 18 months old. I'd gradually introduce the concept so that she'd be completely trained by the time she turned two.
Reasonable, right?

Ha!!

THEN, reality hit.

A new sibling at 19 months old.

An extended trip to Boston over the summer.

Moving & unpacking (aka-chaos)

My revised goal was to start potty training by the time she turned 2 1/2.
(TODAY!)

I have asked so many experienced moms for any advice that they were willing to share. I've tried almost everything. Most of it was crap (get it?..ha...ha)! Every kid is different and whatever worked for everyone else, seemed not to work for Jocee.

Anyway...
We started last Wednesday (Sept 30) and Jocee is DONE!
I am so happy that it only took 7 days!

In an effort to pay it forward, I wanted to share what worked for us.

This book...

(Similar e-books & info can be found on the internet.)

This DVD...

(Ben credits Elmo for her success. Whatev! I helped, too!)

These stickers...

(Yes! She absolutely put them all on, herself!)

So at exactly 2 1/2 years old, Jocelyn is potty trained!
We are both so proud of Little Miss, and so happy that she is proud of herself!

Sophie is 11 Months!

2009-10-05T18:03:00.001-06:00

This adorable little girl will turn one year old in exactly one month!

There is too much I could say about her.
Her sweetness brings tears to my eyes.
I am eternally grateful that she is part of our family.

We love our Little Miss Leigh!

Happy Birthday, Laura!

2009-09-23T08:24:00.000-06:00

(Since I composed a list for Ben, and since I am horrible with sending cards in a timely fashion---if at all---I decided to do the same for my one and only sister on her birthday!)

Laura and I are about as different as two sisters can be. However, there is a lot that I admire, respect, and love about this girl. Today at 11:00 pm EST, she turns 22 years old.

To my sister, on her birthday...

22 Things I Love About,
Laura Happnie

1. Of the two of us, she was definitely the cuter baby.

2. Laura is smart; the smartest in our family! She will soon complete her Bachelor's degree in secondary education...art major with a minor in math.

3. She is a very talented artist. She can paint, draw, and has an amazing eye for photography.

4. She is an amazing aunt! Jocee completely adores her! This is mainly because, they are so incredibly alike.

As Laura would say, "We are twins. Just born at different times."

5. Laura is hilarious! Anyone who knows her would agree.

6. I really love her fashion sense...90% of the time.

And the other 10%...she doesn't care!

7. She doesn't care what other people think...ever!
(Like when I relentlessly begged her to grow her bangs out. She may be growing them out now, but only because she wants to.)

8. She speaks her mind, and is never hesitant to put someone in their place.

9. She started wearing big sunglasses before they were trendy.

10. She is always there for her friends.

11. She loves animals...any and all!!

And they love her...

12. I admire Laura's ability to live in the moment. She is only concerned with the "here and now."

13. She lives without regret.

14. Laura is fearless. Almost nothing scares her.

15. She is open-minded. She'll try almost anything once.

16. Laura is a free-spirit. She is a bit of a hippy.

17. ....and a tree-hugger, and a PETA activist.

18. She has the prettiest, naturally thick, naturally blonde hair that I've always been jealous of.

19. It's safe to say that Laura is somewhat of an extremist. When she commits to something she embraces it wholeheartedly.

20. Laura is creative, and has an extremely expressive personality.

21. She is adventurous, and likes to make everything fun.

22. Laura will always be young at heart!

Happy Birthday, Laura!
Thank you, for being my sister!
Thank you, for being such a good auntie to my girls!
Thank you, for always being who you are!

Partners in Crime

2009-09-18T21:46:00.003-06:00

I love Skype...and so does Jocee. After Ben got home from work on Thursday, Jocee asked, "Talk Papa and Omie? Skype?"

Ben took her upstairs to the desktop, and called my parents. Within minutes Sophie and I followed.

After talking to my mom, the girls started giggling and chasing each other. They played happily for minutes on end. Ben posted to his favorite site, and I sat on our bed listening to the cuteness.

As we talked about how we definitely have the sweetest girls ever, I thought about how happy I am that they are so close in age. Despite all the exhausting work they can be, it's the priceless little moments like this one that make it all so worth it.

Their laughter eventually died down.
And then...there was silence.
Knowing what this means, I asked Ben to check on them.
Sophie's bedroom door was closed.

I then heard Ben yell, "Hey, Mama! Come here quick. You gotta see this!"

They got into the Cetaphil lotion.
That new container was nearly half empty.

When will we learn?
Quiet Babies=BIG Messes!!

We love our girls!

Fun With Cousins

2009-09-11T21:47:00.013-06:00

Last Sunday we finally got to see Joe, Sara, Adam & Tafton!

It had been too long! They all moved to OR about a year ago, but since Sara is now pursuing a PhD up at the U, we'll get to see them more often. (Yay!)

It was pretty last minute, but a lot of fun getting to catch up.

Jocee was very excited to share her princess couch and watch "Beauty and the Beast" with them.
(Although, sharing really isn't her thing--yet! Adam & Tafton were very patient with her.)

This totally made me realize how much little girl stuff we have! What will I do if we ever have a boy?!

PS:

Belle is the new favorite princess right now! She had been asking for "Princess Belle" for a while and couldn't be happier to finally get the movie. Jocee would watch it all day if I'd let her. She tries to sing along to all the songs (most words are wrong), and always explains what's going on in the movie to me--like I haven't seen it before.

I love this girly girl!

Disclaimer: Our bedroom doesn't normally look like that! I had just barely gotten back from Boston at that point. Ben was too busy with work to do much unpacking.

Just about had a panic attack

2009-09-03T21:07:00.003-06:00

Until I realized it was an old one. Not having this would have put me out of work till I could get a new one, and the FAA isn't known for their prompt deliveries.

Black Thumb

2009-09-01T21:04:00.003-06:00

Back in May I posted about how Ben bought this little tomato plant, in hopes of teaching Jocee about how things grow. (For more about that, click here.)

Since then, that little tomato plant has endured a great deal. Jocee would feed it crackers, Cheerios, chips & salsa, apple juice....even vinegar. But that plant withstood the abuse, and even seemed to grow. For a time, I wonder if maybe Jocee knew something about plants that we didn't.

THEN Jocee plucked nearly all of it's little green leaves off, leaving it almost naked. We were both sure the plant was done. Ben had tried, and his intentions were good.

However, despite our surrender that plant rebounded and recovered! Shocking.

While the girls and I were all in Boston, Ben moved us into a cheaper condo. During the commotion, he left the plant in Richard & Elaine's care. They took care of it better than we ever did, and returned it to Ben in good condition once the move was complete.

Last week, after taking the girls for a walk around the new neighborhood; I noticed this on the front porch...and laughed to myself....

Typical us!!

And the kicker...
Now that we have the space, I want to plant a garden next year.

Mommy's Girl

2009-08-30T20:11:00.003-06:00

There's no doubt about it!

Sometimes looking at her is just as good as looking in a mirror...

Home At Last!

2009-08-26T21:07:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was a really long day...

Dear Fellow Passengers (of flight 3993),
I am so very sorry you had to hear my oldest daughter scream her very loudest for almost the duration of the five-hour flight. Would you believe me if I told you that, she has never thrown a tantrum like that? (No? Err..Neither would I!) Thank you for you exceptional patience!! Thank you for sparing me from intolerant stares and dirty looks.
(Except for you, Old Lady in The Denim Jumpsuit. You got caught.)

Dear Person who sat in Jocee's seat before her,
Thanks a lot for sticking your chewed gum under her armrest. It was super fun getting it out of her hair...and clothes. You're super.

Dear Man who sat in front of us,
Thank you for being so calm and composed as the back of your chair was relentlessly kicked, punched and beaten by a cranky little girl. You are amazing, and your patience outweighed all!

Dear Woman who sat next to us,
Thank you for being so incredibly understanding and sweet! Thank you for playing with my baby and offering to help so much! We were very lucky to have you sit by us. I hope to be able to one day do the same, when my children are grown and in college, too.

Dear Flight Attendants,
Thank you for always being so kind and helpful.

Dear Woman waiting in line for the elevator,
Thank you for thinking I was 16-years-old. You made my day!

Sincerely,
Ginny

Long story short:
While yesterday was a day I would never wish to repeat, it could have been much, much worse. And for that, I am grateful.

The Big 3-Ohh!!

2009-08-18T00:00:00.011-06:00

It is so hard to believe that Ben turns 30, today! It's even harder to believe that when we met we were all of 19 & 23! And here we are...almost 7 years later, married with 2 beautiful girls. He has so many admirable qualities. In celebration of this milestone, I have decided to compile a list.

Here it is...

30 Reasons Why I Love,
Benjamin Hill

1. One of Ben's first major selling points was that he is so easy to talk to. Our entire relationship would not have worked otherwise. We met over the phone and our first conversation lasted for over an hour...and neither of us were "phone people." Serious!

2. I have always loved Ben's confidence. When we eventually met in person (in the parking lot of his apartment complex), he walked with a strong sense of purpose and made eye contact with me right away. There was absolutely no hesitation or nervousness...and I adored him for it!

3. Ben has always been chivalrous. I almost never have to open a door or pull out a chair. When we were dating he did 100% of the pursuing, and always paid for everything. Always.

4. I love how sentimental he is! He is the only guy I've ever dated that picked out "our song." The songs he chose (completely on his own) were Where Are You Going--Dave Mathews Band & I Wish You Were Here--Incubus. But really, he is sentimental over a lot of little things, and it has always meant a lot to me.

5. I also love how family oriented he is. When we were dating, he would drop everything to help his siblings. He was always concerned about his three little sisters. I knew that when he had a family of his own, he would be an involved husband & father.

6. Ben is surprisingly sweet. He has a way of doing things for me when I least expect it, and when I need it most. So many examples of this instantly come to mind. (Maybe I'll post about them all later...or not :)) I just love that he is full of little surprises that remind me how much he cares.

7. He is such a good daddy! He was absolutely meant to be a daddy of little girls. Jocee and Sophie have him wrapped around their little fingers. He is always mindful of them.

8. He is always looking for ways to spend time with the girls. Most recently, he has been trying to teach Jocee how to fly fish. Every morning she asks Ben, "Daddy and Jocee go fishing??!"

9. Ben is an amazing friend. He will help his friends in any way that he can (I.E. car trouble, moving, etc...). Most of all: He is my best friend!

10. I have always loved how Ben is not judgmental or critical of others. There have been times when I thought that he should be. But instead, he tries to be understanding and see the best in people.

11. I can honestly say that he never gossips. Never. He simply doesn't care to discuss other people's shortcomings or unfortunate situations.

12. Ben is an amazing pilot! Flying planes is not just something that he does for a living, it's something that he excels at. He definitely has found his niche. I am so happy that he gets to do something that he is so passionate about, as a means of supporting our family.

13. When it comes to politics, we are on the same page. Ben has said, "I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am an American, and I want my country back." --I could not agree more!

14. Ben is articulate. He has no problem expressing himself, and always seems to know the best way to say things.

15. Ben is thrifty. Somehow he is always able to find what he wants at a third of the normal price. I never have to worry too much when he buys a new toy, or takes on a new hobby, because I know that he shopped around for months before he made a decision.

16. Ben is a total guy's guy! Everything that he enjoys is stereotypically masculine, and I love it!

17. Ben is extremely down-to-earth. He doesn't think that he is better than anyone. He never has to have the state-of-the-art, best of anything. He's not concerned with appearances.

18. He makes me feel safe.

19. Ben is innovative. If he can't find something that he wants, he'll find a way to make it himself. There have been times when he'll think of something and just create it. Sometimes I wonder if something he has invented will get patented.

20. Ben likes to be prepared. He thought of food storage and 72-hour kits first. He continually looks for ways to keep us ready for anything.

21. He is smart, in every sense of the word.

22. Ben has a very hands-on personality. He learns best when he can physically do something. He enjoys anything that allows him to use his hands.

23. Ben is a people person. Almost everyone likes him. He has a way of putting people at ease.

24. Ben is a chance-taker. While this is something that often drives me crazy, I do admire his ability to access risk and make decisions quickly. If he makes mistakes, they are simply lessons learned for next time.

25. Ben is always looking for ways to improve himself. His latest effort has been giving up caffeine, completely. This is huge! I've always though Dr. Pepper (among other beverages) would just be something that he always drinks. For now, he has kicked the habit! Hopefully the health benefits will be enough for him to continue the trend.

26. He has always been supportive of me, and what I want to do. Most recently I have wanted to go back to school. Ben is currently in the process of helping me figure out all that needs to be done to pursue this goal.

27. Being married to Ben has opened me up to new experiences that I would not have had otherwise. I'm a girly girl to the core, and he has successfully taken me out of my comfort zone on several occasions.

28. I adore his sense of humor!

29. He has the best laugh ever! It's infectious. Watching a funny movie or TV show is not complete without him by my side.

30. And lastly, (BUT definitely NOT least)...he is really really, ridiculously good looking.

Happy Birthday, Love!!

Love,
Ginny

Little Buggy

2009-08-16T19:54:00.010-06:00

Sophie is now 9 months old!
Recently I realized that I haven't posted much about her since she turned 6 months old. She has grown and progressed so much within the last 3 months. Her cute personality is manifesting more and more each day.
It's time for another Sophie update!

At 7 months she started babbling, and has not stopped since! True to form, her first word was "Daddy." She also clearly says "Baby!" while holding Jocee's dolls & "Yay!!" while clapping. She is definitely going to be an early talker.

At 8 months Sophie finally started crawling! And when I went to get her this morning, she was standing in her crib! She has been pulling herself up on things (and trying to climb) all day today.--I love it! She has been doing things about 2 months later than Jocee did, but we are in no rush!

We love that she is so different from her big sister. Here are some of Sophie's cute quirks that we love...

Sophie LOVES to cuddle.
She gives hugs all the time!
She likes to be tickled, and will grab people's hands so that they can tickle her.
She is always trying to keep up with Jocee.
Sophie wants to do anything that her big sister is doing, and tries to mimic her all the time!

She is such a happy baby & laughs all the time!
She has the cutest little sense of humor.

Sophie LOVES playing with dolls! (Partially to mimic what Jocee does.)
She loves playing with Jocee.
Watching the two of them interact is priceless.

Of course, I could add so much more to this list. Sophie is such an amazing little girl! We love that she is so different from her big sister. Getting to know her personality is such a joy.

It's so hard to believe that she will be ONE in less than 3 months!
I want to savor each new phase as it comes!

Hill Girls

2009-08-14T13:36:00.002-06:00

Last month my mom had some friends from church take pictures of the girls. She babysits their kids sometimes, so Keith offered to do some in-studio photos for free. It was so nice of them to take time out of their busy schedules for us.

I got to look at some of Keith's work while we were there, and he is so talented! Check out his website! I wish he was around 5 years ago so he could have done the photography for our Boston reception...or even 8 years ago, for my senior portraits. haha

He was able to get a lot of cute shots, despite what he had to work with...

Jocee decided to be extra shy and disagreeable that day. She threw a few tantrums and refused any direction. Oh, and just a few days previous she decided to chop 2-3 inches off her hair (in some spots) & skinned both her knees.
Gotta love Little Miss!

I even tried jumping in a few to try and help persuade her.

Sophie was amazingly good, like always! He could have spent the whole time with her...and almost had to!

Seriously So Blessed!

2009-07-20T20:52:00.004-06:00

One of my biggest pet peeves lately is braggy blogs. What is the point? I must have missed the memo....

It just seems like there are a lot of people who set up family blogs, just so they can brag. If you judge these people's lives solely by what they chose to post on the internet, everything just seems too perfect. It's as if they try to paint a pretty little picture of what they want their lives to look like.

In the end, it's all just smoke and mirrors.

Anyway, a few nights ago I came across this.

It's a spoof on stereotypical Utah/Mormon girls' blogs.
I have been laughing almost non-stop!

PS...
If I ever come across this way, please feel free to punch me in the face.
Thanks!

I Love Meme!!

2009-07-19T19:14:00.005-06:00

It's a commonly known fact that the ONLY pizza I like is from Town Spa in Stoughton, MA. It's amazing! Whenever I visit, I never seem to get my fill of it. Then later on throughout the year, I find myself craving it. But nothing else will do.
Tragic.

I was telling Meme this while we sat at the lake on Monday. I'd heard that she makes pizza similar to "The Spa" and asked her for the recipe. She is so sweet! She offered to have us over on Saturday (yesterday) for pizza. She was more than happy when I asked if I could make it with her.

I was so excited! I love spending time with her, but I've never got to cook with her.

So on one of the hottest, most humid days of the year, I found myself in an even hotter kitchen receiving words of wisdom from my grandmother!
(...and loving every minute of it!)

Bonus:
We were able to cook uninterrupted...

Chris, Maureen, and Lil came up, too! Chris is Italian and loves to cook, so he joined us and gave some of his own pizza tips.

I am just so grateful for my grandmother! She is incredible in so many ways!