Happy Easter

Happy Easter

Cindy and Jake had us over this morning for a wonderful Easter Breakfast and we got to watch their kids open their Easter baskets...a wise easter bunny brought a star wars toy each and play dough stuff that stretched and farted...fun stuff...during conference Cindy laid a sheet on the floor and brought out stuff to play with the playdough . Wise parents to keep them happy while they listened. They are wonderful parents...in fact, we are so pleased with how all of our children and their spouses are teaching the kids. A verse was read in conference about how if parents teach their children then they will have peace in their lives...when you see the peace in your homes, its in the kids lives and copared with so many children in the world today...yours are so blessed to carry that inner peace...we love you for doing that, for being those kinds of parents and families...you give us great joy! We miss you all today, and all the good noise and confusion that comes when we are all able to be together...but We know that this morning we were all together as we shared the gospel in conference...there are so many things that uniteus even though we are so far apart. We are thankful everyday for the phone, the internet, skyping...but mostly with the knowledge that no matter even if we could not get in touch with each other so easily, that the spirit that ties us to one another will always be there. Jesus Christ did rise from the dead! It is true! The Gospel that will bind us together for eternity and all its powers are ours today and always to bless our lives. Lets try to give hope to everyone we meet and live the way we should to show our gratitude for His loving gift. Our love to you all today, mom and dad

STEP BY STEP...INCH BY INCH

STEP BY STEP...INCH BY INCH

So this was accomplished yesterday by the sweetest hispanic guys. They worked hard and fast and Daddy was talking away with them in Spanish. We ended up having to move an electrical outlet by the stove in order to put the backplash up...and we even got that done while they were working! Amazing how it all came together...the granite is as exact match for this house and kitchen and we love it!

March's showers have brought April Flower to Portland this year. Last fall Maria brought me over a big bag of Tulip bulbs and Riley and Brooke helped me plant them in the planter boxes. Early in March they began peeking through the dead alyssm and by the second week in March we were pulling out the dead stuff and able to watch this miracle take place. The daffadils were mixed in and have already come and gone. All thats left are the gorgeous Tulips.

Each time I drive up I think of Maria...and the kids. And SMILE. They left signs of their love here for me. God sends His signs of that same kind of love every spring. That set me thinking about the rest of our beautiful world. I love the color of spring grass. That bright yellow green that speaks of new life. I love the pink and white blossoms on the fruit trees...and I love the aroma of LILACS...they are just coming on . I also love that starting next Wednesday the days are suppose to be dry and warm for an extended period of time! That means we can go out and get the yard cleaned up and mowed, get our garden ready..and we can start walking outside again. I just love springtime. It makes me suddenly see everything that has been hidden all winter...Makes me want to clean every window and shine every surface...its probably a good thing that it rains every other day in Oregon...IMAGINE what I could accomplish if I got two days of sunshine in a row! Again God knows what He is doing! Daddy is home with me tonight. He has been working early and late hours all week. Poor man is really tired tonight. I am so thankful to have him in my life, and thankful for the hope of springtime. Jesus Christ resurrected...He did it, and He lives again...that hope makes my heart filled with joy...Guy and I can be together eternally...this I know of love, it is not meant to ever die...death can never seperate us for long!

Thank you Maria, this was the best of gifts!

New Kitchen Cabinets!

New Kitchen Cabinets!

Okay, so I haven't taken very many before and after pictures but...we are at least at the halfway point or more after today. Jake has loaned us his handyman and trusted friend to help us out. He is amazing. His name is Eric Bjornson and he gets a ton done in a day. Last night the cabinets were laying un put together in boxes all over my house. They not only put the cabinets together but got them into the kitchen and attatched today. We are still waiting on tile that will come in on Monday and have decided that Jake was right and we are going to open the door into the dining room into and entry like the other side of the kitchen. It just opens the whole room up a ton. I still have not decided on countertops yet. In fact only halfway looked one day a couple of months ago. Where do the days go? It will probably be another month before the project is completed. We still have the floor, the doorway, and the crown molding and floorboards to get finished. We decided to try to pay cash for all of this and, because we want to go to disneyland and a few misc trips real soon, we are going to put off new appliances for a few months.
We are going to use stainless steal applicances...do you think I need a new sink? The new refrig will be bought to fit in the enclosure better. This refrig is wider than usual I think. I measured the black one downstairs and it fits almost perfect to the edge of the wood. We will splurge though and get a new over the stove microwave since the old one is too far gone to install again. Its night in these photos and so the walls look a golden yellow color...they are actually a golden brown that go great with the floor. I'll try to post pictures in the daytime so you can really tell the color..Daddy has worked all day every day of his vacation on this project for us. He actually had to get the walls and ceiling textured, then primed and then painted. Is it any wonder I love this man?

Half the Family home for a few days

Half the Family home for a few days

We went to the Temple for our Shift on Wednesday and Daddy was in so happy because he was able to pass off the inititory...he has been going on Tuesday night and practicing for the past couple of weeks...so he was very excited that he finally had it all word perfect...and then to add to that...Guy and Allison and the kids were at our place when we got home. We visited a little and hit the sack.Grandpa said it had been a great day! In the morning Guy and Allison got to go and ski/snowboard at Timberline...the snow was pretty good and they had a good time. They then went to a fancy cinama to watch "Alice in Wonderland" that they enjoyed alot. They spent the night in a Marriot someplace....and Grandma got to spend the day with her grandkids. We had alot of fun and Grandma LOVED Every Minute of it. One of those quiet sweet hold cuddle and play at home days. Ty and Brayden both are so delightful. That night however, TyTy got stomach flu, and Brayden was right behind him...by time Guy and Allison returned home.. POOR GUY AND ALLISON, pretty much stuck in the house the whole vacation..Guy and Allison had to spend that night with sick kids....Jen and kids came late in the evening. We slept through everything that night.. On Saturday we had Jen with her kids, Cindy and Jake came over with theirs, and Grandma and Grandpa Hill, Jay, Heather and their two, all came for the afternoon. The house was full but the kids played and enjoyed each other and so did the adults. Around 9 everyone left for home and Jen was heading to Sandy when her tire blew out on the highway. Guy and Jay and wives went to hlep her change the tire. Since she had bought the tire here in Gresham she decided to spend the night with us and try to get it fixed in the morning before heading back....ends up, no tire place is open on Sunday and so she got to stay another day. We all spent a lazy morning then got ready and went to our ward. Dad had to get up early to give a talk in Walters Hill ward. TyTy decided he was still sick and Allison took the brunt of that during Sacrament. Since she wasnt smelling so good, and Ty was sick Guy ran them home. Now Allison has come down with it too. It probably hasnt been a great VACATION for them, but I have loved every minute of having them all here. Family is where its all at! Maria and Kyle were able to close their house this last week and the ward helped them move in on Friday. How we wished we could be there to help. I got to go to the Temple on Saturday morning real early with Jennifer. I will always cherish that memory. JP stayed home to hold down the fort and earn a living for them this trip. He was missed. Missy and Justin had visitors all summer from the family but I am looking forward to having them here this summer for the Hood to Coast....so, the Hood to Coast....yup, we need as many runners as we can get, it will be hard to firm all that up till this summer...but plan on being here one way or another! Grandma Hill told us last night that Keri had been put on bedrest and that Donna had left to help out....and today they had the baby! Havent gotten all the details yet but we are all excited for them. Mandy got to see Keri the day before. Mike and Mandy are getting closer to their little one coming every day. They also got Cathy Gibbs to help them with their Taxes and they are excited that they will get a good return this year. Mike is finally feeling like he is catching up at school and Mandy is feeling pretty good for being pregnant. She only has a couple of months of working left....as if motherhood isnt a job in and of itself! They are trying to prepare so Mandy wont have to work after the baby comes. Oh, Cindy and Jake....amazing...well, thats what I say every couple of weeks when I go out there. Jake has now added the back deck and finished the new siding on the two lower portions of the house. They also have finished the stairs and upstairs hallway and carpeted. The whole house is looking way bigger. I couldnt believe how much larger it looks on the outside this last time. Last Thursday was Grandparents day for their kids. I had such a good time visiting the kids classrooms and at their music presentation. All the grandkids look like they have grown 6 inches to me. Kaeti and Kenz came to my class at church today...and then I realized that Kaeti really was old enough to have been in my class....Wakeup call for grandma! This is just a smidgent of what is going on...oh, but before I close...I FOUND AN ANTIBIOTIC that cleared up my 6 week sinus infection! I thought for awhile this one was going to literally suck all the energy out of my soul day by day... I woke up the second morning of the second anitiotic and could breathe through my nose...I felt like I was in Heaven...and then the kids all came and I knew that I was in Heaven...love to you all

March 7, 2010

March 7, 2010

Dear Family,

Here is mom and Hannah! Nothing like a new photo! I promise I will do better next time!

This morning in Stake PEC, I rec'd an new Ward as a HC representative. Guess what Ward:
No, not Powell Valley that was my old Ward assignment. If you guessed Estacada Ward then you would be right. It was fun to go back to Jen and JP's old Ward. Lots of good people and good memories! Bishop Wells is at the helm and there will be good times in the future. Besides my regular assignment with Music and The Blood Drive, I have now been assigned the Relief Society. I learned so much from the girls in the YSA Ward. This will all be fun!

I went to Salem for a worskshop on Friday... Proficiency-Based grading workshop. I dropped by Franklin to pick up the tests, afterwards. Looks like the students had a great time when I got up in my classroom. Lots of paper on the floor! So much for a day with the Sub!

We worked on the kitchen , Saturday, and Eric (a worker Jake recommended form his Ward) will be coming back on Monday to finish the taping and and preparing the floor for the tile. This has become a long project. Mom says we are not cut out for this remodelling. Hopefully by Spring Break we can get started on the kitchen cabinets.

Mom is still under the weather. She has emailed into her doctor for stronger medication. Hopefully, that will work! She will be going in on Monday to see a doctor.

Guy and Allison will be coming this Wednesday. We cannot wait for the Grandchildren, oh yah and Guy and Allison you are welcome too! Did I mention that the grandchildren are coming? Not that we don't want to see the parents, but is always fun the see how the grandchildren have grown, changed and to be a part of there lives, once in a while.

Kyle and Maria... Feliciationes! Glad to hear you got into your new home! We can't wait till we come and see it. How is Riley? Hope he is fine. How is Brookie taking her new room. Do the girls get their own room yet? How is the new job, Kyle?

Melissa and Justin... How is the family doing. Any more new projects. Life is a project some days, it seems. It was good to skype with your family, yesterday. Missy it was good to see your knitting on the blog. I guess I should make comments at the end, but I do really read them!

Jake and Cindy are really making progress on the siding of their house. I have not been over there recently, but I am told it really is moving on. Cindy and the young one will be over tomorrow... Cindy has a dentist appointment.

Jen and JP Should be up next weekend. Guy, see you are bring your sister from a far! We all will be eating on Saturday for a family feast around 5pm. Be there or be square! Jen, Jp, Cindy, Jake Dad and Mom! Any other takers?

Mike and Mandy went to the Fireside with Elder Rasband, Sunday evening. WE miss those Firesides. Mike is working all Saturdays 12 hours ...yesterday. Kind of neat to be working in your own same field of work! Way to go Mike!

Love you all!
Dad

February 28, 2010

February 28, 2010

Today, we had our Stake Conference. The theme was the "rescue". Do you remember the General Conference when President Monson referred to Joseph Mallard William Turner's painting "Life boat and Manby going off to a stranded". This painting the prophet renamed "The Rescue". I am sure you can see the many symbols depicted in this painting. We spend many minutes discussing the symbolism in this painting one Stake PEC Meeting. Look at those on the shore not being able to particpate in the rescue, those in the boat going out in harm's way, and the light shining from the storm itself. We came up with great suggestions for these meanings. What are your interpretations?

Anyway, we went to the temple this week, (another rescue). We went out for a couple hours visitng those in the Stake that might need a visit, yesterday. We had leadership session talking about why visitation are so important and these resuce principles. We had the traditional adult session as well as the regular session, on Sunday. The Mt.Hood Ward sang in both sessions with their choir. It was so beautiful. I got to sing with the tenor section since they were a little short. It was so fun to be with the YSA! Our Stake President basically threw out his talk during the Sunday session and went with the spirit talking about what we need to do as families to get back to the basics. He said he had such a good talk, but isn't it so much better when the spirit whsipers to go in another direction? (I definitely would have trouble with that!) He trully was speaking from the heart directly for our Stake for a good 25 minutes!

Can you imagine what you would say, if you had the keys and mantle for your Stake. It was not anything new: Stay to the bascis : Prayer, Scriture Study, FHE, Serve, and magnify your calling. ...Fathers lead out! Mothers tend to your children. Children prepare for the temple and don't let anything get in your way to stop you from that goal! So there it was in a nut shell.

We love you and so much enjoy the telephone calls, the special FHE at Cindy's ( WE are meeting once a month and talking about family stories and answering questions of the children). WE can do FHE ovver the internet if you have any questions out there for grandpa and grandma Hill. The technology is so great. We even had a three way converstion on the telephone today with mom, jen , and missy! Thanks Melissa on telling me how to hook up! The days are going so fast!

WE are planning on having Jake's friend over to help get the kitchen prepare (Eric). Kyle, once again... Thanks for getting us started. We would never of had the heads start without your early lay off. Kyle, did you get your clearance to be on the base yet? Mandy, how is the baby coming along? Your early morning sickness is past thanks goodness! Mom, has not been able to shake this sickness. She emailed her doctor to gets some antibitics. She got a blessing yesterday, so she she be on the mends. Guy is coming March 10 and will be leaving the following Monday. We hopefully will have a family dinner for all who can come on Saturday (Dad and MOm have already penciled in the date). Maria how is the house closing coming along? Melissa is loving not having the dog to clean up and that goes with that. We are hoping to get the a new kitchen soon (Spring Break). We got our taxes but still are a little short so everthing will be coming soon since our contract has finally settled (almost 90% correct on that part). We will be getting some back pay from the contact that should have settled a year and half ago. Also, I will be teaching credit recovery for the next couple of months after school on Thursdays (8 WEEKS), so the kitchen money is coming along. The temple is so fantastics on WEdnesdays nights. Just love it! ...Go to the temple, if you need extra blessings (WHO DOESN'T NEED EXTRA BLESSINGS!). It is so neat to be there with dad on his same shift. We were able to work on both sides of the veil last week. So neat, what a pay day! Mike, hope your studies are going well! Can't wait till the grandchildren come in a couple weeks. Mom is already planning activities. We live for your visits and time together. It comes so far and few as we get so spread out. All the more important to plan those trips to come home now and then! ...or should we plan a reunion in Utah this summer? Got to keep the juices and creativity going, so we can keep this family close if not in body; then in spirit, at least! This summer we will be PARTICIPATING in the Hood to Coast at the end of August. Keep your training going. Mike is up to 7 miles per day when he is able to get out. You go boy! Guy say he needs to get started training for his 26 mile marathon in Nashville, TN around April 24th weekend. Wow, Guy what numbet of marathon is this for You, anyways? Way to go! Jake is working again around Kaizer near Salem. JP, how is your foot from last week's run? Scott& Donna , Dad and Mom, and ourselves will be meeting at AppleBee's tomorrow for dinner. We enjoying getting out with family once a month.

Well, got to go!

Love you all,

Dad