Burley or Bust

Hudson and I sent Brent off to youth conference bright and early Friday morning. Shortly after, we got in the car and set out for a weekend in Burley. Despite the heat, we had a lot of fun filled with of water, ice cream, and crazy Grandpa.

That afternoon we ran some errands in town and took Hudson to the kiddie pool in Burley. It was all fun and games until someone pooped in the pool and they shut it down. Friday night Grandpa set up his slip and slide and took Hudson down it. It was quite entertaining to say the least. Tameka hosted a movie night, showing Little Rascals with our projector. Too bad us oldies were too tired to enjoy the show.

Hudson loved helping Grandpa feed the horses apples and gather eggs. He taught him how to use his shirt as a basket. It was okay as long as someone was helping Hudson fill it, otherwise he tried to put the apples under the shirt.

Saturday morning Mom and I took in a few garage sales. Nothing too impressive, but Mom got 3 very versatile pairs of shorts. The funnest was trying to find homes for them. We also checked out the farmers market at Gossners and I had my first icrecream of the day at 9:00 am.

Once home, Mom made the finishing touches on the baby's blessing dress. We hung out and tried to beat the heat. It took a few more icecream cones and popsicles to get the job done. Nik and Chod came and the boys enjoyed playing in buckets of water. All in all it was a good trip.

Free Kids Movies

At the play group today, I found out that Edwards Cinema in Idaho Falls offers free kids movies every Tuesday and Wednesday during the summer at 10:00 am. Here's the schedule for rest of the summer. Oh yeah, and they said to get there 30 minutes early because it fills up so fast. Enjoy!

July 17/18
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (Rated G)
&
Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (Rated PG)

July 24/25
Charlotte’s Web (Rated G)
&
Monster House (Rated PG)

July 31/Aug 1
Everyone’s Hero (Rated G)
&
Barnyard (Rated PG)

Aug 7/8
Jonah: A Veggie Tale Movie (Rated G)
&
Open Season (Rated PG)

Aug 7/8
Curious George (Rated G)
&
Flushed Away (Rated PG)

Christmas in July

After I dressed Hudson in some shorts and a t-shirt, he brought me his jacket and wanted help putting it on. Next he proceeded to get his cowboy boots. I kept telling him that he would be too hot outside, but he didn't seem to listen. I walked him to the door so he could go outside and he ran back to the mud room and pointed to his gloves. Once again I assured him that he wouldn't need them and that he would be too hot, but he persisted. As I was putting them on he got excited and exclaimed, "Snow!"

Poor kid, that makes two of us wishing for a little relief from this summer heat.

Skinny Jeans

Ever since we got home from our little vacation, Brent has been complaining about his pants being tight. Yesterday he asked, "Be honest, have I really gotten fat?" to which I laughed very unsympathetically. C'mon, lets ask an 8 1/2 month pregnant woman about clothes not fitting. I can't imagine him putting on too much weight this time of year, but he's convinced he has. Maybe I managed to shrink his pants, I don't know. Nevertheless, he is still wearing the same size of pants he did in high school. Does he think that I'm still wearing the same size of pants as I did in high school? One of these days he might have to break down and wear a bigger size.

Get Away

Brent and I decided that if we were going to have any sort of a vacation this summer, this past week was the time. We loaded up and headed out on Tuesday. You should have seen our Red Neck Toy Hauler. We had a camper on the front and Rhino on the back of the 4 place snowmobile trailer. (I was determined that if we were going camping, I was going to have a "real" bed to sleep in. It took much persisting to convince Brent that the camper would be better than a tent.) Much to my dismay, I left my memory stick in the computer at home. I was sick to my stomach, but then I realized that you can still have fun even if there isn't a camera to document the fun.

We headed to Emigration campground by way of Lava and Preston. We were just about to the campground when we noticed a truck off the side of the road with it's hood open. Brent stopped to see if they needed help, it's a good thing we did. One of the men had some medical conditions and he was suffering from heat stroke. We turned around and took them to Preston. By this time we decided to bag the idea of going to Logan for their fireworks show, so we picked up some groceries and headed back to camp.

Hudson was so excited the entire trip. He called the camper his "house" and enjoyed his first camping experience very much. He especially liked washing his hands in a little sink we borrowed from Grandma and Grandpa Hillman. It wouldn't have been such a big deal, but the generator was broken at the campground which meant that there was no water. We made sure to keep close tabs on the water situation and conserve but what two year old is conservative when it comes to playing in water?

On the 4th, we went 4-wheeling and got completely filthy. We tried cleaning up at a creek where we had our lunch, but little good that did. While we were eating lunch, a deer came bouncing down the road and then up the mountain when he saw us. From then on, Hudson would hop like the deer. Once we got back to camp it was stinking hot. We decided to go to Bear Lake to clean up and cool down. It was pretty busy, but we managed to find ourselves a spot on the North Shore beach. Brent had never been to Bear Lake in the summer and he was quite impressed with all the people and how fun it was. (Hint: He's looking for some people that would like to share our boat for a day or two on the lake. RSVP in the comment section.) We also scouted out some closer camping spots for our future excursion. Our Bear Lake experience was rounded out with dinner and shakes from LaBeau's. No fireworks for us, we were all too tired after our busy day.

On Thursday, we got camped packed up and headed back Preston way to Riverdale Resort. Hudson couldn't wait to get in the water. He floated in his tube and went down the big waterslide over and over with Brent. After swimming we headed to Logan where we dropped Hudson off so Brent and I could go out to eat at Cafe Sabor. After a leisurely dinner, we picked Hudson up and went to the Cache Valley Cruise-In. It was the first night of the event and hadn't officially started. There were still enough cars to look at, but the best part was the Sock Hop Dance they had going on. We watched and participated, Hudson likes music and to dance.

The last day of our adventure was pretty well spent on "business errands" to Ogden and Salt Lake. We were all ready to get home. Hudson was sure missing his Makita. He kept asking for her and we told him that Grandma was taking care of her. That only led to more home sickness, "Mamma, Kita?" All in all it was a good get away, a little hot, but we survived.

Not Stopping

There are a few things that my pregnancy have put a damper on such as: waterskiing, painting my toenails, and jumping on the trampoline. But I refuse to let it ruin all of my fun. I am still able to sleep on my stomach (don't ask my how, never could with Hudson,) pull weeds and have a garden, and ride my bike. I'm not saying that I do any of the above well, but I manage to get it done. After a 4 mile bike ride a week or two ago, my hips hurt the next day. I thought it might be the end to my bike riding, but after a week they still hurt. I decided that the hip discomfort is just part of the pregnancy package and really didn't have a lot to do with the fact that I was riding my bike. Hudson and I both really enjoy bike rides, so I'm determined not to let my pregnancy stop me. I'm afraid that delivering the baby might put a screeching halt to it though. I remember trying to ride my bike a month after I had Hudson. Not too pleasant, still a little tender.

I'm It

Four Jobs I’ve held;
1. Petiole Puller @ Rod Lake Ag
2. Grounds Crew member at Utah State University
3. Mailroom specialist as International Sports Specialists
4. CEO of Brent Hillman Farms

Movies I can watch over and over:
Not a big movie buff. I prefer sleeping through them instead of watching them.

Places I’ve lived:
1. Burley, ID
2. Logan, UT
3. Shelley, ID- parent's travel trailer for 2 months prior to our trailer house
4. Current home

T.V. Shows I enjoy:
1. Food Network Star
2. Curious George
3. HGTV shows

Places I have been on vacations to:
1. Deutschland/ Germany
2. Russia- Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novo Sinkovo
3. Back East (DC, NYC, Maine, Connecticut)
4. Western Carribean- Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman
5. Santiago, Chile

Favorite foods:
1. Icecream
2. Fajitas
3. Pizookies
4. New peas and Potatoes

Websites I visit:
1. gmail.com
2. family blogs
3. key.com
4. ebay

Places I’d rather be right now:
1. Maine
2. Glacier National Park
3. Chile, except it's winter there now
4. A Labor and Delivery Room

Consider yourself tagged
1. Nikki
2. Julia
3. Emily Gerratt

Monster In Our Lunchbox

Nik and I took our boys down to Pocatello to swim at the Ross Park Aquatic Center. It must have been a good day for a swim, as we had to stand in line for 20 minutes to get in (turns out there are more good moms than just the two
of us. Who knew?) The boys spent most of their water time in the zero depth kiddie pool. During the hourly pool checks when they make everyone get out of the pool, we'd make our way back to our towels and stuff. Hudson would always head for the lunchbox packed with treats. It was a bit breezy so the boys would freeze when we pulled them out of the water.

French Fries and Missed Church

Last night after Brent finished putting in our railing upstairs and hooking up our air conditioner (he was a busy boy. He said he hopes it will "make me happy." Are pregnant women so unhappy? . . . probably.) he wanted to go and get some ice cream. We decided to visit the newly opened A&W by DAD's truck stop. Although I had already fed Hudson, he managed to inhale a large portion of Brent's fries and milkshake. Once the fries were gone, he tried drinking his ketchup.
Anyway, I woke up to Hudson crying at 6:00 this morning. I went to see what was the matter and found him lying in his bed, surrounded by lots of french fries. They must not have settled well with him because his tummy definitely wanted to give them back. Reminds me of when I was expecting Hudson and Brent and I (okay, so it was mostly me) finished off 2 large orders of curly fries. Same outcome, only difference was that I made it to the toilet. I got him bathed and his bed cleaned up and took him back to bed with us. Brent didn't think it was a good idea to take him to church, so here I sit blogging instead of being in Sunday School. And that my friends is the story that makes my title make sense. I know. . . some of you probably thought I had a craving and decided to miss church. Not true, even if I do find fries to be quite yummy.

Something For Baby

I finally finished a quilt for our baby. It should come as no surprise that it has something to do with John Deere. I couldn't resist the fun, pink fabric. It was fun to machine quilt. I went a little crazy with the flowers- but I had to keep it feminine, right? For some reason Brent hasn't objected to me making two blankets for the baby, although he adamantly opposed me making any for Hudson. Maybe he likes pink better than blue. Enjoy!

Barefoot & Pregnant

Here I sit, hours away from Brent's 10 year class reunion. And this is my condition. Since I didn't graduate with him, or even from Firth, I feel the pressure is off. No one here will ever know what I looked like when I graduated (including Brent) so I have no image to live up to. Besides, there's no quick fix for my weight gain. I've still got 6 more weeks until the baby should come. Until then, I'll still be barefoot and pregnant.

Flooding Fun

After shutting off the water (hooray! Brent finished flooding our wheat) we stopped by Grandma and Grandpa's to see Mitchell and Dalton. Ever since the night before, Hudson had been begging to go to Mamma's to see 'Tchell. When we got there, the boys were out playing in the water while Grandpa flood irrigated the lawn. Hudson ran right in, so I went after him so we could take his clothes off. They had so much fun running and splashing around. I was sad I didn't have my camera. Hudson's diaper got pretty soggy, luckily by then he was starting to get cold. I pulled him out and wrapped him up in a towel. Poor guy, he got the worst rash from his bulging diaper rubbing against his legs. I guess next time he might get to run around commando.

I can still remember all of the hours, if not days, of fun I had playing in the water while I was growing up. Miss America photoshoots while someone poured buckets of water over our head or splashed us with water, waterskiing behind Dad's swing, slip and sliding through several inches of water, (it's a wonder we didn't drown) and tracking grass in the house. Oh how I wish that I could flood irrigate my lawn.

How Long Can It Take?

Before I got married, I'd fix myself a wrap for lunch and dinner. (Tortilla, lunch meat, cheese, and any fruit or vegetable I had in my fridge.) From meal prep to clean up, it took about 10 minutes from beginning to end. Then I got married and meals started taking a bit longer, but I became pretty proficient at whipping up something in less than 10 minutes when we were in the middle of farm work. Now that I have a child, mealtime takes F O R E V E R ! As I type this, Hudson has been sitting in his seat playing and eating with his food for over 50 minutes now and insists that he is not quite finished. I finally convinced him that he was finished by telling him he could feed the rest to Makita.

I swear. I do not know how we'll ever manage to get this kid to school on time. He'll have to start eating breakfast the night before.

Summer Fun

Warren Tribute

In honor of Father's Day I decided to give a little shout out to my Dad.

*He's a hard worker who taught me how to work. He also taught me how to make work fun. He can boogie to KBAR or make a game out of any chore.

*His top priority has always been his family. I can't remember a ball game or activity I was involved in where he wasn't there.

*Everyone in Burley knows him. Afterall, he's a legend.

*Whatever he is, he is the best. Whether it's scoutmaster, nursery leader, home teacher, welder, grandpa, dad, blogger, neighbor, or boat driver.

You're awesome Dad. In fact, all of your son-in-laws try to be like you. Can anyone pick out the real Warren? **Hint: The man in the white shoes is not him, even if the white shoes are his.

From all of us here at the Hillman household,
Happy Fathers Day! We love you.

Domestic Bliss

Whew! What a week. It's taken awhile to post, so I've got a lot to cover. In reaction to Nik's post "What does she do all day?" I've decided to recap my leisurely week as a housewife.
Monday- pack for Brent's high adventures, mow lawn, weed the garden, pick strawberries, Relief Society Meeting
Tuesday- baby Dr. appointment, make jam, have Mitch over to play with Hudson, conversation with neighbor about our unruly puppy- requests a new bike seat for his son since Makita chewed the other one, pack and entertain Hudson on our trip to SLC with Mom, Nik, and Bentley
Wednesday- waddle around shopping, try to keep up with Mom and Nik, (Does shopping wear anyone else out?) endure the 3+ hour car ride home, start watering lawn and garden, fix dinner for our unexpected visitors
Thursday - recover. laundry, unpack Brent's things from high adventure
Friday - clean house, spray weeds, pick strawberries, entertain Mitch, get new tires for the hay rake, get new bike seat and deliver it to neighbor, visit NiCole and see their new baby
Saturday - make cookies for ward Father's Day gift, make meal for VT sister that just had a baby, deliver meal and visit, find a babysitter for that night, call sisters in the ward to remind them about bringing cookies, go boating, attend friend's reception in St. Anthony, take Brent out for dinner
** and of course, the usuals like fixing meals, doing dishes, caring for Hudson, etc.
I'm sure many of you had a similar week. Hope you're ready for another Monday.

Things You Might Not Know About Me

I was tagged by Tammy to post some things you might not know about me. Since most of you are pretty familiar with me, these might not come as much of a surprise.

1. I got chicken pox the day before my 3rd grade track meet. It was a huge disappointment since my class had been running a mile everyday and I was pshyched for the "marathon." (Rumor had it I was the fastest girl in the school. Too funny considering my current pregnant state. I don't think I'd make it too far.)

2. I was I was selected to represent our school and community in an exchange program to Germany (known as the Daimler-Benz Award of Excellence.) I received an all expense paid trip to Germany for 2 1/2 weeks. It was luxurious since Daimler-Benz was picking up the tab.

3. My first kiss was after my freshman year of college. Hussy, I know.

4. I played rugby at USU until I suffered head trauma and got some sense knocked into me.

5. I haven't gotten a speeding ticket since high school (knock on wood.)

6. I really want a laminating machine.

7. I can drive an 18 wheeler (forward and backward), weld, grind, run a cutting torch, vaccinate and castrate calves. Why?!? Because my dad always said "It's better to make a tom-boy out of a girl than a sissy out of a boy."

Now that you all know me inside and out, I challenge you to come up with your own interesting list about yourself.

Gardening Adventures

I remember those quiet mornings out hoeing my garden, listening to the birds sing before there was Hudson. Now that I'm a mom, my garden weeding sounds more like this, "Hudson! Quit stepping on the peas!" "Hudson, don't hoe the carrots!" "Be careful when you swing your hoe." Today was no different. I had to tell him to not hoe my zinnias or marigolds. It will be a miracle if we are able to harvest anything from our garden.
For now, the safest place for him in the garden is in the corn. Brent has gone to great lengths to teach him about corn and it has paid off, since he can tell the difference between weeds and corn. He managed to hoe meticulously around the corn plants without causing any damage. I was quite impressed and almost forgot that he was only two. But then, he finished his weeding and proceeded to trample the corn on the way out of the patch. "Hudson! You're walking on the corn!" To which he turned around, walked back to the corn, laid down on his tummy, and kissed the corn he had stepped on.
So when the freezing temperatures come this fall and put and end to our garden, I suppose I won't remember all of the stepped on plants or how many bushels my garden yields, but I will remember Hudson's desire to help and the time we spent working together.
The addition of our puppy, Makita, has added another dimension to gardening. She runs over more plants than Hudson and me put together, often rolling on top of them. Some people have to worry about birds getting their strawberries, not me. Makita sniffs them out and eats them out of the patch.

Fancy Wheels

Our trip to Burley for Grandpa's funeral was good. It was fun to see family again, but I must say- all the Parish aunts are crazy. Never before have I had anyone touch my pregnant belly, until the viewing and I think they all had to get their hand on it. The funeral service was nice and appropriate. It was a beautiful day.

When we got home, I was looking through my pictures and found a few from when Grandpa snuck out in his Caddy to visit. He wasn't supposed to be driving, but who could resist with wheels like these?

Where's Hudson?

That's not much of a question anymore because I always find him in the same place- OUTSIDE. As soon as he's eaten enough breakfast, he has to take the rest out to Makita. Once he's dressed, he brings me his boots so I can help him put them on and then it's "bye." He likes his sandbox, playing with Makita, or digging in the dirt pile with his shovel and neighbor friends. All of his sock are now brown from spending a lot of time in his sweaty boots, in the company of all the dirt and sand he manages to get in them. I am having the go out and physically drag him inside for meals and bedtime. It's going to be a long summer.

Fun Site

Here's a fun site for all sorts of gospel related things. http://sugardoodle.net/ I've been working on some FHE lessons, but there's help for all sorts of things. Go check it out.

Grandpa Ole'

Saturday night Mom called to tell us that Grandpa wasn't doing well. On Sunday we got the news that he had passed away. Upon hearing the news I just sat there for awhile. Death has a way of evoking all sorts of emotions and memories. When Hudson and I were home last (for Tameka's graduation) we went in and visited him. It was 10:30 in the morning and he was still in bed. We talked, all the while he stayed lying down. (I guess I didn't realize that his health had detiorated so much. I was actually a little bothered that he never sat up.) He said he was excited for us to get a new baby girl and that Hudson was a good looking young man. Before we left, I gave him a hug and a kiss, not knowing that it would be my last visit with him.

Looking back, I'm glad that I went in and visited him. I imagine that Grandpa will give our baby a big love before she comes to us. I hope I can teach our children about their Grandparents who have passed away and continue to make them a part of our lives since their lives have influenced who we are today.

Simple Reminder

Yesterday I was reminded of why I ever wanted to have another baby and wade through another nine months of pregnancy. It went something like this. I was lying on Hudson's floor, trying to take a rest while he played. I asked him to get me his pillow off of his bed. He quickly handed it to me. Before I knew it, he was unfolding his blanket and covering me up. He got another blanket for himself and laid down next to me. A minute later, he looked at me, wiped the hair out of my eyes, and proceeded to give me three kisses on my forehead. As soon as he had done that, he was up and playing again.

Camping Out

I found this little tent while garage selling a few weeks ago. After trying to set it up outside in gale force winds, we opted to bring it inside. It now occupies a corner in Hudson's room. He absolutely loves it. We read stories and play games in there. When it's nap time, we head for the tent. And bedtime it's back to the tent again. Every once and awhile he chooses to sleep in his bed. We might have to take the tent down so it's no longer an option as I continue to get fatter. It's not the prettiest sight to watch me wallow in and out. I'm afraid I might become stuck in it one of the days.

Memorial Day Memories

Brent didn't have to plant corn until the afternoon, so we got up and ready and headed out for breakfast. We ended up dining with the locals at North Hi-Way Cafe. It's a fun little dive. We topped breakfast off with a fresh slice of strawberry pie. Next we headed to Tautphaus Park Zoo. Hudson was so excited. He pushed his stroller around more than he rode in it. The tiger exhibit was definitely his favorite. It was fun to have Brent come with us for a change.

Hudson spotted a slide on our way out of the park, so we stopped and let him run around. He went crazy. Brent didn't realize that he enjoyed slides so much. FunLand was open, so we took Hudson for a little train ride. He was so excited that he was running/hopping the entire way to the train. Once we got his tickets purchased and put him in a seat, he quickly changed his mind. From the first lunge out of the station he was screaming. It continued around the track twice. We must have worn him out because he fell asleep on the way home.

Mom, Mom, This?!?

This phrase explains what I've been up to. Hudson and I play this game all day, everyday lately. It gets tiring at times, but I am surprised at all that he is learning. It has definitely made me more aware of the little things.
We spent the last part last week in Burley, to celebrate Tameka's graduating, and to hang out. By Friday Hudson was saying "Momma, Momma, this?!?" Mom assured me that she could handle it since she raised 4 children of her own.

Family Affair

Last night we loaded Makita up in the back of the pickup and set out to help Brent change water. Okay, well I had no intentions of setting any siphon tubes, but decided to take my camera and tag along. Hudson was looking stylish with his boots and shorts on. Makita loved the water. She swam across the ditch and ran through the water. I'm thinking she'll be quite entertaining if we should ever take her out in the boat.

Here's My Sign

I don't know what this sign does for the rest of you- but for me, it's exhilarating. It gets my blood pumping. Call me weird, I know, but there are few things in life that get me as excited as garage saling. The hunt and anticipation of finding "good stuff" makes me happy.
Garage sale season is in full swing around here. Today Hudson was my partner in crime. We set out at 7:30. Our adventures yielded a children's bike seat (the ones that attach to your own bike) by RhodeGear, jogging stroller by Schwinn, small Texaco sign, antique garden shears and clippers, and kid and baby clothes. All in all it was a fun day. Hudson also got 2 scraped up knees from running. (I guess it was pretty hard for him to keep up with me.) If anyone would like to join me, I'll probably be going again next Saturday.

Big Boy Bed

I decided to post a few pictures from Hudson's room, since he's finally sleeping there. For the past two weeks he has been sleeping in his own bed, in his own room. I don't think it was really his problem that he slept in his crib up until then. I kept putting off moving him to his own room since it's on a different floor. Yes, I'm the same mom that kept him in a bassinet in our room until he was probably 4 months old because I thought the other end of the trailer house was too far. But so far, so good. I was even able to hear him the other night when he started crying during the middle of the night.

I still have things to get hung up on the wall, but the stripes did a lot for the room. I was shooting for an old gas station feel since we're decorating it with cars.

Out Shopped

Today I was out shopped at DI by Nikkala. It came as quite a surprise considering that she's never really enjoyed going into this store, let alone browsing. I had looked at all I wanted to and she said there was still another rack that she wanted to look through. Can it be, can a person be converted and learn to enjoy DI? I think so. And it was a lot of fun to have her browsing with me.

Grandma Bennett

A dear friend of mine, Grandma Bennett, passed away on Saturday. I adopted her and her husband as "grandparents" while I was attending school at USU. Since graduating and moving from Logan, I have continued to visit the Bennetts. Visitis became a little less frequent when they moved to an assisted living home in SLC. I met Grandma after she had several medical complications, including a stroke. Despite her health conditions, she was always so sweet and optimistic. I will miss visiting with her. She was a special lady.

MH King

Growing up, we had a Kings in Burley long before WalMart. I remember getting all of our school supplies there and gifts for Secret Sisters. The small town I live in also has a Kings. Yesterday I went there to get Hudson some shoes he can get on/off himself. We found "crocs" for $5.00. They also had little ankle socks for him (I've been looking all over for them.) We also bought him some Bob pj's (they were already discounted and they took an additional 50%) making them $2.25! What a deal. I came home and am in love with Kings. It's all I could talk about when Brent got home. So if you live near a Kings, go visit it today. Oh yeah, tomorrow (Sat. May 12th) they're having a free make and take it. Your kiddies get to pick out a flower, pot it, and bring it home for their Mom in honor of Mother's Day. I think I'll have to take Hudson.

Friday's Feature Room

Hello all. I decided to feature my new kitchen today. It was the most work, considering that "it" didn't exist before the addition. The previous kitchen was tiny and stuck in a little corner. We have transformed that corner space into an area that will become a little sitting room. Just a run down of the components: door to outside (which will one day be our patio) Kenmore Trio fridge- love it, appliance garage in the corner, JennAir double oven- dual fuel, pantry. In the island, Bosch dishwasher, Moen Stone black sink, massive water faucet. The cabinets are a rustic cherry and painted alder (black), countertops are a laminate Bella Noche. Once again, the flooring is natural heartwood hickory with sculpting. It is so fun to have some counter space. Thanks for looking.

Homophone Challenge

Last night Hudson was looking at a book when he ripped one of the pages. I told him to run and get the tape so we could fix it. As I sent him off Brent said, "I don't think he understands everything you say." We heard pitter-patters to the mud room. I told him the tape was in the office. Soon he came running back, huge smile on his face, and a measuring tape in hand. "Tape" he said as he handed it to me. He was right, it was a tape, but not the same tape I was thinking of. What an enthusiastic little helper I have. Homophones can be a bit tricky for a two year old.

As Promised

It's hard to believe that it's Friday already. It's been a busy week of packing lunches and dinners for Brent who is right in the middle of planting corn. Today we should reach the 1/2 way point! It's quite a push, as Dale and Travis have been helping to plant around the clock.

A day or two ago, we finally got the furniture set for the family room that we ordered back in January. Long story, suffice it to say -- JOKE! Now that it's here, I decided to feature our living room today.

And as a bonus, I threw in the laundry room too! Enjoy.

I Have A Condition

I don't know what you term it, but I know I have problems. And it's not even cancer this time Mom. For the last 3-4 months (probably longer) I have become even more aware of my condition. I cannot sit down, chill out, take a breather whatever you want to call it. That would be great if I were getting lots of things done, but it seems like I'm just spinning my wheels. To do lists seem to get longer and there are never enough hours in the day. People- I need your help.

Woke up a Farmer

I know what you're all thinking. . . Hudson has been a farmer since he was born. This may be true, but today he is a bonafide farmer. We had to go help work some ground today so he reached for his John Deere hat. After asking him to go and get his shoes, he brought back his boots instead. (I think we might have to get some more breathable boots if the obsession continues.) What is a farmer without his hat and boots? Oh yeah, and don't forget the lunch box. That makes for a long day- trust me. If the farming thing doesn't work out, I suppose he could always be a John Deere salesman.

Relief

For the last month now, the Hillman household has been undecided about what to do with our new puppy. Hudson became a recluse and wouldn't step foot outside if he thought Makita might be out there. This meant no more sandbox playtime, no walking outside- Mom had to carry him around the entire time we were outside. At about the time we considered getting rid of Makita , Hudson decided that she was okay and that she wasn't going to eat him. Now their best buddies. He saves her food at mealtime. He starts calling her name (okay- his version of her name) when we get close to being home. She is a good puppy and can usually be found on our front or backstep once we've come inside. Here's a picture of them riding in the bike trailer together.

Happy Friday

I decided to surprise you all with a comparison of our upstairs family room. Before and After. I know it's only one room of the house, but I'll keep posting a room a week. The pictures from before and after aren't from exactly the same angle. Pretty close though. In the last set, we added the window and took out the wall around the stair well. It opened the room up a ton. One day we will get the railing up that Dad made for us. Make sure to come back for more.And since it's Friday, I decided to leave you all with a sweet treat. Nikkala introduced me to these bundles of goodness from Downtown Bread Co. in Blackfoot. I just had to see if I could recreate them in my own kitchen. Enjoy!

I love a Rainy Day

So I can go and play. (For you Standards fan, are you singing along yet?)
I've had this rain jacket since last year and since it finally fits Hudson, we decided to put it on today. Hudson ran to get his boots, and then he was out the door. He loved splashing in the puddles. Makita came and tried to play with him. That quickly ended the fun until we locked her up. Once I was soaked, I made him come in. I think he'd still be out there if it wasn't for me dragging him inside.

Letter to my Fans

Dear Fans,
I apologize for my absentee blogging status lately. It seems as though the move greatly disrupted my blogging routine. Rest assured that all is well. Most of the boxes are unpacked now, although nothing is hung on the walls. It still looks very empty, but nice to finally be in.
On a different note, I went to the chiropractor today. I kept telling Brent I would go once we were all moved. She hooked me up to the electrodes and smothered me with heat pads for 20 minutes. It was heaven. I've never heard my bones crack quite like they did today. I guess I was in need of a good alignment. I'm feeling better already . . . now if I can only convince Hudson to come and snuggle with me for a nap.
Cheery-O!
Karisa

Happy Easter

Over the past few days, Hudson and I have managed to escape from working on the house long enough to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. We met Nik and Bentley at the park and had a little picnic. Hudson loved the slide and swings. We also burnt ditch banks (have I ever told you how much I enjoy doing thing?!) Yesterday we attended our 1st Firth Easter egg hunt and I was quite suprised. Maybe now I'll claim the town. Each egg was sponsored by a local business. At the end of the hunt, you took your name to the business and they gave you your treat. And I'm not talking little dinky smarties or anything, but regular sized candy bars, chocolate bunnies, or boxes of peep. I know, you'll all be headed to Firth next year. We alsopulled out the grill and cooked steak.
Meanwhile, Brent has been laboriously finishing our hardwood floor. It turned out to be a great deal of work- more than we anticipated- but they look beautiful. He applied the last coat of finish last night. Hooray! Carpet should be installed Monday and Tuesday and then I guess we're ready for the big move (across the driveway- but a move nonetheless.)
Hudson was better at finding the eggs at home than at the egg hunt yesterday. I think he was overwhelmed by all of the people and just wanted held yesterday. Through out the day, he'll hand Brent or me an egg and say "huhn" meaning he wants to hunt.
We wish you all a Happy Easter!

*I know what you're thinking about the family picture- Who lets their child wear socks with sandals. Let me explain. They are the only church shoes this kid has since his feet are sooo fat. So I put the sandals on his barefeet this morning and he immediately wants them off. We decided socks and sandals were better than no shoes for church at all. We'll work on it.

Makita

After working on the house all day Saturday, we headed out for Burley at 7:30 p.m. We enjoyed the visit, good food Mom fixed, and watching conference. Then at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, we headed back. . .
I guess I'm leaving out a few minor details. We picked up the handrail that Dad had fabricated for our new house and got a puppy on our quick visit. She's a cute, spotted Mutt-Akita mix. So we're naming her Makita. I was a little nervous to bring her home. I know I shouldn't be afraid of the responsibility since I have a child and one on the way, but I did feel a little overwhelmed. I mean, I've never had my own puppy to raise and nurture. I am happy to report that we're getting along just fine. Hudson got on his boots this morning and we braved the wind to get little Makita fed.