Sweet Celebration.

 It was birthday week because Mammy, Papa, and my birthdays are all 3 days apart.  We celebrate long and hard and sometimes certain birthdays stand out more than others.  This birthday was one of them.

My Uncle died on my birthday when I turned 12.  I have felt very close to him and even though I was a pesky niece he always made me feel very important.  I always felt like every little insignificant thing I did really mattered and when I would talk to him... I was sure I had to be his most absolute favorite person who walked the earth.  Really, EVERYONE he talked to felt like this, just one of his many talents.

Anyway, I bring this up because I was able to get a blessing from all my Uncles, husband, dad, cousins, and brother.  I can't say much about that tender experience except that I know without a doubt that I will receive a miracle and I'm beyond grateful for the priesthood, eternal families and the bonds that we create in this life with others.

Everyone gathered at the house after and we exchanged stories and ate, relaxed and enjoyed every millisecond.  A very typical thing when we get together.

And it made for a very sweet birthday.

Coming Home....

 A major highlight in January was the arrival of Aunt Pam and Uncle Wes.  They honorably finished serving their mission in Fresno and were greeted back at home by all who were excited!

I loved the huddle of grand kids and watching them in shock when they realized their kids surprised them with a beautiful remodel.

Then one last surprise.... All of the Aunts and Uncles came!  It was grand and glorious and there are no words to describe that sweet gathering.  It was a personal boost for me and I know all who were in company felt it too.  Pure love and happiness.

My Favorite Gift...

 I received a treasure this year for Christmas.  Nathan had made me a book, "All About Me."  He had put a lot of work into it at school.  It makes me laugh and it makes me cry but then again I am the mom.  I love this boy who sprouts happiness wherever he goes.

All About Me
An Autobiography by: Nathan Hillan

This book is dedicated to my Mom, Dad, and Mammy. (He told me he couldn't fix Papa's name on the page but he was supposed to be on there too.)  For making my most horrible day get better.

Copyright Dec. 6, 2012
By: Nathan

On a very cold day I was born.  The first thing I heard my mom say was he's so cute!!!!!!!!  The time was 7:00 am in the morning.  I was 9 pounds and 2 ounces.  Boy did my mom think I was cute!  I was 23 inches long.  My middle name is James named after my two grandpas.  I was so happy to be in this world.

 On a hot summer day in Grand Junction, I was horseback ridding with my cousin, Hannah.  I was at a cowboys house.  They had chickens, horses, and a guard dog.  He was the most fun because he was chasing us.  Then I got on a horse and galloped so fast that in 10 seconds I was around the huge court.  And that is what I did.

 On a not to hot or cold day I went hiking with my family in Farmington, New Mexico.  Trees sure can grow there.  I am 6 years old.  I am here to visit my two grandmas who are really old.  I hope I can come next summer.

 It was a cold night at the Hillbilly Hoedown.  I made a potato car out of washers, nails, and other things. "Time to race the potato cars!" I heard to racer say.  I heard my name.  Unbelievable.  I won.  I felt so lucky. I won again and that meant another bag of Twinkies.  That was the best day of my life.

My Favorite Stuffed Animal:
 On a VERY chilly Christmas, when I was little, in the morning after I woke up, I saw a present.  It was just for me.  It was a foot long.  I rushed over to open it.  When I opened it...POP!  It got two feet longer.  Unbelievable.  It was a stuffed animal dog.  From the day on I will love him and named him Doggy-boy Erick Hillan.

I LOVE This...

"In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection."

                                                                                      - Jeffrey R Holland

                                                                                       BYU Devotional

                                                                                       March 18, 1980

The Warehouse

 After Christmas, the ground was pretty snowy.  The boys were pretty antsy to play with their bikes and remote control car. 

Justin came to the rescue and took us to one of his warehouses where he works.  It was huge and the best part...it was empty! 

They had a ball.  They took off and Justin watched and talked.

Merry Christmas!!!