Ahhh....

So, this weekend is my last weekend of freedom before I begin my very first semester of college, and I decided to go out in style! Just kidding! I really am trying to take the time to craft, spend time with friends and family, and then craft some more! At this point, I think that these are the only two things that will keep me composed and sane before the big day. I am worrier by nature, so when I think about going back to school, it pretty much makes me feel like my heart is going to explode due to the overwhelming excitement/nervousness/anxiety/horror! However, I know that I chose a great path, and just need to be prepared for the late nights and hard work. So...until I have to walk through those doors, I want to make sure that I submerge myself in things that are most important to me.

For Oshy’s Birthday!

My First Valentine’s Day Card

My New Oasis

So today was like most Saturdays, I went and fed my horrible addiction. I ventured out into new territory. Last week my sister and I discovered a new shopping wonderland, so we went and checked it out. As I lost myself in the racks, I began to wonder who I really am. I mean, I know I’m me, but when I am shopping it’s like I want to be all of these different people wrapped into one and I want to call it me!?! Is that even aloud? I wander aimlessly from one store to the other. At one I may pick up something that’s kinda rocker/glam and then in the next I am buying the makings of a classy business outfit! Am I crazy? I guess it’s kinda funny. I think I have always been a little eclectic in the way that I dress, I don’t fit or stay in one category, and I want the best of all genres! Sometimes I just have to sit back and laugh! Today was one of those days!

My last fix of the day

Pictureoholic?

So, I had some more holiday pictures that begged to be shown, and I of course had to give them their way!

Brenton vs. Adrian

Ashley and Kobe waiting for Santa to arrive!

Santa's Little Helper

The Christmas Tree Decor

Cheers

Within the final hours of 2008, Brenton and I decided to keep it low key this year and stay in with the family. We gave in to the New Years tradition of take-out Chinese, and relaxed with a glass of wine. We consumed ourselves in love and laughter with the family. What more could we ask for? As midnight approached, we toasted to the New Year with a glass of champagne and as the final seconds came and went, we sealed the end of a year and the beginning of a next with a sweet little kiss. My favorite part, if I do say so myself! The ending of 2008 was kind of bittersweet, it was home to many unforgettable and life changing moments, but I am definitely excited for the new year will bring. Cheers!

Christmas Day Recap

I remember when we were younger, my sister and I would go to bed early, announcing to the house that the sooner we went to bed, the sooner morning would come. I think every year we would get up at like 7 a.m. and our mom insisted on torturing us by telling us that we had to wait and take a shower and get dressed. But you better your bottom that the next year, we still got up at 7:00 asking if we could open presents! Now, it’s kinda funny, I am sure at the time…not so funny!

Now that I have gotten married and my sister has her started her own little family, things have changed…a little bit! I just wake up earlier, shower at home and then show up to my mom’s at seven to open presents. Ok, just kidding! I did notice that opening presents isn’t so important anymore; I think that the appreciation of time with our family outweighs any materialistic gift. I love it! We did however, get some awesome gifts! Haha!




After opening presents we sat down as a family for an amazing brunch! Mommy’s ham, Brenton’s quiche, some fresh fruit, and lots of family time!




That night was the big Christmas gathering. All of the family gathered, ate, and celebrated. Later on, all of the kids were sat down to hear a Christmas story and then with a glance out the front window, a visitor was caught, and all of the kids, big and small, welcomed him in…

After gifts were given from Santa himself, it was time to call it a night, I went to bed thankful for these occasions…the ones in which we able to gather and submerge ourselves within the moment, it is times like this that create the memories that last a lifetime.

The Hillman's Christmas Eve

So Christmas this year was a little crazy, but who doesn’t love crazy?!? Christmas Eve was a showcase to the life of procrastination that we seem to live! That morning we wrapped our very first gift, did a little more shopping, and then scrambled to be on time for The Hillman Christmas Eve. The festivities are held at my mother-in-law’s, it all started with the consumption of as much food as humanly possible. I couldn’t stay away! There were Mushroom Crescents (Brenton’s Fav.), Amish Summer Sausage, Veggies, Dip, Crackers and the famous Oyster Stew, and then there were the brownies, Corn Flake Wreaths, cookies, cookies, and more cookies. Amazing!

It was time to open presents. We have the tradition of the youngest person getting to choose the first gift to hand out, Osh got to do the honors, and then Harmony was next, and it moved up the ladder! It was so awesome to sit back and watch the kid’s eyes light up! Especially little Denali! After all the presents were opened, it was a race to remove all of the toys from their packages! Ready set go!

I received this hat and glove set from Tyler, Jenny, Denali, Harmony, and Osh!! Amazing, right? I'd definitely have to say that it's one of my favorite Christmas gifts.

Laure gave me an awesome paper organizer for my scrapbooking. Believe me, it was desperately needed, at the moment all of papers are just sitting in a pile on my desk, waiting for a home!

After everything was said and done, it turned out to be the perfect ending to a hectic day.

Good Morning Sunshine...

Sometimes, we get submerged in the routine of everyday life, and we forget to just breathe. I think it’s important to quietly sit back, watch and listen to all that is around us. Take it all in… it seems to bring sweet satisfaction to the soul. I have many wonderful things in my life, and together they hold the perfect combination. It’s the secret code that unlocks the gate of contentment and while there may be endless recipes to happiness, there are also pieces that are essential to my being. First is time with my family, they are the center of who I am. I also have a love for crafting; it’s my outlet, my escape from the threat of daily insanity. Then there is my upcoming adventure to school. I have an overwhelming need to help others, so I will soon begin my venture in becoming a nurse. I am hoping that in creating this blog, I am able document the essence of my own life and share it with many others.