Deflated...

Within the past 24 hours I have received news that 2 people I love dearly have passed on. My cousin Lennis, a gentle giant fought with all his might to live despite cancer fighting back. But live he did - his family is amazing and I am going to miss his love and support to our Hill extended family. Lennis - you were loved dearly by many who knew you over the generations. Next I received a call from my cousin Tamara - through her tears she said that my Aunt D has now moved on to the next phase of her life - life without pain - and body altering diseases. To a place where she stands straight and tall and in the arms of her sweetheart. My Aunt D was my hero - she could hold her own in any conversation about just about anything! She taught me about how strong a mind can be - when you put it to good use. She is the mother of my cousins Tamara and Shelley - them, along with my cousins Cindy and Janet, were never considered anything but sisters to me. I don't have anymore Aunties on the Hill side. My mom is the last living member of her family from her generation. I have an Uncle Wendell and my Dad left from the 12 beloved people I called my Aunts and Uncles. So - for today - I want to remind you that we need to tell those we love - that we love them - more often. We need to write down memories to preserve all they stood for and that which we can learn from their lives. We need to reach out and hold tenderly those whose hearts are broken and weary. Today - I send my love to my Hill Family - and thank them for coming to the crazy reunions we had - and remind you that family comes first in all things. I will miss you Lennis and Aunt D - I will remember the part of you, you left for me. Could everyone keep living - I can't lose anymore of you.... today - I just want to be sad.

WHAT? U R KIDDING RIGHT?

Just a minute here - maybe that's all it will take - but my friend Erin posted this on her blog and challenged her friends to do it with her. She's just started her new business (plumpearapple.com) and she's swamped like nobody's business - yet she's going to try. I've got a few ideas up my sleeve - anyone else want to join in? (Make it easy - I'll be blogging at about 2 AM the way it's looking but I think it's going to be a crazy fun thing) When I turned (or fought reluctantly) 40 I did 40 things before I turned 40 - now I ride a Harley. 50 is about yadfmadlfm away and I think I'll add this to my crazy list of 50 things to do. What are YOU going to write about? (Better yet - are you able to stomach 30 blog posts from me?) Can't wait! Ready Set Go....

Got any superheros? You know you could blog about them.....

Love my Halloween Stalkers...

Ok - so I have loved the comments on my "......and you're hiding in a ditch" post - who knew that we would all have such wonderful memories. I have to admit I am pretty far fetched about the correct words and so I went the the Original Primary Witch herself - my 'Mummy'. She sent me the words and the sheet music - all taped together and sealed with a kiss. So for my favorite blog stalkers (and thank you by the way for joining me!) here are the correct lyrics - Happy Haunting! BTW Gin - you were right - 3 verses! (Make sure you go up and down the scale on the last witch!!!) (You go girl!) It was written and composed by Cora and Ralph Sheffield. (I believe their bodies were found hiding in a ditch)

When you're all alone in the country, and the night is dark as pitch.
Just be bold, 'cause you've been told, There's no such thing as a witch!

When the noisy wind is howling, and your ears are all a twitch,
laugh Ho, Ho, because you know, There's no such thing as a witch!

Skeletons and goblins are only make believe,
Folks dress up in costumes, Just try to scare you ---- ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo.

When you hear the thunder and lightning, and you're hiding in a ditch.
Don't cry out, without a doubt, There's No such thing as a wiiiitttcccchhh!

My mom said, "Don't you remember Nic, it was on Poster # 106! My mom's treasured posters still live on and on - under the couch.... Thanks for asking about the song - it meant a lot to me! Here's a real oldie - if you remember this one - you must be cryptic! EEEEEEKKKKKK!

Halloween
by Rinda Rowley Willson

Witches sailing thro' the sky, On their broomsticks way up high,
Black cats howl as they go by, For this is Halloween...
Jack-o-lanterns, big and round, On each gatepost can be found,
Ghosts and goblins all around, For this is Halloween.

OOOOOOOO This is Halloween
OOOOOOOO This is Halloween

Let us borrow an old sheet, Make a costume nice and neat,
And go walking down the street, For this is Halloween.
To the windows we will creep, with our ugly faces peep,
Scare the folks who're half asleep, For this is Halloween.

OOOOOOOOO This is Halloween
OOOOOOOOO This is Halloween

(I wouldn't suggest actually DOING the last song as you might need me to come and post your bail after you and your family have been arrested) Thanks for your fun interest - it warms my cold heart.... bbeeep bbeeep

Last the best of all the game....

Eat your heart out world - the Mission field gets even better looking very soon. Can you say, "Thank you Dave owner of Mr Mac, and Annamae the tailor from the Logan store?" They opened the store early and spoiled him to bits. Grandma June was a tailor for Mr. Mac for a 150 years - and because of that, Dave has made sure that my Missionaries have looked amazing for their missions. Dave is an amazing guy - after he makes sure that Missionaries have the best attire for the places they serve - he only asks one thing - Please send me a post card from your mission. Gratitude - is an amazing tool - and so I thank you Dave - knowing that Missions can be extremely expensive, I acknowledge your kindness and appreciate your dedication to your job. PS - everyone should rotate your shoes daily - Not a problem for Lee Lee right?

Been tagged

Bethany tagged me to post my 4th picture in my 4th file - and so here it is. I love this picture of Mandy. She was living in Hellitage Halls at BYU. She had been to the temple that morning with her sweetheart Ryan and he just had enough time to change and head off to class. Little did he know that Mandy would put his suit on for a photoshoot. I love ya ShellyBob Mandy girl - and thus I now tag you....

'Falling' in love with Andy

I am lucky to have Andrew on Wednesday afternoons
and I love every second of it. It was a perfect day to
snap some 'soon to be gone' leaf shots.

Come little leaves said the wind one day
Come 'ore the meadows with me and play
Put on your colors of Red and Gold
For Summer has gone and the days grow cold...

Got Tickets?

We do!
Thanks Lee Lee! Mandy - you are sloughing your classes at BYU!
If you are under 20 please do not go at the same time I am going - I don't want to see your prom dress and Edward is only make believe. By the way - we're going around noon so we can 'get a bite' before the show. .....let's see where did I leave that wooden stake and hammer....

Pumpkin Guts

I love my husband. Here's a great example why. I had the Daddy Daughter Date tonight for our Ward Primary girls and their dads - and a neighbor's dad that we rented. (See previously posted post on 'the nonexistence of a testimony for this job') One activity I decided to do was pumpkin bowling. I told Del that I was going to set up 10 empty plastic 2 liter drink bottles - load them with a little sand - and then get pumpkins to roll at them. Del said - NO - you will NOT roll pumpkins at the plastic 2 liter drink bottles - it's disrespectful to the pumpkins! I looked at him and questioned his medication, and then mine, and said "You're kidding right?" He said, "No, pumpkins are God's creations and you are disrespecting the pumpkin." Needless to say - I still had them roll the heck out of the pumpkins.... if there is a pumpkin hell, I'm first in line. Can I get cool whip with mine? Maybe a candle and a match? I love Del. PS - I resigned from my church job. PPS - I suggest wrapping God's Creation with duct tape as they tend to explode when they hit the church's piano bench... should have sang Halloween songs...

More from Amnityville....singalong

Holy Cow - it was so fun to hear my 79 year old mom singing Halloween songs this weekend! My nieces run and hide when we start singing - really loud - at night - outside. I found another one - hey Judee - heard this one? I was so excited that everyone knew some of the previously posted song! I can just hear you all now hummmmming it..... Here 's another one - call me and I'll sing it to you, but give me a moment to dress up in my costume for the full effect! Hope you've all been able to get that silly spider web stuff to stick to your brick. Me? Oh I have natural cobwebs....... 'what a pretty spider'..... Enjoy!

Halloween, Halloween
Lots of fun on Halloween
Black Cats and Ghosts
Skeletons Too,
Witches and Goblins all say
BOO!

Pumpkins with eyes
Shiny and bright
Make me shiver with fright....
Halloweem, Halloween
We love Halloweeeeeeeeen!

....and you're hiding in a ditch...

When I was a little girl my mom was the chorister for Primary. Back in the 'good old days' of 'fun Primary music' we were taught seasonal songs that many of my friends from Mendon still teach their own children. Mom would have pictures, and props and also her bright shiny blue eyes to dazzle and entertain Primary Children. Primary was held on Monday nights - we were let off of the bus right in front of the church house. We would run in and put our pennies in a box that looked like the Primary Children's Medical Center (45 years ago). You would put as many pennies as your age. (I think we stole this idea from the friendly Catholics that I didn't know existed until I was older) I loved Halloween songs the most - mom had a song that she put on Paper Plates and then she would hold them up to remind us of the words. I found the plates at my house one day and I cried and cried - as we sang the songs. One particular song was "There's no such thing as a witch!" (Try singing that one in church these days...) The words are:

When you're all alone in the country
And you're hiding in a ditch,
Don't cry out without a doubt -
There's no such thing as a witch.

Skeletons and goblins are only make believe
Folks dress up in costumes,
Just try to scare you.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

and on and on... Now this sounds like a silly song - but remember I lived in a small town called Amnityville Horror I swear. Mendon by day was bright and friendly - but put a full moon to it on Halloween night - and movie producers show up just to film scary movies! I knew what to do in an earthquake - hide under the desks or in a door frame. I knew what to do when the Germans would certainly bomb us - find the nuclear bomb shelter. By darn - I knew what to do when a witch came to town - you'd find me in the ditch! .....ooooooooooooo....... I'm going to Amnityville this weekend - I'll try to rustle up some more songs - I love Halloween....

Mom and Dad? or Del and I? Tough call....

Thank You Elaine - you captured my future
....ok shut up....basically my present life.

You know you're an idiot when....

.... this is the only book you can find to learn Spanish.


I was actually kicked out of Beginning Spanish at Utah State! I couldn't understand the professor as he yelled at me in Spanish and waved his hands towards the door! Little did I know that college Spanish requires 5 years of High School Spanish and the only words I could say were 'Taco Bell', and 'Salsa' and those don't even count as Spanish words. Never the less - if I keep visiting my local McDonalds for the next two years as Ryan serves his mission - there is NO DOUBT I will speak fluent Spanish, AND know what the hand waving was all about from my sad, Spanishless College years at USU. You think that Lupe' Bererra and Jess Moreno would have taught me something besides kissing - but then again - that's another entire 'idiots' book in itself. Hola - wait is that like Aloha - where you don't know if your saying hello or good bye? Wait - isn't you say hello and I say goodbye a Beetles Song? .... look at the kitty....look at the kitty.... someone get my pills! (Ryan you are going to be able to rrrrrrrroll those rrrrrrr's I just know it!)

Get your teeth sharpened....

....you'll need it to be able to blast through those screaming teenage girls. I'm going to go while they are in school so that the 12 year old person next to me isn't believing that Edward is 'real' and is in love with them as she sits there in her prom dress with their "I'm on Team Edward" shorty shirt on over top the dress. I just want to see Jacob... (just seeing if you're paying attention) I'm giving it a "turkey and provolone on toasted wheat, mustard, mayo and lettuce, hold the tomato, fries and could I have fry sauce with that, and a refill in my mug, and throw in a medium popcorn with extra butter and napkins, and a box of Junior Mints to share with Ashley and Mandy" kind of movie.

Got Spider?

Here's hopin' that your costume is ready to go and that it can easily have the spidie-insidie wiped off easily. Me? Oh heaven sake - Grandma just wants to eat those toes. What a good sport Drew was on his First Halloween pictures. Auntie Ashley and Mommy Bethany were great "Ready Set Go" ers. As for the future..... FYI ..... Kiddie Kandid require appointments on Saturday and Sundays..... which left our cute tigger exhausted from bouncing and 'gerrrring' until about 4:00 pm. Never the less - I believe that Pre-Trick or Treating is called for? Dust off Hocus Pocus!

The Best 2 years.....

....begins December 31st, 2008!
You are going to be a great Missionary Ryan!

Please put mission call here....

Matt: Did it come?
Mandy: Are we having pizza?
Ryan: Is it there?
Bethany: What time are we opening it?
Ashley: We don't mind eating at 8:00....
Grandma: Is this a good news call?
Del: Am I coming home early?
Mike: I have a spine....
Ryan M.: Wait - do you even know my phone number? (I dare you to call it!)
Andrew: Mamamamamamam
Mom: OK, you're killin' me here....
Postal Chick: I almost didn't dare deliver mail here today after what I delivered yesterday....see previous post.
Heavenly Father: In my own time..... but not today...... (but yes, you have grown a foot or two, just be patient... and know I love you)

What time does the mail come on Fridays?

Flowers in the Mail

I love my mom. She is so creative and so thoughtful in every way (preempt to a really funny story of which she'll kill me for telling) And she's beautiful and kind and generous. Ok - here's the story. Today we are waiting for 'The Mission Call" and the Postal woman (I love her) brought me not a package from the Church of Jesus Christ - but a Box from my Mom. Now I just spent the weekend with her and I'm thinking - hum - what did I leave there? I brought the box in - after telling the Postal woman that TOMORROW I would really like to know where Ryan will be spending the next 2 years of his life ..... tomorrow perhaps. Back to the box. It was squishy. I opened it as careful as I could because the box was starting to fall apart. It smelled musty. Inside wrapped carefully, gently and packaged perfectly were the 3 potted plants she wanted me to have. Fall Mums - my favorite - were desperate for air, sun and well, not water - because it looked like they had enough of that. After laughing for about 2 hours - and sharing the story with my kids - and having them laugh for hours - I stopped and thought about it for a moment. First - can you only see the look on the guy's face that might have had to scan that? Second - how lucky am I that I have a mother that loves me so much that she wanted me to have the last 3 fall mums from Home Depo (she didn't think we had one where I live)(The Salt Lake Valley?)(heck I can go steal them from people's yards if I need to!)(I think Elaine has some...). Lucky me to receive flowers in the mail from my mom. I think that the world is a better place because she is in it. I promise mom, that when you die - I will do you hair, your make up, and I will plant fall mums on your grave. (please note that we joke about this all of the time...)(purple lipstick)(hair ratted)(big earrings)(fall mums) I love you mom! Remember the cute kitty I saw while I was visiting? PLEASE DON'T SEND IT IN THE MAIL!!!! (I can just steal the neighbors)