Special Olympics Torch Run

Today was our Special Olympics Torch Run sponsored by the Police Department. The course was 2 miles down the main street of our town escorted by police vehicles. Do you want to know the best part of the whole thing? Kyler ran the whole way and finished the course with the help of his Uncle Ben. Two miles in the sun is a very long way on 5 year-old legs. I have never been so proud of him in my whole life! What an accomplishment. I was thrilled that he had such a great experience. One of the main reasons I have started the Special Olympics team is to have a positive impact on my children. Today when I saw him at the finish line - I knew it was all worth it.

Bless her little heart...and nose

Do you ever see something happening and just can quite get there in time? This is what happened when Millie's face hit the pavement after falling off the bottom step.

Breathtaking

If you came to visit me, I would take you to see our amazing waterfalls. You would be confused and think that you were in New York. You would be looking for people going over the falls in a barrel. You would say, "Wow, this is even bigger than Niagara Falls!" (because it literally is bigger than Niagara Falls). You would say, "Hilary, you live in the most amazing place in the whole world." And I would agree with you.

Only Halle

We woke up this morning to the surprise of a white blanket covering our world. Mid-morning, I heard the front door open and close. I went to investigate and found Halle dancing in the snow. She had on Kyler's snow boots, her skirt from last 4th of July, and her Cinderella pajama shirt (In my defense, she was dressed this morning in a cute matching ensemble, we just hadn't got to the hair yet). I love this girl! Wouldn't it be fun to be 3 and not have a care in the world?

I am the luckiest Mom in the whole world!

It's going to be a battle

There are not many things that I can beat Dan in....but the NCAA tournament bracket is one of them. I consistently pick more game winners than him - I have for years. It is a little ironic. He checks the ESPN website daily for interesting little sports nuggets and to stay up on foul shot percentages and power rankings. I merely fill it out on a whim. Well this year, out of 64 teams, Dan and I have each picked the two teams who have made it to the championship. He is rooting for North Carolina and my money is on Michigan State. The championship game is tonight - and it is going to be a battle in our household. May the luckiest/ biggest sports fan win! GO MICHIGAN STATE! (Don't you think the State of Michigan needs something to cheer about?)

I really am alive..

So, I am struggling a tich on the blogging. I really am alive, I have just been neglecting the blogosphere as of late. Life is good - we are happy and healthy and excited for Spring. I have been busy - here is a random sampler of what I have been up to.

• I am starting a Special Olympics team. There was not one in our town, and I have decided that needs to change. I have gotten a great team together and we start practicing next week.
• I own a small social work agency. I bill Medicaid for the social services I provide. Unfortunately, my State - like every other one in the nation - has been experiencing significant cutbacks. With these cutbacks, the pay structure and requirements for my business is changing dramatically. I have decided to close my agency. So I am in the process of transitioning my clients to other agencies.
• Dan and I both had a horrible week long virus that made us both feel as though we may die at any moment. Luckily, my sister-in-law Heather took my older kids to Rexburg for a few days because I could hardly get out of bed. I am happy to report that we are both well.
• Halle's preschool rotation has been at our house for the past two weeks. We had a great time - even though we struggled a tad at coming up with lesson plans for letters Y and Z.
• We spent a great weekend in Boise for my little brother's State basketball tournament. We had a great time with my whole family and cheered Madison to the championship game.
• Dan had a basketball tournament in the thriving metropolis of Mud Lake. We spent the weekend watching and cheering him on. We are proud that he is still a basketball star.

Life is good and I so grateful for my wonderful husband and three darling kids. I will make a goal to keep up the blogging a tad more.

My Elements Jewelry

Do you like beautiful affordable jewelry? Well do I have I site for you! Please check out myelementsjewelry - I promise you will love it! It is all handmade jewelry made by my fabulous friend Jenny. It is all inspired by elements in nature. I have a few of her pieces and they are great quality. I get many compliments whenever I wear them. Check out her site - you will be impressed!

"Brag on Your Man" Wednesday

A radio show I used to listen to had a morning where women would call in and tell something great their husband/boyfriend had done for them - Brag on Your Man Wednesday. Well -this is my blog version. It started last week when I came home to a puzzle piece taped to the garage door. The kids were excited to lead me on a scavenger hunt ending with this:

Dan and his brother and brother in-laws planned a fantastic Valentines Day date. It was a reminder of the many high school dances that we went to together. On Valentines day, our date started with a video scavenger hunt, followed by playing volleyball and basketball, we then changed into dressy clothes, took "dance pictures," and had a fantastic dinner. The boys had decorated to the hilt. I was so touched by all of the planning and preparations Dan put into the night. It brought back many memories of MHS 1997. I am the luckiest girl in the whole world! I love you Dan!

This is what I made for Dan for Valentine's Day. A book out of CD's listing 100 things that I love about him.

Thank You Tip Junkie!

One of my very favorite blogs is tipjunkie. Here are two fun Valentine's projects that I have created with inspiration from this site. The first is a heart wreath for my front door. It was a piece of cake and turned out darling. You just cut little squares of fabric and dip them in glue and push them into a Styrofoam heart. Tada!

The second is a fun craft that Heather and I spent the day doing. It is hand sanitizer bottles decorated for Valentines. Perfect for Kyler's teacher. Thanks for the craft day, Heather! Check out Tip Junkie and see who inspires you. These tips were submitted by just a girl and little birdie secrets.