Pumpkin Patch

There is a pumpkin patch that we usually go to around here and this year we (the Hillman clan) decided to do our own. Sheila grew an amazing pumpkin patch of her own and Darwin got some straw to put on the trailer so we could have a hay ride and everything just like at the other pumpkin patch. But this one was even better because it was FREE!



The pumpkins were HUGE!















Then afterwards we built a fire and roasted hot dogs! What a great night. Thanks everyone!

Tis the Season?

So yesterday I just couldn't help myself and I filled my stereo with Christmas music! I know what you're thinking, it's not even Halloween yet. But honestly I am surprised it has taken me this long to get them out. Happy Holidays! HAHAHAH

The bright spot!

So about a week and a half ago was one of the best weekends. Not only did my family get to come to town, but we got to listen to a Prophet of God and the Lord's Apostles on the earth today. It was truly a BRIGHT SPOT for me and continues to be. I wanted to write about it sooner, but I wanted to have a few specific quotes about some of my favorite things. So I had to wait until I could listen/read the talks again.

From Saturday morning one of my favorites was from Elder Anderson. His talk was entitled "You know Enough". One of my favorite things that he said was: "We then remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, “You don’t know everything, but you know enough”—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right. Remember Nephi’s words: “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” I really liked that. Sometimes I think I don't know enough, but I do know enough to do what's right and that is all that matters.

I also liked Sister Allred's talk about Missionary work. That was another reason for doing this post. In a small way trying to do a little missionary work. Maybe someone might read this and feel the spirit of the truthfulness of the gospel and will want to learn more.

One of my most favorites though was President Uchtdorf's talk titles " The Infinite Power of Hope". I think one of the reasons this appealed to me so much is because of the instability of the world today. There are so many things being thrown at us and our families and it can get scary. I think every person (LDS or not) is crying out for hope and yearning for that peace of mind that comes along with it. Here is one of my favorite quotes from that talk: "Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls."

I could go on forever about all the amazing things which were said by the amazing men and women who spoke, but I will end this post with a little bit from one of our dear Prophet's talks "Finding Joy In the Journey". He talked a lot about enjoying the here and now and making sure we are taking time for what matters most. And about how we need to be grateful for all the Lord has given us. Here is a quote from that talk.
"I pray that all of us will reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die? He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to serve. He taught us how to live. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. The time came when He stood alone. Some Apostles doubted; one betrayed Him. The Roman soldiers pierced His side. The angry mob took His life. There yet rings from Golgotha’s hill His compassionate words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Earlier, perhaps perceiving the culmination of His earthly mission, He spoke the lament, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” “No room in the inn” was not a singular expression of rejection—just the first. Yet He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is the King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the Author of our Salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.” He pleads, “Keep my commandments.” Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude. Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey."

I loved so much hearing all of this. If any of you would like to read or watch more you can go to www.lds.org and all of the talks are on there. I know that these leaders are called of God and that Christ has chosen Thomas S Monson as his prophet on the earth today. I am truly blessed to be able to have this knowledge and will be forever grateful for all the sacrifices that it took for us to enjoy the blessings of the gospel.

McKenna!

Today McKenna wanted a mini makeover so we did her hair and painted her nails so of course then we had to take a few pictures! I needed some new ones of McKenna anyways. So we just went out in the yard and this is what we got.










I love how hard she is trying to jump. It cracks me up.


I love this picture. I couldn't decide what I liked better though, color or black and white. Let me know what you think. I do always like color with her because of her gorgeous blue eyes, but the black and white looks really good too. Decisions decisions.

VOTE!

So I feel like I have to say something about this upcoming election. I realize that most of you who read my blog probably have the same veiw as I do about who to vote for. But there are a few of you out there that I think are still fence sitters or who want to vote for Obama. Let me just plead with those of you.....VOTE FOR MCCAIN! Please do not vote for Senator Obama! I personally am pretty dissappointed in the options that we have to vote for. I don't necessarily think that either one of them is who I really want for the President of this great nation, but one thing I do know is that I for sure do not want Obama to be the next President of the United States. I realize that who to vote for is everyone's personal decision and I am extremely grateful for that right, but I also can't sit and do nothing when I feel that something is wrong. I really think that Obama would be nothing but bad for this country and to vote him in would be a sore mistake made by the American people. So please everyone vote and vote for McCain!

If you are having a hard time deciding abc news made this test where you can read different quotes from each candidate, decide which one you agree with and at the end it will tell you who you agreed with the most.

To do this click on this link: http://abcnews.go.com/politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

If nothing else it could be amusing. Let me know how it turns out. By the way, all of mine were McCain except 2.

Rockin' Out

I love this video of McKenna. Watch how she holds the guitar and everything. It's hilarious. She just loves rockin' out and singing and pretty much anything to do with music. It makes me happy. :)

Great weekend!

This last weekend was pretty great! It was Madison's 1st birthday! I can't believe that she is one already. That year flew by. She is getting so big and learning something new every day. She has a super fun personality and is such a good baby. We love you so much Madison. Hope it was a great day. Happy Birthday!








Maddie loves this little airplane she got from her Grandma and Grandpa Hillman. Thanks guys!

One of the great perks was that my parents and sister Whitney got to come for the festivities as well! I am not sure what they are laughing at but it must have been pretty funny.

While my parents were here they got the girls a swingset. My dad spent a couple of days putting it together. It was quite the project--6 to 12 hours right dad? Tee hee. The girls were in seventh heaven and just loved it. McKenna is out there every second possible.



Maddie loves it too!











It was such a fun weekend! My mom and I got to go shopping (Graples is the best) and just hang out. I love being able to hang out with my mom. I wish so bad we were closer. Oh well it could be worse. The girls loved having them here so much also. When they were getting ready to leave my dad gave Madison back to me and she just wanted my dad to hold her. Then he got in the truck and she wanted to go back to him so she got to "drive" for a second. After they left they girls just kept looking for them. And then this morning McKenna got up and said, "I miss my Grandma named Grandma Brownell, and my Grandpa." Thanks so much for coming you guys and all that you did for us while you were here. We love you tons! Miss you already. Thanks again!