31 Days.....31 years....31 blessings

Okay.....so, here I sit December 31st, 2008, and was wanting to blog about something. Here's what I thought up.....31 days in December and I turned 31 years old this year so why not share 31 blessings and favorites in my life! I didn't put a lot of thought into this....just kind of listed 1-31 on a piece of paper and wrote. Here goes it:

1. My Faith~ My relationship with Christ is the ultimate reason for living! 

2. My Family~ I am who I am because of them!

3. My Friends~ Laughs, Talks, and FUN! 

4. My "Kids"~ HUNDRED's of them!

5. My Church~ AMAZING place!

6. My Calling~ Kids & Parents

7. My Home~ Mortgage debt is a blessing! 

8. My Bible~ AHHH....my love letter from my "husband." 

9. My feet hitting the ground every morning for 31 years!

10. My Trips overseas~ they continue to change my life forever!

11. Returning to school full time~ Liberty University.

12. Pure Joy International Retreat Ministry~ my love for Missionaries!

13. Chosen Children Ministry~ my love for Nicaragua and children!

14. My Aunt Rosie's "80th" Bday~ Life is precious; live it to the fullest!

15. The birth of Lathon Atley Day~ Another "adopted" nephew! Precious little miracle!

16. My continued love, prayer, and dedication to the country of Africa~ 1/2 my heart is there!

17. My Scrap Room~ Therapy for my crazy life!

18. My "couch" and "chair"~ love for my Smith Family!

19. Facebook~ reconnecting with old friends!

20. My "Little" Sister graduating from High School~ just yesterday I was graduating and she was starting Kindergarten!

21. Moving my "Little" Sister into her dorm at Texas Tech~ that Football team was AMAZING this year! 

22. Starbuck's~ Let's see.....Caramel Frappachino, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, Caramel Macchiato!

23. LONGHORN FOOTBALL~ Gotta love me some Horns! FOREVER FAN!

24. Hobby Lobby~ if you can't find me; I'm HERE! 

25. Jon & Kate Plus Eight~ By far my FAVE on T.V. They encourage me! 

26. Outback Steakhouse~ I'm ALWAYS up for a Filet Mignon and a Baked Potato! 

27. Bath & Body Works~ Japanese Cherry Blossom and Sweet Pea!

28. Nail Studio~ Spa Pedicure! My feet love it! 

29. O'Chester Learning Center~ being able to have fun with kids, teachers, and parents!

30. United States of America~ Election year....God's IN CONTROL! 

31. Good Health, Strong Faith, and Looking forward to 2009! 

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS....name them one by one! Even the craziest things can bless our hearts! God gives us those things to put smiles on our faces, have fellowship with friends, grow closer and more dependent upon Him, and ENJOY life! God is good....ALL THE TIME! 

Guitar Hero fun at our Cousins.....

Last night we went over to our Cousins, the Riegers, for our Christmas with them. Mom has become OBSESSED with Guitar Hero and after last night I believe is headed to the store TODAY to get  herself a Wii as well as her OWN Guitar Hero and Wii Fit. She was SO INTO IT but I have to admit after awhile she became VERY good at it! I believe she would be willing to take anyone on! Watch out.....before you know it we will be having Guitar Hero Tournaments at the Hilderbrand house! 

 

a VERY merry CHRISTmas.....

I'm praying that ALL of my friends and family had as blessed a Christmas as we did! We had an amazing day together as a family! The biggest surprise of the day was the "BIG" gift Hillary and I gave my mom and dad. I decided several weeks ago to do something we've never done before after seeing the Christmas cards my mom was sending out to people. She was "thinking ahead" back in March when we took a family picture during our new Pictorial pictures at church and ordered Christmas cards then. Well, as many of you probably read in my blog in August I got 13 inches cut off my hair SO needless to say the Pictorial picture was WAY outdated from only 7 months ago! Hillary and I went and had our pictures taken together and surprised mom and dad with a new plethora of pictures of their "two girls." It was so much fun!

Bags...Sewing....fun times in Ft. Worth~ ALWAYS!

Many of you that know me know that I'm pretty crafty, however, sewing is definitely NOT my thing! I've never been interested in it and frankly am still not. My mom did teach me how to do one thing and that was how to sew a button on and I can do that pretty well! This weekend it was time to head up to Ft. Worth to pick up the bags from Brooke's party we had in Austin back in November as well as love me some Wells family! 

Brooke still had a few bags to make and none of the buttons had been sewed on so a few late nights (about 1 a.m.) we had completed our Bag Journey! Hillary and Amy helped tag the bags one night. 

I was also blessed to be able to see Karly and Abby in the Christmas Performance at First Euless on Sunday afternoon. They were ADORABLE~ and NO that's not just the Aunt Holly talking.....EVERYONE agreed! 

I'm more than blessed to have some adopted "Big Brothers" in my life and Kent is AMAZING! He has been an encourager, a prayer warrior, and has talked some sense into me from time to time! It is such an AWESOME thing to watch God use him in the life of students. He is by far one of the BEST Student Pastors EVER as well as "Big Brother."

Not to mention my trip was actually made complete this time by being able to spend some time with Uncle Joshy! Josh had the ultimate part in the Christmas Performance.....to play Santa Claus! He did great and excited everyone when he rode into the Sanctuary on his little moped! Hillary and I went to eat dinner with Josh and Rhi on Saturday night and was able to spend some quality time picking "Dad's" brain on what to prepare Little Hudson with when he enters the world next year~ gifts, gifts, and more gifts! Oh yeah....and if no one is planning a shower, Josh is rolling the dice to make sure one's planned! Not a problem, Josh. We'll make sure that Little Man is SPOILED ROTTEN! I'm quite sure he will not be on the "deprived" list of babies! I already love me some Hudson Merriott and I CANNOT wait to hold him and love on that precious miracle! 

"Belf" the Elf....

Friday night I got to spend some time with my boys. Earlier that day Mara had bought the Elf on the Shelf for them and wanted me to read it to them to introduce the Elf before they went to bed because they were going to go see Santa Claus on Saturday morning. I absolutely love opportunities like this. It makes me realize just how much I miss teaching and encouraging young and impressionable hearts for loving a lifetime of learning. I read the book as animated as I could getting both Brock-man and Bear to "believe" in the Elf. They were on each side of me as we were sitting on the couch listening VERY intently. Of course, Aunt Holly indulged some of the book to keep their attention and talked them through many parts of it asking them questions to get them involved in discussion as well as understanding it. They were so intrigued. I also tried to correlate "naughty and nice" to "wise choices and unwise choices," when we choose to "obey and disobey." I personally believe that you can reach kids with balancing the Scriptures and make believe without harming them for life. Santa and the "magic" of the Elf flying to the North Pole is a fun family tradition around Christmas time; teaching them to make unwise and wise choices to please Jesus is a LIFETIME of learning. Anyway.....enough of my soap box. At the end of reading the book, Barrett and Brock began to look for the Elf. They were absolutely THE CUTEST as they looked all over the living room trying to find where "Belf" the Elf was "watching them." Barrett decided to name the Elf "Belf" because he has a bell hanging off his hat. They found him sitting high on a shelf and immediately had to get close to him so they could start talking to him. Brock had a hard time understanding why he couldn't "touch" him. Explaining that we could use our eyes to look at him and our words to talk to him but our hands are used to do kind things about did it for him understanding why he couldn't do it! They both began whispering to him what they wanted for Christmas. I couldn't hear Barrett- so hopefully Mara & Alf knows what he wants from Santa- and Brock kept saying, I want a "BIG WOODY." I'm anxious to watch what the next few weeks unfolds. Alf told me both the boys were up at 5:30 a.m. yesterday morning looking for him. Hopefully, Alf & Mara can come up with some hard places so they can sleep later! This morning at church Brock came running up to me and said, "Aunt Holly, Elf is in the kitchen today."  TOO cute! 

IT WILL WORK....trust me!

The other night Mara & I went shopping so we could be creative making some Christmas gifts and returned home to this "thing" in the kitchen covered up by a towel. Curious to see what it was Mara went to go uncover it. Soon after I hear this chuckle saying, "Sister, come here....look what he's done." Well, needless to say my chuckle followed closely after. We both tried to convince Alf that it wasn't going to work. It went downhill from there. Finally, at about 10:30 we had convinced him to "cut off the top" and get the lid to actually sit on top of the crock pot COVERING the top of the Pork. He worked for at least 30 minutes cutting the frozen piece of meat with an electric knife squeezing what he could down into the crock pot. I looked at the lid and told him I thought he had the top of a Pyrex dish and sure enough he did....so then went the hunt for the correct lid to place on top of the completely squeezed crock pot of pork. "Trust me," he kept saying.....well, the next day, Mara wakes up to go downstairs to the lovely barbeque smell in the kitchen of sauce and pork juice dripping all down the dishwasher and onto the floor. "Trust me" still rings in my ears....I do have to say it sure did taste good so maybe that's what Alf was trying to get us to trust him in. As Mara and I continued to chuckle at him the whole next day I began to encourage Alf as I do the teachers with the kids at OLC.....it's ALL ABOUT THE PRODUCT NOT THE PROCESS THAT COUNTS! 

Jon and Kate Marathon....

Okay...so many of my friends know I'm TOTALLY obsessed with Jon & Kate Plus Eight! Call me crazy but I just think they are the cutest kids and have the neatest family! Not to mention the fact that I love how balanced they are in relationally raising their children in today's world. I have previously posted how I have watched them and kept up with them when they did their so called "one night special" of the delivery of the sextuplets. Soon after began the series. Thank GOD for DVR when I'm not at home on Monday nights for the new episodes. On Thanksgiving day they had a Jon & Kate Plus Eight marathon and needless to say that was where the TV stayed for quite awhile until my Mom very kindly said, "Can we change the channel?" One of my birthday gifts from Maranatha was their new book that came out. I looked SOOOO forward to reading it over the holidays because I completed ALL of my school work BEFORE Thanksgiving so I could enjoy "ME" time. I got to read what I wanted without having to write a book review afterwards, taking an Exam, or posting a Discussion Board. I read their book in one night and the next morning.....it was such a easy and encouraging read. What a testimony they are to many around them on their dependance upon the Lord through  such a MIRACLE of the birth of 6 babies! I admire their determination in raising their children in the admonition of the Lord! The story she tells of the scripture cards her Mom gave her when she found out she was pregnant was the neatest thing! She continues to hold onto to those cards on the same ring her mom gave her then and refers to them often with the struggles and rewards of raising 2 sets of multiples. 

Week of FREEDOM.....

 On Monday the week of Thanksgiving Mom, Hill, and I headed to the Condo for the week. Dad followed on Tuesday night after work. This is always such a fun week for my family. No schedule, no worries, creative ingenious' at work, movies, movies, and more movies. As well as all of our "fave's" for breakfast, lunch, AND dinners! Out we headed to Hobby Lobby on Tuesday a.m. Mom and Hillary started laughing at me because before I left Austin I printed 10 of these 40% off coupons off of my weekly Hobby Lobby Ad that comes through email. Believe it OR not I used EVERY one of them that week! I participated in a Christmas Show last week and the week of Thanksgiving was my creative week.

It is truly therapy for me; I enjoy it SOOOO much! Below are some pictures of what my projects at the condo looked like while working on them. Of course, you must make a note of the infamous Sonic drink in the background! It's always a MUST when I'm creating! 

Being Thankful...

Before Thanksgiving Beth called and needed a quick help with the kids overnight so her and Peyton could attend an out of town funeral. I picked up Sister and Bub from school and we headed home to start homework and eat dinner. When we got home I went to pull dinner out of the fridge to start cooking it and I noticed this "I am Thankful for...." page taped to the front of the fridge. It was the most precious thing EVER! I just absolutely love my "Miss Priss" and I'm SO very thankful for her ALWAYS! 

My Party Planners....Alf & Mara~

For a couple of weeks before my Bday, Maranatha began to tell me not to plan anything the Friday before my Bday because her and Alfred wanted to celebrate with me. They were leaving for Memphis that weekend before and wanted to take me to dinner. So, of course I cleared my calendar, however, I attempted to convince the both of them that I simply was very happy with hanging out at the house, watching a movie, and having take out. Even up until the day before I was telling Mara that's what I wanted to to do and she sent me a text message that said, "Get over it; we're taking you out." I didn't know where we going or what we were doing. Alf called me that day and tried to play it cool by saying, "What are we doing tonight?" I didn't have a clue but I wasn't the least bit suspicious. I guess you could say I'm used to hanging out with Alf & Mara so it really didn't surprise me that we were going out to dinner. They picked me up and off we went.....to an unknown destination. I wondered where we were going so I asked Mara (Alf was on the phone) and she was like, "You need to ask the man, he's the one that knows." Well, then I was confused but I just sat back and reveled in conversation. Before too long I realized, myself, that we were on our way to the Oasis. I absolutely love that place! We went inside and the hostess began walking us to our table.....well, then came the suspicion. She began to walk us through the kitchen which I thought was weird and then said, "they're all in there." Well.....there ya have it! A SURPRISE party it was....and ALL of my favorite people were there! It was so much fun- good food and great fellowship- what more could you ask for! Thanks, Alf & Mara~ It was a memory I'll never forget! 

OLC Surprise....

The Thursday before Thanksgiving I was on the phone at work and there was a knock on the door. I was on an important call so I ignored the knock and another knock came. At this point I was a little aggravated so I said "I'm on the phone." There was this voice that said, "I know but I need you." I opened up the door and it was my sweet friend and teacher at OLC, Johnna. She said Barrett was very upset and wanted to see "Aunt Holly." Well.....you tell me one of my kids is upset and I come running! So, I told my friend on the phone I would call them back and Johnna and I began walking through the hallway. She proceeded to tell me what had taken place in the classroom and that Bear was just having a hard time getting "over it." I was wondering why we were walking towards a classroom that we typically do not use during OLC, however, I had a one track mind of Barrett on my mind. As soon as the door opened I began to hear all these little voices scream at me, "SURPRISE!" Soon thereafter they began to sing Happy Birthday to me! It was the sweetest thing. There was a cake with candles and the teachers had all signed a BIG card for me! Most of the time my Bday is celebrated very early due to my Bday always being around Tgiving so it typically always catches me off guard. It was a sweet day at school that day! 

My Heart is blessed....

A few weeks ago my sweet Big Sis and Big Bro had a new "Day" baby enter the world! Lathon Atley Day was born on November 18th at 5:00 a.m. He is SOOOOOO precious....of course, I say that about all my "Day" babies! A tradition that was started when Garrison was born 12 years ago is to take dinner the night Angie has a baby of HER choice! This is a time where she can eat what she wants and ENJOY it! Each year it's been different, however, when Garrison was born she wanted Chili's and when Lathon was born Chili's it was again! It's a great time to love on my new baby and enjoy hanging out with my precious Sis and Bro. I'm SOOOOOO excited to watch another little one grow up calling me "Aunt Ha-Ha!" 

What a Sweet Sunday.....

Today was such a sweet day at church and always one of my favorite days especially when one of "my" babies are up on stage! I love Parent-Child Dedication day. A time when parents acknowledge in front of our church family that they will raise their child in the admonition of the Lord. Today, Will and Johnna, dedicated precious Anna. She was GORGEOUS in her little dedication gown. Mom and Dad were glowing on the stage. I consider it such a privilege to be able to witness such a special day in the life of Anna Adeline Hold. It has been SOOOO neat to watch God work in their lives the past year. Johnna took pictures after church of "Aunt Holly" with Will, William, and Anna but of course Mom was the one behind the camera. Sad day....we'll have to snap a picture together SOON!

Quick Trip up IH-35

Last week Kent's dad had open heart surgery. That called for a quick trip to Ft. Worth for Aunt Holly and Momma T.....we left early Saturday a.m. and enjoyed a day with the fam! It was Abby's last soccer game. She did AWESOME playing goalie! I was SOOO proud of her! While Kent and Brooke went to the hospital we headed to Southlake to do some shopping with the girls! Books are always a favorite with the girls and Aunt Holly CANNOT ever pass up the opportunity to buy her girls some new books! We frequently travel to Barnes and Noble.....the girls had fun picking out some books. Mom had never been to Southlake and LOVED it! It's similar to the Domain just MUCH bigger and of course the weather was beautiful Saturday afternoon. We met mom and dad for dinner and then Momma T and I hit the road to come home! We had fun listening to the Texas Tech game in the car on the way home.....man oh man, that team is a POWERHOUSE this year!

Anna the Ballerina

Well....I absolutely LOVE Harvest Day at school every year! It makes my day standing out in front of the doors greeting all the kiddos in their costumes! I had encouraged the teachers to dress up or be "festive" so when I got home the Wednesday before our Harvest Party Day I had the crazy idea to paint pumpkins all over a pair of my jean capris. I was up until nearly midnight but I believe they turned out cute if I do say so myself! My sweet little Anna-banana was dressed up in her Ballerina outfit so I just HAD to capture the moment!

Fun Times in Ft. Worth

Well, it was time for my Fall Trip to Ft. Worth to spend time with my Wells family.....I've canceled this trip twice so it was TIME! Selfishly, I needed time away and nobody better to spend it with then Kent, Brooke and the girls. I ate lunch with Abby-girl at school and met her friends. After we picked Abby up from school we headed to the pumpkin patch. Friday night was girls night and Aunt Nannon came over while Joshy and Kent went to the Football game. We painted our pumpkins and had a great time catching up. NOT to mention that I got to hug the "new mommy's" neck.....YES! Rhiannon is PREGNANT! I'm SOOOO thrilled and excited for her and Josh. They are going to be such AMAZING parents! On Saturday we enjoyed the morning at Abby's Soccer game. I thank God EVERY DAY for my friendship of over 15 years with Brooke....it's amazing that throughout the years God came full circle from Highschool days to now! My heart always leaves so refreshed, renewed, and rested after my getaways in Ft. Worth. Until next time.....

"Aunt Ha-Ha"

Because of this boy I'm privileged to be called "Aunt Holly." Well, actually it's "Ha-Ha." Garrison Clark Day was born 12 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday! Angie and I were on our way home from Missouri with her being 9 months pregnant with G-man and it wasn't long after our trip home in the car he blessed us with his presence. I kissed mom's tummy before he came out and began a tradition of being the FIRST to "kiss" my Day-babies.

Any "DAY" now I'm going to be blessed all over again with kissing Angie's tummy again before the 7th Day-baby enters our world. I CANNOT WAIT!

When Garrison began to talk he coined the name "Ha-ha" which is what I continue to be lovingly called by my Day-babies. I LOVE IT and I LOVE THEM!

Time with Bubba and Sister!

I absolutely ADORE these kids! Peyton and Beth had a wedding in California to attend so it was my time with the kids while they were away.....5 days worth! The Smith home is MY "home away from home" and I LOVE it when I'm there. Lincoln, Scarlett, and I have SOOOO much fun when we are together. We talk about anything, play Wii together, watch movies together, spend LOTS of time shopping at the Domain and drive Lincoln around WHEREVER his next stop is~ ha! It has been a pleasure AND a blessing to watch these two kids grow up. They are simply amazing and I CANNOT wait to watch God's plan fold for each of their lives.

Veggie Tale Live!!

Okay, so I'm definitely catching up! SOOOO.....6 weeks ago Veggie Tales Live came to Austin and of course we could NOT pass up the chance to take Barrett and Brock! These boys know EVERY Veggie Tales song from the first word to the last; especially Brock! It was SOOOOO much fun watching them. And the Veggie Show wasn't too bad itself!

An AMAZING Book!

Well, once again it's been awhile.....ahhh, life! It's SO busy....too busy! I have several other posts to play catch up on but I'll do that later (and before next month-ha!). Anyway, I wanted to share with you a book that I came across a few weeks ago and it's a MUST read! If you have never heard of Francis Chan, he has not only an awesome testimony of Christ in his own life but he is a deeply committed follower of Christ that is in "Crazy Love" with Him. Being "overwhelmed by a relentless God" only sums up a portion of this book. It's a short read and what I absolutely LOVE about it is on his website there are video openers that lead into each chapter. He leaves you thinking, meditating, and prayerful about your personal relationship with our Ultimate Father! One of the very first videos that introduces the book talks about writing "GOD" in sand. Francis challenges you to think about that and then ask yourself if that is just another word to you? Where is our sense of awe and how does that word effect your EVERY day view of God? The opening video talks about our Galaxy. Even if you don't want to read the book check out his website and watch this short video.....THE AWE FACTOR OF GOD. www.crazylovebook.com 

WHEW! What a day, what a day!

Okay, well...we definitely had a FULL day today but we had SO much fun! Alf and Mara are out of town for 5 days so the boys are getting good quality time with "Aunt Holly" while they are gone. Today is the only day that we literally had ALL day long to things together because tomorrow we'll be at church most of the day and with school back in session,  Alf and Mara will be back before we know it! So....off to planning we go! The boys woke up, ate breakfast, and chilled on the couch watching Saturday a.m. tube for a little bit. When we were getting ready, Barrett kept telling me that he couldn't dress himself and that he needed help....well, you ain't pulling that on this lady! I started playing a game of counting with him to see just how long it would take him to put his 3 pieces of clothing and shoes on. Before HE knew it he was dressed and ready to go with a big smile on his face for his accomplishment! When I was counting with Barrett, Brock was excited cheering him on that despite how many times I told him to quit jumping on the couch, SMACK....there went the head straight down into the coffee table. Major catastrophe averted, however, I continued to pray throughout the day that black eyes didn't show up and that the weird looks from people would go away. He was so brave and kept his ice pack on his nose. Of course, I gave in and let him have his pacifier to help comfort and calm him. We have to make excuses SOME times! We decided we wanted to go to Build A Bear and then eat at Chick Fil-A in the Food Court. They boys had so much fun stuffing, bathing, and dressing their bears! Not to mention I'm convinced that Chick Fil-A sent the cow to the Food Court today JUST because they knew we would be there! The boys were thrilled! After lunch we got special cupcakes for snack later from this GREAT place in the mall and then off to Target we went! We decided we wanted to make homemade pizzas for dinner and while we were there we found a $5 blow up pool that provided a few hours of entertainment in my backyard! They were tuckered out by the end of the night and both were cuddled and asleep in NO time with their new friends from today! Below are the pix that cap Day One with Mom and Dad gone....NOW, some of you may be thinking after a long day like this why I'm not in bed. Normally, I would be thinking the same thing myself, however, I bleed Orange and would never miss a Longhorn Football game! Who's crazy idea was it to not start this game until 9:30 at night! UGH!