2013 Year in Review

Hi!  Just wanted to take the time to say Happy New Year to you ALL!  I guess what my Mom says is right, the older you get, the faster the time goes!  It was a big year for us…so many good things!  Here are a few highlights and low lights from the Jill on the Hill family.

Son #1 and his girlfriend got engaged in May. Our whole family and his girlfriend were at our cottage and they went for a hike in the woods.  (little did she know that she would be hiking and have an engagement ring on her finger when the hike was done!)  Son #1 let me in on his plan and I hiked the HUGE hill right after the proposal to take some pictures!  *Cute fact: Son #1 asked his 12 year old little sister to go to pick out the ring at the jeweler with him!

Son #2 graduated from high school with an impressive G.P.A.  He was ready to be DONE with high school, I might add!

 He limped across the stage to get his diploma because he had ACL reconstructive knee surgery a few weeks before, which ended his high school tennis career quickly.

In the Fall, he attended college and we willingly (crazy, I know!) moved him into his dorm that was on the 10th floor.  Temperatures that day were in the 90’s with high humidity.  Did I mention there was a 30 minute wait for the elevator??   Yes, we took the steps, 3 times…up all 9 flights of stairs with some of his stuff!  That is why our farewell picture with him looks like this. We were sweaty messes and very thankful for our air conditioned car as we left campus!  God bless him, he ran his fan, survived the heat and stayed hydrated; all without his Mom calling and telling him to do that!  So Proud of him!!

Son #3  graduated from Middle School…his grandparents were even there to watch the ceremony!

He started big, scary, high school…and even attended the Homecoming dance!  (Don’t look too closely or you will see the bird poo splat on the pillar!)

Later this Fall he accomplished his goal of making the Freshman basketball team and started the season strong.

His excitement lead to frustration as he learned that he had fractured his L5 vertebrae on both sides which lead to him sitting on the bench for at least half of the season.  The next dr. appt. will tell if he can rejoin the team and play!  (crossing fingers and toes)

In May, Sweet Pea ended her elementary school years in style by being escorted on the last day of school by limo. The rose was a nice touch too!

Later in the Fall she started Middle School, and felt so big and mature because she had her own locker!  She spent a few days planning how she would decorate it! ( The boys never did that!)

In October she turned twelve….almost a teenager!

I kept busy this year volunteering with our dog, Bella, a few times a week at a local senior apartment/memory care facility and also at Sweet Pea’s school.  The work is SO rewarding!  I LOVE it!

Of course, I had plenty of walks at the park with my 2 furry buddies.

Hubby and I celebrated our 23rd Wedding Anniversary in December…

I often wonder if I should be “earning a paycheck” now that the kids are in school, but I’m so happy that my hubby supports me in staying at home- cooking, cleaning and nurturing our big family.  It’s just what I want to do!

Speaking of the hubby, he had a good year too.  He (we) spent a fair amount of time at our cottage, away from the busy-ness of the city (where he works.)

and he even had a chance to hit a few golf balls!

His new adventure this year is coaching Sweet Pea and her 6th grade girls basketball team.  This is a major change from coaching our sons’ teams for the last 8 years!  It’s been a blessing that he has 2 other coaches that are so committed and helpful when he needs advice or suggestions!

Just as everyone else, our family has had our share of ups and downs, joys and disappointments- but we’re looking forward to a great 2014 !

May your 2014 be Blessed!!