2007 Christmas Edition

Merry Christmas!

Writing this December blog has been a little more challenging than my usual monthly updates. In our Christmas cards I traditionally do something that recounts the past year's events; however, I didn't want it to be too redundant for those of you who have faithfully read our blogs throughout the year and already know what we have been up to. So in my attempt to summarize our year without rehashing what you may already know, I bring you the "Twelve Months of 2007" sung to the ever popular tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas".

On the first month of this year my family gave to me
The baptism of Brittany.

On the second month of this year my family gave to me
2 fun days in Chicago with my girlfriends
And a week for Barr in Oregon with grass seed.
(I wonder who had more fun!)

On the third month of this year my family gave to me
3 pine wood race heats
2 months of music therapy
And 1 new refrigerator for me!

On the fourth month of this year my family gave to me
4 hours of sleep for Ben on his overnight at COSI
3 fabulous days with the Andersens
2 hours driving to Grandmas for Easter
And Barr's first triathlon in Miami
(That's Miami, of Ohio, but I'm trying to make this rhyme)

On the fifth month of this year my family gave to me
5 hours of shoveling dirt to the backyard
4 more hours of moving stones around
3 showers before I felt clean again
2 sons to take to the Father-and-Son camp out
And 1 Race for the Cure that made us realize we're so lucky!

On the sixth month of this year my family gave to me
6 Memorial Golf Tournament tickets
5 piano students (+ our 3 kids) performing at our recital
4 days at scout camp
3 days in Denver for A Walk with Christ
2 kids taking tennis lessons
And 1 fun weekend with the Larsens at Cedar Point in Sandusky

On the seventh month of this year my family gave to me
7 sleep overs with friends
6 runs Barr made for his softball team
5 hours at Red White and Boom
4 hours each day playing at the pool
3 kids in swimming lessons
2 Clippers Baseball Games
And 1 very happy birthday (for Becky)

On the eighth month of this year my family gave to me
8 fun filled days in Denver
7 peaceful hours driving to Denver while the kids slept
6 cousins to play with
5 minutes before Ben was hooked to the Wii
4 dips in Grandma's hottub
3 days at the Cincinnati reunion
2 kids lost at Coney Island
And 1 Grandma turning 60!

On the ninth month of this year my family gave to me
9 soccer practices
8 hours drive to Big Lick Triathlon
7 times Barr told me he wished I would do it too
6 trips to the dentist
5 hours at Time Out for Women
4 different curriculum nights
3 wonderful preschool teachers
2 hours of freedom in the mornings
And 1 fun weekend back in Indy

On the tenth month of this year my family gave to me
10 hours on the Primary piano bench
9 rooms bought on Webkinz World
8 o'clock orchestra practice
7 walks to the park
6 cheeseballs Brooke can fit in her mouth
5 flat bicycle tires
4 boxes of cereal eaten after school
3 inches cut off Brittany's hair
2 inches Ben grew
And 1 ton of Halloween candy

On the eleventh month of this year my family gave to me
11 hours raking leaves
10 times singing "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" at family night
9 touch down victory at the Turkey Bowl
8 minute speech given by Ben at Dare Graduation
7 days with Grandparents
6 bruises from ice skating
5 a.m. shopping at Walmart
4 pet stains on the carpet
3 fun days in Michigan
2 girls in gymnastics
And 1 yummy Thanksgiving turkey

On the twelveth month of this year my family gave to me
12 times each night answering the question, "What was that noise? I heard something."
11 times Ben was sure there was someone hiding under his bed or in his closet
10 boxes of Kleenex
9 Christmas parties
8 dozen buckeyes eaten (it's an Ohio thing)
7 inches of rainfall
6 unsuccessful attempts to convince Brooke to sit on Santa's lap
5 new friends at playgroup (for me)
4 hours at Dave & Busters
3 Youtube Calvin and Hobbes slideshows created
2 new elves to add to the family
And remembering the special birth of one baby.

We are.very grateful for this time of year and for the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are also thankful for your friendship and hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season.

Love,
The Hills


Christmas Greetings video



Have a Merry Christmas!