Nope.....no vampires.....

Nope - no pictures yet - but I'm sitting here in the Seattle area.  I'm visiting my son Matt, and his beautiful wife Bethany, and my grand kids Andy and Emma.  I am always amazed at the lives my children have chosen to live - I am so impressed with the goals they have made and obtained and the wonderful adults they have become.  I'm enjoying Matt and Bethany's beautiful new home - and wonderful neighbors.  We arrived on Friday to celebrate Emma's blessing.   It was hard to be so far apart on this Memorial Weekend from the family - Mandy and Ryan in Texas, Elder Hillary in Arizona, Ashley and Mike in Utah - but I told them all that our hearts would be connected.  I have ENJOYED - massive amounts of time with my beautiful grandchildren - who would have known how amazing they would be - and how they could impact my life so much.  They define Joy.  I look forward to many more 'JOYS.'  Seattle is absolutely beautiful, and no, my other children will never visit here because then THEY WILL WANT TO MOVE HERE!!!! (:  It's so beautiful and green.  The houses are surrounded by forests of huge trees and it smells like rain heaven.  I'm still a bit confused - I haven't seen a Vampire yet - and  I don't know if I'm on Team Edward or Team Jacob still.....  BUT... the neighborhood where they live - is filled with wonderful neighbors - kind and helpful.  Each one will influence my grandchildren in one way or another - every color, every religion, every kindness.  A variety of humans bringing special gifts to their lives.  I love the fact that both grandmas and grandpas can have so much love for their children - and between the two families - that's how it should be.  We are all a big family when we are together.  I have struggled immensely that my son is living so far away, but his successes and happiness is first and foremost at the top of the list.  He is in his element here, he is outgoing and helpful and engaging to those around him.  His amazing wife Bethany is the sweetest mom ever - patient - and funny - and real.  She opened their home to everyone today - they all came - visited, loved each other with kind conversation, and left a bit of their hearts here in their home.  When I leave I hope to leave a bit of my heart here.  I will miss the 'NANNA' calls from the top of the stairs - I will miss the sweet brush of Emma's long eyelashes on my face, I will not miss Lemon Bars, but I will miss Bethany and her itching when you say an animal sound.  I will miss... my Son.  On those days that perhaps you miss me - find that piece of my heart I left there and hold it carefully - and I will be there.   "I carry you in my heart, I carry your heart in mine"  Thank you for a beautiful weekend.  I love you always, in a land with no sun - you are always my sunshine.

SQUIRREL..... Random thoughts Part 12 (the first one was posted - but I've lost the other 10 somewhere....)

Things I'm doing instead of being out on the road riding my bike....

Posting this blog - after reading my daily nienie dialogues.
Facebooking - it's a sickness... and I gotta feeva.
Laughing that I found some old friends - and we are all very old now.
Watching a fly floating around in my waterglass, and wondering how much of it I drank before I noticed it.  (Hey I can share)
Wondering what I'll pack for my trip - besides the things I want to take to my grandkids..... always wear clean underwear - ok mom.
Missing the traveling man Mr. Hillary - as I look over at his doghouse he usually sleeps in at night.... I still kinda miss him.  Wait - take that back - he took the toothpaste. Sweep out the doghouse...
Wondering if my 80 year old mom failed her drivers test for the 3rd and lucky charm time.
Thinking of all of the lives we've just saved.
Eating carrot cake right out of the pan with a fork - because I can.
Wondering what I'm going to do when I get a flat tire today at the point of the mountain.
Missing the Yorker for some dumb reason.
Wishing that recruiters would land the job instead of making calls that make my heart leap and sink.
Hating Channel 5 coverage on ATK - Hating layoffs more and more and more....
Smelling the homemade pumpkin cinnamon whole wheat bread baking....mmmm lovin' my kids, and carbs.
Reading Elaine's comments and realizing that I'm lucky to have a friend like her - we will burn baby burn in the next life.
Lovin' that my son in laws are handsome - and my daughter in law is hot ta ta.
Aching to hold my grandkids, and corrupt them quickly - with sugar.
Searching for something to eat after the cake.... chips and salsa?
Realizing that when Ashley, Mandy, Matt and I talk on facebook - no one knows what in the world we are talking about - because it's all in code - oh .... if you only knew.
Acting like I'll miss work while I'm gone.... what the?  Scratch that.
Anticipating Biggest Loser, Parenthood, Stupidest Idol, and Dancing with the Tramps, and staring at only one way to record all of the stations at once.
Noticing that there's also a reception I have to be to tonight, mmm more cake - should I take my fork and fly water?.
Seeing that I've now wasted a whole lot of time on the computer.
Sending all my love to my Missionary.  Ok - so I'll spare a bit o love for the other kids too - oh ok - you can all have all of my love..... except my love for a tall McDonalds Coke - and thinking.... now was NOT a good time to give it up....
Driving to McDonalds.
Pausing.... no.... getting my padded butt shorts on and hittin' the road.  Ok - maybe I'll put a top on too.
Squirrel....

Spock you...

...I think not Obama - you'll never get to space..

Usually - and I use that loosely I'm not a 'you suck' kind of a person - but today I think I'll call up my Ace and play the card.  As I have indicated - I voted for the REAL Spock for President - he's logical - intelligent - has awesome ears - and most of all he's really interested in the space program. Unlike the current android we have in office. Spock would make sure that everyone kept their jobs - because he can't compute why anyone skilled enough to make rocket motors should not be doing just that! He would not get angry like I am - he would tilt his head and call it like it is - wrong. Where one space ship door closes - a beautiful young talented Engineer will now boldly go where no man has gone before.... wait - as of this week 375 have boldly not been given that opportunity - but you will do just fine. You are made of great stuff. The matter between your pointed ears is potent with good material, your space boots are hottata, and your heart... well your heart is loved, more than ever today. Wait - you say that Spock couldn't have any feelings? Not so! He was caught kissing the girl from Avitar right? Thank heaven for the rescue pod that arrived just in time today - thanks Mike. So - let Boeing know you'll be right over, or the other 2 delightful planets that want you, and take my advice Masta Lee Lee - Live Long and Prosper - and tomorrow - we'll get you a Pirate Band. Oh Ratts, we'll have to road trip for that one... bike tires pumped up?  Limber up your fingers girl - you'll be.... logically... just fine.  We all love you!

*NOTE* no you are not confused - we DO include secret codes in our blogs that only our family understands, and if you ever came do dinner you would realize that we talk like this all the time... Bethany, please pass the rolls (:  (hey kids - thanks for the 'Rally 'round the Family' today)(Matt - where are those shells?)(oh - there they are in your pocket!)

25 is an excellent age!

Just wish it was me!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Yes - it's a pirated picture because

MY new camera will NOT download things

so I'll use yours!!

Seriously not easy top keep a secret from this one.

Mandy and I had to dish her off so we wouldn't spill the beans.

Melesa (her friend) and Mike (her handsome hubby)

planned a 25th Suprise BD party for Ashley.

Yum food and good company made for a fun night.

It's almost to hard to comprehend that your little girl

is 25 years old - and that in those 25 years she's

carved out a place in the world with her name on it.

She's known for her Educational accomplishments as

we have all bragged about that in every post!  But she

also is extremely musical, piano and saxophone.

She's a model for Urban Talent.

She's been in the Harley Davidson Catalog.

She's a power play workout guru.

She's a wonderful wife to Mike.

She's a great sister and daughter and friend.

She serves her neighbors and friends.

Her heart is huge - she's centered in her beliefs.

She's an amazing shopper - ok - she's more than amazing...

The world would just be a dull and dismal place without her.

So - lucky for Del and I - Ashley became our 2nd child

of 4 great kids, and today - we love her 25 more times

than on May 16th 1985... and we loved her beyond

words on that day 25 years ago.

We love you Ashley!

Happy Birthday!

(BTY - I was 25 when I had you Ashley

makes 50 look pretty old today...)

Paternity Leave

 

 Me:  Matt - just called to say hello to my grandki...... wait - is Emma ok?

(Holy screaming in the background)

Mae:  Ya - she's just tired and she can't go to sleep yet because she's already slept.

Me:  Oh... Ok.... well - where is Drewbug?

Mae:  I think he's upstairs..... "Hey Andy, whatcha doin?"

.........silence.............

Mae:  Oh there you are...um.... can I help you with that?

........Andy runs in with his fruit snack bag and a huge pair of scissors.....

Me:  Um.... Mae - that's how big brothers cut little sisters hair off when you're not looking...

Mae:  I'm never going to get this yard in am I! (:

Me:  So I don't hear Em anymore is she ok?

Mae:  Ya - she settles herself down pretty good....

.........I think she ate her fist......

I'm not going to say (or post) anything....really - I mean - Matt, Ashley, Mandy and Ryan all survived ME right?  Right?

There's a chance...

.....of this tomorrow...

which makes me feel a little better

inside.

My tomatoes are hiding under a blanket,

and my Teva's are calling my name.

I might even

smile

tomorrow...

warm wishes!

Yerp - she's a smrt Gril.

Been really behind on my blogging - I own guilt in a serious way. I'm frustrated at my fun new camera - because it won't download any of my pictures.  Pictures help me tell my stories - but for now I'll have to use my words.

Ashley Michelle (Hillary) Doxstader - is now the proud owner of a Masters in Chemical Engineering Degree - determined, devoted, and darling.  She towered up over the other graduates - 5'11" and add 5 inch heels - she just had the best view around. (So sorry about the people behind her!)  She started devoting herself to her schooling many years ago - never missing a beat to become all that she dreamed of being.  To those sotty Jr. High kids........ check her out now - don'tcha wish you'd been nicer then? (:  I love that Ashley put her blinders on and believed that she could accomplish anything she put her mind to.  During her Bachelors from BYU and Masters from U of U - she:  met and fell in love with and (whew lucky for all of us) married Michael.  They both survived a tour in Iraq - and bravely lived vicariously through their computers to communicate.  Surgeries in Germany for Michael, safe returns home, school, school, school, finding a new home, (decorating it!) (filling it with shoes), supporting family on both sides every chance she could, and  recently losing a bit of heaven as she gave back to Heavenly Father that which she could not have.... just yet.  This mom's day is a tough one for all of us.  But never the less - there she stood - in honor, and beauty and total attitude - and walked across that stage, and became what she believed she could be.  She sat there listening to the speaker saying, "You are part of a graduating class that is effected 100% by the poor job offerings...."  HellOOOOO jerk speaker!  She has actually been working at what she does best for 2 years now!  WHEW!  So - not only a degree, but the job no one said she would have!  (refer back to Jr High people)  So - pictureless - I will still congratulate my cute baby girl - and wish you all of the Chemical Engineering dreams you can find.... way to go Lee Lee!

Mom-isms and other things

It's Mom's day - Mandy just posted the sweetest blog - and a picture of Gma June, herself and I.  I look like freaking old.  Been riding the roller coaster down hill too fast and it's stretching my face out in the wind.  I do like being a mom though. I hope all mom's have a great day today.  Especially my cute daughter in law Bethany - who brought into our family Andy and Emma - perfect little mixture Hillary/Stimpson youngins.  So blessed - her for becoming a mom against all odds - and me for being able to cherish the fruits of her labor!  I love being a Grandmom, ok but it's not fair that I'm recognized as the one with the squawking bird.  I also recognize my mom today - I love her so much I want to kill her.  She takes her mandatory driving test on Tuesday to see if they'll let her continue to drive.  I'd freak out too if an 80 year old lady was coming towards me in a vehicle in my lane.... So I would also like to thank the local police department for doing that which only they could do.... save many lives.  Wow - squirrel - distraction... I love my mom though.  No one would believe her stories - one day I will write them and become famous.  You'll all want to read about her I just know it.  It will also include the million and one ways I am exactly like her.  I'm always making fun of Del's mom - Molly.  She's one hot momma. She's also 80 - but she doesn't pick up pine cones under the pine tree and fall and break her nose all over her face  - wait - I had better wait to tell you that mommy story in the book.... Molly is a girly girl kinda mom - kinda fun to have one of those.  We don't see each other much - unless my Mr. Hillary (because Molly had her own for many years so I have to identify mine as 'mine') does something and I call him "Molly" - and he catches himself and laughs (when he's not Molly - he's Ed....).  I'm pretty sure that I'm not even on her top 1 list of favorite daughter in laws - even though my Mr. Hillary is the only one of 5 brothers that are married.  I just can't beat those odds can I?  I don't think I'll write a book about Molly - it might frighten small children.  I did give her 4 amazing grandchildren... I believe the last time they saw her was when she was in the hospital, and I knew that my prayers had been answered.  No, not because they were able to see their grandmother, but because she was in the hospital..... (burnin' for that one).  I need to shout out to a particular daughter that didn't get to be a mom this year.  Because Heavenly Father wasn't finished with the one he was sending and had to keep it.  Yet - I know that with all of the practicing going on - he'll have no choice but to send one quickly.  So - you will be blessed beyond all things by just desiring to be a mom - and when that day comes - it will be - all that and then some I promise you sweetheart.  Every woman is a mom - it is genetically linked to us by our Heavenly Mother - lucky us.  Ok - let me venture off to a new area that some of you might not consider a 'good thing' but I can...the in-law mom of your childrens' spouses.... I have to give some serious kudos here.  Kathleen, (including Gma Beverly), Ruth, and Pam.  Seriously - these are wonderful women!  How fun it is to compare stories of our kids - and to know that our grandkids will have some fun times ahead.  How interesting to see what each grandchild will call us..... Nanna, Ama, Grandma, MeMaw (that's for Elaine), and or 'Hey You with the cookies and candy' - you know - whatever works.  I love being a mom - but I'm sad because being put out to pasture is difficult.  Empty nest my Arsenal (of Kleenexes)!  I have no one to yell at, lecture, nag or put to work!  (Poor Mr Hillary)  I do look forward to continuing my talents of yelling, lecturing nagging and putting to work with my grand kids - ok - be it from a wicked wheelchair - but someone must carry the torch!  Now - like I said - I like being a mom - because I'm finally right.  I don't even have to say anything - they come to me and tell me stories and I just look at them - and they say - HOW DID YOU KNOW?  They think I have a sixth sense - I don't tell them any different - they are just growing into their own skin - it's fun to see.  I like being a mom - I like to sing really loud in public places when I am with my kids - they just die.  I love singing opera in church during the hymns - it makes Mandy pee laughing.  My son Matt and I have a favorite song we love to sing, "Rally round the family" not particularly a FHE song - as it continues, "with a pocket full of shells".  I love my gangsta son.  I love to hang out with Ashley - she reaches for things for me.  She can also hurt people - with her eyes - and her eyebrow lift.  I always feel safe around her.  I love Mandy for the fact that she yells things out the window while you're driving - particularly like, "Look!  It's Jaffar!" - ok - and this is at a red light and I can't get away.  I love Ryan - because well in about a hour or so - he'll give me my very last Missionary Mom phone call - and we'll talk about everything and I'll cry - and tell him how much my heart aches to see his face.  I'll tell him that I can either afford the new garment tops or bottoms but not both because I'm broke.  I'll ask him how he's doing health wise - and he'll lie and say he's doing great - but the X-Rays speak volumes different.  I'll tell him to not go without anything he needs - but please don't use his debit card or he'll won't have enough money for college.  It will be a loving a fulfilling phone call - if it ever happens..... sometime between 4 and 10 - wait - is he working for RC Willey as a delivery person?  I love being a mom - because in my case that comes with being a parent - and I'm lucky to have a partner in all of this.  Mr Hillary is an omlette maker - like beyond yum omlette maker.  This morning he poured me a bowl of cereal.  I love being a mom.  Did I mention that?  I love that you can change out the cereal pourer.... but your kids cannot change out their mom.  I think that I stood in the right line in heaven to pick out my 4 children.  I think that for the 26 years now that I've been a mom - have been worth every single moment.  Did I say every moment?  Yes, I know I did.  I love being a mom.

My New Life

How is your day?

Mine has been enriched daily

by this woman,

this precious life,

and the hope she gives

me to make everyday

magical...
I've made her a part of my life
for a long time now.
She has changed me.
Now the whole world is
getting a chance to meet her
as she is published on the
LDS website.

It is 8 minutes and 21 seconds....

but you'll spend an hour watching

it over and over,

then... you'll make her a part

of your life, your... new life.

Thanks Stephanie - every day... thank you.
I am so proud of you!

My New Life

xoxoxo