Sunday, February 26, 2012

New Game!

Someone found the toilet paper roll this morning...
When I was about 18 months old, I took a roll of toilet paper and threw it down the stairs and draped it all over the house.  So when I sent this picture to my mom, she said, "Like mother, like son!"

Saturday, February 25, 2012

10 months old!


Beckett's 10-month "photo shoot" was very...animated!  Check out these thumbnails, posted in order, and I think you'll see what I mean:
Beckett had a wide-range of emotions about turning 10 months.  He's working through his feelings.
In a word, ten-monmths has been about teeth.  Beckett now has 5, but the last one caused a fever and he really chewed on just about everything he could find.  In addition to the growing set of pearly whites, Beckett has also had tremendous cogintive development this month. He playing lots of games and waits for reactions of others.  For example, he's started dropping things so we will pick them up.  Over and over and over and...  He has always been very verbal, and that has only increased.  He imitates sounds we make, and likes us to repeat him, too.  He loves peek-a-boo and will search for items we hide.  If we put a ball or toy inside a box, he will take the lid off, take the item out, show us, and then put it back and try to put the lid back on.  One of his favorite activities is reading.  The shelves Shonn put in his room have really helped with this.  He picks book after book, and he has his favorites.  Anytime he sees a tiger in a book, he makes a "growling" sound loves it when we laugh about it.  He also covers his eyes when Baby Elmo does it in So Big!

His crawling has developed to off-the-tummy, but he likes to try to bear crawl with his right leg.  As for walking, he is still toddling and has begun using items in the room more to move from place to place.  (Or to rearrange.)
He is so much fun, and his personality continues to develop.  He is a happy boy, and he isn't afraid to try new things, especially when it comes to movement or FOOD.  He eats everything!

Happy 10-month birthday, Beckett!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Family Pics at the Farm

On Saturday, we went to the farm for some family photos.  Emily took the pictures, which will eventually go on the farm's website: www.hildfamilyfarms.com.  It was a little chilly, but we took some pictures outside as well as some with the farm equipment.  Jim keeps his machines so nicely, and the new tractor is really something.  He's also working on a new fertilizer technique, which is beyond the scope of my understanding of farming!  Janis made a wonderful dinner, and Beckett got to sit in his new booster-seat-highchair to enjoy the Sloppy Joes and hashbrowns.  We had a great time.

As ususal, Beckett's britches didn't last long! After the pictures, we all came inside, and he worked on walking between everyone.  (I'm sure Emily's pictures will turn out much better than these!)


Friday, February 17, 2012

Valentine's Tradition Continues

This marks the 6th year we have made homemade heart-shaped pizza for Valentine's Day.  It was just a little late this year. :)  It was also the first year we had an extra participant. Little Beckett loved the pizza, too.


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Sleepy Head


I think this picture is hilarious...Beckett just woke up from a nap, and when he wakes up, he takes after his dad - he is immediately smiley and happy! It takes him a minute to know what's going on, be he's happy! I love the sleep lines on his face, from my shoulder. And that hair!
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Frosty Visits

We are SO blessed to have our parents watch Beckett while we are at work!  I absolutely LOVE to see him light up when they come over.  It means so much to me.

Today, I got this picture from Dad.  He wrote: "Frosty came to Beckett's house".  Even though we have had approximately 0.0000001 inches of snow this winter, Dad was determined to make sure Beckett had a snowman.  He built it in the front yard while Grammy and Beckett watched out the window.  This was much different than the winter I was born, when there was so much snow that Mom and Dad were literally snowed in. (And I use the word literally, literally.)  They had to use kerosene lamps and candles because they couldn't get out of the house.  I love to hear their stories of that winter and how much fun they had in forced hibernation. Luckily, Frosty found his way here, even though we are no where near the amount of snow he enjoyed 32 years ago.  Thanks, Gramps! :)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Lucky Girl!

My wonderful husband sent me beautiful tulips for Valentine's Day! Aren't they gorgeous?  He and Beckett also came over to Mattoon to go out to dinner with me.  They both got me a card AND some dark chocolate, too. I am so spoiled.

My Dad ALSO got me these gorgeous roses. He wrote the most thoughtful note: "Happy Valentine's Day to my first baby. Love, Dad"  Isn't that awesome?


At this point, I should also disclose that I got 26 valentines from students. There were adorable hand-drawn ones, a crayon one (you can see above), and lots of tattoo/sticker versions.  My favorite student valentine was delivered in this fashion:

Student:  Mrs. Hild, I have something for you.
Me: Oh, that is so sweet - you didn't need to get me something!
Student: Well, I think you are cooler than Angry Birds. And I just wanted you to know.  And here's a sticker. (As it is stuck to my suit jacket just above the stickers of Justin Bieber, Iceman, and a standard red heart.)
Me: Oh!  Well, gosh. Thank you. (Thinking: Cooler than Angry Birds?  What?)
Student: Yep. So. Will you be my Valentine?  And can I have that sucker? (Pointing to candy on desk.)

It was such a fun day - these kids need love more than anything, and I am happy to be there for them! (And equally happy to wear their stickers.)


Monday, February 13, 2012

Feeling Better?

Last night, Shonn made chicken and noodles. I guess that beats Tylenol, because someone was back to his happy self after a few bites!

Good Sport


Saturday, I met my friends Ingrid and Brandi in Decatur. The girls were eager to see Beckett, too, so he came along. The timing worked perfectly with his nap - he slept the whole way to the mall, we played, and then he slept the whole way back. He especially loved the 3-way mirror at Von Maur, and he gave the baby in it some smooches. (Sorry to whomever cleans the mirrors. I tried to wipe off the slobber with a baby wipe and it only made things worse.)  I'm sure shoe shopping with girls will be at the bottom of his list of things to do, but he was a great sport! :)

Brandi is an administrator in southern Illinois, and we worked together in Shelbyville and Mattoon. She and Ingrid were on the same team at the middle school. Brandi's husband, Ben, was also a coach in Shelbyville when Shonn coached there. Ingrid and I don't see each other as often as we used to, now that I'm down the road at Williams. They are both such great girls - It was nice to catch up!
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Helping with Laundry!

Beckett is so curious and thinks just about everything is fun. Including laundry, I guess! :)
Some girl is going to be very lucky one day... We're beginning the training process early.

It's amazing what you can make into a game when you have 5 loads of laundry glaring at you from its baskets.


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Congratulations, Mandy & Levi!

How gorgeous is this photo?  More details after the Florida wedding, but I just couldn't wait to post this pic.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Valuable Real Estate

Beckett's teeth are really bothering him today, so we stayed home from church.  He had a fever in the middle of the night and this morning.  He's been really cuddly and wants to snuggle, which I LOVE. I just wish he felt better. 

This morning, Lexi wanted some lap space, too.  Shonn took this picture and texted Beckett's thought-bubble: "Come on, dad - there's room for you, too!"

It's been a relaxing Sunday so far.  I hope his tooth pops through soon so he feels better!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Valentine's Small Group

We hosted small group on Tuesday night, and it was a Valentine's Day theme.  Love was in the air, as you can see! We had a dessert party and spent some time talking about our book, Heaven is For Real.  Most of the time was spent laughing, talking, and enjoying each other's company. The kids had so much fun together.
The food and decorations
And here are the kiddos...
As I mentioned on Facebook, I'm pretty sure either of these Bachelors would have been more interesting than Ben...

Beckett's crush on Hadleigh continues.  Look at her cute outfit: Can you blame him?!

Braylon is sucking on someone's paci...Not sure whose it is...

Beckett was showing off some of his cool dance moves. Otherwise known as walking.

And, another paci.  (Isn't he a doll?)

He DOES crawl!

Sweet little Lexi wasn't feelin the love.

CHEESE!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Proverbs 31:10

Shonn and Beckett at church...This week, Beckett went
to the nursery for the first time. He loved it!
This Sunday at church, the sermon focused on using your hobbies the right way.  I think of this as my online journal, and it's a hobby for me. (It's also a way of sharing Beckett's life with my friends and family that are far away.)  I started thinking about how it could become a little more than just the typical, here's a picture of Beckett and a little caption.  I love that, but I think it could also be a way for me to show how I can work, be a mom, and a wife, while fufilling an important purpose.

I found Proverbs 31:10-30.  And I want to use it as a guide for the pictures and captions of our lives.  I don't think these things have to always be stated, but I do think it's good to remember what is important and to try living to an ideal.  I like these verses so much because I feel like it gives wives and mothers room to serve and love others, which is how I view my job.  It also reminds me of the importance of hard work.  (I also like how it acknowledges the value of beauty in the home...and even provides a little wiggle room for dressing the family in cute clothes! YAY!)

It makes me feel like my life is okay - that as long as I am giving and loving, it doesn't matter if I work, stay home, make a lot of money, make no money, or whatever else we spend our time worrying about.  Read it and see how you feel.

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

12She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

13She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

14She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

15She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

16She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

18She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

19In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

21When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

26She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29“Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Family Weekend Trip

Last weekend, we headed to Chicagoland for a little getaway. Shonn attending a farming/landowners convention and Beckett and I hung out during the day on Saturday.  Saturday night, we went to a cool restaurant/brewery called Gordon Biersch.  We both had amazing meals, and Beckett enjoyed the evening, too.  It was so nice to get away, and I'm so thankful Shonn planned the weekend for us to enjoy.

Seriously - a cool place.  Highly recommend. http://www.gordonbiersch.com/

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Super Superbowl

We went to Casey and Smitty's for the Superbowl this year. It was so nice to see them both - I hadn't seen Casey since before Beckett stopped going to her house, which was in November.  The kids had a great time, and it was wonderful to see Joni and Jason, too.  Lots of good food, talking, AND Madonna. :)  The game was pretty good, too.
Kaylee took such good care of Beckett when he was a little peanut.  I think he wants her to know he appreciates it. :)

Kiptyn and Beckett are already crusing in some pretty sweet wheels.

Smitty is thinking, "I just want to watch the game, people!"

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

BFFs

We were on the sunporch this weekend and Beckett and Lexi were playing in the sunshine.  I thought about how dogs really are such friends to us.  These two munchkins are going to be so close.  Lex is so patient and loving with Beckett, even when he is pulling on her ears or trying to chase her down.  She loves him, and he loves her. It's precious.

February Hike

60 degrees on the first day of February. I came home to see my two guys returning from a hike.  I love that Beckett is dressed like a bear. Haha!

Shonn sent me this pic from their walk.

Such a chunky monkey! Hilarious.