How does your garden grow?

What's growing on in The Hill Family Garden (I couldn't resist!). This year our garden got off to a slow start. Usually I'm working the soil the second I can. I literally check the dates in the Farmers Almanac to find the earliest possible day that I can start. However, we've had so much going on (not to mention the horrible weather!), that we couldn't get the beds ready until the second week in June! Oh well. Hopefully the growing season will extend until Late September.

Here we have the Tomatoes, Green and Red Peppers and my little Japanese Eggplant:
Here we have the Cucumber patch. The big plants are Burpless, Japanese (are we sensing a theme here???), and Armenian. The seedlings are Armenian. Here we have my favorite bean, Dow Gak, AKA The Chinese yard long bean (I told you there's a theme!). They are so yummy! It's just like eating Asparagus. See those little plants that look like Audrey from "The Little Shop Of Horror"? Guess what they are? Artichokes! I can't wait to see how they turn out. When we went to Legoland, they had them growing all over. Such cool plants...

Of course you can't have a garden without the summer favorite zucchini.So last night while we were reading in bed, Bruce discovered an interesting holiday in his bike magazine. Apparently August 8th is National sneak a Zucchini on your neighbors porch day! What that has to do with biking I have no clue, but neighbors, consider yourselves warned! Get ready for your share of this delicious veggie! Growing alongside the "keeney" (as Emma calls it) is a Watermelon plant. I never have great luck with Watermelon. We'll see what happens this year. Next to that is Mesclun. It might be too hot for it. Maybe not....
Last year in the space behind my garden, I planted two different varieties of Raspberries, a Blackberry bush, a Grapevine and a Blueberry bush. The Raspberries died. I planted more Raspberries. They died too. I did some research and found that we have weird soil for them. I bought soil pep and another plant. Of course, they died as did everything else back there, or so I thought. This year as I was weeding, imagine my surprise when I found this little guy. It's a Blueberry bush! Maybe I'll try Raspberries again. In the mean time, I'm babying this one....

Here are my Hollyhocks. I transplanted these guys from the front (they're monstrous up there!), and I put them here by the "Starter Barn" as my friend Aimee calls it (so called because now we have a big barn!). I love Hollyhocks and never really knew what it was that drew me to them. Then one day, I found this picture from my Grandpa Wayment's garden. Like Grandfather, like Granddaughter...
Here's one of my gardening companions, Midnight. It never fails. The minute I walk out to the garden, I have Midnight and Maggie right on my tail. I'm happy for the company, but I think it's kind of funny how they always end up out with me.

Here is the Herb garden. Chives, Lemon Balm, Mint, French Tarragon, Greek Oregano, Lavender and Thyme are the perennials, and Dill, Basil and Cilantro are the annuals. We also have a huge Grape vine. Hopefully this year I'll actually make Grape juice!

I couldn't end this post without this cute picture. Today was our first trip to the Aquatic center this summer. Here's Emma and her buddy Grant. We had such a great time. Just the first of many this summer.....

Another Fun and Exciting Weekend!

On Friday, Aimee and I went to the park so the boys could practice Tennis while we watched the little guys at the playground. Colter is on the high school team (Way to go Colt!), so he's been helping Mason and Drake. They loved it so much, they played for two hours! After we got home, Colter noticed this weird cloud formation over our house. Pretty cool!

On Saturday I took Mason, Emma and Drake to the Nature Center. We had such a good time. It was really hot, but we managed to stay pretty comfortable. We have a few favorite animals at the ONC and we were able to see them all. Chidders, the Great Horned Owl, was even able to get out of his cage for a demonstration. He's just beautiful. Especially up close!

When we were leaving, Mason decided he wanted to climb the rock wall. I was hesitant (DUH!), but he insisted. He strapped in, and up he went. He actually got pretty high up, but then got a little nervous, and down he came. We talked him into trying again, but he only got about half way up. I guess I'll have to take him to the climbing gym to practice. When we got home, Aimee, Grant and Emmeline came over and we pulled out the waterslide. Whew! Then ( just when you thought we couldn't fit one more thing into the day), we went to West Haven Days for the fireworks, where Mason won (guess what???) another frog! Yeah! Good thing he started letting frogs go or that would make 9 frogs in the Hill home.

Sunday, Bruce and I dropped Mason and Colter at Grandma Sue's, then took Emma Jayne in her bike trailer for a ride down the Ogden River Parkway. It was such a beautiful day and we had a fantastic time. It's so neat to see all of the revitalization that the city has done to the trail. It's very well kept and peaceful, especially riding next to the river. We ended up riding about eight miles. Emma was so good, so we were able to go the whole trail. After we were finished, we stopped at the Pie for dinner. I can tell you three people who will sleep well tonight:).

What a Week!

Or I should say COUPLE of weeks! Here are the highlights.....

The week before Emma Jayne had been so sick. It was awful! I was so worried that we were going to have a repeat of her abscess. I was in and out of the doctor. Finally, she was diagnosed with an ear infection. That weekend we went to a Benton family party to honor Grandma Bentons brother Max and his lovely wife. It was really nice to see all of the family, but Emma just wasn't feeling well. After the party, we headed to Chris and Jen's for baby Kaycie's first Birthday party. Again, Emma just wasn't feeling it. On Sunday morning Emma seemed to be feeling better, so Bruce and I went for a ride up Wheeler Canyon and the kids went with Gma Sue, Nikki, and Jeni to see the movie "Up". I made the mistake of calling my mom when we got to the bottom. She said Emma looked really pale and didn't feel well. Of course I was absolutely panicked. We still had an hours ride ahead of us. I worried the whole time and couldn't ride (well, and I suck going up hills!). When we picked the kids up, Emma seemed to be a little better, and when I took her into the doc the next day, her blood work was totally clear. Thank goodness!

*Wednesday when we went to pick up Quayden, Emma was able to see Briggs! They hadn't seen each other since the Friday before he was diagnosed. We talked to him through the screen door because, obviously, his immune system isn't up to visitors. He looks so wonderful! It's hard to believe he's been through so much. His hair is growing back, and he's gained weight. When we returned that night to drop Quayden off, Briggs was in the back yard riding his Power Wheel Jeep! It's so good to see him actually enjoying himself. Especially in his own home!

*On Tuesday June 16th, Western recording artist Micheal Martin Murphy and Cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell held a benefit concert for Brenn at Roy High School. So many people showed up to support the Hill family and be entertained by some great performers. Brenn was asked to come on stage, and when he sang the song he wrote about Briggs, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It was very moving.

*Friday we celebrated Darci's birthday at Olive Garden. We had a great lunch with the girls.

After lunch, I headed up to The Bike Shoppe for Bruce's Father's Day present. While I was there, I saw the cutest pink trike for Emma. I, of course, had to get it. When I brought it home, she loved it! The only problem is, she can't peddle. We're practicing....The weather was actually nice enough for the waterslide, so I set it up as soon as I got home and Quayden, Mason, Emma and even Colter spent the afternoon sliding.

*On Saturday, my Mom and I took Mardee to Tona for lunch, then shopping after. I had my usual Miso, Inari and Orange roll. Yummy! I love spending time with Mom and Mard. They're so much fun. Seriously. They can out shop me! I know my friends are shaking their heads and saying "No way"( I'm picturing Aimee, Darci and Angie sitting on a bench in Park City or The Gateway, exhausted!). Really. Where do you think I get it? Not to mention Grandma Wayment. She was the shopper of the century! Some of my fondest memories are our "Birthday Shopping" extravaganzas! Later that night, I met Bruce and the kids up at Darci and Jon's for a Shrimp (and Brat's for me) boil. Since it was so rainy, we had to move the festivities in the garage until the rain stopped. Abbey and Mason had a great time exploring. They even found a bunch of snails! After it got dark, we lit a fire and enjoyed some Red Vines for our Father's Day Eve celebration!

*Here is the "Snail Village" that Abbey and Mason discovered....

"Curiosity salted the snail, Gary"......Sponge Bob Squarepants.

*Father's day Bruce wanted to drive up in the canyon and maybe get out and explore. Unfortunately, Mason woke up with a horrible cough and fever. After a little Motrin, he felt better, so off we went. We drove up around Avon. It was beautiful. There were all sorts of beautiful wild flowers, and the mountain views were absolutely stunning. After the kids were all car sick, we decided to head back. We stopped at the Oaks for dinner, and were fortunate to get a great table right by the water.
We love you Bruce! You are a great Daddy. We are so grateful for all of the love and support you give us. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

*So on Monday, I took Mason in to the Doctor. He still had a fever, and was hacking up a storm. I thought he maybe with his Asthma, he had a case of Bronchitis. The Doctor checked his lungs and they were perfectly clear. He suggested we test for Influenza. I was surprised because the only symptoms he had were the cough and the fever, which was only 100. Poor Mason. We had to hold him down to do the nasal swab. Not fun. I totally expected it to be negative. When the doctor came in, he sat down and said that he had tested positive for Influenza A, which is the H1N1 virus that is going around. While he couldn't say for sure without sending it out, he was certain in was the Swine Flu. Yikes! He told us not to panic, and wrote prescriptions for Tamiflu for all of the kids. When I called Bruce, he couldn't believe it! I was worried about Quayden (so were Brenn and Sylina!), but his doctor didn't want to give him anything until he showed symptoms. I was so grateful that I took Mason right in. If he hadn't started the meds when he did, I can't think what would have happened. Luckily the Tamiflu is doing it's job, and Mason's case is very mild. Not to mention neither Colter or Emma J have gotten sick. However, I'm not convinced that Emma didn't have it first. Wow ! What a week!

Six Years Ago Part 2

Six years ago today my Daddy passed away. In honor of him, I'm posting the eulogy I read at his funeral.

Before I can let my Dad go, there are some things I need to say. My Dad is my role model, someone that I have always looked up to. He taught me many lessons that I will always keep in my heart. He wasn't a church going man, but I learned more about religion from him that I ever learned in any church. I learned how to be a good parent, everybody did, just by watching him with my children. Most importantly, I learned from his example of how he treated others. He was truly the perfect father. I never doubted his love for me. When I was a teenager and would get in trouble, my reprimand lasted hours. The first / hour was the trouble, and the last hour and a half was him telling me anecdotal stories from his teenage years, what he learned, what he wanted me to learn from it, and how much he loved me. If I ever had a problem, he was always just a phone call away. Many times Bruce would say "What did your Dad tell you to do?". That's how much of an influence he was in our lives. I can't think of a day that went by when I didn't talk to him, and I'll never forget the talks we had. We spent so much time together. At least two or three times a week we would get together. He loved to support Colter through all of his activities at school. He went to the carnivals, assemblies, reading parties. He did it all. The last week of his life we spent almost everyday with him. Sunday we had a family dinner. Monday my parents came out to eat with us. Wednesday was Colter's Pinewood derby. Dinner on Friday. Movie on Saturday. Obviously, we were close. He was the most intelligent person I have ever known. He was always teaching us and sharing his knowledge about a variety of things. I am so blessed to have been able to have such a close relationship with him. I will miss him in person, but I know he will be with me always in sprit. I will be strong and help his legacy live on. Good bye my dear Dad. I'll miss you.

Relay for Life: AKA Go Team Briggs!!!!

Go Team Briggs! Highlights from the Relay for Life:


1. When we set up the canopy, we couldn't find the stakes. No problem. We probably don't need them. So, of course, during the first lap of the race, which is the "survivor" lap, a big ol' gust of wind blows the canopy right into the poor survivors! Almost injuring news reporter and cancer survivor Dick Norse! Yikes! Luckily, they all had a good sense of humor and helped to put it back up. Needless to say, we borrowed some stakes from our "neighbor".



2. Ogden Regional Medical Center had a neat game that the kids could play. It was free, and when they "won" they got a little stuffed animal. Quayden wanted to get one for Briggs, so as we were walking over, a little girl passed us in a purple "survivor" shirt. I told Quayden that cancer survivors wear a purple shirt. We decided that next year Briggs would be wearing a purple shirt. Here are they guys and Jake.
3.Here's the happy little salesman! Colter helped sell glow sticks and Team Briggs buttons and shirts.....


Mom, Nikki and Jeni take their turn selling. We ended up selling about $150.00 worth of stuff! All for The American Cancer Society.

4. I am so grateful for my wonderful friends who showed up to help support Briggs. Here's the Morrison clan. You can't see it in the picture, but Drake still has his boot for his injured foot. He was a trooper and still walked!

Here I am with my buddy Tanya Price and her son, Carson. Carson and Quayden are good buddies. Tanya has been such a great support to Brenn and Sylina. She's helped so much! We love you Tanya!

It was such a mad house, I didn't get a chance to get pictures with our whole team. I would like to personally thank Grandpa Vern, Grandma Joyce, Quayden,Mom, Nikki, Jeni, Bruce, Justine, Colter, Mason, Emma Jayne, Steph, Jon, Darci, Abbey, Aimee, Drake, Isabella, Chris, Jen(the most awesome runner ever!), Jake, Baby Kaycie, Katie, Jordan, Jackson, Mary Catherine, Aspyn, Gage and Kristie Barney, Dawna Dehart (an Ovarian Cancer survivor, WAY TO GO!!), and . I also wanted to thank Eric Hunter for his talent in creating our Team Briggs shirts, and to for donating them. Thanks everyone for your awesome support of Team Briggs. We're still tallying the total, but it looks like we're around $1,500.00 in donation for the American Cancer Society.

5. Justine, Abby and Emma at the fishpond. Abbey and Emma got some serious bling. Huge rings!

6. The Luminaria ceremony was so touching. As you can see in the background of this picture, HOPE was illuminated for the hope we have for finding a cure for Cancer. When the lights went out, and the luminaria were lit, I don't think there was a dry eye in the stadium. It was so moving. Especially when you think of all of the people that Cancer has affected. We've got to find a cure.

7. Me and Darci. I love my Team Briggs hat! Angie and the rest of the Michaelson crew couldn't make it. Next year, missy. Next year.

8. Here we are in the tent. Mason was the only kid to brave the "all-nighter". What an adventure that was! First of all, the "gust" from the first post was nothing compared to the thunder storm/torrential rain pour that came about 2am! Thank goodness we have a good tent. It lasted on and off throughout the night. When we had a break in the rain, these kids behind us kept hitting our tent with wiffle balls. I'd silently pray for more rain so they'd have to go in. Sure enough, it would start again. Rain. AAAHHH peace for a moment, then WHACK! Oh well. Cancer doesn't sleep either. Mason, however, did sleep. While I laid there, I thought of Poor Brenn and Sylina. How many sleepless nights have they had? I stopped complaining.

Here's our boy all snuggled up in his Arctic sleeping bag...

9. Jen is too fast a runner, so I didn't get her picture, but I have to say how awesome she is. She out ran everyone there. Not just Team Briggs, but everyone! She stayed until 4am, and the only reason she left was because she was absolutely soaked! I can't believe the dedication she shows. She's a super athlete and a great friend! Not to mention the fact that she personally raised over $250.00 for Team Briggs! Way to go Jen!

10. To be continued tomorrow.....do I keep saying that?????

Six Years Ago...

Six years ago yesterday was the last time I ever talked to my Dad. It was Bruce's birthday. For some reason we were out washing the car, my old black Saab that I loved. He called. I know we talked about some mundane thing. Some problem that I was having at the time? I can't even remember. You would think I would. It's lost to me now. I know I told him that I loved him. I always did. It was always something we did. Six years ago this morning, the phone jolted Bruce and I awake. It was 6am. The call I had been dreading. Bruce answered. I could hear my Mom in the background. It wasn't good. She'd called 911. They were on the way. Go Bruce, I can't do it. I want to stay here and hide. I want to go back to last night. Why didn't I go with my gut? I knew something was wrong, I just couldn't face it. Bruce left. Jeni called. Can't remember what we talked about. I took a shower. Cried my eyes out. Got Colter and Justine ready for school. Told them Grandpa was sick. Didn't say he was dying. Took them to school. Bruce called. He was following the ambulance. He said he'd call from the hospital. Mom called. "It's ok Paige. He just can't breathe". I knew it was worse. Bruce called again. He'd come pick me up, and he did. We drove Mason to Grandma Joyce's. We went to the house first. We needed to take Shadow to the Vet. She fell apart when my Dad collapsed. She needed to be put down. It was her time, it had been for awhile, but Dad kept her going. Now she was going with him. The first thing I noticed was that everything in the living room was moved. The paramedics had worked like crazy to revive him, and it showed. I'll never get that out of my mind. Poor Shadow. We took her to the vet. Goodbye's were said. I told her to hold a place for Dad. She knew. We got to the hospital. I saw my Dad. He was gone, but still here. Again, I couldn't face it. I held his hand, I told him I loved him, then I walked out. I saw my family. All gathered in a tiny, dimly lit room. Sadness. The Cardiologist came in. Then a Neurologist. They needed to check his brain function. If there was no brain function, there was no more Dad. In the blur of the comming days, they told us there was no more Dad. We made the decsion that he would have wanted, and on June 9th 2003, my dear Dad left this world. I miss him more than I can ever say. There isn't a moment that I don't think about him. If I could talk to him, there is so much I would tell him. How he was such an inspiration to me. He taught me so much, but I feel like there was more I needed to learn. TO BE CONTINUED......