It's that time of year

We have been blessed with another Christmas season together. Our family is healthy and happy. We couldn't ask for more.
So many families are hurting for one reason or another right now. Almost every family and church family prayer that I have heard lately has included those that have lost loved ones. We have so much to be thankful for.
Count your blessings and remind yourself of the amazing things that are right before your eyes. I know I plan to do more of that.
Merry Christmas-
The Hill Family

Ralphie's adventures

Our little Christmas elf is into everything!

The girls love looking for him each morning and usually giggle when they see what he has been up to.

Ralphie's adventures are documented by photos. Because, as you know, we can't see him move or touch him. He will lose his magic to fly back to the North Pole if we do. Ralphie has been quite the mess maker during his visit this year.

Take a look at what he has been up to so far.

9&10

My girls turned another year older.

We decided against the big parties this year and had a sleep over instead!! October was crazy busy. As it is every year with an anniversary, two birthdays, Boo Bash, cheer, and Halloween. And this year we added a wedding to the mix.

Each girl had a friend over. We went to Playtime Pizza on friday night and had cake when we got back.

Abi had a game Saturday morning. Not much sleep was had that weekend. We dropped one friend off and the other went to the game with us. Abi cheered, the Miners won, and it was off to Newhope for a wedding!

I think the girls had a great birthday. We enjoyed their sweet friends and plan to do it all again sometime!

family: they come in all shapes&sizes

Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place.- family

I am so blessed.
There are so many amazing people in the world. God has really opened my eyes tonight to the people that make up my life.
It feels sometimes like there is sadness all
around. But then, if you take a step back, you can see the moments of awe that come from it.

Alex and I were led to our home away from home in order to find our own little family.
Thank you, God.
Thank you, God, for giving me this man that loves and gives like I do.
Thank you, God, for your children in this world that gave us a chance to love them.
Thank you, God, for the man that reminded me of this today.

I love my unconventional (being out of the ordinary) family.

Collins/Schaefer 2012

The corn maze and pumpkin patch in Mayflower is our favorite. We go every year. It has really been a struggle this year to accomplish our traditions due to the sheer amount of activities going on. But, we managed to make a flying trip to Mayflower on Sunday after our trip to Newhope for Seth and Rachel's wedding.
We finally arrived in Mayflower and things were a little different. The pumpkin patch had moved down the road from the corn maze. It was a little odd, but we proceeded. Once we arrived to the new location, the pasture was filled with vehicles. Tons of others had the same idea we did. The lines were long and it was hot! But we continued with the hayride and pumpkin patchin'.

I love the pumpkin patch and fall!
We haven't carved our pumpkins yet. That will be for another time!

Auntie

My brother got married!





We are all so excited to have a new sister, daughter, wife, aunt, granddaughter, and crazy family member!
The wedding was Oct 20th and it was gorgeous.
We all had a great time enjoying one another's company and relaxing into the night.
Olivia was a flower girl. I have never seen her so still and well behaved.
Congrats to Seth and Rachel! We can't wait to see what the future holds for you two!