Now what?

I was released from my calling as Young Womens President yesterday, a calling in my church that means I'm basically in charge of the girls in our ward between the ages of 12 and 18. We plan Sunday lessons and weekday activities, girls camp, temple trips, outings and other trips and other random things that pop up like fundraisers, babysitting recommendations, etc. It's been a lot of work, I must say.

I was in the program since about July 2005 teaching the 16-18 year old girls, and was then called as the President maybe a year and a half later. I haven't really known much else in our ward besides working with the girls and my wonderful counselors and advisors - I want to thank them for their hard work and helping me look good in my calling. I love women who sustain their callings and keep things moving forward. You made my job easier, that's for sure.

I'm going to miss that comraderie of our tight group - I have to say that I'm a little nervous to join the "old ladies" in Relief Society, even though the average is probably 29. Now I won't get the scoop on the latest crush, hear about who started their periods (I hope not), who made the cheerleading team, or get to watch shameless flirting with the boys in the ward, pranks being planned at girls camp or wild games in the gym.

The girls are in great hands - amazing women to take our places, with new ideas and fresh energy for the task. That is the beauty of our callings - we all have something to offer, and then the next group of leaders brings their personalities and talents that will affect others in a new way. So, now what? Maybe a break, but I doubt it...

Prego

I am drawing a blank when it comes to a clever way to make this announcement - a sure sign that I am pregnant and all brain cells have been diverted to the herculean task of making this baby. I knew I wanted our kids to be close together, about two years apart, and the baby and Claire will have just a few weeks shy of 24 months between them.

Baby Hiller is due on August 30, so I guess I'm about 13 weeks along. I keep rounding up my weeks so I'm getting ahead of myself. Another long, hot Vegas summer. I am just a glutton for punishment I guess.

I had an ultrasound today and everything looked great. The baby is a bit over 3 inches long (size of a lemon) and its feet are just 1/2 an inch long. I don't know why, but hearing the size of the feet always gets me - just too cute! They can do tests for Down Syndrome during the ultrasound - I didn't have that at my last doctor. If there is extra fluid in the folds of the skin on the back of the neck, or a bone missing from the nose, then the baby might have DS. Everything looked good today though - nothing to worry about. The doctor did say my thyroid levels came back high on my last blood test so they did more tests this week -thyroid problems run in my family so I wasn't suprised, but it could harm the baby if left unattended. Other than that, we are A-OK.

Here are some pics and a very short video of the ultrasound - they probably all look the same to you but I love looking at them and want to remember each one.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here is Claire in her Valentine's ensemble - so cute! - playing at Town Square. Claire's adopted Aunt Becky works at Disneyworld and hooks us up with cute Disney outfits. We really tried to get some pictures and then send out some Valentine's Cards... honestly, I tried. So, here is your e-card from the Hillers!

Book Nerd

Matt likes to call me a nerd because I like to read all the time and have lately started reading like crazy thanks to borrowing books from a few friends, and having a bit more time at home with the new work schedule. When I was a kid we would go the library and I would check out the maximum amount per person, like 13 books.

But, I am in good company.


I love that Claire likes to read and look at books. She goes to sleep at almost every nap and at night with a book in her crib, and in the morning she has reached into the basket nearby and pulled in at least two or three more.

Work Update

I have been kind of quiet about my recent job changes, but, I think I am finally getting organized and have my schedule down, and Vanguard has notified my clients that I am no longer a partner at the firm.

I am now working three days a week - or 30 hours total, for an accounting firm that I used to work for about 4 years ago. It is practically un-heard of to get a part-time job like this so I am very grateful. I am now the very official sounding - Director of Marketing and Administration. I go to the office 3 times a week for face time with the staff, then work the rest of the time from home. It is great! I love the flexibility, but of course someday I'd like even more days from home. Claire changes every day and I hate missing anything. Baby steps.

I also do a bit of work for a local gym - we do PR for trade out. Matt has been taking a super intense boot-camp type class that would normally cost $500 every 6 weeks. I love the barter system! Maybe someday I will be brave enough to take the class too - after I work really hard to get myself in shape enough to even step through the door. Matt loves it and you can really tell he's gotten stronger.

So at least now going to a playgroup once a week is an option, eating lunch with my husband every now and then is possible, and getting errands done during the week is no longer a fantasy. I enjoy these little things now that I have some days at home.

Totally Awesome

Fans of The Office will appreciate this story.

Today is Matt's 31st birthday - I didn't really plan anything this year since last year was the Big 3-0 and I used up my good birthday ideas already. I wlll do better next year... sorry Matt. It's also the Super Bowl today and Matt does not like to combine his national holidays - so we did his b-day dinner last night at Chile's Restaurant.

Now Chile's is not my favorite place, and by my way of thinking you can pick any place you want to go for your birthday. Matt's sole reasoning for picking the restaurant was because of the Awesome Blossom, since he heard it's totally awesome!

So we get there, and they don't even make it anymore! It's off the menu, no special orders. Can you believe that? He was so bummed. Hopefully the appetizer trio and the Nothing Bundt Cake he had made up for the lack of awesomeness.

Here's a pic of Matt from a recent UNLV game we went to - mainly because I wanted to post it, nothing related to his b-day. :)

My Da

Yes, Da - as in the Scottish or Irish way to say Dad. I would love to go to those countries someday - I went to England but never made it to Scotland or Ireland before Claire came along, but maybe Matt will get over his desire to visit all 50 states before leaving the country so we can tour Europe. But the next best thing is my dad playing his bagpipes wearing a kilt. Yep, it's pretty awesome.

He basically taught himself to play - I'm sure the neighbors love it, but he lives on 2 acres of land so at least he's not right next door to anyone. He is also a Fire Chief, so he plays for funerals for fallen firefighters and in parades with a group of pipers. Life lessons to learn from this - you can always learn something new if you work hard at it, and even when a job is tough you can find something that you are passionate about to make you love it (he does love being a firefighter though, just sometimes not on the adminstrative side).

I am very proud of him - here are some recent pics in his full getup.