Mike's commissioning

Mike says the reason his eyes are glowing in this picture is because he is part of a top-secret experiment in the army heading up laser-vision. One of the pins stuck him and he almost melted the podium.
On Sunday, Mike was commissioned an Officer and 2ND Lieutenant in the US Army (Idaho Army National Guard). It was a very special day.

His dad, Boyd Hill, was in the Guard many years ago. He was a Sergeant First Class. There is a tradition, when you become an Officer, that you need to buy your first salute, but after that you have to earn them with good performance. Mike's dad gave Mike his first salute and Mike then gave his dad a silver dollar. It was a sweet experience for the two of them. Some tears on dad's part, but only I got to witness that.

Before his 1st salute, I had the privilege of pinning one of the gold bars on his shoulder along with the General. It was really cool!

(We thought it was best to leave Natalie in the loving arms of a friend for this adventure, but we are sorry she is absent from this picture.)

I want to put in a note of thanks to everyone who has supported and served us through this adventurous journey. (I want to name you all but that would make this post too long, but I do have to mention Melanie for taking these pictures and taking charge of my children.)

Oh, and By-the-way...

I turned 30 years old, August 31st.

This is the only picture I have to show. I'm usually the one with the camera so when it comes to documenting me...we all forget. Mike got my favorite...Cheese cake. I had lunch with a friend. We all went to dinner and Mike did the dishes for three days straight! ...and he never forgets the flowers:).

Turning 30 is a big deal. Those of you who have already crossed that bridge know what I'm talking about.

I have reflected a lot this past month over my life. What a interesting adventure life can be.

I realize I have much to learn, but a few things I have learned in my 1st 30 years(some the hard way) are...

Stay close to Christ

Keep a journal

Load the dishwasher at night

Turn the other cheek

Clean the spill when it happens

Show them you love them, don't assume they know

Serve when you feel picked on

Run to relieve stress

Remember who's children they really belong to

Call your mother on Mother's Day

Kiss and make up, every night!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY DALLAS!

Better make sure you get a good breakfast...

Because the birthday games are about to begin...

(I tried to get a picture with all the kids, but have you ever tried to get 9 children, mostly boys to pose for a picture at a birthday party???)

May The Force be with you, my young padawan.

Master (Mike) and apprentice (Jake)

We are thinking of having Dallas's mediclorine count tested.

Funny story about Dallas's cake this year. It went something like this...

(Mom)"Dallas, what kind of cake would you like for your birthday?"

(Dallas) "A rainbow cake!"

(Dad) "How about a camo cake with guns???"

(Dallas) "Yeah!!!"

FYI: I was going to make him the rainbow cake. (Innocent child), but this one actually turned out alright. It was fun for all. I didn't take a picture, but the inside is camoflauge.