Thursday, August 27, 2015

Scooters

This post was a long time coming ;)

Every year in May Weston volunteers to help with Scooter's Youth Hunting Camp. 
If you haven't heard of Scooter's Youth Hunting Camp its philosophy is "Introducing the Next Generation of Outdoorsmen to the Wilds of Idaho." It is a fantastic camp run by AMAZING people. The camp is totally free for kids ages 9-16. If you have met Wes, you know he has a serious passion for duck/goose hunting and he especially loves sharing that passion with kids.
During the camp there is a silent auction that helps provide funds for the following year. Mostly parents, volunteers and sponsors bid on these items. This year there was a special item up for bid donated in memory of Kellen. Wes and I had no idea this was being donated and were very touched. I know Wes has always imagined taking our kids hunting and teaching them how to blow a duck/goose call and to shoot. This camp is very close to his heart. It was great feeling knowing that Kellen was remembered at this camp, even though he will never attend in person. 
Thank you to the 'Orange Army' and Scott for organizing a fantastic event for our youth! And Thank You to the person who gave in honor of our precious Kellen. It truly meant so much to us!

Check out the camp here -------> Scooter's Youth Hunting Camp

Sunday, August 2, 2015

July

Hello, it's been awhile...
July has been a very hard and busy month for me--but also really great and wonderful.

1.) I started back to work full time. I had been part time since February 23 and it was time to get back into it. This was a big deal for me. I have had good days and bad days but I am so grateful for the job I have and the wonderful people I work with. Sometimes I feel like I say or do the wrong thing and I sincerely hope they know I value each and every one of them. I apologize if I am awkward or speak too quickly at times. Please know it is not you, it's me. (And not in a cliche way). I am working on this area.

2.) Fourth of July. We had a BBQ at my parents house and watched fireworks in the street. It was a fun time. I had a little bit of anxiety about this holiday and it's hard to explain. Last year on the fourth of July we watched fireworks at the cemetery (it sits on a hill overlooking our town and the fireworks are beautiful from that point of view) I remember sitting next to Weston's dad and saying "everything is going to be different next year" referring to baby. Little did I know that everything was going to be different... just not in the way I expected.

3.) My handsome nephew was born! Let me introduce you to Owen Samuel Kellen Hill. Did you catch that? How sweet for my sis to name her baby after Kellen. Wes and I were both so touched! He is a perfect, healthy little guy who looks a lot like his dad.
His birth has also brought up some emotions for myself (as I'm sure you can guess). But the bottom line is I am so overjoyed to have a little nephew to cuddle. 


Payton and I had a fun morning waiting for brother to be born. We had breakfast at the park, fed some squirrels, and played on the swings. I asked her what she thought her parents would name her baby brother and she thought for a moment and said "Kellen!" I explained to her that Kellen was Kellen's name and they would probably pick a different name. She was quiet for a few seconds and then said softly, "I wish Kellen was here.... I would push him on the baby swings". "Me too" I said. 

3.) Weston and I had our five year anniversary! Yes, five years! Time has just flown by and there is no one else I would rather be with! One of Weston's friends gifted us with a room at a hotel and we had a wonderful time. So grateful for that time away.

Our engagement photo <3

4.) I went to Jackson Hole, WY for work. Honestly, I was ready for a change of scenery and the training that we received was great. It was nice to leave town for a little while but at the same time hard to be gone... does that make sense?



5.) Six month anniversary of Kellen's birth. July 26. This was a big deal. I think about what he would look like and what milestones he would be reaching if he had been healthy. I wonder how our life would have been different if he was still with us.



6.) Six month anniversary of Kellen's death. July 29. Also my birthday. A lot of conflicting emotions. Nevertheless I felt very loved by all my friends and family. Thank you for making it a good day. 

I have come to realize this past month that I am still just a shell of a person, walking through my life in a daze. I thought six months down the road I would be more okay than I am. Don't get me wrong, some days I am good. I believe things will get better and life will seem brighter but for now I just need to make it through. It won't be this hard forever. I've got a healer on my side.