Hilary Weeks

I wanted to be sure and write a post before the day comes to a close - but I’m quite tired, so I am hoping my thoughts make sense. 

It has been a beautiful day.  Tim and I attended Sadie’s funeral and I had the honor of singing at it.  It was very emotional to watch video and see pictures of Sadie and her family as we entered the foyer of the chapel.  I knew my emotions were going to be on the surface, still I was caught off guard at how difficult it was to fight the tears.  I knew I had to because the Huishes asked if I would sing “Take Me There.”  Tiffany said that song was Sadie’s favorite “Hilary Weeks” song.  I kept pleading with Heavenly Father to help me stop crying and be able to sing. 

The funeral, in true Huish fashion, was very positive.  They focused on the things they learned from Sadie - love for the Savior, love for the temple (she visited the Oquirrh Mountain Temple during the open house just a week or so before she passed away,) love for her family just to name a few.  Tiffany shared audio of Sadie laughing and giggling and singing “Popcorn Popping.” The service was very uplifting and pointed in everyway to the Plan of Happiness.  The Huishes even encouraged people to wear bright colors and Crocs because Sadie loved both.  This is the first time I’ve ever performed in Crocs…but I put on my purple skirt and borrowed my daughters purple Crocs to show my love and support.

I was touched by two families who were there to support the Huishes - one family from Texas and the other from Washington.  Both families lost daughters to brain tumors - same as Sadie.  I could hardley believe they would travel so far to be there - knowing it would invoke tender and difficult feelings and memories from their own experiences - and yet they came. 

There was a great spirit in the chapel today.   I am certain Heavenly Father is so happy to have Sadie Home.

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

…cause if I did, then I would get paid for jumping in the pool to save people.  And I would be properly dressed when I did.  In addition, I would know not to jump in with my cell phone in my back pocket or in my hand (which is what happened today.)

This is the third time I have “saved” someone in a pool.  And the second time that I’ve done it whilst my cell phone was on my person.  (”Whilst” is a word my friends from Zimbabwe use instead of “while.”  Makes them sound cool.  I figured I’d give it a try.)

Once I saved a neighborhood boy from drowning.  Another time I saved Meg from drowning.  Today, it was Marley’s turn.   She needed to use the restroom so we took off her lifejacket so she could,…well…ya know.  And while she was…um,… you know…I got a call from my brother.  This time it was Mark.  (The handsome, but old one.  Mike is the old, but handsome one.  It is easy to get ‘em confused.)  Whilst on the phone, Marley and I walked back out to the pool and she got in.  I didn’t notice because I was on the phone.  But, I looked over and saw her desperately moving her arms and legs trying to get her nose and mouth above the water - all I could see above water were her eyes.  I yelled, “Marley!” and then with cell phone in hand, I jumped into the pool. 

Marley, gratefully, was just fine.  Cell phone, not so much.  If I had to choose between the two - it would be Marley everytime.  (Goes without saying, but I just said it anyway.)

I remember during my morning prayers asking for the Lord to protect us.  Grateful beyond words that He did.

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

Truly, I do.  I am amazed at the hand of God in our lives.  I am amazed by how He cares about the big things, the little things, the details - even the very smallest.  I am amazed at His love for us.  I am amazed that He cares about what we care about.  I am amazed that He cares about our hearts.

You have probably read about the Huish family - May’s “Because I Have Today” award winners.  I was drawn to their family from the second I read about them.  As it turns out, there is good reason to be drawn to them.  They are open, kind, gracious, faithful people.  Every encouter, whether over the phone, email or in person, has affirmed that.  Each recipient of this award recieves a Hilary Weeks Cd and Book.  Usually I mail them to the winners, but the Huishes live close by so I asked if I could make a personal delivery. 

A month passed and I never went by.  First I was really sick for two weeks.  Then I had a TOFW.  Then preparation for girls camp.  Then girls camp.  Then recovery from girls camp.  Pretty weak list of excuses when you consider what it was replacing.  Nevertheless, they were things that needed to be done.  Still, I really did want to meet their family. 

Wednesday I was on the phone with my brother Mike.  (He’s the old, but handsome one.)  We talked for about 45 mintues and then out of the blue at the end of our conversation he mentioned the Huishes.  Which, of course, reminded me, “Oh ya!  I need to call them.”  So after finishing with Mike, I immediately called Tiffany.  She was very gracious and welcomed our visit.  We went to their house an hour later.  (”We” included me and my three young girls.) 

When we walked in, Zac (Sadie’s dad) was holding her on the couch.  There was a very sweet and peaceful feeling in their home.  We talked for a while and at one point I had to apologize for crying.  Zac kindly said, “Join the club.”  It made me feel comfortable with my emotions.  The Huishes were so kind to share details of Sadie’s journey.  And what impressed me most was their positive attitude.  No doubt they are witnesses that it is the Plan of Happiness.  They believe it.  They live it. 

At the end of our visit, I sang “If I Only Had Today.”  Zac carried Sadie closer to the piano so she could hear.  I’ll never listen to that song with the same ears.

Sadie passed away the next morning.  She really did only have “today.”

I don’t have the words for how grateful my heart is that Heavenly Father gave me one more reminder to visit the Huishes.  He knew that if I missed the opportunity to meet Sadie I would have regretted it forever.  I’m so humbled by His thoughtfulness.  I am also grateful for a brother who followed the Spirit at the end of a phone call. 

This is a picture of us on Wednesday at noon. 

It was an honor, there is no other word for it, to meet their family.

One more thing…

I have just finished writing three Christmas songs for a new Christmas CD releasing this year.   I have 11 pages of songwriting notes from the new songs I have written.  They include all the thoughts, scribbles, scratches, ideas and changes that have created these three new songs.  I have NEVER done something like this before, because my songwriting notes are personal, but I would like to auction off those pages.  Included with the 11 pages I would like to auction an opportunity for the purchaser to attend a session at the studio while we record this Christmas CD and a private concert to be used in any way you would like.  I would be glad to sing for your family and friends or your company Christmas party or whatever you’d like.  The proceeds, in their entirety, will be donated to the Huish family to help pay for the funeral costs.  The bidding will start at $1000.   You can place a bid on ebay or by following this link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=280363819969

The auction will end Monday, July 6th at midnight.

Spread the word to any one you know that might be interested and perhaps together we can help create another little miracle for this wonderful family.

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

Well, tomorrow I head to girls camp!  Memories of girls camp when I was in YW’s keep flashing through my mind.  I had so much fun totally roughing it in the “bush” of Alaksa.  (That’s like the outback of Australia…but colder.)  We really did rough it.  We ate freeze-dried food, washed in the rivers, dug latreens (and used them, by the way…) and boiled river water for drinking.  It was so fun!  I remember laughing my head off while preparing skits.  Oh…the beloved skit night.  Who doesn’t love a good skit?   (Don’t tell anyone, but in preparation for our skits this week, I have packed my trusty fake buck teeth and nerd glasses.  I pretty much look amazing when I wear them.)

The last couple of weeks have been so busy and the last couple of days have been out of control.  I keep reminding myself as I sacrifice my days that there were leaders who did this for me.  And I’m so glad.  So grateful. 

Hopefully this will be a wonderful (rain free) week!

Blog to you soon,

Hilary…the happy camper.

This pasta dish is incredible!  You will feel like you’ve just been served something from your favorite Italian restaurant - and it is easy to make!  Let me know if you try it and what you think!

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta

4 c. uncooked bow tie pasta

2 T. butter

3 T. olive oil

2 T. flour

3-4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. dried basil

1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 c. milk

1/2 c. chicken broth

1/8 c. water

1/2 c. shredded parmesan cheese

4 T. sour cream

Cook pasta.  Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter.  Stir in oil, flour, garlic and seasonings until blended.  Gradually add milk, broth and water.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.  Remove from heat; stir in cheese and sour cream.  Drain pasta; toss with sauce.

ENJOY! 

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

The Huishes are quite a family!  They are so deserving of this award.  As soon as I read  their blog, I felt a connection with them.  I am certain you will be inspired by their story of faith and hope and TRUST in the Plan of Salvation.    

To read their story…click here.

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

Time Out for Women was in Cincinnati last week.  Or was it in Covington, Kentucky?  My schedule said Cincinnati, but everyone told me I was in Covington.  Where was I?  Both.  They are right next to each other and you have to drive right through one to get to the other.  All confusion aside…those are two gorgeous cities! 

They share a river between the two of them - I think it is the Ohio River.  (Someone correct me if I’m wrong…about the river…not about everything I’m wrong about.  That could take…years.) 

I had the pleasure of traveling with Kris Belcher.  She is a newbie to TOFW this year and in my opinion, one of the best additions TOFW has ever made.  Kris is also my neighbor and we were in the same ward until our wards realigned last October.  We’re friends.  I really love that woman.  For those of you who have “experienced” Kris at TOFW, you know she is amazing.  Kris has quite a story to tell.  And she tells it with a spirit of faith and dedication that is hard to match.  Kris is blind.  And that is why I have the priviledge of traveling with her.  Sometimes along the path of life, we get to rub shoulders with people that we admire.  Last weekend, I was able to walk, literally arm in arm with a woman who has greatness stirring within her.

After arriving in Cinci…I mean, Covingt…where was I?  After arriving…I enjoyed lunch with some of my favorite TOFW presenters.  

Kris Belcher, me, Kim Nelson, and Emily Watts

Another highlight of the TOFW was reuiniting with Kristie - the woman who was the catalyst for the song “Just Let Me Cry.”  It was a pleasure to see her again and thank her for what she inspired.

If I look tired in these pictures, it is because I was.  You have my word that next time I take pictures for my blog, I will comb my hair first.

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

Well, okay, not exactly.  There are lovely spring flowers blooming and butterflies flitting through the air, but I have Christmas on my mind.  Why, you ask?  Because last week my good friends at Deseret Book just told me that I was approved for a new CHRISTMAS CD FOR THIS YEAR!!!  All I can say is, “Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow.”  (Actually, I could also say, YIPEE!!!)

It has been almost eight years since my first Christmas CD.  I am thrilled to be working on a brand new collection of Christmas songs for 2009!  It will include one or two new songs as well as plenty of oldies but goodies.  And this is where I would love your help!  What do you want to hear?  What songs should I include on the CD?  Which Christmas songs are your favorite? 

I would love to know!  So if you get a minute to think about snowflakes, gift wrap, twinkle lights, and stockings in between lemonade, sunscreen, trampolines and gardens…send your ideas this way!

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

Time Out for Women took me to Orlando last month.  I wanted to be sure that you knew how dedicated and hard-working I am when I am at an event.  This event was unusally “difficult” because I had to be gone from Thursday through Sunday.  Which meant I had to be extra “devoted” to the “responsibilities” of being part of Time Out for Women.

The first thing I did was invite a friend.  Robin Merrill has traveled with me several times and I knew with her TOFW expertise and experience she would be up for the “challenge.”  (ie; giggling, finding yummy restaurants, staying up talking…) Together I knew we could face anything that came our way. 

We traveled all day Thursday and woke up Friday morning ready to party…um, I mean, tackle the tasks at hand.  We were faced with the overwhelming ”undertaking” of entertaining ourselves until the afternoon.  Luckily Chieko Okasaki, a seasoned TOFW vetran, helped us solve this problem. 

We decided to shop. 

Don’t feel bad for us.   We were up for the challenge as we efficiently scoured the outlets in Orlando.

After shopping we were nigh unto exhausted.  What were we supposed to do?  How were we ever going to regain our strength?  Oh, ya…lay by the pool.  (Good suggestion.  I’m glad you see things our way.)

The event on Saturday was wonderful.  I love the women of the Orlando and surrounding Florida areas!  Alas, after the event had concluded, we had to find sustenance.  “We” included Kris Belcher (a MUST HEAR speaker new to TOFW this year), Stacey Mohan (an AMAZING woman with endless inner commitment and strength), Robin Merrill (one of the GREATEST women I have the privilege of knowing) and me (HUNGRY).  Our “search” lead us to the Olive Garden.  I know, not very creative, but delicious nonetheless.  If I told you that the food was fantastic and the conversation witty and fun, you would just be jealous.  So, just pretend that we didn’t laugh our heads off and left feeling unsatisfied. 

The “triumph” of our “struggles” came when we took a ride (several rides, to be truthful) with Stas and Victor on the Redi Pedis.  Seriuosly, I thought I was going to burst my spleen with how hard I was laughing. 

Good Times.

You can imagine how happy I was to be home and have this very “trying” time over with. 

Lest you think that I’ve been sitting on my couch eating bonbons since my return home, I was called as our ward YW President the following Sunday.  Now who’s laughing?  Not me.  That is why I haven’t had a single moment to blog.  Hope you’ll forgive me.  And I hope you’ll send me all your great YW ideas! 

Love to you!  Blog to you soon,

Hilary

That little orphan Annie didn’t have a clue what she was singing about.  Or at least she wasn’t in Maui, Hawaii last week.  It’s true - Tim and I were in Maui for the first week of March.  We met my parents and my oldest brother, Mike, and his wife, Nikki, there.  We had big plans to lay on the beach, soak in the warmth of the sun, feel the hot sand between our toes and leave all thoughts of cold weather behind.  Well, it didn’t quite work out.  Instead of sun - clouds. Instead of a sweet breeze - raging winds that sent huge waves crashing into once calm shores.  Instead of getting a tan - I got my jacket each time we left the condo. 

Have you heard enough complaining?  The upside is I didn’t do dishes for a week.  I read a good book (The Hiding Place) and spent every minute with people that I love.  I had some unexpected adventures.  And I enjoyed my favorite Hawaiin drink - the lava flow - several of them, in fact.  I love ANYTHING with coconut and these wonderfully delicious concoctions are a combination of pina colada with a splash of strawberry juice.  Hilary + A lava flow = Happiness.

“I love you little lava flow and now I’m going to drink you.”

Once I came out of mourning because of the inclement weather we were able to decide on a couple of “beach replacement” activities.  On Thursday we drove to Haleakala.  It was quite spectacular to see a rugged volcano right in the middle of beautiful tropics.  We hiked to the top and enjoyed the view as we watched the clouds rolls by below us.

Tim hung from the side of the volcano…

I thought it safer to take in the view while sitting on a rock - nice and safe from the edge.

The highlight of our vacation was a zipline adventure in the mountains above Lahaina.  The four of us had an incredible time zipping down eight different lines - the last one being over a thousand feet long!  It was AWESOME!  Turns out, you can still have fun even when the sun refuses to shine.

Tim - flying through the air with the greatest of ease…

The best part of our trip was being in Hawaii with Mike and Nikki and my Mom and Dad…

Mike is an amazing photographer…

ALOHA!  Blog to you soon,

Hilary