Every single year from about age 6 on, my mother, sisters and I would gather in front of our small tube TV and watch The Sound of Music. We knew every word and chimed in like attentive Von Trapp children as Maria taught us how to sing, take risks, and fall in love. When we were old enough, we’d scour the TV guide and highlight it to make sure we wouldn’t miss it. It was after all (in my mind), the closest I’d ever get to climbing the majestic snow capped mountains of Switzerland. Watching this movie every year religiously with my family of origin is still to this day, one of my fondest childhood memories.
Hello friend. Welcome to my little spot on the world wide web. In tribute to Maria and those cherished memories, I want to use this space to share with you some of my “favorite things” — mothering, grand-mothering, friendships, family, travel, food, life coaching and my love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here is a little more about me. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. My dad, who is from Mexico, only spoke to me in Spanish. And my mom, a Hispanic native Texan, only spoke to me in English. While I understood everything my dad said it wasn’t until I spent the summers in Mexico (from age 8-13) under the love and care of my Abuela Quina, that I was forced to put my poor Spanish speaking skills into practice. I can now carry on fluent conversations in Spanish yet my skills are far from that of a native. At about the age of 14 I developed a deep love for Mexican Folkloric dancing which later helped earn me a spot with Living Legends (formally known as Lamanite Generation) at Brigham Young University. It was there that I met and married my (now) ex-husband Brett. While married to Brett we had 6 INCREDIBLE children who gave (and continue to provide) purpose and meaning to my life. While that chapter is long over there were many things I learned and am grateful for, as they’ve contributed to the person I am today. In a recent talk by Elder Uchdorf he shared an analogy that encapsulates where I was during the end of that chapter of my life. “In a way we are seeds. And for seeds to reach their potential, they must be buried before they can sprout.” I was buried alright. Much of it by my own doing and choosing. But it was through those trials and emotional darkness that I was able to truly understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and feel God’s love fully in my life.
On October 2, 2014 I married my best friend, Paul Hill. On October 2, 2020 he became my soulmate as we were sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. We have had our fair share of trials as we’ve tried to blend our families which now includes 10 children, 6 in-law spouses and 11 grandchildren. As in all families, it’s oftentimes messy and beautiful all rolled into one. My faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, my relationship with my sweet husband, and tools I’ve learned through study and experience have led me to a place where unimaginable goodness continues to spring forth.
My dear friends, I’m here to tell you that the the Hill’s ARE Alive! The spirit of Maria still beats deep in my heart. My life has been filled with ups and downs, and twists and turns, yet even in all the mess of life there has been so much beauty. May this be a place where we can enjoy the beauty of life together.