"Stuck Like Glue" Happy 8th Anniversary!

Today is Ricks and my 8th Anniversary! I just cant believe that it has been 8 years. Right about now I would have been doing my hair and make up listening quietly to a sound track full of love songs. I was thinking about how excited I was and marveling at my complete calmness about marrying a man I met 3 months prior! Little did I know at the time just how lucky I was actually going to be.

Today after dropping Rick off at work I started thinking a lot about us. I remember the thrill I used to get when Rick would hold my hand. I remember how funny thought he was, how smart I thought he was and of course, how much he made me want to be better. Well, those things haven't changed. We have had to work at our marriage every day (Two bulls don't usually make it in a marriage happily) but it has been the best time of my life.

I still make so many mistakes everyday, but I guess that if anyone asked me why Rick and I have made it when so many have given up, I guess I would say these things are the factors that keep the love when life gets rough:

1. We get it all out there and then forgive one another. Hearing what is wrong is never fun, but when something makes either of us mad or sad we don't just over look it. We take the time to talk it out, argue about it when someone is not listening, thank, reward and love each other when we feel the love and keep going until we have got it all out there in the open. Things are never perfect but I can honestly say I have never been mad for more than a few hours at Rick (when I am really trying to be mad) and I think visa-versa because we just say it like it is. We work it out and move on. It really works for us and I get the bonus of knowing I wont die of a heart attack for lack of saying what I think! just kidding!

2. I have many wonderful friends & family (seriously, the best!) but Rick is truly the best friend I have and I truly believe that I am his. He is the first one I want to tell something funny to, the first one I want to comfort me when I am sad, the first one that I cant wait to see every morning and the only one I would get out of bed every morning at some UNHOLY hour to drive to work each day for most of our marriage. Okay, I would do it if some one really, really needed it, but he is definitely the only one I want to kiss on the lips!

3. Finding time to talk & laugh together. I used to think that Rick and I never got date night to talk because time is so tough and with no family near and friends a good drive away it is tough to sneak away. We have had to be creative! We talk for hours each day as I drive him in to work each morning and home each evening. It was daunting at first to drive him in rush hour twice a day until I realized that I was actually starting to look forward to our drive in and out of Pitt each day. Once awake I loved the kids sleeping as we talked over his day, my day, upcoming events, the kids quirks, etc. Then, he calls all day long for 30 seconds at a time just to say hi. When 5p hits I am on my way to get him as the kids nap and we talk the whole way home. I have come to love that time together.

4. Support is not an option! I always have a harebrained idea going, and Rick always has something he is in the midst of achieving but no matter what, we support each other! It can take bargaining, explaining, and when my idea is really nuts, it can take a little manipulation (he he). Yeah, I admitted it! In the end though, we are always on each others team. I never want him to miss out on something he really wanted and the feeling is mutual. I am so grateful for that because who wants to have to forgo everything they wanted in life! Not I!

5. I was listening to a song today: Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland and I loved the way that the words made me smile. I think it is kinda like that with Rick. Were not stuck with each other, we are stuck on each other. I think that is what a marriage bond should be. The song talks about feeling like just when you think life got in the way of the love, the other person goes and does something that makes your heart beat again. Rick is wonderful at that and I sure try!

Well, who knows what life will be like in the remaineder of our first decade but the first 8 have been wonderful. I hope that by documenting my thoughts I can look back at them when I need inspiration.

Thanks for sticking it out Rick and making it all worth the work! I know we don't have anything figured out, but as a team I just know that we can make it through with humor and some semblance of dignity. I love you so much and cant wait to see how much better we can get. Happy 8th Anniversary Rick!

Merry Chirstmas To All!

We wish you a merry Christmas! What a Christmas it was. This year was a real whirl wind holiday. We decided about the 18th of December to change our plans (staying home this year) and opted to make a last minute booking to UTAH. We never even considered trying to fly this year because of the cost of flights into UT. over the holidays, but Katie called and said that she found an incredible price (under 250$pp.) on round trip flights from Pittsburgh to SLC International. The price was so good, but we couldn't do it on such short notice (financially).
We were bummed to have to say no this year, but then Cam and Katie decided that they would help frey the costs for us by donating some serious $$ and that would be our Christmas present and moms Christmas surprise. Yep, surprise.
We did not tell Mom that we were coming. We planned everything and just flew in, drove to the house and walked in as she rested in her chair close to midnight. We sent Jacob in first so that he was the first thing she saw before we all came walking in. It was so fun to see her so happy and know that we were so missed. We told her weeks before that there was no way this year and even had Katie intercept all packages that were coming to Pittsburgh for Christmas so it would be a total shocker. We gave the "Scoobie Doo" plot for our whole plan and everyone was thrilled. We did not get to bed until hours later after talking, laughing and planning for the coming week., but it was so much fun to let the kids see family.
Our time there flew so fast. We shopped, ate out and talked for days before Christmas as we got everything ready. We had our Swedish Christmas as we do every year and turned in early for the big day. I stayed up and played Santa's little helper (as I love to do every year) and wrapped all of the gifts and arranged them under the tree. I sat watching the lights twinkle in a darkened room with presents pouring out from under the tree for a few minutes and smiled like I do every year after I feel satisfied that Christmas will be a success. I loved it and then missed dad terribly. I still keep waiting for him to come down the stairs and smile at me. I was glad to be back in the Shumway home and it made me want to be back. After reflecting for a bit, I headed off to bed and tried to get a few hours sleep.
The morning of the 25th was started with the kids piling in on me at 6:30am full of laughs and excitement. The boys were full of smiles as we gave them their toys and treats. Jake wanted to hand everyone their presents and kindly offered to open them for us as well. We had to ward him off with presents of his own every couple of turns so that it stayed fun for him. Ricky was still as excited about the bows and paper as he was about the presents so he was loving the heap of paper we all threw into the corners of the room.
The gifts this year were thoughtful and generous. Everyone really tried to do things that were meaningful and we appreciated everything so much. Rick & I gave silly gifts (all we could afford) to Cam & Kate and one small serious gifts to everyone. Rick decided months before to put together a beautiful book of letters that Dad had written and kept over the years. They ranged from letters on missions to talks that were quite beautiful. Rick had them bound & Copied for each family member and we gave them as our gift. It was not much, but it was really sweet and made us feel like he was there.
Our Christmas afternoon was my favorite Chinese restaurant lunch ("clab legs") and then we headed off to the Jensen's house for an evening of fun, laughing, more food and kids all over the place. We loved seeing Jakie play with his cousins (he was very fond of Trace), and Ricky play with any cousin that would play with him. I always love being at the Jensen House. They are such a fun family and they are my brand of nuts. Alex came into town this year and it was fun to get to see him. I find him so sweet and so fun to talk to and I love how Rick gets excited when he knows that Alex will be around. Every kid in the family loved playing with him all evening and were excited for the gifts he gave them. The evening wound down late and we all said our goodbyes. We were sad to leave but headed out into the cold for home.
We spent the next few days at the house with everyone and headed home the morning of the 27th. We cried from the terminal in UT until we had flown hundreds of miles East on our way home. We were exhausted & ready to get back by the time we landed. Everyone got plenty of sleep that night and it was like it never happened the next day. We sure miss being home, but we are so glad that we had the chance to see everyone and spend the holidays with family we love. We wish our families lived int he same city! It would have been fun to add a little Hutchins craziness to the trip. Well have to surprise Grandma & Grandpa Hutchins one of these years next.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY JAKIE BOY!

I just cant believe that you are already 6 years old! Happy Birthday little buddy.

We had a birthday party for Jacob on the 18th of December since he was recovering from his surgery right up until his real birthday. I think that Jacob forgave us for missing his real day since we allowed him to do his party at McDonalds.

We called up about 10 of his little friends that he plays with all of the time and any of their little brothers and sisters that could come to. We had parents just drop them off if they wanted, but everyone just hung out with us anyway since we are all good friends.

Jacob got lots of fun toys that he had not even let himself dream of. He loved them all and loved that his friends turned up and wanted to play with him.

We got balloons, made cupcakes, got everyone a happy meal and did simple lolly pop party favors.

This one was truly about Jakie having fun with friends and feeling special. Next year we can do something a little bigger. I figure, let em run & play for their birthday while they will, right?!

We felt like proud parents as we watched Jacob with his group of great little friends. We really feel lucky that we can have a kid like him and that he chose friends like them.

Happy Birthday Little guy! Check out the fun below:

Good Bye To Primary, Hello To Young Womens

It is official. I am no longer the Primary President at my church. I was informed that I had done a good job for almost 3 years and that it was time for a leadership change. I was sad at first because I loved working with the kids and hearing their adorable little thoughts. 2 Sundays ago was my last time back there. It was hard to say goodbye to the kids and my presidency.

Barb Getty- 1st councilor in the center R, Diane Burnette- 2nd Councilor next to me, Linda Bowden -Secretary on end on R.

They were everything that someone could ask in a supporting role. They were capable of leading on their own but let me lead. They guided me in my thoughts and offered to help in every way. Everyone should be lucky enough to work with ladies like them! I loved working with my first second councilor Kate Wilson before they stole her for Relief Society in May. She was every bit as amazing as the others. I will miss being with them every Sunday.

I was sad for a bit until last week when I was extended a new calling. I am now the 1st councilor in the Young Women's Organization. I think that lightening may have struck twice because I get to work with a great President (Mary-Katherine Rodriguez) Me the 1st councilor and Mandy Mancuso , the Secretary, Amy Spencer , second councilor and Liz Waits Personal Progress. We are still looking for a second councilor, but I am sure I will love working with her too. Cant wait to meet the girls and get started! This Sunday will be my first Sunday in class.

My 32nd B-Day

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to meeeeeeee, Happy Birthday to me!

I love my birthdays! I shouldn't since I am over 30 now (32 to be exact), but I cant help it. I think it is because it is the end of the year and I have waited for it for so long, but it always makes me smile. I think it kinda kicks off the Christmas spirit for me too.

I use to be excited about the presents and though they are still a blast, I have come to love hearing from friends that remembered me on my special day. I love getting texts and calls from people that are busy but remembered me anyway. I have heard from lots of my family and some of my best friends and it means a lot. Thanks everyone!

Rick woke me up with the kids and upon arriving downstairs, I saw balloons, streamers and the boys sitting with Dad on the couch. I was wished a happy birthday and offered tokens of their affections. Jake got me some glittery nail polish in frog bottles (seriously cute), Jakie got me a Stealer's key chain (they get to pick their own presents for us on our B-days), and Rick ordered me season 9 of Frasier. We have almost all of them. We love em! Cant wait for it to get in. Dad gave me a great photo book I really wanted by a photographer out of SF, and I am home today to receive a pkg from my mom that should arrive today. I love surprises and and cant wait to see what I got. Every year I always just feel grateful to have family, friends, and a few surprises. I think Rick will do a dinner tonight (as usual) and I bet I can get a foot rub. Its a great B-Day to me! Now I get to hear why the family loves me when they call (tradition each year) and I have to say, that could be my favorite part of my birthday since becoming a Shumway!

I wish I had lots of wisdom to share but I don't have too much. I guess I would have to say my best lesson is to chill out, do what you can and say you are sorry when you are wrong. All of them make your day feel better. Good luck with your lessons everyone.

Wacked! Jakie's Tonsils & Adenoids Are Gonners!

Jacob is now only a portion of the kid he once was. In a good way though. His adenoids and tonsils were wreaking havoc on his ability to speak, sleep and definitely breathe. I took him to the Dr. at the end of November and our awesome Pediatric E.N.T. Dr. Alpar said that there was no question that the adenoids had to go. The tonsils were not definite because the X-Rays could not tell us if they were problematic while Jacob slept.

We decided to go ahead with the surgery so, on December 2nd (since we already met the years deductible) we took Jacob in to have the procedure (maybe plural if the tonsils were going to come out) done at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Jacob was actually pretty well prepared since we did not want to lie to him. We told him that he would stop gagging everyday on the mucus that could not escape past the adenoids and that he would be able to breathe. He was excited about that but unsure about pain. We promised him that we would be with him and that although it would hurt, it would not be terrible. He just kind of said okay and was fine with it. I think the prospect of gagging every day and no breathing was enough for him to be willing.

We got to the hospital on the 2nd at 6:30am and headed up to the sign in area. The staff was so nice and Jacob loved that they talked to him on his level. We hung out for a bit before being called back to get all changed and ready for his prep. He was excited to lay in a bed in his undies and watch TV (very normal for him). Then, all of the staff came in to go over things with him and unlike most children, he loved it. He talked to every person that came in and wanted to know exactly what all of their equipment did. Everyone was wonderful with him and it really made such a difference.

Thank came sedation time. Ever seen your child on a sedative? I did once when Jake broke his arm a few years ago and it is so weird to see them so out of it. I must say though, this time it was quite different. I can remember what they gave him but out of no where he immediately starts acting strange. He first started laughing in with his head scrunched into his shoulders that were shrugged up (kinda Grinch like). Then, he made funny noises and laughed about them to himself. Then he got really mellow and wide eyed and repeated everything we said. Finally, he started belly laughing about everything. We all laughed with him but as they took him down the hall to the OR, rick said that he got really super giddy and everyone laughed. The anesthesiologist said that she usually gives the red heads extra sedation (with a wink) but that Jake was a great patient that just laughed on the meds.

He was in surgery for about 1 & 1/2 hours and I figured that they had decided to take out the tonsils since the adenoids are only a 45 minute surgery. They called us back to see Jake after he had been in recover for about 20 minutes and he was laying peacefully sleeping. Most kids come out of anesthesia badly (they told us), but Jake just laid there quietly and drank juice when offered it. His time in the recovery area was spent quietly watching a show or looking at a book they offered him. Towards the end of the recovery time he was able to get up and go poke around a play area offered in the children's recovery wing.

It took quite a few hours to get cleared to go home, but we packed it up at about 5pm and headed home to get Ricky from our friends house. We were all glad to be headed home by then and Jake was ready for his medication.

It has now been 6 days since the surgery and he is doing really well. His throat still hurts when the pain medication wears off, but his combination of self taught sign language, ice cream and Popsicles help. See if you can guess these:

This one below is POPSICLES:

Ricky is loving Jake's surgery thought because when Jake gets a treat, he gets one. Gotta love little brothers! Ricky wants to say hi:

Back to Jake. So far, Jake is much better in the day, but nights are still hard for him. He wakes up in a lot of pain so I am looking forward to it all being back to normal at some point. He is out of school until next week and enjoying the movies and will, so I hope we can get him back on track at some point!

This is gross to look at, but here is a picture of what the adenoids look like. The circle is the passage way and the big ball in the center is the adenoid. These are the main reason for his snoring, apnea, constant congestion and gagging. The Dr. Said they were blocking between 90-100% of the passage flow. That means air and all. Poor Kid! Glad those suckers are out!

Getting Our Christmas Tree...Tis The Season!

We got our Tree! Yay. We have had fake trees in the past but last year we decided to get a real tree. I just love the smell of the real pine trees, the whole ritual of finding a tree that is just right, but this year we stepped it up just a notch higher. We decided to go to a real Christmas tree farm and hunt our own.

We went with our friends the Wilson's and sought out a tree that we could afford and transport back home. We did a tractor pulled wagon ride out to the site for trees and hunted the perfect one. Well, not perfect, but a far cry from our previous trees in the past purchased from a nursery and Wal- Mart. We felt like we were really getting into the Christmas mood since Thanksgiving is finally over. It wa

s FREEZING and of course, I wore flip flops (duh) so we were excited to get one and get warm. I think that we will make it a tradition to go and hack one down on our own (or get the cute little 16 year old with the hack saw to do it for us) each winter. Here's to December, Winter and Christmas! I love them all.

Snakes & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

I just wanted to take a moment and record my feelings:

I had a great day and enjoyed my children playing with friends for hours. After hours of lunch, treats and playing outside, I surveyed my boys and had to laugh. Ricky was absolutely FILTHY because he dug in the dirt and kept his shoes off all afternoon. Jacob had managed to take his relatively new jeans and destroyed them by sliding on his knees and getting holes.
Dirty faces, dirty clothes, dirty noses. It never ends with little boys it seems. I get frustrated at times because I want to keep clean kids, a clean house and all, but the truth is that I love my little rough and tumble boys.
There is nothing like getting tackled and given hundreds of kisses, being pulled at for attention and spontaneous screams of " I love you".

There is NO femininity in these little guys. I love it, I love being their mom. I truly would not change a thing! I love you boys!

My Other Blog

A few weeks ago I posted about getting a new treadmill and wanting to get fit. I have so much to say on the issue, but I don't want it all mixed in with the family blog. So, I decided to start a fitness journal blog about what I am doing, how I am doing it and all that jazz. My hope is that I can chronicle my efforts and find humor and success as I go. If you would like to check it out, I am at http://gettingfithowimdoingit.blogspot.com/. I have it listed along the right column of this blog at the top under "My Other Blog About Fitness & Nutrition" . If you care to comment I would love to hear your thoughts as I go!

Our Ward- Pittsburgh 2nd, 2010

For years I have wanted to get pictures of the ward but never been able to do so. This year Bishop Haroldson took a large group picture for us and I thought it would be awesome to document it for us to remember. We have so many families that we love and with whom we have become great friends. Here it is, Pittsburgh 2nd Ward! Well, everyone that was there that day:

-PICTURE TO COME-

Sister Olsen followed suit right after and got the majority of the kids born around Rickys time all captured together. When it rains, it pours! Cant wait to get those guys into Primary! I guess if you can baptize them, you just birth them!

The kids shown are L-R (? Spencer, Olivia, ? Barrett, Zack Kimber (in the far back by his mom), Conner Waits, Ricky Shumway, David Rodriguez, Wynter Olsen, and Bella Garvin). We were missing Abby Machin, but we got most of them.

Here are just a few of the families that we have come to really enjoy spending time with and getting to know. They are in costume as they were taken at a Halloween Party by sister Wilson, but the families none the less.

L-R

1. Ben & Jamie Haner

Kids: Emma & Lilly

2. Josh & Jenn Olsen

Kids: Mia, Mckinlee & Wynter

3. Todd & Liz Waits

Kids: Connor

4. Brandon & Joyelle Turley

Kids: Jackson, Maddux & Capri

L-R
1. Friends of The Wilsons
2. Mandy & Brian Mancuso
3. Mark & Kelly Kimber
Kids: Josh, Bryant, Anna, Ethan & baby Zack.

L-R
1. Dan & Amy Spencer
Kids: Taryn, Hudson & Weston
2. Us

Kids: Jacob & Ricky
3. Neil & Mckinsey Lefler

Kids: Sofi & Kamber

Primary Program 2010 The ABC's Of The Gospel

Well, it is done! Our primary program wend wonderfully. I cannot imagine it going better if we tried. Each child said their parts in their own words and their pure little spirits just stole the show. I just love my primary kids! I just love my councilors and I sure appreciate my teachers! As time goes on I think that we have clicked and things run so well considering our small size and considerable challenges.

Barb and Dianne and Linda (councilors and Secretary) were awesome and found the format that we used during the program. Together we planned each child's part and I think we got it just right. Here is the outline in case you wonder what we did:

ABC's of the Gospel:

Intro: This year we have focused on our "Savior, Jesus Christ". His life. His ministry. His gospel. The children want to tell you what they've learned. The lessons taught by the teachers each week are sometimes have difficult principles for the students to understand, but we try to make it easy for them.......In fact, it can be as easy as the A,B, C's.

We have each child supplement the Letters meaning below with a scripture, experience, or testimony and an example or explanation of what it means to them. We interspersed songs that we worked on through the year as they matched the themes being shared.

A is for the Articles of Faith
B is for Baptism
C is for Confirmation
D is for Doctrine & Covenants
E is for Eternal Families
F is for Fun
G is for Goodly Parents
H is for the Holy Ghost
I is for Invite (others to hear the gospel)
J is for Joseph Smith
K is for Knowledge
L is for Love
M is for Miracles
N is for Nephi
O is for Ordinances
P is for Prophets
Q is for QUIET (this one was yelled at the crowd by a sunbeam-- it was adorable.)
R is for Redeemer
S is for Service
T is for Truth
U is for Understanding
V is for Virtue
W is for Wisdom
X is for eXample (this one was done by each Nursery child and parent holding a picture depicting Christs example for us. Lots of scenes from his life and they were announced what each picture was by the nursery leader.)
Y is for Young (I loved this one: "Even though we are young, there is much good that we can do.")
Z is for Zion (the whole primary repeated together: "Zion is a place where everyone is kind and fair and loves one another, just like Jesus taught." )

I closed the program with remarks that varied from thank yous, testimony, examples and finished by saying that "we learn a lot of important things in primary, but if we ever forget, just remember to go back to the basics, back to our ABC's.

I loved being a part of this program. It was rewarding to conceive of an idea, fill it in with the kids parts and watch it come to fruition. I love primary and I love my kids. I have thoroughly enjoyed this calling and really have enjoyed working with my presidency. I don't know how long I will get to serve in it but I sure do love it!

Hope yours was as cute as ours. Hope you felt the spirit like we did. Wish you were here!

Trick Or Treat!!! Happy Halloween Everyone!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

We had a great week leading up to the big day! Jacob and Ricky got to dress in their costumes so many times that when we got them ready to go for the real thing on Saturday night they were less than enthusiastic. They had already been to a Primary party on Tuesday, school on Friday and a party later that night. We were going to do some early trick or treating, but the kids were exhausted.

We met with friends at a Ward members parents house in Monongahela at 6pm and went until about 8pm. Monongahela is a super cute town about 15 minutes South of Jefferson Hills (where we live) that has one unique old home after another.

Kids roamed the streets with their parents and costumes were everywhere. I have seen more ferries and super hero's this year than ever! Jacob and Ricky were a Walrus and Super Mario and they looked adorable. They loved going door to door with our friends children and got bags and bags of treats. Mom and Dad appreciated the haul later that evening after the kids went to bed and the kids passed out cold.

Both kids had a great time and mom and dad loved seeing them play and laugh as they scored one great treat after another. Thanks Monongahela! Happy Halloween!

Kindergarden Halloween Parade

Jacob had a parade at school today. They got to dress up and walk around the school for the older kids in the school and parents that wanted to come. Of course, I wanted to go and so did little Ricky. Just to be fun, I dressed Ricky up too! Jacob looked so adoreable in his little Super Mario Costume and Ricky cheered his brother while dressed as a walrus saying, " yay - Jacob", (sounded like yay-cub) as he went by.
















































I loved the costumes his teacher Mrs. Vazikez (on the left in the picture) and the other Kinder teacher Mrs. Mattotz decided on: A pair of die.

My friend Tashas daughter and is his classmate friend Allyssa was Jessie from Toy Story and also looked adoreable! I tried to get him to dress up as Woodie from Toy Story but it was to no avail. The power of Mario was too strong. I am glad he was though because he looked adoreable.

Saturday Togethe & Fun At The Pumpkin Farm

Every year since Jake was about 2, we have taken him to the pumpkin patches and set him loose. There are always fun things to do each time we go. Here in Pittsburgh there is a great farm called Roselin Farms (up North) that is a pretty drive to get there and the grounds are beautiful. They go all out each year and have everything available for kids from hey rides, haunted barns, pumpkin picking, cute corn mazes, treats, and petting farms. We took Ricky this year for the first time and had a ball! Both kids enjoyed each thing that they could do. Rick and I were just there to watch their cute faces light up at each new thing. I cannot deny though, that the kettle corn is always an extra good enough reason for me to attend as well.

This year, we decided to hit the huge market downtown and go to our favorite Italian import store Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. If you have been, you understand why we go down, fight crowds, stand in line forever and pay for parking. It is unlike any market most people have ever been to. If you have not been there, come visit and I promise to take you!

Here is some proof of our mischief at the Market:

LATER AT THE FARM: