Happy New Year!

Well I am a day late, but at least I have the year right..right? We just celebrated a wonderful beginning to a new year on Friday morning and then woke up to say goodbye to Ricks mom Carolyn, sister Katie, and brother Cam. What a bummer to see them go! They got to visit from Christmas Eve night until New Years Morning and it was sure great to see them. There were so many fun things that we all got to do together but my favorite was when we were all just sitting around with nothing to do. Usually with someone on the computer, someone in the kitchen, someone watching TV and me reading the book Cam got me for Christmas (Sarah Palin:Going Rogue. LOVED THE BOOK Cam! Thanks again.)

There are such vast differences in how Rick and I do things at times and it is when we visit both sides of the family that I see why. In my family we don't really set schedules. We talk about what needs to get done but never with any time limits like times to leave, orders to do things, etc. We just kinda go with the flow and if talking pushes something from the daily to do list then so be it.. there is always tomorrow, right? Great for flexibility but we often end up with too little time to get something done or under serious stress when we cant do it or find whatever it is we needed. It gets tense since my mom is a type A living in a type B world! Still, it is the way I have lived all my life.

On the other hand, there is the Shumway way. I remember being shocked at our first family vacation after we got married when Dad planned for us to head out at 3:30am to get on a 6am flight. I thought I would die. I don't even pack until 12am! Well, it was rough getting up that trip but I loved having more time once we got to the destination and was glad the day was not lost to travel alone. I have learned that when with Ricks family there is a plan, a schedule and an order. That used to be against my own nature but is quickly became something I learned to appreciate and love because it has it's benefits. I never miss a sight when we are all together and there is always time to do what is needed and wanted since we have it all in the plan. I guess what I am saying is that I love both ways of doing things. I love both sides of the family so much. Both ways with room for a little of the other has been a good balance for our home because Rick and I. We both brought our families ways of doing things into our marriage and we have both adapted and allowed for the others likes/dislikes and ways of doing things. I rarely get to stay in jammies until 2pm, get ready and head out at 5pm to do the days chores, but that is just what mommas house is for right? He rarely has everyone getting up early enough to be showered, dressed and ready to head out by 9am but that is what mommas house is for him...right? Gotta love it!

Well, we were sad to leave my family, thrilled to see Ricks family and then sad again when it was time to say goodbye to them as they headed home. Come back any time!! That goes to both sides! This Holiday season was such a treat and we love you all!

So, on to the New Year 2010! We always have resolutions but it is funny how they are the same ones I have had since I was 12: read scriptures more, pray more, eat less, work out more, spend more time having fun as a family, be kinder, smarter, etc. It has taken a few decades but I am going to cross at least 2 of those off of my list!! Since I am starting a new work out routine I think I will try for the work out more and I also need to be better on scriptures. I think I will focus on those and see where I get. I will update as things progress....If they progress! Rick I think has about the same goals. I think this year will be wonderful as he transitions into a full position (no longer a fellow) at UPMC in June and that makes this year a landmark. No more student, intern, fellow titles anymore! He will be full fledged and finally getting paid what he is worth for it! We get to pay debt with it but still, that is progress! Can't wait...(Neither can our car loan holder or our Student Loan Lenders)!

Anyway, Happy New Year to all! I am putting in a few pics below of things we did while the family was here. All shots are courtesy of Aunt Katie since I had pink eye and could not really see to shoot my camera. I'd say she did a great job of documenting though! Enjoy:

Such a happy boy!

Rick and Uncle Cam at PPG Place iceskating at the outdoor skating rink with Jacob. It was freaking cold!

Rick and I warming up inside at PPG place while checking out the gingerbread displays.

Uncle Cam. The kids just love ya!!

Ricky in his little blue monkey suit grandma Shumway gave him for Christmas. I wish all of our warm suit/jackets could have ears and paws.

Jakie after going tubing with Uncle Cam, Aunt Katie and Daddy. Mommy got pink eye and the wind hurt it so mom, baby and Grandma stayed home. It was under 20 degrees out!

Grandma Shumway and her little Ricky. Such love for babies. So fun!

Aunt Kaite makes up for lost time with little Ricky. He things she is as neat as Jakie did. Who can resist someone that wants to smile at you and give you everything you ever wanted?? I know I cant!

Katies little Guy. Between the automatic arcinal gun that Uncle Jonny Hutchins gave him (Comlete with a 30 bullet amo strap) and the toy shot gun gun he got, our house is gonna be safe! We will use it to teach gun safety! Thanks Kate!

Bath Time with Grandma. This goes back to Jakies baby traditions. Grandma and Katie always give the baths in the mornings whe we visit because babies in the bath are so much fun! Thanks mom for all of you help and love!

New Years Eve gone awry! Our cheap glass cascerole dish exploded when it was accidentally set on a burner that was on. It blew sky high, and a grease fire started. It was super mild in intensity and after about 1 minute of Rick and I talking about putting it out it was extingushed using our handy kitchen extinguisher. It was not without its funny moment though when Rick fired it backwards and almost shot his face with the powder in it! Ha. I still laugh when I think about it!

Rick and Cam did a private tour of the Stealer's facilities while we all went to this building that Pittsburgh University built to use for education. It has lots of rooms that were decorated by groups representing different countries and each has that groups unique decore and traditions inside. I think there are 26. We did a mini tour of about 10 or 12. We took Jakie and Ricky on it and Jacob lasted about 3 rooms. We sat out in the lobby area and played games until the rest was over. It was interesting though!

Strip District in Pics ABOVE AND BELOW where they sell lots of goods. We got Stealer's gear for friends, went to a great restaurant called Crystals (thanks Guy Fiero from DDD --Diners, Drive ins, and Dives for the tip). Their Sirloin Sandwich was fantastic and I loved their fries!

Look out point that everyone that visits gets to go see. Mount Washington is by far one of the best views of the city. I like a view from the Fort Pitt bridge too, but I think this one is my favorite. It was freaking freezing though so this was just one moment of about 10 seconds that we got out for. Pretty huh!

Happy 7th Anniversary! I Am So Lucky.

MARRIED DECEMBER 27TH, 2002 (Mount Timpanogos Temple, PG, UT.)

DECEMBER 27th 2009 ... HAPPY 7TH ANNIVERSARY!

I know that this is a late entry, but we just got home from El Paso, there was family visiting and I just could not find the time to get this all out. As usual, it is late but ever sincere.

Well, after 7 years, probably about 13 jobs between us (probably more), 2 kids, 6 years of School, 3 cities, and many other stuff along the way, I have to say....I just feel lucky! Lucky because I realize that no one can ever for see everything that will come up along the way. You and I just acted on our desire to bet together 7 years ago believing/hoping that the other one would love us back the same and that we could work things out along the way. We were naive about what hard work marriage and how much we would have to work. Some marriages that started when ours did are still going strong and some are not and sadly some are no longer. It is that fact and these following reasons that I just feel so Lucky that I found you, that you thought I was cute, wanted to marry me an that as the ever wise Beyonce sings, that "I put a ring on it"!

1. We were crazy to get engaged with such a short amount of time of courtship between us!!! ( I will kill my kids if they try to do the same!) What luck that we both felt the same desire at the same time to lock it up tight and just go for it! What Luck that your parents loved me too and consented to our union without any interference or negativity. I have always loved and admired them for that!! Guess they just felt the same confirmation that we did. What Luck that you were not crazy, weird or a closet molester! They are out there and I am so grateful that you were nothing of that sort! Just good old Rick and I feel Lucky for that.

2. I feel lucky that you have all of the things that I needed in my life and just enough of them. You are a man of Structure, Humor, Humility (when you have to be), strength and determination. Nothing that you say will get done does not end up done. Maybe the trash going out, but aside from that, you are quite on it! IT is always done right, done well and done without much complaint. Since I am not a woman of extreme patience, this is such a lucky thing!

3. I feel lucky that you are a die hard lover of the Lord, the Gospel and all things sacred. I know that I am second on the list of important things in your life and that the Lord is #1. I wanted someone that put him first because that meant that I would benefit from that as well. Cant love the lord and not love your wife right! I get to church on time (sometimes at all) because you are a stalwart and you would not miss it. My life of inactivity prior to the mission sometimes rears its ugly head and you help me to beat it back! My kids get blessings as needed from their dad and have a wonderful example of a man of God because you honor your priesthood. Many women marry men that start out that way but don't keep it up. I feel Lucky that you do and have since long before we ever met.

4. I feel lucky that I adore your family. How many marriages are stressed because families bicker incessantly. We are not without our differences at times, but the love is there. I adore them all, each and every one. They have made my life, my children's life, your life, and our lives together as a family that much richer. I knew I liked them when we all met, I knew they were wonderful when we married, but I am so grateful that they have been more than I ever could have imagined! Your similar feelings for my family have allowed us to be a full family on both sides of the Hutchins/Shumway line. Anyone that does not get a long with their in-laws would agree that I should TRULY feel lucky for that!

5. I feel lucky that you are a lover of children! Every time you play with, hold or express adoration for our children I just remind myself what a wonderful choice I made in a mate. You are such wonderful father! Our children will adore you for the time you spend loving them and I adore you for it right along with them. Thank you for making me so lucky in this way!

6. I am lucky you have a work/help others ethic. I planned to be the happy housewife, but as we went thought school, work, etc. getting it all done at home was quite a bigger chore than I anticipated. How lucky I am that you don't mind grabbing groceries, babysitting while I get stuff done, cleaning out the car, doing laundry, getting gas-oil changes, vacuuming, making dinner, getting the boys dinner, showers, putting Jakie to bed every night, ironing on Sundays, getting the boys ready to leave, etc. The list goes on! You don't complain, you don't make me feel bad, you just help where help is needed! You don't have to do them all of the time or all together but you would, and on occasion you have. I AM SO LUCKY!

7. I am so lucky that you have ambition and want to work hard. Truth be told, I would have married you if you worked at a gas station because I truly adored you, but what luck that you had higher hopes. A short year and 1/2 at UVSC and a "fun" year at Snow College did not indicate what a success you could be, but I knew you would make our life comfortable. Then by the time we were married your Pre-Med dreams surprised me. Your acceptance into BYU impressed me, your graduation from BYU thrilled me and your acceptance into University of Washington Grand Program blew me away. I just thought you were fun, handsome, and smart when we married, but how lucky that I got those qualities and a ambitious, impressive husband along with them!

8. I am lucky that we both served missions in the same country! Though we did not serve together we both knew Laura Brough and she put in a huge word for you. I was already intrigued by the time we met and pretty much knew you were the one for me on our first date. Lucky for me that you pursued it and lucky for me that we both had a friend like Laura!

9. I am convinced that no marriage can make it without forgiveness. No one is perfect and I am certainly NOT an exception. I make so many mistakes on a daily basis and mess up huge on occasion. My mistakes are often due to selfishness on my part and it can take a few minutes to realize that. You let me figure it out though. You allow me the time I need to realize when I am wrong, and you apologize when I am right. You always forgive and you always ask for forgiveness and that makes me feel free to be myself. This could be in my opinion the most important part of marriage and you are a natural at it. I feel truly blessed and lucky that you have always afforded me that!

10. Well, there are so many things more to be thankful for, but I guess I feel most lucky that you turned out to me so much more than I expected in every area. You were enough for me from day one, but as I review the years through the ups and downs that marriage can offer, you have just exceeded my highest expectations on ever issue. Sure I can nag at times, but it is more my issue than yours on most things. You have been an amazing partner. You are more than I ever imagined and have been better every year than the last. It is because you make an effort. You try, you listen and you love freely. Thank you for that. Thank you for seven years of real, solid, forgiving, happy marriage. I feel Lucky!

P.S. Here is one of our engagement photos that I love because it is us laughing. I think of all of the things that make me happy in our marriage, it is when we are laughing and enjoying each other just as we did while watching some random movie (Finding Forester?) at Kelly's house right before you asked me for my phone number (for the 3rd time). I laughed so hard and thought you were the funniest guy I had ever met. 7 years later I completely

agree with my first impressions!

PITTSBURGH...Like No Other Place!

So here is a perfect example of how Pittsburgh is different than other places. Maybe not from Jersey or somewhere else ladies can get rough, but different from most areas. We went to the market district today and while parking we heard a horn blow and watched as little "birdies" flew all around us. Well, one lady got so upset at being honked at that she got out of her car, packed up a snowball in her hands and threw it at the offending car and driver!! Where does that happen? We all laughed and watched as she just got back into her car and drove off with a satisfied look on her rather rough looking face. I can hold my own, but I don't think I would get into it with the ladies here. They are hard core!

Here is a picture from the Pittsburgh Womens Football League. The lady looked about like #88 from the other team.

Merry Christmas To All From El Paso, TX!

Christmas was so much fun! I loved being home to spend it with my family (Hutchins). We missed Amy and Bethie (Sisters), but it was good to get to see Jonathan & new wife Elizabeth, Ben and his girls (Ashley & Alley), Dad and of course Mom. Because it was also so close to Jonathan's wedding, we got the added fun of Aunt Cindy, Uncle Brian and our cousin Andy visiting as well. The time was far to short that we got to visit, but I am so glad that I got to see them. We have to do that again asap! Anyone up for a trip to Disney Land and a few days in San D?
After all of the wedding preparations and huge colds for Me, My Mom and both kids we got to work on Christmas. The colds really sucked as Mom got Pink Eye after her sniffling and sneezing for a week or so (from the kids) and the kids ended up in the Pediatricians office for breathing treatments that were ordered 3x's per day for the whole last week we were there. It was terrible, but a kind Pediatrician that okay ed us to be seen in his office, and lots of free samples, it was not as terrible as it could have been. The kids cleared up quickly and we were glad that we treated it before we ended up in the ER! I got pink eye after I got home (a symptom of the cold I think) but after lots of antibiotics we are all finally well again.
Anyway, after attending to our needs and getting relatively healthy, Christmas was great. Everyone spent way to much money on gifts and we were glad that we had packed extra suitcases. Jacob scored so much fun stuff, among which a fully automatic Nerf machine gun (thanks Uncle Johnny & Aunt Elizabeth, that is just what a 5 year old needs (complete with an ammo chain that pops off a Nerf bullet per second), swords, a remote controlled mini helicopter that works (Uncle Benny) a NASCAR race track with remote control cars, tons of little toys, games, clothes, etc. Well, Jacob sure had a ball right along with Rick and I and everyone else it seemed. Seeing the kids play, adults laugh and even a few moments of mom getting hers into a bunch was fun. We sat around, played with toys until about 3pm, took naps and woke to eat a ton of Tamales (Thanks to the 6 dozen mom bought!), shrimp, moms famous guacamole dip and bescocho cookies for desert. The evenings entertainment of a truly rousing 10 rounds of Catch Phrase was a bonding moment for Rick with my Dad. They beat the pants off of mom and I (2 games to 8). I thought mom would kill me if I guessed another word or phrase before she began explaining. It only got better when Jon and Elizabeth joined us on our last 3 rounds and we got a dose of Jonathan's rousing competitive nature. Johnny's "kisses" (farts) were the least favorite part of the evening, but as usual, the wreck less abandon with which he will "blow them" offers a raunchy chuckle that only the Hutchins could appreciate (prescident sighted: Family trip to Idaho, and every other event in our family history). Unfortunately, I took all pictures with Dad's new camera and will now have to spend the rest of the year begging for them. When do I learn?

Well, all in all, I would say a wonderful trip! Rick was really able to appreciate the crazy that is my family and came out loving us all a little more. What can I say..."to know us is to love us"... or hate us, but I am glad that he chose to love us.
Johnny's wedding that I planned on the 20th of December only made the trip more chaotic, but more fun and offered a special thing I could do for him and his bride and my family that did not cost me anything but time. On my little budget for Christmas, I was glad to for once get to pay with time, detail and love rather than cash I did not have. His wedding was the reason for the visit and the ticket home was what made it all possible so thanks Johnny for bringing me in and thanks Mom for bringing the rest of the family in and letting us crash at your house and get the "Hutchins experience". Cant wait to repeat it all again some year soon!
Pictures of Johnny's wedding to come in future entry after they are edited and sent to me.

Happy Birthday Jakie Pie!! December 14, 2004 10:25am

WHO YOU WERE:

WHO YOU ARE NOW:YOU ARE OLDER NOW, BUT YOU ALWAYS WERE AND STILL ARE OUR FIRST SPECIAL BOY! BEST PART, ALL OF THE BEST PARTS HAVE STAYED THE SAME!

Jakie can't read (at this level) so this is more for the memory book I will make out of this one day.

Jacob, on a daily basis I have 20 conversations with you that I wish I could record. You are truly the funniest little boy I know. We have never had a dull day with you since Dec 14th 2004 at 10:25am! You made a memorable entrance into our lives and it has been memorable ever since!

There are so many things that I love about you after just 5 short years of knowing you and I know that there will be so much more as the years go on. 'I look back I see pictures of you wide eyes, bright red hair, sweet cheeks and ever present grin and I just cant believe how fast it has gone by. I cant believe the big boy whose feet touch the floor when I try to rock him!

Jacob, you have always been such a wonderful boy! Even as a baby you laughed early, you always had a smile, you had a temper but forgave quickly, you were very mischievous, very head strong, very intelligent, very independent, social (at the same time) and very loving! None of those things have ever changed about you. I have known that you loved and adored your daddy and me from the first time I held you in the hospital room. Your eyes looked right into mine and I could feel that I was going to be 1/2 of the luckiest parents in the world. You teach me everyday and allow me to teach you, most of the time. You make me want to be a better mommy and my greatest desire is to make you the best little boy you can be.

We always want you to know that we love you! Your daddy and I talk endlessly about our love and gratitude for you and I suspect that we always will. We are so proud of the way that you love your brother, help your mother and try as hard as you can to obey your Father. It can be hard to do those things when you are just 5 but you sure try each day. We don't ever want you to loose your enthusiasm, your energy, your love or purity. They are so wonderful to have in our home!

I tell you these things each chance I get, but I want you to look back at this and know that you were loved, you were adored and that you were special. Thank you for all of the happiness you bring to our family. You were our first everything for 4 & 1/2 years and though your brother has joined us (and brought us much of the same wonderful traits you have) you will always be our only Jakie Pie, and our first little boy. We love you Jack-om-beans! Happy Birthday and thank you for being our boy!

Christmas Season/Birthday Wishes

Well Everyone, thank you so much for the birthday wishes on Facebook, calls, texts, cards, etc. I sure love you all. My 31st was a great birthday! I woke up at 4:20am and watched myself turn 31 (like I do every year), sang myself happy birthday and went back to bed. I woke up later that morning thinking I was going to spend the day shuttling hubby to/from work, going to the shop for the van, taking Jakie to school and cleaning all day and ended up blowing off anything that was not required and just spent the day in bed! I had Rick and Jakie with me the whole day as we watched cartoons, ate ice cream for breakfast and played games in bed. I loved it. I think that is how I am going to do my birthday every year. Total revolt! It only got better when Rick got home and we went out for Chick-fil-a for dinner and came home to desert and presents. Great birthday! Thanks again everyone for the birthday wishes. Some day I will have a big huge party for friends and family to come and have fun with us. HERE ARE A FEW FLASH BACK PHOTOS OF ME AS A BABY!

Aside from that, we are just busy, busy, busy with the holiday stuff. Jakie's birthday is coming up in about 4 days (Monday) so we are doing what we must to make that fun for him. No big party this year like 3 & 4 since we are headed out the next day to TX. He will get a fun party next year I think. Maybe a wild & Crazy party at some fun place. Who knows? I felt bad at first but then I though...wait...we have limited funds, we are leaving the next day, time is short this Sat as we prep for the trip and Jakie really wont know the difference. Forget it. Why kill ourselves, right! Oh well. Family parties are what I always had and it makes the parties with friends more fun when they are a surprise when they happen.

Anyway, loving the holidays, loving the family times coming up and looking forward to cramming it all in. I think this week will be going to see Santa, ice-skating, Christmas shopping, and the tree we put up on Monday! Gotta love it all! Check out our tree. It was 20$ so it looks even more beautiful to me. Sorry it was not lit in this pic.

Yummy Yummy Zucchini??

Yummy Yummy Zucchini?? The Dr. Gave us the go ahead to start letting Ricky eat fruits, vegetables, meats all pulverized of course. So, first efforts were Zucchini.....Check it out below to see how that went:) Next effort was corn and the reaction was about identical.

They were fresh ground and not canned (which Rick is convinced is the reason for the reaction), but I think that maybe yams or sweet potato may be the next try. Any suggestions. Verdict: Guess we will have to try a few other varieties!