Punksatawnee, PA

Happy Groundhog Day!!!....................... Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!.......................Happy Groundhog Day!!!

Well, we sure thought so!

One of the first things we wanted to do in PA was go to see Punksatawnee Phil with Jakie. We definitely thought it was much different than it actually was. We just could not make it work last year, but this year was a go. Rick took Tuesday off and we made the 2 hour drive up to Punksatawnee on Monday night after Rick finished work. We stayed in a hotel and got up early and headed out to Gobblers Knob by 6am. Unfortunately, we missed the last shuttle up the hill and were stranded down in the town below. We were ready to make the walk 1.5 miles up a frozen hill, but were advised against it as the ceremony was about to start and the roads did not have side lanes for safe walking. We were thoroughly bummed until inspiration struck! We headed over to a bar that was open (yes, at 7am) and watched the whole ceremony on a large screen TV. I could not help but think...."Oh great, we just drove 2 hours, stayed the night and now were watching it on TV!" The thing is that as we watched we heard about how everyone is up from 3am drinking and partying on the frozen hill waiting for Phil (the groundhog) to make his appearance and prediction. Then we found out that as soon as people hear what the prediction is they start streaming down the hill to exactly where we were for a street festival and further drinking. So, seeing as how the temperature was about 10 degrees, we had kids and local law enforcement said it was a drunken festival up there w/ 15,000 people ..... I was grateful that we did not trek up the mountain the hour before only to come back down a few minutes later frozen with ticked kids. So, rather than try to get up there, we enjoyed the event from the front row at the bar that morning, tried to cheer Jake up after the 6 more weeks of winter prediction (he was really bummed), and headed out to find a decent breakfast and hot chocolate. Lilly's (a local diner) was what we found and we were able to warm up and check out what was offered in town. We wandered around town looking at local crafts, funny gag stuff they offer for the festival and played a game or two. We even got to meet one of the masters of ceremony that held Phil during the prediction. It was a cheesy thing to do, but we were together, it was fun and (above all else) Jake loved it. I am realizing that often, that is why we do things. Can't wait to do camping, and see the sites out East this summer!

Well, it was a good time had by all. I loved the kids sleeping as Rick and I drove to and from our destination as it is often a favorite time to talk, laugh and just enjoy each other. I think the road trips are my favorites and we will have to do more of them.

So, now I think I believe Phil (the ground hog), because we have had major weather since!!! Anyway, we posted pics below of our fun time. Enjoy!

Just outside of the sports bar that let us come in at 7:20am to watch it on the TV when we missed the last shuttle bus up.

Gobbler's Knob. This is where the action is. We missed it, but we wanted to fake the memory!


The whole city is filled with "Phil" statues, trinkets, posters, sculptures, etc. We could not pass up a pic with one..or two...or three.

Jakie with "ice sculpture Phil". Isn't he COOL! J/K!

This is one of the famous chain saw carved "Phil" replicas. I'm "5 11" so I am guessing he was 6.5 ft tall.
Jakie and "formal Phil". We could not get enough!

Well, here he is!! Phil (both of them) is kept in a terrarium in the library window downtown in the main square. We caught him after his debut and got this beauty shot for memories.

Jakie with the master of ceremonies for the festival. He was the one that held Phil after the reading of Phil's prediction. He was nice and let us take a shot with Jakie.

This was by far Rick's favorite thing at the festival. This scruffy dude had a huge St. Bernard named "BEYONCE" wearing a Stealer's cheerleading outfit. He let everyone take pics with her and even had a news letter about her. Random! Of course Rick wanted a picture. Gas $50.00, hotel room $79.99, snacks $35.00.....St. Bernard dressed as a cheerleader...PRICELESS!

It was all random, but it was fun. We will find something else that is kitchy to do next year!

He's Mobile Folks! Scarry!!!!

So Ricky is no longer just a little chunk. He is a mobile little chunk! I cant believe that he is such a big boy! He just turned 8 months yesterday but he has been sitting up (unassisted) for about a month and he has had his first teeth (bottom front 2) since December. His two top teeth (2) just cut through about a week or two ago and we just saw another one coming in on his bottom row. He is a drooling maniac and gums everything! It was about 2 weeks ago that we noticed him balancing on his hands with his body in a push up position and then one day he just did it. He pulled his legs in under him landing on his knees and pulled forward. A few days later, he coordinated the action and that was it: He was crawling! He is still a bit slow with it but the safety measures are in full force since he is quick and will be full on crawling within the week...I am sure! I put in a few pics of the teeth, him just being cute and of course, video of his first attempts at crawling. He is much better now, but I love the first signs of movement from my kids. It is still so innocent and baby like. Enjoy!

Sitting up with the help of the boppy. Dec 24th, 2009

Sitting up all on my own! January 10, 2010.

Check out those teeth! The bottom two finally made it through in Early December. He now has his top two that popped through in Mid January. He has a third on the bottom right that is on it's way up.

*****SORRY, THE VIDEO OF THE CRAWLING WOULD NOT UPLOAD! I WILL KEEP WORKING ON THAT ONE*****

Look at that naughty smile!! Now that I am mobile, I like to torture my mom by pulling out all of the DVD's and scattering them everywhere.

Mommy caged me up in a laundry basket while she did laundry. Dont worry, I had fun with the curtains anyway!

My eyes are so big and blue!! My cheekies are just adoreable!

This is just how I look when I wake up in the morning. Semi- Snaked, and smiley. That is how it should be! (Incase you are wondering: Mom gets my pics early in the morning after my first diaper change (my best time)..that is why clothes are not always on me!)

Here I am in my ususal jovial mood. I love to laugh, play, investigate, squeel and love momma and Jakie all day long. I guess there is a whine and cry in there somewhere but only when I am starving or tired!

This one is here just because he is super cutie pie too! I cant belive how much he has grown.

***********Check out the pics below of Ricky, Jakie and Me (wish I had one of Rick) all at about the same age. They both look like eachother and Ricky looks like me. Fun huh!

Childrens Museum!

Thanks Grandma Hutchins! We love the Children's Museum you got us a membership to so much. It has become our new favorite hang out for Ricky and Jacob. Well, mostly Jacob, but Ricky will be getting into it as he grows. There are so many interesting, hands on exhibits and Jacob wants to do them all! Pittsburgh has so many family things that are pretty reasonable, so we try to get out a bit more. I think that this summer we will try a pass to the Zoo, Sandcastle water park too. I figure that we can rotate between them and the museum each week. Here are a few pics of Jakie that I got on our last visit. I just love when my kids find something they enjoy and play for hours on end.

New Years Resolution...Progress

So, by now I think it is safe to say that any New Years Resolutions made are either kept or forgotten. I am so happy to say that mine (and even Ricks) have been kept! YAY! Both of us had fitness goals in mind and I have to say that I am proud of our progress. This was the first year (of about 10) that I have made faintness goals and actually kept them. Rick and I have thus been to work out each week faithfully. Rick is doing a super tough work out MWF and I am doing my swim routines (1 mile in the pool =64 laps in a 25m pool) on MWF and Sat. I really love it! Nothing feels so good as to get in, work hard (intervals kill!), and then start your day. I don't know what has taken me so long. I was miserable for a bit there but now I feel great. I think it is just knowing that I am doing something about it. Well, so far I am consistent and even try slopping in Plaits or swim aerobics where I can. So far I am -15 for weight loss and Rick is somewhere in the 6-8 range. Not bad right? . We don't have tons to loose, we just want to get super healthy and see how we feel as we go. I will post pics when we get to a point that pics reflect the loss. Wish us luck!

"Da Na Na Na NA", Singing The Winter Blues.

I was inspired by Michael and Darrel (from the office) to sing the Blues when I need a little pick me up. Jakie did not understand what I was talking about and Rick is buys at work, so...I'm gonna sing them just for you! The pro's know how to make it work, but something about just saying what you think with a "Da Na Na Na Na", in between them really makes you feel better! I think I will give it a try.

**Here is the source of my troubles!!! IT IS FREEZING COLD our high this week is 31 degrees. Ouch!

"Da Na Na Na Na",
Ever since January first, I been stuck at home"
Da Na Na Na Na",
Every body back to work and I'm all alone
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Nothing fun to do, just laundry and clean
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Gotta join some kinda sportin' team!
"Da Na Na Na Na",
It's freakin' cold and there's no where to go....
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Pittsburgh is frozen and under 6 inches of snow!!!!
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Christmas is over and there is no more fun in sight
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Baby come home and take me out for a date night.
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Got no more cash, no more presents to get
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Our poor Slobby died (our hamster, during vacation) and the fish survived unfed.
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Gotta work out, got some new years things to do..
"Da Na Na Na Na",
But the snow is to heavy and I suck driving in it, its true!
"Da Na Na Na Na",
Yeah, I said Yeah....
I got the stuck at home, no where to go, too freakin' cold, no presents, no more fun blues!
Woah, Woah, Woah..Yeah!!!

Hey, it actually works! Well, good. Now I can focus on the fun stuff! Hope the snow stops so that I can go do something FUN! Hey, since I obsess about the summer in the winter time, I was thinking about getting a pass to the Sandcastle water park this summer. They are pretty reasonable and it would be fun to go for a few hours a few days a week to get heat relief. Sweet, sweet heat!

Anyway, I was kinda hoping to find a few mommy buddies that want to do the same. Anyone that lives here in Pittsburgh in?? Mention it to me when we see each other next! I will get the details for anyone interested.

Wedding Bells! Congrattulation to Jonathan & Elizabeth

Anyone Know David Brough??? Well, to quote him: "Wedding Bells!" Congratulations Jonathan and Elizabeth! They are officially married as of 6:48pm on December 20, 2009 and I have a new sister. I have mentioned before that I had the pleasure of planning my brother Jonathan's wedding from Pittsburgh and now...here is 411 of the event. I flew home to TX on the 15th of December to help get things pulled together for the ceremony on the 20th. They got married at a gorgeous little Historic Hotel Downtown (at the El Paso Weston, El Camino Real Hotel.)

It was so much work but so worth it. I just checked something off every day for 3 months when ordering, checked things off for the 5 days prior to the wedding and when the day arrived, everything was done and ready to be set up (or at least that is how it felt). I was proud of my organization because usually it is no worries, until that day when a melt down occurs. Not for me. Thank goodness I had my Mom to do the leg work, Her mom to help set up Sunday morning and to give me lots of great ideas and handle Elizabeth's load along the way!

I went early to set up on Sunday morning and after a few kinks (things were not set up yet!) and some patience it all came together. A little extra help from my Aunt Cindy (my aunt, moms sister) that morning helped a ton too. It was sure appreciated!

We, well Elizabeth (Bride) and Johnny (Groom) went with colors of Burgundy, white, with the accents of crystal and fire light. We used White Orchids and Burgundy roses for flowers, candles on every table, in every window sill, in large glass candle holders, diamond crystals on every surface, and white petals to mark the aisle path. I was the ideas behind it all and they were the veto on anything they did not like. I don't think they vetoed anything actually! They were the easiest Bride and Groom in history! I just kept them informed and asked them to tell me if they hated things, and let me know if they wanted anything extra. Neither complained and both said they loved it! Truthfully, that was all that mattered! From my perspective, everything came together just as I saw it in my head and I was so pleased that they were happy. I sure love you both and thanks for not only letting me be a part of things, but for making them fun and being so appreciate. Welcome to the family Elizabeth!

I DID NOT get to take any of the pics as I ended up totally busy getting things ready and on time, etc.. but here are the pics that were taken by the pro they had do it:The Cake Table to the right of the enterance. I think too many cakes are hidden or off to the side. For what they cost, they should be featured! I loved the design and I made the 36 rose head topper by hand. My fingers are still dyed a little burgundy from the roses!Sign in Table. The bright flash washed out the matting that people sign but it is a square matting that people sign around the sign in pen jar. It will hang with their wedding photo in it. I took the engagement photos in 15 minutes in both frames on both tables up at Sceinic drive the day before the wedding. It was freezing, early and we had time for 10 shots but I think I got some good ones. They worked anyway.

Here is what the room looked like before guests arrived. The lighting was much softer once the sun was down. The whole room was lit by candle light and gorgeous huge chandaleers seen in other pics below. It was beautiful! Tables have red rose petals and tiny, tiny diamond chips over them to make them sparkle. The candles are on top of round mirrored plates that reflected back the light of the candles and chandaleers.

Hutchins family that could make it, 09. Dad, Mom, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Rick, Me, or kids Jacob (5) & baby Ricky (6 mo.), Ben and his kids Ashley (5) & Alley (9). Missed the rest of the family!Groom Jonathan with Mom and Dad.Jon and Elizabeth with the Brides family (Perez family.)Neither of them are exhibitionists so I think it was painful for them to do this in front of lots of people, but I actually started crying because they were super sweet. I am so happy for them both. (They got closer a few seconds later!)Yep, they do and they did. We are glad!

P.S. I made the boutineers. I think they came out pretty good for my first time! :)Moms and Dads congrattulate the crazy kids first.Hola to the band! They played american and mexican standards and I have to say that I loved the cumbias! Wish I didnt have kids with colds that night or I would have shaken a hip or two!

They said absolutely no dance alone, but, after 25 people forced them up there they did their first dance together as husband and wife. Again, not exhebitionists! They were great sports though.

Benny, His girls to his right (Ashely, Alley) and to his left is our cousine Andy. Cant find a pic of Cindy & Brian though. Such a bummer! Wish we had cought them on film!Guests and table shots. Mostly family/friends of Elizabeth. We are few on the Hutchins side in town, but we are fun! Head table in the back infront of the window sat Jon, Elizabeth, Her parents and His parents.

Making their escape. We got them a room at the hotel that night so all they had to do was head upstairs! Love that idea. Next time I get ma..... just kidding! No seconds for me! I got my soul mate and I wish them the same luck (mingled with dedication and hard work) that I had!

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!