Friends visit during the GREAT STORM OF 2010!

HELLO Klarman's!!!! So this was the second time that Doug and Laura have come to visit us since we moved from Utah almost 4 years ago. They came to see us about 2 years ago in Seattle and were welcomed in with about the worst storm in WA history! We had 1 & 1/2 ft of snow, freezing rain that turned to hail and even a sunny day in there, all within a 72 hour period. RANDOM right? Well, we thought so until they came to visit us again this weekend and again, the worst storm in PA history (says all of the residents). Thursday was fine and Friday about 1/2 day was nice until a storm hit with furry. By 6pm when Doug and Rick came back from the Hospital (Rick working and Doug doing a medical shadowing for a job) the roads were covered in about 8 inches of snow. We thought that was rough, but then when we woke up on Saturday we were shocked. We got an additional 12-14 inches!!! We were snowed in like I have never had before. Not such a big deal for those folks in super snowy areas my sister Amy (in Alaska) reminded me, but that much that fast was crazy here. Snow plows were in short supply, roads went untreated, drivers were wrecking all over town (if they could dig themselves out of the snow) and power lines were downed by trees all over the city. To add insult to injury, the power went out! About 150,000 went without power for a decent period of time between Friday and Sunday and there are still some without any power even today! Scary huh. We lost ours on Saturday morning at about 2pm. Yep, guests in town for like 48 hours, 2 kids, a city to see and we were snowed in and out of power! Well, there was nothing left to do but......go to Wal Mart! Unfortunately.....they were CLOSED!!! When has Wal Mart ever closed?? They were that night so we had to forage the fridge and cupboards to see what we had to feed 4 + 2 kids. Sandwiches, shrimp and Swiss chocolates got us through until the next morning when the power came back on (THANK GOODNESS!!). We were not without our traumas but we were lucky. 24 hours without electricity makes you talk, spend time and hang out. We were glad we got to do that with our friends the Klarman's. Next time we come to St. George (or you move here??). There may be a record breaking heat wave, but I am pretty sure we will not have any snow!

We are set for another snow storm starting this afternoon that will bring another 8-14 inches between now and Thursday. CRAZY! Guess I will get some books read and the house cleaned. I miss working out, taking Jake to the Children's Museum and pre-school! Cant wait for Spring!

Jakie at play in the back yard. This is all he wanted to do when it started snowing!

Doug and Laura on our way to the Airport Sunday after the storm hit.

Our view from our front door. That snow was over 2ft deep.

I love the way that trees look when they are frosted over and the tones of greys, whites and blacks come out. The snow was super heavy and took out quite a few trees.

Our front door bushes were covered!

View from the back door (hence the screen griding). There is a huge meadow where Jakie loves to play. It was about 2ft deep too.

SAME

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!