"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.