HaPpY BeLAted Birth DAY Amber-Rose!

So my newest Sister-in-law is the one I have known for the least amount of time! I DID not even meet her until my brother and her were getting married!!! In fact, I met up with her sister on our flight out there (Sacramento), before I had even met her! And amidst not knowing me, she TRUSTED me to do her hair the morning of her wedding (super prego and all) --Welcome to the fam!

Kelby (my brother) and her dated, got engaged and married pretty quick, thus the reason for not meeting before-hand, however... It does not mean I love her any less!

Here are the cOoL things I DO know about Amber-Rose when we manage to get together!

I Know that she LOVES my brother! She is very vocal about how GreAt he is, and how his love was validity to her that Heavenly Father loved and knew her (who can't love someone who says that about her brother?). Their story is pretty cool--She only met my brother a few times/moments and decided to go after something good. She must be awesome (she is), because she "snagged" him pretty quick--right after his mission! Incidentally Kelby was visiting her roommate who was his special "friend" that he was coming to see, to see if there was 'something' there! Instead Kelby came away with a different 'something' else. Amber-Rose knows what she wants and goes after it!

As you can see Amber-Rose is very attractive and very photogenic. I am IN LOVE w/ her red hair. She is also the fashion guru of the bunch. It is so FuN to see my sisters go to her for advice in fashion. They fight over her hand-me-downs. She knows her shoes-- and a plethora of many other things. She dresses so dang cute, and was recently voted as best dressed in the family by many during a fun family Bingo game! (I bet she does not even know that, cuz' she was not there!).

Amber-Rose if very crafty and creative. She sees things and makes them happen- she has made some DARLING bows I covet, as well as diaper cakes, real cakes, and.... I think she should open up a boutique.

In fact, for our last family reunion she made a costume for each day of the reunion that went around our reunion theme, and dressed her entire CuTE family in them for each day. One day they were a complete cowgirl, saloon baby, and Indian Chief. She also painted matching t-shirts and made life size playing cards and yahtzee for game night....uh, Hellloooo! bet you wish she was at your reunion!

Amber-Rose is very good at paying compliments and verbalizing her thankfulness. I notice that she will immediately thank others for dinners, service, etc. She also is very good at expressing her joy and happiness and positive thoughts at events, things planned by others, or visiting your home. She makes others feel good because her thanks is immediate and sincere, and because her compliments come from someone who is CooL! Last but not least, I LOVE Amber-Rose because she provided Dacie with her only GIRL cousin on our side of the family! I cannot wait for Dacie and sweet, chunky Mikkelle to be the girly cousins at reunions and grandma's camp! It is fun to see her as a cute, little, first time mommy with Mikkelle.

I am grateful Amber-Rose joined our family and has LovEd us in all our imperfect glory!

Happy Birthday Sis, I know it was a good one!

Week Synopsis 6/23- 6/27

Monday June 23- I am starting to get brave this summer and take all four kids to the store in between lessons ending and free lunch. Today we had to go shopping for a friends birthday present at WalMart. Oh, how my kids were coveting. I keep reminding them to save their money and mark their chore charts to get it! Our entire family was invited to Ryland's friend (Sean Hoggards) birthday party at his house on Monday evening, along with another family w/ a son his age (the Riggs). Dan had a SUPER busy day at work w/ one of his largest patient loads, Tarrin has been out of the office, and he has to turn in stats on Monday eve for his new duties as clinical supervisor --He was SWAMPED! So...the boys and I had a quick lesson for family home evening on temptation and handed out chore chart money before we went over...thus we were late (as always). Dan just met up with us there for some pizza, visiting, and partying!

Sterling playing pin the tail on the donkey!
Seans' Dad (Shiloh) dressing up in Sean's Batman mask that he rarely took off the entire party (Sean that is)
Who is opening the present-Sean or my kids?
The whole Birthday Gang!

Tuesday June 24-I started making to do lists today to help organize my thoughts for all the upcoming events. Dan just realized today that he does not have off next Tuesday b/c it is a holiday on Friday. So coordinating the kids care began! We went over money and bills, worked on laundry and the yard. I skipped out on Enrichment for the sake of organizing our family.That night Sterling got to walking with me. The high school track was closed...so we went over to the Hoggard's house and walked 2 plus miles with an uphill grade-good for the lungs!

Wednesday June 25- I answer phones three days a week, at home, in the afternoons. It is a ideal situation for me, and our finances and family~ We have been so blessed with the little extra income. Some days I feel guilty getting paid and others I "earn it", so to speak. I think this was one of the earning it days!

Thursday June 26-Crazay!!!! Phone calls, packing lists, young women girl calls. After swim lessons we stopped by the store and bought some food (just the Four of us) so that the cupboards would not be entirely bare while Dan has the kids on Monday. A sweet lady in our ward (Carol Langford) --who is dynamic and makes service look simple, offered to take my kids next week while Dan has to work. She is taking all four (besides her 2 at home) by choice, and seems excited to do it on Tuesday and Wednesday. She will take Colton to swim lessons and lay Dacie down in her crib to take a nap... and all that jazz! It is not everyday that someone offers to do that for you. So we decided to keep the kids up here rather than in Phoenix at Dan's Parents. I began typing up schedules for the kids and emergency info. As well as getting singing time ready for the substitute on Sunday. I had all my girls camp stuff packed by that night, so I could deliver it to the girls camp girls who are leaving Friday (I will join them after the wedding reception on Saturday evening). Everyone had tummy aches at nap time (including me) and all went to bed with buckets. The flu is still going around and I am not taking any chances! We picked our FIRST ZUCCHINI from the garden-yum, yum to take with us to Phoenix. Dan is PROUD!

Friday June 27-Last Day of Swim Lessons! The boys all got to buy treats from the snack bar. Colton progressed the most. Which is great considering we have spent the most money on him! Next year will be Sterling's turn to go to 2 sessions instead of one! We did free lunch, picked up a girl's equipment and delivered it and mine to the other leaders house. Now we are packing our things for the BIG wedding tomorrow and delivering the necessities to the Langfords!! Softball game at 6:30pm (ALL of us are going), showers, pj's and then down to Phoenix!!

Sterling jumping off the board ALL by himself-Airplane style! Now he just need s little help to get to the side
Colton mastered the kneeling dive from the board, which was WONDERFUL considering he made the teacher be right below him the first time. He swims to the side just FINE!

Ryland with his cutie class of small kiddos
Ryland "swimming" with his teacher. He will even put his entire head under upon request!
Colton swimming to the side..unassisted!
OH YEAH!!! Found this picture in the archives recently. This would be a picture our rental car at our wedding! The two ' car trashers' are my brother Chad (front left) and Dan's brother Russ (back center)
Ironically Russ is the one getting married Tomorrow June 28th!
Although Dan and I might not touch his car, we have kids that would--paybacks stink Russ!
Congrats Tomorrow!

*Look for upcoming picts. of girls camp, wedding and b-day posts (3)

Week Synopsis 6/16-6/22

Monday June 16th- This week started out with KIDS. A friend in the ward ask me to watch her two children in the morning, and I already knew that my visiting teachers were planning on coming over to visit (Cami Raban, Tara Trezise)--with three kids, each, respectively. With it being summer and all of mine and their children home, we had a grand total of 13 kids here (the neighbor girl friend was here as well). I planned on chaos and was not disappointed. It changed my free lunch plans/park for the day. Because summer has proved to be full of friends we decided to have a family home evening lesson on "friend manners" and phone etiquette.

Sterling swimming like a 'jelly fish' to his teacher

Ryland with his cool teacher Trevor from church (who is ever patient w/ his crying episodes)

Tuesday June 17- Swim lessons started today! Daddy took the boys (all three are taking swim lessons), and Dacie met up with them after to go to the library and free lunch, while I met up with some girlfriends (Natalie Taylor, and Kelli Bargar) to celebrate our good friends (Monica) belated birthday--it was so fun to just eat and chat. I could have hung out all afternoon w/ them. I don't know why I don't do things like that more often (oh yeah-kids!).The rest of the day I was preparing for the YCL sleepover for girls camp that evening. I had to make dessert and get our hair bow crafts together (we are making superhero bows-like Dacie's- to match our hero heart shirts). I left home that evening around 5 pm and did not get back until 1am. It was FuN--but I am starting to be a tired ol' lady. We had stake leader dance practice, swimming, pizza, t-shirt making, bow making, certification making, introductions AND we did come up with a dance for the YCL gals to perform at 'meet your moms' meeting the next night! It was a tired fun kinda' day! Wednesday June 18- The neighbor girl Breanna has become a honorary Sorensen this summer and has kept my boys outside playing, even in the dead heat (Playing in their bubbles water table in photo above/below)! That evening I had to be at the church earlier than when Dan got off of work--so I had all the kids bathed and in pj's up with me for awhile at church, until Dan could get home, get settled, and make dinner before he came and got them. The meet your mom's meeting went well-our dance worked and they had the most yummy gravy and biscuits for dinner!
Thursday June 19- Did I tell you that the last 2 days Ryland has thrown a serious FIT at swim lessons?!! On Wed. he cried almost the entire time b/c he wanted to go into the big pool w/ his brothers. I was about to let him go in and see what happens!!!! Today he threw the fit BEFORE swim lessons all morning. I finally offered him a treat from the snack bar and some of his bath toys he could take with him IF he went in, and did not cry. He listened to the teachers. No problems since then--he is even putting his face in! It was another park and free lunch day after swim lessons. I actually thought about just staying home from walking that night so that I would be at home one entire night this week. BUT exercise cannot take a back seat. So Colton came with me to the high school track and he walked/watched/ took pictures (compliments below) of me and the ladies walking.We got in a good three miles--but it was harder that night then it ever has been. My shin splints started coming back-darn it! I also think Colton called every living relative that he recognized on our contact list in the cell phone, its the most some of them have heard from him in a lifetime (granted he was probably calling them to ask how to get to the games on the cell phone)-ha ha ha

My friend Julie Hoggard and I-goofing off for Colton's picture rampage
Sherri Ullery and Julie Hoggard-my walking buddies

Friday June 20-I heard Dacie cry out in the night, and then go right back to sleep-this morning I found out why--she had slept in her vomit all night. I know DISGUSTING!!! it was not my favorite way to wake up for sure-or for her either I am sure. Sterling came running in telling me that her room smelled awful and he was spraying Lysol all over it-I had to go rescue her! The flu has been hitting our friends kids, and continues too-- I knew it was only a matter of time until it hit one of us. It just had to get the baby that cannot make it to a toilet. I had a big mess to get through before swim lessons today. Dacie has gotten more baths this week then she has in a long time (check out picture below). Regardless--she was still happy and flirty with all that she saw. Her and I went and got some good flu food (bananas, pedialyte, applesauce, gatorade, crackers, and gingerale) while the boys swam. By evening she seemed fine and has tolerated real food since!

Dan and I had 2 softball games that evening. We played a 'fake' game against another team (since the original opponent team had cancelled and we already had a babysitter) and then one against the ARC (a special needs team) it was a relaxed play evening and some of my favorite times. I am glad it was not for real --we were not doing so well!

Saturday June 21- Dan took the kids to swim lessons again. I started digging out our closet. Last week our Bishop encouraged us to use some of our rebate checks for food storage food... that inspired me to get out the old food storage stuff and make some more room for more (before our check arrives). We do not have allot of storage space/ closets in our home. SO Dan and I cleaned our closet out. I have three big trash bags full of clothes. I am making Dan be good to his word about buying me new clothes when I start to get skinnier! It did feel liberating and now are shelves are covered with labeled food storage boxes and our pantry has a whole bottom floor we can fill. We also played a game of croquet on the front lawn w/ the kids, after mowing it and spraying for weeds. Not gonna lie it has been so HOT!

That evening our friends (the Trezises) came over so that Dan and Will (the hubby) could play rock band on the x-box. I got to do the drums once-but I made our band get boo-ed off the stage! Good times, good times!

Will and Dan playing in their band!

Sunday June 22- Dacie had to be taken out of primary 3 x's because she was so disruptive. She likes to flirt with other people, but constantly wants to be held ONLY by me (standing up). She is a screamer! It did not help that the primary kids were wild themselves today. Dan had to teach a lesson in Elders Quorum. Only one more month until Dacie is in nursery! Dacie has started taking shorter naps by an hour or more every day and I can feel the difference in my patience and her disposition (ever since she was sick)--hopefully it is short lived!

I had a girls camp meeting at 4 pm for 2 more hours this afternoon. Dan is starting to get frustrated with Girls camp. I feel bad-we do, do things ALLOT differently then the men do. I think it is just prepping him for the 2.5 days solo with all the kids! Yikes!! Only one more week of it all and it will be done! I am already tired and haven;t even gone!! But not gonna lie--I love girls camp! We ended our sunday evening with cookies and a family board game (it is turning into a tradition!)

Well-it's off to conquer a new week. Hope yours goes well-- and that the flu bug fly's far, far away from you!

Week Synopsis 6/10-6/15

Tuesday June 10- After breaking down camp at the reunion we took the LONG(er) way home right through Sedona red rocks....so we could 'show off' our country-side to my Brother and SIL, who were staying an extra night at our home, before they drove straight back to MISSOURI the next day! It was their first time here--and I did not have the house cleaned or ready in any form-aah! I LOVE company expected and unexpected alike! The kiddos got baths and naps.Dan and I tried to 'cut back' on unloading time so we could visit our company, BUT the car was a beast that had to be tackled. We enjoyed visiting them and having them around for a meal or two. They went down to Anthem to meet up with her sister and then we had a little visit before bedtime. We all slept in the next morning and they were gone by the time we were up (by a few short minutes). My bro did make it in one day, back to Missouri, and made it safe. We were bummed that naps and other commitments foiled our plans for a girl cousin picture (Dacie's only girl cousin on my side)--oh well, I guess it means they have to come visit again!!!


Wednesday June 11- It was a serious cleaning and unpacking day. I did LOADS and LOADS of laundry. Washed out coolers, replaced tents, camping gear, emptied suitcases, started the dishwasher, fixed and replaced fire pits...-and tried to keep the kids occupied as they were use to cousins, aunt, uncles, outdoors and activities every minute. I kept phone calls and socializing to a minimum (no playgroup). I did answer phones for work...and it was BUSY! Dan went and played ball with the boys in the evening and came back all bummed out because he is not playing like he is getting into the NBA! ha ha ha You can't be awesome all the time I tell him!


Thursday June 12- We were excited to open our local newspaper and see our bear on the front page-(from playgroup last week)!!! We cut his picture out and put him on the boys bulletin board for a FuN keepsake/remembrance. I could not keep out of the social scene for long and capitalized on free lunch. While there some of my friends convinced me to go to the public pools luau (sp). It was only a dollar a person for pizza, soda, Lais, Hawaiian dancers, music, and swimming. My newly mopped floors from that day got a dinner break as well.My friends offered to help watch my kids, since Dan would not get off of work until later and is NOT a swimming fan--and they have older children that were assinged as a 'buddy' w/ another one of mine. I am glad I went. I had fun, and I think the 2 plus hours of swimming for my kids was a treat! We did not win any of the door prizes, but I got some moon walking in on the side of the pool, and Dan got some quiet unwinding time at home! I have such good friends and it was fun to meet up with a bunch of them, and just have FuN!

Our bear on the bulletin board

Luau pictures are compliments of my friend Julie Hoggard

Friday June 13- It was my colorful and FuN sisters b-day! I really need to get on my posts about them (my bro and sis)--they are SUpER interesting people!!! A Shout out to you Boo Boo!

I went to the park and free lunch once again. Colton went home w/ his friend Dallin from lunch for a sleepover. I answered phones in the afternoon and got the 3 kids, Dan's stuff and I ready for our softball game that evening. I had a hard time finding a babysitter, and rather than paying 10 dollars for one game--I figured one game could not hurt them. So we ALL met up with Dan at the fields. Allot of our other friends all brought their kids as well (including Colton) and they had a big raisin and goldfish picnic at the ball park-running around and getting dirty. I thought our kids would be impressed to watch mom AND dad play...but they were more concerned with who was there! We won the game to a team we had lost too previously. It was an "ON" night for us. Dan hit a home run and I scream all the way around the bases thinking he was going to run me over-since I had just hit before him---he didn't! We came home and had a dance fest in the Living room with the kids (late bedtimes tonight!) It is amazing how much quieter it is w/ even 3 kiddos! Dan and I stayed up too late watching some more of the office. Ryland slept in the bathroom that evening complaining of a tummy ache! uH oh! The flu has been hitting some of our friends!

Saturday June 14- Rise and Shine-late night or not!! I had to get to Anthem for a hair appointment at 10, AND I was late (are we surprised?) I also had to deliver poems and get ready for Sunday's Father Day singing of the primary kids, on the way out of town. I got my hair done by my friend Jesica (who use to live here) and LovE the RED coloring we played with! Afterwards Ryland and I grabbed something to eat, stopped at some stores and then headed over to our soon-to-be SIL's bridal shower. Dan's brother gets married in a short week and a half! Her house was very NICE! and it was stocked with serious food and fun--we were glad we were able to make it. Ryland was my little travel buddy to 'lighten' Dan's load at home-and he did phenomenal. Dan got our yard mowed, weed whacked and some weeds picked out of the garden (it is GROWING)--We can;t forget the game'ing that went on while I was gone too! I had to find clothes to wear to the wedding for everyone, fathers day gift/card, Costco supplies and some girls camp craft stuff while I was surrounded by stores. It was a busy busy day. Ryland slept all the way home and I had to call Dan and talk with him for some of the way home to stay awake!

Sunday June 15- Happy Father's Day! June is Dan's month-he gets more gifts and recognition this month then at Christmas. I have bragged enough about him in posts lately-but everything that makes him a good husband and person...makes him an AMAZING dad.

I did have the diaper bags ready the night before, and kids clothes laid out for after breakfast. We made Dan breakfast in bed. We were still late to church. The primary children did a poem/ singing rendition I put together--and it fared well. There was a little mix up in poem assignments, and some feelings were hurt. It was all straightened out by the end of church however! Phew!! Some of my favorite girl friends (the Gordon's) hubby's came and spoke in sacrament, about fathers, representing the stake, and they were super (I am really not being biased). We all came home from church-we fed the kids and I laid them all down, including Dan. We all got naps! Dan got a 4 and a half-hour nap!!! We had a T-bone steak dinner for him that evening. He cooked the steaks...because he likes them 'his' way, but the rest of dinner was on me!

The theme for Fathers Day this year was R&R: Rest and Relaxation--Dan got a gift certificate for a 1 hour professional massage ( during the week I am gone to Girls Camp) , some new sheets for our bed (as the only working ones that fit our bed are pink right now), AND a new book he saw at the Grand Canyon that he wanted! Of course, the kids went all out wrapping the presents--using TONS and TONS of tape, and paper (picture above). Our card to him had Hillary Clinton on the front that said :President Hillary-then you open it and it says, "see, there are some things scarier than raising kids". I was pretty proud of that find. We had some really good laughs about that one! Fathers Day went down without a hitch. I am grateful my children have such a good, male, role model in their lives. It was a perfect ending that day to go to sleep next to him!

HuTcHiNgS HoLd Em' ReUnIoN- Day 4

You would of thought after a day of ski lifts and Grand Canyons the adults would tire...oh, but NO! We had our last campfire and a family business meeting-with no BIG fights to speak of (miracle!). It made Tuesday all the less sad as we broke down camp. Why is camping so much more fun to put up then take down? It was sad to say good-bye and I already felt a little let down as we drove off....until 2010 I guess!

Happy Reunions to all--

HuTcHiNgS HoLd Em' ReUnIoN- Day 3

OUR VISIT TO THE GRAND CANYON!

I have not ever been to the Grand Canyon-

and I am glad I never missed it!

It was awe inspiring to see the magnitude of it, no matter where you went--

I learned that it is more of an 'adult' place to visit. There were not very many kids around and you had to keep a vigilant eye on them (allot of places to fall over the edge)

After the kids saw it--they were done! They were more impressed with the mule deer, rabbits, and California condors (the condors had a wing span of 9 feet as they were coming in to nest for the evening--pretty AmAzInG) we saw there!

Sterling was the one to spot the deer coming out of the woods heading right to our car. We flipped a U and got a closer look at the pack of mule deer all shapes sizes and sexes...until we got busted by the park ranger for letting Ryland out of his car seat to look (even though we were not driving!)
We ended our busy day of chair lifts and sight seeing w/ a beautiful picnic by sunset. The Hutchings clan got together at the beginning for a picture and then split up!
I was impressed with the kindness people showed our little brood. Complete strangers were drawn to our children and would come and make conversations with us. Particularly those from other countries. I was AMAZED at all the different dialects and languages we heard throughout the day--it was definitely a lifetime experience we should never pass up living so close!

After a yummy picnic, and getting the kids in pj's--they slept most of the way back to camp!
Sleep tight Grand Canyon!

The things I have LEARNED from my FATHERS!

Once again, I could not celebrate this special Day without recognizing the "founding fathers" of Fatherhood for our family.

I was going to do this -make a list-even before our stake speaker (Mike Gordon) encouraged all of us to do this (from his wife's example on her blog..shout out to Janae !)...make a list of things we have learned from our Dad's- So here's MY top 10! MY DAD-

1. Family is absolutely FIRST, even if the the 'norm' for men is not that way.

2. To expect the very best in co-parenting from my future spouse.

3. Dirty Diapers are not so bad--they are way of life.

4. That men CAN dance.

5. Daddy's can have special 'talents'--Talking in Donald Duck, wrestling, busting out "the claw", telling sluefoot stories.

6. Men are strong and have great muscles--they protect you!

7. It is OK to cry.

8. The blessings of the priesthood are very real.

9. Miracles happen.

10. Great fathers make amazing grandpa's.

MY FATHER-IN-LAW:

1. Fishing (and hunting) are not about catching the fish--it is about enjoying the beauty and nature around us, and being outdoors.

2. There is nothing like a good book.

3. Idaho is a Great placed to live.

4. (real ) Barns have a place in every one's hearts.

5. You can seem big and tough on the outside, but really be a softy and tender on the inside.

6. Grand kids are a blessing, they are fun to spend time with and go on trips with!

7. You should experience life and enjoy things around you

8. Genuinely love your wife- always showing small signs of affection

9. Be responsible with your money-Get a Job!

10. You can teach your grand kids/kids to watch the nature channel-and be a walking book of knowledge and facts

HuTcHiNgS HoLd Em' ReUnIoN- Day 3

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL SKI LIFT RIDE
Dacie and Daddy enjoying the slow moving view from up high--she LoVeD it and even drifted off to sleep a few times!
Still snow on the ground from the 12 inches it got a few weeks previous--amazing to think a short 2.5 hours away they had 105 degree weather! Gotta Love Arizona--
The view from the top of the mountain after getting off the ski lift
The boy cousins trying to go even higher!


This is Dacie's closest cousin in age, and the 2nd GIRL grand baby! Mikkelle was dressed up as a saloon girl today-thus, the garter on her chub roll! She kept kicking her legs straight out-it was so stinking cute!