This is from my conference last week in Kansas City.  I meant to post it for last week's photo fun, but didn't have internet connection; I've never felt so out of touch as I did those three days without internet.  This was my first visit to Kansas City—it's beautiful, but the traffic is horrendous.  Especially during an ice storm.

The Crazy, Crazy, Crazy Week at Grandma's House

Need I say more. . . 

This is cool art!

Halllloooooo!

Hey, I got to go to the temple today! Yippeeee! Then Liz locked her keys in the car. That is a story to hear in person.... we all can! So excited for tomorrow. Guess what, I should get to keep both of my kidneys!!!!! I'll explain more tomorrow. I'm going to be miserable for a few months, but after that I should be feeling tons better! So, it is Friday and I have yet to post a photo, so here goes.....

I think Chloe pretty much says it all!

Heather ( see you all in the morning)

PycFry

In anticipation of our fun weekend together, I found some pictures I thought would be joyful!
(I wish I had pictures of this "preschool from hell" week) But when you are in the midst of it,
(and you don't know how to download the camera to the computer anyway)... .... ...


Love you all! Look forward to seeing you all tonight!!!!!

Mom

Am I missing the point?

Was it ever really specified in regards to what to post of Fridays. I cannot remember. So here goes. Here are these awesome photos.Then the cream of the cake. The new American Excess Card. A constant reminder than we offten have to much junk. What's in your wallet?

PHOTO FRIDAY!

Last week's Photo Friday was a disgrace.  Truly.  Get with it people!

Professor Joe at Wilson

As many of you know, I have had a wonderful opportunity to teach what I am passionate about to my fellow coworkers. There is even a test that I have given them. It was very hard. Some of them have put over 20 hours straight into answering the test. Now, one of my students has even resulted to bribery in order to get a good grade. This is what she surprised me with this morning.

I was laughing so hard this morning. I cannot believe how blessed I am to be working with people that truly appreciate what I do, and that enjoy my company. It's awesome, and New!

Dear Family,
I guess that we can not let Marquie have all of the fun. It is now just after 17:00 and I have been in this office way too long today. I am tired of being alone! All I do is sleep, eat and work. Sometimes I get some exercise in but mostly, just the above. This is not what daddies are supposed to do! Well, I guess if it gets me doing what I am supposed to I can do it, especially since we feel so strongly that this is what the Lord has asked.

Yesterday I flew from Chicago to Boston to attend the International Boston Seafood Show. Lots of samples. Yum!! Sashimi, Sushi, smoked salmon, grilled salmon, all kinds of fried seafood. Oh, I do think I need to go again next year. Oh yea, we also talked with customers and made sales calls.

OK, was digging through old and new pictures. One from Last year's trip to Shanghai and a sunrise from out my office window. Have a wonderful evening.

gosh

Guys, you have really got to start posting more. I'm getting bored of reading my same post over and over. And Justin's too. No offense, Justin. Hardly anyone did Photo Friday.....and I was late. poopoo. I did like Joe's, though.

Mom's sick. poopoo. i really can't function without her. I get all confused and jumbled. Even with Michelle and Liz here. ...

We tore down our set construction today. It was interesting. First of all, I didn't do alot but take up tape, and then I sat down with my friend cuz she wasn't feeling well, and she passed out, like, 10 times! This is killing me.

We are having white chicken chili for dinner. mmmmmm.

It is snowing and I really want a snow day tomorrow.

Our girls varsity basketball team went to Super-Sectionals today!

Okay, blog guys! I have no life, I just read it over and over. Love ya!

sad

It is over now so sad sorry you all could not come it was great it was my first and last musical at johnsburg high school too bad so sad

whatever

First of all, isn't this a pretty picture?Second, It's FREEZING!!!!

So, why couldn't you come this weekend, Justin, but you can come next weekend? Is there a big difference?

I don't know...

And so we are here with a fun computer...yes James, you are the only one who will truly appreciate these photos...Mac. We are excited to be with all of you in a week! Pray that we can get on the flight!

Office Mayhem at Wilson Nurseries

Notice my flying tricks while wielding an impressive paintball gun. Mike never new what hit him untill is was to late. Candy just looked on in horror, wishing she could escape the terrible torment I was inflicting on the office. Never again will I be laughed at for my once daily solitary hiccup. Fear is now ever present. Enjoy photo friday!!!

Beauty and the Beast

YAY!!!!!!!!!
I aM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, today we did our performance for the 3rd and 4th graders!!!! IT WAS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow is our performance for Ringwood! The LITTLE guys! Oh gosh its gonna be so much fun!!!!! WOOTWOOT!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO sad that everyone can't come this weekend, but it is just gonna be SO grand! GOSH it's exciting! Well, then, everyone watch the movie if you can't come! I'll miss you! Love you all! Hugs and Kisses! Happy Late Valentine's DAy, too!

Oh! and today, I got to miss 1/2 of school, and tomorrow too. today I missed the last 1/2 which was gym, math, english, and spanish! Tomorrow isn't so fun. I miss Chemistry, (good), choir, study hall, and gym. Not quite as exciting! Chemistry and Gym, though! Fitness Day, most likely! Anyways! Love ya'll!
Marquie (My name in the play that we made up is 'Amelia') hahaha!

Update on Idaho

Back safe in lovely Provo. Too bad. I'd rather be in Idaho. I could think of a few reasons for that: beautiful up there; fun family; horses; comfortable bed; unhealthy food...there are a lot of reasons, but as you know, the reason I really don't want to be back here is because now I can't just be with Jodi. I know, its cheesy, but you have all been there, you know what it is like, so I expect some sympathy. I figured spending the weekend together, including two six-hour car rides with no radio, would tell us a lot about each other and our relationship. Well, it did. I find that the more I get to know Jodi, the more in love with her I fall. I am starting to get to see more of what makes her who she is. It was a joy to spend time with her family, especially her father, Jay. He is so kind, and put me quite at ease. He gave his room to Jodi, so the two of us stayed in the living room. We had a few long talks late into the night that were most pleasant, and gave me a wonderful opportunity to get to know him and the family more, and hopefully vice versa. We didn't arrive until late Friday night, but arose early Saturday morning to enjoy the events of the day, namely horse back riding and a trip through a most beautiful canyon to a small little house buried in the snow. It was fun shoveling that out. We found ourselves lost in a little cave...the garage. How cute is that? We couldn't pass up the photo. Sunday was again an opportunity to learn more about Jodi, and her about me. Church was lovely in that small little town, and the remainder of the day was spent with members of her extended family. That was the test, really. She was so worried that they would scare me away. Well, I found my niche with the kids. I didn't talk to the adults much, but who would when there are kids around to play with! I know those kids' names better than Jodi. They were adorable. For some reason little people are just attracted to big people! I did my fair share to get them into trouble for being too rowdy. I'm good at that, too.

We arrived home early this afternoon after spending another six hours in the car. When we left this morning we had the joy of getting lost on just the right route, and found ourselves at the Boise Temple. It was a beautiful sight, until we got kicked off the grounds that were open only for maintenance workers. It was cold, but a beautiful sight before we hit the freeway. Much of the early morning drive was spent in the scriptures as Jodi read and we discussed. We have really enjoyed studying the scriptures together this weekend. It has been a lot of fun to see her great understanding of the scriptures and gospel principles, as well as her willingness and desire to learn more.

We are excited to come to Chicago in two weeks and see what there is in store for us. The plane ride won't be nearly as entertaining as the car rides were this weekend, but the journey should be equally revealing as she will see me in one of the places I grew up. We look forward to seeing you all in two weeks!

Good Evening Family,
I know that Photo Phriday is past but we still want to get in on the fun. Mom and Marquie have been with me this weekend here in Virginia looking for homes and giving mom and Marquie a taste of this area. They arrived on Thursday evening and we have been running ever since. Friday we headed into the "District" so I could get fingerprinted for my airport ID. My appointment was actually on 2001 Pennsylvania Avenue. Marquie was excited beyond belief. I felt bad that we didn't have the time to walk the mall, however we did drive around and saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial the Capital and a far away glimpse of the White House. Friday Mom and Marquie finally broke we away from the office at 13:00. We drove to Berryville and looked at a home that is for sale by a member and we visited the High School for Marquie. When we finished we just didn't feel good about the area and started over again. Saturday we went to Strasburg and looked at only a couple of home. We are very excited about one of them but it is further for me to commute than we want.

Sunday we went to church in Front Royal and were invited to dinner by the Stake President. We enjoyed the time very much and then went back to visit the home in Strasburg and headed back to the Airport. Wow, it has been a busy weekend but a very pleasant one. Mom and Marquie head back tomorrow and we will finalize our preparations to get our home on the market and make an offer here. Will keep you posted.

Thanks for listening. Dad.

Here's a shot from our family Valentine's Day Dinner.  It was lovely to spend the time together with a few small gifts, some heart-shaped tortilla chips and a family that really loves one another.

New Coats

As promised, I bought a new coat, but couldn't go without getting one for the girl who doesn't know how to live in the cold (it is a California thing). Happy Birthday to her! I would post a picture of the beautiful, tasty salmon dinner I made for us last night, but I didn't take a picture of it, so just imagine it...it was good. (Stay tuned for next week's photo gallery of our trip to Idaho.)

PHOTO FRIDAY!

I know some of you (SO MANY OF YOU!) are traveling today, but let's ROCK Friday with some great photos!  Anyone have anything from Valentine's Day yesterday?  You know how we love sappy romanticism . . .

You have to check this site out!

http://iheart.despair.com/motivator.php

Happy Valentines Day!

Time?

I find my time to write is getting shorter and shorter. I wonder how that could be? Some things just don't need explaining. The snow is falling beautifully outside as I sit in the warmth of a comfortable house with two wonderful grandparents. My work schedule is whatever I want this week, so I've opted to come home this afternoon and do homework, have dinner with Grandma and Grandpa (don't think I've done that for weeks!), then go to work this evening. My missionaries are all gone, but they left their mark on my heart. I loved the opportunity I had to serve them. They also left their ratings....yes, we get rated by every group of missionaries. I was surprised by some of the ratings, but grateful I have some specific things I can focus on as I work to improve my skills and abilities as a teacher. It matters not to me if these missionaries remember me or not, but I pray they remember the lessons they learned while in the MTC. I'm not there to be remembered or thought of often, only to prepare the Lord's servants, then send them on their way.

My thoughts are scattered as I procrastinate doing my homework, but how grateful I will be when it is done. And, I've gotta make sure I don't have to do any tomorrow. After all, it is Valentine's Day. If any of you men happened to forget, that is your reminder...no excuses).

Life's Contemplations

So, I've had this experience mulling around in my mind the last few days I would like to share. First of all, attending the funeral of a sister in law makes me feel rather vulnerable. Especially in light of my recent "handicap" and beginning to see myself age. (We saw a lot upper middle aged people at the funeral that we went to school with). Very enlightening.

Anyway, that's not the experience I wanted to share with you.

As we flew back to Chicago--first class, may I add--I looked out the window. WOW! SO BRIGHT--the sun reflecting off the limitless clouds. All I could see was big billowy white clouds. It made me very grateful that there was someone watching instruments in the cockpit. It occurred to me that when we came out of the clouds, which I assumed we would have to to land, that we could be anywhere. I'm sure there is a time in flight history when no one would have been able to fly on that very cloudy day, or at least would have to have flown very low.

Okay, now the parable...isn't this just like life, flying in a plane. Don't we go through life, usually in the bright sunshine, but with a very limited view of where we are flying. We can see only a few "feet" below and we assume we are going in the right direction. However, without our "pilot", who is so experienced and well trained on the instruments, we could end up anywhere. Along the way, we have a few bumps, some times are rough, some times are very smooth sailing, but all along, the pilot knows where we are going.

About 20 minutes from the end of the flight, we began to descend into the clouds. During that time, I could see nothing but the fog we were enveloped in. Things were pretty dim and gloomy, but still, the pilot knew where we were going and the plane kept flying.

Maybe three minutes before we landed, we came out of the clouds and what do you know, we were right there at O'Hare. All the time, the pilot knew where we were going and brought us safely home. Despite my lack of vision, I was where I needed and wanted to be.

Hope you have a bright, cloudless day!!!!

Mom

Sweet Vacation

I sit here tonight (this morning...technically) munching on some M&Ms left on the counter and contemplate my great future: a week off. I love my missionaries, and I'm sad to part ways with them, knowing full-well that I will not see many of them again; however, it is there time to go! They have endured twelve long weeks, and they have all endured it well. I did too. It is my turn to rest, though I won't do much of that. I will still go into work and observe other teachers, clean my classroom, make plans for the next group of missionaries....you see my picture. The missionaries all took a moment to write down some of their thoughts for me; here is one Sister's comments:

韩老师(this is my name...),
Thanks so much for your example and great teaching. You are truly so in touch with the Spirit. I don't know how many times I had incredible spiritual experiences and insights as a result of your powerfully inviting the Spirit and saying the things I needed to hear. Your faith is incredible and I seriously appreciated your sincerity. You constantly pushed me to be better and grow further. You rely on your Savior in a way unlike anyone I have ever met. Your example is truly incredible. I respect and admire you. Thanks again! I can't wait to get to Taiwan and give them everything I have.

I feel blessed beyond measure and reason to be a guide for these missionaries. I often am amazed at the goodness of Heavenly Father in allowing me to have this job. There is not much greater I could ever do than train the Lord's servants to go out and find His lost sheep. I am grateful to be a conduit for the Spirit and love of Heavenly Father. That is all I want to be: a means by which Father can bless His missionaries. They truly are His disciples. They speak with power and authority and are the means by which countless miracles are wrought. They are the very best this world has to offer. It is humbling to be counted worthy to work among them everyday. Light shines forth from their countenanced as I see the Savior engraven there.

some more

And some more...sorry. I forgot.

Well, I forgot the first thing.
Second thing: I got new shoes today! They are like everyone else's! I post a picture later.
What WAS I going to say?
Oh Yes! My teacup has NO arms! I hold it up on the inside with my hands. The first time doing, it causes a lot of laughter....(hehehe...good thing you have to be really animated during that song...)
Okay. Love ya.

holy cow

i'm tired.
I have a lot of homework.
Rehearsals are going from atleast 5:30 to 10:00 now.
I have a lot of makeup work.
That's it.
I don't want to do my homework.
Chemistry Lab, worksheet, English Questions, Study spanish for a makeup test tomorrow.
poopoo


By: Marquie Hutchings. What a wierdo!

New Friends

Wow, two in one day? Well, I have to get caught up before the week starts again. Seems that I just have no time during the week. I am hoping this week is a bit slower and easier to deal with. Mom and I will do our 03:00 thing tomorrow morning to get me to the airport and mom back in time for seminary. I really do not like to do this but it does give me one more evening at home and one less evening I have to live in someone else's home. In three weeks since I met Ron Trump I have only stayed with him one evening. Well this week it will be three.

Our time in Utah was very difficult this past three days but also very wonderful. We were able to give Roger and his family some support. They really pulled together and took care of there Wife, mother and grandmother in a wonderful way. On Thursday afternoon Roger asked his family and his and Carol's siblings and spouses to join together in a private viewing. It was a time to celebrate Carol's life. We started with How Great Thou Art and a prayer. Roger conducted and did a very good job in pulling out comments. We laughed, we cried and we buried bad feelings and elevated good ones. Grandchildren all spoke of wonderful memories and of sadness. It really was well done.

We took a break from 17:00 to 18:30. Larry spearheaded a dinner for the family. He provided the turkeys and family members the salads and desserts. The formal public viewing started at 18:30 and actually lasted until 20:30. It was only supposed to go to 20:00. During the viewing Carol's primary class came and joined with the grandchildren in singing primary songs to Carol. It was really good. In a real break from tradition, refreshments were served as though it were a wedding reception. You may think this odd but the family wanted a celebration of Carol's life and they used the wedding theme as she had done so many cakes for so many people.

The "funeral" was held in the Relief Society room on Friday morning. Carol had asked for only a graveside service. it was too cold. It was about 45 minutes long. Roger spoke, there were two musical numbers and two other remarks. Olea Frandson and the Bishop.

Carol is buried in the South Jordan cemetery. Roger, true to his word to his bride (he does refer to her as his bride) saw to it that she was taken care of clear to the end. Even to filling the grave. He asked me to shovel with him and it was an honor. Very natural and very sacred. Then we enjoyed "funeral potatoes and ham" at the church.

Roger's family has supported him greatly and tonight will be the first night he has been alone since Carol passed. Overall, he is at peace but there is a great deal of pain in the loss.

The title of this post is New Friends. On Thursday morning I called my office just to check in and Josefina, our Sales Assistant, indicated that some of the people in the office wanted to do a
donation and wanted to know if we were receptive as I had kept this pretty close and not discussed much. I said no more. Didn't give Carol's name or Roger's name or any other details. They only knew we were in Utah. some very resourceful people found all they needed and provided a wonderful arrangement that sat on the sign in table. I was deeply touched and wanted to share with you.

Old Friend

OK, So it is not Friday and my Friday pic is actually a week old. But oh well, it has been a very eventful 10 days. Ten days that I would like to share part of with my family. That said, I have been on the computer long enough for now so this will be short.

As many of you know I attended my third National Umpire School last weekend in Orem. Whenever the school is held in Utah it moves from Saturday/Sunday to Friday/Saturday so I go. It was a good school. I was heavily distracted by work and then Friday evening having received the word of Carol's passing, Saturday was, well, I was there physically, not necessarily mentally. I spent more time this school on slow pitch. Yes, your father has crossed over. Ray Salazar was in attendance and decided to give it a try. After being in the bucket for slow pitch he has a new respect for those who do the sport. He realized just how hard it is.

Well speaking of our friend Ray, I caught this picture of him. He is still Ray, and still a good friend, just with no hair.

NEVER too late for Friday

A Classic.  Love that Kiddo.

tad bit late

Hey guys,
this is my picture for Friday. I didn't really have time to post....This was after our snow day. We were shoveling the drive a little more. (Well, mom and dad were shoveling, I was taking pictures and holding a shovel.) Pretty picture, though, eh? Love ya'll!

Crfaz\y in Luv

'nough said.

Love,
~Jodi

First on Friday - Yes!!!!!

I just thought that this was awesome.

Dinner?

It is the little things. Dinner. Everyone needs to eat, especially dinner! Sometimes it is an extravagant meal, lavished with this and that; other times it is simple and beautiful. Tonight it was simple, and the company was beautiful. I worked through the afternoon and into the evening. Having a break for dinner while the missionaries went to dinner, I invited Jodi to have dinner with me. She made a simple dinner: sandwiches, chips, celery sticks, and soup (and some chocolate covered peanuts...yum). She picked me up, we went up a block and ate in the temple parking lot. It is a peaceful place. Such a small thing, it was only dinner! But what it meant to me...! Words are so useless sometimes.

SNOW DAY AGAIN

So, the last snow day was just a practice day. Today is the real snow day. We really can't go anywhere and Dad's flight from Philadelphia is really scheduled to land at O'Hare in 15 minutes....hmmm......


Marquie and I made an effort to shovel the driveway. Notice how much good it did and how we stopped before we turned into real snow women--it was like we just had a shower. Before we went out, our hair was dry. It will, however, make the rest of the half driveway easier to shovel again when we have to really go somewhere. Hope the trains are working.....