Joe Update

I just have to say, if you haven't heard yet, that doctor induced memory loss drugs are interesting. No I'm not talking about medicinal marijuana, unless they have it in a clear liquid, injectable into the IV form. After my procedure {colonoscopy} on Monday, I have literally 6 hours of my life that I do not remember. Full coherent conversations occurred with everyone, just not one iota of info or memory was retained. Just bizarre! For further details, just call Heather. I won't be of any help on this matter. If photos don't make you squeamish, check out my blog [Find the Humor in Life]. I promised Heather that I wouldn't post them on this family blog.

We are officially Moving!

So, I just thought I would post a little preview of the next few weeks for us. It has been a whirlwind week and the next few promise the same. Dad and Marquie are flying home tonight, after Marquie's first week of school--hopefully, she'll post what she has learned about living in Virginia sometime in the near future. Then, tomorrow morning, we are loading up all the stuff the moving company won't take and heading back to Virginia. Marquie is trying to weasel her way out of the 12 hour trip--yes, Heather, 12 hours (boo, hiss)-- by pleading to stay with Heather for the weekend and flying out to meet us in Washington, DC on Monday.

I will spend the week with Marquie in a hotel--slash, slash...no, MOTEL in Front Royal while Dad travels to some much neglected areas of the east coast for meetings. Hopefully, sometime during that week, Marquie and I will be able to see the home Dad has rented for us to spend the school year in.

Then, on (or before) September 7, I will fly back to Chicago so I can be here when the moving company packs our belongings on September 8 and 9 (they figure it will take 2 days--I can only imagine how many days it would have taken if we had not done such a massive clean-out before we put our home on the market). Then on September 10, I think a Wednesday, they will load all our belongings on a semi and head for Virginia.

Once, I have finished cleaning the house, which I am desperately trying to accomplish as much as possible this week, I will officially leave for Virginia. We will move into our new home on September 15 (and I'm sure 16, 17, 18....).

So, what becomes of our home in McHenry? We are still praying it will sell, but would really rather not leave it empty through the winter months...so I suppose that part of the story is still to be determined.

There you go. All are up to date!

First Week. . .

I was confused about this being my first week.  For me it is week 3 and week 4 and week 8 and week 1 and end of term grading, but I don't think that is what she was referring to or maybe it was.  Though, it was our first week with daddy gone and we did start school at home.  We set up a schedule together with the boys and they are very excited!  We have a little structure but a lot of freedom to just love learning!

I have really tried to not force them to do anything but to inspire them to want to learn.  Yesterday after cleaning up breakfast I headed upstairs and could just tell that they didn't want to stop playing for "school", so I tried to inspire them.  I pulled out a book and asked if anyone wanted to come and hear me read a story . . . like moths to a flame!  They came and we read some fun poems and fables and then started our handwriting.  We've really had fun with handwriting which has shocked me.  We do two letters each day and always practice and circle our best--which they apparently love.  Then, we always play a game where we find words that only use the letters we have learned so far.  Last night at dinner we were telling daddy about our new game and that tomorrow we were doing g and h and Michael said then we can use the word 'cabbage.'  We just about died.  Apparently it was Joshua's idea. . . it is a good thing they can read because they are already smarter than me and will need to learn from books.  :(    So, things are going well and we're having lots of fun.  Tomorrow we're learning about prehistoric life--after the dinosaurs . . . should be fun!

It is different not having daddy around but we're excited he has a real job and love supporting him!   Now we just have to pray that more people will audition!  

How is school for everyone else?

First Week of School

Okay all you first week of schoolers (James, Liz, Marquie, Bryce, Joe)....(I think Justin and Jodi don't start until next week)

I want to hear about it!

Michelle's Post

Hi from Santaquin!  I know it is hard to imagine that we are actually writing a blog, but all is thanks to Justin and Jodi who come on occasion and bring their computer so we have access to the world.  We have a sweet Julia Belle (with an 'e'), and an EllaAnne and Daniel who adore her!  We think she is pretty sweet too, crooked nose and all!  The doctor says it should go away, but if you don't expect it to, then when it doesn't, you won't be disappointed!  So we don't have our hopes up too high.  As you all probably know by now, we had a bit of a problem with the epidural, and it turned into an awful seven-day ordeal.  Think: super migraine times TEN, for SEVEN DAYS!! (By the way, Bryce says hi, and "all anesthesiologists can go to hell!")  Must have been a little traumatic for him, I guess.  Mom took very good care of me, with a little help from Justin and Jodi, of course.  Now I'm on the fast-track to normal life!  That means I can get out of bed and walk around and take care of my baby!   Each day I am feeling better and better, thanks to all your prayers and thoughtfulness.  We have had hoards and hoards of visitors, all with the best intentions in the world, but still not getting the hint to leave, even when you are talking about how annoying it is when people come over and call ALL THE TIME, and all you really want to do is SLEEP!!  They do, however, come bearing gifts, which is nice, but you have to hide them so the next person to come doesn't see the plethora of perishable sweets (pies, brownies, zucchini bread, cookies, rolls, etc.) stacked on the counter.  Don't get me wrong, I love it, but my will power is soon to fail, bringing a weight gain I have been working rather tenaciously to avoid!  We really are grateful for everyone's consideration and kindness to us.  Thanks to family and friends we are well taken care of: food to eat, clean house (again, a relative term, as Mom put it), and company to enjoy.  Don't count on hearing from us again anytime soon, at least not until Justin and Jodi come back with their computer!  We love you all!

My week!

So, I got home from Utah this afternoon. I had a great "first class" trip. Thank you to my wonderful children who sacrificed their sleep, so I could be on the 7:54 a.m. flight.

Michelle is doing well, at least last time I saw her, although she struggles with bedtime. I kept trying to tell her when the baby sleeps, you sleep. So, I think her motto is: when I sleep, Bryce tends the baby. Both Michelle and Bryce are pretty exhausted.

I had a wonderful week with Michelle, Bryce and family. For the first part of the week, Michelle only got up to go to the bathroom. She and the baby both ate in bed, lying down. Michelle even sat on the couch, lying down. She ate lying on her stomach with her head turned sideways. She was in massive pain. She just kept saying, "one day I'll wake up and this horrible headache will be gone." And sure enough, one day she woke up and the horrible headache was gone! Now, she only has a mild headache and if she sleeps enough, it stays pretty mild.

After living all week in Michelle's beautiful kitchen, I came home and realized how drab mine seems. I need a new kitchen. Wait, I'll have on in three weeks. And, it's quite lovely, may I add.
It was so sad to leave Michelle's house this morning. But, I know she is in great, capable hands with her terrific and understanding husband who has arranged for relief society sisters to bring meals this next week as well as do laundry and clean house--which by the way, the term "clean house" in the situation she's living in is certainly a relative term. My accommodations were very comfortable in the "master suite".

I came home to a massive group of teenagers and four lovely grandchildren at my home to surprise Marquie with a going away party, then many tears and hugs from Mom and Dad and on to her murder mystery play in which she, by the way, was magnificent.

I'm hoping that maybe Justin will find a way to help Michelle blog about her last week. It would be great to get her view on this rather unusual situation.

Tomorrow, Marquie officially changes her home town from Johnsburg, Illinois to Front Royal, Virginia. I, however, will remain behind to get things ready for movers to pack and haul away our remaining belongings!

I'm tired and this blog is a little discombobulated. I think I shall quit writing. Good night!

Oh MY!!

Well, I have been told that I have not been a good communicator this week so I will try to correct that error. OK, so here is what has happened for those who have not been told.
- We decided to back down from our purchase of the home on Gold Cup Drive. I was ready to fax the signed documents but we are still waiting for settlement of the Hutchings estate and did not feel that we should put ourselves at risk financially. So, that left us in the cold.
- I started looking for rentals on Wednesday. Wow, was that discouraging. Makes me feel that I can probably rent our home for a very reasonable price compared to what I saw for what they are asking.
- Nothing on Wednesday so Thursday I decided to "accept" a home that just really didn't feel good to me but would work. Before signing I went back into the rental listings and called on two that were well out of our range. Well, really out of our range! But I called, asked to see them and offered very low compared to what they were asking. One family couldn't make up their minds but the other was receptive. When I walked into the home I was filled with the warmth and love in the home. I will call it the Spirit. A family of eight children. We couldn't finalize on Thursday as the husband was traveling.
- Friday, I met with the family and they approved of me and our family, agreed to my adjusted offer (still substantially below asking) and we came to terms. I even got Marquie registered in school
- Marquie and I leave tomorrow for her to start school Monday at Skyline High School in Front Royal, VA
- We will work with the movers to get packed and move from Johnsburg as soon as possible.

I have pondered a great deal on the strong feelings of the Spirit that I had related to the other home. I have come to understand that it was all part of moving forward and me may well still have the other home. I know the Lord is guiding us and we are looking forward to being back together as a family.

Gratitude

I have felt very grateful this week and thought I would share.  (In no particular order.)

I am first grateful for a healthy family.  As I have tried to support and love others who are dealing with physical challenges I have realized how healthy me and my family have been.  We have not been to the doctor in almost two years. . . unless Jeremy counts.   I hope you all get better soon!

I am grateful for a home.  I recall when we first found a place to live in Arkansas that Marquie commented on why they couldn't find a home and we could.  I have been amazed to see that when the time is right we find what we need.  We needed to find a home so we could return to our boys, so we did.  When we needed to find another home back in Missouri we found one and oh how I love it!  And now that mom and dad are ready they have a home in Virginia!  Congrats!

I am grateful for prayer.  I have never really been grateful for prayer before as I am now.  I have always prayed but mostly just prayed because it was what I did or because I needed something but lately I feel like I am communicating with my Father in Heaven when I pray.  I've always been taught that you will know what you should pray for and now I really feel like I do.  I can pause and listen and realize what else I need to pray for or to know when I am done.  I have gained great strength in communicating with my Heavenly Father.

I am grateful for my boys.  We have had one crazy summer running all over the United States but they go with a smile, for the most part, and love us still the same.  I feel like sometimes they are taking care of us more than we are taking care of them.  

I am grateful for family who love you no matter what and will be there to help you when you need it.  I know I can call anyone and they will do all they can to help.  Thank you!

I'm sure I could go all day but just thought I would take a moment and share.  I hope you are all having a great day!

OK. . . I left out a very important person who I am very grateful for.  Yesterday he drove us all down to the outlet malls just to help me find a dress for Deborah's wedding next month.  It was a long and tiring shop mostly because we were unsuccessful, so today he let me stay home from shopping and went to search again and came home with a most beautiful dress for me to wear.  He is always there for me and I know he always will be.  :)  I love you James!

Yes, I'm still here....

I sincerely appreciate none of you falling of the face of the earth. I love reading about what goes on in the world of the Hutchings crazies. Life has been its normal soap opera here. I think I let you all know about Joe's current health issues. For an update, the CAT showed us nothing of help in regard to his small intestine. It did however, show us his liver wasn't functioning much. Yes, it is actually starting to get quite laughable. Not to worry..... the doctor thinks we caught it early enough. If he takes 800 I.U. of vitamin E and 1 Gram of vitamin C everyday for the rest of his life, he should be o.k........ Joe started school again tonight blah blah blah. We also started school here again this week. i am really looking forward to this year. We are doing things a little differently, yet very structured. This still allows for my sanity too. I printed reading lists for Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade from the Chicago public school system. Our library is wonderful at finding all the books we need, somewhere. April is reading a book on Native American legends. She loves it. Yeah! I also found some wonderful workbooks for Geography and Science at Borders. They are called Spectrum and are based on state and national standards. They teach a lesson and have a corresponding worksheet. So far, so good! I love it when they teach themselves! Our one great splurge for the school year was Rosetta Stone. Yes, we are learning Spanish. Not Spain Spanish, Latin American Spanish. Joe is very pleased. He he he!!! They actually have a home school version which allows for tracking and printing of progress reports. April tried the online demo and loved it. It also comes with an accompanying audio learner. (for mp3) They have a six month money back guarantee, why not! Anyway... pretty sure Mom, Dad, and Marquie leaving this week is pretty stinky. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go a little stir crazy while I adjust. If I wake up and decide it just isn't happening, I just go to Moms. That could get a little expensive now..... Wish you the best though guys! Hurray for getting rid of Soni! I know Liz just smiled.... I don't know all the details, but she is gone. You'll have to get one of those crazies to blog an update. I think I've rambled long enough. Love you all. POST!!!

p.s. Jodi, I've been married to him 9 1/2 years and I don't get him either. You just smile, nod, and laugh lots! (refer to previous blog comment)

Oh Boy!

Well, the offer has been accepted. Not ratified but accepted. That means we have agreed to price and basic terms. Home inspection and tests pending. Now we are pondering constantly and praying constantly to know where to turn. Well, mom and I are both excited and feel good with what we have done. We look forward to sharing with you when you can come to Virginia. Our target close date is September 23, target move date is August 24, school starts for Marquie on August 25. So many things to get done. Love Dad.

COOKBOOKS!

Jodi's post reminded me that we're going to cookbook powwow during the reunion.  I know I have tons of loose papers I'd like to incorporate into my official binder, and I'm sure you've all found tons as  well (Heather, I know you have!)  So, here is your advance warning:

START COLLECTING YOUR RECIPES!

My focus lately has been on simple, delicious, low- to moderate-calorie meals, and I want to make sure that I don't lose any of them!  If any of you have any of those types you'd like to pass along sooner than December, I'm open to receiving them!  Bonus points for crock pot (note—do not, under any circumstance make the Jambalaya in the crock pot.  mmuuussshhheeeeee . . .)

Spicy Black Bean Soup

I want to thank you all for the family cookbook!  Last night I made James' spicy black bean soup and it was great.  I've made a lot of different things from the cookbook.  I find it very simple and reliably delicious.  It's a wonderful way for me to try out my cooking skills with stuff that is doable and stuff I can be sure Justin likes.  Wanted to say thanks!  I'm sure Justin appreciates it too...not only does he have all of his favorite recipes at the tips of his fingers, but I'm sure he loves the smell of food when he comes home from work.  Thanks guys!

At Liz's Request

At Liz's request I have found two pictures to bring a comparison to the "before" state of the house to the "after" state.  This is the best representation of what their house used to look like.  

They didn't take very many "before" pictures of the front of the house, but it was all ugly.  They ripped out all the walls and reframed to make it just how they wanted it, including the arch :)  Sorry I don't have more pictures for you!

Bryce and Michelle's House

Now that Mum and Dad have their house, I think we should take a minute to remember our dear sister and her family in the far-off land of Santaquin, and their new-ish house.  Jodi and I spent Saturday helping them clean things up, finish the sheetrock, and start the mudding.  Michelle is so excited about her house!  Here are some pictures of the front part of their house!

Bryce spent a good part of the day working on the front door.  Rather than put a new door in, they opted to just turn this one around. 

This is what you see when you come in the front door.  Michelle loves her arch, and Bryce is very proud of it.

This is what will be the family room.  The fireplace is on the right, the bathroom is the first door from the right, the laundry is the middle, and the door to the left is the master bedroom.

Here is a view from the dining area (also currently their family room and living room).

I don't know who started it, but Daniel and Ella took a few minutes to paint their toe nails.  As you can see, Daniel actually did a pretty good job!!  These kids are so cute, its really too bad you all don't get to spend as much time with them as Jodi and I do!

Jodi and I took two truck loads of trash to the dump to clean up the east side of the house. The kids can play here now!  It is the first time that area has been clean since the moved in!  (Michelle was also excited that we killed a few Black Widows while we were at it!)

Grateful and Humble

Good Evening Family -- Mom and Marquie are already in bed, through not yet asleep. I feel like bouncing off the walls and I have incredible joy in my soul. As you all know the road we have been on for the past 8 months has been one of much prayer and the exercising of faith. There have been times for the three of us that we just could not see our way. Just over two weeks ago I had a very strong feeling that I should start seriously looking at homes again and we picked only three to look at. One that I had visited at least three times previous and that I really liked. I called Liz, our Realtor and scheduled time and saw the three homes. One was definitely out but the other two could be considered. The feelings kept building in me and when we were in Missouri with James and Liz and fasting, Mom, Marquie and I came to the determination that we needed to move forward. Mom told me several times last week to just buy the home. I refused as I really felt that she needed to see the properties and be part of the decisions. All during this time we continued in all our prayers to not only ask for direction and personal revelation but if what we were doing was right. We continued to have the feeling to move forward but non of us received that burning we were seeking.

Yesterday we went and looked at the two homes. In one we immediately recognized that it did not feel right. When we looked at the other, it felt much better and we spent some time there and made the decision to make an offer. Again, "moving forward". Still, no burning confirmation that what we were doing was the "right thing". Last night we prayed again for that confirmation and while we felt at peace and calm, still no burning. All day today, a prayer in our hearts, pondering and praying. Well, at 17:00 we started reviewing and signing the papers, getting calls from the lender and family with some but not all of the information we needed and still we "moved forward". When all was signed and the check written, I stepped away from the conference room and that is when it hit me. The burning came. Along with it personal revelation and understanding. The revelation was that this was a test to see if we would do what we had been told without the burning confirmation. We did and the assurances of doing the correct thing came. I felt deep gratitude and humility and very blessed. This experience has been a trial of my faith and obedience and one that I am a better person for. Love Dad

Family Reunion Plans

So, after much discussion and weird planning, I am pleased to present to you a tentative schedule for the first ever, much anticipated, OUT OF THIS WORLD! Hutchings Family Reunion.

Date: 29-30 December 2008

Location: St. Louis & Columbia, MO

Family Cost: <$100 per family unit (projected)

Housing: James & Liz's house.  This is what we anticipate:

• Mom, Dad, Marquie in guest room
• James, Liz & boys in Master Bedroom
• Michelle, Bryce & kids in large bedroom (bunk beds, air mattress, pack n' play)
• April, Chloe, Ethan, Collin in Small bedroom (Bunk beds, floor mattresses)
• Heather & Joe on air mattress and/or couch in Family Room
• Justin & Jodi on Air mattress and/or couch in Living Room

We may need help with air mattresses or sleeping bags or something, but we'll communicate later on specific needs after we inventory our own stuff.  There are local hotels if you prefer, but we don't want anyone to feel like they have to spend extra $$ on hotel.  If you'd like hotel names, etc. let me know.

Schedule:

We know we have a lot of people with a lot of different needs for travel, children, housing, etc., so I've prepared a schedule that allows us a lot of time for great activities as well as naps, meal prep, and that good old family chatting we tend to love so much.  Here's what we have:

• 26-28 December: Flexible arrivals.  We know work schedules are all funky, so we thought we'd allow for people to arrive at the best time for them.  This gives the weekend for traveling if people need it.  If you're here early you can help us get all the shopping done and go to church with us on Sunday!
• 28 December:  The Reunion officially starts with Sunday evening meal (prepped by James & Liz.)
• 29 December:  St. Louis Day.  We'll pack a lunch (Heather & Joe) and head into St. Louis to do fun family activities that will depend on the weather.  Options include the Zoo, Art Museum, Science Museum, Planetarium, and maybe more.  We would return mid-afternoon and let the kids sleep in the car on the way home.  Naps!  Michelle & Bryce have dinner prep this night, and our evening is free for fun, play, maybe a Wii sports tournament?  The possibilities are endless.
• 30 December:  Columbia Day.  We are planning to spend the morning at Going Bonkers: think Mc Donald's play place the size of a small warehouse.  It's great for kids of all ages (I love it so much) and we can easily spend a few hours there.  It also has an arcade for those who enjoy such delights.  We'll do lunch at home (Justin & Jodi) then have nap afternoon for the little 'uns and flexible activity for the big kids.  It would be great for sledding or a nature hike or whatever, all depending on weather, of course.  Tuesday evening we are getting sitters for the kids (oh baby yeah!) and we're doing an adult dinner to finish up our reunion.  The reunion will officially end Tuesday night.
• 31 December-1 January:  New Year celebrations.  While the reunion is over and people are free to do what they need to get back to life, travel, etc., all are welcome to stay for Wednesday's great prep for New Year's Eve and the resulting lethargy with which we will greet 2009.

So there you have it.  The official reunion is only 2 1/2 days, but the potential festivities span almost a full week.  We felt it was important to keep the "official" activities confined to the two days because of the travel and work obligations for various family members.  We want to emphasize that NO ONE is obligated to be here for the New Year holiday, but everyone is welcome.

Let me know by email of any questions, concerns, needed clarifications, etc.  We're looking forward to it!

Saying for the day! And Don't forget it!!!

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

intervention

Mom: have you had lunch, James?
James: yes, this is my 2nd lunch!
Liz: (from the other room)--do i need to intervene?
James: people don't usually say yes when asked if they need intervention.
Liz: I know. Do I need to intervene?
James: ...
Liz: Do I need to intervene?
James: (taking a bite of cracker/butter/tuna/pb/turkey)--no, i'm 'appy. (rather unintelligible)
Liz: What did you say?
James, Mom, Marquie: (laughing too hard to speak)

Happy Photo Phriday!!!!!!

Alone at 20:14 -- In My Office

Yes, I am still in my office but the screen is really big! I had an evaluation with an employee at 16:00 that I was late for and we went to 18:30. One of the employees here ordered Chinese so I got some and watched burn notice on my big screen TV. Well, when dinner and a movie were over I jumped in and did some more work and then checked our blog and felt bad that I have not contributed for so long. So, I am going to post, do a last e-mail check and then go... to where I sleep because I am far from my family and family is where home is. Love you all. (Different back yard than what you saw after the funeral. This is the back yard of my youth)

Mom!

While I was getting dinner started tonight, Mom (Lynne) came over to the counter while chatting with Heather on the phone.  I opened one of those giant bags of frozen chicken breasts and as I moved a rather large meat specimen from bag to defrosting plate, Mom's jaw dropped and she made a universally recognized "whoa!  what large breasts!" sign with her free hand.  We laughed silently together as Heather chatted about her also quite prolific garden.  Lucky garden.  Lucky Chicken too.