Florida

Well I made it here yesterday. Eddie and I tool about three hours and began to look for a house for us. He also took me the the skyway bridge and fishing pier. It was awesome. One guy on the pier had caught two sharks not to mention the igloo cooler full of mackerel, lady fish, and others. Eddie and I saw a huge tarpon about 100 pounds eating the bait fish under the pier.

Here are the only photos taken.
Not the best but still cool. This is. Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.






- Posted from my iPhone

I put a tribute to myself on my blog. ahahaha
I love it.
Mostly it's a tribute cuz I have a picture. =D
I love you guys!

Happy Birthday Marquie

We love you!

The 25 Year Miracle

Or should I say the 25 year old Miracle? No because the miracle continues and will continue not only through our earthly lives but into the eternities. I thought that this story may best be reserved for a Grandpa Story, but then again, maybe not. It is a story of faith, dedication and knowing that one's life is in the hands of a greater power. You may ask the significance of this picture of what appears to be just some carpet covered shelves. It is most significant in the lives of every member of our family, even the spouses of our children and our grandchildren.

Do I have your attention yet?

On Sunday September 29, 1985 I was clearing hay on #7. It was a Sunday and we should not have been hauling hay but the family had to go play at Lake Powell and rain was forecast. That was the day that I fell off the hay wagon and also the day I was scheduled to go to Chicago for my second interview with United Airlines. My entire body hurt and I was virtually unable to walk. Yet, I had to get on a plane. I received a blessing and all of these years later I do not remember exactly what I was told, but that is not important, I was administered to. I sat on a bag of ice all the way to Chicago and endeavored to sleep through the anxiety and pain. I remember a wonderful breakfast that I almost threw up because I hurt so bad and also not having collar stays for my fancy new shirt. I was a mess.

We road a bus, yes a school bus, from the Westin Hotel to the United Airlines Training Center. I sat in the back. That was stupid, every bump and pothole shot pain through my entire body. I was sick to my stomach, could barely move, let alone walk and could not think straight and was headed into an intense all day role playing interview.

I walked into the entry and we were instructed to put our luggage onto the shelves you see above. I gingerly bent, squatted, crouched, leaned to place my luggage without anyone noticing my pain, as I went to straighten up, the pain was gone. I could tell I was hurt but my stomach settled down, I could move, my head cleared and I remember feeling strong as I was in the role play scenarios.

The day went well, I was happy, the flight home pleasant and I was met by my wonderful family at the gate. As I bent down to hug James, Heather and Michelle, the pain returned in full force and I nearly could not get up. Mom and the kids had to take my luggage and it was not until Deon returned home that I was able to truly function again. It only took a few adjustments to be back to 100% for which I am grateful.

So, the 25 year miracle, well, it is October 2010 and 25 years have passed since that experience that changed our family's lives forever. That experience that has taken us to new homes and new lands. Made it possible for our children to meet their spouses. Helped us all understand the love our our Heavenly Father and his guiding power in our lives. I never enter that building but what I remember the blessings I received that day and understand that I am, we are, have been, where the Lord intended, expected us to be. I just decided last Friday that I needed to take a picture of those shelves and share this story with my wonderful family because in less than six months, I most likely will not be entering those doors ever again due to the move to new offices and want the picture to help me remember. Love Dad

long day

No, not long like the last post, long emotionally. Church was really hard. We enjoyed the primary program very much. My kids said they did o.k. until the primary all sang to them at the end of primary. I had Chloe sobbing with friends in vice like hugs in the hallway. Joe crying left and right. Everyone giving hugs, and promising visits. When we left, everyone was pretty quiet. I keep trying not to think about it, but as I finish prep tonight it is getting harder. Every room I go through, brings tears. I am so excited for the new, but this is really hard. We had a great turnout for our party, 52. Thank you for your prayers. The rain stopped early morning and allowed things to dry and began again as we were packing up at the park. What a wonderful blessing. We are going to stick around long enough in the morning for the kids to see the big truck. Then we are off to Joe's Aunt's house. I will be coming back Tuesday and Wednesday to clean. Several sisters from the ward are coming to help. I cannot imagine my house empty, let alone really clean (he he). On to our next adventure.

Week at a glance..

My life is just so calm and serene right now, I thought I would share this week so far.
Monday. Quick run to the city office to reserve park for Saturday party. Off to Shedd Aquarium. We really enjoyed this time as a family. We went outside and enjoyed a minute by Lake Michigan. Home for dinner. (Love the crockpot.) Joe off to the hospital to take care of his shoulder. Injured it Saturday helping somebody move. (No, that move thing was not in the schedule.) Laundry, laundry, laundry. Craigs list treadmill and weight set.
Tuesday. Clean house. Laundry, Laundry, Laundry. Meet with realtor. Really like her. Plans to have the house sold by Christmas! Take Chloe to her last art class. Crazy get ready for dinner. Head to Capriccios for celebration dinner. Dead stopped in traffic, so we are almost an hour late. Met Dad there and had an amazing dinner. Of course, ate way too much, but worth it. Headed to the temple and walked the kids around. Took a minute to enjoy. Made it home with kids to bed by 10:30. Ahhhh.
Wednesday. Laundry, duh. Drop movies at library before they open. Due yesterday. Oops. Drop off kids at Aunt Debbie's, and head to the dentist. Fill a cavity, enjoy lunch at Aunts house. Run to GFS to pick up food for party. Try not to freak out at kids. Home. Laundry, big surprise. Run to store for dinner. Friends over. Joe helped her with Linkedin stuff. While putting dinner on, uninvited guests come to look at remaining furniture. Decide they want treadmill. After an hour, I feed the kids anyway. Oh, I made cookies somewhere in there too. After dinner, Joe and friend finally get to finish Linkedin stuff. They leave, kids go to bed, I blog.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH. Thanks, I feel better. Tomorrow, I have a cazillion people coming, you know, whenever they feel like, to pick up the rest of my furniture. Joe will be gone most of the day at the Temple. I also have to make sure all necessary food is in buckets. Oh, and laundry.... Friday we pack..... Oh, why bother giving you the rest, it is only going to change. Crazymommy has taken on a whole new meaning this week. I am so glad I am not packing myself.

What a Wonderful World!

When I think about you all and the time I've had to spend with you and the time I get to spend with you in the next few weeks, this is just how I feel. Hope it makes your day better.

Football

Jaime got to go to her first football game!

She was actually quite scared at first by all the yelling and held on to us tight and cried, but relaxed once she had a snack in each hand. She preferred to spend most of her time looking around, trying to figure out why in the world everyone was yelling so much.
Well I'll tell you why, we won! And if any of you have been following BYU football this year, you'll understand why that was so exciting.

Jackson Dale Packard

I take great honor in introducing you to the newest member of the Hutchings' extended family. And he's cute.

Jackson was born Saturday, October 2, 2010, at 12:41 p.m. He weighed in at 8 pounds 3 ounces, and measured 21.5 inches.

Michelle braved this delivery with no epidural (gasp!), and she made it through! Yeah Michelle!

Bryce was red-eyed and loving as he held his precious new son. He stayed up much of the night helping Michelle and holding Jackson.

Michelle was more than happy to have something besides hospital food to eat, and who could ask for more than freshly bottled peaches? (Thanks Jodi!)