Come, Thou Fount

For our concert this semester, I took the arrangement of Come, Thou Fount of Ev'ry Blessingthat heather, Michelle, and Marquie sang last summer, and expanded it for my SATB choir. We performed it Friday night at our concert, and I thought you'd like to hear how it turned out. It made me happy, although I was missing my sisters! I tried to paste it in directly, but I can't figure out how to do it. Follow this link and it's the first piece listed. Love you!

Come, Thou Fount

Our Happy Ending

So, we left Virginia Thursday morning and flew to Chicago--purpose--to experience James' choir concert, which we have never been able to do before.. Thursday night we stay at the training center hotel after a delicious sushi dinner and a little shopping. During the night, it snows, we decide to drive to Galesburg anyway. No problem, beautiful concert during which, it snows (and continues to snow for a few hours). We are supposed to leave Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. to catch an 11:15 flight. We decide to wait for a later flight rather than risk icy roads. We have a nice breakfast and attend most of Michael and Joshua's basketball game. We leave Galesburg about 11:00 and drive and drive (for three hours) to Chicago for a 4:00 flight.

New paragraph.

We turn in our rental car, which costs us an extra day because we left later..on the bus to the terminal Dad tries to pull up our electronic tickets, which don't come up because they have canceled our flight. Now, Dad gets on the easy check in unit and checks us in for a late flight to Washington Reagan--which gets us through security...well, after Dad's bag went through the scanner 3 times and then was unpacked and swabbed while Dad was being patted down and swabbed...can you see the fun we were having. Once we finally get through security, Dad sits down and books us on flights all over the country so we can go from one gate to another to try to get on flights...which we did.

Now the happy ending. The two of us split gates, I at a Washington Dulles flight, he at a Washington Reagan flight that were supposed to leave within 5 minutes of each other, where we kept each other appraised of each others flights. On the Reagan flight we were 11 and 12 on the DM, on the Dulles flight we were 24 and 25. (On the earlier Reagan flight we were , oh like 11 and 12--On the Richmond flight, we were 1 and 2). You got to put all those displaced passengers from a 767 canceled flight somewhere.

Anyway, after a gate change for Dad's tracking flight, he gave up and came to "my" flight where we waited until they closed the doors, called our names, opened the doors, let us on, and flew FIRST CLASS home to Virginia on the 6:10 flight. All I can say is...The Lord really wanted the Bishop in his home ward on this fast sunday.
Can you believe all this happened is just a few hours? Happy Ending.

Pray for Jackson

So, this is not to worry all of you, but mostly cause I think it will help. Our little Jackson has gotten RSV/viral phumonia/bronchiolitis. Needless to say, he's not doing awesome, and if he doesn't improve...well...off to the hospital we go. This would not only be more money than we can afford but also quite tramatic for our little dude. He recieved a blessing from some bretheren in our ward (Bryce is out of town), but I thought a few extra prayers would be great. Thanks for being the kind of family I can ask this from. Love you all and will keep you posted.

Just for fun

Raking leaves at Grandpa's house
Not sure. Cupcakes I think.
Just cute. Few times they all get along, have to get proof.
How I feel most of the time.

Messing with tradition

So, in my need to make and use what I had on hand, I have discovered it is o.k. to mess with tradition. A few weeks ago, I was making bread. Imagine my annoyance when I grabbed the salt and it was almost gone. I was already making, so I used what I had. It was only about 1 Tb. I hoped it would turn out. When the kids ate it, they asked what I had done, because it was the best bread I had ever made. So, 1Tb of salt has stuck. It really is yummy.

Next, I was making my strawberry freezer jam, which I love, but was a little short on fruit. I juiced a grapefruit and added it. It was about 1/2 cup grapefruit juice to 3 1/2 cups strawberry puree. I also used the demerara sugar. I cooked the jam at a low temp just to dissolve the sugar. The finished product is thick enough it doesn't have to be frozen and tastes AMAZING. It tastes like the best homemade fruit roll up ever. Like the ones mom used to make.

Last, would be the oh so yummy tuna salad. I was making a large batch and found I did not have enough mayo. Ahhhh. So, I put in sour cream instead. Oh, definitely doing a half and half from now on. So yummy.

Hope you enjoyed my fill in accidental yummy creations!

What to do...

So, it is only 9:40 and I have done the dishes, made dinner, cleaned out the girls closet, rearranged their room, cleaned the toy room, and spent too much time on facebook. What am I going to do the rest of the day? So, I figure I have time to blog. Yeah me!




So, I am driving home from the park with my friend last week and we pass a driveway with boxes saying "free fruit". Hmmm. Well, why not take a look. Well, that look ended up as 37 cups of grapefruit juice and 18 cups of lemon juice. Holy crap. I got most of it, because she figured her small family wouldn't use much. Yummo! We tried juicing without peeling, but it was too bitter. I peeled like the wind and she juiced. Thank heavens for the juicer. (Thanks dad!) This picture you see is of lemons. They were bigger than some of the grapefruit. I now have it all frozen, waiting for delicious things to be made. Or, cool people to come visit and share it with me..... The whole process was finished in just under two hours.

Daniel

So Daniel had his five year check up yesterday and received oh so many vaccinations. I still don't know if I love them or hate them, but that is a topic reserved for another day. The Doctor had a few questions for him like "Can you count for me?" Daniels response..."All the way to the end?" The Doctor "yes, all the way to the end."
Daniel "ABCDEFGHIJKLM..." Doctor "Good job with your alphabet, but can you count like one two..." Daniel "Yes...ABCDEFG..." Dad pipes in "No, Daniel like 1 2 3." Daniel Oh...yes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 (he pauses) um...I can go farther do you want me to?" Doctor "NO that was great. Now Daniel do you use a booster seat when you drive?" Daniel "I don't like booster seats." Doctor "Do you buckle your seat belt?" Daniel "Um...Not when we get there. (He says this as if the Doctor were asking a ridiculous question) Ella doesn't buckle her seat belt though because she doesn't like it." Doctor (laughing by now) "Daniel do you wear your helmet when you ride your bike or scooter?" Daniel "My bike has a flat tire." Doctor "Well what about when you ride your scooter." Daniel "Not in the house." Doctor (trying to be creative) What color is your helmet?" Daniel (After pondering a moment) "Red, blue, and black." Bryce starts to laugh (Daniel has a Diego helmet that is green). At this point with a sigh of defeat the doctor laughs "He's going to be quite a politician...he didn't answer a single one of my questions. I'm going to be laughing about this all day." Bryce still laughing assures the doctor that Daniel really does have a helmet, and a booster seat and uses them both. (Most of the time)
If only I could see the thought processes in his head. He so entertains me.
Note: this was all heard second hand by me and is entirely subject to change if Bryce happens to recall it differently.

Stucky

WELL!

I came home for the weekend because you know, I have an undying love for it. And it's the last day I have off until I get out, so WHY NOT fly from Utah to Virginia for the weekend? I DON'T KNOW!! Well, I was supposed to travel back to oh so lovely Utah and go to my last 2 classes today, but.... we got some ice........ so at 4:00 this morning there was no way we were going down the driveway. So I will be missing classes today and hopefully be able to go to my last 2 tomorrow so I only miss 1 day of them. (I'm only really worried about Choir--they drop your grade!)
We've got about 1/2 the driveway done. Basically the whole top and a tiny bit more. Dad got up and shoveled the snow off the top of the ice this morning and dropped ice melt on all of it. It is OH so helpful stuff right there.I didn't really want to leave this morning anyways. :D I like it here. Don't say anything! I know. I have to go back. I will. I'll finish my semester and I may or may not like it.
I'll be calling all of you though (or just visiting, you know) to ask you for a favor because I know you all love me. :P
Sorry the pictures aren't so great. I wanted to edit them before putting them up, but mom is so adamant about me blogging, so I had to. And I didn't want to take the time to edit them right now.... and if I don't blog NOW, you know it'll never get done. Because you've seen how many times I post. I know. It's so overwhelming you've lost track.

okay. well. LOVE YOU!

Home Again

After having the flu twice, being out of town for two weeks (with Justin living at home without me for one of those), and Justin getting the flu as soon as we got home, it's taken 6 batches of laundry, 2 batches of granola, 1 batch of yogurt, 1 batch of bread, dishes, grocery shopping, a deep-clean of the sink and lots of naps to feel like my house is running normally again.  Good to be home.

Hi there

Hello family.  I'm writing to tell you all that Jaime and I are feeling a little better.  Yesterday was rough because of the traveling.  Jaime did pretty good during the actual travel and then wouldn't stop producing incredibly messy diapers the moment I walked in the door and Justin assumed diaper duty.  I still had stomach troubles, was tired and went to bed very early.  But today's been much better.  Jaime's been digesting normally and I've been able to eat two mid-sized meals already and it feels good.  I am happy to be home with Justin.  Marquie's babysitting for us tonight so that we can go on a Valentine's date and I'm so excited.  Not only do I get to go on a date, but I'm not going to feel like assuming fetal position the whole time!  Woohoo!

In further news, I've created a photography website that features some of my best photography. Interest and inquires from non-close friends and family have found their way to me lately, so I decided to put an online portfolio together for anyone to look at.  Take a look if you've got some time.

Happy Belated Birthday

Well, not only is this post late, but so was the birthday party. Apparently sickness ran through our house last week, and Jodi decided to postpone her birthday dinner in hopes of being able to enjoy it. After all, ravioli and pineapple upside-down cheesecake should not be simple tolerated. So, we chose to savour, and savour we sure did. Here are some birthday party shots, including homemade ravioli, our birthday visitor, flowers, decorations, sick kiddo, and dark candle blowing out!

Having Jodi and Jaime for the week was such a joy, and we were so sad to have them leave yesterday. We are glad, though, that they finally get to be back with the Daddy, especially for Valentine's Day! Thanks for letting us share your birthday this year!

Happy Valentine's Day

Road Sign Number 2

Caspersen Beach Florida


Does it ever make you wonder what happens to the snow birds in Florida? Come spring they just disappear.

- Posted from my iPhone

Look what I have to put up with . . .

Aren't I lucky? Yes, yes, I am. :)

What the.. How long has that been there?

I am grateful yet again for babies resilient bodies. Oh, the story.... Joe has a whole load of those foam ear plugs. You know, the ones you squish, place in your ear, then they expand. The kids found them , played with them, and stuffed them into pockets. I then washed them all. Arg. I of course threw them all away after digging them out of the washer. So I thought.... David is my bathtub pooper. Ew gross and random. Not when that poop has 6 of those ear plugs in it. I was grateful to know why he wasn't eating and so stinking ornery. If this wasn't enough, he passed four more later in the day. OW! He slept much better last night and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. So glad it wasn't worse than some crying and irritability. And on to another day......

A few of my favorite and not so favorite things

Jodi's post a while back inspired my to ponder what I love and what I loathe. I have had fun with it so thanks for the idea and here it goes...

What I loathe:
Selfish people, being separated from my husband, not having goals, getting bored, being depressed, the unknown when something appears wrong, labor, delivery and recovery, not being able to eat what I want without gaining weight, whining (including my own), trashy habits and filthy media, McDonald's entire menu (excluding the Big Mac and hash browns), angry emotion and outburst, when people are mean to my children, fake people, my body getting old, being lonely, being late, debt, confrontation, and being tired.

What I love!!!!
My husband, my children, my family (including all in laws), good friends, newborns, a clean house, the way exercising makes me feel after I do it, good food and trying new recipes, cooking shows, history, Big Macs and homemade pizza, flowers, arranging flowers, decorating, children's laughter, having a good laugh, Christmas morning, planning parties and entertaining, reading a good book, watching the sun rise, going on hikes, listening to peaceful/ beautiful music, listening to Julia talk when I have no idea what she's saying, making Jackson smile and laugh, listening to Daniels reasoning and honest way of speaking, talking to Ella and watching her change and grow and care for others, going on Dates with Bryce, his hugs and holding his hand, learning new things in the scriptures, challenging my mind and then succeeding, seeing old friends, dancing in the living room with my kids, organization, surprises, visiting my family, good memories, sunshine, when all my bills are paid, traveling, eating authentic food, and being healthy.

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of me. I love you all!!!

Fire station

After the brush fire behind our house last week, we thought it might be fun to go visit our local fire department. The kids loved it and I think the firemen did too. The kids were super excited when, as we were leaving, they got a call. They got to watch the truck drive away, sirens and all. Woohoo!



Collin was most amusing and had everyone laughing their heads off. The helmet was so heavy, he kept wobbling around like a bobble head.

Happy Birthday

Chloe made Ethan a cape and mask.
There he blows.....
Took a trip to the fire department.
Bendy, twisty, racetrack thingy he loves.
Happy Birthday Ethan!

Super Deal

Bass (shoe) outlet has mens and womens shoes buy 1 get two free. You will probably spend around $100 and get 3 pair of shoes for yourself. You can't combine men and women though. Bummer.

We went outlet shopping today for Ethan and David sandals. I am happy to report, I found both a great pair in the first store I hit. We were in and out in about 5 minutes. And they were only $15 each. Love it!

Play Kitchen Idea

So, my boys don't really play kitchen, although the do spend quite a bit of time in the real one, mostly eating. I don't think they need any more encouragement to think kitchen thoughts.

Anyway, I know some of you already maintain play kitchens, but if anyone wants a killer idea, I found one this morning while I was browsing. Look at it here.

I thought it was pretty awesome and super duper simple (not to mention cheap!) There you go. Love you all!

My story

Hey guys. :D
So yesterday was the deadline for BYU Scholarships, and well, yes of course I procrastinated until 9:00 last night. :D The 3 essay questions were the same as they were last time I applied, so I thought, well hey! why not use the same essays? Unfortunately, my previous essays were quite horrible and basically needed a complete do-over. Michelle helped a ton with them, and together we wrote some quite fantastic essays. I just wanted to share with you my biographical sketch, and basically my life story in 298 words. :) I hope you enjoy because it was the most fun I've ever had writing an essay. Especially about myself. (and sorry it is in a different font I have really no idea how to work this thing.)


By Marquie Hutchings
Edited by Michelle Packard

Once upon a time there was a king and queen with four beautiful children when one more showed up three months before she was due; shame on her. They loved and cared for her and despite all the odds, she surpassed the many health challenges and came home two months later on Christmas Eve known as “the miracle baby”. What became of her? Let me tell you.

Along the path to becoming a queen herself she encountered joy, fear, excitement, disappointment, and love. The queen taught her daughter on her own for four years before sending her off to a scary place called high school. Of course every princess needs a challenge to learn and grow to prepare her for the kingdom, so she put on her courageous face with a good attitude and found new friends and began to find herself. She sang the whole way gathering awards and becoming the first in her land to be selected for All-Virginia Chorus and the Virginia Honors Choir. She was lovingly taught the piano and worked to maintain her physique playing softball and tennis. To amuse herself and those around her she landed herself in various theatrical performances. The princess was well respected by everyone who knew her, and her ever-present smile brightened anyone’s day. Her brothers and sisters had moved out to other lands to seek their fortunes, and the young princess was left at home with her aging parents. She thought to herself, “This just won’t do.” So she packed her bags and went far away to B.Y.U. Once again, she put on her courageous face and tackled the zoo. Here she has been working hard to find her niche to serve all people and help them find their happily ever after because dreams do come true.

So far, so good

Despite the constant blowing and the never-ending swirl of snow, we are warm, safe, and enjoying our couple of days off as a family. Our forecast read Blizzard Warning last night, and try as I did, I couldn't remember ever seeing that on a weather report before. Often these things are exaggerated or skirt us, but not this baby! We are in full-on blizzard right now, and we're grateful, as ever, for our warm, safe, happy home. We're passing the time with snacks, warm soup, games, and Little House on the Prairie. In case you've forgotten, it's absolutely delightful!

Um...it's 10 degrees at my house today, maybe we can warm up with some hot cocoa:)

Um, it's 83 degrees. I just thought I would share.