Photo Friday

Jodi is correct that we have left her hanging week after week.  I have a new problem with taking pictures thanks to my children.  They seem to take pictures and video on my phone (mostly Hyrum), so when I go to take a cute picture I have no room and by the time I can delete the extras the moment has passed.  So, most of these are taken by my children but are better than nothing!

The boys getting ready to enjoy our Valentine's cake.  Valentine's is great when you get to celebrate with your family one night and your special someone the next night!

Hyrum getting ready for breakfast.  He sure loves food!

Hyrum has started taking his pants off randomly.  You can put them back on but he will then go and hide behind and chair and take them off again.  He also loves wearing boots even though it is too cold to go outside.  This time he is actually wearing his own.  

Just a random pic that someone else took with my phone.    :)

Photo Friday

Wow, it's been too long since I've done a photo Friday! Not like I'm seriously the only one to do them or anything...

On the treadmill holding the baby. It's the only way she'd
be happy, and I just have to get my exercise points in!
It's blurry because I'm walking and taking the pic at the same time.

A little Ava smile for you! We can't get enough of them around here.

Me and my three little girls. Taken this morning.

Health Challenge

Hi all!

I'm enjoying this health challenge thing. Michelle, Bryce, Patrick, Marquie, Justin and I have been having some fun chats about some of the interesting byproducts of "the rules."

Like...

Bryce waiting until midnight to eat dinner when he gets home from work at 11pm.

Michelle and I overeating sugar on our "treat day" and making ourselves sick.

Marquie and Patrick shoveling in the vegetables after 9pm because veggies are worth more points than not eating after 9pm.

Justin and I eating more salad than we ever have before and therefore buying cool stuff to put on them like bacon bits from Costco.

Me thinking of lots of "non-treat-treats" like bananas dipped in pb&j.

Etc.

Would love to hear some of your funny byproducts!

Just wanted to let you all weigh in on some of the things we've been debating. I'd love some feedback on the following, mostly for amusement sake.

Is a potato a vegetable?

Are beans vegetables? (I think no, but Bryce is a stickler about this one)

Is stretching exercise?

Does drinking milk count toward water intake? (again, I say no, but Patrick insisted)

What constitutes a "treat" or "sweet"? Cinnamon rolls? Muffins? Banana bread? Frozen berries blended with cream into an "ice cream"? Things made with honey? Bread with honey on it? Soda? Juice?
These are all things we've talked about here in Utah amongst ourselves.


I think we ultimately decided that everyone kind of makes up their own minds about these things and follows their own rules, but I thought it might be fun to hear from all of you who don't live in Utah about these rules and what it's been like.

Also, there's been considerable debate about whether the challenge is for 8 weeks or goes until the reunion. Some say yes, of course it goes until the reunion, because that would be awesome for everyone. Others say no, they signed up for 8 weeks and the money part of the contest ends then.
(P.S. why haven't we turned in any money?)

What say ye?

Hello

Hello Family!

I don't have pictures because it takes too much effort. I'm not so great at formatting and then I get frustrated. Plus I just don't really have any. But I wanted to say hello. So I am.

Maybe some updates? Except there isn't really any updates to be had. I'm healthy. I'm tired. My hip hurts. and my neck. and my head. and last week I did I think 1 homework assignment all week. Last week was not so great. But oh well. Oh. and I had 5 sugar days. And I'm already on my 1st one this week. I love me some cookies. I'm sorry, guys. Um, yeah.

Patrick is doing so awesome with school. And he is working like a champ. And he is so patient. And he cleans our house. It's fantastic. He's fantastic. And he is running like a champion!!! He ran a 7:24 mile today and he loves it. Because he is amazing.

I still don't like running. But I do still like food. And sleep. Even more than before if that is possible.
Saturday my 3 week hell starts. That'll be fun. But then it will be over and then my makeup and hair concept will be due! And then the semester will be over and then my designs will be due. Did you all know that I am the head makeup and hair designer for a show in the Fall? It's called "See How They Run" and is hilarious. And I'm applying for a design position for next Winter as well. Gotta do it all! .... .... .... yeah. I hope I don't fail everything this semester.

On the bright side, it is exceptionally beautiful and warm today. I want to go on a picnic. But I can't. Because I will be in class until 5:30 and then Patrick will be taking a test alllll night. And I don't want to go on my own. That would be dumb.

AND Justin and Jodi gave us their bed, so now we have a freaking huge bed. I really don't know what to do with all the room. It's weird. There is too much. But I'm sure I won't feel that way for much longer.

I love you all. And so does Patrick. Even though he doesn't read the blog all the time. He's just so busy taking care of me. He's too good. But I won't complain. Cuz that would be dumb. But I'm not always the smartest.

AAAAAAAND that's probably all. I want my hair cut. Or dyed. or highlighted. You should all come visit me. We have an extra bed now. You can even have the big one. I would do that just for you. Cuz I love you all! SO MUCH! AND I MISS YOU WHEN I DON'T SEE YOU!!!!

k. Love you.

You Know You Are in Trouble When The Plow is Covered...

 Hey, where is the plow?????

You know, I am thinking that I really need to get a snow blower.  Each year for the past four I have fooled myself that this just can not continue.  This is after all the "South".  End of season snow blower sales, here I come!!

Mom also took some fun shots...

 ..Perhaps to share in my pain...

 ...Or dreaming of a swim in the pool...

...Or Perhaps the grandchildren can enjoy time in the playhouse.  No, I am not shoveling this out.  It can melt...

All ya all be staying warm now. 

Don't die

Yes, I am posting.  Don't kill over.  I use the lack of pictures as an excuse not to blog....  totally lame.  I shall try to give a quick update, especially for those I do not get to speak with enough. Happy reading.

Joe - turned in his notice at work!  Happy happy happy.  It was killing him and the family, so after much fasting and prayer he is done.  He is happier than I have seen him in a very long time.  He has applied for a job with RainBird he is very excited about.  He is also going after his business full force after next week.  We will keep you posted.  Promise

Heather - Still primary president and loving it.  I have an amazing presidency, so it is not hard.  Weird trying to adjust to the older mother mentality.  No babies, all potty trained, after school activities, high school and seminary next year, two girls in YW this year..... the list goes on.   I am starting to feel better, which makes me happy.  Just have to be careful not to overdo it......

April - Accompanying the high school and middle school choirs.  Started violin this year and is already in the intermediate class.  She has applied to a different high school where she can focus more on her music.  They said 98% chance she will get in.  Her 4 high school classes this year helped that a lot.  She makes me feel kind of old.  She stays pretty busy babysitting too.  I think she likes having money all the time.

Chloe - Learning about the stupidity of people that we Hutchings are so tolerant of...  Loving guitar and piano lessons.  She has 100% or greater in 4 of her 8 classes.  She still has that smile that you can't resist smiling back to.  Full of love as always.

Ethan - Crazy smart math kid.  He is looking forward to some Khan academy time with Patrick!  He got a new bike for his birthday and is starting to do tricks, some including a ramp!  He also just started working on his bear and is super excited for the pinewood derby.

Collin - Was just accepted into the gifted program at school.  He has been quite bored and consequently very unfocused.  I think he is an entire chapter ahead in his math book.  So of course they told him to stop and do extra stuff until they catch up....hmmmm not ok.  So far, the gifted program has helped him focus more and he loves it!

David - Definitely growing up as evidenced by his attitude.  He loves sitting at the table for long periods of time doing school.  He still loves to cuddle though.  Phew.

I would throw pictures in, but it takes too much effort.  I will bug Joe about doing that. 

Photo Friday

For my photo Friday, I decided to show you what my living room looks like right now. We are redoing paint, carpet and ceiling texture in the upstairs bedrooms at this time. It's an adventure and the girls love having the bed in the middle of everything. Me? Not as much.

Healthy Living Challenge

Thanks Michelle for putting together the healthy living challenge!  We are having fun getting started and are hoping to look like this for the family reunion.  Well, as close as we can get in a few months.  :)  Let the games begin!