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.