In Our Lovely Garden the Ians Are Nodding

Okay mom, here's a good three minutes of Ian nodding. Nodding is his gateway to communication. If he hears a good song, he'll nod. If he wants to talk to us, he'll nod. If he sees someone else nodding, you guessed it, he'll nod! We think it's hilarious every time, but we are biased since he's our child and all. Some of you might think this video is boring. To you I say,"PPPTTTTTTTT!" By the way, today is November 30th, so I survived NoBloBleeBlahh with only three days missed. Not too shabby! Don't expect too much posting from here on out.

the Brief Life Of a Gingerbread House

Ayden and Kota helped me make a gingerbread house!
They took these snowmen off the tree and showed them their new home.
They could no longer resist the candy.
What's so funny, boys?
There goes the house. It lasted about 2 minutes. How else would the snowmen get inside?
Now that is pure bliss.
They each got their own rooftop to devour.
Why don't you have some gingerbread with that icing?

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Crescent Rolls

I've had some requests for this simple recipe, so enjoy!

For the spinach artichoke dip:

artichokes (from the jar- about 7 ounces, drained and finely chopped)
chopped spinach (the 10 ounce frozen box thawed, then squeeze the juices out before you open it)
alfredo sauce roughly 10-14ounces (whatever jar they have around that size)
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix it all together and nuke it until the cheese melts

Then get the canned crescent rolls
Follow the canned crescent roll rules, just spread the dip on them before you roll them up.

*For less or more quantity for the dip: just do 1 part artichokes to 2 parts spinach, alfredo sauce, and mozzarella

The Dreadful News

This morning I took Ayden to the doctor to confirm if he is wheezing or just has bad allergies. Every time he gets sick it escalates to wheezing. Last year he was prescribed an inhaler, but his doctor didn't want to call it the dreadful "A" word at that point. Well, that day has arrived. I knew it was coming, since I'm the only child of 5 without asthma, and my dad has suffered with it his entire life. I felt like the room was closing in on me when the words came from Dr. Tara's mouth. She has asthma, so I know it's a personal issue for her and she doesn't jump into diagnosing the big "A" unless she's sure of it. Everything went into slow motion and I felt like I was watching myself in third person. I had two opposite inner thoughts as she was talking. The first told me, "NO, NOT ASTHMA! I KNEW THIS WAS COMING, BUT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO MIRACULOUSLY DISAPPEAR!" The second (which I liked better) said, "it's no different than before. Now you know it's definitely the problem, and you can take action faster to help him. You'll find a good medicine for him, and he'll be fine." So now he's on Singulair, which is made to prevent allergies AND asthma. Voila! Also, we're changing his inhaler from Albuterol to Xopenex which is Albuterol without the side effects. Wish us luck. We're on a three week trial with his new medicines to see if they work for him. I hope they do, so we don't have to keep experimenting. Thank goodness for modern medicine, so we can help him as much as possible. Hopefully it will fade away as he grows older.

I've Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Anne to do the "Seven Things Meme".


The rules are that you list seven random facts about yourself, then you tag seven people to do the same. Make sure you leave them a comment to let them know they've been tagged.


My Seven Very Random Facts:

1. I had an imaginary friend named Flatman when I was a kid. He lived behind my mirror and I would talk to him when I was sad. Later he moved to the living room and lived behind our piano with his mom and dad.


2. I love Dr. Pepper.


3. I am NOT a morning person. Just ask Josh.

4. I like mayonnaise and mustard on my breakfast sausage biscuits.


5. I refuse to write in cursive.


6. If my fingernails have one tiny flaw, I bite them off. I try to fight this habit by keeping files nearby, but it doesn't always help.


7. I never clean my wedding ring. I never take it off. There is some really funky crud hidden underneath it.


I'm tagging:

Amy

Brent

Dixie

Erin

Mackenzie

Robin

Sarah

Black Friday

This is our cart after we finally got eveything we wanted.

You can look at the person to the left for an idea of how high our cart was stacked.

I didn't have my camera, so this is a picture of my camera phone picture.

Yes, I am one of those crazy people that wakes up at 4:30am to hit the Black Friday sales. Robin and I were talking about why we like to do this, and we both agreed that it's because we feel like we're missing out on something if we don't. Robin picked me up somewhere around 5am and we headed to the mall. We didn't find much there, but when we went to Target, we went CRAZY! Of course, there were NO carts available, so Robin tracked one down in the parking lot. We shared one cart between the two of us, and had it so full, we had to scoot 2 more big boxes along the floor behind the cart. The most crowded part of the store was back in the toy section. We took turns guarding the cart while the other looked for good finds, because there was NO room to move! We had a lot of fun! The best part was watching everyone else. We were a bunch of adults running around like kids at a candy store!

Gobble, gobble!

Make a slide show, scrapbook, or ecard

Neglect

The past two days were SO BUSY that I didn't have a spare second to post anything. I have lots of pictures to prove it. I'll be back after I catch up on my sleep. You'll understand my fatigue soon. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. We sure did!

Too Close For Comfort

We could hear him/her crunching on some acorns!
Look at Josh's nervous/naughty smile. RULE BREAKER!!
Okay, yuck!
Our own little sideshow: a monkey and his banana.
Tuckered out Brennan & Kate and Janel's cute left shoe.

Janel invited us to join her and the kids at the zoo today, so we accepted. The kids (big and small) enjoyed themselves. Ayden was yelling everything he had to say, which is a big sign that he's loving life. Josh broke the rules and fed the giraffe. After a few attempts, I finally got a picture of its nasty tongue. I was nervous being that close to the giraffe after seeing this clip on fighting giraffes a few months ago. Weird, huh?

Park Pics

Too busy to pose
I like this with all 3 boys in the picture
Ian LOVES to swing. He laughs the whole time
Look at his little eyes peeking through the bars
MMmmmm... French bread.

Josh is off from work starting today through the weekend. YIPEE! Today we went to the park. Good times were had.

You Have To Try It At Least Once

We found the absolute best place to eat some real home cookin' southern style fried chicken. Just ask for Ms. Peachez and she'll take good care of you.

The Old Place

Cheese man Dakota, Indian boy Ben and hungry Ayden Meg with Ian, and Morgan avoiding the camera
Just some good ol' boys. Ben was walking by, so he's kind of a blur. Dakota wouldn't put that stick down for anything. Ayden has an IBC rootbeer in case you're wondering.

We had a good time yesterday with family at the Old Place (Josh's dad's house). We all got there around 2pm, just in time for the game. Jason found some cable wires upstairs, after scaring off a racoon that apparently made the third floor its home. After a few minutes of cutting wires and moving attenas, the game came in clear enough to only cause minor headaches from eye squinting. The kids ran around and had a great time. Aunt Mandi made these lovely Indian headresses and had lots of other entertainment for the boys. Their favorite event of the evening: playing in Uncle Jason and Aunt Mandi's SUV pretending that they were flying through space. Of course, Ethan was the pilot. They ended up running the car battery down, so we had to jump their car before we all left. We also built a nice fire and had s'mores. I think I had four.

Mr. Sub

My friend, Elli, sent me this video. It's AWESOME!

My Niece, Grace. Age 6

My family is on my mind lately, because we have a lot of things going on. For example, I just found out that my brother, Travis, sister, Chani, and half-sis, T.J., will all be here for Turkey Day (all with their families, of course)! One of those peeps will be Travis's daughter, Grace, our budding artist. Yes, Jessica, you sparked my idea for this post, and no, I'm not trying to compete with Brennan. I LOVE his Sponge Bob!

Ian Is 9 Months Old

This was taken just before we headed out into the WINDY outdoors. Destination: Doctor Ryan. Ayden started chasing the leaves yelling, "Hey! Leaves, wait up!!"

The boys both got their flu shots and Ian had his well baby visit. He's growing just like Ayden, long and lean. I promise you this kid eats. He doesn't turn down anything.

Height: 28 1/4 in.- 50th percentile

Weight: 18#4oz.- 15th percentile

Head: 46cm- 75th percentile

Insomnia Returns

Project insomnia has begun. I was asked by our bishop to be in charge of getting the young men and women to do some sort of skit for our church Christmas party. Somehow, I can't ever decline these things, but they make me go nuts. My best brainstorming always happens at odd hours of the night. I have been given the most challenging project ever because most youth from ages 12 to 17 don't want to be lame and embarrass themselves. Josh said maybe they can do the 12 days of Christmas. NO WAY. Too much work involved with costumes/props. I'm really not getting any good ideas. I thought maybe they could do a skit like the Charlie Brown Christmas and have parts of it interpreted somehow. I have to fit in trumpets to get 2 certain people involved. Where would trumpets fit in? Maybe they could start playing "Oh Christmas Tree" instead of having the piano, like Linus does in the show. Okay, typing this out is helping. Trumpets? Really.That's the least peaceful instrument on this planet, but that's what I have to work with. Why me? Now I'm starting to sound like Jessica with the Primary Program. I feel your pain, Jessie. It's a love/hate relationship. I love being creative, but it's a lot of stressful work to get it all together.

Under the Weather

Josh is usually a tough guy when he's sick, so I know he is really not feeling well. Tonight was funny, because I was busy in the kitchen and Josh didn't have the energy to get out of bed. Solution: Ayden, our messenger boy. He had a lot of fun running back and forth relaying messages and delivering things to his daddy.
1st message-"Daddy wants a pickle."
My reply-"That won't make him better."
2nd message-"Daddy NEEDS a pickle."
My reply- I wrapped a pickle in a paper towel and sent Ayden on his way.
3rd message-"Daddy needs Nyquil."
My reply- I got the medicine and a spoon, and spoon fed poor Joshy his Nyquil. (I spilled a lot on his blanket, so now I have extra laundry for tomorrow.)
4th message- "Daddy wants pizza."
My reply- Brought it.
Keep in mind that every time I left the kitchen, Ian would cry his heart out until I returned. He's having serious separation anxiety right now.
5th message-" Here mommy." Ayden handed me Josh's phone, which I took as a sign that he didn't want any phone calls.

Ayden was so excited the whole time, and really enjoyed helping. He kept reminding me that daddy didn't feel very good. I'm really worn out. Josh is a big help with the boys, and I take him for granted. I hope he feels better soon. He's always so cheerful. It's hard to see him this way. FYI: All of the food he consumed has already exited his body.

Ian Saying "Ayden"

At first we thought it was our imagination, but it has been confirmed that Ian's first word other than "Mama" and "Dada" is "Ayden". I finally caught it on camera! He also did some nodding, but not much. He can also say "Hey" when he sees someone walking up to him, but that has not been captured yet.

And On the Seventh Day He Rested

Just a quick thought. Isn't Sunday supposed to be a day of rest? It's the busiest day of the week for me. Monday is my weekend recovery day. I guess I'm a little backwards from the majority of the nation. I used to hate Monday as much as Garfield, but now I look forward to my own special day of rest.

Our Saturday Morning

Look at those brilliant baby blues...
and those gorgeous greens.
Pile the cheese on, buddy!
Ayden's reward for listening to coach Mike.
MMmmmmmmmmm!

Today was a beautiful day, and we got to enjoy the outdoors at Ayden's soccer game. Josh noticed that our tire was running low, so we searched around for a place to get it patched (again). We found a brand new Firestone shop right next to Whataburger, so we had some good times eating breakfast, then headed over to Toll House Cookies to get Ayden his ice cream that we promised. When I was looking at our pictures, I realized that we were grouped by eye color, which I thought was pretty nifty. It was a memorable morning indeed.

a Christmas Must Have

Looking for some Christmas decor for your home? Well, here's an idea created by our inventive 3-year-old: handy nutcracker toilet paper roll holders! Not only are they a festive accent for your bathroom, they are also very functional!

Resistance

Naptime is becoming such a struggle at the Hutchinson household. This is Ayden passed out on the floor around 3:30pm, after quietly playing in his room for about 2 hours instead of sleeping like he was told to at least 10 times. Poor thing wore himself out. Atleast he gives us some peace for a while.

Child Abducted From LDS Church

Okay, something I don't usually do. I'm posting a serious message. Please don't assume that just because you're at church, that your children are safe. My best childhood friend was molested in our church's bathroom on a Sunday during Sacrament Meeting. This can happen anywhere, anytime. There are more sickos around than you think. Check out this article, and be aware. http://www.nbc4.com/news/14424638/detail.html

In a Perfect World

In a perfect world, I would have every countertop clean and all floors swept daily, mopped at least twice a week.
My world: countertops are cluttered and have 3 or 4 mysterious sticky spots; floors are soiling my socks

In a perfect world, I would never have a dirty dish in my sink.
My world: Our cup cabinet is empty. Also, I have to scan every room before I do dishes because our cups apparently have feet and like to rest on the computer desk or Josh's bedside table. Oh, and where is the sink?

In a perfect world, I would have everything tidied up before I leave the house every day.
My world: That's comical.

In a perfect world, I would immediately hang and fold our laundry as soon as it came out of the dryer.
My world: I avoid wearing 75% of my clothes because they need ironing.

In a perfect world, our cars would be washed once a week inside and out.
My world: Have you ever ridden in our cars?

In a perfect world, my husband and sons would feel safe and secure knowing that they are loved dearly by their wife/mom.
My world: Yes, that's a constant on my to do list.

Writers Guild Of America

This might be old news for those of you who have cable, but I just read online that all writers who are a part of the Writers Guild Of America are on strike which threatens to bring a lot of shows off the air; some now, some after they expire of the material they already have. We only watch PBS kids and Heroes on Monday night, so I'm not upset at all over this. In fact, I welcome the cancellation of all soap operas! Cable is the devil and it turns us all into zombies. Josh has a presidency meeting for Elders Quorum on Thursday, and his secretary was murmuring because he'll miss two different shows that he "can't miss". That's just sad. I would love to hear your thoughts and concerns about this strike which will surely shake our nation. (Kidding!)

15 Generations Later...

I searched Family Search.com today and discovered that on my mom's dad's side, the Moons, we have documented records that go back 15 generations starting from me and ending with Henry Moon (Born in 1527 of Hollowforth, Lancashire, England).

It was so funny because I found that he named his son Robert who named his son

Henry who named his son

Robert to

Henry, to

Robert and on and on 10 times until Henry Moon (Born 29 March 1819) finally broke the pattern and named his son John Thomas Moon (Born 13 September 1844). John begat Ray, who begat Charles John Moon, who begat Lorna Moon, who begat ME!!!

So, without knowing, Josh and I named Ian Charles after his family on 3 sides because Ian is the Scottish form of John, which is on the Hutchinson, Moon, and Holloway side. Did I lose you, or do you get it?

I'm really proud that people in my family did all of this research. Now I'm getting pumped up to help my dad do his family's work. Watch out Holloways, here I come! I hope I don't find out that Josh and I are related.........

"Poppy" the clown

Okay, something blogworthy happened today. Josh's cousin's little girl, Laney had her third birthday party today out in the country between Ponchatoula and Springfield. Summer, Josh's cousin, hired Poppy(a female clown who makes balloons and paints faces) for one hour of services starting at 2:30pm. The party started at 2:00, so that would give everyone time to mingle and eat some carnival junk before the big arrival. WELL, little miss Poppy forgot to change her clock back an hour and showed up an hour early!! Because of her mistake, she hung out for the duration of the party. Summer definately got her money's worth.

NaBloPoMo says what?

Okay, so if you haven't heard yet, it's National Blog Posting Month! I've been challenged by two fellow bloggers to post something every day this month, so here goes!

I usually have something to post, but since the pressure's on, I CAN'T DO IT!!!
(Make sure to click on the "I can't do it" link for a good laugh!)

Hutch's Halloween Footage

We had a great time October thirty-first, two thousand and seven! We had a good group of friends to enjoy our evening with. After trick-or-treating, we enjoyed chili, cornbread, tater tots and cheescake! The kids watched Toy Story while the adults came up with a bizarre progressive Halloween story (One person starts the story, holding the flashlight under their face for dramatic emphasis, then passes the flashlight to the next person to continue...). Then a good game of Apples to Apples finished off our fun filled night. We hope you enjoyed your holiday as well!

Ian's 1st and Ayden's 4th Halloween!