Strike The Pose

So tomorrow I am scheduled to be a model for my friend Danielle at the Paul Mitchell Hair Academy in Mt.Vernon tomorrow!! I had blogged about this a few blogs ago and am very pleased to say that the day is finally here.

Loving this :)

My hair is red on top now, so the green stripes are a great contrast to that, but the camel colored jacket keeps everything nice and warm. Although I am a tad self conscious of the leggings, I think it will be fine. It's funny, I went looking for the shoes and could only find the right one. Thanks to Isabel's wonderful ability to "put things away," she was able to find it in one of her many bags... thank goodness! Isabel wanted me to wear a sparkle dress and these bright red shoes, but I told her it was just too cold for a dress. Haha, I love that girl :)


I will post pictured of my before and after and a picture of the process in the coming days! So be on the lookout!


Todd's birthday was great! Isabel and I met up with him and his dad, Steve, at Red Robin in Monroe for dinner. I had the Teriyaki Chicken burger, Isabel had a cheeseburger with mustard and fries, Todd had the Mac N' Cheese with madarin oranges and Steve had the 5 alarm burger ( I think that's what it was). All in all it was a wonderful time with my little guy and he had a blast. A bit tough in the beginning, but he was great once his food arrived :)


Romans 10:9-11
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."


XOXO

Todd Michael Hutchings

3 years ago today, the sweetest boy I know was born. My son Todd was born in the morning (I don't remember the actual time) and very fuzzy. Hahaha, the first thing I noticed about him was how fuzzy he was and a small skin tag above his left ear. What a bundle of pure joy :)

The thing I remember most about the weekend Todd was born, was that my grandparents just happened to be in town for my brother Derek's Heritage Fair at school and were leaving on the Monday Todd was born. I was pleased to find that they would be in town for the birth of their second great grandchild! 

That day began as any other day. I was already on maternity leave from work and had planned on taking care of my brother Derek while he stayed home sick from school. Mom went to work, Mike went to work, Jason went to school and at around 8:30 AM, I began to feel a tad sick to my stomach. I remember that Isabel was mildly fussy so I suggested (well, made her) take a nap with me to try and ease my discomfort. By 9:30 Isabel was fast asleep and I was awaken by some pretty intense abdominal pain. My poor brother Derek was truly sick that day, and instead of resting and eating soup..... He helped me take care of Isabel while I called my mom at work and told her that I was "hurting pretty bad, but I think it's nothing... but could you come home and help me with Isabel??" To which she replied "yes!" and was home within minutes. I didn't have a bag packed, I hadn't showered yet that day, I was worried that if I was in labor the hospital was going to send me home because I wasn't far along enough to admit me. It was strange, just as my mom (coach #2) drove up in the suburban, my aunt Tammy (Coach #1) pulled up and so did my  auntie Kathy to retrieve Isabel. Wow! Things were moving rather smoothly..... or so I thought.....

Without a bag or a purse in tow, my coaches and I got into the suburban and sped off to the Providence Everett Women and Children's Pavillion in about 15 minutes. It was like something out of the movies!! I was yelling, making funny loud noises and yelling at my auntie Tammy to STOP LAUGHING AT ME!! We pulled into the valet parking space and were quickly told not to park there... so while my mom went to retreive a wheel chair, my auntie Tammy took charge and told them to leave me alone. Hahahaha, she whipped out her Superwoman "S!"

Once checked and admitted, the nurse took me into my hospital room and told me that I might be too far along for an epidural. At that point, I began crying and asking for the pain to stop NOW! Needless to say, I was given the epidural and I was able to sleep for an hour or so. The one thing I had mentioned for my sister to bring was my trusty Ipod!  I remember that I was listening to Third Day's "Nothing Compares" when the nurse told me it was time to push! Todd was coming!!

In 3 pushes, the sweetest boy ever was born and everyone started crying! I can honestly say that with both my children, I didn't cry when they were born. Hahaha, suckers. Everyone else did. He came out weighing 7lbs. 16oz and 21 1/2" long. Todd Michael Rhoadarmer (now Hutchings) stole my heart in a single moment :) His father Steve came to the hospital with Todd's Grandpa Gary and were able to see this precious bundle of joy for the very first time. My mom was SUCH a trooper. She had forgotten her wallet at home and didn't eat or sleep well for the next 2 days while caring for me and Toddie. I love that woman :))

Gos has blessed me with 3 wonderful years, so far, with Toddie. Each day is like brand new adventure for him and what an awesome experience it is to watch him grow and learn new things. At 3, Todd love loves loves Thomas the Engine and Cars! He is very particular about which toys he carries with him all day long and love to eat macaroni and cheese with Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets. Todd still has the skin tag above his left ear and although he isn't as fuzzy anymore, I find that his hair is always needing to be cut! During the days, when his father and I are at work, Todd goes to 2 wonderful daycares where he is currently being potty trained! It's just so sweet to hear him tell me how his day was. Most of the time it is simply what Isabel says, just repeated and exaggerated, but it's still priceless.

Thank you Lord for a wonderful son and the privilege to usher him through this life to the next. My prayer now is that with Todd's ever growing ability to understand how things work, that Todd would learn about your love with ease. That even at age 3, Todd would understand that you have created all things and that you love him more than his parents do. Help Todd to seek kindness and gentleness in all he comes up against and THANKS for loving my son :) 

XOXO

New Stuff.

I have new hair!! Let's start with this. Last night I was able to make it out to Mt.Vernon where my good friend Danielle is attending the Paul Mitchell beautician school to get my hair done! How exciting! I initially went into the appointment having zero plans for my hair. I was going to leave it up to the stylist! She did G-R-E-A-T! Not only does she have the gift of gab, but she did a wonderful job on my new hair!!

It's red!!

I LOVE IT!!

This was my very first experience in a salon setting and it was fab-oosh! My Aunt Tammy has always done my hair and when Danielle asked me to be her model for school I was anxious to see how this would go. It went awesome! Thank Danielle! The big photo shoot is next week, I hope I don't go cross eyed when they take the pictures :)

In other news, work is finally rolling into a smooth routine. The work can be overwhelming and there are times when I feel like my BP might just hit the roof, but all in all things have become smoother for me.

Dance class for Isabel is continuing on. She actually has a recital coming up on the 25th of June and we are SO excited! The class is entitled, "Princess Ballet" so you can imagine how awesome it's going to be. Their costumes are green and black and covered in sequence! How great! I will absolutely be blogging about that when the time comes :))

Todd's birthday is tomorrow! The big man will be turning 3 and we are very excited to see what his new year brings. God has big plans for Todd and I continue to pray that Todd would grow to be a steadfast man of the one true Christ. With his birthday approaching, I begin to ponder ( as I always do when my kids have birthdays) about the type of man I hope my son will one day become. Will he be a Marine? Will he go to college and get a fancy degree in something that will change the world? Will he decide that a life in service of God is what is best? I know most parents can agree that no matter what their children aspire to and eventually become, all we can ask it that they are happy.  I don't just want my children to be happy, because let's face it, they could be happy selling drugs and getting tons of money for it, I want them to be 100% sure who they are in Christ :) If everything else in this world fails them, I pray that the realization of their identity in God will lead them on a path of true contentment and joy. Sure, I want them happy, and for this family happiness lies in Christ. 

I could start blogging about how special Todd is to me and how cute he is and what he likes to do for fun at age 3, but I will hold off until tomorrow! How exciting! Thank you Lord for one of the joys of my life :))

What else?....

Oh yeah! The dinner group I meet with on Tuesdays are starting a new venture and I can't wait to start it! I will explain everything in a coming blog and keep you posted on how things continue on. It's really great! Is coming up with a name for our adult dinner group, dumb?? Hahaha, yes. Yes it is.

After dance class today, Isabel and I had our 2 week manicures. I love having a little girl that likes to do girly things like that with me.

We go to High Tek nails in Marysville and they do Isabel'snails for $5.00

XOXO

Vay-cay-tion

I recently requested some time off from work for June and have no idea what I am going to do with the time, if I get it off... Maybe Moses Lake? I requested 5 days off and attached it to a 3 day rotation-allowing day off period. Yes, that's 8 whole days!! Now, if I couod only think of something fun for the kids and I to do.....

We LOVE LOVE LOVE the Children's Museum in Everett. Maybe we will start there...

It really is one of the best!!

My parents got us a gift certificate for this place for Christmas and we still have not used it.

And then of coarse there is the ever wonderful Red Robin or Applebees. The kids love these two places for meals, so maybe we will go there too. Although there really is nothing like cooking a meal with your kids, so maybe we will have to make it a movie and cook dinner night. Either way, there will be some very yummy things to eat!

Going to Moses in the middle of June should be warm enough for the kids to run around in sprinkler in the front yard, so this sounds EVEN better! With the way the weather has been trending lately though, I make no reservations about doing anything with a sprinkler in Moses Lake until we get closer to the date.

OH YEAH!! Toddie turns 3 on Friday!! What an exciting day for my little man. He is becoming quite the conversationalist and loves to say, "excuse me, momom..." It's so precious! I will of coarse be blogging about the Toddster and all about the day he was born on the 20th, so stay tuned! 

We are meeting up to have dinner with Todd and his dad on Friday at Red Robin, Todd's favorite place to eat out :))

XOXO

Picasa!

LOVING PICASA PHOTO EDITOR!!

Mrs. Buell

Today's blog is dedicated to my mom, THE Sherry Buell.

With Mother's Day being tomorrow, I thought I would take the opportunity to express to you all how much I love and appreciate my mother :) She is the youngest of three children born to my Grandma Frances and Grandpa Felix and for the better part of my childhood was the hardest working single mom I know. When I was born in 1986 she was married to my dad, Todd, and they were already in the process of raising my oldest sister, Sophie. At the rightful age of 18, she gave birth to me on a cold December morning at the Navy Base on Whidbey Island. What a day THAT was!!

But let's focus on the person at hand here....

I recently watched a video done by the Today show (if your my friend on fb, you saw the link I posted) and it asked the question: "What lessons have you learned from your mother?"

So, here is my answer :)

I have learned that it is only who you are in Christ that will define you in this life, and get you through it; that when I think of selfless behavior and Christ like love, I think of her. She has let me cry through my shame with her and reminded me to keep my head on straight and to keep moving forward.

My mom is awesome. She is steady, wise and the woman I credit to teaching me all things eye brow. It's funny to think that I have NEVER seen her in a swimsuit; Never been in an airplane with her; Never seen her smoke a cigarette. I have seen her with pink eye; seen her pregnant; seen her get married to the man of her dreams and I have seen her cry at the thought of her Savior's love for her. Sherry Buell, you're my hero.

There are 7 kids in our mixed family. Sophie (and Grant), Amanda, Brooke, Shayna, Jessica, Jason and Derek. We are spread around the greater Snohomish and King Counties but we all seem to be as close as if we were neighbors. In honor of Mother's Day we have something to say to you Mom.....

Love: Brooke, Sophie, Jason, Grant and Derek :))

Hahahaha, Surprise!!

My mom is brave when we can't muster the courage; patient when we throw the family into chaos; kind when others wouldn't be; honest when people are looking for truth; dedicated to her Lord and her family and most importantly.... She is a chosen child of the risen Lord and she OWNS the title. She takes her responsibility as a steward of God's children very seriously and is diligent in pursuing Christ. My momma has the makings of a well seasoned believer and she isn't even 45 yet! 

Mom, I love you from the very bottom of my heart and I can't imagine my life without you. Thank you for loving me enough to show me some tough love every once in a while and for being the voice of reason when I am in utter chaos. My kids and I are blessed by God to have you as our family and I know that wherever we go you will always be here for us. Even as I write this now, I get a tad emotional because you just mean sooo much to me and to the rest of the wolf pack. From all of us this Mother's Day, we say WE LOVE YOU MOM!! You're our hero in the faith!

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

                                                          

                                                          *Proverbs 31:30-31*

Mom and Mike

Mom and Angus

Oh, and one last thing......

XOXO

It's sprinkling outside....

But I have the next 3 days off!!! Yahooooo!!

We have quite the list of things to accomplish today and here I sit at the computer blogging. It is what it is. Grocery shopping at Costco, oil change, laundry, clean room, make dessert, take a nap, watch the newest episode of the Vampire Diaries and finally, go to the bestie's house tonight for dinner and a movie with children. Whew!

Todd's birthday is in a few weeks..... any ideas for a theme?

Summer Is Coming.... Well, Maybe

What is with this weather Lord? I spent the better part of yesterday outside with the kids.

And now today we are stuck inside watching netflix and drinking hot chocolate. Not horrible, just not as much fun as yesterday :(

Over the last week the world has seen some pretty awe inspiring things and I can feel God's might in everything. The royal wedding was beautiful and brought the world to a place of celebration for what seemed like just a brief moment; the deadly hurricanes in the Southern United States made us realize, once again, that it is God's timing for ALL things, even death and destruction. And now today the United States beams with excitement at the thought of a mass murderer being killed and defeated. Whoa. Like major whoa.

Watching the royal wedding was awesome and I can't say enough about Kate's dress! Not to mention the guest list and yes, the princesses that wore THE most interesting fascinators and outfits the world has seen yet. 

To these gals, I say "Fabulous choice!!"

It may not be other peoples cup of tea, but at least they went for it! Really, when else wold they have had the opportunity to wear these get ups??

The death of Osama Bin Laden brings with it the rejoicing of thousands of Americans and a lingering sense that this battle is far from over. Twitter pages, Facebook and Myspace are chocked full of comments and status updates relating to Bin Ladens death.... and it's kinda freaky. In a world of social networks and instant news updates, the idea of maintaining appropriate social boundaries has long since been blurred. Although I am relieved that such a horrible man is now facing God's judgement, I fear that people have lost their civility and replaced it with aggression and angst. Please, don't misunderstand me. I am glad to have Osama Bin Laden dead; He alone had the ability to stay hidden in a world where everyone knew his face, and that speaks volumes to the amount of power he had over people. I've read Facebook updates speaking to the fact that God loves everyone, including the leader of Al Qaeda, and how Christ must be saddened by the world's response to a very public death. To you I say "Peace, be still and know that He is God." The United States might be showing its ugly card right now, but we are human and this man deserved justice. Is that not also one of God's commandments? Either way you slice it, Bin Laden has faced God's judgement by now (or maybe not, he had a lot to account for) and is in his eternity. 

On a lighter note, work is going alright and I am excited for Mother's Day and my 3 day weekend! Amen!!

XOXO