Tuesday, December 11, 2012

YUCK!!

Okay, so on the front of posting more I'm doing a terrible job…I apologize.

The last week has been exhausting…

On top of myself having a life-altering change from 1000% stress to 0% and it causing my body to freak out and my getting sick, my entire household short of one ended up sharing the madness!!

I always tend to catch SOMETHING during the Christmas singing season (which around here is EARLY and over with quickly but I still enjoy participating!) It's just my body's way of telling me I need to slow down so I slept most of last week. I tried to get on here and post several times, but my arms hurt so badly I didn't even knit, let alone think of typing. My brain was also cloudy from all the meds and cough drops. YUCK!

Then my daughter ended up with a full blown case of strep!! FUN!! She spent two days running a 102ยบ fever and upchucking and I'm not even sure she had eaten enough to warrant what I was cleaning up. YUCK!!!


Then The Hubs™ got it, but it was something else entirely different than even what I had or the daughter had. I got him his cold meds of choice and he was forced to go on his merry way to work. No laying around here. Suck it up and go because if you lay around here it will only gets worse (at least that was the pep talk I gave him!!! :)

The boy managed to come out of this sick period unscathed but that was a minor miracle. We are now back on the path of health and into routine but I'm seriously a whole week behind in work. I know I will catch up but it seems daunting nonetheless.

Back to list making…and getting things done!!



What I don't get accomplished today can always be done…………later!

We hope everyone escapes the holiday season sick bugs (YUCK!) and ya'll have a Merry Christmas!!

I promise I won't wait so long to post the next time.

Ya'll keep your chins up……even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

Friday, November 30, 2012

FRIDAY!!!! YAY!!!!!!!

My brain is really excited. It's FRIDAY!!!!

For some reason I have in my head that I will be knitting most of the weekend,which is probably true, but a few things have to be accomplished first!

I have decided that we need to tackle the crazy chaos of our house one room at a time. Today is the kitchen. My goal before I go to bed is that every dish be either in the dishwasher (and it running!) or on the towel drying from being hand washed. This is a HUGE goal as I have never, even as a kid, liked doing dishes and it seems impossible for every dish in my kitchen to be clean all at once.

I'm actually a HUGE advocate of the paper plate. I'm really trying harder to make a smaller footprint in the landfill so we are eating on our ceramic plates (for now!) It also seems that every time I do a cake or a specialty order, it takes longer to get the mess cleaned up. I don't know why, but I constantly go back to the kitchen and find yet ANOTHER cake pan or frosting something-or-other that never made it through the wash.




This week we have has several trying issues crop up as well. As the stress level in our household subsides, I guess my brain and my body have decided they don't remember how to operate. I've been running on stress adrenaline and lack of sleep and now that I'm sleeping, eating and not stressed I seem to be having emotional breakdowns. I've had several days where I couldn't stop crying and I have no reason to cry. It's very strange. I know I just need to give it to God and He will help me through, but sometimes that's easier said than done. I just have to keep hitting my knees in prayer though.

We had some excitement at school dealing with the teenager. I won't go into specifics, I just know that he is a good kid, but I'm not going to be that parent who says "My kid wouldn't do that!" The fact of the matter is he did do that and he got caught. The only thing that saved him was owning up to his mistake and taking responsibility for his actions. This also got him in less trouble when he got home. 

Now what the boy actually did was not a huge major infraction, meaning not requiring expulsion, but it was disrespectful nonetheless and that is just not tolerated in this household. The teacher had every right  to reprimand him and he took his punishment and corrected his behavior. I'm proud of that.

But I also applaud his standing up for himself. You see, my son is dyslexic and we have seen it all. We've gone 'round and 'round with our school, teachers, principles, superintendents, other parents, a couple of doctors, spent countless hours…actually we can account for it…4 hours a night screaming, crying and tearing out hair (mine not his!) and that was only spelling…never mind there's still math, social studies and science homework left to accomplish! The school is telling us to get a medical diagnosis (when it's really their job to test for this they just dont' want to spend the money) and our doctor who is laughing that our school would even suggest such a thing.

I miss his English teacher from last year who listened to a 12-year-old when he explained himself his problem and took responsibility for his own grades. It angers me greatly when a teacher won't listen to students who are genuinely trying. I guess it has become the norm for them to not care and just show up for the paycheck. I'm not saying every teacher is like that, but I'm finding that more and more of them are. I get tired of hearing that dyslexia is an excuse for not doing the work. It's super hard to do the work if you don't even understand it!

We're not rich or even well-to-do. We're like every other two-parent-working household in this country right now thankful we can pay the bills and still have food on the table. There was no way to privately have him assessed. We were having to find free or inexpensive ways to help him that wouldn't put pressure on our already fragile budget.

Then I found Susan Barton. 


I had opportunity to hear Susan Barton speak at a neighboring school and I was overjoyed. You see, that year I had decided it was time for me to take the step to homeschool my kids even if it was for only a year or two and get my son back up to the grade level he should be. She applauded that. In fact, she said parents need to get control of the situation if the schools won't. I felt so relieved. She has helped our little family (without our spending a dime and just receiving her e-mail newsletter) in so many ways and she doesn't even know it.

Now if we could only curb the typical teenage outbursts and drama!!


Parenting a teenager isn't all bad and those of you who have made it through successfully know! I have only one year of this journey under my belt. Maybe I'll write a book about it along the way. A friend of mine suggested the book end with a stiff drink! I laugh but my choice wold be a thankful prayer to The Lord thanking Him for his guidance along the way!

But let's leave some other teenage talk for another time. I need to get off of here and go cook supper now.

Ya'll keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Goofy Crazy Life!!!

Okay, so it's been a while since I've gotten on here. Life has been really crazy. I do apologize for not keeping everyone up-to-date with happenings.

On the Hutchings Household front…things have just kept piling on and it seems like I'm never caught up. I actually have thought about taking my vacation just to purge the house and do a little bit of painting and remodeling. That just never seems to work out either!!! Life is just too busy!!!

On the kids front…we have finished basketball (I think) and soccer and now we're trying to get into the holiday season. Music and band concerts are starting to take over!!!

My camera died in July and I have yet to replace it. I'm kind of being a bit picky since it will be an investment and probably the last camera I purchase for a while. So, needless to say, I haven't been taking too many pics to upload ANYWHERE lately!

On the crafty front…I'm almost booked solid for holiday knitting and I'm pretty sure that family gifts may have to be finished AFTER the big Christmas day at my mom's (which is usually around December 15th and too early!!!!) I did not do this intentionally but things are tight this year and every little bit helps!!!!

I'm also going to try to do better to post every couple of days. I've been working on some new patterns I need to get posted so everyone can start downloading those. They're not dolls, but I'm sure there will be some in the mix at some point!

I've also been finding some really cool projects to do with the kids and maybe you all would enjoy checking those out as well!



On the book front…I've decided that since I shelved it last year I'm not going to put a deadline or publish date on it. I wanted to have it finished well before now in time for holiday gift giving, but that's just not going to happen. I still have several illustrations to finish before I can put it together and as I've said in the past, they just cannot be forced. I'm going to just give it to God and let Him lead me through it. I will let everyone know when I get it sent in so you can order it!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of the holiday season and those of you who Black friday shopped survived it without casualty or injury. I personally don't Black Friday shop, but I have extended family who do!!

Oh, before I forget…I have a friend who turned me on to this if you're looking for a way to make a little extra cash this holiday season. It seems like we could all use a little extra these days.

http://www.getcashforsurveys.com/?hop=sunnysally

Remember to tithe from your earnings and give a little back as well. You will prosper in the long run!!! Check it out…I know she'll appreciate it.

Have a blessed day and keep you chin up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!!

Monday, August 6, 2012

School is About To Start!

Okay…so………

I haven't been on here much lately. I have forgotten how much of my time Summer takes up and all the things that I have on my list to accomplish before kids head back.

According to my list I'm behind and I detest being behind.

The heat also seems to have zapped our minds and brains don't think too well when it's been as hot as we've had here.

Over the course of the next two weeks we have several doctors appointments (well check-ups, eye exams, dental exams) and many tasks here at our house as well.

One of our goals was to have several rooms purged, items donated or sold, wallpaper torn down and walls repainted. Needless to say we have accomplished very little in that area. It's just too hot to do ANYTHING it seems.

That being said, at least we've cooled down the last few days and seem to be getting back on track. I know that we're making a concerted effort today and who knows what we'll be able to get accomplished. Lots I hope!!!

On the creative front…my craft room is one of the first rooms to get reorganized and I'm hoping to get things back in order quickly, get some things worked out with my website and get all of that up and going again.

So I will keep you all posted as to what's happening hopefully sooner than later.

EVeryone keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Where Have I Been?

Hmmmm…

THAT is the question it seems.

WHERE have I been?

BUSY…

Busy at life,
Busy at work,
Just BUSY and it never seems to stop.

I've been working on some things that I would like to add to my array of items to offer on my website and I've just been too busy to get everything completely organized.

As soon as get everything together (remember God's time?) I will be letting everyone know. Don't forget to find me at Ravelry because I'm working on getting some more patterns available there and at Craftsy. I'm working on getting some new designs uploaded and the patterns finished for some of the projects I already have posted.

I am also working on making available some of my favorite yarns through my website and getting a shopping cart set up there as well.

And I'm STILL working on illustrations for that book. Each time I sit down to work on it it seems to take on a life of it's own and head in a different direction. One thing that I've learned in my artistic life is to not force anything the direction YOU think it should go. You have to let it be free to form itself and that seems to be what's keeping me from finishing up the book.

I WILL finish it, but again, God's time and apparently that isn't right now (or the last year it seems!)

I appreciate everyone's patience while I continue to get things in order. What I have taken on seems to be overwhelming and my brain doesn't think it should be!!!

Keep your chin up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

I apologize?

Okay, so I must apologize…for several reasons.

One, because I haven't posted on here in such a long time. It seems like my life is being overtaken by everyone and everything else in it.

Two, for not getting my patterns finished and uploaded sooner. I'm still working on those and for the same reason as reason as #1.

Three, for not having my book finished. Again, reason #1, but you also can't force drawing creativity and my creativity, although blatantly still here is at an all-time low. I just don't seem to have enough time to let it all out.

Now…

Some of you know we recently adopted a puppy BUT that puppy seems to have been mis-aged and is closer to six months than three. She seems to be starting her cycle of coming into heat and we wanted her fixed by then. Sometimes I wish vets would actually LISTEN to the pet owner on what the background of their animal is. My puppy was seriously malnourished when we adopted her so her age cannot be solely determined by her teeth alone. They were not where they were supposed to be because of her health. After all, somebody dumped her and she just happened to find a loving family to take her in, but who knows how long she was out there on her own?

I am going to admit that I'm complaining because I don't have a fenced yard and now I can't trust my puppy in our yard alone. She knows her boundaries and I trust she'll stay there (our training is going AWESOME!) BUT what about all those boy dogs out there? UGH!!!

The Hubs™ schedule also changed and we're back on nights. It's really hard to practicing singing during the day or let the kids have friends over during spring break when The Dad™ has to sleep during the day. Also, the dog doesn't understand that our schedules have flip flopped and she can't be in the house (she does have the sunroom to herself!) all day with mom. She just gets a bit too rambunctious while The Dad™ is trying to sleep.

The Blonde One™is starting soccer this week and we're looking forward to that, but with the birth of my nephew, Nugget (affectionately, of course) on the horizon our schedules are only going to get more crazy. So I ask that you all bear with me

I do hope to get a few projects finished up this week and I'm going to start working on ideas on updating the website. Things just aren't moving fast enough for me in some areas and that seems to be taking it's toll on my as well. I thrive on keeping busy and some things have slowed WAY down. I'm praying daily for patience in that area.

So stay tuned, I get what I can on here!!

And keep your chin up, even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

God Bless!!!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Super Bowl and More!!

Just a quick note…

My kids and I are getting geared up for the Super Bowl. I really only watch it for the commercials since I haven't followed the NFL since I married The Hubs™ 11 years ago. I am in advertising and like to follow the trends!!!

I'm still working on patterns, but as some of you know we're working a new family member into the household. She's fitting in nicely. She's got our personalities all figured out and learns something new every day.

She has learned when the light goes off in her room it's time to sleep…quietly. Quiet is a nice thing with a puppy. She has learned to sit, but we're still working on other commands (and POTTY TRAINING!!!)

I know a lot of people don't like barking dogs, but I wanted to know if my girl had a voice and I finally got to hear it!! She likes to bark at Rascal, our Siamese kitty, while trying to get him to play with her. Rascal is still trying to figure out what to make of her!

Our other two kitties, Kaplony and Aria, have yet to venture too close. I'm sure when Poptart starts visiting inside they'll get used to her, but until we can get her potty trained, she's residing in the sunroom.

Well…I just thought I'd give you guys a quick update and I'll try to get some new patterns on my Ravelry site soon!

Keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!


Thursday, February 2, 2012

OMGosh…A PUPPY!!!

Okay, so I haven't posted in a while. I've been a little busy with my "Gotta get these things finished" list so I am able to concentrate on designing and illustrating more.

But that's not all that's been going on around here.

Saturday, my son and my husband seemed to continue seeing an animal duck and dodge around our carport (carports are garages without walls for those who may wonder what it is) and never could really get a glimpse of it. Finally that night The Hubs™ came in and quietly asked for my assistance outside. What I saw when I went out was just…well…I'm not sure I have the words to describe it.

Sitting on my neighbor's walk was the most beautiful chocolate lab puppy I have ever seen. She had obviously been abandoned because she was in pretty bad shape. (No, she didn't belong to my neighbor, she wouldn't have THIS type of dog!)

Well, being the animal lover I am (and knowing this is the exact breed of dog my husband has always wanted) we decided she couldn't just be left outside to fend for herself. She needed some veterinary attention and some close watching and care.

Things started a little crazy because we were not equipped to handle taking in a puppy at that very moment, but I do have a friend who is so we called her and our puppy has been hanging out at her house. At first it looked like she might stay and live with them, but after a bunch of phone calls and moving things around, it worked out so that we could keep her.


The interesting thing is that most of the strays that show up at our house usually seek out ME. For some reason that's just how it has always been. The Dad™ will obviously say NO to keeping ONE MORE animal (we have three inside cats!) and I have pretty good luck (with some help from God) in finding really good homes for them. But this time the stray found The Dad™!

I'm pretty sure this was a sign we were supposed to have this puppy. My daughter has wanted a dog since she could talk and The Dad™ has always said no, but not this time. This is the one…she found US and we're pretty ecstatic about it!!!


So today we're bringing Poptart home and now I have some training to do on top of everything else (cleaning and painting the house room by room, work, etc.), but I'm okay with that. It was time for a big change and this is great one!!







I will have some more patterns hit my Ravelry store soon and I will be updating and changing around my website sometime in the next few months. So I thank you for your patience and keep coming back.

And keep your chin up and trust in Him…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

(We have since learned she is a German Shorthaired Pointer mixed with Great Dane and The Hubs™ seems to be okay with this!)

Monday, January 23, 2012

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow, things here just seem to get busier!!!

I do appreciate your patience on my lack of getting to blog more often. I just haven't found the groove to keep it in the schedule more than a couple of times a month!! I will definitely work on that as the new year continues.

My daughter has started her season of basketball. It's elementary age level so it should be over by the first week of March, but it has us busy every weekend until then!!

I'm starting up a second knitting group at our church. This one is mainly for the kids, but the adults are always welcome to join us because most of them are unable to come to the one I have in the middle of the day on Thursday. We are also teaching crocheting. Some people think two needles is too difficult so since I do both it's not too much to just squeeze them in too!!!

So, the exciting thing right now is that I now have a pattern store at Ravelry. I just haven't had time to update my website as of late and get the shopping cart and everything up and going like I'd hoped, so this is a better alternative to my etsy shop. I know everyone is usually already right there looking around on Ravelry and this allows instant downloads. It's easier to keep just one or two things updated right now with my busy schedule and trying to get the book completed. Life keeps getting in the way, but I'm going to finish it!

So here is the link directly to my pattern store.

Hey everyone, check out the Onnica Hutchings Designs store over at Ravelry. 
You can download patterns instantly after paying for them or just choose the free ones!!!!




I'm also working on getting more of my designs into type (some are still just hand-written) and getting them uploaded so you can have access to them!

I hope this finds you all well and those who have snow and ice stay warm!!!

Keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Happy New Year & All That Jazz!!!!

Well…2012 is finally here!!!

It's been a very tiring holiday season and I wish I could say it is over, but for our household it is not. Our tree is still up and we have more more family Christmas celebration to go (Jan. 14th!) and then we can put things away until next year.

I am not one to make New Year's resolutions. I find that Iusually end up breaking them before I ever get started so it seems to me to be wasted energy. Kuddos to those who make them and keep them!!!

However, I do have plans for this coming year…

My house desperately needs to be purged for it is too small for my growing children, three cats, a husband and myself along with my children's and my huge creativity. We have many things that need to be downsized, sorted, thrown away or put away and things put back in their respective places. There's also our desire to do away with the current wall paper and perhaps do a little bit of painting that would make this house feel a little more "ours".

We keep starting all of this and then life gets in the way and plans get put aside, but my plan for this year is to not let that happen.

I also have many crafting, knitting, crocheting and artistic plans for the year, one of which includes plodding on with my children's book. It's a bit frustrating to not have it completed, but it also is not my full-time job to write and illustrate (or even knit and crafty-create!) and the bills have to be paid and food needs to be put on the table. So I'm hoping you all understand that creativity has to have ROOM to happen and right now I don't have that!!! That's why I need to concentrate on my house first and THEN I know it will come to me!!!


By the way, that latest project that has kept me from getting on here was this…



As far as I could tell, my sister-in-law LOVED it. It's for my soon-to-be nephew currently affectionately named "Nugget".

I hope you and yours have had a great start to the new year!

I hope it's not so long before I have a chance to catch you all again!!

Keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!!