Infertile Myrtle

"Officially" we have been trying to conceive a baby for over 3 years. Obviously we have not been successful. So, this holiday season we got the recommendation to begin an investigation into infertility.

In February we attended an infertility seminar which was required. We went in not knowing what to expect, there were about 7 other couples and a few ladies there on their own. A woman led us through a class which discussed main reasons for infertility, % of couples who overcome their infertility, a list of don't dos (smoke, drugs etc.) and the steps we would begin to find out if our infertility problem is treatable.

Then it was time to get poked and prodded for laboratory tests. We were able to look up a few results online things like Cyndi's blood glucose levels.

This Friday we meet with an infertility specialist to go over the test results and decide if there is any plan of action we can pursue at this time.

Please do not ask specifics of whom is "at fault". Neither of us is at fault. WE are in this together, it is us as a couple who cannot seem to conceive a baby.

We are asking for your support and prayers as we begin a difficult journey. We feel like we are grieving an invisible loss. The options given to us are costly, Cyndi's work only covers 50% and soon she will not even have that coverage. We cannot even explain how difficult it has been coping with the news that we may not be able to be the parents we have always wanted to be.

Trying to Catch our Breath

Friday- I headed up to LA with MIL and SIL to see Rent for Amy's 21st birthday. When I got home Paul and I loaded up some laundry and packed a bag then headed for San Diego.

Saturday- We arrived in SD around 2am, but didn't get to sleep till around 3am. In the morning we got up round 9am ran errands, visited Citibank, had breakfast, ran some more errands, went shopping, did laundry, settled accounts, ordered dinner in, went to church at CVCF with Marc, Tiffany and TK, packed up our stuff and headed back to OC. Morgan called and invited us to Watchmen at 10pm. We made it to Irvine just in time for the previews.

Sunday-Enjoyed Watchmen, talked for a few minutes with Morgan and fam/friends. We finally began our last 30 miles home. We arrived home around 140am. Checked out the apartment for any damage (it was Gizmos first time alone over night) there was none! Then we fell into bed. Got up around 10am showered and headed up to ALH for birthday brunch at Almansor Court. It was Amy's 21st, Christie's 30th and Tootie's 60th celebration extravaganza. There was a good time had by all we enjoyed orange juice, champagne and a wide variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Paul had to take off around 130 to head to work. I headed home to run a few errands and get ready for the week.

We need a weekend to recover from our weekend!

Fetch

Our kitty is part dog. He will play fetch with his mouse on a string and it is one of the cutest things ever. He does it over and over again. Sometimes it takes him a minute because he has to get the circle on the end of the string just right in his mouth.

Good News

1) Today Mair & Papa celebrated their 62nd wedding anniv. Congratulations! 2) Our good friend Jeri had back surgery on Thursday. Everything went well and she is home recuperating. Hope your recovery is swift and as little pain as possible. 3) The Askew's added a new little blessing to their family on Friday afternoon. Welcome to the world Aiden!

Dual

I have signed up for my 3rd annual MS Walk. It is going to be a little different this year as I will run the one in San Diego and hopefully have a team together to do the Irvine MS Walk. The reason for this switch is the SD one is the day before Easter and it would be difficult for anyone who would join my team to go all the way to SD and then have to turn around and head home for Easter Sunday. I would love for any friends to join me at one or the other, or even both if you are up for it.

To sign up for either day go HERE.

BMG!

After seeing waxy people and walking around some of the hotels we headed back to the Hilton to get dressed and eat before heading out to our show for the night.

We went to see the Blue Man Group! SO MUCH FUN! I have not laughed that much in a long time and all of the drumming was amazing. The audience was asked not to take photos during the show so we snapped a quick one before they started. When the show was over we had the opportunity to meet the band. And all of the BMG came out to the lobby to goof around, sign autographs and take photos with anyone who wanted.

Beautiful People

The following day I got up early and went over to iHop to have breakfast with Kelly! It was nice to be able to talk and catch up. Mom got up while I was gone, we then went over to the 1/2 price ticket booth to get show tickets for the afternoon and evening. TK got ready while we were gone and it was off to walk around NY,NY, Piazzo, and Venetian. Mom opted to gamble while TK and I went to Madame Tussuad's. We had a great time hanging with all the waxy people.

'Round Here

After we got settled into the hotel and freshened up a bit we hopped on the monorail and headed to meet up with a friend of TK's who happened to be in Vegas with her man. All of us walked around Cesar's Palace looking at all the fabalous shops. Then we decided to stop by the Bellagio to see their water show. Mom and I were getting hungry by this time so we headed off to Bally's for some dinner while TK and Marie waited for her boy to get done with work. After dinner it was back to the hotel for some slots and drinks.

The Drive

On our way to Vegas it is tradition to stop at the World's Largest Thermometer. So when taking TK to Vegas for the first time of course I had to stop in Baker and take some photos.

Love Day

We slept in late. Paul made dinner reservations at Pirates! Then we went over to Disneyland to spend the rest of the evening.

Grrr!D-land and DCA

Annual Event

Every year we go with the Morgan's to Monster Jam.

A good time is always had! Here's a look at what we saw:

Lackage

Sorry for our absenteeism. We have been busy... some posts to come in the very near future include Monster Trucks, Griffith Observatory, Pirates, Disneyland and Vegas!

We'll be back after these short messages...

I have the BEST husband

I wore my contacts on Sunday with no problems, then halfway through Monday they started to bother me and by the time I was to drive home I was having trouble keeping my eyes open. My left eye in particular was burning badly and very sensitive to light. Even after having my contacts out for a day it was still bothering me greatly. I called my mom and asked if she could mail my glasses which I had forgotten at her house this past weekend, she said she would send them priority which would take a day or two I said that would be fine.

On Tuesday I wore just my right contact to school and had a heck of a day. I was having difficulty keeping my left eye open and it was tearing up quite a bit. I made it through I am not quite sure how I made it home. Once home I noticed my glasses had arrived. My eye hurt so bad I didn't pay much attention to that and just curled up in bed and crashed. When I woke up to go to the gym Paul explained to a very confused me how my glasses got here so fast.

My wonderful husband drove 100 miles to and from SD to get my glasses for me even though he had a migraine, he knew how much pain I was in even though I didn't tell him how bad it really was. Thank You Bubba! You are the coolest.

Celebrity sighting...

For some reason, I never seem to notice celebrities out in public.  I mean it's not like I'm around them all the time, but every now and then someone I'm with will point out someone famous that we walked right by.  I guess I'm just not expecting to see anyone famous out and about.  Tonight I actually noticed someone for myself.  I was picking Trisha up from LAX and as we walked into the parking structure, Kerri Kenney-Silver was waiting for the elevator!  I've been watching her ever since she was on The State and still love her on Reno 911!

Zmoms Update

Mom is getting stronger and faster everyday. Each time she goes to the physical therapist she gets an A+, at least thats what she tells me. Her motion is getting better and last weekend we were even able to go to the mall and see a movie. She did very well and climbed up about a dozen stairs! Huzzah.

The Curious Case of Gizmo Hutchins

Yesterday after Cyndi got home from school, we went out to find something to do.  We considered Disneyland and a few other places, but ending up getting dinner and seeing "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button".  I had seen it already with some of the boys at work, but Cyndi hadn't had a chance yet.  I did get to see a few new scenes since I was the only male staff last time and had to escort the boys to the bathroom as needed.  We also stopped by Best Buy so I where I picked up a couple of filters for my camera using some Christmas gift cards.

When we got home, we found Gizmo in the living room laying next to the can of chili from my lunch.  He had gone digging in the trash for it.  However, I noticed that the lid was missing from inside the can.  We searched and searched for it because I didn't want to be walking around barefoot at night and "find" it by cutting my foot....

We finally found it two rooms away in his food bowl.  Apparently he got enough from licking the can and was saving the lid for later.  Yes, our cat is weird.

Slacker

Sorry for the lack in posting... We have been staying pretty busy.

Last Friday was Sibling Night. Bradley and Amy came over and we visited our newly opened 5 guys for some burgers and fries. Bradley saw Target in the same shopping center so we stopped by there to pick up a "toy". Before heading home a Golden Spoon stop was made. Once we got home game night commenced. Paul and I introduced them to Catan (Paul won). Then it was time for Bradley's new Trivial Pursuit game. It was past midnight so we hung out for a short while then Bradley and Amy headed for home.


Saturday Paul and I saw an early movie then I headed for SD and Paul went over to hang with Daryl and play Catan with a couple friends.

Sunday and Monday I spend in SD with my Mom (update to come) and Paul sadly had to go to work.

There is lots more to catch up on but now I must go teach PE.

A Look Back @ 2008

I get by with a little help from my friends

Yesterday afternoon my car went kaput on me, so I took it into our mechanic near our old apartment. I had the brilliant idea to bring my bike along in case it wasn't an easy fix, I could then ride it over to Biola and walk my miles for the day. Paul would come to pick me up after he was off work and done his workout and we would head home. Well that is what was the plan.

I rode my bike, I almost made it to Biola until a sapling stepped in my way. I was going down the small hill between Imperial and Biola when I hit a divot which I hadn't paid attention to and before I could correct the bike wheel I slammed into a tree. Everything happened so fast, thinking back now it is hard to remember what exactly happened.

I know that I skidded a few feet, my glasses were knocked clear off and my cell phone was missing. I stood up and started to stare at the ground trying to figure out where my glasses were and trying not to move much because I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. A guy yelled from across the street asking if I was OK. Then a dude wearing a Biola t-shirt reversed his car back towards where I was he got out and helped me find my glasses and phone. (Thank you who ever you are!) I stood there with my right leg and arm shaking assuring him I was OK and was just going across the street.

This is when I called Paul and told him what happened, he said he couldn't understand a word I was saying and that I needed to slow down and take a breath. I finally calmed myself down enough for him to understand me. Then I called Jeri hoping she could run me by a Kaiser. She didn't answer (found out later she was in a meeting). I walked over to the admin. building at Biola hoping to find her there, the ladies at the front desk looked at me like I was a crazed person who was going to do something rash. Then a man came out said he would try to get a hold of her in the meeting, sent Jeri an email and suggested I go to the health center for some ice. Problem is the health center closes at 430 during interim.

So I go back to Metzger and the brilliant idea to see if Amy is around or if she is in a meeting also pops into my head. Lucky for me Amy is there, she takes me and my bike back to her office tells me to take a seat and then finds me some ice. Amy began to look up where the nearest Kaiser is. Jeri and Ruth both show up, Jeri helps Amy navigate Kaisers website and Ruth finds a first aid kit to clean up some of the deeper abrasions. A plan is devised, Amy will take Ruth to pick up her car and Jeri will take me to the doctors.

Paul beat us to Kaiser so Jeri dropped me off and the boy took me inside to get fixed up. They take my vitals and put us in a room. An x-ray is ordered and a tetanus shot. The doctor looked me over and after looking at the x-ray nothing is broken just sprained, strained, scraped, bruised and sore. Photos show a few of the scrapes and my GIANT bump on my arm.

Doc says I will be quite sore, and I am to make sure the area stays covered, clean and I should watch for any possible infections.

The Tree was a fierce competitor, since at the end he was standing and I was not it has been concluded that The Tree is the winner. I do not think it was a fair fight as he is rooted in the ground and I was in motion.

TUNA

Now starring Gizmo in Fishy Affair

After a nice evening out with friends we came home to find this...

along with trash scattered about the floor and some empty water bottles. Paul had tuna for lunch and had willie nillie tossed it into the garbage can. As it turns out our 6 month old Gizmo LOVES tuna. He tried to rescue the can from being thrown away. We picked up the trash and looked around, didn't see the tuna can anywhere so we figured he didn't dig down deep enough. The following day this is what I saw


(sorry the video is dark, and pay no attention to the audio)

He was determined to get the lid out to get to the good stuff hidden underneath Gizmo was so kind as to show me where he had been hiding the prized possession he retrieved from the garbage.

Curious

Now starring Gizmo in Ping Pong Kitty

For Christmas Jeric got us a great book that is an Owners Manual for Cats as we have a 6 month old little critter. In the book it suggests to buy ping pong balls and put them and a kitten in the bath tub. So of course I decided to go right out and buy some to try it out. He investigated them for a moment.

Then he decided they were worthy of being batted around.

Plea for a Friend

I know this is an incredible long shot of a question but...

Anyone have a surplus car? A friend of mine is looking at moving back to Cali. but she has no wheels, and needs wheels to look for work. A payment plan may be an option but she really doesn't have the cash monies for that.

If you hear of ANYTHING please let me know.

I would be forever grateful.

Thanks

Procrastinator

What is your last name?
Hutchins.

When's the last time you cried?
December 12th is the last time I remember.

Do you want to fix anything with anyone right now?
Yes.

If you were to die today would your life be complete?
To be honest, No.

Is anything wrong with your eyes?
Missing that sparkle.

Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you?
Spelled different but I have my grandpas name.

Where did you sleep last night?
My bed.

Do you get annoyed when you see someone you don't like?
If they try to talk to me.

Do you have a best friend?
Sure do.

What are your plans for tomorrow?
Going to work, staff meeting, home, track, grocery shopping, dinner, TV, grade papers, clean, sleep. Boy it sounds busy, huh?

Do you miss the way things used to be?
Yes, back when things were less complicated.

Do you like your hair?
Yes, but the bangs need a trim.

Are you a patient person?
Usually.

How are you currently feeling?
Eh.

Have you ever intentionally made someone jealous?
No.

Are you currently frustrated with a boy/girl?
Students.

When is the last time you were hugged?
Today before the boy left.

Do you think you will be in a relationship 3 years from now?
Definitely.

What color is your underwear or boxers?
Blue with pok-a-dots.

What's on your mind?
LOTS.

Are you jealous of someone right now?
Trying not to be.

Ever kissed somebody that names starts with an R?
Nope.

Do you text fast?
I can.

Do you miss anyone from your past?
Course.

Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Possibly.

Who was the last person you cried in front of?
Myself.

Was this year the best year of your life?
No. Hope '09 is better.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
Yes, and I'm trying to remember that right now.

What would you do if you found out your most recent ex was engaged?
Who cares.

Are promises important to you?
Heck ya.

Who was the last person to tell you they loved you?
This is a hard one, but I'm going to go with Bubba.

How many piercings?
2 in each ear, I think the 3rd has closed.

Have you ever seen your own bone?
Many times.

Is there anyone that's got their eye on you currently?
I hope so.

Did anything "cute" happen today?
Gizmo being himself.

Did you ever waste too much time on a certain boy or girl?
In hindsight yes.

What do you do when you need to relax?
Go to the track, play games, TV or Internet.

What are you listening to right now?
Tele.

What was the last thing you purchased?
Brown spicy mustard and deodorant for Hutch.

Are you looking forward to anything?
January 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th and February 9th, 16th, 19th.

Is there someone that you believe you will always be attracted to?
Yes.

Tell me what you miss having?
Time.

What do you want right now?
Time.

Whats the first thing you did when you woke up this morning?
Said good morning to the kitty staring at me.

Do your jeans have rips, tears, and holes in them?
Not currently.

Do you own a pair of Converse?
Yes, they need to be replaced.

Did you copy and paste this survey?
Duh.

Do you eat raw cookie dough?
I can take it or leave it.

Don't you hate it when the radio ruins good songs by playing them over and over?
Yes.

Who would you call first if you won the lottery?
Bubba.

When was the last time you left your house?
This afternoon for a Target run.

Do you return your cart?
Yep.

Would you survive in prison?
I hope so.

Do you know anyone with the same name as you?
No.

What brand are your pants right now?
LB.

Do you like sushi?
Meh.

Fooseball

Paul and I, Erin and the girls, Kjirsten, Sydney, Derrick and their son all converged on the Henning household this evening to watch the Chargers game. Hot dogs and steaks were BBQ'ed, a fruit bowl was snacked on, Erin and Kj brought some yummy desserts to share. At half time we decided to break out Catan as Paul and I received it from my mom for Christmas. I think we may have some new fans of Catan! Now to procure some of those expansion packs...

Everyone was suprised & excited to see SD pull out a win in OT! Go CHARGERS

Bring on '09!

Cheers to a new year, new beginnings and new adventures!

Foster new friendships and nurture old ones

Lose a pant size

Pack my lunch at least 4 days a week

Complete 600 miles as of December 31, 2009

Eat better (cook more meals at home)

Take at least 2 trips out of state

Be able to jog 1/2 a mile by December '09

Not be afraid of failure

Compete in triathlon