Merry Christmas!

I know we still have a bit until Christmas, but we leave for Utah tomorrow. Wanted you all to know that we'll be thinking of you and hope you have a wonderful Christmas! These are our cute boys with cute Santa! No tears--not much emotion either!
Enjoy as Keaton says, "Jesus Christ's birthday party!"

Ladybug

Our house is the ladybug house. Every fall ladybugs move in. Ladybugs seem to be quite social--they rarely come by themselves. At any given moment, there are 4 on the kitchen light, another 3 on the window.....you get the point.

Jonas discovered these ladybugs quite quickly! He is fascinated with them. He squeals with delight when he comes upon them. And then there is the other thing--with his pudgy little fingers he picks them up w/ lightening speed and pops them in his mouth! We have saved two little bugs from a rather sad ending. Just not sure if there are ones we don't know about!

His other discovery--slow flies---don't ask about that! (no, thankfully he hasn't eaten any of those!)

Guess Who?

A.

B.

Okay, guess who is A & B! Don't I have cute boys?!

Here goes...

We have been encouraged by Amy to share "the stupidest thing we've done" to "tell something juicy." Maybe by doing this I am adding another thing on my list, but here goes...

So, Melynie & Chelsea had a list of 10, but I think I'll just share two--you'll understand why after you read! WARNING: no children should read this (that's my disclaimer).

First off, like Melynie, I LOVE to skinny dip! From Florida, to Lake Powell to Guatemala and Belize--it's such a freeing feeling!

Drum roll please....the stupidest thing I've ever done. I cringe telling this story.
*Names have been omitted to protect their identities (save mine, alas).

Freshman year in college my roommate and I had a plan. You see, back in high school we had a bit of a tradition amongst our friends. That tradition would be DH-ing (um uh that would be deer humping--placing Christmas yard deer in a mounting position...I know, I know). Anyways, we had two friends on missions who had written us saying they had carried on the tradition (do not picture missionaries doing this--can you imagine?)

Hey, if they did it, we HAD to. So, driving home from a friend's house, an opportunity arose. We parked close by and ran into the yard. To our dismay, the two deer were practically nailed down with chains. Then, an AMBUSH occurred! A man came flying out of the house, screaming like a lunatic. We ran as fast as we could into our car. As I was frantically trying to start the car, the man ran to our car and started pounding on my window yelling things like, "I'll get you for this. You won't get away with it" and who knows what else (I try to block it out--oh the trauma). Shaking and near tears, we drove to our dorm.

We sat there agonizing about the whole situation when the phone rang. Yes, the police. They would be over in 15 minutes to get our statement. The madman wrote down my license plate number and called the police. So, of course, we had to call our parents. I spoke with my dad who LAUGHED at the situation, but said he'd call our home teacher who is also an attorney. We then had to write letters of apology before the police came.

We were so nervous when we spoke with the police. We certainly got "a talking to." Fortunately for us, the man decided to not press charges. We were let off because of our clean records, but told that we would be in big trouble if anything ever came up.
Needless to say, that tradition died right there on the spot.

So, humor me and share your stupidest moments. Oh, and PLEASE don't look at me strangely the next time we meet (:

November 4th

Everyone says it is an historic event--a black man being elected president. I wanted to express my bundle of emotions before they fade. Election night is so vivid in my mind. The weeks before had poll after poll saying Obama was to win. Deep down I knew, but I still had hope. One must always have hope.

I checked Fox news & it finally happened. My emotions were so raw, so real (they still are). Listening to John McCain give his concession speech was so moving. He was so gracious, so eloquent. I cried.
The next morning as I waved goodbye to Keaton on his bus, I looked around. All the presidential candidate's signs were gone, save one--mine.

Another gracious act--my neighbors. They were strong McCain supporters. There sign was removed and in its' place was an American flag and a sign that read God Bless America.
So, eyes wet once more, I slowly removed my sign as well.

Here is to gracious people and May God Bless America.

The Perfect Date

So, now that Jas is in the Bishopbric, we are trying to use our time more wisely and embrace it . Sat. night we actually went on a date!! A real life date w/ no kids! I know, isn't it the plan to have weekly dates? That rarely seems to happen...
It was so perfect. Our babysitter and her friend came over. Jas gave them the rundown on K bedtime routine (it has to be just so w/ him down to singing the same two songs in the same order--Row Your Boat, then I Love to See the Temple), while I was nursing little J. Then, we were off!
There is this cute, little cafe (Rendevous something or other) on historic main in O'Fallon that we went to. It was a cool night (65 degrees). We ordered some food and went out to the patio. There was this great, live band. It reminded me to back in the day (8 yrs ago) when we were dating. You know, where you talk about your hopes and dreams and then catch each other's eye. Sweet moments. They still happen, even when life comes at you in 20 different directions. We even shared a cup of cocoa. Jas gave me his coat because I was a bit cold. The perfect gentleman.

Did I mention that I had the perfect date?

Our Night Walk

I have lots of little cute stories that I always want to post, but either forget them (just like dreams--you remember them one minute, but don't the next) or just never post them.
Here is one of them.
Tonight for Family Night (Jason's turn), we went on a Night Walk. It was PERFECT. Seriously, the temperature was amazing w/ just a slight breeze. Keaton & Jas had on their head flashlights. It was amusing--our energizer bunny (aka K) was running around in circles, crunching leaves, blinding us w/ his light and all sorts of other antics. Jonas was having a blast trying to "catch" the light. Then, this breeze danced through us and Jas & I happily sighed at the same time. It was almost from the movies.
Who needs anything but a couple of flashlights and three boys?

Politics Anyone?

If you look out our window into our court/circle, you see a very interesting sight---political signs in nearly everyone's yard. Yes, they have been popping up nearly every day. Right now, there is one more Obama sign than McCain (of course I have been counting--as I do on my neighborhood runs--is that strange?)
On Halloween night, Jas was talking to a couple of the neighborhood fellas. Jokingly he asked two Obama supporters, "So, are these signs out just for Halloween?" They took it rather well (: Only Jas...
Anyways, tomorrow is the big day. Jas & I voted today and it just felt good. I felt powerful in some way. Those in Mo. check out Amy's blog, she's done a lot of research on it all. Go out and vote (color as K called it today.)

My Baby is One!

Today Jonas turned one! I can't even believe that it has been a year. He is the most amazing, beautiful one year old!
He LOVES to wave. He LOVES to sign milk. His favorite activity is crawling around and pushing a car. Oh, he also loves to play tag with us, especially Keat.
I have pics to share of my sweet one and so much more to say, but it will have to wait for another day.
Jonas, we are so glad that you are a part of our little family. It wouldn'tbe the same without you! Happy 1st Birthday Jonas Tingey Wright. We love you!

Forced Cuddling

Forced cuddling...that's what I call it. Yes, when you have an active 11 month old, nursing is the ONLY time they want to cuddle. So that's why I LOVE nursing. If that's strange, so be it. I love holding little J in my arms while he's nursing. We have our little high five game we play. He also loves to grunt and have me grunt back.

Last week was a big week for Jonas.He started making car noises while he was playing cars w/ Keaton. What a boy! He is also a huge fan of waving--he waves at anyone and everyone!

Big accomplishment yesterday!! He now can do the sign for milk!! I was so proud of him that I rushed downstairs so Jas could see, even though he was on a work call. My little baby is growing up.

Jonas first time standing up in crib--August.

Keaton's First Days of School

Yes! I am finally writing about Keaton's first days of school! I had only one major breakdown and it was the night before....Jas was a saint about it. For family night we did what my family always did the night before school started--Dad gave blessings.

It was almost humorous trying to give our active boys blessings, but very fitting of our lives. Both K & little J have so much to look forward to this year! K--first days school, getting bigger, expressing himself more clearly, imaginative play (this is awesome-more for another blog), potty training. Little J--first time walking, learning to talk, trying all kinds of new foods...After the boys were down, Jas gave me a blessing. It was so sweet and calming. Not enough warning about this whole child going to school/becoming independent/mom not right next to them phase....

I layed out clothes for all of us, we read our getting ready for school book, prayed about school....

Now, the first day! K was overjoyed w/ school! We don't have your typical "stand by the front door first day of school" picture. This is Keaton doing all sorts of yoga moves he sees us do. He just hammed it up!






Will someone tell me how to rotate these pics?


Now I drove him the first day. I couldn't fathom having him take the bus that first day. He did wonderfully. Only was shy for but a minute, gave me kiss and he was off to the races! I wasn't surprised. I had my sweet husband texting me and my friend Miranda calling to see if I was okay. (thanks guys)

The second day was riding the bus. We read our riding the bus to school book 100 times (he has it just about memorized)! Well, the bus was 5 min. early--which is really early for a mom! I was a bit frantic, but tried to stay calm...K had a moment of the deer in the headlights look, but recovered quickly. After a kiss, a picture and videoing it (Jas was out of town for the big event) K got buckled into his very own booster seat. I got Jonas buckled in and we were all off!



YES, I did follow the bus to school--I AM ONE OF THOSE MOMS! I followed right behind the bus giving myself pep talks that K was doing just fine, so I needed to do the same. Here is a pic of K's school bus!




He did wonderfully! In fact, they said K talked their ear off...they just couldn't quite understand all of what he said (; Riding the bus is, SURPRISE, Keaton's favorite part of school! We survived. School puts us in this wonderful routine. Because of school I now have special one on one time w/ Jonas, Keaton is flourishing AND (w/ working like crazy during nap times) I now have more quality time w/ my boys. I feel so blessed.

Been Tagged

I have been tagged by my good friend. So, here goes...

3 Joys:
1. My boys--Jas, Keaters & Jonas--aren't I so lucky?!
2. Fall time I LOVE it all--the cool weather, BYU football, Halloween, school starting, going running outside with a chill in the air, cuddle time, canning...
3. Good food--especially going out to dinner w/ Jas and just savoring every bite. It makes me positively giddy!

3 Fears:
1. Losing my family
2. Waking up and having my kids all grown up and not needing me anymore (I know, I know...I'm freaking out already about having a 3 year old).
3. Being old--I guess I gotta work on that, I'm getting older by the minute.

3 Obsessions/Collections:
1. Uuum...keeping my house clean--it's near impossible!
2. Parenting, behavior modification--I've checked out so many at the library
3. Finding the perfect boots/shoes for winter!

3 Surprising Facts:
1. I've been skydiving two times--once in Hawaii!
2. In Junior High I got the "Most Likely to Drive to Hawaii" Award---Seriously, can you believe that?! I am so sure you are all surprised at this one!
3. I have never gotten a ticket--almost once, but I got out of it!

Okay, I'm tagging Tina Wright, Chelsea McCain and Melinda Roberts!

You Know Your Child is in Preschool When....

He grabs various kitchen utensils and announces, "It's Music Time!" He then grabs more wooden spoons and takes them to his baby brother, "Come on Jonas, it's music time! Make music." A few minutes later (after pounding the heck out of his intruments), he then puts them away, all the while singing, "Music time is all done. Clean up, clean up everybody, everywhere. Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share!"

Oh Motherhood!

This is just a quick post--I have pics to show of K's first day of school, the McCain rally, and trips. This is just me and my words.
One of my best friends just had her first baby. We spent a good hour talking about motherhood---all the first experiences she is having and memories of mine w/both my little boys. Motherhood-there isn't anything like it. I was so happy that she is now experiencing all of those wonderful, exciting, amazing, ovewhelming, and exhausting moments. Doesn't it make a mother happy to have someone close become a mother also? Life just has more meaning and is more magical (and tiring, but it's all worth it). It brings a smile to my face that she now fully understands what I've tried to explain. Congrats to Malia and her beautiful baby girl!

Preschool Jitters

This morning I had the preschool jitters. Do you remember being nervous right before school started? Nervous, yet excited! I am so feeling that way, only I'm not going to school, Keaton is.

Lately I have been at the edge of a panic attack (those of you who really know me know I'm not exaggerating too much!) (: My little boy starts preschool on Tuesday. I've known it for weeks, but have just pushed it aside. I'm NOT ready--he is my baby and I want to be part of every minute of his life. I just want to savor every moment w/ him...

The ironic thing is that I am a school-lover. Always have been, always will be. I was the annoying teacher's pet in elementary, the student who wanted to sit in the front and the one who personally knew most of my college professors...who else would become an elementary teacher?! Jas kindly pointed this out, so now I am trying to remember this for Keaton--the joy of school--all the experiences he will have,the friends he will make, the songs he will sing, the things he will learn...I may not be right next to him, but I will be likely watching through the one-way mirror.

I am now trying to embrace it (though failing at times). We have gone to the library to check out almost every getting ready for school and riding the school bus book. We've gone to meet your teacher and had countless talks about going to school. Keaters is ready...now for his mother. Tuesday will be a day I will likely never forget. I love you Keaters, my big boy

Keaters is 3!

Keaters on his big 3rd Birthday! The only way we know how to get him to smile is to say, "show us your teeth!"

Keat had a sweet BDAY pool party with all of his little friends.

Our little sweetheart who is now 10 months old.
My two birthday boys--Jas 30, Keat 3

jas & I made a choo-choo cake for Keaters--it is quite hilarious (; Our goal was for K to at least recognize that it was a train.

Keaton is one amazing little boy! These last 3 years have been the richest and deepest. We love his love of life and his talent to make friends anywhere we go! He'll keep us running for many years to come. Happy birthday little man. We love you!

Keaton's Tower

So, we just got back from a little trip to Nauvoo w/ my Dad, Rita and Mariah. It was wonderful! Only 3 hours from our home--come visit us (hint, hint..)

Anyways, Keaters just loved the temple and the pageant--he watched the entire thing! Today he got out his blocks and said, "Momma sit, Momma sit." He then started to build, all the while saying, "Jesus Christ Amen Tower, Jesus Christ Amen Tower." It took a sec, butI figured he was building the temple! Sweetness.

No pics, but still...

I don't have the external hard drive to show pics, so that'll be another time! Here's what's been going on:
A couple of weeks ago, Jas surpised me w/ the cutest date! He set it all up--got a babysitter, the whole bit. It was our 8 yr. anniversary of when we first met. He wrote the cutest card and left it on the bathroom counter for me to find, along with a sweet message written on the mirror. We got massages and then went out to a wonderful dinner. Yes, I am so lucky Jason is my man forever!
Jonas is 8 months! He has two teeth and is so close to crawling! He just learned to clap and gets a kick out of it!! I give him nearly a million kisses a day.
Keaters is growing up like crazy! He is talking so much more and singing too. His fav. song is Row, Row,Row Your Boat because he knows all of the words! I love how he comes over and gives me the tightest squeezes.
We had a perfect 4th of July---the parade, chill time, petting zoo, pony rides and fireworks!

I really will post on our trip to Utah soon...We had a wonderful time seeing family and friends. It went by way too quickly.

Naps with Dada

My boys agree--Daddy is so fun to take naps with!

I have a billion pics to show of our trip to Utah, it's overwhelming! So, I thought I'd show these cute pics instead and post our trip later....

Novel

It's a Sunday afternoon and ALL of my boys are asleep. Jas was sweet to let me sleep in this morning, so he is taking a well-deserved nap! There is always so much to share--where to start?
Family in Mo
We have family in Missouri! Jason's cousin, Rachel, and her husband, Brian, just moved into our ward! Crazy huh?! We didn't even know until they saw us in sacrament. It is wonderful to have family so close. It is so easy to not fully realize what a blessing it is to have family close by until they no longer are....We've had so much fun w/ them already! We've had bbques w/ them, gone swimming, played Mario Cart (Keat's fav) and Guitar Hero (Jas's fav) w/ them. Rach is even sharing her cooking skills w/ me!

EEEWWWW--I know, but you have to laugh when you see it! Jonas and Rachel's dog Dobson.

Memorial Weekend: It rained and rained! So much, in fact that you won't believe this park near our house.

The rain is up to the top of the bleachers.

This is the roof of the pavilion at the park--10 plus feet of water! We had to find a new park to run our 5k.
Keaton's new bed! Our sweet neighbors gave us bunk beds and a desk. It has been our Saturday project for a while now. We stripped the old stain and restained it a darker color. Keaton was SO excited for his new car bed! He slept like a dream in it the first night and every night since. (knock on wood...)

Grant's Farm

When you all come and visit us (hint hint!) this is a fun place to go! The Busch family bought General Grant's land. There is a choo-choo that takes you through the huge estate-you see animals live together--it's crazy! You'll see bison lying next to zebras and cows next to deer!

Jas & Keaters feeding the aggresive goats...it was crazy! One came and headbutt K and knocked him down. No injures and our shorts only got nibbled on a few dozen times!
Public Works Fair
This was one of our most fun playdates! The city we live in hosts a fair once a year. All of the public work departments come together with their machinery (tractors, snowplows, garbage trucks etc). They let all of the kids get in and ride and "drive" the machines! Let's just say K was in heaven!


More Rain
Being from Utah, this is something to get use to! It rains like crazy out here. One afternoon, Jas & K decided to go out and run around in the rain AND then turn on the hose and spray each other-it was hilarious!

My boys soaking in the rain!

We can't wait to see our family and friends in Utah!! We are counting down the days!!

Hello again!

Our smiling baby!
It looks like we posed him, Jonas did this all on his own. Don't you just want to kiss him?!
Keat w/ his firefighter hat looking the part.
I love his smile in this one..haven't figured out how to rotate it
Keat and his Dada


Okay, I know it has been forever again....thank you to Jen and Tina for your sweet reminders to update (: Getting a swift kick in the pants is always a good way!

Things are wonderful and busy. I update best when Jas is out of town. He's been in Seattle and now is going to Utah to work on our 4-plex & see some of the fam (I'm sad about missing out on the fam part).
So, here's our update: Jonas is officially 6 months old and sitting!! It seems like it happened overnight, my baby is getting bigger! He is also on rice cereal and we are trying to get him to take a bottle (any suggestions, pass them on our way!) He is as sweet as ever w/ a bit of added spunk and energy--he is now not as content to just be. Cute wants to be held and wants to stand (not sit, he'll go stiff as a board if you try to get him to sit on your lap!) He loves to blow bubbles and spit. (cute side story--one of the first times Jonas started spitting, Keaton turned to him and said, "Oh no, no spit.") So that's my baby...Oh! I think that he is going to have Jason's eyes...lucky boy!

Keaton is a ham as usual! He picked up the phrase, "Oh my josh!" when I was yelling at the computer the last time I posted. Ooops! He loves his pre-preschool class on Tuesdays. He is learning more and more words and can now can kinda count! His fav. songs are Old McDonald and I am a Child of God. He has now used the big boy potty a few times-hooray!

Jas & I have recently started p90x (these crazy hard workouts). We now get up every morning (except Sun) around 5:45. It is tough, but we are loving it and I love working out next to my honey! We recently found this cute neighbor to babysit, so J took me out to lunch and shopping for Mother's Day--absolutely perfect! He spoke on Mother's Day--it was wonderful, at least the part I heard...I was slightly distracted w/ a toddler running down the aisle and up on to the stage to, "Go see Dada."
I feel like I am writing one of those Christmas letters updating everyone on the fam.....(; I'll surely try to post on a more regular basis--no guarantees though! Love to you all!

Reflections of Christ

We loved this video production by East Valley Productions called Reflections of Christ.
http://www.eastvalleyproductions.com/blog.cfm?postID=31

Catching up

Okay....it has been forever again, so there is a lot to write about! Some of our big news--Jonas is 5 months and rolling over! His favorite thing to do is suck on ANYTHING especially blankets (he's taking after Keaton on this one). He is a complete joy and will smile at just about anything! Keaton is now 2 1/2 and our little clown--he can get "Cute" rolling w/ laughter. His big milestones have been that he graduated to a big boy bed (did really well w/ the transition too) AND he knows and says his name! We are so proud of him! (Do I sound like a mom/teacher or what?!) I just recently finished going through some wonderful parenting classes---Love and Logic. They have been so helpful, so parents check 'em out! Now for some pics.....



We went and stayed overnight at a hotel w/ our friends, the Hunts & Tenneys. We had a pizza party, & went swimming. When the kids were all tucked in, we played games--it was a blast!



Kendra, Keaton & Carson playing in the hotel hall. If you can imagine 3 toddlers and a long hall--nothing but fun and trouble....
Jonas's first time swimming! He liked it until he got cold.

Jonas in his jammijams smiling for the camera.
Way back in January it was REALLY cold so we decided to go camping. We set up the tent, had tinfoil dinners, watched Madagascar and, of course.....


had SMORES! Keaton's first smore, he loved it!

St. Patrick's Day Party. Keaton, Zoey, Luke & Carson. The most quiet time of the party when the kids (& moms too!) were eating their green cupcakes.

Our little green babes--Jonas and Garrett--Are they not the cutest pair of chunky babies you have ever seen?! (There might be a slight bit of bias going on, but still, they are cute!)

Keaton making his beautiful eggs for Easter.

Easter snow. My boys checking out the snow.
Our wide-eyed little boy enjoying his tummy time.

That's it for now...stay tuned for more pics, we still have so much to catch up on! We love you all!

Sweet Moments

Okay, so when Jas is out of town I always make sure to tell him some of the sweet moments of the day. I thought I'd share a few with all of you!

*Yesterday, while baking cookies, Jonas started getting fussy in his bouncer. I said to Keaton, "Keaters, Jonas is sad. Can you make him happy?" K went and grabbed his beloved chichi (blanket) and took it over to J. He then found a corner and tried to put it in Jonas's mouth while saying, "try." Absolute sweetest!

*While reading I Am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson (thanks Shannon) I just snuggled tight to Jonas. This book is inspirational and should be read by all women. A favorite from it:
Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,
For babies grow up, I've learned, to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby; and babies don't keep.
Author Unknown

*Finding a little note from Jas in my pillowcase .....cutest husband huh?

Moments like these make all the tantrums, laundry, dirty diapers etc. totally worth it. In fact, those tough times just help make the sweet times that much sweeter.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all---to our friends and family, we love you and think of you often!

To My Jason, the three of us miss you and can't wait to see you!

Keaters and JonerBug (aka Cute) in their matching jammies! Keaton was so excited when he saw that they had the same pjs on!

Cool Keaton! This is on a walk that we took a week ago when it was 74 degrees!

The missionaries came to dinner on Monday. You know you are old when they start looking like highschoolers!

This is a pretend cover for Parenting Magazine(if you have seen one, they always have the cutest babies on the cover w/ just a bit of the mom).....except there is suppose to be less of me, I just don't know how to crop yet!

So that is a snapshot of the last few weeks. Tell your family and friends you love them...not just today, but every day!

Husband Tagged

Okay, so Melinda tagged me and I'm gonna do it this time(: I've been "Husband Tagged"

This is an old pic of Jas w/ Keaton (although it looks like Jonas too). This represents Jas perfectly--a wonderful and cute dada

What is his name? Jason (Jasey)

How long have you been married?6 years

How long did you date? We knew each other for a year and a half and were engaged for the last 5 months of it

How old is he? 29

Who eats more? He does (but I eat more sweets!)

Who said I love you first? He did--very daring man.

Who is smarter? He is all around. I may be in "teachery stuff"

Whose temper is worse? Sadly mine is. I have "fire in my belly" as Jas puts it

Who does the laundry? I do--I am a homemaker after all!

Who does the dishes? We both do. It's a never ending job!

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do

Who pays the bills? We both have certain bills we each pay.

Who cooks dinner? I mostly do, but Jas makes the best omelets.

Who drives when you are together? Jas does of course!

Who is more stubborn? Okay, I am.

Whose parents do you see the most? It's a tie now that we live in Missouri!

Who proposed? Jas did. He surprised me while I was going to BYU Hawaii. He is a man of wonderful surprises!

Who has more friends? Oh, come on now....We both have wonderful friends!

Who has more siblings? He does--six kids in his fam, I came from a house of three kids

Who wears the pants in the family? Depends-we both do!

I sure love my honey. He is so perfect for me--seriously he is!

Malia, Miranda and Michelle you are tagged!!!

Happy Bday Nana

Happy Bday Mom/Nana! Your little grandboys have a message for you.....

We Love You!

Fall in St. Louis

I know that it's January, but better late than never! This is Fall in Beautiful St. Louis. These are all taken at the riverfront of the Mississippi. Jas and Baby Jonas




Our Little Family



Keaters in the tree

Keaton having a blast!

My little one