The Housewrights

2011-04-23T10:51:00.002-05:00

Posing for a picture after the baptism.

Josh and Abby on her big day!

Abby's cake! Chocolate and strawberry.

It was too windy at the park to light the candles. We had great weather and enjoyed celebrating our girl!

Playing catch up

2011-03-14T21:34:00.013-05:00

I can't get the comments to line up with their respective pictures!!!! I'm done messing with it, so you can figure it out by yourself!

Don't worry, after taking the picture I gave him the necessary lecture.

Ryan's birthday cake.

Double trouble! They get away with so much because they're so cute!

The blocks Abby and I made for her teacher.

Abby at Christmas with her new guitar! Doesn't she look so grown-up!?!?

Happy Birthday Claire!!!

2010-10-23T00:04:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Claire's birthday twice. These are from her actual birthday. The kids really enjoyed watching her dig in!!!!!

We celebrated with the extended family the following weekend. A shot of the presents and cake.

Claire refused to stand on her own before this and has really gotten with it now that she has something to push!!!

Girly cake for a Girly Girl!!!

2010-10-04T09:09:00.005-05:00

I ran the Roots N Blues N Bbq Festival half marathon this last weekend with my good friends Jane and Kari. I had a lot of pre-race jitters!!! All I could think about was if I had trained well enough. I had been training for twelve weeks, but still wondered if I really had 13.1 miles in me.

I hit my first wall at 6.5 miles and Jane
chanted "right, left, right, left. . . " along with me. At almost every mile marker we passed, Jane pointed out that that was the best time I had ever run that distance. I felt on top of the world until the massive hill in the eleventh mile. I ran up it; though not very fast!!! The thirteenth mile was my slowest ever, but I gave it all that I had!!!! I left everything out there and sprinted to the finish for a time of 2:16:15.

After some great bbq we posed for a picture next to the finish line. Every muscle in my body was exhausted but I was so pleased with myself and grateful for the opportunity to be able to culminate my road to health and weight loss with such great friends. Jane could have run this much faster, could have slept in every Saturday, could have focused on her own fitness goals, but instead, she chose to be my support and companion through the entire training process. For that I will always be grateful!!!! Kari has been such a cheerleader for me as I've lost weight and pursued running. Thanks so much to the both of YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So Big!!!

2010-07-24T15:20:00.003-05:00

This is just one of Claire's new tricks.

Almost the ER

2010-06-26T20:18:00.003-05:00

Ryan fell off of the top of the van tonight and landed face first on the concrete. It gave us quite the scare to say the least, we called the doctor and he gave us a list of things to watch out for, but so far it seems like he's okay. Not including his poor face though.

Claire Kay Housewright

2010-04-07T21:27:00.008-05:00

Claire was born on October 4, 2009 at 12:34 am. She was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 in. long.

Abby, Nick, and Ryan loved her at first sight and Ryan immediately marked his territory, "My Baby!!!"

Claire is such a joy in our lives! She is such a sweet and happy girl! We're so excited to finally show a few early pictures of our beautiful girl.

We all look at Claire and see a finished Masterpiece and Ryan sees a blank canvas and gets right to work with the markers!!!!

One of the most common reasons our kids fight is over who's turn it is to hold Claire.

Josh and I can't get over how fast the last six months have gone. We love this special Daughter of God and feel so blessed that she's part of our family!!!!

This is a classic Claire face. She has such a contagious smile!!!

Everyone says that she looks just like her Mom. I'm beaming with pride!!!!

Apparently I look miserable.

2009-09-13T22:22:00.005-05:00

I have to make a confession. I really didn't want to go to church today. Why? Apparently I look miserable. The whole reason I was dreading the social interaction of church was because no matter how well meaning people may be, hearing that you look miserable and uncomfortable somehow doesn't make you feel any better. It's one thing when a close friend or loving family member says it, but when you haven't spoken to someone more than once or twice in passing in the last six months and they go out of their way to tell you how bad they feel for you and how miserable you look, it's enough to make an active member with a strong testimony to want to duck into the back of the chapel during the opening hymn and out during the closing hymn. If I didn't have three little kids, I probably would have. Honestly!!!
So I got to thinking this afternoon. You know how what you say is usually more polite and tactful than what you think? I wonder what those people really thought! I ran it by Josh and he thought that maybe they were just absolutely shocked by the size of my stomach. I think that could be part of it. My guess is something like this....."Can she get any bigger?!? How in the world can she waddle like that in public and not be embarrassed?!? How many times is she going to do that to herself?!? Will somebody please shoot her and put her out of her misery!!! Somebody needs to boil some water, that lady is going to explode!!! Could her ankles get any bigger?!? She should save herself the humiliation and duck in and out of the back during the opening and closing hymns!!!!!!"
So my question to you is, what do you think they are really thinking?????????

Finally!!!

2009-09-13T22:13:00.004-05:00

Abby has been dying to ride a horse. Our friends the Kofoeds called and asked if she would like to come ride on Saturday. Afterward she said, "That's the most fun thing I've ever done......besides Six Flags."

2009-07-04T14:45:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm still alive! A lot has happened since my last post in February. Soon after my last post, I found out that I was having another baby! I was so looking forward to posting the first ultrasound pictures, etc. Then came the nausea and fatigue, needless to say all of the gumption I once had was lost and I went into survival mode. Soon after, Ryan decided to walk. I know the usual phrase is "learned to walk" but at almost 14 months old, decided is more fitting. Anyway, it's funny how blogging cute updates about my family was bumped off of the to-do list very quickly.
I am now 25 weeks, having a girl, and starting to feel a little more get up and go. I hoped to be back on the blogging band wagon until my camera didn't seem to want to let my computer see any of the pictures I've taken in the last five months, so for now we'll just have to settle for words.

Winter fun

2009-02-16T14:50:00.001-06:00

Abby with the snowman she made.

Ryan's new tricks

2009-02-16T13:53:00.003-06:00

Ryan is climbing on everything these days and is thoroughly proud of himself!

Abby and I found him on the table one morning before school. What a stinker!

Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-02-16T13:48:00.002-06:00

Our sweet baby enjoyed pulling tissue paper and clothes out of bags and boxes and throwing them all on the floor.

My camera wasn't charged, so I only got two pictures out of it.

Top four reasons I haven't updated my blog recently.

2009-02-16T13:33:00.004-06:00

4.Our little "Gonzo" keeps me on my feet!

3.Every time I turn around someone is pestering poor Ryan.
(This time, Abby used her greasy rice krispie hands to spike Ryan's hair. )

2.Even when he's innocent, he looks ornery. How am I supposed to know when it's safe to leave him alone?

1.This winter has meant almost constant Bronchitis, colds, and other misc. sickness in our house.

Christmas

2009-02-16T13:13:00.002-06:00

We had a great Christmas! The kids were very grateful for what they got and seemed to understand what we were really celebrating.

2008-12-22T14:49:00.002-06:00

Abby lost here first tooth about a month ago. She was so proud to have made it to this grown up stage of childhood. It seems like just yesterday the she was screaming and drooling to cut the same tooth.

Halloween

2008-12-05T21:55:00.003-06:00

No commentary needed!

Birthday Boy

2008-12-05T12:36:00.003-06:00

Nick turned three on the 22nd of October. We can't believe how fast the last few years have gone by! Yes, I made three cakes. Overboard? Maybe. About a month after his birthday, he potty-trained relatively easily. Wow, were we pleasantly surprised!!!!

What a stud in his cow boots!!!

Abby, Nick and good buddy, Austin, share the spotlight.

Vacation

2008-10-02T20:00:00.006-05:00

Josh was on Vacation last week, so we went to St. Louis for the weekend. We stayed in a hotel and swam. Here are the guys in the pool.

We went to "Arthur's Picnic at the Park" in Forest Park on Saturday. It was extremely hot and crowded so we only waited in line for one thing. Abby loved the inflated slide!

Floating the Boat

2008-10-02T19:37:00.007-05:00

We recently had a family home evening about Nephi, Noah, and the Brother of Jared. As a part of the lesson, we made paper boats and then went to Lion's Club park and floated them in the lake. The kids enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

Potpourri

2008-10-02T13:38:00.009-05:00

Caught in the act!

This is Nick trying to make a break for it. I can't take my eyes off of him for a second!

Our children got into the baby powder in our closet. One of Josh's church shoes was in the line of fire.

Ryan and Grandma Doug at the Parade.

Abby and Nick taking a break from picking up candy at the parade to enjoy a Popsicle.

Kindergartener

2008-08-20T14:07:00.001-05:00

Abby's first day of school!

Monkey see, monkey do

2008-08-20T13:47:00.007-05:00

Nick idolizes his Daddy. He says that he wants to work in a milk truck when he gets big. Here he is practicing.

Nick and I have been spending time together doing preschool type things. His favorite thing to do is play with play-do, but Mommy drawing pictures of Daddy is a close second.

The other day Nick was playing and from across the room I heard him saying in a sweet, high pitched voice, "Don't you bite me baby." I looked over and there he was "feeding" his baby from his "belly". Obviously the baby in our family has entirely too many teeth for his age (my opinion only) and has a tendency to bite.

Life with Nick

2008-08-08T22:22:00.003-05:00

My friend Lisa and I were at church on Thursday with our children(six all together). We were trying to decorate the bulletin boards. We left the kids in the gym with balloons, balls, and each other to entertain themselves. After a few minutes of quiet, she and I were talking about what life with Nick is like. I made the comment that he is very curious and as a result comes up with some crazy ideas. She asked for an example. I was having trouble coming up with one off of the top of my head, when I hear Nick screaming in the girls bathroom. When I found him, his toenail had been turned up by the heavy door and was gushing blood. As a mother that's when I should have sprung into action fixing his "owie" and comforting him. Instead I was laughing my head off. The kid had found a potty training seat(like toddlers use when their bottoms are too small for the toilet). His first idea, being the thinker that he is, was something to the effect of " I wonder if this would make a good collar". After we improvised fixing his toe with a paper towel and scotch tape, Lisa and I had to try to get the urine covered potty seat off of his head. The poor kid has a decent sized head( I know because I gave birth to it). So needless to say, I have no idea how he got it on but it couldn't have been easy! Believe you me it wasn't easy getting it off either. The tragedy in this story being of course that I didn't have my camera.

More summer fun

2008-08-08T22:15:00.008-05:00

Nick and Abby have been climbing on their play house lately, I'm just glad it's not on the roof of our house.

If you ever wonder what happens on a rainy day at our house.
Here is a great example of free play time.

Possible careers

2008-08-08T21:46:00.005-05:00

Ryan is having trouble deciding what he wants to be when he grows up. He has it narrowed down to three things: A pirate, a horror film composer, or a GQ model.

"RRRRRrrrrrrr, Shiver me timbers"

Ryan loves to sit and play the piano. Abby and I decided that he's composing music for a horror film. Sucking on his "yummy thumby" helps him think.

Playing in the Creek

2008-08-08T21:26:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, I asked Josh what we were going to do for fun on his day off. He said that he was going to fix the water gap across the creek. I told him he didn't know how to have fun. He said that the kids and I could come along and play in the creek. I thought that sounded like too much work on my part and quickly shot down the idea. Josh came back with " Gosh Hannah, YOU don't know how to have fun!!!". We obviously ended up having fun playing in the creek.
I love this picture! I think I'll use it in my living room.

Abby was on a mission to collect snails. The kids were so surprised when they discovered that the little "sea shells" were alive!

Doesn't Nick look like Josh's mini-me! He is just a little Josh in so many ways.

I love the symbolism of this picture. Following in Daddy's footsteps.

Cheerios, Bikes, and Firecrackers

2008-07-25T10:03:00.008-05:00

Ryan has been feeling left out at meal times. He's not the least bit interested in baby food, but he really wants to put something in his mouth. Our compromise has been Cheerios. He is entertained forever by them; trying to pick them up, throwing them on the floor, smacking the tray and watching them go flying. The only problem is that he hasn't quite figured out how to eat them yet. The majority of the time they end up on his chin. Which is why I present: Exhibit A

Nick has been riding Abby's bike for a while now, so Grandma Jojo found him a bike. Most mornings he's out riding it in his pj's before breakfast!

Abby found some bubble wrap in Grandma's garage and came up with this idea. The kids thought it was a blast!

A little help

2008-07-24T13:59:00.002-05:00

Okay, maybe a ton of help. If your blog needs help too, click on the new link: Lee lou blogs
This whole blogging thing has been such a great thing for our extended family and friends. It's great to be able to share this exciting time in our kids lives. Thanks to you all for your comments and interest in our family.

House Guests

2008-07-21T21:05:00.006-05:00

We had some friends stay with us a few days last week. They were in the process of moving, so they brought their cat and kittens with them. Abby was in HEAVEN!!!

They have an adorable little blonde girl. So......Nick was in HEAVEN too!!

Safety vs. Fun

2008-07-21T15:40:00.003-05:00

I have so many great memories of being a kid in the summer! Catching fireflies, climbing trees, swimming all day, etc. One of those is of jumping on trampolines with sprinklers under them. I now view life as a mom and see all the potential accidents and ER visits. Lately I have found myself trying find "safe" fun. I've come to the conclusion that fun isn't always safe and that part of the fun is the danger. I put aside my mommy ways and this is the result. I'll just make sure that I've got my $25 ER copay in my wallet.

Summer Fun

2008-07-21T14:56:00.006-05:00

Lately it seems that our bed has been taken over by our children. All this summer fun sure is wearinig them out.

Josh and I got the kids ready for bed and then sent them out to catch fireflies. My camera has a fireworks setting. I was attempting to get a cool shot of the fireflies. I'll settle for a cool shot of our kids!

Josh and I thought it would be fun to hook this trailer to the four-wheeler. It was a great idea!! Until he dumpted all of the boys into the creek!!

This is a classic Nick look.

2008-07-09T23:59:00.000-05:00

Abby has been learning like a sponge lately. She is so excited about kindergarten! A few days ago, I sat down with her during the boys' nap and thought I would "introduce" tieing a shoe. Within five minutes she had it down. Then she asked what else she needed to know for school. So I put her phone number and address in large print up in her room. The next morning I asked if she knew our phone number. The kid rattled it AND our address off like she'd known it all her life. I asked how she had learned it so fast and she says "I see it in my head like a picture, so I just read it out of my memory." Abby's going GREEN. She's been on my case to recycle, so now that we have a recycling bin from the city, she walks around the house checking things for the symbol and the correct numbers.

Nick's up to his normal antics. Since Josh's sisters have been in town, Nick has been witness to his fair share of boys peeing. This does have it's advantages. Now he says "I wanta squirt like my cousins and Daddy". LOVELY! Anyway, the other day he was determined to go on the big boy potty, so after standing there forever with no success, I sent him out in the yard without his diaper on. I told him to come tell me when something happened. After a few minutes he comes running up and tells me he went "poo poo". I explained that it was called "pee pee", but he just kept arguing with me. So I asked him to show me. There it was lying in the yard. He was right, it was "poo poo".

Ryan is trying to get his two front teeth at the moment. In case you're wondering that will make six. Anyway, it has made him quite the "Momma's boy". He's still very much on the move. Today I put him down in the living room right by the hallway and within about five minutes , he had rolled/scooted his way to the front door. He has learned to be aware of Nick's location at all times....smart kid.

Ryan, Ryan, and more Ryan

2008-07-01T11:18:00.000-05:00

Ryan loves to jump while I work in the kitchen. However, I can only put him in there when Nick's not around.

The onsie he's wearing says, "Good looks run in the family".

A belly laugh.

Ryan is determined to move. Here he is getting his back end off the ground.

Grant's Farm

2008-07-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

Summer is hard for Chub-a lubs. Ask Ryan, he'll tell you all about it.

Nick cooling off with a snow cone.

Abby managed to keep her white shirt white all day! Definitely not a trait from my DNA.

Abby petting a skink named Gino. The kids were so focused on the skink that they never noticed the man holding it only had one arm.

Ryan gave out on us about half way through. How adorable!!

The kids feeding the kids.

Feeding the baby goats was quite different than when I was a kid. Back then there was a lot more shirt eating, children screaming, and knocking around. Kids these days have it way too easy!!! Feeding the goats at Grant's Farm is supposed to be a painful and terrifying experience.

This, That, and The Other

2008-07-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

Summer so far has been lots of fun!! We kicked it off with my family at Country Days in Farmington. The kids enjoyed the parade and are still enjoying the mounds of candy.

Josh's sisters and their families have been here since the first part of June and so we've enjoyed our time with them. The kids are having lots of fun in Grandma and Grandpa's new pool. We've also been busy with Ryan's teething(his new nickname is fussy butt!) and all three have had Hand, Foot, and Mouth. But, for the most part we've been having lots of fun!!

Nick picking up candy at the Country Days Parade.

Ryan watching the parade on Grandma Jojo's lap.

Nick getting ready to go swimming.

So. . . . Abby didn't want her picture taken.

Nick and Abby swimming with Papa Doug.

Enjoying soda at the family reunion.

A day at the Zoo

2008-06-27T18:43:00.000-05:00

Josh's sisters and their kids have been in town for a few weeks. The cousins have been having a blast! Cousins Camp is an annual event where Grandpa and Grandma are brave enough to take all the grandkids for a fun filled week. This year's theme has been "Awesome Ancestors". One of the days was spent in St. Louis, visiting ancestors grave sites. We took advantage of the gorgeous weather and went to the zoo.

Brandon, Emily, Jessica, Cole, Jacob, Chad, Abby, Jared, Nick, and Brody

"Grandma Doug" with Ryan at the train station. Ryan was such a great baby, as usual.

Abby striking a pose in the Reptile House.

We assigned all the kids buddies to help keep track of them. Here are Nick and his buddies Cole and Chad. Cole was so awesome about keeping up with Nick. ( which we all know is no small task)

Nick was so entertaining. He was so captivated by everything he saw.(Sorry about this being sideways!!! )

The hippos were the highlight of the day. Talk about up close and personal!

Solid Food

2008-06-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

Ryan tried rice cereal for the first time tonight. The kids found it to be quite entertaining. It doesn't seem possible that he could be almost five months old already! How cute is our handsome little man!?!

Pretty Princess

2008-06-03T22:41:00.001-05:00

Nick asked Abby if he could play pretty princess in her room. Out of curiosity she agreed and this is what we ended up with. How Beautiful!!!(Ha, Ha, Ha) I found the irony of this very masculine, rough little boy dressed as a princess to be hilarious.

He quickly lost interest and said, "I not pretty!". I found him in his natural state, playing trucks; still somewhat pretty.

Mud Fight!

2008-05-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

While Abby and Nick were up to Mischief outside, Ryan was making trouble of his own. Our scripture story book seems to be his new favorite teething toy. To give you some perspective, his head started where his feet are.

I was busy making dinner when Abby yelled, "Mom there's mud in my eye!"

That was my first clue.

Josh came home during the making of this video. Home sweet Home!

I should have gotten a picture of the tub after their baths. Mud pit!!!

Trampoline!!!!

2008-05-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

Josh and I decided that we would invest our money in wearing out our children.

Ryan was less than impressed with the whole process and decided to take the opportunity to get in a nap.

The kids were so excited to jump on their new trampoline that they couldn't wait for us to finish. We eventually got the enclosure up, but it was too dark to take a picture! We now know from experience that it's no fun putting something together in the dark. There should be no question in anyone's mind as to what my children will be doing all day tomorrow.

Yummy Thumb

2008-05-22T21:46:00.000-05:00

This sweet little boy has brought so much joy to our family. He loves his brother and sister, and they sure do love him! Ryan loves to talk, but he loves his thumb more. Of course anytime I get out the camera, he stops laughing, rolling, talking, etc. So, I decided to tape his thumb sucking/talking. He has hit a lot of milestones lately. He is now a very efficient roller and get places like a champ. He has cut his first two teeth on this week. What a handsome boy!

"Big Boy Bed"

2008-05-20T09:28:00.000-05:00

Josh and I finally decided that Nick was ready for a "big boy bed". I'm not quite sure what our hold-up was, he's been able to climb in and out of his crib freely since about 15 months. Anyway, here he is proudly posing with "Teddy" this morning after his first night.

Nick did awesome last night in his bed and so far this morning is doing an aweful lot of big talking about nap time. Here's hoping!

Pre-K Graduation

2008-05-13T21:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this picture should be at the bottom but, I'm just learning! Abby got to take home her class of 2008 tassel. This picture was taken shortly before Nick knocked the chair rail that's in the background off of the wall. At which point Ryan starts wailing and the whole room of people turn and stare at me. (Josh was conveniently in the bathroom)

Abby in cap and gown as the class marched out to "Pomp and Circumstance"

The kids were so cute, they sang "You are my sunshine"

Abby couldn't hold in a grin as she accepted her "diploma".

Our little girl is growing up! Josh and I were just talking tonight about how she seems to have done it over night. She is getting so smart, and she knows it too! Today in the car she said, "I'm smart huh Mom?" At least she's confident.

The Housewrights

2008-05-12T12:59:00.001-05:00

Josh(Dad), Hannah(Mom),

Abby(5), Nick(2 1/2),

Ryan(now 4 months)