November update here at last

Last months happenings...good times.

Holy War 2008! Jake scored us 4 tickets, parking and hospitality tent accomodations through Geico. We geared up for the game Jake, Dad, Nick and I and headed into the enemies territory. Nick and Jake were the brave soldiers obviously and I was proud of them for not hiding their true colors like I did. Nick wore a bright blue throw back Steve Young jersey and Jake wore a little less subtle BYU t-shirt. Dad and I on the other hand, though true blue fans dressed in our neutral attire. Dad wore an Ohio State hat and I wore a black jacket, hoping to avoid confrontation...a lot of good that did. The moment we set foot in the battleground of Salt Lake City, the heckling began. It was an interesting experience (thanks to Jake and Nick) to be standing almost all alone in a sea of red. We were yelled at and mocked as we made our way to our seats, hoping for a good game (key word hoping) just innocent fans wanting to watch a football game, but what took place next was quite disturbing. Grown men were yelling hatefully at each BYU fan that passed, insulting more than just the team they were rooting for. We were seated in a sea of red clad die hard U fans, who groaned as we took our seats. Shortly after the guy behind us began to cuss and as Ralphie off the Christmas Story would say, In the heat of battle he wove a tapestry of obscenity, that as far as I know is still hanging in space over the Great Salt Lake. He cussed repeatedly and loudly in our ears until we could take it no longer. We decided we'd rather watch the game on grandpa's new 47" TV in peace with fellow cougar fans than suffer in the war zone. We have now decided to never attend a game at Rice Eccles again, and I'm still trying to figure out why they call it the holy war, because there was definately nothing holy about it!

We had Thanksgiving in Rexburg with mom, dad, Ty, Nick and Grandpa and Grandma Pete. We had a grand time and mom made a delicious feast as usual. I couldn't be more grateful to be with the ones I love and am so thankful for on Thanksgiving. Only thing missing was the Deans but can't wait to see them for Christmas!

During our visit we went to the Grand Teton mall to see this Santa, but as you can see it's definitely one of his helpers, because this obviously sn't him. Cooper unlike his mother at his age was eager to talk to Santa and tell him what he wanted for Christmas.

At the end of our visit we were able to get together with a few friends at the Palmer's house. Jake, Paul, and Evan childhood and college buddies have remained in touch with their first Bishop on campus. The visits to the Palmer's just get bigger and crazier, but only two ornaments were broken at this reunion :} It is always great to see the Palmer family, they are such an awesome and, welcoming family!

INTERNET

We finally got internet! We have been in the process of changing internet providers for two weeks and we are finally in business. I never realized before how much I used the internet, or relied on it, but now I appreciate it even more, especially since we are getting it for free...yipee. I'll post some updates in the near future, perhaps when the babe is napping.

All we do is party!

We have had a lot of fun the last couple of weeks! Here is a quick run through of what we've been up to. We are finally getting the last of the boxes unpacked and are really enjoying our new home. Cooper and Keifer had a joint birthday celebration. We went to the pumpkin patch/corn maze/tractor rides place, had cake and opened presents. Cooper loved the Spiderman hat and gloves the Chibante's gave him. He wouldn't take them off and even went to bed with the gloves on that night.On Cooper's birthday we were excited to have our first visitor come to stay with us...Grandma! She arrived just in time for the treasure hunt. I dressed Cooper up in his pirate costume and sent him on a treasure hunt to find his birthday "loot". He had a fun time finding each clue with the help of uncle Tyler, and especially playing with his treasures.

Halloween was "sweet" as ever! We went shopping during the day with grandma and then went with the cousins to a trunk or treat, followed by trick or treating through the neighborhood. The weather was great, the kids had a great time and got loads of candy. I quickly filtered out the "not worth the calories" candy and Cooper has been really good about sharing

and not going overboard or wanting candy all day. He had a blast as Buzz Lightyear with his light up wings and Conner made a short appearance as his sidekick Woody.

So we have basically been busy partying, and I can't complain about that. Bonus: Here is what I've learned the past couple of weeks: Wear tennis shoes to a corn maze and don't bring a stroller through it (one bumpy ride). Visits from grandma are the best. My baby is quickly becoming such a big boy and is the best big brother, and we love him lots. Halloween is still almost as fun as when I was a kid, I just don't have to do all the work to get the candy.

We've moved

We are officially into our new home! Thank goodness for movers, (except when they break bookcases and cribs). I am still trying to get over the amount of paper they used to pack us. Let's just say we were swimmin' in it. Just about everything was wrapped in paper, even the birthday candles, but luckily almost everything was in good condition. We still have boxes to unpack, things to organize, and rooms to be put together, but we are enjoying our new home very much. Later I will post an update and maybe if we're lucky some pictures once we are a little more settled.

He's my comic relief and he doesn't even know it!

Yes, my son makes me laugh and amazes me each day with the things he says and does. Here are a few recent examples:

**We are in Walmart and Coops and his cousin are in the cart. We decide to check out the Halloween costumes. I spot the presidential nominee masks and start thinking it would be funny to dress the two of them up as McCain and Obama in little suits and masks for Halloween...okay maybe not that funny. But, I was looking at them when Coop says, "It's John McCain and Barack Obama." I paused for a second, looked at him, then said, "yep you're right." Either the news is on a lot at our house, or he really enjoyed the campaign speeches.

**This morning I woke up with some very crazy hair. Rough night...yes. He sees it then says, "You have Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on your head." Sad thing is, I did kind of look like Mickey. **Also, grounds for congratulations is he picked out his first outfit all on his own. He said it was what he wanted to wear, and I said it was fine as long as he knew he would have to change if we went anywhere. He ended up going to the grocery store with Jake in the below pictured "perfectly plaid" outfit.

I LOVE YOU BUD!!!!

Out with the old in with the new

Am I on a roll or what? I'm going to get two posts in today. So, another reason why things have been crazy is because we are in the process of selling our house. Two weeks ago we put our home on the market and within a week and a half we had an offer on it...CRAZY. I hoped and prayed we could sell it quickly, but wasn't expecting to sell it that quick. I showed the house about five times; each time I had to make sure it was spotless (not so easy with a baby and a toddler running around.) One morning a realtor called me while he was outside my house to see if he could show it right then; thank goodness the house was still clean from the night before. So, our work paid off, and even better, we found a new house that we really liked and put an offer on it and just found out they excepted our offer. YIPEE! We will probably be moving sometime in October and boy am I glad someone will be doing it for us. We are excited to be starting a new adventure and continue to be so blessed and we are incredibly thankful.

Pathetic

Yes, each month I seem to become a more pathetic blogger. Last month went by without a single post...oops. It's a repeated excuse, but I can't seem to find the time to blog. Maybe it's time to start scheduling in blog time. Anyways, I guess no news is good news for us. We have been busy with lots of fun things. We went to a family reunion in Bear Lake last month which is always filled with good times, good food and good company. From there we headed to Boise and then from there we drove to California. We surprised Jake's mom for his parents 30th wedding anniversary. We had a great time; while we were there we had a couple of barbeques, visited some friends, and rented a patio boat and waterskiied on the lake. Although we had fun, it sure is nice to be home, to sleep in our own beds, to use regular size shampoo bottles, and to take clothes off hangers, living out of a suitcase isn't all that great. Dorothy was right, there really is no place like home!

This is what a day at Lake Oroville does to you!

Our big news this month...

I guess it's time for my monthly post; I know I need to be a better blogger, but the summer seems to just get busier and busier. We have some big news of the month...we are moving! Holy cow, I can't believe it. Jake was offered a promotion last week, and we accepted it. We will be moving to the Boise area around the end of next month. It was a hard decision, and I can't believe people everyday have to make that decision, but I think we've made the right one. I knew we would not live in our home for very long, but I didn't think it would only be for two years. I'm so proud of Jake. He works really hard and has been progressing with Geico quickly over the last couple years. We had to take the offer because it's the only position in Idaho, a good pay increase, and who knows where we'd end up if we didn't. So, we'll take Boise with family close by and a 4 hour drive home over someplace hotter and farther away like Arizona or Nevada (other states in Jake's work region). We are excited and nervous to move and are looking forward to a new adventure, but will miss family, friends, and this area we've lived in. Look out Boise, here we come!

Here are the latest pictures of my favorite lil' guys

Summer Fun

I have to squeeze this blog in before the month is over, so I'm not accused of going without a new post for over a month. We have been busy and enjoying the summer; here is what we have been up to.

*Conner was blessed this month, it was a very special day. We also enjoyed having family visit us.

*Karlie visited us from Ohio for 3 weeks, I always love when she visits. We were able to spend our birthday together. We enjoyed campfires and smores, warm weather, haircuts, visiting with friends, playing in the water, shopping and relaxing. How we love the joys of summer!

*We were also able to share our birthday with the fathers in our lives. My dad and husband are the best fathers ever, I love you guys! I must also brag about Jake winning two awards at an AD Conference this past month. He was seated next to Geico's CEO at a banquet where he was awarded best customer service and adjuster of the year for his region. Woohoo, way to go. You're the man Jake, we love you!

*We took our family to Cedar City Utah for a weekend, and I played basketball in the Utah Summer Games tournament. My neighbor put together a team and we had a lot of fun playing some really competitive teams. I haven't played that hard in a long time and ended up quite sore and feeling a bit...old? The weather was really nice Jake got a little golf in and Cooper loved staying at the hotel and swimming with his buddy.

*We visited the splash park in Rexburg for the first time and there were a ton of kids, but Cooper had fun on the carousel and even braved the water slides.

*Holy Cow, Conner is three months old!

It wasn't me

So, we are sitting in church and during the sacrament we hear a woman's cell phone begin to play a joyful tune. It just so happens that the woman whose phone was ringing was sitting right next to me. She slyly reaches down to her purse and shuts her phone off. Meanwhile I have my big black bag on my lap and I am franticly digging through it trying to find something to keep Cooper quite and occupied. I'm sure the congregation looked toward the sound and saw me digging through my bag and thought I was trying to find my phone...ha, ha, I was probably the only one who really noticed, but I though it was quite a coincidence.

Latest Happenings

Yes, I am a blog slacker and it's been a month so time for an update. We are all doing terrific, and just waiting (and waiting) for summer, or at least for it to stop raining. We went to the doctor today and Conner at two months is 58th percentile for weight and 83rd for height, and is growing great. He has been smiling now for a couple of weeks, and he laughed at us the other day. We just can't get enough of those darn cute gummy smiles.

We had a fun memorial day weekend. We were able to get some projects done at our house, food storage, and new bark outside, and Jake took Cooper to his first movie. He had seen Indiana Jones on TV and wanted to watch it over and over, so Jake decided to take him to the new Indiana Jones movie. Jake said he ate almost the whole bag of popcorn, but did really well, and only got antsy towards the end (p.s. Jake doesn't recommend the movie).

This picture is of Cooper on our way to Idaho Falls. Before we left, Jake was putting him in his car seat I told him to stop picking his nose, but he kept going. As Jake was trying to put his arms through the straps, I guess his finger went a little too far up his nose, 'cause it started to bleed. Two lessons I hope Cooper learned...listen to your mother, and use caution when picking. Hence, taking a nap with his favorite hat and tissue up his nose.

Hip Hip Hooray

I must announce that Cooper went to nursery by himself for the first time. It was my first week back to church with Conner, so Jake took him to nursery then snuck out. The nursery leader did a great job of distracting him, and that was that. Maybe it just clicked, maybe he was ready, or maybe it was a fluke; but he went and that's all that matters. We were finally able to give him the toy we'd been bribing him with for weeks. He would say he wanted the toy, but would get to the nursery door and say, "don't want Jessie". So for those of you out there who think your child may never go to nursery alone, don't give up...if Cooper can do it anyone can; way to go bud! :) Wish us luck for next week, let's hope there's no "relapse".

Cooper with his "bribe" (Jesse and Woody) and Our Two Burritos

P.S. So I'm debating about going private or not. My posts are just simple updates for friends and family, and I can't decide if I want to give up the opportunity of connecting with "long lost friends" by making my blog private; I'll let you know if I decide for sure.

Cartwright Family Update

We are all doing great, and are adjusting well to having two little boys in our home. Conner is doing well; he was a little jaundice and we had to use a bili blanket, but other than that he eats well, and sleeps pretty good, and is a pretty happy baby. Cooper has adjusted surprisingly well and is a sweet big brother. He rushes to Conner's side whenever he cries and puts his hands on him and rubs his head. He only gets a little jealous when Jake holds Conner, but I'm just glad he isn't jealous when I hold him.
Here are a few more pictures of our new little one, proud daddy, and lovable big brother. Thanks for all your well wishes.

SEARCH FOR BED RAILS...

After looking at lots of different safety rails, I found ones that I really liked, and thought I'd pass my findings on to those of you with kids getting ready to transition to a twin bed. These bed rails are so cool. They slide in between the box spring and the matress and are hidden until you need them and then they pop right up. I like them because they don't take over the bed and it makes making the bed easy. The brand is Regalo and I was only able to find the set of two on Target.com.

I have also been meaning to post the extent of my craftiness. I have had fun with Cooper's room; I made curtain tiebacks, covered a lampshade, covered the pillow (mom helped), and painted a big tin star.

Going Private ?

After many blogger friends have gone private, I think I too would like to go private. There are a few reasons I would like to go private, but mostly to just be safe. Please let me know if you would like to be able to view my blog, by leaving me your e-mail address and I will add you. I will eventually get this done when things settle down a bit and I am able to spend a little time blogging :)

Conner Rohn Cartwright

We are so excited, our baby boy is here!

Conner Rohn Cartwright

born March 29, 2008

7lbs 13 oz. 191/2 inches

Cooper's it...

Cooper was tagged by Jeter and Boston, here are eight things about him:

1- Not a surprise to all, Cooper is a ball of energy. He has been since he was a baby and would kick his legs all the time. He likes to run, and especially race in the hallway. He likes to jump on beds and off the couch and roll around. I wouldn't have it any other way; he is so much fun and keeps our home lively.
2- Cooper is a chatter box. He can carry on a pretty good conversation, and makes us laugh with words and sayings he picks up. He also likes music and singing and can sing a number of songs all the way through.
3- Right now Cooper loves to play with cars and trucks. He has baskets full and we have almost got all the "Cars" characters, which he knows all by name and color. ( yes, cars are a great way to learn colors). Cooper also loves the movie Toy Story, my favorite is to hear him say, "Buth Liyear says to infinity and beyond".
4- Cooper was never a very cuddly baby, and despite my early training he didn't like to shop, However, he has grown out of those things. I'm glad he now likes to cuddle and also doesn't mind shopping. Sometimes he even requests to go to the red store a.k.a Target.
5- Cooper loves to play outside, even in the winter he wants to go out and play.
6-Cooper's best friend is a chihuahua. Jake and I joke that Bibby is Cooper's best friend. I don't think Bibby would agree though. Cooper loves to tease and chase Bibby and thinks it's funny when Bibby growls at him.
7-Despite having short parents, Cooper has always been tall for his age.
8-Cooper is officially potty trained! We haven't had an accident for at least a couple of weeks now; he is doing great and we are so excited.

The Weeks Happenings

My doctor's appointment went well and I'm measuring right on. I can't believe I only have 3 weeks left, we haven't decided on a name and I'm not prepared quite yet, so I guess I'd better get going. I've been keeping busy doing some projects, and even pulled out my sewing machine. I covered a lampshade and made curtain tiebacks for Cooper's room. I've been afraid of my sewing machine, because I didn't know if I could figure it out, but it was easy and fun. I think I will be doing more sewing projects in the future. I went to a baby shower last week for my neighbor who is having twins, it was fun to socialize and be grateful that I'm only having one baby, even though I look like I'm having twins. ( j/k twins are the best ;) Also this past week I was released as the 2nd counselor in our Young Womens. We had only been in for about a year and a half, but the YW president got called to serve on campus and Jake got a calling in young mens, so it was time to be released. I have become attached to the Young Women in our ward, they are really exceptional girls and are a lot of fun. However, my new calling is a sunday school teacher for the 15 year olds. Another new mom and I will switch off, which will be good for me because I'll have a new baby too, it will be fun to still get to work with the youth.

Here's what we've been up to...

POTTY TRAINING: Cooper has been doing very well at potty training. I thought I would try to train him early (27 months) just to see if he would do it, and to hopefully not have to change two diapers. He doesn't have hardly any accidents, and is doing so good, we're so proud of him. Thank goodness for Lightening McQueen underwear, stickers and candy; I think we've almost got this down!

SICKNESS: Cooper was sick for a few days with a fever, a cough, and a runny nose. He is such a trooper though, and he is starting to feel better. However, now I'm trying to fight the illness I can feel coming on, being sick is no fun. Picture of Cooper right before we put on his PJs, he wanted daddy to hold him.

VALENTINE'S: We had a good Valentine's Day. We got a fun visit from Grandma Holman who brought some fun valentines for us. Then I topped the night off with my two favorite guys, and two things I quite enjoy, pizza and relaxing.

PREPARING: I can't believe we only have a month left in this pregnancy...crazy. We decided to move Cooper out of his room (the nursery) early, so he could get used to a new "big boy" room before the baby came. So, I have had fun doing a couple of projects in his new room. We found some really cute furniture, and a cute quilt for his bed. Cooper likes his new room, and even calls his old room his baby brother's.

Husband tag...

What is his name? Jake Eldon
How long have you been married? We just celebrated our 5 year anniversary in December.

How long did you date? We knew eachother longer, but we started dating in February and were married in December. So, 11 months (we were engaged for 3).

How old is he? 29
How old are you? 25
Who eats more sweets? No doubt I do. I love sweets in any shape or form. Jake doesn't even really like sweets, he likes gummy candy and an occasional baked good. I am trying my hardest to corrupt him, or teach him the finer things of life.

Who said I love you first? Jake did, I would have been too big of a wuss to say it first. I didn't say it after he did, because I wanted to say it on my own terms, even though I did. We actually turned it into a joke as to when I would tell him I loved him. I later wrote a poem and told him I loved him.

Who is taller? Jake is not too hard, I'm 5'2" and Jake is 5'10"
Who can sing better? We both aren't great singers, but we can both carry a tune.
Who is smarter? Jake is. We had some same classes in college and he would hardly study for the test and I would study and read the book and he would do as well as I did. However, I am always right!

Who does the laundry? I do most of the laundry, but he is a great helper if there are clothes in the dryer when he gets home from work he will help fold them.
Who does the dishes? I do most of the time.

Who pays the bills? He does, and I'm glad. I think he likes to know exactly what's going on.
His guilty pleasure? Golf, and talk radio. He is a good golfer and loves to golf, I think he would golf every day in the summer if he could.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does. I did when we lived in Colorado, it seems like I always end up on the side where the bathroom is.?
Who mows the lawn? Jake, but I help with weeding and other yard work.
Besides you, who is his best friend? His parents and Paul Fairbanks, they grew up together in California and Paul now lives in Rexburg.

Who cooks dinner? I do. Jake is a good cook and likes to try experimenting sometimes. I should really get him to cook more. Jake loves tacos, can't beat taco Tuesday.
Who drives? Jake pretty much all the time. He is a good driver and is very good with directions. He likes to drive long distances and doesn't ever get tired.
Who is more stubborn? Jake is, and I tell him that's where Cooper gets it from, but don't get me wrong I can be stubborn too.

Who kissed who first? I am a wimp, Jake did of course. He asked me first if it would be okay, I agreed.

Who asked who out first? We had hung out before with all of his roomates, but he asked me out on a date first.

What was your first date? We went to Dairy Queen and talked, he was very interesting.
Who proposed? He did. I kind of felt it coming and might have even hinted that if he was going to he'd better do it so we could plan. He came to Logan and we went up to the temple. He had a book with "our story" in it. Then he had post it notes with nice things written on them, I lifted the note up and another compliment was underneath. The last post it note said hopefully more chapters to come and I lifted up the note and a hole was cut out and the ring was inside. He got on one knee and proposed. I cried and said, "of course".

Who has more siblings? He has 4 siblings 2 bros. and 2 sisters. (half) I have 2 bros. and 1 twinner.

Who wears the pants? It depends on the situation, but I think mostly Jake.
What is your favorite thing about him? Where do I start. I couldn't ask for a better husband or father. He is fun, and has a great sense of humor. He is a hard worker, and is so likeable, random people just love him. He is laid back and easy going, but very determined. He is sweet and sensitve, and very unselfish. He is the best, I wish I was more like him!

I tag Karen and Cindy

January Happenings

We have had a great year so far. We celebrated my Grandma Holman's 92nd birthday, my mom's birthday and Jakes 29th birthday this month. Cooper continues to crack us up with things he says. Yesterday he hurt his belly and said, "I hurt my baby brother." I guess we need to help him understand that Cooper doesn't have a baby brother in his tummy, just mommy :) He also went potty for the first time on the toilet this week, but truthfully I think it was an accident. (He hasn't gone since, despite all the bribing).

I thought this was funny. Cooper loves primary songs and in this video he is playing with Play Doh, and trying to sing at the same time.

Moments of our January

Happy Birthday Jake, we love you! Jake cheesing it and Cooper more interested about what's inside.

Some things Cooper likes to do: Push things with wheels (in this case he is giving the Geico gecko a ride), watching Toy Story in our guest bedroom with his Winnie the Pooh blanket, and "bowling" on the Wii.