Yep, that's right. We've got a boy on it's way, due February 25th. I'm finally getting excited for this one. Thank goodness Taft will have a little Bro... his current fasination with Camille's barbie house could become a problem. We are open to name suggestions, nothing wacky, nothing too traditional. I'd like to promise a stronger commitment to the blog, but I don't want to make any promises I can't keep:) Still sick, still tired, still a difficult wife- but all is well, and we're climbing out of the trenches!

Forever Strong!

O.K. I know it's pathetic that I will come out of blog hibernation for this, but I just had to pass along my thoughts on such an outstanding movie! Besides the main character, Sean Astin, being an incredible hottie, this movie is what all great flicks should be modeled after- intense, exciting, moving, and thought-provoking. Forever Young is not just another feel-good flick, but something that touches your heart about life and what you truly believe. My only sadness is that my little Bro, Elder Wright, isn't around to see it. He would love it.

Happy 10th Anniversary!

1998

We made it to 10! Can you believe this guy has put up with a "Wright Chic" for what must seem like an eternity to him. But isn't that what we signed up for- eternity?!

Of course, after 10 years we're just us getting our feet wet. I love to watch seasoned couples who are going on 35 + years (ie: my in-laws) and I admire so much of what they have become. I see the patience, acceptance, and never-ending commitment these couples share with one another and hope to have that myself one day. Carole reminds me often that "marriage is for refinement" and isn't that the truth!

So thank you Brett for all your unconditional love and patience with me. I feel so blessed with you in my life and I thank you for being such a fabulous father and provider, a kind and giving husband, and just a good man all around! Looking forward to many more years of whatever life brings us! I know I can conquer all with you beside me... even pregnancy :) Fellow bloggers- more to come on that subject !!!

2008

Good Times in San Diego!

Before the summer passes by I thought I ought to post a bit about our week in San Diego with Brett's family. We had such a good time at the beach, Lego Land, in our fancy hotel in Indio, and of course, a fun and memorable time with family. The highlight of the trip was the tribute dinner and evening we planned for my father-in-law, Dick. All of his children shared such wonderful thoughts about their father and I left feeling grateful to be apart of such a good family. My kids loved playing at the beach with their cousins and I was content to sit and watch the waves with my Ipod. The weather was beautiful, our beach house very accommodating, and simply, just a very relaxed vacation that was much needed around here!

No fancy hats at this polo match! Just good ol' times, with good ol' friends!
Brett and good 'ol Dollar. Both of them worked up quite a sweat.
Noelle with her cousins, Reece, and Tate. They loved the beach and played non-stop!
I think this is Camille and Claira. AKA: Partners in Crime
This was before we entered into Lego Land. We aren't much for amusement parks but we had a great time. The weather was perfect and so were the rides for our kids ages. I just couldn't get over the vegetation of the park- it's soooo green and beautiful flowers everywhere! I loved these matching T-shirts that Uncle Jason had made for the family. I thought it was the perfect Family Reunion shirt. Their all BIG BLUE fans and if you don't look closely you will think it says MICHIGAN!

Hard Work

"Thank God--every morning when you get up--that you have something to do which must be done, whether you like it or not. Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you a hundred virtues which the idle never know."~ Charles Kingsley ~

Today I would like to be idle and go to the pool, go shopping, watch Tevo-ed Top Chef, and So you thing you can dance,............. but instead I will iorn, sew, sweep and mop floor, start the laundry, clean my car, and prepare for visiting the Motherland next week. My parents forced me to work hard, and for this one life- lesson they taught me, I am ever grateful that I was called home from school to clean my room, carry luggage and bags of food up slick, steep mountains, load logs into buggies, wipe off tubs, clean storage rooms, pick berries and apricots until my hands were bloody, and haul bucket after bucket of water out of the pump house.

So tackle your tasks, get the job done, and think of the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when all is complete!

Thanks Tiff for the great quote!

Thanks Mom and Dad!

My parents drove down last week to come and help us with are back yard and to receive some dental care. Not only was it fun to have them here with our family, my Dad was a huge help in our yard. I always appreciate his optomistic outlook when problems arise and his "make-it-happen" attitude! He poured us a beautiful new pad of concrete, built a brick wall, and leveled our yard out quite nicely so it's ready for REAL grass! Yep, that right, REAL grass. He told Brett if we put fake grass in he would disown us:) I know it was expensive and quite a hassle for them to drive down, but I hope they know how much we appreciate all their hard work and more than anything, just coming down to here and being a part of lives in AZ!

My confused son

Taft has just figured out how to say our first names. I asked him what my name was and he correctly replied "Nicole." I asked his what Daddy's name was and he said "Uncle Brett!" Many of you probably have children who call my DH this, but I just thought it was too funny coming from his own son:)

If you need a good laugh to jump start your day check this out: "Ticket off Tuesday" www.thewildeparty.blogspot.com.

It's about private blogs, ex-boyfriends, and it's flippin' hilarious! Caution: If your easily offended and don't get the "Wright's screwy genes," don't read it!

A BIG shout out to Chal and her brilliant writing skills... she definitely deserves a column!

Noelle's Baptism

Wow! My little girl is growing up. It seems like only yesterday that Noelle entered this world as our perfect, adorable, baby girl. I remember bringing her home from the hospital and being so excited to have this sweet little baby to love on that I couldn't sleep. I would just stand by her crib and was filled with amazement at what a blessing she was. Of course she still is that adorable, amazing girl, but with just a bit of sass!
Now 8 years later it was another sweet blessing to see Noelle baptised and confirmed a member of the Church. I really wanted Noelle's baptism to be special and memorable for her. We made the usually preparations for the event and really tried to teach her about the gift of the Holy Ghost and the promises she would make with Heavenly Father. Everything went as planned and I am grateful to all the family members and friend who also assisted in making Noelle's baptism special. Each of her Grandmother's gave beautiful talks that I think really touched her heart. It's kind of silly, but I think I'll remember Noelle's baptism better than my own. I'll never forget seeing Noelle's face and the hug she gave me as she walked out of the water and into the dressing room towards me... such a BIG smile full of genuine joy! I know that the Spirit was present at Noelle's baptism and I pray that she will never forget those sweet feelings of peace, happiness, and love.

Due to my lack of pictures, ( I'm so bad at taking pictures during special occasions,) I thought I would post this picture I had found that Brett had taken after her baptismal interview. The smiles on both of their faces and their teary eyes says it all. I think the interview was quite the the Daddy-Daughter bonding moment for them. I should be more grateful to have such a husband who teaches his children so well and delights in sharing his unwavering testimony with them at any given opportunity.

Thanks again to all of you who helped make this day unforgettable!

.

Mother's Day

I've so enjoyed seeing everyones post on Mother's Day! So many of you have expressed great appreciation for the fabulous mothers in your lives... I love it! Unfortunately, it's takes becoming a mother to really recognize the great sacrifices our mothers have made.
I wanted to post something before Sunday, but life just got busy. As usual my kids and husband tried to make the day special, and yes, they succeeded. I got breakfast in bed and I think Brett did enough dishes to last him for a month! I worked on my RS lesson, Gifts of the Spirit, most of the morning and felt pretty confident and excited to teach until the Bishop walked in to listen.. ha, ha. Actually, he didn't throw me off my game too much. I think it went well enough, I don't think he's ready to put me in Cub Scouts, yet:)
This morning as I was cleaning my kitchen I came across a great quote my sister, Amberlee, had given me about my Grandmother Mary Musser Wright. My father was her 15th and final child, and all though I didn't know her for long, I was five when she died, she lived a life of unwavering faith and dedication to her family and the gospel. I have read her journal many times and I'm always moved by her testimony, profound wisdom, and the way she endured many of life's challenges. My Mom once said she was like a "spiritual healer," not in a blasphemous way, but everyone would go to her for their troubles, and she would listen, and when it was over, life was better! I would like to be more like that to my friends and family... often times we are to "busy" to really take time to listen.
Coincidentally, I was searching the web for a pic I could post with the quote and I stumbled across a second cousin's blog, Ann, and she had put this beautiful collage together. Thank you for allowing me to use it Ana!

My Grandmother Mary Hill Musser Wright
Great Grandmother Mary Caroline Hill Musser
2nd Great Grandmother Mary Caroline Sorensen Hill

"Father, I ask thee to help me teach thy charges, that my sons may learn the finer things in life from day to day; so that if it must be they will have to travel far from the home hearthstone into the wide and uncertain world, they will possess the strength and wisdom to choose wisely their course; that they may be leaders of men because of their childhood teachings. And may I, myself, develop those qualities that shall fully equip me to administer nourishment to the spirits of these sons as I have fed their bodies while in babyhood; that, growing into manhood they may be clean, strong, and courageous in the great battle of life; and above all, that they may have deeply bedded in their souls a faith in God that shall be eternal."

~Mary Musser Wright

So even though this is a bit delayed, THANK YOU to my Grandma Wright and to the fabulous Mom and Mother-Law I have been so greatly blessed with in my life, I love you!

Raise the Roof... She's back! I love this gal...

Patrona

( sorry, inside joke, only few will get)

Oh, and I love these gals too! Cecer's and Monmon's! O.K. that would be Cecily and Armanie, two very cute nieces of mine, and that hotty in the middle would be Tex, the Patrona's adoring, intelligent, well-behaved, well balanced son!

Sorry I stole your pic, Chal, it was too cute to pass up!

I love my fam:)

A Heart Like His... try this!

My mother-in-law, Carole, and an amazing women she is, shared this idea... The Hawthorn Effect, at our Women's Conference on Saturday. I had read this book, A Heart Like His, about a year ago and found the authors thought's and ideas simple, genuine, and realistic... not one of those "Church Books" that leave you feeling riddled with guilt and despair. I loved it! In this book, Sis. Pierce shares the concept of the Hawthorn Effect and how it is possible for us in a simple way to change negative behavior in ourselves. After Carole challenged all the women in our stake to give it a try, I thought surely I could do it. So here it goes... I've got my pocket all ready full of pennies, and since it's Noelle's Birthday today, it shouldn't be too hard to offer a lot of "Positive Language" to her and my other children. I'm really excited to do this... I guess it's by small and simple things that great things come to pass! I'm going to try it for the whole week!

Read below:

THE HAWTHORNE EFFECT

The “Hawthorne Effect” is a term used to describe the tendency of subjects in experiments to increase sought-after behavior or decrease negative behavior, simply because they are being studied. It was first observed among the employees at the Hawthorne Plant who were being studied by researchers from Harvard Business School. The researchers were studying worker productivity. But they encountered a problem. When the researchers gave attention to the employees, the workers’ productivity didn’t remain static, it increased. This change in productivity was produced simply by an awareness that they were being studied, and it skewed the study.
Obviously, the Hawthorne Effect drives researchers crazy, but for those who wish to change behavior it is quite encouraging. It means that all I have to do to increase the frequency of a desired behavior, or decrease the frequency of a negative behavior is to notice it! Just my awareness of it will change the results……
For instance, if a mother is concerned about how often she speaks in habitually negative language to her children, she can decide to count all the negative statements she makes. Without any apparent self-discipline, as she becomes aware of how many times a day she responds to a child negatively, she will instinctively improve. Being aware enough to count and report our experiences is a dynamic and positive process.
[One method of doing this is to] fill one pocket with pennies at the beginning of the day. Each time [a mother] responds with positive language to her children rather than negative language, she takes one penny and transfers it to the other pocket. At the end of the day, she writes down the number of pennies in the second pocket. I have done this to self-monitor all sorts of behaviors, and the Hawthorne Effect always holds true. As I continue to count and record, the positive behaviors increase and the negative behaviors decrease.

(Virginia Pearce, A Heart Like His, pg. 88-91)

If all else fails, go for Carns!

I was asked to create some small centerpieces for a baby shower last weekend and thought, Oh, that's easy... small centerpiece with white flowers, no problem. Unfortunately, white flowers of my liking were not to be found in Prescott. AHHHH So stressing out at the last minute I begged the Costco lady to let me into the cooler. Lucky me there were four bunches of white carns waiting to made into something just lovely. Well "lovely" might not have been my initial response to carns ( I know, I know SKL, you wouldn't even consider a carn!) Unable to find any greens I resorted to limes and some lily grass and some other filler, both from bushes in my yard. I thought the final arrangement was quite lovely~

This is how I wrapped the lily grass together.

Some might wonder what my children do while I work on a project. I thought these photos illustrated perfectly how children can learn to adapt and make things happen on their own. We mother's can't do everything for them! This morning, Taft was doing his usually morning graze and kept insisting on a snack. I told him to go make himself some lunch, and that's exactly what he did! Not just something for himself, but a "delicious" mustard sandwich for all of us. I know, disgusting, but he and Camille love em'!

I love this kid!!!!!

I found this chair at Habitat for $10 and knew instantly that it had great potential. Despite it smelling like it came out of the Riv in Vegas, it had good bones and just needed a makeover. Unable to choose a fabric, Adrienne urged me to try something funky like this Amy Butler pattern. This is probably my all time favorite fabric of Amy's and thought my style could use some "funk." I'm not sure about the pleated skirt... I always tend to over embellish, but I really like the femininity of the skirt... The skirt also hides the chair's ghastly brass legs. It would be a little bit of work, but I could take the skirt off. Let me know what you think!
I've decided I'm going to put it in the corner of my kitchen as a time out chair. Little do my children know how fortunate they are to experience their punishment in such a sassy chair:)

Impossibly Good!

So last night I was off to Target for some "Mom time," ( thanks to recent GC comments by Elder Ballard) and as I aimlessly strolled around the store I stumbled upon these "fruit crisps". I was in the mood for a treat, but not something that would blow a good day of exercising and healthy eating. So since the chips were 2 for 5 I thought I'd give them a try. Of course the chips were packaged to look organic and super healthy, and as I read the calorie content they surely would be better than say, a bag of Cheetos. Anyway, on my way home I broke open a bag and what a delight! They were like fruit... like a chip... like DELICIOUS... and very satisfying. I ate the 14 chips allotted for the 140 calories and 4 grams of fat and was almost too full :) to finish the final fourteenth. I compared them to the Cheetos I had at home and for the same serving Cheetos had 160 calories and 10! grams of fat. So I've concluded that not only were the berry crisps surprisingly yummy, but more satisfying and healthier than some other form of junk food!
I think on my next road trip to the Motherland I'll grab me a DC and bag of these baked fruit crisps and settle in for a nice drive! Give em' a try and let me know what you think... I think there are about 5-6 different varieties.

I came across this pattern tonight and burst out laughing! This pattern is from 1951 and you will notice that it was designed for "chubbies." What the ...? Please no one take offense... I can laugh at this because I am a chubby. What I find especially crazy is that these girls on the front look anorexic. Would Dave Wright have yelled at them to "Get out of the pop, chubby?" No one else might find this funny, but I guarantee I've got some sissy's who will LOL!

More Durango Fun!

I couldn't help but post a few more pics of our fun in the snow! I got these pictures off Noelle's camera, and I have to say I'm impressed with her photography skills (O.K. I did crop them a bit) but maybe we have "Megan" in the making!

The Hostess herself, Ms. Belle. I love the pageant wave in the Uhgs!

Grandpa Dave relishing in his grandchildren. I'm amazed at the patience our parents have for their Grandchildren...

Mr. Rockwell, Amb's youngest son, is the sweetest, and I mean the sweetest, baby I've ever met! You just look at him and he smiles.

"Maybe if my Mom would get me out of this girly coat, and buy me a real boy's coat, my Uncle's would stop calling me such a wuss."

-Taft



These girls just think they're sooooo COOL! They just need a couple more babies under their belts...

Spring Break 2008 in Durango!

What a fantastic time we had in Durango! I love being together with my whole family. It was a fun filled vacation of relaxation, good food, good comedy, and just a titch of drama! Thanks to Amb and Ken for providing us with a small touch of "heaven on earth."

What is the legal limit for personages on a Ranger? Oh, nevermind, the Wright's don't understand the word "legal." I think on the way down the mountain they piled 15 people into that sucker!

Here's to Taft trying to prove to his Uncle Cam that he CAN be tough!

Someone forgot to tell Camille that the tablets you dye eggs with are not candy!

Noelle and Kylie were inseperable all week! I remember how much I loved being with my cousins when I was little... we used to hide from our parents so we didn't have to go home. I think one of us hid in our cousins van and it wasn't till about 20 minutes down the road that our Uncle found out and had to turn around and take us back home.

Can you say strawberries!

I've wanted to post these pictures since Valentine's Day, but since I've been on a blogging diet ( I know, I know, wrong kind of diet for me,) I haven't really taken the time to post them. Dipping strawberries this year was actually quite fun. I feel like every year I have more control and can manage this small, seasonal business better and better. I wasn't too overwhelmed and the strawberries this year were HUGE to begin with. It's hard to go wrong when the berries are gigantic.

I wish I had taken better pictures so I could demonstrate how chocolate covered strawberries can be a yummy treat and great gift. Dipping is pretty self-explanatory and the drizzling just takes a little of practice. Many people ask me for my Chocolate Recipe and so here it is:

For every 24 oz. of dipping bark you need 23 oz. of Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate. That is, for every block of bark you need 2 bags of chips.

This same combination goes for white chocolate ( which is really not chocolate at all.) Ghirardelli

white is the best if you can find it. So it Guittard, but you got to shell out some bucks!

Milk chocolate is just a personal preference of mine but you can use whatever you would like. I also like to add Ghirardelli 60% cocoa chips ( about 1 cup) to my melted chocolate. This gives an added richness and disguises the use of bark. All though bark is not very tasty and wax like, it does offer some advantages. First, bark has a higher heat tolerance and will stay melted longer, it's also not as thick, and relatively inexpensive. So I have to say bark comes in handy when dipping over 600 strawberries:)

I like to melt my chocolate in a glass bowl in the microwave, beginning with 1-2 minute increments, depending on the amount of chocolate your melting. As the chocolate starts to melt you want to take your heating time down to 30 second intervals. If your chocolate looks melted with just a couple small lumps left, just let it sit on the counter for a minute. Don't put it back in the microwave. The heat of the chocolate will melt the remaining lumps. A good stir will also assist in melting small lumps. I run my bark through a food processor and so it is in fine shavings, allowing it to easily melt.

Chocolate will seize and separate if brought to too high of heat... especially white. You can also try the double boiler method, but be careful because any bit of water will make your chocolate seize. Combinations I like are white chocolate and coconut, milk chocolate and SALTED almonds, tuxedo's, a milk chocolate with dark drizzle. Be creative and do whatever you like!

The best way to drizzle is to put your chocolate in a heavy Ziplock (freezer bag so the seams wont pop) and snip a very small corner off the bag to create a small stream of chocolate. Hold your hand diagonally across the strawberry and with a controlled squeeze move your hand back and forth. Like I said you'll become more comfortable with it the more you do it. To create a Tuxedo strawberry, dip the front of your berry in white and let harden. Then dip corners in chocolate and let harden. To create the bow, make a sideways figure 8 ( again, chocolate in your Ziploc bag) and fill it in. I'm sure you can figure out the buttons. Remember, good strawberries are seasonal, so the best time to find them is between Feb. and early June.

Someone once asked me why I like to do all these extra little "projects" in my life and my thought was that sometimes it's hard to just stay home and be a mom. I wish I could find pure satisfaction in that responsibility, as huge as it is, but the reality is that I sometimes don't. I guess it's the right brain and the left hand in me that loves to be creative. It's very satisfying for me to create something I love, earn a few extra bucks, and feel personally enriched!

Funky Apron

Just wanted to post a pic of a fun and funky apron I made for my sister, Amberlee, for her Birthday. I really enjoyed creating this apron and absolutely love the fabrics. The main print is an Amy Butler fabric, and the Zebra is from Sis Boom fabrics, two fabulous textile designers. The pocket is perfect for a cell phone or a to-do-list. Also, I have to give a shout out to Kim Hendricks of http://www.olivejuiceco.typepad.com/. Her designs inspired this apron and I think she has oodles of style! Also, thanks to Amb and Meg for modeling two different ways to tie the apron. I personally like to tie the apron behind me for a more slimming effect:)