Swagger

Jon joined a flag football team that consists of some local guys from the ward and from around the area. They play every Saturday morning, and it's been so fun to go watch and cheer them on. They are undefeated so far and Jack is so very proud of his dad. The weather has been so beautiful lately, it's been so nice to spend some time outside. Getting up and out by 9 am is still a challenge for me, so notice Jack is still in his jammies. And I'm a total slacker and keep forgetting to bring my camera, so the pictures are courtesy of Sharon and Brindi. They are much more on top of things than I am.

On another note, Jack is the most adorable thing in the world! He gets into all sorts of mischief and enjoys sneaking into the bathroom or pounding up the stairs. He's scooting along the furniture and climbs INTO the fireplace, where he proceeds to get stuck then starts screaming. He likes to bang on the DVD player and pull tall lamps over. He's a wild man, but so stinkin' adorable. He's almost 11 months old and is still all gums. He's been a crank lately so I'm hoping he's got some teeth coming in. I finally gave him his first haircut too. How do people do this with a wiggling baby!? And I was only doing the very top so it wouldn't come to a point on his forehead. Craziness.

I'm so excited it's autumn and I LOVE seeing all the leaves change color. This is my favorite time of year and it makes me wish I had a big yard to enjoy it in. The fall encompasses a lot of sweet memories: first, my crazy BYU days of partying all night and 8am "begining jazz"; ice cream everyday, getting stuck in the elevator, trips to Squaw Peak and smoke bombs in DT. Oh good times.

Second, it was September 5 years ago that I was planning my wedding. So there's something about the chilling air that makes me want to go wedding dress shopping and plan a tropical vacation! Third, it was this time last year that I was counting down the days to my baby boy's arrival. Oh how time flies!!!

College Football Season back again! GO DAWGS!!

I've never been much of a sports enthusiast --- big suprise--- but I've convereted to the love of UGA football since marrying my fanatic husband. I quickly learned that Saturdays during football season are devoted to sitting around the TV in our red and black and cheering on the dawgs. Or when they're not playing, we sit around and cheer for whichever team is playing (and hopefully STOMPING) the Gators. Jack was born on the the day of the UGA/AUBURN game. I know this of course, because we watched it in my recovery room. Jack has his own jersey and loves to cheer on Knowshawn Moreno.

TAGGED

I guess the point is to try and answer the questions as shortly as possible. Thanks Jana for the tag! :)

1.Where is your cell phone? downstairs somewhere, probably turned off.
2. Your significant other? I guess I'd have to say my hubby :)
3. Your hair? up in a messy knot
4. Your mother? best friend, boss, babysitter, fount of all knowlege
5. Your father? so very patient with my car issues
6. Your favorite thing? just one?! for today I'll say...anytime Jack learns something new
7. Your dream last night? Can I borrow one of Stacy's dreams for this one? ;)
8 Your favorite drink? plain ol' agua
9. Your dream/goal? Among many things, one dream is to ride in a hot air balloon
10. The room you’re in? upstairs office
11. Your hobby? working out, friends, reading, jack's scrapbook, learning new skills
12. Your fear? bugs in my house
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? as happy as I am right now
14. What you’re not? coordinated
15. Muffins? yummm
16. One of your wish list items? a new pair of Seven for All Mankind jeans!!! (is that so trivial?)
17. Where you grew up? Georgia baby
18. The last thing you did? put Jack-o down for a nap
19. What are you wearing? pj's
20. Favorite gadget? hmmm cell phone I guess
21. Your pets? no pets - a babe and hubby are enough for me!
22. Your computer? constantly malfunctioning and getting REALLY annoying
23. Your mood? cheery
24. Missing someone? my BYU girlies
25.Your car? Oh my portable sauna? very glad to have it back!
26. Something you’re not wearing? make-up
27. Favorite store? clothes - Ann Taylor Loft, everything else- IKEA
28. Like someone? Palin!
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Last night singing the opening song at family night. We started way too high and attempted to keep singing anyway. We were both horrible squeeky and Jon told me I was a little sharp.
31. Last time you cried? Last week during a talk at church

I tag CANDICE SHUMWAY CORMICAN

Elder Nathan Rusch has returned from down south! He came home Monday the 4th from Mexico. It's so great to have him back. And to help ease him back into the non-mission world, we all headed off to Connecticut on Wednesday for cousin Rob's wedding. We had an awesome time with the family and even hired a babysitter to watch Jack (who's now taking a bottle by the way. Woo HOO!!) for 8 whole hours so we could enjoy the wedding and he could enjoy not having to behave for 8 hours. Even though the cake was disappointing, we had a great time and I even got Jon to dance with me for like 2 whole songs.

We had a family reunion on Sunday with Mary's mother's side of the family. We grilled out and just enjoyed being together outside. Here are some pictures of Mary and her 2 sisters and their grandbabies. There's also pictures of our cousins Chris and Dea's baby Van. They are about a month and 1/2 apart and so hilarious together.

While we were in the northeast, we took some time seeing things in that region. We went to Newport, RI which is now on my list of most beautiful places I've been. As your driving to the island, you cross a long bridge which takes you over the water which is covered with sailboats. We walked along the harbor, shopped, and toured one of the incredible mansions they have on the island. It was the summer home of a Vanderbilt with platinum coated walls and a view of the Atlantic. There's also a picture of Jack's first real encounter with grass. He was so funny and would get in whatever position that would minimize his body touching it.

This is just a close up of an incredible tree. I have a thing for trees. :)

Monday we boarded a ferry to Nantucket to spend the day. That of course would be the day I forgot my camera (in my defense, left the house at 6AM). So I stole Nathan's camera for the day and will put some pictures up once I get them from him. The island was incredible despite the rain, and we just enjoyed walking around looking at the houses and laying on the deck at the harbor looking at all the yachts.

The next two days we spent in Boston. That is such a cool city and we seriously could have spent a week there. There was just so much to see!! We saw most of it sitting in traffic however. :) Public transit is probably a smarter way to go. Anyway, we did the "Freedom Walk" which took you around the city to all of the historical spots. Among many things, we saw the sight of the Boston Massacre and Sam Adam's grave. But most importantly, (need I remind you I was traveling with the Rusch family?), we got to tour Fenway Park. Jon and Nathan were in little boy heaven. Matt even saw Coco Crisp entering the stadium. It was pretty awesome.

This was such an awesome trip and it was so good to spend so much time with my hubby and get to see all of his family.

My all time favorite musical is coming back to the Fox this October. I'm soooooo excited and thought I had to put up my most favorite songs from it. So turn on your speakers and be so impressed with the goodness.

p.s. I am a volunteer usher at the Fox and they've offered us ticket prices (for the Orchestra section) at the group rate for $62, so let me know if your interested!

Beach Trip

We were finally able to get away for the weekend and went down to Destin for some much needed relaxation. Jack was in such a good mood, dispite BOTH of his parents being sick. I started running a fever Friday night before we left, and Jon is still down with his mystery illness. But that didn't put a damper on our fun. Saturday night we had a pizza picnic on the beach and were even generous enough to let Jack suck on a breadstick. Monday we went to a new shopping complex called Pier Park in Panama City. We ate at 5 Guys Burger & Fries which was Jon's pick obviously but it was AMAZING. And I don't like burgers. I'd been eyeing the sushi place next door. But Jon made me a believer. It was freaking amazing.

NO LIE we actually saw another shark this trip. It was a baby and only a foot long, but still.....a shark.

8 months-the perfect age

My mom tells me that you think each stage your child is in is the perfect age. Well I certainly think that right now about my little 8 month old. And here's why: he's sleeping through the night (HOORAY!!!!), he can play and entertain himslef for quite a while, he's crawling and mobile, but can't get himself into too much trouble. He loves to play with mom and dad and giggles and squeels. He's still small and very portable for running errands or going on walks. I just think he's the more adorable little creature that ever was. I just don't know how life could get any better!! But, I guess I've thought that from the begining, and I just continue to be suprised.