Fountains and Slides

The boys sure had a fun weekend. Friday we got together with my sister, three of my sister-in-laws, my brother (sorry Brenton that you had to suffer through that!!), and lots of cousins to play at the fountains at the Gateway. It was so much fun for the boys to play with their cousins and play in the fountains. Corbin especially loved it. Taylor, not so much, but he loved being their still. Thanks to everyone for coming and I just loved seeing all of you. We really need to do this kind of thing more often! We missed seeing Monica, Garrett, and Emery - next time for sure!!!

Hanging out on the steps: Corbin, Taylor, and Hunter!

I was so happy that Justin got to come and say hello during his lunch break. He works right next to the Gateway (the green tinted windows in the background). He loved watching Corbin running around having a blast!

Every half and hour that is a big show with the fountains that plays along with music - there is tons of water shooting up! Corbin and Hunter just love it!

A few of the cousins waiting for the water! Cami - I just had to put this picture in because Grace is so adorable huddled over in the corner!

Drying off.

On Saturday, Alayna and Jeff took the boys to a water-slide park. The boys had such a great time (they absolutely love them!) Justin and I were able to go on one last date before the baby comes. It was so fun to just be the two of us. We got to go the temple and enjoy lunch together - even Wal-Mart was a blast with just the two of us!! Thank you so much Alayna and Jeff!

Alayna asked Corbin what his favorite part was about the water park, Corbin said that one of the slides was not his favorite, but his favorite thing was drowning!! I think he is slightly confused - he thinks drowning is just dunking his head in the water.

Are you an Introvert?

Lately Justin has been reading this book called The Introvert Advantage. We have been discussing it a lot and neither of us realized how introverted we are. There are different areas in my life where I feel more extroverted (especially more than Justin), but I can burn out pretty easily and need to relax. To me I always thought that an introvert was shy and an extrovert was very outgoing. That is not true, it is how you create energy. For instance, Justin and I both get drained from being away from home too long, even if we had a great time where we were. So we need time to relax at home and re-energize.
There are these lists of questions in the book to determine how introverted or extroverted you are. If you are curious - take a look. Answer True or False.

"1. When I need to rest, I prefer to spend time alone or with one or two close people rather than with a group. Very true for me.

2. When I work on projects, I like to have larger uninterrupted time periods rather than smaller chunks. True - once I get going on a project, I am determined to keep going and I get really annoyed when I have to stop and put it away. (Scrapbooking, sewing, cooking, projects) Which makes this a challenge for me as a mother! (I try to get most things done during nap time and after bed time)

3. I sometimes rehearse things before speaking, occasionally writing notes for myself. True - I can never give a lesson without practicing or having very efficient notes.

4. In general, I like to listen more than I like to talk. TRUE!

5. People sometimes think I'm quiet, mysterious, aloof, or calm. True

6. I like to share special occasions with just one person or a few close friends, rather than have big celebrations. True, I do not like being the center of attention.

7. I usually need to think before I respond or speak. I am going to answer true, mostly because this is what I really need to do! I often times say things without thinking and people around me are confused as to what I am saying - can't they just read my mind!

8. I tend to notice details many people don't see. True

9. If two people have just had a fight, I feel the tension in the air. True, I hate that feeling!

10. If I say I will do something, I almost always do it. False, I am not the best at following through, although I am trying to be better.

11. I feel anxious if I have a deadline or pressure to finish a project. True, sometimes this is the best way for me to get things done.

12. I can "zone out" if too much is going on. True!

13. I like to watch an activity for a while before I decide to join in. True, I have never been the type to jump into an activity and make a fool of myself without knowing what's going on first.

14. I form lasting relationships. True and False. I am really bad at keeping in touch with people. I am sorry if I have offended anyone because of this. It's not that I don't want to stay close, it's just I get caught up with my little family and time goes by way too fast.

15. I don't like to interrupt others; I don't like to be interrupted. True - mainly I don't like to interrupt others, I worry they will be upset with me. But I also don't like to be interrupted when I am doing certain things.

16. When I take in lots of information, it takes me awhile to sort it out. True

17. I don't like overstimulating environments. I can't imagine why folks want to go to horror movies or go on roller coasters. True - horror movies are TERRIBLE. Roller coasters are fun, but I get exhausted from them.

18. I sometimes have strong reactions to smells, tastes, foods, weather, noises, etc. True. At first we didn't understand this question, but once we thought about it, it made total since. When there is a smell in the house that I can't find - it drives me crazy and I am totally distracted and cannot relax until I find it. As well - certain noises get to me so much.

19. I am creative and/or imaginative. Mostly False, sometimes true.

20. I feel drained after social situations, even when I enjoy myself. Definantly true.

21. I prefer to be introduced rather than to introduce others. True, I am always worried I will forget the name of the person I am introducing.

22. I can become grouchy if I'm around people or activities too long. True and False, really it just depends on how I am feeling. Sometimes I do a lot better than other times.

23. I often feel uncomfortable in new surroundings. True

24. I like people to come to my home, but I don't like them to stay too long. For the most part true, but don't let that stop you from coming over!! Again, it really just depends on how I am feeling.

25. I often dread returning phone calls. True

26. I find my mind sometimes goes blank when I meet people or when I am asked to speak unexpectedly. Absolutely True! I hate being put on the spot, I always say the dumbest things!

27. I talk slowly or have gaps in my words, especially if I am tired or if I am trying to speak and think at once. True, if you add chewing gum at the same time - I'm lost!

28. I don't think of casual acquaintances as friends. False

29. I feel as if I can't show other people my work or ideas until they are fully formulated. Totally true, I want my projects to be finished before people see them.

30. Other people may surprise me by thinking I am smarter than I think I am. TRUE!

Add up the number of Trues. -Did any of you realize what an introvert I am?

20-29 Pretty darn introverted. As a result, it is extremely important for you to understand how to keep your energy flowing and how your brain processes information. You relate to life through your ideas, impressions, hopes, and values.

10-19 Somewhere in the middle. Like being ambidextrous, you are both introverted and extroverted. You may feel torn between needing to be alone and wanted to be out and about. So it's very helpful to notice when and how you consistently feel more energized. You judge yourself by your own thoughts and feelings and by the standards of other people. This gives you a broad view, but at times you may get caught up in seeing both sides of a situation and not know where you stand. It is important to learn to assess your temperament so you can maintain your energy and balance.

1-9 You are more extroverted. You judge yourself in the light of the values and reality of others. You work within the bounds of what exists to bring about change. As you reach midlife and your body slows down, you may surprise yourself by wanted to take a break from socialized or needing time to yourself and then not knowing what to do. You can develop techniques to help yourself remember what is best for you to do when you need solitude. To do this you will have to balance your extroverting skills by learning more introverting skills.

If you're still not sure if you're an introvert or an extrovert, consider the following question: In a crisis, do you tend to feel shut down and somewhat detached and to respond in slow motion? Or do you tend to move your body immediately, take action without even thinking? During a stressful event, we revert to our basic hard wiring. If you tend to pull back, a hush falling over you like a fog, then you are more introverted. If you are more extroverted, you react by propelling yourself forward into action."

One of the funniest things that Justin and I have discovered from this book is that Introverts don't keep eye contact when they are speaking, but when they are listening they keep great eye contact. Extroverts on the other hand keep eye contact when they are talking and their eyes wonder around when they are listening. This is because as Introverts, we are distracted by the eye contact when we are talking so we have to look away to get our thoughts together. That is sooo true for the two of us! We never look at each other when each of us is talking. So now when we are in a conversation, we will say - "hey look at me while you are talking!!"

I have been fascinated with this book and can't wait to read more. If anyone is interested the book is called The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney.

List of things to do

I know there are always a million little things to do in anticipation for a new baby, but these are some things that have just been at the back of my mind for a couple of weeks and I just need to get them done! I figure that if I have a list of them written down where other people can see them too, I will be more motivated to get them done, so thank you. I know there are several items that have paint in them, but don't worry, it's just touch up and I will keep the area well venalated. The list is to your right and everytime I accomplish something, I will put a star next to it! So here it goes - 5 more weeks!


Sorry - no makeup - ahhh! But this picture is for those who really really want to see my belly!

4th of July, East Canyon, Lagoon, Bear Lake, and Exhausted

You know for a pregnant woman, in the middle of the summer, 1 1/2 months away from her due date, you would think I would be sitting around in my lazy chair drinking lemonade and enjoying myself. Don't get me wrong, I have been doing that too, but what's summer without the lake, fireworks, happy kids, and tired parents!

We have had a really fun couple of weeks full of lots of activities. Here are several pictures from our good times.


4th of July

Sparklers! Corbin was fascinated by the fire, we had a nice long talk about the dangers of fire.


Proud to be an American!


Corbin and Taylor each did about 20 sparklers.


I know this picture is dark, but I just had to capture a beautiful moment. Justin is in the background lighting the fireworks.


We can't get enough of Taylor's giggles and smiles!


Kayaking at East Canyon

Riding in the Kayak has been one of our favorite summertime activities, nothing much, but it is so much fun riding out a ways and then jumping in the lake.


Corbin is the little head poking out on the very right, he just laughs and laughs when he is out there.


But really, it's all about the sticks and the rocks!


Taylor would try so hard to pull the kayak back to shore.


Lagoon
We told the boys they needed to take a nap before heading to Lagoon, this was right before they woke up. Almost everynight they sleep in Taylor's bed together, I figure why not just let them, I'm sure they won't be doing that much longer!

The Merry Go Round was one of our favorites. It brought back memories of the time my sister-in-law, Cami and I went to Lagoon during Jr. High, all of our friends went to ride the Collasus and we were too scared, so, we rode this thriller ride!!!

Yippee!

Another Yippee!!

The train ride was the best. I forgot that there were animals along the way, so that made it even more fun for the boys! We went on the tilt-a-whirl before this ride. Justin, Corbin, and I were laughing so hard and having a great time, Taylor on the other hand hated it. When the ride ended he said, "This was not funny!" and he was pretty sad. So going on the train ride made him so happy!

Checking out the elk.

Bear Lake - a yearly tradition!

Of course, the sand is the best! We sat in the sand about half the time buring ourselves and enjoying the warmth of it.


Each year, we bring our bat and ball and play baseball on the beach and in the shallow part of the water. It's a blast!


Corbin and Justin found these plants and they both made good use out of them. Corbin made a fishing pole...

and Justin made a swing. He braided three of the pieces together to make it extra strong. He was so proud and now he knows that he can survive like Bear Grilzes (not sure on the spelling of the name, but you know the survivor show that every guys just loves!!)

And now we have two very happy boys, and two very tired parents! But what a blast it was for us!

Don't you love a FUN weekend!

I love it when there are lots of fun things to do and boredom isn't even an option! We had one of those this weekend! Friday night we went to the drive inn theater with my sister, Mandi and her family. The kids were so excited to get to stay up late, watch a movie outside, and eat lots of treats - really, who wouldn't love that! We saw Kung Fu Panda and Indiana Jones. Our favorite was Kung Fu Panda - it was such a funny movie and the boys really liked it a lot. The next day they had a blast playing Kung Fu. We would recommend that movie to anyone! I didn't like Indiana Jones quite as much, but it was still good. It was fun to get to go and watch movies outside, but I was so ready to go home and go to sleep at 2:30...I was exhausted! The little boys and I slept until 10:00 and I felt so much better. Justin on the other hand got up at 6:15 that morning and went for a 66 mile bike ride. He got home shortly after I woke up and slept part of the afternoon away! In a couple of weeks they are planning on riding to Brigham City and back - 115? miles!

Saturday evening we went over to Justin's sister's place and played at the park by their house. Corbin has been practicing riding his bike without his training wheels and so we let him ride in the parking lot at the park and he did the best he has ever done. He probably rode around the parking lot 4 times without needing to put his feet down! He is doing such a good job and Justin is just thrilled that his Corby is learning how. We're thinking that Corbin will be going on those long rides with Justin in a matter of weeks!
Afterwards, we had a ward activity at the local swimming pool. They had a little playground in the little kid side, so at first Taylor was so excited to play in it. But after falling in the water twice, he decided he didn't like it as much and clinged on to me the whole time. Justin and Corbin had a blast and were all over the place. Their favorite thing was going on the slide. I went on it once and it was so fast, I couldn't believe that Corbin wasn't scared! Corbin also loved jumping in the deep end and then swimming back to the edge. Justin is excited to take our blowup kayak to the lake this year because then Corbin will jump out into the water with Justin!


Taylor and I enjoyed the REALLY good stuff!There was also a little rock climbing area at the swimming pool that the boys just had to climb up. Seriously, sometimes I am a little worried at what monkeys these boys are. They use their bunkbeds as a climbing toy and luckily we haven't had any trips to the emergency room!
Later that night we didn't get to sleep until 1:30! Why do we do this to ourselves? The nice thing was that we don't have church until 1:00 and we really did make it a day of rest! But it sure was worth it, I just love FUN weekends!

I have felt like such a terrible mom lately - you know those days when you have no energy and you let them watch way too much t.v. and pour them a bowl of cereal and call it good. Any of you out there remember how it was with you third pregnancy, was it harder than the others? For me it is, I cannot believe how much energy I have lost! I did have my blood drawn and my doctor is pretty concerned at how much Iron I have lost. In January I had a 36 red blood cell count (which I believe is where you should be) and at this last appointment I was at a 30.5. I was telling my sister about it and she said that was really low. So now I am on a double dose of iron pills and trying to eat as much of a cow as I can handle and just waiting for my energy to come back, but I am done with being a bad mom!!!
So, yesterday I decided to do something fun and different for the boys. We had watched National Treasure 2 the other day and ever since Corbin wanted to go on a treasure hunt. So I combined getting there chores done and a treasure hunt all in one. First of all I gave them a clue and with each clue came part of the treasure. The clues each had a picture of what they needed to do and then they had to go to that room and do what the clue said and then they would find the next one. (For instance, the different clues were brush your teeth, make your bed, pick up your room, wipe down the bathroom, take out the garbage) Corbin carried his backpack around and put parts of the treasure into his backpack (a bag of flour, sugar, brown sugar, measuring spoons, measuring cup). The last clue was a map that they had to follow around the house and in the end it led us to the kitchen and we made cookies.
Corbin really got into it and had a blast, Taylor just followed us around happily and then he was thrilled when we got to make cookie dough!
I hope it doesn't sound confusing - but I thought I would let any of you out there know of something that your kids may really enjoy, I know mine did. I just hope that I don't have to get them to do there chores that way everytime!

Brush, Brush Brush! Taylor is looking to see if there is another clue in the drawer.

The boys have been really big on superheros lately. Taylor decided to take a break from chores and enjoy playing for a minute.

This is serious work.

Making the bed. By this time his backpack was getting kind of heavy, but he was determined to finish making it to get to the next clue.

Wash, Wash, Wash! The map instructed them that they needed to wash their hands!

Now this is what it is all about! Cookie dough!!!

You know you have to double check everything and make sure you haven't forgotten anything!

Life is Truly Wonderful, crazy, but wonderful

Life can be so crazy at times, but when I sit back and think over the last couple of weeks, I am so grateful for every minute of it. I know that I will never get these times back so why not enjoy them! I thought with this post I would think back on these times and let you share in my joy.

Corbin is my little lady's man. This is his little girlfriend, Brooklyn. They are so adorable when they play together. Their favorite game to play is hero, Brooklyn will climb to the top of the bunkbed and call for Corbin to come and save her and of course he comes to her rescue.
Brooklyn's mom told me the other day that Brooklyn said that she and Corbin were going to kiss when she was 15 and she would wear her gown and slippers and mom and dad would be standing there next to them cheering! Some days I don't know whether I should worry or just laugh!
Taylor is going to be a wonderful big brother. He just loves his cousin Jaina and wants to hold her and feed her as much as possible. Whenever I ask him what we should name the baby, he tells me, "Jaina!" (I don't think any of us are going to decide on a name - Justin is still stuck on Rudger!) While I am thinking of our little boy, it reminds me of the dream I had last night! This is for you Mandi! I dreamt that for some reason I couldn't be at the hospital to have my baby and so Mandi had him for me...thanks Mandi, what do you say???
On Memorial Day we had a family gathering and also celebrated Mandi, Dad, and Jaina's Birthdays! My dad is such a great Grandpa! My parents have 16 Grandkids and I feel like each of them feel so loved by Grandma and Grandpa. It is easy to see that my parents are so proud and just love each one of their Grandchildren so much!Gracie and Olivia are always running together when there is a family gathering! They have got to be two of the cutest girls around!
Hunter and Johnny - "um, I don't know about this!"

Whenever we go to Mom and Dad's this is the first thing that Taylor goes and gets...horsey! This summer will be so fun when Taylor gets to ride Grandma's real horse's!

This is one of the things I am most excited about! I have the most wonderful husband who will do anything for me! Everytime I come up with an idea that involves his expertise, he is so willing to make it for me. I really wanted to have a planter box in our backyard to grow vegetables and so he was out until 11:30 Tuesday night finishing this up so that when the dirt came on Wednesday we would be able to fill it up and get our veggies in! Well, of course the truck that was bringing our dirt just happened to break down and they didn't let us know until 6:30 Wednesday night. The frustrating thing was that I just felt like I was waiting around all day for them to come, if they would have just let me know ealier it wouldn't have been nearly so bad! So the dirt came on Thursday morning and Justin was leaving Thursday after work to go to Moab with his Dad for the weekend. I was stressed because I didn't want that dirt sitting there that whole time and I needed to get the veggies in, so I started moving a few loads and of course couldn't do much with being pregnant. When I talked to Justin on the phone I was so stressed and so being the wonderful man that he is, he asked his boss if he could leave early to help me out! Luckily his boss let him go and Justin was able to move all the dirt and sell our car all before leaving! He left a lot later than he and his dad had planned, but I am so grateful for him and the hardworker that he is.

Yes, we did sell our car! I can't believe that I had this car for 6 years. I know there were people who didn't think this car would last and be all that great, but we have never had a problem with it and we made it to over 137,000! Justin tells me most cars will work great as long as you drive them conservativly and keep up on all maintenance, that's what we did and it was wonderful! Now today we are shopping for...minivans, and I am actually really exicted about it! We also sold Justin's motorcycle. We told Corbin that we were selling it because we needed to get a van, but he could still go on rides on Grandpa Morris' motorcycle. Corbin said, "yeah, I can ride on it because Grandpa doesn't need to buy a van."
One last thing that I thought was pretty cute - yesterday I asked Corbin who his primary teacher was and what he learned. He said, "Angalee, and she cried because she loves the Temple" That's when I explained that we also can cry when we are happy!