One-on-One

It looks like Gideon is just as shocked as I am that time is flying by so quickly! Gideon is almost 15 weeks old. I feel like I never see Andy even though we are finally making time to go on a date about one time a week. When we had just 2 kids I didn't really feel like we needed to go out alone together very often. Now with 3 kids we really do need the time away.

We have also started something for one-on-one time with the kids. 4 nights a week while the other people in the household clean-up from dinner Andy or I have one-on-one time with one of the kids. Last night it was Allana's turn to spend time one-on-one with me during dinner clean-up. We worked together on getting the storage area cleaned up so we can make it into a work space for me and a play space for the kids. Allana spent most of the time looking at old pictures and asking me about them. It is really fun to be alone with just one of the kids. It makes it a lot easier to get to know them individually. I guess that is kind of why we need prayer so much. Our relationship is more personal with Heavenly Father if we spend that one-on-one time talking with him.

"I just need more practice."

Today as we were leaving the library I had to feel a twinge of triumph as I heard Allana in the back seat attempting to blow up a balloon. After a few unsuccessful attempts she said in a rather cheerful voice, "It's okay Corinne. I just need more practice."

I hope that sticks with her, because even now working with high school students in the arena of volleyball it is very common for me to see girls who are afraid to try things because of the fear of failure. If we were perfect from the beginning what would be the point? I've been trying to teach Allana that making mistakes is part of learning. If we never make mistakes than we probably aren't taking the risks we should be to learn.

Anyway, I was happy to hear that some of the things I am teaching her are sticking with her. Being a mom is the best! :)

Allana was "Mom" for the Day

After lunch today Allana and Corinne started to play together in the living room. As they played I started preparing some of the food for dinner. I could hear them pretending to be camping... as I listened I could tell that Allana was taking on the role of "mom"... "Corinne, do you want to lose your phone? Then you have to find a safe spot for it..... Okay Corinne, you can only text for a few minutes and then you need to go to bed."

When it was time to lay then down for nap I told them to go get books and I would read to them. "I am reading to Corinne." Allana announced. Allana had Corinne follow her to their bedroom, they picked out some books, and crawled into bed together and Allana told Corinne the stories. I sat down and nursed Gideon while Allana changed Corinne's diaper, helped her brush her teeth and then they laid back down in bed to read again.

The result...

I should let Allana play "mom" more often!

Gideon finally arrives...

9 lbs 15 ounces

22 inches long

Head circumference 37 cm

"Corinne, you're my best friend."

Many times I have loved to watch Allana and Corinne play happily together. Of course they have their battles, but more often they are looking out for each other and taking care of each other.

When I do their hair they watch a DVD and this morning they were sitting down together waiting for the chosen show to start. As I walked out of the room to gather hair supplies, Allana put her arm around Corinne and told her, "Corinne, you're my best friend." I am sure that statement will hold true as they go through life together and become closer as sisters and friends.

Together Forever

Giulia and David stopped by Sunday before David headed south to Vegas to pick up Potatoes for Connie and Grant. We talked them in to staying for a few minutes and eating lunch with us before leaving. After saying goodbye to them, Corinne and Allana continued peeking out the window to watch Giulia and David say their goodbyes. As they watched Allana was explaining to Corinne that Giulia was feeling sad that David had to leave, "Giulia lives in Provo and David lives far away in Las Vegas."

Then after Giulia and David drove off in their separate vehicles Allana asked me, "Why do they want to be together forever?"

"How do you know they will be together forever?" I asked back.

"Because they are going to get married and then they are going to have children..." was her reply. I wish I could describe the all-knowing intonation she used as she made the statement. Use your imagination...

Bonnie's Baby Shower

4 out of nine of us are pregnant... No not Aunt Pearl!

Today we hosted a baby shower for Bonnie. The guests included Aunt Elaine, Jana, Aunt Joy, LorAnn, Kimberlee, Aunt Pearl, Holly, and Bonnie. Though not in attendance at the shower gifts were sent from Julia and Barclay, David & Kirsten, Carla, and Linda & Rex.

We started a "Time Capsule" for Zoe with letters from everyone in attendance. Bonnie and Sam will compile items (newspaper from the day Zoe is born, photos, etc.) for the time capsule and Zoe will open it when she is 8 or 10 years old (Bonnie is still deciding).

We each took a turn asking Bonnie questions about her experience being pregnant and other questions about motherhood. That was fun and we had some good laughs and good conversation. We had soup, salad, and dessert for lunch. After opening gifts we said our goodbyes and headed home.

Bonnie received some beautiful gifts and practical gifts too. We added up the approximate cost of the diapers she was given and it was over $100 worth of diapers.

Thanks so much to everyone who came!

"But I thought..."

Today as Allana was lying down to take a nap, she asked me who was coming to babysit her this afternoon. Then she asked, "Where are you going?"

"To volleyball practice." I answered.

"Why?"

"Because I'm a volleyball coach."

Tears started welling up in her eyes, "But I thought you were a Mommy!"

I gave her big hugs and reassured her that my first job is being her mom. It made me smile.

Anderton Family Reunion

Here are a few pictures from the Rex Anderton family reunion. I should have taken pictures of the backyard with all our tents, and the new fire pit and patio too. It looks great!

Friday night we roasted hot dogs and played dot dot until late in the evening. Saturday morning we cleaned off the patio and got one of the porch swings assembled. Then all of us went to the slip n' slide to enjoy the sun. When we came back we made our best attempt at tin foil dinners and braved the winds and storm of the evening. Board games were the entertainment for the evening. Sunday morning dad made a big breakfast (eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, and watermelon) and everyone packed up and headed home. Below are some of the pictures we have from the weekend...

When do we want to plan our party for next year???

We could live in Montana...

After the Young reunion we drove north to visit Yellowstone and then to see Andrea and Dan. The drive from West Yellowstone to Bozeman was soooo beautiful. It made me curious to see what it would cost to buy a place to live in Montana.

We hiked to the "M" and Andy had to sneeze just as the camera took the picture :)

Good thing Andrea was there to help motivate Allana to run down the trail.