You know you are pregnant when...

1. You laugh, cry, AND fall asleep through Descpicable Me 2 at the movie theaters.
2. You go on a date to a nice restaurant, come home to find Mac N' Cheese left on the stove from the kids dinner and take a bite.
3. You send your hubby to the store for Cheetos and chocolate.
4. You are too nauseous to go for a morning run and then too nauseous again to go for an evening run...ugh!
5. It takes you several tries to fill out a simple bank deposit slip correctly.
6. You get new contact info from a friend, type it into your phone and then when you go to look it up the next day you can't find it because you never hit the "save" button.
7. You sit down on the couch with your kids and think to yourself for a second "wouldn't it be nice to take a nap" then wake up 2 hours later because you did...just like that!
8. You open and close the fridge a dozen times and still can't think of anything that sounds good to make for dinner.
9. You go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink, leftover dinner on the stove, toys all over the house and you don't really give a damn.
10. Your hubby has banned your from putting anything on top of your car because...You drive to the water park, park your car, get the kids out and you cannot find the beach towels. You drive back home to get them because you live .2 miles away and you find them in the middle of the street. Apparently, somebody put them on top of the car then drove away. Huh?! Then later that week you are getting in the car to go to a meeting and place your notes on top of your car and drive away. Whoops!

Yes, these are all real things that have happened to me while pregnant.
Yes, I am pregnant again!

Kid Play: Balloon Biting

Okay, guys this does not take much and it will entertain your kids for a long time! We had been doing some painting in our house so we had these latex gloves laying around and of course Dad decided to blow them up for the kids because what kid does not like balloons?! Then when we were getting ready for bed time it turned into a fun game when we saw the fan and decided to put the balloon over the fan. Try it, your kids will love it!

Kid Play: Watch 'em fly!!!

Our airplanes ready for take off!

If you are looking for a fun but cheap activity to do with your kids...this one is a hit! We've tried it and it was a success. 

Step 1: Make paper airplanes. To make it more fun let your kids color the paper first then show them the steps of how to make a paper airplane. It's okay if theirs does not turn out perfect. Also try different types of paper to see which ones fly better. We used lined paper, construction paper, and card stock (all in different sizes too).

Step 2: Choose an airport. Find a nearby hill or parking garage to fly your airplanes. We started on a grassy hill at a park but the hill was not as steep as we thought it was so it did not work very well. Then we headed to a parking garage and the kids loved watching their airplanes fly so high.

Step 3: Collect your airplanes. After you launch your airplanes see if you can find them all. The kids have fun hunting for their airplanes and seeing where they landed. One actually landed on another rooftop so we never got that one back. We launched them a few times then took the airplanes home and the kids flew them around in the house for days after that.

Vann launching one of his airplanes at airport #1.

Nixon ready to launch his airplane at airport #1.

Walking to airport #2.

Watching an airplane take flight at airport #2.

 We also enjoyed the beautiful views while we were on top of the parking garage (airport #2).

Y Mount

Mount Timpanogos

Just for Laughs

I just read this in Parents magazine last night (July 2013 issue, p. 56). It is too funny not to share. I have a 4 year old boy who is a big brother so I can definitely relate. Enjoy!

My Memoirs, Age 4

I may only be in preschool, but I know more than you think. by JASON GOOD

When my agent told me that people write memoirs to blame their family for everything they do, I could barely find a crayon fast enough. I'll start by clearing up the biggest misconceptions about me: I'm not hungry and I'm not tired. Seriously, I think my dad only knows two questions. "Are you hungry? Are you tired? You must be hungry. Do you need a nap? Do you want some cashews?" He's like one of my brother's annoying toys that won't stop talking until you take out the batteries. I have to blast the T.V. just so I can hear Spider-Man over his cross-examination.

Let me break it down: When I'm hungry I'll try to eat a whole jar of gummy vitamins; you'll say "no" and I'll lose my mind because it makes NO SENSE that I can only have two of those awesome things. Apparently, I can eat all the broccoli I want because it has vitamins, but if I want to stuff my face with just vitamins everyone acts like I've lost my mind.

I would eat Cheddar Bunnies instead, but unfortunately my dad scarfs them all at midnight while watching HGTV like some depressed tween. You're 40, and that's way too old to eat anything in the shape of an animal that isn't an animal. Instead of peppering me with annoying questions, you should just turn on the T.V. Seriously. When I'm watching television I'm totally Zen and in the moment. Just leave it on all the time. Think about it: You and Mom would have more time to tell each other you aren't fat and take naps together. Don't "sleep" for too long, though, because there are still some things I don't know how to do yet. Here are a couple for future reference:

1. Wipe myself.

2. Be alone for more than 25 seconds.

Whenever I yell for my dad to get me ham or come outside and push me on the swing for three hours, he gets annoyed. It's either because I refuse to wear sunscreen or that I'm interrupting him from staring at his phone. I don't know what he's doing on that thing, but he loves it more than my little brother loves my mom's boob. It's hilarious when my dad can't find it. He asks me where it is sometimes, and I pretend like I didn't hear him because, um, I don't know where your phone is. I love it too. IT HAS A T.V. IN IT. What's not to love?

Only my brother knows where my dad's phone is because he hides it. That kid is an animal. I'm honestly frightened of him. If he throws one more yogurt squeezer at my face, I'm calling a social worker. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's fun to get crazy with him and tear up important tax documents, but a guy like me also needs some solo time building a Lego tower without a cackling maniac in a diaper going all Godzilla on it.

We have other animals in the house besides my brother. I guess some kinds you let inside and some you don't: dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, occasionally mice. All the other ones have to stay outside. Seems pretty random. I guess it would be weird to have a horse in the kitchen, though, because it's so big. Might be rad to ride it around, but whatever.

We have three cats. There's an orange one named Oliver who my brother loves to sit on. I yell, "Arlo, NO!" but my mom and dad get mad and say, "Don't yell at Arlo." Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! Next time I'll just ignore him when he uses the cat as a beanbag chair.

He's the reason it takes so long to get ready to go out. In the time between saying we're going somewhere, and actually leaving, I could learn to play the saxophone.

It's chaos, and I think we need some kind of family whisperer. They're yelling about where the keys are and trying to remember if my brother has pooped or not and where the green sippy cup is and ZZZzzzzzz--I totally just fell asleep. Meanwhile, I'm standing there...Is someone going to put on my shoes? I mean, I can do it myself, but I don't feel like it right now. Usually I just hang out by the door in one sock yelling, "LET'S GO!!!" Mom gets crazy and Dad becomes quiet and takes deep breaths until she yells at him to help her. Eventually one of them puts on my shoes for me but does it really fast like they're mad and that usually makes me want to stay home.

So now everyone's crying, which makes Mom bust out the lollipops and BOOM! All hell breaks lose. If you thought my dad goes bananas when he gets a text message, you should see my brother when he hears the word lollipop. Dude, your country didn't just win the World Cup. Relax. Mom gives him one; he licks it twice, then bites it off and chomps on it. I told you he was an animal. Meanwhile, I'm licking mine like I belong in civilized society. He gets jealous and starts crying again, so my dad says, "Hey buddy, could you go finish that in the basement so your brother can't see it?"

WHAT? Now I'm being banished to the cellar because that spaz can't control himself around candy? I just stand there, staring at him, slowly licking my delicious lollipop and turning my body away whenever he reaches for it. Then I start running away from him and my mom starts yelling--STOP THE PRESSES--apparently THE WORST thing you can do in the world is run with a lollipop in your mouth. It's not a grenade, for crying out loud.

It's not like I enjoy doing any of this, but someone has to teach this kid delayed gratification. It's a thankless job being a kid AND an older brother. Believe me, if you had my family you would be just as exhausted and hungry as I am. Speaking of which, I wonder if I can have another gummy vitamin yet.

Naked

I am a mom of 2 boys. The oldest is going to be 4 next month. Now, with that said, I consider myself a "new" mom. I have yet to experience a lot of firsts. One thing I've found myself debating about (mostly internally) until this week, is letting my boys see me naked. At what age is it no longer appropriate for a child to see their parent naked? Does it make a difference if they are the opposite gender (ie: son seeing mother, daughter seeing father)? 

Maybe some of you think I'm crazy and are thinking, "You still let your 4 year old see you naked?" I don't know! I've heard some people say that they stopped at 2 years old because their son looked at them and said "Mommy, why are your nipples so big?" Others stopped at 16 months because their daughter starting "grabbing." I've also heard a mother of a 9 year old boy say that her son sees her naked all the time and it's no big deal. 

I live in a small house so it's difficult to get any privacy around here and I'm totally comfortable being free. However, I know my son is at the age will he is going to remember things...like for the rest of his life remember things. A couple weeks ago, my oldest son walked in my room after I got out of the shower and was about to get dressed. I turned around and he looked almost surprised to see me naked and a little bit embarrassed as he quickly turned around to leave. He's seen me naked a million times and never have I seen him react like that. 

I think this is probably a personal decision I must make here but I'd love to hear from my readers. Because I feel like I need to start showing some modesty around my son. This morning he asked me to get in the shower with him, and his brother, and dad. I decided not to because I think I'm going to commit to my decision to be more private and move forward with that.

Winter with Kids

I was very active as a kid and still remain very active as an adult and therefore my children are active. It is a good thing but sometimes they wear me out! I love finding new things to get their wiggles out and to keep them busy especially during the long winter months when it is too cold to be outside. Here are a few of our favorite winter activities...

Living Room Dance Party.
This is kind of a Saturday morning tradition at our home. We turn up the Pandora tunes and dance our little hearts out until I'm too tired to keep up with them anymore. And I'm not talking about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse tunes, this is like full on, up beat, dance music (edited and appropriate of course) that I enjoy and my kids can enjoy too.

Pillow Fights and Wrestle Wars.
For some reason the above activity generally turns into this activity. Probably because I have two boys! Kids love this though, boys and girls. Try it on a bed for more cushion and more body slamming.

Indoor Sports.
Sign your child up for an indoor sport such as gymnastics, tumbling, indoor swim lessons, or dance that a young toddler is very much ready and able to do. Kids love being involved in their very own activity that is just for them. It teaches them great skills, socially and physically. Just call up your local Rec Center to see what classes they offer. Or if you live locally, I just happen to teach tumbling classes at FlipOut Tumbling. I offer a Mommy and Me class and a Preschool class on Tuesday mornings. I also teach private lessons for all ages and skill levels.

Indoor Jumping & Bouncing.
Indoor trampoline gyms and bounce house places are popping up everywhere. Kids love them! My kids could easily jump for three hours straight before they even begin to get tired. My personal favorite if you are local is Jump On It. They offer a Mom and Me jump time on Wednesday and Thursday from 10-11am. So fun!

Once there was a snowman...

It can be difficult to find fun, new activities for your kids sometimes. So instead of thinking of a new activity just think about doing an activity your kids enjoy but in a new environment.

We have a sweet neighbor who loves to bake and Nixon is always begging me to help in the kitchen any time I am making something. So when our neighbor, Patti, told me about these adorable snowmen she used to make with her grand kids I thought it would be fun if she could teach my kids how to make them.

We went over to her house one afternoon and Patti was so fun with the kids. She got all messy with them and taught them step by step how to make a snowman.

I don't know what it is but the elderly love kids and kids love the elderly. So if you are looking for something fun to do with your kids, think of an elderly neighbor that might be able to teach your kids something new!

How to Make a Snowman:
Make cake balls (bake a cake then mash baked cake and frosting together and form balls)
Refrigerate cake balls for 1 hour
Roll cake balls in white frosting, then roll in coconut
Stack 3 cake balls rolled in frosting and coconut on top of each other to make a snowman
Decorate with candy (Shown in picture: Candy corn, red hots, and chocolate Twizzlers)