Greg & Colby + Two

A Wedding and some Running

2012-01-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of weeks we have had some events take place. First, one of our best friends Walker Scheurn got married to a super sweet girl, Melanie. Uniquely, in our group of high-school friends, most of us married each other, so we have all stayed really close friends through the years. We all live in Arizona still too, so it is so fun that we have kept close relationships. Walker, is one of the last of us to get married so we were all there to support him! It was a wedding reception, but it felt like a Higley High School Reunion.

Ryder would not stay away from the candy bar.

Ryder and our buddy Taylor

Dancing together

Around 8:00 Ryder started getting really cranky... and probably had a stomach ache from the amount of candy he shoveled into his mouth.

On a different note. London's Run was on Saturday and I did the 10k again. I didn't hit my goal, but I did beat my time by 4 or so minutes from last year, so I have reason to celebrate. I am so thankful to have a healthy body and have healthy kids. It was so touching to hear the stories of these sweet kids fighting cancer. London's Run is such an inspiring event and I'm sad that this is it's last year. My kids had fun at all of the activities they had going on. Greg had fun admiring the helicopter.

Family Pictures

2012-01-11T15:49:00.002-07:00

This year my friend Aimee Hill took our pictures again. She does an awesome job. I need these in my blog book for next year anyways, so here they are!

Christmas

2012-01-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

We have had yet another year full of happiness and blessings. We are thankful to be healthy and to have each of you in our lives.

Lainey will turn 4 in May and Ryder will be 2 in February. They are growing so fast. They are becoming little friends, but they are also learning about the joys of teasing one another.

Lainey is such a good big sister, always taking care of Ryder without me asking. She is a ray of sunshine, but loves to push my buttons as well. She knows all the sounds in the alphabet and is learning to spell and read. She loves reading books with me. She loves to sing. She is always singing and dressing up in princess attire. She has begun to express her girly emotions much more lately, meaning she is extra sensitive. She bursts into tears at the most simple things, and it really is kind of funny. She has quite the sassy attitude as well, so we are a little afraid of what the teenage years may hold. The other day Greg asked her to clean up and she said, “Yeah dad, whatever.” Another day, I asked her to help me pick up the toys and she said, “Mom these toys are Ryder’s and it’s not my responsibility.” You get the gist? We love her so much though, sassiness and all. She keeps us entertained and snickering at her perspective on things.

Ryder has developed quite the personality. He is such a funny little boy. He is so smart and sweet. He loves to tease and I can’t help, but laugh when he does. He is a very strong willed kid. When he has his mind on something he will not give it up… for hours. He throws trophy winning tantrums, but I know that’s part of entering the terrible-twos. Ryder has the sweetest countenance though. Greg and I are constantly staring at him with admiration. He has our hearts. Greg is especially smitten by him. He will cater to his every little whim most of the time. The kid is just too cute to say no to sometimes. If you do say no; he will say, “Why?” with a tiny sweet voice and big blue eyes blinking up at you. It definitely gets me reconsidering my answer.

I have been busy being Mommy, fulfilling my church calling in the Primary Presidency, pursuing becoming a fitness trainer, and working on my singing/songwriting. I love working with all of the children in church. The women I serve with have become some of my best friends. There is no where else I’d rather serve. Though it keeps me busy, and up late at meetings, I cherish every bit of it. I have run a couple of races this last year. I love the thrill of racing and training for a race! I have also been holding boot camp sessions where I train other people to reach fitness goals. I love doing it. I continue to love learning to play the guitar and song-write. I hope to someday be really good, so I will continue to practice!

Greg has been so busy with his business and church calling as well. I am amazed at how great he is at all he does. He is so honest and genuine with people. He has a heart of gold and is always trying to help others. He has been in and out of town a lot for business, but with those trips came some fun too. He went to Idaho again with Grandpa Olsen, and Las Vegas for a conference. He is still serving in Young Men’s with the 16-18 year olds. He has been busy with scout outings and trainings this year, but there is no better man for the job. He is a boy scout at heart. He is so good at connecting with those young men and helping them have a great time on their outings. Greg is pretty awesome at everything. I just love this man so much. I didn’t even know how great of a guy I had when I married him.

We did two big family trips this year. The first was in May. We went to Alaska for 3 weeks with his family and mine. We are fortunate that Greg can work anywhere he has internet, so he never has to take time off of work. The second family trip was in October. We took the kids to San Diego to fulfill Lainey’s life long dream of petting a dolphin someday.  (It was all she would talk about.) The kids loved Sea World, but it was extra fun to have Kristin and Tyler’s little family with us. Greg and I, alone, went up to Utah for General Conference in April, but stopped in Las Vegas for the night on the way. It was a nice little trip without kids and we got to stay with Mark and Cede, which was tons of fun.

Greg and I have had a wonderful year as parents and as husband and wife. I am in awe of the good man that I married. We are so in love with each other and with our kids. We feel undeserving of the blessings we have. I guess I just have to be cheesy and say it; life is good.

Merry Christmas,

Greg and Colby Lindblom

Baking Cookies with Mom

Christmas "get up" I made with Lainey this year

Lainey's Preschool Christmas program

Ryder just wanted to sit right next to her the whole time

He even pretended he knew the songs

First we had Christmas as a family at our house. Santa brought Ryder a remote control truck with a construction site, and some tools. Lainey got a mermaid doll, a rapunzel and a nerf gun.( just what she asked for)

Then it was off to my parents house

My brother Hayden got Greg a fully stocked mini fridge for Greg's new office, can you say Awesome!

My Dad got his dream bicycle from my mom and was like a giddy school boy riding around the neighborhood.

Then it was off to Greg's parents with all of the fun cousins!

Then we went to my Grandparents house... Ryder got a complete workbench with a billion tools! He was/is in heaven.

Lainey got a Barbie scooter, and now she takes it wherever she goes.

My super sweet cousin Hillary made Lainey and Ryder a puzzle of our family. She also made a memory game for them. It was honestly the cutest thing ever. Lainey seriously loves it. She asks me everyday if she can play with them.

Aunt Ashley gave Lainey and all of her cousins some play makeup and of course, Lainey loves it :)

And the last thing I should mention is that I got to talk to this kid on the phone:

I'm super proud of him for serving the Lord. He is so awesome, and it was so great to talk to him and hear how much he has matured and grown through Christ.

Our Minute To Win It Christmas Party

2011-12-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

We decided to get all of our high school friends together for a fun Christmas Party this year. We had tons of food, played some games, and of course, did the white elephant gift exchange.

It was a blast! The winner of the Minute To Win It games got a jar full of money. Every couple that came, put $5 in the jar and the winner went home with $65. I wish I could say that Greg and I won... Here is the evidence of our hilariously fun night:

The gifts:

The games:

The food:

The prize:

Holiday Hustle

Some White Elephant gifts were good!

Some gifts were pretty bad...

Jingle In The Trunk:

Reindeer Nosedive

Christmas In The Balance:

Some husbands and wives were bickering...

Some husbands and wives were getting along!

And the lucky winners were....

GARRETT AND KRYSTAL!!!!

... I'm still a tad jealous.

San Diego

2011-10-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Greg and I decided to take a personal little family trip to California last week. It was so fun to get away with just us and our little family. Greg's sister and family was already there, so we got to spend a day with them before they went home. So we all went to Sea World together!

Waiting in line for Sea World to open

Lainey has been wanting to pet a dolphin for a long time. Greg and I hear her talk about it all the time. The biggest reason for going to Sea World was to make Lainey's dream come true.

She got to pet it and feed it for about five minutes... she was in heaven

It was so fun to do Sea World with Tyler and Kristin and their family. It made the whole experience extra fun.

Sharks!

Ryder pooped out half way through the day.

We had a little fun at the Sea World splash zone too and guess who else was there....?

Elmo and Cookie Monster!

On the way back from Sea World, Ryder was refreshed from his nap, but Lainey was pooped.

The next day we went to the beach and it was Ryder's first time, other than Alaska (but that's not the kind of beach you go to in your swim suit.)

Next we took a visit to the Temple. It's so beautiful, you just can't pass it up.

We had been hearing that the Mormon Batallion tour was remodeled and really fun, so we decided to stop by and do that on our way home from California.

Our California trip was so much fun and just what we needed. I'm so happy to have these pictures and memories.

Oh, and remember my post about me taking Ryder to the cabin and how awful he was? Well, this trip was completely different. He slept in his bed without fussing. He was totally happy and a good little boy. I don't know if it's because Greg was here this time, or what, but he was awesome! Yay for being able to travel again!

Top 12 Things The Lindbloms Have Been Up To

2011-10-01T12:35:00.024-07:00

Here is a quick review of the things we've been up to lately:

#1) My little brother Wes went on his mission in July to North Carolina. He is loving it. It is so, so neat to read his letters and see how much he is changing already. I love him a lot.

#2) Ryder has become quite the little boy, and by that i mean, he is into EVERYTHING! The bathroom seems to be his favorite place to find things and get into mischief.

#3) We love to go visit grandmother. We need to visit her a lot more, but when we do, the kids love it. She is such an amazing woman. She's truly an example to me.

#4) It's been so stinkin hot still that if we do go outside I strip the kids down to a few bits of clothing, or we go to the splash pad, or we go swimming at my grandparents house. Otherwise we are watching movies, or doing arts and crafts!

#5) We went up to the cabin, which brings up a story:

Ryder has always hated sleeping anywhere except his bed. Therefore, he hates traveling. He gets absolutely ticked. Well, Greg was out of town and I was sick of being in the heat, so I figured I would take the kids up to Forest Lakes to hang out with my grandparents at their cabin for a few days. Ryder made my life miserable. He was so mad at me. He cried nonstop. As soon as he saw the pack-n-play he immediately started crying. I lasted a day and decided to go home. He wouldn't stop crying at night. I couldn't sleep, and Lainey couldn't sleep, so I couldn't handle it another night. I took him home the next night. Got home around 11, and put him in his bed and he looked right at me from his crib and said, "Thank you," and then laid down. He slept the whole night and was perfectly happy the next day. He just wanted his bed. I have vowed to never take him anywhere until he's older. Here are the 1 day cabin pictures, and Ryder is crying in most of them, the only way he was happy is if he had a cookie. The one picture of the kids on the couch is at 4 in the morning when none of us were sleeping because Ryder wouldn't stop crying:

#6) I've been wanting to make these skirts that I found from a friends blog, who found them on another blog, you get the idea. So I finally did it! Lainey picked out the material for herself. She was pretty excited. Then I made one for my friend Cherish's new baby girl. I guess I can sew fabric to a piece of elastic pretty good. LOL.

While I was taking pictures of the skirts, Ryder kept saying. "Cheeeeeese," and trying to get in front of the camera so I took a picture of him too :)

#7) The new Gilbert Temple!! We visited the little visitors center there for family night this week. The kids were a little crazy so we didn't stay long, but at least we learned a little bit about it and showed the kids the beginnings of an amazing place.

#8) Emma had a sleep over with us, so we made a fort, ordered pizza, and watched movies

#9) Ryder and Lainey are starting to play more and more with each other. I'm loving that!

#10) Me and my sister-in-laws have been trying to get the cutie girl cousins together every Friday, so last week the play date was at my house. I couldn't help but take pictures, cuz they were playing dress up, all in princess gowns and at one point Ryder was sitting on his horse with a sword! SO CUTE! He wouldn't stay long enough for the picture though :(

#11) One of my best friends in the whole world had a baby this summer named Millie and they came over for a visit one night. Lainey is in love with Millie. Think it's time for a sister for Lainey?

#12) My little Ryder keeps getting super high fevers with no other symptoms. It's literally 103 degrees everytime this happens. It lasts for like 3 or 4 days and it's happened 3 times in the last 6 weeks. What the heck? The only thing happening is teeth coming in, but I never knew he could be this miserable from just teeth! Poor guy :(

Well, there you have it. That about sums it up. It feels good to get all of that posted. Whew!

Boot Camp Sessions Again!

2011-09-19T10:34:00.003-07:00

I will be doing my boot camp sessions again for those who are interested. They are held at Desert Mountain Park in Queen Creek on Hawes and Ocotillo.

We Start on October 3rd. The session will be a four week session, with three workouts a week, and a running schedule on the off days for you to do on your own. The sessions will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 7-8 pm. These will be intense workouts, but I will modify for those who need it. It is $60 for the whole month and I will be giving you diet and eating tips as well. If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible.

Funny Story

2011-09-08T20:35:00.003-07:00

I overheard Lainey playing with her toys. She has a toy duck, a bottle of hairspray for a "tower," and a Rapunzel doll. She is making the toys talk to each other. This is what I hear:

The Duck: "Oh no, my legs are totally broken, but I have to climb this tower because I know Rapunzel will help me and fix my legs."

(I hear panting as she is pretending to climb the tower)

The Duck: "Rapunzel, my legs are broken, can you please help me?"

Rapunzel: "No Duck, I'm sorry I have to brush all of my stupid hair."

...I don't know why she used the word stupid. I'm ashamed that she did, but I have to admit, it was quite funny.

Cutie Videos of Cutie Kiddos

2011-08-27T15:59:00.006-07:00

Blogger is so slow at uploading so I only did a couple videos. One at the Bounz House and one of my all time favorite videos of Ryder being silly. The bottom one was a few months ago, but I love it. Ryder cracks me up. It's just a taste of his personality... wait to the end of the video.

Song by me "What You See"

2011-08-20T13:39:00.003-07:00

I'm learning to have confidence in my singing/songwriting goals. It's hard to post myself singing and hard to feel like my songs are worth showing people, but the more I pursue music, the more I realize I shouldn't hide any talent that I have. So here's me posting another song. Every time I do, it's a little uncomfortable, but all of my friends and family believe in me and encourage me, so I try not to be shy about it.

This song was inspired by my little girl. I love watching her pretend to be a princess and how she really truly knows she is beautiful. I wondered why that changes in us women. When we are little girls, we don't care what other people think, we all think we are pretty princesses, but as we grow up we constantly compare ourselves to others and to what the world perceives as beautiful. It's something I think we all are trying to work on. But wouldn't it be easier if we could all see what He sees? Is that really achievable? On my "feeling bad about myself days," sometimes it doesn't feel like I'll ever get over looking at all of my flaws. But I'm trying to understand what Heavenly Father sees when he looks at me, and not care about anything else. I hope this song inspires all who hear it.

Close Your Eyes

2011-08-03T13:20:00.006-07:00

Last night I was putting my sweet little boy to bed. It was one of those extra special moments where they are being extra sweet and extra adorable. I laid him in his bed and just looked at him from above and stroked his hair. Then I closed his door behind me and closed my eyes; just standing there. As I closed my eyes I imagined that my babies could stay small forever, but in that moment my heart broke because I realized that no matter what, my babies are gonna grow up. Someday this sweet little baby boy will be a stinky teenager with an attitude and smelly armpits. There is nothing I can do about it. I thought of my husbands cute grandmother and how she has tons of children and an enormous posterity, but now they've all grown and started their own families, and her husband has passed on, and now she's alone. She does her best to get through her lonely days, but ultimately she is ready to be done with this life. How sad it gets to watch your children grow up. I understand the joy of this life. I have a testimony of Heavenly Father's Plan, but I, in all honesty, dread getting old and not having my little children and little family day in and day out.

Why did I write all of this? Well, I print out my blog in a book each year and this post was especially meant for me to read when I take my young motherhood days for granted. So here is a "note to self." Literally.

Colby, remember to cherish these extraordinary spirits. Remember the sweet, tender moments like you had the other night with your son. Know that Lainey is innocent and pure and that she doesn't know any better when she sticks her tongue out at you. Think of moments rolling on the floor and wrestling with your kids. Playing superman, putting on goofy music and dancing, snuggling with them when they are sick, and the unstoppable giggles they get from you spitting the little ball out of your mouth.

Remember your song, "These moment's aren't here for long..."

A Post Not About Alaska

2011-07-21T10:40:00.009-07:00

I have to give a pre-story synopsis to explain a crazy decision I made:

Well just after Alaska (which was a draining trip with the kids in itself) Greg's Birthday came and it happened to be the day before Father's Day. I have this anxiety on family member's birthdays because I want to make them feel as special as possible on their big day and I'm always worried I'm not gonna do enough! It literally exhausts me, so to then have Father's Day the day after, and to try to make my Dad and Greg feel extremely special on that day as well, pretty much drained me. (I know it sounds selfish, but it's the truth.) I felt like I was buzzing around and catering to my sweetheart, trying not to let him lift a finger on those two days, but that's not what killed me. The day after Father's Day, Greg left at 4 in the morning off to scout camp for a week and I became a single mom for 7 days.(I know there's mom's way worse off than me and my pity party, but I'm dependent okay?!) Then Greg came home, and was asked to speak in Church the next day (more time I have to give him alone, away from the kids, so he can prepare his thoughts.) So I sat in the congregation alone with my extremely cranky children trying to keep it together, when I realize that both of my kids have huge tonsils with puss on them and I'm sitting behind a newborn baby. I take them home and Ryder has a 103.8 fever and I'll be honest I had a "Mommy Meltdown." You know the kind. Where you just can't deal with handling anything for a second longer; where your emotions overcome you and you feel like a crappy mom? So I let it out for a minute, gave the kids some medicine, drove back to church hoping to hear my husband speak (from the foyer away from anyone that might suspect my kids are sick) to try to make it to my Sharing Time I was giving and to ask Greg to take the kids home.

Now, there's more I could go on and on about, but you get the jist. Then comes Tuesday and here's story number two:

I talk my best friend into doing a "no kids and no husband trip." We called around for last minute babysitters, kissed our husbands goodbye, jumped in the car at 5 in the morning on a Wednesday and drove to San Diego... best decision of my life. We did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We were free, lazy, giddy and rejuvenated. We kicked it on the beach, saw a movie in the middle of the day (more than once,) ate great food, and auditioned for American Idol. Yep, us Mormon mommies decided to be a little crazy and have some extra fun and do a huge tv-show audition. It's always been on my bucket list, I'll admit, but after having kids it was unrealistic to me. But we took advantage of the opportunity to have freedom and did something fun, for ourselves. This trip was the boost of energy I needed. It, in all honesty, shaped me into a better person, not just because I had fun but because I was able to grow spiritually and emotionally.

I'm thankful for a friend who understands me more than any other friend I have. I'm thankful for her honesty and for her belief in me. When I'm around her, I feel better about myself. I laugh so hard that I pee a little when I'm with her. I have a lot in common with her, but my favorite thing, is that we have real conversations, other than the giddiness and the Bieber Fever. So to you Charde', I'm saying thanks. Thanks for being willing to drop your life and support me in a time of need.

Lindblom Adventures in Alaska

2011-06-16T15:26:00.020-07:00

This post has taken forever because I have so many pictures to upload and blogger is very slow with uploading.

I have so much to post about, but first it's the rest of our Alaska trip. Alaska was of course beautiful and we created so many memories. I feel privileged to go to a place that people dream of going. This year was particularly special because my parents and siblings joined us for a week. I am so grateful to my dad for letting us participate in a lot of the activities. It was also special to me because I got to spend a lot of time with my younger brother Wes who just got called to serve a mission in North Carolina. He leaves July 20th so I was so happy to have him to myself for a week. Here are a few of our experiences in Alaska. There are too many pictures on my memory card, so I'll choose the best ones and do my best to explain what happened.

My mom had her amazing camera with her while we were up there so we tried our best to get some family pictures done, but had slim pickens with our restless kids.

There is a town in Alaska called Skagway. It is a very historical place involving a gold rush. There is a a railraod that goes through beautiful mountains on the side of cliffs and you can ride it exactly like the people did long ago. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. There is wild life everywhere and the scenery is breath taking. You can't get to the town unless you fly in a plane, so I was lucky enough to go because my Dad got an entire plane for our family to go. The pilot flew over amazing glaciers for us to explore from the air as well. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I felt so blessed to experience Skagway and the flight with my family.

It totally looks like a fake background right here, but its not.

This is the bridge the old train used to cross until they built a new one.

One of the glaciers from the airplane

Before we left Greg's Dad, Curtis and Ryder were all in need of haircuts so we had a fun little haircut afternoon outside

On the way home out of the 7 hours we were on a plane, the kids didn't sleep a wink. On the car ride home still, nobody was sleeping, then we finally pull in the driveway and...

We went on a really long hike to Bartlett Lake near the lodge with Mark and Cede and our new friend Madi. The long hike was worth it when we saw the clearing with the lake.

One day Greg and I took the kids out near the ocean to take pictures and enjoy our last few days in Alaska

Another beautiful view from our plane ride into Gustavus

My Great Grandfather decided to try and join us on our trip for a few days. He was a war veteran in World War II, Vietnam, and Korean. He was a pilot, so we thought it would be neat to take him to the airplane crash hike near the lodge. The airplane is a cargo plane from WWII. My cute old grandpa loved giving us all of his input and knowledge on the subject.

Auntie Em and Little Lainey are such buds. They came on the airplane hike too and had a blast picking plants and flowers

You can't go to Alaska without fishing, so of course we did a lot of that. We brought home a lot of Halibut and Salmon.

Emma and I reeled this one in together :) Team work.

Random but adorable picture of my Ryder boy

The men were doing tons of construction while we were there and i would catch Lainey just observing them all the time. This one was especially cute.

My Lainey and I had a couple of Mommy/Daughter dates in Alaska. It was so fun to just explore together and take our time doing things.

To understand the picture below better: Lainey said, "Hey mom you should take a picture of me on this rock. It's a cool rock."

There's probably a thousand more pictures I could show, but for now these tell most of our 3 weeks in Alaska story. My pictures are precious and priceless and my heart is full of gratitude to have been able to create these memories with my family.

Pretty Much Paradise

2011-05-26T21:29:00.012-07:00

I've been snapping lots of pictures of us here in Alaska a.k.a Paradise. Here are some from the last few days. Don't be jealous :) Just come stay at the Lindblom's Lodge too!

At the Seattle Airport they have a little kid play area and the kids had a blast. It made the lay over so much easier and the kids got their wiggles out.

This is the view from our little plane that we take from Juneau to Gustavus

Our little family on the little plane

Playing baseball in the yard

Lainey and I were sitting on the porch rocking chair, enjoying the view of Alaska together

Lainey fell asleep mowing the lawn with dad, how cute.

After Lainey fell asleep then Ryder got a turn to mow the lawn with dad. Look at those little cheeks. They make his eyes droop, he's a doll face.

More pictures to come!...

Videos and a Funny Story

2011-05-21T13:54:00.008-07:00

K, I know this is long and at the end Ryder falls off the chair and Greg yells at me to help him, but it's cute. Lainey is starved for attention in this video as well, it's hard to be the big sister sometimes. We love you Lainey.

Lainey's was so cute when she sang the Preschool Graduation Song. She's the loudest one. I love it. She is the best singer.

So, you Mommy's out there probably know, that sometime kids will go through a faze of not telling the truth. Lainey has been telling little fibs lately, so I've been having lots of talks with her about what a lie is and what the truth is. Up until the other day I didn't think it was sinking into her brain, but Greg proved me wrong:

Greg and Lainey were alone together and Greg decided to pass gas. This is their conversation:

Lainey: "Dad, did you toot?"

Greg: "No, it wasn't me."

Lainey: "Well then who was it?"

Greg: "I don't know, maybe it was you."

Lainey: "No, it wasn't me Dad.

Greg: "Maybe it was my shoe squeeking."

Lainey: "Dad, that's a lie, your not telling the truth. You need to tell the truth."

Greg (completely caught off guard and feeling slightly guilty:) "Yeah, you're right Lainey, I wasn't telling the truth. It was me. I'm sorry.

The Fun Has Begun

2011-05-19T13:21:00.020-07:00

We've been enjoying the outdoors a lot this May because it hasn't been too hot yet. It's been so nice for an Arizona May. Dad has been working hard on our garden, but he always has his helpers:

Our very first "ready to harvest" tomato just happened to be ready on Lainey's birthday, so she got to pick it and eat it

Ryder is always right at Gregs feet helping him outside and wantin to know how things work

It's the best picture I could get of the two of them on the slide.

Sharing the tomato

Lainey did have a birthday this month, so I am now a mom to a 3 year old. Can't believe my sweetie is so big. We took her out to breakfast in the morning to Village Inn where she got a free piece of pie when she left. She got to pick any kind she wanted :) Then we took her to Toys R Us to pick out any toy she wanted (with a reasonable price.) She decided to go with the new princess pony that is out. Then later that day we had a party with family at Peter Piper Pizza. Everyone had a blast. Grandma Carla made her the cutest birthday cake. Lainey's special request was a "ballerina cake," so Carla made a darling ballerina cake for her. (Delicious too!)

Right before bed... birthday was almost over but she had to play with her toys one more time before sleeping.

Lainey has been having some play-dates lately with her friends in the neighborhood and one day we had Lily, Kate, and Emma over for a swim day. Here are the cutie patootie pictures:

Lainey also started her second year of swim lessons. She's still a little scared because of a scare that happened last year, but she's getting better :) And I'd rather have a kid scared of the water than fearless.

She cried hysterically cuz she didn't want to go down the slide, but after I pushed her down it, she realized it was fun and then did it again and again.

Right before I climbed up there and pushed her down the slide.

Lainey also had her preschool graduation this month. She's not officially graduated from preschool of course. She's only 3, but it was cute and they sang a cute little song and got certificates. We watched a slide show that made me cry and had cupcakes!

Lainey also had her very first dance recital. I have to admit, it's something I've dreamed of seeing for a long time. I loved getting her ready and sitting in the audience watching her. It was A-dorable!

Notice the cute little milkshake bouquet my mom made her. So cute Mom! I wish I had even an ounce of your creativity and craftiness :/

Ooda Lolly Ooda Lolly, Golly What a Day

2011-04-30T12:34:00.018-07:00

K, We just bought Robin Hood so all the lines and songs have been in my head. But we've been up to a lot lately since spring/summer started So here is our Lindblom Latest with pictures at the bottom:

*Snuggling and watching movies is always a year round acitvity, no matter what the season. I just signed up for Disney Movie Club, so our first 4 movies were only $0.25 each! So I got Mulan, Robin Hood, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, and Finding Nemo :)

*It's been fun watching Lainey in dance class, learning more and enjoying every bit of it. I already posted some about her starting dance class but I just can't emphasize enough, just how darn cute she is.

*We planted a garden in the back and some flowers in the front. Greg and I worked hard together to make it all come to life, but everything is looking beautiful after a few weeks of TLC :)

*It has been getting a lot warmer lately, so it's been warm enough to have some water fun!

*I turned 24 yesterday and Greg and I had a chance to go to dinner last night too.

*Easter! The kids didn't have any special outfits this year, but Lainey knows what Easter is really about and I'm glad for that! They loved waking up Easter morning to the Easter Bunny stuff!

Here are all the pictures of our fun, fun fun: Enjoy :)

Dinner with the Hubs and I'm 24 now folks!

This kid climbs on EVERYTHING! I found him on top of our giant, glass end table today just sitting there with no way down! But this was his way to get on the horse

Greggy Greggy quite contrary how does your garden grow?

This little girlie is a champion colorer... is that a word? But she is.

Easter Fun!

Isn't it just golden when your kids are playing good together?!

I once saw a funny little sign that said: Boy: noun; a germ with dirt on it. (Now I understand)

Lainey was sleeping in this chair and Ryder climbed up in the chair and snuggled with her. She woke up, but they laid there together for a while and I had to take a picture.

Our little ballerina is quite the poser.

Our water bill is probably very high since the hose was on for a couple hours, but hey, we had fun!

Watching movies!

More pictures of more summer coming soon!

Beauty on the Inside

2011-04-25T20:13:00.003-07:00

Please check out my post on my "I Am Worth It" blog :)

Clean Up Time

2011-04-12T12:29:00.004-07:00

Last night Lainey was not too happy about us making her pick up the living room. As she was angrily throwing toys in the closet, our "Talking Elmo Doll" said, "Uh oh, Elmo fell down. Can you help Elmo up please?" Lainey then responds, (in an angry voice) "No! I can't! I'm doing clean up time right now!"

Time Together

2011-04-11T10:56:00.015-07:00

It's become enojoyableto me to capture moments of our family time together. Whether it's Ryder and Lainey doing something together, or Greg and I, or all of us together, I've decided that it's always worth the hassle of taking a picture. Here are some moments I've wanted to document:

Ryder helping mommy with the dishes/Walking a little:

Ryder feeling brave enough to go down the slide:

Most recently Greg and I took a trip to Utah without the kids to visit our best buds/family Mark and Cede and Megan and Taylor. We had tons of fun with them. They are special people to us, so it was wonderful to be able to spend time with them.

This was right before we went to conference while we were waiting for Megan and Taylor and we think it looks kinds funny, since we're all dressed up and sitting on the couch like a family portrait.

Before we made it to Utah, Greg and I decided to get some shut eye in Vegas on the way. We stayed in a beautiful hotel called the Venetian.

The transition to spring has made it a beautiful time to be outside before it gets scorching hot out, so we've been playing at the park a lot.

I've been trying to take more family photos of the four of us, so this was just on Sunday right before church. We were all ready and had some time to spare (which never happens,) so we took a picture.

There was a rodeo fair near our house one Saturday, so we decided to go check it out. The kids had a lot of fun, because there were free pony rides, and a free petting zoo with all kinds of baby animals. There was even a baby cow and a little piglet.

Lainey started dance classes a few weeks ago and is loving it. They do ballet and tap and she is such a cutie patootie when she does it.

Ryder was teething so I had been giving him some popsicles lately. They looked so cute sittin on the porch eating popsicles together.

Ryder's Milestones

2011-04-07T16:04:00.007-07:00

Here are some stats for my blog book to have in it for this years book.

Physical milestones:

Army Crawling- 6 mos old

Real Crawling- 8 mos old

First steps- 13 mos old

Gives kisses- 12 mos old

Talking Milestones:

Dada- 6 mos old

Mama-7 mos old

Ryder-(Wyduh Wyduh Wyduh three times in a row) 12 mos old

Lainey- (Nuh Nuh) 12 mos old

Ny Nite- (Nuh Ny) 13 mos old

Num Nums- (Nun Nun) 13 mos old

Uh Oh- (Uh Uh) 12 mos old

All Done- (AwDuh) 13 mos old

Sign Language Milestones:

All done-10 mos old

Please- 13 mos old

Buh Bye- 10 mos old

Cute Things:

*If you sing "If You're Happy and You Know It," he'll clap his hands on the clap part, but only twice, just like the song does. -13 mos

*If you sing "Old McDonald," he tries his best to say the Ee-Ei-Ee-Ei-Oh part.- 13 mos

Tower of Babel

2011-03-24T11:56:00.002-07:00

Last week we were reading family scriptures and explaining to Lainey what the Tower of Babel was. In our best "child-like" explanation, we told her how the people thought they could build a tower that would take them to Heaven. We explained that Heavenly Father didn't like that they thought they could just make a building to get to Heaven, so he made the ground shake and had the tower fall and confused the way everyone talked by changing their language... you know the story.

Well, as we were driving today she saw a construction site with a half built building and workers all working around it. And then I hear her say, "Mom look! They are gonna be in trouble with Heavenly Father cuz they think they can build a building to get to Heaven. Heavenly Father is gonna be mad!"

At least she pays attention to the scriptures.

Occasions Occasions

2011-03-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

So we have had quite the February. There are a few things we celebrate in this month. Here is the Lindblom list of special occasions in February:

First, we have my Mommy's Birthday! She is such an amazing person. I have learned so much about her since I've become a Mom and have grown a deeper love for her since I have been a more mature adult. Though her life is crazy at times, I always know that if I ever needed her for anything, she would do it, no matter what her circumstances are. I forgot to take pictures of her little birthday dinner, but here's one of my beautiful mom last year. I know I'm gonna get a talking to by her because she always tells me that she has to approve every picture of her that I post. But I think she is always beautiful and this one is a great picture of her.

Then Valentines' Day, of course. We celebrated by going out with our friends Trent and Charde' to a restaurant called The Brazilian Bull. It was fun being with them and fun to actually go out on Valentine's Day. We usually don't because our Anniversary is only 9 days after Valentine's Day, but this time I told Greg we were going out! No pictures for this night either. I'm awful, so here's an image I'll use instead:

Next would be our 4 year wedding anniversary! Yay for us. I speak the truth when I say that Greg and I love each other more than we ever have before. It's amazing how you can think you love someone so much and that you couldn't love them any more and then a year passes and you look back and think, "Wow, I do love you even more!" It's neat to go down a road with someone. Greg and I have been down a long road together. We dated all through high school, he went on his mission, we wrote every single week, he came home, we were engaged in four weeks, married in 10 weeks, and then six months later pregnant with our first baby. Now here we are 9 years since the day we met and 4 years married with two kiddos and I'm sure blessed to have a husband and father like Greg. I love him more than words can say. This picture was taken on our actual anniversary this year, but the pictures of our trip together, will come, as soon as we go on the trip :) We just look like a couple of kids ourselves!

Next is our sweet little RyRy's Birthday and party! He was sure quick to get into the cake. It took him no time at all. The second it was on the tray... he was there. I tried to do a little farm animal theme, so Greg's Mom made a delicious and dang cute, farm animal, sheet cake, and I made the ugly cow cake for him to dig into.

This is the farm animal cake Grandma Carla made... adorable

This was his cow cake before he destroyed it

Singing Happy Birthday

The first bite

Sharing with mom

Here is the cake after

We got him a little truck that he can push, sit on and ride, or use as a true dump truck. He was pretty happy about it and he loves to push the buttons.

It was a little cold outside, so he's making a cold face, but this is the only picture I have of him in his birthday boy shirt.

One of his birthday gifts from Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Sacco

Opening his present from Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Moore. They are little trucks and he thinks its hilarious to roll them off of things.

And now for some random pictures of our cute little one year old:

This is just a cute picture of him sitting in a bucket. It's his new thing to do. He'll sit in there for a long time and just think he's so clever and funny.

This was how we found him one day after eating pretzels. He was just playing with his toys and had no idea.

Oh That Funny Lainey

2011-03-05T11:19:00.004-07:00

Lately, she has been saying, "What?!" every time I tell her something. It's a little annoying because most of the time she really does hear me, she just says, "What?!" out of habit. I was looking out the window at our yard and said, "Wow, daddy really needs to mow the lawn." Of course Lainey said, "What?!" so I said, "Lainey I think you heard me, just think about what I said." and Lainey replied, "Hmmm, something about Mulan?" Hilarious.

We have the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks and Lainey likes to watch it sometimes. Well, she asked me to watch it the other day, but she said, "Mom, can I watch Bobby and the Chipmunks?" Who's Bobby?

Greg was putting up a baby gate on the stairs and using his tools the other day. Lainey was sitting there watching him do it and says, "Dad, you're like Tinker Bell. You're good at fixing things."

Dear Ryder,

2011-02-24T09:34:00.017-07:00

I refuse to write that you are 1 because then that means I'm counting in years. You are my baby boy. You will remain counted in months. So since today is you 12 month birthday, a.k.a, your first birthday, I have to reflect on the year and make sure you know how much I love you.

I remember the day I had you, I was so tired. I wanted to sleep. Especially since you were such an easy and healthy newborn, I knew that I could sleep and not have to worry about you, unlike your sister when she was a newborn. I knew I should try to get some rest, but I couldn't put you down. Daddy kept telling me to put you in the bassinet and try to sleep, but I just couldn't. I just wanted to hold you all day and all night long. That's the one thing Daddy remembers most about that hospital stay. He remembers that I was always, always holding you. The times that I did fall asleep, I would open my eyes to your bassinet right beside my hospital bed and your little face would be wide awake, just looking at me, blinking your little eyes. You were just so good. You never cried as a new born, you would just fuss if you wanted something, but you were so easily pleased.

I truly wondered if I would be able to feel as much love for my son as I did my daughter, because we all know girls are supposed to be sweeter than boys, but you were so easy to fall in love with. Maybe it is a mother son connection, but I felt a deep love for you the minute I looked at your little face. You are my sweet boy. You always will be.

As Mother's, we tend to know our children better than anyone else. Here's what I know about you: You are the peacemaker in our home. You make everyone around you smile with your silliness. Whenever their is contention between any of us, you'll usually break that tension by doing something silly. Sometimes it's not even on purpose. You have a personality that is addictive. When anyone starts watching your behavior, they are glued because you are just so cute and so funny. You are always trying to figure things out. Not particularly with how to talk or walk, but with how actual items work. You are attentive to details of objects and we think you'll be quite the little boy always fixing things and building things. You are obsessed with sports already because whenever you see a ball, you'll play with it for hours. YMost of the time you can't put the ball down and you'll carry it with you even if you are on to other things. You like to copy things that we do. Like if we make noises, you'll copy us, or the other day when we were all doing push-ups and you did yours too. You love to play with us and interact with us. You are a Momma's Boy. You look for me for anything. Though you say, "Dada," more than, "Mama," I still know that you love me so much. sometimes you will just sit in my lap and watch the world go by, just to be with me.

Ryder, you have taught me to love in a way I never new existed. I never knew a boy could be this sweet and beautiful. I never knew my feelings for a little baby boy could be so different and unique from that of a girl. You mean more to me than I can say. I am so blessed and privileged to be your Mother and I thank Heavenly Father for that opportunity everyday. I love you Ryder Boy. You are a gift Mommy and Daddy couldn't have even dreamed of having. You're more than we expected and more than amazing. You and your sister are everything to us. Happy Birthday Sweet Boy.

Love,

Momma

See for yourself

2011-02-19T20:57:00.002-07:00

Jessica is one of the girls that comes to my bootcamps. Here's what she had to say about it on her blog:

http://zaakandjessica.blogspot.com/2011/02/mind-vs-body.html

I'm glad you feel this way Jessica! Thanks for coming!

I Am Worth It: An experience of a lifetime

2011-02-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

I Am Worth It: An experience of a lifetime: "I have become converted. I was NOT opposed to races or running before, but I was most definitely not a participator. I have always tried..."

Sign Up for Boot Camp!

2011-02-02T10:11:00.002-07:00

I've had tons of people inquiring about my Boot Camp that starts on Monday, February 7th, but hardly anybody is committing. I decided to charge only $10 for this session since it is my first and I'm learning, so please take advantage of this opportunity. I will be available Monday-Friday at 6:30 am and workouts will be about an hour. If you cannot attend all five days, just come when you can! Please sign up! I really want to have a good turn out and a good experience. Email me if you are interested!

Thanks!

Picture This

2011-01-28T13:42:00.009-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted all of my recent pictures, so I dedicate this post to new pictures!

We'll start with Ryder's first real haircut. Clippers and all.

Before:

After:

With the beautiful weather, we've been visiting the park quite a bit. Emma's been hanging out with us lately too, and we love having her :)

She fell asleep like this, watching a movie and I thought it was funny, so I took a picture.

Look at that handsome little guy.

Emma was so cute with Lainey. She kept dressing Lainey up in different outfits to match characters, one of the one's she did was Tinker Bell. She did the hair and everything. So cute.

Next was our "Minute To Win It" Party with the Lindblom Family

Haha I love all of their faces in this picture:

Then, the zoo with Jenna, Londyn and Maverick!

Like how Ryder is screaming his head off?

And that's the latest folks!

The End.

The Funnies

2011-01-23T13:51:00.004-07:00

Funny #1- Lainey: "Mom, I am so sick of crumbs sticking to my feet! Can you please sweep the floor?!"

Funny #2- Ryder is eating an oreo cookie and it's all over his face, smeared. Lainey comes in looks at Ryder and says, "Mommy, are you feeding Ryder poop?"

Funny #3- If you know me, you know I like to listen to Justin Bieber, so that means Lainey listens to him too. Lainey always tells me that she is going to marry Daddy but the other day we were driving in the car, and I had a Justin Bieber calendar in my car from a white elephant gift exchange (my friends know of my "Bieber fever.") Lainey was looking through it at the pictures and says, "Mom, when I get big like Justin Bieber, I'm gonna marry Justin Bieber." Me: (laughing) "You are?! Well, I thought you were gonna marry Daddy?" Lainey: "Oh yeah, I forgot, but it's just because Justin Bieber is so cute." It was hilarious, but I can't help but think to myself, what have I done?!

My New Blog :)

2011-01-19T19:21:00.004-07:00

Alright so my website is under construction, so it's a blog for now, but some of you know, I've been pursuing an education and career in health and fitness. I'm almost there, but in the mean time visit my blog for information on my bootcamps and health tips. I want it to be a place that women can use for health tips, but more importantly, I want it to be a place where women can find motivation and comfort when they are struggling with self worth. Please read my "about me" entry and you'll understand my motive behind this new blog. Follow me if you are interested in seeing future posts! Thank you!

http://bootcampwithcolby.blogspot.com/

Jesus Said Love Everyone

2011-01-17T12:22:00.005-07:00

It's always heart wrenching to me, to see struggles in others. As I see others struggle, I am reminded of the countless blessings I have. I've had many experiences with others in need. This week, I had another, but I am always reminded of a certain experience I had as a young adult.

I was 18 years old, working at a dental office. There weren't any patients there that day. No doctor or assistants either. I was there because I worked in the front office and the office was new, so even when we didn't have any patients, I would come in to answer phones and hopefully make appointments. This particular day, an older Hispanic man came knocking on the door. (It was locked, since I was there alone.) My instinct was that I should not open the door since he was a stranger, and I was by myself, but another voice whispered to me to let him in. My heart reached out to him for some reason, so I walked over to the door. With tears in his eyes, he asked me, in his best English, if he could work for me, or clean for me for money. I didn't have any work for him, nor did I have any money. I had $30 in my account and it was supposed to last me 6 more days until I got paid again. I was living on my own at the time, so $30 was a big deal. I told him I was sorry, that I didn't have any work, or any money. He nodded his head and walked away, but I could tell tears began to pour out even more.

I had noticed him earlier going door to door at these offices, asking for the same thing, and it seemed that everyone had turned him down. Realizing that I was the last office on the corner, his last hope for work, or money, my heart broke. I didn't know his story, I couldn't understand him, I didn't know what to do until that same voice whispered again to me, "Help him."

Finally, I decided to chase after him in the parking lot and I asked him to come back. When he did, I called someone that I knew who spoke Spanish and I asked them to ask him what his dilemma was. When I got the phone back, my special translator told me that this man lived in California, but couldn't find work their to provide for his family, so he came to Arizona looking for work. He said he had just called home to his wife, and she told him that his little 3 year old girl had a serious case of pneumonia and was not going to make it through the night, so she asked him to come home to say goodbye to their little girl. He didn't have any gas money, to make it back home, and he was trying so desperately to get some money, to make the drive.

My heart ached at the sadness and worry and burden that this poor man was carrying, so I asked him to wait there. I went next store to the nail salon, used their ATM and pulled out $100, which obviously over drafted me, and handed it to the man. As I did, and he saw the amount I handed to him, he fell to his knees and sobbed. I knelt down beside him and put my hand on his back, trying to tell him that I was happy to do it, but I couldn't help but cry too. He just kept saying, "God bless you, God bless you." As he walked away, he kept looking back at me mouthing those words, over and over.

I don't share this experience because I want to boast about this great thing I did. Really, I had turned him down at first. I share this because it has been such a lesson to me in many ways, but there is one specifically I will explain. I think back on this moment often in my life. I will always remember the impression I had as I walked away from that man. The impression came upon me that I had followed the spirit and done what Christ would have done. And for a small moment I felt the way Christ may have felt. Someone fell to my feet with tears in their eyes and gratitude in their heart. What a feeling it was to have someone have so much love and gratitude for me and what I did for them. What a feeling it was to know that I had helped someone in a way that might have changed their life.

We are to love EVERYONE and treat EVERYONE kindly. Not just who we think deserves it, or needs it. I know now that if someone is in need and asking for help, that I should. It is not my place to judge them, or question what they need it for, or why. It is the Lord's.

Jesus said love everyone

Treat them kindly too

When your heart is filled with love

Others will love you

Bucket List

2011-01-10T10:17:00.004-07:00

Things I really want to do before I kick the bucket:

-Be on a game show

-Travel and tour at least 5 different countries

-Become a Nutrition/Health & Fitness Professional

-Finish my college degree

-Become an amazing mother and wife

-Overcome my sweet tooth

-Write a book, even if it doesn't get published

-Develop more talents (either mentally, physically, or spiritually)

-Be a scripture scholar

-Influence the world

-Meet someone really famous that I respect, or look up to. There are lots of people, in my opinion, that fit this description. (General Authorities, Olympians, Musicians, Political Figures.)

Heartbeat: Another Colby Song

2011-01-01T21:48:00.003-07:00

Just thought I 'd kick the New Year off with a song I just finished. It needs some work still, but I just thought I'd share it since Greg and I are going on 4 years married next month! I've loved my journey with him. I really do remember feeling my "heartbeat" out of my chest at certain moments in my life with Greg. He's a blessing to me in more ways than I can count and I love him with all my heart.

Oh what fun it is

2010-12-23T12:55:00.010-07:00

We all had so much fun at our ward Christmas party and family Christmas parties!

Lainey played the role of the angle in the nativity, but she kept stealing the baby Jesus from Mary. Brookie was so nice about it though. She just let Lainey hold the baby for her.

We did some Christmas shopping at the Bass pro shop. Ryder helped Daddy look for some boots.

This little boy loves to make messes

Lainey was beyond excited to meet Santa Claus. She never forgets to ask him to bring something for her "brother Ry Ry too."

Lainey made a cute little Indian costume for Thanksgiving at school.

Megan and Taylor came down around Thanksgiving! We love them so much! Lainey has always told me she wants to be a ballerina. Even if I say you look so pretty Lainey, just like a princess... she'll correct me and say, "no, like a ballerina." So when Megan (my friend who is a real ballerina. She got a scholarship to BYU for it and plays the role of Cinderella and the Sugar Plum Fairy and all that) I had her show Lainey some videos of her on the internet and Lainey was in awe. She was so attached to Megan. Megan taught her some cute little things and Lainey was sad when she left.

Lainey loves trying to rock her little brother even though he doesn't let her for very long

Just wanted to throw this post up real quick... I didn't finish it like I wanted to, but it's been sitting in my drafts for a while so I thought I'd just post it before it was old news.

Lainey says the darndest things

2010-12-19T16:44:00.004-07:00

We were at the store Lowe's the other day looking for a Christmas tree. Greg and I decided to leave because we didn't like any of the ones they had, so Lainey says, "Mommy why aren't we getting a Christmas tree?" I respond, "Because all the trees at this store are ugly and we want to get a really pretty one." Lainey: "They're ugly?" Me: "Yeah, ugly just means they don't look very beautiful."... A few days later, we're driving in the car and Lainey is watching Thumbelina on the DVD player in our car. (There's a big mean toad on that movie.) Lainey says to me, "Mom, that toad is so ugly! Just the the Christmas trees at the store!" I love how she remembered what I taught her about the word ugly.

Lainey's whole life, Greg has been teaching her songs in Portuguese. The one she knows best is "I Am a Child of God." What's funny about this is that as many times as I've heard them practice this song, I still can't get it right and she can. So, a few weeks ago Lainey and Greg were trying to teach me together. There is a part in it where the words are "para que." As Lainey was trying to teach me... this is what she said, "And then it goes para que, you know mom like pat-a-cake, kinda like that." I giggled at her because I thought it was so cute and clever that she was giving me helpful memorization tools. Now we laugh at that part every time and Greg's not to happy about it cuz now she doesn't take the song seriously.

I'm always scolding Lainey to not tackle or squish her little brother because it seems to be so fun in her opinion. The other day I was getting ready in my room, so I put a movie on for the kids in the living room. I went out there to check on them and find Ryder on his tummy with his head looking up at the tv and Lainey standing on his back with both feet watching tv too. They were both perfectly fine in that postition, just watching the movie. I thought it was so funny, but I did have to tell Lainey to get off of him. It seems Ryder is getting used to it.

I've been trying to teach Lainey why we celebrate Christmas, so one day I was telling her that Christmas is the day that Jesus was born, so that means that Christmas is Jesus' birthday. I can see this thought processing in Lainey's mind and then she finally says, "Yeah it's Jesus' birthday, but He can't have any birthday cake, cuz He's a baby, so we'll just give baby Jesus some baby food on His birthday and He'll still be happy." Of course I was cracking up.

(This may be too much information just to forwarn you) I was wiping Lainey's bottom after she went potty in the toilet. Here is our conversation:

Me: "Ew yuck Lainey this is a nasty poo-poo."

Lainey:" It's okay Mom, it's not real. It won't hurt you."

Me: (laughing) "Well, I'm pretty sure it is real, but I'm glad it won't hurt me."

Lately Lainey has been getting scared being alone in her room at night. So last week I went in her room and explained to her that when she was a baby, her heart was really sick and the doctors were worried about her, so Daddy gave her a blessing and asked Heavenly Father to take care of her and watch over her. I told her that after Daddy asked Heavenly Father to help her, that He did help her and she started getting better. I told her that He'll still take care of her now too, even though she is a big girl now and that all she has to do is say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father to help her not be scared. Now, whenever Greg and I leave the room after tucking her in and saying prayers with her, we hear her say a little prayer all to herself, asking Heavenly Father to take care of her so she won't be scared. When I first told her the part about how she was sick when she was a baby and that after the blessing, Heavenly Father made her all better, she said: "No He didn't Mom cuz I'm still sick." (she had a cough at the time so I laughed and explained to her that her heart wasn't sick anymore though.)

Mediocre Me and a friend I "Cherish"

2010-12-14T12:43:00.005-07:00

A few months ago I was suffering from an illness called mediocrity. I was feeling, well, what I would call, "BLAH" and was ready for a busier life. I was ready for some challenges, new tasks, more responsibility. So I decided to make my life a little more complex on my own free will. I bought study materials to study to become a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I decided to start training for a 10k. I decided to work on musical things more regularly. I joined a volleyball team. I decided to organize my house a little better. And then something I didn't necessarily decide... I got a new calling as the 1st counselor in the Primary Presidency. And all of this occured while the holidays arrived. Now, to say the least, I am feeling pretty "failurish." It might not be a word but that's the only word to describe me, okay maybe "loserish" too. A little overwhelmed, perhaps. I keep telling myself it's a good thing, because it is what I asked for. But a few months ago I was ready to go. Full throttle.

Now, I'm barely scratching the surface on all of these things that I so willingly accepted. So, a few nights ago I was talking to a good friend of mine on the phone. I didn't realize I was doing it, but looking back I was pretty much having a pity party. My kids were sick. Ryder had RSV and was getting x-rayed for pneumonia and I hadn't slept much in the last few days. And it was my time of the month (I don't think any boys read my blog except my husband, so I can write that.) But my sweet friend just listened to me, like a good friend would. That night I was cutting up some chicken to cook while my kids were climbing my legs whining and crying (Greg was still working.) When suddenly, in walks my beautiful, amazing, wonderful friend with an entire meal for me and my family that she made herself. I hugged her a billion times thanking her over and over and all the while I was feeling so guilty about my pity party and about the fact that I never once got to hear about her problems or stresses in life. So here I sit typing away and trying so desperately to make a point. So here it goes:

We all need a little help sometimes. We all fall short every now and then. And even though I love to be the one who's leaned upon. The one who wants to take care of everyone else; I can't. I'm not superwoman. And neither is anyone else. I'm learning to accept help from others and I'm realizing that it's okay to not have everything totally together. I don't have to feel guilty if we have 5 dollar hot-n-ready pizzas every now and then because I'm just too tired and overwhelmed to make dinner. It's okay if my kids are in their pajamas til 2 o clock. It's okay if my deadline for taking the personal trainer exam gets pushed.

I am human.

I am a Mommy of 2.

I am doing my best.

Music to my ears?

2010-12-03T15:29:00.004-07:00

A few things I hear every now and then and sometimes daily that I don't particularly love hearing... provided by Miss Lainey Lindblom:

"MOOOOMMMMMMYYYYYYY! WIIIIIIPE MEEEEE!"

"Ryder's crying cuz I pinched him."

"Ryder's crying cuz I kicked him."

"Ryder's crying cuz I hit him."

"Ryder's crying cuz I pushed him."

"You're mean!"

The sound of Lainey going into Ryder's room while he's sleeping and saying "RyRy!!!" and suddenly Ryder starts crying.

"LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT!" a hundred times over and over while she's in time out.

"MOOOOM! I PEED ON THE FLOOR!"

Doors being slammed over and over again up stairs when she's supposed to be napping.

"I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A NAP! NAPS ARE RUDE!"

Then there are the things that I absolutely love hearing that make it all worth it:

"Mom, I love you Mom."

"Mom, you're so beautiful."

"Mom, I'll help you clean the messy house."

"Mom! I made my bed all by myself!"

"Mom, can I help you make your bed?"

"Mom, thank you for making me dinner. It's delllllllllllicious!"

When I pick her up from pre-school and she sees me walking up: "Mommmmmmmmmmyyyy!"

"Mommy, can you read a book to me?"

"Mommy, can you sing a song to me?"

"Mommy, can you tell me a story?"

When I'm leaving her with Daddy to go somewhere: "Don't forget hugs and kisses!"

When I'm in my workout clothes and she knows I'm either going running or to volleyball, she says: "Mommy are you going for a run? Will you be back real quick?" Me-"Yes, I'll be back real quick." Lainey- "K I'll miss you! Bye!"

Someday all of this stuff will be music to my ears. For now it's the bottom half of this post, but I'm working on loving the bad stuff too :)

Stardust

2010-12-01T09:34:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was "one of those days." The kind where you are counting down the hours til your husband is done working. The kind where everything makes you want to cry. The kind where you just can't seem to find any motivation, or energy. The kind where I threatened with spankens even though I promised myself I'm not gonna spank. Then around 6 when my husband was done working. He asked me if he could show me something he found online. This is the video:

Love from Collin Kartchner on Vimeo.

I needed that.

There's Nothing Worse Than...

2010-11-09T21:16:00.001-07:00

1) Going to the grocery store with your kids, getting everything you need with the cart filled to the brim, and getting to the checkout stand just to realize you forgot your wallet.

2)Biting into what you think will be a sweet and crispy apple, and it's mushy, with a worm in it.

3)Making something to bring to a family gathering when you are already running late, and just when you're loading up the car, you drop it all over the driveway.

4)You're visiting teaching supervisor calling you for your report and you haven't done it, but you still have to answer the phone and tell her that you didn't do it.

5)Forgetting you made plans with someone to come by one day and they show up at your door, but you haven't showered, you're still in your pajamas, and you're not wearing a bra.

6)Being sick when you're pregnant! You can't take anything for a stupid cold!

7)Having your child or husband tell you you're breath stinks.

8)Getting a pedicure at the salon after a long time of foot neglect and knowing that even the nail lady is grossed out.

9)Wearing a skirt to church that you don't really fit in, so you just zip it half way up and pull your shirt over the rest, when someone behind you taps you on the shoulder and tells you your shirt has come up and your skirt isn't zipped up all the way. Then you have to explain to them that you actually wanted it that way because your fat hips don't fit in the skirt anymore.

10) Trying not to laugh at someone who passed gas but didn't mean to.

11) Your child telling someone that is overweight, "You have a really big belly!"

These are a few things that have happened to me in the last year...Obviously there are a lot of things that are worse than these things, but I was trying to be humorous. Anyone else want to share theirs?

My latest song for you!

2010-11-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

"I Know Best"

Since you all made me feel so good about the last song I shared, I decided to share this one too. This is my latest song I wrote. I thought of it while making dinner because it was the third time that day that Lainey was asking me to substitute her meal for some candy. Enjoy! (I hope.)

Dear Moms,

2010-10-25T16:01:00.002-07:00

Please tell me:

-That you've broke down in tears because you're not sure how much more patience you have left in you.

-That you wish the smell of baby barf would someday smell good to you.

-That you sometimes wish you're babies would stay babies forever and never grow another centimeter

-That you've done the mommy freak out slam on your brakes move because your child won't stop picking on the younger one

-That you gaze at your babies while they're sleeping and wish you had been a little more patient that day

-That you sometimes fantasize about going to a hotel room all by yourself eating a pizza in your bed and watching your favorite shows instead of an actual vacation with your husband.

-That you desperately clean your house before people come over creating the illusion that your house is always tidy.

-That sometimes when you pick up all the toys at night, you consider not doing it since they will just get them out again in the morning.

-That you sometimes let your house go messy, just to play on the floor with your kids for a couple of days and not worry about how messy the house is.

-That you sometimes wonder if we have love handles after child birth just to make holding the baby on your hip a more comfortable seat for the baby.

-That you've yelled at your kids to tell them to stop yelling.

-That for your first alone date after a new baby is born you and your husband actually consider just sleeping in the car for a few hours.

-That scooping poop out of the bathtub doesn't even gross you out anymore.

-When your child keeps doing something that you tell them to stop doing, or else they're gonna get hurt doing it... and then they get hurt doing it cuz they wouldn't listen; that instead of comforting them right away or checking their owie, you say: "I told you!"

-That you've actually closed your eyes, gritted your teeth, and counted to 10 a time or two

-That nap time is sometimes your favorite part of the day.

-That you wouldn't give up any of the hardships of motherhood for a single thing in the world :)

Lainey's version of "The Cuppycake Song"

2010-10-18T11:24:00.007-07:00

She has a little bit of a cold so she sounds like her nose is plugged, but it's still cute :)

Here's my little Pumpy umpy umpkin as promised:

"Cinderelly" and "Following the Leader:"

Stats

2010-10-15T09:44:00.004-07:00

Lainey Nicole:

Age: 2 yrs and 5 months

Weight: 22 lbs

Our beautiful girl is so smart. She blows people away all the time with how good she can talk. She knows all of her letters and single digit numbers and how to identify all of them. She knows some of the sounds the letters make. She is constantly singing. She knows every primary song you can think of, tons of children's songs, Disney movie songs, and my favorite is the cuppycake song. I'll get it on video soon and post it. She knows a few songs in portuguese, and sometimes you'll find her singing some songs mom listens to as well. Such as, Soul Sister by Train, Baby by Justin Bieber, Cowboy Cassanova by Carrie Underwood, and Stay beautiful by Taylor Swift. This little girl is the biggest tease you'll ever meet. She's a little pistol who knows how to be a stinker. She loves to get reactions out of people (not in a good way.) For example she'll pinch little kids just to see what they do, or she'll copycat adults just to see if they'll get annoyed. We can always tell when she's in her terror mode by a certain look in her eye. We laugh about it most of the time behind her back. She's into princesses and dancing with her prince, Daddy. She loves doing anything that you'll do with her. She doesn't like playing by herself. She always wants a friend. Which I love. I think it's sweet that she wants to be involved with people so much. Greg and I cherish this little girl. She's more than we ever dreamed of having. She's the spitting image of Greg's personality when he was little and looks just like him too. It's fun for him seeing a little repeat of his home videos. Sometimes I feel like I have a teenager because when I ask her to do something and threaten to give her timeout if she doesn't she responds by saying, "Okayuh!" Is that teenager language or what?! Lately if I tell her to do something that she doesn't want to do she says, "Um... your mean." See what I mean by little pistol? She's hilarious though. We love her personality. She can be so so sweet when she wants to be too. She's a good helper to me all the time. She always cleans up a room without being asked and says, "We don't keep our house dirty mommy, we keep our house clean." I love hearing her say that because I am always saying that to her and I love knowing that she's listening and learning something from me. Lainey keeps things interesting. She keeps us upbeat and happy. There's never a mellow moment with Neener around. (That nickname came when she was real little and pronounced her name Neenee. I started calling her Neenee too which turned into Neener.)

Ryder:

Age: 7 1/2 months

Weight: 17 lbs.

Our sweet boy has come a long way from the little runt he used to be. He is a little tank now. This boy is solid from head to toe. He loves to eat. He loooooooves to be held. He loves his momma. (I love that part.) He's a major Momma's boy. He has to have constant contact with me when he knows I'm near by. If I'm not at home or in sight, he doesn't complain, but if he sees me and I'm not playing with him or holding him; he'll be vocal about it. He has the sweetest spirit. I truly sense his spirit as his Mother. He is so pure and innocent and wonderful. He is the smiliest kid you'll ever see. He loves to make kissy noises at you. He'll do it back and forth with you. Lainey and him will make the same sounds back and forth to each other. For example she'll shreek loud, he'll shreek loud, over and over. He is a great little army crawler. He has rug burns on his knees to prove it. He's obsessed with the broom and follows me all around the kitchen chasing me trying to grab it. He loves his cheerios. I can't get them on the tray fast enough for him. The minute they hit the tray, he's there. He hates his car seat. We are coming up with new toys and things to keep him occupied in the car because otherwise he's pretty mad. He's very mellow if you're holding him. He'll just sit with you for hours and watch the world go by. His big eyes melt your heart. You can always get a smile out of him just by looking at him. He's my sweet boy. I call him Sweet Boy more than I call him Ryder.

Flo-Rida

2010-10-04T17:10:00.029-07:00

Leaving on a jet plane!

This passed week we took a long plane ride to Florida with both of the kids! We had been planning this trip for a couple of months, so it was exciting to finally go! So, what brought us all the way to Orlando? This man:

This is my great grandfather who just celebrated his 90th birthday! He really wanted me and my family to come to Florida for his big birthday bash, so we decided to go. He hadn't met Ryder yet, so it was a perfect opportunity. My great grandfather and I are quite close. We talk on the phone every Thursday even though we're miles apart. Here is a picture of Ryder with his great-great-grandfather and his great-grandfather:

His birthday party was so fun. He went all out, so it felt like a wedding. It was held at a beautiful country club with extremely yummy food and of course... dancing. Lainey had a blast. Here are some pictures from the celebration:

May I just mention how funny it was to watch a bunch of old people get their groove on? Hilarious!

Since we took the long trip all the way to Florida, we decided to do some fun things as a family as well. One thing we did was Disney World! My mom watched Ryder for us, so that we could take Lainey to Disney World for a day. Our little Lainey is really into the princesses lately, so we thought it would be a special day for her. Our friend Chris hooked us up with some free admission tickets, so ultimately that made our decision ;) Lainey was such a doll. I actually got emotional while watching her light up to see the princesses. It was special to me that it was special to her. We took her to lunch at the Crystal Palace where you eat lunch with all of the Winnie the Pooh characters. She was ecstatic. That little activity alone made everything worth it. She told me that she thought Eeyore looked sad, so she gave him a big hug and said, "Now he's happy!" At one point while we were eating, Tigger does a little bouncing dance with all of the kids (it kind of resembles the bunny hop.) Lainey started crying because "Tigger's not waiting for me!"Haha poor little girl. It was pretty funny, but a little heartbreaking that Tigger hurt her feelings. I had to explain to her that he just wanted her to follow him and bounce behind him in the line.

Watching the princesses dance on stage ( See how focused and into it she is? SO CUTE!)

Sitting on Minnie Mouse's couch

Dumbo ride with Dad!

Waiting in line for Dumbo

Piglet was her favorite Pooh character she was so excited about him.

Giving Eeyore his hug to make him happy.

This is when she saw Tigger coming over to her table

Toon Town Splash Pad

Goofy's roller-coaster. The first thing she said when we stopped was, "I wanna do it again!"

She just had to ride the horsey ride. It's sad to say that this was her favorite ride. I guess we came all the way to Orlando for Lainey to ride the carousel. Should I take her to Supersition Mall more often? I guess!

Lainey's favorite part... meeting the princesses!

It was so fun to have the day with just us and Lainey.

Another fun thing we did!

Greg's mission buddy lives in Florida, so we spent a few hours with them at the beach

Todd and Leslie Kubesh

Their kids are the same ages and same genders! This is Eli and Ryder sittin together out of the sun

Mission Buds

What else... Oh! Hotel swimming with GG! (That's what my kids call her. Short for Great Grandma)

And then it was back home! So much fun! (Minus all the traveling)

Now that we're home and the weather is starting to cool off... we won't be doing much of this anymore:

That's right! No more movies and books! (okay we'll still be doing some of that since movies and books are educational and all, but you get my drift.) We can actually go outside for more than five minutes without sweating! Hooray for parks and walks and trips to the zoo!

*** Side note: This post took me probably 10 attempts and 5 hours before finishing it. I'm proud.

My kidless time and my timeless kids

2010-09-10T19:55:00.008-07:00

First are pictures of Greg and mine's kidless vacation to California with some of our best friends. To be honest I missed my kids a ton and was calling and checking on them everyday. However, I need to be even more honest and say; that having time without the kids was a vacation in itself! Greg and I had the best time together and with our friends. It was so nice to be able to stay up late, or sleep in, or take a nap without stressing over responsibilities. We could do whatever, whenever we wanted. It felt very refreshing and much needed and was the perfect amount of time. It was just the right amount to have enough of a break and want to be back home with our kids and back to real life.

Our last night in Carlsbad (this photo is missing half of the other couples who came)

Wish this picture was a little more clear

This night was very foggy so this picture didn't turn out either

Next we have my cute kiddos and the cute things they've been up to. My goodness sakes I love these little stinkers!

Notice his "napout" shirt not "tapout"

It's so hard to get them both to take a picture and be looking at me at the same time. I got lucky on this one

This is one of my favorite faces he makes

He looks like a little boy now :( not a baby :(

Lainey officially wears panties now!! She got enough stickers on her chart to be able to wear panties all day and get to pick out 2 new toys! Her picks were: A Dora the Explorer Umbrella and a little mini cinderella doll.

This kid loves his vegetables! It's awesome! He doesn't even like the fruit. He'll eat carrots, green beans and squash all day!

Lainey started her very first preschool with Lindsay Winters and she love love loves it! It's been so fun seeing her so excited about the things she does.

Let me "express" myself please

2010-08-07T19:38:00.005-07:00

There are a few expressions American's use, or otherwise known as idioms, that I have recently taken quite literal. Allow me to express what I mean:

Expression #1:

"Don't judge a book by its cover." Well, just recently while at Barnes and Noble, Lainey and I were walking by some books and happened to be near a romance novel with a rather busty woman on the cover. Lainey pointed at it (I haven't noticed it yet but she has) and says, "Look Mom, those are her milks." (I'm nursing Ryder still if you can't tell why she called them milks.) Excuse me for taking this expression literal, but in my case I'm judging this book by it's cover. I quickly flipped it around and kept moving.

Expression #2:

"Don't bite the hand that feeds you." All you nursing women out there may already know why I've taken this idiom literally. Tell this to my 5 month old son. The little baby with his bottom TEETH! YIKES! (Mom, now I know what you went through with us. You have my sympathy)

Expression #3:

"Don't cry over spilled milk." I take this one very literal because I have definitely felt the urge to cry over spilled milk on more than one occasion. Have any of you mom's pumped a bunch of milk to store up for the babysitter or to just store away and while you're taking it off of your pump, you accidentally spill the whole thing?... Definitely almost cried. Or just bought a whole gallon of milk from the grocery store (not even opened yet) and somehow it falls out of the fridge and cracks in half, leaving an entire gallon of milk running down the grout in your tile into every possible crevice it can find, i.e... under the fridge or all over your shoes and in between your toes?... Definitely almost cried. Or your daughter spills her cup of milk in your car but doesn't tell you so the next time you get in your 100 degree car it smells like rotten milk in your seats?... Definitely almost cried. Have I convinced you to understand why someone might actually "cry over spilled milk?" There are plenty of reasons!!!

Thank you for allowing me to "express" myself. Hope you were enlightened

What is your perspective?

2010-08-03T10:15:00.001-07:00

Motherhood Perspective One- by Colby Lindblom

The pregnancy is miserable; I pee, I puke, I groan

There is never a day in 9 months that I didn’t let out a moan

Then finally that day came, but all I felt was more pain

I breathed, I pushed and puked some more while trying to stay sane

Then home I went as tired as ever, but sleep? Ha Ha! No Way!

That cute little bundle wants to eat and poop all the night and day

I cook, I clean, I entertain and of course the diapers; gross

And after having a little boy, I know not to change him too close

Tantrums, messes, pee and poop seem to fill my day in and out

And while juggling it all I must remember, never to yell or shout

I shower if I’m lucky, but the baby may have to scream

So most days I am greasy, with no makeup; quite a scene

“Don’t bite your brother,” “Go to timeout,” “We’re out of diapers again.”

Are always the words that seem to be said more than now and then

Finally the kids are all in bed, so now it’s time for me;

To lay down on my soft pillow, but then suddenly:

Someone decides to wake up so up the stairs I head

To sing a song or snuggle, or tuck them back in bed

Motherhood seems hard at times and very routine indeed

Almost daily I will say, “A kidless vacation is what I need!”

Motherhood Perspective Two - by Colby Lindblom

For nine whole months my heart grew with delight

When finally I held them, it was a most beautiful sight

The bond that I feel is more than I can say

They bring new hope and light to each and everyday

I feel so blessed and privileged to be their earthly mother

To care for them and love them like I’ve never loved another

They bring me more joy than I could have ever known

I am always amazed to call them each my very own

As I watch them sleep, tears will often well up in my eyes

These angels are so innocent, it makes my spirit cry

They are so dependant and pure; full of humility and love

I have no doubts they come from our Heavenly Father above

My Heavenly Father new best to send them right away

He told my heart that they would come every time I prayed

These days of rocking and singing, I know won’t always last

For I know the joys of young motherhood will someday soon pass

But thankful I will be for today, and what lies ahead

Because I remember what President Monson said:

“Find joy in the journey,” is the message that he conveyed

So this is how I’ll live my life, until we return with God someday

Quotes by Lainey

2010-07-26T10:16:00.003-07:00

Gus Gus:

Lainey was playing with a stack of kinex blocks and made a tower with them. I watched her stack them up and then get the idea that she wanted to try to carry them all at once. This is what she did:

She then looked at me giggling saying, "Look Mom, I'm Gus Gus!" I started cracking up remembering this scene from Cinderella:

Lainey's first experience with rain:

So we come up to the cabin in Forest Lakes and it's pouring rain right when we get there. Lainey begs me to go outside. Here is our conversation:

Lainey- "Mom can I go outside?"

Me- "Honey, it's really cold and wet out there because it's raining?"

...Lainey is deep in thought looking out the window...

Lainey- "Mom, can you turn the water off?"

Bored at home:

One day Lainey and I were bored at home. This is our conversation:

Me- "Lainey what should we do? Do you want to play hide and seek?"

Lainey- " NO! I DON'T WANT TO!"

I'm a little shocked because normally Lainey loves to play this game with me. Although she calls it the Hiding Game, not Hide N Go Seek...

Me- " Why not?"

Lainey- "CUZ, I don't want to hide in the sink!"

Suddenly I realize that I didn't call it the hiding game.

Life is Lovely

2010-07-09T09:17:00.010-07:00

How blessed we are to have such a great life! There are no words for the joy that we feel in our lifestyle. Each day is filled with happiness and excitement. This last week we decided to join my extended family in Forest Lakes at the cabin. It was such a fantastic blessing to spend time with my family and for Lainey to play with her sweet cousins.

Having a snack

Lainey's first hair cut

Snuggling with "Grandpa Garden"

Ellie, Lainey, and Emma eatin chips on the porch swing

"The Christmas Tree!"

Mmmmmm... Snow cones!

My daughter is weird because snakes don't gross her out, they fascinate her

Our family at the fireworks

Me and my girl

Hillary is the greatest! She takes such good care of my kids and they love her!

Ryder with his Great Grandma Moore ("Grandma Garden")

Lainey Lindblom sittin in a tree

"Lainey, were you playing in the dirt?"

Watching the fireworks with Papa... Oooh!

Lainey loves her cousin Carly. They were so cute eating suckers together.

Sittin on the porch in the nice weather in the early morning.

Look at those chubby babies!

My sweet boy! I just love him!

It's wonderful living each day in paradise. Happy Friday!

"Part of Your World" by Lainey

2010-06-17T15:01:00.002-07:00

I was lucky enough to bribe Lainey to sing a little bit of her Little Mermaid song, "Part of Your World." I know the video is like 4 minutes long, but she's so cute I had to post it. She sings her ABC's and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" too. She melts my heart. Enjoy my 2 year old:

Funny Little Things

2010-06-09T14:14:00.011-07:00

Does anyone know this book?

Well... it was one of my favorites when I was younger. With that in mind, you can probably take a guess as to why I bought it for Lainey. I thought she would like it too. My assumptions were correct because she asks me to read it to her at least twice a day. I'm getting to my point...I promise... The other day we decided to visit my Dad's parents, Grandma and Grandpa Moore, although Lainey calls them Grandma and Grandpa Garden because they are expert gardeners and are always sending us home with bags of fruits and vegetables. While out in their garden picking tomatoes I noticed a little dove on the ground. It was so still I thought it was fake. Lainey made a quick movement and it started to fly, but instead of it flying away, it flew right here:

Grandpa tried to shew it away but it was very comfortable on Grandpa's shoulder and wouldn't move.

So Grandpa left him there and continued to work in the garden, picking tomatoes for Lainey and I. And the bird enjoyed the ride.

The bird finally decided to get off Grandpa, but the whole time we were watching this strange little bird, Lainey would ask, "Where's the baby birds mommy?" After visiting with Grandma and Grandpa, and getting our tomatoes...

...we drove home. The whole way home Lainey was in the back seat saying to herself, "Is Grandpa Garden the baby birds mother?...Noooooooo. Is Grandma Garden the baby birds mother?...Nooooooooo." I couldn't help but laugh.

A few more picture to make you smile:

Happy Wednesday!

Milestones

2010-05-28T10:22:00.003-07:00

Lainey:

She can pretty much tell you what any letter of the alphabet is now. Just point to a letter and ask her what it is and she usually gets it right.

She can count to 14.

She knows what numbers 1,2, & 3 look like. Just point to the number and ask her what it is and she'll tell you.

She speaks so clear and in full sentences now.

She sings along with me to most of the primary songs that I sing to her at night.

She's overcome her fear of swimming lessons. She understands how to hold her breath under water now. She can swim to the bottom of the shallow end and grab the rings.

Ryder:

He can hold his head up like a champ now.

He can stay on his tummy holding his head up high and look around.

He can roll from tummy to back.

He knows how to put his hands to his mouth whenever he wants to.

He has so much to say in the mornings.

He giggles at rare moments but he does giggle. (only Daddy has been able to really get him laughing)

He loves to stand up. He's so stiff all the time that we have to just let him stand on our lap and hold his waste.

My oh my

2010-05-18T09:38:00.008-07:00

Well, there are few happenings that have occurred that must be posted. We'll start with Lainey turning 2. Mom was so excited for her birthday. Probably more excited than Lainey was. I had everything planned out. I knew exactly how to make her feel extra special on her extra special day. How did we start the morning? With presents of course!

Lainey got a backpack. A Dora backpack to be more specific. She is in love with it. Especially because it has Map in the side pocket. (If you know what Dora the Explorer is, then you know who Map is. Lainey loves Map. She sings "The Map" song all the time.) She also got a little doctor kit because she loves to play doctor, and she got a pony! Okay, not a real pony... the kind with the horse head on the stick, but she loves it and that's all that matters.

Next I made her Mickey Mouse pancakes with chocolate chips and whipped cream.

But for some reason she wasn't really eating them... hmmm...that's very unusual for Lainey.

Next we went to Chik-Fil-A for lunch since she loves their french fries and chicken nuggets, and especially the play place. Greg and I were excited to take her, I told her she could play as long as she wanted and that she could have a balloon and an ice cream cone. But when we got there, she didn't want to eat her food and definitely did not want to play in the play place. She just sat on Greg's lap saying she wanted to go home. (No pictures of Chik-Fil-A because I was so concerned about her.) I kept wondering what was wrong with this little girl. She still had so much fun ahead of her, but she wasn't into any of it. We took her home and noticed she felt a little warm. I took her temperature and of course she had a fever. A high one, 103. We had to cancel her birthday party and take her to see 2 different doctors that weekend. Her fever got all the way to 104.4! As the mommy, I was really freaking out at times, so after 4 days of this...

...my little Lainey is finally feeling better. So now we'll have to throw a party and have fun this weekend to celebrate our little 2 year old.

On a happier note, Ryder Gregory Lindblom was blessed this month! He was such a little cutie in his little suit. This little boy is so special and we can't get enough of his smiles and baby talk.

A song for you: "Hold on to these Moments"

2010-05-06T15:31:00.007-07:00

My children are my life. I cannot express in words the joy I feel from being a mother to these beautiful babies. About a month ago I wrote a post for you about an experience I had. You can go back and read that post here. But after that experience I decided to attempt at writing a song about it. If you know me, you know that I love to try and write songs. Whether or not I'm good at it is another topic. I wanted to share with you this song. It has special meaning to me so I wanted you to hear it. Yes I know I look kinda grungy, and I mess up a few times, but I didn't have time to record it again. I had to do it while my kids were napping and I was afraid if I tried to record it again that somebody would wake up in the middle of it with a shrilling cry :) Thanks for listening!

Let's Get Updated

2010-04-30T09:18:00.012-07:00

So we've had another fun month! A few things I must blog about:

1. Easter- Lainey sure had a blast this year since she understood it a little better. She loved hunting for eggs and I loved watching her get up in the morning to her Easter Bunny surprise. She was super cute and I just can't believe how much she's grown since last Easter. Look at how big she's gotten!

Last Year:

This Year:

2. Ryan and Nikki came to visit us!- Allow me to explain... Ryan and Greg served their missions together. They were never companions, but they were in the office together for a while towards the end of their missions and became great friends. When Greg and I were first married, Ryan and Nikki had just gotten married too and decided to stop by Arizona for a visit. That was when I first met Nikki. Since that day, Nikki and I have been best buds. I honestly think that her and I are better friends than Ryan and Greg are now. They don't like it much when we say that, but in the words of Nikki, "Let's be honest." Since our first year of marraige the four of us make an effort to try and see each other annually since they are at BYUI. Call it a coincidence, or say it's meant to be, but the four of us are great friends and somehow ended up having two kids each, the exact same ages. Here are some pictures of us having some fun!

They had so much fun playing in the water

Nikki, I know you and I both hate this picture because our calves look like our thighs but it's the only one I had of the four of us

My favorite thing these two did together... eating dirt

3. Ice cream with Emma- Lainey and Emma are great buddies. We love having Emma over to play. The other day while the girls were riding their bikes outside, the ice cream truck came down our street playing it's music. Emma got real excited and asked if she could get something. Well, Lainey has never had an ice cream truck experience, so it was a perfect opportunity. We got some money and they both got tweety bird ice cream bars. They were so cute sittin in the door-way eating them together that I just had to take some pictures. Ever since, Lainey has been wanting to do chores for me to earn money to give to the ice cream lady.

4. My Birthday- Well yesterday was my birthday and I had such a wonderful day. 23 everyone! My sweet sister-in-laws and mother-in-law took me out to dinner and bowling last night. It really was so much fun. They really are the most amazing women I've ever known. I'm so so so lucky to have such fun and awesome people to marry into. They are the prettiest and sweetest gals I've ever known.

Love the things you think you hate

2010-04-07T10:06:00.005-07:00

Last night I was laying in my bed with my kids sound asleep and reflecting on my day, I realized there were a few moments that day where I had lost my temper a little bit with Lainey. She is turning 2 next month and there is a reason why they call it "the terrible twos." As I had finished saying my prayers and thanking my Heavenly Father for my beautiful children, and apologizing for not being patient; I realized that I won't always have these days. I thought of how many times I've heard Greg's mom, or my Grandmother tell me that these days are gone before you know it. Suddenly I feel really inspired to try extra hard to love all of the things about Lainey that are difficult, and to cherish these moments where I feel stressed out; because one day I'm going to be 55 years old and my children will all be grown and I'll be in an empty house with no children living with me and I'll miss these crazy days. To start my new goal of being more patient and appreciating these moments, I would like to jot down the things Lainey does that make things a little difficult; because someday I'll come back and read these things and smile because I'll miss them.

-How she wakes up way too early sometimes and screams and screams at the top of her lungs for Greg or I to get her out.

-How she won't call me Mom or Mommy anymore. She calls me Colby, yes Colby, my first name. (this one doesn't make things difficult, it just makes me sad)

-How she thinks its funny do dump big cups full of water out of the bath tub

-How when I tell her not to do something she looks me in the eye with a smirk on her face and does it again.

-How she runs away from me and flips her body the opposite direction when I'm trying to get her dressed.

-How she almost daily throws some sort of tantrum in the car if we're driving and she wants to get out.

-How she pinches, hits, and bites her friends and family when she's excited about playing with them.

Lainey, I love you and all of your difficulties. I'm sorry for not always being patient with you, but I pray one day the love I have for you will shine through and you can understand how much I truly love you. My kids are my life and always will be. I'm learning to be a better mom everyday.