30 Days of Blogging- Day 27

Well, with vacation- it was bound to happen! I missed a day! I missed yesterday because we spent most of the day in DISNEYLAND!!!!
WOOHOO!

So, today I am picking up where I left off. An original picture of the city where I live...which I don't have. SO- After I get home- and get my other memory card, I did take a picture of the city that I will post.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 26

Today is supposed to be my dream wedding. Since I am already married, I thought I would get a bit more personal and talk about why my wedding day is not the most meaningful day of mine and Mike's marriage.

Mike was not an active member of the church (LDS). Because of this, we had the typical, family and friends wedding.

Years down the road, Mike had decided to go back to church. He approached me about preparing to attend the temple and be sealed together.

The LDS church believes that the Lord wants families to be together forever. Through the power of the priesthood, the Lord allows us to be sealed to our spouses and families for eternity in the temple. Unlike your typical civil marriage- there was no "til death do you part" read during our sealing.

Our sealing not only made our marriage eternal, but now, our FAMILY is eternal. Grayson was born within that sealing and will be sealed to us for eternity as our son.

I am so grateful that Mike and I were able to go together to the House of the Lord and make our union eternal.

California Dreamin'

We made it to California today. We are enjoying our time here already. We had to go through a snow storm between Twin and Jackpot, elk, and more, but we got here safe and we are excited for what is in store this week.

Here are a few pictures from today. Grayson had his first adventure in a pool-

AND he had his first experience at the beach/coast.

We are tired from driving all night last night and today so we are heading to bed. Sienna is getting a big surprise tomorrow....

30 Days of Blogging- Day 25

Put my Ipod on shuffle and list the first 10 songs....
Well, my ipod is stored somewhere secret in the rental car right now so I will use my itunes....

1. Let My Love Open the Door by Peter Townsend. I fell in love with this song after watching Dan in Real Life. I actually prefer how he sings it in the movie....but this is what is on my ipod.
2. Pour Some Sugar On Me- Def Leppard. Who doesn't like this song! Now it has the memory of seeing Taylor Swift perform this song with them at the CMT Music Awards in 2009
3. That's What I Love About Sunday- Craig Morgan. I love how this song focuses on the simple church and family memories created on Sundays.
4. Paralyzer- Finger Eleven. Have you noticed I like all kinds of music yet? This is about as "heavy" as my music gets but I thoroughly enjoy this song.
5. Big Yellow Taxi- Counting Crows. The message in this song is so great.
6. Summertime by Kenny Chesney. This is the perfect song for vacation! I can't wait for summer.
7. You're Gonna Miss This-Trace Adkins. What a great message for me as a new mom. On those hard days I try and remember that I will miss this....and I do. I miss the days spend nursing Grayson all day on the couch, being able to just cuddle all day- even though back then I wished for a little time where I could put him down.
8. American Pie- Don McLean. A favorite of many people
9. Inside Out- Eve 6. Nothing special really, just like the song.
10. My Immortal-Evanescence. This gal's voice just gives me chills. LOVE IT!

That is my first 10- well, I skipped over holiday songs and then bits of comedy CDs by Bill Engval, etc.

We are in California now. I am going to try and enjoy this beautiful weather. Tomorrow we are giving Sienna her surprise! So EXCITED!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 24

Something I have learned-
I have learned a lot, and some of it is amazing (to me anyways) and other items are trivial. I have learned a lot about life, our Heavenly Father's plan for us, love, and more.
BUT- today, I have learned that I no longer am a pro at packing for vacation.

Mike and I were married for over 8 years before Grayson was born. In that 8 years, we traveled quite a bit. I had it down to a science on how to pack, organize and get us ready for a trip using the least amount of space and making it quick and simple. Being the "planner" (read suffering from anxiety) that I am, I even would always have more than enough clothes, things we may need if such-and-such happened and more.

Well, now I have a little one to pack for. You would think that since we have taken several trips with him I would be starting to get it down. Problem is, each trip he is at a different age/stage in life....so I have to re-learn everything that he needs every time.

So, I guess I have learned that traveling is a lot more complicated, and takes up a lot more room with a baby.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 23

Something I crave- SLEEP!
This morning, we woke up at 3 am to head to Lewiston to pick up Mike's niece Sienna. We wanted to leave so that we could get to Lewiston by the time Grayson would wake up for the day. Of course- the night Mike and I wanted to be able to go to sleep early- we found ourselves wide awake. Normally, nights Mike needs to do stuff, he can't stay awake while putting Grayson to bed....
So, we drove to Lewiston at 3 am, we just got home at 4 pm....we are TIRED!!!!

Sienna is going to California with us. We hope to leave tomorrow night and drive all night so that Grayson and Sienna can sleep that time frame. So, Because of that, Mike is napping right now (5 pm) and then he is going to stay up late tonight, doing the last of his homework, then he will wake up normal time and go to bed tomorrow afternoon so he can be well rested to drive most of the night. I will take over driving in the morning.
We are super excited for vacation! We have a special surprise in store for Sienna.....but I can't share it yet because that would not be fun.....

30 Days of Blogging- Day 22

What is in my purse? Most moms answer (well at least when they have a child Grayson's age) that they don't have a purse- but a diaper bag....
Well, I HATE diaper bags. I can't bring myself to spend a ton on the ones I do like, and I hate the plastic, huge ones.
SO- I have a purse that I use as a diaper bag.
In it I have:

• a fold up changing mat that has diapers and wipes in it
• an extra outfit for Grayson in case there is a blowout or something
• those ring/link toys
• a board book
• hand sanitizer
• lotion
• painkiller for me- in case I have a major headache
• heart burn medicine
• a few pens
• a pack of gum

That is it. I have a little zipper wallet/coin purse that fits all my ID and cash and stuff that I keep in my back pocket. Pretty simple stuff.

I am going to try and not miss a day- however, we are heading on vacation soon- so I might....IF  I do- I will just start where I left off.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 21

Today I am supposed to share my favorite picture of me of all time...LOL!
Well, it isn't my favorite of ALL TIME, but is my favorite that I have loaded up on this computer.....

Why is this one my favorite? You would think my favorite would be one with Grayson in it (and it actually is but I used it for Day 1 so I picked something different). I love this one because it is a rare picture of me with a smile that I like. It also shows my eyes. My eyes are my favorite feature. Lastly, it is unique. I only wear a hat in the winter- and I don't take many pictures in the winter- so this is rare to find a picture of me- in my favorite hat.
This picture was taken the winter I was pregnant with Grayson.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 20

Turd and Turd Nugget are terms of affection in our home. Today is blogging about Nicknames....these are the main ones in our house. There is actually a funny story behind it.

Mike has always called me Turd when I tease him.

One day we were playing Scattegories. (You know the one where you roll a letter, then you have a list of 12 things and you have to come up with things for them that start with that letter...)
Our letter was T. Well, one of the items we had to come up with was a term of endearment. I answered all the others, thought long and hard and wrote down Turd.
Mike tried to challenge it. The conversation went something like this.
Mike "That is not a term of endearment."
Me "Yes it is."
Mike "It is not."
Me "It is. You call me a turd all the time and I know you would NEVER use anything but a term of endearment with me, right?"
Mike, shaking his head and smiling "Turd."

I one that argument...and the game. So now I am Turd, Grayson is Turd Nugget.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 19

WOW- I almost forgot about this today. There is a lot going on at our house right now between getting ready for Spring Break, a bathroom being remodeled by the Managemnt Company because upstairs neighbors flooded our ceiling and walls, and more....and I guess I just didn't think about it.
Today's post is something I miss. Well, I miss the sun....but it came out a little today....so the other thing I miss:

THE BOLANDER FAMILY!!!!!

I miss them living close by so we could hang out at night and play games. I miss seeing the kids, talking with Terrie, and more.

I am so excited that they will be moving closer this summer. We are already trying to decide when we will go seethem first.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 18

Today is about my favorite place to eat. I have several places I like, but different things at each one.
I LOVE Olive Garden for the breadsticks. Chili's has an AWESOME dessert (Molten Lava Cake) and Texas Roadhouse has some great steak.
However, we like to go to The Cracker Barrel the most. We love the country store part and they have some great food. Mike is a HUGE fan of the homemade Macaroni and Cheese. I love that I can fill up on a kids meal.

But really, we eat at home mostly. Eating out is expensive and we have only done it a hand full of times since Grayson was born.

10 Months!!!!

Where has the time gone? My baby boy is 10 months old! Not only that, he is WALKING!

This is him today, walking out to the car with Mike. It was really cute because he would keep stopping to look at everything around him.

So here are some 10 month stats:

Weight: Actually, not sure on this one. He has not been weighed for a while. We packed up our baby scale. I will do the weigh myself holding him and without him tomorrow and come and update this. UPDATE: He is just under 17 pounds

Diapers: Size 3

Clothing: Finally has outgrown his last item of 0-3 month clothing. He can still wear some Carters 3 month (different than 0-3) because they are much longer. He is mostly in 3-6, although a few things he is wearing 6-9 months (mostly Gerber onesies) and some brands that have 100% cotton shirts, after I wash them he can wear and they are 12 months. They look a little big- but not too bad. I still mostly dress him in 3-6 though.

Shoe Size: 2, except a weird brand I found that he needs size 3 because they run REALLY small.

Other items of business:

He climbs like crazy, walks- although he is just starting this so he will often drop down into a crawl half way to his destination, dances, bounces, rolls balls, just started clapping, can push most of his toys- including the lights and sounds table, shakes his head no, feeds himself finger foods really well, drinks from both a sippy and regular cup, knows how to open the wipes container, and can take off his shoes.

He says Banana, and just today started saying Mama to me. He loves to sing and scream

He LOVES finger foods. He also had Spaghetti for the first time this last week.

His other favorite foods are bananas (of course), toast, plain yogurt, applesauce, and unfortunately puffs and yogurt melts and the things I call baby cheetos- they are made by Gerber and I can't remember what they are really called. He loves the sweet potato, spinach, tomato basil, and blueberry flavors of those things. He also likes to eat ANYTHING we are eating...be it chicken, potatos, pasta, or anything else. We can not eat in front of him without giving him some of OUR food....even if he has his own food. He knows if it is different.

While at Grandma and Grandpa's today, he discovered the piano and gave us his first recital

Blogger's video upload is not working right now, so I will add the video later.

2 more months and my lil man will be a year old. I can't believe how quickly time has flown by.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 17

Here are some things that I am looking forward to right now-

The SUN!!! Both when we go to California next week and when it decides to hang around Boise more. I am so ready for warm weather, trips to the park, walks outside, and days at the zoo....In Caliornia I am excited for the beach, spending time with friends, and more.

Of course- there is something else I am looking forward to....2 months from today....

Grayson's first birthday! I can't believe he is almost a year old. I will do a separate post for his 10 month stats today.

I am also looking forward to a few small trips this summer, Disneyland in October, the Bolanders moving much closer, and more.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 16

My Dream House- Well, I mostly want a house that is big enough for my family and our needs. Nothing super fancy. I have a few things I would like to have- double ovens, lots of counter space (my parents home had tons and it was so nice), a BIG laundry room (also my parents house has a HUGE one and it is wonderful), and nice big rooms for family to gather in during holidays (another great thing my parents home has). The one thing I really want though is a nice big yard for my kids (Grayson & Mike...oh and any future babes) to play outside in. Yep- my parents house had that too. Unlike my parents home though- I would like a bigger master bedroom then they have- with it's own bathroom attached to it. I would like to have a room to have as an office/craft room, and maybe also double as a guest room.
However- I know with our current situation- Mike still in school, finances, etc...purchasing a home is quite a ways away. So now, we make due with what we have....even though our home is quite cramped...it still has the most important aspects of my dream home- FAMILY, LOVE, THE GOSPEL.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 15

I have made it halfway without  missing a single day! HOORAY! That is really good for me.
Today I am supposed to share a bible verse. To be honest, I would have rather it said scripture.... While I LOVE the Bible and have a few versus in there that I really love, the scriptures that have stood out to me the most in different times in my life have been in the Book of Mormon. However- there is one scripture that I love from the Bible since I was a teenager.
In John Chapter 14 Christ speaks a lot about comfort. This is a wonderful chapter.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:

Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

Neither let it be afraid.

Walking and Crashing

I guess I spoke too soon. Grayson decided he would venture on his own today as soon as I finished my last post. I was trying to just let him walk and get a video of it- but he would get to interested in the camera and you could see his little thought process "Forget this, I can get there faster by crawling." So, Mike helped me control the enviorment a little more. However, Grayson gets so excited when he gets close to his destination that he tries running and falls.

Also, Mike is so nervous about him falling that he doesn't like to let him go.

I sound like a nagging wife in the beginning and a hyena at the end...but this isn't about me. It is about those adorable first steps.

(Also, ignore the pile of clothes on the couch that are waiting to be folded.)

I am sure once he gets into a more open area he will just take off.

BaNaNa

That is OFFICIALLY Grayson's first word. Yep- that is right- Banana! Not Mama, or Dada- BANANA!
He can say the entire word! He still says nana half the time, or he will say bana-na (a pause before the last syllable) but both yesterday and today while I was holding a banana for us to share for breakfast he said it perfectly clear- BANANA

Also- he is so close to being a full walker- but with how slowly he has gone through the walking phases (we are at 3 months of couch walking) I don't want to get to excited yet. He will walk holding on  to just one of our fingers, and he takes several steps on his own several times a day to take shortcuts from one part of the couch to the other.

He is growing up so fast!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 14

A picture of me last year. Well, last year I was pregnant, and this is the only picture I have that actually shows my face and my belly. Mike snapped it while I was at the park, actually showing someone else how I wanted them to stand for a maternity shot, and trying to not laugh. But it was still nice to have one.

How has my life changed since then:

Well, I now have a wonderful, gorgeous, energetic little boy in my life! I have the hardest but best job in the world now. I get to spend my day playing with toys and listening to kids music. Although, there are days that I crave adult activities, I am mostly loving being a stay-at-home-mom. I am grateful for a husband who works really hard in order to allow me to stay home. I am thankful that I have been able to coupon and more in order to help cut our bills down to lower the stress of me being home.

Most of all, I am thankful that Heavenly Father knew when was the right time to send this special spirit to us. Grayson is such a blessing in our lives and I can't imagine life any other way!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 13

Goals. I must admit, I am not a huge goal person. However, I think they are important. If you don't have goals that you are striving for, then really, you don't progress much. Since we are here to learn and progress, it is important that we have some kind of goals, even if not the standard "do this by such and such a date" type goal.
Here are some goals I have been working on:

• Organizing my home. I had a great routine down pat after 8 1/2 years of marriage....and then I became a mom and that routine, well, it went out the window. Crazy how someone can find themselves home all day and not be able to do any housework. But, I am getting better. Problem for me now is I got so far behind it is overwhelming to try and catch up. But I am doing it...slowly but surely. Plus, the living area of our home is much more cramped then pre-baby and we are still trying to find a way to make it work for us.
• Lose weight/Become healthier. Really, I could care less about the number on the scale. I think they are mis-leading. So much goes into it. However, it does help me to stay motivated to see that number going down. I don't have a set "weight" I want to be at. I just know I need to lose at least X amount to be in a range where I am not judged at first glance by doctors, and then after that, I just care about being at a size I am comfortable with and feel good at.
• Find a balance of activities that keep both Grayson and I happy. This one is ever changing of course. One day Grayson loves a toy, the next he is bored with it. Yet, I have been doing good recently. We are both much happier.
• Give up soda. This one is hard for me. I don't drink TONS of soda, but I drink maybe 1 a day. I have given it up in the past, but for some reason, this time it is much, much harder.
• Learn to cook more variety of meals. We eat about the same 10 meals in our home. I want to add some other things so that Grayson learns to love all different foods.

I am sure there are many more, but that is more than enough to bore all of you. I am almost half way through this challenge and have not missed a day yet! WOOHOO!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 12

Something I never leave the house without-

Well, there are several- my phone, a set of diapers and wipes, mostly though, I don't leave the house without Grayson....98% of the time. I think I maybe leave the house a few times a month with out him (of course Mike is home with him at this time).

Nothing exciting about this post!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 11

Favorite TV Shows! Mike is a big TV watcher, I used to fight it and tell him he had to find other times to watch TV, however, he now watches so many shows that he can't even get them all in every week. He has gotten me in to more TV then I would like to admit. Here are the Robins Family Favorites

1. Psych- Seriously Shawn Spencer is the King of Pop Culture Trivia! This show is freaking hilarious! We love it!
2. Chuck- The show that makes fun of the Geek Squad- using the "Nerd Herd" and has CIA action and more is GREAT! We love it! OH- and let's not forget the amazing JEFFSTER!!!!!
3. Harry's Law- This is the new one we like. It is really good. Since Law & Order Criminal Intent is no more, SVU is no longer a favorite (I can't handle those types of stories anymore), we have found we really like this show.
4. The Biggest Loser- Yep, we got sucked in. We don't know if we will watch after this season because Jillian is leaving, and Bob has not had an "incident" since the season with Carla.... OH- and one other reality/game show- WIPEOUT!
5. The Middle & $#!@ My Dad Says- the first has Debra from everybody loves Raymond and Janitor from Scrubs...how can we not like it. The second- William Shatner....his sense of humor is AMAZING!
6. Yep, still more. This would have to be our families guilty pleasure- Disney/Nickolodeon Channel Tween shows: Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, iCarly, Suite Life on Deck, Good Luck Charlie, etc
7. Even though this probably could have gone in the previous one- it has its own awesomeness- Phineas And Ferb. I mean "CURSE YOU PERRY THE PLATYPUS"
8. Reruns of- Yes, Dear,   Scrubs,  Everybody Loves Raymond, King of Queens, According to Jim, etc
9. We are just now getting into The Office. We avoided it for quite some time but now we are being sucked in.....

That is about it. We used to watch things like Minute to Win it, etc but I put my foot down a few weeks ago that we were DVRing too much and I will only watch the shows after Grayson is in bed so we got rid of a few things.

In Other News-

Well, I feel I should blog about more than just the 30 day challenge. First, I would like to say that my heart goes out to those in Japan. For future reference, when I read this later in life, there was a huge earthquake (8.9) and tsunami in Japan on Thursday night. It was so strong that vibrations were measured in Boise! On top of the already devastating natural disaster, they are now experiencing fires, nuclear melt-downs (or close to it anyways) and more.
It is events like these that make me so grateful for my knowledge of the Gospel. Knowing Heavenly Father's plan for us is such a blessing during times like these.

Grayson is growing like a weed! Or at least his hair is. He has now had 5 haircuts! This last time, his haircut made him look so much older. He has also started being more adventurous in his climbing....YIKES! He still won't let go of the furniture to walk more than a few steps...and that is fine by me. He loves to sing, talk up a storm, and he thinks he is pretty funny. He is already throwing temper tantrums. He will throw himself on his stomach on the ground, arch his back up (which makes me laugh because he looks like a seal) and yell and scream. I am at a loss for how to handle this since he is only 9 1/2 months. I explain to him it is not appropriate...but I don't know if he really understands. I think his little friend we walk the mall with who is 21 months- and getting into the temper tantrum phase, is rubbing off on him.....

Speaking of walking the mall...that has been so wonderful for me. It helps me feel like I have something to do every day, we get out of the house, I get adult conversation, and Grayson gets to see new and different things, as well as another child.

Grayson while walking at the mall

The babies love us to get them to face each other if we stop in a store

Aren't they just so cute?

Mike has been busy working about 55-60 hours a week and going to school. Luckily the hours at work are slowing down a little bit. Plus he is taking a week off- well kind of off now that we are going to California for work- at the end of the month. He still has his special time with Grayson. He puts him to bed every night, helps with his baths, and plays with him when he gets off work early on the weekend.

That is about all that is going on here. We are enjoying the few nice days we get inbetween the cold, windy days. It is supposed to warm up pretty good this week, though it is going to rain quite a bit. But we need the rain. It will help make everything green!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 10

Something I am afraid of? That is a hard one. There is nothing that I am super afraid of in the sense of something like spiders, snakes, etc. I don't like spiders, snakes, and such- but I am not "afraid" of them. Honestly, I think my biggest fears are those of not being able to be a good mother and wife. I am afraid of things going wrong....I think that is my biggest fear. I suppose I suffer some anxiety. I always play out every possible scenario of what could go wrong and plan accordingly. Even before I had a child, I had a mini first aid kit in my purse complete with heartburn and pain medicine, neosporin, bandaids, and more. I plan MONTHS in advance as much as possible for trips.
This fear has kind of been brought to a head. It was decided just a few weeks ago that we are heading to California at the end of the month. Partially for Mike's work, and then Grayson and I are tagging along. Please keep in mind, I am already planning our trip to California in October...so planning this on such short notice is really hard on me.
So, yes, my fear is something going wrong and I am not prepared. I guess there could be worse fears.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 9

Today I am supposed to share a favorite picture of my best friend. I could be super cliche about how Mike is my best friend- because he is....but I am blessed to have 2 really good friends other than Mike.
Sarah- is one of those friends. We have known each other since high school and we still love to get together and travel together. She is someone I can have a good time with, who I can talk about the good ol' days of high school with.



Sarah in Nashville

My other really close friend is Terrie. Terrie is an amazing friend, mother, and example. She is one of the most Christ-like people I know. She has such a strong spirit and testimony. She is such a great example to me. OH- and she is tons of fun! The only problem is, I constantly have to worry about her kidnapping Grayson.....




Terrie and Grayson in November 2010

I feel so blessed to have such great friends. Even though both of them live out of town, I know they would do anything for me in a heartbeat. They both have unique qualities and personalities and I am blessed to have both of them in my life.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 8

Today I am supposed to pick a place I have traveled to and post about it. Mike and I LOVE to travel, and have been a decent number of places- but nowhere super exciting to most people. However, I did get one wonderful opportunity almost 2 years ago. I won a trip to the CMT Music Awards! I was just wanting to win tickets to see Kenny Chesney. Won them, qualified for the grand prize drawing. Driving to work the very next day and I get a call to say that I WON!!!!
Mike had just started his new job, had school, and a lot of other things going on and couldn't go so I took my friend Sarah.
We had a blast. It was in Nashville, in June, and it was hot and humid. We saw celebrities that were staying in our hotel. Were right by the stage during the show, and enjoyed some of the sights in Nashville.
Here are a few pictures from that trip.

These are pictures from around downtown the first night we were there.

Below are pictures from the concert.

I apologize for how grainy the pictures from the concert are. I took my small point and shoot, and then I had to use digital zoom to get closer to their faces, etc on many of the pictures. It was a lot of fun. We got to see some amazing performers- including guest performers like the B-52s, Def Leopard- and we got to see a lot of the Nashville sights!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 7

Today I am supposed to post my favorite movies....
Slight problem. That changes, a lot. But there is one group of movies that I will always love DISNEY/DISNEYPIXAR movies!
Some of my favorite Disney movies are Aladdin, Hercules, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Cars, and Toy Story. Of course, I don't think there is a single one that I don't like.
Some other movies that I like include How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, Sweet Home Alabama, Just Like Heaven, Vantage Point, the Harry Potter movies, Dark Knight, and many many others. Mike is quite the movie guy so I watch a lot of movies because of him. Many, I probably never would have gone to/viewed if it was up to me, but he wants to see them, so I watch, and sometimes I end up liking them. (Don't tell him that though.)

30 Days of Blogging- Day 6

A picture of something that makes me happy....

OF COURSE!!!!!

30 Days of Blogging- Day 5

Today is a song that fits my mood. Well, I am not sure what that song is because today I am kind of all over the place with my moods. Grayson had a "no-sleep" day where he would only nap 20 minutes here and there.....and so last night, while he slept good, he got night terrors (which he gets when he is overly tired). Today, he is again fighting sleep, and clingy, and I am unable to be more than 2 feet from him without him crying. I finally got him down for a nap. So, I don't know a song that really fits my mood...HOWEVER, when I was in Texas, Terrie played a song for me that I always sing to myself (or the parts I remember) to help me remember the good days, when I am having a day like this.

When I'm With You

by JJ Heller

When I hold you in my arms, Love

Something changes

It's the strangest feeling

The things that used to matter

They don't matter to me

When I see you

And you're smiling

How my heart aches

So full it is about to break

You make me believe in love

I could never count all the ways

That you change me, Baby

Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue

When I'm with you

When I hear you, and you're crying

It resonates, Dear

In a place I didn't know was there

You make me believe in love

I could never count all the ways

That you change me, Baby

Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue

When I'm with you

Beautiful baby

You're sweeter than strawberry pie

Just like the morning

Your smile brings the sunshine

I could never count all the ways

That you change me, Baby

Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue

When I'm with you

I could never count all the ways

That you change me, Baby

Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue

When I'm with you

It has the cutest, catchiest little tune. If you would like to here the song CLICK HERE. I probably could have chose a different video that had pretty pictures, etc...but I like how on this one she gives a description of the song before singing it.

I can't believe all the ways that having a baby changes everything! It sounds so cliche' but it is so true. I love this song and I love seeing the world differently now that I have Grayson.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 4

My Parents with Grayson the day he was born

Above is a picture of my parents with Grayson, the day he was born. Today, the challenge is to post about my parents. My parents are amazing people! I am so grateful to have them so close by.
My mom is crafty, talented, a wonderful teacher, and so much more. She taught me how to pay piano, sew, has helped me make quilts, make salsa, jam, syrup and can it, and more. She has always served willinging. She is an outstanding woman.
My dad taught us the importance of hard work, managing our finances, savings, doing service, becoming self sufficient, and more. He has a great sense of humor, a wonderful singing voice, and much wisdom.
Both my parents have taught me from a very young age, the importance of the Gospel in my life. I was raised knowing that my family is an eternal one, that the Lord has a plan for all of us, and that we must not only believe in Christ, but live as he would have us. They set an example to Mike and I in our marriage. They taught our Temple Preparation class and they have always challenged us to be sure we are living our life in a way that we are worthy to receive the blessings that the Lord bestows upon us.
Grayson's middle name of Keith, is after my father. It was important to Mike that Grayson be named after him. Mike's dad was not around when he was growing up, and he really looks up to my dad.
I really believe the Lord knew what he was doing when he gave me the parents that he did. I am so grateful for all that they have done for me.

30 Days of Blogging- Day 3

So, I am up at 1:00 am, unable to sleep- but I figured I could do today's blog entry for the 30 day challenge. It is supposed to be about my first love....



Mike- November 2010

 Well, I honestly think I have only had one real love (as far as dating, etc is concerned). I believe maybe I thought I was in love other times, but I never told any other person that I loved him. In fact, I remember that part of the reason I knew Mike was the one I was going to marry was because I said "I love you" to him so easily, when I had never said it to any previous boyfriend- even the serious ones.
Looking back- I am not even sure I was in love with Mike when we dated, got engaged, and were married. Don't get me wrong- I knew I was supposed to marry him, because I had a feeling, prayed about it- many times- and got an answer. I just don't think I knew what love really was then. Much like the Brad Paisley song "Then" where he talks about different memories and how he looks back and thinks how he thought he loved her then and now she is his entire life, world, etc. I think love is like that.
I have really found a deeper love for Mike in the last year.


Mike playing with Grayson- Tower of the Americas, November 2010



Seeing him with Grayson has made me love him even more. I am seeing him in a whole new light. It is amazing to see your husband become a father.

Mike is funny, hard working, caring, outgoing, a child at heart. He would give anything for Grayson and I. He has turned his life around and became an amazing example to me.

I feel very blessed that our marriage does not end at death. I am grateful that Mike made the decision that he wanted to change his life, and that made it so we were able to prepare together, go to the house of the Lord and be sealed together for time and eternity- and because of that, Grayson, and any future children, will also be part of our eternal family.

I know that in a few years, I will think back and, just as Brad Paisley's song says, think "and I thought I love him then..."

30 Days of Blogging- Day 2

Today I am supposed to talk about the meaning behind my blog name...
Pretty simple- it is mine and Mike's names in the address, family name in the title. I have often thought I should come up with a more creative name- but I honestly can't come up with anything- and I will NOT use Rocking Robins...first because my cousin uses something similar (different last name though) and second because I dont need that song getting stuck in my head.....Rockin Robin, Rockin Robin, Go Rockin Robin....(is it in your head yet?)

HMMM- So, Maybe I should ask you guys for some creative suggestions. Can you think of a better blog name for us?

30 Days of Blogging- Day 1

My name is Rebecca, but I go by Becca. I am a mom and wife. I love travel, music, photography, scrapbooking, and spending time with my family. I live in Idaho, which I love, except during the winter. I am not a cold/snow person. I do someday hope to live in Southern California....but then cost of living would not be as good. I am very opinionated. I know what  believe and I will not back down from my beliefs.

I am supposed to put a recent picture of myself....OH GOODNESS! UM, yeah, I am usually the one on the OTHER side of the camera- taking the picture....so this is the most recent picture that I am able to find quickly...

This is from a week or so ago from my phone. I was trying to get a picture of Grayson and me and right when I went to take the picture he turned and gave me a kiss! Such a sweet little boy.

Supposedly I am also supposed to be exciting enough to list 15 INTERESTING facts about me.....HAHA! Here we go:

1. I played violin from 5th grade through all of highschool but have barely picked it up since.
2. I also know how to play piano, have played (but probably can't remember how) viola, cello and bass.
3. I hate my smile...not sure if it is the vampire teeth or the fact that my smile isn't shaped like a real smile (the corners just kind of square up)
4. I am a planner, I start planning EVERYTHING a long time in advance
5. I enjoy traveling, but did not fly on a plane until I was 27
6. I would LOVE to know how to speak Spanish
7. I have an excellent memory regarding dates- after I left the j-o-b, another gal called me to ask what her start date was 3 years prior- and I knew it...off the top of my head.
8. I am a huge Disney fan, including all there little tween shows. Hannah Montanna- yeah, I was sad it was over. Wizards of Waverly place- upset this is the last season. Suite Life, Shake It Up and Good Luck Charlie are other faves.
9. My toenails are always painted Mary Kay hot pink...not because I am boring, because I am too lazy to remove the old nail polish to put new stuff on, so I just continually touch up the paint.
10. My favorite pizza topping- cheese. I prefer a plain cheese pizza...but not extra cheese...that is TOO cheesy...just cheese pizza
11. I would love to live in California, climate wise, but I love Boise because it is not too big but not too small, and it has so much you can do so close- plus my family is here
12. I wish I were craftier than I am. I like to pretend like I am, with a few random crafts here and there...but I really am not.
13. I love to bake. I used to bake ALL THE TIME and give the sweets to friends. I have tried to avoid baking too much since I am trying to lose weight now.
14. I love Baskin Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip shakes- SUPER THICK...like, thick enough I need a spoon
15. I used to love to read but at some point I stopped....I plan on trying to start back up again.

30 Day Blog Challenge

This has been circling around, and I have thought about doing it several times, but lets be honest, my blogging has slowed down a lot since Grayson was born. Part of it is because he keeps me very busy, part of it is just lack of anything I think others will find interesting...
However, I use this as my journal...so I need to get better at blogging more often. What better way to do that then to blog for 30 days? Right? I also want to extend this challenge to any of you who have not taken it on yet...simply because it is good to try things like this out.
Here is a list of the days:
Day 0: The 30 Day Challenge Explanation and Description


Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name

Day 3: Your first love----

Day 4: Your parents

Day 5: A song to match your mood

Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7: Favorite Movies

Day 8: A place you've traveled to

Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend

Day 10: Something you're afraid of

Day 11: Favorite tv shows

Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without

Day 13: Goals

Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?

Day 15: Bible verse

Day 16: Dream house

Day 17: Something you're looking forward to

Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat

Day 19: Something you miss

Day 20: Nicknames

Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?

Day 22: What's in your purse?

Day 23: Something You Crave
Day 24: Something you've learned

Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 26: Your Dream Wedding

Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in

Day 28: Something that stresses you out

Day 29: 3 Wishes

Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge
 
SO- Hopefully I will be able to keep this up.....