It's all about the Lindsay's

Settling In

2011-12-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

Settling into our house here was pretty easy. We put 90% of our stuff in storage and brought the other 10% with us. Our house is 3 beds and 15oo sq ft. It was mostly furnished, kitchen and all! It is great. I love that it doesn't take as long to clean! Less is more they say. I believe it to be true. The school bus picks Maddie up right in front of our house.

Georgia in her new room, she is setting up her babies and stuffed animals.

Maddie wanted the piano in her room. Now she plays way more than she did when it was in the basement in our other house.

Man this girl makes us laugh. She is in the holiday spirit.

This is what it looks like right out our backyard. Miles of trails. That is the Cochise Stronghold in the background. It is desert, but has mountains too. So we had to take advantage on the wheelers.

HALLOWEEN

Maddie was a stylish nerd and Georgia was Elmo.

Georgia had her face painted at our branch trunk or treat (which had about ten cars). It was funny. They did have a bounce house and tables set up with games and food. The church sits in the middle of our neighborhood, so all the kids out trick or treating joined in.

Maddie's school had a halloween party for all kids and thier families. So we went and played games and had food.

Georgia making her halloween cookie

Today Forward...

2011-12-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

Yep, we are back! Where did the two years go? I have no idea. The time has flown by and I can't keep up. Life for our family has been nothing short of chaos with alot of ups and downs and learning curves, but at the end of the day we can say that we have truly been blessed in the midst of it.

After ten years in Payson Utah, we decided it was time to move on. We loved living there. It was hard to leave our house, friends, family, and life. After packing up ten years, we are now living in a very small town called Sunsites Arizona. It is a retirement community with alot of "Grandma's and Grandpa's" Georgia says. Maddie goes to a school with 85 kids total from K-8th grade. I really thought we were crazy coming here, but after 2 months, this is where we are supposed to be right now. Crazy how that works.

We are liking it, surprisingly. We are together as a family more. We have Scott home every night and the girls are loving it. I was worried about Maddie not having alot of kids in the neighborhood to play with, me feeling isolated, and Georgia not having any other kids her age to learn to share with. I was wrong about all of this. There are a few kids (not alot) that Maddie has made friends with with good families. She is liking school. It is definitely different she says, but it's a good experience for her. Georgia has a little friend named Shaylee who is 3.

I like that the evenings are spent doing homework, cooking dinner, and spending time together as a family. We live to far away from take-out so I have to cook! It has been good for both Scott and I. After the last four years of him working so much and traveling, especially this past year, it is finally good to have him home more. I am trying new recipes and Scott is getting very good at the barbeque. We have no family close so we have to rely on each other. We do everything together, shop, take walks, ride bikes; Scott and I even get up in the morning and attempt to excercise.

Church has been good. We are in a branch with maybe 50 people on a good Sunday. In the two months we've been here, we have spoke in sacrament, I got called to Relief Society 2nd counselor, Scott got called to branch missionary, I have taught a lesson, put on a RS christmas dinner and program, and next week have to help with the branch christmas dinner. Let's just say, we are not lacking for things to do. I do love the seniors. They have a unique wit about them and they are not afraid to say what is on thier mind! I look forward to learning from them. They are all a very grateful and humble people. It is neat to see.

Pictures to come...

Summer's Over? What?

2009-09-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Long time no talk! Ok, so time has just flown by for me that sometimes I forget what day it is.

Summer was a lot of fun. Bree came up for a month and Gracie for two weeks. During that two weeks the flu spread like wild fire and took a week out of there summer at Aunt Melyssa's. As soon as we got over that, we swam, went to the movies, out to eat, got glitter toes, and I cut Gracie's hair! She wanted me to highlight it, but I had to draw the line. We also went up the canyon on a hike. At night they watched Napoleon Dynamite over and over. Bree loves pasta so we made that a lot, and we went to the zoo for which after we went and hung out at Auntie Pam's. We love her house! It is our new crash pad when my mom comes into town. All in all, we had a good time!

After Bree left, she got to come back up to my house for the Bateman family reunion. Although I didn't go, I heard it was really a lot of fun.

Briaunna also had her 21st birthday in July! Crazy. She wanted to go to Vegas, but we did a birthday lunch instead, maybe next year! She started her senior year at UVU, so maybe when she graduates we can go on a fun trip!

A really neat day was the day Carina was baptized. I have been to a lot of baptisms, but her being a convert, it was really very special. We were glad we got to be a part of that.

And last but not least, my niece Dani left on her mission to Cleveland Ohio. We are way excited for her new adventure! We now have 3 missionaries out in our family!

We also found out that Ashlee and Rod are expecting their first baby in April!

As far as our family goes, we are doing well. Bri is in college, Maddie just started 3rd grade, and Georgia is ummm, not walking yet, but can crawl like no baby you have ever seen! She is walking along furniture and climbing on things, but when we try and practice walking she laughs and fall down. So what if she is almost 17 months! The good thing is, you don't see any adults crawling around still! She'll get there, we have faith!

Amber, Dani, and Bri

Jason, Conner, Carina, and Hunter at Carina's Baptism

Gracie after hair cut

Gracie before haircut

mom, Georgia, and Auntie Caysi riding the train at the zoo

Gracie, Bree, Maddie, and Mom at movies watching UP

Bree, Caysi, Gracie, Maddie, Mallory, grandma, Georgia at zoo

Georgia standing fascinated with the washer

Oh, my baby's first day of 3rd grade

Oh, my other baby's 21st birthday at PF Changs

Georgia having fun at Bri's birthday

Bottom: Melyssa, Georgia, gma Karen, Carina, Conner, Morgan, Aunt Stephanie, Mike, Tiffani, Briaunna, Aunt Patti, Presli,

Top:Bree, Bailey, Maddie

Bri's Birthday

Maddie, Gracie and Bree camping out in the basement

Maddie, Georgia, Presli, and Bree the day Bree went home

Cute pic of Maddie and Georgia

Maddie and Briaunna at Carina's baptism luncheon

Livin and Lovin Life

2009-05-05T18:52:00.001-07:00

I know it has been a while...But I make no excuses, I am busy! Sometimes I think my gosh where does the time go. I really don't think we have done a lot until I am scrolling through pictures and trying to decide what to put in this blog.

Let me begin. Easter was not much fun. Maddie and Georgia were so sick! Maddie had strep throat that took her out of school for three days with a fever of 101. Georgia had ear infections and a throat infection. She was so sick that she actually spiked a fever and made her have what is called a febrile seizure. Scared me, I knew what was happening, but still very scary. Called 911 and everything. We are all doing better now thank goodness.

Spring Break we headed to Vegas. My sister Caysi's house is the new hang out. We are using her for her pool. We actually had a really good time. Her daughter Gracie had a pool party for her 10th birthday so we went down for that. My brother Brad and his fiance Shannon came up for the weekend. My mom also flew down. So it was really fun hanging out, swimming, and visiting.

Me, Briaunna, and Georgia went and watched my niece Tiffani audition for a talent competition at UVU and she won! So she gets to perform at the Kelly Clarkson concert next month! We are so excited to get to go watch her.

Maddie had crazy hair day at school. I was pretty proud of her flower pot hairdo.

And finally, Georgia turned one! I can't believe my little baby is one. Although she doesn't crawl yet, she scoots around like crazy! I have to watch her closely as she can open cupboards and pull cords that are hanging over the counter...yeah, not good when the curling iron falls an inch from her head.

We have also had 2 of our nephews missionary farewells. JT Lindsay left in March to Seattle, Washington. Alex Talbot leaves May 6th to Tampa Bay, Florida spanish speaking.

My niece Amber also graduated from UVU with her degree in graphic arts! Congratulations!

I think I covered everything! I hope everyone is doing good and I will try to update again soon.

Georgia at Auntie Caysi's sittin by the pool eating a strawberry

Uncle Brad feeding Little G some pancakes

Easter morning with my sick girls

Crazy hair day for Maddie

Maddie and Gracie getting ready to swim

All the girls went to Thanksgiving Point to the Tulip Gardens

Tiffani, Bailey, Maddie, Presli, and Georgia. Grandma Lindsay

Hunter, Conner, Carina, Dani, and Jason came as well.

Georgia and Presli after Tiffani's audition

Georgia, Briaunna, and Mely during Tiffani's audition

Georgia's First Birthday Cake

Seriously, who sleeps like this?

2009-04-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever seen a baby so flexible. I don't know, maybe a dancer? Gymnast? Yoga instructor? We just moved her crib mattress down from infant level because she finally started sitting up in her bed. She probably won't try to pull herself up any time soon, but I would rather be safe then sorry. She also does the army crawl across the floor now, not crawling, but scooting, we are making progress...She is SOOO much fun, I guess I enjoy her so much because she is my last.

What we've been up too...

2009-03-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

Since I always decide to wait WAY to long to blog, I am just going to randomly tell what we have been up too...

First, a couple weeks ago I got to babysit my nephew Conner while Carina my sister in law took Hunter, Maddie, and Grandma to see the play Willy Wonka at the Children's Theater. Conner is almost exactly 3 months younger than Georgia. We all had fun playing "take the binky away from each other" and "who could poke the other baby's eye out," it was a good time. By the way, don't laugh at Georgia's pajamas, I swear they fit the day before but when I put them on again, they were to small, so I had to cut the feet out of them.

Friday was the first really warm day. Me, Carina, Tiffani, Amber, and G-ma decided to go to Discovery Park and have a picnic. So we packed a lunch and hauled the kids to the park to play. It was so warm! Yes, Spring has sprung, or so we thought...as I type this I am sitting in my sweats with the heater on and snow on the ground. Go figure.

Tiffani and Presli sliding on the slide

My neice Amber, looking gorgeous as always

Maddie, isn't she so pretty?

Georgia's first trip down a slide!

Carina, Conner, Maddie, Melyssa, Georgia, Hunter, Amber, Presli

and Tiffani

This is Maddie after her piano recital. She did so good! This is her second year performing in festival as well. She worked so hard to memorize her songs...Dad and I are so proud of you!

Finally, the family got together and went to the open house of the Draper Temple a couple weeks ago. It was pretty awesome to see how beautiful it was. The highlight was Conner throwing his little grover into the baptismal font.

So much to think about...

2009-03-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

Last week our family got together for an extensive family home evening on food storage and preparation. Scott's sister Patti invited a friend of hers to come and educate us on food storage and emergency preparedness. Although she focused more on the "pandemic" that is supposed to come not "if" but "when," (as if the economy isn't bad enough news,) It was very useful to learn some ways to keep your family safe, warm, and fed.

As I (i.e grandma and Scott) keep up on the day to day economy and stimulus this and socialist that, the hyper inflation that is supposed to come this year, the percentage of foreclosures going up, job loss is at it's highest, Obama throwing money to bail out everyone which will only make the dollar go down in value, the recession, the next depression? Who knows what the outcome will be. All I know is I have actually had a strong feeling to get my food storage and my home in order. That way I can rest at night knowing that if something is going to go down, me and my family are prepared.

So we as a family have decided to encourage each other by getting together monthly and reporting our progress. Our first task is to make sure everyone in our families has a 72 hour kit.

Although I used to think food storage was something I would do later in life, I thank my family for caring enough about all of us to come together and plan, because hey, if we are prepared, we shouldn't fear right? Plus, it is just good to be prepared in these very uncertain times.

Crazy Fun

2009-02-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

Caysi my sister needed someone to watch her kids last weekend for her since her and her husband both had to work. Kind gesture on my part, I know. So they flew them up. I just have to say, I now know why I only have a child every eight years. I cooked, got drinks, did laundry, played referee, did hair, got baths, changed diapers, made bottles....Wow, I really got my mothering workout on. I guess I have a new respect for moms with lots of kids!

I also had my volleyball tournament this week, and we played for the championship. However after two very hard games, we took 2nd. But hey, we got a t-shirt! We actually had played the team before and beat them, but we both are pretty equal, so it was a toss up. We have never made it that far in this tournament before so we were really happy. Thanks to all my volleyball friends, it was fun.

Two months gone by...

2009-02-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am a loser blogger! Or slacker or procrastinator...or maybe just boring and have nothing to report. Actually, I can't believe it's been 2 months since I last posted. Well, Let me give an update.

Scott just passed his real estate exam, he is an official realtor. I know what your thinking, in this economy? Don't worry, my husband is really good. He can sell a catsup popsicle to a girl in white gloves (Tommy Boy). Good job!

Me, Volleyball, Volleyball, and more Volleyball! Been playing city league since October and tonight I am playing in a tournament and then we are done for the season, so sad.

Briaunna is in her second semester of her junior year! She also just had Major surgery on her finger...it's amazing how a little hang nail can turn into a blown up finger with an infection, gross I know, but we are so glad she is doing a lot better, we were SO worried! (haha) Of course her boy takes up her time as well.

Maddie is busy practicing for her piano festival in March. She is growing so fast. Her favorite thing is Mommy/daughter dates to the movies or the mall without Georgia. She got to do the cheer camp at the high school and perform at the basketball game.

Georgia is 10 months now. She is officially rolling over finally! She can sit up almost without support. She also says mama, dada, nana. She's 18 pds and 28 inches long, so tiny! I love it! She is very content and happy.

Well, that's all for now!

Older, Gifted, Wetter, and Blessed

2009-01-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

Maddie turned Eight this year. She was so excited because she wanted to have a horse party...Horse Party? OK! So we had about ten of her friends, yes, ten rowdy eight year olds over to our house for some birthday fun. We had a horse cake, horse decorations, pin the tail on the horsey, a horse pinata, some pizza, cake, and presents! So much fun! Then after the party was over I arranged a surprise visit from my good friend Janet. She brought one of her pony's down for a pony ride! Maddie was so excited. It was quit a birthday!

Georgia was excited for Maddie too!

Three days later, we headed up to Uncle Jason's house for our annual Lindsay Christmas Eve Party. We ate, had an ugly sweater contest (very funny), did a talent show-our family busted out our supreme dance skills, did the gift exchange- the kids draw names and the adults do white elephant, and finally the pajamas! It was great fun as always. Christmas day was pretty calm. Our kids got up around 8 am. We opened presents and Scott made breakfast. It was great!

Seven days later, Maddie was baptized with her best friend Shaur'y! Shaur'y turned eight back in September but she decided to wait for Maddie. Grandma Karen flew down and played piano, and Scott baptized and confirmed both girls. Briaunna and Grandma Lindsay gave great talks. Shaur'ys family did the prayers. All in all, a very special day for both of them.

The next day, Georgia's Blessing. So exciting! Although it almost didn't happen due to Grandma Karen's trip to the emergency room 2 hours before! She is OK, had a little mishap with her contact lense sticking to her eyeball....anyway, got her some medical attention and she was good to go. She had to miss the blessing, but she is doing much better!

Thanks to Grandma Lindsay who prepared all the food prior and kept things afloat while I tended to the other Grandma. We ended up making it back home on time to get ready and attend the baby blessing. Georgia thought it would be funny to grab the microphone cord as dad was blessing her, but they made it through. All in all, we had a busy, fun filled, birthday, holiday, baptism, blessing, kind of season! We hope all our friends and family had a wonderful holiday!!

Glad it's only once a year...

2008-12-08T21:34:00.001-08:00

It officially looks like Christmas at our house! I just have to say for the record, I love Christmas.

BUT, I spent a whole day decorating, unloading boxes from storage, retrieving the christmas trees from the garage, vacuuming and vacuuming, cleaning, rearranging furniture, all just so in 3 weeks I can retrieve all the empty boxes, and repack it all to put it away only to do it all over again next year!

Is is worth it? Well, the smile on my daughters face as we decorated "the family tree," which is downstairs, with all the homemade and school ornaments, along with an ornament from all the places we have been, listening to her questions about how will Santa will fit down our gas fireplace, and how she can't wait for Christmas to get here (the innocence of children) I have to say Ok, it was worth it, but the exhaustion I felt by the end of the day, I have to say, I am glad it only comes once a year.

Turkey In Cali

2008-12-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

I always love going to California for a vacation or holiday. It is always so much fun. My brothers Brent and Brad always make sure we have nothing short of a fun, interesting, and sometimes even shocking good time. When we come down, all of their friends they've had since high school make it a point to come see and hang out with us. They even call my mom "mom." Mike Pulley comes over and makes us shrimp tacos, and we always have to visit Victoria Gardens(which is the coolest mall ever), not to mention "The Hat" which has the best pastrami sandwiches. We also try and visit at least one of our many friends we have down in Cali. One of my best friends from high school Stef and her family drove down to visit us. It is always good catching up with her. Since everyone has kids around the same age, they all get together and play. They consider themselves all cousins. It also is pretty much a tradition for everyone to get together for a good game of poker, mostly the guys, and the girls sit and chat. Briaunna would have come with us but she had so much homework to do. We missed her!

All in all, Thanksgiving was a great success! I am very thankful for family and friends! We love you all and look forward to next time!

Stef, me, Hailey, mom, McKenzie and Noah

Brent and Scott doing Oh...what they pretty much did the whole time.

Me and Shannon(Brad's Girlfriend). We both went from blonde to brown!

And the poker game... usually the shocking part of the trip...

my cute brothers and my mom

It's Final....

2008-11-17T22:11:00.001-08:00

On November 12 2008, we finalized our adoption of Georgia. I really didn't think it would be very emotional, but I really had to hold back the tears a few times during the questions. It was pretty intimidating I must say, being in front of a judge having them question you as parents. It was simply a neat experience. Afterwards we met the judge, he even held Georgia, he also walked up to Scott's sister Stephanie and said "you must be the grandma" (sorry Steph), Just to make you feel better, I took her up to Scott's office and one of the girl's asked if she was our grandchild, yes, we will be 60 when she graduates from high school, but that is what we have Briaunna for right? Our built in mom just in case Scott and I kick the bucket. I am just so grateful for all my daughters. As Maddie would say "Mom, don't you think it is interesting that you have 3 kids and have only been pregnant once, and their not triplets?" All I can say is I wouldn't trade my life for anything and I am so grateful everyday for the joy and love I get to feel being a mom. I knew we would have another child, I didn't know when or how, but I knew we would, and we did. Heavenly Father has a plan for everyone and when we are patient, we are blessed. We have been blessed. She is ours through and through and we can't imagine life without her. She has been such a blessing. We thank everyone for coming and enjoying this great day with us! We love you!

Of course we have to involve food in all things, so we went to Joe Vera's for dinner afterwards.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-11-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! From Michael Phelps, (Yes, Scott is comfortable in his own skin) Trixie the Seventies diva, The most flexible 80's aerobics instructor, Scary High's dead cheerleader, and little black cat. It was a whole day of fun. We started with a Halloween Parade at the elementary school, then on to a 2nd grade class full of energy for a halloween party, trick or treating through our neighborhood, and finally onto Uncle Jason's house for a very fun halloween party! Thanks Jason and Carina for the great party! Sorry I didn't get any pics of you!

Don't get to close...

The cutest kitty ever...

I wasn't kidding when I said she was flexible!

Me, Georgia, Bailey (Sprite), Amber (Rainbow Brite) Great Costumes!

Wrapping mummies in Maddie's class.

Uncle Mark (Habeeb) Aunt Stephanie (The world traveler)

Danny Zuco,(Mike) Sandy (Tiffani) Checker Girl (Aunt Patti), Tinkerbell (Presli) and 40's girl (Mallory)

CRAZY HAIR DAY!

2008-10-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

Maddie had crazy hair day at school. It had something to do with red ribbon week, I thought it was pretty funny.

Fall Break In Vegas

2008-10-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

For Fall Break I decided to take my girls to Vegas to play with their cousins and enjoy the most perfect weather! It was so pretty outside so we made it a point to spend as much time outside as possible. Vegas has built some awesome outdoor malls with kid entertainment. We spent most of the time shopping and playing at the kids playground.

Mallory, Maddie, and Gracie

Gracie, Grandma Karen, Maddie, and Georgia

Gracie, Maddie, Mallory, and Georgia after lunch at Claim Jumper.

Gracie and Maddie doing a dance for us in the street called

"Monkey Town."

Grandma Karen and the Girls at the park.

Me, mom, and Caysi

Gracie, Maddie, and Mallory in the treehouse.

Happy Birthday to Mely!!

2008-10-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I still enjoy my birthdays! My own piece of cake always makes me happy!

My Family loves me! They all wanted to take me out to dinner, my choice! So off to Macaroni Grill we went! Since Briaunna is at college and so busy, it is not very often we all get together as a family, so it was really a fun night!

And of course all us girls have to have a birthday lunch! Carina and Melyssa's birthday are 3 days apart, so we celebrated by going to Gardner Village, and we ate lunch, and we shopped. Thank you family! Life would be so boring and unfulfilling without you!

Georgia is 5 months already!

2008-10-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, time flies when your having fun... and watching your baby grow! Georgia is now smiling and grabbing everything! And, oh yes, she has found her voice. She is very good at letting you know she is in the room.

And we are proud to announce our newest Denver Bronco FAN!

ARGGHH!! GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!

So Precious!

Wow, everything is so surprising

Briaunna and Maddie Hangin Out!

2008-09-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Briaunna and Maddie's Sister Date

Maddie was SO excited to have a sleepover at Bri's apartment. Bri took her to Discovery Park with her cousins Tiffani, Erika, and Presli.

Yes, there is a little monkey in all of us, (some more than others)

Future Payson Lions!

2008-09-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

Maddie and her best friend Shaur'y went to cheer camp at Payson High School for the week and then got to perform at the Friday night football game at half time.

History on our party of five...

2008-09-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

Scott and Melyssa are the ones who started this very fun family. After almost 11 years of marraige, and three daughters later, there is never a dull moment in our household.
Scott is a hard working father, husband, comedian(although his family is so used to his humor, we are a pretty tough crowd), and guitar learning guy (we all can sing "Maggie May" word for word again, and again, and again). He is always ready to tell you his philosophy on the world according to him. Anywhere from college tuition and boys, to dance and diapers, he has an opinion on it all. He loves his daughters and is always there to cheer them on in all their stages of life. Even though he is outnumbered by being one boy in a house of four girls, he is our number one fan.
Melyssa is a busy mom, wife, house cleaner, bookkeeper, vacation planner...ok, can't name all that I find myself doing. With my 3 girls, I am never bored. I am always ready for a game of monkey Ball, a good jump session on the trampoline, a lunch date in between college classes, and time sitting with the baby doing really dumb things to make her giggle. Yes, life is good.
Briaunna is our very beautiful 20 year old. Yes, I know I look good for having a daughter her age. She is in her junior year at UVU and studying Psychology. She is busy with friend(s), school, travel (she just got back from a six week trip to Costa Rica and Dominican Republic), and basically making life all about her. Why wouldn't she? These are the best years of her life! She loves her sisters (even though the baby is farther from her in age than me) and makes all effort to see them and play with them as often as she can. She is great.
Maddie is almost 8! Wow, how time flies. She loves books, school, Shaur'y a.k.a Chewy (her little best friend across the street), dance, softball, Littlest Pet Shops, purses, shoes, clothes, shopping, and keeping her dad and I on our toes. She never misses a beat. She is quick with the jokes, and always questions everything. Yes, she is smarter than me already, I admit it. She is so much fun.
And then came Georgia. Our newest little 4 month old pride and joy. What can I say, who doesn't love a baby! Between Dad, Mom, Bri, Maddie, and yes, grandma, the child is hardly starved for attention. Nobody can walk by her without stopping to hold, kiss, play, or just watch her very cute facial expressions. She already has a way of making you smile and bringing lots of happiness. What a blessing she is.