My Life

I HAVE MOVED!

2011-02-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

I have created a new blog, transferring all my posts from this particular blog to the new and improved blog..........please visit my new blog, become a follower, and comment anytime! The new blog welcomes you here!

Trey is Moving so I'm Blogging Again

2010-10-08T08:13:00.005-05:00

I have no idea if this blogging thing is going to continue.....I know it is missed by many (right, Mom?)! However, I just don't know where to find the time somedays...........but today, we are going to try again! We are starting again simply b/c this picture and memory is too cute to pass by without sharing ~ I was also inspired by a girlfriend, Angie, who started her blogging again as well!

The picture above shows Trey all packed up and moving!!!!!! While babysitting a fun friend, Avalyn, they proceeded to empty out the entire toy basket that is in the living room and place it all on the couch.......

Mom: "Trey, what are you doing?"

Trey: "We're putting all our stuff in our car.........the couch is our car, Mom!"

Mom: "Oh, where are you going in your car?"

Trey: "I'm moving to Grandpa's house!"

Love to all, and embrace every moment ~ even the ones where your kiddos want to move to Grandpa's house!!!!!! :-)

Jen

All Ready for School!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-26T18:44:00.003-05:00

Aren't they precious?!

And, don't you just feel the love....that little girl in the middle was undeniably excited to finally go to school with her big brothers!!!!!

Yup ~ let's look at that picture again..........isn't it PRECIOUS?!

A Summer Craft Day

2009-07-29T18:52:00.004-05:00

Knowing today would be a dreary day, I ran into AC Moore last night with the kids (before our jaunt to Dutch Wonderland) and gave them each a 40% coupon to purchase a craft that they would like to do today....there was a stipulation with it, however: Our neighbor requested some help in weeding his backyard, so with good attitudes and servant hearts, they would go over there this morning, and when they returned they would receive their craft kits as my reward for them. Well, this was fun ~ a little messy, but fun! Perfect also for the dreary and humid day we had!

Kacy with her very colorful bouncy balls ~ what a fun craft this was as we poured colored crystal things into plastic molds, held them in water and "wa-la" ~ made our very own bouncy balls!

After the boys created their cars and went to race them on the wooden floor, Kacy grabbed up their paints and went to town!

These bouncy balls were like babies to Kacy...a little ridiculous, I know! She was holding them like babies and even giving them kisses! :-) It was quite the chore for her also to keep them away from little brother, Trey, but she finally gave in, and they are right now bouncing them all over the living room!

Cade and his painted wooden race car!

Sam and his painted monster truck!

Keeping Up!

2009-07-29T18:07:00.004-05:00

Wow....what an accomplishment! I have actually been keeping up with this blog thing almost a whole week! I must admit that it probably is b/c of the lazy summer days that I am loving!!!! Last week and this week have been almost schedule-free on our calendar, and what a relief that has been for such a busy life that we had been living! I'm truly hoping that it will stay at this "relief" status for quite some time as we are already noticing the nice change without football coaching in the mix!!!

Anyway ~ last night was one of the most relaxing and fun nights as a family that we have had a in a long time! We are so blessed to go to Dutch Wonderland every year , and it has become a highlight of our summers! I really think that it is our favorite amusement park at this stage of our life! We love it b/c it is perfect for all our kids' ages, and there seems to be no stress with long waits, big crowds, teenagers everywhere, etc. We did the preview thing last night and plan on going tomorrow for the day. The picture below shows Mike in his relaxed mode......

The kids played forever, it seemed, in the waterpark, which was a HUGE HIT for Trey as you can see!!!! He played his sweet little heart out which made for a great sleeping night and late sleeping morning for him (he didn' even crawl into Cade's bed at all)!!! WOW!

For the last hour, we went to some of the favorite rides in the park. While I was feeding Lily and waiting for C, S, and K on their favorite rollercoasters, Mike took Trey to some of his type of rides. Apparently, the panda bear ride was too much for Trey, and as he was FLIPPING OUT on the ride, the worker asked Mike if he should stop it. Mike said, "Nah......it will make for a good picture!" :-)

He suddenly seemed excited to get on the mini-whip with Kacy, but when the ride started, his face went blue, and he was desperately trying to unlock the moving car, we knew we had to stop the ride for a rescue attempt. The poor boy was then done for the night ~ any ride we attempted to put him on he would scream, "SCAAAAAAAAAAAAARED!"

Luckily, we ended on a good note! We had to finish our evening at the park going on the little train as a family. Yupper, Trey screamed for the first 2 minutes as I restrained him on my lap ~ yeah, REAL FUN! After much coaxing and sweet talk from his momma and siblings all around him, he became distracted by the train whistle and finally settled down! He ended up loving it, so tomorrow better be good for him! :-)

It truly was a joyful night! Oh, and Lily Kay ~ trooper as usual!

(My most favorite thing about her ~ she LOVES her front pack and I will be the saddest mommy when she's too big to be in here and fall asleep on me this way!)

Just another normal day.....

2009-07-27T21:42:00.003-05:00

Woke up at 6:00 AM with my husband and did the P90X workout with him ~ LOTS of push-ups and pull-ups...I'm starting to feel the pain this evening! A friend gave the DVD set to Mike to try, and he's become very dedicated! We've been doing the abs workout every other evening (Cade has joined in as well), but now, curious me is getting up with him in the morning to do the workout as a team! Brings back memories of BK (before kids) when we enjoyed going to the gym together and jogging together! I'm excited to get up with him tomorrow morning too......I truly believe that it's important to find something you like to do together, and with 5 kids, a busy schedule, working out in the early AM together may be our only solution at this point!
Taught a few piano lessons today before going to a friend's home for a MOPS backyard playdate! Had a good time hanging out with the moms for a while ~ brought a friend home for Cade to play with and enjoyed watching them play together!
Kacy was a FISH today, swimming in the pool by 10:00 this morning! She was in and out of the pool all day, and when she wasn't in there, she was sitting on the patio telling everyone to not "block her suntan," while she sat and chatted and sang to her sweet little self!
Mike repainted and hung the window boxes from my parents that my Grandpa made for them (THANK YOU MOM AND DAD)! They look soooooooo cute on the shed and already have flowers in them! We love them! The boys also shoveled up some stones and did some powerwashing with Mike today....it's been so nice having him home more this summer! I will miss him a lot when the school year starts and reality sets in again!
After dinner, I wanted to get out and jog (which is something I have truly enjoyed doing again)! I LOVE taking in the beautiful weather and doing this one thing by myself......however, tonight, athletic Cade wanted to come along, so we gave it a whirl! The kid rocked!!!! It was soooooooo fun jogging with him and chatting about life the whole 2 miles! (Please take note that I am a slow jogger!)
When we got home, Daddy and the kids were already at a local playground ~ we walked there to meet them and found Kacy on her bicycle without the training wheels getting a training session from Daddy! Well, tonight was not the night ~ she's SCARED TO DEATH of us letting go, but we are determined that she will learn before the summer is over! You'd better say a prayer for Kacy AND her mommy and daddy! :-)
While tucking Trey in to his new bed, I asked him if he wanted to go back to his crib or "stay here," and he answered loudly and with the biggest smile ever, "BIG BOY BED!" So far, so good (although Cade has a new sleeping buddy some nights)!

Just a normal day in our home ~ What will tomorrow bring?

I Love Sundays!

2009-07-26T14:04:00.002-05:00

Sundays are a favorite day for me! I love the routine of waking up, getting ready for church, spending time worshipping the Lord together with the greatest of friends, and coming home to relax as a family! Today was a little different though with sick little Lily! I ended up staying home with her and as she slept, I had the most beautiful Sunday morning on my front porch swing just soaking up the day! Me and God, Beth Moore and Esther, fresh rain that just fell, green grass, bright pink flowers, and silence! Oh, did I cherish that time I had to just "be still!"

"To live for the greatness of God is to live a great life....Ever on eof us who embraces the glory of God as our purpose will end up doing greath things precisely b/c we do God things. His holy hand resting on the least act renders the ordinary extraordinary. Spooning soup into the mouth of the weak or manning the nursery so a tired mom can go to church are acts of hgh worship when offered in the name of Christ...Christ summons the disillusioned to the paradoxical bliss of spilling life lavishly, sacrificially for the glory of God and the good of man. Those with presence of mind and semblance of health are called to pour out the drink offering of their lives until the cup is overturned and every drop of energy slips ~ perhaps unnoticed, uncelebrated ~ into the vast ocean of earthly need. The last imperceptible dropo f your well-lived life will sound to the hosts of heaven like a tidal wave hitting the floor of the Grand Canyon. In effect, Christ says, "I'm already great enough for both of us," relieving the willing of their woeful burden. 'Just follow me'."

WOWWWWWWWW! Wasn't that so beautifully written???? To tell us that we do not have to be perfect ~ get rid of the perfectionist in us! Stop trying so hard to be great, and JUST BE who He wants us to be! To live for the greatness of God is to live the GREAT LIFE!

I'm so unbelievably thankful for this beautiful Sunday morning!

Saturday...

2009-07-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

The neighbors are out of town (both sides of our house). The neighborhood is extremely quiet! We enjoyed a day of hanging out as a family! The morning began with Mike and the kids at the Upward Evaluations ~ the boys went through some football drills to figure out the best team for them in the fall, while Kacy was sized for her cheerleading uniform ~ you heard me ~ that girl is so excited to be a cheerleader! Oh, help me, now! We certainly do not need her to be any more girly-girl, that's for sure, but her heart is set on being in a cheerleading skort and learning cheers with her girlfriends!! (She's also already asking me when she can go back to ballet!) Anyway, can you believe that a very generous man gave a $250 donation to the Upward program this morning??????? And, there are already 70+kids signed up, and we still have a month to go before it begins! GOD LOVES FOOTBALL ~ isn't that cool?! :-) We are so excited to see what God will do with this program this year in reaching boys, girls, moms and dads for Christ! I can't wait!!!! (Be sure to visit www.upward.org for more information.)

While they were in the hot sun, Kacy and I took sweet Lily Kay to Hershey to see the doctor, and sure enough, she has her first ear infection and pink eye. I am so glad that I took her, b/c she was just bound to get worse over the weekend, so now we can get the antibiotic in her and watch her get better very quickly!

While sitting and reading a Karen Kingsbury book this afternoon, I decided to invite some friends over for a cookout ~ our lives are so busy it seems that when there is a day to just chill, it is way too tempting to keep it that way! But the calendar goes by so quickly, and we need to take advantage of being hospitable and sharing with others!

It ended up being a very fun evening ~ the kids played with friends while the parents sat and chatted! We even walked to Rita's for dessert (a little crazy, yes, with many kids on that walk), but the kids were soooooooo excited! I, on the other hand, am so disappointed in myself ~ rather than share a gelati with my husband, I got my own ice cream cone that I didn't need and felt sick most of the night! What a waste of money and calories!!!! :-) Remind me to read this post the next time I consider getting my own rich, heavy ice cream cone!!! :-)

It was a fun Saturday, and MIKE, I LOVE the yard work that was done today! Ahhhhhh ~ our front yard and back yard are absolutely gorgeous! THANK YOU, honey, for all the work you do!

P.S. I should take a picture of my dryerase board in my kitchen ~ it says, "Keep your dirty paws off the clean kitchen cabinets!" I scrubbed them while Mike and the kids were bowling the other day, then Lily and I went to the grocery store...I knew they were getting back from bowling first, so the warning was placed!!! I swear I could identify every dirty handprint! I love cleanliness! I also love lived-in-ness (I know it's not a word), but that's what our home is ~ lived in!

Today.....

2009-07-24T19:50:00.007-05:00

Just got back from an evening jog and feeling good!

I was just holding sweet Lily who's not feeling well today ~ say a prayer for her ~ she's simply miserable with a terrible summer cold, and she looks so pathetic...it's so sad...her eyes and nose are a continuous watery mess, and she can barely breathe through her nose. Anyway, while I was holding her, I called out Trey's name to get away from the swimming pool, and I startled the sweet girl! She had just settled down in my arms, then heard me yell, and shook with fear ~ I just told her that there will be many years of her hearing me scream that boy's name, so she'd better get used to it! :-)

Oh, and before she got sick, she was rolling over ALL DAY LONG! I guess once she got this new talent of hers down pat, she was pretty darn proud of herself, and would do it 25 times a day! The only problem was that she still cannot roll back over, so after about 5 minutes on her belly looking up and waiting for someone to come and roll her back, she lets out her cries until someone comes to her rescue, only to do the whole process over again! :-)

Now, speaking of that wild child, what in the world were we thinking by putting him in a bed???????????? Three times through the night, he was disciplined for getting out of his bed, and apparently, he ended up sleeping with Cade (lucky boy)! Then, bright and early ~ 6:30 AM, a 2 year old "all-boy" was standing in my bed swinging a foam sword at my head with sound effects and all!

The fear of God was put into him tonight, and fell asleep instantly without getting out of his bed! Will it last through the night?????? Lord, help us! :-)

update****Trey has been doing GREAT in his big boy bed! He stays for each nap time ~ as he's walking up the stairs, he says to me, "Stay!" Yepper, boy, you'd better STAY! :-) However, I'm afraid the habit has begun ~ 3 nights in a row now, the sweet boy has climbed in bed with his big brother, Cade! So far, Cade is loving it, but I'm worried that will wear off really soon! We shall see!

Struggling...

2009-07-23T22:32:00.002-05:00

Okay, I admit! I am struggling! I am struggling with keeping up with this blog! The other day I cleaned out my scrapbook room (a very needed task), and I was saddened that time is passing me by while pictures, memories, and stories are not getting documented fast enough...the children are growing and life is moving....I simply cannot keep up!

Here are a few goals I added to my mind and am now cementing into this blog:

GOAL ~ try to at least blog the events of our daily life for memory's sake and get it published in a book!

GOAL ~ scrapbook something every week even it's just one page!

GOAL ~ get pictures developed routinely and put into albums or scrapbooks!

GOAL ~ ENJOY LIFE and don't stress out over the little things!

Grammi, Grandma Diane, and anyone else who misses the blog: "I'm back!" (At least for now)! :-)

Big Boy Trey and 3 Boys in a Room!

2009-07-23T22:09:00.005-05:00

Awwwwwwww! We moved the sweet boy into his big bed today! Naptime was very exciting! He climbed right in and fell asleep instantly! However, bedtime with this brothers right across the room was a different story! After a few attempts of climbing out, climbing up the ladder of his brothers' bunk beds, making his big brothers laugh and then receiving discipline from Daddy, he is now sleeping soundly in his big boy bed! Mommy must admit though that she is a little concerned about the morning and how early it may come! :-)

Mommies and Daddies...

2009-07-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

...ponder this!!!!

You've been handed a piece of history in advance ~ a gracious gift you send to a time you will not see ~ and you play the biggest role in how that history will ultimately be recorded.

WOW!!!!!!! Those are some huge words that remind us of our huge role as parents!

A GREAT SUMMER DAY!

2009-07-22T18:15:00.006-05:00

walked/biked with C,S,T and L this morning while K was at her day camp

came home and scheduled playdate with some fun, old friends (tried to not laugh at Cade and friend, Owen, who stacked their Uno hands with the best cards before playing against their younger brothers)

baked brownies and enjoyed them with the kiddos and their friends ~ YUM!

listened to great music most of the day

balanced the checkbook this afternoon

now listening to the boys play a sweet baseball game with Kacy and Thaddeus nextdoor (the picture is Kacy in her swimsuit and a baseball helmet after running to first base)

NOW THAT'S A GREAT SUMMER DAY!

It's Definitely Springtime!

2009-05-19T07:25:00.002-05:00

Last night Sam came from the backyard yelling to me, "Mommy, there's Daddy ducks killing a Mommy Duck!"

I didn't have the heart to go into the biology lesson for my sweet 7 year old ~ who was also concerned that these ducks were having their "killing" love session in his garden!

Bible Study at a Very Young Age

2009-04-15T21:36:00.005-05:00

How precious!!!!!!!! Realizing you weren't watching Sesame Street with your sister, this is where I found you....scribbling and reading Mommy's Bible Study books! Thanks for leaving your precious marks in my books that I will cherish forever along with the precious photo!

Of course, seeing Mommy's slippers sitting at my window seat, you jumped down, put them on your sweet feet and RAN AWAY! :-)

My Living God!

2009-04-14T13:44:00.003-05:00

Written below is a paragraph recently read in the Beth Moore study I am doing (A Heart Like His...Seeking the Heart of God Through the Study of David). After reading about the age-old Bible story of David defeating Goliath in I Samuel 17:1-58, I LOVED these words that remind me of the LIVING GOD that we serve...the LIVING GOD that fights for us ALL THE TIME, and the LIVING GOD that we celebrate this Easter season!

Acknowledge an active and living God in your life.

Do you approach every circumstance and conflict as a member of the army of the living God? Do you continually regard God as "able"? Is He not only the Lord Almighty on the page but the Lord Almighty on the pavement? Do you stand in His Name? Our victory rests not on faith in our spirituality. Our victory rests on faith in our God. We're often intimidated in battle because we are are uncertain of our faith. We must remember we don't stand in victory because of our faith. We stand in victory because of our God. Faith in faith is pointless. Faith in a living, active God MOVES MOUNTAINS....Are you allowing Him to live smack in the middle of your life? If so, I bet you've crossed a few Red Seas, tumbled down a few walls, and escaped a few lions yourself. He is alive. He is active. He wants to make you living proof. Remember, the cross would have been God's worst defeat had the people not had cause to exclaim, "HE'S ALIVE!"

This is a paragraph that I want to read over and over again and I BELIEVE that He is ACTIVE AND ALIVE!

It's Garden Day!

2009-04-13T21:31:00.000-05:00

Daddy woke up this morning and instructed all the kids to get ready to work with him in the garden.......immediately, Kacy went upstairs to get dressed, and this is how she appeared. While I was laughing and grabbing my camera, she exclaims, "WHAT??????? This is my gardening hat!!!!!"

For God So Loved the World!

2009-04-12T19:23:00.005-05:00

Enjoy the sweet song that Kacy learned in her church class today!!!!! I'm so proud of my daughter who LOVES her Jesus and is so glad He rose from the dead!!!

(Don't forget to pause the music playlist at the bottom of the page!)

Kacy Moments to Remember

2009-04-04T08:46:00.011-05:00

This morning, I am listening to WAY TOO LOUD cartoons (Strawberry Shortcake to be exact) in the background as I catch up on emails, facebook, and my blog. Yes, I'm wasting precious "housecleaning" time as Mike is out at Sam's FREEZING soccer game, but the baby is sleeping until her next feeding, and the other kids are all occupied with something quiet (besides Kacy with the loud TV), and I just want to blog about a few memories of the week!

Sooo, lately, Kacy has had the TV turned up just way too loud with her morning Sesame Street, and when I tell her that she must turn the volume down, here is her response:

"MOM, you don't know how Jesus made me....Jesus is the one who made my ears like this!"

Only Kacy June!

-----------------
The last few days have been like 20 questions with Kacy June as well!

1. "Mom, how do we get to heaven? Do we just jump really high until we get on a cloud and just keep jumping?" Not really, sweetheart...it's just our hearts that go to heaven and we will get new bodies b/c our body will be buried in the ground......well, that just opened the door for MORE QUESTIONS! YIKES!

2. "Mommy, how old is the sun and the moon?" UM, I really don't know sweetheart.....they are pretty old, b/c God created them before he made Adam and Eve!

3. "Mommy, how old is Jesus? Is he infinity and beyond plus 2?" SURE, SOUNDS GOOD TO ME, Kacy! :-)

Last, but not least: Yesterday, she comes crying to me with these emotional words:

"Mom, Sam threw away the picture that I drew of Adam and Eve! I was saving that to give to Jesus, and he just threw it away! YOU HAVE TO DISCIPLINE HIM, okay, Mom?!"

------------------------
IT'S SPRING, YAY!!!!!!!

Kacy, Trey, Lily and I took advantage of the two nice days we had this week and took nice long walks. I am so excited for nice spring weather! I love to get exercise and encourage my kids to do the same, and I love the fresh air for all of them! So how do I walk with 3 little ones? Kacy and Trey are in the jogging stroller, and Lily is in the front pack......I'm sure it's quite the sight, but we all love it! We've spotted many ducks and spring flowers growing all around, and Kacy has learned what a daffodil looks like...it's now one of her favorite flowers!

The second day that we walked, Kacy insisted that she walks beside me with her baby in her doll stroller...how could I say "no" to her wanting to be a mom? Well, so much for Mommy getting her needed exercise...there was no "pop" in my step or much calorie burning while walking that morning...it was "putzing" along (I have no idea how to spell that word), but it was a very fun morning for Kacy and her baby named "Brianna Kay Cutie Ladybug!" SLOW walking, but lots of talking and enjoying the spring day with my 3 blessings!

A True Mommy Moment (with no photograph)!

2009-04-02T09:26:00.001-05:00

Here is a "true MOMMY" moment, and because of the circumstances of this moment, there is no photo, but I'm sure you can grasp a clear picture in your mind!

With toys scattered all over the floor, I'm sitting on the couch and feeding Lily with my legs crossed like a lady.

Trey seizes the opportunity to sit on my foot and begins bouncing up and down while I'm still feeding Lily.

Kacy sits beside me feeding her "baby" in the same manner as Mommy, EXCEPT that she is still in her nightgown and it is pulled all the way up to her chest, in order to feed her baby!

The phone rings, and the TV is on way too loud!

I laugh at the sight and cannot wait to journal the memory! I think to myself, "What a picture this must be!!!! (At least I have pants on and feed my baby discreetly, but what a sight!) I am feeding my 3 week old, bouncing my 2 year old on my foot, while having pretend Mommy conversations with my almost naked 5 year old beside me. The phone rings...the TV is on way too loud...toys are everywhere...now, this is the life of a mom!"

Simple Pleasures...

2009-03-25T19:12:00.001-05:00

...of a cardboard box! Beyond being thankful for the new dishwasher that was desperately needed in our home, I am just as thankful for this cardboard box that provided hours of fun for Kacy and Trey and kept them busy while Mommy was feeding sweet Lily! I LOVED watching the two of them play and decorate their new cardboard house...they were so precious! Kacy wrote each of their names on their new house...Trey made his own identifying marks on the house too (as well as the living room floor...thank you, Crayola, for washable markers)! It was a fun-filled day with a cardboard box!

We love the new dishwasher, Daddy, and we love the new box too!!!

Changes and Growth

2009-03-24T17:42:00.006-05:00

Yes, there have been some changes and some growth to the Robinson family...beautiful changes and growth! Lily Kay entered our family on Friday, 3/06/09, at 4:54 pm weighing 8 pounds 1 ounce, measuring 21 inches long, and wearing a sweet head of dark hair just like her older sister did 5 years ago when she was born!

I haven't blogged forever it seems as my life was enjoying every last moment of pregnancy and now is enjoying every first moment with Lily...but I sit here with thoughts that I want to get out...thoughts of thankfulness and thoughts of awe of our Great God Creator who holds this entire universe in His hands! Thinking back over my motherhood years, which have unmistakenly been the best years of my life, I am amazed at the growth and the changes that have occurred in my own personal life.

Now, I must admit here that since the end of the pregnancy and the sweet beginning of Lily's life, my devotion life has been extremely lacking. Sleep has been a little lacking too, and the days FLY past me...however, this is my acknowledgment that there is no excuse...I MUST begin my day with worshipping and serving Him by reading His word and spending some moments with Him! Now, with that said, I have been spending moments with Him in my thoughts throughout the day and in my amazement of all He has done and will continue to do!

So ~ I look back, and I am truly amazed at the joy that He has given to me through the 5 blessings that we have here on earth! Ten years ago, Mike and I experienced our first miscarriage (and it was by far, the worst/scariest miscarriage experience as I began to hemmorhage and needed him to rush me to the ER for emergency surgery). We were then blessed with 3 of the most fun, personality-filled children after that, and we were in love with being parents! Then a surprise pregnancy ended in another miscarriage...another pregnancy followed and ended in the diagnosis of a blighted ovum (empty sac) and required a planned surgery. Although my heart strongly desired to have 4 children, and my mind always pictured 4 at our table and in the family photographs, I realized that God is in control, and we had much to be thankful for! We sold almost every baby thing in a yard sale, and 1 month later we were pregnant with Trey! :-) Isn't that just the way it goes?! Two of our miscarriages were babies that would have been due in March...and, here, God gave us our fourth child in the month of March! And, YET, there's more! Another surprise pregnancy now brings us Lily Kay, also born in March!

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be the name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord, blessed be your name!

I am so thankful for the joy that was reaped through many tears of the past...He promises that when we sow in tears, we will reap with joy! GOD, YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! I am now reaping in joy the sweet blessings of FIVE children that I never imagined we'd have 10 years ago!

Although this entry is mostly for me to journal my gratitude to my God, the great Creator, I guess it's on here for all to see what a great God we serve! What do you have to be thankful for? I know many go through pain, loss, tears, suffering, but I love knowing that our God knows about it long before we do, and He knows what the other side looks like as well! He knows the joy that we will reap and the tears that we need to sow!

Speaking of sowing in tears and not knowing what waits on the other side, a blog that I have been following is pictured on the sidebar...praying for Stellan. I can't imagine what this mother is going through at this time, but just from keeping up with her blog, my heart is PRAYING IN GREAT EARNEST for God's perfect will for this family and dear, dear, Stellan! The greatness of computers is that I do not know MckMama at all, but I am learning so much about the great God we serve through her testimony in what she is going through right now. Click on the picture of sweet Stellan to be taken directly to her blog, and PRAY for baby boy Stellan!!!!

Taking stock...

2009-02-18T13:05:00.004-05:00

...in these items and more (the Clorox Bleach and wipes are missing...must make another trip to the grocery store)!

This has most definitely ranked up with being one of the sickest winters ever for our family! I'm soooooooo looking forward to spring, and children being outdoors! I'm thankful for promises of better days from our awesome GOD, and I'm thankful that it's only ear infections and stomach bugs when it could be so much worse! I'm also thankful for smiles that reappear when the stomach pains are gone!

In the middle of the night (early Monday morning), the stomach bug re-appeared through Kacy and Trey and is still lingering on. Poor Aunt Becky and Uncle Jeff were introduced to the side of parenthood that involves cleaning up puke, and Kacy, God bless her, insisted on sharing how "Mommy cleans it up like this....Mommy gives me a trash can and one that is empty...." (and the kicker of them all), "Mommy reads me another bedtime story if I get sick in the middle of the night!" THEY CAVED ~ she is one lucky duck with an awesome aunt and uncle getting another bedtime story at 5:00 AM when MOMMY does nothing of the sort! :-) Anyway, we're hoping to be on the mend by the end of the week, and we're staying positive and thanking God for all his provisions, hope, cleaning products, and smiles!

Valentine Dinner

2009-02-13T22:48:00.004-05:00

Since we will be out of town tomorrow for Valentine's Day, Mommy wanted tonight's dinner to be the special Valentine dinner that the kids look forward to every year.....although each year is different, it will always be in the shape of hearts and something FUN that everyone enjoys! As we reminisced, the kids remembered heart shaped pizzas, spaghetti in a heart shape, grilled cheese hearts, and pankcake hearts. Tonight we had heart quesadillas and a platter of valentine nachos ~ and the all important kids' favorite drink of pink lemonade...it was a very fun valentine meal for the most special VALENTINES in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOW CUTE...

2009-02-13T22:39:00.002-05:00

... was this sweet surprise as I entered the living room this morning finding Trey watching Sesame Street wearing his Daddy's hat that he apparently found somewhere in the living room! I am so thankful for cameras to capture these adorable surprises! I just could not get enough of watching him!

How stinkin' cute!

A Warm February Day...

2009-02-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

...and everyone is OUTSIDE enjoying the gorgeous FRESH AIR!

These are the hands of a boy...Cade played basketball forever it seemed, and WOW ~ his hands were filthy... with a beautiful dirt that Mommy doesn't mind, b/c it's a boy who loves to be outside!

Here's Sam riding his bike (wearing his FAVORITE sweatshirt that I have to tear off of him to wash it)! I love to watch this boy ride and ride and ride......YAY for beautiful days outside!
Kacy enjoyed riding her scooter...until who knows what happened???? All I know is the drama and emotions of this girl are TOO MUCH to handle some days! That's why I just had to capture the "emotional" photo too! God bless this sweet child ~ with every emotion possible!

So dinner was made a little late this evening, but it was worth it all enjoying the brief warmth that God gave us in this winter month!

Valentine Cookies

2009-02-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

It was a special afternoon with Kacy June baking and decorating Valentine cookies together! Kacy enjoyed designating each cookie for a friend or a member of our family as she decorated each one, and they were added with her valentines for her very special friends! (Notice, the cookies even got some Christmas decorations! Mommy had to pull the fall leaf sprinkles out of her hand before they landed on a heart!) These are the days I enjoy with my kids, yet, so easily get caught up in mundane household chores and forget to create these quality memories with my precious little ones! Thank you, Kacy, for enjoying these moments with your Mommy! I love you, and hope to continue these precious memories with you and your brothers always!

One of my Favorite Times of the Day...

2009-02-05T19:33:00.007-05:00

...when the boys come barreling through the door after a day at school! Usually, there's loud talking, laughter, running, and the routine goes like this:

They enter the house with loudness and smiles.

They hang up their coats and backpacks.

They read their chore wall (if something is posted), tell me about their homework, THEN....

(the most important part of their after school routine), they begin rummaging for an after school snack....

Today, Cade was thrilled to know that there left-over hot wings from a youth group party that Daddy hosted last night....

...and Sam was thrilled to find the yummy brownies that Mommy made the other day for the youth group party. I just couldn't resist these messy face pictures, b/c it truly is one of my favorite parts of the day!

"Roxie" the Squirrel

2009-02-02T18:31:00.008-05:00

Yes, most of you heard that we had a squirrel living in our basement last week, and our sweet daughter Kacy went from crying in fear the first day we learned of the squirrel to naming him "Roxie" on the 2nd-3rd day that he was still residing here....and may I add, WREAKING HAVOC in our basement!

Monday: While teaching a piano lesson in the afternoon, I was hearing very strange noises coming from dining room/outside wall. So, knowing we have a mouse in the house AGAIN, I made a mental note to ask Mike to set another mousetrap this evening. While cooking dinner, the dial on my steamer would not turn...Mike asked Cade to go down to his shop and bring up a wrench. Cade slowly walked into the kitchen with a very strange look on his face, saying almost in unbelief, "Dad, I think I just saw a squirrel......" Here goes Mommy's freaking out moment ~ "Mike, did you hear him? I heard scratching noises while I was doing lessons today...Mike LISTEN TO HIM, GO DOWNSTAIRS, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!" Mike's response: "I will. I'm just processing this information!" From my nagging, Mike goes to the shed and gets my tennis racket..."WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH A TENNIS RACKET, SPLAT IT ALL OVER THE BASEMENT?" :-)

He returns from the basement with evidence of where the squirrel entered the house, and assures me that he is not there anymore. The VERY INTRIGUED children of ours and the VERY NERVOUS ME tiptoe downstairs to see this hole that the squirrel created to get in. In the meantime, we notice a DISASTER of legos and chipped away pieces of plastic from the window casing above Sam's lego desk. My poor, sweet Sam began bawling his eyes out when he noticed his destroyed lego pirate ships and Indiana Jones sets. "It took me HOURS to do those! I worked sooooooo hard on all of that! I HATE that squirrel...he must DIE!" Later he emphatically states that he is going to have to skip school the next day just to get his legos put back together again! :-) Best brother, Cade, offers to help him with putting them back together another time! As the evening goes on, we see/hear no more evidence, so Daddy and Uncle Mark (our other expert squirrel investigator) assume that Squirrel has made his exit where he entered. SO IT IS JUST A HOPING GAME that he is GONE!

Tuesday: 2 hour delay for the kids ~ YAY! While eating a fun pancake breakfast, the kids and I suddenly stare at each other in silence as we begin hearing scratching noises AGAIN! Daddy gets a phone call at work, the local exterminator gets a call (he's not in today), and Mommy begins freaking out again! Jack Smith, Carla's dad, who traps for a hobby, came in with a box trap to save the day! THANK YOU, JACK! He sets the trap with an apple quarter inside, and I spend the rest of the day waiting to hear an angry squirrel.

Tuesday evening: Mike and Uncle Mark investigate the basement and the empty, turned upside-down trap with the apple eaten away........that darn squirrel!!!! I teach another piano lesson in the dining room listening to two grown men banging on the basement ceiling tiles (where they found the squirrel) with a tennis racket...and all this whooping and hollering. Forget concentrating on a piano lesson, my poor student....who begged to see the squirrel and begged that we don't kill him b/c "squirrels are soooooooooo cute!" Boy, did she have nerve! :-) Although, Uncle Mark at one point had the squirrel by the tail, they failed at capturing him...they set the trap up in a ceiling tile and called it a night. The stories from Mike were hilarious, and Cade witnessed most of it giving clear detail that Daddy, the city boy, was standing the farthest away from all the squirrel action! :-) At one point, the squirrel ran down from the ceiling to the floor, went right through Mark's legs, and back up the opposite wall into the ceiling again! I'm so pleased that my husband was finding this hilarious, but I was getting a bit frustrated that a large annoying rodent was doing "who knows what" in my children's playroom!

Wednesday: SNOW DAY FOR ALL!!!!!!!! YAY, it's CAPTURE THE SQUIRREL DAY! Daddy is on a mission! While cooking breakfast for the kids, down Daddy comes in his camouflage shirt with a bright gold football and the word "finish" screen-printed on it from his football camp. Now, MY MAN is not fooling around anymore.........you go, baby! Downstairs he goes and returns with a story of the squirrel just sitting inside the cage with the doors wide open, gnawing away at the fresh apple and staring at Mike, like "Ha-ha!" The trap doors didn't work! YOU ARE KIDDING ME! He chases that darn thing out, resets the trap, and waits! FINALLY, 11:00 am the squirrel finally gets caught in the cage.......the doors worked, and the dumb squirrel just sits in there continuing to eat his apple without showing any anger at all! The kids yell for me, Cade grabs the video camera to capture the moment for Daddy on tape, and I just want him gone!!!!!!!!!

Guess what? Mike actually had a heart and wouldn't kill the thing, so now, my prayer each night is that "Roxie" does not remember where we live and how to enter our home! Mike finds out that our neighbor across the street is actually paying Devan to feed the squirrels in his backyard while he is in Florida for the winter! Across the street, Mike, Cade and "Roxie" go to free the darn squirrel to be fed over there!

I plead that there will be no more animals in this house! We have now had a bat, a bird, and a squirrel....I'm so thankful for my wonderful neighbors who have experienced all of this drama right along with me each time! Like I have said before ~ there is never a dull moment in our home! We will be getting a chimney cover put on any day now, and the rest of our wonderful snow day was spent cleaning and disinfecting the squirrel mess in our basement!

Praying for this sweet baby, Harper

2009-01-19T09:30:00.002-05:00

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/
Check this blogsite out and pray for Harper and her parents....I'm loving cyberspace where we can learn about and pray for complete strangers and know that God hears everyone of those prayers!!!!

Trouble Trey...

2009-01-16T17:40:00.004-05:00

...showing off his "trouble" when Daddy's in charge ~ I LOVE IT!

While Mommy was working at Curves last night, Daddy was in charge....he sent Kacy to the tub to start her bathtime and ended up chatting with our neighbor after they fixed our toilet! THANK YOU, MARK! Anyway, (the story goes like this).....while they were chatting, Mike hears Kacy yelling and yelling for Daddy to come and finally, he understands her high-pitched words, "TREY IS IN THE TUB WITH HIS CLOTHES ON!!!!!!!!"

Daddy quickly sends Mark home, runs upstairs find Trey fully clothed in the tub! The sweet boy was trying to take off his socks and kept yelling, "Dock, Dock!" I am still amazed at hearing the story and knowing that Daddy even took pictures of the event!!!!

P.S. Along with the soaking wet clothes, Trey was also in a poopy diaper! :-) Way to go, Trey, showing off that trouble for Daddy! There's always a story to tell in the Robinson house!

Boys, Boys, BOYS!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-16T14:14:00.007-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, Cade came FLYING in the back door LAUGHING like I never heard him laugh before! Behind him is my carpool friend's daughter carrying Sam's backpack into the house...wondering where Sam is and why someone else is carrying his backpack, I look outside and coming up the driveway, struggling to move, wearing a half-smile and half-frown is my sweet, sweet, Sam! Meanwhile Cade is practically rolling on the floor in laughter!

Apparently, on the 2 minute drive from their school to our house, Cade tied Sam's sleeves and his shoelaces together. The poor boy could barely move and carry his own stuff!! While there was a lot of laughter and Mommy just shaking her head, once the arms and laces were untied, the animal in Sam emerged and began to chase Cade down with a fierce passion! Finally, Mom put an end to the wildness and promised Sam more marshmallows than Cade in his hot chocolate!

No Boredom in this House!

2009-01-06T19:44:00.008-05:00

Since it's been over a month since I posted a blog, I figured I have enough to journal about using the latest antics and silly stories of each of our 4 LIVELY BLESSINGS! Since the youngest of the 4 is the one who exhausts me the most lately, I will start with him! (Picture below is Trey cleaning out Mommy's purse!)

You would think since he woke up and has had a little stomach bug causing very messy diapers today, that he would be in a snuggling mood and want to lay low. NO! He has instead shown the most hyperactivity in one day that I have seen in a while! (He's still so darn cute though and when I get a little frustrated, he seems to just give me the silliest look that just cracks me up and makes me smile!) His little legs just running all over this house with the matching swinging arms just crack me up! There is almost always a ball in his hand, and on more than one occasion, I have retrieved a ball on the side of my head when I wasn't looking! :-) His most favorite toys this Christmas were his set of soft balls (football, soccer ball, baseball and basketball) to throw wherever he wants and his bathtub Thomas the Trains (which are also soft ~ with his throwing skills, we just let him play with the soft trains anywhere instead of just the bathtub)!

Today, in a matter of 5 minutes, I quickly grabbed a tube of toothpaste from him as he was trying to squeeze it into his mouth...then I retrieved an apple from the toilet as he looked right at me and chucked it into the toilet with the biggest smile on his face!!!! Ahhhhhhhh! As I retrieved the apple ready to throw it into the trash, the CRAZY WILD CHILD comes to me with a towel! "WHAT?! You are unbelievable! No, I'm not drying it off and giving it back to you! I just can't keep up with you! You do crack me up, but please GIVE MOMMY A BREAK!" :-) Oh, how can you not love the personality of each and every child God has blessed us with!

Onto Silly Child #2:
The posing princess has been giving us the biggest laughs with her prayers lately! Tonight, the prayer at dinner went like this:
"Dear Lord, We know that Mary is your muder (mother), and we love her. We love you too, Lord, Jesus, God, King. You know those are all your names, but I really want to know what your nickname is!"
At the beginning of the prayer, Mike and I scolded the boys for giggling, but by the end of the prayer, Mike and I were blubbering with laughter, and after the stress of my day, there were even tears streaming down my face! Oh, I love these kids so much it just hurts sometimes! :-)

...Antics of the two oldest to be posted later! Mommy has work to do!

First Snowfall of the Season...

2008-11-21T13:07:00.006-05:00

...and some very excited youngsters!!!! The picture above is a VERY THRILLED Kacy June waking up in her own style of pajamas (dress-up clothes over her jammies) and running to the sliding glass doors begging to go outside and play immediately! After some cleaning and caring for still-not-feeling-well Sam, I finally got the two little ones dressed and out the door for some fun!!!!!! Trey kept running to the sliding glass doors in the kitchen and saying, "Whoa! Whoa!!!" Quickly, he learned the word, "snow," and once outside, he stood and said over and over again his own version of "snow" ~ which was "no, no, no." He would point and stand amazed. Finally, he began walking around and following big sis, falling over every once in a while dressed in his heavy garb, standing up and crying, then walking around exploring again!Mommy being too cold outside, came in to stand at the doors watching the precious two play together! What a pic I was able to capture as Kacy helped Trey through "the jungle" as they call it, holding onto his hand to keep him from falling!

It was a surprising and BEAUTIFUL morning to awake to! Thank you, Lord, for these precious days!

We Love this Man!

2008-11-20T09:34:00.005-05:00

....................and the little guy on top too, but this post is a tribute to Daddy!!!!!!

Starting Monday evening with Trey, we had the stomach bug hit our home HARD! It was amazing how fast it hit others in the family ~ starting with Mommy in the middle of the night, having Kacy walk into our room 1/2 hour later making a mess on our floor, and then hitting Daddy long before sunrise as well! It seemed that every half hour, one of the 4 of us were using either the bathroom or a bucket (other than Trey who's not quite coordinated yet to do either of those things). It was THIS MAN who cleaned everyone's mess up while Mommy cleaned and comforted the child(ren)! Funny thing was we chose to keep Cade and Sam home from school assuming they would begin the sick stage soon after we did, and we certainly did not want it to happen at school! Well, it turned out that they received a free day off of school from Mommy and Daddy b/c they NEVER got sick at all, and although they enjoyed fending for themselves and playing with their legos all day long, they begged us to "PLEEEEEEEEASE let us go to school tomorrow if we're not sick!" :-)

As two days passed and the two older boys showed no signs of sickness, we thought (much to our dismay) that they missed it altogether! Last night, however, was Sam's turn, and Daddy once again stepped in to clean the mess from the top bunk bed ~ GROSS! While I cleaned Sam and brought him to our bed, and he was sleeping ever so precious in our bed... Daddy came him, looked at him and said to the sleeping child, "Ahhhhh...you are so precious and so cute, but if you ever look at me the wrong way, I will remind you over and over again that I cleaned up your puke!" :-)

All I have to say is "WHAT A GUY! We love you, Daddy!"

Crazy Hair Day at AWANA

2008-11-19T19:38:00.005-05:00

Tonight was Crazy Hair Day at the boys' Awana clubs, and, boy, were they excited!!! While I was teaching a piano lesson at 3:00 when they came home from school, they immediately snuck into the bathroom where Cade created Sam's mohawk all by himself. Then, they were in the basement searching out Kacy's wig for Cade! Strange, I know, but I have been loving the friendship these boys have been displaying lately! Cade actually has this whole plan of walking into the 3rd/4th grade girls' class and introducing himself as "Katie Robinson, the new student!" Oh my! Right now they're at AWANA and can't wait to hear their exciting remarks when they come home!

Update:******* Cade came home with the winning prize for the 3rd-6th grade boys! Wait until Aunt Becky finds out that the wig she bought for Kacy's bday helped Cade get a McDonald's gift certificate booklet as first prize! :-)

"Butbol!"

2008-11-19T19:34:00.003-05:00

Saturday night was Mike's team football banquet. When he came home, the kids were already in bed. He snuck into Trey's room and placed these balloons by his crib to surprise him in the morning. Unfortunately, what Daddy and Mommy weren't expecting was that he would be the first awake at sunrise before the rest of the family, yelling with delight, "BUTBOL!!! BUTBOL!!!" Fabulous idea, Daddy! Although Trey woke us all up on Sunday morning, these balloons have been the greatest joy for him the last few days!

Silly Girl...

2008-11-19T19:26:00.006-05:00

This sight made the boys laugh quite hard before they left for school on Monday morning...

the boys were waiting for their ride to school, and down came Kacy to the kitchen all made up to start her day! Apparently, she had been awake for a while and decided to make herself pretty before coming down! When the boys saw her, they laughed so hard. Mommy wasn't so impressed and had a few words with her (while taking a picture, of course). Cade then took her to the bathroom mirror where she saw her face, and said, "OH!" We certainly enjoyed the laughs, Kacy June!

The Ballerina Party

2008-11-16T20:50:00.016-05:00

For Kacy's 5th birthday, she had been begging for her girlfriends to come over and be ballerinas all together! WOW ~ this girl stuff is so different from what Mike and I are used to! Sports, pirates, and dinosaurs have always been the party themes before! This was new territory! However, I must admit that all went well! It was very fun party for Kacy and her ballerina friends!

After eating the "pink lunchoen" (gotta love food coloring), the girls colored cute ballerina pictures while tutus were specially made for each of the ballerina guests. Of course, a picture of the ballerinas was taken in their new tutus.
After the photo session, a ballet lesson was provided by Kacy's Aunt Becky! Oh, did these girls LOVE this!!! They listened so intently to their instructor, and they danced the afternoon away! It was a very special day back in October! The ballerina party is now a memory of Sweet Ballerina Friends, a wonderful Aunt who took time out of her Saturday, wonderful pictures and fun videos to watch! Memories.......

Keepsakes of Kacy (part two)

2008-11-16T20:19:00.007-05:00

So, forever ago (it seems), Kacy turned the BIG 5, and I started posting about her memorable birthday! Well, life got busy as usual, and I'm catching up quite late! So, here we go.........Her actual bday morning began at the Fractured Prune ~ the favorite donut shop in town! The best part of her special day was DADDY WAS HOME because it was Columbus Day! We walked to the Fractured Prune for our morning exercise, and Kacy walked right up to the counter and asked for a pink donut! Trey even got a special blue donut that he loved as well!

Then it was home and Kacy and Daddy had bonding time outside raking leaves. Kacy loves her Prince Charming!!!!!!!!!

When her brothers came home from school, we ate dinner and she opened her gifts from Mommy and Daddy! Do you think she was excited?????????? She's been wanting to take ballerina class...she's got a great book to read with Mommy and Daddy and her very own ballet shoes! We also gave her tap shoes, and BOY, do they make noise on the wood floors in this home! Hmmm ~ not sure if that was the smartest move, Mommy ever made! It was a special day for a special girl! Her girlfriend party will be the next posted entry!

Pumpkin Carving

2008-11-16T19:17:00.003-05:00

So the boys began carving their pumpkins one day after school before Halloween, but they were mumbling and complaining about having to put their hands into the gross stuff. Tired of the moaning and groaning, I remembered that I have disposable gloves that they could wear (after I told them to toughen up, of course). They were THRILLED that they could wear these gloves and not touch the GROSS stuff............

After about 10 minutes, I look outside and notice the "boys who didn't want to touch the gross stuff" chucking the pumpkin junk at each other and laughing their heads off........now, that's what I call "toughening up and being a boy!"

The finished products turned out really cute, I must admit! Cade was so determined to do something sports related ~ he began attempting a football helmet with a falcon in it to surprise his dad, but gave up after a while. He turned his pumpkin around and did a Phillies logo ~ much to our surprise, that's the night they ended up winning the World Series ~ that was a VERY EXCITING NIGHT for Cade and his Daddy!!!! Yay, Phils! (Unfortunately, in the morning, his "p" started to flop, so Cade intelligently fixed it with a toothpick.

Sam chose to do an eagle........"It's my most favorite animal, mom, and I like the Philadelphia Eagles too!"

Cute pumpkins and fun memories!

For Ashley...

2008-11-16T18:56:00.003-05:00

We miss you, Ashley, and can't wait to see you when you get home again! Thought you would love to see how much Trey loves the presents your dad brought home for the kids ~ so thoughtful! He is definitely all boy ~ either knocking things down, throwing balls or any object for that matter and showing off his athletic skills! :-)

A Surprise Visit

2008-11-07T22:01:00.007-05:00

It seems to be impossible to sit and type out what is going on in our lives for our own memory's sake, and for keeping in touch with distant family and loved ones. Now seems a great time as Mike, Cade and a surprise cousin from Texas are getting a slice of pizza at Pizzatown! I find it amazing that this is the first Friday night we are home as a family with no more football games, and Mike gets a call from this cousin from Texas who is traveling from New York state and would love to stop by and visit! WOW! We had no plans ~ what are the chances? Mike was thrilled to host and catch up with this cousin, and Cade was beyond thrilled that he was allowed to go to Pizza Town this late with his Daddy! Hmmm ~ he is just getting too big for his britches! :-)

Here are some of the memories and sayings lately:

Tonight, there was a pumpkin candle burning in the kitchen, and as Sam was going to bed, he stopped in the kitchen and asked in all seriousness, "Mom, can you keep this smell for tomorrow? It smells good!" :-) I had to smile! If you only knew the conversation I just had with him earlier that day about his smelly socks!

The boys had off school yesterday and today! We had a blast! I just love taking a day off of housework and spending a whole day with all of my children! Yesterday, they had to accompany me to a baby doctor appt, which bummed Cade out, but he didn't seem to mind after all. "What did you say I have to do on my day off of school??????????" He was a trooper and the BEST HELPER ever with all the kiddos trampling into the doctor's office! Crazy as that sounds and knowing I was dreading taking all 4 with me, they were amazing and made absolutely no scenes at all! Listening to the heartbeat and allowing the kids to guess what we were having was a fun morning for all! Then it was out to lunch and a little window shopping at the mall with allowance money they each have been saving.

Today, we were the first ones to see the Madagascar movie, and they each brought their allowance money and paid their own way. I'm loving the responsibility they are learning with getting paid according to their work and attitudes throughout the week! It was a great movie ~ THANK YOU, JENA, for keeping the Trey monster! :-)

After the movie, the boys went across the street to do yardwork for Mr. Reed. Kacy raked up some leaves in our own backyard while I was cleaning up the kitchen, and before I could get my camera, Trey was jumping and laughing with her in the pile of leaves! They have become such cute little buddies playing together lately. The other morning, Kacy said to me, "Mommy, I wish only Cade went to school and Sam stayed home somedays like he used to!" Awww ~ she really misses Sam! And even though she won't admit that she loves Cade, I caught them in the most adorable snuggle on the couch the other afternoon watching a movie!!!!!
Although Kacy and Trey are becoming little playmates lately, Cade and I have been shocked at how Trey already knows how to annoy his sister at his sweet young age already! The double jog stroller is definitely the place to annoy her! While out on a walk and bike ride with the kids this morning, we must have stopped 3 times to discipline Trey for simply smacking his sister on top of the head and pulling her hair. It was almost like he just wanted to see what we would do, and all the while, Kacy starts crying and can't move any further away from this little pest who just keeps smacking her on the head! In the middle of a housing development, it's quite tricky to put a 19 month old in time-out for hitting, and we certainly cannot smack his hand while telling him "NO HIT!" Sam, the brilliant one, says, "Mom, here give him this leaf!" Ahhhh! He was enthralled with a leaf the rest of the way home! Yes, Kacy can dish it out herself, but today, I was amazed that the little one has caught on to being a pest! Tonight, he chose to hit her on the head with a hard plastic toy. Oh, you can bet he got time-out in the corner this time, and from a very stern daddy! Hmmmm ~ the testing has begun!

So.......as I wait for the men to return, I wanted to catch you all up on our lives...busy, but THE BEST!

Trouble Trey

2008-11-04T13:54:00.004-05:00

Apparently, Trey isn't liking the skin of his apple that he picked out of the refrigerator. For weeks, now he has been LOVING eating apples just like a big boy right down to the core. Usually, they are red apples, but the apple he chose today was a green one (Sam and Cade's favorite). After getting the broccoli soup started for dinner, I went to check on Trey noticing little green pieces of apple skin ALL OVER THE LIVING ROOM and KITCHEN FLOOR!!!! He is biting into the apple, spitting the skin out and chomping away on the fruit itself! Ahhhhh! Never fails that when I clean the wood floors, something like this happens!

Did I mention that last week, that I found a wet streak through the kitchen and loving room floors? CURIOUS ~ I found him stuffing his blankie in the toilet and dragging it like Linus all throughout the house!!!! Oh, YES, we added mopping to the list that day!

But he's still so darn cute! :-)

Keepsakes of Kacy (part one)

2008-10-27T21:01:00.008-05:00

Okay, I know it's been forever since I've posted anything ~ the latest that I have to post seem to revolve around Kacy since her birthday has just passed and she has had a few silly sayings lately.

Before we recap the fun birthday events, I must record her quote from this morning. After requesting for the 57th time to get her shoes on so we can get to the store before heading to a birthday party for a friend and not be late, I went into Mommy stress mode of raising my voice to her with her last reminder to get her shoes on, and she responded to me with tears, "Mommy, you're hurting my earrings!!!!!!!!!" Now, how does a mother in a hurry reply to that?!

Sunday, October 12th, the day before her birthday, we held a family party at our home for Kacy. She was so thrilled to be the center of attention that whole day and SO EXCITED that her cousin, Olivia, was able to come and play! Adorned with the jewelry Sam purchased for her, she was so happy to receive the webkin she wanted so badly! She had a very fun day opening gifts from family, and the video camera caught the funniest moments of her opening a granola bar box (which completely fooled her b/c she truly thought there were granola bars in it)! She even offered to share them with everyone until we encouraged her to actually open the box from Aunt Becky which held tickets and clues for a special upcoming day with Aunt Becky!

Kacy's New "Do"

2008-10-03T22:51:00.004-05:00

Early this week while I was at an evening meeting, the family was getting their haircut. I mentioned to my family "hairdresser" (many of you know who this great hairdresser is) that she could trim Kacy's hair into a cute bob. Since she was in bed by the time I got home, I didn't get to see her until Tuesday morning, and I must admit, I was a little surprised at how short it was, but I ended up LOVING it! Then she was at my fabulous hairdresser's house that day for some babysitting, and when I game to pick her up, her hair was even cuter after it was straightened with a flat iron! So, Kacy's got a new "do" and it's SO CUTE ON HER! I couldn't resist taking another picture the very next morning!

More Updates

2008-10-03T22:20:00.006-05:00

So I'm limiting my computer time during the week so I could get more done around this house, but I'm waiting up for my husband to get home from his football game, and Family Time is what we're loving these days! Below are pictures and moments I've been wanting to post for a few weeks, but haven't found the time:

One morning while hanging out my laundry, I was enthralled with the beauty of this picture. I had to capture it to remember the look of a backyard where my children and all their neighbor friends love to play! Toys, swings (thrown over the swingset by big boys), trucks, bikes, a playhouse, the treehouse - it was a sight that made me smile and made me thankful for all that I have!!!!!

2. The boys are playing Upward Flag Football this year, and they are LOVING IT! Mommy and Daddy are too as we see so many community members come out to see their kids play and hear devotionals and prayers to hopefully move them one "yard" closer to Jesus in their lives. After each practice, the boys come home and tell me about the new plays they learned and what was discussed during "chalk talk." This is where they get a water break and hear a Bible verse and learn a practical lesson about how Jesus makes us clean. This is a FABULOUS program, and we're so happy that we can be involved and our kids can learn and interact with other boys playing a game they love! Yes, Daddy is proud!

3. While Cade and Sam were hanging out with friends, Mike and I took Kacy and Trey to a local fall festival! Kacy and Daddy were loving the cotton candy (that was free - I hate spending money on this sugar), and Trey LOVED his ice cream cone!!! (How about those freckles and those smiling blue eyes?)

A Fun Night and a Refreshing Week

2008-10-03T21:50:00.005-05:00

Although my week started out chaotic and stressful and in need of a renewed spirit in my life and some re-prioritizing of schedules and perspectives, I have truly enjoyed the peace of the last few days and tonight! I have decided to limit the phone calls I take, the time spent on the computer (hence, the very outdated blog), the knocks and doorbells on the doors (please don't stop coming to play, sweet neighbor friends - Mommy just needed a break), and the "to-do" things that somehow get piled onto the imaginary small plate that I own! I guess it's the just the normal fall season "break-down" that I go through ~ it's back to school time AND football season, and always a somewhat lonely and busy time for me as a wife and a mom. HOWEVER, that's okay! It's been a growing time as it always is, and I am so thankful for having the relationship that I have with my Lord and Savior - what a JOY to spend time in His word, reflect, learn and grow! Thank you, also, to my sweet friends who listen and seem to completely understand b/c we're all moms who need to slow down and "live in the moment" that God has given us with our children and others around us!

Tonight was a very fun night with a few of our kids that I know some of you will enjoy. While Sam is out camping for the weekend with his aunt, uncle, niece, and friends for the weekend, Kacy has been desperately wanting a sleepover with her sweet friend, Kaitlyn. After a fun evening of playing barbies, princess dress-up, watching a Princess movie and teaching each other "piano lessons," they were sent upstairs to get ready for bed. FINALLY, after being upstairs FOREVER, I called for them and this is how they appeared:

I laughed so hard and ran for the camera! Apparently, in a 5 year old world, getting ready for bed involves finding matching nightgowns, plenty of jewelry and hair accessories before going to bed! HOW PRECIOUS are these girls!

Since I knew Cade would not appreciate playing with 2 little girls all evening, he was able to also invite a friend over. When asked to put the pizza box in our cardboard recycling container in the basement, I suddenly heard the most laughter I have EVER heard from these two boys, and once again, ran for the camera! This one is a video and although I despise my voice on camera, I must admit that I was laughing so hard tears were rolling down my cheeks. I'm so thankful that God has placed such wonderful friends in all of my kids' lives! We are truly so blessed by many close relationships!

It was so cute to hear Cade and Braden chatting in the car while picking up our pizza about the similarities and differences in their two schools, how they are still friends and "yea, when we're in college, we're still gonna be tight like this!" HOW CUTE are these boys, and how thankful I am for these moments in our lives!

A Smile to Start my Morning

2008-09-17T06:59:00.003-05:00

While the boys are getting ready for school and Mommy is making pancakes, Cade wants to tell me about a contest that will take place at the end of their school year, so the conversation begins as follows:

Cade: "Mom, at the end of the year, you know, the 3rd and 4th (LONG PAUSE), um, yeah, inning, our class gets to have a contest......."

Mom: SMILING AND LAUGHING SO HARD, "Sweetheart, you mean the 3rd and 4th semester or marking period?"

Cade: "Yeah, whatever!"

That's my sports boy! Relating school to sports every chance he can!!!! Thank you, Cade, for giving me that smile to begin my day!

The child WILL NOT win!

2008-09-12T15:00:00.003-05:00

Before I begin "the story" of the child not winning, I couldn't help but post these adorable morning pictures of Trey! They are basically in sequence of our morning's events minus the diaper change and breakfast in the highchair. Immediately, the stinkin' cutie is walking around the house drinking his bottle. (Not literally stinkin' - his diaper is already changed)! :-) But he is so darn cute! Then comes whatever he can find to throw! These footballs have been perfect...Daddy got them from his cheerleaders last week - they're soft and perfect for the Throwing Machine that Trey has become!
He walks all over and just throws, retrieves and throws again!
Then the sweet boy plants himself on the floor to watch his favorite show, "Sesame Street!"

How cute! So, you want to hear the rest of the story?? This is for all those people who have commented on the angel baby that Trey is..."He is the BEST BABY!" "Oh, he is soooooooooo good!" Well, how about this? Smack in the middle of this morning's events and picture-taking, Trey sat in his highchair feeding himself a cup of yogurt (his new favorite task - feeding himself). When he was finished, Trey chose to throw his semi-empty cup of yogurt across the kitchen floor. (Remember he's a throwing machine?!!) "Okay," Mom says as she puts him on the floor and points. "Pick it up and throw it in the trash." "YES, obedience!!" So, I thought! He looks right at me and throws the cup again this time splashing MORE strawberry yogurt all over my floor. Oh, this is where the Mommy thinks in her head, "HE WILL NOT WIN!" Sternly, "Pick it up and put it in the trash!" Same result and LOTS more splattered pink yogurt!! Time for discipline for the stubborn child? You betcha! The 18 month old child will not win, and Mommy just ended up mopping the floor sooner in the day than planned!

Homework Time

2008-09-08T14:32:00.004-05:00

Now I have two boys coming home and doing homework together ~ precious! Sam was actually very excited to finally have homework now that he's in first grade, and Cade was excited as well that Sam finally has homework!

Now, here is one of the things you'd never think you would have to say as a mom:
"Sam, you cannot do your homework while you are going to the bathroom! Get out of there now!"

Before I realized what had happened, the kid made a desk for himself right in front of the toilet to finish writing his last 3 spelling words! UGH!!!!!!

Carla ~ we need to write a book on the things we never thought we'd say!

Birthday Memories

2008-08-29T08:26:00.007-05:00

Trey climbed right up into Cade's desk at school when we took his bday treat in to his class! The kids were CRACKING UP! I wish I would have had my camera out for Kacy as soon as she walked into his class, she walked right up to his desk and gave him a kiss on the cheek - then all the boys yelled, "Ewwwwwwwwww!" Oh, was that a funny and embarrassing moment for Cade!
Cade and his buddy Aaron eating the snack Cade asked me to bring in - lemonade push pops!
I LOVE Cade's teacher this year - especially when she whipped out her guitar and started strumming and singing "Happy Birthday to Cade!" It was obvious that the kids LOVE being in this class!
Then it was the morning after Cade's sleepover with a few friends that he chose (one had to leave a little early. And the tradition of a donut with candles to begin the special day!)

Happy Birthday, Cade! I cannot believe that NINE years ago today, this super cool kid entered our world at a whopping 9 pounds and 4 ounces! You have brought us unbelievable joy and some crazy moments as well in these nine years, and we are so grateful to have you as our oldest child and our first born son! At the age of nine, you are:

Athletic and LOVE sports ~ playing and watching on TV
a HUGE EATER ~ Oh, my grocery bill! :-)

Best friends (sometimes) with your brother Sam

Awesome big brother to Kacy and Trey

Huge helper to Mommy and Daddy!

Social MAN ~ you LOVE hanging out with friends!

Trash man ~ you're very responsible with your chores!

INDEPENDENT and stubborn sometimes, but aren't we all!

Smart and silly and handsome and my BIG NINE YEAR OLD BOY!

One more notable memory: Because Daddy wasn't home all day for your birthday due to school and his first football game, we didn't want to give you the bday present from us until we could do it together. All day whenever Daddy talked to you on the phone and you would BEG mommy about your gift, we insisted that it was simply a 10 pack of underwear! Your friends LOVED this conversation when they were here! Anyway, since you were so excited and refused to believe that you were getting underwear, you insisted on staying up until Daddy got home from his game! At one point, apparently, you were getting tired, so while Mommy fell asleep on the couch, you prepared a bucket of ice water and dunked your head into it to get awake! After waking me up to feel your cold head and hear this CRAZY story, your Daddy got home (11:45pm), and you finally got to open your special gift! You were a very happy boy that it wasn't underwear! :-) We love you, Cade Robinson - keep being you and always choose the BEST!

The Last Hurrah!

2008-08-25T13:01:00.007-05:00

Seeing the days of summer winding down, the days and moments ticking away, we spent the last month of the summer soaking it all in before the boys would go back to school! We played games on the porch and in the backyard, watched fun family movies, went swimming with friends, walked/jogged and rode bike almost every morning, frequented the Etown Fair (a family favorite) and even fit in Dutch Wonderland for one last hurrah before the first day of school!

Then reality set in this morning with the official First Day of school! Although all things were organized, the evening was relaxed and special, along with boys in bed at an earlier time than usual, the jittery nerves of that first "unknown" day was keeping two silly boys awake.
Then the morning began with homemade pancakes, overly excited boys, and out the door WAY EARLIER than the rest of the year, I'm sure! Third grade and First Grade ~ where has the time gone????

Kacy's Outta Here!

2008-08-07T21:26:00.003-05:00

After being scolded for something while on a walk in her stroller tonight, she immediately in her POUTY voice, exclaimed, "YOU ARE NOT MY MOMMY ANYMORE!" and with that she added, "AND I'M MOVING TO FLORIDA!" Okay, this is where I had to hold in my laughter, and I almost peed my pants in the process! A few minutes later, she added, "AND I'M TAKING DADDY WITH ME BUT NO ONE ELSE! THAT MEANS YOU'RE KEEPING ALL THE BOYS!" Pretty much the whole walk home was her figuring out a way to get a new mommy and for mommy to just get a new girl! Later, when the walk was over, we snuggled and made up, but I will never forget this hilarious outburst from only my Kacy June!

Making me Laugh all the time!

2008-08-07T09:40:00.002-05:00

Sam has now caught the sick bug from his sister - he was down for most of the day yesterday. Although today, he is a little better, he was upstairs making his bed and getting dressed for quite a long time. I eventually went up to check on him and he seemed to be sleeping in his bed. A few minutes later, I found him just sitting in the hallway - "Sam, if you don't feel good, you just keep sleeping in your bed."

In his sick little voice, "But, Mom, there's this bug in there that keeps flying around me to suck out all my blood!"

How can you not keep a straight face in this house???????

Yesterday, after playing in the basement, Sam came to me and said, "Mom, since you don't use your scrapbooking room that much anymore, can I move my lego desk in there and make it my Lego Office? PLEASE???????????"

How precious - he needs his own lego "office," so his siblings don't wreck his stuff!

Sesame Place

2008-08-05T21:07:00.005-05:00

Whew! It's been a busy few days, but I really want to get these photos and this very fun day posted! We went to Sesame Place last Thursday for the first time (thank you Grandma Diane)and had a fabulous day with one another enjoying smiles and love between the kids! It was a precious day! I just soaked in all day the love and excitement Cade had for his little sister and baby brother b/c he knew how much they were loving the Sesame Street characters! Unfortunately, my camera batteries were dead through the whole water park in the morning, but I kept my camera dry in the bag while splashing everywhere with Trey and Kacy! Mike went off with the big boys doing bigger rides while I hung out with Kacy and Trey and they just LOVED swimming and splashing around in all the kiddie pools! It was a delightful day! Thank you so much Grandma Diane - we loved everything!

My Little Sickie

2008-08-05T21:02:00.004-05:00

The fever began last night and had me and her up most of the night! Lots of moaning and groaning and some delirious talk as well! This morning the Motrin kicked in and she enjoyed laying on the couch watching morning cartoons. Around lunchtime, the Motrin wore off, the fever returned and this is what I found when I came to give her the next dose. She loves her new Zoie doll from Sesame Place, and the blankies were a huge comfort to her today also! I just love the princesses laying on top of Zoie too! My sweet girl is sick and as much as I love cuddling her during this time, my heart feels so sad for her! Hopefully, this will pass quickly - we'll see tomorrow!

Why?

2008-08-04T21:12:00.002-05:00

Please pray for a very good friend of mine who is in the hospital tonight, 16 weeks pregnant, and waiting for a decision on whether her baby will live here on earth or be in heaven with so many other babies and our sweet Saviour! Her water broke suddenly today, and it's just way too early for the baby's lungs. We want to ask, "Why would this happen?" But a song that I was listening to this morning before this sad event reminded me that "His promise was not that life would be easy, but that HE would carry me!" Please pray that they feel their Heavenly Father carrying them through this very difficult time!

Missing Mike...

2008-07-28T21:29:00.002-05:00

My best friend, my protector, my companion, my husband is gone until Wednesday night sleeping in the woods with 65 teenage men and doing FOOTBALL all day long! I'm praying for ya, baby, that it is an AMAZING time for your players and coaches - GO FALCONS!
Kacy cried numerous times this morning b/c she was missing her daddy! "Mommy, do you want to know why I am so sad? Because I miss my daddy and he's the only one who calls me his princess!" (Just picture the poochy lips with this conversation!)
I took the kids bowling today, and the boys made a deal that whoever won would get to be Kacy's Prince Charming until Daddy comes home! PRECIOUS! By one point, Sam is now the official Prince Charming!
Yesterday, Sam dropped a peanut butter jar inthe grocery store aisle and Kacy started with the teasing girl voice, "You dropped the jar...you dropped the jar..." When I scolded her and asked her to stop teasing her brother, her response (quite loudly) to me was: "MOM, MY BONES ARE MAKING ME SAY THAT!" Now that's a new one - at least Jesus isn't getting the blame this time!
Trey's a miserable little boy the last few days - no ear infection so far, we shall see! Hopefully, he'll be back to himself quickly! He is sooooo fun walking everywhere now - I need to post some pics of this new walking skill that he is so proud of!
Supposed to be going to Sesame Place on Thursday - I'm so excited to see the kids' faces and simply have a GREAT time with them! Trey is very much into Elmo right now, and Kacy still loves the whole show ~ I still even catch the older boys watching and enjoying it! I'll definitely have to post pics of that fun day when it comes!
I noticed Sam looking at Kacy in the van today and making a very strange face - I asked him what was wrong, and apparently he was grossed out and shocked at the hair on Kacy's arms, "Mom, she's got hair all over her arms. Only boys are supposed to have hair!" Oh my! Lesson learned: "Sam, all people have hair on their arms...it's the legs that ladies shave when they get older........" OH MY!

I HAVE A NEW NIECE!

2008-07-20T13:02:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I haven't announced on the blogging community the news of my sweet niece born almost 2 weeks ago! As stated earlier, we have been busy and adding her into our life, I am taking every chance I can to get to their house for a little visit and to smother her with my love! SHE IS THE MOST PRECIOUS THING ever and I'm just loving to see my brother and sister-in-law so enamored with their precious daughter and loving every minute of parenthood!
Welcome to the family, sweet Bailey girl!

Lazy Days of Summer...

2008-07-20T12:51:00.005-05:00

...are keeping me from blogging! I apologize to all those faithful blog readers, but I am determined to ENJOY every minute of this summer without too many responsibilities other than enjoying the kids! We are definitely keeping busy though~I'm loving the kids home from school and the summer routine of chores, devotions and breakfast in the morning and either getting together with friends or getting kids to different camps and swimming WHENEVER WE WANT in our own backyard afternoon and evenings! Kacy has definitely proven to be the biggest fish of the family as she begs to be out there every morning, afternoon and evening! However, being quite busy last week and not many of the kids home due to camps and friends' houses, the swimming pool was a little neglected and now is getting a HUGE CLEANING! Green water? YUK! And Kacy still begs to swim! (UGH!)

I hope you all are enjoying your summer as well! I'll try to catch up on this blogging thing on this lazy HOT Sunday afternoon (until the nap calls me upstairs)! HAPPY SUMMER!

Sam is SEVEN!

2008-07-03T21:53:00.010-05:00

Monday morning Sam awoke as a SEVEN YEAR OLD! Where has the time gone???? I'll never forget his very special birth, and his sweet personality as a baby! Although he has grown, that sweet personality is still the same, and we love this boy so much! I just can't believe that he is SEVEN! That just seems so old to me!

So, he received some favorite gifts - another webkin from Grandma Diane in the mail - "Thank you Grandma Diane!" He was thrilled to get a gift card from Uncle Eric and Aunt Stacy and couldn't wait to get to Target to purchase something special with his gift card and other money received! The most exciting thing for Sam was the pool party that was planned with some of his closest "just boy" friends! He anticipated this party during the whole week of vacation! He couldn't wait to come home for his party! Numerous times, he would sadly say to me on vacation, "Mom, do you know why I look sad right now?" "I really miss my friends!" So how precious is that? Anyway, the pics below show off the fun of his special day with some very special friends!

WE LOVE THE BEACH!

2008-07-02T21:17:00.017-05:00

There is soo much I could blog about pertaining to our vacation last week, and, of course, gazillion pictures that I could post! However, I don't want to be up all night, and I want to get some of our memores recorded!
Considering this was Trey's first trip to the beach (other than being a newborn who only slept and ate last summer), he WAS AMAZING! I could not get over how wonderful he was, and he LOVED evvery minute of it! There was no fear toward the end of the week as he crawled right to the waves and sat down in the puddles of water. A few times, a wave would come and knock him over, and he would roll right back up and start splashing all over again! He also loved crawling and standing with a few steps in the sand (never eating it), then finding my empty beach chair and plopping his sandy little self right into it!

Some of my most favorite times were watching all four of our kids play together! It really was a GREAT week for them to play with one another and LOVE one another without the competition of friends at home! I LOVE these family moments (even though it's impossible to get them all looking at the camera at the same time)! :-)They dug holes for Treyby to splash in, they threw football and baseballs with Daddy, played paddleball with Mommy, and then they would separate with Cade and Sam swimming like fish in the bay/ocean while Kacy would sit/stand at the waves and sing her heart out for the whole world to hear! "Oh my," is all I can say! :-)

It was sooooooo nice to spend some quality time with "Kelly Cousin" and be a part of her life at Virginia Beach! WE LOVE YOU, Kelly Cousin, and thank you for making such a special week for our kids! I forgot to mention the water park they LOVED, compliments of Kelly Cousin, and the BEST and most gorgeous evenings on the beach!

A Day to Rejoice!

2008-07-02T21:05:00.002-05:00

Before I get to the rejoicing part, I must share that I was having one of those days, where my agenda was set in my mind before I was out of bed, yet, that agenda was shaken to the core as extra cleaning jobs and spills and kids and telephone calls and more spills and more messes interrupted that "perfect agenda." Does anyone know what I am talking about? By the time the afternoon rolled around, I was determined to RELAX and let the agenda go! Sit outside with the kids while they swim, play a board game with them, and read a book! While finally resting on my patio, I hear plastic rustling in the kitchen - first thought, "What food is Cade getting into without permission?" So I call into the kitchen, "Cade, what are you doing?"

Are you ready to rejoice with me??????

Here it goes..........Cade: "I'm taking the kitchen trash out, Mom. It was full!"

OKAY, heart attack coming on to Mom!! I ran into the house to see for myself, and sure enough, the boy is becoming responsible and mature! Something is working! I went back outside and thanked the Lord for that simple gift that was needed today!

Boys will be BOYS!

2008-06-11T21:45:00.006-05:00

Cade walked in the door after school one day a few weeks ago with school pants looking like this! I don't know why I didn't take a picture of the back of the pants, b/c the seat was covered in mud as well! I still have NO IDEA how that happened, but I wanted to take this pic as a reminder of the laundry I will be doing for years to come of dirty boys!

Then there's the little boy who tried to eat dirt, and didn't want his picture taken (hence, the tears)!
Then I find this...........

BOYS WILL BE BOYS, and with 3 of them, my life will certainly be an adventure! Looking forward to it always, my sweet boys!

Summer's HERE! ENJOY IT!

2008-06-10T21:54:00.016-05:00

Hooray for SUMMER! So much to tell and so little time to blog!

I'm involved in a new Bible Study every Tuesday morning at a local church that I attend with some of my neighbors and friends - a new Beth Moore study entitled "Stepping Up!" It's a study of the Psalms of Ascent, and being the music and song lover that I am, I have ALWAYS loved the Psalms simply b/c they speak every emotion a human can feel! I am LOVING this study! While watching the video this morning, my mind/heart/soul were overflowing with excitement to dig deeper into His Word and fall more in love with JESUS! Tears streamed down my cheeks as I remember valleys that I have been in, mountains that I have climbed, struggles that I have faced and worse struggles that others are facing, YET we serve a God who knows the WHOLE PICTURE and allows us to cry out to Him and He is our refuge and help! How can we not be filled with joy and peace?!

Mike is HOME much more these days (although that will change quickly as football camps quickly approach). He's been painting lines again at the outlets as a side job, then coming home and catching up on the WEEKS behind of yard work/landscaping that drive us crazy when it's not done! BUT THE TIME flies by so fast! I am determined to sit back and ENJOY this summer, b/c when I think back through the Spring, I have no idea where it went, and that just freaks me out! Anyway, he's busy at home (which we love his company) and at night, he sits at his laptop or computer taking 2 more grad classes! When I got home from a UL show this evening, he reported to me that he received a TERRIBLE grade on one of his papers that he missed many key elements on - UGH! That was a shocker b/c that's never happened to him before, and he'd better pass this one or the bill for the class will be on us! UGH, again!

BIG NEWS - TREY took his first steps this week! 3 steps right to Mommy on Sunday, then 5 steps to Mommy today!!!!!! Woo-hoo! You should hear Mommy and the kiddos scream with delight and see his face just LIGHT UP at the excitement!

More big news - the pool is up and in use! The kids are loving it! Thank you Uncle Jeff and Aunt Becky for a great Christmas present! (Pics will come soon, of course!)

Lastly, we want you to meet Bob and Sally, our newest pets!

The kids found this nest of baby bunnies in our yard a few weeks ago! You should have seen the neighbor kids entering our yard on a daily basis to check on these precious little things! Snickerdoodle Sally and Snickerdoodle Bob became their names. Unfortunately, Sally didn't survive the 200 pound man who accidentally stepped on her while preparing for our swimming pool, so she was buried in the yard with a grave marker and all!

Because we never saw Mommy Rabbit caring for these babies, the neighbor kids (SWEET CATEY and DEVAN, especially) made their daily visits to care for these bunnies feeding them milk out of an eyedropper! Honestly, it was the cutest thing EVER!

After Sally was buried, we were forced to move Bob from his nest if we wanted to have a swimming pool, so we put Bob in the all-purpose playyard that Grammi bought Trey for his bday! After a day or so of drinking milk from an eyedropper and chewing on lettuce left in his playyard, Bob escaped into the bigger world of our backyard. Every once in a while, we would still find Bob somewhere different in our backyard nibbling away at grass, but Sunday night was the last we've seen sweet Bob. He has found his way into the BIG WORLD, so we'll always remember Bob and how we helped him live!

HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE, and enjoy life's "Little Wonders!!!!!!!" Before we know it, Trey will be walking everywhere, we'll all have bronze skintones, and summer will fly by (but not without smiles, laughter, and lots of memories!

P.S. I must add that Mike, the nature boy, killed a baby bird yesterday while trimming the bushes! The poor Mommy bird was above his head squawking away, and he had no idea until the nest fell at his feet with one intact blue egg and one shattered blue egg! What is going on in our backyard?!

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2008-06-04T19:22:00.003-05:00

This is one of our favorite books that Cade and I will read together, especially when he has had a very bad day! Well, today was one of those days for me! It truly seemed like a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day! Several times, I just wanted a BIG TIME OUT! I wanted to grab my laptop and run off to some coffee shop and sit ALL BY MYSELF! I wanted to have a DATE with God and just journal away on my blog!

First thing this morning, I got a crying phone call from my pregnant SIL that their much loved dog passed away extremely unexpected, and my brother was out of the state when it happened - a very sad situation for them! Then throughout the day, I dealt with sick children and all of their demands, cries, whines, hyperness (darn that medicine kicking in) and more cries and whines (darn that medicine wearing off)! From what I can remember, I stubbed my toe, I spilled a drink, I almost forgot a piano lesson that was coming, and to top it all off, Trey just threw a powdered sugar shaker across the kitchen, and YES, the lid came off and the entire wood floor was covered in a gorgeous and SWEET blanket of snow! Could it get any worse? Okay, Mike just ran to the store to pick up more Motrin b/c we went through a brand new bottle in 2 days. He came home WITHOUT THE MOTRIN! Apparently, it got left in the cart! (We'll blame Trey on that one too since he went along with Daddy!) So Daddy is back at the store, Trey is in bed, Kacy is sleeping through another fever on the couch while Cade and Sam are imagining life as a pirate watching Pirates of the Carribbean 3!

I sit here on my loved front porch swing which takes me back to my childhood, and I know that Grandma and Grandpa are watching me from heaven smiling that I can enjoy this treasure from them! I just wish I could see the porch they have now! :-) I sit here and I listen to the hum of the traffic whizzing by and the sounds of the night insects and birds. I type and I sit, and I know that everything is OKAY!

So if you ever have a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, you've got to read this book and smile when you remember that these kinds of days are the ones that everyone has at one time or another, and our God will always be with us ~ even if we want to move to Australia or just go outside to our front porch!!!!

Amazing Site

2008-06-02T21:47:00.004-05:00

If you have not checked this site out from Susanne's blog, please do so today! http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ It is very moving to read about this family and the trials they have faced, yet they praise GOD and still love and honor Him despite their pain! They are also in the music industry, but they are REAL people with REAL feelings like all of us! Although I have never experienced the same pain they have, I have experienced the pain of losing babies through miscarriages, and it is such a growing/changing/hurting/peaceful/growing/changing/hurting/peaceful time! Thanks, Susanne, for leading me there! I will continue to keep up with their site to see God work miracles in their lives!

Quite the Performance!!

2008-05-23T07:28:00.009-05:00

Last night, was the last piano recital for this season - the school students' recital was last week, and last night was the recital for my home students. Because of a CRAZY month of MAY, Kacy and Trey had to come with me to the recital which was at a small local church set up with another piano teacher that I work with while I dropped the boys off at Cade's baseball game with fabulous freinds and mommies in charge of them! (Daddy has been coaching football the last few weeks for an all-star county game that he is in charge of this year.) ANYWAY, the students succeeded in playing excellent songs for their families, and when the recital was over, we celebrated with the families having refreshments in the basement of this church. While walking around with Trey on my hip and mingling with my students and their families, Trey gave the grand finale performance - THROWING UP all over the carpet of this church that I had never been in, and the greatest of all was that Kacy was walking in front of us and was showered (should I say flooded) on her head and back with Trey's lovely vomit! Yes, he gave quite the performance, and Mommy was MORE EMBARRASSED than ever!!!!! Needless to say, we skidaddled out of there and home to the tub (after he threw up again, this time all over Mommy).

It's been a rough week with a sick little guy who was finally diagnosed with his fourth ear infection; however, I wasn't expecting quite this performance last night!!

The night before I was out with the kids rehearsing music for Sunday church, when Trey also threw up out of nowhere - because I had no clothing with me, my girlfriend put Kacy's PINK sweatshirt on Trey to keep him warm until we returned home! These are the sweet pics I got of him in a PINK sweatshirt when we got home (which will never happen again, I'm sure)! He was very enthralled with the beautiful boy in the photo (himself)!! :-)

Now, I know you're probably all wondering why we're going places in the evening with a sick little fellow, but it's been a little frustrating b/c the kid is completely fine throughout the day!!!!! So I chalked up the first throwing up incident to being congested and gagging - so, now two nights in a row, I guess he's been walloped with a flu bug on top of the ear infection! Poor guy and poor mommy! It's been a rough week, but I would NEVER change a thing! LIFE IS GOOD, AND WE ARE BLESSED! WE SMILE AND ENJOY EVERY MOMENT! :-)

Pain We Can Never Understand...

2008-05-22T07:23:00.006-05:00

His ways are higher than our ways ~ we will never understand until we meet Him face to face...I'm praying right now for Steven Curtis Chapman and his family in the tragedy that they are facing right now! He is one of my favorite singers and I have been blessed over and over with the songs he has written about faith, worship, life, family, children, etc. His music is amazing, and his amazing life story of family and relationships lives through his songs! Please pray for them right now and through the healing process (which may take a lifetime)! I cannot imagine what they are going through, but my heart is hurting so badly for the entire family right now! We know that God is there for them - Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
The link below tells their sad news:
http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/
The song now playing is one of the MANY favorites listened to over and over by our entire family, especially Kacy and her Daddy!

My Funny Girl - the prayer warrior!

2008-05-21T21:30:00.002-05:00

This girl has been cracking me up lately, and I've been wanting to blog so many things about her lately! Yesterday, she came to me asking me to button her mask on the back of her head, because "Mommy, girls can be superheroes if they want to!" So, here goes the precious list:

While sitting on a public potty, Kacy began mumbling to herself. Confused, I asked her what she was doing, and she replied, "Mommy, I'm praying to Jesus and asking him to not let the potty flush by itself until I'm done!" SHE CRACKS ME UP! These automatic flushing toilets really have her spooked! :-)
While watching High School Musical 2 on our rainy day yesterday, she told Sam, "I'm praying right now, Sammy, that the dvd won't be scratched!"

Spring Sports

2008-05-21T21:12:00.004-05:00

I have come to LOVE Saturdays a little bit more as we wake up and head to the soccer fields for lots of LAUGHTER! We cheer and SCREAM for Sam and his soccer team, then walk over the hill to Cade's baseball games where the little ones play on the playground, and the Mommies chat and cheer for their boys!

Sam and soccer has definitely been a HOOT! Although this was his 3rd year playing, he moved up an age level and was distracted on many occasions with WHATEVER was going on around him rather than paying attention to the ball on the field ~ I'm kind of thinking that snack time at the end of the game was his favorite! He worked hard, and there was definitely a huge cheering section for him on the sidelines just trying to keep Sam in the game! OH, did we LAUGH at our little soccer player this year! He's definitely one special little guy that brings all around him many smiles!

Cade's had a GREAT time once again with his baseball time, and he's been an awesome player this year! We're so thankful for the AMAZING dads who commit to working with all these kids and their all sports! It's a bit crazy juggling all these schedules (soccer is over, but baseball continues through June on weeknights and Saturdays). These are some of the favorite days of our week! Keep up the great work, boys and always enjoy your sports and those you play with!

Pocketful of Sunshine

2008-05-20T20:49:00.002-05:00

Since we're quite desperate for some sunshine these days, how about this sweet face? He definitely brings sunshine to all of us!! We LOVE you Treyby Baby!

Quote

2008-05-20T09:59:00.002-05:00

I came upon this quote this morning that sums up the RIDICULOUS weather pattern we have been having! Bring on the sunshine!

In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours. ~ Mark Twain

Sniff - sniff!

2008-05-01T07:26:00.001-05:00

Loving this time of year ~ my lilacs are bloomed and smell TERRIFIC in my home! Happy Spring!

Learning LIFE!

2008-05-01T06:47:00.007-05:00

In the last few years, we have been experimenting and trying to encourage our children to have responsibility within the home/family. Along with learning responsibilites and a hard-work ethic (which is so important to Mike and I), we also desire to teach our children that money does not grow on trees!!! Our desire is to teach them to always be grateful and content - never comparing themselves to others and what they may have. It's that whole concept of "...where your heart is, there your treasure will be also." ANYWAY, we have labeled certain jobs that are required of Cade and Sam on a daily and weekly basis, and what better way to teach them about money and LIFE than to pay them for their work (it's just like commission)! At the end of every week, they are paid a certain amount. On each of their dressers are 3 canning jars - one for Jesus, one for saving, and one for spending.

When they receive their payment for their required work, their first portion goes in the Jesus jar, the next portion goes in the saving jar, and the remainder goes into the spending jar. To add to the teaching, they immediately lose some of their spending money if a job is forgotten, or a bad attitude has been displayed. It's Life, right?! We certainly would not continue to be paid if we had poor attitudes at our place of employment and/or if we failed to do our job! The kids are LOVING this, and I must admit that complaining has decreased ~ even when they realize they must lose some money.

From this picture, you can see that Sam is still creating castles when he unloads the dishwasher! Way to go, Sam!

Although Kacy was not paid for this job, she LOVED working in the flower bed with Mike the other week planting seeds!

Last, but not least, Mr. Reed noticed the hard-working kiddos and their chore chart on the wall, so he requested to hire them out to pull weeds from under his bricks along with Devan! They worked for 2 hours, and they were also paid (which they did not need to be paid - there's also a lesson to be learned about helping others!). However, I was proud of them for working with good attitudes (although the report from Mr. Reed was that Sam should have paid him for all the questions he had to answer! Apparently, Sam spent most of his time asking Mr. Reed question after question instead of working!) That's Sam for ya - the inquisitive mind and people-loving kid!

So, we now have kids for hire, if anyone is interested! :-)

Family Get-Away

2008-04-26T21:14:00.008-05:00

As Mike's recovery from his back surgery was coming to an end (he's doing GREAT, by the way ~ thank you all for your prayers), we decided to take the kids out of school and have some much needed family bonding time! So, although he couldn't carry anything, he was still able to walk, so WALK WE DID! Our first day was spend in Washington D.C., and Sam had the DAY OF HIS LIFE! After taking the metro into the Mall area, we headed right to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History! Sam's dreams finally came true - he got to see an awesome dinosaur exhibit!

From the dinosaur exhibit, we headed to the mammal exhibit (another one of Sam's LOVES in life - ANIMALS), and we were amazed at the displays of all these animals! Cade ended up taking the camera away from and taking most of the pictures throughout the day! They turned out pretty good, and he was showing lots of interest in the many displays!

Cade's favorite part of the museum was the gems and crystal displays! He LOVES collections of shiny and sparkly gems - I tried to talk him into becoming a jeweler - that would make great gifts for his mother and future wife and great money in his pocket which HE WOULD LIKE!

After the museum, it was time to get outdoors and run around the Mall area and walk the Washington monument and the Lincoln Memorial! We had a fun day of walking and sightseeing, and the boys were very impressed with the pretty cool sights! Kacy had a blast as well, although much of everything was over her head! At one point, Cade and I turned around and found her lying on the museum floor b/c she was pooped from all the walking (and, of course, Cade snapped a picture of what we were laughing at)! The rest of our vacation will come later as I'm now feeling like the picture below - readu to collapse in bed!

Loving Spring!!!

2008-04-24T06:47:00.005-05:00

We are LOVING THIS WEATHER AND THE BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS!! Although I have soooooooooo much to catch up on in this blog, I wanted to sit down and jot a quick hello to everyone and let you know we're all still here and just enjoying God's AMAZING CREATION everyday! Most mornings, I'm out for a jog before the kids wake up, and I'm thanking God for His goodness and His beauty! I return home, open up all the curtains and the windows, get some quick cleaning done inside so we can be outside later on!

Yesterday, I mowed the lawn - I LOVE THE SMELL OF FRESH CUT GRASS!!!!! BUT, note to self: mowing the lawn is not the best thing for someone with allergies! I think I sneezed for one hour straight, and of course, the inevitable after having 4 children, I peed my pants in the midst of that sneezing! TMI???? Just wanted to give a laugh to those moms who know what I'm talking about!!! :-) Enjoy this time of year with your family and those you love! It's planting time (pics to come later), sports time (more pics to come later), stroller time, hanging out with neighbors time, and just swinging on the swings and enjoying life time!!!! HAPPY SPRING!

Look at that face - wrinkled up nose on his first day of crawling in the grass! (pics taken in early April) Trey loves to be in his backyard!

Stories of a Man in Recovery

2008-04-06T14:47:00.004-05:00

Okay, I know I've shared with a few people the funny things about having your husband home recovering from back surgery, but I've got to blog it all for my memory's sake!!

I never thought it would come to this - I have actually found myself leaving the toilet seat up when I am finished in the bathroom so my husband does not have to bend over to lift it! WHAT'S UP WITH THAT??????
The first week he was home, he was able to completely mimic a meal for me that he watched Rachael Ray cook on her television program! Oh - how I wish my camera batteries weren't dead on this particular day! He made a great meal of chicken in a mushroom sauce with pasta - thanks Rachael Ray!
I got the scoop from him on almost every Oprah show in the last 2 weeks - even the one with the pregnant man - ridiculous!
I feel like I have a live-in laundry service! If I carry the baskets of laundry to a table or bed where he can stand, it ALL gets folded, stacked and placed on the appropriate dressers! Oh, I'm going to miss this when he returns to work!
He's become completely obsessed with our budget and the Dave Ramsey tools he has found on-line! Thanks, honey! I think he's realizing that taking care of all household duties and finances is definitely a full-time job!!!

The Things I Have Taken for Granted:

the number of times I've needed a TIGHT babyfood jar opened, and I could hand it right over to him - not right now - the jar opener that Mr. Reed gave me for Christmas is coming in handy along with the strong boys who live next door (I do consider myself fairly strong, but those baby food jars are ridiculous sometimes)!
the number of times I ask him to grab the baby as he's headed for danger and my hands are covered in something gross like meat, for example! Cade has become a FANTASTIC big brother - "Someone left the refrigerator door open and Trey is climbing in! Cade, come help me!"
the activity level in this home - it's always hopping and Daddy is a big guy who needs to be out of the way before he gets bumped in the back by a toddler - sorry, honey! You need to walk around with a hula hoop around you to protect your space!

Although I was concerned about our sanity level with Mike being home for 4 weeks, I know that I will miss him greatly when he returns to work! I have learned to schedule my errands around when Trey is napping, and Eric, nextdoor, has become a huge helper when Cade is in school (Thanks, Eric, for being Trey's emergency contact!) Mike just telephones Eric when Trey needs picked up for a diaper change! :-)

We're certainly doing well and enjoying this time together! Thank you again for all your prayers and keep praying for his continued progress in mobility and a continued decrease in the pain!!!!

My Husband

2008-03-24T21:17:00.005-05:00

Mike is a fantastic man who is embracing the pain in his back from his recent back surgery. He is embracing the pain of the recovery as he sits and stands back watching all that goes on in this home on a typical day, and he's told me on more than one occasion since coming home from the hospital how he is so blessed with this family, and he's enjoying the "sitting back and observing!" Oh, how I wish we didn't have to go through pain, but what a man he is to use this pain to see beauty (when all along, I was worried that he would see chaos and wish he were back at work)! :-) So as I've stated up above, always remember to embrace what you've been given and enjoy the moment! Mike is doing well ~ thank you all for praying! Please keep praying for a speedy recovery! He walked to Turkey Hill this morning for a newspaper - it took him almost 1/2 an hour, but he's moving right along, and the kids have been troopers in helping out around the house and praying every night for their Daddy! Pray for patience as the recovery will take some time, and pray for our marriage that we don't kill each other while he's home for the next 4 weeks! JUST KIDDING!!!!! Thank you all again for your prayers and I'll add another update soon! Enjoy the posts below as I have finally added new photos and stories of our lives!

My Favorite Things...

2008-03-24T16:35:00.005-05:00

...watching cars and trucks! I love that I can reach these windows to watch all the big trucks go by!

...playing the piano! I love that I can reach it to make lots of sounds!

...and playing in the toilet! I love that I can reach the water and splash away, but OH, does my Mommy get so angry when she finds me here!

Uh-oh, I've been caught!!!! Since my mommy's a camera freak, rather than grab me right away, she, of course, had to snap a picture! If my brothers and sister would only remember to close the bathroom door, then I wouldn't be so tempted and have to get my fingers slapped!

Learning to Read...

2008-03-24T16:12:00.002-05:00

...at a very young age! I peeked in the living room the other morning to check on Trey and this is what I found! Too much!

Girlfriends and Playdates

2008-03-18T20:47:00.000-05:00

Can these two be any cuter???? Any day that Kacy and Alyssa can be together playing with their little girl toys are PERFECT days in their sweet little minds!

Tonight's Menu: Everything GREEN!

2008-03-17T20:33:00.000-05:00

It's St. Patrick's Day, and Mommy had a little fun with planning supper tonight! This is such a fun day for the kids as they look forward to their green milkshakes at school if they're wearing green. Mommy thought, "Why not? Let's have a little fun at home for supper!" Mike was even loving this surprise! Chicken and pasta in green pesto sauce (Cade's favorite), asparagus (which was complete torture for the kids, but it's green), and green jello for dessert all set on the table with green plates, of course.

It was a very fun night for the Robinson family!

Happy Birthday my Sweet Boy!

2008-03-11T20:19:00.001-05:00

Trey is ONE, and Mommy is in complete denial!!!!! Because Mommy could not stop time as hard as she tried, we planned a birthday party for our sweet boy the Sunday before his official bday! It was a fun day spent with those we love and those who cherish the precious gift that Trey has been to us! Although he had a blast with this bit of icing on his top lip, GET THIS ~ the child WOULD NOT EAT HIS CAKE! He had the time of his life getting all the attention of the "Happy Birthday" song and smashing his fingers into the cake, but he would not eat it at all! He would simply smash it and throw it! Go figure!

Just look at that clean face and messy tray!

It was a beautiful day just watching him light up and smile with all the attention placed on him! We love you, sweet boy, and thank you for being such a joy in our life (even if you won't eat anything that's not pureed)! WE LOVE YOU! Happy First Birthday, BABY BOY!

New Life is so Beautiful!

2008-03-08T21:39:00.001-05:00

My little brother as a Daddy!

My Precious Niece

2008-03-08T21:36:00.001-05:00

Isn't she the most adorable little thing?

Mayday - Mayday!

2008-03-08T21:06:00.003-05:00

For some reason, I cannot download, upload, (WHATEVER) my pictures from my camera to the computer!!!! There have been GOBS of pictures I have been taking wanting to blog about them, but the computer "does not recognize the hardware..." I am frustrated and will be figuring this thing out soon so I can get back to posting pics and memories of our wonderful and BLESSED family!

Sidenote for all until pictures get posted: The other day when telling Kacy for the 100th time that she MUST clean up her Barbies and Polly Pockets, she turns and meanly states, "NOONE can talk mean to princesses, OKAY?!" Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ~ what she does not realize is that this princess' mommy IS IN CHARGE, no matter what! I explain to her (hiding my laughter) that princesses still have to do their work just like Cinderella did to which she (in her own little words) compared me to the "evil stepmother!" Ay-yi-yi!

Hoop-a-Rama!

2008-03-07T17:05:00.001-05:00

When I came home from a meeting one night, I was attacked with excitement from my oldest boy! As a reward for answering questions during devotion time with Daddy every night, Cade was allowed to have a sleepover. Since Cade is completely in love with basketball right now (all sports, actually), he and Daddy created a fun night just for him! He was allowed to choose 3 friends for a sleepover, and the night became a "hoop-a-rama!"

The "wii sports" was definitely a hit set up as a big screen in our basement! Daddy, thanks for the awesome things you do to make each child feel special and loved! This was an amazing night of fun for Cade and his friends!

Any guesses?

2008-03-05T16:53:00.000-05:00

why this picture was taken????

While cleaning up from breakfast, Kacy comes running through the kitchen and Mommy had to do a double-take on what she was dressed in! "What in the world are you wearing?" She replies, "Oh, Mommy, Sammy picked out my clothes today!!!"

"LOVELY!" was my response! After a few pictures of the shirt that's too small, the striped shirt paired with a camouflage skirt and rainbow striped socks, YES, we chose a new outfit for the day! Next year when Sam goes to First Grade, Kacy will miss her big brother in a tremendous way!

After School Snack

2008-03-01T16:32:00.000-05:00

If he's not making his own peanut butter sandwiches, he's helping himself to his own bowl of cereal!!!!!

I Love to Cook!!!!!

2008-02-25T16:51:00.000-05:00

For some reason, tonight, I just had to take picture of this beautiful meal! Chicken and Red Bell Peppers over Whole Wheat Pasta ~ mmmm! Good!

Turkey Dinner

2008-02-24T16:48:00.001-05:00

in February with the Turners and Mr. Reed! Our generous neighbor bought a turkey (when it was a good price) for Carla and I, so we gathered together for a fun Sunday afternoon meal! We have been very blessed by the groceries and other gifts we have received from our wonderful neighbor, but most of all, we have been blessed by his friendship and his love for our families!

The Annual Picture

2008-02-22T16:44:00.000-05:00

of the alley rats in the snow! Although we barely got any snow this winter, this 22nd day of February was enough to get the boys together to play and snowboard in the snow! These boys are SUCH BUDDIES!

Sam and His Collections

2008-02-20T21:39:00.001-05:00

"Mom, can you cut these crystals off so I can put them in my collection?"

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

This is ONE FUNNY GIRL!

2008-02-19T21:22:00.004-05:00

After being put to bed, Kacy June meandered back downstairs to ask Mommy, "What if a monster comes into our house?" Here is the conversation:

Mommy: "Kacy, you must get back in your bed. There are no monsters. Mommy and Daddy will always keep you safe."

Kacy: "But, Mommy...there still might be monsters!"

Mommy: "Okay, Kacy, let's pray to Jesus b/c Jesus will always keep you safe too!...Dear Jesus, Please keep us safe and never let a monster come into our house and always tell the monsters to 'go away'!"

Kacy: "But, Mommy...Jesus can't say 'go away' to the monsters b/c they might be hungry, so we should just give them monster food!"

Ay-yi-yi! GO TO BED!!!!!!!!!! :-)

P.S. She refused to take the sticker off her new sunglasses from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Becky (picture taken a few months ago)!

Valentine's Babies!

2008-02-17T11:21:00.004-05:00

Two precious baby girls were born on Valentine's Day:

My baby brother, Eric, is now a proud father of a little girl, Kana Irie! Congratulations, Eric and Stacy - I wish you weren't so far away - I can't wait to meet her and hold her and spoil her and be her favorite Auntie Jen!

And, BIG SURPRISE, for Jena and Ryan and Big Brother, Owen - I can't wait to meet the new baby girl who surprised EVERYONE on Valentine's Day! I was completely bummed that I didn't get to meet her in the hospital before I went away for the weekend! Jena, I'll be coming to meet Avalyn as soon as I possibly can, and bringing Owen over to our house to play for a day!

The Best Valentine's Day ever!

FRIENDS!

2008-02-14T16:27:00.000-05:00

Friends are the BEST! I absolutely love my friends and my children's friends! What a sweet surprise when Alyssa knocked on the door and delivered a valentine to her sweet friend! Thank you so much, Alyssa and Jodi, YOU MADE OUR DAY!!!!

My 2nd Grader...

2008-02-14T16:19:00.000-05:00

...enjoying his Valentine's Day party in school. Cade is all about his friends and sports! Check out the cell phone valentines they got - they were the cutest things! Cade even posed for a picture with his sweet baby brother, Trey!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T16:18:00.000-05:00

Kacy is in love with the flowers Daddy got for his 4 year old valentine! She LOVES her Daddy, and her Daddy LOVES HER!