David

Dear David,

Happy Birthday buddy!!  As I type this I must say that I am shocked to believe you are 5. In some ways it seems you have been with us forever and in other ways it seems that just yesterday we were meeting you for the first time.  These past 5 years of being your mama have been the best 5 years of my life.  You make me smile every. single. day.
You have changed a lot this past year--you are really growing up.  With all your growing up you are still my little buddy, my dream come true.  You love to cuddle with me and I love it.  You will come up to me and say, "mama, lets cuddle." and then you will tell me you are my snuggle bug.  Can I just say that it melts my heart.  I always tell you that you are my dream come true--and you are-- but I love when you tell me I am your dream come true.  hahaha.
On your 5th birthday I want to recap a little about this year of your life.

• You have a great imagination!  You love to tell us stories and they always have a lot of adventure--usually a bad guy and some karate chopping too.  
• Legos are your thing right now. You will sit for hours--yes, hours and play with your legos.  You make and create all kinds of things.
• Wrestling. wrestling, wrestling--if it moves you want to wrestle it.
• Energy--that is the best explanation for how you operate.
• You are learning to read and doing a great job.  Most times I have to make you sit down to do your school but you do comply.
• Your favorite people to play with are Luke, Richie and Isaiah. On a daily basis you ask to play with one of these 3 boys.
• You love Subway.  This trend has been going on for a while.  Turkey, bacon, avocado with lettuce and olives is usually the request.
• Your favorite breakfast is pancakes and sausage.
• You flew to Michigan twice this year and drove to Las Vegas 3 times.  You are always a great traveler.
• You love to read books-- some afternoons we will sit for over an hour just reading.
• Equally--you love television.  We do not let you sit for endless hours doing that but I am sure you wouldn't object.  Your current favorite--Busytown Mysteries and Cars 2.  I know you would love action shows like Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers but.......lets just say you may try to impersonate those shows a little too much.
• You love music.  Auntie Maryn is trying to teach you a little piano and you are learning great.  You still say you want to play guitar or be a drummer.
• Blue--you love the color blue.  This is a change because you used to be obsessed with the color orange.
• No socks--you hate to wear socks.  Clothes for that matter are always an issue--you don't like pants only shorts and everything makes you "too hot".
• This has marked a transition year out of naps.  You usually do not take a nap but once in a while you will give me a couple hour break.  You are growing up.
• You now make your bed--I usually have to remind you but when I do you get the job done.
• You like your hair spikey.
• You do not like attention being brought to you at all. As a matter of fact, when we were singing you Happy Birthday you were hiding your face and it was only the 5 of us.

There are so many more things that I could mention about you David because you are so special to our family.  You have brought so much joy and happiness to the Robinson home.  On your 5th birthday I want you to realize how much you mean to us and how much more you mean to God.  Continue to learn to love Jesus and follow him with your whole heart.  All of the passion you put into life use that same passion to follow the One who created you.  I know you love God and I pray that the love you are developing will continue growing.  You are a very special boy David and I love you with all my heart!!

Happy Birthday David!

Christmas Eve marked David's 5th birthday--hard to believe that he is 5 already. These past 5 years have gone by all too quickly.  We wanted to make his special day extra special and I think we succeeded.  He woke up to find that we had decorated the whole downstairs--complete with confetti.  He thought it was awesome.  Next, he opened his presents from family.  3 lego sets and a remote control truck--lets just say he was on cloud nine!  The anticipated birthday event was to go to the lego store and pick out any lego set so we waited for Uncle John to get here and then we were off to Arden Mall (on Christmas Eve keep in mind).  He had been talking for weeks that he was going to get the police station so I fully expected that the police station was the lego set he would choose--I was wrong.  We got to the lego store and after a lot of thought and consideration he picked the pirate ship.  I think it will take a month to put that thing together.  :-)  Next on the list--ride the carousel.  After we left the mall David got to pick where he wanted to eat lunch and Chipotle was his choice.  We picked up Chipotle and brought it home to eat.  While Sugar and Elijah napped we worked on the pirate ship--over 2 hours and we are not even close to being done.  After everyone woke up we went to see Grandma Robinson and then David wanted In and Out for dinner.  Truthfully he wanted Red Robin but it was closed so he made a second choice.  All in all I think David felt pretty special on his 5th birthday and we enjoyed spending the day celebrating!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!  

Love, The Robinson Family

I haven't posted in a very long time--mainly because Glenn's camera is too complex for me to figure out how to upload pictures.   I will not claim to be a technically advanced person.
Life has continued to move forward and I continue to enjoy my time with the kiddos.  There are days that I feel like I am living in a funny farm but I would not change it for anything.  I love being part of the funny farm.  :-)

David has been doing great with his preschool.  He isn't eager to do it but once he gets started he does a great job.  He is starting to read short vowel words and I love it!  It is so cool to sit and watch him sound out the word and then look at me so proudly.  David has a tender heart and we are thankful for that.  He loves to make us happy and he helps so much around the house with cleaning up his toys and making his bed.  He continues to crack me up with the funny things he says every. single. day.  I must admit--my favorite thing about D is the way he loves me.  He always tells me how much he loves me and hugs and kisses me more times in a day than I can count.  It just makes me melt.  So thankful I get to be his mama.  I love this boy with all my heart.

Annabelle loves to learn!  She sits down and does her school work without argument--she usually wants to do more than I have planned for her.  She is a great big sister and takes care of Elijah as if he was her baby.  She has a great imagination and I love watching her play.  Her "sister" and "brother" are named Toota and Dawson. These two go with us everywhere.  She also is turning into quite the little cook and loves helping me in the kitchen.  Annabelle loves purses and bags with random toys stuffed into them.  The other day we were at the library and she had a washcloth and computer wires in her purse.  She usually has a washcloth (for her baby), keys, cell phone and chapstick.  She too says funny things each and every day.  I love how she comes up to me randomly and says, "Mama, I love you too."  I love that when she wakes up she grabs her "bapoo" and cuddle sup with me.  I am so thankful she is my daughter--I love this girl with all my heart!
Elijah is my baby and I can not say how thankful I am that he is part of our family.  The boy cracks me up.  He is a year and half thinking he can do what a fie year old can do--and he tries.  He doesn't talk much--although we know he can.  The words he uses most often are mamamamama (90% of the time), Christmas, all done, uh oh, oh no, esau and shoes.  I shouldn't be surprised that he doesn't talk much considering David and Annabelle do everything for him.  He love to sit on my lap or just have me carry him around.  If he could do that all say he would be a happy camper.  When we put him to bed he always blows kisses and then lays down.  When he wakes up he always puts his head on my shoulder and pats my back.  If David or Annabelle want to sit close to me he lets them know that he is part of the family too.  Right now he likes to play with whatever his brother and sister are playing with.  He plays cars, legos, kitchen, pushes the shopping cart.  I love that Elijah is my baby--even though he isn't technically a baby anymore.  I love holding him and rocking him before bed and how he is so excited to see me in the morning. I love this boy with all my heart.

Another Amazing Sunday

Often times I write to remember the amazingly fun things that we did and I forget about the simple days that bring smiles to my face. Today we went to church--the kids were exceptionally well-behaved. While we were singing Annabelle is in the back swaying and clapping (off beat) just praising God. I love watching her do this--it brings a smile to my face every time.

After church we came home and ate lunch. Grandma Robinson and Joseph joined us. I made a family favorite--chicken pot pie with biscuit topping. My kids love this recipe--they actually love the biscuits. We watched videos of daddy during college. He was a funny guy then and he is a funny guy now. That man sure brings a smile to my face.

Everyone took a nap--yay! After dinner we went to Ikea to pick up a rug and then to Big Spoon for fun. Elijah ate all of his ice cream and wanted more. Annabelle, being the caretaker that she is, fed Elijah some of hers. It was cute because she was trying to wipe his face with her spoon. All three kids ran around outside for a while and burned some energy.

When we got home it was time to get ready for bed--we had to run over and say hi to Mr. Doug and Mrs. Joy first. The kids loved her huge pumpkin and seeing Tonka. After everyone was bathed we went "camping". We got a lantern and read our bedtime stories and then pretended to roast hotdogs, hamburger, tortillas, pizza and marshmallows (all food choices were chosen by David). We climbed into our tents and I told the kids another story about the toad who decided to tell the truth. Oh, Annabelle performed a concert for David, myself and the whole neighborhood. :-) She really likes the song Every Move I Make--I think she likes it because of the na, na, na, na, na, na part. We prayed and then said good-night. Another day over too soon.

It is simple days like this when I often look at the kids playing and think to myself how special this time truly is. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when they listen to a story or tell me a story. They are the best gift God has given me. I love every moment that I get to spend with them--even if the moments are a little crazy.

For My Memory

Today as we were riding our bikes to the park David decided to "pop a wheelie." Oh yea, the 4 year old has skill.....NOT. As he "popped a wheelie" he somehow managed to fly over the handlebars and flip the bike. I could not stop and ran over his leg with the bike cart. When I stopped I was expecting to hear screaming. He looked at me--no screams--and said, "next time I pop a wheelie I better wear a helmet." Is this a glimpse into my future?

D: "Mama, I got a cookie."

Me: "That's okay-just stay at the table."

D: "I got 2 more for my lego friends."

Nice try David--One cookie is all you get. I have not reached the point of insanity to believe that a lego can now consume a cookie.

One more funny story from the summer that I do not want to forget. We were in Michigan and had plans to go to the fair. The morning of the fair David wakes me up and asks how I feel. I tell him that I have a headache and am not sure I can go to the fair. He doesn't hesitate--just runs upstairs to Grandma.

D: "Grandma, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that mama has a headache and she can't go to the fair. The good news is you get to take us."

All I hear is laughing so I of course have to go hear what happened.

Happy Birthday Sugar

This day 3 years ago you were welcomed into our arms. What an amazing blessing you have been. We love getting to watch you grow and change every day. You are very determined and independent but you have a soft side. You love to be held and cuddled when you have your "bapoo". You talk all the time--very loud--especially in stores where everyone can hear you. It makes for some interesting moments but I wouldn't have it any other way. You hold your own when it comes to being a little sister and take the job of big sister very seriously. You love to make sure Elijah knows exactly what he is suppose to do. You are a helper--love that about you. You like to help in the kitchen, with cleaning, changing E's diapers, making your bed, folding laundry. Daddy and I always say that you would love to take care of the family.

There are so many things that I love about you and I want to remember forever so I am making a list of some so I never forget. :-)

• Your favorite songs are Jesus Loves Me and You Never Let Go--you will sing these two songs all day every day. Sometimes I go by your room and you are laying in bed singing your heart out.
• You LOVE babies--anything and everything about babies.
• You love to change your clothes multiple times a day. You could care less if they are backwards or match. Today you put tights under your shorts--which were on backwards.
• You would eat anything if it had ranch on it. You have been known to drink the stuff. I think disgusting but you love it.
• You love squash, brussel sprouts, asparagus but will not eat blueberries or raspberries.
• You giggle all the time and it is so funny I can't help but laugh.
• You are always the first of the 3 to wake up in the morning.
• If we go to the park you will be swinging. You love, love, love to swing.
• Every morning you insist on dressing yourself, brushing your teeth and making your bed. You are very patient in letting me comb your hair--thanks for that.
• Hair--I love your curly hair Sugar. I don't think I will ever cut it.
• David and Elijah are your best friends and you love them so much. Whenever you pray you always pray for everyone in our family. It is so sweet.
• You always say, "I big".
• You want me to hold your hands when you go to the bathroom--funny habit.

There are so many other things about you that I love but I can sum it up by simply saying I love everything about you--you are my dream come true. Happy Birthday Sugar--thanks for making each day brighter.

Fairytale Town

The kids love going to Fairytale Town and we love taking them. We enjoyed a morning of playing and then an afternoon picnic lunch. Simple summer days together are always a blast.

Luau

We had a blast hosting a luau at our place. There was so much food and CRAZY games. Annabelle traded her Hawaiian wear for her much loved Ariel swim suit.

Night with Daddy

Glenn took the kids one night and they went to get a special prize. Sugar got herself some new shades and D got some action figures.

Tea Party

Sugar got to go to her first tea party and she was so excited. She kept saying over and over; "No boys allowed, only girls." I fixed her hair and painted her nails and we were ready to go. It was fun getting to spend the day just the two of us. I look forward to many more tea parties with my girl!

Happy Anniversary (a couple months late)

This year as we celebrated our anniversary I thought about how much has changed since we have been married. I never would have dreamed that we would have three little peeps to adore or how much more I would be in love.

I have told our "love story" so many times and each time I tell it I find it hard to believe how crazy that time of life was. I do not know too many people who have a history of date, break-up, date, break-up, date, break-up, date, get engaged, break up, get engaged, get married. It was worth every bit of the craziness--mostly my fault--to be married to such an amazing man.

This past year has brought the most trials since we have been married--mostly health issues--all mine. There have been days when I feel that I have no more strength. Glenn sits besides me and listens to me cry, holds me and then kneels beside me as we pray. There have been days when he thinks I am sleeping but I see him kneeling beside me praying for me. He has been beside me I needed him most. He has pointed me to Christ over and over again.

The day that we said "I do" was the beginning of our adventure--and adventure it has been-- that I have loved every minute of. I am blessed to be married to the man of my dreams and look forward to spending the rest of my life with. I love you Glenn--with all my heart.

Friends

“Share each other’s burdens…” Galatians 6:2a (NLT)

There are times all of us find ourselves in the trenches in life — those deep places we can’t seem to climb our way out of.
Sometimes those places involve decisions of our own, where we made a conscious choice to do something that wound up hurting us. Other times, someone made a decision for us that put us there, without our permission.
Either way, there is a great need — a need for someone to understand, someone to listen, someone to be available for us, to grieve with us and cry with us — no matter how dark it may get.
I’ve been in the trenches at different times in my own life. I found myself there when I was in college and my pastor-father was facing potential prison. I wound up there, again, when I partied hard to numb the pain, causing even more for myself. Years later, I found myself in a trench when my husband lost his job and was out of work for an extended period of time.
It was in those moments that I longed for someone to say to me, “I’m here with you. I won’t leave you. You will get through this, and I will love you no matter what.” Because at the end of the day, all of us want to know that there is someone who won’t walk away from us, even when they see how ugly things can get in our biggest moments of struggle.
It is the mark of a true friend. It is a rare find.
I once heard a speaker say how in her community, it was not unusual for people to sit with one another for up to seven days during times of loss and grief. As I listened to her speak, I thought about how amazing and important that aspect of community could be to us in our greatest moments of pain — those moments we find ourselves in a deep trench from which we won’t easily emerge.
Our key verse refers to this beautiful aspect of friendship when it says, simply, “Share each other’s burdens…” For the believer, this is not a suggestion. It is something Jesus expects us to do as we represent Him.
One of the best ways we spread the love of Christ is through our selfless acts of love and serving another. It’s not easy to share in someone’s burden, especially when that burden is great. But it is right. It is good. It is what Jesus does for us.
Many of us have been in the trenches, so we understand this hard position. It is where some of us are even now. Some of the greatest ministry Jesus will ever do in our lives is when we find ourselves in a place we can’t maneuver, claw, or dig our way out of. It is the place He meets us because our desperation finally drives us to Him — a place we most need to be.
Friends, let’s keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunity to get in the trenches and share in the burdens of another. Let’s be willing to be there with our friends who find themselves in a position they don’t want to handle alone. Let’s remember the One who is always present in the trenches with us.
And let’s thank Him for His care, presence and faithfulness in the midst of our needs…the trench moments of our life.

My friend Linsey sent this to me and all I can say is thank you. As I was reading it today and I sat in tears. So thankful for the friendship that He has blessed me with. A wise man once told me--"don't let that friendship go--you never know when you'll need each other." How true. Today Linsey--I say thank you for being one of the best friends I have ever had! You are a blessing to me and to my family.

David's Logic

D: Mama, you know why I wear boxers and no shirt to bed?

Me: Why?

D: Because that's what guys do.

Thanks for clarifying that.

D: Mama, when I get big I ain't wearing a tuxedo (he is looking at our wedding picture). because I ain't getting married.

Me: Really?

D: Yea, cuz I'm not going to cowllege (how he pronounces it). I am just going to live with you and daddy. Sugar can get married though.

This makes me laugh for two reasons:

1. He is always trying to tell me Sugar can get married like he is trying to get her out of the house.

2. His logic about college and getting married.

Happy Birthday (a month late)

Happy Birthday to my dream come true--you.

I know it is a month late but with all the chaos I am just sitting down and reflecting on the past year of your life. What a blessing you are to our family. You have completed the Robinson family in so many ways and we love you to pieces.

You are walking--nearly running everywhere.

You love to climb--especially the stairs. It makes me nervous but I know that you must accomplish these skills if you want to keep up with David and Annabelle.

You love your brother and sister and squeal every morning when you see them.

At bed time you open your mouth wide and lean your head in when I say kisses. Then you get the biggest grin.

You are sporting 8 teeth.

You love broccoli and brussel sprouts--you and Annabelle are two peas in a pod.

When I say we are going bye-bye or for a walk you go to the door and start grunting.

Speaking of grunting--that is your preferred method of communication. I have been trying to get you to do signs but grunting seems to suit you fine.

You love the pool. You don't even seem to mind when David or Annabelle splash you. You just think it is a game and squeal.

You have made all the trials of this past year a lot more bearable because every time I see your grin and your soon to be afro I smile and can't help but to thank God for you.

Happy Birthday to the little man of the house--we love you!!

Scared

Tonight it is 3:00 am and most people are sound asleep yet I sit here wide awake. Yesterday the dr. discovered a mass on the pineal gland in my brain. They diagnosed it as a probable pineal cyst. Sounds simple right. Only thing is that the pineal gland is so far in the brain and so far to get to that it is one of the most difficult surgeries to perform. Do they know for sure that it is a cyst--no. Does the One who made me and place every hair on my head know--yes.

I had a pretty good day. Amazing worship at church today. Our church family gathered together--we cried, we prayed, we hugged. I saw christian love in action. I am so thankful for the body of believers the Lord has brought our way. We had friends over for dinner. My mind was occupied so I didn't have time to think about the constant pressure in my head. Then I went to bed.

Going to bed is taking on a whole new meaning to me. When I lie down the pressure in my head becomes so intense I can barely stand the pain. Glenn, David, and I knelt at the foot of the bed and prayed asking God to grant me sleep. He did--for a couple hours. After a couple hours I woke up covered in sweat and my head feeling as if it was going to explode. I tried to pretend my way out of it and go back to sleep--no such luck. Now I sit here.

I have so many thoughts about what is going on right now. I am not really sure what to think or how to react. Not really sure how to deal with what is going on. I feel scared yet comforted. Anxious yet calm. Depressed yet encouraged. It is so weird.

I do know that no matter what happens I will continue to serve the Lord and bring glory to His name. I believe that He is a God of miracles and that He alone can grant a miracle in this situation. Please join with me in praying for a miracle.

3 of My Favorite Peeps

Warm Days

These two have a love hate relationship. Most days they are best friends but some days they wake up as enemies in World War 3. Today was a day of being best friends.

Funny

We were driving away from Home Depot and there was a band playing music. David was sitting in the back and he says, "Oh my mama, this is right up my alley."

At bedtime he told me that he loves me to the moon and the comets and the shooting stars times 7 years. When I asked him why he loved me he said because I take him places. Then I asked why he loves daddy and he said because daddy takes me to the park and plays with me. I then asked him why he loved Sugar and he said, well Sugar always tries to be my mom and she's not the mom. Hahaha

We were talking about going to Michigan and he said that he was going fishing with Papa and Pa Beannie. Then he told me that I couldn't go cause there were no girls allowed--only the boys could go.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing mom. She is a true inspiration to me in every sense of the word. She has demonstrated to me what it is to be an amazing wife and mother. I am so proud to be her daughter. I love you mom!!

I also want to give a shout out to the 3 little people who have made me a mom. I have been blessed beyond measure to be called mama, mommy, mom, ma and any other word sounding close to the word mom--even a grunt at times. These 3 little people have changed me and challenged me in ways that I never dreamed possible.

David: You were the first one to make me a mommy. When I held you for the first time I felt this amazing love that I never knew existed; it was this all consuming love. Over the past 4 1/2 years you have become my little man. You make me laugh all the time and you are always up for a snuggle.

Annabelle: You made me mommy to a little girl of which I was so proud. I had always wanted a daughter and you were that dream come true. The love I had--and have--for you can never be contained. You keep me on my toes. You remind me of myself in so many ways but mostly because of your clumsiness--sorry sweetie. When I hold you I feel like you melt into my arms and I want to keep you like that forever.

Elijah: You have made me a mommy who is more flexible. All my ideas about scheduling were thrown out the window when you entered the scene. I figured that you would be my last baby and I wanted--and want--to treasure every last second of your life. When you were born I just held you and stared at how perfect you were. My nervousness was gone the third time around and I was able to just enjoy the smell of a new baby. I love how you give me kisses and how you lay your head on my shoulder. Stay my baby forever.

Mother's Day--all because of the 3 best little people around.

11 Months

I am having a hard time believing that my little man is almost a year old. This time next month we will be celebrating his first birthday--wow, that went way too fast.

You are now the owner of 4 teeth--with two more on the way. You have your two bottom teeth and then two "fangs" on the top.

You are full on walking--I am sure it will be running very soon.

You are no longer nursing. This is bittersweet for me. I wanted to nurse you longer but.......once you got a taste of a bottle and realized that in little effort you could have your milk you no longer cared to nurse.

You are a very opinionated eater. You turn your head away to about 99% of the things I offer. You then grunt as if to show me your disgust.

As for grunting--you grunt whenever you want something. It is good motivation for me to become more diligent with the baby signs. You do "more" sometimes but way less than you could.

You LOVE your brother and sister. You follow them all over the house and want to do everything that they do. Tonight you were standing at the door to the closet grunting--as if to let them know that you wanted in on the fun too. btw--closets aren't playrooms.

You give kisses. I. Love. It.

You say mama, dada, David and Elijah. I am sure no one but us know it is David or Elijah but we do. You will go to the banister and yell David over the edge. It is cute and D love that you say his name.

You poop a lot.

Love the bath--I think you would stay in there all night.

You are more aware of strangers and will sometimes just stare at people when you are unsure. After a few seconds of staring you will give them your fang grin. Makes people laugh every time.

You love to laugh--especially at David and Sugar. They think it is great.

I say this over and over but you are truly a gift from God. You have made our family complete and we love every minute that we get to spend with you. We love you so much, Elijah!!

Melted Crayons

We melted our broken crayons and made some art. David was proud of his work.

Today when I picked David up from school his teacher told me that she wanted to tell me something. My immediate thought was, oh no. Shame on me.

During chapel she said that one little boy wanted to lead the kids in singing Jesus Loves Me. When he finished David raised his hand and asked if he could lead the kids in singing This Little Light of Mine. He went on the stage--brought Nehemiah with him--and lead the kids in singing This Little Light of Mine. She said they were all shocked that David volunteered himself to do it and then actually did it. It shocked me too but made me so proud.

Ludy's

One of our friends recommended this little restaurant in Woodland to us. We had a coupon for one free meal and Monday kids eat free so we decided to try it out. We. Loved. It. The food was good but it was not the best part of the whole experience. The back patio was so perfect for kids. They had a little stream with fish, a paddle wheel with turtles, a little pond area, and lots of shade. It was perfect. We walked around and checked everything out then ate our food. When we left David kept saying how much he loved that place. We will definitely be going back.

Park Days

David climbing on the play structure.

She was proud of the sticks she collected.

Investigating

I think this is a cool picture of Annabelle running.

Best Friends