A Day in the Life of the Robinsons

Photo Book

2011-06-16T10:53:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Love this man!!

2011-03-05T10:20:00.002-05:00

A dear family friend once said there is no one on Earth that will make you happier than your spouse. That is certainly true! She also said no one on Earth will upset you more. That's also true!!

Raising kids, running a business, and working in the Corporate world can be challenging for a couple. Remember to take those date nights and keep each other as priority. I sure love this man!!

Wishing I was back on the cruise ship today!

2011-02-27T16:11:00.000-05:00

Wild Olive Tees

2011-02-26T07:21:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite companies to our t-shirts for my girls and me is Wild Olive Tees. They are beautiful t-shirts, but it's the message with them that is really beautiful. I love that they have a scripture on the back. We almost always receive compliments when wearing them. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have for spring/summer this year.

Take a look. There is a great hoodie give-a-way right now too!

http://www.wildolivetees.com/blog/

2nd Honeymoon

2011-02-25T04:58:00.003-05:00

For the child I lost 18 years ago today....

2011-02-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

Ask My Mom How She Is

My Mom, she tells a lot of lies

she never did before.

From now until she dies,

she'll tell a whole lot more.

Ask my Mom how she is

and because she can't explain,

She will tell a little lie

because she can't describe the pain.

Ask my Mom how is she,

She'll say "I'm alright."

If that's the truth, then tell me,

why does she cry each night?

Ask my Mom how is she,

she seems to cope so well.

She didn't have a choice you see

nor the strength to yell.

Ask my Mom how she is,

"I'm fine, I'm well, I'm coping."

For Gods sake Mom, just tell the truth

just say your heart is broken.

She'll love me all her life,

I loved her all of mine.

But if you ask her how is she

she'll lie and say she's fine.

WE are here in Heaven.

we cannot hug from here.

If she lies to you don't listen,

Hug her and hold her near.

On the day we meet again,

we'll smile and I'll be bold.

I'll say, "You're lucky to get in here, Mom

with all the lies you told!"

-unknown

Perseverance

2011-02-04T00:30:00.006-05:00

"God knows when something glorious in the future necessitates something difficult in the present. Because He knows the glory will be worth it, God will risk being misunderstood."

-Beth Moore

How thankful I am for a God that wants to walk with me through times I just can't understand. I love Him for being o.k. with the fact that I have questions and want to know why. I have had more than a few times in my life where all I could do was trust His hand in leading me. I remember a specific time where I prayed so hard for His direction and His will in a decision. To be honest, I wanted Him to choose the answer I had already chosen. But I asked Him to close the door in a way that I knew only He closed it if the answer was "no." Was I completely broken-hearted when He did just that--closed the door? Oh yes, I cried myself to sleep more nights than I would care to admit.

But God.

He carried us through to so much more than we could ever have asked or imagined. Clearly He had our best interest in mind and knew we had to go through a present difficulty to have that glorious future. I had the good fortune of seeing a glimpse of why God directed our path in the way He did. Years later I had a defining moment in my life as I realized just how fortunate we were that we did not get our answer in the way we wanted.

Yes, the glory is worth it!

As I help my child go through an experience today where I pray he learns this, it is so hard. The mother in me will experience many tears for him. Yet I know God is shaping him to the man he intends for him. And I know he will have an experience to share of how God used this present difficulty to provide a glorious future.

One of my favorite songs reminds me the when we don't understand, when we can't see His plan, when we can't trace His hand, trust His heart.

Snow in the ATL

2011-01-11T20:09:00.009-05:00

We sure have enjoyed these last few snow days! Brent has been able to recover from his surgery longer instead of going back to school 1/2 days. Brandon, Ashley, and Victoria have certainly had fun in the snow!

We've had fun sledding down the hills around our house!

Brent even had the opportunity to stand outside for a little while today.

I thought this one turned out cute--looks like our little dog is pulling the sled!

More than anything, I am thankful for the time we have had to spend as a family.

Beach Living

2010-09-23T17:29:00.003-04:00

We sure enjoyed our time at the beach. I really miss living close to the water. Destin is truly our favorite beach to go to, but the water was not as pretty this year. There was so much algae and seaweed that we spent our time in the sand and in the pool. I have to believe the ocean is compensating for the oil spill.

That being said, we still had a great time as a family. It's times like this that I start to realize how much different this picture will look as the kids get older. Already, the boys are taller than me, and it won't be long before the girls are!

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

2010-08-17T20:07:00.004-04:00

I can't believe my little girls is 12! She is such a beautiful, young lady that we are so proud of!!!

Won't Be Long Now

2010-07-09T21:01:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I get to see this face again, and I can't wait! Brent has been on a high school mission trip to Australia for the last 2 weeks. We've heard so many positive things already, but I know there are endless stories of God's faithfulness.

I know this was a great time of growth for Brent to be away from his twin brother and parents, making his own decisions, and planning for what he needs. His sisters and brother have all missed him so much. David & I are counting the hours to be able to hug our son again.

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi

Sometimes I just need a reminder

2010-07-07T20:45:00.002-04:00

Praise You in This Storm

I was sure by now,God, You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining

as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-04T21:59:00.006-04:00

We took the girls to their first Atlanta Braves game today to celebrate the 4th. It was really strange not to have Brent with us, but he is having an amazing time in Australia on our church mission trip. The Americana service this morning was neat--brought back good memories from growing up in Mississippi.

One of our church members lost their son to the War in Afghanistan today. He was only 22 years old. This serves as a clear reminder that our freedom is not free. Thank you so much to all who serve our country.

All-stars 2010

2010-06-27T19:53:00.005-04:00

Brandon had an amazing all-star season. He proved to be a very strong hitter with a high percentage of doubles and triples. He also had a good record for stolen bases. He enjoyed pitching and playing several positions, but catcher will always be his favorite.

Brandon loves baseball. He had one week this summer with high school baseball camp in the morning and all-star practice after that. The day ended with watching baseball games on TV--probably some xBox baseball in there at some point too. It's fun to see him so passionate about the game.

He has been a leader on his team this season and respected by coaching staff and umpires. It was fun to watch him get to know other players in our district through the tournaments we played in. While we won't be playing the state tournament, Brandon is a champion in my book!!

Feeling God's Love in an Amazing Way

2010-06-21T21:32:00.006-04:00

Today, I am just feeling God's love in a very reassuring way.

My son Brent leaves for Australia on a 2 week missions trip. Yep...he'll be more than 24 hours away from me, and I'm going to miss him so very much. He is really smart and so much fun to be around. Most of all, he loves the Lord. The kids in the Australia school are going to love getting to know him and his heart.

So, the mom in me starts to WORRY in a way that only a mom can. How will I get to him if something goes wrong? Who is going to take care of him? How can I go 2 weeks without seeing him?

Then a word from God...."I AM." Nothing more needed. He loves Brent so much and has a special plan for him. Brent is living a life that matters. I know Brent will meet people in Heaven whose lives he touched during this trip, and he will be forever changed too as a result of this experience.

As an obedient child to my Father, I place Brent again in His loving care. I know he will be where he should be serving God.

Please keep the people of Australia and our youth group in your prayers. From our pastors:

http://radiateleaders.wordpress.com/

A GREAT GIVE-A-WAY -- ENDS 6/20

2010-06-14T20:35:00.004-04:00

Check out my give-a-way blog for an opportunity to win a prize pack I really enjoyed!!!

http://dayinthelifeoftherobinsonsgive-a-ways.blogspot.com/

A special thanks for Pillsbury and myBlogSpark for giving me this item and one to share with a blog friend!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T13:41:00.002-04:00

I thank God for allowing me to be a mom to these awesome kids! I am truly blessed!

FREE SIMPLY GO_GURT--1st 30 to click below

2010-04-29T18:07:00.002-04:00

I hope you enjoy this yogurt as much as my family has!

Thanks to myBlogSpark for giving my readers this opportunity!!!

WINNER--SIMPLY GOGURT GIVE_A_WAY

2010-04-29T06:54:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Christy. E-mail me by end of day Friday or I will need to choose another winner.

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-04-29 10:54:17 UTC

Take Care of Yourself & Your Family--Give-a-Way

2010-04-23T17:02:00.009-04:00

I'm excited to share the Simply ... Go-Gurt give-a-way with one of you!!! The prize pack includes a pocket Etch a Sketch, weekly planner, and a seat back organizer. My kids (o.k.--me too) have enjoyed having the organizer in the back. We could all use a little more organization, right??

We really enjoyed the yogurt! This yogurt is made from single ingredients we look for and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors. I love having something healthy to share with my kids! They LOVE having it in a tube that we can take with us for picnics, at the ballpark, or the beach. Convenience is big for me with everyone going in different directions.

Leave me a comment with your favorite organization tip or how you plan snacks for your family to enter the give-a-way. Follow me on Twitter for an extra entry (MrsMowItAll). Be sure to leave another comment letting me know you have done so. The give-a-way will close at midnight Wednesday, April 28.

The Simply... Go-Gurt, prize pack, information and additional prize pack were all given to me from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark. The opinions are all mine :-)

Nourish Your Inner Goddess--Enter by April 18

2010-04-15T15:25:00.007-04:00

Updated: Congratulations, Hannah! You're the winner.

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-04-23 20:53:00 UTC

Let's face it...as women we don't take enough time to stop and take care of ourselves. We spend so much time making sure everyone else is taken care of and rarely stop for ourselves.

This give-a-way is a retreat away from all of our responsibilities. You'll get some great items that will help you relax. Your gift pack will also contains two VIP* coupons for this delicious yogurt.

I tried the strawberry and honey vanilla flavors, and they were absolutely delicious. I am anxious to try the blueberry flavor, but I have never been a fan of just plain yogurt.

You can visit

http://bricks.coupons.com/bstart.asp?o=62092&ci=1&c=GM&p=aI8UZzdb to download a coupon* and save $0.30 on one cup of new Yoplait Greek today!'

But to win a fantastic give-a-way, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me the flavor you would like to try. I will draw the winner on Sunday, April 18 after 9:00pm ET.

The opinions are definitely mine, but I do want to disclose that Yoplait provided me with the free product, information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark™.

Please Pray

2010-04-11T20:54:00.003-04:00

God brought me to a blog today for a family that needs our prayers. With a newborn and 2 other little ones, the mom and dad are struggling with the news that she has a brain tumor. Please join this family in praying for healing.

http://theronnes.blogspot.com/

We all want to be part of the blessing when the news comes that Kaci is healed!

Mr Mow It All of Powder Springs, GA

2010-04-02T20:37:00.004-04:00

www.MrMowItAllGA.com

We are excited to see what God does through David's business this year!

Mr Mow It All Georgia

REGRETS

2010-03-06T20:55:00.005-05:00

So I have a big birthday coming up this year....maybe that's what has brought on this time of reflection.

Why didn't I...?

What would it be like if only I had...?

If I could just go back and .....

What is the world caused me to make that decision....

If I knew then, what I know now....

"Never regret anything, because at one time it was exactly what you wanted."

I guess we all have times of wishing we could correct what we now see as a mistake or a better option. The quote can be misleading as sometimes we make decisions that were certainly not exactly what we wanted, but were really more like the only option we could determine at the time.

Hmmmm....I can only imagine the joy Satan has when God's children spend time thinking about regets and "if only's" about our past. Certainly he delights in taking away our joy and seeing us forget the tapestry that God is weaving through us.

So now as I think about that big birthday coming later this year, I'll focus on this...

"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams."

But more than anything, I'll remember that God wants to direct my path. He loves me and wants the best for me.

David's Surgery Eve

2010-01-24T20:25:00.005-05:00

I would like to say this is how excited David is about having surgery tomorrow! It's actually a picture from a few months back--before the basketball accident. Last Wednesday, the 8th grade basketball team played the parents. David's knee did not quite cooperate as he blocked an inbound pass. Let's just say he did really look good until the fall.

We went to the ER. That is a story in and of itself. We chose to take David's truck...his big truck...you know the one I have driven 3-4 times in the 3 years we have owned it...the one I simply cannot drive! Now imagine me driving it (scared for David) with him in pain in the backseat through the narrow roads leading to our hospital. I'm trying to decide if seeing David hurt or driving him to the ER was more scary. We finally made it home at 3:00am.

The diagnosis was a detached patellar tendon. The surgeon will drill 4 holes in his kneecap and thread the tendon back through. I explain this well the 2nd time around...that's right we've already been through this 9 years ago with his other knee. That time it was an accident on a kids scooter just before Christmas. We were in the process of having a custom home built and enjoying apt. life on the 2nd floor of the building. Now that was interesting. We are thankful David does not have to climb stairs this time. Brent is not so thrilled about giving up his room, but he would do anything for his dad.

Oh, to top the day off...Victoria threw up as I walked to her class at church today. We think it might have been nerves as she is so worried about David. She didn't want us to leave him at home alone for even a short time.

Please keep David in your prayers as he recovers. This is a tough surgery to recover from, but David is one tough guy!

Who is it between for you?

2010-01-07T18:49:00.002-05:00

From Mother Theresa:

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

be kind anyway.

If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;

succeed anyway.

If you are honest people may cheat you;

be honest anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the end, it is between you and God;

it was never between you and them anyway.

Wow...why is this so hard for us to see when we argue with others or feel others have caused us wrong? I am going to let this be my New Years resolution...to remember who it's really between.

Thanks to MckMama for reminding us of this great writing today.

Has It Really Been 20 Years?

2009-12-29T19:36:00.007-05:00

I can't believe it has been 20 years since we said "I do." We were two teenagers ready to face the world--no fears, best friends, happy! Less than 2 years after we married, we moved 13 hours away from everything and everyone we knew to Tulsa, OK. That's a LONG way from Mississippi !! I remember watching the tape of our wedding....not for some romantic, nostalgic moment...but to see faces of people we knew in the sanctuary!! It's also the best thing that could have ever happened to our marriage. We grew so much during that time together. I can't help but smile when I remember the time we got into an argument and started laughing when we realized there was no place to go to be alone and mad in our tiny one bedroom apartment.

We've lived in a lot of places since that tiny one bedroom apartment--close to family & far away. Like every other couple out there, we've definitely had our ups and downs. The difference is we persevered through tough times. A very wise lady at our rehearsal dinner said no one would invoke the emotions that our spouse would...no one makes you happier, sadder, more mad, more excited, and more fulfilled. 20 years later I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt she was right....thanks Mrs. Bond!

For those who are struggling in their marriage, fight for it. Don't give up! I can honestly say that this has been the happiest year of our marriage.

Thanks, David, for the wonderful gifts of our children we enjoy so very much. I can't wait to see what the next 20 years hold!

Home from the Hospital with Good News!

2009-12-23T17:50:00.005-05:00

Victoria was admitted to Children's Hospital-Scottish Rite Tuesday morning for a video EEG monitoring test. We went in hopeful that we would be discharged by Wednesday afternoon, and thankfully we were. The test started with attaching what seemed like 100 leads to her head (with glue). As you can see by the picture, her head was wrapped and she had a cord that allowed her to walk to the restroom. She was to stay in bed where she could be on video. (Now, keep in mind Victoria is not feeling sick and is VERY excited about being out of school, Christmas, traveling to see family, etc. ) Ok, with that in mind, think about what it would take to entertain her 2 days in a hospital bed!! Victoria has the sweetest spirit. She truly does. She was pushed to the limit....and honestly, by this afternoon I was too. Having the leads taken off and the sores left on her forehead were really hard for her.

I can't say enough about the wonderful staff at Scottish Rite. They certainly went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and to keep Victoria entertained. Volunteers brought stuffed animals, games, Christmas stockings, art supplies and more as gifts since she was in the hospital during Christmas vacation. Victoria was so appreciative and thanked everyone so sweetly. Yesterday she told me it was one of the best days EVER!

(Of course, it did help that she has not watched Nickleodeon or Disney Channel for over a month. I think she caught up this week! )

One of the neurologists met with us this afternoon to let us know the initial results of the tests look good. The EEG was abnormal, but the good news is an actual seizure was not detected. The impulses are occurring in her brain, but her new medicine is effectively holding the seizures at bay. That means so much as we have been trying to get to this point for over a year now. Our older kids see a big difference in Victoria and have commented how nice it is to have our "old Victoria back." Let's just say we're glad to be through with the Keppra meds, and we are so glad she is doing well with the new one! This was a great Christmas gift to hear that the medicine was working, and our Victoria is feeling so much better.

This afternoon was one of the hardest moments I have had as a mom. There was a code blue called that was cancelled a couple of minutes after the call. During that time, Victoria and I prayed for the child and asked God to be with the doctors and nurses to help in healing the child. She was so happy to hear the child was better. (The story sounds pretty good, right? Well here is where it got hard.) After the difficult time she had with getting the leads removed and taking a shower, we took a walk around the 1st floor to try to improve her outlook on the day. With tears in her eyes, she said "Mom, I guess God could only heal 1 kid today. I'm glad that one from the code blue is o.k. I just wish he could have healed my seizures all the way too." I had to stop in the middle of the hall of the hospital and catch my breath. How do I reply? I prayed a quick prayer for the word God would have me give.

We talked about how it's hard to understand, but God chooses when it's best for us to be healed. For some people (like the kid today), it can happen quickly. For others, it happens later in their life. Still others will get their healing in heaven. We talked about that is our promise...all of us get healed in heaven. She won't have seizure meds or tests, my bad elbow will be healed, Ashley won't have asthma, her cousin will be able to hear, and on and on. She seemed to really understand as we walked on. With a sweet voice, she said "I just wish God could have healed me all the way today."

What spoke to me is the honesty of a child. God knows our hearts. And it is hard to understand why we can't be that one sometimes. I continue to meditate on "if God were small enough for us to understand, He wouldn't be big enough for us to worship." God is faithful, and he loves Victoria even more than we do. She loves Him too--like no other child I have ever seen. I just can't wait to see what he has in store for this little miracle.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:5-7 NAS

Another winner!

2009-12-20T17:12:00.001-05:00

Update: I had to choose another winner for the give-a-way after not hearing from the first name drawn.

scpalmer6@hotmail.com,

Please see my e-mail and contact me with your mailing information. Congratulations!

We have a winner!

2009-12-18T22:35:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to cky10120@yahoo.com. Please reply to my e-mail with your contact information so I can have MyBlogSpark get these goodies to you as quick as possible! I will need your information by end of day tomorrow or I will have to choose another winner.

Thanks to all who entered!!

MY FIRST GIVE-A-WAY

2009-12-15T17:24:00.004-05:00

Well I have something fun to share with my readers. MyBlogSpark sent me a VERY big favorite at our house--Fruit Roll-ups and other fruit flavored snacks! I can feel good giving these snacks to my children because they are healthy. These snacks are gluten free and low fat. I can enjoy them too because they are less than 100 calories per serving!

The gift pack also contains some fun toys kids of all ages enjoy. My husband was hilarious showing the kids how to use the yo-yo. VERY ENTERTAINING! The frisbee and pick-up sticks also bring back fun memories to share with the kids.

To enter to win this great gift pack, leave a comment with your family's favorite snack. The winner will be chosen Friday night.

Facing Fears

2009-12-01T19:26:00.003-05:00

What makes a perfectly sane person do something like parasailing? Why would I even consider something like this?

Yep, you guessed it....children! Let one of the kids want to do something and eventually I cave. This was crazy! We were 450 ft in the air over the waters of St. Thomas. I couldn't get over how peaceful and quiet that 8 minute ride was. (Of course I was close to God with many, many prayers going up!)

We had a great cruise for Thanksgiving!

Celebrating Victoria's 7th birthday

2009-10-13T22:18:00.004-04:00

This was a big birthday for Victoria! We woke up very early and headed to the airport--bound for Disney.

Happy Birthday Brent & Brandon!!

2009-10-11T04:55:00.004-04:00

I am so thankful for Brent & Brandon. It's so hard to believe they are 14 years old!

Wow....14 years ago today..........a birth story...........

David and I found ourselves not able to sleep anticipating the day our twin boys would be born. We were so excited. David slept on the sleeper sofa in hopes of giving me the opportunity to sleep better all by myself on our bed. Going to term with twins....well, let's just say I took up plenty of space ! We met each other in the hallway in the middle of the night as we were both going to check on each other. What a sweet memory of excited parents.

After checking in at St. Francis hospital in Tulsa, we were joined by my parents, David's parents and grandparents. It was just so hard to believe that within a couple of hours, we would be looking at our beautiful children! Going back in the delivery room was a little scary. David was getting his "dr. suit" on and would join me as soon as I was prepped a little more for surgery. I so wanted to see Dr. Oglesby as she had such a calming influence on me.....where was she????????? After was seemed like an eternity (probably 15 minutes), she and David walked in the delivery room. She had been checking on him! Didn't she realize I was her patient???? It sure was good to see them both.

The screen was raised, and I was so relaxed. At one point I asked David if they were doing anything yet. With a strange, but hilarious, look on his face, he uttered, "Oh, they're doing something alright." Within seconds the loudest cry was heard and Brent was born 8:01am. He looked just like his dad and still does. He was ready to join the world...all 7 lbs 10 oz of him. One minute later, we had our first look at Brandon at 6lbs 1 oz. He gave a cry, but his look of "why are you taking me from where I was perfecting comfortable" was all I could focus on. As I think about his competitive spirit, maybe he was just mad Brent made it out first!! The neonatologist checked him out a little longer, and then he was off to the nursery to join Brent. There was a room full of people with their eyes glued to the glass looking at our healthy twins.

I have so many great memories of visits with friends during the 3 days we were in the hospital. Our Sunday School class took such good care of us with meals for 4 weeks after the boys were born. Such a blessing! A sweet memory was Kyle and Nikki bringing a cooler of ice cold cokes to our house the night we came home since she knew how much I missed a coke during my pregnancy.

Children truly are a blessing. I thank God for the opportunity to be the boys mother.

"For this child I prayed; and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of him." --Hannah, 1Samuel 1:27.

You see I had prayed so hard for children after a miscarriage 2 years earlier and having a specialist tell me I may have to face the fact I may never be able to carry children. God knew all along he was planning a double blessing. You see...a little over 9 months after I heard those terrible words from our specialist, we welcomed Brent & Brandon into the world!

Happy birthday boys!!! I love you so much!!!!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!" -- God

Marriage

2009-08-22T21:44:00.002-04:00

David & I had a great afternoon together, and I'm reminded how very much I love the man I married almost 20 years ago! It was nothing special...a lunch date, shopping trip, and afternoon nap. So many times we get busy with the kids and work and forget to just stop to enjoy each other.

What has worked for you to make sure you leave time for each other?

This is one of my favorite marriage quotes. I can't write a blog on marriage and leave it out.....

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
~Ogden Nash

Oh that I could live by this quote........

One of God's Special Gifts

2009-08-18T20:20:00.002-04:00

"No gift bestowed upon us is so precious as children. They are proof that God still loves us. They are the hope of the future." -- James E. Faust

I can't believe my baby girl is 11 years old. I thank God for her and the beautiful person she is--inside and out. I remember the day she was born so well and how excited we all were to welcome a little girl to our family. She has the biggest heart and is deeply concerned about Victoria. It's hard to believe she is in middle school. I want to keep her small forever, but I sure enjoy each stage of life she goes through.

What an awesome gift from God!!!

Mr. Mow It All

2009-08-15T18:16:00.003-04:00

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." --Herman Cain

About 5 years ago, David spent a lot of time really soul searching what he wanted to do and where he wanted to work. He's always loved working with the lawn and landscaping, so he decided to start Mr. Mow It All. We are truly thankful for David's business and our wonderful customers.

Great Expectations!!

2009-08-05T19:11:00.002-04:00

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Matthew 24:42

Are you watching? I know I need a reminder we should be ready and anxiously waiting for the return of Jesus. I think about how a child awaits Christmas or a big trip. We should all be looking up and hoping today would be the day!

Baseball Weekend

2009-08-03T22:39:00.005-04:00

You owe it to yourself to be the best you can possible be—in baseball and in life. --Pete Rose

Brent & Brandon enjoyed a fun, long weekend watching baseball games in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. They are blessed to have a great friend that invited them along for an exciting trip. They also had a chance to see the Football Hall of Fame. It was a great opportunity and a lot of fun! We missed them so bad, and we were so happy to have them home.

Brent took this picture to show his dad the grass in Pittsburgh--only Mr Mow It All's son would think of this, right??

Deep Thoughts

2009-08-01T18:58:00.005-04:00

When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.

One of the things I love about Victoria is how she lives life to the fullest. She embraces new things/opportunities with no fear. She sets her sight on what she wants to accomplish, and nothing can stop her. She couldn't wait to get to the diving board and loves the thrill of jumping in the deep end.

Victoria is a good example to me. I sometimes remain too reserved and waiting to finalize all plans or the fear of failure keeps me from just "jumping right in" to embrace life. I'm thankful for my little girl and what she teaches me.

God is good!!

2009-07-13T17:48:00.002-04:00

Today Victoria had a MRI to help make sure we're doing all we need to with her epilepsy. We started the morning off with lab tests at the neurologist office. Victoria is hilarious...she played games with the lab tech while 3 tubes of blood were taken. The lab tech had a hard time getting her job done--she was laughing too hard with Victoria. Me? I still can't stand the sight of blood leaving the body and was ready to run from that room as quick as possible!

Then we headed to Children's Hospital at Scottish Rite for the MRI. What an amazing place! The staff was so caring and took so much time with Victoria. Victoria made it through the 1st half of the MRI and then pushed the button to stop the test. She just couldn't be still any longer. Since that had already needed 1 retake, the MRI technician recommended having her sedated. That process kept us at the hospital a good bit longer since she had to eat and drink after the test.

Praise the Lord for He is good! The neurologist office just called to say the scans were all normal. We just have to get her medicine regulated to keep the absence seizures away. We are so relieved and thankful.

Victoria is truly one in a million. We love her so much!

Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-04T07:43:00.004-04:00

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." --George Orwell

What a great day to remember the freedoms so many have given their lives to provide us. I'm so glad to be an American!

We have a fun day planned with a swimming party and another party tonight. The weather is beautiful today too.

Ashley & David are on a mission to find Ashley the perfect crocs. I love to see the relationship David has with each of the kids. From playing xbox or throwing the baseball with the boys to shopping or playing games with the girls, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with him. I can't believe we celebrate our 20 year anniversary this year. So on a day where we celebrate our men in military, I am also thankful for the man God gave me and his time in the U.S. Navy reserves.

Happy 4th!

IF MY PEOPLE........

2009-07-03T07:18:00.003-04:00

Mckmama's blog (http://www.mycharmingkids.net/) has been one of my favorite ones to read...in fact, that's how I got hooked into the blog world. Her recent post on government and politics really got me thinking. While I VERY much disagree with some of her beliefs, I left the post with a renewed spirit. Here's why.....

The power of the government has not come from the media, liberal thinkers, etc. The church has given the government its power. If we as Christians were caring for the poor, hungry, widows, sick, etc. why would we need government programs? Instead we (note this includes me)...we get caught up in our daily lives, enjoying the luxuries we work for, running kids from place to place, and occasionally getting on our soapbox on the big issues of the day (abortion, gay marriage, government spending, etc.) Shouldn't we stop to show love to those caught in sin or struggling with decisions? I'm so glad Jesus met me where I was and didn't ask me to clean up my life before I could have a relationship with him. Do I show the same love to others? Certainly not consistently.

Bottom line for changing the government if Christians stepping up.....

2Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land -- God.

A Fun Day Already!

2009-07-02T08:11:00.002-04:00

It's just after 8:00am, and I have to say...it's a fun day already. David and I were up before the kids. I had a chance to do an early morning walk, and the weather was just beautiful. I've lost 9 pounds over the last 2 weeks and have really enjoyed walking.

The kids all have fun activities planned today. Looks like the day will keep getting better.

God is good!

ALMOST???????????

2009-06-28T21:40:00.002-04:00

Today's church service was awesome and very moving. Pastor Mike talked about freedoms we enjoy and encouraged us to not be a nation that tolerates. The most inspiring part was when he talked about what would help our nation. It wasn't anyone in Washington, schools, media, etc. It starts in the home with our leadership as parents. I was also convicted about not being a person of almost....I almost volunteered to help, I almost let that person to Christ, I almost was a critical part of my kids teenage years, etc.

Here's to not being a person of almost..........

Saturday Fun

2009-06-27T14:40:00.001-04:00

Victoria, Ashley, and I enjoyed a fun girls day out today while the boys shopped for baseball hats. After going to the Braves/Yankee game this week, they were convinced they needed the a flat bill hat (at least I think that's what they're called.) The girls were more into shopping for lip gloss and a new dress. It was really hot going in and out of stores, but we had a great time. We topped it off with a lunch at Moe's....mmmm!

I've still been walking most everyday. I'm a long way from a marathon....even longer from a triathalon, but everyone starts somewhere, right??????? At least the dog is appreciating a long walk every night before her bedtime. Losing 7 pounds has been nice too.

We're looking forward to the patriotic service at church tomorrow and are so thankful for all of the men who protect our freedom.

2009-06-20T17:02:00.001-04:00

Well, I'm finally joining the blogging community. With 4 kids, a full-time job, and a husband building a business, there should be plenty to type about. At least it will help family keep up with all that takes place since they all say we don't call or visit enough lately :-)