the Robins Family

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

So I didn't get our annual Christmas blog posted for last year, but it was not because I didn't have time. We finished Christmas shopping and wrapping a couple days early, but I just took a moment to enjoy my family and the days that followed.
It seemed to me, that out of the handful of Christmas cards we received from family and friends (thanks, guys) it was so inspiring to read that several families included in their list of achievements: the chance to relax in their PJ's more. It's great to attend cool places, and do fun things, but I think the most meaningful accomplishment, is to make the moments matter.

So without further adieu, I did want to share what is has been like in our home the past year:

Royal
Still working with the kids at his youth school, started back with online school (and is rockin' it!), released as EQP and received his beloved calling in the "Man-Nursery", still my hunky hubby

Da'nelle
Loving staying at home with the kiddos, put in as Young Women president, lost all existing free time, did a 5K Foam Run (exhilarating!), learning to live with a messy house (sorry, couldn't find a pic of me without kids)

Lucy
Loves to learn, loves books, loves her friends, and is taking on the older sister role. Also learning who she is as a little person, just started Primary and loves PB&J and making forts with her dad

Grant
Can you say boy? Throws everything, jumps off. . everything, kicks. . everything. but he is still mommy's little boyfriend, so adorable and cute. Mimics everything his sister says and does.

And come July, you will get to see this little person:

Hope all is well for your family-- let me know how it is going for you!

Love you and miss you!

O Christmas Tree, Our Christmas Tree

2011-12-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

There is a song by Michael McLean about how this woman cries when she takes her Christmas tree down, for the memories and the season have come and gone. The song is a bit too sappy for me to remember any more than the first line of the chorus, but perhaps it is because I can relate to it. For I am very attached to our Christmas Tree.

Even if it is a sad little Charlie Brown Tree, Christmas does not seem to have the full effect without a tree. I can remember as a child hanging little wooden ornaments on our fake tree which seems huge at the time, and also sitting in the dark living room, illuminated only by the soft glow of the lights. We had a little plug-in device that when pushed would pulse the lights to Christmas songs. Those simple memories are some of my most prized childhood experiences, just to name a few.

Our tree has a bit o' history to it, however.I acquired this tree many years ago whilst single from my awesome aunt Patti. It is a fiber-optic tree so when you plug it in, has a beautiful sparkly effect, encapsulating the shimmer and magic of the season.

The ornaments are mostly original, but we have added our sentimental pieces through the years.
The best items on our tree are the picture ornaments we take each year. Royal started this tradition our first married Christmas and each year we take a picture of our family, and hang it on the tree. It is one of my favorite traditions we have.

So, now that we have two kids, I am just thankful that our tree is still intact. I now get to sit in the embers of our tree with my children and make more memories of this special moment. Sure, the top tilts forward in a 10 degree incline and the once symmetrically placed balls are placed in a disheveled matter within the unlaced ribbon strands, but to me, it's still OUR tree, and it truly makes our Christmas bright.

The Leaves are falling Down

2011-11-21T16:44:00.003-07:00

Just in time for Thanksgiving, wanted to share something awesome about the season-

crunchy leaves on the ground!

Happy Holidays!

It All works out in the Wash *(My grandma always says)

2011-11-07T21:59:00.009-07:00

I just have to say,
that I noticed my last post was 5 weeks ago.
That I have had several "Posts To-Do" that I have even written on my "To -Do" list.
All of which are very clever and insightful and delightful.
But today I about had a crazy moment.

I love my children. Dearly. They bring me the absolute utmost joy.
But today I felt like a horrible mother, nay, a horrible person for the way I treated them.
I had so much to do, and even prayed that I would be a good mother through it.
But eventually I had to ask Royal to give me an hour alone when he got home.

Sadly, I didn't spend that time meditating, or shopping or even being alone.
I spent it trying to work with some Young Women that have been off the radar.
I don't know why I chose to do that, but I do know that I prayed for some opportunities
to help these girls.
And maybe that's why everything happened the way it did.
I made contact. It was good.
And then, I came home, and kissed my husband and
looked in my beautiful girl's eyes
and rocked my baby to sleep.
It turned out to be a good day after all.

It was a Good One

2011-10-02T20:49:00.000-06:00

Other than the weather giving us an uncharacteristically warm September, all other signs have pointed that summer has come to an end. Here is a bit of our season in recap:

Grant wore out his shoes

We made Truck Pool again!

We went to a few cabins,

We did lots of swimming,

We enjoyed dozens and dozens of popsicles,

and played outside with our friends.

Although we are looking forward to new seasons and future holidays, we truly had a WONDERFUL summer! Hope yours was grand!

Let Me 'Splain

2011-09-03T14:10:00.001-06:00

First, my apologies.

I have been left out of the blogger world. It has not been due to a lack of interest or offense; I merely have not been able to write or to participate in the joyful blogs of my friends and families.

You see, at the end of May I was called as the Young Womens president and since adopting 20+ girls, attending Girl's Camp, Youth Conference, and just trying to figure out what the heck I was doing, I neglected my opportunity to blog.

To some that may not be a big deal, but I LOVE keeping up in the surreal universe of the blog. I find myself happier, more entertained, more inspired, and more understood when I am blogging. It's kind of like my personal therapy.

So, I WILL get to reading and commenting on your blogs, it may just take a while. And don't worry, I have some good posts in the making.

Pardon my dust, please.

In the Morning. . .

2011-06-29T10:54:00.001-06:00

What does 7:00 AM mean?

10 years ago: ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz. . .

7 years ago: Did I really just go to bed 3 hours ago? Oh, well, better get ready to go to class.

3 years ago: Man, gotta shower, how much time till work?

1 year ago: These cute kids are cutting into my beauty sleep.

Today: Sweet, I was actually able to use the treadmill and get a shower before the kids are up.

Disclaimer: Actions represented in the "Today" section may or may not happen everyday. Subject to multiple conditions and actual comfort of bed.

So, now I'm curious as to what the future will bring to me at 7 in the morning.

Moments That Matter Most

2011-06-19T14:08:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to share a little pick-me-up with you. This is beautifully shot, and a great reminder to what we need to do in life. It shares a great spirit!

Purpose

2011-05-30T22:08:00.008-06:00

We have been having a lot of rain lately. I am a lover of the rain. It is fresh and pure, and can bring a "newness" to the world. But when you have 2 kids romping inside all day, it can be a bit burdensome. Typically it has made me feel a bit soggy, and hoping that it would clear up. That is, until I planted my garden.

Suddenly the rain played an important role in my endeavor. No longer was it an invisible wall to our fun, it was now a necessary enrichment to the little plants I am hoping to benefit from in the future. I have not needed to provide water for my little tomatoes, they have been naturally nourished, as it should be.

This experience has made me wonder-- what else in my life am I feeling "burdened" by, that I have really just neglected to find its purpose. What am I putting up with, that I could actually find value in. I think it can be metaphor to any adversity we face. Are we just "enduring", or do we find the value of the experience while we are still in it. And that's when I began to see, a different kind of newness that the rain can provide.

Food Snobs

2011-04-29T22:46:00.003-06:00

When we go shopping, our purchases usually focus around the products that are the least expensive. Great Value is the "name brand" that typically resides in our cupboards because we have found that you barely notice a difference. . . in MOST things. There are a few things out there that we just need to have a specific brand of. The reproduction of that food is not even worth masticating. Here is a list of things that we do not skimp on at our house:

*Oreo's

*home cooked tortillas (thanks, Custers. . . I can't go back to precooked.)

*Cheetos (crunchy, please!)

*Crunch Berries (I practically lived on these while pregnant with Grant)

*Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce

*Cinnamon Toast Crunch

*Hidden Valley Ranch

This, by the way, is an unfinished list, and I will undoubtedly add to it, as we remember the food necessities that we like to have in our life.

So. . . . , are you a food snob about anything?

2011-04-27T07:56:00.006-06:00

Dear (month of) April,

Remember when you represented birds singing, flowers blooming, beautiful pastels, and the ushering in of warm weather and sandals. Please return to that.

Signed,
Usually love the snow, but this is getting old

A Mother's Creed

2011-04-23T17:00:00.001-06:00

I,
Da'nelle Robins,

do solemnly swear,
that as a mother
I . . .

Relinquish the rights to a full, uninterrupted shower, unless taken after 10 PM
Will no longer wear black
Will reach into a baby's mouth to retrieve any small object he/she may have found
Give up a consistent night's sleep for the next 2-5 years. I will instead compensate it with 2-3 blocks of sleep intertwined with 5 minute accidental naps during the day
Will comb and style my daughter's hair even though she will undoubtedly take it out on the way to somewhere important
Eat my meals only after I have prepared, cut up, and fed my children first. I understand that doing so will generally leave my own food cold and required to be consumed quickly.
catch vomit with my hand and wipe disgusting messes from all parts of my children's bodies
will learn how to walk, cook and do Pilates with baby weight* (*baby weight is the weight of a child that holds on to you wilst trying to move or do exercises)
must learn to sacrifice my way of life, my pride, my selfish wants, and take every opportunity available to teach a principle about what is happening
Willingly allow my patience, nerve and personal space to be tested to the utmost degree

In return, I will. . .
receive more joy, love and happiness that I could ever have known to be possible.

Signed, Da'nelle Robins

Mothers Who Know

2011-03-28T19:49:00.005-06:00

I found this awesome video about being a mother, and since that is 95% of my day; it really touched me. I just love Sister Beck and how timeless her words are. I hope you can recognize her message and become inspired through it.

It is about 8 minutes long, so watch it when you can sit down and appreciate it.

P.S. You may need tissues

Naked Baby Walking

2011-03-08T18:50:00.008-07:00

Last month Grant decided he wanted to start walking. He had some great attempts during the day, but always looked like a drunken sailor as he wobbled across the floor.
One night while getting ready for bed, he took off in his official white trash uniform. For some reason, it really helped him as he was able to move so freely and unencumbered.

Only to add to his success was the assistance of a one-handed pink stroller push.

These photos are going to come in real handy in the future, right about the time he starts thinking he's too cool for mom!

So without further adieu, here is: Naked Baby Walking.

Creativity Burnout

2011-03-03T16:56:00.001-07:00

Being a mom has really shown me a new way of living in real life. To maintain sanity, sometimes you have to be a little creative. Now to my credit, I have been a school teacher, so I know how to make mundane things seem interesting. This skill has come in very helpful as a mom. For example:

Not Creative: Lucy, stop!
Creative: Lucy, I can tell you are going to be a good soccer player, but please don't kick your brother's head.

Not Creative: What the. . gross!
Creative: Grant, thanks for helping us get our money's worth out of these diapers by filling them to maximum capacity.

Not Creative: Lucy, get your clothes on, NOW!
Creative: Lucy, let's use some of that energy and you can bunny hop right into your pants here.

Not Creative: C'mon, buddy!
Creative: Grant, it sure is fun to find your Cheerio landmines on the ground- that explosive crunch keeps me on my toes!

If you have ever read the book "Just Go to Bed" by Mercer Mayer, I think he portrays it very well. Here the dad is trying to be patient and creative with his little Critter, but by the end he's having a bit of creativity burnout.

This is why I think moms have a creativity outlet of their own. Whether its scrap booking, crafting, cooking, blogging, running, preschool, or whatever else, they just need something to refuel their creative juices after being squeezed dry during the hours. So whatever it may be for you- carry on faithful soldier- and make it a good one!

Home Accessories

2011-02-13T14:43:00.010-07:00

Soooooo, do you ever wonder if sometimes you are the one who owns the children's furniture. . .

. . . or that they actually own you?

This isn't what I anticipated when I planned out my home decor.

Oh well, I am sure it is just a phase that will pass,

in like 10 more years.

I think it was stated best by an actor in the TV Show "Men of a Certain Age" who once said, "One day you wake up and your tripping over tricycles and your house smells like poo." You said it, buddy!

The Neverending Cycle

2011-02-09T20:55:00.004-07:00

Dear Da'nelle,
In behalf of all of your home flooring, I would like to thank you for mopping me (about) once a week. Even if it only stays in that condition for a matter of hours. It could sadly even be measured in minutes. Anyways, thanks for trying.

Sincerely, Your kitchen floor

P.S. The bathrooms would like to speak with you next

How to Have a Lion Party

2011-01-30T15:24:00.009-07:00

Upon Lucy's request, we had a Lion Party for her 3rd birthday. You can do the same, just do the following:

1. Make a Lion cake (this one looked good, tasted gross.)

2. Make lion hats for the kids (unfortunately 2 "cubs" were sick)

3. Have an adorable 3-year old who is just learning what birthdays are all about.

You know- cake and presents.
(P.S. This photo brings back so many of my Pony memories!)

We love you , Lucy!

My Wardrobe

2011-01-17T22:24:00.002-07:00

My sweet mother in law took me for a well needed clothes shopping trip for Christmas. It did however, make me realize the evolution of my wardrobe in the past 5 years.

Remember when I had the professional desk job at UVSC? Yep, that was me- fun, stylish, current. I matched my shoes to my bag, and had several to choose from (both shoes and bags.) I was embellished in scarves, dangling earrings, and bracelets and had no problem with those darling 4 inch strappy heels around the office. My hair was always coiffed into an elegant or sassy 'do, I loved perfume and Clinique products, and was willing to try a new fashion just for the hey of it. Loved it.

Enter my school teaching years. Well, I still tried to stay fashionable, but due to the excessive amounts of bending, kneeling and walking, walking, walking, I had to trade in the high heels for conservative "teacher shoes." Oh, I got the cutest ones I could find, but when you are hauling a ginormous bag of math papers and spelling lists in addition to your computer, purse, lunch, and any other scholastic project at hand, you just have to give a bit. By this time I felt pretty set for the day if I had earrings AND a necklace on. Not to mention that I now had 1 child and my lack of energy was apparent in my limited hairstyles.

Then I became. . .the PE teacher, nay a PREGNANT PE teacher. Don't get me wrong, it was a pretty sweet gig for a pregnant lady, but I couldn't put on my stinky sneakers and ratty ole' workout clothes for the kids. So I was once again lead to purchasing a new wardrobe. This was tricky- I couldn't wear the same thing every day, but getting huge workout clothing is kind of an oxymoron. Thanks to Danskin, I was able to get some decent pieces, within my size range (fortunately I don't get too huge during pregnancy) and was able to be "presentable" day by day. Oh, I did wear my stinky old sneakers by the way and my hair specialty this time--long bangs and a ponytail. (um, sorry, I couldn't find a picture of me teaching soccer in a mu-mu.)

Okay, so now I have arrived at: Stay at Home mom. The phrase along can conjure a wide array of images that we all know too well. For me it turned into the mismatched, leftover, overused, underutilized outfits of yesteryear. I am trying to reinvent my style while still being frugal and functional. By now I have two categories of outfits: 1)Going out of the house and 2) Staying in. I think it's self explanatory. Although I do now have a little more time for hairstyles and jewelry, my focus is on purchasing anything that will survive spit-up on one shoulder and boogies on the other. 2 words: Machine Washable.

So needless to say, thanks for the clothes, Robyn.

Meloncholy After Christmas

2010-12-29T22:43:00.006-07:00

So I don't know if it is just me, but something happens about 8:30 PM on Christmas Day.

Let's just say that I LOVE Christmas. I love the music, the foods, the wrapping, the decorating, for all the obvious reasons. If Christmas were an orange, I would squeeze and twist and suck every last drop of Christmasy juice out of the season. Each day gets bigger and better until it's actually here and then. . TA DA! I get to savor in all the goodness that I have been anticipating, hoping and preparing for.

But then, something happens when it's time to go home and go to bed just because it's getting late. There are no more thoughts of what is yet to come. No more mental lists of what still needs to be done. Christmas music seems almost inferior, and snow is now just a burden rather than a backdrop to a glorious Christmas day. I actually get sad and uncomfortable, because I have built up for something so grand, and now it is well. . .gone.

I don't want to seem like a big downer here, but I do think this little process I go through is good for me. It helps me to evaluate what I truly loved about my Christmas for the year:

*It was not the amount of money, but the amount of time I spent on a gift
*I found that I didn't even notice if I had any gifts; I just loved giving them to my family and watching my children open
*I loved having a chance to remember my Savior, and what he means to me in a concentrated series of weeks
*I loved the lightness in the air, and the time we got to spend together, just for the sake of the holiday.

When I remember those things, I realize that it is Christmas that helps us get there. And so THAT is why I love Christmas so much, and perhaps that is why I feel so somber when the day comes to an end. I think it really helps me appreciate those little things in my life better, and so that is why. . .I am already looking forward to next year.

Happy Holidays 2010

2010-12-13T22:35:00.001-07:00

This will be our official Christmas Card. We have never been one for printing and mailing out the actual version of this, so until that happens- we have the blog! I do love Christmas info cards like these. You get to learn the life and times of the people that you know and care to keep in touch with, even if it hasn't been since last Christmas. So without further delay, here is the Robins Family Christmas Card 2010!

Royal: Still (thankfully) has his job at his school. We are so grateful that he is able to be in a job that he truly enjoys, and that it provides for us to be happy and healthy. He is still the Elders Quorum President although our ward's EQ was split, so now he dutifully serves those with last names ending in I-Z. Each month he also surprises me with some new facial growth carved into creative design. He is truly a wonderful husband and a super-duper excellent dad!

Da'nelle: I quit my teaching job (see previous posts if you would like) in August and started doing some side jobs to help me stay at home with "the kids." (It's so fun to say it plurally!) I have learned the tremendous joys and struggles of being at home all day. I mean, honestly, where DOES the time go? But regardless of the trivial things there is absolutely NO place I would rather be than at home taking care and teaching and loving our two sweet children. P.S. Isn't this cow picture AWESOME! This is what motherhood is all about!

Lucy: Almost 3, and we know it. She took a turn this year when Grant came and she realized that she was no longer the center of the universe. She is sweet and precocious and capable of so much. It has been hard for me to see her as a little girl and no longer as my baby. She knows pretty much all her letters and can count to 12. She is adventurous and learning to be careful-we have had no concussions this year! We just love her!

Grant: Without argument the sweetest little guy, ever. He is 8 months, and trying to walk. He is also very tolerant of Lucy playing rough with him, giggling the whole way through. Love his laugh, his wide smile, his amazing gentle spirit, and that he is the bestest little baby in the world. He truly makes you feel lucky to be around him.

We have been exceptionally blessed this year and are so grateful for this time to remember our Savior and all that he has done for us. What a blessing he is to our lives, and we hope we can emulate his life throughout the year.

We hope all is fabulous for you and your family. Send us an email or call us with what is going on in your brood, and take care until next time.

An Ode to Sleep

2010-11-29T21:23:00.002-07:00

Ah, sleep. I could write volumes on the many aspects of how it has affected my life.

I could discuss how I miss it, especially now having two kids with irregular sleeping habits. I don't think I have ever felt "caught up" on my sleep since I turned 12.
I remember how I used to have a Sunday nap ritual; snuggled in my bed, regardless of the season, and slumbering in my down comforter until Sunday dinner would wake me.

I love sleeping in Royal's arms, he's so comfy and I feel super protected.
Nowadays sleep is something that I plan into my day. Not just for myself, but for naptime (at least for Grant as Lucy has refused to nap anymore.) And oh the joy of having 2 kids asleep at the same time. I almost don't know what to do once it happens.

But the two items I wanted to share are these:
1) Lucy's Magical Adventures in Sleeping. This is my daughter. She is a wild sleeper.
When I was little my mom told me I curled into a ball like a kitten when I slept. This is NOT Lucy. She randomly flails about in her sleep like an epileptic octopus. She also migrates. It is common when we check on her to find her OUT of her bed. Once I found her wedged between the two sidebars that are 2 1/2 feet apart. She doesn't seem to be too affected by it as she can sleep through the movement and the relocation each night. What a sweetie.

2) Putting a baby to sleep. Have you ever noticed how rewarding it is to get a baby to sleep? That whole expression of "sleeping like a baby" is something I truly wish I could achieve.
When you have the ability to hold and rock a sweet little thing to sleep, and to see the peace in their face; its inspiring. It's as if they are saying, "I Trust You." I love to smell their little hair and kiss their soft foreheads and let them touch my cheek. I try to take a couple selfish holds and hugs from my sleeping babies, just to feel a bit of heaven. It will always be one of my favorite things of motherhood.

Becoming A Mother Bear

2010-11-17T21:59:00.004-07:00

So, you've all heard those stories of epic aggression when someone or something steps between a mother bear and her cubs. It's commonly used when a mild mannered person changes into a fiercely protective being all for the sake of her beloved children. I have thought to myself: Would I have those instincts when it really mattered? Would I be fearless and tough, controllably irrational, and be able to call upon primal powers just to protect my little babies?
Well, my friends, that time came for me recently.
About this time of year the mice decide they would rather live indoors where we have a costly controlled heated environment rather than outside. We, on the other hand, are not so welcome to their invasion. And so it began with the traditional laying of the traps (oh, if at any time in this paragraph and beyond you say "oh, gross" then I feel have sufficiently represented my experience.) Royal was so great, he was very talented at spreading peanut butter and laying them delicately down for the fiendish little fellows. (Let's not talk about when Lucy curiously touched one, then accidentally stepped on another. Don't worry, she is tough and okay.)
I kind of forgot about them until one night when I opened the closet door to my nemesis. I saw him. I squealed. He twitched. Both from the response to my scream and also because his life was dwindling away. I knew he was stuck, I knew that he WASN'T dead, and I knew that I had to kill him. Oh, gross.

How should I do it? How could I do it? So there I was, trying to decide WHAT to do. After an encouraging call from Royal, I hung up and looked at him. Lucy was around the corner on the steps this whole time, wondering what the heck her mom was up to, but being oh, so patient. At first sight, I saw this cute little nose, and soft brown eyes.

But then, I remembered the mouse poop I had just cleaned out of the closet. I thought of the disease ridden feet that could have been running across the same floor that my sweet little Grantster is learning to crawl on. I thought of how I felt so violated at his existence into our home and that is when I became the Mother Bear.
I turned mean. I evoked some power I was never aware of. If I had been in a movie, there would have been a swirling of smoke behind me. I took that energy and allowed him to die in a cruel and gruesome manner which I will spare you all the details of. I just hope I can be forgiven for the life that I have taken.

After a trip to the dumpster, and a hug for my girl, I had this realization that I . . .did it. I saved my kids. Maybe not from immediate death, but definitely some sort of threat to their lives. Look at me, I'm the Mama Bear.

I Get to be the One

2010-11-11T21:55:00.001-07:00

It's 5:45 AM. A small distant voice in the darkness says, "Mom?" I get up to comfort my darling little Lucy. I have found that being home has evoked an amazing awareness of the needs of my children.

When I was working, I felt like my relationship with Lucy was so objective-based. "We need to hurry and get dressed/ get dinner made/ get ready for bed/ clean up the house. . ." whatever else it was. It was so sad because I felt, especially when I was pregnant with Grant, that I was wasting the better part of me on the kids at school, and Lucy was left with the tired, impatient, and less tolerant version of me.

Consequently I found myself carrying a bit of that over when I was able to stay home with them. And that's when it hit me, "Is THIS how I want my children to remember me as a mother?" Am I fostering an atmosphere where they feel loved, not just taken care of? Important, not just visible? Understood, not just tolerated? My heart ached for the times that I rushed through things, rather than appreciated the moment that I had.

I hear the phrase, "Hold Me Please, Mama" at least 25 times a day from Lucy. Any mother knows it would not be realistic to pick up your child every time that they request it. But I have started to change what I am doing. I used to say that I will hold her after I finish these 5 dishes, but what happens is I rationalize and say, that I need to clean the counters, and then I need to wipe the table, but then I need to take out the garbage. . etc. And after a while, she is either clinging to my leg or has moved on to something else. This is very difficult for me. I am the kind of person that cannot relax if there is a sink of dirty dishes or my house is a mess.

I am really trying to change that. I have come to appreciate that I GET TO BE THE ONE she wants. If I don't enjoy the time with her now, I am going to miss out on it. I keep telling myself- she is only two years old, RIGHT NOW. She won't always want you to HOLD HER.

And so it is the same with Grant. He is such a sweet and content little baby. Because of that I find myself saying that he is fine scooting around the ground curiously looking at things, and I can get these things done. He is already 7 months, and I feel that they have gone by about 3 times faster than when Lucy reached that point. I don't want to miss anything because things were "content." I have immense gratitude for the opportunity I have had to stay home with them. But mostly, I feel grateful that I get to be the mom.

I get to be the one to comfort them. I can make the hurt, the hunger, the fear go away.

Do I have any special skills for this? No, I just get to be there with them. I get to be the one who wakes up and walks mechanically to Grant's crib to feed him in the night. I get to be the one to hear silly songs and play Hide it and read books with. I get to be the one that gets drooled on and cried to and laughed with and everything in between. I get to be, so I find I want to be more. My heart just bursts when I think about how special and wonderful they are, and that they are mine.

I know that it will always be worth it, and I know, that I'm gonna miss it when it's gone. I just have to remember, I GET TO BE THE ONE for that voice in the dark.

Traditional Halloween Post

2010-11-08T21:29:00.005-07:00

I know that not everybody cares what we dressed up as for Halloween, however, certain members of our family happened to fall ill during the Halloween season and did not get a chance to see how cute we all were, so here are some reasons why you should care:

1)Look how dang cute that pirate is. . . doesn't he make you WANT to give him your booty!

2) As per a previous post, you can see the tensile strength of Lucy's hair. This time however it is utilized for her costume.

3) I have no tooth. I mean, c'mon-that's pretty cool. By the way, it was really gone.

And of course, let's not forget. . .
4) Royal looks oh so hot in his Evel Knievil suit. Vrrooooom!

It's Autumn Time, the leaves are falling down

2010-11-02T12:21:00.007-06:00

I love fall! We visited my parents in Logan and were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Logan Canyon. I found my old camera from my photography class and though it was quite outdated (i.e. not digital) I took some pictures and scanned them in to share.
There is something so reminiscent about the smell of fallen leaves. It's musty and earthy, and makes me feel like I should be in boots and a turtleneck sweater, strolling somewhere by a lake. I have always loved the "crisp, but not too cold" ambiance that autumn provides. Perhaps it is the anticipation of the upcoming holidays, or just the feeling of the earth rolling back the covers for winter.
I just had to bring Lucy and Grant to the canyon where I gained an appreciation for this time of year. I have a lot of memories of hiking, climbing and campfires in these hills.
I hope that my children will grow to appreciate being outside and enjoying how beautiful this earth is. Especially when it is garnished with vibrant oranges, reds and yellows. It seems that I always want to take family pictures when there is a backdrop of fall trees to spice it up. I am grateful to be in an area that allows me to enjoy it every year!

Arches You Glad to See us--Ha!

2010-10-09T17:29:00.012-06:00

There's a story here: During our courtship, Royal wooed me with the promise of taking me to Moab and Arches since I had never been before. Fast-forward 4+ years; 3 trips planned to go, zero successful. Until recently, that is, for I was able to cross another item off my bucket list and took my little family to Moab--which, by the way, is the city of Royal's birth.

We went with our friends the Custers in their fabulous Honda Odyssey which has single-handedly influenced my opinion of minivans and the spaciousness that they provide.

Lucy did a great job with the hiking, whenever she wasn't playing in the sand. The area had this super-fine, flour-like sand that the kids just went crazy for. The video below shows a fun sand canyon we found. Grant was an exceptional trooper in his blue Snugli attached to Royal; watching the scenes as we passed them.

If you have never gone, I really recommend it. Even if you get the 2 two-year old, 1 four-year old, and six-month infant version of it all. By the end, the kids didn't have the same dedication to the hikes as we did, but it was definitely worth it. Besides, how can you resist a good ole' family road trip?

Salon Royale

2010-09-22T11:47:00.002-06:00

Royal is amazing. He is very creative when it comes to doing Lucy's hair, and also very precise. This day, thanks to some strategically placed hair elastics, he was able to defy gravity with this 'do. Here she is telling us which beds it is okay to jump on (because you have to set SOME guidelines after all!)

Word to your Mother, Literally

2010-09-14T12:03:00.002-06:00

I ran across this video and bust a gut laughing. I don't have the minivan yet, but can still appreciate the essence of the video. Enjoy if you haven't yet- The Swagger Wagon.

Look at me--I'm Mormon-y!

2010-08-18T08:59:00.007-06:00

I am happy to announce that I am unemployed! I understand that most people would not be so enthused about this type of announcement, but I am thrilled to join the ranks of Mormon moms (Mor-moms) as a stay at home mom. To celebrate, I mopped the floor on my hands and knees and vacuumed wearing pearls and high heels.

Although it was pretty hard to give up the job as the pregnant P.E. teacher, I decided to let my legacy live on in the lives of the children I bossed around for 4 years. And, thanks to 2 of my former employers, I have some work opportunities that I can do at home to help bridge the gap.

Which leads me to my insight of this whole blog. When we were deciding if I would be teaching again this year, I would talk about it with fellow Mor-moms and neighbors. They always give those "It's a tough choice" comments, knowing that it is a personal decision each family has to make. However, as soon as we decided that I would stay home with our two darlings, I heard, "You made the right choice." We have really only been blessed because of it, and I am so happy to be here and now in this new adventure.

Bless this Little Guy!

2010-07-12T16:46:00.003-06:00

We blessed Grant at the beginning of June, but I wanted to get some pictures of him in his white suit posted. I think he happens to look pretty darn cute. Even though we didn't wear the hat for the blessing, he definitely pulls it off in this Oliver-esque pose! A special shout-out to Mamu Robins for getting him decked out so super fly.

The Return to the Cabin

2010-06-14T14:29:00.003-06:00

When Lucy was 6 weeks old we took her to the cabin. Although at that time we had several feet of snow and rode in on snowmobiles, we thought we better not deprive Grant of the same privilege. This time, however, it was warm enough to drive up to the front door. Here he is enjoying the indoors (gangsta' style--he's still working on his hand signals.)

Some other highlights were: riding the 4-Wheelers through snow (4-mobiling), taking Lucy to the stream to throw rocks in and the double-decker swing we had her and her cousin Katelyn in. Note: the picture does not depict the intense slope we were on, or the frantic expression on my face as they soared over my head.

Overall, it was wonderful weather and we all had a blast just hanging out, eating food, and playing games.

And then there were 2!!

2010-04-29T11:58:00.008-06:00

Grant is here! Well, Richard Grant Robins to be exact. We have been so excited as he has entered our world. He came 11 days early on Friday, April 9th early in the morning. He was 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 18 1/2 inches long. (Here he is sporting his first mohawk!)

He has been such a wonderful baby. He feeds well, he sleeps well, he barely cries, and even puts up with all of Lucy's "love". She herself is learning how to share mom and dad and the rest of her world. It will take a little time, but she's resilient and will soon become a great older sister. It is amazing how much we love each of them, and we are having a great time enjoying our new little family.

Our Pink and Blue Christmas!

2009-12-29T09:51:00.009-07:00

I am going to consider this our informal holiday card to y'all. We have had such a wonderful year. I decided to take a smaller contract this year and have been teaching PE & Health. It has been great! I don't work Mondays, I don't have to grade papers, and I get to wear sweats to work. Royal is still loving his job working with the teens and their families, and we are glad that with the unstable economy that he still has a job!

Lucy, who will be turning 2 next month, has been the highlight of our life. She is such a busy little girl and loves to learn. She can pick out letters and numbers in the world, and has even learned how to use words like "share" (although to her own translation.)

The reason why it is our Pink and Blue Christmas is first for Lucy. For Christmas, among other great things she got from family, she got a Barbie trike, princess backpack, princess dishes, princess chair, and even pink clothes with "princess" on them. She exemplifies the girliness of it all. Here she is on the trike's maiden voyage.

The "Blue" part of our Christmas is finding out that our baby due in April will be a boy. We are excited about our new addition, and anticipate his arrival into our family.
We have had so much joy this year, and we hope that you get to experience some for your family in the upcoming year.

Who's missing?

2009-10-19T14:42:00.004-06:00

We decided to utilize a beautiful fall day and take some family pictures with the whole family. Okay, so one family member is not "there" and no, I don't mean they are hiding in the trees. We are having baby #2 in the end of April, so I wanted some "just the 3 of us" pictures.

I also am posting this picture of Lucy and I because it really symbolizing my darling little girl. Regardless of my efforts, her hair is wild and out of control, and she is displaying the new wounds above her left eye. With 2 ER visits for concussions this summer and her multiple face and knee scrapes, it will be fun to remember her as she really was when we look at these pics.

A great way to spend my 10,950th day!

2009-07-17T13:17:00.004-06:00

A couple weeks ago it was my 30th birthday (hooray!) The day started out nice; we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House and had breakfast. Then Royal left for work and I had lunch plans. . or so I thought. Royal came back a couple minutes later with 2 dozen roses and the surprise that he took the day off! We ended up going to the Living Planet Aquarium to see Utah's version of the ocean. Lucy had a blast looking at the "fishes" and petting the manta rays. Later that evening Royal and I took a motorcylce ride and went out to dinner. It was such a great day!

It's fun to be white trash!

2009-06-18T12:42:00.004-06:00

Summer is here. You can tell by the fresh cut grass, the flip flops clicking around, and oh yes-- the swimming pool in the back of our truck. When you don't have a pool, you make one. And thanks to Royal, we had a silver lining, in our truck bed that is, and made a little splash zone for Lucy. I was tempted to stereotype and leave just her diaper on, but I was worried about the tan lines. Anywho, the neighborhood kids loved it and we even had a couch offered for those who just wanted to hang out. See, being redneck CAN be fun!

Elvis has returned to the building

2009-04-13T11:25:00.011-06:00

Okay, so with working full time and trying to manage it all, I figured I'm doing pretty good with updating two times a year, right? Now that we agree, let me tell you what is going on with us.
1. Lucy's first Christmas. The photo link below shows Lucy in her beginning stages of walking. It is about the cutest thing I have ever seen. We all had a blast watching her.

2. Lucy turned one. She was the hit of the party, as usual, as she taught us just how much fun you can have inside a giant gift bag.

3. Lucy got her second haircut. This time: bangs. Haircut courtesy of her father, Royal.
4. We are doing awesome and life is grand!

You asked for it

2008-10-12T15:45:00.004-06:00

Allrighty then--- Several of you have mentioned that I am months and months behind in the developments of the Robins family, so here is a quick update. First of all, we still have the cutest baby ever, and here is a picture to prove it. She has increased her food intake to pureed vegetables and small bits of bread, integrated crawling into her skills of mobility, and found that she can pull herself up in her crib. These little discoveries are so much fun for us and we are captivated by everything she does. Da'nelle has gone back to school managing the 3rd graders at Cedar Ridge and Royal too has gone back to school at UVU. He is finishing his degree in Psychology and doing awesome I might add. Things are truly amazing for us and we are greatful every day! Until next time. . . .

Dinner with the Prophet

2008-06-20T19:26:00.005-06:00

Okay, so the title is a little misleading. . .we didn't actually have dinner WITH the Prophet, more like at the same diner. It all happened one Friday night at Dee's Restaurant in Salt Lake. We were having a little pre-Father's Day celebration and in walked President Monson with his wife. After they got settled, we gently scooted over to visit them (not wanting them to feel like we were intruding on their dinner date.) We shook hands, shared encouraging words, and asked for a photo with Lucy. He kindly obliged and even let Lucy grab onto one of his fingers. What a blessed experience we were able to have!

A Blessed Day

2008-06-20T19:04:00.005-06:00

So, I know this took a while to get posted, but it was mostly because we had a couple photo shoots to get a good picture. Lucy would only tolerate the dress for about 7 minutes tops, so we had to set everything up beforehand, dress her, take as many shots as possible, then get it off.
It still was a beautiful day- we even had our British relatives Dell ad Goff Litchfield here for the event.

Our heritage

2008-04-27T16:25:00.010-06:00

We are so lucky to have such a great family. Here are some four generation pictures with Lucy: Da'nelle with Granpa Mark and Great-Grandpa Bob Olsen, andRoyal with Grandma Robyn and Great-Grandma Helen Bayles.
(Hopefully we will get a chance to visit Grandpa and Grandma Lichfield in Bunkerville and add them to the list.)
Can you tell where her extreme cuteness comes from?

Wrapped in a blanket of cute

2008-04-27T16:02:00.009-06:00

Someone once told me that whatever age or stage your child is at will be your favorite.

I would have to agree. Since Lucy has learned how to smile and giggle, we have found ourselves trying to pull these reactions from her.
It's amazing how little discoveries about someone so little can be big to you.

Feelings. . nothing more than feelings

2008-03-19T10:31:00.001-06:00

Aww, the many faces of
our sweet Little Lucy. One of the greatest discoveries we encounter every day is watching the expressions that she makes. And these are just when she's
awake! She seems much more animated when she's sleeping, which make her so much fun to watch.

Cabin Fever

2008-03-19T09:27:00.001-06:00

Lucy had her first experience with the cabin last weekend. We figured what every 6 week old needed was some fresh, mountain air to open up her lungs. She was a big hit there, as indicated by the "how many people does it take to change a diaper?" picture.
We had a real blast, but Lucy's adventure was limited to the snowmobile ride to and from the cabin, resting peacefully in her carseat. Royal can't wait until she is old enough to experience things in the open with her dad. Until next year.

Look at this!

2008-02-23T12:58:00.001-07:00

This is the face that we wake up to each day--isn't it adorable?! We have really enjoyed learning how to be parents and the pure and simple joys that 6 pounds can be to us. What a blessing it is to be a part of something so wonderful.

A new dawn, a new day

2008-02-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought we'd step into the modern world and get a blog going for our family. For the most part, we wanted to announce the arrival of our fabulous little girl. It has been so blissful and fun. She truly is the center of our world.

It all started almost a month ago when we were surprised by her arrival three weeks and one day early. The labor and delivery were luckily very quick and even with her preemie concerns, she was able to go home with us from the hospital.

Our adjustment to having this little darling has been exciting and we have had so much fun with all her little discoveries. She still is in the preemie outfits that we had to buy after she was born because even the newborn clothes we had made her look like a Weight Watchers contestant. But of course the best news of all is that she still has all that gorgeous hair! What fun!