Fun and Not So Fun Activities...

FUN: Going on an Easter Egg hunt with your oldest cousin, Spencer.NOT FUN: Trying to keep your kids from eating too much candy. NOT SO FUN: Smiling for the camera.FUN: Digging for gold...

FUN: Eating at Grandma's House

FUN: Playing with toys at Grandma's House.

NOT FUN: Falling asleep in the highchair at your own house!

NOT FUN: Spending an hour curling your hair.

FUN: Being dressed up to sing!

NOT FUN: Trying to get all the Primary kids to hold hands while they sing in the ward talent show.

FUN: Watching the Elders' Quorum perform synchronized swimming, singing with your friend Kandis, and watching your husband excel while playing the cowbell.FUN: Having a clothes dryer that works.

NOT FUN: Having your dryer clogged with a huge bird's nest!

NOT FUN: Swine flu! Finding out that your Mexican ports have been cancelled on your Western Carribbean Cruise.

FUN: Getting to go on an Eastern Carribbean Cruise instead!

NOT FUN: Babysitting for a week.

FUN: Leaving your kids with babysitters for a week! Thanks Mom G. and Kandis! Good luck!!!!

We'll see you when we get back...hopefully nothing NOT FUN will be reported!

Happy Birthday Month, Mom!

So, yesterday, dear Mother, I looked at Michael's blog

My heart completely dropped.

I've lost my mind. Where, oh where did time go?

On your birthday, it forgot to stop!

An unwritten rule we have in our fam,

That on B-day's we must post

a tribute to the special one

To whom we'd like to toast.

But April 8th, it came and left.

And not one post you read.

"What's wrong with my family?" you surely thought.

When not a word was said.

So here's my "tribute apology"

To the one who gave me life.

To the one MOST deserving of all:

My mom, my friend, dad's wife.

When I was just a wee, wee babe,

I learned to count on you

To hold my hand, to kiss my cheek

To help me as I grew.

I'm pretty sure I was quite a brat,

Major attitude every day.

I am probably the #1 reason

Dad's hair has gone so gray!

But you loved me, you taught me,

You watched, and you knew

The things I needed the most.

You loved me and became my best-mommy-friend

Yes, the coolest mom, I'd boast.

Remember the time I broke my leg?

We really bonded back then.

Or after the birth of Parker, my boy?

When reality was sinking in?

You laughed as I cried. His "food" had come in.

I had turned into a milking cow!

"It's not funny," I sobbed, sitting topless with a pump.

Good thing we can laugh at it now.

Throughout my life, there have been ups and downs.

You've helped me turn "downs" into "ups."

Every experience I've had has taught me some thing.

Like when Duchess lost all her pups.

I think the number one thing I have learned,

From dear and sweet mama-you,

Is the importance of just coming together.

Instead of just coming un-glued.

In this life, a family is all,

yes all that we've really got.

We love and support no matter the weather.

And we talk to each other A LOT!

A family should be the bestest of friends.

The ones with whom we spend time.

You should love and support each other through life.

You travel, no matter the dime.

So mom, though it's late, I hope that you know

How indeed important you are.

I'm so thankful for a mom who continues to care

Although in a land somewhat far.

Way out there in Tennessee,

To you, I still call with all news.

The ups and the downs, you're the one I tell first.

When I'm happy, or singing the blues.

Happy Birthday, Mama-Nannu. We love you so much!

Like you, there isn't another.

I'm so very grateful that I have the privilege

of calling someone like you, my mother!

Delinquents in Training

Hello there. Have you missed me? I've missed you more than you know, little blog. See, the only thing that got me through last week was knowing that I had a good story to tell. The story that began early Saturday morning as our friends Colby and Kandis left on an airplane to some warm places of paradise, leaving us in the bitter cold with high hopes of a fun week with four kids under the age of 4. Before you get the wrong idea and think I am any sort of a Saint, don't. They're returning the favor in 24 days as we depart on our Western Caribbean Cruise. Sorry guys, but you're going to need another vacation. Why? These 4 kids are CRAZY! Let me introduce you to the little delinquents.


NAME: Parker
WANTED FOR: Peeing all over my floor.
CAPABLE OF: The defiance you would expect from a 16-year old.
NUMBER OF TIME-OUTS: 1,578
FORM OF COMMUNICATION: Screaming, whining, growling, yelling, screaching.
DISLIKES: Sharing toys.
LIKES: Taking friends into forbidden areas of the house.



NAME: Carter
WANTED FOR: Sleeping with scissors.
CAPABLE OF: Cutting up an old blanket, and stealing brother's binkie.
NUMBER OF TIME-OUTS: 543
DISLIKES: Sleeping in the basement.
GOOD AT: Being obedient (and staying in time-out), unlike partner-in-crime, Parker.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Filling bags, baskets, and boxes with toys to haul around the house.
NAME: Brooks
WANTED FOR: Happily eating spaghetti, then puking it up ALL. NIGHT. LONG.
KNOWN FOR: Being happy unless hungry.
ATTACHED TO: Binkie and blankie.
WANTS: To be one of the "big boys."
BEST KNOWN FOR: Climbing into the tub fully-clothed.



NAME: Avery
WANTED FOR: Breaking her arm when we weren't watching!
CAPABLE OF: "Limping" when crawling.
KNOWN FOR: Crying A LOT, and wanting to be held constantly.
DISLIKES: Sharing mommy's attention.
LOVES: Dancing.
TRYING TO: Walk.
LIKES: How hair sticks up when she rips her bows out.
RECENTLY: Dove head first into Parker's bath.

After 5 days at my house, Carter and Brooks were thrilled to see their Grandma and Grandpa at our doorstep. I have to admit that I wasn't too sad to see them go. But now our house is empty, my kids are bored beyond belief, and I'm ready for my next assignment. But this time, I'll just leave ice cream and cake out on the counter incase they get hungry, pillows on the floor incase they get tired, plastic on the carpet incase they get sick, or need to pee, a bounce house for Avery incase she decides to try breaking another bone, and scissors incase they get bored. And I'm getting ON the plane! Love ya, kids! Have fun, and don't kill each other!

Our Trip To Warsh-ington

When you decide to take a road trip to Washington, first make sure everyone's healthy. Baby vomit isn't the best odor to travel with.

A lways find a hotel close to your final destination last-minute to avoid passing the throw-up bug to all five of Brian and Carrie's kids.

Survive the first night vomit-free, and haul all your stuff to the all-too-generous-to-let-us-crash-the-place-house-of-fun.

Happily watch your almost-3-year-old play for three days straight with his cousins Allie, Josh, Andy, Rachel, and baby Nate.

Ignore the mischief Parker and 3-year-old Rachel are creating--he's never played this well with anyone in his life! There's hope for the social-future of Parker after all!

Never move Parker from the "spider man" twin bed to the floor as previously planned. It'll be easier to sleep in another twin bed with your hubby than to endure the sure-to-happen-scream-of-all-screams when you move Parker out of his "special bed."

Go shopping. Spend money. Get pedicures. Rejuvinate with the girls! (Carrie, Allie, and Grandma Cathy)

T ry (unsuccessfully) not to cry as Joshua gets baptized. (Or as he wins 4th place in the pinewood derby!)

Opt to stay awake talking, and playing Rock Band each night. Also decide to stay a few hours longer than planned on Sunday morning for a special pre-trip feast.

Nudge your hubby every-so-often to make sure he's awake as the rest of you doze off. Cut an hour off the previous 12-hour drive time with the new and improved vomit-free-travel!

Thanks, Brian & Carrie, for having us! We had a blast!

To The Girl Who Just Might Marry My Birthday-Boy Brother....

Happy Birthday, Uncle Michael!!!!

______________________________________________

TO THE GIRL WHO JUST MIGHT MARRY MY BROTHER...

I'll start at Michael's very beginning...

When I was nearly 5 years old, a cute little brown-haired, blue-eyed baby entered the world. I didn't realize it at the time, but this darn little boy was stealing from me the precious "youngest child" spot, and forcing me into the dreaded "middle child" seat. Good thing I didn't comprehend the certain doom that comes with being the middle child, cuz I sure loved that cute, smiley, crazy little brother. Yes...I adored the toddler who ate fertilizer, swung a shovel at the neighbor's cat, and transformed our house of dolls and barbies into a house of trains and trucks.

Michael was always a stubborn little stinker. He was the two-year old who refused to order anything off the kids' menu. And he hasn't changed much (although I'm pretty sure he doesn't torture animals anymore). He's still stubborn, still a stinker, still the spoiled youngest child, and still a cute little brown-haired, blue-eyed, loving, talented boy. So here are a few things you need to know...

1. Michael is stubborn...never one to conform. Just because YOU want to play with barbies doesn't mean HE wants to.
2. Michael has expensive taste. So what if the kids' menu is only $2 and enough food for his little stomach. He wants the $20 meal anyway.
3. Michael is NOT afraid to try new things. Find the craziest, grossest sounding menu item. He'll order it, and love it!
4. Michael loves to tease! When I was an exhausted High School student (barely surviving early morning seminary), Michael didn't understand the beauty of naps, and would make as much noise as he could to ruin my blissful slumber...just to get a monster-me reaction!
5. Michael (now) loves to sleep! Don't interrupt HIM while he's napping! (Although being a wife will sort of grant you the privilege...especially when kids come into the picture...WAKE UP, da**it!)
6. Michael will, however, give up sleep for fun. He's always up for a late night dip in the hot tub..."for the memory."
7. Michael remembers E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
8. Michael is VERY supportive of his family.
9. Michael is a home-body. When his friends were out partying, he preferred staying home.
10. Michael is a crazy driver.
11. Michael is a good boy! I think I've only heard Michael swear ONCE in his life...it seriously sounded like a foreign language coming out of his mouth!
12. Michael loves music...and somehow finds the most random, crazy songs. And he knows all the words. And he'll sing them loudly in the bathroom when your kids are sleeping.
13. Michael has NEVER changed a diaper in his life.
14. Michael loves cooking. He learned to cook LOOOONG before I did.
15. Michael is very opinionated.
16. Michael is very honest.
17. Michael will always give you his (sometimes brutally) honest opinion. After listening to a performance of my singing group at Christmas-time, he said, "You guys blended really well. That says a lot, because Robyn is sometimes really good at NOT blending."
18. Michael is a friend of the friendless.
19. Michael only wrote me ONE letter my entire mission. (I'm still a bit bitter).
20. Luckily he's made up for it with lots of phone calls and visits in the two years he's been home. He's VERY thoughtful!
21. Michael will be a dog owner someday.
22. Kids love him.
23. Old ladies love him.
24. Michael will treat you like a princess!

There's more...much more...but I'll leave it at 24 (since it IS Michael's 24th B-day). Later I'll tell you about being chased down the hall, fighting, punching holes in the bedroom doors, turtle funerals, and stuffed animals named "Brownie." But I have to say...he's a pretty dang good catch. One that I've been happy to be the "middle child" because of! Can't wait to find out what happens next! Oh the suspense! Good luck! And Happy Birthday, Miguelito!

Love,

Robyn

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I'm the family rebel...I waited until the day AFTER my dad's birthday to post a special birthday shout out! Didn't want it to get lost in the mix with this one, this one, or this one. Not because I, ahem, forgot. I wouldn't do that! So now that I get my own spotlight to highlight my dad, I'll take it. Here are just a few reasons my 53-year-old dad really is my hero:

1. He's the most generous person I know. While touring London after my mission, I'll never forget him giving money to a homeless man on the street. He'd rather err on the side of giving. And he gives ... all. the. time.
2. He's a DOer. If you need something done, ask my dad. He won't sit and think about what he needs to do, he'll just do it!
3. He's extremely motivated. If he makes a decision to make something a habit, it's a habit (like his current working-out habit...I couldn't be prouder!)
4. He really does love everyone around him. There's not a fake bone in his body.
5. He loves shopping! (Probably more than I do...which doesn't say a lot...but I do love shopping with my dad!)
6. Once you're his friend, you're his friend for life. He's great at keeping in touch with old friends.
7. He loves his kids and grand kids...and he cries when he tells us!
8. He loves the Gospel, and lives it!
9. He's the reason Joe and I sometimes justify saying the "D" and "S" words. Since my dad sometimes says them, they must be OK to say, right? Ha ha!
10. He can fall asleep ANYWHERE.
11. He loves eating out.
12. PEPSI is his drug of choice. And he's trying to make it Parker's, too. Thanks, dad!
13. I have NEVER questioned whether my dad loves me. (Except maybe when he chased me down the hall.)
14. He adores my mom.
15. And I'm his favorite.

I love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!!!!

I Heart Peanut Butter!

When I was pregnant with Parker, I think I ate peanut butter by the ice-cream scoop full! We bought the economy size at Sam's Club, and had to buy more every two weeks. It was the ONLY thing I craved! (With chocolate chips sprinkled on top!) Sadly, Parker doesn't share my love. Avery, however, does. That's my girl...we eat it by the (heaping) spoonful. Hooray for no peanut allergies! I've tried EVERY kind out there, and found an all-natural kind that I LOVE. Find out which kind it is, and enter to win a free jar by clicking here! Happy spreading!

Preschool Dropout

Sad, but true. As of today, Parker is an official preschool dropout. After months of denial, I finally owned up to the reality that my 2-year-old doesn't belong in the same class as 4-and 5-year-olds. Better luck next time, little buddy. As much as I hate "missing out," sometimes it's the only option. Is there still hope for the future? Hope so...I'm looking at the bright side!

• No more sleepless Thursday nights preparing for my Friday morning turn.
• No more Parker-hysteria as he's forced to share his toys with 5+ others.
• No more forcing Parker to sit still to "learn" when all he wants to do is play. Playing is learning, right?
• No more feeling like a failure because Parker's not writing his name like the 4-year-old.
• No more feeling sorry for myself when Parker's left out. He's an oblivious-I-still-love-solo-play two-year-old. Why can't I be so oblivious?
• No more Friday-from-10-12 commitments.

Play date, anyone?

Robyn Needs...

I saw this on facebook, and thought I'd give it a try. I googled "Robyn Needs." The internet didn't disappoint with the results.

1. Robyn needs to be replaced immediately!
2. Robyn needs a home.
3. Robyn needs help.
4. Robyn needs another sandwich now!
5. Robyn needs a boyfriend.
6. Robyn needs to go home.
7. Robyn needs you!
8. Robyn needs absolutely no introduction.
9. Robyn needs to start considering a solo album.
10. Robyn needs to turn 3 more or gain 73 more Zombie points. (What?)
11. Robyn needs some education.
12. Robyn needs a few parenting classes.

So, so true. What do YOU need?

Skiing Shmiing

Before two days ago, the last time I went skiing was 5 years ago. My husband and I were just dating, in the marriage-discussion mode. We (along with my younger brother) were taking a ski class together. If ONE thing almost caused an end to our courtship, it was this ski class. You see, when I get nervous/feel insecure/wish I could crawl instead of ski down a mountain, I get a bit snippy. Don't try giving me advice. Don't tell me what I'm doing wrong. I'll bite your head off. After one particular ski class, mi esposo vowed NEVER to go skiing with me again. But he did again the next week. And I tried really hard to be nice. I guess it worked, because he still has his head, and we're married!

When my brother suggested a President's-Day-Ski-Trip, I had mixed feelings. Read On