Robby!!

Today Robby turned 12. When he was born we were living in a tiny 2 bedroom 4plex in Orem. My contractions started during ER on Thursday night and I spent the night counting them and watching the clock. We were scheduled to be induced the next morning so when we got to the hospital things were already progressing.

Robby has been full of life since he was born. I remember when he was just little and a family member would babysit. I would tell them that they really had to know what he was doing all of the time, and not to assume that everything was okay. They never seemed to believe me until they had spent some time with him. I would often find Robby in very odd places -
on top of the refrigerator, under the crib (asleep - he was supposed to be in it!), in the downstairs neighbor's house (they weren't home, he climbed in through the window) and anywhere where there might be candy!!

Life has never been dull with Robby around. From a very young he loved to conduct experiments. He still likes to break things apart and mix things together - we are just working on the cleaning up part of it...

Robby is a very loving child. He has a big heart and love to do things to please. Sometimes he says things before he thinks about them, but he has always, even as a little child been very sensitive to how others feel.

I didn't get to spend much time with Robby for his birthday this year. We had plans to do things both Friday and Saturday, but Spencer ended up with strep and I've been hanging out with him. Tim took him to play yesterday and today they are at Grandma and Grandpa's watching the BYU game on their new TV. Grandma I'm sure is taking good care of him. So even though I am not with him, today I am grateful for Robby. He's a sweet sensitive kid, who ALWAYS is looking for a laugh, and especially likes it when others laugh with him. Thanks Robby for bringing laughter to our home!!

Today I'm grateful for...

Well, I'm having trouble coming up with something specific, not because I'm in a bad mood, I'm actually in a really good mood. There is no specific - maybe it's because I had the day off and therefore got most of the laundry done, but was still lazy too. We had planned to spend the day at BYU campus (Robby's request for his b-day), but Spencer was too sick to go. Tim took Robby and Kayleen (Jarom had school) and I stayed home with my sicky boy. I played on the computer, read a little, was lazy and still got most of the laundry done.

Of course maybe it's because Tim actually has 4 days off and I get to see him a little. At the moment he took Robby and his friend to see Madagascar, but we're hanging out all day tomorrow and he's off Sunday.

Maybe because it's actually been a day with very little contention at our house. That is probably because we kept the kids busy and in play mode most of the day (at least Robby and Kayleen), but whatever the reason, it's been a nice positive day!!

Actually, I think that last statement is the reason - it's been a positive day, little contention and happy kids (and husband). Can it last??? Maybe it all boils down the concept that Mom is happy... you get the picture.

Tagged - Seven Random things...

This come from my friend Valerie... Do people really want to know 7 random facts about me??? I feel like my everyday life is pretty random most days!!
I 'm not following the rules exactly with some of the links, but...

1. I waste time doing sudoku
2. I often spend my lunch hour (or should I say lunch 40 minutes) in my car with the radio on and reading a book - it is my alone time for the day!!
3. When possible I do my grocery shopping at 6am - its a great time to be in the stores!!
4. Related to number three - I really do not like large crowds. Fighting my way through tons of people is not my idea of fun and there are VERY few things that would be worth it to me!
5. I've been trying for weeks to get my family together for a family picture taking session. Something always comes up. Tomorrow is probably our last opportunity with Tim's schedule and we are doing it NO MATTER WHAT!!! Actually I shouldn't say no matter what because Spencer is sick - but as long as he is mostly better we are going - mud or no mud!! (we have melting snow today...)
6. Maybe this one is too random, but sometimes I like it when my kids are sick. Not that I like them to feel yucky, but I get to take care of them in a way that doesn't happen very often any more!
7. My best friend that I talk to every day is the sister that I detested when I was growing up!!!


Some of the people that I'm tagging may have done this before, but I've missed reading news from them so...
1. Jaqui (I miss reading your thoughts...)
2. Heather G. (I know you have random things - we share them every Sunday)
3. Annalisa (The most diligent blogger I know, married to the most random person I know! jk Love ya Geoffrey!!
4. For that matter - Geoff!!! ('cos I love your randomness)
5. Megan - because the randomness sometimes is what makes us smile
6. Mindi - because sometimes the best friends come from random beginnings...
7. Heather C. - because it will give you another post for your 30 days!!

No this doesn't count as my grateful moment today... I'll have to post again...

I am grateful Conferences are over!!!

Yesterday I shared my gratitude that my kids have great teachers, and how I really like Parent Teacher Conferences. Today, from the teacher perspective, my gratitude is that conferences are over!!! I like meeting with and interacting with the parents, and I like seeing how the kids interact with the parents, but it makes for 2 very long days, and I am grateful today that they are over and that tomorrow I get the day off!!!!

I am thankful for our teachers!!

Today I am grateful for my kids teachers. They have great teachers this year who motivate them and try to understand each of their strengths and weaknesses. Being at the same school, it is sometimes hard for me to keep my nose out of their classrooms, but as they have gotten older, I have tried to back off and hear about things the way that a "normal" parent would. Tonight we had Parent Teacher Conferences, and even though I have been in contact with each teacher and try to know what is going on in the classroom, I love to participate in conference and watch how the teacher interacts specifically with each child. My three very different children each has a teacher that nailed their strengths and identified their weaknesses and communicated with them about what we can do to improve. I know that I am lucky in the fact that I actually get a little bit of a say in who their teachers are, but I just have to say, we have GREAT teachers! Thanks!!

Grateful to be an American

I am grateful today for the fact that I am an American. Because of that I get the chance to be part of a process that listens to the people and allows us to pick our leaders. With all of the hype about this election, it was amazing to see people embrace their right to vote and brave the rain and snow today, and wait in line to vote early to be part of that process. Whatever we may say about our country, whatever complaints we may have - we are still better off than so many others. We have the right to free speech, the right to practice our religion, the right to debate and speak our mind, to take part in a process that will make our voices heard. We have wealth, we have opportunity, and we have freedom. I am proud today, to be an American!!

Gratitude for my Savior - Nov.2nd

After I received the email containing the reflections of Christ slide show, I really felt like I wanted to try and make the effort to go down and see the photographs myself. Tonight we took the kids and headed down. Words cannot describe the emotion I felt as I studied these pictures depicting the live of our Savior. The artist did an amazing job of capturing the emotions of the events from Christ's life and the spirit was incredibly strong. I am grateful today for the overwhelming love I feel when I make the effort to focus my thoughts!

This picture just makes me think of how He knows each of us individually, and is willing to take the time to listen to each of us!

Afterward we took some pictures of the family. It was a beautiful night, and the temple against the darkening sky was beautiful. The kids looked pretty good too! I was even able to get a picture of Tim and I!!

We also celebrated Grandpa Norris' birthday and we are glad that they were able to go with us!!

This last picture was one of my favorites with the fall leaves and the temple spires. I am amazed at how after just two days, how much better I feel. I know it won't be all rosy every day, but it's a start...