Happy Birthday Emily!

Today is my cousin Emily's birthday. She is 5 months older than I am and while that doesn't sound like a lot, growing up she was always so much smarter than I was!

Emily and I were fortunate to grow up in close proximity with each other and I have many wonderful memories of my time with her. Unfortunately, I have very few memories of the above Hawaii trip, except that after we were older and saw this photo, we claimed it was the only time our modesty-driven mothers ever let us wear anything sleeveless!

I think one of the reasons we were good friends, and have remained that way, is because our parents are good friends. Our fathers, who are brothers, have worked together since we were babies, and our mothers had incredibly similar child rearing techniques and compared notes often.

At one point during our growing up years, Emily and her sister created a pretend design company, McGill Fashions, and invited my sister and I to participate. We had pretend names, ones that we loved but were not privileged to receive from our parents (Mine was Sadie and Emily's was Stacey, right?). This "company" mostly consisted of taking all of our mother's old catalogues and cutting out the models and clothing to create our own "portfolio." We would then get on the phone with each other and ask, "I have a customer needing a yellow sun dress, do you have anything like that?" We would go through our collection and send the appropriate material to our cousin through our dads at work. As I reflect, the whole idea was ridiculous, but I spent quite a good deal of time in my closet/office working on my creations!

As we entered our dating years, I remember creating a tradition of attending general conference together taking whoever it was we happened to be dating at the time. Our grandfather served in various positions in the church that enabled us to have tickets to conference every six months, which were always accompanied by lunch in his office between sessions provided by grandma. A few memories: Peter, Callahan, Scott Miles son, what's his name?, blanket outside, apple butter, sandwiches, chips and fruit, meeting general authorities we thought to be of celebrity status... these were wonderful times together!

As our family was always close growing up, I have many memories of times in Peak's Circle- Christmas Eve at G&G's with Santa showing up, the annual Easter Egg hunt in the backyard, BBQ's at Marge and George's... we had a happy childhood!

Today, I admire Emily for the sincere and down-to-earth person she has always been, for the dedicated and patient wife and mother she has become as well as for the organized and border-line obsessively clean woman she is, no doubt genetic from her mother. I also love that our parents have become, perhaps unbeknown to them, a wonderful source of entertainment for us. Just yesterday I received a phone call from Emily sharing a mental picture of our mothers, standing in the middle of Nordstrom trying to figure out what each other's cell phone numbers were and how to program them into their phones so they could shop without each other for a while. The picture is very classic Tam and Mel and we love them!

Happy birthday Emily, thanks for introducing me to this crazy blogging world and being a consistent example to me. I love you!

SPT: Earth Day

This week's challenge is reduce, reuse, recycle.

 

Yeah, you really are on the right post. No, it doesn't look like Earth Day around here. I attempted a couple of shots with my recycling can, but that was just weird. Hey, at least I recycle! So rather than focus on all of the conserving I do do, today I'm recommitting to change a few things.

With a new property management business underway at our house, I currently have four computers in my home, three of which are on and used daily. There are two separate phone lines coming into the house, with three handsets, one fax line, a cell phone, a Treo and a BlackBerry. Consolidating is much needed around here! I've learned that the bluetooth headset is fabulous- I can be making a peanut butter and honey sandwhich while negotiating an insurance premium! I know there are benefits to all of the technology I surround myself with, which is why I have it all, but when comes time to leave the house and I have to make sure I'm carrying more than one phone to walk to the mailbox, it's just too much. I'm working on it.

Most of the electronic "junk" I have is a bit representative of the internal "junk" I've been carrying around. I'm struggling a bit with balance. I've got a business to run, a marriage to nurture, a child to mother, a home to keep, a gospel responsibility to fulfill and a personal self that really doesn't want to get lost.

It comes down to simplifying and realigning my priorities. I have always had a tendency to get overwhelmed. I remember as a child and teenager that when a deadline was approaching and I still felt there was a great deal of work to be done, I would get a completely sick feeling in the pit of my stomache and could hardly concentrate on any one task because I was worrying that another one might not get done. I realize it's not rational, but it's how I am. My mother's wise words were spoken over and over again, "One thing at a time, that's all you can do." While I value multi-tasking, and am quite good at it sometimes, my mother's mantra has been flashing through my head recently.

I don't want to get so overwhelmed and preoccupied that the things that matter most get pushed aside. Cooper and I had a rough day yesterday. Usually when he has a rough day, it's because I'm having a rough day. The business to-do list is so lengthy that's easy to be on the phone too long or sit in front of the computer to finish just one more thing. I don't want to hear myself saying, "just a minute," 27 times. I realize that it's only a short time until he's not going to consider me his best playmate anymore and I'm going to regret it if I don't soak in these moments. He is at an age where interaction and learning are so critical and I'm the one that gets to provide that right now.



I need to reduce the current stress level and take one thing at a time. I may have to get used to the idea that my house does not look terrific all the time, dinner isn't going to be fabulous every night, laundry piles up and it's going to be ok. Priorities. Simplify. One thing at a time. Breathe. Today, on SPT Earth Day, I've got to enjoy my world a little more. Because I love him.

My Celebrity Look Alikes

Yes, I know this is ridiculous, but after seeing Amy's, I was curious!



Mariah Carey, really?? That made me want to cry. I usually get Ashley Judd or Jennifer Gardner, both much more flattering than these options... perhaps I've been kidding myself! Note: the right two photos were cut off in each group. You're missing Christina Applegate and Beyonce. What??



Again with Beyonce? Perhaps we're related... the one you can't see is William H. Macy.



Usher? Hot. Micheal Douglas? Not so much. Jim Carrey?? Where in the world did that come from??

Cooper Moments

There's a cowboy in my house. He gallops around calling out "Yee-haw!" while waving his hand in the air. It's darling, for the most part.

 

If feet gross you out, stop now. Last night I was serving as a horse for my cowboy. I recommend avoiding the stairs when galloping with a two-year-old on your back. As we were yee-hawing it down the stairs, I tripped at the bottom and smushed my little toe. Why does a little toe hurt so much?! It's so small! A bit swollen and bruised, but the cowboy lives on. It's time for a play horse at this house.

 

Yesterday we visited a children's museum in Mesa with some friends and I made a discovery... Cooper knows how to use scissors. I'm not quite sure what age is normal for the dexterity to be there for this activity, but we haven't done this with him at home, so pre-school must receive all the credit.

 

The best part was the intense concentration on his face as he manipulated his little fingers just so.

 

Another sign my little cowboy is growing up... which is ok I guess, as long as he remembers that I was his first cowgirl.

SPT- Shopping Spree

<Lelly's Challenge: the very nice taxman (who is happy that you filed your taxes!) has given you a $100.00 'virtual' refund. you can 'spend' this money to update one item in your wardrobe.

If this was a free-for-all challenge, the money would be spent on an item for my home... there are several on my list, however, in the spirit of keeping with the challenge, I will focus on my wardrobe.

Summer clothes. I need them, every year. I need good everyday casual shorts, crops and easy tee's... I need great comfy sandals and I need sunny Sunday clothes. I have found the first two categories this year. A day shopping alone proved successful in the playclothes arena, and I recently came across some great sandals... never been a big fan of the toe loop before, but these are cute and comfy!

 

These are also darling, and very nice to my feet. I love them!

 

Yet, I continue to strike out when it comes to a great skirt or dress for Sunday.

 

However, I have recently come across darling dresses at shabby apple and layers clothing, so if my virtual tax man (really, it's me) were to hand me $100 to be used only for my wardrobe, I'd buy one of these super cute dresses.

Simple Servant

I love my new calling, I love that it is going to stretch me and give me a little push to get out of my box. I'm serving as the Education counselor in Relief Society. I consider myself a pretty outgoing person, but there are always women in my ward who I don't associate with during the week and therefore don't go out of my way to get to know. There are always women who need assistance and it's so easy to put it off, find an excuse or know that someone else will take care of it. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve, and therefore love the women in my ward.

I have come to believe that we learn to love those we serve and if for some reason we are having a hard time loving someone, it's because we're not serving them. My amazing friend Amy made a comment yesterday in RS that struck a chord with this very thought. It's no wonder parents love their children so deeply- you can't help but love someone you are consistently serving. Amy has a 12 week old little guy and is learning that some of her preconceived notions about parenting fly out the window when you fall in love with your baby. All of a sudden you really can go without hours of sleep because you are needed. New mothers learning to feed their babies go through excruciating pain and endure it with quiet tears because they are needed. When a marital relationship is struggling, it may be time to examine how much service you're rendering to your partner.

I'm needed. I'm right where Heavenly Father wants me to be and I know that. I know this calling didn't come about by my name being drawn from a hat, but that there was prayerful consideration and divine inspiration. It was probably extended in order to stretch and teach me than for me to benefit others, but I feel peace that I'm in the right place. I am working with an incredible presidency of women who puts the needs of others before their own and spends significant time on their knees on other's behalf. I am humbled to be serving so closely with them and hope that I can somehow contribute to the strengthening of the sisters in our ward.

President Kimball said, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs..." I hope I can stay close enough to the spirit that when Heavenly Father needs me to answer someone's prayer, I'm able to listen. I have sweet visiting teachers who receive inspiration for me all the time. They are both incredibly in tune and happen to call or come by just when I need it and say just what I need to hear- this isn't by accident this frequently. I think my mind is so muttled sometimes that Heavenly Father uses other people to answer my prayers.

With all that goes on in my daily life, it is incredibly reassuring to know who's in charge, that there is a plan and that inspiration is alive and well in my part of the world.

Friday Notes

Some of you have been blogging lately about "just because" presents, or mail, or good deeds. I have recommitted myself to do more giving "just because." Today, however, I was once again the recipient of "just because" mail; well, actually, Cooper was the recipient, but when you give to him, you give to me. You may recall Coop's recent fascination with bugs, so just imagine how exciting it was to have someone acknowledge your interest and run with it! Cooper received a package today from Aunt Katelyn who is one of two Banks aunties who do their duty fabulously. He opened it to find a little bug house and a shovel "to dig in the dirt and find bugs with." It's so darling and he loves it!

 

Again with the bright sun...

 

I also appreciate the stipulation that came with the gift..."the only rule is that the bugs have to stay outside, because that's where bugs live." Thank you a million times Aunt Kate!

Also today I must reassure a few friends that they have not fallen off the face of my earth. I seem to have been commenting lately on how wonderful my Phoenix friends are, and rightfully so; however, this does not mean that my dear New York girls have been "replaced," as they say. Absurd! I realize that the geographical distance between us is pretty great, with some either side of the country and a few scattered about in the middle, but know that I did my greatest personal growing in New York and these girls were an integral part of that. I haven't been super about keeping in touch but I think of them often and deeply appreciate the amazing examples of sincerity and true friendship they are. This photo is Kelli, Jaime, myself and Ann a year ago- and it's high time we think about another girl's trip... I love these ladies!

 

One more note today... I am enjoying an unusually quiet house at the moment as my boys jumped in the car for a boys-only road trip to Legoland this weekend. I was invited, out of courtesy, but happily let them have their time. A whole weekend to get through my ever-growing lists and hopefully have some down time too. There's not a rule against making business calls from my lounge chair, is there? No one has to know. I have my projects all ready to begin, just after a quick pedicure with Kate... Oh, these next 48 hours are going to be good.

Home Fabrics

Here are my latest favorites. The middle one on the wall (black with dots) is the foundation fabric. I think I want to do my drapes with this. I could use one of the other two for coordinating valences (not above the same window). The floral is darling, but I'm not a big fan of the strawberries. There are a few more options in the mix, but these are the coordinating ones I have samples for. Any thoughts are welcome, I very well understand this is not everyone's style, but I like a little bright in my life! For those of you seeing this for the first time, this green wall is my kitchen. A family room with a very neutral paint color is attached and these window treatments are going to serve both areas.

 

 

 

Two Conversions!

My sister Lindsay and my dear friend Karen have started their blogs! I'm so excited for them to join this fabulous world of amazing friends.

Lindsay is going to be out of the country this summer and this is going to be a super way to keep track of her amazing adventures that I secretly wish I was having with her. Tune in and enjoy Lindsay's candidness, humor and well-written thoughts.

Karen is a wonderful friend I have met here in Phoenix and if I could I would steal her little daughter Payton, she's a doll and we love her. Karen has been an amazing example and support to me. She is strong and serves without hesitation or question.

I hope you all enjoy these new additions to the bloggerific sphere!

The Easter Report

Wow, what a weekend! We had a wonderful time enjoying the weather, friends and Easter. Cooper and I began by carrying on a tradition that Aunt Katelyn helped us start last by filling our planter pots with bright spring flowers, Easter weekend seems like the perfect time to bring new, bright life to our desert home. We added some herbs this year and hope we will be enjoying them soon!

Then it was onto the Ward Party and Easter Egg Hunt... it was a great time, but sadly it was confirmed that Cooper has inherited my disposition for hay fever. He looked so miserable with a runny nose and watery, itchy eyes. He had a fun time anyway, thanks to his good friend Ethan and the distraction of the water features at the park.





After a good nap, we had friends over for an egg-dying BBQ and swim. Well, the boys swam. Still too cold for me. Colored eggs, good food, spring tee-ball all add up to a great time! The pics aren't great, but these boys are never a dull bunch. While the boys relationships may be at a love/hate stage, I couldn't live without their mothers. I can't say enough about the incredible friends I have.







Then we awoke this morning and discovered that the Easter Bunny had indeed come! It was quite puzzling that we couldn't find him anywhere. The fact that he snuck into our house in the middle of the night was a little disconcerting, but the treats he left behind made him slightly less scary! There was a little golf lesson,



More egg hunting,



New sunglasses (thank you Easter bunny!),



and an egg fight. Not the messy kind. Egg fights are tradition in the Robinson family. I think Grandma Delores is the reigning champion, although Denten likes to think he carries the title. Each person holds either the narrow or wide end of the hard-boiled egg, whichever you're doing first, and then bangs it against their opponent's egg and whoever has the uncracked egg after the whack is the winner. Strange to me, but it happens every year- this year Denten and I tied.



Attempting to get a picture of the flowers and Cooper for grandma, but the sun is a little bright... where are those new glasses?!



Is this one better? Don't worry, we lost the necklaces and glasses before we went into church.



Ah, there it is! All dressed up for church, so handsome! Yeah, something going on with his hair, but we take what we can get these days.





It has been a wonderful weekend, with dad home, with good friends and great weather. It is a huge bonus that Denten is currently making dinner while I do this! This weekend also brought a new calling that I'm not sure I'm ready for, but Heavenly Father must see a need for a little stretching exercise... I am the first counselor in our Relief Society, or the education counselor. I'm not quite sure of all my duties yet, but I'm excited to remain in RS. I have really enjoyed the spiritual fulfilment and social connection I have taken part in lately. The sisters in our ward are terrific and I hope to strengthen my association with them. I think my knowledge that my Father in Heaven is aware of what's going on has grown recently as I didn't even hesitate when presented with this calling, even though I've been quite careful with my time commitments lately. My bishop is very aware of how busy my life is going to become in the next few months, but didn't want to interfere with inspiration. I think if I trust that Heavenly Father needs me and that I have something to gain from being in this position, everything will fall into place just as it should. I love the Gospel and the peace and reassurance it brings to my life. I am very blessed to have wonderful examples surrounding me. I know my Savior died for me and lives now that I may once again live with him. I hope you all have the same contentment this beautiful Easter day.

Check out shabbyapple.com!

Today is a big day for a dear friend. An old friend. My fondest childhood friend. Emily lived across the street during my early growing-up years and we had many adventures. The ones that stand out in my mind include numerous lemonade stands, running through the sprinklers, dress-up clothes and making sure that when walking home from school, we always avoided the neighborhood doberman pincher, Satan. I vaguely recall high-tailing it home one day with Satan chasing Emily's brother Sam... this could be a figment of my imagination, but for some reason, Emily was terrified of that evil dog.

Then the sad day came that Emily moved up in the world. Her family left our little street of duplexes to a real house. That house brought it's own memories where we attempted to cook together (Emily had a very patient mother), where I was envious that my friend had her own bedroom and that she was getting breasts. This day, of course, came about 20 years later for me. We also enjoyed the only sleepovers I was allowed to have, with Emily's mom providing great movie treats and letting us feel grown-up staying up late into the night talking and laughing.

We slowly drifted apart as we moved through junior high and high school, keeping in touch periodically but busy with our separate lives. She was sweet to make contact when my mother was sick and my heart ached for her when she lost her dear mother. We reconnected a few years ago when I learned that Emily had married a friend from high school and they were visiting New York. Denten and I met them for lunch and while we are very different now from the girls in the feather boas, I still deeply admire and respect her.

Today her new site launches. She has teamed up with a friend from high school and together they have designed the majority of these darling dresses. Stylish, modest and reasonable priced, you can't go wrong... please check them out, as you can see below, Emily possesses excellent fashion sense! She can be found at www.shabbyapple.com
Good luck Emily, I hope this is hugely successful for you!

SPT- Do you play well with others?

I hope so, because I love to play! and I use the term play very loosely. Playing is any activity where I'm having a good time and am surrounded by people I enjoy. Playing is summer afternoons by the pool or an evening with the girls. Playing is a date with my husband or a long walk with Kate. Playing is a trip to the library with Cooper, feeding the ducks at the pond or dancing in the family room as my boys compare their new moves. Playing is also an entire week each summer in McCall. For some reason, in that place I can feel like I'm playing all week no matter the current activity.



To answer this week's question, I do think I play well with others. Sometimes I'm picky about who I spend my time with, but I always play well. I'm really good at not working, therefore I must be good at it's antithisis, right? I really look forward to spending time with my friends and I really look forward to being with my family. I'm always up for a party, it doesn't have to be fancy, just give me good conversation, make me think or laugh and throw in some treats. I'm a happy girl. This photo is a couple of months old, Amy, pictured in the middle now has a beautiful little boy. These are a few of the people I enjoy playing with.







I'm a lucky girl to have so many fabulous playmates!

The fog has cleared

After feeling lost and frustrated last week, the fog has lifted and my world is bright and pleasant once again. Between horomones, disagreements, misunderstandings and second guessing myself I was a mess, but time, honest conversation in my family room, with good friends and on my knees has made me see life will go on and it will be fine.

I've learned that humility and compromise go a long way in healing damaged hearts. I've appreciated candid advice from trusted confidants. I've been reminded that Heavenly Father wants us happy and is willing to help if we ask. We are capable of so much more here than I realize; our capacity and ability is endless if we catch a glimpse of what we are and who Heavenly Father wants us to become.

My day has been spent with two little boys, one of my own and one borrowed and I have been reminded of the joy I have in my life when I take time to get down on the floor and build with blocks, pretend with blankets and turn ordinary toy cars into amazing excavators. I also have had two visits from two very good friends, ones who have impacted my life greatly. Ones with whom I can be myself, share my scattered thoughts, know I'm understood and valued. I love them and don't know what my life here in Phoenix would be without them.

I have also spent my day cleaning... oh the cleaning. We have our adoption home study tomorrow and while I know my house will not be scrutinized, it has been a great excuse to tackle those piles that have been ignored for far too long. I look forward to visiting with our social worker and letting him see who we are as a family and that we are ready to welcome another little someone into our home. It feels like a significant step toward completing the process that will allow us to add to our family.

So as I pause in my day, I am grateful for the blessings that I sometimes mistake for burdens and the opportunities that I have the pleasure in taking advantage of.