Reflecions Upon 2008

Many wonderful things that have happened have brought us tides of good cheer.
It’s time again to reflect upon the events that have happened this year.
The memories we make with our little ones, nothing could ever replace.
The warmth in my heart when I look at them, and see the joy in their face.
Stella is our princess, I know. She is our girly girl!
She brings laughter and warmth that all little girls do, and she daily brightens our world.
Tristan is our All-American boy. He knows how to play with the guys!
He charms us with his brains and good looks; he’s gotten down his fake “cry”!
Bill has been working hard so he says. I guess I’ll just take his word.
He’s finished our basement and it looks great! His work schedule has been absurd!
As for me I guess I’ll just write a line. I finally wrote my first book!
Its still being revised and it was just for me, but if you’re interested take a look.
So that was the year two thousand and eight. That barely sums it up.
Too many memories and blessings we’ve had so let us now raise a cup.
Here’s to a brand new year, I hope it will bring good things!
Lets toast to a year and good wishing for all that 2009 will bring.

From Here To Eternity

December 1st was mine and Bill's nine year anniversary! He surprised me by sending me flowers (not from Walmart for once thank you very much) and it totally made my day! We didn't really celebrate our anniversary until this past weekend. My parents came and spent the night at our house on Friday while we stayed at the Homestead up in Heber. That was our first time staying there. I can't say that a stuffed animal on the bed screams romance, but it was a nice room. Friday night we went out to dinner at the restaurant located at the Homestead then hung out in the hot tub for a while. Then on Saturday we checked out and went to see the new James Bond movie. I've decided we need to change our anniversary to the summer time when we won't get caught in a snow storm for once! Whose idea was it to get married in December anyways? Oh yeah, mine. Anyways, the kids had fun with their grandparents and we were happy to see them when we got home. It's funny, I use to dread coming home and getting back to everyday stuff, but now I have two happy faces to greet me when we get home. Three if you count Duke. He was the most excited to see us! I love it! Of course it would have been nice to have another day or two away. We've had a wonderful year together and I can't believe it's been nine years since we got married! It really does go faster than you'd think. I can't believe Stella is 4 1/2 years old and that Tristan will be 2 in two months! We've gone through many challenges and many wonderful times together in the past nine years and I have to say there is nobody else I would rather go through this life with! He is my best friend even when he drives me nuts sometimes! And vice versa I would hope! Happy Anniversary to us!!!

Coldplay Baby!

I am a HUGE Coldplay fan!!! For years I have wanted to see them in concert, but they haven't come to Utah since they first started. Everything came together so that Rob, Emily and I could go. Rob's work friend came along and we all had a great time together! They were even better in concert than what you hear on their CD's. Not to mention the excitement of just being there! Emily and I are those crazy people who jump, dance, yell and throw our bra's. Just kidding, we don't yell that much. We were surrounded by a bunch of boring people, but that didn't stop us. We had so much fun that night and it was totally worth every last penny I spent on tickets, t-shirts and souvenirs. I can't wait 'til they come back again!

Family Time

Today Bill was off of work and actually didn't have a side job to do! It's been quite a while since we've had much family time together with all four of us. We decided to take advantage of the weather while it is still nice and go to the zoo. I think Bill and I probably had more fun than the kids did! Stella couldn't wait to go to the zoo, but once we got there she kept saying, "Let's go see more animals", instead of taking the time to look at the ones in front of us! And Tristan was overdue for a nap so he was not the most enthusiastic person there. I think he enjoyed being out and seeing all of the animals, but he hardly cracked a smile. We took the train ride around and Stella did really enjoy that! Then they played on the playground for a few minutes before we left.

After our outing to the zoo we dropped the kids off at Grandma Duffin's house and rushed off to the movies only to find that we had forgotten to set our car clock back since daylight savings time. We were an hour early and didn't realize it until I saw the last 2 minutes of our movie and questioned the poor ticket boy who probably thought I was crazy! We eventually saw our movie and Bill and I had a fun little date.

Witches Night Out

This year Melissa and her family all decided to go to Gardner Village's 'Witches Night Out'. She extended the invitation to me and I decided to drag Emily along with me. I had been two years ago with some of my friends. Emily and I decided to meet up with Melissa at Gardner Village since they had plans with her family to go to dinner and we couldn't go until later. Thank goodness for cell phones because otherwise I would have never found them in the gigantic sea of witches! We were probably some of the least dressed up people there!

Once we got there we walked around for a bit, took some pictures and paraded on the stage. The funnest part of the evening for us was trying on hats at the yarn store! You see, whenever Emily and I go shopping it is a tradition to try on the ugliest hats and laugh at ourselves and each other. Only this time we had cameras! Let the posing begin! Our posing continued when we went to Artic Circle and took pictures of each other with our ice cream. Yes, this is what we do for entertainment and we actually do find these things funny. I know, I know, we are a little strange. I did enjoy myself, but don't think I will make this a yearly tradition. Maybe every couple of years...

Halloween

I love Halloween! It has always been one of my favorite holidays. I had the chance to go to Stella's pre-school and watch her class do a little parade. They sang some Halloween songs and after we decorated sugar cookies. Stella loves school and was excited to sing for all of the parents.

This year was so much fun with both Stella and Tristan old enough to grasp the concept of trick-or-treating. The Saturday before Halloween we went to our wards trunk-or-treat. As we were getting ready Tristan, dressed up in his cute cow jammies (his costume since he wouldn't wear the first one I had bought for him) brought his blankie into the bathroom, laid on it and fell asleep right before the party. He thinks he doesn't need naps anymore, but apparently he does! Anyways, Bill took one for the team and stayed home so Tristan could take a little nap.

Halloween night was a lot of fun too! We had our wonderful friends, the Eichelbergers over for dinner before we went out trick-or-treating. Stella was dressed up as an Elephant and Tristan actually let me dress him up in an extra costume Melissa had for Tyler. He was a Zebra. They were two of the cutest animals I had ever seen! Stella's hat, or trunk, kept falling in her face so she didn't wear the hat part for very long. We met up with Stacy and Emma and had fun going around our neighborhood! Tristan lasted longer than I had anticipated. We had so much fun and are excited that the holidays are here!

Bill's Big Antelope Hunt

Okay, I guess I should put Bill's trophy antelope on our blog. Luckily this one won't be hanging up in our living room! I am glad that he had a fun time hunting this year with his brother and dad. It's something he looks forward to every year and even though I am not a fan of hunting, I know he loves it. So this picture is for him and anyone who might appreciate this. For those who don't like to look at this stuff, I apologize.

Fall Time

Yea!!! I LOVE fall! I just can't say that enough. I have never been a fan of summer and October is by far the best month of the year. I love the cooler weather and I love that the holidays are here, especially Halloween. Today Bill and I took Stella and Tristan to the pumpkin patch. We found a few pumpkins that were perfect for carving and did so tonight before the kids went to bed. They had a lot of fun helping us carve the pumpkins. Tristan was trying hard to help, but couldn't do too much. Stella refused to help clean out the insides, but they loved taking them outside and lighting up the candles. I can't wait for next week when we get to take them trick-or-treating!

Just a few thoughts...

The past few days I have been thinking about how quickly this year is coming to an end. The holidays are already here! I've even started my Christmas shopping, which never happens this early! Anyways, I have to say that this year we have been very fortunate. We haven't had anything really horrible happen, aside from Sierra dying of course. I hope I didn't just jinx myself by saying that! However, we have had steady work and overall enjoy what we do. We are like many middle class families where the mom stays home to raise the kids. And money most of the time can be pretty tight. And you know what?? I wouldn't have it any other way! Yes, I would love extra money, but I wouldn't trade all of the money in the world for the memories I am making with my children.

I get to do what so many others want to do, but can't for whatever reason. I am grateful for that. I can't say that I don't have those days where I am counting down the seconds 'til bedtime, because that would be a blatant lie! But I know that even the toughest day at home with my kids is better than any day in the world without them! My two beautiful children are my everything and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to learn from them everyday! It's an amazing gift to be able to see the world through a child's eyes! Well, enough of my rambling....

In Rememberance Of....

Sunday, September 28, 2008 our sweet and loyal dog Sierra passed away. We were camping at Fish Lake off of Seven Mile when she was running alongside a car of a friend that was camping with us and she got too ahead of the car and was hit. At first we didn't think it was fatal. She had lost a tooth, but there was so much more that we couldn't see that was going on. Bill was out with his brother and dad when this happened. When he returned to camp, after having looked at Sierra's injuries we decided we would drive to Richfield to try and find a vet to take a look at her. Only a few minutes later Sierra, with Bill by her side, died.

This has been devastating for both Bill and I. We got her when she was only 6 weeks old 7 1/2 years ago. And before Stella came along, our dogs were our babies! I will never forget when Bill came home from the Elk Foundation dinner and stood at my doorway holding this white, fat, fluffy puppy. It was love at first sight! She has been my shadow, Bill's hunting buddy, Stella's first friend, and Tristan's playmate. Our home has not been the same without her. However, if she had to go, at least she spent the last few days of her life playing in the mountains, swimming in the river and doing the things she loved the most. Fish Lake was the prettiest I had ever seen it that weekend. The colors were vibrant hues of yellow, green and red. Bill, Ron and I found a beautiful spot under some Aspens where we laid her to rest. I know it will be a beautiful resting spot for her in a place that means so much to our family, especially Bill. We loved Sierra and will always miss her sweet, gentle, playful, devoted, loving spirit that she was. Good-bye my good friend.

Robbins Cabin Trip

Last weekend we all went to the cabin for a few days. We had a great time fishing at Gooseberry. All of the kids had a chance to catch a fish. Stella claimed she wanted to touch one until she actually saw it. Then she refused. It was a nice little get-away that many of us needed. We did miss Jason who was home alone with strep and loads of homework. Yuck! I had fun and I hope everyone else did as well.

Tag! 8 Things About Me

Dellany tagged me so now I guess it is my turn to do the "8 things about me". I know you are all sitting on the edge of your seat because I am so darn interesting. Here we go!

8 Things I am passionate about:

1. My children
2. Bill (These are in no particular order)
3. Adoption
4. My children's birth families - "Holla!"
5. My friends
6. Photography
7. Helping others
8. My important records job! J/K

8 Words of Phrases I use often

1. Heck Yes I Do!
2. Do you need to go potty?
3. What do you want to eat
4. I love you
5. Night night
6. Light, yes light (Tristan's fascination)
7. Good Grief!
8. Boo ya!

8 Things I want to do before I die

1. Write a fiction book
2. Go to Africa and help in schools and hospitals
3. Make a difference
4. Find my purpose in this life
5. Start my own business
6. Retire and travel
7. Be a grandma
8. See Coldplay in concert!

8 Things I have learned from my past

1. God has a plan for me and I need to surrender to His will, not mine
2. patience - still working on this one, but I've gotten better
3. I don't need to be somebody else to be happy. I'm good enough as is.
4. Family is always there to support and love you
5. This too shall pass
6. Don't sweat the small stuff
7. Always strive to be better and do better
8. Time goes by so fast so live everyday to it's fullest

8 Places I Would Love to Go or See

1. Africa
2. Italy
3. Europe
4. New York
5. Pearl Harbor (when it's open this time)
6. Ireland
7. England
8. Scotland

8 Things I Currently Want or Need

1. To leave work and go home to see my babies
2. food
3. a cold Diet Coke
4. Coldplay tickets
5. to lose the extra baby weight (mine is sympathy weight!)
6. new family pictures
7. a back massage
8. money to go shopping and have lots of money left over

8 People I Tag

1. I don't think I even have 8 people on my blog contact list so Emily and Melissa, you're up. Plus whoever else wants to go for it!

Tiny Teether

Tristan has taken his sweet time when it comes to getting his teeth. But when they come, boy do they ever! He has four new teeth in the past few weeks! This poor little guy. That's gotta hurt! He had his 18 month check up about two weeks ago and he was not too pleased with having to get checked out. On top of his teething he had a slight ear infection, but we got that taken care of. Now he is a happier child. I can't wait til he has all of his teeth and smiles a big toothy grin.

School Days

Stella started her second year of Pre-school last Thursday. She has Miss Amy again this year. We loved her last year and so we were glad Stella got to have her for a teacher again. Stella was so excited! Mostly she was excited because she finally gets to wear all of her new school clothes! Such a girl!!! Her first day went well, at least as far as I know. She doesn't disclose a lot of information when I ask her about things. This year she has school two days a week for two hours. I can't believe next year she will be in Kindergarten! AHHHHHH! I'm not ready for my baby to grow up yet. I think she has grown 2-3 inches over the summer. She is such a little lady!

SURPRISE!!!

Last Friday we threw a surprise 80th birthday party for my Grandpa Olsen. They were on their way home from Star Valley. They live in St. George so they were in town for a few days. My grandpa's birthday isn't for another month and a half but, we weren't sure when they would be back up. Time is of the essence! We only decided a week ago to throw this party, so we didn't have much time to plan. My parents made up some way to get them into the church as we all hid in the Relief Society room. They definitely were surprised! We had pictures of my grandpa on a table along with a slide-show that Rob and Emily spent too many hours working on. That was playing on a laptop so everyone could see. My grandpa had told my grandma that he didn't want any parties for his birthday, but I think he really enjoyed himself and was glad to see everyone. The girls all helped him blow out the candles on his cake and Stella even sat on his lap! That was a big gesture for her and he bragged about it later to my grandma. Tristan was so excited when everyone sang "Happy Birthday" and afterwards was walking around saying happy birthday n his own Tristan language. It gets me excited for his next birthday seeing how much he loved my grandpa's party. Eighty years is quite the milestone and one that should be celebrated! I love my grandpa so much and I was glad to be a part of this day.

And The Award Goes To....

It's times like these that I LOVE being a part of this family. Not only do we have impromptu pajama parties on Christmas Eve, but we make up our own Olympic Awards. Last Sunday my mom had dinner at her house. She had decided that since she was "so into the Olympics" this year that she would make a big Chinese dinner from scratch. The night before Rob, Emily and I had decided how funny it would be to make up some awards to present to everyone the next day. Well, after dinner Rob and I hid in the t.v. room and waited for Emily to Que the music. When we heard the Olympic song we marched into the living room. Everyone had a look of confusion on their faces. Rob had a torch in one hand (a flashlight with homemade flames around it) and a little American flag in the other. I was behind him holding the awards. Everyone received a silver medal (aluminum and ribbon) for something they either excelled at, were interested in, or had tried and failed miserably at (volleyball for my mom in the last case). Everyone was a good sport, except for Bill who looked embarrassed to have such a strange wife and wouldn't even come up to get his medal. My mom loved it and thought it was the perfect way to end her dinner. That was our goal! And so, that was the first official Robbins Summer Olympics Ceremony.

Family Bike Ride

We have been enjoying taking some bike rides this summer. Here the kids are in tow. Poor Bill is the lucky one that gets to lug them around. They love it when he pumps the peddles and makes them jolt back and forth. That always seems to get them laughing pretty hard! I love Tristan's hand on Stella's leg.

Our Little Artist

I love this picture of T-Boy! He looks so happy! He and Stella have stopped watching so much t.v. now that it's been moved to the basement and have gotten in touch with their inner artist. He is his sister's little shadow. They play so well together. It makes a mother proud!

Potty Pride

After only a year and a half of potty training, we finally have done it! Aside from wearing a pull-up at bedtime, our little Stella has mastered going on the potty during the day. This is the moment I have been looking forward to for quite some time now. We are such proud parents. However, I think we will still be giving her treats til she is 16. Oh well, whatever works I guess! Sorry this picture is so blurry, my camera was not cooperating for me this morning. Stella is pretty proud of herself. She is getting to be such a big girl.

Dylan's Blessing

Last Fast Sunday Rob had the opportunity to bless my adorable little nephew, Dylan. He gave him such a beautiful blessing and he and Emily both bore their testimonies, which I really enjoyed hearing. Afterwards, we all headed back to the Smith residence for yummy snacks (which always taste better on fast Sunday) and visiting. I love seeing my sister and brother-in-law as parents and are so happy it's finally their turn! They deserve all the blessings that come with being a parent! We love them and are glad to have Dylan in our little family!

Camping at Strawberry

A couple of weeks ago we went camping at Strawberry. We were crazy enough to give camping another try! Luckily, this time we didn't have any breakdowns (on my side or Tristan's)! The kids had a lot of fun and were pretty well behaved the whole weekend. They enjoyed playing in the dirt and making a mess of themselves. Isn't that what you're suppose to do? Make a mess?? We attempted a few fishing trips, but didn't have any success. Each time we got out there and got our fishing lines ready to go, the wind would pick up and the water got choppy. Overall we had a good time and loved getting away for even just a few days! We love to be in the mountains and wish we could do it more often. At least Bill got in some target practice for hunting and I didn't have to do my home duties for a few days.

Adoption Advocate

Lately I've been thinking a lot about adoption and our experiences over the past 4 years. I think mostly because I wrote a book about going about how we became a family. I didn't realize how much I love writing and enjoy expressing myself through poetry. I have written several poems since I wrote my book. I'm trying to come up with enough poems of my own to replace the ones I put into my original book. I hear it's quite difficult and expensive to get copyright from the authors. I have to say I have been so lucky with both of my children to have such great experiences and I absolutely adore their birth parents!

Most people who have not been involved on either side of adoption can't fathom the idea of an open adoption, but I just tell them you never know until your in that position. Even when I was younger when I would think about my family I would always picture myself adopting a child. Maybe that's strange, but I think it was something that prepared me for what was to come. Never did I imagine adding such wonderful people into my family circle, my children's biological families. I love the way my children have come to me and can't imagine it being any different! Stella and Tristan are such a blessing and I thank God everyday that I get to be with them. They truly are the lights of my life!!! I have some final editing to do on "I Carried You In My Heart", but I have enjoyed re-living the past 8 years. They have been amazing! Here is a poem I wrote for my book.

You're not of my flesh, but still my own

Of this I can't deny

You came from another who carried you

Who would look at you and cry

Tears of sadness, tears of joy

Both intertwined into one

I'm proud of where you come from

Who you are and who you'll become

Although in my womb I didn't carry you

I carried you in my heart

And from this wonderful woman

Gave me a fresh new magical start

Such gratitude and love I feel

I may never fully express

But, this I promise to you today

I will give it all my very best

I'll love this child with all my might

I've waited for so long

To have a child to call my own

To whom I can belong

So trust me child when I say

My love will never die

You may not be of my flesh, but you're still my own

I'll give you wings to fly

Keepin' Cool

Today we hung out at the Eichelbergers for a few hours. Stella and Tristan had fun playing on Kaden's slip n' slide. Here they are taking a drink from the Water Rocket. Tristan was not dressed for the part, but got in on the action. Now I need to get one for our house! Why bother tho when you can walk two doors down!

Summer Lovin' Had Me A Blast!

I'm already updating my blog and it's only been one month! Can you believe it? I have to admit I am not a fan of summer time, it's too hot! However, we have been trying to make the most of it while it's here. Last weekend we escaped to Moon Lake. I had never been there before, so when Bart and Melissa invited us to tag along with their family we jumped at the chance. It was really beautiful! For the most part our camping trip was a success.

Stella had so much fun going on buggy rides with Kaden and his grandpa. We also attempted several fishing trips. After the first time we decided it best to leave the dogs at camp. Not such a good idea! We did all the fun things that come along with camping: s'mores, a short hike, fishing, a trip on the fishing boat, and pigging out. Stella's favorite thing though was throwing rocks in the lake. Go figure! Tristan, poor little guy, was a little bit clumsy. He biffed it on several occasions and managed to land himself a giant goose-egg on his forehead our first night there! He seemed to enjoy himself and loved playing in the dirt. Nap time and bedtime were quite stressful. He is at an age that is hard for him to fall asleep anywhere other than his crib. Needless to say, we ended up coming home a day early. We are hoping our next trip will be a little easier.

It's strange to think that now I am the mom taking my family camping and trying to entertain my kids. It doesn't seem too long ago when I was the kid needing to be entertained. Jason and Suzanne (with kids in tow) joined us Friday night. I was so glad they were able to make it even if it was just for a night. Jason and I were in complete awe as we stared at the stars. It has a way of making someone feel very small. All in all we had a wonderful time and are thankful to the Eichelbergers for letting us tag along and for their hospitality. We can't wait to do it again. Right Melissa?!

On the home front, Bill has almost completed our basement! He has installed the flooring, lighting and molding. We can't wait to have the extra room, and have a cool place to hang out in the summer. I can't believe he has done all of this on his own! I am really proud of him. Last week he took a week off work. He decided it was time for some much needed R&R.

As for me, I am staying busy keeping up with my two little ones. They manage to always keep me on my toes. Tristan is at such a fun age. He is starting to talk more and figure things out. I love the one year to three year time frame. Stella is still my angel, however these past few months she is starting to really test her limits and our patience. I have to say, four is not my favorite age so far! I hear it only gets worse. Oh well. At least her cute moments and priceless expressions save her.

Stella's First Dance Performance

Yesterday we attended Stella's very first dance recital! It is moments like these that I have been waiting for with much anticipation. With Stella having been sick for the past two and a half weeks I wasn't sure how well she would remember the dance. Much to my surprise she did a great job. Granted there were parts she was a step or two behind, not to mention the dumb hangnail that was distracting to her at times, but all in all we were impressed! All the girls looked beautiful in their little ballerina outfits! When we got there I promised Stella if she would cooperate and do the dance we would go out for ice cream afterwards. And sure enough she made sure I didn't forget my promise! We were glad to have Dellany, Tremayne, Suzanne, Gen and Abs there to cheer Stella on. Miss Natalie's husband, Jason, presented all the girls with two long stemmed roses after their performance. Following which, Bill, Tremayne, Dell, Tristan, Stella and myself hung out at the only fast food restaurant within ten minutes of our house for some much deserved ice cream. Thanks for making the trip Higby's! Always glad to see you! We are very proud of our little Stella! She is such a fun girl and we love her so much!