My two little blessings.......

May..

2009-05-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Where
has the time gone??

It's
spring almost summer and I've not blogged for so
long.............

Gracie
is 3 weeks away from her Kindergarten Graduation...that's exciting for her and
sad for me! She did exceptionally well in her testing at school last week and
can't wait to be home for summer.

Evan's
excited about being able to play outside and looking forward to
summer..swimming, riding his "cycle", going to the park, Tweetsie Railroad,
Grandfather Mountain, etc.

It will
be such a blessing that he can SWIM this year w/ No cast, No brace and NO
worries (except for his ears)!!

I'm
staying busy w/work and the kids..but had a wonderful Mother's Day w/my Mom and
family on Sunday and w/Brandon's family on Friday night.

Here
are a few pics from over the weekend.

Warm Saturday..

2009-03-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

We had such a great day today...we visited Brandons parents at their cabin and then we went up to Wilson Creek and the kids enjoyed throwing rocks. The weather was in the mid 70's..makes you wish for spring..I love the springtime..all the flowers and blooms and the weather isn't TOO hot.

We saw some of the most beautiful scenery in the country today...makes you wonder how some doubt if there is even a GOD.

I've attatched some pics of today.

March 1st

2009-03-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Is it March already? It feels like it was just Christmas.....

The kids have been sick a lot lately over the past month...not fun.
We're staying plenty busy, seem to always be busy these days.

We're home today...lots of SNOW.
Sophie loved playing in it..I've attatched some pics. of her in the snow and a few of the kids today.........
Enjoy your day at home w/your family.
Blessings!!

*****Can't upload pics now...will add some later on (having trouble on Blogger)

Meet Sophie....

2009-01-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

Here is our new puppy we got today....Sophie is a 10 week old mini-schnauzer.

We're praying that after our last experience after Christmas, Sophie will be a happy member of our family!

I've attatched some pics of her...she's too cute!

I should metion HOW we ended up getting Sophie....

Brandon vowed we would NEVER have another dog, we had a Yorkie when we were first married who we could not house train....he now lives with my parents in Roanoke (and has since Evan was born)...

Gracie started asking for a puppy several months ago...and I over heard a prayer the week before Christmas, "Dear Lord, Thank you for my family, my friends, my house, my Christmas tree, my toys, food,etc.........And Lord, Please help my Daddy change his mind and let us get a puppy. I've already prayed 3 times today and I believe you will help him change his mind. AMEN."

Brandon decided he couldn't stand in the way of that prayer and as she was crying that night, he told her he would get her a puppy soon, and to keep it a secret. For the next week, she kept her secret, didn't tell a soul. Brandon took her to pick out a collar and they wrapped it up and gave it to me on my b'day, which was a total surprise...

And now...her prayer was answered =)

Weekend Wrap-Up...

2009-01-26T04:33:00.001-08:00

We had a really great weekend..

We were really pleased to have Ron Block come speak and play at our church. Brandon really enjoyed getting to play with him!!!

I've attatched some pics from our Youth Rally at Church.

We had a lot of people attend and I think that Ron really blessed everyone.

Gracie got up to sing, "Trust and Obey" and did a beautiful job =)

She's really turning out to be a little musician.

Thankful

2009-01-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

I'm most thankful this week for:

*Our Power staying on w/it being SO cold
*Time Gracie got to spend at home w/me this week
*My FREE jewelry w/my Silpada Jewelry Party
*Brandon
*My Parents
*Our new puppy we're getting..*Sophie*
*My sweet kids..I've just got the two best in the whole world
*My Best Friends...
*Ron Block coming this weekend to our Youth Rally-He truly blesses me through his messages/testimony/music!

Silpada...

2009-01-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

Have you all heard of Silpada Jewelry?
I had a show last night at our house and got to see all of this jewelry..it's beautiful!!
If you want to take a look, visit: www.mysilpada.com/rebekah.robinson

If you book a show you get LOTS of free and discounted jewelry......
Just wanted to share.

Tag.......

2009-01-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

Katy has tagged me
Which of these 100 things have you done?

*Hint*
If you are using Blogger, before you paste the text, click over to the "edit html" tab instead of "compose", and when you paste, it will keep the vertical formatting!

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold / change the colors of the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!! When you post this on your own blog, come back and link me to your post! and tag four friends while you're at it :o)

I'm tagging:
Jenni
Boni
Jill

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (orchestra)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

New Year...

2009-01-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

Putting Cookies and Milk out for Santa...........

Can't believe it's already 2009!

CHRISTmas went by TOO quickly. We were so busy with family , Our Church Christmas Play, music, my birthday, Christmas day...etc.

I'll have to say, the BIG 30 wasn't bad at all. After dreading it for about a year, I suddenly didn't. I figure, it can only get better from the 20's...as we grow and mature and begin to figure out who WE are and who GOD intended us to be, it's all a whole lot easier and more peaceful.

The kids had a wonderful CHRISTmas and I"ve attached some pictures.

Holiday magic in Music...................

2008-12-16T05:34:00.001-08:00

Brandon, Jeff and Lauren--Who did a wonderful job!!

Brandon and Evan

Brandon and Gracie

Sunday-Holiday Magic in Music-

This past Sunday the GDA sponsored, "Holiday Magic in Music". It was a lot of fun for all the bands/groups to come together to celebrate Christmas.

Best of all..Gracie got up and played, "Away in a Manger" and did a wonderful job!!

Here are a few pics from this weekend.

Enjoy!

Thankful...

2008-12-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful this week for................

Everyone starting to feel better in our house...

Our Christmas tree is up.....

Gracie's CT scan showed *Only* Sinus problems.....

Family coming to our house this Christmas....

The kids innocence...they were so excited to see, "The Real" Santa Claus.....

Something to ponder.....

2008-12-01T12:30:00.001-08:00

I took this out of a good friend of mine's blog....
Take a moment to read and reflect:

Being in love,” that intoxicating feeling, is sublime, heady. It elevates us, changes our perceptions of the world, of our present, of our future. Our heart sings. Our dreams for ourselves ring with angelic voices.
But it can’t last; it isn’t meant to. It’s like learning an instrument. We hear an acoustic guitar and want to play it. There’s excitement at the beginning, the potential, the thrill. The learning process begins - and soon we find “this isn’t easy.” Playing an instrument requires commitment, focus, determination - and a whole lot of time.
The halo melts away. It is at this point that our will must engage - the will to believe, to faithe, to trust that we do love it even if we don’t feel it.
If we try to hang on to that halo we won’t advance. If we cling to that in-love-ness, the mere feelings, we will be using our will to cling to the mere romance of it rather than being propelled into deeper knowledge and proficiency. We’ll continue to romanticize - and we’ll be disappointed time and again as our largely illusory dream slams up against reality.I’m not knocking those in-love feelings. But feelings come and go, and yet love doesn’t have to.
I’ve often heard people say the Greek word “agape” means “God’s love.” But it doesn’t, since John 3:19 says “This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved (agape) darkness rather than light.” That means they were wholeheartedly committed to darkness. Their love was a choice of their will.
That’s what God’s love is like. It is the wholehearted, committed giving of Himself even at His own expense.
The story is told of the great violinist Itzhak Perlman having a fan approach him and say, “I would give my life to play like you.” His reply? “Lady, I did.”
Marriage can be a lot of work at times. It is a giving over of oneself to a partnership, a union. That’s going to be costly at times, because to say “yes” to one thing is to say “no” to many other things. For me to be committed to playing music and writing means all of my work/hobby time is taken up with those things. I don’t have time to be a great photographer or fly model airplanes as well.
We vow to love, honor, cherish, till death do us part. That’s costly to the flesh that wants to do what it feels. Our flesh wants to avoid pain and find pleasure. That’s natural; that’s just the way the flesh is. Jesus, in the days of His flesh, attempted to avoid the pain of the Crucifixion there in the Garden.
But if we, like Jesus, recognize that we are not meant to be flesh-driven, that pleasure and pain are both included in the package, it will take much of the sting out of sorrows; This is going to be very hard at times, but in Christ I am filled full with everything I need to follow through.
In the end what we find, in marriage, guitar playing, and following Christ, is a deeper halo - not our dream for ourselves but “God’s idea of us when He devised us” (George MacDonald). We finally find the identity, and the daily expression of it, that we were made for. That’s real satisfaction and fulfillment.

.....And once we have gone through the Gethsemane of our marriage, our test, and stand up in choice and say to God, “Not my will, but thine be done,” and endure in faith whatever it is we go through, we come out on the other side with new abilities, new character, deeper faith - and a true, real love for our spouse.
The world, to a great extent, doesn’t know this. I’d say most Christians don’t know it; the divorce rate of professing Christians isn’t any different than unbelievers.
This principle applies in anything we endeavor to do. Idea, and desire, then outworking (and often losing desire) by faith, and then a deeper experience - a burgeoning mastery of the thing. Learning a language, studying an instrument, writing a song, being married, having children - all these are done by the same principle. People who quit often have seriously mistaken ideas of what marriage, or children, or learning an instrument is like (we all have mistaken ideas, but some are catastrophic). People who marry for “being in love” and don’t hold to the vow of “til death do us part” often divorce and remarry for “being in love,” once again expecting those love-feelings and the enchantment to continue endlessly. Then when it dies again, they jump ship again.......

Christmas.....

2008-12-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

We've been decorating for Christmas.... I L*Ve Christmas!

We went and picked out our tree and then cut it down. Evan wanted the BIGGEST and Tallest and Gracie wanted the PRETTIEST!

Here's a few pics of the tree......

Thankful......

2008-11-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

This week I'm thankful for:

1.Getting to see family tomorrow

2. Christmas is right around the corner..My *Favorite* time of the year!

-I can't wait to decorate

-I can't wait to get a tree

-I can't wait to go see Christmas lights

-I love hearing Christmas music

3. Our health-Evan's doing wonderfully w/o his brace on. WE so quickly forget ALL he's been through since he's been born.

4. Gracie's feeling better.Asthma's been bad..and her cough as well..but she's finally feeling better and It's been SOOOO nice having her home w/me this week...I miss that =(

5. My job..I'm liking it a lot

-We've got a lot of great things going on this Holiday Season

-11/28-11/29 Holiday Open House

We'll have Carriage/Hayrides from 5-7 PM on Saturday Evening

-Drop, Shop and Create-Saturday

-Special Coupon Hunt-Savings in participting stores!

-12/13/08-

A Christmas Carol Revisited at 7PM at the Rex Theater.

There is a discount coupon in Today's Gazette for Show.

-12/14/08

Holiday Magic in Music at the Rex Theater 2-4 PM

Awesome Holiday music from talented local musicians/groups.

6. I'm Really looking forward to our Youth Rally at Pine Mountain PH Church 1/23/09!

-We'll have an awesome speaker and music!

Halloween

2008-11-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of the kids on Halloween..Prettiest little angel ever and the most adorable little farmer!

Thankful..........a LOT late this week ....

2008-11-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

1. I'm thankful for the wonderful Women of Faith I got to attend last week.

2. I'm thankful for happy, healthy kids

3. I'm thankful for my friends..you know who you are...you're the best.

4. I"m thankful for all we have coming up in Nov,Dec and Jan.

5. I"m thankful it's fall..I love fall and winter...it means we're closer to CHRISTMAS, my **FAVORITE** time of year.

6. I'm thankful that as I approach 30 (AHHHHHHHHHHH) I feel more grounded, hopeful, content than I ever did in my 20's.

7. I'm thankful for my SWEET husband

8. I"m thankful for Gracie's six weeks being up, and she's doing VERY well and adjusting wonderfully to school.

9. I'm thankful for our Church family, I"m so glad we have a place where we feel at home.

Thankful Tuesday...

2008-10-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

This week,I'm thankful for:

1. Beautiful Fall colors

2. Nice weather

3. A happy little girl at school (most days)

4. A healthy home..Brandon's finally getting better (and the kids didn't get sick)

5. A lot of fun things we have planned this week and next

6. A successful HOPEfest

Thankful Tuesday a day early...

2008-10-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

This week, I've got so much to be thankful for....

1. Safe Travels for Heather and Monique (in for HOPEfest from Colorado and Australia)

2. Fun times preparing for HOPEfest

3. A successful HOPEfest..Raised a lot of $$ and awareness

4. A WONDERFUL church service this past Sunday..hearing Ron Block speak always blesses my heart

5. Support from Brandon this week, we've had A LOT going on

6. Spending time w/the kids tonight

7. Seeing the beautiful trees up at Grayson Highlands yesterday

8. Everyone that helped me this weekend..I really appreciate your help and support.

I've included some pics from this weekend...

Spa LaDiDa...

2008-10-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

When did a spa for kids become "The Thing to do"...Well we took Gracie and Hailey today to the one in Winston-Salem, they got their nails and toes done and their hair. I've included some pics...they had a lot of fun. This was a surprise b/c she's done so well this 6 weeks at school. Also, I've got some pics of her playing her fiddle....

Thankful Tuesday....

2008-09-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time again (I've only skipped just a few weeks.................=)

I'm MOST thankful for:

1. Family

*My parents...for thier love and support

*Brandon...for his commitment, dedication and hard work each day to support his family

*Gracie...for all God is doing through her. Her SWEET heart and disposition, academic achievements, milestones she's meeting and exceeding, and her great health

*Evan...for ALL that he's been through, and I mean ALL he's been through, he's done it ALL with a smile on his face. I know that God has great plans for him. We complain so many times w/what we have going on and Evan's faced So much in his short life, and done it all with grace.

We could all learn a thing or two from him. From the simple things, like ear tubes that seem simple to a complicated outcome, surgery last week to a future worry about hearing damage/loss, to his problems after birth w/torticollis, laryngealmylacia, plagiocephaly, scoliosis, casts, x-rays, MRI's, brace....etc.

2. God...for all he does in our lives each day. We sometimes have too much on our plates, and forget to give each day to him. Without him in our life,leading, guiding and directing, we cannot accomplish anything!

3. Gracie's adjusting better at school...At her parent/teacher conference yesterday, we found out that her teacher describes her as "A strong leader..". Brandon and I just looked at eachother in amazement..That's a huge accomplishment for Gracie.

She's excelling in reading, writing and all her testing.

4. My little girl lost her first tooth last night..I"ve attatched a picture below.

She wanted the tooth fairy to leave her "a coin" and that she did..She got $1.25!

5. Keep our family in your prayers the next few weeks..for good health b/c we have alot going on w/HOPEfest coming up!!

TAG........

2008-09-28T04:45:00.000-07:00

My blogging friend, Jenni, tagged me so here goes . . .These are the rules . ..
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along.

Here are 6 random things about me . . .

1. I HATE overhead lights in a room. If you come to my house you'll ONLY see lamps on. I just think the overhead lights are TOO bright and lamps make a house SO cozy!

2. On one of our first dates, Brandon and I were hiking. We saw a black racer snake and Guess what Brandon did? He took off running (FAST b/c he was running cross country at the time) the opposite direction from me....But I still married him =)

3. I don't like sports...Any sports....

4. I could have a Starbucks w/every meal, anytime, every day, and NEVER get sick of them.
This is coming from someone who didn't like coffee just 2 years ago =)

5. My best friend is 10+ years older than me.
(And to add to that, I thank GOD for her EVERY single day)

6. HOPEfest that I'm organizing is NOT for our family (which we could use a fundraiser w/all the medical bills we have!!LOL) to make any money.
I get so many questions, "Well..is this for your son?/your family?"
NO...It's out of the kindness of my heart to give back to the wonderful organizations that saved my little boys life!

Ok, You all are it-----

Gracie dancing....

2008-09-03T10:26:00.001-07:00

Here's the link to watch Gracie dancing this year at the Fiddler's Convention. She's at the very end...........Take a look =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc6DtY3-oRM

Thankful Tuesday.....

2008-09-02T17:19:00.001-07:00

This week I am especially thankful for:
1. The rain we got this week
2. Gracie adjusting to school and making new friends and getting good reports each day
3. Time with Evan while Gracie is at school
4. Gracie's constant questions, they do drive me crazy sometimes, but the wisdom behind her questions amazes me.....her curiosity and imagination are amazing beyond her years.
5. The innocence when the kids play, dance, sing, talk.....I'm thankful for that and grateful .
6. The long weekend and getting to spend time w/family and friends: Judy, Roger, Jonathan, Gary and Cheryl, James and Susie and my parents.
7. Our house.....I"m eternally grateful that I can stay at home w/the kids while they are small and for all that we have.

Thankful Tuesday.....

2008-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has a post on her weekly blog, "Thankful Thursday", so in an attempt to post something regularly each week, I"m going to title mine, "Thankful Tuesday". Each Tuesday, I'll re-cap my week (Tuesday-Tuesday) and what I"m thankful for........

This week I"m Thankful for....................

1. Gracie surviving her first week
2. Gracie's sweet heart and disposition. After crossing the monkey bars probably 20 times each day, she's worn a pretty bad blister on her hand, and told a "friend" of hers that it really hurt her, and the response she got was a bratty laugh and the "friend" ran away. Gracie later that evening told me, "Mommy, it made me sad when my friend laughed at me and made my heart told me that wasn't a nice thing to do."
3. Cooler days...
4. Cough Drops...we've all had a bug this week....YUCK
5. True friends...
6. Evan's sense of humor. He's had a lot of fun w/o Gracie at home. A lot of people have asked me, "Has Evan missed Gracie this week?" and look surprised when I answer, "NO..."He's enjoyed time w/me..and we've thrown rocks in the creek, played outside, driven his tractors/trains and spent important time together.
7. A generous community...I've been trying to wrap up my sponsorships and donations for HOPEfest...I need all the help I can get to make it a successful event. If you have anything you're willing to donate or wish to make a donation --please contact me.

School days (School daze......)

2008-08-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where to begin...but, Gracie starts Kindergarten tomorrow AM at 8!
Is she excited, not really. Am I excited, not really.
Is she ready, NO. Am I ready, NO.
Is it time, not quite....................
But I"ve come to realize it is time. It's God's time. I've tried to cast aside all of my fears as a mommy,in regards to her starting school.
Sure I worry what she will see, hear and pick up.
Sure I worry if she can find the bathroom, open her drink, and if she will follow the rules.
Sure I worry she'll be nervous, afraid or even feel alone.
BUT
I know the way Brandon and I have tried to raise her and I know the Bible says, in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go , and even when he is old he will not depart from it."
And when it all boils down...basically we have to place our trust and faith in the Lord.
Sure she'll encouter mean kids, bad words, and a lot of bad, but also a lot of Good.
Lots of great lessons, both out of books and lessons, but also in life.
The Lord has a plan for Gracie and I know he'll mold and shape her for his perfect will.
As a mommy, I think Gracie is the sweetest, smartest, best kid ever and I think that she can be a little ray of light in her school.
You all say a little prayer tomorrow for Gracie as she begins this new chapter in her life (and while you're at it..say one for me too !)

My *two* little blessings.......

May..

Warm Saturday..

March 1st

Meet Sophie....

Weekend Wrap-Up...

Thankful

Silpada...

Tag.......

New Year...

Holiday magic in Music...................

Thankful...

Something to ponder.....

Christmas.....

Thankful......

Halloween

Thankful..........a LOT late this week ....

Thankful Tuesday...

Thankful Tuesday a day early...

Spa LaDiDa...

Thankful Tuesday....

TAG........

Gracie dancing....

Thankful Tuesday.....

Thankful Tuesday.....

School days (School daze......)

My two little blessings.......