Robinson Ramblings

We had a fun birthday celebration for Becca's 29th birthday and tomorrow we will celebrate Hollie's 27th birthday. Wow, everyone is getting old (except Rich & I, of course). Brent has completed all of his course work and will graduate in May (he already has his diploma). We are very proud of him!! His degree is in hospital administration. In case you are wondering what has happened to Becca's blog, she hasn't had the opportunity to update it because they discontinued their internet connection after Brent finished his last paper. It was one way to cut down on expenses. I will continue to bring you darling pictures of Henry!! Drum roll, please!!!!!!!!!!!!! The official and permanent (we are told) name for Henry's little brother is Jack Tyler (Henry can say the whole name very clearly)! We can't wait to meet little Jack!

Yesterday wasn't only the first day of spring but it was a beautiful, warm day!! Henry and I went to the park with friends from our church. Henry really liked playing with Sierra and Sophie the most (the older two little girls). Since they are both big sisters, they knew just how to help with Henry. We had such fun!

Baby Watson is still unnamed. I guess Brent isn't sure about the name Calvin Wallace. I think that they are back to the drawing board - I am keeping my opinion to myself. I don't want our unborned grandbaby to someday look at Nana's blog & think that I did or didn't like his name (but just between you and I, I'm glad that they are still looking).

The weather was beautiful last Friday and we did some yard work so I found a boy baby doll and a stroller for Henry to play with in the backyard. He is going to be such a great daddy - he is very nuturing. However, just like his dad he believes in getting a good cardio work out. He preferred to push the stroller on the grass instead of the smooth cement sidewalk (What kind of workout would that be?).

Here are a couple of recent picture of my two boys!

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY TO BECCA! She is such a special daughter and certainly lives up to her name, Rebecca JOY! Yesterday she and Brent announced that baby number 2 is A BOY! Congratulations! They have picked out a name: Calvin Wallace Watson (Calvin is Brent's middle name & Wallace is his grandpa's name). All I can think about is Calvin and Hobbes. We will pray that he won't have that little Calvin's temperment!

Here is sick little Henry with his "Dada." Rich has been clearing things out of our storage unit over the past week. It has been fun to go down memory lane with some of the items in the boxes. My sister, Gail, made aprons for Becca and Hollie when they were about 3 & 5. She cross stitched the Campbell Kids on them. Here is Henry wearing the Campbell boy apron. Isn't he darling? He had a bad cold so he wasn't feeling too good - usually he is very smiley!

Wow, January is almost over and I haven't blogged all month! During this month I finished up my responsibilities at The Studio where I have been teaching piano and Kindermusik. I am now just teaching students out of my home (cuts down on the overhead) and I'm not teaching Kindermusik this semester. I have been filling out applications for full-time work but while waiting for something full time to open up, I'm substitute teaching. Rich is enjoying his job at Citi Group (he especially enjoys getting a regular paycheck and having insurance). I am so grateful!! Kelly is looking for work right now as well. She was "let go" from her job at the Elk's Rehabilitation Hearing and Balance Clinic in December and is finding the job market quite slim (even retail & waitressing jobs are hard to come by). She moved in with Hollie last weekend & is helping out with cooking, cleaning, and household chores as a way to "pitch in" until she gets more work.

Here are some pictures of our family celebrating Christ's birth together. We had a wonderful time on Christmas Day reading the Christmas story in Matthew & Luke. Of course, we enjoyed opening presents, eating, and laughing together as well.

Our family had an amazing Christmas! We all got together after the Christmas Eve service at church on the 24th & opened presents. Becca, Brent, and Henry had Christmas morning at home & went to Great-Grandma and Grandpa Watson's house (with all of the Watson aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) so we didn't see them until Dec. 26. Kelly, Hollie, Tyree, & Mietta (Tyree's sister) were with Rich & I for Christmas morning breakfast & opening stockings. Kelly, Rich, & I had a quiet day - I crocheted a scarf and Kelly and Rich napped! div> Here are some pictures of our fun!

Wow, I can't believe that Christmas is almost here. I am sending cards (with pictures) but they will come after Christmas. Sorry, it can't be helped! I appreciate the cards, letters, and pictures that we have already received. Merry Christmas to one and all!! As Henry says, "Ho, ho, ho!" We wish that we could see each of you at this wonderful time of year and celebrated Jesus' birth together.

Here are some more pictures of Thanksgiving at the Robinson household. Henry couldn't wait and eat with the rest of us - he was HUNGRY!

We have so much to be thankful for this year! The Lord has cared for us so lovingly in spite of some financial challenges! Praise Him! Psalm 34:8 says "O taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusts in Him." I am so thankful for the comfort, admonition, and challenge that God's Word brings to my life. Both Rich & I are more in love with God's Word this year than ever before. Here are some of the ones who we are most thankful for: Becca, Brent, and Henry told us on Thanksgiving that they are thankful for a new baby that will come to live with them in July!!! We are thankful too!

Today would have been Mom's 96th birthday. I miss her especially today but I wouldn't wish her back from heaven. I am sure that she is talking to everyone & hearing every word they say. Praise the Lord! He is coming back again so that those who remain will be caught up with Him in the air. Perhaps that is how God will take us home - that would be wonderful! However, no matter how or when, I eagerly look forward to the time that I will see the Lord face to face. I also look forward to seeing my mom and dad in heaven!

One of our favorite pastimes in the past was carving pumpkins. Kelly and her friends carved these cool pumpkins last year. I am sorry to say that we haven't done any yet this year.

Henry LOVES the piano. He plays so carefully & seriously! I think that Nana will have to give him piano lessons soon. Actually I have several 4 year old piano students (17 months is rather young, though). I use the Little Mozart program & it is awesome.

Kelly performs her own music in coffee shops and restaurants all over Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Garden City, and Nampa. These are some recent publicity shots.

Brad reading to Henry. Hollie & Tyree enjoying some good eating!

The family was able to gather for Brent's birthday on July 31. Henry loved all of the company (because everyone gives him lots of attention). Brent, Becca, & Henry, Rich & Cilla, Hollie & Tyree, Kelly & Brad, Ron & Brigette (Brent's parents), Jamie & Thad (Brent's sister & her husband), and Brian, Liz & Olivia (friends from church) had a great time celebrating 28 candles on Brent's cake.