Robinson Ramblings

When we had the boys, we took them to a play-ground in a new subdivison right near school. It is called Hazelwood Village & we have looked at quite a few houses in the subdivision. We took them into one of our favorite reasonally priced house & Henry agreed that it was perfect for " Nana and Papa ." Jack loved it too! The subdivision also had a beautiful clubhouse and pool !!

I tried my hand at painting a chair (bought at a flea market) to auction off at the art fair. I think it sold for $45!! Not bad, huh? I have been inspired by Sara Fosmark as well - she paints everything!! Although I am a total novice, I thought I'd give it a try & actually I was pleased with my efforts. I decoupaged the ME picture (from a calendar) onto the seat & painted a border of flowers & leaves around it. Rich took a few pictures of the chair for me but didn't get the bottom. I painted flowers all over the legs and cross bars on the bottom. The "seat" is painted with chalk board paint so that the "saying" can change. The problem was everyone kept touching it and smearing the chalk so it looked very messy by the time we took the picture. Anyway, the new owner said she loved it & wrote a new saying on it when she got it home.

Rich and I watched Henry and Jack on Saturday, May 21 while Becca and Brent went on an all day youth activity. We had fun although Jack was not a happy camper when we were at school. He was tired!! However, after a short nap, he perked up at the park!

Working at an Arts Magnet School is awesome!We always have great art work displayed (often in the library). Here is a display of paintings inspired by Dr. Seuss' Red Fish, Blue Fish and a collection of plates thrown by the husband of our first grade teacher, Jan Lundine. Then the plates were painted by teachers and students and fired in our school's kiln. They will be on sale along with many other art pieces at our Art Fair, Saturday, May 21. The posters were made by 7th graders during library time. They did a great job!

We had a wonderful time over Mother's Day weekend. Becca, the boys, and I went to a local restaurant with the ladies in Brent's family to celebrate Mother's Day together. Then Becca, Henry, Jack, Hollie, Rich, and I celebrated Mother's Day at our house. We had a wonderful meal and such fun together. Brent had to work, Tyree was visiting his mom, and Kelly and Jason were keeping a vigil for a dear friend dying of cancer. He passed away the following Tuesday morning. I love the picture of Becca with Brent's grandma. The other pictures speak for themselves!

I was honored at a district banquet for being chosen "Classified Employee of the Year" at my school. Rich and several teachers and my principal went with me to t he banquet. It was lots of fun!

Wow, where has 2011 gone? It has been a very busy, very fulfilling year! I am sure that next year I will do better at staying on top of everything. At least I hope so! This year I've been involved in Awana, Children's Church, orchestra (flute) or piano for the morning services (when I am not in Children's Church), practicing flute, piano, and musical ensemble pieces, babysitting Henry and Jack whenever I have a chance, Co-Director of Children's CE at church, and of course, time with my husband, daughters, their guys, and my sweet grandsons. School takes up many evenings and some Saturdays as well. I am getting together to pray with a Christian friend every other Saturday for a couple of hours and teaching 10 piano students. Add to that list my other interests: crafts (from time to time), reading (always), walking the dog (he insists), etc. Whew, no wonder the days fly by! Life is busy but I have missed keeping in touch via my blog. I have a few pictures of the family to...

Jack is such a snuggler - especially when he first wakes up from his nap (it turned out that he had a fever of 101+ as well). He has a great sense of humor and keeps us entertained. Most of the time he is happy and plays well with his big brother (or entertains himself). He figured out that the video cabinet at Auntie Hollie's would be an excellent place to hide (or at least try to).

Henry was in his first Christmas program at church this year! Although his program was the same day as the children's program at our church, we were able to attend our program and then zoom over to see Henry sing! It sure was special seeing him singing and see his excitement when he saw that we were in the audience. He was so serious while he sang and did the motions - he took it seriously. It turned out that he was getting sick and by evening was running a fever. SIGH! Henry is a huge Toy Story 3 fan (especially of Buzz Lightyear). Yesterday Becca and I took went to Joanne Fabrics and he got a iron on patch of Buzz. Becca put it on a shirt today and sent me a picture of him wearing it (on her cell phone). She said he was so excited that he was practically vibrating! Henry loves my Lambchop puppet. When he comes over he says, "Nana, you have to be Lampchop - put her on your hand." Then he talks to her and interacts with her (I had to build with blocks with her on my han...

Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, good will to men! Today is the day we celebrate the birthday of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah! Rich and I spent the first Christmas Eve and Christmas morning alone since our first Christmas together. It was wonderful!!! We are heading over to Hollie's house to celebrate with the whole family this evening. Originally the family was getting together on Christmas Eve but schedules became so complicated that we changed plans. It has been a wonderful laid back, yes, even a romantic Christmas! I babysat Henry and Jack on Thursday and then Becca and I took the boys out for a late lunch (she got off early), to the library for books (we found more train books) and then over to our house for the evening since Brent was working. We had such fun. Both of the boys are very sweet and love coming over to Nana's house. Jack took his second nap of the day at our house (he has a cold) and Henry rested while watching an Elmo DVD. ...

Wow, Christmas is almost here and I haven't sent out any cards or wrapped any presents yet!! I am finally feeling better. I have had a sinus infection for over four weeks. After two prescriptions and many days of feeling awful (I only missed one day of work, though), I am getting my energy back. My allergies have been acting up as well so I am really enjoying my Christmas break from school. Here are some favorite pictures of Henry and Jack from Thanksgiving. Jack is a happy guy (most of the time) and loves to play with his brother!

"O taste and see that the Lord is God, blessed is the man who trusts in Him." God has truly been gracious to us this past year. As I meditate on how He continues to meet our needs and how he lovingly reminds us that He is all that we need, I am thankful for everything that has transpired over the year. We enjoyed a time of fellowship, thanksgiving, and lots of food at the Watsons this Thanksgiving. Hollie and I still spent most of the day together at her place making food. Hollie tried a number of new recipes (vegan style) - they were delicious. Becca made homemade bread and rolls and other goodies , Kelly made a yummy dessert, and Rich and I made turkey, dressing, and salad.

The farm had a great petting zoo and fun places for the preschool set to play (such as the feeding trough filled with corn!

Brent, Becca, Henry, Jack and I went to Linder Farms to pick pumpkins and have all kinds of fall fun!