The Roberts Family

A Productive Sunday, Sort of...

2012-01-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

Today was actually a great day. At least for the most part. We all went to church. After a break, Kate was hesitant at first, but she had a great time. John & I went to Discovery which is our church's way of joining the church. Some people end up joining, while others do not. It will definitely be a learning experience for each of us, and I hope it leads us to where we are meant to be. Either at our current church, or where ever God intends us to be.

After church, John requested a breakfast casserole I made for Christmas. It took quite a bit longer since my only 9x13 (which might mean I need another!) was tied up with a Chicken Spaghetti I made earlier in the week (what you ask?!? - yes, I have actually been cooking as of late! - who would have thought!). So, using a smaller pan, it took about twice the time for the eggs to actually be something other than a runny mess. Alas, it was proclaimed to be great! Whew!

After catching up on more of my favorite show (24 - Season 1 - I haven't watched this since 2006), my favorite girl, aka my daughter, joined me on the sofa for a little cuddle time. Later in the afternoon, we ventured out to the grocery store since tomorrow is diet day #1 for the New Year - ugh!! When we got home, we both were so tired we laid down and slept. Turns out baby girl (can I say she's a baby when she's FIVE?!?!, probably not, but don't tell her!), had a fever. She has since spent the rest of the evening laying in our bed watching movies (and calling for us at every whim, I might add). Finally, she's starting to feel a little better, let's hope this continues, and we all get a good nights rest.

Despite what seems like quite the busy day when I write it out, I did get some digital scrapbooking done - and I have plans for more soon. I hope you enjoy my latest additions. The first is actually a professionally taken photo (Thanks Melissa Brawner Photography!) from Christmas time last year, 2010. The second, is a picture from my family's trip to California over Thanksgiving (2011). Whatever speaks to me at the moment, right? ;)

Please comment and let me know what you think!

Until next time.....

5 Things I Love Layout

2012-01-06T21:22:00.001-06:00

Another digital layout complete. This one was much more complex using brush tools for stamping and learning how to use quick pages to make digital scrapbooking much faster (you know, when I actually catch on).

Hope you enjoy!

Digital Scrapbooking Beginnings

2011-12-26T13:48:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful and very Merry Christmas! I can't believe it's already over!! We were so blessed to have such great family and friends. As well as the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ for whom we celebrate this wonderful day every year!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've started digital scrapbooking. Part of my online class is to share my first project. So here it is!

I also found a Christmas kit that I LOVE, so I've got one of my "Buddy Returns" pages done. More to do, but baby steps for sure!

More to come soon!

Joining the Blog World again!

2011-12-18T15:33:00.000-06:00

Back in the saddle again! It's been a long time since I've posted here, and I think it's about time I did! Kate has turned FIVE years old almost a week ago, and let me just say, THIS five-year-old is a HANDFUL! Full on sassy like I've never seen before! Gearing up for Christmas is on the list. I waited way too long to do any shopping, and now I'm trying to see what I have left to do, as well as what I need to get ready for our FIRST Christmas morning / day at our very own house. I'm very excited, but nervous - luckily, my sweet mother-in-law and brother-in-law are pretty laid back! I'm so excited about Kate getting to wake up in her house and being able to enjoy all of her wonderful Santa gifts this year instead of rushing off to do this and that.

For Thanksgiving, we went to California with my family, and coming home was VERY hard. Hard to get straight into the Christmas spirit with decorations and plans for sure! So hard that our Elf On the Shelf, Buddy didn't make his appearance until December 1st. Boy was that a sight. I've started digital scrapbooking, and I'm so glad - because I'm going to make a few pages of his antics. He sure is much more adventurous this year - look for the pictures to come soon!

Next up was Kate's birthday - luckily the only place she wanted to go for her birthday was Jumpzone! They do such a great job, and I'm so glad to let someone else cut the cake and write down the gift list! Ha! It's the little things! Not to mention not having to get a ton of decorations and plates! Those things definitely add up quickly too!

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-12T08:49:00.003-05:00

After a bumpy start to the weekend, Kate & I had a wonderful time shopping on Saturday. We saw the new train that goes all around the Promenade (without tracks!) and she loved it - I promised we would bring daddy back and ride together soon. She was quite the little angel and as we walked around, I realized just how much she has grown up. It was also, probably the first time I had actually taken her out of the house with a pony tail and it stayed. It was awesome. Then again, as soon as we got back to the car, she decided she wanted to shop a little more, and, well, let's just say the pony tail was no more. :) But it was so adorable while it lasted. That little girl has my heart in her hands.

Kate was so proud to be able to get a new book with some money that her great-grandma Ruby had given her a few weeks earlier. Instead of one, being my child and all, she decided on a 6 pack of Dora books. I never imagined a 2 and a half year old would love Dora. Not nearly as much as her older cousin did ("Dora's my BEST friend!), but she does love her. She is now quoting Dora saying "Swiper NO swiping!" at all the appropriate times (as well as a few extra times here and there for good measure). I don't say it enough, but the past 6 months have been a time of enormous growth for her and it's absolutely incredible. Her vocabulary, her likes and dislikes, her understanding a conversation, repeating all kinds of things (some not intended for repeating!), etc. I'm sure all you parents out there understand exactly what I mean, but it's still beautiful to see it happen to your own child as well.

Back to the real reason for this post - Mother's Day. Sunday morning turned out greater than I expected. We decided to not go to church since there were a million things I "needed" to do around the house - including packing up all of Kate's winter clothes (maybe a tad early, thanks WEATHER!), and of course, all the clothes she has indeed outgrown again!! John completely surprised me with a new TINY camcorder to capture all the cute things that Kate has been doing recently. (I'll try to post video soon!). I know I had mentioned it about a million times in passing, but I never thought he would do something like that out of the blue. It's tiny, and touchscreen (so no 200 buttons to figure out!) and you don't need a tape or even a memory stick (although the memory stick might come in handy some too!) - which is awesome.. As you can tell, I'm very excited about.. :)

After we got ready, we went to John's parents house for a wonderful lunch for Mother's Day - as well as to celebrate his dad's birthday (it was Friday). Kate fell asleep on the way home & mommy got to finish her book. Yea! :) All in all, it was a great weekend. One I'd like to repeat as often as possible (okay, maybe without the gifts..).

On another note, Kate has been somewhat sick recently - she had a bad rash a few weeks back and now her hands are peeling, and after 3 different doctor appointments and LOTS of tests (including bloodwork), they have ruled out Strep (or any other related conditions). Now we are just slathering on the cream they prescribed in hopes that it will all clear up soon. So please, keep her in your prayers. She's acting completely normal - no temp, not feeling too bad, etc, but I just pray that whatever it was, is gone and hope we will not have to revisit it on down the road.

I'll post new pictures/videos soon!

It's about time

2009-04-24T17:07:00.002-05:00

It's about time I wrote another blog, huh? I've been so busy at work, and catching up on quite a few other blogs that I read on a regular basis. Along with Facebook. When did technology become such a busy place! ;) Don't get me wrong. I like it. I like being busy, particularly at work. But with a toddler, you run out of "me" time especially when you are busy at work where you stay late, work extra hours at night and on the weekend. Although, do I dare say it is somewhat rewarding. To design and see something come to life that you have created yourself. And since I never have time to scrapbook anymore, it has come to being creative in my work. Or something like that.

So, how desperate am I for some fun and "me" time. Well, typically on Fridays, I get off early in order to pick my beautiful little girl up from "school". But, since she started showing a beautiful head to toe rash, that isn't fully diagnosed yet on Monday, it's been quite a week for her. We waited until Wednesday to take her to the doctor - that's when it was so bad her face, feet and hands were all swollen and red. So after a visit to the allergist, since it looks simliar to her peanut reaction from January (but no whelps, but I was still concerned). Not to mention, apparently we go to a very popular children's clinic where you can't get an appointment for the same day after 8:30 (they open at 8am). Anyhow, the allergist said she was very doubtful that this had anything to do with an allergy. So, luckily we talked to the pediatrician's nurse and got in that afternoon to see the doctor. After a strep test (despite the fact that she only a small fever (99) and no other sickness symptoms (except the rash) which turned out to be negative, we left with only the direction of giving more Benedryl (her highest dose) 4 times a day and see if that helps (he thought it would be better for her than giving her steriods again - she had them with her peanut reaction in December).

So, we are supposed to hear today about the results of the strep culture - where they send off the test (even though the office results were negative). So it still could be a strep rash - and I'm not 100% sure what that means. I mentioned I've been busy right.

So back to what I was saying originally, I was so desperate after approximately 100+ hours in the office this past week, for a little fun & "me" time. After I got off work, picked up Kaet from her Bebe's house, we went for a little fun at Walmart (yes, we live in Walmart country, so that is where we shop). That was actually fun - I'm so used to her not wanting to be patient, but she was. We even picked out one of those starter kits flowers - that come in a little box where you grow them from the seeds up. She wasn't quite as into it after she watered them. So I got the pleasure of getting my hands dirty. But I think she will really like them when they start to bloom.

On the way to the store, we passed a roadside nursery with lots of beautiful flowers. So despite having just been to the grocery store, we stopped. and here we are at home. With three beautiful new plants - she picked her own, OF COURSE!, and ended up with something I'm not sure I've ever heard of - yellow Sundaze. They are really cute though. I, myself got, bright orange and hot pink gerber daisies. Although, now that we are home, we probably should have picked up a few new pots while we are at the store. There is always tomorrow, right?

So what are we doing now, we as it turns out, my daughter loves the outdoors, and she begged and pleaded, so I gave it. I'm sitting outside in my shorts (it is SOOOO hot!) on my laptop - trying to read the screen past the sunglare as well (so forgive any misspellings!). While mini-me is enjoying herself by putting all three of our new plants in her baby swing and pushing them. How cute is that. She's even talking to them "wanna swing higha, just a itle bit?". She's growing up so fast. I love it some days, and other days I Just want to put a brick on her head.

For the two, okay, maybe just one, that actually reads our blog, I hope to post more son - I have some great new pictures, but they aren't uploaded to my computer yet (or I would post now!). and I hope you continue to keep on reading as well!!

Happy 50th Anniversary Barbie

2009-04-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

About time this happened to her!

Worlds Apart

2009-03-31T08:36:00.000-05:00

I heard this song recently, and it seems that I am continuously called back to it. It is so true and so powerful to me. I hope that if you haven't heard it, you might take the time to at least read these lyrics, and maybe even find the song and listen.

"Worlds Apart" by Jars of Clay

I am the only one to blame for this
Somehow it all ends up the same
Soaring on the wings of selfish pride
I flew too high and like Icarus I collide
With a world I try so hard to leave behind
To rid myself of all but love
to give and die

To turn away and not become
Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves
more deeply than the oceans,
more abundant than the tears
Of a world embracing every heartache

Can I be the one to sacrifice
Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow

To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

All said and done I stand alone
Amongst remains of a life I should not own
It takes all I am to believe
In the mercy that covers me

Did you really have to die for me?
All I am for all you are
Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart

To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees
On my knees

I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
"dull the nails that still remain"
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart
take it now, take it now
and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
so wipe away the crimson stains
"dull the nails that still remains"
so steal my heart and take the pain
take the selfish, take the weak
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
take my world apart

Worlds apart

Despite my best intentions

2009-03-11T12:23:00.001-05:00

Despite my best intentions of documenting EVERY day of our lives for a year, obviously, it just hasn't happened. I have been totally consumed with a very active 2 year old, a full time job, and of course the joys of marriage and a household to take care of.

Despite been so busy, I have had a lot on my mind and hope that maybe some of you might be able to give me tips or thoughts on how to enrich myself more.

A little background, I was born into a southern Baptist family, when we relocated, we joined a Methodist church at the same time I attended an Episcopalian grade school. During my high school years, I attended a Catholic all-girls school. All I which I loved. And to a point, I thought I was a child of God and fully knew him. I had many religion classes. And was baptized and confirmed while in Junior High. Wasn't that enough to be a child of God? Sadly, this was my thinking. If I prayed here and there and was truly thankful for all of my blessings, that would be enough. How truly wrong I was then.

It has been only after having my own child and desperately needing Him at times to help me thru the crazy times that I found that I hardly felt like I knew Him at all. Maybe he knew that I only called on Him when I needed him, not when I just wanted to know Him. I feel shameful even mentioning all this now because it's something that I have kept to myself for so long, but the desire to know Him has made me realize part of the experience is acknowleding my faults and asking for help. In all honesty, I don't think I have ever read the bible throughly. And definitely not for enjoyment. All that changes now.

So, what have I done? Well, I love my church, Fellowship NWA. It seems so authentic to learn straight from the Bible and, I would be lying if I didn't mention that I LOVE the music too. Music is huge for me and instantly brings out my emotions. Always has. I love going to the services but find that I don't go nearly as much as I want (dare I say NEED) to! I've finally come to the realization that I am the maker of my own future. And if I truly want to be a woman of God that I have to go. For myself and for my child. Even if that means a screaming child when you leave her in the nursery or sitting alone in church.

I joined a bible study at church. A Beth Moore series on Daniel. Even though I loved going and the lessons, I unfortunately didn't finish the class at the church. In part because of a work trip and in part because of my crazy life. It's not an excuse, I realize that, but it is the truth. Although I did find that you can buy the audio series online at iTunes. So I do have faith that I will complete the entire study!! (and not just the second half that we were studying at the church - I missed the first half that was occurring last Fall).

I've read so many websites and books as I can get my hands on about finding God or discovering His plans for you. Some of the books I haven't read yet, but they are there next to my bed. And I have full intentions of reading them all. ;). I'm currently reading an appropriately titled, "Busy Moms's Daily Devotional", as well as "The Love Dare" and "The Power of a Praying Wife". However, I do find that I'm completely overwhelmed though with about the 3 daily devotionals I get via email. But when I don't have time to read them, I save them and although the email folder is growing, I do have faith that I will have time one weekend soon to catch up! Dare I say that maybe Kate will take a lengthy nap and I will forego laundry sometime soon! Anything is possible. :)

I guess the point of this post is to admit that I have sinned. I realize this and fully believe that only He can have power to forgive me of these sins, but I also feel the strong need to include you all, my friends, into what I hope will be a life changing, fun-filled time in my life.

~~~
Lord, I pray that You will continue to instill in me the great desire to know you. To know you through Your word, to know You through every relationship and experience I may come across. I am Your own, please look over me during this amazing and exciting time in my life. Allow my own eyes to open so that I may truly see You. I will be a faithful servant for You through all my days. I pray that You will show me also how to raise Katelynn to also be Your own daughter. May my life be pleasing to You always. Amen.
~~~

I know many of you are further on this road than I am, and I would gladly welcome and tips or suggestions!! I hope in some way you all may understand my deep need to post this, as well as the need for all of your support. Even silent support in the form of prayers.

Best wishes!

The ICE STORM has cometh. Now go away!

2009-01-27T15:32:00.000-06:00

Alright, I think I've had about enough. We still have our power, but it looks like we won't for the entire night. We got the gas fireplace started (it hasn't been turned on since we moved here in 2005 - whew!). Here are some more recent pictures of the ice. Its still coming down - sleet and all. I thought it was supposed to change to snow at one point.. I think it should about now.
Kate is loving the "icicles", although for some reason she wants to taste them. Must be the new fascination with popsiciles. SOOO not the same thing! :)

Glad that we are still warm and with power. Kate is taking her nap as I type - thank goodness! I was worried it would go off soon after we put her down and she would wake up cold!

Hope everyone is staying warm AND staying put if you are in this storm with us!

Ice!!!!

2009-01-27T11:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm still trying to catch up on my Project 365 entries. However, i find it completely necessary to post some pictures of today (and last nights) goings on. This is probably the worst weather I have seen up here since we moved back in February 2005. It's like pure ice and it's starting to sleet again. I've been trying to work from home, but with the power going on and off at work, I keep getting kicked off the system. It's quite frustrating. Here are a few pictures of our house.

That was last night. Poor Abbie is still using her ramp (due to a back problem common in dachshunds) and with it freezing over, it's more like un-figure skating all the way down.

After coming home early, Kate & I were safe and sound. It took John over an hour to get home (usually it's a 15 minute or so commute). But we were all safe and sound. However, we had this great idea that we would enjoy Taco Bell since signs were that we would be staying in tomorrow night for dinner (with the weather getting worse). So I attempted to leave. I ended up sideways in the driveway. It was not fun or pretty. Then we made it into the grass, but since I had Belle with me, I knew that I could not let her out there (since she tends to be a runner). So, after about FIVE (literally) minutes of spinning on our driving - which is NOT a huge hill at all - we finally made it in the garage although I was sure that we would either end up crashing into the house or John's car in the garage. So, long story short - we won't be going anywhere soon.
After all that, as Kate & I were playing, my glasses broke. Not usually a big deal, but they are my only ones. And I work on the computer all day at work, so I have all that fancy stuff on them so my eyes won't hurt as much. So unless I can find a tiny gold screw soon, I'll be getting a new pair. It's sad because I've had those same glasses since 2001 (I know, about time to get new ones, right?)

So, on to TODAY! It's SOOO bad. Well, it's gotten worse, but here are some pictures from around 10am today.

These are pictures of the front yard:

Kate was wondering what I was doing out there while she was still inside (yes, in her pajamas - I'm thinking it's about time to dress her now that I can't connect to work. :)

Next, she tried to lock me out!

It's sleeting again now and we are supposed to get between 2-4 more inches of snow/ice mix. Show, I'm not sure whether tomorrow will be better or not. I'm trying to round up charges for the portable DVD play and flashlights, the computers and cell phones. Hopefully we will be okay and the power won't be out for long if it has to go out. John just got home since they have been without power. Apparently everything south of Lowell (on 71) is out, but the fast food joints and Marvin's (grocery store) is still open. Doubtful that we will actually venture out.

Project 365 - #12 - Things I could do without

2009-01-26T23:25:00.001-06:00

January 12, 2009 - Things I could do without. When you turned two, I realized how much fun you were becoming. Talking more and actually having conversations with us; however, one thing I know I could do without - the whining. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for everything about you, but after a long day at work, it's the hardest thing to smile through. To find something to make you happier is the goal, and sometimes it takes a few choices to find the right one. May you outgrow this stage fast.

Project 365 - #11 - Fun with daddy

2009-01-26T23:21:00.000-06:00

January 11, 2009 - Fun with daddy - Riding daddy's shoulders. Sometimes it's the simple things that bring about the best smiles.

Project 365 - #10 - Decorating with Jen

2009-01-26T23:18:00.000-06:00

January 10, 2009 - Decorating with Jen - Today Jennifer Russell came over and helped us to transform a room with a lot of things, into a very functional and fun playroom. Thank you SOOOO much Jennifer & we love it.

Project 365 - #9 - Hopping along

2009-01-26T23:09:00.000-06:00

January 9, 2009 - Hopping along. Kate LOVES her new playroom. It's still a work in progress; however, she loves that she has her own place to call her own. Today she really had a blast jumping on the bed (much like the naughty monkeys we have talked so much about). But when you hear a 2-year-old giggle like that. You just let them do it. And there are moments of worry when they fall down close to a rail, but the excitement and laughter in them is enough to let any mom know that continuing is the best thing for her child.

Project 365 - #8 - Rocket

2009-01-26T22:36:00.000-06:00

January 8, 2009 - "Rocket". Kate is in LOVE with the Little Einsteins. "Watch Rocket is a common catch-phrase in our house. She has already learned so much from them (or maybe she's just learning in general). But she loves to imitate them - especially June. This picture is just one of the many moments we spend watching "Rocket" when nothing else will do.

Project 365 - #7 - Back to school & Camp's Birthday

2009-01-10T22:56:00.000-06:00

January 7, 2009 - Back to school. A new year, a new backpack and lunchbox.

I also have to mention - today is Campbell Jackson Caldwell's first birthday. Such a cute little boy!! I hope this picture turns out okay - Shutterfly isn't the easiest to copy pictures from. Happy Birthday Camp!

Project 365 - #6 - The allergist

2009-01-10T22:48:00.000-06:00

January 6, 2009 - Our trip to the allergist. And a diagnosis that would add a new dimension to our lives. Kate is definitely allergic to peanuts. A not-so-quick trip to Mercy Hospital to have her blood drawn for the first time. It was probably the most traumatic experience for a mother, but Kate was "all better" as soon as we left the lab. Another week for results.

Project 365 - #5 - Belle

2009-01-10T22:42:00.000-06:00

January 5, 2009 - Okay, I admit this is an older picture, but Belle is such a big part of our lives. A 2-year-old is not always the softest friend when it comes to a family pet. But Belle takes each "horsie-ride", pat and hug in stride.

Project 365 - #4 - Dressing yourself

2009-01-10T22:34:00.000-06:00

January 4, 2009 - I just couldn't resist. One little girl who tries time and time again to dress herself. If she chooses to leave her pajama top, add sweatpants and a pink tutu - even cuter.

Project 365 - #3 - Playroom continued

2009-01-10T22:31:00.001-06:00

January 3, 2009 - Today we continued the conversion of our guest room into Kate's very own playroom. Such a hard days work that she insisted her lunch be served there. Happily obliged.

Project 365 - #2 - Ovaltine

2009-01-10T22:18:00.001-06:00

January 2, 2009 - One of Kate's favorite things right now. Ovaltine Chocolate Milk. A daily treat. And if she gets a few more vitamins in here & there - even better!

Project 365 - #1 - Dora

2009-01-08T10:21:00.000-06:00

January 1, 2009 - New Year's Day. John, Kate & I went shopping at the Promenade. Although we don't even watch it, Kate loves Dora The Explorer. It was even her birthday theme. She saw this coloring book at the Borders during our shopping excursion. The result one happy girl.

Project 365 - Let's begin

2009-01-08T09:57:00.000-06:00

I have a new resolution. I saw this incredible scrapbooking kit (designed by the uber talented Becky Higgins), and although I was not one of the very lucky people who were able to get the actual kit from Creating Keepsakes yet, I am still encouraged to continue on.

The purpose of this project is to take a picture every single day of all the little details of your life for an entire year, and provide minimal journaling. What an amazing concept. I'm so excited about this kit mainly because I never have time to do everything I want to document for Kate and our family. I really think this is one of those projects that Kate will be able to look back at and remember how the second year of her life went. If only I had this when she was first born. What amazing changes I could have documented! :) I hope you guys will check back often. My resolution is too keep up with this project, and to share our pictures and journaling with you all.

I started documenting back on January 1st, but am just now getting around to uploading all the pictures. I may be slow going here and there, but I do hope that you enjoy!

For more information on the kit, check out the following websites:

http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog
http://www.lisabearnson.com/kotm