The Robin's Nest

The Newest Nestling

2009-10-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

A little pink bundle of deliciousness--

Ruby Adeline

born at home Thursday, August 6th, 1:12am

8lbs., 6oz., 21 inches

Welcome to the family, Sweet Ruby.

This Love That Surpasses Knowledge

2009-07-14T05:18:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my dear sister in Christ, Angel...with many thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt-C5IigHyM&feature=related

Ephesians 3:17-19
... so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Romans 8:35, 37-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Plum Tuckered Out

2009-06-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

As I was running to and fro from the living room (getting kids ready for the last night of VBS) to the kitchen (helping get dinner on the table), Emma called me in to see this heart-melting sight:

It seems that a sweet little someone will be having a "late supper" tonight.

Punting on the Thames

2009-06-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Who loves Mary Poppins?

WE DO!!

After all, she's Practically Perfect In Every Way.

Unlike this mama, who has a Mount Vesuvius of laundry erupting in her living room--clean, *whew*--and an ottoman that evidently is in need of a good scrubbing, and what's going on with the glass pane in my cupboard? Yikes! But my kids are healthy and happy, not to mention their delightful imaginations, and that's gotta count for something, right?

Fast Friends

2009-06-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Is there a single thing in this world more adorable than a two-year-old girl and a two-month-old kitten? I can't think of one.

While Maggie was away at VBS this evening, Lucy was more than happy to kitty-sit Maggie's early birthday present, a darling sweetie named Clementine.

My Baby Shower of Blessings

2009-06-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

Just when I least deserve it, my Heavenly Father showers me with unexpected blessings. I have been a royal grump today, whining and complaining about things that I should be handling with grace. Instead of giving me what I have earned (a good whack or two with a 2x4!), He gives me more, more, more of His love, more of His goodness, more of His tender mercies.

In the mail, today, from a dear, sweet sister-in-Christ, I recieved a gift for our new baby-in-waiting:

Sweet toile (covered in BUNNIES!), satin-y ribbon, snuggly chenille. In a classic sage-y green, just in case--I assume--our expected baby girl turns out to be a bouncing boy! Does it get any more precious than this?

This will be our eighth baby, and let me tell you, if you're not acquainted with many large families, the baby showers ended (understandably) a few babies back, so a gift like this is truly a wonderful surprise!

My dear friend, you have touched my heart today, and encouraged me to once again "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:2 NIV) Can a gift of "earthly things" do that? Yes, it can. Because it reminds me of how much my Father cares for even the smallest of my needs--no, not only needs, but wishes too--and causes me to desire nothing more than to rest in His presence, trusting Him for the Big Things as well as the small.

Dear Sister, may the blessings of the Lord be outpoured on you and your family, abundantly more than you could ever ask or imagine. Thank you.

More Pics From The Park

2009-06-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Fam, plus a smiley Jason. Can you guess which of our kids he hit it off best with? I'll give you a hint: his initials are B. E. N.

Here's Emma, our 15-year-old second-oldest. She's officially a sophomore now, and will begin Driver's Ed. in summer school next week. Then she can make the late-night runs to 7-11 for "Two Old, Cold Men." *wink*

James, one of our 9-year-old twins. I'm not quite sure if this is a "I really don't want my picture taken" grimace, or a case of "I'm trying to smile, but the sun's in my eyes." Or maybe some of both.

And finally, Ben, our very smiley 5-year-old. He's always happy to "Say 'cheese'."

"New" Family Members

2009-06-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, we recieved an unexpected call from Stan's step-brother, Jason. Jason and his mom, Tammy, were out from their home in Nebraska to see relatives here in our town, and wanted to get together with us for a visit before they headed back home. Stan hadn't seen them since before he and had I met, so they'd never seen me, let alone any of the kids. This seemed too good an opportunity to pass up, wouldn't you say?

We invited them to join us at the park and we had a wonderful time eating cold hot dogs, warm potato salad, and very melty chocolate chip cookies. I was glad we had remembered to bring our camera, and although a few of our kids seemed to be either grouchy or distracted by the time we finally broke out the camera, we did get good pics of Jason and Tammy, and that's what counts. ;)

We were so glad to get to spend some time with them, they are just lovely people, and we hope to be able to see them again before too long.

This is Jason, Stan's "little" brother, who's not so little any more! He's 17, and going to be a junior in high school this year. He likes football, is active in his local AWANA program, and is planning on joining the National Guard after graduation. He was really great with our little ones, and seems to be a very neat young man.

This is Tammy, Jason's mom. She was warm and friendly, very easy to visit with, and has the most beautiful ginger-colored hair.

We were so glad to be able to spend some time with our "new" family members. :)

Have a Snack

2009-05-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Lucy, at 23 months.

Now tell the truth, which would you rather munch on?

A sorry-looking piece of bologna, or the sweet cheeks and yummy rolls on this darling baby of mine?

It's a rhetorical question, of course.

Smocky Love

2009-05-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to Anna, of Pleasant View Schoolhouse (blog and etsy), for this lovely apron. It's got "Maggie Rose" written all over it.

Overdue

2009-05-04T02:43:00.000-07:00

No, not me. I'm only 28 weeks along, still twelve to go! I meant this blog post, of course.

Yes, dear friends and relations, we are expecting yet another blessing. Nope, we don't know what flavor Baby is, but I suspect we will before Birthing Day comes around. Stan is always so excited to find out, and I don't mind, since it gives me an excuse to do a bit of shopping.

Stan has decided that if Baby is a girl, he will pick the name himself and announce it at the birth. How's that for suspense? If it's a boy, Samuel has been at the top of the list for our next son since we were expecting Benjy. I have to say, it has been wonderful to have the whole "What shall we name the baby?" question settled and put to bed before we even had a BFP.

We're due July 25th, meaning, baby will most likely show up the following week. Stan is holding out for a 42-week pregnancy--you know, so he can finish up with all of the projects that his slave-driver---er, I mean, wife, has planned for him. Hmmm, I need to find a way to make it clear to him that I am happy to compromise if it means getting to hold our new little bundle a bit sooner.

The Birthday Boy

2008-09-07T23:34:00.001-07:00

Five years ago, at 12:43pm, on a Sunday just like today, Benjamin Thomas came into this world and into our family. It was our first home-birth-- fast, incredibly intense, but blessedly problem-free. He has been a little fireball ever since, an imaginitive, outgoing, snuggly, Smiley Jones. His brother's best pal, his little sister's favorite Protector. Always ready for a game of swashbuckling pirates or cowboys and Indians. My little Sunshine, my Benjy Bear. We love you, Mr. Boy!

These are a few of Ben's favorite things:

favorite color: blue
favorite Bible story: Moses in the bullrushes
favorite number: five (of course)
favorite song: "Mystery Lifeguard"
favorite toy: scooter
favorite stuffed animal: his puppy, Jerry
favorite food: mac and cheese
favorite book: Cowboy Sam
favorite item of clothing: "I love my camouflage vest"
favorite dessert: Oreo cake
favorite imaginary friend: Jacob
favorite outside activity: trampoline
favorite game: The Night Game, in which James, Maggie and Ben gather just before bed, on James' (top) bunk, and take turns putting on plays for each other.
favorite vacation: camping at Lopez Lake
favorite thing to do with Dad: play football
favorite thing about Jesus: "He made all of us"

He's a pretty cool kid, if I do say so myself.

Dirty Happy Baby

2008-09-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

I tried making the pic smaller, but then you couldn't see all the dirt on my happy baby.

*Winsome mamas let their babies get dirty.*

Mama's Little House Brownie

2008-08-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

After Maggie had her bath today, she got dressed in a brown tee, and a brown-plaid jumper from our favorite online shop, http://the-rabbit-hutch.blogspot.com/. Then she tied on one of my aprons before coming to help her Mama fix supper. The resulting combination was so charming that I couldn't resist snapping a photo so y'all could see my sweet helper, all dressed and ready to assist.

Maggie and Mama

2008-07-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

(Maggie was concerned about her...ahem...double chin. Until I pointed out that I have one, too. Oh, and the matching aqua-colored blouses? No accident there, as anyone who knows me even a little bit will not be surprised to hear.)

Family Tree

2008-06-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

For AllyJo, because I don't blame her for being confused. ;)

My dear husband Stan and I, just before Lucy was born.

Me again, and Lucy.

My two oldest daughters, Libby and Emma, from my first marriage.

James, one of our twins.

Maggie Rose, James' twin sister.

Benjy, our second son.

Sophie, our fourth daughter.

Emma, Amy in stroller, Libby, and John--Amy's father and Libby's Intended.

John and Libby's daughter Amy, our first grandbaby.

Lucy, our youngest, born just five days after Amy (and yes, it was fun being pregnant together!).

I know it's hard to remember who is who, even I have a hard time getting everyone's names right. "Lu-Mag-EMMA!!" :D

Libby and Newly Born Amy--Summer '07

2008-06-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

My oldest precious child, and my first sweet grandbaby-girl.
She's a terrific mama, everyone agrees. :)

Comfy-Cosy

2008-06-10T15:58:00.001-07:00

Funny, this bed doesn't belong to either one of those children.
Do you play Musical Beds at your house, too?

Bummer.

2008-06-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Having a cold.
Having a cold and wanting a Subway sandwich.
Having a cold and having a Subway sandwich, but not being able to taste it.
Having a cold and not being able to taste the Subway sandwich, but still being able to taste the nasty, icky stick-um on the backs of envelopes.
(((sigh)))

Baby Buddies June '07

2008-06-10T03:13:00.000-07:00

This is my daughter and I, with our new little ones, born just five days apart. You can see that Lucy has a bit of jaundice, but it doesn't seem to be bothering her. Love the under-eye circles--not.

For Christy, the Queen of Shampoo

2008-06-10T03:08:00.000-07:00

This is Sophie, bringing me what's left over from my Subway sandwich, shortly after Lucy was born, June '07. Food never tastes as good as it does right after having a baby. Yum!

Another Pic From Lucy's Birth Day

2008-06-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure this is from the night she was born, but I'm kind of confused, because she was born at 11:25, and the clock on my nightstand says 11:00. But I don't always remember to change my clock right away for Daylight Savings, so that might explain it!

And Yet Another Birth Day Pic

2008-06-10T02:45:00.000-07:00

The proud Papa, just minutes after birth. He was exhausted, can you tell? LOL!
(That's my awesome midwife in the background.)

All Work and And No Play...

2008-06-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

Doesn't fly around here. ;)

For Anyone Who Finds Me Here

2008-06-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

You can also find me here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Mamalama/

:)

I Have a Code Id By Dose

2008-06-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Ad id would be really great if I had wud of deeze.

Because He's Just So Cute

2008-06-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

My happy Christmas boy last December, wearing his new dinosaur footie jams and a fun elephant hat, both presents from Grandma Suzanne. Thanks, Gran!

Just What I Need

2007-08-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

...another blog that I don't keep up with. ;)