Robinson Family

Valentine's Day Song

2011-02-14T20:39:00.006-07:00

This song is probably in my top favorite 5 songs. I love love love it! I can't really pinpoint the reason, but it will always remind me of my Valentine. Love you, Christian!!

Sweet Disposition

Sweet Disposition
Never too soon
Oh reckless abandon,
Like no one's watching you
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A kiss, a cry
Our rights, our wrongs
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
Just stay there
Cause I'll be comin' over
While our blood's still young
It's so young, it runs
Won't stop til it's over
Won't stop to surrender
Songs of desperation
I played them for you
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A kiss, a cry
our rights, our wrongs
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
Just stay there
Cause I'll be comin' over
While our bloods still young
It's so young, it runs
Won't stop til it's over
Won't stop to surrender
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A kiss, a cry
Our rights, our wrongs (won't stop til it's over)
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A kiss, a cry
Our rights, our wrongs (won't stop til it's over)
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A kiss, a cry
Our rights, our wrongs (won't stop til it's over)
A moment, a love
A dream, a laugh
A moment, a love
A moment, a love (won't stop to surrender)

Testing...Is this thing on??

2010-10-19T15:07:00.002-06:00

Howdy! Howdy! Let's let bygones be by-wents. Yes... So....

Here's a our trip to the pumpkin patch.

We went with Riley and Heidi

Good try, kids. The sun was bugging them.

Harry would not stand behind his pumpkin.

Of course the kids had to try out the wheelbarrows.

Nice try Harry!!

What a ham!

Nathan showing off how strong he is.

Harry was so excited to sit on the tractor and steer.

Cheese!!! (Nathan just sits there and yells Cheese for about 30 seconds.)

Last picture! haha

We had so much fun! Carving the pumpkins is next!

Harry Turns 1!!

2010-04-21T01:19:00.001-06:00

I can't believe our little Harry is a year old. It makes me sad that my baby is no longer in the stage of "firsts" for everything. He is growing up too fast - and he is in one big hurry too!! He is already such a tease. Whenever Christian or I change his diaper, he flips over as fast as he can and crawls away laughing at his successful escape. He teases Nathan incessantly - and Nathan gives the exact reaction Harry is looking for. He even tries to roughhouse with Nathan. He wants to do anything Nathan is doing. I had to buy him his own set of cars because he kept stealing Nathan's. If Nathan is playing Pirates, Harry has to have a sword too. I love their relationship. It's adorable.

The other day, Harry brought Grandpa 2 swords. After a minutes of Harry bugging him, Grandpa figured out that Harry was trying to sword fight with him.

He is such a Daddy's boy. He says "Da Da" all the time (never Ma Ma) and when Christian comes home from work, he gets so excited.

Harry can go up the stairs great. He still hasn't figured out how to turn around to go down them. Luckily big brother, Nathan is always around to keep an eye. Nathan will yell "My baby!!" whenever Harry is doing something naughty - which is often.

He is so close to standing and walking by himself. He walks from furniture to Mommy's leg to the chair. He loves to walk around with his Mickey plane too. (Whenever Nathan decides he can play with it!)

Harry is a great eater! For breakfast he'll eat some yogurt bites, a piece of toast and a scrambled egg with cheese. 30 minutes later he wants a bottle too! It's such a change from his older brother, whose diet consists of 10 things. Oh well!! Maybe it will rub off. Harry was born a big baby and has continued on that curve. He weighs 28 pounds. Yes, 28 pounds. You would think with all that crawling he'd thin out, but he's still huge. I love it! I don't think he likes me squishing his legs though. Mommy torture!! He got 24 month size clothes for his birthday.

Harry only signs "All Done". He doesn't like to do anything else. No matter how often I do "more" or "please", he refuses. Such a little stubborn boy so early - a sign of things to come? For sure!

As I think back over little Harry's birth and the difficult times we had - nothing compared to others - I feel so blessed that he is a part of our lives. I still remember the moment Dr. Curtis said, "It's a boy!" and the immediate rush of love I had for him. Christian and I looked at each other, smiled and both wept.

Our little Devil Harry, we love you so much!! Happy Birthday!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-08T13:16:00.001-06:00

Easter Extravaganza!!

Jennifer, Ben and Carter came into town for Easter. We were so excited to have them here!

Or are we?????

Dying our eggs.....

Nathan had so much fun finding eggs.

Harry loved his little duck.

Awesome Easter fly away hair.... Hmm

Christian is so happy to have found all his treats!

In true Skousen fashion, we also planned 7 birthday celebrations for after the egg hunt.

The best was the 3 April babies that turn 1.

Yes - it was as much mayhem as you would imagine!

Finally - Harry gets his own cars.

Harry's plane. Mary is trying to steal it and Nathan is quite upset that he doesn't get a turn.

On to the cakes! Grandma Skousen made each baby their own cake with a different flavor.

Harry got chocolate.

First he thought he would get into trouble.

But he got over that pretty quick!

Riley - Mary - Harry

Mary and Harry liked sampling the other cakes too.

Haha Crazy babies!

On Easter Morning, Nathan and Harry had a surprise on the doorstep!

This is Nathan saying "Cheese" and trying to smile.

Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

I am a huge Corrs fan. There's really not one of their songs that I don't like! I love this one - it's very sweet and perfect for Valentine's Day. This is the 10th Valentine's Day Christian and I have been together! Happy Love Day, Love!!

At Your Side:

When the daylight's gone, and you're on your own
And you need a friend, just to be around
I will comfort you, I will take your hand
And I'll pull you through, I will understand
And you`ll know that...

I'll be at your side
There's no need to worry
Together, we'll survive
Through the haste & hurry
I'll be at your side, if you feel like you're alone
And you've nowhere to turn
I'll be at your side

If life's standing still, and your soul's confused
And you cannot find what road to choose
If you make mistakes (make mistakes)
You won't let me down (let me down)
I will still believe (still believe)
I will turn around
And you know that

I'll be at your side
There's no need to worry
Together we'll survive
Through the haste and hurry
I'll be at your side
If you feel like you're alone
And you've nowhere to turn
I'll be at your side

I'll be at your side
I'll be at your side
You know that

I'll be at your side
There's no need to worry
Together we'll survive
Through the haste and hurry
I'll be at your side, if you feel like you're alone
You've got somewhere to go
I'll be at your side

I'll be at your side
I'll be right there for you
(Together we'll survive)
Through the haste and hurry
I'll be at your side, if you feel like you're alone
You've got somewhere to go
'Cause I'm at your side
Yeeeah, I'll be right there for you
I'll be right there for you yeah
I'm right at your side

A Day in the LIfe....

2010-02-09T13:29:00.005-07:00

Nathan spies the bag of grated cheese sitting on the counter.

Nathan: Cheese, please.

Mommy: Here is a bowl of cheese. Go sit at the table and eat it.

Nathan clutches his bowl tight and walks towards the table. Mommy sits back down and continues to feed Harry.

Nathan half sits on his chair, eating his cheese. He stands up and begins holding his bowl high up in the air.

Mommy: Nathan, sit back down and eat your cheese.

Harry screeches because he doesn't have food in his mouth.

Nathan keeps twirling the bowl and proceeds to spill the cheese all over the floor.

Mommy: Nathan! That's why I told you to sit down!!

Nathan is devastated and runs to hide. Mommy grumbles and gets the vacuum out. Harry starts screaming some more and throwing his breakfast on the floor.Mommy vacuums that too.

Mommy is about to put the vacuum away, thinks better of it and leaves it out.

Breakfast continues on....

5 minutes later:

Nathan peeks from behind the kitchen island counter. This usually means he's been naughty.

Mommy: Nathan, come here, what did you do?

Nathan shoves something on the counter and runs away. As Mommy stands up to see what it is, something rolls off the counter and shatters on the floor.

Mommy: Nathan, what was that?

Mommy runs over to see the bottom candle piece on the counter and glass broken all over the floor. Apparently Nathan was trying to turn the candle and the top came off. He was scared because he thought he broke it. Instead of bringing it to Mommy to fix, he tried to hide it.

Mommy proceeds to pick up the shattered pieces.

Mommy: Nathan, stay over there, you will hurt your feet if you come over here.

Harry starts screaming once again.

Mommy picks up the pieces and goes to the garbage to throw it away.
Nathan runs right to the area where all the tiny pieces of broken glass are.

Mommy: NATHAN!! Didn't I JUST tell you to stay away?!?!?

Nathan runs away again, devastated and cries.
Harry screeches some more.

Mommy curses now and vacuums up the rest of the glass, checks Nathan's feet for glass and
gets her 2nd Diet Cherry Coke from the fridge.

Nathan Turned 3!!

2009-11-24T09:30:00.002-07:00

Our little guy turned 3 years old. I know everyone says it, but it really is amazing how quickly time flies by. Nathan started Preschool the week after his birthday and absolutely loves it. He gets to ride the bus (for about 3 minutes) to Rosamond Elementary. He gets so excited when I wake him up on Tuesdays and Thursdays and remind him about the bus.

Nathan got a Hot Wheels Racetrack from Grandma & Grandpa Robinson

Nathan got Jr Mints, which he would NOT share.

Giving Aunt Jessica a hug.

Putting the racetrack together with Grandpa and Daddy.

Harry with Grandma

A Lightning McQueen piggy bank from Grandma & Grandpa Skousen

Both Christian and I got one of these when we were his age too! (Must have been a 70's thing.)

Nathan's cousin, Carter has a birthday 4 days before Nathan. We decided to have the party together. It was a Pirate Party.

Little Pirate Harry

He was so excited for his dollar.

Happy Birthday, Nathan!!

Et tu, Brute? Otherwise entitled Storage Shed Shenanigans

2009-11-11T21:17:00.004-07:00

Just a quick jaunt to the Storage Shed to retrieve some items from my storage shed turns into an hour of ranting, tears and cursings....

4:55 Kids are sleeping. Move my mom's van from behind my van
4:56 Gather my boxes of Halloween items to take back to storage
4:58 Borrow my Mom's cell phone, because mine is frozen and probably kaput. Hop in my van. Turn on Christmas music to ease my drive.
4:59 Call Christian to have him meet me at the Storage Shed so that he can help me move large items if needed - he is with a customer.
5:02 Call his cell phone - he is just leaving work. He will hurry to help.
5:05 Arrive at Storage Shed just behind someone else. They enter. The gate will not go back down.
5:07 Get Manager - I have to back my car up to make the gate close.
5:08 Can't recall Storage Shed Number. Finally get the correct sequence on the 4th try. Enter.
5:09 Pull up to my Shed and position my car so that my headlights can shine into the shed.
5:12 Call Christian in utter rage because it is somehow HIS fault that I can't get the key to open the shed. He apologizes and says he is getting there as quickly as possible. My fingers are raw from twisting the key back and forth.
5:13 Kick the Storage Shed door to make myself fell better. Now foot hurts.
5:14 Try some more- FINALLY get the lock to open.
5:16 Back the car up to shine the headlights better. Turn the car off, but leave the headlights and radio on to keep my company.
5:17 Carry the Halloween stuff in. Trip over a box. Set the Halloween stuff down. It tips over and pumpkins go flying. Curse. Gather pumpkins.
5:19 Push large boxes out of the way. Sun light fading quickly. Pick up a box, something hits me in the face and I bite my lower lip, drawing blood. Curse again.
5:21 Still moving boxes, searching for the Thanksgiving boxes.
5:25 Cursing. Blaming husband for boxes not being well placed.
5:30 FINALLY FIND THE THANKSGIVING BOXES!!!
5:33 Putting boxes back. Can not longer hear radio. Odd...
5:37 Shove the last box in.
5:38 Now can't get the lock to close. Cursing Mr. Padlock and all of his wealthy heirs. Get it closed on the 12th try.
5:40 Hop in van. Turn key.

Click Click Click

5:40 Sit in disbelief. Van's battery is dead. Turn key again.

Click Click Click

Call Husband. Search van for jumper cables. Find said cables - try to decide whether to laugh or cry or curse. Do all three.

5:50 Husband arrives. Jump starts van. Feel very guilty for blaming husband for keys not working and van battery dying. Must make it up later.....
6:00 Arrive home. Exhausted. Kids are hungry and need diapers changed.

Momma? Momma? Momma?

2009-10-22T17:42:00.005-06:00

"Momma. Momma! Momma!!"

"What, Nathan?"

He waits for me to look at him. He's poised at the edge of the couch cushion, ready to jump.

"Go!" He leaps from one cushion to another. Then he looks back at me for a reaction.

"Wow Nathan! Good jumping!"

This continues for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, I'm trying to chat with Heidi, feed Harry and eat my lunch. Each time he calls for me to tell him to go, I give less and less enthusiasm. I'm almost annoyed. He eventually loses interest and runs off to play with something else.

After Heidi leaves, Nathan and Harry fall asleep and I sit down at the computer to do my usual facebook and blog-stalking. On my friend, Melissa's blog, I see a link to blogs she calls "Strangers Who Inspire Me" and this blog: Jackson Family. Time stopped. I couldn't stop reading about their experiences. Their little 2 year old choked on a piece of an apple and died. Their emotional journey was inspiring and heart breaking. I cried when I read they named their new son, Peter, after Peter Pan - the story their little Lucy loved so much. What strong people. They will never hear her little voice calling for Mommy. I held my little Nathan a little tighter and didn't sigh and grumble when he ran to me to show me something new. My cuddled with my little Harry and felt so thankful for what I've been given. I don't know what trials lie before me. I don't know what things the Lord will ask me to do. I only hope I will have the faith and strength to do it.

P.S. If go to their blog, get your tissues ready!

Harry is 5 months old!

2009-09-29T15:25:00.012-06:00

Our sweet Harry turned 5 months old last week. Time just flies by! Jenny, Heidi and I decided to try and experiment and take some photos up by our cabin. The subjects were not very cooperative....

We did capture a couple of smiles....

Pop Quiz!

2009-09-26T17:41:00.002-06:00

Who is having more fun?

Wait, You're Not Done, Mom!

2009-09-04T08:35:00.004-06:00

Nathan and I enjoy playing with his Magna Doodle. He'll have me write words like Nathan, Harry, Mommy, Daddy, Lion, Tiger, Elephant, etc then he'll erase them with another magnet. Then he clears the screen and we start all over again. This morning I showed him a new trick by tracing his hands. He thought that was awesome. So he laid his head down on the Magna Doodle and said "Ear!" I laughed so hard I could barely hold the little pen still to do it. Luckily the camera was nearby!

Many Adventures of Vanny the Pooh

2009-08-17T20:04:00.007-06:00

I try to be optimistic. No, really I do. Sometimes life has ways of chucking that optimism to the ground, spitting on it and then rolling it around in dog poo. You may recall the many adventures of our van from last year...
The tire

And who could forget....

The tire IN the road and more

And last but not least...

The growing rock chip.

What's kind of funny is that I just had the windshield replaced 2 months ago. Apparently we don't have glass coverage with our insurance so we had to pay for out of our pocket. $200.00 Love it.

In December, we had about 3 warning lights on our dash -

Check engine
ABS
Passenger Airbag

Luckily (?) we had a warranty and got away with paying only $400.00 to get everything fixed. What a delight!

Then in March, I noticed the brakes starting to act funny. (Funny weird, not funny hahaha) Since I was done working and had access to my Mom's car, we didn't get them fixed until June. Another $300. Then the bearing went out on one the brakes. Another $300. Then the ABS light kept coming on again. I think the guys at the tire/brake place was so sick of us, they fixed the sensor on it for free.

Then today, my Mom and decided to take a little trip to North Salt Lake to get Nathan and Harry's birth certificates. Just a little errand I've been putting off for almost 3 years. So we decided we just HAD to go today. The trip was pretty uneventful (except for the speeding UHP Officer barreling down on me in the carpool lane. I promise I wasn't speeding!! Once I moved out of the way, he continued on - phew!)
I got off the freeway at the construction filled Redwood Road and proceeded to North Temple. I turned right and I started to hear this whooshing sound. I kept thinking, "Where are the sprinklers?" Oh silly me. That's the sound of the precious air vacating your back passenger tire! I turned down the road towards the Utah Department of Health and I commented to my Mom
"This road is terrible. It's so noisy!!" Finally I noticed that along with noise, the van was driving a little off. "Is that me? Is that my tire?" I could feel the rage starting to simmer within. I pulled into the parking lot and amid the stares of those walking by, knew that I had a flat tire. Flat. Flat. Flat.

After pulling into a parking spot, I jumped out and sure enough - Flat. I called Christian and he said he was on his way. Having no time for these inconveniences, I got the birth certificates while I waited for Christian to arrive.

$68.00 dollars later, (68.00?? You say? Why, of course! 3 certificates each! One for my scrapbook, one for their scrapbook and one that can get ruined - Odd?? Ask my Mom - It's her idea. Doesn't everyone have Momisms? Things she tells you to do and you do them without question? Anyone??)

I emerged, Christian arrived and switched out the tire. Thank you, love!! There's NO way I could have accomplished it. It took Christian lots of arm power to get those lugnuts off.

Did this dampen our spirit, kill the day or change our plans?? NO! On we went - to Costco, the mall, Walmart and then home to finally have the tire fixed. Many thanks to my Dad who took care of the mess there.

So, is my van cursed? Perhaps. My Mom and I were laughing because I paid my tithing yesterday. Hmmm I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't????

I Got a Golden Ticket! (actually it's Green)

2009-08-10T11:07:00.005-06:00

**Disclaimer** I have really tried to sensor myself in this post. In fact, I have written many adjectives describing this scene that I have since replaced with less offending words. However, I'm sure I left some swearwords.

Whenever I hear about people and their run-ins with the Police on the news, my immediate response usually is to side with the Police. I guess because I have few family members who are (or have been) cops and my husband almost became one. (Could still, if he wanted to, I guess.) So you could imagine my complete feeling of betrayal when I was pulled over on Saturday morning.
We were on the way to my cousin, Clifton's son's funeral. (That is another post) Most of my sisters and parents were all going, so we decided to caravan together. We drove my parent's van and mine. We had just picked up Heather at her home in Saratoga Springs and were headed to the freeway entrance in Lehi. We came to the light on Redwood Road. They have recently put in a covered green arrow for the left turning lane. My Dad was in front. When we reached the intersection, the light was still green. My Dad went through. I continued as well, but as I hit the intersection, the light turned yellow and was red by the time I got through. I did see the Saratoga Springs Officer sitting at the light going straight. However, at the speed I was going, to stop would have been stupid, if not impossible. In my mind I thought - he won't pull me over. Foolish me!

That didn't stop Officer Crapface (is that really his name? I don't know.) from flipping on his lights and come barreling down after me. My Dad could see what was going on and he pulled over so I could pull over. My Dad started to get out and the officer asked him to stay in his car. (Not that unusual.) Then he asked me if I knew why he pulled me over.

Me: Probably because I'm trying to stay with than car. We're traveling together.

Heather: We're on our way to a funeral in Cedar City. Did you hear about that little boy that drowned in Lake Powell?

Officer: No. That happens so often, I can't really keep track of all that.

Wait? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Do you not believe us or something? I know Officers are supposed to check their emotions at the door, but he could have just said, "Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." Or something that doesn't make him sound like a total jackass.

Officer: Are you very familiar with this area?

Me: No.

Officer: The reason I pulled you over is because we have a lot of accidents at this intersection from people running the red lights.

Me: Oh.

Heather: She was just picking me up. I live over there.

Officer: Then you must know about all the accidents we have at this intersection. Especially with all the construction. (No comment from Heather. I'll explain why later.) Can I see your license, registration and insurance?

I had just gotten my car registered on Thursday. It expired in May, but it needed some work done and I rarely drive it, so it basically sat in the driveway until we got all that done.
So I wasn't' positive where the registration was. I knew Christian put the sticker on my car, but I didn't know where he put the paperwork. I had brought out just the inspection paperwork that morning. Also, I had my insurance card out for the DMV and hadn't replaced it in my wallet. All I had was my expired insurance card.

Me: Here's my license. This is my insurance. This card is expired, but it's the same. The registration is around here somewhere.

Heather and I start to look around in the car. We had all our travel bags everywhere, so it was taking a minute.

Officer: While you look for that, I'm going to go call this in. Is this your current address? (He points to my license.)

Me: No.

He walks away. I find the registration in the glove compartment. While he's gone, Melissa, Heather and I have a conversation about how stupid it is that you have to show your registration in the first place. Isn't it in the computer?
20 minutes later, (NO JOKE) he comes back.

Officer: Well, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is I am going to cite you for a red light violation.

Heather: What's the good news?

Officer: You're registration is 90 days past due -

Me, interrupting: No it's not. I just got it registered on Thursday. (I practically shove the paper in his face.)

Officer: Well it's not showing up on the computer. Did you have it done at a On the Spot Renewal Place?

Me: No. I went to DMV in Draper. (I show him the DMV receipt.)

The officer stands there, silent for a moment. I can tell he doesn't believe me.

Officer: Well I wonder why it's not showing up in my computer. (Ahh yes. This is why we have the registration in the car!!)

Me: I haven't a clue.

Officer: Okay, well I'm also only going to give you warning for not updating the address on your Driver's license. That could be another $100 fine. See on the back.....(I tune out as he tells me where I can update it. It is hitting me that he's actually going to give me a ticket.) I need to have you sign this. (the ticket) Also, you need to sign your registration. Some officers are pretty strict about signing your registration. That could be an additional fine.

I sign the ticket.

Officer: You need to sign your registration. You want to use my pen to sign it?

Me: No Officer, I want to shove the pen up your nose. (Ok, I didn't really say that.)

I take the pen silently and scratch my signature.

Officer: Thank you.

He walks away.

I start cussing up a storm. Heather then admits she's never seen an accident at that intersection. (She's lived there 3 years.)

I don't know if I really convey the nasty attitude of the Officer. He came across like he didn't believe a word I said. I'm lying about going to a funeral. I'm lying about my car really being registered. I'm lying about not knowing the area. I'm lying about needing his pen to sign my damn registration. A warning about the light would have been sufficient.
I don't usually fight tickets. If I'm speeding, I'm speeding. But you better believe I'll be there - with my signed registration, updated driver's license and funeral program in hand.

Stay tuned....................

Freedom Fest

2009-07-30T12:31:00.005-06:00

Freedom Fest was pretty fun this year. The hotel had to record the speeches (union rules) so it was a lot less stressful for us. We even ventured out and walked around the Strip - at night. During the day it was only in the 110 degree range. YUCK!

Waiting for the water show at the Bellagio.

Once again, Harry sleeping through it all.

It was so hot!

Amy and Carter

Nathan put these on Harry. They both thought it was funny.

Laurel & Mary at the final banquet.

Robinsons

Skousens

Hunters

California 2009!

2009-07-30T10:33:00.012-06:00

Before Freedom Fest this year, we spent a couple of days in California. The weather was so nice! Only about 80 or so. We had a fun time with Matt, Lauren, Matti and the Clark fam.
Harry was an absolute angel. I carried him around in a baby carrier. Nathan loved every ride, except Nemo - it was too loud for him. We even took him on Matterhorn! He didn't cry, so I guess he liked it!

We went to the Independence Hall at Knott's Berry Farm first.

Robinson Fam

Skousen Fam

Nathan is ticked!

Casey Jr.

The Golden Child!

Who's leading who?

King Arthur's Carousel

Me taking a picture as I'm tripping.

It looks like I'm still tripping.

California Adventure under construction.

Nathan riding Tuck and Roll with Amy.

It hard to tell who has the bigger eyes.

Nathan wouldn't leave the cars. See the kid I cut off? It's supposed to be his turn. Nathan had a meltdown when I pulled him away.

Breakfast?

Harry is too cool.

Daddy teaching Nathan how to shoot.

Nathan thought the dishwasher was hysterical.

Yelling at some kid to get out of his car.

Is Nathan actually posing for a picture?

Making sure no one touches the wheel.

Nathan on the Nemo subs.

We love Matterhorn!

Hahaha I look awesome.

With the Skousens.

Before we left, we had lunch with the Clarks and Matt and Lauren at the Legends restaurant.

Matti holding her baby.

This was the best picture these two would do.

Nathan drinking his ketchup. ILL

Harry likes Elvis!

I totally pushed my way into this picture. haha

Nathan was obsessed with the jukebox. Some other kid tried to come over and touch it. Of course, Nathan screamed and pushed the other kid away.

We had so much fun! I can't wait to go again!

4th of July!

2009-07-29T23:45:00.007-06:00

Hurray for Independence Day!!

3rd
We went to the Riverton Parade with the Skousen Fam. The weather was actually pretty nice and we got an awesome spot in the shade.

Here's how Harry spent most of the Parade.

Nathan liked picking up the candy. He didn't eat it though. If it's not Junior Mints, he's not interested.

Hurray! The Missionaries! (The one not facing the camera came over for dinner tonight!)

Christian's favorite float (we don't remember ever seeing tanks at the Parade before!)

That night we did fireworks at Grandpa & Grandma's. Nathan stayed in the house. He does NOT like the loud noises. Harry slept through them.

4th
Millcreek does a cute little parade each year on the 4th. We went with the Robinsons.

Nathan LOVES to have his picture taken.

Nathan half posing with Mommy.

Nathan waiting (or praying) for more candy.

Harry loves his outfit!

2 Milestones Today!!

2009-07-21T10:44:00.005-06:00

First:
Little Harry is 3 months old today! I can't believe how much my little baby has grown. He feels like a 6 month old in my arms. He is still very sweet and very content - just keep the food coming!

Second:
Christian and I have been married 9 years today. It hardly seems that long! I've always said that if I knew how good it would be, I could have waited longer to have it. (I am very grateful that I didn't!) Christian is my everything - I don't know what I would do without him.
I love you, sweetie!

Harry's Blessing & Father's Day

2009-06-25T08:23:00.010-06:00

Harold Christian Robinson

We blessed little Harry last Sunday. It was also Caleb Hunter's Homecoming, and the Chapel was so packed they had to open both over-flows! Christian gave a beautiful blessing and Caleb gave such a sweet sincere talk from his mission. We were so worried about the weather. When we woke up, the sky was so dark and ominous, we thought for sure we'd all be stuck inside. However, when we walked outside after Sacrament Meeting, it was gorgeous outside! Thank Heavens!! Thanks to all who came - we enjoyed sharing this day with you!

My Mom's traditional Blessing Cake (as in she makes it and decorates it)

Grandma and Grandpa Robinson

Grandma and Grandpa Skousen

Uncle Randy and Aunt Phylis (Christian's Mom's sister)

Jeff, Heidi and Riley

Heather, Brooklyn and Dan

Sam, Laurel and Mary

Jessica

Amy and Kaelynne

Zane and Gavin

Chad, Andrew and Missy

Bentley, Marcus and Jarom

Lindsay, Kaelynne and Kelly

Teron, Nathan, Jonah and Spencer

Robby and Katie

Uncle Doug and Aunt Sandy (Christian's mom's sister)

Uncle Karl and Aunt Joanie (Christian's Dad's Sister)

Uncle Richard, Aunt Gerlinda, (My Mom's Sister)
Brianna and Nick-o-laus

Melissa, Mike, Memphis and Damien

Little Harry was exhausted from the day.

And of course it was Father's Day too. It was quite the feat to get Nathan to stop playing and take these pictures. Can you tell how excited he is?

Thanks to both of our Dads! We appreciate all the things you do for us!

Happy Father's Day to my Husband and Love! You do such much for our little family and are always so willing to do whatever crazy thing I come up with. I hope our boys grow up to be just like you!

Fragile

2009-06-22T21:50:00.003-06:00

I received some heart-breaking news today. A good friend - Misty from my old Ward passed away. She was 26 weeks pregnant with their first little baby boy.
On Saturday, she suffered from 3 pulmonary embolisms. She was in the ICU on life support, but had no brain activity. Yesterday they decided to take her off the life support and she passed away after a short time.

I don't know how long she and her husband (Jake) were trying to get pregnant, but I know it was several years. We served together in the Primary Presidency before I moved. She was such a fun and kind person. She had told me how much she wanted to be a Mom.

I look at my life, my family, especially my little Harry and wonder why things happen this way sometimes. I feel very undeserving of my many blessings. It reminds how quickly we can lose everything and how much I take for granted. I know there is peace in knowing about eternal families, but it doesn't lessen the pain and loss that Jake must be feeling. Misty expressed several times how much she loved Jake. He is such a wonderful man. My heart breaks for their little family.

On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star, like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are, how fragile we are

Cannon Reunion

2009-06-09T20:28:00.008-06:00

This is Sylvester's family. Christian's Grandma (Elinor) is one of the 2 girls on the back row. She's older, so that's why I think she's the taller one, but the other one looks more like her....I will have to find out!

Every June the descendants of the apostle, Sylvester Q. Cannon (son of George Q. Cannon) gather for a family reunion. The family tree goes down like this -

George Q & Elizabeth Cannon
Sylvester & Winnifred Cannon
Bill & Elinor (Cannon) Robinson
David & Jackie Robinson
Christian & Karen Robinson

It's always fun, even though I hardly know anyone. They always have great family stories to tell. Family History is very important to know and I really love learning it, so I enjoy it. Grandpa's just happy to have us there. Christian likes to run after Nathan and Grandma likes to hold Harry. We all have good times!!

Christian's Dad's cousin, Julie doing "Sylvester" Trivia.

Christian's Dad giving our family update.

Forcing Nathan to pose for a pic with Mom.

Uncle Karl and the back of Christian's Dad.

Christian's Mom, Aunt Joanie (Christian's Dad's only sibling) and Harry.

Daddy and Nathan.

Wait, What???

2009-06-06T08:10:00.012-06:00

Last night, Dan and Heather had their little baby! A girl!! Brooklyn Marie. She is adorable. 8 pounds 10 ounces.

As we were leaving the hospital, I saw a row of the infant scales they use to measure the birth weight. I was curious about Harry's weight, so I turned one on and Christian placed him on the scale. I thought maybe he weighed 11 pounds....

13 pounds!!

I looked it up - he's above the 100 % for his age. My little (?) tank!
Here he is at 5 weeks....

Also he's lost all the hair on top of his head. He truly has Great Grandpa Skousen hair. We love it!!

How Nathan mows the lawn

2009-06-03T11:31:00.003-06:00

He really does take after his Daddy.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-29T08:57:00.009-06:00

We had a fun Mother's Day weekend. Matt, Lauren and Matti surprised my parents by coming to town with Lauren's sisters, Ally and Taylor. It was so fun to have them here for the weekend.

Nathan and Matti jumping on the air mattress.

All of us (minus Jenny and her fam) visiting Grandma Skousen. It was so much fun to all be together and Grandma survived! She got to meet Mary, Riley and Harry too.

Harry getting kisses from Great-Grandma.

All the grand kids. (Minus the Hunters.)

With my Mom.

With Christian's Mom.

Roses from my boys.

The Robinson Fam with Woody. (Don't take pictures just before nap time.)

Four Weeks Old!!

2009-05-12T08:16:00.012-06:00

Little Harry is 4 weeks old today. He is still a little angel! (Takes after Mommy of course!) Nathan doesn't mind Harry at all, unless Nathan is feeling ornery and Harry has one of his blankets. (If you have ever seen the movie, Mr. Mom, Nathan is Kenny - obsessed with his blankie, Woobie. However, Nathan has like 12 blankets that are ALL his!!) Anyway, Harry is a tough kid, I've decided. He's been through a lot in his little time so far on earth. Yesterday, I was holding him and misjudged how far out his head was and bonked it on the door frame. I cursed and Harry cried for just a second. I KNOW that little Nathan would have cried for days about it. I still have guilt........

Nathan tries to get Harry to play with him and was quite excited when Harry held onto one of the magnets that Nathan was trying to shove in his hand.

Nathan is playing the "Forehead Bumper" tickle game.

Harry is still a really good eater. Sometimes I wonder if I am over-feeding him, (is that even possible??) but he never spits it back up and if I don't let him finish the bottle, he is one ticked off little guy!

For awhile, I was trying to pump and supplement with formula. It's just too hard, and Harry just eats too much. However, in the short time that I did it, Nathan picked right up on it and has tried several times to use my pump. Hahaha poor kid! This is one to show his future girlfriends!

Science Experiment? No, just cooking dinner!

2009-05-08T07:11:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I was so motivated. I cleaned the house, I folded laundry, I even wrote some baby gift thank you notes.

I made a delicious dessert that I've never made before (so GOOD!!) for dinner and set about making dinner - chicken tacos. I had the chicken cooked, seasoned, cut up and keeping warm on the stove. Christian helped me make the salad and I started making some Spanish rice to go along with it. It has to be cooked it in a skillet pan on the stove, and once the water is added, bring to a boil and then cover it for about 15 minutes. I couldn't find a lid big enough to cover the skillet, so I went to the platter/lid cupboard, (yes, my Mom actually has a cupboard devoted to just those. That's another post by itself!) and found a nice size glass platter with gold trim.

If you've ever attended some get-together at my parent's house, we've probably used this platter for something. Anyway, I grabbed it, not thinking much of it. I have a thick glass platter (in storage now) that I used all the time for lids while cooking. I set it over the skillet, turned the heat down and went back to chopping tomatoes.

Not 30 seconds later, a horrific noise resonated in my right ear. The sound of the glass platter exploding!!

The noise was so loud, I still had a headache hours later. Everyone came running in to see what had happened. (Except my mom, she was at Special Needs Mutual - she's the secretary in the Presidency) Nathan started crying and tried to run into the kitchen for comfort. Of course, we all yelled at him not to come in because of the broken glass and then he cried more. So I went to Nathan to comfort him. I peeked at Harry and he was just chillin' in the swing. Christian vacuumed the whole mess and after inspecting just how far the glass had exploded, we decided it wouldn't be safe to eat the rice or the chicken. Into the garbage it went.

I felt very defeated at that moment. I was bummed about no dinner and felt really bad that I broke my Mom's platter. Then I got a great idea. I would just run to Peterson's

(the local grocery store) and get a rotisserie chicken!

Marvelous idea! I grabbed my purse, hopped in the truck and drove down. The moment I walked in, everything went into slow motion. My mind's eye pictured my debit card perched upon the desk in my bedroom and then to the few dollars I had shoved in my wallet. I still made my way to the chickens, just see how much they were. 7.99!! Ouch. I double-checked my purse. 8.00. Hmmm Stupid taxes. Even more defeated, I went back to my truck and drove home. Walked in the house, got my debit card, drove back to Peterson's, got the chicken, and some doughnuts (I needed those now) and then drove back home.

To sum it up:
Dinner was good, my Mom wasn't upset, and I went to bed early.

Harold Christian Robinson

2009-04-28T07:53:00.020-06:00

I want to get his story down before it all goes out of my head!

Our due date was April 23rd, but since we had all our family in town for Amy's Homecoming on the 19th, we decided to have the C-section on the 21st.

We had the C-section scheduled at 7:30 am. Christian was very excited, but I had some severe anxiety. I was very afraid about the surgery and the recovery afterward. I was content to wait another month or so! (Really, I was.) I knew deep down that would never happen, so on Tuesday morning, we woke up around 4:00 am to get ready. We arrived at the hospital right at 6:00. I changed into my hot gown. Then we waited a bit before our nurse, Kim came in to do the history and my i.v. She did awesome! I had no bruising at all, and it never bothered me. Anyway, then the Dr. Meyers, the anesthesiologist, came to talk to me as well. He is a funny guy. Then Dr. Curtis, my ob came in. It was quite the full house. It was a very good distraction though.

Finally at about 7:30, we walked down to the O.R. where I laid down on the table. Dr. Meyers started to tell a story about a mommy duck who had a nest in his backyard and she got scared away and his traumatized his kids to think that she left all her eggs, so he had to put them in his oven to try to hatch them. hahahaha

Then he turned me on my side and started feeling the bones in back. I jerked away and started laughing. "I am so ticklish in my back!" I explained. He thought that was hilarious. Then an assisting nurse came in and asked if she could take a picture of my uterus. WTH?? She is making a quilt out of pictures of uteruses (uteri?) for her Doctor who works at the same clinic as my Doctor. She just needed a picture of a pregnant uterus. I said sure - but I wanted to look at it after. Hey, how many people can say they've seen their own uterus?

So on we went. We started the spinal block. Ouch Ouch and freaking Ouch. I don't remember the epidural hurting like this at all! It was like hitting your funny bone all up and down your back. I could feel it along all my vertebrae. I was crying by the time it was over, which probably only lasted a minute, but it felt like 10. Almost immediately, my toes started to tingle. It was so weird how quickly it takes effect. Before I knew it, I was numb from my chest down. Dr. Meyers asked if I felt anything. I said no, and he said good because they already had done the incision. I remember having a hard time breathing, but I've had that the entire pregnancy, it is so annoying!!

Then Christian and I heard Dr. Curtis say, "We've got the head out.....Well, hello there, sweetheart." Not knowing what the sex was, both Christian and I thought, GIRL? Then we could hear the baby kind of cry. Then he said, "We've got a BOY!!" Christian and I looked at each other and started crying. Our little boy!! We were both so happy. They brought him around the side of me and he was completely covered in vernix. It looked like he had been rubbed down with Crisco! Love at first sight!

His first photo

Christian went over to take pictures and see our little boy, while they finished putting everything back in. It's a strange feeling, knowing your guts are laying around. They got the picture of my uterus and they showed it to me. Weird! I've decided to ask the nurse to email it to me. I want to see it again. I know - I'm morbid. Then I heard the nurse say "9 pounds 9 ounces!" Excuse me? 9 pounds!?!?

I am so glad I didn't try to deliver that! If Nathan's 8 pound 5 ounce body couldn't make it through, there's no way our little tank was going to! That made me feel even better about doing an elective c-section this time.

When he was all cleaned up, Christian brought him back over so I could give him kisses and get a better look. He really looked just like Nathan, but oh wow did he have chubby cheeks!

Then they took us all back to my room while we waited until they could take us upstairs to our regular room.

It starts to get a little hazy for a little while, because they gave me some anti-itching and anti-nauseous medicines, which cause drowsiness. My nurse wheeled me up to my room, where my family almost immediately came in and we told him it was a boy. I was nodding off the whole time. I could also tell my speech was slurred, but I was fighting so hard to stay awake.

The bath - I kept falling asleep. Dangit!

We still hadn't finalized the name. We thought Harold something or Lucas something, but we couldn't get the name down just right. Finally we started thinking Lucas Harold and I even told Heather that's what we picked. A couple of hours later, we still weren't sure about the name. Then Harold Christian popped in my head. We both loved it. We call him Harry.

The first and second day, his little blood sugar kept dropping drastically. They kept in the nursery quite a bit, so they could monitor it. I was a little worried about diabetes, but my Pediatrician said some babies take a bit getting used to eating instead of the normal constant flow of food. (If you saw me pregnant, there was a pretty constant flow of food!!) So Harry got that sorted out. ....

From the beginning, he would make little grunting noises. Of course we thought they were cute. Come to find out, that's him trying to breathe! We weren't too worried because it happens with C-section babies and they usually get the breathing worked out. On Wednesday night, Christian had gone home to get a decent night's sleep and the nurse came in to do Harry's assessment. She didn't like his respiratory numbers. So she took him back to the nursery to have the nurse monitor him there. She said she would come back and let me know how he was doing. About midnight, (I had finally fallen asleep around 11) she peeked in and said they still wanted to keep him. Then I couldn't fall back asleep. Around 1, I finally got myself out of bed (no easy task) and was about to walk down to the nursery to check on him. Just then the Nursery Nurse and my nurse walked in. She told me that she was really worried because his resp. is extremely erratic and won't stabilize. Normal numbers are between like 20 and 100, but they start to get concerned when they stay above 60. Harry's numbers were staying near 100. So she had him sent down the NICU. (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) I lost it at this point - this was too much for my frail little emotional state. Both nurses were so kind and comforted me. I tried to call Christian's cell phone, but he didn't hear it, so I called the house and when my parents answered, I couldn't get any words out. Finally I think I was able to get out "Harry in the NICU" and "Send Christian back" my Mom put Christian back on the phone and I couldn't say it all again. I just said "You have to come back."
I sat in my room waiting for Christian, finally my parents came in and asked where he was. He had left way before them! Turns out, he had literally ran to the NICU when he arrived at the hospital. We went down and saw our little guy with all these different monitors on him. Dr. Cannon was the pediatrician on call and explained what could be the problem. They had taken an x-ray of Harry's lungs and you could see the fluid or infection in the left lung. They were having a radiologist coming in to Primary's to see for sure. The whole experience was so overwhelming and surreal. I was so sad for my little baby. My Dad and Christian gave him a very tender blessing and I know that has helped not only Harry, but the rest of us as well.

The next 2 days were filled with going down the NICU to help feed Harry, hold him and then go back to my room to rest for a couple of hours and then go back down. He did really well. He was able to get off oxygen rather quickly and just kept improving more and more. They determined it was infant pneumonia and he would have to have i.v. treatments for 7 days. (including the 2 he was already in the NICU.)

On Friday, he was able to leave the NICU and come back up the regular nursery. He would stay here until he could go home. I also went home that day. I could have stayed another day, but I always thought I was going home on Friday, and I couldn't take my baby with my anyway. It was one of the hardest things to leave my baby and I cried or was on the verge of crying for the next 2 days.

Overall, this experience with Harry in the NICU could have been so much worse. We are so grateful that Harry will be able to come home with us soon. I know Heavenly Father has watched out for our little boy and our family. We are so grateful to family and friends who have been so kind and have given us so much. We are so grateful.

Love you all!!

Christian and I love the back of his head. He has "Grandpa Skousen" hair (Cleon Skousen - nothing in front, and all in the back.) It's so cute!!

Harry looks like he's wise to what big brothers are!

Mommy Robinson with Baby Robinson

Daddy Robinson and Big Brother Robinson

Nathan is such a good big brother!

One week old!

The Date is Set!!

2009-03-26T17:02:00.002-06:00

April 21st at 7:30 am, we have scheduled our C-section!! So, unless we go into labor sooner, we'll meet our new little one on that day!!

Best Laid Plans.....

2009-03-10T09:22:00.006-06:00

Yesterday I was chatting to my sister, Jenny (Jennifer to most of you!) and we were talking about when she's coming to visit in April for Amy's Homecoming.

Images started popping in my mind and I excitedly said, "We should go do stuff with our kids when you're here!!" Silence on the other end.

Ah yes. The week after Amy's Homecoming.

Fully forgetting the small detail that I'm going to be HAVING MY BABY the day after Amy's Homecoming. All images of the trips to the park, to the zoo, to the McDonald's Play land disappeared in a big poof. I felt like Ralphie on the Christmas Story when he blurts out "Flick says he saw some grizzly bears near Pulaski's candy store!" And his parents stare at him like he had lobsters crawling out of his ears. Just a small detail!

I wish I could say this is the only time I've been so brainless. Today at work, I tried to use the flashlight on my key ring to get access to the building. (Just so you know, it didn't work.)

I've also unsuccessfully tried to change the time on the clock in my car several times. I tried every combination of buttons. Hold down Mode and press Set, Hold down Set and press AM/FM....I finally had to pull out the owner's manual. Ahh yes, push that little button that says H. There is also one that says M. That's how you change the HOUR and MINUTE. I've only owned my car for 4 years now....

Can you see where the time is displayed? RIGHT next to it, is the H.

I hate pink!!

2009-02-27T15:15:00.003-07:00

Okay, not really. I really like pink. However, I don't think that EVERY DOLL and accessory known to man and little girl in her pink princess dress needs to be PINK!!

I've been trying to find Nathan a baby to have when the baby comes. A baby he can throw around, abuse and otherwise destroy, in hopes he may leave MY baby in one piece. (I know, wishful thinking) At any rate, It took me 6 Targets, 3 Walmarts and 1 Toys R Us to FINALLY find a BOY cabbage patch doll. I was also looking for a stroller or carrier of some kind and some clothes with no luck. Unless I want it ALL PINK. I know Nathan has no problem with pink and has no idea it is a GIRL color, but why can't manufacturers produce other colors? Growing up, I know I had a baby-blue high chair and a multi-color (not pink) stroller for my doll. One year my Mom bought little chairs that hooked onto the table that were light green.

How novel that a girl can have things in other colors!!!

Let me be the first to say, if this baby is a girl, her first outfit will NOT be pink! (Maybe her second...)

It looks like Pepto Bismol threw up in here.....

I am so smart. S-M-R-T!

2009-02-20T07:31:00.005-07:00

I love how I think that by yelling "Quiet!!" to my crying 2 year old will actually make him quiet down.
....More to come.......

Let me explain...

Nathan is occasionally a morning person. However, he decides when those times are. Lately, when we wake him to take him to Christian's parents house; (Wed-Fri) he wakes up fine, but the moment we go upstairs to get breakfast and get on our way, he has a melt down. On Friday, I had a melt down too.

Nathan (standing next to the computer): Cars?
Mom: No, we don't have time.
Nathan begins to whine.
Mom rethinks and decides it will be a good distraction while she and Christian get breakfast and his back pack together. She puts the movie in the computer and starts it. She sets Nathan down on a chair in front of the computer.
Dad: (somehow sensing the perfect storm forming, grabs the back pack and his lunch) I'll take this stuff outside.
Mom: Want something to drink, Nathan?
Nathan: No.
Mom: Want some yogurt?
Nathan: No.
The movie starts and Nathan immediately begins to cry. He slides to the floor crying.
Mom: What's wrong? You want to watch Donald?
Nathan: NO!
Mom (putting her bread in the toaster, trying to remain calm. Grandma & Grandpa are asleep in their bedroom.) Shhh, Grandma and Grandpa are sleeping. Do you want to watch Phineas and Ferb?
Nathan: NO! (continuing to whine cry. He then gets up and runs down the hall, right in front of G&G's door. )
Mom (whisper yelling): Quiet! Come back here! (She starts to walk down the hall. Nathan runs back down to the kitchen and falls in a heap on the floor sobbing.)
Mom: (through gritted teeth) Nathan, sshhh! Come and watch Cars right now!
Nathan (now kicking and screaming and crying)
Mom: Fine. I don't know how to communicate with you and I'm done. I put on Cars and that's what you are watching.
Nathan now screams louder. Mom now loses it and turns into a 2 year old.
Mom: FINE!! I don't want to see or hear you right now. Go out to the car right now!
Mom scoops up Nathan, takes him down the stairs, sets him not so nicely on the front porch. Christian is walking back towards the house.
Mom: Nathan is ready to get in the car. Mom is done.
Mom stomps back into the house and attempts to put jam on her toast. She drops half of it on the counter several times. She curses several times. Christian comes back in.
Mom: I cannot handle your son in the morning.
Dad: I'm sorry honey.
Mom gets her toast, forgets her apples in the ziploc baggie (dangit) and stomps out the door. Out of spite, she doesn't go the truck to kiss Nathan good-bye. That will show him!!
Mom proceeds to drive 80 miles an hour to work feeling guilty the entire time because she didn't kiss her baby good-bye. When Nathan arrives to Christian's parents' house. He is a perfect angel.

Hmmmmm. On Sunday in Relief Society, our lesson was on Enjoying the Journey given by Thomas S. Monson. He talks about how one day we will long for the days of the past. I wonder if President Monson ever fought with his 2 year old.....

Line Upon Line

2009-02-18T15:53:00.002-07:00

No, I'm not singing Saturdays Warrior. Line upon Line, precept on precept, I am turning into my Mother!!!

Yesterday, Heather and Dan invited Christian and I to got to dinner and a movie. We had a delicious dinner at Ruby River and then headed to The Jordan Commons to watch the action/thriller, Taken. Excellent movie! About 45 minutes into it, a woman about 8 rows ahead of us (we were on the back row) pulls out her cell phone and keeps holding it up, putting it down, holding it up. Finally she just sat there, holding it up. ENRAGEMENT!!!!

The little cell phone back light didn't turn off either. I have no idea what she was even doing. I kept muttering things to Heather and Christian. Christian kept asking me if I wanted to move seats. Why should I have to move? I'm not the idiot. Finally during a quiet moment in the movie, I called out, "Put your cell phone down!" Several people turned around, including the people RIGHT behind the woman with the cell phone. "Her!! Right there!" I pointed.
She made no movement as if she heard and no one around her told her put her phone away.
I sat there for a moment, fuming. Finally I got up out of my seat, marched down the steps and approached their seats. "Can you tell her to put her phone down?" I whispered to her husband. He looked at me confused. I said louder. "Can you tell her put her cell phone down? It's very distracting!" Finally she looks at me and puts her phone down. I didn't see it again the rest of the movie.

Really? I really had to go through this falderal? Ridiculous!! AND it always seems to be me that sits where someone is going to annoy someone else.

In my younger years, I NEVER would have approached someone, let alone call out in a theater. It comes from a lifetime of having a Mom who is very outspoken. It was very embarrassing; especially as a teen. Now the older I get, (and being pregnant makes it 700 billion times worse) the more vocal I am. The less I worry about what people think and the more I worry about what is right and what is fair. Maybe turning into my Mom isn't such a bad thing......and I'm sure I'll mortify my children too.

I love it when this happens!!

2009-02-17T09:02:00.004-07:00

When I was on facebook this morning, a friend of mine mentioned that her 5 little girls were sick. Something sparked in my brain and I suddenly remembered a book series I used to read about 5 little girls when I was younger; but I couldn't remember the title. Trusty Google brought back the answer. I freaking LOVE these books!!

All-of-a-Kind-Family by Sydney Taylor. So dang cute! It takes place around the turn of the century in New York City. They are Jewish family. I think I liked it so much because of all the girls in my family. If you're looking for something fun to read to your kids, (or for them to read)check it out!! There are 5 books in the series.

Picture Tag

2009-02-12T16:43:00.004-07:00

I had to go to my 6th folder and get my 6th picture. Well, I cheated because it was of us standing by Oma at her funeral. That made me too sad. So I did the 7th folder, 7th picture.

This Carter (Tarter Sauce) playing around while we were trying to find dresses for Jenny's Wedding at VHF. I mean, Draper Pointe, or whatever they like to call it.

My Love

2009-02-05T13:01:00.006-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

It's such a funny holiday. As if I don't already tell my lover I love him several times a day! But I still want to make sure he knows it!! I've heard this song before, but I never really paid attention to the lyrics. They are pretty sweet. I like the thoughts of eternal companionship....

"I Will Follow You Into The Dark"

Love of mine some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark
If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black
And I held my tongue as she told me
"Son fear is the heart of love"
So I never went back

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
'cause we'll hold each other soon
In the blackest of rooms

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the No's on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark

I am a horrible tagger.

2009-01-29T15:24:00.008-07:00

My friend, Melissa tagged me ages ago and I apparently failed to tag myself. I am tag failure. Since she so kindly reminded me today of my shortcomings, I will follow through with my tag:

The Rules:
Link to your tagger and list the rules.
List 7 random facts about yourself.
Tag 7 people (and make sure you check back and see what they say).
If you're tagged, play along and pass it on!

1. I have 6 sisters and 1 brother. Laurel, Melissa, Heather, Jennifer, Heidi, Matt and Amy. (I am the 3rd) I LOVE having a big family. Had I been able to get pregnant much sooner, I would have had lots of kids too. This is my brother with his daughter, Mattison on her blessing day. You can just see Amy behind him. (She's on a mission in Texas until April.)

2. Starting in 1984, my family and I went to Disneyland every summer. I never missed until 2001. (I'm crying now.) If you know me, you know I LOVE DISNEYLAND!! My family and I like to be Disney buffs too. We play "Lazy Disney Trivia" all the time. Which means, we don't really play the trivia game, we just sit around and ask the questions off the card.
We're cool like that. This is my sisters,(minus Amy and Missy, plus sis-in-law, Lauren) mom and me attending the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour". So awesome! Did you know Main Street's design is called Forced Perspective? The buildings are all normal all the bottom, but the higher you go, the smaller they get. This is so they will look taller. If you want more, you have to go on the tour!!

3. I am writing a book about my Grandmother's life. It's a long process and I only have about one chapter done. Plus when I look back on what I've written, I usually hate it. Anyway, she led an amazing life. She lived in Germany during WW2, escaped from the Russians with her mother, became a member of the Church, escaped East Germany after the War, married one of the missionaries that brought her the gospel (after he was released of course!) and came to America in 1950. There's so much more, but you'll have to wait for the book!

4. I met my husband at The Dollar Movies in Sugarhouse. I was dragged there by the same friend who tagged me! He went there with some friends. He saw me in the lobby and wouldn't stop staring at me. I was annoyed and a little bit flattered. We ended up seeing the same movie. I purposely sat in front of him. He asked me what time it was and the rest is history! (Best pick up line ever!) This is the exact lobby we first saw each other! On the right side. P.S. The movie we saw was "Runaway Bride". Sweet irony.

5. I have a famous-ish Grandpa. He was an author and speaker. He wrote over 30 books on America and LDS stuff. He was a professor at BYU, Salt Lake City Police Chief and an FBI agent. Growing up, I would asked all the time, if I was related, once people heard my last name. I always thought, "duh, I'm related. How many Skousens are there?" Now that I've grown up, I realize just how many Skousens there are!

6. I have to have my finger and toenails painted. All the time. If you've ever seen me without painted nails, that is one rare occasion! I even painted my nails the day before I went to be induced with Nathan. That's the day he flipped over and wasn't breach anymore! (A lot of good that did, I still had to have the C-section!!) These are not my nails, I couldn't find a good pic of them.

7. I love to read. When I was little, my Mom heard somewhere that the 3rd born child would have trouble reading, so she thought she would inspire me to read and bought me lots and lots of books. Well either it worked or it didn't matter anyway. I LOVE to read. I can also read fast. I have to say, if there is one thing about me that I like is that I can read fast and comprehend it well. (I hope that doesn't sound conceited, I'm just grateful for the gift!)
I don't read romance novels; and I didn't like the Twilight books.

I'm supposed to tag others, but I like to be a rebel and so I'm not tagging anyone! If you want to do it, feel free!!

Happy Birthday, Christian!!!

2009-01-26T13:33:00.006-07:00

This is it. Christian and are on the road to our mid-thirties. There's no exit, no runaway truck lanes to veer into; 2009 is the year we'll turn 33! But Christian is first, of course. I will remain a youthful 32 for another 9 months.

Last year, I posted some Things you might not know about Christian.
This year, I'll add a few:

He is currently obsessed with Indiana Jones on the wii. Every night after we've put Nathan to bed, he'll play and when we get stuck, I look on the internet for cheats. It makes me laugh when he can't do something and gets so frustrated. It's cute.

When he opens a package of treats, he has to eat the whole thing; rather quickly. I'll be gone for 5 minutes and all of the Junior Mints will be gone!

When he hears a new song that he likes, he'll listen to it over and over again. Then he'll have me listen to it and usually he likes it because it reminds him of me.

I'm amazed how well he's coped with his emotional wife this pregnancy. We've had more arguments the last 6 months; usually because I'm ticked about something and he's totally clueless. Good times!

At any rate, Christian is one of the hardest working people I know. He does so much for us. I really appreciate all of your sacrifices!!

Happy Birthday, my Love!

Nathan's 2 Year Old Pics

2009-01-24T21:29:00.005-07:00

Well, I could lie and say I had these done in November, but I didn't. C'est la vie! He is adorable anyway! Props to our photographer, Kristen. She knew just how to make Nathan laugh. Great job!!

Really? Really? I know he's pretty amazing, but I didn't know he would put gas in my car too!!!

2009-01-21T15:47:00.002-07:00

The first 20 seconds or so of that one is hilarious! We're broke, but I got my Obama watch!

Now I'm not anti-Obama. He is our president and I really hope he can do great things for our country. However, some of the citizens of our country have completely lost their minds!

As a side note: Most of the German people were ecstatic when Hitler was elected too.....I'm just saying!

Countdown to Church.....

2009-01-04T11:15:00.007-07:00

8:15 am Christian wakes up "Oh crap! It's after 8!"
8:15:10 Christian wakes up Karen "Oh crap!"
8:16 We use the bathroom
8:18 We get Nathan up (who was already awake, for how long, we don't know)
8:19 Run upstairs to feed Nathan some yogurt
8:28 Still feeding Nathan yogurt because he won't take bites fast enough. Karen making herself some toast so she won't puke
8:30 Christian gets in the shower. Karen attempts to find Nathan's church clothes. Nathan watches Little Einsteins
8:40 Karen gets in the shower. Christian gets dressed
8:50 Karen gets dressed and starts doing her make-up. Christian changes Nathan's clothes.
8:59 Nathan is ready. Christian is ready. Karen is finishing her hair. Nathan wanders into the bathroom and wants to wash his hands. Karen gets his little stool and turns on the water.
9:00 Karen is curling her bangs.
9:01 Karen sets down the curling iron. Nathan looks at it. "Don't touch! It's very very hot!"
9:01:10 Nathan touches curling iron, shrinks back in horror and begins to scream.
9:01:15 Karen curses and holds Nathan's hand under the water while Nathan is sobbing.
9:02 Christian hears the noise, runs downstairs and finds the Burn Free ointment. Awesome stuff!
9:07 Nathan still crying, his hand is slathered in burn free and watching Donald Duck cartoons. Christian is warming up the car. Karen is attempting to find a shirt that matches her skirt in her bedroom from hell.
9:12 Christian and Karen search for Nathan's coat so we can go out in the 10 degree weather.
9:22 We make it into the Church.
11:10 We return home with a stinking child, a starving Daddy and a sore-bummed Mommy. (Those Church chairs don't have enough padding!!)

"What's for Lunch?" Written by Karen Robinson

2008-12-15T16:17:00.006-07:00

Scene: Mommy getting Nathan out of bed after his nap
Time: 2:00 ish

Mommy: Hi sweetheart! Did you have a good nap? Do you want some lunch?
Nathan: (pointing to his humidifier) That.
Mommy: Yes, that's your humidifier. You hungry? Want some lunch?
Nathan: (sees the Cars poster) Car!
Mommy: Lots of cars!! Let's go upstairs. (Sets Nathan down)
Nathan throws himself on the ground (no known motivation)
Mommy picks him up and carries him upstairs.
Nathan: Donald?
Mommy: You can watch Donald after you eat some lunch.
Nathan: (throws himself on the ground again) DONALD!!
Mommy: How about a drink? Want some orange juice?
Nathan: NO! (brings Mommy his empty sipper cup that had Chocolate Milk in it)
Mommy: (sighs and gets some Chocolate Milk, and like a sucker turns on Donald Duck cartoons)
Okay, Nathan, want your potato?
Nathan: (mesmerized by cartoon)
Mommy: (prepares baked potato with butter and cheese with hidden corn and meat loaf in it)
Here Bug, eat some. (Mommy prepares to finish wrapping Christmas presents)
Nathan: (sees a gift that is for him and runs over to take the box from Mommy) AHHH
Mommy: No, honey. Help Mommy wrap the present, Nathan
Nathan: (now sobbing and yet still helping Mommy wrapping the present)
Mommy: (noticing that Nathan has not touched his food) Nathan! Let's finish your lunch! (Takes him back over to his lunch) Eat, please. (Tries to help him take bites)
Nathan: (shoves the fork away, the food falls to the ground)
Mommy: (curses and gets a paper towel to clean up the mess) Okay, you do it. (Leaves Nathan to do it himself)
After a few minutes, Mommy comes back and Nathan has dumped the contents on the floor and drunk all the Chocolate Milk
Mommy: NATHAN!
Nathan: (smiles and does the sign language for all done)
Mommy: (cursing under her breath, she cleans up and puts the butter away in the fridge. Nathan runs over and points to the cheese ball) You want the cheese ball?
Nathan: That.

Mommy gets out the cheese ball, some wheat thins and Nathan happily sits at the table and munches away.

End scene.

BUYER (AND SELLER) BEWARE!!

2008-12-09T11:22:00.007-07:00

As many of you know, we sold our little Tacoma. Yesterday, my Dad got a phone call from someone who bought our truck. He asked for Christian and my Dad told him he was at work at that he would have Christian call him back. When Christian did, the guy proceeded to tell him that he just bought our truck from the guy who purchased it from us. As he was going through the glove box, he came across a Jiffy Lube receipt that had the mileage on it. It is considerably higher than the mileage currently on the truck. He asked Christian what the mileage should have been - it was 142,900 when we sold it. It is now 108,000 (round about). Our buyer not only manipulated the mileage, he also forged the title! (He's getting coal in his stocking!)

Needless to say, the guy is not happy!! The second guy paid quite a bit more than what we sold it for. Too bad, we couldn't have cut out the dishonest middle-man and then we'd all be happy!Christian told him he would testify/sign something if needed.
Strange goings-on indeed!

I AM ILL STRICKEN

2008-12-03T11:03:00.006-07:00

At work, it's part of my job to take all the x-rays that Dentists send in and scan them into our little system. There are a couple of different types of x-rays that I scan:

Periodontal Charts
(no picture)

Panoramic

And Bitewing

The bitewing ones usually come in a folder like these

Yesterday, I opened up the envelope, and proceeded to dump the contents out in my hand. I got the usual x-ray and a tooth!!

First I said, "You have GOT to be kidding me!"
I dropped the tooth and gagged. Then I jumped from my desk. "I am so ill!!" Then I gagged again and ran from the room. My boss, Brian and coworkers, Penny and Amber laughed as I ran away. I ran to the bathroom and some poor soul had some issues in there! That made me so much more nauseous! I quickly washed my hands and ran out. When I got back, Brian had put the offensive tooth back in the envelope and Penny got the Claims Supervisor. She said the Dentist we got the x-ray amd tooth from is an idiot and took the tooth so she could call and yell at their office. Luckily the tooth wasn't bloody or pulpy, but that is beside the point, really.

NASTY!!!

Fakesgiving! And Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T20:43:00.014-07:00

Matt & Lauren came to visit us a couple of weeks ago. We did a Thanksgiving (Fakesgiving) Dinner together and got some pics.

Grandpa & Grandma Skousen

Laurel & Sam

Chad & Missy

Christian, Nathan & Karen

Gavin, Heather & Dan

Heidi & Jeff

Lauren & Matt

Andrew

Bentley, Marcus (Teron in back) Jarom

Zane, Jonah & Spencer

Matti

Kaelynne, Lindsay, Amy & Kelly

He loved putting the olives on his fingers and then refused to eat them.

We also did Nathan's birthday. My Mom did the cake. I was the moral support and frosting mixer.

On the real Thanksgiving Day, we spent with Christian's family. But before we could settle in for pumpkin pie and some photos, Nathan's new cough suddenly turned into this awful sounding wheeze, mixed with non-stop coughing and clinging to Mommy. We debated about taking him to Primary Children's or just toughing it out. After giving him a blessing, we decided to be safe and trekked up to the hospital. We thought it would be busy, considering hospitals are the only ones open, but when I walked into the waiting room, there was no one in there, but a Security guard and the check-in nurse.

We thought maybe it was croup. It sounded like it, but after being listened to by a couple of doctors, it's just a really bad cough on it's nasty little way. So they did a Albuterol treatment, some steroids and prescription for more. Now, as far as our little patient goes, he was VERY UNCOOPERATIVE:
He wouldn't stand on the scale, he wouldn't sit on the infant scale. He wouldn't let Christian hold him while Christian stood on the scale.
He ripped off the pulse ox monitor.
He wouldn't let the nurses or doctors listen to his lungs.
He didn't want to do the oxygen treatment.
He DID NOT want to do the Albuterol treatment. They have to have the oxygen mask on their face. We finally had to burrito wrap his arms in a sheet and hold his legs so the mask would stay on. I have never seen someone literally gnash their teeth until now. I have never seen Nathan so angry that I thought he would Hulk out on us. He did not let up during the whole treatment which lasted almost 10 minutes.
The nurse said Nathan was in his top ten for fits during Albuterol treatments.
After the treatment, he practically passed out from physical exertion.
He slept for about 30 minutes while the nurse quickly listened to his lungs again and did a pulse ox.
He did however really like his steroids crushed and mixed with raspberry flavoring.

He totally perked up after the whole ordeal, and was thrilled to push elevator buttons and pick up "Caution Wet Floor" signs on our way out.

We do have many things to be thankful for and one of them is that although the hospital was not exactly where we wanted to spend a few hours, our little boy is feeling much better and we really appreciate the hospital workers who sacrifice their holiday.

And thanks to our little boy, we're 2 out of 3 for Thanksgivings spent in the hospital.

His only comfort was his sipper cup and blankie.

Look Mom! A Sticker!

The remains of the bed after we did the treatment. The sheet was nicely placed before we got there.

Going, Going, GONE!

2008-11-26T08:24:00.004-07:00

Christian and I don't usually do anything quickly. It took us 8 months to finally decide to sell our house. We've been thinking about selling our truck for about a year. It's 11 years old and with it only having 2 doors; not so roomy. Now with the new baby on the way, there is NO way Mommy can climb in the back seat anymore.

So, Monday night, Christian comes home from watching a movie with the boys and says, "I'm going to put the truck on KSL. Let's just see what happens."
"Okay." This was about 10:30 at night. I didn't think much of it. He put it on KSL a few months ago and then changed his mind and took it back off.

Tuesday morning, Christian pulls up to work (where he said he would have the truck in the ad) and there is a guy waiting there for him. The guy looks it over, drives it around, hands Christian cash and drives it away! Then Christian calls to tell me it's gone.

What?

I didn't even get to say good-bye! No one last spin! No pictures! No farewell party!

It was our Dating truck!
We used to make out in it! I mean, really make out! (The golf course and church parking lots just to name a couple)
It was the reason I married Christian! (That's our joke - I always wanted to a Black Tacoma - he wanted a girl with a big rack - we were both happy!)
We drove it around over all the bumps we could find to put me into labor! (It didn't work.)
It's the reason Christian went on a mission! (Long story)

And now it's gone. I'm just really not sure how I feel about it. Sure a new truck will be nice. Blah blah blah.

Nathan is 2!!

2008-11-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Nathan turned 2 years old on November 22nd. We still can't believe we have a kid, let alone a 2 year old! Since all of my pics are on my computer which is currently in storage, I was only able to find a few pics of my baby.

Happy Birthday Nater-Bug! We sure love you!!

Halloween? On November 21st? Why Not?!?

2008-11-21T18:29:00.013-07:00

Here they are! The pics you've been waiting for! (And you didn't even know you were waiting!)

Carving pumpkins with Doney kids was a blast!! (Gavin broke his pumpkin stem off in about 2 seconds)

My sister, Missy bought these goggles for all the kids. Nathan wouldn't take his off.

Nathan thought he was getting all these trick or treat buckets. That's why he's so happy.

At work, each department decorated their areas and dressed up in the theme. We did Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.

Penny was an Oompa-Loompa, I was Veruca Salt, Nathan was Augustus Gloop, and Brian was Willy Wonka. (If you look close, we have Mike TEVEE, Nathan was holding Charlie BUCKET and I'm holding a blown up Violet.)

Nathan spent the whole day with me at work. He was an angel. He ate stuff from our chocolate fountain and watched Donald Duck cartoons for over an hour.

I found this idea and of course, my sister, Melissa did the creative part! This is our melon brain.

When we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Robinson, Grandpa put on this Japanese hat thing and asked if we thought he would get candy if he went trick or treating. We all said no.

Mickey, Roger, Mickala, Whitey Jackson, Vequero (and any other nickname we came up with)

2008-11-21T07:35:00.010-07:00

I'm feeling a little melancholy today. Last night I had a dream about my little dog, Mickey. Lots of people know him, he was this little 10 pound terror mutt, that I absolutely adored. He slept in my bed and followed me EVERYWHERE. He would even scratch at the bathroom door. Don't get me wrong, he drove me insane too. His insistence on marking his territory everywhere we went led him to leap from my arms and run down a freeway exit, ONTO I-80 and nearly getting squashed by a semi before finding a rock near the side of the road to pee on. The semi actually ran over his leash! Dang Dog.

Anyway, in my dream, a coworker of mine was asking if they should get a dog, and I told her that I still hadn't gotten over having to put my dog down because of kidney failure and that Nathan will only ever have a fish. Circle of Life, blah blah. Fish it is.

The dream made me so sad, it woke me up. As I laid in bed, thinking over the dream, I realized that it was 3 years ago on Wednesday that Mickey died. I have to say, tears are prickling my eyes while I type this. Pregnancy hormones, you ask? Maybe, but I still miss my dog.

My New Enemy

2008-11-10T07:50:00.004-07:00

Found my new enemy this morning. The elevator is out of order at my work. I work on the 4th floor. I am 4 months pregnant and exercise is NOT my friend. The first flight was fine. The second flight, I got a little winded. By the last flight, I staggered into the office gasping for breath and clinging to my poppy-seed muffin and Diet Cherry Coke. My legs are on fire and my uterus is cramping. If the elevator is broken tomorrow, I'm not coming in.

DENIAL OR IS IT CRAYON OR CROWN!!!

2008-11-03T20:27:00.003-07:00

As I come before You this evening, I want to talk openly about something that is dear to My heart. My wife!! As many of You know that Karen is pregnant and is uncomfortable at times. Oh screw the mushy stuff let's get right down to "WHY" I, this innocent gentleman is even writing a blog. I got DENIED some sexual gratification from My wife last night. Let's paint the picture of how things transpired into this feud. As I sat there studying My scriptures and pondering the writing's of Paul as he spoke to the Corinthians, Karen started fluttering around with her feet in My face teasing Me and taunting Me to come over and snuggle, snuggle with her. As I took off My scripture studying glasses and proceeded to the bedroom she was all cuddled up in the covers and I lovingly draped My body on top of hers and then the bomb!!!! Wait here it comes "I'm too tired"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh the kill switch for any guy that gets teased by sexy feet (I have a foot fetish). I welcome any sympathetic comments in MY behalf!!! Heather or Jenny.

Well, if anyone had any doubts of the kind of pervert I married, read his comment! (It's the second one)

I WIN!!

2008-11-03T20:21:00.003-07:00

Last night, Christian was feeling amorous and I was....
NOT.

To tease me, Christian said he was going to post a blog about being denied. I bet him that he would forget; and he did. I don't recall what I bet him, but don't worry, I will think of something.....Back massage, a new pair of shoes, the possibilities are endless!!!

15 Weeks and Counting!!

2008-10-29T10:33:00.004-06:00

We're 15 weeks today! I went to Dr. last week and everything looks peachy keen jelly bean! I still have issues getting a deep breath, but if I just push my tummy down, it's all good. It does seem to have gotten much better since we're done moving. I got to listen to heart beat. There's always that moment that you think the Doctor won't be able to find one, so I always breath a sigh of relief when I finally hear the little munchkin.

Nausea is gone.
Cravings are in.(They're ALWAYS in - ill one second, eating cheese fries the next!)
Meat aversions are in. (If I cooked it, I can't eat it.)
Lost 5 pounds (AMAZING! Considering my diet is very Diet Cherry Cokey and bready)

I have decided to call this my "Over-reacting Pregnancy". My poor bewildered husband doesn't know what hits him sometimes. It makes for fun and interesting ways to apologize later when I realized I just yelled at Christian for not telling me that he was out of the shower. (True story)

We Moved!

2008-10-27T14:20:00.000-06:00

Yes, we moved. We've kicked the idea around all year and we finally bit the bullet and put our home up for sale during Labor Day weekend. We tried to do Sale By Owner, but in this market, we knew it was never going to happen. So we hired a good friend of the family, (one of my Mom's 'Diva' Friends) Debbie Valgardson. She is awesome! We put the house up on September 11th. The first buyer that walked through our house put an offer down. It's been such a quick roller coaster ride, we're still reeling from everything!

There were a couple of issues with our buyer, he's a psycho freak about the carpet and thought our 'solid as a rock' stairs needed to be more sturdy, but whatever. Everything is finally in order.

We will totally miss our Ward and neighbors and the people we served with in our callings. We had a great 3 years!

For now, we're kicking it in Riverton with my parents. My Dad is excited because someone will cook dinner for him again. My Mom is excited because someone will put the Christmas lights on the roof again.

It was a crazy couple of weeks. I left for Cali with my parents and sisters for Mattison's Blessing the weekend before we were supposed to move, so when I got back on Monday, it was pure chaos getting everything together. We thought we were so organized until the guys that came to help started hauling out boxes. I stood there, wondering, "Where the H did all this stuff come from?" We had TONS packed, but there was still so much! Anyway, it's all done now - I'm not looking forward to moving again....

I Dream Cool Things...

2008-10-21T08:54:00.003-06:00

Now he's only shirtless here, because he was shirtless in my dream. Besides, I don't have a thing for him; Christian Bale is my celebrity crush. ANYWAY -

Last night, I dreamt that Johnny Depp came to my house. He was just hanging out, I made steaks for dinner; Don't worry - Christian (my husband, not Bale) was there too!! Johnny was not wearing a shirt. He did however drape a small red towel over his chest. I asked if he wanted a t-shirt, and he said yes, so I gave him Christian's Police Academy t-shirt that says "ROBINSON" on the back. He then took a nap on my living room floor while Christian slept on the couch.

Then I started critiquing his career. I told him that I never cared for 21 Jump Street (which I never even watched). I thought Edward Scissorhands was overrated, (I don't really think that). Then I told him that what really made me a fan of his was Finding Neverland and of course the Pirate movies. He just sat and nodded and we chatted about The Nightmare Before Christmas and how he was really good in it. (He's not in it.)

I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, I promise!!

2008-10-20T10:28:00.002-06:00

I've just been a little busy, I swear. I will fill you all in later today!

You say cray-on, I say crown. Let's call the whole thing off!

2008-10-06T21:02:00.005-06:00

If this was an audible blog, you would all make fun of the way I say "crayon". My husband almost busts his gut and keeps asking me to say it. It sounds like "crown". When I first told him this story he was so lost. He kept thinking "Why did Nathan have a white crown?" I think it's a Skousen thing....(Probably just Harold's kids...)

What Mommy Learned Today

2008-10-03T07:14:00.005-06:00

No matter how hard you try to explain the scientific reasoning behind it, there is no telling an (almost) 2 year old that a white crayon will not work on white paper. However, it did end up with one of us in tears and one of us collapsed in a heap on the couch. (Guess who was who.)

**There may have some other color paper around somewhere, but Mommy was trying to take a nap! I told him to get some colored paper, but he just looked at me like I was insane - or lazy - ahhh both.

PATHETIC OBSESSION

2008-09-18T08:51:00.006-06:00

I'm sitting here at work and the song, "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal comes on the radio. HAHAHAHAHA I remember this one time, (I was 17 - not that it's an excuse) when the Batman Forever movie came out and this song was on the Soundtrack and for whatever reason, I became obsessed with the song. As we were leaving for a trip to California, I transferred the song over and over and over again on one whole side of a tape. Why I couldn't just rewind it, I don't know. Why did I like the song so much? AND the song still doesn't make any sense to me - "I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray." Huh?!?!?! And to top it off, I thought he was saying "grave" not gray. Yes, I am cool like that.

So do any of you have any pathetic obsessions that looking back you wish you knew what the heck you were thinking??

I know of a couple of yours....

Melissa - Titanic & Sobe bottles (there are actually a LOT more, but I'll stop)
DebT - Kriss Kross (She was going to marry one of them!)
Heather - Brad's Summer Home (Drive-bys past someone who really didn't live there)

HAHAHAHAHA
Good times!!

Hmmm

2008-09-17T21:23:00.001-06:00

I know, I know, they are probably the most comfortable thing you've ever laid on while pregnant, but I just couldn't do it.

Tag - I'm it!

2008-09-16T11:05:00.004-06:00

1. Where is your cell phone? Cleavage
2. Your significant other? Christian
3. Your hair? Blonde-ish
4. Your mother? OCD-ish (but we still love her)
5. Your father? Hilarious
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? Baby-Alligators (snapping at my feet)
8 Your favorite drink? Diet-Coke!!
9. Your dream/goal? Debt-free in '93 (Skousen joke)
10. The room you’re in? Mailroom
11. Your hobby? Reading
12. Your fear? Baby (healthiness)
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Rich
14. What you’re not? Untired
15. Muffins? Poppyseed
16. One of your wish list items? Debtless
17. Where you grew up? Riverton
18. The last thing you did? Ate
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Favorite gadget? I-Pod
21. Your pets? Nada
22. Your computer? Slow
23.Your mood? Happy
24. Missing someone? Amy
25.Your car? Love/Hate
26. Something you’re not wearing? Coat
27. Favorite store? Target
28. Like someone? Family
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When is the last time you laughed? Now
31. Last time you cried? Everyday

Stupid 5th Disease

2008-09-15T21:55:00.004-06:00

So all of the Skousen clan has been exposed to this 5th disease!! It's no big deal, unless you're pregnant - in early stages of pregnancy. We're not sure how it all came about. We think Laurel's kids maybe had it first. (??) Nathan had it too after being at their house, but we all thought it was some kind of allergic reaction to the dry wall they were putting up, because the rashes showed up all within a day or two. Then Heather's kids got it and she took them in to the Doctor and that's when we found out what it really was. It's really a virus and you don't even know you have it until you have a bit of a cold and then you get a rash, usually on your face and it looks like you've been slapped. WEIRD!! By the time you get the rash, you aren't even contagious anymore. So there's no way to know and no way to keep it from spreading. What a lame virus. When I make my own world, I won't include 5th disease in my list of afflictions - no offense to the Man in Charge - He can do whatever HE wants!!

If you are pregnant and have already been exposed at some earlier point, you're immune, but if not, it can cause anemia or even miscarriage. Heidi's been tested and is ok. Our first baby appointment is on Thursday; we'll see what they say.....

A fair is a veritable smorgasbord orgasbord orgasbord

2008-09-08T19:40:00.010-06:00

Ahhhh the State Fair. I seem to have fond memories as a child. Cute little baby lambs, fun Midway games and rides, that we never played or rode. However, as an adult, let me rephrase that, a PREGNANT adult, the Fair was something that I probably should have skipped or at least rented myself a jazzie/rascal and taken lots and lots of Valium, Zoloft, some sort of combination of the three.

Nathan and I (Christian stayed home to put in a new bathroom floor. He must have known something...) went with Heather & Dan and kids and Heidi. (Jeff stayed home too...Hmmmm)

We started with the sheep, after 1.5 seconds, I turned my stroller right back around and said to Nathan, "See the sheep?" As we whiz by.

Then we saw the pigs. "Oh, see the piggys, Nathan? See that blur of pink and black basking in their filth and hay? Yes, oink, oink, Nathan."

On to the cows. "Moo moo, Nathan, isn't that cool? See the family sitting next to their prized cattle and chowing down on pizza? They obviously have had their sense of smell burned out by the noxious gasses emitted from their farm. Yes, Nathan, Moo moo."

Done with animals? Why yes we are! here we go to Little Hands on the Farm. Nathan wore a cute little apron, carried around a darling little basket and proceeded to dump his corn everywhere, try to take numerous apples and vegetables (you're only supposed to take one apple and one vegetable) and screamed when I tried to make him share the sheep brush with other kids. Hurry, take Nathan off the tractor/trike before he realizes it's fun.
When the kids are done, they get to pick a treat from the Country Store. "What treat do you want Nathan? Cookies? Cookies? Want some cookies?" He is ignoring me, trying to take a bag of each the treats. "Cookies it is." He scowls as I scoop him up and remove him from temptations.

It is hot! Hot. Hot. Hot. I planned for cooler weather. I'm in LONG pants. Why? What's the significance? I don't know!

Walking through the Food Court. My stroller wheel falls off. Thanks a heap, Fisher Price! My 20 month old stroller has NOT been to Disneyland that many times! I kick it back on; it falls back off. We rest in the shade for a minute and I figured out how to fix it. I'm still going to let Fisher Price know how I feel.

I need a Slushie. No, not a Smoothie. A Slushie/Slurpy/Snowcone. All I see are Smoothy stands. Dammit. I mean dangit. No swearing at the Family Friendly Fun State Fair!! Finally I see a guy with a Slushie, I grab his arm and pant "Slushie? Where slushie?" He takes pity on me and points me in the right direction. (By the Pioneer Building if you want to know.)

Ahhhh now I have my beloved LARGE Tiger's Blood Slushie that I got to put my own flavoring on. "Want some Slushie, Nathan? No? Really? Are you sure? Slushie?" Thus ensues several attempts to get Nathan to at least TRY the slushie. No luck. He does, however, finish the rest of Heidi's Diet Cherry Coke. Pick your battles, pick your battles.

Heidi (also pregnant) buys a corn dog and shares some with me. Heidi buys some fries and shares some with me. We see Kettle Korn. Get your own bag! (We each do.)

Heather leaves us to volunteer in the Creative Arts building (Scrap booking stuff) and Dan is now left with only 2 wives, neither of which are his. As a group, we cry mutiny, buy each kid a blow-up toy, (2 Batmans, 1 Spiderman and a very large pink kitten) and leave the Fair.

On the way out, we see the infamous Deep Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. The line is at least 20 people long. Suckers!! I want to hurl just thinking about them.

We bid the Fair a fond - (that's debatable) farewell.

In the words of Templeton (from Charlotte's Web, which by the way, that movie still scares me)

A fair is a veritable smorgasbord orgasbord orgasbord
After the crowds have ceased
Each night when the lights go out
It can be found on the ground all around
Oh, what a ratly feast!

Melon rinds and bits of hot dogs
Cookie crumbs and rotten cotton candy
Melted ice cream, mustard drippings
Moldy goodies everywhere

Lots of popcorn, apple cores
Banana peels and soggy sandwiches
And gobs of gorgeous gook to gobble at the fair

A fair is a veritable smorgasbord orgasbord orgasbord
After the gates are shut
Each night when the lights go out
It can be found on the ground all around
That's where a rat can glut, glut, glut, glut!

Don't drink the water.....

2008-09-01T09:01:00.002-06:00

Unless you want this to happen to you!!
Laurel is due April 4th
Heidi is due April 12th
I am due April 23rd!!

(p.s. Amy will probably come home in March! Busy spring, anyone???)

It's True!!

2008-08-28T19:56:00.005-06:00

We are expecting baby #2!! It only took 16 months this time!!
On Saturday (the 23rd) I thought I would just take a test because I had an appointment with my new ob/gyn (mine retired) and I wanted to be sure we weren't pregnant. It was about 6:30 in the morning, Christian was giving Nathan a bath (yes we are early risers) and he had NO idea I was even going to take a test. When it the little hour glass flashed off and "pregnant" appeared. My arms went numb and I kept saying "Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh!" I debated about surprising Christian later, but I couldn't wait!! I walked to the other bathroom and told Christian to close his eyes and hold out his hands. He told me later, he thought I was going to put a spider in his hands. When I placed the test and he opened his eyes the first words out of his mouth were "HolySheesh!" (Which is funny because that's what he said when I told him about Nathan!) Then we both laughed and cried.

I like to say this was Nathan's reaction to the baby news, but really he wanted the camera and I wouldn't give it to him.

Christian called his parents almost immediately. (then they cried!)
We were getting together with my family for birthdays the next day, so Christian and I decided to tell my family then.
After all the presents were opened, we put a sign on Nathan's back and put him in the middle of the room.

Heather noticed first. (same as last time too!) Her response of "You hag!" is not meant "You hag, you're pregnant before me!" it means "You hag, I can't believe you're pregnant!" After watching the footage again, I forgot how we all scared Nathan when everyone screamed. HAHAHAHAHA some things never change!

Then my sister, Laurel comes over and says "Um, so, we're expecting too!" In fact, she is due BEFORE me!! Ahhh good times at the Skousen house on Sunday!

So, we're looking at April 23, 2009! Keep the date!

Girls Night Out!

2008-08-28T15:14:00.000-06:00

My sister Jenny is in town and we decided to ALL go see the new sister missionary movie, The Errand of Angels. Even Amy was there! (And she's on a mission in Texas!)We had such an excellent time and since the movie takes place in Austria, they speak German A LOT. I felt my Oma's spirit and I know she was with us too. In fact, during one part, an older woman was singing As Sisters in Zion and I SWEAR it was my Oma's voice. I really miss her and miss my little sissy, Amy.

Taking Sister Skousen with us.
I must say, some of my sisters did NOT want to bring Amy. That's pretty rude if you ask me.

All the Sisters

Amy and Mom

Amy is always posing!

After the movie, we ate dinner at Spaghetti Mama's!!

Matt & Lauren are having their baby!!

2008-08-26T08:51:00.007-06:00

I'm so excited! My brother, Matt and his wife, Lauren are in labor as we speak!

About 1:45 am they called to say her water broke and she's been in labor ever since. I'm so excited for them!!

The world better get ready for a Mattison (girl) or a Clark (boy)!!

I'll keep you posted when I hear the latest.

It's a GIRL!!!

Mattison Brooke Skousen was born at 2:22 weighing 10 pounds 1 ounce. She is 20 inches long.

They ended up having to do a C-section and considering the baby's size, it's a good thing!! Both are doing well. I can't believe my baby brother is a DAD!! They have pictures on their blog.

Fafan & Tarter Sauce Take the Gold! (Carter is Nathan's cousin)

2008-08-22T22:23:00.003-06:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Weird Dreams

2008-08-22T09:24:00.004-06:00

2 nights and 2 weird dreams:

Wednesday night:
We were in the chapel of the my old old Church (the one on 12600 south and Redwood in Riverton). My Grandpa Skousen was up giving a speech at the pulpit. (He's dead) and President Hinckley (also dead) was in the congregation dressed in a short sleeved white shirt (no suit) and tie. Suddenly he gets up and walks out using his cane. And whoever was sitting near me says, "Ever since he's not prophet anymore, he can't sit through one church meeting! He's jealous of President Monson."

Thursday night:
I'm at some restaurant/country store type place. The cashier says to me "You better get out of here, there's a lunatic running around with a gun." So I go out to my car (not my van) and get in. I try to start it, but then the crazy man runs up and uses a crowbar thing to try to break into my car through the window. Then the cops come out and start shooting at him, and I drive away.

I always have odd dreams. (Remember the gargoyle that spewed lava and screamed "FEVER!!" or the Joker and the Penguin in our basement?"

I've heard that the smarter you are, the more you dream. Let's pretend that's true.

Hate to be a downer

2008-08-21T11:58:00.009-06:00

I've finished all the Twilight books and all I have to say is -

"Meh."

If you love them, that's fine. I don't usually read romance books and I was kind of boycotting them anyway just because so many were obsessed!! But Heather (sissy) and I decided to cross the picket line and just read the darn things already. Maybe we missed the hype. Maybe I'm too old. Who knows? I love to read, but they just aren't my kind of book, I guess.
I just wanted to get it out there that not EVERY young LDS Mom in Utah (or Arizona) is drooling over Edward or Jacob and I really think Bella is kind of stuck up snob. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Lay it on me. I need a good old fashioned mystery/crime novel to clean my palette. John Sandford anyone??

I am really begining to wonder...

2008-08-20T12:46:00.003-06:00

It's my own fault. I knew what could happen, but I just didn't make time for it. My little (big) rockchip is now making a mad dash for the both ends of the windshield. The other 2 chips seem to be content in their place for now.

Also, coming out of the bank yesterday, I noticed something hanging down from the front of the car. When I went to pick up Nathan at my parents, I had my Dad take a look. Aparently it's a sensor to my radiator. I'm sure it was broken when we ran over the tire, but either it was hanging by a thread or I just didn't notice. Christian took it over to Checker and OF COURSE it's a part we need from the dealer. Hmmmmmmmmm I think I want to pinch my cheeks with rage.

Are The Fates Trying to Piss Me Off? Because It's Working!

2008-08-07T08:03:00.006-06:00

**UPDATE!!**(August 16th)
Driving to the Doney house last night, our "check engine light" came on with a delightfully smug "ding". I'm beginning to think our car is doing these things on purpose....Thoughts?

**UPDATE!!**(August 13th)
Ahhh yes. I now have 3 rock chips in my windshield. 3 rock chips in one week. Thank you.

Day: Wednesday

Time: 6:40 pm

Place: The bowels of hell; I-15 Southbound near Riverdale

We were returning from a very nice Reception Dinner at the Maddox in Brigham City. I was engrossed in my book, Nathan was engrossed in his Simpsons DVD and poor Christian was left to man the roads. Suddenly he yells out "Sheeeeesh!" and I of course, then scream out "Sheeesh!!" and then we run over an entire tire left in the middle of the road. After my heart went back down my throat and my legs turned to jelly, we decided to pull over and take a look. Peering at the undercarriage of the van, we see liquid dripping out and smell gasoline. Damnit. (Sorry, that's the nicest thing I can say at this point. We both actually spewed quite a few words, this being the tamest of all.)

Then a nice UHP pulled up behind and helped us take a look. He also said, "I just pulled a tire off the road back there." Yeah, he was about 10 minutes too late! Anyway, after weighing our options, (Do we try to make it home? Drive to a car place and see if they can fix it?) We decided to stop in Riverdale and see if we could get a temporary fix so we could at least make it home. The Patrolman told us where a PEP Boys was and he thought they would still be open. So off we went. When we first arrived, they said as long as it's not the fuel tank, the cost shouldn't be too bad. After taking a look see, they determined it was just the fuel line. It would take an hour to fix and be about 70 dollars. Grrrr at the 70 dollars. (A 'not too bad' cost to me is 20 bucks! But I digress.)

It seemed to take forever! And the guys just seemed to be standing around. Christian and I kept grumbling to each other, while Nathan proceeded to tear apart the waiting room in his little Nathan way. (He was filthy by the time we left.) One of the guys stopped by to let us know that it was taking so long because they had to heat some little thingy with hot water and it was taking forever to get water boiled from the break room and then get the thingy heated up. Well, okay then. That shut us up.

Finally at 8:10 we pulled out of the parking lot and headed home. Our moods deflated, our pocketbook lighter, and all of us a little more cautious, but the tale does not end there.....

Day: Thursday

Time: 7:40 am

Place: The bowels of hell; State Road 201, Eastbound

I was driving to work. I had pretty much gotten over the night before. Stuff happens and all that jazz. I was driving behind a Hummer, and I was pretty far back. Suddenly, I hear a SMACK! on my windshield. I scanned the windshield. Whew. Looks okay......then I see it!! A freaking rock chip on the lower passenger side.

Son a skdfjlsdkfjal;skfasdjlfjawefkljal;skdflaksdj!!!!!

RAGE!!!

I've never had a rock chip in my life. Thus ensuses more cussing and hitting my steering wheel. Can I get it fixed for free? Probably, but that's not the point!

Needless to say. I'm done. The Car Gods are pissed at me and I'm sure this isn't the last vehicle blog that I will be posting. Stay tuned.....

The wheels on the van go round and round and then bye bye!

2008-08-04T20:51:00.004-06:00

After returning from Las Vegas, Christian and I noticed the van kind of making a weird noise. We thought maybe the van alignment was out, so on Tuesday morning, we decided that after work I would take the van in to have a look see. Well, on the way to dropping Nathan off at my parent's house, the van sounded like I ran something over and it was caught in the wheel well. I pulled over off I-15 and there was a long line of rubber coming off the front passenger tire!! I could also see what looked like a chunk of the tire that was coming off!! I quickly called Christian, the poor guy ran out of the door with his bagel still in the toaster! While I was on the phone, a copper pulled up behind me to guard me while I got back on the freeway and drove to the first exit, which luckily happened to be where I work - 53rd South. I pulled into work and chilled in the Parking Lot. Nathan was completely oblivious to the excitement, as he was watching Davy Crockett on the DVD player and eating his toast. Daddy rescued us and we decided to replace the whole set, we are good to go!
Of course, I just happened to have the camera in my purse and documented the changing of the tire. Nathan was such a helper.

A Time Waster? Yes. Do I Care? No.

2008-08-01T10:26:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, Nathan and I got home from Grandpa & Grandma Robinson's. We ate lunch and then Nathan went down for a nap. Mommy could have also taken a nap. Or picked up Nathan's toys, or organized the wretched boxes that have been haunting me in the basement, or cleaned out the fridge, folded laundry, painted my finernails, who knows what I could have done for that hour and a half? Discover a cure for cancer perhaps?? But no, I chose to play Zuma in the nice and cool basement. I couldn't stop! Everytime my game was over, I would say to myself, okay one more time and that turned into 20 more times. Even worse, my sissy, Jenny called me and when I told her what I was doing, she got on her computer and starting playing. So there we sat for an hour, chatting and playing Zuma on our respective computers. Meanwhile Nathan slumbered on and Carter proceeded to put Jenny's toothbrush in the toilet and pull berries out of the fall wreath she had made.

One website calls it "Zuma is a highly addictive casual game." That is an understatement! I blame Dan for giving me the game to put on my computer and Jennifer for telling me that I should play it. (I of course, am blameless.)

A sweep is as lucky, as lucky can be

2008-07-25T21:02:00.004-06:00

So Christian was sweeping the floor and Nathan had to help!

Memories, Light the Corner of my Mind. Misty Water Colored Memories of the Way We Were

2008-07-25T19:45:00.002-06:00

The memory can be me or Christian or both!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Thanks,
Love ya,
Bye!

8th Anniversary!

2008-07-25T18:33:00.001-06:00

For our anniversary, we saw the new Batman movie on Friday with Heidi and Jeff on Friday, we went out to dinner with my Mom, Laurel & Sam, Heather & Dan, G.R. and Nathan to Tepanyaki Japanese Steakhouse. DELISH! Then on Monday (our actual anniversary) after some pms trauma and tears, (after all, we always need a dose of reality, right?) we had Cafe Rio at home and watched our Wedding Video. Fun times!

No pictures with Heidi and Jeff at Batman. Boo.

Dan & Heather

Sam & Laurel

Christian & G.R.

Mom, Karen & Nathan

We were so proud of Nathan! He tried the rice and liked it! He also actually used the chopsticks to eat with. He did so good! He eventually got too hungry and used his hands.

When I woke up on our anniversary, I tore off the day before and this was under it. Christian said he thought of it 4 months ago. hahaha

I totally used Mommy guilt to get Nathan to try this bake batter. He NEVER tries stuff, so I faked crying and he ran over and licked the spatula. Then he realized he loved it and kept coming back for more. Love the Mommy guilt!

The end product. Simple and Delish!

Some of the flowers from my cute and bewildered hubby. (When he arrived home a little late to a cold dinner and a tearful wife. We can laugh about it now!)

Nathan enjoying his quesadilla from Cafe Rio.

The table before we ate.

I am so thankful for my cute husband. He puts up with a lot of craziness and I love him so. These 8 years have flown by and I am glad we have eternity to share our lives together. I think of our Wedding Day and how I arrived late to the Temple and poor Christian was sweating bullets. Hahaha we were such babies! Life with Christian is better than I ever could have imagined. Before I met him, I was always so stressed about who I would marry. Had I know how good it would be, I could have waited even longer, if that's what it took to have him as my eternal companion.

I ADORE AND LOVE YOU!!
XOXOXOXxxooXOXOXOX
739 AND 45888

Everyone Loves a Parade!

2008-07-25T15:16:00.001-06:00

Our Stake did a float for the Youth Parade for the 24th of July! (For you Non-Utahites: We celebrate the Mormon pioneers coming to Utah on this day) Of course, THIS parade is actually held on the Saturday BEFORE the 24th. (We do another parade on the 24th.) Anyway, our theme was Pioneer Values lead to Golden Results. (Hence the Golden Coin that Nathan is holding.) We even had Mrs. Utah leading the way for us. (She's in our ward - so cute!) Nathan was not the happiest little camper, but we dragged him along anyway. The allergy medicine kicked in halfway through the parade and he finished it in a drunken stupor. Good times!

My niece, Kelly was staying with her friend, Lyssa (who is in our Ward) and she came along too!

So happy together!

Thrilled to be apart of this!

Drugs kicked in

Finishing the parade off with a delish popcicle!!

Anniversary

2008-07-21T21:06:00.003-06:00

So this would be My first Blog experience. What to write about??? Well Our Anniversary was today, 8 years has gone way too fast. Can I just say that Karen is the coolest when it comes to buying presents for on days like today. She says that she doesn't need much, wow what a relief to Me to hear that!! I hate buying presents and being creative!! Karen I love You!! There will be more to come.

BATMAN!!

2008-07-18T11:53:00.004-06:00

BATMAN
Just so you all know - I am SO excited to see Batman tonight. I freaking LOVE Christian Bale! Newsies made me like him, Little Women made me adore him and now as Batman, well let's just say it's good thing his name is Christian! Hahaha Good times!

UPDATE!!

Loved Loved Loved the movie! Total mind trip and the 2 hours and 45 minutes flew by! I totally recommend this flick! Note - not for kids whatsoever!!

Freedom Fest 2008!

2008-07-16T08:35:00.010-06:00

What is Freedom Fest you ask? Rather than go into it all click here. My Dad's cousin, Mark Skousen is in charge of it all and has my Dad record the speeches at the conference. It's all sorts of madness, so as many of us can go, go. It takes place in Las Vegas (not my favorite city, I've decided) for 3 days. We decided to smart this year and arrive a day early to get everything set up. What fools we mortals be! We were all set up, (it is QUITE the set up - 3 computers, 4 printers, 8 recorders in 8 different rooms, 3 CD/DVD duplicators, various office equipment, hundreds of blank CDS to burn, etc....) and had one good day, until we found out another company had reserved the little production room we were in and we had to break everything down and reset it all up in a room that in the North 40. Oh well. Here are some pics....

The first night, when my Dad went to check us in, they told him that they were out of the Non-smoking Queen rooms. Our choices were Smoking Queen or a suites with 1 King and they'd bring in some roll-a-ways. Hard choice.

Of course, Christian took advantage of the jetted tub.

This is what you think it is and no, we didn't use it.

Two vanities? Okay, if we must...

Heidi & Mom

Kaelynne & Missy

Laurel & Karen

Dad

Andrew loved hanging out in the stroller,

Carter, not so much.

Kelly

Jen, Ben & Carter

Now for the best part of the trip. For the last night, they have a huge banquet and they have some sort of speaker or entertainment. This year they had President Bush! Okay, someone who looked like him!! He was so awesome. We met him earlier in the day, because before his speech, he was going to having dinner in the production room we were using. They also asked if Christian would pose as a Secret Service guy. Oh boy, did they ask the right person! Christian played it up so well, and when they walked out, so many people thought it really was the Pres. His speech was hilarious and Christian did an awesome job!! So much fun!

Let's Celebrate!

2008-07-14T21:49:00.010-06:00

This 4th of July was so much fun!
First we went to the Millcreek Children's Parade with the King cousins and the Doney cousins.
We even saw Bobby Brady! (okay, really Mike Lookinland, but you wouldn't have know who I meant.)
Grandma Robinson had put together this cute Fire Engine Float for Nathan to sit in and he lasted about 2 minutes. Oh well. He enjoyed watching the rest of the parade with the rest of us.

He looks so cute - too bad it didn't last!

Gavin & Zane ready to go!

Victoria, Noelle, Gabe (not looking) & Lily waiting patiently

It's Mike (BobbyBrady) Lookinland!

Grandma & Grandpa Robinson with Nathan

Sarah & Gabe are so cute in their float!

Aunt Joanie (Christian's Dad's Sister)

Emma didn't want to be in the parade, she wanted to catch candy! (In the dark blue)

Nathan zonked out on the way home.

After the parade and a LONG nap for Nathan, the boys pulled out a home made slip 'n' slide and they all had fun for hours in the back yard. Poor Heather tried to brave and go down the slide and ended up with whiplash. It makes me hurt when I watch the video. (See below.) Then the boys got creative and started to use their bodies as bowling balls and set up kid chairs to slide down and try to knock down the chairs. I didn't get any pictures, but I think Heather did.

After all the sun fun, we did a Skousens Got Talent Video which I believe will never go beyond the viewing of our family. (It's pretty bad - funny bad, you know? But probably only to ourselves.) Even Sister Skousen made an appearance!

The day was wonderful. We just missed Jen & Fam and Amy!

The Zoo at the Zoo

2008-07-14T18:47:00.017-06:00

Christian's sister, Becky and her 6 kids came down from Idaho during the 4th of July weekend. We haven't seen them for so long, so we were excited to see them all! (Scott, Becky's husband came down too; just for the weekend.) On Wednesday, we went to the Zoo. Despite being 300 degrees, we had a lot of fun - especially with the rolling water ball.

Where should we go first?

Seeing the albino alligator

Nathan trying to run away with a stuffed gator

Doesn't Nathan look thrilled?

Grandpa is showing Nathan the monkeys.

Hanging out on the trunk.

Watching the elephants with Lily and Victoria.

Grandma, Becky, Sarah, Emma, Lilly, Victoria watching the elephants

Aunt Joanie, Grandpa, Zoo Keeper, Noelle, Grandma

Playing with the water with Aunt Jessica

Nathan played in the water for over 20 minutes!

So another little girl was standing on the platform. The MOMENT Nathan saw it, he shoved his way on. Who's kid is he?

Mean Mommy

2008-07-14T17:27:00.000-06:00

I am a MEAN Mommy. I totally knew what the trunk was going to do, and I let Nathan stand in front of it anyway. Hahahahaha

Can you pass the citizenship test?

2008-07-02T09:36:00.001-06:00

I got 75% (I missed 5) How well did you do?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25461301/

There are ants ants ants ants, trying on the pants in the store, in the store

2008-07-02T09:21:00.005-06:00

BLEH! Okay, so the ants are NOT trying on the pants in the store, but they ARE invading our basement!

We have never had ants in the house before, but we noticed some outside near the back door, so Christian sprinkled some ant killer and we have TICKED them off!! They scaled a full assault on the mini Nutter Butters we left downstairs. When Christian and I went downstairs the other night, we found maybe 100 or so in and around the package. We made short work of them by grabbing the vaccumm and sucking up those little scavenger ants. Then Christian took our spider trap and put some peanut butter on it to trick those nasty little things into getting stuck and dying a horrible death of stickiness. We are winning the war! Every day we find some more on the trap. We are also going to bug bomb the basement before we leave the the holiday.

The worst part is, I keep feeling like ants are crawling on me. Nasty little insects!

Marriage Equation

2008-06-17T10:50:00.004-06:00

Nasty Heat +

Wife on Fertility Drugs (they make you not very nice and very irrational) +

A husband who means well =

The lamest argument in our entire marriage.

So, with the temperature rising, of course, we turned the cool air on. (We have central air.) However, in our bedroom, we face west and it's on the 3rd level. It really doesn't ever get that cool until late at night. So if Christian and I are putting away laundry or cleaning the bedroom in the evening, we just turn the air off. It doesn't do much difference anyway, so why use the energy? We have a ceiling fan going and that's as good as it gets.

Well, on Monday night, we were folding a ton of laundry that we had kept ignoring. It was hot and I was tired. I was standing in the doorway and Christian came and put his arms around me. His skin was like fire! It triggered a hot flash in me and I couldn't get cool fast enough! The window was open, but the blinds were closed. So I opened the blinds. Christian asked if I was sure I wanted to do that because then people could see us. I replied that I didn't care (of course I did - I was running around in garmies! But I was hot!) Christian asked if it would help if he turned the lights off.

"How can I fold the laundry in the dark?" I demanded? Then I stalked over to the blinds, smacked them shut and started to fold the laundry.

Chrisitan retreated downstairs. I finished folding the laundry and got into bed. Christian came back upstairs after awhile (maybe 20 minutes) and apologized, (for what, I don't know, he wasn't the raging hag face!) so of course, my rage was immediately zapped. So I apologized too. Then he told me that when he went downstairs he had flopped angrily down on the couch and sat on a 4th of July decoration and was poked by a star. OUCH!

There you have it. The Great Robinson Family Fight of June 2008.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-17T10:44:00.004-06:00

Christian

Thank you so much for everything you do for our little family. You are always so willing to sacrifice so much for us. I really appreciate the times you take Nathan and play with him so I can have some alone time. Thanks for supporting my many girls' nights and family projects that you always get roped into. Thank you for loving me for me and for loving and treasuing our son.

Happy Father's Day! Sweetie!

Remembering Those Who Are Gone

2008-05-27T22:05:00.006-06:00

We visited Oma, Opa & Ur-Oma, Grandpa Skousen, My aunt, Kathy, Tante Liesel and her sister, Rosa's Graves.

EVIL Emo's Grave!! Heather's getting sucked into the door!! Aaaahhhh!!!!

He's Back!!

2008-05-27T21:23:00.007-06:00

We saw the new Indiana Jones movie!! LOVE it!! You have to see it for yourself! (P.S. Jennifer didn't come because Ben wasn't here and they are seeing it together on their honeymoon!!

Rage at my Dad and Christian!!

Waiting in line.....

Our seats - back row, of course!! No back of your seat kickers allowed!!

Heather wasn't ever satisfied with her picture. Then I told her she couldn't have any more and so she got pissed at me. (That's the one where's she's looking away and flipping her hair.)

Hmmm

2008-05-27T21:21:00.002-06:00

Okay, I know you're all waiting with bated breath; I am working on a new post! I lost my camera, or thought I lost it. Nathan (of course) pulled it out of our over-night bag. So, I'll get some pics ASAP!!

My Oma

2008-04-28T12:14:00.003-06:00

My Oma (German Grandma) passed away early this morning. We will miss her so much. I know she is with my Opa and her parents and is so happy. WE LOVE YOU!!
Here is the link to her obituary. Thanks for all the love and concern from my friends and fam. Love you guys!!

http://www.legacy.com/DeseretNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=108648191

Organizing the Kitchen

2008-04-07T21:52:00.003-06:00

Apparently Nathan doesn't approve of where we keep the Tupperware. He spent about 30 minutes walking back and forth, taking the Tupperware to the cupboard. I love it how he has this certain path and Christian keeps getting in the way!!

If he sees it, he has to do it too!

2008-04-07T21:32:00.004-06:00

I'm know all kids go through all the stages. Right now, Nathan is into copying. He wants to do everything we do. When I unlock the door, then he wants the keys so he can unlock the door. If I get a fork for my dinner, he has to have a fork too. So a couple of weeks ago, we were making Sweet and Sour Chicken (it DELISH! - I'll give you the recipe if you want) and while we were cooking the chicken, Nathan saw from his high chair and screeched to let us know he wanted in on the fun. So I pulled his high chair close and gave him a spatula. He was in hog heaven as he stirred around the cooked pieces of chicken. I just love this kid.

Little Red Corvette

2008-04-07T21:16:00.003-06:00

Christian's Mom and Dad have tons of toys for Nathan! Most recently, Grandpa got this red car. Nathan absolutely loved climbing in and then immediately climbing back out. At first he couldn't figure out how to do it on the Driver side, but eventually, he figured it out. Silly kid! My favorite picture is the last one. He looks like he's tuning the radio and that he doesn't want anyone messing with his car!

Just Say No to Charly

2008-04-07T14:46:00.007-06:00

Okay, as many of you may know, I am a anti-chick-flick chick. I hate romantic comedies!! Mostly because it's like - 'Oh they broke up. Do you think they'll really get back together before the end?' AND the cheesy lines they make the actors say! "I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." BLEH.

However, I am not made of complete stone, and there are a couple of movies that make me teary-eyed. Little Women, when they're standing under the umbrella in the rain is such a sweet little scene.

Well, last night, Charly was on t.v. If you haven't seen it, DON'T! (SPOILER) It's the story of a returned missionary who meets a non-member girl. To make a long story short - (too late) she gets baptized, they get married, they have a baby, she gets cancer, she dies. Now, I don't say don't see it because some of the lines are cheesy and some of the acting needs help, but because I start sobbing when I watch this movie!! Especially at the end when she's trying to get her baby to say Mommy and when she talks about death not being the end, it gets me every time! I'm sure it's because the situation is so relate-able.

Anyway, the movie is on last night. We are flipping between this and Family Guy. (I know - we are bizarre.) and it comes to end when he takes on the Ferris Wheel one last time and I lost it. Christian was on the computer and turned to me and said, "Oh honey, you're crying."

"I know. Stupid movie. I can't watch it. " So I turned it and didn't come back to it.

"Christian, don't ever die."

"Okay."

Then for the next 10 minutes, I had tears streaming down my cheeks.

Stupid movie.

Easter!

2008-03-30T21:47:00.004-06:00

Easter came and went so fast it hardly seems it happened! We thought Nathan would be so into Easter - dyeing his eggs, looking for candy and eating the candy.... Well, Nathan didn't get the memo. He just wanted to chuck his egg like it was a ball. He did enjoy putting candy into his basket, but he would NOT eat it! I tried to shove some of his chocolate sucker in his mouth. He wanted NONE of that! Oh well. It was still good times, although it was a little chilly. We even had 2 egg hunts! We'll just wait for next year - maybe then he'll get the Easter memo!

The Adventures of a Little Boy and his Balloon

2008-03-27T11:34:00.008-06:00

Last week at Relief Society, they used some balloons for decorations. Nathan was in the nursery and I was able to snag a balloon for him, knowing that he is obsessed. It's now been almost 2 weeks (the dinner was on Tuesday, March 18th) and his balloon is still up and still being dragged everywhere.

It eats dinner with Nathan

It takes a bath with Nathan

It drives in the car with Nathan

It sleeps with Nathan (Once he's asleep, we sneak in to take it out of his crib)

Nathan loves to look up at it and say "b b" (the sound of the letter b - bah not bee). He also holds the string in a death grip. At least we don't have to worry about it floating away.

We're not sure what to do when it the helium is gone; I guess get another one!

This reminds me of the story of the 'Red Balloon'. That French movie where the red balloon follows the boy home and it becomes his best friend. Nobody better pop this balloon!!