The Magic of Santa

I love the magic of Santa. It doesn't matter what's happening in the "real" world, when a man walks in dressed in red with a big burly white beard, everyone smiles; even the adults. These pictures are from our PGHS Santa party. Santa comes and talks with each child and gives them a gift. Hayley and Whitney were all smiles and they were thrilled to report to Santa that they had been exceptionally good this year. This reminds me to take a step back from mom-mode and really appreciate the good that is in each of my daughters. Sure, they aren't perfect, but they are decent, kind human beings who bring a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.

Running into a brick wall

Have you ever experienced the sensation of hitting a brick wall? Well, I hadn't until a few weeks ago. Life was moving along at its usual break-neck speed and then something happened that changed things. At a routine dental exam, my youngest daughter Hayley was sitting in the chair getting her teeth checked. She has beautiful teeth and does a great job taking care of them. However, the dentist lingered longer than usual examining her tongue. He finally said, I think this little piece of tissue under her tongue doesn't look quite right. I asked him what he was concerned about and he replied squamos cell carcinoma. My heart stopped, I about fell over and I wanted to throw up. Time stood still. I finally stammered, "um, what?" He said the little patch of grayish-white flesh was probably nothing, but he wanted us to get it checked out. So, she has an appointment with an oral surgeon and I've wasted hours and hours researching the prevalence of oral cancer in children. It is extremely rare. I can't even find much info about it because it is so rare, but right now I am dealing with an uncertainty that is eating me from the inside out. I hope and pray it is nothing. So, I'm counting the days, hours, and minutes until we see the oral surgeon, all the while I feel like I'm holding my breath and am on the verge of blowing chunks.

Children are Angels

I had a great mom moment the other day. Whitney's preschool teacher asks each of the kids little questions each day and records their responses. She does this so we have a scrapbook of our child; their thoughts, language, and ideas. Well, the other day this teacher asked Whitney, "Who would you tell Santa has been really good this year." Whitney's reply? My mom. Isn't that sweet and so unselfish of her? This reminded me that even though I'm not a perfect mom, and I probably get angry to quick and yell too much, that my children filter through that to remember the good. That is such a refreshing thought.

More Pumpkin Carving

Ouch, that hurt

I had my first ever knee scope this week. Now, you're going to think I'm crazy, but I really don't mind surgery that much. Think about it. After a few pokes of a needle, you go blissfully asleep. You wake up and are somewhat hazy but resting comfortably. Everyone bustles around helping you with the most mundane things. Then, you get to sleep on and off for the next two days in a drug-induced slumber. Plus, a knee scope is not that painful so I had a lot of relaxing without too much pain. I did get a little trunkie and anxious to go outside, but it has been so beautiful this week that I could meander out onto my deck and enjoy the sunshine without freezing my butt off. Through it all, my amazing husband has hovered over me and took care of the house and kids. So, it really isn't that bad. I've uploaded pictures of my scope. In one you can see how I somehow knocked out a dougnut-hole size piece of bone out of my knee cap. Ouch! Overall, I should be much better off now the surgery is over. It is times like these that make me grateful for good health. I mean think about it--do we realize what a blessing it is to be healthy? That alone is one of the greatest blessings there is. I think God for my good health and for the good health of my husband and kids.

Pumpkin Carving

Simple Expressions of Faith

I love listening to my children pray. No matter how many times they say the same thing, it still brings me to tears. Last night Whitney was saying the family prayer and her simple expressions of faith touched me deeply. She prays with such honesty and conviction that you would not believe she was only four years old. She never fails to pray for help in being nice to her sister; something she struggles with. Also, she never fails to pray for protection for the missionaries; especially her uncle David. She is always the firs to volunteer to pray and she takes the task very seriously.

Times like this remind me to be grateful for these sweet little angels who are a part of my family. Being a mother has provided me with ample opportunities to learn anew the things I've forgotten; enjoying each moment, having complete faith in "big" people, and believing that miracles happen every day.

I thank my Heavenly Father for the blessings of having my children in my home and hearing their sweet prayers. What an amazing experience.

We are in the O Magazine

So, I can't contain my enthusiasm. My company, Heritage Makers, is in the O Magazine. We have been listed as one of Oprah's all-time favorites! That means so much to a company like mine. I anticipate a lot of opportunities to come from this recognition. Many have asked me if I would leave teaching if I started making enough money from Heritage Makers. My answer is NO. I love teaching. It provides retirement and health insurance as well. If things go really well, I might consider dropping to part-time though. My students are all anxious to see if I will actually get to appear on the show. I hope so. It would be a moment to remember for the rest of my life.

I Love Halloween

I'm going to post a picture of the gigantic spider web we have out front of our house. I love Halloween. I don't know what it is about this holiday. I'm not a big candy eater, I don't like scary movies, and I don't like blood and gore. But, I love this holiday; it's weird. My children start planning their next year's Halloween costume the day we purchase their costume for the current year. They want to wear the costumes every day until Halloween. Whitney, age 4, cannot understand why her Halloween costume is not appropriate for church! I guess it's just the fun of dressing up and not having to follow any "norms" for one day. If I want to dress crazy and be laid back at work, I get one day each year to do just that. I guess most of all, I love experiencing Halloween through the eyes of my children. They remind me, each day, to enjoy the moment. I thank god for these sweet little girls.

I am an elk widow

Okay, I don't get what men find appealing in the "hunt". They leave their comfy homes, wives, and children for a long excursion in the woods. They hike 8 to 10 miles per day, freeze their butts off, and never see an elk. Meanwhile, the little wife at home is going crazy trying to balance the demands of her full-time job, both her children's schedules, and her new business. I also don't get how my kids always end up sick the minute my hubbie leaves town in search of those elusive elk. Bitter? Not really, just really frustrated with the whole situation. My plan for next year is to buy a cow, tie it to a tree, and let him shoot it. It will be quicker, cheaper, and I will definitely have meat in my freezer. God bless the hunters. Heaven help the hunter widows!

Oprah Loves Heritage Makers

I am so excited to announce that Oprah loves my company--Heritage Makers!! She plans to host us on her "My Favorite Things" show. If you are interested in learning more about storybooking or Heritage Makers, now is the time to contact me. My company is about to explode!!!

The Robertsons Enter the Blog-o-Sphere

Okay, I have finally entered myself into the blog-o-sphere. My intentions for this blog is to allow my family to keep up with my crazy life; to share my love of storybooking and heritage; and to network and commiserate with other working mothers who need support.