Family Pictures

So, I've been working on some new pictures of the kids. I haven't finished, but at least wanted to post one of the most recent, from just this week Wednesday.

In the midst of things going on, I have found myself flying through this period of anticipation looking forward to December 7(ish) when we'll get to welcome the newest Robinson. This past Wednesday marked 26 weeks already. The baby is doing great and I can't complain about much. Leah's eyes light up at the thought of another sister, but we'll see...either way we look forward to meeting another blessing...hard to imagine - the 1/2 dozen!

Verses to Support How We "Do Everything"

1 Corinthians 10: 31

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."

1 Peter 4: 8-11

"Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Colossians 3: 15-17

"And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Ephesians 2: 8-10

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.

Do Everything...

So I've not been the most regular on updating about everything going on in the Robinson household. I have found the month of August to have been gone in a blink. It started with the fun trip to the fair in Washington and the stay with Grandma Donna & Grandpa Jerry (still planning to put some memories & pictures in on that). Then we came back to getting ready for school. In addition, a big frenzy on the work in the basement was going on. In the past 6 weeks or so, the drywall, taping, painting, and flooring has been done. We are now down to basically doors, trim, and waiting for the cabinets. Feels good, but wow, it has been a bit exhausting. School is off to a good start, all the kids are enjoying it and the routine is falling into place.

Last week seemed especially exhausting with finalizing the choices on the flooring and then trying to keep the house in somewhat reasonable order & the kids occupied while Patrick, Grandpa, and Uncle Robert worked in the basement. We appreciate the help so much! By the time Friday rolled around, I was very tired and feeling a bit like I couldn't keep up with all of it as I was heading to work for my Friday evening shift. But then, in the midst of me trying to "Do everything" I needed to do, I heard a message TWICE on that day, on the radio. I heard this song for the first time that day, and I heard it on the way to work AND on the way home. God has such an interesting way of getting messages to us, and on that day, reminding me of the purpose of the tasks I do each day and where I should devote the effort. I thought it was such a great song and the first verse of course got my attention as I see it as part of my daily routine! If you haven't heard it, give it a try...

It is by Steven Curtis Chapman - he has several songs I really like. This one ranks very high, as does his song Cinderella, that literally brings tears to my eyes when I hear it and think of Patrick and our little girls...

"Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman (You have to scroll down a bit & there's a video to click on there)

"Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Neat Catholic Family Story

Very neat story about a Catholic family and neat that the Washington Post kept the evidence in the story of the family's ever present faith! Wow, and to think, no multiple births! Really must be God's plan that this was even physically possible for them!

How a D.C. area family with 11 children, ages 12 through 1, makes it work - The Washington Post

First Day of School 8-18-11

What a great day! I can't believe how much older the kids seem even after the first day. I think especially Leah - WOW - in preschool. So hard to believe. She just looks older to me now. She really enjoyed her first day (even though it was only for one hour). Jacob did great going to his first day of kindergarten. He's very familiar with the room as Leyton & Nathaniel were in the same room for kindergarten, with the same teacher; and Leyton was also there for 1st grade with Mrs. Hensler again. Nathaniel even showed him around a bit, "You can hang your backpack over there, where ever you want." Jacob sure is growing up, too. He said he had a lot of fun and would be going back tomorrow. And then my big boys...second grade, really? It is so hard to believe?! I'm like a broken record, but how can they seem to change just so quickly? I'm very proud of all of them and look forward to a great year. My little Anne was a champ today following everyone around and tagging along with the drop offs & pickups. What a great little gal. Good thing I have more time at home with her! My oh my...

Lunch Conversation with Anne

When asking Anne what she'd like for lunch, lately some of the responses I've gotten have been:

"Hot hog" (hot dog)

"boney" (bologna)

"oh nice" (when she gets what she wants)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Anne!

Happy Birthday to our sweet baby girl! What a great day to celebrate Anne. I still remember how I spent July 4, 2009, not having any idea that we'd meet this precious firecracker the very next day! Always with a smile, she's growing so much and carrying on great conversations with all of us. I continue to know God has a plan in saving her for number 5 because she is completely a professional at going with the flow since she has done that since day one. She's so much of her own person, too, and our family for sure wouldn't be the same without her. She has a great relationship with her siblings as they love to entertain her and in return, she can always make them laugh, too, with her cute antics. She loves babies (that's good), Dora and company, riding her trike, playing with phones and on the computer, wearing sunglasses and her sister's shoes, and being read to. She's very loving, a bit stingy with her kisses, but never with her smiles.

We had a nice day with her and the Lees joined us for her birthday dinner of homemade pizza, salad, fruit salad, and of course cake and ice cream. Dora cake for sure this time around.

She's so much fun and we couldn't love her more. We love you sweet Anne!