8 Ball

Ahh, the magic 8 ball. I remember playing with those in middle school, asking it the age old questions about pre-teen romances and my imminent future. I always knew it was a joke, but don't we all wish it were real? Even if the answer was "maybe", it still felt good to be given some hope, despite the fact that it comes from a mass produced game!

I wish there really was such a thing that could just tell me "Hey Bethany, don't stress it. Baby will be here by Sunday afternoon. So go out shopping with your sisters and get pedicures and live it up!". Wouldn't that be nice??

On Halloween afternoon, we frantically threw the boys in some last minute costumes. Lazarus was going to be the most adorable fireman, but backed out last minute. We threw him his blankie, named him Linus and called it good. Elijah scored an awesome Optimus Prime costume (at half off day!) at Goodwill but it didn't come with a mask. Thankfully, mama's got killer face painting skills. Funny thing is, I actually found (and purchased) a real Optimus Prime transformers mask yesterday at a kid's consignment shop-day late and a dollar short I suppose.

And I went as an 8 ball.

We had fun walking around downtown Bellingham, popping into shops and getting free candy. Yesterday, the ladies and the little lads went down to the boardwalk for some exercise in the cool fall air. Walking seems to help things start up, but it's not quite time yet. We're having a blast together though! If nothing else, this week has been a really fun time with my family!!!

Elijah's (actual) Birthday-How We Celebrate

Elijah turned 5.
Oh, you heard?
Well, I do like the kid. I also like celebrating birthdays, so yes, this is my third "Elijah's 5th Birthday" post in 5 days. Enjoy!

Phase 1 

We started the day at 8:20am. Our tradition is to visit the zoo (even if we've just been twice the week before!). Summer hours are early and people get there quick, so I felt a little late when we arrived 20 minutes after opening.

The zoo is free (!!!) but there are some things that cost money after the 1st hour, like the carousel and the children's zoo. We were there early enough to enjoy even those things for free!

Our tradition has been to spend money on a zoo train ride for birthdays only. This year, Elijah requested a face painting instead. It was awesome!

 

A benefit to having just gone to the zoo - no pressure to see everything! We mosied around a bit then headed home before the heat set in.

{thanks for smiling guys...}

Phase 2-a walk to the park and cupcakes!

"Yook mama! I find a stick!"

Phase 3-presents!

-New Imaginext toy plane 

($5 from the after Christmas Target toy sale!! make fun all you like, but it pays to purchase gifts in January!!)

-Bow and arrow

-Rock n' Roll shirts and a Batman hat

It was such an awesome day just rejoicing in the life of our Elijah. It's been a wonderful time just the four of us, too. Especially after so much activity these last few weeks.

Elijah's 5th Birthday!

Elijah and I have been planning his 5th birthday party since January. He asked for a black and white stripes and stars rock and roll party. 

"Sure......."

I thought I'd be dropping all sorts of dough for specialized party supplies on Etsy. Then a birthday miracle occurred  I found everything I needed in the Michael craft store dollar section! SCORE!!!

With the help of Sarah, Nathan and Dan, we pulled off a rockin' party!

The grub.

The guests.

Dan managed an awesome tattoo parlor!

The stage!

 

Rockin' Family!

Birthday boy enjoying his cake.

Dancing!

Lazzy took a few moments to relax by himself. Poor little introvert.

So glad the Partains were here to celebrate with us!!!!

Elijah's real birthday is Wednesday and we look forward to having another little Robbins' family celebration. I cannot believe my first born is 5 years old!!!

{half photo credit to Sarah Partain}

Happy Easter

Ten years ago, I visited my sister and brother-in-law who were living in Seattle at the time. God was not a part of my life and I had no idea it was Easter week. Lucky for me (a bitter and dark hearted non-believer), my brother-in-law worked for the church and I found myself spending a lot of time in the house of God that week. By Easter Sunday, my life was changed. I gave up my fight and finally, for the first time, received the amazing love offered to me by my God on that day Jesus died. That's how I ended up in Seattle. That's how I met Dan and life continued from there.

Now, I have two adorable boys and a baby on the way. I want nothing more than for them to always trust the love of God. I also know that God has a plan for their lives, for their faith and their future. Still, it begins in the home.

The Jesus Story Book Bible is such a wonderful gift to my children. The way it's written with Jesus always at the center, it makes my heart glad. Here is the Easter story, for all ages:

10 years ago, I had to decide if I would devote my life to disproving Christ's death and resurrection or if I would believe and devote my life to following this amazing man. Either he (and everyone around him) was crazy or he really was the son of God. I'm thankful for 10 amazing years of walking with LOVE himself and am amazed at how that walk has changed my inner being.

He is risen. He is risen indeed!!
Happy Easter!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

An Unplugged Weekend With Family

Well y'all, I did it. I went without internet for 3 whole days. In AMERICA!!! It's one of my 30 before 30 challenges and this was the perfect weekend to cut myself off from cyber-land and BE IN THE MOMENT!!!

My older sister and her family were already passing through Nashville with big birthday party plans and I was tempted to join in. Once news got out about my little sister's engagement night being Friday, I knew I couldn't miss such a big weekend with my family.

First thing on Friday night, we toasted to the happy couple!

Then, we celebrated all four birthdays: Nathan, Abigail, Flannery and Levi. Complete with presents, cupcakes and the traditional dance party to the Beatles Birthday Song.

The night continued with the world's biggest bonfire! My brother Jesse can seriously burn some stuff!! We had 6 dried up Christmas trees and enjoyed them all one at a time. At some points, the fire reached almost 40 feet tall!

It's a miracle, but we actually got some snow!! Saturday morning was spent outside. We had a blast!

Sunday, the gals went wedding dress shopping. Can you believe my sister found her dress? It really is perfect! Plus, Abby HATES to shop, so she's relieved to be done with that part of the wedding planning. I am so grateful I was able to be home this weekend. What a busy three days, but so so blessed!

I love my family. We are weird. We fight. We annoy each other. We get very very loud. I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

New Years Resolutions...Blah blah blah....

I've decided I am unique and special when it comes to keeping New Year's resolutions. Just like the rest of the world, I FORGET!!!

Seriously, I am not very good at keeping up with such things unless I do it with a friend. For example, I had hoped to watch every Mary Kate and Ashley movie in the year 2011. The plan was to enjoy these brilliant works of art with my sister. Then she moved, and I lost interest. Shocking, I know.

I didn't make any resolutions for 2012 and I feel very good about that. However, since I'll be 30 this year, I figure my 30 before 30 goals can be my resolutions. Geeze, I think I really set myself up for failure this year. I guess we'll see how it goes!

Maybe I should resolve to be more like Lazzy and go with my gut this year!

Resolutions and failures aside, I do have a plan I'm participating in with my church. Dan and I are reading through the Bible chronologically. We signed up with YouVersion and I'm excited to see this thing through!

Another Tender Tennessee Christmas

Well folks, it was yet another wonderful tender Tennessee Christmas this year. We were sad to have missed the snow in St. Louis, but time with family is SO worth it. Plus, we got a nice little snow shower yesterday! A post Christmas miracle, right?

Christmas morning!

My parents heat the house with a wood stove. As you can imagine, stocking up on fire wood is a non-stop important job for the men in the house. The boys love being part of the "work" and they did a great job helping grandpa transfer wood from the main pile up to the porch. 

There are 3 steps to help grandpa effectively:

The cutest part is when one of the boys would be a given an "all nighter" log (meaning, a BIG one), they had to inform Dan so he could put it in the round holder. They'd say "This one's a LONG nighter dad".

Being musical with uncle Joel.

COUSINS

SNOW!

A night out to see my brother play music.

Bath time with Lazzy.

Dan left on Friday so he could work New Year's and the boys and I head back tomorrow. We are thankful for such a sweet time with family. We're even more thankful for a hard working papa and can't wait to see him when we go home tomorrow!