I just have to take a moment and say I'm so glad Autumn is here. I'll admit that I would love a little cooler weather and some colorful foliage but I'm happy nonetheless. As winne the pooh says, "hot chocolate-y mornings and marshmellow toasty evenings..." I quite understand! Yay for Autumn!
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let everyone know that that the Robbins family has not disappeared from the face of the Earth! We are here and adapting to many changes. The least of which is that Eric starts a new job with Dunn and Bradstreet on October 14th. This job has many opportunities for Eric and he is excited to get started and see where this new adventure takes him. I am still working full time (having gone back to FT after Nik went home in July-for those of you who didn't know) and enjoying the opportunity to help and work with patients again in the dental field. Of course, I would rather be at home with our sweet little Reilly, but for the time being I am grateful for the work. Reilly loves her childcare provider, Rosy, and her little playmate Brianna. Everyday when I pick up Reilly, Rosy has some funny story to tell us about our little imp. I'm glad that she has such a wonderful person to look after her while I am away. Nik is doing well and is proving hard to reach on the phone. I guess I shouldn't be surprised now that he's a full fledged teenager and having a life of his own. He has been looking for a job lately and is anxious to start making some extra cash. He is still dating Sidney and I'm hoping to upload a picture of them together so you all can rib him appropriately ;) I know that's the short, quick version of the updates but I'm hoping to be a little more diligent with updating here. I have some really great photos of everyone to post and can't wait to get them up. Until then...!
First, let me say that Nik's visit has come to an end and he went home last Sunday. We had a REALLY great time and I love every second that he gets to be here. He's grown up into a young man since the last time he was here and the change is remarkable. I have pictures that I'll be posting this weekend (never fear) but they will have to wait until then because I've returned to work full time (Mon-Thurs) and this week has been full of making that adjustment. There is one thing that couldn't wait, though...
I am so grateful for my family. All of you. You make make sure that Nik feels so included and loved while he is here (and even when he's not) and I can't tell you how much that means to me.
I want to especially say thank you to Katrina and Jason who helped make this trip possible. Eric and I were planning to bring him out at the end of August so that we could be more prepared, however, Nik's dad had some last minute time restrictions and it was either bring him out at the first part of July or not see him until Christmas-or worse-next Summer. Katrina and Jason were so great about making sure that Nik was able to come out and I can't thank you enough for making that happen. Those moments that I have with Nik are priceless.
I also have to say thank you to Jason and Jessica for going out of your way to try and make the California trip work. I know that there were last minute things that prevented it from happening (all on our end) but you guys are ALWAYS there to try and make sure we can bring the boys out for a great visit. Jessica's optimism is truly her gift and you both are so generous and hospitable. Not to mention the coolest people ever to host a visit. I'm sorry it didn't work out and I have to say THANK YOU for once again making the offer and doing all you could do to try and make it work.
Finally, I have to say a thank you to Keith and Wendy for the absolutely thoughtful surprise I got in the mail today. I came home from work and a UPS truck pulls up and delivers flower...to me! I ask if Eric sent me flowers and he raises an eyebrow before saying..."uh...nooooo." He then takes the box and tells me that he gets to read the card first if an anonymous person sends "my wife" flowers. He hands the card to me. It's from Keith and Wendy. It was all I could do to keep from bursting into tears. They've sent me beautiful roses because they know that it's hard for me when Nik goes home (unbelievably hard) and they want to tell me that I'm a good mom (I'm crying now)and offer to help to make sure he gets to come for Christmas. There aren't words to tell you how deeply I am touched.
I tell you this, unashamed, because being out of work has meant making sacrifices but instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, Eric and I have had tremendous opportunity to feel the love and support of our families (both Bradshaw and Robbins) and I marvel at our many blessings. To all of you...we feel grateful to have you in our lives, grateful to know that we belong to such a wonderful, warm and loving family. Thank you for making these last 7 months more bearable, for making our sacrifices seem small in comparison to the outpouring of love, support and help and for making it possible for Nik to come and be with us so that we can have our whole family together for awhile. We are truly blessed.
Summers are crazy. I don't know what happens between November and April that cause me to forget this but each June I seem to realize this for the "first" time...all over again. So for all you busy people out there, here is a moment just for you. Turn off my background music, press play, lean back and enjoy....(to maximize the video to full screen, click the "full screen icon on the bottom right of the video window)
Nik is coming...YAAAAY! Nik is coming for his Summer visit from June 29th through July 13th. We are so excited for him to get here and I'm especially excited for Brandon to come and stay with us while he's here. They are my entertainment! More news on what will be going on but I couldn't wait to tell everyone....NIK IS COMING! YEAAAAAAY!
I admit that one of the biggest adjustments, for me, with green cleaning is that I no longer had the familiar smells of a clean house; heavy pine scent, bleach, clorox, etc. Instead, after the intially faint smell of vinegar the first hour, I smell...well, nothing. So when I came across these homemade and safe recipes for room freshners, I thought I would share. Again, they are courtesy of Care2 website but I couldn't wait to share:
This couldn’t-be-easier recipe makes enough for five cups of mist, enough to share with a friend. Use liberally on non-staining surfaces or simply spray upward in the center of the room, being sure to avoid contact with eyes.
Ingredients:
Use an eyedropper to place the following in a small glass jar with a lid (a baby food jar is ideal)–
20 drops sweet orange essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Mix well. To use, add 4-8 drops of this base to one cup of purified or distilled water in a spray bottle, shaking to mix. Store in a cool, dark place.
Spicy Summer Potpourri
This potpourri looks lovely set out in a bowl, or stored in little potpourri bags.
Base: a combination of any or all of the following, thoroughly dried–
orange peel, marigolds, chrysanthemums, lavender, asters, Queen Anne’s lace, star anise seeds, cinnamon powder or sticks, whole or powdered cloves
Oil scents: a few drops each–
Sweet orange essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Clove essential oil
Sprinkle dried base with oils and mix well. Refresh base with a few drops of oil whenever needed.
Vanilla Odor Remover
The vanilla bean has properties that reduce odors! Try this super-easy trick for removing smells you don’t want:
Ingredients:
1 to 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
Just put the vanilla in a small cup anywhere you want air freshening.
Summery Stovetop Freshener
Mint is a wonderful freshener that gives an uplifting feeling to the atmosphere. You can use either fresh or dried mint in this formula.
Ingredients:
A handful of mint leaves
8 cups of water
Combine all the ingredients in a pan on the stove. Bring to a boil, and then turn down to a simmer. Replace the liquid when needed as it evaporates.
Cinnamon Trick
I have a small terra-cotta pot filled with ground cinnamon sitting near my desk. I get wafts of the sweet fragrance all day long.
So here are the recipes and supplies that I use for housekeeping. It's handy, cheap and easy to make up. I've taken these instructions from the Care2 healthy and green living website. If you want more information on stain removers, air freshners, etc., please take a moment and visit their website-lots of really great info and tips. And..sorry if this sounds a bit to much like a "green" commercial :)Here it is:
SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Tea tree oil
6 clean spray bottles
2 glass jars
Read more about these 5 basic cleaning ingredients, and a vinegar update.
CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER
Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.
Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise just make as much as you need at a time.
WINDOW CLEANER
1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle
Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.
OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent
Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn’t work for you it is probably because you didn’t use enough baking soda and/or water.
ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.
FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.
VINEGAR DEODORIZER
Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board and in your bathroom and use them for cleaning. I often spray the vinegar on our cutting board before going to bed at night, and don’t even rinse but let it set overnight. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.
MOLD KILLERS
Tea Tree Treasure
Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.
Vinegar Spray
Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.
Neighborhood, that is. I can't believe how busy it's been at Our House lately! I mean, I thought when Eric's cousin left that things would really slow down but they haven't! I have to say that it's all because of our neighborhood. Ever since the neighbor girls have been babysitting Reilly (super cute girls ages 12 and 14), they stop by at least once a day to play with Reilly or visit with me. I've gotten to know their mom, Mary, pretty well and sometimes find myself at their house visiting as well.
Rueben and Gloria are across the street with the daughter, Kathy (who is an adult daughter with Down's Syndrome) and we visit and check on eachother often. Reuben was actually the "welcome wagon" when I came to the neighborhood.
Recently, I've started walking with Millie (who lives two houses down and lost her husband to cancer last November) and Gail who lives at the end of the street next to Mary. Most of the time, the babysitters come over in the evening to let me know the "gang" is leaving for the evening walk and always ask me to bring Reilly in the stroller-which I'm happy to do because Reilly really loves her walks..and I mean LURVS her walks :)
Between work, Reilly, neighborhood visits and evening walks...things have really kept moving around here! Not to mention I've lost another 5 pounds walking 2-4 miles in the evenings!
Memorial Weekend we got invited to a bbq at the Mary's and just this afternoon Millie brought by her special eggplant parmesan (yum!) and stuffed peppers for me to try. I'm..uh...starting to get spoiled with all this food and babysitters that live across the street!
Anyways, I just had to say...I'm really getting to like our little street and how connected it feels. I think I'm going to have to make a "do not disturb" sign for the front door though. Just in case I need to "take 5."
I have to say I love it! In case I haven't mentioned it, I chucked all the home cleaning products I had been using (what was left of it)and went green cleaning a few months ago. A few spray bottles and some basic ingredients (baking soda, washing soda, liquid detergent, olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice)and I was off and running. I pulled out the cleaning bin yesterday and rolled up my sleeves to do some housekeeping and discovered that I had run out of my multi purpose cleaner. It was soooo awesome to skip the trip to store and just whip up a new batch. Also, I found a great homemade furniture polish just using olive oil and lemon juice! Worked like a charm. Not only do I not have to throw away plastic bottles, paper towels, polish wipes and harmful chemicals-but it's safe to have around Reilly and way cheaper too! Yeah for green cleaning!
So Reilly's vocab continues to grow. Much to my delight, she pointed to Shadow (one of the castle hounds) and said, "Do-G....ru(ff)..ru(ff)." Yeah! It's delightful to see her list of words growing and I can't believe how many she has added this week. So far we have "baby," "mama," "dada," "mo(re)," "hiiiii," "bu-bu," (bye-bye) "na-na," (no)and I've also heard her say the names of the two little girls who babysit and are here to play with her almost everyday (they live across the street) as well as the "p" sound for "up." Her list of signs are growing too! She can sign for milk, all done, more and book. We're working on Cheerios and cheese right now. Now if I can just get her walking...!
here's the same gig for the one year photos. She was just barely standing and holding onto things when these photos were taken. Hard to believe that only weeks later, she's taking steps on her own. Look out world!
...at least that's what it seems like with all of Pookie's pics floating around on this blog. My only excuse is...well...I don't have one. I think she's the most adorable girl ever and I can't help it. I am shameless. Hee. Anyways...here are her two month pictures, finally. I bought the disk when I purchased her one year photos and thought I would share them. I've numbered each picture, in case any of you would like them, and you can send me an email just telling me which ones you want and I'll send them off. I can't believe how little she was!
Enjoy:
I finally got pigtails on our little Pook. She was very pleased with herself and found them facinating. It took all of three hours before she finally got her chubby hand up there and pulled them out! I have to share:
Answer 3 things to each section :)
20 years ago I...
1) was 17 and getting ready for my senior year
2) working at Pizza hut as a cook with my sister's best friend (lots of fun)
3) had my first unrequieted crush *sigh*
10 years ago I...
1) was a divorced single mom making the best of it
2) working as a dental assistant and moonlighting at a second job
3) learning what it meant to stand up for what you believe in
5 years ago I..
1) Moved back to Arizona from Oklahoma
2) Met my husband to be (although I didn't know it at the time)
3) Was enjoying getting to know my neices and nephews and staying with Bonna while job hunting.
3 years ago I..
1) was planning a wedding
2) living with my youngest brother Jared (a great experience!)
3) getting ready to move back to Tucson from Mesa
1 year ago I...
1) Just given birth to Reilly and was in the throws of new motherhood...after 15 years :)
2) Supporting my husband in his endeavors with a new business
3) Dealing with tendenitis in both wrists and my right hip out.
So far this year I have...
1) Gone back to work part time
2) Marveled at the fact that I have a son who went to his first prom and a daughter who is learning to take her first steps
3) and I have ALSO read the Twilight Series more times than is necessary!(the previews for the movie were amazing-saw them at Prince Caspian on Saturday)
Yesterday I...
1) Nursed my husband who was sick with the 24 hour flu
2) did a million loads of laundry
3) Saw Prince Caspian at the theatre on a date with my husband! (I had to come back and edit this because I didn't actually see Prince Caspian...I saw the movie, Prince Caspian. LOL)
Today I....
1) believe in the power of kindness and have a stronger testimony of it.
2) made an amazing meatloaf
3) am glad that Reilly is her usually happy little face again after recovering from the side effects of her MMR shot.
Tomorrow I will...
1) Take Reilly to the park
2) Curl my babysitters hair as a "practice" before her promotion to H.S. this Wednesday.
3) Various and sundry errands :)
In the next year I may...
1) Finish Nik's scrapbook
2) Teach Reilly how to walk
3) Come to grips that my 20 year H.S. reunion will be rolling around!
Thanks for the tag Jess and Cory! I feel so loved :)
What can I say about the long silence except that the end of April and all of May are just very busy times at the Robbins nest (thanks Jason for the great idea!) I've been working more, had wonderful visits from out-of-town family, both Nik and Reilly have turned a year older, Eric has become a regular road warrior for work and we've had more than a few dinner parties for friends and friends of friends. Great fun and lots of fabulous memories.
Especially notable was Reilly's first weekend with Grandma and Grampa Bradshaw. I dropped her off Friday night and Eric and I both picked her up on Sunday afternoon, Mother's Day. It was great to have the weekend to have one-on-one time with Eric and it was also cute to see him calling the grandparents to check up on how Reilly was doing! Of course, she was showered with love and goodness and great fun getting kisses and hugs from Gramma and Grampa. I have to take a minute and just share how well prepared Mom is. I was super impressed! Reilly's visit was sort of a last minute decision and so I hadn't come prepared with Reilly's usual assortment of "mommy worry" gear. I call it that because I'm sure, had I more time to prepare, I would have thrown in everything but the kitchen sink..."just in case." Needless to say, Mom had everything she needed on hand...bottle, diapers, formula, portable crib and even splurged on a Sunday dress to take Riles to church. I have the best mother ever and Reilly has a wonderful Gramma. Thanks again Moma and Dad..for everything that weekend.
Now I just need to plan the trip to New York that's coming up in about three weeks. Holy Cow! Three weeks? I gotta get going!
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