Happy Birthday Paul!

To the best Paul in the whole wide world! We love you~ Have a great day!

How are you all doing? You all got home in good shape. I have two make-up cosmetic containers with blush and powder. I have a pair of socks-white. So far that's all.
I loved seeing you. You add much needed support and love by coming. I know it wasn't easy. Mom is sleeping a lot but seems to be adjusting. We went to Idaho Mon. and came back the same day. We had some dear friends and some cousins come to see us in Idaho. It really takes you back when you see these people.
Dad was happy and I guess those people waiting for him were happy because we felt it. There was joy and excitement in the room. I think Dad was dreading this but knowing he had to do it. It reminds me of having a baby and knowing what you have to do to get the child here. Anyway, through tears of missing him and joy that this life experience is over, we are glad for him. Mom misses him more that she thought. Have a great week and we are thinking of you. Mom

Just to keep you up on things. We had a wonderful visit with Vic and Molly and Peter and
the Bice family. Molly's mom cooks like a professional and it was wonderful.
We left and came home and when we were in Provo, just dropped off Peggy we got a call from our neighbor that the ambulance had just left our house with Grandpa. We got home,picked up Mom went to the Payson hospital. Dad was sitting up kinda and alert. He did have a heart attack. They did use paddles on him in the hospital. He was scheduled for surgery for a stint in 10 min. They did that and put him in ICU. We followed him to his room, said goodbye (he's not awake) it was 12:30 and we left. At 3:00 he is back in surgery with bleeding they couldn't stop in the heart from the stint surgery. They called us then. I arrived at 3:30 and waited. He came back from 2nd surgery. Dr. said they had done all that they could. It was a matter of time, he didn't think he would be here in a couple hours, we'll see. I sat and waited for his last breath. It didn't happen. I started calling at 6:00 to my siblings stated he wouldn't make it through the day. Well, he rallied! He started coming around this afternoon and was awake off and on for a second or two. No life supports, he did it on his own. Now he is getting support for his kidneys and heart and is responding. He seems to be getting through. So its been a long day.
He will be in hospital a while I guess and we'll see as we go. Anything could happen. Best part was the family that came by and calls that we made to our family that lives far away. Vanita wishes she could be here too. So we will keep you informed. Mom is doing fine and was prepared for the worst because they have been planning on their lives to take this next step.
We love you all and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be family. Its seems more dear now because of the realization of being separated. As difficult as it has been to be his daughter, I love the old goat and wish the best for him. Family ties go deeper that the hurt of feelings- I am learning.So keep that in mind. Ok.
Love Mom

Peter the Great

Hi family!

We are home from the hospital and so in love with our little Easter miracle. Just wanted to give you a quick update on how things are going and how things went in the hospital. So far...it has been an amazing experience and we are being blessed and watched over by angels here on earth and the other side. I just love him so much I can't get over it.

Wednesday morning I was laying in bed and I felt a little trickle down my leg. This was around 6 a.m. I didn't think much of it (bladder control as a pregnant woman, ya know? ) Then it happened again. I decided to get up and investigate and another very large trickle came out. Could my water be breaking?? I stood in the tub just to be safe...and yes...trickle, trickle, trickle. I woke Vic up and told him the news. He was so tired and had so much to do at work last week that he told me to not let the baby come until Friday. Sorry, hun. We waited a while longer just to be sure--and we were pretty sure. But still no big gush of a lot of water. I was just a very pregnant waterfall. We showered and got ready, called the midwife--who said stay home for up to 8 hours and then if contractions haven't started I will have to be admitted to the hospital anyway. We tried everything to get the contractions going---went on a very long walk (with a towel between my legs..what? Wearing a skirt and crocs while it lightly snowed off and on all morning). We even walked to the grocery store, bought some Easter candy, chatted with a few people, all while I'm trickle, trickling. Still no gush, still no contractions. After hours of no contractions, we took a nap and had lunch, then finally had to drive to Salt Lake. It was very surreal to think the baby was coming today but to be feeling nothing in the way of pain. It was quite frustrating, actually. I wanted to do the work of labor! This was just odd.

We got to the hospital around 3 o'clock and they checked my water/membranes and said I was definitely "broken" and had to be admitted. The good news was that I was already dialated to a five. We hung out at the hospital, Vic read to me while I rested, and we just kept waiting and waiting for the darn contractions to start on their own! I didn't want to do pitocin. By 6 o'clock my midwife showed up. She broke the news to me that I was going to have to start a pitocin drip. It had been 12 hours since my water broke so labor had to start. Darn. I was a little worried about not getting an epidural now that it wasn't going to be a "natural" experience (using pitocin to make your uterus contract isn't exactly natural). But the midwife coached me with some inspiring words and said that I would likely not need a very high dose. Ok...here we go.

At 6 thirty they started the drip. Nothing happened. Around 7 they upped the dosage. Still nothing happening. We were so bored and anxious! I was sitting on the birthing ball, stimulating my nipples (sorry boys) and still nothing. We walked around our room--nothing. Who has to be on pitocin and do all this stimulation and still not be contracting? They kept upping my dosage and I was having a few contractions here and there, but nothing too serious. We finally gave in and watched American Idol from 8-9. I NEVER thought I would watch TV while I was in labor. Never wanted to. I wanted this to be a very sweet and spiritual experience and feel Lucy near us--American Idol wasn't exactly what I had pictured. But it helped to pass the time and as SOON as they announced that Scott (the blind man) was being sent home (finally!! Sorry--but he just had to go) I had a GOOD contraction. By 10:12 he was here!

So I was only really in labor for just over an hour. It was an incredible experience. I still can't stop saying how proud of myself I am. It was so empowering and I was so in control. I will let Vic brag more about it and let you know what the nurses and midwife said about it--I can't toot my horn too much here. Vic was a fantastic coach. I think I uttered the word epidural at one point and they somewhat ignored me. Then Vic reminded me of how much I have been wanting this and how much more quickly I will heal without one, how much I hated it last time, etc. Maybe three or four contractions after I had mentioned the epidural, I had the urge to push. I was sweating so much but my face was turned to the side, practically kissing the side rail of the bed so no one could see. It was dripping into my eyes. Up to this point I hadn't said a word. Just very concentrated breathing. The midwife said I had permission to talk but I had nothing to say! She reminded me that I could moan--and that helped so much! I was laying on my left side and when I had the urge to push I had no strength to open my legs or move an inch. I thought, "well, I'm going to push but he's just going to have to make his way out with my legs closed." The nurse held my leg and I had a few good pushes. I finally made my way more onto my back but still to the side. When I had a good contraction that helped me push, it was great. But I had to do some pushing on my own and that was so very difficult. Just sheer will power and grit. Wow. Once his head was finally out, I gave a few good pushes (one?) and I felt his whole body come out. It was the most amazing moment of my life. I can't describe it.

The cord was around his neck so they quickly cut it, suctioned him, and started to stimulate him. I just layed there on my back and prayed as hard as I did when Lucy choked. He let out a great cry and so did we. I can't believe I gave birth to such a big boy! I hardly tore at all and all the pain was forgotten the second he was in my arms. I have NO DOUBT whatsoever that Lucy was standing right next to Vic helping me through each contraction. From the time I started laboring in bed (9 thirty ish) until he came out...it went by so fast. I started shaking and the midwife told me I was in transition. I was so excited to hear that since it meant he was coming soon. There is so much more to share, but I will have to tell you over the phone or in person. I am going to write this story on my blog soon but in somewhat of a different way. I wanted to let you guys know the details first.

He is such a sweet baby. He hardly cries and he eats like a champ. Latched on the second he was in my arms and hasn't had a problem since. He does have jaundice so he's been sleeping on the billy bed (light bed) and does amazingly well. He wakes up to feed and goes right back to sleep. He does look so much like his big sister. Vic is so in love with his son. (Unfortunately, Vic has gotten SICK! Lack of sleep and a lot of stress and that boy gets sick in a snap. So that has been a little hard. To understand more of what I'm saying---go to THIS LINK)

Lucy will live again, and today Peter is in our arms. Two Easter Miracles. We love you guys. Our house feels like the temple right now. Whispering, family, and a fresh angel from his sister's arms. So many mixed emotions, but mostly joy and wonderment.

Vic painted my toes bright pink last week so that during labor I could think of Lucy.

First breath.


Big Boy



Coming home...


The best gift under Lucy's tree.

While we're waiting for pics of the new nephew and grandson, I thought I'd share this freebie I found online for maybe Allie or Hailey. It's a free princess DVD, link here. (You have to scroll down a bit to where it says Free Precious Places Princess DVD [I couldn't get it to link directly].) 

Editor's note: they ran out really quickly! They're no longer available to order, but feel free to check that site again for more free stuff in the future, or get on their mailing list and they said they can directly hook you up with freebies as they come available. Sorry about that one. 

Also, this is an awesome website to find free stuff to subscribe to for your birthday. Free ice cream at Cold Stone and DQ? Free burgers at Red Robin? You better believe Paul and I are cheap like that. :)

Peter is Here!!!

Born at 10:12pm weighing 8lb 1oz. Vic sounded wonderful. Molly did great and had a completely natural birth. Vic said that he looks just like his sister.

Expecting...

In case there is any one who checks this and has not yet heard, Vic and Molly are at the hospital. No news yet but we are excited and anxiously awaiting the news that should come sometime soon. We can't wait to meet little Peter!

We got a call from most all of our prodgeny. Thanks so much.
I have this book called Haley's Hints. Its fun.
Place a clove of garlic in the plant soil to eliminate bugs.It will grow along with your plant.
Frozen door lock? Warm up the key -lighter or match. Then insert and turn.
Peskey ants. Draw a chalk line on the floor. They don't like to cross the chalk
Sage or white pepper will repel ants.
Soda will remove odor from accidents caused by pups. Use a thin piece of rubber carpet under the dogs dish to hold it still. Discourage dogs chewing on electircal cords by rubbing a bar of soap on cord.
When painting, rub a bar of soap around window edges to avoid glass clean-up Or use vasoline.
Poison Ivy rub the inside of a banna peal on rash.Wish we knew this when you were younger Vic. Mosquito Bites- soak cotton ball with vinegar and apply to itch.
Birthday candles- give one to every one so everyone gets to blow out the candle.
Sharpen scissors- cut some sandpaper with your scissors until they are sharpened.
Ok, you get the idea. Hope you have a great week. Conference was great. I needed that and will read it when it comes. Got to go the temple more often. Love ya MOM

L & M visit with P & K

Le and Mah-lene were the first to come and sample the wonderful, bounteous fruits around Santa Maria. And we encourage all of you to do the same. :)

The 4-day soiree synopsis: eating (my favorite part), napping, walks, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach outlets, driving the coast, strawberries!, Settlers, the awesome Madonna Inn, talking, and getting splinters in our feet on the pier. (I'll never walk the pier again w/o shoes!) After all that, these were about the only pics I got. So silly.

Thacker could make a hot older lady!

He pulled down Mama Marlene's glasses and put them on like they were made for him.

The below pic was taken sometime after getting the mother of all splinters. Sorry to be dramatic. But really, I about cried from relief when I pulled it out the next morning. Still couldn't walk right for a while though. Okay, moving on.

This water was C-O-L-D!

And T-dog was so mad when he found it too cold to cross and meet up with his daddy. He just stood on one side and cried! Paul's got guts! And feet that don't feel cold apparently.

Mama Mar with the favorite offspring and in-law. :) Just kidding. We all know Bear is the favorite child.


Marlene was chattin' it up with the locals like she owned the place. I'm pretty sure I heard her say something along the lines of, "Oh yeah, I go to the beach all the time. You should see me bodysurf." And then something else about how if it wasn't so cold she would totally be in the water. It was awesome.


Le working on his mean tan.

And this is T-dog aspiring to be his gramps one day.

We had a great trip with you guys and are so glad you came down! It was fun to host you for the first time ever and I hope you come back again soon!

Jengo

Welcome to the newest member of the Robinson family! Jengo the boxer puppy! So soft and cute- he is sleeping on my lap.
And sleeping on Hailey's lap. She takes good care of him! I think all the kids are doing well with this little one. How does he get so worn out though?

The Bionic Woman vs. robot on wheels?

The other night we were trying to put the kids to bed and they were being very rowdy. I made fists, bent my arms at the elbow, and slowly started walking toward them making a loud buzzing sound. I instantly had to stop because I was laughing. In that moment a memory came back to me, something I had not thought of for YEARS. Do you guys remember when Sam used to do that and Jenny and Wendy, we would be terrified?! And we loved it of course. Was that from the Bionic Woman? I tried to look it up online to see if I could find out more. They have episodes guides and of course youtube has the show clips (which it was so fun to hear the music from the show and immediately recognize it). Sam do you remember? We would get so scared whenever you imitated the creature coming after us.

Oh and we loved it! It however had no affect on my kids. Maybe because I started laughing? Just like when Jenny shoved a handful of popcorn in her mouth while she was supposed to be "murdering" Kim at the haunted house. Not so scary with popcorn spraying out. Jenny you need to tell us that story again!

May 1st

I don't want to take attention away from the previous post. So just real quick. I'm going to graduate on May 1st. Commencement and Convocations on that day. Come if you wanna.

Vic

MEN DON'T CRY

It must be very difficult
To be a man in grief,
Since "men don't cry" and "men are strong"
No tears can bring relief.

It must be very difficult
To stand up to the test
And field the calls and visitors
So she can get some rest.

They always ask if she's all right
And what she's going through.
But seldom take his hand and ask,
"My friend, but how are you?"

He hears her crying in the night
And thinks his heart will break.
He dries her tears and comforts her,
But "stays strong" for her sake.

It must be very difficult
To start each day anew.
And try to be so very brave-
He lost his baby, too.


~Eileen Knight Hagemeister

Another week closer to spring. Yippee
My week was fairl y regular.Mom and Dad seem to be doing ok. They went to church this Sunday, they don't always do that. Vanita will be coming on the 20th of March to stay with them. The temple dedication is on the 22nd.
The high light was going to Molly's baby shower and seeing her and Vic and Nancy. Molly is large with child and looks great.
A teacher in church explained that we should take a church journal with us to church and write down ideas that we have. I have been doing that. I also write in my scriptures things I want to keep. Then at home I have a journal just for spiritual experiences or events that I don't want in my normal journal. I like that one. I also ask questions in it and then I write the answer when I get it. I need to ask more questions.
I wanted to share some things that have made me think and I hope it will you also.

Does tribulation strenghthen our character or does it show what our character is?
Salvation is never easy - why should it be. Christ paid with his life because it was so hard.
Our testimonies are filled with "micro dots" or small experiences we have everyday. We all have micro dots from Heavenly Father. We just forgot the details.
Personal righteousness does have power!
Ok, that's all. Hope you have a great week, Take care Love MOM

One of my favorite poems.

A candle's but a simple thing,
It starts with just a bit of string.
Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand,
It gathers wax upon the strand
Until, complete and snowy white,
It gives at last a lovely light.

Life is like that bit of string,
Each deed we do, a simple thing
Yet day by day if on life's strand
We work with patient heart and hand,
It gathers joy,makes hard days bright,
And gives at last a lovely light.

Can I express wonder seeing my children
go through life, and handle what happens to them.
We don't have many choices but to take it a day
at a time, a task at a time. So be it.
I hope you have a good week. Love MOM