Gracie Girl is 2!!

Gracie Girl,

I wish you a very special day and year to come! You have become quite the little girl from the baby you were this time last year and God blesses our family with you everyday. May we always recognize those blessings and make them forever memories--I love you bunches, mommy

Our sweet baby girl is growing up too fast! Gracie's second birthday party has been in the works for a while now. I was talking through our plans for the month of December--considering the wedding and Christmas and her second brithday in between--with a good friend one day over the phone and her party quickly evolved into a tutu (2-2) tea party for all her little friends. I shared this idea with another friend and she took the idea and ran with it. Jamie at the English Rose created a whole party room based on this idea and others she had been thinking through for a while. Therefore, we had a family party on her actual birthday and then the tutu party in January at the English Rose with Jamie (thanks Jamie, we had a blast). It is so much fun to watch your children grow into each new phase of their life and I pray that I never take those days for granted. As you can see I started this post on her birthday and never finished it. The tutu picture was taken by my sister-in-law, Whitney Hodges, and she did a great job capturing all the little girls in their jewels and tutus. I wish I could post more of the pictures. Gracie is not smiling in many of them because she was on some pretty strong medicines getting over a cold, and you can see the misery in her eyes. The party was too special to cancel or move and maybe someday we can do it again.

December ~ A Month of Memories

This has been a very busy month for our family. We, like most families have had all the business of a typical December with Christmas parties, gift buying, not to mention normal everyday crazy life.

Though, last weekend was a very special weekend for the Robertsons. Landon had his last Christmas program at KU, which is emotional enough to think about. Then we headed to Lubbock for my brother-in-laws wedding. Friday was busy, busy and busy as we decorated the church for the wedding and rehearsal dinner. The picuture above is our only "family" picture this holiday season so far, which means that no one will get Christmas cards this year from us. We spent Friday evening "practicing" the wedding and enjoying the company of some very sweet people who drove to Lubbock to help us get ready and make sure that everything was perfect--right down to our hair and eyebrows (thanks so much Tana)! Saturday morning, we woke up to an ice storm much like today! The highway from Amarillo to Lubbock was almost solid ice, which gave the groom pretty low spirits. Within hours, the church was filling up with dear, sweet people that braved the storm to be there for Brian and Meagan.

The ceremony was wonderful--Mike did a great job. I cried through most of it, as I get teary-eyed now just thinking about it. Landon and his Uncle Brian have a very special relationship. Landon adores him. He played his quitar as Mike, Brian and Brandon all came in the chapel.

What a wonderful way to spend some precious time with family and friends, despite the weather. Meagan, welcome to this family--congrats and we love you both!

Tis the Season!

I know this is incredibly odd to have more than one blog per month, much less two in one day--new record!! If you have not read my last blog you need to read it first.

We went to dinner tonight with some great friends that moved away several years ago. They were in town tonight so we met at a restaurant to eat and catch up. As we left the restaurant, a man approached us totally embarrassed and out of place. He was clean and did not smell like the man in the story, but he had a story of his own. He told us that he was $18 short in paying for his hotel room for him and his wife tonight and if we could just go pay part of what he owed for the motel room he had the receipt to prove that he was maxed out and need just a bit more. He said he had tools and Polo shirts "real nice clothes" that we could have in exchange. He shook with nervousness and sadness. Brandon and I only had a few dollars cash on us, so he handed what we had to the man and told him to have a good night. He said thank you so much and began to cry. He offered his shirts and tools again, and Brandon said no thanks and we walked away.

I do not know how many people he asked tonight, but from his comments about looking stupid and wishing he did not have to ask, it must have been many! I wrote in my last post that God would show us Jesus this Christmas season and I think I got my request. May we never forget how truely blessed we are! May we share it with others and teach our children to do the same!

~ A Baby's Hug ~

The following story was emailed to me today. It touched my heart and I wanted to share it with all who read this. Children are such a gift and the innocence of a baby is such a blessing. May we see Jesus this season through all the hustle and bustle and remember the true reason for the season! Merry Christmas to you all!

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We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'

Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'

Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'

Landon Smarts!

Landon does something almost daily to make me at least chuckle if not bust out laughing. We went to Lubbock this weekend for the first Tech Basketball game and a wedding shower for Brandon's brother, Brian, and his fiance, Meagan. So this morning we got to visit the church where they attend and where their wedding will be in about a month. After a great morning, we left the church for lunch. Landon was remembering the last time we ate at this particular restaurant and the following conversation went something like this: (feel free to correct me those that were there if I miss something!)

Brian: Man, how did he get so smart? Landon, how did you get so smart?

Landon: I came from the SMART WORLD!

Brian: Oh, really!

Landon: Yeah, and part of you came from the smart world, too, Brian!

Brian: Oh, yeah?!

Landon: Yeah, your mouth!

For those that know Brian and Brandon, too, know that they can be very sarcastic and "smart mouth-ed." This fit so perfectly and put Uncle Brian in his place. Unfortunately, 5-year old Landon has picked up on the smart mouth and can pop off too! It gave us a good laugh--maybe they listen to Bill O'Reilly in the Smart World (for those that have heard that story).

Happy Halloween!

This month has been really crazy for us. We have been incredibly busy as usual for us but then you throw in Tech football games, birthday parties, and just life in general, we never stop! So this year I started on the costumes early, way early for me since pretty much everything I do is last minute!

I tried to get Landon to be the fifties guy and match Gracie, but instead this is what I got "Mom, they don't do anything cool, like carry a gun or . . ." So an army man it is. I looked for a Coast Guard costume (if there even is such a thing) because Landon thinks his cousin Joey who is in the Coast Guard is about the coolest person ever--next to his dad (sorry Joey!). No luck with that one so I hunted all over town for green camo fabric and this is it!

Gracie has got to be the cutest--as any mom would say. Last year she was Raggedy Ann and she carried an Andy doll that my grandmother made for her when she was born--really cute. So this year it was hard to top, but I think we did just as well. She is pretty cute and she knows it. A special thanks to my mom for spending hours to make my kids look great!

He's finally 5!

Landon is finally five today! He has been talking about turning five for months--and today is finally the day. This morning he told us that he now had 5 "ounces" of smarts and when he turns 6 he will have 6 "pounds" of smarts! Landon thinks that he gets to go to kindergarten tomorrow since he is now the big 5! After many explanations, he is still not sure that he has to wait until next August to start at Windsor. The day he was born seems like ages ago when I think of all he has done and all that he knows--Landon has never met a stranger and never forgets a thing! I remember the morning he was born all too well--though, the weeks and months immediately after are still a blurr. He spent the first 15 days of his life in the NICU with more tubes and wires then I have ever seen in someone so small; looking at him now you would never know he was more than 6 weeks premature. Happy Birthday Landon-- you amaze me and bless me everyday!

I'm Invisible

**Note: For not posting very often, this one is long!

My mom always sends me these funny forwarded emails that she gets from her many friends. I usually scan over them, then, well, that's it! This one I could not pass up--I had to share it with my friends. Of course, I have to tell you that I read this at 10:20 pm with the kids in bed, and the house is quiet. I have picked up the house at least 3 times today and folded more laundry than I even thought we owned. It has been a long day!

As I read this, it hit me in a tender spot and made me cry--I am so blessed to stay home with my kids, though most of the time, those blessings come out as gripes or complaints. My house is never clean enough; there is always dirty laundry, bills to be paid, etc and never enough time in a day or even a month. Maybe it is because it is the end of the busiest summer that I can ever remember having and I wonder where it went or because I see my babies growing up way too fast and I wonder if I am being the best mom I can be--that this story hit a soft spot!

I think about my mom and the sacrifices she made to stay home with my sister and me. Once I got older, I remember wondering why we always had beautiful new Easter dresses and Christmas outfits, new school clothes, and the best tennis shoes when she wore the same few dresses to church year after year. I, as a mom, now know why. She was the hands that tied the perfect bows in our hair and on our dresses. She was the car that took us from school to tennis lessons then on to volleyball practice with just enough time to pick dinner up in between all in one day. She was the hands that then stayed up until midnight to help us study for a test or do a project that we put off until the last minute or forgot about. I am sure she felt invisible, but now I pray that she is proud of the person she built. I pray that my children are as thankful of me as I am of her.

Enjoy the story now ~ Tiffani


I`m Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order,
"Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut
butter, never to be seen again.

She's going - she's going - she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are
building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

* No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no
record of their names.

* These builders gave their whole lives for a work they
would never see finished.

* They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the
eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become." At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It isthe antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and
then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Busy, Busy

As I said in my last post, Brandon is competing in triathlons this summer. He is training hard and doing well. This picture was taken before his first triathlon in Lubbock at Buffalo Springs Lake. Landon was a trooper having to get up way before the sun came up and cheering his daddy to the very end. At the latest triathlon, Landon led Brandon into the finish line.




Miss Gracie Girl is being her typical self into everything this summer as always. She has quite a temper and does not want to be told "NO!" She is 18 months now and is growing up way too fast. She loves playing outside.


More pictures to come. June was so busy for us and it does not seem to be slowing down. Have a great one~

Summer Fun

The summer has just started, and it has already been packed full! I am playing tennis again, Brandon is a new triathlete, Landon is getting pretty good at t-ball, and Gracie is passed around between them all. We are also enjoying family fishing trips together in the mountains--pictures to come!