Missionary Visitors!

On Thursday night we had some missionary friends from Guatemala that stayed with us. We met Arlen, Ruth and Gilberto the first time we went to Guatemala, about ten years ago. During that trip, Ruth spoke little English, and Gilberto spoke none. They were much better this time, but unfortunately, Cary and I have not improved much! They are precious people, really made an impact on my trip and it was such a joy to have them in our home. Cary and Arlen have kept in touch over the years, he and his family even stayed with us once before, but that was years ago. It was such a blessing to catch up and see current pictures. Ruth and Gilberto work with the Christian schools and also work with a camp there. They showed us pictures of places where we worked that now have added second stories to their schools. It was nice to know that God has still been at work and has continued to bring other teams in to work behind us. We have so many missionary friends now and we are so honored when we get the opportunity to catch up with them and really find out what is going on in their lives.

Sarah Palin!

Sarah came to town yesterday. They started giving out tickets last week and ended up changing where she would speak, because of the demand for tickets. Appropriately, it was changed to the hockey arena, holding 9,000 people. I wanted to go, but didn't go get a ticket because we always get called at the last minute when our friends are trying to get rid of extra tickets! Yesterday was no different. I got a ticket, and just had to find a way to get out to the arena since I didn't have a car yesterday! Cary ended up coming and getting me, I took him back to work and took the car. Well, the doors opened at noon, and by the time I got all my ducks in a row, it was 2:00 when I got there. She was speaking at 3, so I thought I was still doing fine on time. The entrance to the arena was blocked with cops. All the parking lot was full. So, I went to the outlet mall right next door to the arena. I cannot even TELL you what it was like. Long story short...I had already walked yesterday morning and I got AT LEAST another couple of miles in. It is Florida, the heat is still with us, and I had dressed to go to the hockey arena...usually pretty cold in there! I was SOAKED all the way through everything I had on, literally DRIPPING WET. Finally got to the doors where there was a line about 15 people deep and it went ALL the way around the arena. I started praying for ANYONE I knew, and sure enough, one of Carissa's friends saw me. I jumped in line with her, and in no time we were heading through security where they took my UMBRELLA and I heard them say the fire marshal was fixing to shut them down. Only about 10 people made it in after me. So, I was there, soaking wet, and standing room only. And, stand we did. Lots of other political speakers spoke before Sarah ever even arrived in town. She was late. Finally, the moment I had been waiting for! She spoke! It was great to be there, but she didn't say anything I haven't already heard in the comfort of my air conditioned living room. When I left, I went and begged the secret service for my umbrella, and they did give it to me...as long as I was headed out THAT door and not coming back in! No one goes anywhere in Florida without an umbrella, and I sure wasn't gonna be happy if I had to take my NEXT ten mile hike in the afternoon rain storm without an umbrella! WHAT were they thinking??? So, I made it back to the car JUST as it started to rain. At this point, who could tell sweat from rain??? I was really in bad shape. Maybe the most eventful moment for me was seeing the group in the stands holding up the American flag. There's just something about the flag. My mom would have been really proud. I was standing close when some from the "other side" had gotten in and decided to make themselves known. Can I just tell you that you don't really want to be on THAT side of the secret service? Oh my. They were out of there! So, I will post a couple of pictures just to prove I was there. Sarah is the bright blue spot under the media's tripod. The one on the big screen is a bit better!

Still Celebrating!!!

Part of my anniversary present was a few days at Sanibel Harbour Resort for a marriage conference. We left home on Thursday and got back today. I worked hard to finish Cary's anniversary present that I didn't get done for the REAL anniversary! I gave him a scrap book of the first 25 years. We had a great time and saw MORE dolphins and sunsets! We have stayed there several times in the past, and I know RIGHT where the resident dolphin lives. Been there forever. Same place, same time of day, always there. I was very sad because I never saw him/her. But, I did see three of them, always traveling together, so I have pretty much decided that the resident one has made some new friends. That makes me feel better. We spent a lot of time at the pool and read a lot! We are always happy when we accomplish that! We enjoyed the conference too...but all the people made it very difficult for us getting to our beautiful room on the top floor! Lots of people on the same schedule overworked those poor elevators! Cary left this afternoon on a staff development trip, he'll be back Wednesday. Till then, it's just the girls! Well, and Tucker!

Walking Again!

We wrapped up Kaylee's week of celebrating yesterday. We went to Olive Garden for lunch (Joshua and Jen weren't able to make it) and Kaylee decided we really didn't need a DQ cake since we had several sitting around already! I think she quite enjoyed her freedom over the weekend, and she was very good to check in with us and keep us very aware of where she was AND that she was all in one piece! This morning she drove herself to school for the first time! So far, so good! I started back walking this morning. Have not walked since early June because of an ongoing cough and medicines, and Dr visits. I was finally feeling like I could do it, and I was thrilled to be able to start back! I have missed it SO much. I was also able to go a whole hour earlier, since Kaylee drove herself to school, and that meant it was cooler too! So, at this point, all is well at the Robinson's!

HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY, Kaylee!!

Yep, she is 16! We've had a day! We all got up early (you can tell by the goofs in the early morning picture) and went to Perkins for breakfast before school. This was our only time as a family that was in the plan, so she opened presents at breakfast! Cindy waited on us and got to pose for yet another Robinson birthday picture! Now, let me tell you about our ride from Perkins to school. This is to document Kaylee's last practice run before going for her license. Seemed like we were going 60 through the school zones, but all of us were able to remain calm and quiet, biting our tongues, holding on for dear life. Then, out of no where, a man on a bike coming right at us, weaving between cars...Cary yelped, we all thought we were done for. Notice I DID NOT say that was a WISE man on a bike coming right at us! Then, a right hand turn over the curb, pretty sure we lost a hubcap. At this point, we are laughing like crazy, tears and all, and Cary says "THIS IS NOT FUNNY!" Please understand, that was not anything to do with any of us nearly being killed, simply he was not sure if we had lost a hubcap or not. Somehow, things got even funnier then...OK, so we made it to school, signed her in late, did a hubcap check, and when it was just us in the car, I said "If she doesn't get her license, she's driving alone anyway, because I'm NOT riding with her ANYMORE!" Carissa and Megan made her a cake and took her lunch and roses, then we took her for her test. She passed! So, we left her there, with her car and a bunch of plans for the evening and a FEW instructions. Then, Cary and I drove off and hid, and then met up with her at the first stop light. Cary had a FEW more instructions there! And, since then, she has checked in several times, as she was instructed to! So far, so good! She had to go visit her little boys she babysits, a friend, have dinner with friends, then a ball game and ice cream after. So, we will wrap up all the birthday celebrating on Sunday with a family dinner! I think we just might survive it all!

Events of the Last Week

I have some catching up to do! Last week I was consumed with helping to plan a funeral. It was on Saturday, and long before it was planned, Claire's 5th birthday party was. I knew I was going to be running full speed all day, from one thing to the next and hopefully not too late for anything! The funeral went well and I actually got done a little earlier than I thought I would. That just meant that I had time to grab something to eat on the way to the party. I pulled in at McD's, thinking it was just convenient, but soon realized that God had snuck in a little blessing for me among the hectic schedule of the day. You know how it is when you are just running full speed, no time to catch your breath. I was quickly trying to organize my food and start back on the road when I looked up and had an unexpected surprise. A field of goats. Yep. And I was forced to take a deep breath and regroup for a minute. We have been in Ft. Myers for almost 24 years, seen a lot of changes, but the goats, well, that was something WAY too familiar. I was looking at a little "farm store", that's what the kids always called it. It is a shack, at best. Family owned, then and now, selling food from the family farm, and they also have goats. Each one of my kids stood many times at the fence and watched the goats. And, each family member stood and watched my kids grow up watching the goats! It was cheap entertainment, and a regular part of their lives. It is simply a part of who they are! So, there I was, rushed at best and yet taken back to many years of taking time to stand and watch the goats play. And, I looked over and there in the seat of the car was my camera, I thought because I was headed to a party, but I also think it was an divine appointment, to record part of history for my kids! So, I got out of the car, zoomed in as close as I could, and captured the moment of memories that came flooding in. Life is busy, and complicated, and for just a minute, God gave me permission to take a deep breath and remember times of simplicity. It was a gift, and I knew it right then and there! Well, then on to Claire's party! They had hair done, nails done, and dressed up for a walk down the run way! Yesterday was the official day, she is now 5! I think the girls started babysitting her when she was just a few months old and she has provided much entertainment and joy for all of us! And, on Sunday, we started celebrating Kaylee's 16th! We gave her a card with tickets to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater to see High School Musical II. So, off she and Hilary went to celebrate! Oh, the celebration isn't over...stay tuned, Friday is coming!

Carissa Celebrates

We have officially celebrated Carissa's 21st birthday, with Ike and a few others! We've had some wind and rain, but nothing too exciting! Last night we grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and had a few people over. Of course, the cake was from DQ, holding fast to tradition! Carissa got a Wii for her birthday, so most of the night was spent playing that. The kids wanted to take our picture and I told them they could only if we didn't look like parents of a 21 year old! Now, we look ahead to Kaylee's birthday!

Happy 21st, Carissa

Carissa turned 21 today! She started her day by opening packages that had arrived and were waiting for her. Some had really gone the extra mile to be sure this day was special for her. She opened presents with help from "Little Help" of course! After she opened presents, Cary and I took her to breakfast at Perkins, her favorite. Perkins has been THE breakfast place for all her life, I think. They gathered up the troops and brought her a muffin with a candle in it and sang to her. I thought we were going to have tears as one of the waitresses, Cindy, recalled all the years she has waited on her and watched her grow. I think she felt honored to be a part of the party! Carissa and I hung out at home a lot of the day while Cary went to Orlando for Nite of Joy, and Kaylee also was in Orlando for a leadership conference. Tonight was her first night of waitressing at Johnny Rockets. Alison, Luke, and I went down and surprised her. She did a great job and seemed to stay pretty busy. It wasn't a traditional birthday, but we did the best we could! We are planning a party for Tuesday...not sure what Hurricane Ike is planning tho! Carissa has had more than her share of "problem" birthdays! We hope this one will not fall into that category!

Laughter

Can I just say how thankful I am for laughter? I have laughed out loud more times than I can count today! Daniel called tonight, we heard from Cary's old roommate on Facebook, I got some funny emails today-not intended to be, and Nicole started it all at Bible Study this morning! I've just had a really good dose today!

Cary's Birthday Celebration

We went to church this morning in the winds and rain of Hurricane Gustav. It was pretty impressive, considering we really aren't in the path. This is so incredibly sad. While we know some of what it is like, we really have no idea when it comes right down to it. I have already checked on my friend in New Orleans, and they left on Thursday. After church we had lunch at P.F. Changs and then we came to the house for DQ cake and presents. The kids all went together and got Cary a digital frame for his desk. He says he will have to spend the holiday tomorrow figuring it out! Cary is catching on...he knew the pictures being taken would appear right here, just for your viewing pleasure! We missed Kaylee, but we have too many birthdays in a row here to be postponing the celebrations! This is our busy month! This week Carissa will turn 21 and Kaylee will turn 16 in a couple of weeks!

Happy Birthday, Cary!

Today is Cary's birthday, but for the most part, we will celebrate tomorrow. We hung out at home today. I got caught up on a lot of "little" projects, and Cary worked in the yard and washed cars. The only excitement was when the Gators came on, for the first game of the season. Kaylee is actually in Gainsville with Hil and they went to the game. Carissa and Tuc got all dressed up for the occasion...that is the game, not the birthday! And, yes, if it looks like Tuc is WATCHING the game too, he is! Loves to watch the TV! Tomorrow we will have lunch and do presents for Cary.

The Patriarchs

Nothing too eventful has been going on around here again, a short dry spell for the blogging! Everyone is back at home from summer trips, school has started, and everyone is adjusting to schedules! I told you before that Jen and I had been taking a Bible Study together this summer, on the Patriarchs. Jen has already started back to school, so she wasn't quite able to finish the class with me. Today was the last class and it was kind of sad! I've met new friends, and visited with new people from another church here in town, and we've done some deep studying together! I had actually done this study before, but I was a week shy of finishing it when mom got sick and I left town. I learned and re-learned a lot. There are things that I know my mom prayed for that she never got to see the answers in her life time. Promises that she believed God for. I have seen some of her prayers answered since her death. To be honest, I have fussed at God because I don't understand why He didn't let HER see those answers. But, through the study this week, I found the answer. We live in such an "immediate" world. Everything is RIGHT now, quick. That is what WE expect of God. However, ancient Hebrews would have considered the possibility of a promise fulfilled in his descendant a great honor because it would have shown God's CONTINUED blessing over the extended line. I know that even though mom left this world without seeing some answers, she also left here EXPECTING God to still be at work. Her faith was not shaken one bit. No, she BELIEVED, and now I am getting to see her prayers answered, as well as my own children. Pretty amazing. I'm going to copy the next few sentences right from our book. "Let's be open to the possibility, however, that if the years slip away and we find ourselves on our deathbed without seeing a promise fulfilled, it may have been intended for our physical or spiritual descendants. God's promises to us are bigger than us and reach far beyond us. Their ultimate purpose is glory. HIS. He is always faithful, and He will never make a promise He won't keep. His promises to "you" could be for you personally, your family, or your line. If precious promises aren't fulfilled in the fruitful years of our lifetimes, let's believe God and welcome His promises from a distance. What kind of faith could be more pleasing to Him?" I love knowing that I am seeing the fruit of my mother's prayers. I pray that my own children will be able to see the same. And THEIR children. Wow, that's pretty good stuff!

Kaylee is a Junior!

Yep. The BABY has only two years of high school left! Kaylee started school today with a half day. When I picked her up we ran around making preparations for Hurricane Fay, and planning to NOT have school the very first full day! Cary won't be working either, so I'm guessing we'll be playing cards tomorrow! We are glad our beach week was LAST week! Tuc was especially cute today, and I have to add this picture for his mom to see while she's in Dallas. Tuc is crate trained, which a new idea around here. He is a very good boy, and I hate always leaving him in the crate when I leave. Today I had to run to the store really quick, just to get a couple of hurricane things. I had washed the blankets out of his cage and they were in the dryer, so I didn't want to shut him up in the cold cage! I knew I'd only be gone for a few minutes, so I decided to be brave and see what would happen! When I walked out the door he stood and looked at me like "hey, don't you remember, I get locked up when you leave!" I ran to the store, and when I got back he was in the exact spot where I had left him, not a thing was out of place! GOOD boy!

Our Last Day!

We spent the morning at the beach today. We have been going most of the time to the pool area. While relaxing and watching the waves, I was thinking how much relaxing I have done since I gave up fighting the maids and worrying over the dish cloth! It just wasn't worth the energy! When I came in for lunch, the maid had been here. You'll never guess...she left a dish cloth, but no dish towel! I just stood there, stunned. I'm sure the Lord was trying to teach me something, but I haven't exactly figured out what! This evening we went to a BBQ on the beach. Very nice, great food! Then we went to the beach for our final sunset, which was pretty much like last night! Not so thrilling! But, when we went to leave...a FULL moon! Beautiful! We have had a wonderful week, lots of rest and lots of fun with family. Tomorrow, we head home and school starts on Monday! Carissa left today for a week with friends in Dallas. Tuc is waiting for me to get home! I'm on Grandma duty!

Thursday's Vacation Stories

Well, believe it or not, I have NO pictures for you today! We spent the day at the pool, watched lots of dolphins, and missed the sunset...thought it was going to rain, so we stayed in. It was a very quiet and relaxing day, except for all the interesting characters at the pool. We had a teen age couple that carried on forever about all the "he said" and "she said" stuff going on in all their relationships. Couldn't help but hear it all. I was so blessed. Then we had a lady that I knew when I saw her coming was gonna want to talk to me. She did. I wasn't all that thrilled about talking to her. She was kind of interrupting my dolphin show. Then, there was the family that had two daughters and an evil dad. He simply should have been shot for the way he was treating his girls. Then we had a wedding party arrive for a destination wedding. They were a bit more on the wild side than we are. Quiet WAS working real well for us! So, the thrill of the day was that at some point, one of my dolphins got a bee in his bonnet and started BOLTING from the water. Is was just like being at Sea World, I'm telling you the truth! I'm afraid they are going to rest well when I leave and they aren't having to perform !!!

Happy 25th Anniversary!

Yes, 25 years ago today...I married Mr. Wonderful! I can hear my mom laughing right now-she always thought that was SO funny! But, he was, and is, so laugh on! The girls headed home this morning to go to work and take care of school preparations. Cary and I were at the pool by 10, sitting under the umbrella. I could hardly get anything done ALL day. (I am really trying to read!!!) It seems that every time I'd put my eyes on the book, they would slip right off the page and be watching dolphins! Yep, ALL day. We were in the perfect spot for all the dolphin shows! My neck would get tired and I would change positions and there would be some more for me to watch! We stayed there till about 4 and then got cleaned up to go to dinner. As I went to get in the car there was a gift bag sitting in the floor. I have been wanting diamond studs for quite a while, but want no more! Mr. Wonderful has taken care of it! They are beautiful, and I was completely surprised! We ate at a small place on the island, and it was great. We both loved our meals. Then, we came back to watch the sunset-it wasn't the greatest tonight, but it was pretty anyway. While we were watching, Cary told me about another surprise...we're going to a marriage conference in September sometime. We were just about ready to leave the beach when Cary squealed. I was pretty sure the heart attack had come. No, it wasn't. He saw TWO dolphins RIGHT in front of us, almost close enough to touch! It was pretty amazing. The water was kind of rough, and they had to be up in pretty shallow water! Then we left the beach, got coffee and dessert, came back to the room to watch the Olympics. I have been working on a project for Cary for our anniversary, but due to several situations beyond my control, it will be late! As I have been reflecting on the past 25 years, I am pretty sure that I am most thankful for laughter. It's the memories of the laughter that has gotten us through rough times. We have had much fun, many happy times. We talked over dinner about Israel being our favorite thing we have done. Life changing. We have lived a very privileged life together, and we are very aware of that. But, we are also very aware that our greatest blessings have not been things at all. What a blessing to have had time with our children during this week. God has been so good, blessed way beyond what could ever have dreamed! It has been a wonderful anniversary, full of surprises!

Tuesday's Vacation Stories

Well, today was not quite as eventful as yesterday! Britt came to spend the day with Carissa and Hil came to keep Kaylee company. Both are like adopted daughters and we loved having them here. Kaylee ran into her little "golf ball boys" when I was not with her. I had the money, she did not. They were leaving and couldn't track me down, so I still have a dollar on me and they have as many golf balls as they did yesterday! We had told them that our dog at home loved to play with golf balls and they asked if it was a boy or girl. We told them he was a boy and so they were saving the baby blue one for me to take home for Tuc. Poor Tuc. We spent most of the day at the pool because it was too windy to put up the umbrellas on the beach. We are getting lots of reading done! We had ice cream after a day at the pool, cooked in tonight, and came in before we got soaked from the rain that was hindering our sunset.

Monday's Vacation Stories...

We had another wonderful day at the beach today. We dodged the rain a little, but for the most part it was a pretty day! When we came in for lunch we found out that we had been booked on the dolphin cruise! Now you KNOW how that made my day! So, we followed this tourist through town and went on the cruise! We had a wonderful time, saw several dolphins before we ever got on the boat! After we got on the boat, they really performed and I was in a great spot to get pictures! We went to watch the sunset on the beach after dinner. These two adorable little boys came to sell us golf balls...used ones...any price we wanted! They had been "cleaned and rubbed". We didn't have any money on us, so we told them to come back tomorrow. They really had quite a conversation with Kaylee, I think she was flirting. The high light of our trip at this point...I'm just trying to get a dish cloth so I can wipe off the counters and table. English seems to be a problem. The first time I asked, I got two hand towels for the bathroom. The next time, I got, I am NOT kidding...a black trash bag full of hand towels for the bathroom. Today the girls were here when she came, this one speaking great English they tell me, but they forgot to ask. However, she left with my bag of paper goods for the week (paper plates, napkins, baggies, cups...) thinking it was a bag of trash. They have kindly gone and shopped for me, replacing what seems to have gone in the dumpster! Tonight I just gave up on getting the dish cloth and I am using a wash cloth from the bathroom. All is well. I am happy now. The counters and table are clean.

Celebrating!

Yesterday we started our family vacation! Joshua and Jen came along, and after Kaylee flew in from Atlanta, Carissa and Kaylee joined us. Last night we grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, fished, and played cards, and watched a little of the Olympics. Joshua and Carissa did the fishing, and Carissa caught one right away! It was pretty exciting! This morning we had a very lazy morning and then we all went to the pool. After day one, we have seen one dolphin and one FLYING stingray! Pretty impressive! Since we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary later this week, the kids had told us they wanted to take us out to dinner tonight. One of the places we went on our honeymoon was McT's and they wanted to take us there. We arrived there tonight to find some friends...the Hutchcrafts, Nashes, and Goodnights had just happened in for dinner there too! Funny how that worked out! The kids had sent out invitations and kept the whole thing VERY quiet! They also presented us with a coffee table book with pictures from the last 25 years! THAT was a LOT of work, and mostly the project of my fourth child! We were totally surprised and had a wonderful time together. Joshua and Jen had to go home tonight, Jen starts school tomorrow! Carissa and Kaylee will be with us for a couple more days before they have to go back, then Cary and I will have a couple of days together before we head home. We had a great time together, our first vacation with all four children! Too bad the grandpuppies were not invited! We miss them! I told Cary today that I am enjoying being over the "parent" stage with Joshua and just being able to enjoy him and see what a wonderful young man he is becoming. Parenting has gotten in the way of that in the past! He is FUNNY and makes me laugh! We found out that Jen likes crumbs, and she made us laugh too! Carissa really enjoyed fishing with Joshua...even at 5:30 this morning! It is wonderful to have Kaylee back with us...she's been gone so much this summer! Who would ever have thought that our family would look like this 25 years ago??? We are so blessed, so thankful for friends and a wonderful family!

This past weekend I was able to attend the Beth Moore simulcast! Oh, yes, it was all I thought it would be! It was pretty interesting to note that there were 70,000 women attending, in 715 different places! One of the groups was a group of missionaries meeting in Guatemala City. As always, she gave tons of information in a short period of time and I am looking forward to spending some time going through it all and trying to digest it. Kaylee got home from camp on Friday night and left for Atlanta on Saturday! One of my faithful readers had a birthday on Sunday-she was celebrating in Kentucky! Joshua and Jen needed a family portrait done when they were over on Sunday. I'm busy working on getting us ready to leave on vacation this weekend. We are looking forward to having some down time! There's nothing significant to tell, so I'll just add a picture of Tucker! He's always good for a smile! This was when he got caught chewing on my coaster...one of his favorites!