The twins turn 8!

Over 8 years ago , we found out we were having twins. We were so shocked about this unexpected turn of events that we didn't talk about it for two days, not even to each other. We just couldn't get our heads around it. We just couldn't believe that we were going to have two babies, other people had twins, not us. God had a beautiful plan that we were just not tuned into yet. So, 8 years ago today, Caileigh Noelle and Collin Robertson, were born. Caileigh entered life dramatically as she has lived life since and Collin entered life in a textbook manner, also how he lives his life.

They are both growing into wonderful children but so very different. They are a testament to the verse, "Raise up a child in the way that he should go." I am so glad to be their Mom and that God has allowed me to have this immense privilege and blessing. I consider being the mom of my kids the greatest gift, the best job and my biggest accomplishment. I love being their Mom!

Happy Birthday Caileigh and Collin! I love you forever and a day!

Categories: parenting

More Colorado Field Trips

Life is happening at the speed of light but I wanted to post some pictures of our trip to Bent's Fort and the Sand Dunes which was the last trip of the Colorado field trips.

On a side note, remember that summer is a great time to train your kids in new habits for the school year. Train them now while you have the time and reap the benefits in the fall.

 

 

 

 

Categories: parenting

Getting Outdoors

We are almost done with school and are just finishing up with our projects for the state of Colorado (stay tuned, I'm writing a travel through Colorado history curriculum)so we drove up to Estes Park to take some pictures of Colorado's wildflowers for Caileigh.

While we were there we had time to play in the water, climb rocks and just play. I was sitting watching them and was reminded that kids need time to just play. We keep them in so many things and have so many toys that they rarely have time to just play. All three of mine played for 3 hours with just water, rocks, sticks and dirt and were perfectly happy and content. They were sad to go and when we got home Collin said, "Mommy, when can we go to the mountains and play again?." I told him soon because I so enjoyed the three of them enjoying each other and the creation that God made for us to enjoy.

I'm looking forward to summer and I think I will schedule some old-fashioned play time. I think I will slow our schedule down and just enjoy the time as family because the time is coming when I won't have that privilege.

Categories: parenting

Field Trip Photos - Southwestern Colorado

Categories: parenting

Here's some pictures from our trip to Southwestern Colorado. We went with our adopted grandparents, Mr. Vic and Miss Mo and had a wonderful time and learned tons! We spent a night in Glenwood Springs and did the hot springs and then headed to Durango where we spent two days at Mesa Verde and Four Corners and then rode the Durango - Silverton train (thanks Todd). We also spent a couple of days in Ouray, which was stunningly beautiful. More pictures later...

My Son is 11!

I'm not quite sure when this happened and where I was but my oldest son is 11 today. I still remember quite clearly the moment they placed him on my chest (after 36 hours of labor I might add) and I knew life had changed forever. I remember feeling like I needed to introduce myself, "Hi, I'm your mom. I'm going to do my best to try not to mess up the rest of your life, God willing.". I remember holding him all night long the second night he came home because he had gas (nobody told me that eating green vegetables when nursing causes gas in babies)and then it was my first Mother's Day.

I remember him saying "yight" for light at 11 months and "lellow" for yellow until he was 3. I remember him asking if we could take Caileigh back to the hospital because she screamed too much and it hurt his head. He liked Collin, he was quiet. I remember that Scott was Connor's favorite person and toy and still might be (oh and Alex).

I remember teaching him how to walk, okay I don't remember that too well as I was on pain killers for my wisdom teeth. I remember teaching him to read, to count to 10 in English and Spanish and so much more.

What I don't remember teaching him is how to love so sweetly, or how to play with babies or to make friends with every one he comes in contact with. I am amazed at the blossoming young man I see before me today and I am so glad that I can be his mom. I don't deserve him but God blessed me anyway.

Thanks to all of you who have loved him and trained him and taught him along side of Scott and I. You know who you are. Oh and thanks to Grammy who prayed for Connor to be born on the National Day of Prayer. I didn't appreciate it then as I had contractions for 5 days and just wanted to be done but I appreciate it now.

Happy Birthday Connorman, I know God has plans for good and not for evil for the rest of your life. The best is yet to come. I love you.

Categories: parenting

Consistency

I wanted to just write a quick note before making dinner about consistency. Since we went to the parenting conference a month or so ago with Joey and Carla Link we have been pretty consistent on attitudes and first time obedience and just wanted to say that it has worked beautifully. We've been getting, "Yes, Mom or Yes, Dad" the majority of the time and I haven't had to tell them what they are doing wrong, they tell me after they have had a reflective time. There has been much less drama and all Scott and I have to do is point them to the corner or their room and respond when they are ready to tell us what they did wrong and then hand out the discipline.

I love it when a plan comes together.

You can go to Mom Notes at www.momsnotes.com and look under Volume 5 for "It's All About Attitude". All of them have been great but this has really worked well in the stage that we are in.

Categories: parenting

Connor and I

Scott and Connor have been taking a "Squires and Scrolls" class through church which teaches boys to start taking those first steps into manhood and purity. They also have a moms/daughters track which Caileigh and I will start in the fall. The members of the class progress to the next level of class and books each year until they graduate from high school. It's one of the main reasons we switched churches this year.

This week Connor was learning about treating women with respect and honor so he had to take Mom on a date. I got a call on Tuesday night from my sweet oldest son asking me to go to dinner with him on Wednesday. After I accepted he asked me when he could meet me and that he was looking forward to our time together. I haven't had such an offer in over 13 years (hint, hint, honey).

We went on our date last night and I have to tell it was one of the highlights of my year. Connor opened doors for me, paid for dinner and a movie (with his own money from his dog sitting job) and we had a wonderful time. We've gone on dates before but it's always been at my planning and it was extra sweet to have my son plan and pay. We talked girls, and futures, about our favorites books and movies and about life in general.

I have to say that who ever God has planned for my son, is a very blessed girl. If he can treat his Mom with such care I know that he will treat the girl he's to marry with love and respect.

Oh and a special thanks to Scott for taking the time to train and learn with our sons. It is a joy to behold!

Our church's program is called Path to Purity and if you have a chance to go through something like it, run don't walk! You can buy the "Squire and the Scroll" and the "Life Lessons from the Squire and the Scroll" as well the "Princess Kiss" and the "Life Lessons from the Princess Kiss". The next book in the series at church is "Raising a Modern Day Night", check them out!

Categories: parenting