tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4582926841412923122024-03-19T05:16:31.949-05:00 The Finn FamilyRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.comBlogger540125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-4700755867370867382023-09-14T11:35:00.002-05:002023-09-14T11:35:36.573-05:00Where have I been?<p>My life kind of turned inside out for a lot of years. A lot of death...a lot of heartache...and a marriage that was slowly falling apart. </p><p>It seemed at moments like the marriage could be saved, and then something would happen and great sadness would come over me. I couldn't seem to shake it. It seemed the more I became independent, the worse things were. Mr. Finn and I were always very different in how we handled most everything. I became weary and I believe I gave up. Not a very heroic thing to do, but I feel it saved me from losing myself completely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oeiAC_aLnb6Z_9ZqBk-AcXoy4Ti_Te-D9Uubc8w0JGmYtKKG1wjthWDY91ZSxLvo0kU2RobwyTtzSRpUr_3Arz6qlX3ayZaCaiUIbE4xi2a130YDhjBG8LM4Y7392P2cMRsb7S4OZpeXImqQ-7pnFBFi9b6klNINbWByy7PGLcZjsLTGDWZEwv07TgQ/s3088/Me%209.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oeiAC_aLnb6Z_9ZqBk-AcXoy4Ti_Te-D9Uubc8w0JGmYtKKG1wjthWDY91ZSxLvo0kU2RobwyTtzSRpUr_3Arz6qlX3ayZaCaiUIbE4xi2a130YDhjBG8LM4Y7392P2cMRsb7S4OZpeXImqQ-7pnFBFi9b6klNINbWByy7PGLcZjsLTGDWZEwv07TgQ/s320/Me%209.23.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>On June 10th, I moved out with the children and there is peace.</p><p>On September 11, the divorce was final and it surprised me that I felt great sorrow. Not that I don't want the divorce, but that it became what it did. We were together 22 years...it's part of me and there is a mourning that comes with that. I wouldn't change it, I have two wonderful children that keep me youngish.</p><p>Would I go back and change it? Who wouldn't if they knew the outcome would be different? I don't believe that "my" changing would have fixed it. I believe we would still have reached this point...maybe not at this moment, but it would have come.</p><p>I haven't handled everything well. I want time to breathe and I am not being given that and so I react negatively sometimes and pull back. I will figure it out...it will take time.<br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-60548128331347044262017-06-24T23:42:00.001-05:002017-06-24T23:42:48.076-05:00A day of memories Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-9816665913386350452017-06-01T17:31:00.003-05:002019-04-01T11:06:38.127-05:00Feline Mania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Heaven help us but we have added another animal to this household. Have I lost my mind? Well, that's possible. With menopause raging through my body and mind, it's entirely possible.</div>
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I never meant to add to our animal population. I was rather hoping that when the kids left the house, the animals will have departed or would be soon departing around the same time. No such luck now.</div>
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Meat Macchi (short for macchiato) and he is a whopping 1 year old. Yep!!! One whole year old.</div>
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Rose (Miss Boo) needs an enormous amount of affection. We got our original cat for that purpose to quickly realize that we had been bamboozled by this cat. She pretended to be sweet and lovable at the shelter but the minute we brought her home and she realized she would be the Queen of this castle, she promptly became Queen Victoria. And she acts accordingly. </div>
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She looks so sweet, but don't let that fool you. She is MEAN! I am not kidding. She lures you in with her sweet purrs and that adorable face, but the moment you are petting her and thinking how sweet she is. Bam! Out come those claws and teeth. Beware as they can take out any part of your face or body. Miss Boo almost lost an eye to that precious face. She got the eyelid and we almost had to take her to the ER because we weren't sure if she had cut through the eyelid with her glorious claw.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvT9g7Kvb7w2yf7mWfPJyaaZR6g5JEHrszUm1tGXD8arrTvNKAEh0FL4YzdEKyWBP_-1ZgKGQ52rn0pX9l2MR5wyP9kk5g2yAjyHdj_Q47Jfafn1SiFczOSYzb2lmerzOwijOXDlYROI/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvT9g7Kvb7w2yf7mWfPJyaaZR6g5JEHrszUm1tGXD8arrTvNKAEh0FL4YzdEKyWBP_-1ZgKGQ52rn0pX9l2MR5wyP9kk5g2yAjyHdj_Q47Jfafn1SiFczOSYzb2lmerzOwijOXDlYROI/s640/IMG_1953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, this guy...completely different story. They minute you start petting him he rolls over to have his belly rubbed...kind of like a dog. You would think he is one except for his need to climb and jump on every single thing we have in this house. Even picture frames. There is no stopping him. But with that face....You're forgiven.</div>
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But, the Queen does not want this dog cat thing living here. The picture below sums it up. She is slightly evil and tries to keep him in Miss Boo's room with her growling and hissing and ofttimes spitting. She has no manners at all.</div>
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We are not surprised. After all, she did trick us into bringing her home. I hear her malevolent laughter in the form of a hiss, somewhere in this house, mocking me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QPdagYo3hT58oqS9leDrCoKyacrfREJeIDSFElL4F6xZFBUuh2kbpiwvROKNpYSVspk1K9y8_F2dsB4S9T0a6yuT6iJbd5Lixw9l6xQk_M41EPsF7ZBk_zqjbCeG8FuGV-BQbB82mgc/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QPdagYo3hT58oqS9leDrCoKyacrfREJeIDSFElL4F6xZFBUuh2kbpiwvROKNpYSVspk1K9y8_F2dsB4S9T0a6yuT6iJbd5Lixw9l6xQk_M41EPsF7ZBk_zqjbCeG8FuGV-BQbB82mgc/s640/IMG_1954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">At least the dog is happy to have another creature in this house that doesn't terrify him. But that poor dog has incurred the wrath of the Queen by his very acceptance of the new cat. Our apologies Palmer but at least you have a friend now.</span></div>
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Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-7006285463321265542017-05-25T14:29:00.000-05:002017-05-25T14:30:42.381-05:00Sad Last Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I never dreamed I would send the following letter to my son's teacher. To be honest, I didn't really like her or appreciate her methods for teaching my son. Bu then this happened and I realized, maybe I don't know everything...what a surprise.<br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Today as I waited for Ryan to cross the street after exiting the bus, I couldn't help but notice that there was something wrong. When he got closer I realized he was crying. I hugged him and asked what was wrong. To my surprise, he said he was going to miss all of his teachers and it was making him very sad.</span><br />
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Thank you for making my boy cry. I truly mean it. That means he loved school...his teachers and that is a gift.</div>
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He has grown so much this year. Thank you for making his adjustment to public school a successful one. </div>
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With sincere gratitude,</div>
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Robin Rogers</div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-15483174755102449822017-04-17T17:23:00.001-05:002017-04-23T21:05:40.111-05:00The Harry Potter Party Bash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This party was so much fun but a lot more work than any other party I have done. There are a lot of details that go into it and since my daughter wanted it to be authentic, we did the best we could. I am grateful to all those Pinterest people out there that made my job easier.</div>
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Hobby Lobby sells background rolls of this brick. It comes in a roll with two sheets the length of each door with a little overhang. You can get a 5 foot wide sheet but it is in a different section, but it was around $10 or so. (Very affordable if you wanted a much bigger wall for the Platform.) With the coupon I paid around $5 and did both sides of the door. I created the Platform 9 3/4 on my Silhouette using the font "Pistilli-Roman". I am willing to send the file for the Silhouette but you will still have to download the font in order for it to work with your software.</div>
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To make the potion books, I downloaded a picture from google and glued it onto the front of a black journal from the Dollar Tree.</div>
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I borrowed graduation gowns from friends and made ties using felt to complete the look.<br />
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Felt squares are you best friend for making these fun ties. I downloaded a silhouette tie file and then sized it for the felt square. I am willing to share that file if requested.<br />
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Dowels and hot glue are your best friend for the wands. I watched a video on youtube and then winged it. I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you create. If you use a dowel instead of chop sticks you will have to sand them down so they taper. I liked that the dowel was longer so I went with the sanding.</div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-25121123795711504352017-04-16T16:06:00.001-05:002017-04-19T13:36:47.380-05:00Mcbud or Miss Boo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This amazing, spunky, smart, funny and lovable girl became a teenager today.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">13</span><br />
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Can you believe it? It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital and had no idea what to do with her. I'm not sure we totally do now though but we are sure learning a lot and enjoying who she is becoming.<br />
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She had a Harry Potter birthday party with three of her closest friends. It will be in the next post if all goes well. <br />
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I am grateful to be her Mother although I think she might have done better with someone else. All I know is that I love her and I will do my best to help her grow up into the person she dreams of.<br />
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I love you Miss Boo.<br />
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She really does have some good friends that came and celebrated with her. I think these kids are amazing and it surprised me to think that it wasn't a kids party...it was full of teenagers.<br />
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Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-25913208065014199632017-04-07T11:42:00.000-05:002017-04-23T20:59:24.708-05:00Happy Birthday to the Coolest Dude Ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This not so little guy is so wonderful. Incredibly sweet, quietly smart, adorably funny and full of life.<br />
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We are so blessed to have this kid in our lives. For the surprise he started out...has turned into the greatest blessing in our lives.<br />
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I am reminded of that song, "Unanswered Prayers". He is definitely what Heavenly Father knew we needed. So glad we weren't in charge...<br />
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He didn't want anything fancy for his birthday. He is happy with a cupcake with no frosting.<br />
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I couldn't ask for a better son. Happy Birthday to the cutest boy I know.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-86131270587564518802017-03-28T10:39:00.000-05:002017-04-17T08:21:48.036-05:00Free Falling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, not quite.<br />
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We did give the kids "Experiences" this year for Christmas versus physical gifts. We wanted to get them out of their comfort zones. I guess you could say we accomplished that.<br />
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Neither of them was overly excited, but Rose figured it out and was doing great.<br />
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Ryan was paranoid that there would be an "equipment failure" so he wasn't really into the moment.<br />
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But Miss Boo loved it.<br />
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And he may say he hated it but...<br />
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I am hoping we can find more ways for them to stretch themselves. And...I want to do this. It looks like so much fun.<br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-66834398065863569662017-02-06T10:53:00.003-06:002017-02-06T10:54:15.482-06:00Family Trip<div>
The kids and I got to spend two weeks with my oldest daughter, Nyoka and my favorite grandchildren. It was a lot of fun. They live on a lake and it was beautiful. Got to hang with the kiddos one on one and bake for them. I miss doing those things for them. </div>
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Westin is the baby and he spends quite a bit of time alone as the other kids are all older. At this point they were 5, 9,10,11,12,13,14. Boys are younger. Works good for the kids as they have those their age and they all get along pretty well. Such a blessing.</div>
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Maya got Miss Boo out one time only on the kayaks and it wasn't because of the hard work, it was the spider that made a home in the kayak and freaked her out because there was nowhere to go. Her face pretty much says it all. Ha Ha<br />
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She did try a smile for me but I knew it was a scared one.<br />
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I love that Maya and Miss Boo have a pretty tight friendship. They just get each other and make each other laugh. Sure love these girls.<br />
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This is my daughter Nyoka. She makes me laugh. Sure love her and grateful she is part of my life. It's pretty cool to see how Heavenly Father works to create families.</div>
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And here is the worlds dirtiest dog, Rocky. He drove me crazy, but he was kind of cute.<br />
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I am a little obsessed with Maya. She is so quiet and introspective. She can sit and be happy doing nothing but hanging her feet in the water.<br />
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These kids will play all day in the water if you let them.<br />
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Garrett has grown quite a bit in the last year. He will talk to me and look me in the face. Was the first one to give me a hug when we got there. Sure melted this Nana's heart.<br />
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As I said kind of obsessed. <br />
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See?<br />
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And this little boy... Ian. So adorable and loves his Nana. Not that they all don't, but he makes sure I know it all the time. I love hearing him call me Nana.<br />
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Love that they play together. Garrett, Ian, Ben (their Dad) and Konya. Not sure why I don't have more pictures of her.<br />
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It was the fourth of July and I was proud of Miss Boo for not letting the bugs get to her.<br />
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My little dude wasn't having the best time. It was not and lots of Michigan buts. At least he was looking patriotic. lol</div>
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Miss Boo was all about the sparklers this 4th. She really had a good time. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1SsPuaGAzNZBXuKiCTijxZyJr_i7J_lgbK0K10PgGjfkLcMUi-APvp6EBMmoFUQLgTr_-8idX_fiF6bOWJQbLGulQBZpCPUzS-FKkEnlrNg5S97qaq7XDkUz6s2wXxTheZAyaOXxMiI/s1600/IMG_1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1SsPuaGAzNZBXuKiCTijxZyJr_i7J_lgbK0K10PgGjfkLcMUi-APvp6EBMmoFUQLgTr_-8idX_fiF6bOWJQbLGulQBZpCPUzS-FKkEnlrNg5S97qaq7XDkUz6s2wXxTheZAyaOXxMiI/s640/IMG_1623.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love my grandkids. This little boy is so sweet.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb61ZpZnzN66D_E47ycjN4pcfiNv26qDVK-DnwLVkRg3STRKSeJEMZA84MObzFAr0D2T3h22tF1swWSLb5q2r-SXy_zNJhnHEq-Ipj-c-nHghALTtW6JrT1pA5TEsvfkkA-aydt_hU5U/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb61ZpZnzN66D_E47ycjN4pcfiNv26qDVK-DnwLVkRg3STRKSeJEMZA84MObzFAr0D2T3h22tF1swWSLb5q2r-SXy_zNJhnHEq-Ipj-c-nHghALTtW6JrT1pA5TEsvfkkA-aydt_hU5U/s640/IMG_1648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you ever asked yourself the question, What happens when you throw the dead christmas tree on the bonfire? Absolutely spectacular.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGxO9Hh21z3CS32JYd2cBPuDWwEJQo2eTu9aNJ3ixp_vEXIcN4Ak51SWmDdOIcDXRZz79T9NwP2IiG_rZDok1a52a2nyb3nWocOw7yXMC7FciJKPQVmdPmtMDlNTogq-q_R9aOwvhzEE/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGxO9Hh21z3CS32JYd2cBPuDWwEJQo2eTu9aNJ3ixp_vEXIcN4Ak51SWmDdOIcDXRZz79T9NwP2IiG_rZDok1a52a2nyb3nWocOw7yXMC7FciJKPQVmdPmtMDlNTogq-q_R9aOwvhzEE/s640/IMG_1649.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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First time ever that I watched fireworks in the trees by a lake. It was pretty awesome.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho49qNMQJc-_bwLsgnaajeKBFSeDg7anh_4BliMaPT-T8iPbRrd8yPG3MaPQwkbsJwXhDG2tqTQ94CLYs21HN7n21jdvqJWJYRjvfMoAHSwXSqsq8OhEobP6nQHPzthPRmrAs6w9jnU5c/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho49qNMQJc-_bwLsgnaajeKBFSeDg7anh_4BliMaPT-T8iPbRrd8yPG3MaPQwkbsJwXhDG2tqTQ94CLYs21HN7n21jdvqJWJYRjvfMoAHSwXSqsq8OhEobP6nQHPzthPRmrAs6w9jnU5c/s640/IMG_1653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love nature in action. Caught this out the window one morning. Nothing like a blue Heron to make you appreciate life.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkKNoXoFvlHNnWDzSJM01cOCvk8MsS9pcUtgKshP3qVOVoCX_KZxGvZYJDI5uM5eqMZHplZfEeG150KvjbxQIeXgd39-80GMcMGVdSTglnr4wouEJC8fE-pAbR0DzOh2HxcQ2RXzqFQU/s1600/IMG_1661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkKNoXoFvlHNnWDzSJM01cOCvk8MsS9pcUtgKshP3qVOVoCX_KZxGvZYJDI5uM5eqMZHplZfEeG150KvjbxQIeXgd39-80GMcMGVdSTglnr4wouEJC8fE-pAbR0DzOh2HxcQ2RXzqFQU/s640/IMG_1661.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Dude does so much better indoors. Not ecstatically happy, but content. Love this boy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIH6xQtqs1eKn3gXfpWZTaYnr4iPcnUUiWoxi2R9tcAOihFuH0RlXf-4_Q6A9ZzzQ-lINjDLqvRff9q8TPkUQZLhnbaFc6F_u5u3nltFtjElfnoka2LUPknjZajPyY0ftnrjIi4hlv_s/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIH6xQtqs1eKn3gXfpWZTaYnr4iPcnUUiWoxi2R9tcAOihFuH0RlXf-4_Q6A9ZzzQ-lINjDLqvRff9q8TPkUQZLhnbaFc6F_u5u3nltFtjElfnoka2LUPknjZajPyY0ftnrjIi4hlv_s/s640/IMG_1665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We had a good time visiting. First time for us to stay longer than a couple of days. I read a lot and cooked, and laughed and spent time with the part of my family that I don't half as much as I should.<br />
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So grateful for them.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-2110418494531091832017-01-25T15:39:00.001-06:002017-01-25T15:39:56.742-06:00Christmas 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we got home from Dad's funeral on Saturday night, I knew I was never going to pull of Christmas, so my dear friend Soraya came to save the day. She flew in Sunday and helped me get the tree decorated and the house put together. She also helped put me together before she left as I was an emotional mess still.</div>
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When we weren't preparing the house, we took a factory tour on how to make sausage. Those hair nets do nothing for facial recognition or quite frankly, anything else!<br />
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The tree turned out beautiful. I told you she was a beauty.<br />
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The kids aren't so much into pictures anymore. This was the only one I was allowed and it's not the best. <br />
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The cat, on the other hand, seemed ok with it. After all, it was her job to mess with all the presents first.<br />
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For some reason I feel the need to photograph Mr. Finn sideways. Hmmmm. I bet Freud would have a hay day with that. He got what he wanted and was happy.<br />
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But sadly, our beautiful, perfect tree had died while we were in Arizona and Christmas day it became evident that it had to come down immediately as it was a serious fire risk.<br />
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So Sad!</div>
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We enjoyed our quiet Christmas. We gave the kids experiences this year versus presents. They were too thrilled at first but got behind it later. I feel they have so much stuff and it only holds their attention for a brief period of time. This way they have an experience and can hold the memory forever. They will be going to a parachute/fly school. I am envious for sure. They also got gift cards to Dave and Busters so they could get their electronic fix and leave it there.</div>
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I hope it was a Merry and insightful Christmas for all.</div>
<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-9893758579902324862017-01-25T15:24:00.001-06:002017-01-25T15:24:04.867-06:00Tree HuntingI feel like I need to lighten things up and share some of the good that happened during all the sadness...<br />
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Mr. Finn loves to go to Tree Farms. I am the practical one and am good with picking it up at Costco. But this year I vowed I was going to let him have that joy. I am not always good at that...<br />
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Although we did not go out and cut it down, we did hunt through the ones they had already chopped down recently. It seemed like a good start.<br />
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We found the perfect tree. A black hills spruce. I was almost giddy. We had blue spruces growing up and this seemed the closest to that. It's all about the memory, right?<br />
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This little guy was so deflated when his Dad told him he couldn't run through the trees. I know Mr. Finn was just being cautious (overly) that one would fall on him and he could get hurt, but his feelings were hurt. I felt so bad for him. Couldn't even get him to run with me through them after that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Us3ODAt8an1rho5WZyx-LD-SudYpJeE1-MjLIaCCQDL3iLxlDh6yXkOzgs7NBcNwey2YK-q_F2zpMqOafuCwOZ2_M54mIbSiW9O9NRXxJi55BCJIWxa00ERUtRXqPXPaRaMxM9RSHyI/s1600/IMG_1686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Us3ODAt8an1rho5WZyx-LD-SudYpJeE1-MjLIaCCQDL3iLxlDh6yXkOzgs7NBcNwey2YK-q_F2zpMqOafuCwOZ2_M54mIbSiW9O9NRXxJi55BCJIWxa00ERUtRXqPXPaRaMxM9RSHyI/s640/IMG_1686.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our gorgeous tree on the way to getting pretty to come home.<br />
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We love Fulk's Tree Farm, they have the most interesting decorations. Miss Boo thought this was the best.<br />
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Isn't she a beaut?<br />
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Not me! The Dude took this picture of me. I don't love my own pictures but am trying to make sure that there are some for the memory books.<br />
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Then my girl took this one of me and this scrumptious boy.<br />
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It was a fun day! I have to admit it...we will do it again next year.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-37755669616869574062017-01-20T14:04:00.001-06:002017-01-20T14:04:59.424-06:00Once again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Betty has been a part of our lives for the past several years. She joined the church a couple years ago and Mr. Finn became her home teacher. I started driving her to church a year ago when her visiting teacher moved. It became the best part of my week. She shared so much with me and showed me how to be happy in all times. She was truly an angel in this life.<br />
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We grew to love her and were blessed to be part of her temple endowments and her sealing to her husband in the temple. She felt a rush to get these things done and two months after doing the last of her work she passed away. I talked to her the night before she passed and when she said she wasn't sure why she was still here. I asked her if she had finished all she was meant to do in this life, to which she responded, "I have no secrets from God and I am ready".<br />
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We are blessed to have known her and she will be missed. We love you Betty.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-3245241466086952652017-01-02T12:48:00.003-06:002017-01-02T12:48:54.427-06:00Another sad goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We hear stories of spouses that pass away with hours, weeks, or months of each other because of profound loss and we think of it in a tender loving way.<br />
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Denny, one of my dad's closest friends passed away three weeks after my father. He came to the funeral although he wasn't feeling well. Problems with his colon he said. He was to give the eulogy but didn't feel well enough to do it, so I was tasked with that honor. Well, Gretchen and I. I wasn't doing that alone.<br />
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He told me at the funeral how much he loved Dad and how hard it was for him. I don't remember life growing up without Denny in it. Mr. Finn says I never talked about him, maybe it's because he was just part of my life then. Donna (my mother) didn't like him so he wasn't able to be around as much as he would've liked. Dad and him would just take off...probably headed to see some car that was super awesome. They were total car geeks.<br />
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He also took me aside and told me how I was the apple of my Dad's eye. I sure haven't felt that way, for sure. He said he talked about me all the time and what I was doing...how he was proud of me. I sure wish he would have said those things to me himself, but I guess it's ok that at least I got to hear them.<br />
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Denny was also partly responsible for my daughter, Nyoka marrying Ben. When Nyoka returned from her mission, I happened to be at Dad's when Denny was there. He said she was welcome to come work for him at Anasazi. He only hired return missionaries and was sure she would do a great job. She ended up taking the job...long story for another time...and met Ben. First boy she ever brought home for me to meet.<br />
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I love that he has always been so humble about it. Such a good man with a good wife. Sure do love them both.<br />
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I will miss him and his latest venture. With Denny, it was always something.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-1739926029118960892017-01-02T12:27:00.002-06:002017-01-05T15:56:20.353-06:00Faces to remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sisters Erika and Gretchen<br />
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Sweet Miss Boo and her Grandma.<br />
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Delightful Dude and his Grandma.<br />
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Nadra (Ma) and Cousin Betty Jane.<br />
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Cousin Milton Nelson<br />
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Nephew Devon, brother Cory with his two boys, nephew Shae and niece Cherika<br />
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MomE and Denny Ence. (one of Dad's closest friends(<br />
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Cousins: Debbie, daughter stacey, Robbie, and Julie. Bubba (Gary) and his son are on the end.<br />
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Bubba (Gary Hill) or as I call him, "Garbear"<br />
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Rob and Trina Hill<br />
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Cousin Buzz Keno and me<br />
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Cousins Robbie, Stacey and Debbie<br />
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Goofballs. Definitely an inside joke. May share it someday. Gretchen, MomE, Erika and Joy (cousin)<br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-89322560654662268792016-12-30T21:03:00.002-06:002016-12-30T21:07:00.269-06:00Saying Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We traveled to Dad's funeral 3 weeks ago and laid him to rest on December 8th. It seems like a moment ago that we arrived and started running to get everything done. I never dreamed there would be so much work to be done. But how easy should it be to memorialize someone that lived 69 years?<br />
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There were so many fun and touching stories that I heard over the course of the week. Things I did not know about my Dad, things that showed me a deeper side of him that I really didn't know that well.<br />
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There were the things I knew. The parts of growing up that you just know as facts, like he loved his truck. I tried driving it once when he was out of town, although that dang old truck wouldn't let me drive him. Never got out of the driveway and never told a soul until this week. I wonder if he knew...<br />
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He loved this Valley. Only left a couple of times for short periods and then returned to his home. I've never seen the beauty in this place, but for me there is a piece of it buried in this dusty old valley and I will think of it differently now.<br />
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I heard a song on the radio today by Patty Loveless, called <a href="https://youtu.be/z4F_cXGQN9k" target="_blank">"How Can I Help You Say Goodbye". </a>Almost took me down...I really don't know how to say Goodbye. I know the funeral is to help with closure but I can't stand how this feels. I know none of us were ready. Who ever is? He needed to go, he was in so much pain, but I...MISS...HIM! And it hurts...a lot.<br />
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There is a dignified beauty in death. We are released from this mortal existence with all it's pain and hardships. Sometimes I wish I could go with. I feel as if I am always saying goodbye to my Fathers. I was so young when my father, Wellington, died. I wasn't old enough to grieve. I feel as if I am grieving them both right now and it is an impossible feeling. I will no longer have a father to guide me or to talk to me. I was blessed with two...<br />
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I am grateful for MomE that took care of him and loved him. I know it was hard for a while with his health issues, but I admire her for doing so with love, patience and kindness. Her loss is infinite. She is a goodly woman and he loved her deeply. The greatest advice he ever gave me involved a story about how much he loves her.<br />
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My Aunt Judy is the sole survivor of the siblings. I can't imagine what that must be like. I pray she will be comforted in the knowledge that Dad was proud of her for turning her life around and going to the temple. This is one of those things I learned about him. He worked to bring those back to the fold. His friend Fred talked about how Dad had bought a trailer in Lehi, AZ when my sister and I came to live with them and how Dad talked him into moving next door since Fred had married and had two of her boys living with them as well. (side note: That's how Bill Betts and I became friends for life) <br />
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Anyways, he had recently been reactivated to going to church and told Fred he would be by to pick him up around 7:00 a.m. for Priesthood. Every week he showed up and Fred stayed in bed, finally after a long while, Fred decided he better get up if Dad was going to keep showing up every Sunday. Fred has been active in the church ever since.<br />
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He had a band of friends, five of them, that stayed friends from grade school on. They were all there that were still alive. He was that kind of person. Never met a stranger and stayed loyal to all.<br />
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I love you Dad. Thank you for choosing to my Dad...because I know it was a choice.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-37648446479252999902016-12-04T08:17:00.001-06:002016-12-04T08:17:43.991-06:00Just gone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It doesn't seem possible that he is truly gone.<br />
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He just got his eyes fixed and was so excited he could see again...and then his hearing went.<br />
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Who will I call and yell into the phone to every week?<br />
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I know his health was bad and was getting worse. He is in a better place. No more pain. No more meds...the addiction is over for him.<br />
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What I am realizing this morning is that "forgiveness" is relative. It's easier to finally let everything go when they aren't around. The good memories seem to crowd out the bad...I am grateful for that.<br />
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I am going to miss him. After all we have been through, he is still my Dad and I love him.<br />
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That won't change.<br />
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We love you Dad, Grandpa Gary, Bruce, Wally.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-8222447109308851622016-12-01T15:01:00.000-06:002016-12-01T15:01:37.247-06:00Visits Galore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a fun year this has been. Visiting with friends and family has been my most favorite part of it. Jen moved way too many years ago and since we were up visiting Nyoka and the family, we dropped by for a visit on our way home.<br />
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Ms. Boo and Elise have been friends since they were in pre-k. I can't believe how they have grown up. Glad they get to see each other once in a while.<br />
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And there is our Morgan. Part of our family in her own right. She totally grew on us. Started out as a foul mouthed young woman when I was an advisor while pregnant with the Dude. Look at her now, graduated from college and her first real job as an adult. We love her.<br />
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Miss Boo and I had fun hanging out with Mark Twain in Parkville one day. Gave us some time to laugh and enjoy each other.<br />
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When my amazing Aunt Lois came we got the tour of the sausage factory by Mr. Finn.<br />
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Then we went to a street fair. She talked me into getting my face done but notice hers stayed clean. Hmmmm!<br />
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I have made some new friends this year. Most of my other ones moved away. (insert sad face here). Cinda has included me in her literary world, she's kind of my book dealer. LOL Her sister, Laura, the one in the middle invited me to be part of her birthday lunch eating Sushi. So grateful for friends.<br />
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As I said it was a great year for visits. Rob and Katrina came to see their first grand baby so I got to hang out with him and even hold that baby for a bit. Sure do love these two.<br />
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I haven't seen Holly since I lived in Alaska in 1991. What a lifesaver she was then...what a dear friend she has remained. She was in town to help her sister with a wedding. Bonus for me.<br />
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Lydia is my cousin from my Uncle Eldon. It's been about 7 years since they passed through last time. Love that she will call me to meet here wherever they are so we can catch up.<br />
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I am feeling very blessed this year with all the visits of people I love. So grateful.<br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-20145569572006789832016-11-16T12:35:00.001-06:002016-11-16T12:35:23.727-06:00This little girl...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is McBud. Can you believe it?<br />
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Yesterday we went to see the movie "Dr. Strange" and I turned sideways to say something to her and had to readjust my head because she was visibly taller.<br />
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What is happening? She turned 12 this year. She is so grown up in so many ways. But in many she is still a little girl. At least to me she is.<br />
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She likes to spend time with her friend Jaegar from school. Mr. Finn took them to a baseball game to watch the Royals and they got amazing seats up close. She loved that she was the talk of school the next day.<br />
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She has started coming into her own this year. She wrote the play for composting at her school and played a part in it. It's fun to see her so animated and enjoying herself.<br />
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She is making friends easier...<br />
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And trying new things. The pained look is because there was a spider in the kayak with her and she was freaking out.<br />
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We have a ways to go but I see an amazing girl that continues to surprise me.<br />
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Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-28562015501710468722016-11-10T10:22:00.003-06:002016-11-10T10:22:39.084-06:00Nuggets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once in a while I find these nuggets of gold in my photo file. <br />
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Thank you, my son, for giving me that "melt your heart feeling" this morning.<br />
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I would love to say the cat is sweet, but we all know differently. She tricked us into coming home with us from the shelter. Sweet? <br />
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Not so much.<br />
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But the boy loves her...Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-36344320221160941872016-11-05T12:51:00.001-05:002016-11-05T22:39:12.304-05:00Welcome Visitor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Everyone knows how much I love my Aunt. She is one of my dearest friends and my favorite Aunt. We talk at least once weekly and a minimum of one hour at a time. I really couldn't imagine life without her in it. She is also the grandmother of my sweet kiddos. A job she took on willingly and that has blessed the lives of our children.<br />
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She came to visit us right before Mr. Finn and my birthday on September 5th. She stayed for three weeks and was so much fun to run to Bee Creek every morning after dropping off the kids at school for a "Fluffy". (that's what they named their Mormon hot cocoa)<br />
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My kids adore her! She is so full of love and ENERGY. How does one get to 70 years old and still be running around with such energy. I struggle at 49 to motivate myself to put on clothes for the day.<br />
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I have a "To Do" list that is always on my kitchen counter. Many mornings I pretend it isn't there but she always found it and would suggest we check something off it. Sadly there was always a good amount of work that went before the checking off part, but she was fun to work with and if she could work that hard, well, I certainly could to. Thank you my sweet Aunt for pushing me along and for making it such a wonderful time.<br />
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Many decision were made, many things were fixed and furniture was bought during her visit. And not to mention she bought me a shirt and sweater that are my favorite and I hardly wear anything else these days. Thank you again.<br />
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I love you.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-11286575202954501152016-08-11T17:16:00.002-05:002016-08-11T17:18:09.312-05:00All aboard the sleep trainLet's talk a minute about sleep training...<br />
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That awful time when a parent feels obligated to train their child to sleep independently of its parents.<br />
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So that the child can learn to put itself to sleep and give the parents much needed rest without a child draped all over their corpse. Oops, I mean body that feels like a corpse because it is dead tired.<br />
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So that they wake from their slumber refreshed...<br />
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And immediately return to a state of peaceful rest.<br />
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While you...<br />
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Lie awake...<br />
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Taking pictures...</div>
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To prove...<br />
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That you failed at sleep training.<br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-2323606047892499202016-08-10T15:21:00.002-05:002016-08-10T15:21:57.235-05:00Mission Revival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">In July last year I was able to attend a Reunion for the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Mission in Utah. It has been 25 years since I served the Lord.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPxQAZnmEBNmREyDGt8jnuwcZyQC0lojPCsWVcX85EzJJZh1r3nFSQdaT2gNdjqs6iUJ-Hw7pN2864GTm-ppgxhaVVi1VMPaQJqCLaoLVmt5qk-2gqpPzi4evFp9w51uVvUAPzz7V76o/s1600/2015-07-29+14.55.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPxQAZnmEBNmREyDGt8jnuwcZyQC0lojPCsWVcX85EzJJZh1r3nFSQdaT2gNdjqs6iUJ-Hw7pN2864GTm-ppgxhaVVi1VMPaQJqCLaoLVmt5qk-2gqpPzi4evFp9w51uVvUAPzz7V76o/s400/2015-07-29+14.55.27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My sweet friend Sandy picked me up from the airport and we played for a while. I have missed this lady. I met her when I was pregnant with Miss Boo and moved away when I was pregnant with the Dude. The kids are 12 and 10 now. Too long away from this lady. Soraya surprised us and snuck behind us in a store. What a calculated, fabulous surprise by her and the help of her husband, my brother in arms, Jon. <br />
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I expected to only spend an hour at the reunion as it's been a while. I could hardly remember names of more than a couple missionaries. My spanish was sketchy and I wasn't in a very social mood.<br />
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At the check in was several people, I assumed were missionaries from the DR. As one of them grabbed my hand and said, Hermana Wiltbank, all of sudden I knew who he was. Elder Belnap. Bel nap...such wonderful memories came flooding back into my mind. All of sudden, names I couldn't remember seconds before were there. Places and Spanish. My mind was opened. I wanted to cry from happiness. (I never understood that saying before.)<br />
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And then my sweet companion of La Fe decided to come although she has said she wouldn't be able to. Cindi Steele Buckley and I taught the gospel to Soraya's mother before we met Soraya. I was anxious for Soraya to meet the one that helped convert her mother all those years ago. Soraya's mother passed away last year so it gave her something special to hold on to.<br />
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Then she got to meet the elder that baptized her Mom. And of course, Elder Budenbender photobombing us in the back. He was there when we taught Soraya.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLc5Ngg2HdBbds2qSW2ydBG7DaFpEDy8W8IwOv67ySawqQAACQaXC1iczkKVRQy0GSVDWzSvrwyk6-f2wKp-SEz_Q0vFmQILWejyS298ljq4FGAEPVPlzSzp5T9cfy-x7nHvGwPHCdXs/s1600/2015-07-30+22.02.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLc5Ngg2HdBbds2qSW2ydBG7DaFpEDy8W8IwOv67ySawqQAACQaXC1iczkKVRQy0GSVDWzSvrwyk6-f2wKp-SEz_Q0vFmQILWejyS298ljq4FGAEPVPlzSzp5T9cfy-x7nHvGwPHCdXs/s640/2015-07-30+22.02.38.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDapvFpy9y98O3mDWPuiRnggteDo7x_lk8xfqDMY8aPpryIbJie-Z6nbnS0NOCg8AFUx5y7NUr0JYrhFaXvB3C9YlZ0u9KasjoSeztNpxfd5yGWbhiEGdI64P2Gd3Nw35QZ0jchcmW0c/s1600/2015-07-30+21.33.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDapvFpy9y98O3mDWPuiRnggteDo7x_lk8xfqDMY8aPpryIbJie-Z6nbnS0NOCg8AFUx5y7NUr0JYrhFaXvB3C9YlZ0u9KasjoSeztNpxfd5yGWbhiEGdI64P2Gd3Nw35QZ0jchcmW0c/s640/2015-07-30+21.33.57.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Elder O'Connor was one of my favorites. His uncle taught science to me in High School. So much fun to have something in common in an uncommon country.<br />
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And Boone... sigh<br />
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What a great friend and missionary. We arrived in the mission field together and served in our second areas for a long time together in San Pedro, becoming life long friends.<br />
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He surprised me also by saying he wouldn't be there so I wasn't looking for him. All of sudden I hear as I am being picked up and swung around, "Wiltbank!". Sheer joy is the only word to describe how I felt that night. I can only imagine how much sweeter and joyful it will be when we arrive home after our journey here on earth to see those we love. <br />
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I do not doubt that these people will be there for me as well. A mission binds you for the eternities.<br />
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Soraya has a sweet daughter that calls me Aunti (Tia). My dear Amanda. Families are more than we are born into and I am so grateful for that.<br />
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And to top everything off and to show how the Lord brings those into our lives and how they can always be part of it... sweet Haley Jensen from Mississippi. She is done with school and working at BYU. She came and hung with us for a while. So grateful the Lord has blessed me with such kind people.<br />
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I wish this picture were better, but this is President Sorenson and his wife Elaine. He changed my life. I can never repay him for putting my life on a better track and teaching me so much that has followed me until today. </div>
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He gave an amazing talk. We hung on every word. He reminded us that Satan is real and we shouldn't forget that. It's like driving on the road and not realizing we are passing the center line or on the shoulder. We should constantly "Check Ourselves" to make sure we are on the straight and narrow. He gave me personal counsel and reminded me how close he is to our Heavenly Father. How he has stayed humble and workable so the Lord can use him to do good constantly.<br />
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What a great time with friends. Sadly I will miss the next one February 2017 in the DR that will celebrate Presidents 70th Birthday. Good people.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-79716936090542738182016-08-08T15:29:00.003-05:002016-08-08T17:16:46.256-05:00In memoriumAs I was looking for a blog post that a friend of mine requested, I realized something.<br />
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I stink at writing lately.<br />
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It's true. Sometimes life gets me to a point where I don't want to share my sadness or frustration. But today, thanks to a friend and reading the post she was looking for, that I started this blog to find the good in my life daily. Mr. Finn bought me a camera years ago so I could find something to capture the good in that day. The camera is dusty and my typing skills are atrocious. My muscles have atrophied.<br />
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Sad....<br />
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Let's see if I can start finding the golden nuggets of my day to share with you and with my children. They are there...sometimes they are covered in yucky stuff we need to clean 'em off so they shine.<br />
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Or as my grandmother would say... "spit shine it up, it'll be good as new".<br />
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Speaking of my Grandmother, I went to her memorial in Canada a couple of months ago. I didn't feel the impact of her death until she wasn't there when I came out of the airport doors. She has always been the one waiting, along with my Aunt Lois. This time it was my Uncle David and Aunt Capryce. I'm not begrudging them picking me up. I adore my Uncle and it gave us several hours to talk in the middle of the night as Capryce slept in the back seat. I really enjoy him.<br />
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It just felt like something grand was missing. She was missed...by everyone. What a beautiful memorial with my family. It's hard to believe it has been 10-15 years since we have all been together, but it felt like yesterday. So much laughter and love.<br />
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Grandma would have loved that. And she would have loved this moment as much as I do.<br />
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I am blessed to have these two knuckleheads as cousins. Sure do love them.<br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-39787377954772515732016-04-14T09:27:00.002-05:002016-04-14T09:27:40.104-05:00Never grow up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrljZfdFxjb-M_2APnfifzSlFpZs5gkvXKjOxJ6-g_aYml0PzWZxdMwTFhITtD75fWU9c3Koe-Jbf7oZOUVakMD4YkjWXuil5rJZpln63kkRva1bJVWfvUPHyTi772U9tLAjZLAAuSiwg/s1600/2016-04-06+11.42.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrljZfdFxjb-M_2APnfifzSlFpZs5gkvXKjOxJ6-g_aYml0PzWZxdMwTFhITtD75fWU9c3Koe-Jbf7oZOUVakMD4YkjWXuil5rJZpln63kkRva1bJVWfvUPHyTi772U9tLAjZLAAuSiwg/s640/2016-04-06+11.42.48.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am losing the battle. How did ten years go by so quickly? This year was especially tough on me for some reason. I was so emotional all day and wanted to spend every second soaking up what is left of the little boy he is.</div>
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Mr. Finn and I ate lunch with him at school and even though I didn't tell Mr. Finn, I snuck him out of school and went for ice cream so he could have his favorite flavor of Cotton Candy. And, mainly because I needed to be with him.<br />
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I love being his Mom. He is the most charming, sweet boy in the world. I am prejudiced because he is mine and I love him. I am grateful for this gift that brings such joy and laughter to our home.<br />
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Happy 10th Birthday Buckwheat Jones, Rye Bread, Rhyner, Bug, my Little Man--our Dude!Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17864873447808232785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458292684141292312.post-3526164118667860052015-10-27T22:55:00.002-05:002016-01-26T09:40:17.826-06:00A Piece of Me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD8DMiVPj1SM5c-UglNZO5tRoPwvrVtoqstjYi96t_PgZMOZogyTjkrAurNuZhaDMGsaesxN7mVBVdLvYovBd7qI967s31CjS08s-l2Rx9xbe348nDrlO5UtMKrEk4qO9-oqGAA0ZRlQ/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD8DMiVPj1SM5c-UglNZO5tRoPwvrVtoqstjYi96t_PgZMOZogyTjkrAurNuZhaDMGsaesxN7mVBVdLvYovBd7qI967s31CjS08s-l2Rx9xbe348nDrlO5UtMKrEk4qO9-oqGAA0ZRlQ/s640/IMG_7627.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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