Highlights from the past couple of months . . .

My husband the hunter from the great white north!  Enoch just got back from a hunting trip with his buddies Curtis and Randy outside of Grand Prairie, Alberta.  He had a blast!  A nice 4x5 Muley, a 5x6 Whitetail, and a Roughed Grouse.  Some nice tablefare (at least the kids love the jerky).  I'm just grateful he didn't get eaten by a bear.

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  And yes - Hunter Enoch was really cold the whole time we were trick-or-treating.  We tried to warn him :)

Here's another beautiful picture of American Fork Canyon.  We live in such a beautiful place.  Sometimes I really miss the beach, but then all I have to do is drive up this canyon, and I'm grateful this is my home.  Enoch and I got married really close to this spot.

It's Fall!!

We took a drive up the canyon, and the leaves are beautiful.  Just thought I'd share some pics of how beautiful it is.  I love this time of year!

Happy Birthday Hunter Eugene!!

Hunter Eugene turned 9 a couple of weeks ago. He had a friend "Spy Party" and we also had a Sunday extended-family get together to celebrate. His favorite gift was a guitar from Enoch and I, and my parents (AKA Surfin' Grandpa and Temple Grandma!) I knew he wanted an electric guitar, but an acoustic is better to learn on. So we got him a guitar strap with skulls on it, knowing it would help with the "cool factor."
SO here are some things I love about Hunter Eugene (H2):
1 - I love that he makes us all laugh. He is so goofy and fun to be around.
2 - I love the funny things he comes up with! There are several H2 quotes we say, such as "I forgot", or ""Oh yeah - I've got a monkey on my shirt and he's MAD" (as he attacks his wrestling opponent!).
3 - Hunter is very tender-hearted. Even as a toddler he never had problems with hitting or biting other kids. He's always had a genuine concern for others around him.
4 - H2 has an infectious smile. And is laugh is hilarious. I need to record it sometime.
5 - I love that Hunter Eugene is a mama's boy. It melts my heart that he still lights up when I see him for the first time in a few hours, and he gives me the biggest hugs that sometimes I have to tell him to be careful. He's knocked me over before!
6 - I love Hunter's eyes. Not just because that's the only physical trait similar to mine(other than the olive skin), but also because his eyes are so innocent. You can see how happy he is when you look in them.
7 - I love that Hunter Eugene is so creative. His specialty is recipes - you know, things like root beer mixed with milk, and oatmeal with tuna fish. The best part is when he says, "Here mom - try it. You only have to try it once, and then if you don't like it you don't have to eat it." Hehe.
8 - I love that Hunter is such a good brother. He is very generous and is always sharing with his siblings. He just gave Cassidy some of his Pokemon cards, which she was really thrilled about. I just had to laugh when I overheard, "Ew - don't kiss me Cas, not even on the cheek."
9 - Last night Hunter said the family prayer. He always thinks really hard about what he wants to say, so you know it's from the heart. I love that he asked sincerely to "please don't let me die by getting shot. Please let me die when I'm old so I can see what my life will be like. But if you want me to die early then I understand."
10 - I love Hunter's energy. If only I could run as fast, jump as high, skip the entire way across the neighborhood, climb the rock walls, do roundoffs and flips in the middle of a sentence, and still have energy left over!
11 - I love that Hunter has claimed to have the same girlfriend since he was 3. (He hasn't seen her in a few years, but he still tells everyone she's his girlfriend. And I found a letter not long ago addressed to her, saying, "I like you. I want to marry you. Please like me, double please. Love Hunter." He's so loyal!
12 - I love Hunter's ability to sense other's needs. He's been my little angel, giving me hugs when I need it the most.

13 - I love how much Hunter loves Cassidy and always wants to include her, yet he is completely inseparable from his brothers.  You will never see two boys more excited to see each other than Hunter Eugene and Brighton (AKA "The Bunny Brothers).    
14 - One of my favorite stories about Hunter Eugene was years ago when he was probably 4. I was frustrated with him, and said, "Hunter, if you don't stop that I'm going to be really angry." His eyes got so big, and said, "Angry like Satan?!! Mommy - Heavenly Father and Jesus are so sad when you yell at me." I love the lessons we learn from our children! :)
15 - Someone asked Hunter recently, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Usually his answer was something along the lines of a ninja, but this time he said matter-of-factly - "The Prophet" . . .  

Hunter Eugene - I love you so much!  Thanks for being so wonderful and sweet. Thanks for making me laugh and always reminding me what matters the most in life.  I-II-I like crazy!!!

Summer Recap

Since I'm horrible at keeping up with this blog, I'm just going to do a recap of the summer with a few pics.  We were pretty busy, so most of the summer we spent running all over town, but we were able to squeeze a couple of trips in.  Enoch surprised me for my birthday, and took me to Echo Lake Montana.  It is so beautiful there!  We also took the kids to Bryce Canyon and Zion's National Parks.  Forest wasn't able to go with us, so we took my niece Malia instead.  

Crazy Girls Night!

Last Friday, we decided to go out to get ice cream in style! This time we had a couple of boys join in the fun. Forest, Lizette, Janessa, Kayla, Hunter Enoch, Brighton, and I got dressed up, called Enoch and asked him to meet us at the store, and we videotaped his reaction. It was priceless, even though I don't think anything shocks him anymore! The boys and Kayla opted out of the picture, but they were good sports for the night. yes - Janessa really did keep the cone on her head the entire night, except for during the car ride. :)

Happy Birthday to the Love of my Life!!

Where do I begin?! Here are just a few of the MANY things I love about E:

1 - Enoch is such a good person. He wants nothing more than to be the best husband, father, friend, son, uncle, and brother. He is the best, but he's still always trying to be better!

2 - I love how Enoch loves the Lord. I love that we pray together, read together, and go to the temple together. E is always seeking God's guidance in his life decisions, and he follows in faith, no matter how hard it might be.

3 - I love how romantic E is. He's taken me on numerous surprise getaways, left love notes everywhere, taken me dancing under the stars, constantly surprises me with big and little gifts . . . I could go on and on!

4 - I love how tender he is. He's not afraid to show his emotions. Yet he's still all male!

5 - Enoch has this amazing love for other people. He would give you the shirt off his back - which would never be a bad thing! :)

6 - When he's stressed, he cleans - REALLY WELL! And he's much better at laundry than I am! He can get any stain out, folds the clothes perfectly, and even puts the clothes away -which is like torture for me. I've never had to pick up after him or clean his shaving remnants in his sink - in fact his sink and closet are so much cleaner than mine are!

7 - I love the way E loves me. He tells me he loves me numerous times throughout the day, and calls me randomly to say he's thinking about me and grateful for me. He's very affectionate, and I always feel like he's proud to have me as his wife.

8 - I love the way E loves ALL of the kids. He treats them all the same, loves them, plays with them, wrestles with them, snuggles with them, and spends time teaching them.

9 - I love that he puts up with me! We both have our faults, and our marriage isn't perfect, but he loves me despite all my many flaws and believes in me.

10 - Thanks to E, at our house colors are defined by Dirt Bike brands. It's funny how all of the neighbor kids know to ask, "Can I have a drink in a Yamaha cup" (Blue), or "Can I have the Honda plate please?" (Red).

11 - What other 38-year-old do you know with hair like E's?! I love that he's so stinkin handsome. I love his eyes, his smile . . .everything. The only problem is he's 9 years older than me, but people think we're the same age! You should see the looks we get when all 5 kids pile out of the SUV!

13 - E is my best friend. There's nobody else on earth I'd rather be with - whether we're camping, hiking, debating :), going to movies, talking, wakeboarding, skiing/snowboarding, scuba diving, eating, sleeping, cleaning, singing, wrestling, shooting - no not at each other, shopping, laughing, crying, praying, or just snuggling on the couch doing absolutely nothing. It's him I want next to me.

12 - I love that Enoch is the constant reminder that Heavenly Father loves me. It is only through miracles and "tender mercies of the Lord" that we were brought together. I could have spent the rest of my life looking for someone half as amazing as Enoch, and would never have found him on my own. Yet God knew we were far from perfect but perfect for each other, and took me right to him!

I love you like crazy E. Thanks for loving me, and letting me love you back.

T

Happy 11th Birthday Hunter Enoch!!

It seems like we've had so many Birthdays lately! Both Hunter Enoch (H1) and Enoch celebrated their birthdays this week, so I need to write what I love about them. Forewarning: It may be a long entry!

What I love about Hunter Enoch:

1- H1 is so intelligent. I could never go on the show, "Are you Smarter than a 5th grader?" because I know if I were competing against H1, I would lose!

2 - I love the sweet tenderness H1 has. He is aware of and really cares about those around him.

3 - H1 is a natural leader, and kids around him want to follow his every move. I love that he recognizes that and strives to be a good example.

4 - H1 has read more books than any child I know - and he challenges himself in his reading. I don't know any other child who's read "The Da Vinci Code" and actually understood most of it - scary!

5 - Even though he is so smart, Hunter is also really cool. He is your typical skateboarding, dirt bike riding, wakeboarding, video game-playing kid.

6 - I love that Hunter is the first one to say he's sorry when he realizes he made a mistake.

7 - I love that Hunter has so much faith. One time we had my friend's daughter staying the night, and she fell and hurt herself. Because it was late at night, she was so tired and we couldn't console her. She cried as I held for at least 20 minutes, and then H1 came up to me and said, "Let's say a prayer for her." I asked him to say it, and within the first 30 seconds of his sweet prayer, the little girl fell asleep, and was happy as can be the next morning.

8 - I love that H1 wants to be just like his dad - he loves to ride motorcycles, go shooting and hunting. Enoch especially loves that H1 was willing to sacrifice all of his birthday gifts for a .22!

(We went for the annual ski pass - not sure which one is safer . . !)

9 - Hunter Enoch has such a strong testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He bears his testimony often to others, and many people have commented on how their faith has been strengthened by him. One time, H1 got in front of the whole church congregation, long hair and all, and expressed his love and gratitude for his Savior. Our bishop said to us, Hunter is the perfect example of what we want our children to be like, and maybe we don't need to worry so much about deciding how childrens' haircuts or clothes are going to be, but it's more important to focus on helping them feel God's love for them.

10 - H1 has such a big heart, and is able to love all people.

11 - I love how H1 loves to be with his younger brothers. Sometimes when they're supposed to be sleeping, I hear the boys talking instead. When I was about get upset at them for not sleeping, I realized Hunter Enoch was telling Brighton and Hunter Eugene funny stories. It's become a fun tradition for them. One time I "caught" H1 reading scriptures to them.

12 - H1 is the oldest boy and will be able to carry the Robey name forward. I know that means a lot to his dad

13 - I love that H1 knows what he wants, and he will do everything he can to get it. That might be one of the biggest challenges for all his parents, but I'm glad that he's strong-willed!

14 - H1 has been through a lot in his life, but he's a fighter, and he's been such a good example of holding strong and keeping the faith.

I love you so much Hunt! Thanks for being such a good example to me, and allowing me to love you!

What Are We Putting Our Faith In?!!

I saw these pictures, and I thought they were so funny! But then it got me thinking - what am I putting my faith and trust in? Hopefully not frogs and stingrays! I also love how the mouse could be looking for it's "prince" that just so happens to be right under it's nose. Sometimes we forget to appreciate everything that's right in front of us because we're too busy looking at the gazillion things going on around us! So today I am focusing on appreciating the blessings right under my nose, and making sure I'm trusting God to get me to safe harbors! But then again, perhaps its a lesson on the fact that sometimes He guides us by putting unexpected friends in our paths!

The latest headshots of the kiddos

Honeymoon in Bonaire - 2006

Happy Birthday Brighton!!!

I have so much to catch up on!! But first and foremost I need to say 9th Happy Birthday to Brighton. We had a lot of celebrations going on over the holiday weekend. Brighton's birthday was Saturday, May 24th, and we had a friend party for him that day, and then on Sunday we had a family get together to celebrate.

Let me tell you what I love about Brighton:

1. His eyes. You can tell so much about a person's spirit by looking in their eyes. You can see for yourself in the picture.


2. Brighton is so enthusiastic! When he is excited about something, he beams. Sometimes he can't control the excitement. "Wow, I'm just shocked! I just, I just can't believe you got me that. I'm so excited . . ."


3. He's really giving. This weekend he brought Enoch an early Father's Day present, because he just couldn't wait to give it to him. He brought him a little toy fighter jet, and just "knew" his dad had to have it. Brighton has given me several thoughtful gifts, and has even tried to give me money, because he says the "adults need it more" than he does because we "have to pay bills and stuff"!


4. Brighton is so sweet and tender-hearted. He is always thinking of other people's feelings.


5. He is quick to say he's sorry. And he always means it.


6. Brighton is very grateful. His "thank you"s are usually mini-Oscar speeches.


7. He is very affectionate. He is always the first to give you a huge hug when he walks in the door. And they are the good truly-excited-to-see-you hugs.


8. He can be pretty stubborn, but once you let him have a little space, he's quick to recognize how silly he was being.


9. Brighton is such a goof ball. He's not afraid to be silly like the rest of us.


10. I'll never forget the time I was dropping off H2 and Cassidy at their dad's work. Brighton came into the store with me and asked if he could hang out by the toys while I was around the corner and within 30 seconds I hear my full name over the intercom, followed by "you have a lost child". Not what I want announced at my ex's work! But I am glad that Brighton was smart enough to look for help. I definitely learned my lesson on that one! :)


11. I love that Brighton is such a good friend to his siblings. It's fun to have two boys the same age, yet only had to give birth to one of them! Brighton and H2 are inseperable when they are together. They call each other "Bunny Brothers" because they realized that they were both born in the year of the rabbit. I tried to encourage a tougher club name like "the jack-rabbits", but they insist on "bunnies". Oh well. Bunnies are cute and loveable - and less disease-infested.


12. Brighton is probably the most athletic of all the kids. He excels at any sport he tries. His basketball coach said to us, "One day we'll be paying to watch Brighton play this sport." That wouldn't surprise me at all, yet he still looks to the sidelines with a huge grin on his face after every basket to make sure we saw it. I love that!


13. It's so fun to watch Brighton with Enoch. He is the most interested in hunting and shooting, and can tolerate watching those types of shows with Enoch the longest! Truth is, he loves it too. What is it about a boy snuggling up to his dad on the couch and cheering "Shoot it, shoot it. Look at the rack on that . . . elk (of course)!" How heart warming. :)


14. I have yet to beat Brighton in the video game "Trophy Hunter" at the Nickel Arcade. He has such a good shot, and no matter how many times I've tried he still wins. One time he did let me win so I can't count it!


15. Brighton is that piece of the family puzzle that anchors everyone else around him. He's not the most outspoken, or flamboyant, or center-of-attention-seeking child. Yet he's the constant. The one who's personality quietly pulls the family all together.

I love you Brighton! Thanks for letting me be another mom to you. I feel so privileged to have you in my life.

Happy Birthday Cassidy!!

My baby is 6 years old today! I can't believe it. I look back on the last 6 years and they've flown by.

I thought it appropriate to start a tradition of posting my favorite things about each child on their birthday. So here are a few things I love about Cassidy:

1. She's really funny. She's extremely witty and sarcastic.

2. She loves to organize my closet, and gets mad if I put my shirts back in the wrong spot - they are all color coordinated!

3. She beats the whole family in the game "Memory," and I think she's even more competitive than I am.

4. She loves to go to bed early. Most nights she's begging to be able to go to bed by 7pm. "Please can I go to bed now?"

5. By the time I wake up in the morning, she's already finished her morning chart - (eaten breakfast, showered, hair done, etc.) and ready to go to school. I wake up at 6. It's no wonder why she likes to go to bed early!

6. She does her hair better than I do. She can paint fingernails better than I can too, not that it's much of an accomplishment, but for a 6-year-old it's pretty impressive!

7. She loves to cuddle.

8. She's tiny, but she keeps up with the boys. She loves to wrestle, always gets hurt, cries for a minute, but then gets right back in the game.

9. I was taking her shopping for her birthday yesterday, and instead of toys, she kept wanting to look at shoes. In that way she's nothing like me! Not sure if I'll love that so much later :)

10. She's so much girlier than I was, yet she rocks on her little four-wheeler and gets so excited to ride the dirt-bike. She says, "Mom, I think I'm part tom-boy."

11. She leaves love notes for me everywhere! I've found notes in my dresser, my car, purse, etc. She calls me throughout the day when I'm at work, just to say she loves and misses me.

12. She helps me remember where I put my keys and/or cell phone. If I need to remember something at the store, I ask her to remind me. Sure enough, she does. She always says, "Mom did you remember to bring . . .?" Hope I don't get in trouble with Child Labor Laws for using her as my assistant!!

13. She makes the boys cry. Why I'm happy about that, I can't quite figure out! But I'm glad she's tough - she's gonna need it in this world.

14. She's honest. Sometimes a little too honest! "Uh, are you really going to wear that shirt with those pants?" I really don't know where she came from! But I love her like crazy!!!

15. She's a constant reminder of what life is all about - striving to be with our familes forever. I just look at her - and the rest of my kids - and my heart burns, because I love them so much. Sometimes I get that glimpse - you parents know what I'm talking about. That glimpse of "recognition." It's like I can remember her from somewhere before this life. It's usually a particular facial expression that brings it on, but the feeling is so strong. I'm reminded that I'm not just her mother, but our souls are friends, and we were put on the earth together so we could help each other through this life.

I love you Cassidy - thanks for being such a wonderful daughter. I love you the most from coast to coast, east to west, north to south, to the moon, and all the way around the world and back again!

Figuring it out as I go . . .

Wow! It's been a while since I updated this site. I have no other excuse than, "I'm busy!" But anyone who knows me well enough, can definitely vouch for me on that one! I know it's a month late but I had to add the cute Easter picture. I love being a mom!

Reflections on the last month or two:

I think the one thing that comes to mind more than anything is how awesome Heavenly Father is! I've really been thinking a lot the last few weeks about the way God works, and how He loves us so much that he truly does care about each of our paths in life. I've been thinking about how different my life would be if I hadn't been on my knees praying in desperation for hope back in October of 2005. During that prayer, I received an answer that would change the entire course of my life. "Move - today." As scary as it was to leave the life I knew behind, I couldn't deny the strong impression I'd received. I moved that day, and cried for several days after because I didn't understand why. But within that week, blessings came in so many different ways. The most incredible blessing was meeting my husband - Enoch - exactly one week after moving! I had no idea I would marry him then, but months later I realized that had been part of God's plan for me all along. Anyways, I've just been thinking about that a lot lately. I've been thinking about the past couple years since then, and all of the amazing gifts in my life because of that one choice. I can't imagine life without Enoch and the three children I get to be a 2nd mom to. I've made so many incredible friends, and have learned many excellent life lessons.

Life is hard sometimes. Sometimes we're asked to do things that don't make a lot of sense! But it's so amazing to see in my life and in the lives of so many friends and family that Heavenly Father does really care. He loves us and wants us to grow closer to Him. Sometimes the only way for us to grow closer to Him is through the "Refiner's fire." And of course, just when we think we're figuring it out, we have other lessons to learn!

The other day I said to Cassidy, "Heavenly Father is pretty cool, isn't he?" And she said (with her 5-year-old-going-on-16-attitude) "Uh -ye-ah. Because - He like knows everything, and He knows what's going to happen. So all we have to do is trust Him."

If only I had figured it out that early!

Wedding Day - April 29, 2006

Chuck-A-Rama

On President's Day - February 18 - our family went to Enoch's mom's house in Bountiful. His brother- Hoyt, his wife LeAnne, and their children were in town visiting from Seattle. Enoch's mom took all of us - total of 16 kids and 10 adults- to Chuck-a-Rama, a buffet restaurant! Cassidy was soooo excited about the fact that she could have "refills" on her food. She said, "I've never been to a place that gives refills on my food before! This place is so cool!" After eating we went back to Enoch's mom's house and had a surprise birthday party for her. It was a lot of fun. Enoch's mom - Annie - is one of the most amazing people I've ever known. She has the biggest heart, and is so giving to everyone around her- she's constantly spoiling us. She is full of faith, and I'm so grateful for her example. Many of us gathered in her family room as she told stories of her life - her conversion to the LDS church, how she met Enoch's dad, and how she used to be a model for women's under-clothing! That was news to all of us! She even showed us a slip that she had made in a factory when she was newly-married making $0.75 an hour!

One of the hardest things about getting divorced was worrying that I wouldn't have as great of in-laws as I did before. Little did I know I would get to be a part of Annie and her husband Ed's lives! They are so incredible. Love you Mom & Dad.