The Robey Bunch

My New Life

2010-05-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have the best job in the world!! I am so blessed to work for the LDS Church AudioVisual Dept, and get to help to make messages like this one. I didn't work on this one specifically, but I now work directly with the 2 producers that did. I've been so excited for this message to come out. Even though I've seen it several times, I still get tears each time, and I'm reminded how beautiful mothers are when we recognize our divine calling. This woman is the inspiration I needed to blog more often. We all have different purposes and experiences in this life, but we need to share our trials and life experiences so maybe we can be an uplifting source of hope for others. I know Stephanie has helped me in my life this week, and I've never even met her. Thank you Stephanie!! To read her blog, go to nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

It's only been 6 months since my last post...

2010-05-06T16:45:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I wonder why I start something that I know I'll be terrible at keeping up with! But my new goal is to post more often on this blog-thing-a-ma-jiggy. (Stephanie Nielson is my new inspiration). Since my last post we've celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, Easter and several birthdays. Not to mention the surprise cruise my hubby took me on, loads of soccer games, Enoch's job in Denver and now he's back in Utah...Oh and did I mention that I'm pregnant - again. So needless to say, it's when we have so much going on that it becomes harder to take the time to blog about it. But no more excuses! I'm posting a few pictures from the last several months, but if you want to see more, become my friend on Facebook. :)

Cassidy - the little actress

2009-11-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

It's been really fun throughout the past several years bringing my kids on set to work with me. Sometimes they've come along to just hang out with me, and other times they've been hired to act with me. But this time, Cassidy had a job all on her own, and I got to be the tagalong observer! Even grandpa came to watch, just in case I needed to run into work. It was so fun to watch her in action - no shyness whatsoever. Truthfully - my kids had been begging to act forever, but I kept putting it off because I didn't want it to be something they felt pressured to do from me - believe me, I've seen a few too many "Disney moms!" But it's great for them to be able to earn the extra money . It makes it so much easier to say no at the store, "Well if you want to spend your own money on it, that's up to you...!" Now that they've been able to do some acting, and I see how much they love it, I guess I'll let them :) Just better not see any diva attitudes, or there will be some serious renegotiating...!

La Familia Torriente!!

2009-11-24T06:59:00.000-08:00

Just got a copy of this picture that was taken on Rome's blessing day in July. But it makes me so happy to see all of my family together. My incredible parents, all 7 siblings, their spouses and all 15 grandchildren! My uncle Richard used to always say, "You can either have fun or take pictures!" I think we would have agreed with him on that day, however, I'm so grateful to have this picture now. It's a wonderful reminder of what Heavenly Father's Plan is all about - eternal families. I'm so fortunate to have the best family ever.

Yikes-It's been a while

2009-11-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, I can't believe how much has changed! It's crazy how that happens in our family. There is never a dull moment in the Robey household. Here are a few pictures that show just a few things we've been up to.

How cute is this guy?! That smile melts everyone's heart!

Rome is 5 months now, and weighs 16 lbs. But he's the happiest baby ever, and has the sweetest laugh. Now he's discovered his very loud vocal cords and likes to practice screaming.

Hunter Enoch's 1st Deer!! Made an amazing shot, and anchored him!

The proud papa! He said this was more fun than any other deer he's taken.

Hunter would like to claim this deer, that he helped with. But unfortunately, this one belongs to E's best friend Chris. Hunter and E only helped guide with this Trophy...
Of course E had to have a shot with him too :)

Crazy Hair Day!

Hunter Eugene and I on a field trip. On the way with 100 screaming 10-year-olds in the bus, I was wondering - what am I thinking?! But we had a blast!

Life is wonderful. We have so much to be grateful for.

Vacation to Washington and Oregon

2009-08-18T13:37:00.001-07:00

For this year's family vacation in August, we drove to Washington and Oregon. We were sad Forest wasn't able to come with us, but we still had a great time. Our first stop was Bellevue, WA, where we stayed with Enoch's brother Hoyt and his awesome family. We went into Seattle and did the fun touristy things, went to the lake, picked blackberries, had a campfire, ate so much delicious food, and had a blast being with family.

Next stop: Seaside, Oregon - one of my new favorite towns! It felt like home to be on the beach. Since it was pretty cold we thought that we didn't need swimsuits, but sure enough the kids wanted to go in the water with their clothes on. I told them they'd have to ask their Dad, who isn't the biggest fan of sand all over the car- ok let's be honest, he loathes it - (I had already given E the, "you'd-better-let-them-look"). Then the look on their faces was priceless when Enoch smiled and said, "Ok." They ran and gave me high fives, saying "He said yes! He said yes!!" I walked over to him with the proudest smile, and he said softly, "You're cleaning it up, you know!"... It was well worth it :)

Last stop: Bend, Oregon to see our amazing friends Jon and Heather. We went to a museum, the best candy store ever, and enjoyed sightseeing. Every time I travel, I'm amazed at all of the places in this world that are so beautiful. I'm also grateful for built-in DVD players, an incredible husband who can fix broken car doors (twice), and memories that last forever!

Snoqualmie Falls

Ye Old Curiosity Shop - and yes, the kids are almost as tall as me, even though that's not much of an accomplishment...

Finally found a house we can really afford!

Lewis and Clark memorial in Seaside, Oregon. It's amazing what they were able to accomplish, but those men didn't have to travel with a baby in the Baby Bjorn ... even though I've decided there's nothing sexier than that!

They look tough now, but they sure were whimpering for the next couple hours because they couldn't stop shivering!

Priceless ...

Rome's Baby Blessing

2009-08-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

This was such an incredible day! Little Rome Douglas was blessed, and we had so many friends and family members there to enjoy the occasion with us. I started crying before we even got to church because I had been thinking about the events in mine and Enoch's lives that brought us to this day. Even bringing Rome into this world was eventful! Yet here we are, with this beautiful baby boy who was told in his blessing that he is here to "bond our blended family." All 7 siblings in my family were there with their children & most of Enoch's family was there. Rome, or "Little Douglas", is named after his uncle and Grandpa Doug who have both passed away. I know they were here celebrating also.

We almost doubled the church attendance that day!

Enoch's side of the family
My side of the family

Hunter Enoch receives the Priesthood

2009-07-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Hunter Enoch is already 12! When I first met Hunter Enoch, he was 8 and trying to convince all of the other children at the ward Christmas party (including Hunter Eugene and Cassidy) that Santa was a fake! That was the same day that I knew I was going to date his dad (unrelated to Hunter Enoch's mischevious nature)! Hunter Enoch has grown up so much since then and I have loved every minute of having him in my life. He has been such an example of strength and faith to our family. He is the oldest of the boys in the bunch, and they look up to him so much. Sometimes he gets them all into trouble, but he is always the first to say he's sorry. :) This was such a great day for him, and we are all so proud of the young man he's become. Hunter Enoch and his dad also went to the temple together for H1's first time, and had a great experience.

Echo Lake, Montana

2009-07-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Enoch really wanted to take a trip for his birthday, so Enoch, Brighton, Rome and I went to Echo Lake, Montana. It was so beautiful. We spent time with our good friends Curtis and Mandy, and their families. On the way back, Enoch got the ultimate birthday gift: He was able to tour both an ammunition factory and a gun making factory. He was in heaven - even better than a kid in a candy store!

I can't believe I'm 30!!

2009-06-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Since I'd just given birth to Rome and am still recovering from hernia surgery, I'd almost forgotten about my birthday. And I definitely wasn't planning on celebrating much. But leave it to Enoch and my amazing friends to make sure I get to celebrate the big 3-0. At midnight, Enoch took me outside to show me that our house had been attacked with signs and hearts and birthday wishes. (Thanks Melissa, Lindsay, Jenny, Brandy, and Deanna!) Then the kids brought me breakfast in bed early the next morning. My mom and sisters and all the kids - nieces and nephews too - came to have a huge brunch with Swedish pancakes and bacon. Yummy! Then Enoch took me for "ice cream" but then decided he was really hungry, so we went to PF Chang's -my favorite - and of course several of my friends were there to surprise me. I received more birthday wishes and phone calls then I could count -gotta love facebook for that :) But I can honestly say I felt really loved. I even got another cake and ice cream party at Enoch's mom's house on Sunday. I'm extremely grateful to have so many people in my life who love me, and this was a reminder that I really needed. Thanks everyone!

Rome Douglas Robey

2009-06-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

He's here! Our beautiful, healthy baby boy. It took 4 trips to the hospital with pre-term labor, but the Dr. finally let him come 3 weeks early on June 15, at 11:09pm. Rome weighed in at 6 lbs. 8 oz, 18 1/4" long. He's been our sweet miracle. He tried coming on April 21st, with contractions 2 min apart, and I was dialating rapidly. I was rushed by ambulance to another hospital with a better NICU, and we were told to prepare to have him in the hospital for at least 8 weeks. We were shown pictures of how tiny he would be, and had an ultrasound that estimated his weight at just over 2 lbs. I was put on immediate meds to slow contractions down, but nothing seemed to be working. Needless to say, we were scared to death. When my father arrived at the hospital, he and Enoch gave me a priesthood blessing, and almost immediately the contractions slowed down, and then miraculously stopped altogether. The nurses and Dr.'s couldn't believe I didn't give birth that day. I spent four days in the hospital, and several weeks on bedrest. I had to go in to the hospital two other times, and fortunately contractions were slowed again. By June 15th I was already dialated to a 6, and having contractions 2-3 min apart. So they let the little anxious one come :)

We are so grateful he's here and we know it's only through God's miraculous hand. Rome is such an angel, and we already can't imagine life without him!

Our June Stay-cation

2009-06-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

We couldn't go far from the hospital since I'd had pre-term labor, so we decided to stay in my parent's camper trailer right on the Provo River. It was simple and cheap, but a lot of fun. We played games, fished, went into Park City, went to the Olympic Park, kids and E rode the Alpine slide, and then we went to Heber City for milkshakes. We only had a couple of days, but I'm so glad we did it! Rome was born just a few days later.

Perspective changes everything

2009-04-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

* I was feeling really sorry for myself and the stress in our lives yesterday morning. But then I attended the funeral of my 83 year-old next door neighbor. I am so fortunate that I didn't have to bury my husband today. Ok, I'll admit, sometimes I . . . just kidding babe.

* When I woke up early (reluctantly) to help clean the church to prepare for the funeral, I started off with a terrible attitude. But as I was cleaning the beautiful building and had the chance to think to myself about all of the blessings that come from attending church there with my family, I realized how selfish I was being. And I was so grateful that Enoch was there fulfilling his Priesthood duties.

* I've had a cold and it's hard to breathe. My head was pounding, and then I think, OK - I'm grateful that I didn't spend the last year with an oxygen tank as my source of air supply like my neighbor did until he passed away.

* I have an ingrunal hernia that hurts like crazy, and I can't do anything about it until after the baby is born. But then I am so fortunate that we are able to have children bless our lives. Plus, I don't get nauseous or sick when I'm pregnant (just tired), so I really can't complain.

* Last night, one of the kids projectile vomited ALL over the other kids, and the seats, and the floor, and carpet of our car while we were driving on the freeway. The blessings I realized then are . . . okay I'm not perfect. I wasn't grateful for anything at that moment. :)

Headshots of Kiddos

2009-04-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my awesome sister-in-law Katie, we were able to get some last minute headshots for the kids when my agent called to see if they could come to an audition with me the next day! Katie you rock! Thanks for the awesome pics :)

Draper Temple!

2009-02-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

When the LDS church opens a new temple, they allow for public tours before it's dedicated. Enoch, my mother, and I took the kids to the Draper temple yesterday so they could experience it, and see why we love to go there so much. They loved it! There have been so many times that I have sat in the temple and felt so close to my Heavenly Father. Enoch and I have sat together in the temple often to seek answers and guidance in our lives. Having the opportunity to feel Heavenly Father's love, comfort, and reassurance at difficult times in that sacred place has brought us together as a couple more than anything else. I'm so grateful for temples and can only hope and pray that our children take the opportunity to experience for themselves the spirit that dwells there. I'm so grateful to my mother, who has been the most amazing example to me of finding joy in going to the temple. Love you mom!

Weekend Getaway!

2009-02-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

Enoch and I took a short trip to Southern Utah this past weekend. We had so much fun! We relaxed, and drove through Zion's which is so beautiful this time of year, and found all sorts of wildlife. Of course a Robey trip wouldn't be complete without some kind of incident. We thought it would be really fun to check out this beautiful cabin development that claimed to have paved roads throughout. We were having so much fun admiring the beautiful cabins, and following the wild turkeys when all of a sudden the asphalt stopped, and we were stuck in the worst mud with nowhere to turn around! After at least 45 minutes of Enoch's superb driving skills - going back and forth splattering mud everywhere, and a ton of prayers we were finally able to eek our way out! Thank goodness, because it would have been a long walk in the snow! It took an hour and twenty dollars in quarters just to get the freezing mud off the car so we could drive safely. I reassured Enoch we would laugh about it one day (I was laughing already, but knew it wouldn't be a good idea to show it yet)! He actually laughed about it much sooner than I expected. All it took was a stop at our favorite Mexican restaurant ever - KanKun - in Beaver, Utah. The owners, who have become very good friends since we go there so often, hooked us up with a lifetime supply (okay maybe a week) of chips and salsa! Enoch was smiling in no time.

The Flour Game!

2009-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

I grew up playing The Flour Game with my family, so I thought I'd teach it to the kids. All you do is fill a small container with flour, pack it down tight, flip it over onto a plate, and add a dime to the top of it. Each person takes a turn cutting the flour with a knife, and whoever makes the dime fall has to get it with their nose. Why we love it so much, I'll never know! But for some reason Enoch didn't want to join in . . . :)

It's a boy!!! Due July 8th.

2009-02-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Forest!!

2009-01-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

Yes - I know - I'm really late on this one! But I promise Forest, I don't love you any less!

Some of the many things I love about Forest:

I love how Forest has the biggest heart and has the amazing ability to love everyone.
I love that Forest is possibly more goofy than I am - I know, hard to believe! But she keeps up with my crazy silliness, and we have a lot of fun together.
I love Forest's laugh! When you really get her going, she snorts like a pig. I've had to leave the room on occasion so that I don't pee my pants :)
Forest is a great sister. Cassidy loves weekends when Forest is here, because amazingly, Cassidy's hair looks even cuter!
Forest is incredibly talented. She's good at whatever she puts her heart into. I don't know the first thing about dancing, but I do know that I can't help but cry every time I see her on stage. She's amazing.
I love Forest's style - she always looks adorable. I love even more that we can share those adorable clothes and shoes!
I love that Forest has such a strong belief in God. There have been many times that she has encouraged others to pray and seek for guidance from Heavenly Father when she knows they're having a hard time. She has so much faith, and believes and understands Heavenly Father will love and guide us through our difficult times, because she has experienced that for herself. I'm so proud of her for seeking Him, and then sharing her experiences with others.
I love how beautiful Forest is, on the outside and within. I just wish she'd stop growing, she's already inches taller than me, but I guess that's not much of an accomplishment :)
I love that Forest is so excited about the baby we're having. Sometimes I wonder if she's more excited than I am! I know she's going to make a great older sister - yet again.
I love being a stepmom to Forest. It's not always easy blending families, but immediately I loved her as much as if she were my own. I'd never want to take her mom's place, but I'm so grateful I get to have her in my life too. And hey - I didn't have to give birth to her or even change her diapers, yet maybe she'll be changing mine one day. :)

I love you so much Forest! Thanks for letting me love you.

Highlights from the past couple of months . . .

2008-11-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-09-25T11:35:00.001-07:00

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!!

2008-09-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Happy 11th Birthday Hunter Enoch!!

2008-07-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

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?!!

2008-07-02T14:21:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-20T20:48:00.001-07:00

Honeymoon in Bonaire - 2006

2008-06-17T10:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Brighton!!!

2008-05-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

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:

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.

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 . . ."

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"!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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! :)

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.

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!

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. :)

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!

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!!

2008-04-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

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 . . .

2008-04-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-29T15:26:00.001-08:00

Chuck-A-Rama

2008-02-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

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.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2008-02-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Poor Enoch - it seems like all he does is travel for work and come home just in time to shovel the snow again! Just thought I'd add a couple more cute pictures of him and the kids shoveling. Because I just overcame Bronchitis and pulled my rib muscles from coughing so much, I haven't been any help. While Enoch and all the other kids were shoveling, Brighton conveniently fell asleep on the couch! So I had to add a picture of him too. Enoch spends numerous hours on his only day off shoveling, just to make sure I can get in and out of the driveway. The last storm had 70 mile/hour winds that created a snowdrift 5 feet high. You couldn't get to our front door for days!

Last week, on Feb. 13, we had a snowstorm adventure. H2 and Cassidy were on the bus on their way home from school, when a huge white-out storm hit. The bus got stuck for 1 1/2 hours, until it could finally turn around and go back to the school. I was stuck at work, and the highways were closed to the house and school, so the kids were at school until 10pm, until a neighbor -Brad - could get to the school. He piled our kids in the car with his kids, went the back roads, and got stuck at McDonald's because all of the roads were closed off to get to our neighborhood. Fortunately, H2 and Cassidy's dad just so happened to be stuck at a restaurant next door, because the roads were closed to his house too. So he picked up the kids, and eventually took them to his house, but didn't get there until 1 am. H2 and Cassidy had taken a different bus than they normally do in order to go to the Miller's house. Had they taken their normal bus, they would have been stuck for 6 1/2 hours. Those children finally got back to the school and had to spend the night. Needless to say, it was a frantic evening - trying to get to the kids & worrying about them, but a lot of miracles took place. Hunter told me he had said a prayer on the bus, and knew they would be okay. I'm grateful they had taken the other bus. I'm grateful for the community of friends and neighbors who all worked together to help get my children home. I'm grateful their dad was nearby, so he could get them to warm beds. I'm grateful that I was able to get home that night with a friend who had 4x4 so we could take the back roads into the neighborhood making it so I didn't have to sleep at work! I'm grateful that all of my other family members and friends who were traveling that night through the storm were protected from harm. It's events like this that help you realize how blessed we are, and also remind us of the need to be prepared.

Temple Square

2008-02-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago I took Forest, H1, and Brighton to Temple Square, before picking Enoch up at the airport. Dan and Candace came along, thankfully - because Dan was able to keep up with the boys! H1 thought it would be funny to take Brighton's hat and throw it over the ledge at the Visitor's Center, and of course it landed with a thud on the display overhang! The janitor had to come, turn off the escalator, and knock the hat down with a broom. Nice! So when the boys thought it necessary to run around and continue throwing hats down staircases, Dan picked them up, put them on a couch and then sat on them! Then when we got outside, he dunked their heads in the fountain. I don't think the boys learned their lesson - they kept asking to be dunked again! Overall the kids were really good (I promise!) and we had a great time. We were able to see the Joseph Smith movie, take a tour of the conference center, and take some lovely pictures.

Shadow-a-Parent at Work Day

2008-02-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

Last week, on Wednesday Jan. 30th, Forest joined me for a day at the office! We had a lot of fun hanging out - especially during the lunch break! We went to the nearby mall, tried on crazy hats, played in the playground, and rode the Merry-Go-Round. And of course, I had to introduce her to one of my all-time favorite completely unhealthy snacks: Cheese-on-a-Stick. I love hanging out with Forest because she isn't afraid to be goofy with me! As one of my co-workers said, "Oh no - double trouble!"

In all seriousness, I never imagined I could love children so much, even though I didn't give birth to them. I really do love Forest, H1, and Brighton just as much as my own biological children. I feel so blessed to be a part of their lives. Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to love so many children in my life! Thanks to Michele- their biological mother- for allowing me to be another mom to them. And thanks to Lisa- for being such a great stepmom to my children- Hunter and Cassidy. Having a blended family comes with it's challenges but it's so nice to know there are so many people in the world who love the children I love.

January 29, 2008

2008-01-29T13:22:00.000-08:00

Here it is - I have finally decided to post an update. (I knew this would be a challenge for me!) I have lots I could do, but will keep it simple this time because of time restraints. But here were some cute pictures that basically sum up our winter! We share a driveway with an elderly couple, so needless to say we have had our work cut out for us! Thank goodness we have lots of little helpers. Cassidy and H1 were the troopers this time. Thought I would also add some of Forest's signature glamour shots of herself!

October 24, 2007 - My Very First Blog

2007-10-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to do this for a long time, and I've run out of procrastination excuses. So here it goes. The Robey Bunch was established on April 29th, 2006, when I married the most amazing man EVER - Enoch Robey. He has three children: Forest Lauren (13), Hunter Enoch (10) and Brighton Wyatt (8). I came with 2 children of my own: Hunter Eugene (8) and Cassidy Christina (5). Yes - we have 2 Hunters! We call them H1 and H2. There's nothing like family, and I'm so lucky to have mine!