Friday Favorites

Hi everyone!!  I have been missing you.  I have a few favorites this week, and I want to share them with you.  Ready?

Our great friends, Josh and Casandra Foliart, are in town for a few weeks.  They are currently pastors of a church in Lima, Peru, and we miss them terribly.  Casandra made some scarves to sell while she's here to make some extra money.  Aren't they pretty?  If you are interested, let me know.  They are $15 a piece.  Perfect for back to school!  Aren't I a great salesperson??

Gabe and I had a well needed date night last Sunday.  We ate at Flying Fish, then headed over to the AMP to see Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers.  Sooooo good!  Edie Brickell also sang a few songs with them.  Do you remember her?  I like her so much better singing bluegrass.  I love this man with all my heart.  He is so good to me.

As most of you know, my cancer is back.  Stupid, stupid cancer.  There are spots on my liver and a few on my bones.  My sister, Terri, drove in from Texas and has me on a very strict diet.  It is specifically for cancer patients.  She is so amazing at researching and following through.  Those are definitely not my gifts, and I'm very grateful for her!!!!  She has been juicing carrots for me on this Breville juicer.  It is super easy and quick.  I can eventually start juicing all sorts of fruits and veggies, but right now we are concentrating on the carrots for their beta-carotene and healing benefits.  I highly recommend this juicer if you're in the market.

 

 

I have also been using essential oils.  I rub frankincense on the bottoms of my feet at night and on the skin above my liver.  It has healing benefits, too; specifically for cancer patients.  My sisters have also been using other oils in cleaning products, and they work wonders!!!  My sis uses Young Living Oils, and quite a few of you have recommended them to me, too.  They are very pure, unlike some of the other oils you can buy off the shelf.  I'm excited about this new way of living, and I am going to slowly incorporate my new normal into the household.  Just don't tell Gabe and the kids. ;-)

 





 

 

 

I will blog more as I can.  It makes me happy, and y'all are so kind to read my "stuff".  Please continue to pray for my family.  Pray specifically for complete healing, wisdom, peace and strength.  It sounds like we have a rough road ahead, but we know God hears us and is with us the whole way.  What more could we ask for?

 

 

xo,

Robin

Friday Favorites

I haven't posted my Friday Favorites in a few weeks, because we've been at baseball games or on vacation.  I apparently cannot multi task very well!  Here are a few of my favorite things from the past 2 weeks. 

I have enjoyed watching Eli play baseball so much this year.  He was part of a wonderful team - players, coaches and parents.  I'm a little sad it's over already.  Next year will be here before we know it, though. 

Girl's Trip 2014!  I had so much fun with my sweet friends in Florida.  These girls have been there for me during this past year in all the difficult times, and it was nice to be able to hang out and just have fun.  Here are a few pictures from that trip (sorry I didn't have one with you in it, Tracy!). Kendra is going to kill me for the key lime picture.

You must eat at Dewey's if you are in Destin (see the fried food picture).  It is AH-mazing.  My favorite seafood from the entire trip.  Also, the key lime pie at Flounder's is ridiculous.  Don't you love the presentation? 

That is it for this Friday.  I hope you all have a wonderful and safe weekend!!!
xo,
Robin

Choose Well

I saw this today and it spoke to me.  That sounds so corny, but it is true.  I am one of the worst offenders of the busy syndrome, which sometimes throws me into the stressy category.  I spend my time running children here and there, doting on my wonderful and perfect husband (*wink*), hanging out with my amazing friends, attending fun family gatherings, spending time at church and have doctor's appointments to boot.  Sound familiar?   I'm not at all saying any of these are bad.  It is a season of life that actually makes me feel very alive and fulfilled.  I just know that I can either react to my busy life by choosing stress or by choosing joy.  I CHOOSE JOY!  Ok.  Not always, but most of the time.  It is a gift to be here on this earth.  I repeat, it is a gift to be here on this earth.  Even when life hands you a mess.  Or you create your own mess (heaven knows I've done this, too!).  God placed us here for a reason so let's not choose to spend our days feeling stressed out or busy with things that don't matter. Choose well.  That is all.

xo,
Robin

A few rooms in our home....

One of my hobbies is interior design.  I am an amateur, but I love it.  I am constantly moving things around our home for a new look, but I really love DIY projects.  They are less expensive, and they are a good way to tell a story.  Don't you love a good story?  I will post other rooms soon, but here are pics of the entry, hearth room and dining room for now. 

Entry 

Hearth Room

Dining  Room

Operation: Grateful Journal

Gabe has once again challenged me to be and do my best.  I've had a few aches and pains which have caused my mind to go "there".  After telling him my concerns he said "Robin, after you call Dr. Beck to make sure it's nothing, you need to start a grateful journal and write down what you are thankful for every day and more importantly write down what makes you feel alive!".  Well, I've been doing that.  It makes me really try to make each day worthy of my pen. :-) I've been waking up each morning and deciding what I'm going to do that day to live life to the fullest.  I had a sweet friend just tell me today not to let the devil steal my joy.  Wow!  I love that!  I'm really trying not to let that happen.

I want to challenge y'all to start a grateful journal.  I have the advantage/disadvantage of facing my own mortality and giving me the chance to try and prioritize everything on a daily basis.  It sounds exhausting, but it is quite the opposite.  It makes me focus on what is important.  Now, I don't always follow through like I would like to, but I can honestly say I try. 

I have a favor.  Can you let me know if you start a grateful journal?  I would love to know about it.  We can do this together. 

I hope you're having a great day.  I've been M.I.A. because of baseball and vacation (I'll post pics soon), but I hope you're still there.   
xo,
Robin

Eli

Yesterday was my boy's 8th birthday.  He delights me on a daily basis.  He likes to fish, hunt, get dirty, (sometimes) play with his little sister, and play baseball.  He is kind to others and loves to learn about Jesus.  He is smart as a whip (didn't get that from me) and likes to help others learn.  I know, I know.  I'm being one of THOSE moms that brags on her kid.  It's just that I've done so many things wrong in my life, and it's nice to know God trusted me enough to help raise Eli.  I don't deserve it!

 

 

Love you, bubba. 

Mom

 

One Year Ago....

As I write the title of this post my mind races in a million different directions.  It was one year ago today that I was diagnosed with cancer.  I can't hardly believe it.  I can see myself at my friend's house (we went along with an already scheduled pool play date) receiving the phone call from Dr. Greer that would change my world.  BREAST CANCER.  So many emotions: scared, confused, in denial, nervous.  So many questions: What happens now? Do I need chemotherapy? Surgery? What will happen to Gabe and the kids during this?  Will I be here to see next year? 

Well, guess what?  I'm still here!  I did need chemo, surgery, radiation and am almost finished with reconstruction, but I'M STILL HERE!!!!!  Gabe and the kids were BEYOND taken care of during all this.  Not only by our amazing family and friends, but more importantly by God's never ending, never failing love.  Looking back on the past year, I can't even count on all my fingers and toes the times that I felt God holding my hand.....sometimes carrying me.  No, I couldn't literally feel it, but I just knew He was.  Still is.

I would be lying if I said that I don't get nervous about the cancer showing up somewhere else in my body.  I do get scared.  However, every time that fear goes through my mind I pray.  I'm so grateful for a God who doesn't go on vacation.  He is always there for me.  For you.  For us. 

That being said, I am not letting that fear take my time away from the present.  I have way too much to live for.  I am having the time of my life.  I love waking up every morning and seeing the sun.  I love watering the flowers I've planted in my backyard.  I love watching my kids play ball. I love family time before bed.  I love washing Gabe's dirty socks.  Well, that might be pushing it.....

If you are going through something tough right now, take heart.  It won't last forever.  My friend wrote on their Facebook page yesterday, "You have to go through the battle to have the victory."  Amen, brother!  I couldn't have said it better myself. 

I don't know what a year from now looks like for me, but none of us can know that.  That's the beauty of not taking a day for granted, and for putting your trust in God. 

You are so loved, dear one.  I hope you know that.  God's mercies are new every single morning.  Don't let a day go by without thanking Him for your blessings.  It seems to make the bad stuff seem not so bad. 

Below are a few pictures from the past year.  I still can't believe I can say that.  Woo-hoo, yee-haw, and butter my biscuits!  We made it!!!!! 

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I can't say enough about Gabe.  He has been nothing short of amazing during the entire journey, and I am so glad he picked me to do life with.  I love this guy.  A true knight in shining armor. 

Below is a picture of my last chemo and also what we saw when we came home that day.  I wish I had a million pages and unlimited time to write about the family members and all our friends who have poured into our lives. 

I can't believe I'm posting this, but this is a selfie after surgery and my view for weeks. 

 This is my life.  My world.  What keeps me going every day.  I am more than blessed.  Period.

XO,
Robin



Friday Favorites

How has your week been?  We are ending this week with baseball, baseball, and more baseball!  Go Huntsville Eagles! 

My Friday Favorites this week are very random and probably always will be.  My ADD kicks in, and I think of all these things I want to share.  Aren't you lucky?? :-)  Here we go......

My great friend, Kendra, introduced me to Sparkling Ice.  They hit the spot when I want something bubbly but don't want the extra calories.  They have quite a few flavors and can be found everywhere.  The coconut pineapple is my favorite.  It is AH-mazing.  The back of their bottle reads "As in life, chill for best results".  Don't you just love that?  Such great advice!

I have a love of the royal family.  I even have a Pinterest page dedicated to them.  Isn't Kate the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?  She is flawless.  And don't get me started on baby George.  I also had to throw in a picture of Princess Diana.  Sooooo gorgeous.

Do you have an Amazon Prime membership?  If so, you have access to a lot of movies and tv shows (very similar to Netflix).  I am a lover of history and found this little beauty.  It is the complete series of John Adams.  I love the relationship between John and Abigail.  They were so eloquent and thoughtful with their words.  Swoon.

 

 

I heart cow paintings.  In the words of my kids "I want one so bad!".  I saw these at Shelby's in Harrison last weekend and am storing them in my phone for the future. Don't they look like they want to tell you a story?   

 

 

I hope you all have THE BEST weekend and are able to enjoy this beautiful weather.  I want to leave you with a Bible verse that I've come across three times this week.  It must be just what I needed to hear! Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly.  (Micah 6:8).  

 

xo,

Robin   

New little outside sitting area (and a few other things)

A few weeks ago I showed you an outside table that I painted red.  I loved the red, but I wasn't happy with the green rocking chairs that went with it.....so, what did I do?  I spray painted them glossy black!  I can't leave anything alone.  I must say, they do look a lot better now.  Gabe and I have already sat on them after the kids went nighty-night and just rocked and talked.  If that doesn't sound like an old, married couple then I don't know what does.  It is a good time (and location) to get caught up on things we've neglected to tell each other during the crazy week....like, "Hey Gabe, did you notice my new hair color?" (Gabe giving me the deer in the headlight look), or "Hey Robin, did I remember to tell you we bought a farm?".  You know, just normal married conversation like that.  Wink. 

Here are a few pictures of the small sitting area on our back porch

I know I posted this picture on Facebook, but this is how we have been spending every weekend lately.  I wouldn't change it for the world.  I love watching my little guy and his friends play their favorite sport.  If he's happy, I'm happy.  The white pants are killing me, though.  They were thought up by a man who never did laundry. 

And lastly, our little Zoe turned 1 last week.  Yes, we had a birthday party.  And yes, there was a candle involved.  We are THAT family.  Dork central, right here.  Emme thought the party girl needed a bow.  Duh.  Isn't that normal?

I hope you are having a great Tuesday!
xo,
Robin

Happy Father's Day!

We had such a wonderful day celebrating Gabe.  He is the anchor in our family and is THE BEST dad to our kiddos.  I seriously can't imagine life without him.  It sure wouldn't be as much fun!!!! 

My dad has been gone for 17 years now, and it still seems like yesterday.  I miss him so much.  He was an avid golfer, never met a stranger, and was a lover of God.  I remember walking into the kitchen every morning and seeing him having his quiet time.  What an awesome memory.  I know no one can completely take the place of a dad, but I've been blessed to have some pretty special men in my life and in my kid's lives:  My father-in-law, brother, and brother-in-laws.  They are all wonderful and loving in their own ways, and I feel very lucky. 

I hope you were able to celebrate the dad(s) in your life.  Don't take them for granted, because you never know what tomorrow might bring.  Let's bring on the love!!!!!

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.  Psalm 127:3

Friday Favorites

Hi y'all!  I hope you have had a wonderful week.  Ours has been busy, but summer days just can't be beat.  We wrote out our summer bucket list on the family chalkboard, and it is FULL.  Now to start checking things off before my kids fist fight each other from all the "togetherness". 

I am going to start posting some of my favorite things every Friday.  Unlike Oprah, I can't do giveaways yet but hopefully someday.  Stay tuned.....


Bath and Body Works is having their semi-annual sale.  You really can't beat their prices, and it is a perfect time to stock-up.  I was in there the other day and came across these 2 beauties.  My oh my.  They smell heavenly!!!!!  The spray is Eucalyptus Mint, and the candle is Mahogany Teakwood.  Go check them out.  Your nose and your wallet will thank you.

What do you eat for breakfast?  I am usually in a rush to get somewhere so I grab my coffee and one of these.  I LOVE Oikos greek yogurt.  Not Chobani.  Not Yoplait.  Dannon Oikos.  It's even better with a little granola on top. 

I asked....you answered!  You let me know your favorite places to buy bathing suits. I looked at your suggestions and saw some really cute ones, but I ended up buying from Lime Ricki   www.limericki.com.   Oh.my.cuteness.  Check these out:

 

They cover without looking completely dorky, and their prices are pretty reasonable.  I buy a new one every 2-3 years so I can justify a slightly higher price tag.  At least that's what I tell myself.


If you are looking for something to do this weekend in Northwest Arkansas, you should check out the Junk Ranch in Prairie Grove.  There are a lot of local (and not so local) booths set up for your shopping pleasure.  While you're there, be sure to check out Sooiet Life Boutique.  They have ADORABLE clothes. 

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!!!!
xo,
Robin

Outdoor Wishing....

If you're like me, once the sun starts shining and temperatures warm up I want to plant flowers.  Once I start that process, I begin to realize just how much I've neglected the back porch during the winter months.  It is so very sad to look out there from my kitchen window.  I don't know about you, but I need some inspiration while I'm washing dishes.  Oh, the life of a stay at home mom.  Don't be jealous. 

So I decided to start doing something about it.  I'm taking baby steps by painting pots and furniture, and planting things here and there.  Here is the first project I took on....red spray paint!!! 

I painted an outside table.  Here is the before (obviously).........

And the after....please excuse my horrible picture taking.  Gabe has tried to coach me, but it's hard teaching an old dog new tricks.  Oh, who am I kidding.  It's hard taking advice from your husband!  I'm trying, though.  He usually knows what he's talking about, but DO NOT tell him I admitted that.
This table also has 2 rocking chairs that accompany it, and I'm painting those a glossy black once it stops raining.  IF it ever stops raining.  I'll post pictures of those when I'm finished.

I also painted a planter I've had for a very long time. 

 

 

When I grow up I want to be like my friend, Joni Sikes.  She is an extremely gifted designer.  This is a little vignette by the front door of her barn.  Totes adorbs as my 5 year old would say.

Here is a sneak peek of my next project.  I'm painting some other outside chairs and recovering the seats.  They are very faded from last summer and need a little TLC. 

Well, it's officially summer break around here.  We have a lot of fun activities planned, and just some good ol' relaxing.  What are you doing this summer?