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?