Held

Today has been such a tragic day for our little town.  One of our sweet, 16 year old, teenage girls went to heaven this morning.  She was the kindest person with a smile that will forever be stuck in my brain.  I truly have no words except to ask all my friends to keep the Dotson family in your prayers today and everyday for a long time.  Their family is the best, and this community will rally around them any way we can. 

 

This song came to my heart today.  Just read the words and pray.

 

"Held"

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We are asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held
This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held

 

XO,

Robin

Let me introduce you to my friend....Sara from The Rosy Life

Hi everyone!!!  Gabe and I returned from an amazing getaway today.  It was for our 12 year anniversary, and it couldn't have been more perfect.  Thank you for all the anniversary wishes!  I'll post about that in the next day or two. 

Today I want you to meet my friend, Sara.  She is an extremely gifted artist, photographer, and blogger.  She is just so....happy!  I love looking at her blog, because it makes me smile.  A few weeks ago she sent me the cutest "happy package" in the mail (Do you love receiving things via mail?  I LOVE it!).  Anyhoo, it had the sweetest note, a picture she painted me, and two ribbons with the words JOY and BRAVE.  Here are pictures of the gifts.

 She added a note on the back of this painting that reads: "Imagine the glow, light, and twinkle if all the prayers said for you from all the people storming the gates of Heaven were combined.  Can you even imagine?  The darkness just doesn't stand a chance."  Sara is such a gift and encourager to me.

I also want to show you her cute art studio and some of her paintings.  She sells her paintings on Etsy so please buy from her if you love her work as much as I do.  She really puts her heart into everything she creates.

Art studio 

Her blog is www.therosylife.blogspot.com.  Her etsy shop is http://etsy.com/shop/TheRosyLife.

I hope y'all are having a fabulous weekend.  Remember, today is a gift.  Be sure to call or text someone you haven't talked to lately, and let them know how much they mean to you.  It will make their day, and you will get a blessing from it, too. 

XO,
Robin

Texas Trip, First Day of School, and a Prayer Request

Hi everyone!  Are you getting adjusted to school being back in session?  We are getting there, but the pick-up line is a completely different experience.  I pick up Emme first then over to Eli.  I still don't know what time to leave my house to get there early enough.  Oh, the problems of a mom. Ha!

Here are pictures of Eli and Emme on the first day of school.  If you follow me on Facebook then these are a repeat for you.  What I've learned from looking at everyone else's first day of school pictures is that I've got to step up my game on the sign they hold up.  What the heck?  Have you seen some of the signs???!!!!  Oh my.  I need to take art classes to even be on the same planet as you awesome, creative moms!  Oh well.  I was just happy we weren't late on the first day of school.  Oh wait.  We were. 

We had a blast in Texas last week.  Per my prior post, the doctors visits were amazing.  I already have more energy this week then/than (I never remember which word to use) I have had in a long time.  I'm not ready for a marathon, but I don't need to nap as much which is a big accomplishment.

Pictures in the car on the way there.  Our sweet friends, Jack and Brook Hudgins, gave the kids a box full of activities for the car.  They are so thoughtful!!!  One of Emme's gifts was a pair of slippers that she could decorate herself.  Girl heaven.

The kids spent the night with my nephew, Josh, and his wife Katie.  They have a sweet daughter (yes, my great-niece) named Charlotte who is between Eli and Emme in age.  They had a wonderful time.  Here is a picture of Emme and Charlotte.  Charlotte's shirt is hilarious.  It says "I was Charlotte first".  I didn't get it at first, but it is regarding the new Princess Charlotte of Wales.  So cute!!!!  Or cheeky, as they would say. Maybe.

My sisters took Eli to the Lego store while Katie and I took the girls to The American Girl Store.  Eli had so much fun there.  They bought him a very cool Star Wars Lego set that he finished building yesterday.  He has the patience for all those tiny pieces.  He didn't get that from me. 

Sooooooo, that leads me to the American Girl Store.  Oh.My.Goodness.  It was so fun.  The store is HUGE!  The girls just kept squealing with delight.  It was beyond cute.  We then took them upstairs to the doll salon (yes, I'm serious), but they were booked so we'll put that on our list for next time.  I was really hoping to get Emme's doll's hair brushed.  It looks like she's trying to grow dread locks.  The doll's hair is a hot mess.  Anyway, we looked around some more at the clothes and accessories until it was time for our Bistro reservation.  Talk about adorable.  The waitress brings a high chair, cup, and plate for the dolls.  The food was really great, too.  A perfect selection for kids and moms.  We are going back to Dallas in December for another office visit with Dr.Asbury, and we might swing by the store for tea and that salon visit. 

We also laid out by the pool, shopped, and just had a lot of fun.  It was a perfect end to the summer break, and I'm so grateful.

I don't want to go into great detail, but I would like for you all to pray for one of my dear friends.  She has to bury her stillborn baby boy tomorrow (he was 36 weeks so almost ready to meet the world).  I just can't even.  I really wish I could take the load for her, but she and her husband are going to have to walk this path together with the support of family and friends.  Since finding out, I've had a few other people I didn't know reach out to me about their cancer battles.  Sometimes it just feels like bad things are all around us.  I know it's not true, because we all have a LOT to be thankful for, but it just feels like that at times.  The song that keeps playing over and over again in my head is "Blessed Be The Name of the Lord".  It's a reminder of praising Him in the good times and bad.  I don't understand why bad things happen, but I do know that He is with us through all of them.  Here are the words to the song in case you or someone you know needs to hear them.

Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman

 

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

 

 

XO,

Robin

Florida, Friends, and Fighting Cancer

Hey, hey, hey!  We returned last Sunday from a quick trip to Navarre Beach in Florida.  Our wonderful friends, Josh and Kendra Thompson, invited us and we said YES!  We love traveling with them.  You know what I mean.  Just because you're friends does not mean you travel well together.  They make traveling fun and so easy. 

I thought I'd share a few pictures from the trip. 

 

Emme was ready to go!!!

This is our view from the condo.  It's gorgeous and right out our back door!

We ate at Dewey's in Destin.  If you've never eaten there, you must try it next time you go.  They have a nice restaurant, and the original dive.  Eat at the original.  You won't regret it.  Gabe can't seem to order anything but the crab-stuffed, bacon wrapped shrimp.  Oh my.  I had the gumbo and it was amazing!!!!

This is Jagger NOT smiling for me!

We noticed on the trip that Jagger and Emme paired up more than usual.  She was always trying to "help" him.  Lord help us if those two get married someday! :-) 

This was my view most days.  We were on the beach, too, but the kids actually preferred the pool.  Go figure.

 

Ice cream is always a good idea.

This trip came at a perfect time.  We learned last week that my tumor markers have increased quite a bit.  I saw the doctor yesterday, and I am starting a clinical trial tomorrow with another IV chemo and an antibody drug.  Tomorrow will be a very long day so say an extra prayer for me if you think of it.  It won't be as bad once I get this appointment behind me.  Dr. Beck is also very hopeful that this will work to kill off my cancer.  I haven't seen him that positive...well, ever!  It's going to be a rough road, but I'm ready for the fight.  The rest in Florida did my body and mind some good.  I feel like God has His hand on my head directing my every step.  There have been mainly curves and blind spots on this road, but I always feel His hand guiding me.  Sometimes the answer is immediate, but sometimes we are in a holding pattern.  Regardless, He is there.  We are ready to fight, fight, fight! 

Thank you again for all your prayers, messages, and gifts.  You all are so good to us!!!!!!!!  I'll keep you posted, but it might be a few days.  The chemo might make me sick and keep me in bed a bit, but hopefully not.

XO,
Robin

Tuesday Ramblings....

Happy Tuesday!  I haven't updated the blog in a while so I thought it was time.  Plus, I just love that y'all read it.  It is very humbling.


Last week I cut my hair.  It is a combination of the two pictures I posted.  I love it!  It is so easy and fun!!!  Mandy at Freshair is wonderful and so patient with me. :-)  I'm not good at selfies so sorry about the photo.

We also had a quick trip to Branson this weekend with Candra Brasel, Casey Harriman, and their kiddos.  We went to Silver Dollar City, rested, laid out by the pool and ate a lot.  It was so nice.  Here are a few pictures of the kids.  They're so funny.

I've also had some super fun surprise gifts left on our back porch.  I'm not sure who the sweet person(s) is, but THANK YOU!!!!!!! 

Ok.  This is such a cute idea, but it cracked me up!  Look at the title of the project below (the word "pot" is x'd out).  Ha!  I LOVE me a good sense of humor.

Some of our forever friends stopped by last week for a short visit.  We miss them so much.  They've been missionaries in Lima, Peru for the last 2 1/2 years, but have recently moved their mission headquarter to Atlanta.  Woo hoo!!!!!  Their names are Josh and Cassandra Foliart, and they have the most precious kids, Lucas and Sofia.  I'm going to get their mission information and post it soon.  They are so inspiring and the greatest followers of God I know. 

Sofia and Emme (melt my heart, y'all)

Lucas and Eli (born 4 days apart!)

I saw this on Facebook and hee-hawed, because it is SO TRUE.  Especially with Eli and Gabe.  What is the deal?  Anyone else have this happen?  Too funny.

I wanted to ask again that y'all continue to pray for us.  My tumor markers aren't decreasing so we are going a different route.  I'll keep you posted.  I still know God is in control and loves me.  Regardless of what is happening in my body right now.  I know without a doubt He can heal me, and that is my fervent prayer!!!!

XO,
Robin

Update

My amazing nurse, Nina, called me this afternoon to give me the results from the PET scan.  She said there are new tumors on my liver, and some of the existing tumors have grown BUT the cancer has not spread to anywhere else in my body.  We, of course, wanted to hear that the cancer was completely gone, but to know it's contained is great news.  Nina said Dr. Beck has a plan, and we'll hear his plan at our doctor's appointment this Monday.  I'll keep you updated on that, too.

I know hardly anything about cancer, but the one thing I do know is that it changes a lot.  Just when you think you have it under control, it decides to take another route.  It is frustrating, but thank goodness for tests that help the doctor stay on top of things. 

Please continue to pray for complete healing.  I also would love for you to pray that I am extremely dedicated to staying on my diet.  I am admitting that I had started to cheat a little and eat sugar here and there which I know contributed to the tumors coming back. I must not stray on my diet.  Food can either heal or kill you, and I want to live by golly.

Thanks again for the sweet notes.  I read all of them, and they put a huge smile on my face.
I am one lucky girl.  Y'all are amazing.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
XO,
Robin

Weekend fun

We had ballgames out the wazoo this weekend.  It was the Cal Ripkin District Tournament, and they played Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday.  Our awesome Huntsville 8's made it to the championship game, but we were beat by Siloam Springs.  It's ok.  They were good, and we hung in there.  I'm so proud of our boys and the coaches.  Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Aren't they adorable???  Huntsville 7's and 8's are hosting a tournament this Saturday at Mitchusson Park.  It's not too late to sign up your teams!  It is machine pitch and each team is promised 3 games. Hope to see you there!

We had a break between games Saturday so we visited with our good friends, David and Ana Echegoyen.  The kids swam while the adults talked.  It was so nice to see them again.  Their sons are gorgeous!  Lucas warmed up to Gabe and Emme so we took his picture.  Don't you just want to kiss that face? 

As you know, it was Father's Day.  Here is a picture of my brother-in-law Jeff, my nephew Josh, and my niece Rachel.  They all live in Texas, but we really wish they lived here.  They are so fun!

Donna Samples texted these pictures to me last night.  Where the heck did the time go?  The first picture is Eli, Carlie, and Quinten.  C and Q are Mollie and Charlie Samples kiddos.  I bet this was about 4 years ago.  The next picture is of Emme at about 2.  They all loved Granny Donna's popsicles! 

Remember this mug from Anthropologie I posted about last week?  Well, a sweet friend was in the Nashville Anthropologie store, thought of me, and bought me the Paris mug.  Lenora Riedel, thank you so much!  You know how to brighten my day!!!!! 

Have a super, duper week, and I'll talk to you soon!
XO,
Robin

Sunday Stuff

Howdy!  We've been busy this week, and it's been full of good things.  First, we went to Silver Dollar City with our buddies Kendra, Brittany, Jace, and Jagger.  We all had a good time.  The Harlem Globetrotters were performing, and the kids loved it.  I think the adults loved it just as much.  Here are a few pics from the day.



 Eli's All-Star team played in the Cal Ripkin Tournament in Harrison Saturday and won!  We are so proud of them.  It poured buckets for part of the day, but they played through most of it.  We still have 3 weekends of tournaments left, and I will be really sad when they're finished.  Eli plays with a great group of boys, the coaches are wonderful, and we've gotten to be good friends with the parents and grandparents.  I hope they decide to play together again next year!  There are so many life lessons to be learned from playing on sports teams.  Don't ya think?



Friday night our sweet dog, Zoe, went missing.  We think she jumped out of the back of the truck (yes, that's how we do it in Huntsville) when Gabe was on his way to the farm.  After a night filled with tears, and a morning full of worry, we received a call from Tisha Carson saying she had our dog.  Tisha lives almost to our Venus Mountain farm, which is about 20 minutes from our home. Zoe had a bum leg and a few scratches so we took her to the vet.  He didn't think she had a broken leg so he gave her a shot of valum to make sure she didn't go into shock plus an antibiotic and sent us on our way.  We've pampered the heck out of her since, and she's been in this position since yesterday, too! 
I just want to say a BIG thank you to our wonderful community.  I posted that she was missing on Facebook, and so many of you shared my post and said they were praying for us.  This town is so cool.  I'm grateful we live here.



This is a random picture of Emme and I after church this morning.  I can't get her or her brother to take serious pictures EVER! 

How cute is this tank top?  You can buy one from Embellish Boutique.  Their items can be purchased through their Facebook page and also their travel trailer.  They are from Elkins, and I'm all about supporting local businesses.  They have accessories and shoes, too.  Check them out!

 

 



On a more serious note, I want to ask you to continue to pray for me.  My reports are typically good news, but it is frustrating when they aren't.  The ups and downs of cancer are emotionally exhausting.  Please specifically pray for complete  healing in my body, and continued peace that passes all understanding.  Please keep Gabe and the kiddos in your prayers, too.  They continue to be great encouragers, but I know they get tired from all of this.  Cancer affects way more than just the patient.  It is a horrible disease, but it also doesn't know who it is messing with.  We are determined to kick its rear and have a ridiculously amazing testimony of God's faithfulness and greatness through it all.  We actually already do! There is always a blessing when you praise God through the storms of life.

I hope y'all have had a great day and have an even better week.  Do something good for someone every day this week.  I dare you.

XO,
Robin