Robyn's Randoms

She's Off and Running...

2009-05-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

OK, no pictures this time. I'm too busy and honestly that's what keeps me from posting. I will have a boring blog. Everybody else has such nice pictures. Maybe someday. I've so much to do before we leave for San Diego but I just want to ask for prayers for my sweet Stacy...and her run. Because I'm a mother, I have a right to find things to worry about! First, just pray that she does OK physically. 26.2 miles is a loooooong way! Pray that she can stay focused, she has a lot on her plate right now. Then, just pray for a good time for everybody down there...and that her and her sister, cousin, and nephew all stay safe during their little vacation afterwards. OK, I think that's it. Oh yeah, and safe travels for all!

RUN STACY RUN!!!!

Where Have I Been?

2009-05-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of people have asked me where I've been...and I've been right here, in front of this computer, way too much. My excuse is that I do my schooling online so I'm forced to sit here a lot. But, really, I think I have an internet addiction problem...

And, way back in October when I quit my job at the school I had a weak moment and agreed to come back in April/May to do some one-on-one nursing for a little boy. That is a moment I have regretted a lot. I do not belong in a classroom. Because even though the classroom looks calm and peaceful like this...I really feel like this while I'm there...

And it's not good for me or the children. But, I'm only there until May 26th...then I get to leave for here...
And watch my daughter do this...

And hope and pray this doesn't happen...

So, that's it. That's where I've been.

Almost Two, but not quite!

2009-04-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I wanted to give Carina a little break so I took Lute for the afternoon. It was the last day he was going to be one, and you know what they say about two, so I wanted to have him while he wasn't terrible. When I had asked to take him, I was thinking we might have a sunny day...silly me! It turned out to be cold and windy. I had no idea what to do with the little guy - so I headed to the mall - thinking we could at least walk around and be warm.

Oh! The time we had! It was so much FUN! Well, anything I do with Lute is fun...anything! He's a blast.

After we played in the little playground, he needed yogurt, so we started on our trek to find some. Only problem was that I had forgotten the stroller. So, it took awhile to get anywhere, but that was OK...until he got tired walking. "Hold you gra-ma!" Boy, did my arms get a work-out that day. Oh, did I happen to mention we went to the biggest mall in Washington? And, to get to the yogurt place we had to go up the escalator (his favorite part) and down at least a mile, or what seemed like a mile anyway.

I'm not sure if he really liked his yogurt though- what do you think?

After the yogurt, we headed back down the escalator (his favorite part) to the Rainforest Cafe. He loves the alligator. And, he thinks all the toys in the little store are to play with, so that was fun. The sales lady kept asking us if we were finding everything OK...Yes, he sure was. He was finding, and touching, and grabbing EVERYTHING.

I was trying to teach him how to throw money - he probably thought I was nuts.

Then we did his most favorite thing...the thing he had been wanting to do since we first stepped foot in the mall...GET A COOKIE???? I would have never gotten away with this if his mother had been there...so that made it even more fun. Sinfully fun.
And I let him pick out whichever cookie he wanted...and of course it had to have 'sfrinkles'.

OH...see here how he is now in a stroller? Yeah...once I trekked from one side of the mall to the other and up the escalator and down the escalator and back to the other side, I saw they rented strollers. I have no idea why I hadn't thought of this earlier, like in the previous 5 miles.

Wow, did we have a blast or what! I know just what he's thinking here...'my gra-ma is the bomb..."

He's turning TWO!

2009-03-15T20:05:00.001-07:00

Lute is turning TWO next weekend. I can hardly believe it. This is probably the last picture I'll post of him while he's still only a year old. Oh, I just love this little guy! He brings me such joy! He says the funniest things now...what a crack up...being a grandma is the BEST!

And, I'm so proud of my daughter and son-in-law. They are such great, great parents. I have the BEST family!

Procrastination...

2009-03-15T20:00:00.001-07:00

This is what it looks like when you put your walk off until it gets dark...and then have to go in the dark and the snow...well, you can't see the snow but it was snowing :) And, the wind was blowing at least 150 miles an hour. And, my husband wouldn't go with me. Oh poor me.

And I Keep Walking...

2009-03-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

This walking thing is getting to be quite a habit. I have managed to find time every day to get outside and enjoy the sun. Not that my life is so important or busy, but I'm a good procrastinator, a really good one. And usually I don't have time to do the things I have to do or should do but don't want to do because I'm really good at putting them off. So, I'm actually surprised at myself for doing this every day. It's been so cold here, but sunny, except for when it's snowing :)

This was taken last week after a little snow shower...brrrrr....it was cold that day!

Last weekend I wanted a change of scenery. And, I wanted my husband to go walking with me and maybe get a dinner out of the deal. So, I got on the internet and looked for some short trails in the area and here's what I found...

Now, I live in Washington, a really, really beautiful state. And we have lots of woods and lots of trails and lots of places to hike, most of which I've never experienced because I'm not a hiker. But, the intersting thing about this place is that it is right in the middle of a major metropolis...Tacoma...yes, right in the heart of the city. Who knew??? I think this trail was about a mile and a half and it was just beautiful.

Then, we drove a mile or two and saw this...

The last one is my favorite. Not because of the bike but because of the writing on the window..."Tacoma's premier cupcake bakery". That was right down the street from where we had dinner. And, the whole time I was sitting having dinner I was thinking of the cupcake bakery. Not that I'm obsessed with sweets or anything...

But alas, they were closed when we left..so I guess I'll have to make another trip to the city...

Through Rain or Hail...

2009-03-05T14:04:00.001-08:00

What was that I said the other day? Through rain or snow or hail or whatever...today I was tested.See those itty bitty white dots...yes, it's hail. Not a lot of hail, but hail nonetheless. And it was falling during my walk today.

I don't have a lot to say about my walk except that it was hailing, windy, and it was garbage day.

But, I still never cease to be amazed at God's beautiful creation.

Lent...

2009-03-04T00:19:00.000-08:00

I have never observed Lent before this year. But, I think I need a good season of soul-searching and reflecting. I know the purpose of Lent is preparation of the believer - through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial. I'm doing something a little different, or putting a twist on the self-denial thing. I am walking every day during Lent. So, I guess you could say I'm denying myself days without exercise. For those of you who don't know me well, I hate walking. Hate it. But, I'm doing it...every day. Rain, hail, sleet or snow. So far I haven't encountered any of those...thank God. But if I do, I'm still going to walk. And, I'm not going on any sissy walks. I'm trying to do two miles each time I head out. Two miles is a lot for me.

So, since I'm not feeling real chatty lately, I'm just going to be posting pictures of my walks...and I hope you enjoy them!

It's a plane...It's a train...It's a bus!

2009-02-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

When Lute and I talked about his big European adventure, I was telling him about how exciting it was going to be because he got to go in an AIRPLANE!!!! And, I told him how fun it was going to be to get in the plane and go waaaaaaaayy up in the sky!

He looked at me...and clearly had something that could top an airplane...he told me he was going on a TRAIN! Which, by the sound of things was going to be way more exciting than an ol' airplane. Gee gra-ma, don't you know?

But, then he told me the most exciting thing...and that was...he was also going to go on a BUS!!!!! Which, according to Lute, tops any form of transportation on the planet. Except, of course, a bike.

Here's Lute, the day we gave him his very own 'bike'. The kid's a natural.

So Lute, this background is in your honor. Until it comes down.

I see London...I see France...

2009-02-13T13:07:00.001-08:00

I took my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson to the airport the other day. They decided to make a quick, spur-of-the-moment trip to Europe. Who does that? Certainly not me. My husband thinks going to Seattle (30 miles from us) is something you need to plan at least a week for. I mean, after-all, that's a 'trip'. And, you don't just go on a trip without preparing. You know, you have to map out the quickest route. You have to find out what the weather will be like. You know, all the important stuff.

A friend of my daughter is getting married this summer. They had thought about going over then but the tickets were way too expensive for summer travel. And, since Lute doesn't turn two until March, they didn't have to buy him a ticket. So, it made perfect sense. I think it would have made more sense if they had taken me, you know, to be a nanny. A granny-nanny. But, they talked their best friends into going with them with their two boys.

I hope they have a wonderful time. I hope they see everything beautiful and wonderful in London and France. After all, I live vicariously through them and I will want to hear every detail when they return home so I know exactly what London and France are like. I hope they go to the Louvre. And, I hope they have a glass of really good French wine. And, I hope Lute sees London Bridge and learns the song. Is there really even a London Bridge? I don't know!

Anyway, Carina, Nick, and Little Lutie...Je t'aime!

Who Would Have Ever Thought?

2009-01-31T10:11:00.001-08:00

Who would have ever, ever thought that I would have athletic children? I mean, I am about as unathletic as they come...except for my love of my new Wii Fit. But, I really don't know if that would qualify as anything close to athletics.

Both of my girls have turned out to be athletes. And I'm impressed. And, I'm hoping some of their athleticism rubs off on me. I don't think it will. But, anyway, I'm so excited! My youngest daughter, Stacy, signed up last night to run a MARATHON in San Diego in May. So, that makes me excited for two reasons...first, for her, that she's going to do this and second, I get to go to San Diego to cheer her on!

Stacy ran her first half marathon last year and boy, I was so impressed over that. She was never really even interested in running until a few years ago and now it has become her healthy addiciton. And I hope some of it rubs off on me. I don't think it will. Stacy is very faithful when it comes to her training so I know she's going to be ready by May. I told her last night when she called me that it would take me 4 years to prepare for something like that. Not 4 months. She laughed. She thought I was kidding. I wasn't.

So, this morning I learn through the grapevine that Carina and Nick are going to do The Big Climb in March. Yikes. For those of you who don't live near Seattle, let me explain. The Big Climb is sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year there were over 5,400 participants that ran, walked, and well, crawled up the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle. That's 69 flights of stairs, 1,311 steps, 788 ft of vertical elevation. I wish I could do it. I don't think I will. But I am so proud that they are.

So, hats off to you my wonderful girls, and Nick...I'm so proud. I wish I could do it. I don't think I will. But I will be there cheering you on...always.

This gets me through...

2009-01-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

To quote my friend Gayle (who is quoting Dr. Phil)...

"A mother is only as happy as her saddest child"

I can remember the very first time I read this little story...many years ago, and how much it helped me at the time. Whenever I am going through something really, really hard, I turn back to this story and remind myself who is in control...

God's Embroidery

When I was a little child, my mother embroidered a great deal. I can remember the time when, as I was sitting at her feet and looking up at her, I asked her what she was doing.

She informed me that she was embroidering. I remarked that it looked like a mess from where I was. As, from the underside, I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat.

She looked down, smiling at me, and gently said, "My child, you go and play for now, and when I am finished, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side."

I wondered why she used some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my point of view.

Later, after some time had passed, as I was playing, I heard my Mother calling for me to come and sit on her knee. I went to her, and as I settled into the comfort and security of her lap, my mother said, "My child, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize there was a plan on the top, a design that I was following. Now look at it from my side, and you will see what I was doing." Then, when she showed me her completed work, I was surprised and thrilled to see a landscape scene full of beautiful flowers adorned by the radiant glow of a magnificent sunset.

Many times, I have looked up to my Heavenly Father and asked, "Father, what are You doing?"

He has answered, "I am embroidering your life."

I say, "But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can't they all be bright?"

My Father gently says, "My child, you go and do My will for now, and one day, I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee, and then you will see the plan from My side."

The Good Stuff...

2009-01-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

Bob and I took Lute to his first dog show Sunday. Oh boy...he loved it! Well, he loved the venue...it was at the fairgrounds. There is probably something you didn't ever even notice about the fairgrounds...on each of the buildings (or most of them) there are big, huge, doors that raise up and down. I'm guessing they are for when vendors have to bring in big, huge items. Lute noticed. All he wanted to do was 'open door' 'open door' and 'open door'. The kid loves garages, and he especially loves garage doors, and he especially loves opening them and closing them. Over and over and over. His grandma and grandpa, who believe every interest ought to be nurtured, let him play with the garage door openers when he is at their house and the kid will sit for an hour and 'open door', 'close door'. At least it keep him in one place.

Anyway...we took him to the dog show and he did have a good time. He was especially fascinated with the dogs being groomed and how they were going to get off the tables. Must be because his mom is a hairstylist. Only she doesn't put people on tables.

And then he wanted to go 'see cows?'. But there were no cows so we went to the park instead.

And then...lunch...and a nap.

And after he was in bed, and after he was asleep, and right before I collapsed on the couch, I was thinking about that song by Kenny Chesney. "The Good Stuff":

"the first long kiss on a second date

Your momma's all worried when you get home late

And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate,

'cause your hands are shakin' so much."

"And it's a new t-shirt saying, "I'm a grandpa!"

Being right there as our time got small,

And holding her hand when the good Lord called her up.

Yeah, man, that's the good stuff".

Lute is our 'good stuff'.

Talk about Random...

2009-01-06T22:43:00.001-08:00

Well, I know this is really random...but it seems like all my posts are about my children so far. And, although they are the most important thing in my life, they aren't the only thing in my life.

I was chatting with my friend Elaine today. Well, not really chatting, but e-mailing back and forth. I guess that's almost like chatting. It's the best we can do while she's at work and I'm supposed to be studying. Elaine and I are encouraging each other to be the best we can be...weight-wise. Well, not the best we can be, but we are encouraging each other to make healthy choices. She is encouraging me way more than I'm encouraging her. I've been feeling kind of like a loser (but not in the way I want to be a loser) because I can't stick to an exericse program. I think I hate exercise more than anything. Unfortunately, it's what I need most. Why is life like that?

Elaine told me not to be discouraged, not be so hard on myself, but just to take a baby-step today. Actually, when I think about it, I have been taking lots of baby-steps lately.

Probably nobody knows this but me. I have a very unhealthy relationship with food. Not with all food. Just sugar and all things fried. Oh, and potatoes. So, a potato donut (if there was such a thing) would be my heaven. Is there such a thing? I wonder...

And, aside from sugar and fried potatoes, I'm a very picky eater. I think my grandson got this trait from me. Carina told me today the kid won't even try corn. CORN? Lute, we need to talk...Richard Simmons says corn is like a potato on a cob. And, I do love potatoes. So...I've got to make sure to introduce Lute to the wonderfulness of corn. I'm getting off track...but isn't this the cutest picture of him? It's an oldie, when he used to like vegetables. So cute! Anyway...

If something includes the word(s) 'healthy' or 'low-fat', chances are I am not going to like it. Chances are I'm going to hate it. But, I've taken some baby steps and I have actually found two recipes that I really like. And, they are low-fat, and they are healthy. And my husband likes them too.

Confession time - my husband and I rarely eat the same thing for dinner. Isn't that awful? I don't know when we started that bad habit but it must have been after the kids left home. Because when they were here we did eat as a family, when I could get them to the table. And, we used to actually eat at the table, not like we do now, on the couch, in front of the TV. I hate that. I'm having a hard time convincing my husband that a conversation with me would be more entertaining than watching Bill O'Reilly. He doesn't believe me. So we eat with Bill every night.

Anyway...baby-steps. Yes, I've been taking them.

Now, this blog is not going to be a food blog or a recipe blog. But, it is a random blog.

Ran-dom: without definite aim, direction, rule or method.

Yes, this is random. Anyway...like I said, this is not going to be a recipe blog. But since I did find some recipes that I really like, and are good for you (and me), I'm going to post them. I hope you try them and I hope you like them too. And next time I serve them, it might even be at the table.

I'll just post one tonight...and maybe you will come back and look for the other one another time.

Chop Suey -

I should probably tell you mine didn't look like the photograph above but it's the best picture I could find.

8 (3 x 3") packaged Chinese wonton skins, separated

1 Tablespoon plus 2 tsp. canola oil

1/4 tsp salt

2 scallions, greens included, trimmed and thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, sliced

4 cups sliced napa cabbage (I LOVE napa cabbage!)

3/4 cup celery, thinly sliced

8 oz bamboo shoots (I used sliced water chestnuts because I bought them by mistake)

2 cups mushrooms, thinly sliced (the recipe called for shitake but I'm too cheap to buy those)

3/4 tsp. sugar

1 cup chicken broth

1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1 1/2 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon chicken broth

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (you could use a store-bought rotisserie chicken)

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Brush baking sheet and wonton skins lightly on both sides with 2 tsp of oil. Season with salt and bake for 10 minutes or until brown and crisp. (I found this was too much oil and next time I won't use salt). Transfer to cooling rack and reserve.

In large heavy skillet or wok, heat 1 Tbs oil over med-high heat. Add scallion, garlic, cabbage, celery, bamboo shoots (or water chestnuts), and mushrooms and stir-fry until cabbage is soft and wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Add sugar, 3/4 cup chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil and cook for 3 minutes. Add broth-cornstarch mixture. Add 1/4 cup more chicken stock if needed.

Add chicken and heat through.

Serve over brown rice and top with toasted sesame seeds.

This is definitely a keeper at our house...

Life's Roller Coasters...

2009-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm just sure this was the roller coaster I was on today...it had to be...do you see all those ups and downs and round and rounds? Yep...this is the one!

Life can sure be funny sometimes, can't it? I hope that the rest of 2009 is not anything like the past few days we've had. Is this a test? I hope it's over and I hope I passed.

I said to my husband tonight..."I just want everybody's life to be easy". Oh, I do know it could be a LOT worse. A LOT worse. But, us moms don't like to see our kids struggle. Whether they are 2 or 12 or 23 or 30. We hate to see them struggle and we hate to see them unhappy, and we hate it when life throws them curveballs. I guess when we signed up for this 'mom' thing, we signed up for the bad as well as all the happiness and joy they bring. And, they do bring me a lot of joy. Really they do.

There was a lot of joy in today as well. I got to spend the day with Stacy...she took me to lunch, we went to UW to figure out her financial aid, we went to get her emissions tested (yes, even that was fun!), we went to Target, and then we went to have Pho. That was my first Pho.

And it was YUMMY. And we were just having a really good time and she was excited about starting her classes tomorrow and everything was set. And then I started home. And before I even got home she called...

And everything had changed. She didn't get the one classe she wanted/needed which means she doesn't get her financial aid because she has to have at least 6 credits to get any help. She can't get 6 credits because all the classes she needs are full. She only has 5 credits. SO NOW EVERYTHING IS A MESS. I told her it would all work out somehow, and that maybe it was a good thing she was only going to have one class instead of two. I mean, she does work full time and she does have a social life which I know she won't give up. So, maybe this is a blessing in disguise.

But, it made me feel bad. And I didn't like the descent from the top of that roller coaster to the bottom...but, this too shall pass...I'm sure.

New Beginnings...

2009-01-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

New beginnings...I guess January 1st is as good a day as any to start new habits, or attempt to create them. I've never really been one to make resolutions. I try and start habits when I have the mental energy to begin them and when I can muster up enough enthusiasm and motivation to begin. Like exercising. Ugh. Like organizing my house. My house is neat, my house is tidy, as long as you don't open an cupboard or a closet, then you better stand back. But, that's not what this posting is about. I will save that for another time...

I've been thinking about new beginnings in our family. We have some exciting things coming our way...a new baby...Stacy starting at the UW...and then there is Lute...he's full of new beginnings every day. Every time I see him he's doing something new. The latest is 'I want'. He's got that one down. "I want a cookie" or "I want to take a shower" (dont' ask).

Carina and Nick are anxiously awaiting news of their adoption (you can read updates at Carina's blog -- NickandCarina.blogspot.com) Every day I wonder and pray for my new little grandbaby and his or her mother. I wonder if s/he will be at our family reunion in June. I wonder how old s/he will be next Christmas. I wonder what Lute will do when he realizes he has to share his mom and dad.

Stacy will be starting classes at the UW Bothell on Monday. Wow, hard to believe my youngest is going to start at the University. I'm so proud of her! Working and putting herself through school. I don't think I could do it. I hope she is able to balance everything...work, school, and some sort of social life. Oh, and she better not forget to chisel out some time for her parents.

--Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending --Maria Robinson

I am proud of my girls for their new beginnings. It sure keeps my life fun and energized and gives us older folk things to look forward to...I hope all of their dreams come true...and they live happily ever after...

"This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.
As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life,
Remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge you have gained.
Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.
Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.
Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.
And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.
Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life."

--Taylor Addison

One Magical Night...

2008-12-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

Do you know what I love more than anything? I love spending time with my girls...whether it's individually or all of us together, we always have so much fun! For my Christmas gift this year, Stacy took me to the Nutcracker Ballet in Seattle. We felt like one of the elite...it was so nice! We started of by meeting at Stanford's in Northgate for a very light snack...and a glass of wine, and the best thing...a heart to heart talk. Well, actually, it was a mom-giving-advice talk...which every young girl needs now and then...

Next, we jetted down to McCaw Hall and enjoyed a beautiful performance...it was magical! We were joined by Stacy's two roommates, Cassie and Nicole, and their moms. It was a night to remember...for all of us.

And, we didn't need a ballet to make it memorable, it was just us, Stacy and me, setting aside some mom/daughter time to talk and laugh that made the night so wonderful. It's a memory I will treasure forever...

One wish for the new year is that I can share more special time with the ones I love.

Robyn's Randoms

2008-12-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

I'm not too sure about this blog thing. I mean, do I really want people to read about my thoughts? I guess I do.

We had a wonderful, wonderful Christmas day, in spite of everything. In spite of the snow, in spite of the family arguments, in spite of everything.

For those of you who don't live here, snow in Western Washington is a rarity. Not this year though. This year made up for lost time. Which created havoc. But only when it came to driving. The hustle and bustle of Christmas came to a halt and was replaced by a Christmas preparation panic. People didn't know how they would ever finish shopping - but I think they all did and everything, as usual, was wonderful. At least in my family it was. After the last one to arrive, Stacy, was here. Then we knew everything was good, and right, and complete.

We were really wondering, even to the last minute, if she would make it. There was panic, there were tears, but she got here, safe and sound. Tired though, after having to get up at 3:30 to go to work. WHO NEEDS COFFEE FROM A COFFEE STAND AT 5:00 a.m. ON CHRISTMAS DAY???? I think only a mom who spent the night with her daughter so she could drive said daughter to work through the ice and snow. Oh, and I think one other random person. Anyway, I digress. She made it.

Here's a picture of our little guy, who made Christmas so special for us. We had gone a few years, OK, lots of years, with no kiddos around to bring the magic of a child's Christmas to our hearts. But, he's here now. Meet Lute.

OK, two pictures. How could I resist? And, while I am at it, I want to put in pictures of his wonderful parents, Carina and Nick, and then I simply must start putting my house back together. Because, my husband will be home soon.