A blog break

Hi friends,
I am so sorry to have abandoned you for so long! But, life has gotten in the way with sick family, and the rush of the holidays. So instead of feeling guilty about not touching base, I'm giving myself a holiday vacation from the blog. I'll see you back here on January 2nd with scads of fun pictures. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Just for fun, those that are willing- tell me something nice that you have done for yourself this holiday.

A few pictures from Thanksgiving

So I haven't posted in a few days- I had been working on getting my house ready for my family by preparing a fun table & cleaning the house. I have to say it was one of the best Thanksgivings ever. It was such a nice experience spending time with my family, whom I love dearly. The next day we headed off to the stores for a little shopping- love that. We had a great time. Here are some pictures of our Thanksgiving table...and yes, those are paper plates, the boys were leaving for the Cowboy right after dinner & who wants to spend all day cooking & cleaning?

Questionnaire by Lindsey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial & pre-lit

3. When do you put up the tree? After Thanksgiving & before my birthday

4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever I get around to it

5. Do you like eggnog? No thanks

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Kids

7. Hardest person to buy for? THE PRICES!

8. Easiest person to buy for? probably Heather

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes, I love them- especially my new one last year

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Hopefully mailing!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmm...maybe the year I got 3 sets of make-up brushes

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Early.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? rarely

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sugar cookies with frosting

16. Lights on the tree? Yes, white

17. Favorite Christmas song? The First Noel :)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? YES! (Dancer, Prancer, Comment, Cupid, Donnor, and Blitztson, and Rudolph of course)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Nothing, we still need to find one

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Cold Wind, Chapped Lips, Dry Skin

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? All of our ornaments have special memories attached.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey, ham, and all the fixin's

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? New clothes for one...

26. Do you decorate the outside of your house with lights? Try to...

27. Outside lights Icicles, Colored, or Clear? White/Clear

28. Who is most likely to respond to this? Doesn't matter!

29. Who is least likely to respond to this? ????

The forgotten blog

Well hi there. I thought since Todd was doing such an awesome job at updating our blog while I was at my scrapbooking retreat, that it would continue- but alas, he has not. :) So here I am again. Hi.
Retreat was wonderful, I felt like I got a lot done and that the event went smoothly- which is sometimes an impossible combination. I came home to a sick husband, and in a few days the girls would get sick too- so we've been a sick house. And, you guessed it- I'm getting a little sniffle myself, but I'll be fine. Moms can't get sick and I know that, so I'm ignoring it. :)
Christmas is right around the corner...okay actually Thanksgiving is first, I don't want to discredit that, but Thanksgiving doesn't require as much of my brain, although I am hosting my family this year-so I certainly need a good brain. Got one handy? Anyhow, Christmas is coming so I've been thinking about the gift thing. I consider myself a good gift giver, which is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I think its fun to give unique and individualized thought and effort into gifting. A curse because I have to keep it up, and sometimes financial limitations get in the way. For example, I would love to buy my husband a trip to Argentina, where he served his mission. We could tour the area, taste the cuisine, enjoy the weather. Likelihood that will happen? I'm going bold with a 100% not going to happen. Okay, that was an exaggerated example, but regardless Christmas is on my mind, and so with that- I need to go on faking health and get ready for the day, Todd is away playing volleyball so I have time to think about a gift for him. Not that I have any ideas...but I have all day to think about it. :)
Hope you're having a good one.
Happy thinking.

First Theater

We went with the Moore's to see The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Waco Hippodrome this this morning.  It was the first theater experience for our children.  We pulled up to the theater to see a massive crowd of kids waiting for the doors to open.  Even though we were some of the last to get in, we still had really good seats in the orchestra section.  (Since we went to one of the daytime shows, tickets were only $5 a piece.  It would have cost $45 dollars for me and the girls to attend the evening performance!)

I have to say it was an amazing experience for me to watch Ava and Sydnee so engrossed in the production.  Because it was a "non-hushing" show, the girls were able to clap and laugh and call out all the shapes and animals they saw.  They are also familiar with all the stories represented in the program so they were excited to see them told in a new way.

The format was very well done.  All the puppets and props were painted in flourescent colors with black lights illuminating the stage.  I posted a link to a promotional video from the theater company, but it does not convey the experience at all.  The second daytime show has already begun, but if you can go tonight, the ticket price is certainly worth it.  There are plenty of tickets still available.

http://www.mermaidtheatre.ns.ca/repertory/vhc_video_high.shtml

Disappointment at the zoo?

After we said goodbye to Lindsey, the girls and I went to the zoo. Now that the rain clouds of the last few days drifted away, the day was perfect for spending time outside with the cool breeze. I had never been to the zoo on a weekday. About 20 cars filled the parking lot, but we only saw 2 other families during the 2-hour visit. It was fun having the zoo virtually to ourselves, especially because all the animals were very active.

We could hear the gibbons from the parking lot. They were whooping loudly and playing a game of tag.

The last few times we went to the zoo, we didn't see the tortoises, but today they were there AND they were moving and eating! I think I was more excited about that than the girls (my top 3 favorite animals are elephants, spiders and turtles).

There is a butterfly garden we always skip, so we decided to see it today. We didn't see any butterflies at first until we sat quietly on a bench. It then seemed they appeared out of nowhere. What was most surprising, though, was Ava suddenly jumped up and grabbed a butterfly out of the air, cupping it with both hands. I don't think it got hurt and I believe Ava was more surprised than it was because she didn't know what to do with it.

As usual, it was a great trip to the zoo. We have certainly paid for the family pass. On the way home, I asked the girls if they had fun. Sydnee said yes but Ava said no. When I asked her why she said, "because the animals didn't catch any people."

Graphics for Myspace

I did it again!

Well I stuck my foot in my mouth & tonight my friend Jana & I will be singing "What Is This Feeling?" from Wicked in our Fall Festival tonight at church. For those of you who don't know- this is a song with Glinda the Good Witch & Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West when they find out they are roommates in college. It's the song about loathing. We practiced a lot yesterday. It's a lot harder without the real stars singing with us! :) Hopefully Todd can get a video. And yes, I will be in costume- oh boy! How do I get myself in these things? :D
So today is pretty busy with finishing some loose ends on retreat (18 days away, ladies!) and working on that. Although I do have to say- I love this chilly weather. The girls had their first taste of hot chocolate this morning. Too fun. :)
Love to you all!
Linz

IF we had turned it in in time...

So twice a year Todd's family & extended family submit little summaries about life to a newsletter, the Robinson newsletter to be exact. Well, since we forgot to do most normal things last week (because Todd was working midnights & it threw us all off schedule) we certainly didn't remember to do this bi-annual update. So we send out our lame apologies and told everyone to come here.

{Do you hear the crickets chirping?}

So for the sake of those that might actually want to know, here's our bi-annual update.
Todd- has started this school year doing something we never saw coming- he was called as an Early Morning Seminary teacher to the Juniors & Seniors in high school. He gets up every morning before 5am, and is out the door before 6am. The girls miss having breakfast with Daddy, but they have adjusted well by sleeping in a little longer (wahoo!). Todd is really enjoying seminary and is a superb example to those teens & an excellent scriptorian.
Todd is still loving his job at M&M/Mars where he recently got to learn some of the "line" jobs- like packing boxes & driving this cart that wraps the boxes (okay, so I'm sure there is a technical name, but I can't remember and he's not in the room...so forgive me). It was a fun experience, but he enjoys his industrial engineering role much more. Todd is also playing volleyball at the YMCA with a group of friends from church, "Net Prophets" where he is called "Crusher". He has enjoyed using those muscles again. Lindsey & the girls have been able to watch him once, and it was fun to see Daddy in action. They are hoping he will make it to the play-offs, so keep your fingers crossed for him.Lindsey- obviously that's me- is busy as usual. It's hard to believe but come December I will have served as Relief Society President for a year. Even harder to believe- I will be turning 30. (I can hear you say it- WHOA, baby!) I know. We are hoping to send 29 off in style- whatever that means. Anyhow, my calling keeps me very busy and helps me see the tender mercies of the Lord everyday. I enjoy working with the sisters in my ward, they are the creme de la creme. Other than that, I am still doing my scrapbooking stuff, keeping my blog updated, and spending time with friends & family in my spare time. I've been fortunate to win a few smaller contests, which is always fun, and am presently making all the last-minute plans for my retreat. My first priority is my family, and they are always keeping me on my toes!
Ava- is such a fun little 3 year old. She is confident, emotional, smart, silly, and fun to be around. She loves to sing and dance- and its hard to find her in anything but a princess dress-up dress (seriously.) Ava started a once-a-week preschool this year with Mommy and friends. She is learning the alphabet, shapes, colors, and all that important stuff. She is a fabulous artist and recently did an "art show" with her sister in their kitchen. And speaking of her sister- Ava also recently tried her hand at being a hair stylist when she cut her & her sisters hair. Short. Very short. Scissors are evil. :) Their hair is finally starting to get back to normal- thank goodness! She is growing like a weed, it must be the Blackhursts in her & we are so grateful to have her in our lives.Sydnee is a funny little person. She is full of love and sweetness. She is a little more timid than her sister, but once she warms up to you- she's front stage, center (right next to Ava). Sydnee has also enjoyed attending some of Ava's preschool activities. These two were meant to spend life side-by-side. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, Ava didn't want to go into Nursery, so Todd told her it would be boring and she would just have to sit by him- and despite his best efforts, she still came with him. A few minutes after they left, we hear Sydnee just a-screamin' and a-crying' and when they brought her out she said she missed Ava. What in the world are we going to do when Ava goes to Primary in January?!? Or for that matter- when Ava goes to kindergarten! Sydnee is such a delightful little girl who loves her sister, and her friends. What a blessing she is!

And that's all I can think of for now! Wishing all of you (related and otherwise) a terrific fall, bounteous blessings, and a very Happy Holidays!

Love,
The "Lame" Blackhursts

A Halloween Bash for Fairies

We had a little sneak peak into Halloween as we dressed up the girls for a Halloween Birthday Bash. Aren't their costumes darling? These aren't the best pictures, so hopefully we can get some better ones in the upcoming days. :)

The Witches Ball

was so fun...
I wanted the family to have a little Halloween fun too, so this was our dinner- Spider Webbed Dipping Sauce and Mummy Dogs. Cute huh?
And here's the ball...A fun matching game we played... The first ones there...
Can you hear it? "One of these things is not like the other. One of these things does not quite belong."

Glinda The Good Witch Costume, $4 at a garage sale
Long Blond Curly Wig, $8 at Wal-Mart
Buying gas afterwards? PricelessMy crown is a little off, it has just fallen off, but you get the idea...maybe someone else got a better picture.

First midnight

Just got an hour into my first midnight shift for the week. I'm already missing my girls since they left for College Station for a few days. It's not as much fun going home without any greetings such as Ava running and hiding behind my desk or Sydnee getting upset if I come in through the front door instead of the garage.

Tired? Comfy?

Anyways, I'm still coughing up a lung, a kidney, and a bit of my small intestine today. I hope it goes away TODAY. :) Hopefully, I am getting better every second- go immune system!
We are celebrating the Prices' birthdays today. Happy birthday Melanie & Jim! We will go out to eat (while Todd is playing his v-ball game) and have Todd join us afterwards all stinky and stuff. Sounds like fun, eh?
I wanted to post these funny pictures. This is what happens when Daddy accidentally wakes them up when he leaves to go to early morning seminary & they chose not to go back to sleep. :) Looks comfy, huh? I was watching Oprah & I thought it seemed a little quiet.

Pictures of our Nail-Painting Party

Lame, I know

List of Priorities:
1. Everything Else
2. This Blog

Well I don't have a lot to say, but I was hoping someone else did (hint hint, Todd!) ;)

I am starting to feel a little under the weather again. I imagine it's still the lingering cold and probably lack of sleep. I stayed up late reading and I'm done with my book now. I will start reading The Last Lecture today or tomorrow.

The Blackhursts are all headed here for Conference. I told Todd I wasn't going anywhere for Conference...well famous last words- they're all coming here. So much for a weekend off, but I don't mind- we always have fun together and Scott & Katie are coming and we haven't seen them since March. So today I'm cleaning and figuring out a menu.

The girls have been really good lately, or maybe I've been more laid back with them. We are going to have a little nail-painting part after lunch today. My patience may leave as soon as we start that! :) Here's a few pictures of last week's painting fun.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Lindsey

Thursday, Thursday- hello beautiful!

{PopPop's letter}

Good morning folks! Well my girls slept till 8:30 this morning and went to bed on time (-ish) so a big WAHOO from Waco! I went to bed early & woke up and read a little from Dracula. It's an interesting book & it's starting to pick up the pace a bit. It's written in letter/diary entries/newpaper article form. Very clever. Anyhow, I'm not quite half way through- so I have a long way to go, but when I am finished I will have finished a classic!

So Happy Birthday to my sister, Leah!

This morning is normally my trip to the grocery store, but since we'll be in separate places tonight and then scattered for the weekend...I'm not really sure I want to! I think I'll wait till Monday.

Since my Mom is missing the girls and may not get to come up on Friday, I thought I would post a few pictures that I took at pre-school yesterday. We are doing a weekly scrapbook for the kids, here is Ava's picture of the week. What a poser! She put her hand up like that when I asked her to smile for the picture.Those are suppose to be family trees...the idea was cute even if the trees are unrecognizable. :) It's easy to find Ava's...look under the pink mailbox. It's the tree that is completely covered in leaves...okay, the one in the middle of the ones that have covered up the "bark" of the tree.Cuddling Mom's card... Opening Heather's letter...We watched Jana's little boy this week, my girls are SO little mommies.

Hurricane Season

Well we hold the unenviable prize in our family for having been through a hurricane. Having been through the unexpected craziness of a hurricane, let me say a few things to expect. Hopefully you all have the food, batteries, water that you might need. Batteries are the main thing we didn't have enough of- this is for the flashlights, mainly. There were many camping supplies that came in handy as well- lanterns for one. Don't expect there to be much food available in grocery stores either- panic makes people buy in large quantities.

As far as dealing with evacuees- expect the worst. :) Well if things are better than the worst, and you'll be delighted! People in this state of panic show their true colors. We were amazed at the members of our church who came totally unprepared (with nothing but the shirts on their backs) and expected to be waited on during their "mini-vacation". On the other hand, you see some really incredible people step up & take on the leadership roles. Amazingly those were also the people that had come prepared- 72 hour kits, air matrices and all. I remember most, though, the fear that people felt- not knowing what was happening to their homes, and hoping that all of their loved ones made it safely to shelter. And I will never forget the face of the man whom we had to turn away when our shelter became too full.

I will say that having been through this experience- I learned a lot about myself and the kind of fiber I was made up of as well. It was frightening to be in my home with my tiny daughter and husband hunkered down in our downstairs closet as we listened to the winds and the moaning trees. But we will never forget the moment when we stepped outside after it all passed to see the debris everywhere, several houses with trees in them, and our house unharmed. We knew the Lord had his hand in it all, because soon after we ended up putting our house on the market & moving to Waco. How much of a headache that would have been! And what a blessing.

Here are some pictures that I was showing Ava yesterday as I talked to her about the hurricane she lived through in Nacogdoches.
Toby wouldn't stay inside- he insisted, rather, on running around the house over and over again.

So to my family, our door is open. I can't guarantee Waco won't be hit by outlying tornadoes or heavy rain, but I do think it's safer here! So come on up, okay?