Rob & Claudia

our new calling!

2012-01-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Since Rob and I have been married we have had a few different callings. the near thing is every calling we have had has been a joint calling where both of us get to serve together in the same calling. We have been Sunday school teachers - primary teachers- pfr's and now our newest calling is cooridinators of the coed youth sports program in our stake. I have never had a stake calling before. At first I was super worried. I had no idea what was expected of us our what our responsibilities were- but after a couple of meetings a few emails and being set apart I feel much better about this new calling! We get to interact with the youth of our stake and plan and attend coed youth sports activities. If you know me very well you know I know nothing of sports nor am I very sporty- but with Rob by my side I think I will learn alot and have a lot of fun on this new adventure of ours.

Ryder: 8 months

2012-01-15T20:11:00.002-07:00

Ryder is 8 months old! I can hardly believe it! He is getting so big so fast! He is the cutest smiley baby ever! We have been so blessed to have such a happy easy going baby! He spends his days giggling at everything he sees. He loves when Gwen comes to our house to play! He kicks and laughs and gets so happy every day that she comes. His Daddy is his favorite person. "Dad" was of course his first word. He occasionally says "mom" just to make me smile!

He sleeps great at nights. I just wrap him up and put him in his crib around 7:30pm and he sleeps til 7:30 Am. Nap times used to be as easy but lately he fights nap time but still takes 2-3 naps a day.
Ryder loves to sit up but hasn't figured out how to get down so he just flops down and hits his head most of the time, it makes me super nervous so I have to watch him like a hawk so he doesn't get hurt.
Ryder loves his exersaucer he loves playing with all the toys and spinning around and around
He loves bath time. He gets sad when its time to get out.
He loves going on walks, he sits in the stroller and takes everything in stride
his favorite toys are his football and his keys

Rob and I sure enjoy having Ryder in our lives he is our entertainment he makes us laugh constantly! I love being his mom!

Grateful

2011-11-07T20:59:00.002-07:00

The last 6 months have probably been the hardest of my life so far. At times I have felt sorry for myself and wondered why I had to go through the trials I have been experiencing, but today as I was in the Truck with my husband Rob and my baby Ryder I looked over at Rob as we were driving down the road and it just randomly hit me-how much I have to be grateful for I began to feel so blessed as I thought of all that I have.

I have a handsome husband who loves me and would do anything for me
I have a son who is adorable, strong, smart, hilarious, happy and who makes every day a great day!
I have a great place to live
I have wonderful hair clients
I tend an adorable little girl 5 days a week
I have a dependable car
I have a phone that allows me instant access to scriptures, conference talks, lesson manuals, etc
I have family whom I am in contact with daily
I have friends that have taught me to coupon and have taught me how to spreadsheet a budget
I have friends who care about me, who text and call me just to see how I'm doing
I am in a wonderful ward full of friends
I am grateful for the temple and the peace and answers I can find there
I am grateful for the gospel and all it brings to my life
I am grateful for all the opportunities life provides

I could probably go on and on but the point is this too shall pass.... In this lifetime we have hard times and good times and everything in between. I may be going through a rough time now, but things will get better someday and in the meantime I have a whole lot to be grateful for! I am so blessed and grateful for all I have. I love being able to be home with my Ryder. He is getting bigger and cuter and learning more and doing more each day! Being a mom is the best job ever!

five months!

2011-10-18T08:54:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that Ryder is five months old! He is growing up so fast. He loves to laugh and smile. He has been such a good baby. We started giving him rice cereal a couple Weeks ago, and he loves it. It is so fun to feed him and watch how excited he gets about it.

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Ryder our favorite!

2011-09-26T12:50:00.003-06:00

This last weekend we had the opportunity to go up north. We went up Thursday after rob got off work. We stayed with my sister in Payson. On Friday we were able to hang out with our friends Alyssa and Shyrel and on Saturday we went to pizza pie cafe. We love pizza pie cafe, it has all you can eat pizza and pasta and salad. It has amazing desserts and it is pretty good price for all the great quality food you get.

It was so fun to hang out with my sister and her kids. They loved having little Ryder around! We went to Cabella's on Saturday and after that hung out with Some of Rob's family for the rest of Saturday. On Sunday we went to Rob's Uncle and Aunt's homecoming from their mission in southern Africa.

Four months!

2011-09-21T16:37:00.002-06:00

I can't believe Ryder is four months old! I have been a mom for four months! Crazy! I love being a mom! I love my little Ryder. Every day with him is a new adventure! He is getting so big so fast. He loves to kick in the bath he loves to kick toys and he loves to kick when being held, he just loves to kick! He likes sitting in his bumbo and sitting in his swing , but his favorite place to be is on the floor so he can kick and play, he does this silly scooting thing on his back, he can turn in circles and move a couple feet up or down all while on his back! He loves to laugh and laughs all day long every day. He loves his little squeaky shoes especially when dad has him jump up and down in them and he jumps faster to make it squeak more!! He sure is a talker! Loves to be social and tell baby stories in gibberish! At his four month well child appointment he was 15 lbs 14 oz and 27 inches tall! A big boy for only four months!! you would never guess he was a premie! For the past two months he has slept through the night he goes to bed between 730-830 and wakes up around 7. He hardly ever cries and mostly has a pretty chill personality alot like his dad but he loves to be social like his mom! I will hopefully post cute pictures of him this weekend!

Ryder's blessing day

2011-08-28T17:23:00.004-06:00

Ryder was blessed on August 7, 2011. Even though he was born in May we waited until August to bless him because we were advised to keep him home for 2-3 months because of his prematurity. Now at 3 1/2 months old he is thriving. You would never know he was a premie. He is a strong happy big boy! We love every day with our little Ryder! He is a very verbal baby. He loves to play on the floor with toys or be held. He now sleeps through the night. Starting a few weeks ago he eats at 8:30 then goes to sleep until 6:30-7am! It is fabulous. We like getting more sleep now. He is a generally happy baby. He loves to eat his hands and laugh. We sure are proud parents!

Ryder my new favorite! :)

2011-07-24T20:07:00.003-06:00

This has been a crazy summer!

Ryder came 5 and a half weeks early, Three weeks later I had my gallbladder out. I am loving being home with my new little guy and being a mom. After staying home for two months as a precaution since he was a premie Ryder has now experienced his first swimming adventure, his first camping trip and lots of other fun adventures! He can smile, make little noises, kicks his legs when he is excited, he hates diaper changes, he is our new favorite pass time :)

Baby Ryder

2011-06-04T16:40:00.004-06:00

Ryder is now three weeks old! I can't believe it! And his due date is still a couple weeks away-crazy! We are having so much fun with our little Ryder. He is getting stronger and bigger and cuter every day! He has super long arms and legs just like his daddy, he will be a big guy some day.

At his two week check up he wieghed 7 lbs six ounces and was 21 and 1/4 inches long. so he is gaining weight and getting taller :)The dr said he is doing great. Alot better than expected for being so early.

Ryder is a pretty good baby only cries when his diaper is being changed or when we are changing his clothes. when he is hungry he usually just makes cute little squeaks and opens his mouth and sticks his tongue out. The past couple days he has been a little fussier than normal but thats just because of his circumcision-poor little guy! Rob and I love being parents and are learning more each day :)

Surprise!

2011-05-15T06:16:00.002-06:00

I thought my next post would be titled baby shower number two and be all about my baby shower. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to my baby shower since we had our little Ryder the night before. well here is the story!

On Tuesday the tenth I was having sever back pain, I thought it was just a normal pregnancy symptom. It was the worst pain I had ever felt so I figured maybe I was a pansy or something if it was supposed to be normal. Anyway the pain never seemed to go away, although the intensity would change from mildly tolerable to completely painful where I couldn't function properly because I was so focused on the pain. Well on Friday the pain was at its worst. Well Ronda and Rob kept saying I should go to the hospital and at least get checked and see if it was labor, I told them I would go Saturday after the baby shower. Well After much more convincing and more pain, I finally relented. We went to the hospital just after ten on Friday night. They took information, got a urine sample, hooked me up to some monitors and we mostly waited and waited, in the mean time the nurses told me they didn't detect contractions so they figured it was ligament pain and said they would probably send me home. Well at about 11 the nurse said they would check for dialation just as a typical procedure for me coming in. When they checked me I was dilated to an 8 and my water had broken and the nurse could feel the baby's had. They wheeled me down the hall to the delivery room by the time i got there I was at an 8 1/2. We called Ronda told her she better come to the hospital soon that we had been told we were having a baby tonight.The nurses had left a message with my Dr but were afraid he wouldn't make it in time since they couldn't get a hold of him. So they had another Dr waiting in the hall outside of my room just in case my Dr didn't make it. Well my Dr showed up at about 11:15. Ronda Showed up at 11:20. I was pushing by 11:30 and had Ryder at 11:39. NO time for an epidural, no time to mentally prepare, barely enough time for everyone to get there that needed to be. IT was crazy. We did not plan on having our baby til the end of June-definitely not in the middle of May?! Ryder was 6lbs 14 oz and 20 & 1/2 inches long. I am doing great. Ryder is in the nicu but showing improvement. He was able to get off the cpap machine and hopefully will be able to breathe on his own soon? He is eating through a tube for now but hopefully soon he will be able to eat without it. So we are continually praying for him and are happy he is doing so well and showing improvement. We love our little Ryder!! :)

baby shower number 1

2011-05-11T15:17:00.003-06:00

On March 21st I had a baby shower up north that my sister Jan and my good friend Shyrel threw for me. I was excited to see the friends and family that were able to attend. I received lots of fun stuff for Ryder and had lots of fun. The unfortunate thing that occurred was my sister Jan who was hosting the shower had to leave because her husband was involved in a car crash right as the shower began and she had to leave to go pick him and her two daughters up. The whole point of having the shower at her house was so she would be able to attend and she missed the entire shower :(

26 weeks!

2011-03-12T19:59:00.004-07:00

In the first picture I am 19 weeks in the second picture I am 24 weeks.

So I am now 26 weeks pregnant. I can't believe it. Sometimes it feels like I have been pregnant forever, other times the due date feels so soon. I am so excited to meet my baby boy. On the other hand sometimes I don't feel quite prepared? My pregnancy is going well so far and Rob and I are enjoying preparing for Ryder's arrival. :)

I guess I am too easily persuaded by peer pressure. I feel ginormous in both of these pictures and feel weird about posting them, but people kept asking to see pregnant pictures of me. who knows why? P.s. Rob and I had a hard time taking these pictures, after taking multiple pictures and me not liking how any of them turned out Rob gave up and told me I looked fine in all of them and didn't understand why I was so upset?! Silly pregnancy hormones!

Half way through! Yay!

2011-01-26T09:06:00.003-07:00

So, I am now half way through my pregnancy! :) We have had so much fun planning and preparing for our little Ryder. I've had to learn how to slow down and take it easy sometimes, which hasn't been easy for me, but it's worth it for our Ryder. :)

Even Rob, who hates shopping loves to shop for baby stuff! I think its because he's so excited that its a boy that even shopping for little Ryder is exciting to him!

We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday and we were both so excited to see our baby! It's the best feeling in the world to hear the heartbeat, see the heartbeat, see our baby move and to know hes growing and doing well!

I don't really fit in my clothes anymore, but I don't know if you didn't know me if you would think I was pregnant? or would just think Ive gained a little? I think I don't "show" as much as some people because of my long torso? but who knows? I am excited to start looking pregnant! :)

I am so grateful for this pregnancy! I am so excited to finally be a mom-it's something I have always wanted! I love how Rob is just as excited as I am over every little baby/pregnancy related thing! Now if I can just learn to be patient for the next 4& 1/2 months until I get to meet my baby that would be good! :)

We're having A.............

2011-01-09T17:47:00.002-07:00

BOY!!!!

We had an ultra sound on friday and found out that our baby is a boy! :)Rob has wanted a boy the whole time! He said he doesn't care how many boys or girls we have he just wanted the first to be a boy! He got his wish! :) We are going to name him Ryder Lewis Robinson! :)

We are expecting!

2010-12-15T14:18:00.006-07:00

Growing up I never knew how many people struggled to get pregnant. When I was 17 and diagnosed with PCOS I was told someday getting pregnant may be difficult, but at that young it was so far away I didn't really worry about it!

Once I got married it became a real worry. I have had alot of fiends who have struggled getting pregnant. I was getting nervous that it could be a real battle for us to be able to get pregnant. Although I always wanted to be a mom and knew I always would be one way or another. After over a year without luck we decided to try fertility. We are extremely blessed because it worked on the second cycle of fertility. We are finally expecting our first child in June!

Rob and I feel extremely blessed that we have this amazing blessing and opportunity to be able to be expecting a baby and to be parents! :)

LA

2010-10-05T15:25:00.002-06:00

On Saturday morning we woke up at five and hit the road by 6. Where were we headed? LA to take my father in law to the LA X Airport so he could fly to New Zealand. Although it was a short trip we fit a lot of fun in. Rob and I played in the water and on the bech for over two hours. We had so much fun jumping waves and swimming in the ocean! I wish we lived closer to the ocean, I haven't had that much fun in a really long time! After the beach rob and his dad and his uncle went to the session of conference while the girls went to a pier to watch boats, see the ocean, and the sites. After we left the pier we went to yogolicious this amazing frozen yogurt place thats even better than Krave except they didn't have granola as a topping ( I love granola) but it was still delicious. Then we got back together with the guys and had dinner. Then I fell asleep on the floor in the living room while eveyone was still awake, talking, and watching tv (yes I was that tires) thats what happens when you get 4 hours of sleep. Sunday we watched both sessions of conference then we went to rob's cousin sarah's soccer game, then we went to another pier and saw some surfers and went to an aquarium. Monday we had a chill morning then hit the road to head home. Robs Aunt and Uncle were awesome to let us stay with them. They live super close to the beach which was way fun! His Aunt Deb cooked for us the entire time and made us amazing meals! I had fun hanging with my hubby and getting to know robs aunt uncle and cousin. Robs cousin sarah taught me how to play wii! it was awesome-I totally wanna buy it now!!

Random Happenings

2010-09-29T14:17:00.004-06:00

So first I have a funny story. Cash Mcfadden is a three year old I tend. He is the most hilarious kid ever. Anyway, this past week I got all excited about fall and halloween and decided to get out the few halloween/fall decorations I have. When Cash came to my house he said, "Claudi(he always calls me claudi, I suppose the last "a" is just too hard lol) I love your decorations, but I think you need to get the rest of them out." I tried to explain that I didn't have anymore decorations. Finally he said, "Well I guess we will have to go to the halloween store and find more decorations for you, because we have alot more at my house and I think you need lots like us."

In other news I ran my first 5k race. I didn't do quite as well as I would have hoped but I did ok and pretty close to my goal. I've decided running in the morning is alot harder than running at night (which is when I usually run) So maybe before my next race I need to start practicing running in the morning! :)

We are going to California this weekend to take my Father in law to the airport. It will be a short trip, but I am ecstatic to go to the beach and swim in the ocean, even if its cold! :)

Robs playing on a city league basketball team and I love to go to his games and watch him play! It makes me so proud of him! He is such a good basketball player and he loves it, so I am glad he gets to participate in something he loves!

I am enjoying my new salon job. It started out slow but its getting a little bit busier everytime I go in. It is fun to be back in a salon and meeting new people every day! It's hard sometimes to be working multiple jobs and be away from home so much, but its nice to have the extra money to be able to put into savings!

NEW JOB!

2010-09-14T16:18:00.009-06:00

A little over month ago I told Rob I missed working in a salon and doing hair more. I also said that the only way I would ever really work in a salon again is if I could choose my own hours, still nanny, still do hair at hurricane rehab, not be required to work saturdays, find a place that paid a high commission or cheap boothrent, find a place not too far from where we live, etc. etc. I thought with all my stipulations that I was basically saying it would never happen because realistically what are the chances of me finding all of that?
Well.....I found it! At Solutions hair and body! I think this is going to be a great new change in my life and I don't think it could have happened at a better time! :) I have worked there for a week and I am loving it so far. I'm not quite as busy as I would like but I am getting there! :)

Life!

2010-08-08T20:29:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago I realized I was having a hard time being happy and looking on the positive side of things. At first I brushed it off as being too tired or whatever. Well after a few days I decided I ws tired of being down so I decided to change it. I thought about it and figured out I was getting discouraged by my lack of a social life. I used to be super social and over the last year and a half I have become less and less social.

I prayed and prayed for friends or comfort or just to be able to get over it and be happy. Well a day or two later I went to walmart and ran into three different friends who all made plans with me to get together that week. One friend planned to help me learn to sew. One friend planned a play date for her daughter to play with the kids I tend, and the other just planned to stop by and see my house(since she hadn't seen my new place yet. So, I've pretty much figured out prayers can even be answered at walmart lol!

Well since that time a few weeks ago when I was feeling down. Ive decided I was gonna be crafty! I've learned how to make hair bows, sewed a hot pad, sewed curtains for our camping trailer, and working on many more crafty projects. I have also taken up training for a 5K. I am training with my friends Annie and Ashlye. I look forward to our mon-wed-fri runs! It's fun to get together and chat as we get into shape together!

I don't know why I was so discouraged a few weeks go, maybe it's because I tend kids at home, and do hair at home, and cook, clean and live at home- my life wasn't balanced-I was always at home. But today I am feeling much better and have been for the past few weeks. I regularly see friends, I am trying to eat healthy and get in shape, and I'm learning new crafting skills! I am so thankful for all I have and all I've been blessed with! I have incredible friends and an amazing husband that make my life fantastic!

I would post pictures of my new crafts and trips we've gone on lately but my blog is being difficult today so I will try again soon! (sorry!)

Have you played this game?

2010-06-30T14:39:00.002-06:00

What game am I talking about? Monopoly deal! I love it! It's a new favorite. Tied with Rummikub (and that's serious business-I love me some rummikub ha ha) Monopoly deal has all the fun of monopoly- the owning properties and houses, paying people money, competing, winning, etc. The factor that makes monopoly deal so much better than regular monopoly is that it doesn't take near as long to play? It's a fast pace card game! Yep- I said card game! No game board no pieces, just cards......and I love it.

We played it a few weeks ago at a friends house and loved it so much we had to go and buy it asap. It is a cheap game too! It was $5 dollars at walmart! Can you really beat a game that super fun, fast paced, addicting and well priced??? I think not!

If you ar enot convinced of how very cool this game is...............well the only solution is to come on over and play it with us! :)

Camping

2010-06-28T10:28:00.003-06:00

We bought a new truck just over a month ago and it has four wheel drive is a four door and has a diesel engine. We were looking forward to seeing what it could do. Taking it camping this last weekend we were able to use the four wheel drive. Put the dog in the back seat, pull our trailer and have a four wheeler in the bed of the truck without killing our gas mileage. :)

We were so looking forward to this camping trip, but on Friday there were lots of delays. First Rob got off work later than he planned on then he accidentally locked the truck keys inside the trailer, then once we got all that figured out there were traffic delays. We were at a dead standstill on the free way for over an hour. We didn't get to Summit mountain until about 8:30 pm, hours behind schedule.

After that is was fantastic. The weather was nice and cool. The food was delicious. It was a fun little get away. We read books and played games, went on a few four wheeler rides, hung out and relaxed. It was nice having the trailer so when we ate and slept we weren't bothered by bugs. It was a fun trip. Rob thinks we need to do it again this weekend?

Life

2010-05-11T09:39:00.006-06:00

I decided to upload a few random pictures and blog about life happenings that have occurred lately.

I tend some adorable kids: Ann, Gwen, and Cash. I love spending my days with these littles ones!

Rob had a birthday: He had a good birthday! He got a cheesecake (his favorite) He got gardening gloves, some Mountain Dew, A scope for his 25.06, work pants, some cash, and a few ties! We ate homemade pizza and had a few people over! It was a great day!

We are growing a garden. Our garden is coming along quite well! It's exciting to watch things grow I can't wait til everything is ready and we can start using what we are growing.

Rob's dog choncho now lives with us. It has been a challenge for me. I've never had a pet? I suppose it's going alright having him live with us and it makes Rob happy!

ONE YEAR!

2010-04-14T18:18:00.003-06:00

Man! I can't believe I have been married a year! A year full of change and adjustments but good, healthy ones! It's been an amazing year! It went by so fast in a way, but in another way it feels like we have been married forever-just because it feels like life could have never been any different than it is right now! A couple years ago I never would have thought that I'd be married to Rob right now-but it's fantastic. A few years ago Rob was just my best friend whom sometimes I liked more than a friend.... Now he is still my best friend, but the love of my life also. He has been such a giant blessing in my life, I love him so much!

We have accomplished a lot in the last year. We went from 15,000 dollars of debt to 2,000 dollars of debt currently! We just moved to a bigger/better/nicer home. We have learned a lot about each other and have had a blast along the way!

My favorite things about Rob:

*He is always thinking about me-I love getting random texts throughout the day from him that say things like "I love a girl" "how's my girl doing?" or " I love you to pieces, did ya know that?"

*He is so patient

*He never gets mad or angry

*He is so calm-it balances out my over worrying tendencies

*He makes me feel pretty

*He makes me feel good at life

*I love how strong he is

*I love how tall he is

*I love how a call, text or even a smile from him can make my day

*I love how he always opens doors for me

*He plays Rumikub with me multiple times a day without even complaining

*I love how he makes me feel like the luckiest girl alive!

Seriously I could go on all day long, but i don't want to bore you all too bad so I will stop! LOL :)

Well, here are some pics from our wedding day! The best day ever!

Our Anniversary Trip

2010-04-07T21:10:00.001-06:00

We decided to Celebrate our first Anniversary by going to Disneyland! We have been here in California since Sunday and are having a blast! It has been so fun to be on vacation with my amazing hubby! We have experienced an earthquake, intense rain, high winds, and the hot sun since we have been in California! Here is a sample of what we have been up to this week! Enjoy the following pics!!!

2010-04-07T21:04:00.000-06:00

Being silly and having a blast! :)

2010-04-07T21:01:00.000-06:00

Standing in front of a random cow

2010-04-07T20:58:00.000-06:00

Showing off our cute new Disneyland hats!

2010-04-07T20:56:00.000-06:00

Standing in front of a cool waterfall!

2010-04-07T20:53:00.000-06:00

Us as Honorary Bugs!

2010-04-07T20:44:00.000-06:00

Rob and I excited to go on The Indiana Jones ride yet again! :)

2010-04-07T20:41:00.001-06:00

Rob and I enjoying Disneyland in the rain!

whats on my mind today! :)

2010-03-29T20:36:00.005-06:00

In less than a week Rob and I will be in California. We are going to Disneyland and the beach to Celebrate our 1st Anniversary! I am so excited! I so need a vacation! I'm excited to be outside in a warm climate and be able to spend day after day with my hubby-no going to work for us next week-YAY!

Pizza..............I love it! I could eat pizza for every meal and be completely content! I love all kinds of pizza; ham and pineapple, pepperoni, combination, meat lovers, but my favorite pizza topping is grilled chicken! (a little odd, i know, but heck its delicious!) So, you may be asking yourself, why is she talking about her love of pizza? Because, I am bugged that i love it so much that I have these random cravings where I need it, and if I don't get it asap I cannot stop thinking about it until i get to eat some pizza. Tonight was one such instance. I wanted pizza and nothing else. I even made my husband one dinner (because he wasn't in the mood for pizza) and my husband-because he is so nice and very used to my obsessive cravings- went and picked me up a pizza! The best and only way to eat pizza is when you can dip it in wild coyote light ranch! :) mmm..............I love pizza!

Cooking! I used to love to cook and love to experiment with new recipes. But, lately I am just not in the mood. I don't know what my deal is? I seriously have to force myself to cook. Well thats the end of that thought sorry it was so short. If you have any quick easy delicious recipes I'd love new ideas. Maybe new ideas would give me the extra incentive I need to want to cook again and get out of my silly rut!

Blogging! I used to rarely blog, like once every few months or so. Lately, however I have blogged a ton. I used to think that I had to have some exciting experience to blog about. Instead the last few times I have blogged I have just written about my life and my thoughts etc etc. whether its exciting or boring, because whatever it is, it's ME! So, there ya go! P.S. Since i have changed that I have enjoyed blogging a ton more!

Randomness of late

2010-03-24T13:13:00.002-06:00

I have a few funny/interesting experiences that have occurred lately that I thought would be a fun subject to blog about.

One day last week I decided to make Rob a lunch and go to his work and pick him up and then we could go to the park and eat together. We went to the park, and it was a beautiful day and so nice and relaxing! (I know your wondering what the interesting part is, but don't worry it's coming.) So, we are sitting there enjoying the nice weather and just being together, when we hear someone singing. There was a guy, a grown man probably around fifty years old, walking around the park singing old songs at the top of his lungs! It was hilarious and a little creepy! He just kept walking around and singing songs as loud as he could. (he he he it made me giggle)

So the other day I just got done with a couple haircuts and we were sitting on the couch chatting when the doorbell rang. I opened the door and there was a guy standing there. He didn't say anything just stood there. I finally said hi to break the weird awkward silence. Then he steps around me to step in the house looks around then steps back out. The whole time I am thinking who is this guy and what is he doing. Finally, he looks at me and says "this isn't the Foote's house is it? (The Foote's are our neighbors that live in the other side of the duplex we live in.) I just found it weird how we stepped in and looked around my house before he said anything?

This isn't really a story as much as just a random fact! I am addicted to the game Rummikub. Seriously, Rob and I play it at least once every day (no joke!) I've been addicted to it for about 6 months but more intensely the last 2 months. I love that you have to think and strategize but there is also a lot of luck involved too. I don't like games that are too hard because of all the thinking, but a little thinking is fun!

Okay, sorry this blog may not be the most interesting, but my life is kinda boring sometimes, but hey thats better than drama any day! ha ha and i just wanted to share a few random stories anyway, so there ya go! :)

Silly Dilemma

2010-03-05T12:44:00.003-07:00

So, those of you that know me well know that i am scared to death of dogs. I am not a pet person, and most animals frighten the daylights out of me. We moved to a new neighborhood last week with very friendly neighbors. Well today one of these friendly neighbors came to ask if I could watch her dog while she goes out of town next week. I didn't know what to say? Dogs and pets in general scare me, but I am a nice person and could never think of saying no to a kind neighbor. So I swallowed hard pasted a smile on my face and said, "Of course, I'd love to." So for four days I will be taking care of a neighbors dog-just going over there and feeding him, and letting him outside, giving him treats, etc etc.

I just don't know what to do in situations like these! No is a hard word for me to say. I do not like to disappoint people. I am such a people pleaser! Sometimes I wish I could just say no. But, on the other hand, even if I did say no I think I would feel incredibly guilty? (I am not only a people pleaser, but a very easily guilt-ed person also.) Heck, maybe its good for me to get over my silly fears buck up and not be so scared of everything? I don't think the dog will hurt me, I am sure my husband will help me take care of this neighbors dog.... maybe i just worry too much? But, seriously what's a nice girl to do when someone asks her to do a simple task she just doesn't want to do?

Life is good!

2010-03-01T16:37:00.002-07:00

Last Wednesday we spent our first night in our new place! It's always weird to spend a "first night" at a new place. There is new sounds and new silences and everything smells different and feels different. The first few nights I felt as if i was just staying at someone else's house. Although, as the days go by, it is starting to feel a lot more like home!

I like having a giant pantry and a bigger kitchen! I enjoy having a yard and a garage. I love that I have been able to find places for all my stuff and have been able to put stuff away that never even got pulled out of boxes at my old place.

We love our new ward already! After going to it for only two weeks we feel more welcomed and loved than we ever did in our old ward. I love that we can walk to church. It is only like a five minute walk, if that?

I didn't know if I would like living in the middle of St. George. I really enjoyed living in Washington.However, I think I am going to like living here. Nothing is as close as it used to be (like Walmart and Costco and Rob's work) But now we are closer to family and closer to places in town, and Walmart and Costco aren't that far away, and rob doesn't mind the drive to work.

We are loving getting settled and unpacked in our new home. We both are excited to have a bigger, newer, nicer place. We are both doing well with work and other activities. We are planning a California Trip next month for our anniversary! We are both looking forward to a vacation! This move has been alot of work and we are in some desperate need of relaxation!

Last little while in my life!

2010-02-21T20:24:00.003-07:00

We are moving to a duplex in the middle of St. George. The place we are moving to is larger, newer, and has much more storage space! We are very excited to have a yard, a shed, a garage, a 3rd bedroom, and I am very excited for the giant walk-in pantry! :) This weekend we have been moving stuff over putting stuff away and decorating! It is so nice to have a bigger place! I've been having lots of fun getting it ready for us! The McFadden's (the people I nanny for) are renting it to us, for which we are very grateful to rent from people we know! I'm excited to live there for so many reasons. In this new place I have a room that's just for me. I already have it set up to do hair in! (I don't have a shampoo bowl unfortunately-but everything else is there: hydraulic chair, mirror, and all necessary haircutting, coloring and styling supplies.) The room with the salon stuff also is big enough to have all my scrap-booking and office supplies on the other side of it! I'm excited to have a room for ME!

So, for the past three years I have been a Nanny for the McFadden's. They have five kids, who I adore. This year most of the kids are in school, so I have just been tending their youngest boy, Cash, at my house! He is such a smart, cute, hilarious, smart kid. I love everyday I'm able to spend with him. For the past couple of months, I've also had the opportunity to tend Gwen, my friend Ashley's baby! Gwen is an adorable chubby girl, who both Cash and I enjoy having around!

Holiday Happenings

2009-12-28T19:48:00.002-07:00

The first picture is a picture of our first Christmas tree! It doesn't have very many ornaments on it, but it was fun to decorate our first tree together!! The second picture is a picture of us with Rob's family at a family Christmas party in SLC. The third picture is of Rob and I at his family Christmas party, and the last picture is us with my sister Jan, her husband Jared, their three kids, and my mom! :) We have had a great first christmas together! We were able to spend alot of time with both of our families. We painted cookies, cut down a tree form the mountains, went to a few parties, made Christmas treats, went to The Forgotten Carols, drove around and looked at Christmas lights, and enjoyed alot of good food this Christmas season! :) We are very blessed! We live a great life and had an amazing Christmas! :)

LATELY!

2009-11-26T13:39:00.002-07:00

Well First of all my computer has a virus so I have been unable to get oneline at all. It's been kinda driving me nuts. So for the past week or so I have been unable to use my computer. So now I am borrowing a computer to update my blog!
Second of all I had an amazing birthday! I received some amazing decorations, cute cards, a scripture case, a scrapbook kit, a cookbook, etc etc etc. (I have amazing friends and family that are waaaaaaaaaaayyy too nice, but I so appreciate it! :)
I love the week of Thanksgiving! I love food, my birthday, and searching for a Christmas Tree in the mountains! YAY for the season!!

A night out

2009-10-25T09:19:00.004-06:00

Last night Rob and I hung out with two of our favorite people, Shyrel and Bo. We Had dinner prepared and cooked by Bo, Which was very impressive and delicious. After dinner we watched Beetleguese. Interesting movie-which I had not watched before! I suppose I always thought a movie called Beetleguese would be a bit more about Beetleguese? Anyway it is a super random movie? But we had a good time watching it. :)
After the movie we drove to washington fields to go to The Field Of Screams!! I honestly was super apprehensive before hand. I do not like getting scared! I went a couple of years ago and it was scary!! But last night I had a blast. Bo and Shyrel got alot more scared than Rob and I did, which was entertaining in and of itself. When the scary people would jump out in front of us I would hurriedly, and cheerfully, say hello! (At first I think I would do it so I wouldn't get scared) But it actually was funny to see the actors reactions to my cheerful response instead of a scream.
At one point in the maze a scary little creature started following me and said "Hey Claudia, it's me, Malone!" The funny part is I acted like it was no big deal said hello and hugged a kid that I used to tend a bit and have known his family for years. Shyrel, on the other hand was nervous that one of the scary actors knew my name, ha ha. I am definitely a fan of the Field of Screams!
After the Field Of Screams the four of us went to Ice Berg for Ice cream. I had the most amazing shake! Pumpkin cookie dough-two of my favorite flavors in the world! :) Anyway we all got our ice cream and sat down and had a good time chatting, being silly, and having fun!!
I'm so glad Rob and I got out of the house and did something random and fun. Life has been crazy busy lately and I think we definitely needed the break in the norm. We had a blast last night! :) Good friends, good food, and great entertainment! :)

Fun with some fam!

2009-10-13T22:41:00.003-06:00

Rob and I were able to go to provo and hang out with my sister and her family. My nieces are 3, 1, and my new nephew is only a few days old! Rob and I had a blast hanging out with kids and visiting with my sister and her husband. Here are a few pics of our fun! Shyanna loves to dance for us with her eyes closed, which is very entertaining(she falls alot, since her eyes are closed.)

2009-09-28T08:49:00.003-06:00

This past saturday was crazy, as usual, but such a good weekend. I started Saturday out by making ham-n-cream cheese roll ups and a cheeseball for Ashley's shower. The shower was a great success! Melody made amazing desserts and alot of Ashley's friends and family were there for the fun! :)
After the shower I came home changed my clothes and went to Ronda's house. (Rob fixed her car, and I went to the broadcast with her.) The Relief Society broadcast was amazing-I'm so glad I was able to go All the speakers gave great talks. It was also fun to see all the people I hadn't seen for a while from the ward and stake I grew up in, I love seeing friends to chat with! :)
After the broadcast I was at Ronda's waiting for my husband to come get me when My Uncle Lewis and Aunt Gayla stopped by for a surprise visit. It was fun to chat and catch up with them for a bit.
Later that night we hung out with our good friends Ky and Kami! We had fun watching a movie, eating brownies and ice cream, and talking about the baby they are expecting in march!! :)
I love weekends and they never last long enough!

Weekend Fun!

2009-08-10T14:29:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we went camping! We went to Beaver mountain with the McFadden's (the wonderful family I nanny for) ! We had alot of fun. I really enjoyed playing with the kids, and canoeing and fourwheeling, and just enjoying the outdoors with my husband and the McFadden's and some of their extended family. :) These are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip!

Rules

2009-07-29T17:17:00.002-06:00

There are two types of people in the world: The rule followers, and the ones who don't follow the rules. I am the first. I try to pretend I'm not, at times, but in the end I like to know the rules, so that I can follow each and everyone of them to a T!
Sometimes I wish there were rules to everything. Rules on how to be the perfect house keeper, or the ultimate cook, The Amazing wife, the perfect Nanny, or the best hair stylist. IT would be SOOOO much easier than trial and error.
But the truth is There aren't rules for any of these things. These are things I have to figure out on my own. Sometimes it takes trial and error, sometimes it takes experience and sometimes it just takes time.
So, in the meantime, I suppose I will try my best in all these areas; But secretly we all know I'm still wishing I had a list of rules, so that I would have a sure road to success.

Bedtime Stories!

2009-07-22T08:04:00.002-06:00

Wow. I thought that Adam Sandler's movie Bedtime Stories looked good, but after watching it last night I am thouroughly impressed!
This movie had romance, action, comedy, and some super random moments and a happy ending!! For those of you who don't know me well-I am a super random person, and this movie so fits my personality and just makes me smile! This movie was perfect for me! I loved it, and the best part is it is only rated PG perfect for children of all ages!! Watching this movie totally made my day!! :) I havn't enjoyed a movie this much since Hairspray!! Ha ha!!

Wedding Day Photos

2009-06-25T11:23:00.007-06:00

Wedding day photos! Im sorry its taken me so long to post these!

Reflections

2009-05-09T11:13:00.003-06:00

3 living things you treasure:
ROB
Flowers
The kids I nanny

3 non-living things that you treasure
Camera
laptop
laughing

favorite time of the year and why:
Summer!
Swimming
sun
fourwheeling and fun

4. favorite things to wear
Jeans
My red high heels
Flip Flops

5. are you a perfume wearer?

somedays

6. favorite animal?
UM...I'm so not an animal lover

7. top three events in your life(so far)
Graduating Beauty School.
Marrying my Best Friend.
Being a Nanny

8. top three favorite small pleasures
Swimming
Code Red
having something to dress up for

9. top 3 favorite places in the world( you have visited or would like to visit)
Florida was fun
I love California
It'd be cool to go to Europe

10. top 3 favorite sounds
kids
favorite songs
Rob's voice

11. top 3 favorite things to eat
My homemade pizza
cereal
anything at golden spoon

12. 3 small ways someone has made your day lately
when Rob cleaned the kitchen.
Cash(the baby I nanny) learning how to talk
Caroline listening to all my silly overdramatic stories

13. 3 small habits/quirks you have that make you specifically you!
I could live on cereal
I love to tell stories
I'm petrified of any kind of bug or insect

14.-Describe your life using 6 words maximum (for each time frame).
PAST: fun, challenging, knowledge, growth, naivity,
PRESENT: busy, exciting, enjoyment, adventurous, incredible
FUTURE: exciting, family, laughter, accomplishment, love.

15. .Name 3 words that you can't stand, and 3 that you love:
Hate, Shut up, bills
Love, Adventure, Fun
17. What are a few of the goals you have for your future and how do you plan on making them a reality?
Buy a house-save money and work towards it
Put a salon in the house we buy
Have a family

18. What is the best piece of advice you've ever heard?
Live life to the fullest every day!

19. what is your favorite quote and why?
"It's not the amount breaths, but the moments that take our breath away." I love this quote because It shows it's what you do in life thats important, not just existing :)

Claudia Jill Robinson

2009-05-06T17:22:00.003-06:00

In the last couple of days I've purchase a vacuum, (which we desperately needed-borrowing isnt too fun) and purchase a kitchen garbage(much better than our ghetto garbage hanging from the bag door) Changed my name on my social security card and on my driver's license! So I am officially and in all ways Claudia Jill Robinson! :) That has a nice ring to it :)
Our apartment is getting cuter and more home-ish each day, and every day i discover a little bit more how much fun being married can really be!!

Three Weeks!!

2009-05-02T08:57:00.004-06:00

We've been married for three weeks now! wow I can't believe how the time has flown by! We are both enjoying our new lives together! Our apartment is beginning to look like a home, and We're figuring out how much fun married life can really be! :) We had a blast in florida for our honeymoon, but were glad to be home and start our new life together :) We are looking forward to all the many adventures we have to look forward to, also! :)

2009-04-01T15:06:00.000-06:00

Bridal photos!!!!

Almost There!!!

2009-03-31T21:45:00.004-06:00

Here is a favorite bridal photo!
The wedding is actually coming-YAY!!
It, at times, has felt as if it'd never come, but now is only days away!!
I'm thrilled to be marrying my best friend!!

Wedding plans have actually come together quite nicely-Although I am excited for the calm of just being married, after all the craziness these past few months!! :)

Things are getting done!! YAY!!

2009-03-16T14:26:00.003-06:00

Announcements are out!! The Ribbon for the cake has been purchased. The Bridal Pictures are done!!
The center-pieces for the reception are underway. The decisions are mostly made.
The Wedding is 26 days away!! :)
I've been way too stressed the last couple months, but today I am feeling so good about things! I am so happy that everything is coming together and the big day no longer feels so far away.
I have a Fiance who loves me and helps me out tremendously on a daily basis!!! I have so much to look forward too-and I'm just so happy!! :)

Wedding plans are coming along wonderfully!!

2009-02-15T11:37:00.006-07:00

On Thursday we found out that we got the apartment that we wanted so we have a place to live once we get married!! Rob can move in as early as tomorrow!! and our announcements are finished and look spectacular!!
I have Rob's ring paid for and in my possession!! Im so excited that everything is coming together and going so well and starting to feel so real!!
There are 8 weeks left until the big day-sometimes it feels too soon when I think of tasks that must be accomplished, and at other times it seems to be so far away!! But tasks are getting accomplished and weddings plans are fun and perfect at this point-YAY!!

Being Engaged!!

2009-02-05T19:39:00.005-07:00

I've always believed being engaged is this wonderful leisurely time in life where you and your fiance live in some kind of lovey dovey bliss?! Well turns out I was wrong!! Being engaged is crazy!!!
Don't get me wrong-It's fun and exciting and there is lots of love, but there is stress and worry and apprehension that I personally did not know was part of this whole state of being engaged!!
Now that I know I can enjoy this crazy/fun state that we are currently in! It's fun thinking of colors, flowers, wedding cakes, wedding dresses, etc etc, all things lovely and pretty and wedding-like!!
Being engaged means marriage is coming and I am thrilled to be marrying the love of my life!!

I'm engaged to a kind of man, that at one point I didn't know existed!! He is funny and smart and treats me like a queen! I love that we have been best friends for a long time before we ever dated it makes our relationship that much more special!!