create kindness

The Lifetime List

2010-07-29T15:31:00.011-06:00

As I learned in college, goals have to be measurable and obtainable.

Meaning, I wrote these goals with a sincere idea that I would finish them.

This list is written in no particular order and has been combined from several lists I've had throughout my life. When I complete a new goal on the list I will re-post my success!

Before you read...
You should play this song... I think it goes with the list.
Don't you think it would be cool to have music playing during our lives like in the movies?
Well, this is as good as it gets!

I'd like to tag my friends:

HayHay(who had this awesome song on her blog) and Amy to complete and post a unique bucket list of their own!

This is the name of my list... do you like?

The lifetime list:

Grow and yield 4 different types of fruit trees in my backyard.
~~Earn a bachelor's degree.~~
~~Write~~ and publish a children's book about special needs.
~~Get married~~ and have a family of...6?
Design something beautiful for a business.
Start up a local bakery.
Get certified in yoga and become a yoga teacher.
~~Buy and own a home~~.
Visit Europe.
Hold a huge celebration for my golden birthday.
~~Become a teacher.~~
Learn how to make different kinds pasta dough and noodles.
Start composting.
~~Run a marathon.~~
Learn how to make a sweet background for my blog.
~~Compose my own music and record music in a studio.~~
Buy this camera and take a photography class.
Work or volunteer in the NICU.
Certify and teach WIC classes.
Travel to India.
Hold a staring contest at a party.
Compose small pieces for beginner/intermediate piano students and publish a series.
~~Climb a mountain.~~
Compete in a triathlon.
Learn how to stay at my best weight by eating clean for an entire year.
Buy J a truck all by myself.
Write for a magazine or online magazine company.
visit (at least once) all of my girlfriends who have moved away :(
Learn how to sew children's clothing.
Sell something at a local farmer's market.
Experience labor.
Renew wedding covenants/vows for our 10th anniversary somewhere like Hawaii. (And then every decade after that.)
Receive my masters.
Have a dinner party... in the middle of nowhere!
Learn to speak another language fluently. I'm thinking Spanish.
Write and publish one novel.
Be close to wrinkle free by age 45.
Meditate and hold Yoga sun rises.
Buy and learn how to ride a motorcycle.
Hold a HUGE Oprah-like celebration for my most favorite birthday age--- 50!
Attend the temple two times a week for an entire year.
Bake and assemble a wedding cake for someone!
In correlation with our ~~Sweetheart Sunday~~... start having Sunday Supers.
Earn a doctorate.
Learn how to make sweet chocolate candies like you buy at a fancy-dancy candy store.
Start a secret book club.
Learn how to reupholster furniture.
Volunteer for an organization like UNICEF.
Work at a University.
Take J on a secret overnight getaway during the middle of the week.
Publish a cookbook.
Hire a nanny and adopt her into the family.
Go on a mission.
Start a summer picnic club.
Buy and learn how to work an old typewriter. (So I can write sweet things to my friends.)
Buy or garden 85% organic, local foods for every meal.
Hold a Vinegar and Oil party.
Take surfboard lessons.
Sing one more time in public.
Buy a summerhouse or cabin.
Buy myself a sporty BMW with my own money.
Become a HOT grandmother. (I think this one is my favorite!)
Go to an Ellen show.
See something on Broadway.
Be able to name all of the Presidents of the United States and the dates they were in office.
Own land in the country and build a home to die in.
Take part in a food eating contest.
Learn how to salsa.
Draw the tattoo I would have if I ever had one.
Read the entire Bible by myself.
Re-read the entire Book of Mormon.
Overcome my fear of bridges.
Host something for the community in which I live.
Hold a Woman Appreciation party for all of the women that mean so much to me. (Like Oprah.)
Help build a house with someone... I'm thinking drywall?
Adopt.
Be composed enough not to cry when a loved one departs- but celebrate their life.
Never retire.
Plan my own funeral and even J's if he'd let me...
Linger in New Zealand.

***Note to readers: This list may be modified or re-constructed at any time during the course of my life due to circumstances unknown.

writing the list..

2010-07-28T14:55:00.002-06:00

So, after much contemplation I've decided to combine all of the goals/desires I have (on several different lists) and create my very own bucket list.

Which brings me to this question... do you have such a list? What would you write if you did?

P.s.

This pic is of us Bond gals (our maiden name)

when we went to the water park the other day.

Good times.

this face

2010-07-27T17:31:00.000-06:00

I'm back from seeing my beautiful sister Rachel in Utah. And I thought I would take a break from pulling weeds from the garden and give a quick post. Do you love the photo? It was taken by Rach at the best zoo you'll ever go to! (Okay I am a little biased.)
I can hardly believe that July is coming to an end! It just makes me want to live even more the next few weeks! Which might mean a few less posts for a while.
Do you have any special end of the summer plans? What do you like to do at the end of this season?

Mormon.Org

2010-07-21T17:00:00.002-06:00

The new mormon.org was released July 14th. I hope all of you LDS folks had a chance to share how you feel about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The website magnifies what Mormons truly believe in and helps others understand our Christian values and faith.

My testimony in Jesus Christ continues to grow each day.

You can view my understanding of our faith here.

While you are visiting the website check out some of the profiles of Mormons who were interviewed on camera. They are some of the most amazing people I've ever come across!

I hope it inspires you too!

If you would like to share your testimony, just log on here.

Wee Wednesday: Clothes for mom... clothes for baby

2010-07-21T05:21:00.003-06:00

Have you heard about this? Apparently it has caused an uproar of emotions. Forever 21 selling to mothers... including pregnant teens. (Doesn't every line do this to an extent?) It is interesting though- that they are marketing in the 3 states with the highest pregnancy rates for teenage girls. Click here for a CNN source or here for another person's view. Everyone has their own thoughts of course. I really happen to love that they have created this venue for mothers. For once women who want to be trendy can buy their clothes a little cheaper and still look cute. Regardless of age, ethnicity and well, choices... we still all want to feel beautiful during this time.
My favorite is the chiffon flowered maternity tunic. You'll have to check it out. I'm only sad I didn't get to design the clothes for them! I know I'd wear these clothes every happy moment of my pregnancy.

What do you think? Is it too racy for a store like this? Or are you very happy they liberated another line for mom's to be?

As for clothes for baby... wait until you check this site out! These clothes are adorable and so is this site! I'm sure I'll be posting about it for years to come!

I love creative designers!

because you'll be making your own cake...

2010-07-20T09:29:00.005-06:00

ashley

you are

dependable

someone who is just a call away - always

hilarious

an amazing mother

kind to everyone

a great sister and wife

can whip up some cupcakes in a dash

while running errands

and changing diapers +

finishing a sewing project

a godmother to my children

a blessing to everyone you meet

i hope you have a happy birthday

even though you're making your own cake

take a wish on those candles

and look out at your birthday moon

it'll be smiling just for you

commutative

2010-07-19T12:41:00.001-06:00

a + b = b + a

We are a commutative team.

How was your weekend??

Ours was super-d-duper fun!

This weekend we got together with long time friends and played a game of laser tag and

ate pizza slices like they were carrot sticks!

Later that night we went down to our basement to sleep... it's a lot cooler down

there since we don't have ac.

As I laid on his chest he told me that his heart was saying,

I thump-thump

love thumpety-thump

Rebecca thump-thump.

Adorable isn't he?

This week is just as full. I hope you are off to a great start!

ps. Our yard sale was fantastic! Here is a thank you to those who came!

Yard Sale and the Shoe Tree

2010-07-16T01:23:00.001-06:00

My darlings, this Saturday, J and I will be having a yard sale. We're clearing out our house for nesting purposes.

We'll be selling books, cookbooks, home decor, lamps, pretty clothes, shoes, artwork, and more.

(There is even talk that some homemade bagels will be there!)

Saturday, July 17th

In: Saint Clair Estates

Here: in Idaho Falls

From:

8am to 3pm (or thereabouts)

Also, going through my blog list, I found this fond story. Just imagine if this is how we conducted our yard sale! What a site!

Although we won't be selling any shirts or shoes on trees...I think I will incorporate this somehow into my 2nd grade teaching this year...

Any creative thoughts from you??

Hope you have a happy weekend and enjoy the heat of this July sun!

Loves!

Lil' Odie

2010-07-15T21:20:00.001-06:00

This is my little brother.

He turned 18 today.

Growed up strong in a Nebraska-land cornfield.

Where there really is sugar and spice

and snips and snails.

6 years apart and

10 days shy of meeting half birthday marks for the two of us.

He wants a job for the red, white and blue...

which makes me think

of all of the soldiers

who fight for us

everyday.

Owen Otis.

I love you.

I hope you have a great big birthday moon and

lasso it completely.

It's your lucky day.

P.s. If you want to know who won the giveaway... just scroll down. :)

We have a winner!

2010-07-15T21:14:00.003-06:00

I made cards with everyone's names on them and had my neighbor across the street draw.

Mary!

You are the lucky winner!!

Please just send me your address and the oils will be on their way!

violetrobison@gmail.com

Why do laundry when you can do this?

2010-07-14T07:10:00.005-06:00

You have until the end of tonight to sign up for some- dare I say- FREE essential oils. All you have to do is click on the follow button.

You know you want to. They're just as good as chocolate.

What have Mr. Robison and I been up to anyway?

Swimming the day away with our animal loving niece.

Getting a pedicure with an old friend at the day spa. (My toes are a glittery pink!)

Reading.

Making these milkshakes.

Watching this and this.

Ahh, summer days.

By the way, have you heard this song? It wouldn't leave my head last night. In fact, I came up stairs to find Mr. R asleep,he had tucked himself in bed. (As of late, I have been a night owl.)
He suprised me by waking up in the middle of the night with soft kisses on my neck. So I sang him the song that was going round and round in my mind.

The vocalist reminds me of A Fine Frenzy... and you know I love her. It's fitting to say she is going to be a favorite too!

dear amy

2010-07-09T15:06:00.002-06:00

I wasn't going to do this. Especially since I've debated over the last couple of days whether to or whether not to. I felt it within me. But I didn't want to. Because that would mean accepting the inevitable. And my thoughts are special. Our friendship special. And I already miss you.
But that is why we blog now. Some of my closest friends blog along. Some people just read along- just like you do. And either way we connect. In a very powerful way.
Because sometimes at the end of the day- writing what you have, and know and believe in- gives you that voice that says, go on, you'll make it and brings peace.
I can't believe that I watched you drive away. There were no tears. Just happiness.
But now there are tears.
And I already miss you my friend.
There were so many words to say.
They just wouldn't come out late last night.
And all I could do this morning was laugh.
Laugh about the good times.
Laugh about the sad times.
Laugh through the awkwardness of our families.
Through the dysfunctional-
and the enjoyable moments they bring.
I felt like I was saying good bye to my sister.
Because that is what my soul feels.
It isn't going to be easy. But you and I knew that.
Even though we are now miles away.
And we won't know what to do with ourselves at times,
like beginning of fall...
or when we can't just simply walk down the hall and talk.

I am oh, so, proud of you!
For everything that you've accomplished and who you are as a friend/woman/wife.
When I crawled into bed last night- I couldn't sleep.
And I dreamed a dream! Guess who was a friend to me?? Our favorite LC!
It was something good! So I knew that somehow the day would be good.I think we should write letters. Send pictures. Webcam and call. When you read that one book, you should bake something sweet and I will too!
And then we will eat to our hearts desire at the same time.
It will be wonderful.
As for me now, you know what lies ahead and the things that will hopefully happen.
I'm so excited to hear about your adventures along your journey.

It really never was a goodbye you know, only a beginning.

Rebecca

Oh, and I saw this today.
It was perfect.

Your secret from Jean-Sebastien Monzani on Vimeo.

In the Kitchen

2010-07-08T13:55:00.000-06:00

Today is my 200th post! Woohoo!

And... I'm in the kitchen.

Why dear neighbors, do you smell the perfume of my baking?? It seems to drift into the air, causing a wave of emotions that make me want to

bake

all

day

long.

Today I am making these bagels. This picture and recipe is found here. I would have taken a picture of mine but cannot seem to find my camera. Don't worry, mine look just as good!And as I'm soon to find out... taste just as divine!

give oh give, give oh give

2010-07-07T13:01:00.003-06:00

Okay, okay,

So a friend has finally convinced me to actually start selling these.

After all, I've used them everyday since day one.

And you will too.

They are 100% pure.

Powerful.

Inviting.

Healing.

Energizing.

To kick off this extravaganza, I'm posting a giveaway.

My friends, if you do not blog- that's okay!

All you have to do is click my follow button on the right and plug in your email.

One random follower will be chosen for free two free oils! (Up to a $40 purchase)

Check out the website here

http://www.doterra.com/

Good luck!

The contest will close on: July 14th.

happy 4th of july weekend

2010-07-02T14:08:00.002-06:00

Hello! I hope you have a great Fourth of July weekend! J has taken some time off for extra fun! I can hardly wait for the festivities to begin!

>>Also, Happy Anniversary to this sweet couple! 65 years of MARRIED bliss!

>>>Making pancakes? We had these this morning, they are our favorite!

>>Very funny joke!

And, >> Going camping?? How cute is this tent?!?

pic via cup of jo

wee wednesday: parties

2010-06-30T15:51:00.001-06:00

Do you have a fond memory of a party you had when you were little?? I received my first bicycle when I was five. My grandmother made the cake. I believe it was German chocolate.

Parties are so fun! This weekend we are going to do a lot of that too. : ) Take a look at the list below, don't these make you want to be a kid again?

Art party and Pajama Glam Party

Tea Party... Alice in Wonderland

Where the Wild Things Are Party

Subway Party

It's a boy and a Castle away

Circus Circus

Your COWBOY

birthday favors

Tiny and Big

I spy...

The most adorable flower party

Huck Finn

picture via black and eiffel

when everything happens

2010-06-27T19:33:00.001-06:00

weekends. you wait for them for five days and then all at once they arrive at your doorstep to say hello-and just as soon they pickup to say good bye. weekends can be great company to the point where you just can't let them go- or the worst visitors leaving you dragging all week long.
so much has been packed into this weekend and then next i don't know where to begin!
we've painted our garage in a day.
finished a wood project.
baked clementine, dark chocolate scones
stayed up late past midnight
taught sunday school
bought flowers at our local farmers market
and so much more...

next weekend will all be but a blur too
we will be camping in island park on friday
doing the 6 mile run in the morning
attending a friend's party
and at night dancing our A's off.

If you live in the Idaho Falls region you should come too! We are having a Flash Mob Dance!!!! JULY 3RD!!!!!

I'm soooo excited!!

Never heard of a flash mob????
Check Oprah's out here...

How about this one at an airport?

Or a "no pants" subway ride???

Doesn't it look fun?!!!!
picture via simply lovely

wee wednesday: beds to make

2010-06-23T11:47:00.006-06:00

I was a little bit slow to writing this post. We have been busy with a capital B!

This bed. I love it. And don't you love the storage?? It will go in our baby's room. Pottery Barn price?? $1,099.
It is shown here too... for much cheaper. You've probably heard of this amazing site before. It is one of our favorites!

J is going to make it this summer it is one of his top three projects.

And speaking of this man... remember this ???

Oh how I love him!

I have realized that I forgot to post on Father's day! We were busy running around having fun in Cour de alene- Kayaking and eating and spending time with our little niece. It was pure heaven.
And then we came home and I got J this and this.

Our best year yet. Don't you think?

a text and some pictures

2010-06-22T13:12:00.002-06:00

This morning I woke up to a friend's text message where a scary monster of a man is looking at you and music is playing! At the end the message says, "Good Morning." Wow! She is a hoot!

During school sometimes you have to pull a couple "all nighters" this is where you stay and work on school stuff until past midnight. She and I were notorious for pulling these. (She more than I- I believe.) Sometimes it was the only time in my day that I really could get anything done. We'd often text each other- which did help- when all you wanted to do was crawl under the covers and go to your own bed. If we'd stay way past midnight we'd tell the other person that Edward from Twilight was on his way to the school. We'd make up crazy things that could happen when you were all alone in a building at that kind of hour!

If you haven't been woken up by this crazy, funny text, just leave me a comment and I'll send it to you!

Speaking of friends, here are some pictures that were taken from my friend Dustin a couple days after school was out. One of these dear friends is expecting her first baby! The other friend is a soul sister and will be leaving with her husband in a couple weeks as he pursues med school. (She is also starting a blog!) I am excited for them both and wanted to have a couple pictures to capture the last moment from teaching when we were all together. What would we do without good friends?!

wee wednesday: RH

2010-06-16T11:58:00.004-06:00

I've been in a decorating mood again. And I can't seem to get enough of Restoration Hardware. Have you been on their site?
Be still my heart! Not to mention their new children's section. You should really hide your wallet when you take a peek.

Tomorrow J and I will be leaving for Cour de alene. It is one of my most favorite places to go. You know that kind of place, where the smells and the sounds are just right and you love the people you're with?

Have you ever had a Monte Cristo? Last night we made the BEST Monte Carlos (yes, we made this up). If your mouth is hankering for somthing divine you should try this tonight!

* French your toast ( I like my bread to be from here.)
*In your French sauce use: vanilla, cinnamon, organic eggs, 1 tbs of milk and freshly grated nutmeg.
*Cut up a lot of slices of guere cheese. (The key to this sandwich is the cheese.)
*Fry up an egg and season with red pepper.
*Melt two pieces of toast, cheese and egg together.
*Add your favorite jam/berries on top.

So good!

They're here!

2010-06-14T12:49:00.001-06:00

What a weekend! I hope you had as much fun as I did! My favorite part? Going to see the in-laws and riding bikes along the country-side.

The graduation pictures are finally here! I'm not posting any of my darling children (for privacy reasons) but, here are a few that I thought you would enjoy!

(In the moment...)

(Their art work)

(The dress...)

(My am aide and great friend)

(The end.)

The pictures were provided by my awesome photographer/friend Dustin. You can view his website here.

checkin' out

2010-06-11T08:00:00.005-06:00

I'm checkin out for the weekend.

J and I are going out on a hot date tonight.

Holding a ladies brunch this morning.

I'm trying to get our community to hold an early morning walk.

I want them to blog.
The world would really be a better place if more

great women

influenced

us with the power

of their

word.

Saturday will be fun,

I am helping my cousin with the Rodeo Queens.

It is an Idaho "Miss America" Event.

Then choir practice,

then our church picnic.

Sunday will come bright and early

and J and I will be staying in a Marriott!

Just because we can!

I'm checkin' out!

Loves!

picture via burgon and ball garden shop

up to

2010-06-09T15:54:00.000-06:00

scroll down to see what the robisons' are up to...

going to paint the whole house...

picking out colors tonight and tomorrow!

temple visits tonight.

new thought patterns and

creative juices going.

took some pictures with some sunflowers of mine the other day...

j went golfing

and took a day of vacay.

so many plans already!

lots of fun things to do.

what do you think about the color below??

pictures via the amazing marthastewart.com

wee wednesday: francie pants

2010-06-09T08:32:00.002-06:00

I saw this posted last year and thought these were adorable! Do you remember the underwear you could get with all the days of the week on them? They were my favorite when I was growing up.

When you go on the site you can pick which girl you "are." I think I'm Marly.

Check the site out here. They have a paper doll cut out and clothes right on the site too... how's that for creative?

p.s. if you are waiting for grad pics I am too :) I promise to post them as soon as I get them!

the cycle of life

2010-06-04T21:25:00.002-06:00

The cycle of life is never apparent, until something drastically changes.

That drastic part hit me today- as I waved to my very last Kinder. I didn't cry. I just waved. And thought. And paused. And then, I walked back into my classroom and started packing. Odds and ends. This picture seems to capture that moment. (via real simple and hooray design)

Some of my kids looked back with scrunched up noses and worried looks. Others just skipped away dreaming of camping trips that would start this evening.

I felt like one of those mothers who knew it was best to let go and celebrate their child leaving their nest -but- secretly I didn't want to.
What I really wanted to say was, "You can't go! What will I do with myself when you're gone? I love it when you want to tell me about your pet during a math story problem; or tug on my leg all day long even when you are supposed to be in your seat quietly reading. Who will I look at when I need to see someone picking their nose while staring off into space thinking about puppies or another recess?"

And yet, I walked into my classroom and picked up and went home.
I unloaded the most beautiful flowers they gave me and smiled. (How did they know my love for all flowers?)
And then I put up a couple adorable cards the children wrote on my fridge.
I sorted through packets and picked at some chocolate gifts. And then I smiled again. And cried and laughed.

Because that my friends, is what life is all about.

Did I tell you Kindergarten graduation went wonderful? And, did I tell you we had it inside? It wasn't quite raining, but it wasn't great weather either. Check out the dress I wore- I got it here.

Now I'm busy reading posts I missed and picking up my messy house and planning my next couple days spent with family and friends I adore. This is the moment I've been waiting for. And now it is finally here!

This summer is all about welcoming the good in and being happy.

I will post graduation pictures soon! I can't wait to share them with you!

Have a great weekend my loves!