A week with my sister

Born 18 months after me and for my childhood and adulthood enjoyment, I am convinced, was this girl on the left. I always called her Deb. She was Debbie during school years and successfully made the switch in college to Deborah. Hats off to that- She forever calls me Lorina.

Nine years ago she packed up and moved to Orlando after college. Probably to meet the guy on the right, who is her perfect soul mate.

Five years ago I made another long 10 day journey to the hottest town on earth for her wedding. It was a celebration I will never forget.


Then 2 years ago in August after watching her bump grow via skype she had this little guy.

And he evened out the boy/girl ratio on the Robbins side.


There is something about your sister's kid that is so dear to your heart. We hate the 1000 miles that separate us but make do. You know relationships are conversation. I have her in Florida and another childhood friend in California. We are as close now as we were when we all went to church together because we talk no less than once or twice a week. Staying connected. Having quality and quantity conversations. Now apply this to a relationship with creator God....

She was over zealous and when I told her 2 years ago we were coming to Orlando for the convention she went out and bought a house last year. JK , God provided a wonderful deal for them and they are using the blessing to bless us. We stayed 6 nights with her, ate her food, used her laundry. Her husband and baby got sick, but never did they make us feel unwelcome- we will be back. But not in June, if I can avoid it. I hear Feb and Oct are real nice.


Her inlaws live on the next street over and have raised 4 boys. They have a pool and this is how we spent last Sunday afternoon after going to their church.


It's the only way to do Orlando in the Summer.


We even listened to Mama Mia soundtrack. I'm still singing "dancing queen "

During convention I always attend the minister's wives luncheon.
Don't know how I stumbled upon it years ago but I did. I still have the totebag from that occasion. I paid $10 for the luncheon and the bag had over $100 worth of DVDs, books and giveaways. Two years we've gotten premier jewelry (mine broke) .

Deb and my mom kept the kids that day and let me go have some girl time. I met up with blogging friend Angela on left there and Becky (on right, childhood friend ) and Tara on the far right, she I met threw Becky last year at the convention and had a blast.

This year I signed up to be a table hostess. It was really fun. We had ladies from Kentucky and Alabama in our group. There are over 1000 woman at this thing and one year I sat at the same table as one of Becky's husbands' groomsman's wife. Yeah we made that connection over lunch. Small world.

As I walked in I was in awe- Orange. They had decorated in orange!!!! And the totebag with all the goodies was orange! Over all in all the exhibits we collected 8 of this kind of bag that I use to haul groceries in :)

Toteing Charis Around the United States

I wish I had a pic of us in the airport last week, I had her in a front carrier, a backpack and a pull suitcase, they charge now for checking in bags so I took ours on the plane and since I was by myself I could pull a bag and push a stroller. Luckily she still fit in the carrier. We were quite a sight I am sure. Charis wasn't feeling well most of the trip but still was a great traveler. We really felt blessed to go, the Lord provided work so I could afford to go. I love my family so much, I am glad I got to go be a part of Deb's newest adventure. I also got to see her school and hang out with Nate's cool family. We swam, watched a lot of movies and played the wii, I scored 569 on power bowling.

Couldn't resist posting my care bear in this toy tote.
My sis and her new baby Judah Brenton, why we went to FL

In other news- I've added a new Bible study to the church tote, Stepping Up by Beth Moore- it's on the psalms. Good so far. She's got us on our faces each day before the Lord, literally. It should be good discipline.

I am still keeping Shyann during the day, she had a good week.

My lessons are going well. I have 11 paying students (4 guitar, 4 piano, 2 piano but want to be in voice) and 3 non paying, my 2 kids and a sitter swapper (she takes voice and is a God send) . God is so good to always provide for us no matter how much I fret.

My totes are full, coming and going as always.

I have to add one more non tote picture. my kids are in a small town school and everyone goes all out for homecoming, today's theme is I wish I were.... So I pulled together a Jedi knight costume for silas and Cady was really on her own. She is Barbie. A cute one huh.