Life is good on the Big Island

So...my sister, Katie, is one of THE most spontaneous girls in the world.  She called me earlier this October to ask if I wanted to come to Hawaii with her.  She was going for a work conference, so I wouldn't have to pay for the car or hotel.  Katie knows me way to well (duh, she's my sister) and knew that I would totally say yes even if it was last minute.  She did the same thing to me when we went together to Europe.  So of course I said yes and thankfully Scott and my parents were on board to help out with Bailey while I was living it up in Hawaii.  Thank you!!!
 We landed in Kona, Hawaii which is on the Big Island and then drove about 20 minutes to Hilton Waikoloa Village.  I'm so glad that Katie's company was paying for it and not me!  Hawaii is a 5 hour time difference, so that took some getting used to.  Pretty much all we did was lounge by the pool and read our first day there.

The view from our room

I kept looking at the clock and was ready to go to bed at 4:00 (Hawaii time), but felt like a loser, so we went to bed at 8:00 instead.  Hey, that's pretty late Texas time (past midnight).  Little did we know there was a tsunami warning that night.  We had no idea; we were dead to the world!

The next day was our ATV tour of Waipio Valley.  It was about an 1 1/2 hour drive to get there and we drove through some pretty breathtaking towns.  One in particular I loved was Waimea.  It was so green and the clouds were low on top of the hills.
 We stopped for lunch and shopping there before heading to Waipio Valley.  I had never been 4-wheeling before.  Scott had one as a kid, so he didn't really think it was such a big deal.  But, I'm sure 4-wheeling in Hawaii is much better than 4-wheeling in Johnson City.  Just sayin', Scott!  Anyway, so we rushed through our safety speech before jumping on our own Honda Rangers.  After a quick little practice circle drive we were off!
I was following Katie and a gal from New Zealand was following me.  Katie should have told them to put her at the front of the pack because she kept tailgating the girl in front of her, while I lagged behind enjoying the gorgeous view.

I loved staring at the eucalyptus trees

 Actually, I liked all the space in front of me, so that I could speed up when I wanted to,especially when it was time to drive through the mud puddles!  This was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life!  During the drive up to the top of the mountain we drove through tall eucalyptus trees.  I felt like I was in a scene from Lost minus the smoke monster and random polar bear. At different points in our tour we stopped for some amazing pictures.

Waipio Valley behind us

We also stopped to swim in a waterfall.  Of course Katie was the first to go in and I was going to be a big baby because the water was so cold and it had started to rain slightly, but then I realized that I was in Hawaii and wouldn't have this opportunity ever again.

 

After the waterfall we headed down the mountain to get a better view of Waipio Valley.  It was gorgeous as you can see from the pictures!

 Then, of course, we were exhausted from our 4-wheeling adventure and just relaxed and ate dinner the rest of the night.  Our next day would be spent snorkeling at Hapuna Beach. 

Apparently, Hapuna Beach is rated one of the top 10 beaches in Hawaii and I could see why.  The sand was soft and white.  The water was a gorgeous turquoise and it was perfect for snorkeling.  Katie and I swam out pretty far to a little coral reef to snorkel.  It wasn't very crowded since we were there around 10am, so it was perfect!  After snorkeling we wandered around the beach and found a little cave and rocky area to take pictures, but on the Big Island the rocks are super rough, so it was pretty tough to walk on them barefoot, while putting my camera timer on.  So we finally just set it on the sand.

We continued our snorkeling adventures back at the hotel where they have a salt water lagoon.  The lagoon had much more fish to look at than Hapuna Beach did, so that was nice.  But, the best part were the sea turtles.  I swam right along with 3 of them.  They were huge and so cute!  

We also pool hopped as this place had multiple pools with waterfalls, hot tubs, and waterslides.  And yes, Katie and I went down the waterslides. Katie had to actually work my last day there, but just in the morning.  So, I decided to take a walk along the coast and take some pictures.  The coast on the Big Island is a little different because it's a rocky coast and not a sandy one, so this is what my hike looked like.

Pretty crazy, but they did sort of have a trail for you to follow.  I wasn't exactly climbing over rocks on my hike just walking on smaller ones.  Not your average walk along the beach, but fun and breathtaking none the less! Of course, the rest of the day was spent pool hopping some more before I had to head to the airport that night.  It was a quick, but amazing trip and I'm so glad that I got to go with Katie.  And of course, so very grateful that Scott and my folks helped with Bailey so that I could get this opportunity!

Great Fall: Welcome Home

My "childhood" buds

The year was 1994.  I was a 14 year old freshman newly transplanted to Austin from California.  I hardly knew a soul in Austin and Great Fall Retreat was the very first thing on my list of experiences with the new church my parents already called "home".  It was at that retreat many moons ago, that I met some of my soon to be lifelong friends.  Fast forward 18 years to 2012... Now I'm a mommy of a toddler, no longer a camper, and serving at the same camp alongside those same friends. 

Bailey and Daddy in the morning

Great Fall has been, as long as I've gone, at the HEB Encampment in Leakey, Texas.  It is like a second home to me and actually my parents, too.  My father accepted Christ at this camp and he met my mother there, as well.  It definitely holds a very special place in my heart and I was so excited to get to share that with Scott and Bailey this year. 

 Normally at Great Fall I serve on the rec team (now I'm too old for that) or the kitchen crew.  However, this year our youth minister asked Scott and me to help lead one of the bible studies.  So Scott and I led the 9th and 10th graders in the Saturday morning study. These teenagers were so eloquent and knowledgeable of the bible.  I called them the "AP" group! They seemed way more mature than what I remember being at 9th or 10th grade.  We were studying Psalm 139 where David writes about how God knows everything about us and knows everything that we do.  Scary to think that He is there to see all the good and the bad, but it's a relief to know that He's there all the time, especially when you need Him most.

Playing in the sand at the volleyball court

 During our bible study we got onto the subject about making your life an act of worship.  One of their concerns was how busy their lives were and how hard it is to fit in time with God.  And, boy after hearing all of the activities they are involved in, in addition to school, they are definitely busier than I am! We talked about how everything you do on a daily basis can be an act of worship.  I recounted many times that I missed opportunities to make my choices for God instead of myself.  Falling short is something I do on a daily basis, but God is just to forgive and mighty to save.

I think the moment God spoke to me the most this weekend was listening to the band Dutton play the song Welcome Home.  I immediately thought of my grandparents and how when they died, God welcomed them running with open arms and said, "Welcome home my child."  It's a beautiful song and I know that someday I will be able to hear those same words.  Until then I pray that my life can be full of daily worship of Him. 

Depression: I Can See Clearly Now

You know that Johnny Nash song, I Can See Clearly Now?  That's the song that keeps popping in my head these past few weeks.  If you need a refresher, it starts like this:

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

A year ago I would have laughed at that song, but not a "boy that is so funny" laugh, but a "yeah right" laugh.  A year ago I couldn't see clearly at all.  I felt like I was drowning in a downpour of rain.  And those dark clouds did have me blind and along with that was a fog in my head so murky that I couldn't function properly. If you aren't familiar with my journey through depression you can check out my first post about it here.

This time last year, my heart would race and I'd have shortness of breath over any little thing that would stress me out.  And believe me, any and all little things did stress me out.  A meeting going too long, not getting an e-mail sent out when I needed to, and not getting to a certain place on time with my students were all trivial things that would bring on anxiety attacks.  It's funny because we've been in school now for just 3 weeks, but I've only had that "oh my gosh, I'm incredibly overwhelmed and stressed out" feeling once.  When we had Back to School Night, which would normally make me incredibly restless, I was eerily calm and excited to speak in front of my students' parents. 

A year ago, Scott's job would have sent me into a tailspin.  He's had a huge sale at work that has lasted since July, which has meant longer hours and working every Sunday.  I was worried that it would alter my mood once school started because we'd have less family time together, but I haven't let it ruffle my feathers.  I've been (for the most part) very patient and supportive.  Last year if this sale had gone on, I would have been in a pool of tears every day, instead of grateful for how successful he has been and how much God has blessed him at his job.

I'm so very thankful to my doctor for diagnosing me with hypothyroidism and depression, so that I could get the help that I was so desperately needing.  After having been on this medication now for 9 months I have seen the very indisputable changes it has had on my family, my job, and my physical and emotional health.  And there's my husband who has always been my rock.  I'm not quite sure how he put up with me during that dark time in my life last year, but I know that it was just as hard on him as it was for me.  He was the one that kept nudging me to go to the doctor and get help.  He's so smart, if only I would listen to him!  God, as always, knew exactly what He was doing when He sent Scott my way those (almost) 10 years ago.

The dark clouds are gone and it already IS a bright, sun-shiny day.  Unlike the song says, though, I cannot see all obstacles in my way.  In fact, the obstacles that I have experienced, especially with the deaths of my grandparents this summer, have given me a greater appreciation for how big God is and how perfect His timing will always be.  Just as it says in Jeremiah 29:11, I know that God has an incredible plan for my life, plans to prosper me and not to harm me.  And no obstacle is too great that He cannot give me the strength to overcome!

Sprinkler Ball

 It's a general rule in the Roberson household to entertain ourselves cheaply, which is why we don't have cable and at times I will watch a TV show on my laptop.  So after hearing about this water toy that produced hours of entertain and was on sale for $2 at CVS, of course, Scott had to run to the nearest store and get one.  Unfortunately, they were sold out, so he settled for $8 at another store.  Boy was that $8 worth it, though!

Bailey wondering how the ball does such magical things

. It's a really large beach ball that shoots water out of four holes with the help of your water hose attached to the bottom.  It's called Discovery Kids Sprinkler Ball. We decided to combine this superb toy with our trampoline, since we pretty much live on our trampoline.   It has become a daily ritual for Bailey and Scott!  The minute Daddy gets home Bailey is pleading with him to change, so she can jump in the water. 

Scott trying his best to soap up Bailey

The best part is, Scott gives her a "bath" every time they jump on it.  He now has baby shampoo outside, so that he can suds her up.  That is if he can catch her.  As you can see from the picture above, she likes to run away from him while he tries to bathe her.

It was a blast the first few days we got it because it was so ridiculously hot here, but the other day with the "Texas cold front", Bailey was shivering after her water jump.  I'm hopeful that she won't want to jump in the water in January.  Surely not, right?

Water + Trampoline = Hours of Fun

I took these pictures about a week before I had to go back to school, while I was still enjoying the lazy days of summer.  One ridiculously hot day, Scott had a brilliant idea!  He rigged the hose to the top of our trampoline to create a waterfall.  This meant hours of fun running through the waterfall on the trampoline.

 As you can see Bailey just jumps in her diaper and actually now that this has become a regular occurrence, she jumps in the nude.  Who doesn't like cute baby butts, right?  This new, fabulously fun activity has become such a regular thing now that Scott changes into his swim shorts before heading out to jump with her. 

 Yesterday I asked Scott if he would bathe her after their water trampoline adventure and he asked me to just bring the soap outside.  So now we also have an outdoor shower.  Ha! 

 Of course I had to join in the fun! Scott actually managed to get some decent pictures of Bailey and me, too!

Looking Back on the Summer of Ups and Downs

Today was my first day back at work.  As a teacher, it's always fun seeing everyone after the summer break.  And of course, everyone asks the obligatory, "How was your summer?".  My response is usually, "It was great!".  However, today I didn't really know how to respond to that question.  I must say, I'm kind of relieved that this summer is finally at an end.  I have never had a summer with more ups and downs as this one.  It felt like I was on a roller coaster all summer.  I'd hit a high, then immediately a low.  My doctor had told me that I could stop taking my anti-depressant medication during the summer if I wanted to because I would be less stressed than I was during the school year.  I was good with that because I don't like taking lots of medication, so I took her suggestion.  Bad idea!  If any summer I needed to take my anti-depressants, it was this one!

My first week of summer, my dad received a call while we were in a meeting at church that my grandfather had passed away.  Before he had passed, all four of my grandparents were still alive.  So it was quite a shock.  I know that God's timing is perfect, though, because he had received Christ only a few weeks before.  He had already had to have both legs amputated and I know he was in so much physical pain, so I was at peace knowing that he was in a place where he was whole again.  Yet, it was still incredibly emotional to lose him and to say good-bye.

That very weekend we went to our family reunion, which was a high for my family.  It's at an amazing spot near Kerrville and Bailey had a blast.  Not to mention how great it is to always see family.  It was at the reunion that I realized I needed to take my medication during the summer.  As great as that weekend was, I just wasn't myself.  I was emotional, tired, easily frustrated, and very snappy with Scott.  All of those were symptoms I had in the fall with my depression.  As we drove away from the reunion I immediately broke down into tears and told Scott I didn't know what was wrong and why I was acting that way.  Boy did that sound familiar.  We immediately pinpointed the problem and I started back on my medication that night. 

A few weeks after our reunion, Scott and I got to go to Colorado and spent the majority of our time in Vail.  This was the high of our summer!  We both agreed that it was the best vacation we'd been on together, including our honeymoon.  I am so glad we decided on the mountains and we can't wait to go back and take Bailey.

 I had been dealing with an annoying cough for over 3 months.  Originally my doctor had told me it was just allergies, but I was tired of dealing with it and the symptoms were getting worse.  So Scott (of course), finally convinced me to go to see a doctor.  I just went to one of those drop in ones and he told me I had a sinus infection.  After about 5 days of taking the meds I was all better.  Why am I so stubborn?  I could have had it all long gone and not dealt with it for 3 months, but I just deal with stuff, instead of trying to get better.  Anyway, not long after I was done taking the meds I got sick again.  I was probably better for 2 days and then started feeling like I had strep.  I wasn't stubborn this time.  I immediately went to the doctor who diagnosed me with strep and I was better in a few days. 

A few days after I started feeling like myself again, we took Bailey to Sea World for the first time and got some other great family days in together.  Then for the first time all summer I finally felt like myself again.  No sinus infection or strep to deal with.  My sister wanted me to visit her in Midland, so I booked a flight and went by myself.  This was another major high for me!  I always love seeing Katie because nothing is EVER boring with her.  We had a total blast in Midland.  I went to a drive-in movie for the first time, threw popcorn at random strangers in a theater downtown (Summer Mummers), ate lots of yummy food, practiced our balance beam and floor routines in her living room, went shopping (which is amazing to do without a toddler), just sat around like a bum (which is also amazing to do without a toddler), danced the night away, and went to a pool party.  It was a busy weekend!

Then a week later, I got a phone call from my dad telling me to go to Seguin because my grandmother had double pneumonia and her kidneys had failed.  I headed to the nursing home right away.  We weren't really sure how much longer she had with us.  While my family met with the hospice nurse I stayed in the room with my grandmother.  I knew that she loved music, so I began to sing to her.  She opened her eyes just a little bit and looked at me and hummed along.  It was an amazing moment that I will never forget.  Shortly after the hospice nurse came to give her more medicine, my family prayed over her and said their good-byes before she passed away.  I'm so grateful that God let me have that moment with her.  He showed me again that His timing is always perfect.  She passed away only 8 weeks after my grandfather.  She couldn't stand being away from him for very long.  I will miss them both so very much, but I know how much pain they were in during their last year of life and how whole they are now with their Lord and Savior. 

I will miss my time off with Bailey and Scott that I got so much of this summer, but I am ready to put the summer of ups and downs behind me and looking forward to all the amazing things God has in store for me this school year!

Sea World

 We finally got to take Bailey to Sea World this summer.  I had wanted to go last year, but we never got around to it (the truth is Scott didn't want to deal with the heat).  Of course, now that Bailey is older he was totally willing to deal with it this summer.  The fact that teachers get in for free helped, too.  We went with our friends, Michael and Jenny, and their daughter Rhyan.  Thank goodness they brought a wagon because the girls sat in that most of the time.

First thing on the list was feeding the dolphins, which was my favorite!  I LOVE dolphins, so I was excited to see that Bailey enjoyed seeing them up close and feeding them.  It was super hot at that time and I was about to jump into the water with the dolphins, so thankfully soon after that we headed to the little water area there.

 Of course, being the water baby that she is, Bailey loved this part of our trip.  Scott chased her around while I just took pictures.  I love it when that's all that I have to do!

 After that we headed to see Shamu.  By then it was way past Bailey's naptime, so I think she was mostly out of it because she just sat and stared at Shamu.  Not a lot of cheering or much of anything besides staring.

 We were soon watching Elmo's Rock Show (or whatever it's called), which I thought Bailey would be squealing for and jumping up and down.  Again, just a lot of staring, but I could tell she enjoyed herself because at one point of the show they invite all the kids down to the front and she jumped at that idea.

 As you can see from the picture below she is up close!  She's to the left of Elmo's foot.  I thought she was going to jump up on stage with Elmo.

 After that we saw the penguins and then it was time to go home.  Here's Bailey hogging the wagon with her Shamu that she kept calling a dolphin.

*Excuse the pictures.  They were taken with my old point-and-shoot and I enjoyed just snapping pictures without thinking.  I wasn't about to deal with my DSLR that day.  I gotta admit, it was quite freeing!

Zilker Zephyr and Snowcones

 We try to take advantage of the summer when Scott and I actually get to spend his days off together.  Riding the Zilker Zephyr is one of our favorite activities to do with Bailey on these special days.

 I enjoy seeing her as she rides because every time she rides it she's usually 6 months older than the time before.  Needless to say, we don't get around to riding the train as much as we'd like.  So, it's a blast to get to see her react to it.

 Getting ready to head under the bridge. 

 And of course, we had to stop and get snow cones when we were finished.

 "Daddy, do you want some?"

 What a tease!

Friday Fun Day

 

My best friend, Ashley, came into town with her two boys this past weekend.  So, of course, that meant a play date for our kiddos with Jamie and Jess' kiddos, as well.  Jamie was brave kind enough to open her doors to our crew (pictured above).  Bailey loves these play dates because Jamie's house is way more exciting than ours!  Jamie let the kids make oobleck (sp?) in her kitchen, which is made of corn starch and water. 

Then it was off to Jen's beautiful, new house to swim in her pool.  Bailey has gotten so good at kicking and keeping her head above water.  She hasn't taken swim lessons yet, but she sure can dog paddle.  She has no fear when it comes to jumping into the pool and resurfacing (and holding her breath) on her own.  Of course, many times she sucks down water, but she's making progress. 

 After swimming it was back to Jamie's house!  Bailey loved this little car, which I think is awesome because I used to have one of these.  In fact, I must have played with it so much, because I remember it only having three wheels. 

 They had a blast in the bed of Jamie's truck.  Jamie and I had some fun adventures in that truck, but those stories are for another post on a different blog!  It's hard to believe she's had it since she was 16! It was pretty cool to see all the kids piled in the back.  Who knew it could be so much fun?

 Don't even have a clue what this pose is...maybe she had a question for me?

 Then, Jamie brought out the bubbles and nobody likes bubbles more than my sweet Bailey!

Needless to say, she did NOT want to leave Jamie's house that day.  AND she hadn't had a nap yet, so you can imagine the fit that was thrown when she got in the car.  I feel so blessed that Bailey gets to play with the children of these amazing mommies that I grew up with!