Happy birthday and Happy Anniversary.

A great big Happy birthday to one of my dear friends. Jennifer Glick....hope your birthday is a great one. You have been a very dear friend to me. Love ya Girl!!! We have a friendship that has lasted years...and I am anxious to see how the next many years bring us many memories.

Happy First Anniversary you two love birds!!! I bet you never imagined you would be celebrating your first one as a brand new mommy Caroline and daddy Jonathan. You two have been a true God-send to our lives...we dearly love you both so much...and that little one has just been an added blessing. (just as an update...baby Jonny is eating on his own. And will hopefully be sent home soon!!!) We look forward to many happy and lasting memories.

Happy Birthday and Belated Birthday

Just wanted to Give a big Happy Birthday to my dear cousine Regi. (Dec 28) Also to her Darling hubby whose Birthday was Christmas day. Regi you have been a great friend and a listening ear to me. I love you. Jay you have been such and addition to this family. Love ya man!!!!Hope you both have a great Birthday.

2nd round of Christmas

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

First round of Christmas events

Well this weekend was eventful. We headed out friday nite after 9pm for Kim and Phils house in Cincy. (Because Jonathan was making other peoples Christmas merry by delievering their packages.) We got there about 11:30pm. Courtney was insistent that we opened our Christmas gifts then we enjoyed just being togather.

Here was Aunt Kims beautiful tree....complete with Miniture Crackel Barrel rocking chair ornaments. I loved the red and white lights. A very beautiful tree.

No matter how old we all get I don't think we will ever out grow the joy of opening gifts. At one point during Christmas almost all of we cousines were on the large couch. Mom looked at all of us and Said, "All of our "kids" are all grown adults now" I think it was kind of an shocking thought for mom.

Some of the kids went out and played ping pong and foose ball (sp?) out in the garage. I think Olivia was really getting into this game. Can't help but wonder who won this game Tasha or Olivia?

This year was a bit different we all spent the night, with exception of Rena and Lowell and Regi and Jason, at Kim and Phils house. It was something new that I loved and I hope we can do it agian next year. I was up till about 3:30 a.m. I think Courtney and Holly were up till about 6 am. Who knows when Brent hit the hay...all I Know is I came down stairs and he was sound asleep on the couch...and at one point I about set on him. (I forgot he was there) I hope I don't have to go into hiding after posting this picture. I just couldn't resist.

Justin And Tasha are going to be going to her grandma's for Christmas, so Jonathan and I gave them their Christmas gifts at Kim and Phils. I think Tasha liked Jonathan and I's tradition of giveing a few stocking gifts and wrapping everything. It is a tradition that Jon's family started way back when. Every item is wrapped and we get fun stuff and practical stuff like toothpaste and shampoo...and fun stuff like linen spray....notebooks and just all kind of stuff. I love this part of Christmas we go around the room and everyone opens one gift and then we go around again. Sooo----I decided to start it with my family.

Saturday morning after everyone kind of got up and around....we had a HUGE breakfast about 10:30 or so. We had so much delicious french toast made by Aunt Kim. And lots of bacon and smoky sausage. I don't remember how many pounds of meat they did...but it was gone in no time. With 17 adults and 2 kids (Philip and Olivia)....we polished off the delicious breakfast. Alot of us even enjoyed several cups of coffee with some cocunut cream creamer. (due to lack of sleep we needed our morning jolt.) I will say I am not a coffee drinker. I am a more flavor cream then actual coffee kind of drinker. Anyhow the coffee was wonderful.

Ally thought that since she prayed for all the grub that she should be the first one in line. So we gave her that honor.

We girls always lots of fun togather. As you can tell by our dress we were having a casual morning. Actually in this picture I feel rather old. When Dani is only about 4 years younger than me. But I just feel I look so old in this picture.

Regi and Jay were there Friday night but left before we got there...but they were there for breakfast Saturday morning. Regi has had a bad bout of Mono...so explains the puffy eyes. I felt really bad for her. But her husband was in rare form. Acting as goofy as ever.

Some boys just never grow up. I don't think young Phils energy ever runs out.

Rachel acting as goofy as ever at the Hilligoss family christmas. Lillianna just turned one at the beginning of the month. She loves playing the Piano. So Brandon and her pounded a way for a while. I think she really enjoyed the attention.

Sunday morning we had our kids Christmas program. I can't begin to say how proud I am of my kids. Just to see their faces at times when they get a question right....or actually understand a point I am trying to get at.

The young lady in pink is just on the brink of being a teenager. We sprung a solo on her kind of at last minute. BUt she did so well. Her name is Kaylee....And I was just so proud of her. All the kids sang beautifully...and all of them had their parts memorized and needed very little help. That is saying alot for Jr. CHurch kids. (those that are involved in that ministry would know that) At the end of the program I had on set of parents /grandparents come up to me and say how thankful that we had this for their kids and also grandkids (their young son is adopted). and How much they are learning. That is where it is so worth it...when the parents see the "seeds" beginning to develope. Are theme for the program was "happy Birthday Jesus". We ended with a beautiful song, "happy birthday Jesus". I sang it thru first then the kids joined me with a beautiful track. I think they really had fun. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!






(Ps just to those who wonder Caroline got home Sunday nite. Baby Jonathan is doing better. He ate really well last night (I am saying last nite since it is Monday morning. (I really need to go to bed.) My Jonathan said he ate well because he had a "man to man" talk with him...and told him if he would eat well then he could get that tube, that he keeps pulling out, out of his nose and be able to go home soon. Kind of ironic that he ate so well after that. Care is still haveing a high blood pressure and is in some pain due to the C-section, I believe. I got to hold him last night again. I have a funny story that I will have to share later, but I really need to go to bed.)

Welcome to Our World, little one!

I was so thrilled today I got to see Lil' Jonathan again....and I got to hold him! He is doing better. He is still not eating well. He has tried to nurse but doesn't quite have the strength to do it. So they have tried to bottle feed him and it is ok, so hence the tube in his nose....they feed the milk in thru the tube to his stomache. He is so cute. I know I am not family but this little one has already worked its way into my heart. Isn't God so good? (by the way keep praying for Caroline...when I left today her blood pressure was still up. It may have been due to she has been on her feet more today. But she is going to need prayer for healing of her body so that she can be an effective mommy.)

A little Blessing.

Well, here he is. Isn't he a doll. When I saw him this morning he was still in NICU. The nurse came by when Daddy Robbins and I were looking at the baby and gave us an update that they were going to try and feed him a bottle today. He has to get down the whole...suck..swallow..breath method. Also they are going to move him out of the icubator and into a regular Hostpital baby bed. I am hoping to see him again tonight or tomorrow. I hope to get better pics then. He is so cute and just full of expressions. I am so excited to be able to hold this little blessing. Caroline is doing well...just very tired. They are going to get her off all her IV's and be hopefully moveing her rooms tonight. She is anxious to be able to be with the baby more. As of this morning she has only held him like 3 times. She said she misses not being near him....and misses him kicking her and reminding her that he was there. Although she said she can sleep alot better. I will keep you updated on their homecoming. As of now it looks like 2 more weeks for Jonathan's homecoming.

UPDATE ON CAROLINE

Well we have a baby. She was not able to be induced but....they did an emergency c-section this morning and at 10:54 Lil' Jonathan Keith Robbins Jr. was here. Weighing in at 5 lbs 3.75 oz and 19 in long!!!! (Amazing for being about 5 or 6 weeks early) Mommy and baby are fine. Mommy is tired. Baby Jonathan's lungs are good. He is on an IV for feeding. I talked to Grandma Robbins and she said that they are going to try his first bottle tomorrow. I also just got off the phone with my husband who talked to Daddy Robbins and said that Caroline may be coming home Saturday or Sunday but the baby probably will not come home for almost 2 weeks. I am sure this is sad for Caroline so please remember her in prayer. We have so much to be thankful for with all of this that has happened so quickly. I have YET TO SEE THE BABY!!!! I have tomorrow and Friday off....so I will post Pictures tomorrow. Thank you and Keep praying and I will keep you posted.

waiting and praying

Tonight my dear friend Caroline was rushed to the hospital upon having a seizure. When I got the phone call, I was scared half to death. I was worried about my friend and her baby. Come to find out she has something like Toxima. (or something like that...the wonderful husband can not remember the medical term) Anyhow, the only way to take care of the problem is to induce labor. So in the next day or two...I will get to meet Lil' Jonathan Keith Jr.
I am so thankful to God that he protected Caroline and baby and helped Jonathan (daddy) keep a level head.
You know, I am beginning to see the faithfulness of God in such a real and different way. Monday night...I was home for a long while before Jonathan got home. I kept feeling this nagging and heavy feeling in my spirit. I finally realized that it was God and the Holy Spirit telling me to pray. I began trying to pray as I went about my house work but still felt so heavy. It was then I really knew God wanted my total attention. So I knelt down in front of my couch and poured out my heart and concerns to God. I had some things on my heart and soul....but there seemed to be something I needed to pray for that was just out of my reach of comprehension. Now I am not claiming to be the Soul Prayer Power behinde the protection of Caroline and the baby, but I am glad that God allowed me to be aware of His presense in my home so keenly Monday night. And wether or not the "mystrey prayer" was for Caroline or not I know that the prayer of His servants will not go unheard. I told someone today that " God bottles up the prayers of His saints and pours them out when they are needed to be used. " I am also glad that God showed me His presence in such a real way Monday nite...just to know that my home, as unworthy as I feel, was a dwelling place for the "Most High"
Please continue to Pray for Caroline and baby Jonathan's safe delivery, Also Daddy Jonathan needs pray. I will keep you posted. (for those that don't know her due date was Jan 26...but the doctors say the baby looks fine, but may need some help eating and making sure it can breath on its own once it is born.)

The magic, the memory, the miracle of Christmas

THE MAGIC~A winter wonderland...scent of evergreen...trees aglow with twinkling lights...bightly wrapped packages....sugar cookies with creamy colored frosting...chocolate covered cherries....summer sausage, cheese and crackers...stockings stuffed with goodies....christmas music...christmas programs....a nativity on the mantal...childrens laughter when they see their first gift of Christmas...silver bells....mistletoe...sledding down hills....Christmas movies...a roaring fire in the fireplace....Jackfrost on windows....red bows...candy canes...family being togather....love!

The Memory~waking up at grandmas....blueberry muffins...stockings at the end of the bed....reciting Luke 2 out loud togather.....singing Christmas carols...Frosty the Snowman in Grandma's font yard....playing basketball on an ice covered court....Steven....Eating Christmas lunch with a sheet as our drop cloth...."Green Stuff"....Egg nog....Whitmans Chocolates...Baby dolls...Oddessy tapes...sledding at Cool creek or Noblesville park....Lifesaver books..bundled up in our van looking at Christmas lights....a Christmas treat for Scamper...begging to open a gift early...making and decorating sugar cookies....candy cane cookies.

The Miracle~a young maid...an angel...an handsome man...a donkey...a journey...a room?...a stable...a quiet night...a babys cry...strips of cloth...a manger filled with hay...a lonely hill...some shepherds...a bright light...PEACE ON EARTH...a trip to a humble abode....a visit in the night...three special kings...and their gifts...a special child...a strange way to save the world.

I hope you enjoyed these little tidbits of Christmas. I hope that this year you invite Jesus to be a special guest in your homes for the Holidays. And as our missions director, at our church, said..."ask Jesus what he wants for His birthday." You might be suprised what you can give HIM.

Merry Christmas from my home,heart and "blog" to yours!!!! May He be your reason for the season!!!! God bless!!!!

Happy Birthday Justin!!!

Happy birthday Justin. I can't believe my little brother is 20!!!! Justin, you have always been a special brother to me. And I want you to know that I love you very much and I cherish all of our memories growing up. You and I seemed to always be the ones to team up together. You, Brandon and I were always using our imagination about something. Between Cowboys and Indians, church, school, lincoln logs, legos, cars, dumptrucks. Should I go on? Wow, the years have gone by fast and here we all are in our 20's. Crazy how time goes. I wish you the best next 20 years. May you always live for Christ...and use your talents for him. I love you, Sis

Not to leave out my middle brother Brandon. (His 23 birthday was in Oct.) Happy B-day Brand-rand! I love you and am proud of your accomplishments and believe in your dreams! May you use all your talents for the cause of Christ!!!

Thanksgiving weekend

Ahh, my Favorite time of the year. Fall!!! (and with that comes Thanksgiving!) I love getting togather with my family on Thanksgiving and just enjoying being togather and playing games, talking and eating! What could get better? (Just for future reference... I do love Christmas to just enjoy the fall WEATHER better. Although you would'nt know this year. With it being like 30 degrees.)

At the Collingsworth side no Thanksgiving meal is complete without PUMPKIN ROLL! Just ask my cousine Ally. She loves it. I do to but every fall I am sick of making them. ( This year I sold several, and I made over $40!!!)

I was just wondering, all you Bengals fans....is this allowed???? Or is it being a TRAITOR? That is ok she knows GOOD when she sees it!!!!

Mad Gab is becoming a fun game for we Lavy, Hilligoss, Baker and Thompson families.

Due to the foul weather we opted for a Ping-Pong turnament. Uncle Lowell ended as the winner.

Another tradition with Jonathan and I is we enjoy going downtown Indy the day after Thanksgiving for the biggest tree lighting. The show is usually really good. We get downtown about 4 and the pre show starts at about 6 and the TV show starts at 7. With the lighting about 7:45. It get packed....from the circle to about 2 blocks back. We are usually right up near the stage. This year Brandon went with us. We all were triple to six layers or more. Jonathan had about 6 layers on the top and about 3 layers of pants. But hey we were warm. Sandi Pattie was there this year. But over all we were dissappointed at the show. It was unusually disorganized. And Sandi Pattie only sang 2 songs and both were with other people. But the crowd was festive and the mood was jolly. So beyond freezing our rearends off...we had fun.

Today we got up and went shopping we got several things. (yes I got several things to support my scrapbooking habits.) I also got some new much need Sketcher shoes. Since my other ones were cheap and litteraly fell apart on my feet! I also got some new sheets for our bed from Macy's...I am excited to put them on. I love Crisp, clean new sheets. We also started to put up our Christmas decorations. I am sitting in the living room surrounded with bags and containers of Christmas decor and a half decorated tree. (Not to mention I need to go to bed.) But today has been a great day. This weekend has been AWSOME!!!!

I have to share a tender romantic moment in my weekend. Jonathan and I have to buy our gifts for Jonathans side of the family. See...we buy the gifts...give them to them....and they give us the money....they wrap them for Christmas and give them back to us. Weird I know...but we get what we want. So I really am beginning to like it. Well, I really wanted a new watch...since my engagment watch is kind of broke. I found one on sale at Kohls. We bought it and Jonathan was going to give it to his grandparent to give to me, but I told Jonathan I would like for that to be from him. Tonight beside our half way decorated but lit christmas tree...with the rest of the lights dimmed in our living room. He told me he needed to tell me something before we started our Christmas movie. He held me and said, "I love you Janella" Then he got down on one knee and asked me to Marry him agian. Needless to say I was in tears. (mainly because when we got the watch I had hoped when he gave it to me that He would ask me to marry him again. But I wanted it to be his idea not mine.) He just made my weekend. I LOVE YOU SWEETHEART!!!!