Season's Greetings

Merry Christmas To All!

I hope this letter finds you all doing well and happy! 2009 has slipped right through our fingers and within a blink of an eye will be gone. It’s been a good year filled with many blessings for the Robertson household. I hope you can say the same.

Larry continues to work on the mail route that he’s been on since before we married. He’s so thankful to have a good substitute carrier so that he can take off to hunt… and take off he has! He enjoyed a 10 day hunting trip to the Gunnison National Forest near Hotchkiss, Colorado and was partially successful. He brought home some mule deer meat, but was unable to get an Elk, much to my disappointment. He really enjoyed the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the people he sees while he’s there and of course, the hunt. Larry traveled to and from Colorado with a childhood friend – I think it’s really a neat thing that he is still friends with Tim and that they share the love of the outdoors much like they did when they were young. Larry loves to hunt on the lease close to home and got a very small 6 point, but it is meat nonetheless! I’m glad it’s not Harvey Wall-hanger!

Danton is in his 2^nd year at Henderson University in Arkadelphia, AR and is still pursuing his degree to be a high school history teacher. I have to brag a little, he’s really doing well (close to – if not a 4.0!) even with all of his duties being a resident advisor. As an R.A., he lives in a nice dorm room and is the over-seer of his floor. He shares duties with other R.A.’s watching the front door, monitoring the hall and presenting “programs” or meetings with the students. Danton was very blessed when the “powers that be” gave him permission to do a monthly Bible study as one of his programs! God has really shown His love for Danton this year – the beginning of the semester was very difficult to say the least, but with many prayers – he was given much peace and confirmation that he’s in the place God wants him to be. He continues to date the lovely Mandy (whom he graduated high school with) and it is so much fun to see their love blossom. During the summer, Danton worked with kids from the area at the local Boys and Girls Club and hopes to do that again next summer.

Hudson celebrated #14 this year and is just a man-child! He has boomed to be a 6 ft. tall young man with an amazing bass voice! God has blessed him with the ability to sight read notes- something his teacher assures me is NOT the norm for boys his age. He placed 3^rd in the Southwest Area All-Region Choir this Fall and continues to love singing and acting in school plays. He is enjoying a very successful 8^th grade and has been on the A/B honor roll and for the first time in a couple of years, will NOT be taking semester tests! YEA!!! He has a wonderful Algebra 1 teacher that has brought back his natural math abilities and we’re looking forward to him earning high school credit for that class a year early. He’s old enough to drive, but I’m leaving this to Larry – this time it’s not so easy for me to be in the passenger’s seat.

We added a new member to our pet family – Kitty the cat! She is the sweetest cat we’ve had in a long time and is so satisfied to let the boys love on her, drag her around and have fun with her. You can see, she has quite the personality! We were without our little Sugar dog for a couple of months, but with one of my friends’ help, we found her and brought her home again. HA! Rounding out the family is Hank, a registered Mountain Kerr dog- a fancy name for the dog who does nothing but what he wants to do. Hopefully, we’ll be raising puppies before too long.

I’m in my 9^th year, working as a helper in the school district’s technical department and love it. I teach 2 classes daily to 7^th and 8^th graders and have more duties that I care to mention. I got to hunt several days this season, but didn’t get a deer. Good thing I only spent money on the little license!

I stand amazed at our Lord’s mercy and grace. I hope I’ve been the messenger I’m supposed to be by telling of His love and protection! Larry and I attended too many funerals this year (But Praise the Lord many of them just went HOME!), but we also witnessed so many answered prayers. We’re reminded of God’s infinite wisdom for our lives and how compassionate He is towards our family. We’re reminded that when we are still and have an open “ear”, He speaks sometimes in the simplest ways – such as through the songs of others. It is our prayer that you allow God to direct your lives and speak to you. Please remember our family in your prayers and know that we’re thinking of all of you and wishing you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sisters

Some of you may already know that I actually have 2 older sisters. One of them I was raised with and am fully "kin" to and the other - we were not raised with her and we share a Dad. Miki is 4 years older than me and JoDet is 7 years older - and for the first time EVER, we all 3 live in the same state!!

As of October, JoDet is living in the area and I'm just as pleased as punch! Just the thought of having both of my sisters within driving distance - one of which is within 25 minutes of my house is AMAZING, but what is even more amazing his how God prepared our hearts for the transition. With us not having been raised together or even living in the same state for our 40+ years of life, it would seem a difficult thing for the 3 of us to come together...and probably would have been several years ago, but not now. I'm not sure when it happened or how it happened, but God could see that we would need to become more of a support system for each other and learn to love past our jealousy, our own desires and just love each others as sisters. JoDet comes to us so excited about the possibility of being with us and experiencing Arkansas - despite the situation surrounding her arrival.

JoDet is a very talented lady. She has a passion for cooking and is a certified Chef! WOO HOO!! She has a degree or whatever it is from a culinary school in San Fransico, CA - loves decorating and loves her 3 children and grandson Avey. Although they are in Cali - they remain supportive of their Mom and are making plans to visit. She makes some killer Mexican food, I'm told and I just can't wait to taste some of it - and some other things I know she'll be making for us. After helping her unpack boxes and BOXES of things for just her kitchen, I'm excited!! :) Welcome Home, JoDet!

Miki - ahh me Seester Miki!~ :) She's also a very talented soul and creative! She lives in South Arkansas and has since she married her husband in 1981. She loves to antique shop - and decorates her home beautifully with them! She is G0-Go (Grandmother) to 2 precious little girls, one of whom visits her house often. The other is very close by me, in Bryant and will love to visit Go-Go as she grows up I'm sure! Miki has a zany humor *gee wonder who that sounds like?* and loves life although the health card has delt with her harshly. Despite her infermities (nice way of saying diseases!) she keeps us all on our toes!

I am looking forward to some SISTER bonding time (!!!) and looking forward to making new memories of the 3 sisters together.

The Great White Hunter

Well, the great white hunter, LARRY has returned from a partially successful hunt in Colorado. He was blessed enough to harvest (a nice word for KILL) a 3X3 mule deer - not my favorite kind of meat, but meat nonetheless. He didn't get an opprotunity (that he's telling about anyway) to shoot at an elk. :( He did say that he had a wonderful time visiting with the men that went out there with him as well as making new friends and seeing some ol' buddies from the area. He mentioned several, but since I've never had the pleasure of meeting them - I can't recall their names. I do, however, remember that one of them was a preacher and that they had friends in common - it's a small world!

While Larry was away, I did manage to do a few things. Hudson and I definately enjoyed the quiet evenings and the control of the satallite and the remotes! :) We went twice to the "Mtn. Valley Mall" a.k.a. Teen Challenge of Arkansas' Vintage Mall and found several goodies. I bought 2 very nice picture frames that I will fix up to hold pictures of my handsome sons as well as a ceramic turkey and a nice jar with a rooster on it. My niece-in-law really got the ol' crafting juices flowing, but there just wasn't enough time off or money to do all I wanted to do.
"Thanks, Lori!"

My Mtn. Valley Mall finds - 2 8X10 frames, for my handsome lil' men. OK, what to do with these frames??
Paint them? Leave them??

*Notice, the boys are both in blue, and one is in the barn and the other is in the field...
Grandpa's barn, Grandpa's field! :))) *

Bought just some used wooden 5X7 frames, sprayed them w/a gloss black to give them "PUNCH" on my paneled walls. Added b/w photos of Larry's family - mainly Grandpa Earl Teal. He'd on the tractor mowing hay in our field in the 80's (middle pix) and holding 2 turkeys w/Larry's Dad Jamie who also has 2 turkeys (bottom pix.) The top picture is, we think, Grandma Vicie Teal's grandfather, W.B. Plummer, after a hunting trip.



A lot of things happened while Larry was gone - such as my oldest sister JoDet "moved" to Arkansas. The situation surrounding the move isn't the best, but I do believe that God is allowing her time with her family as well as a much needed time to do some soul searching and some self preservation...otherwise known as finding herself! I'm blessed to have her so close to me for as you see, we were not raised together and didn't have the benefit of knowing each other as sisters until later in life. God knew what was going to happen and brought us so much more together in the past year.... it's a "God" thing!!

I'll post some of Larry's Colorado pictures as well as my thrifty finds. Have a great Fall and remember...the holidays aren't that far away! Give your family and friends the gift of yourself. Find TIME to give them what they most need - YOU!

Hunting Season

Well it's that time of year again, time for Larry to don the camo clothes and all the gear and to leave the nest. It also signifies the time that I become a hunter's widow - not really, but if you are married to a hunter - you understand.

I love to hunt, don't get me wrong, but watching and "listening" to hunting programs on television year 'round and having to kick boots, camo and stinky hunting gear out of the way to get to one part of the room kind of makes this time of year - well, STINKO for me. I like to get out in November during gun season, but I'm way far from being DIE HARD hunter woman! Honestly, I'm glad Larry only likes to deer/bear/turkey hunt because I think if he took up duck hunting or whatever else there might be - SNIPE HUNTING- I think I may run away screaming!!

However, there is an UP side to all of this! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Fall and the fresh smell in the air. I love the changing leaf colors and the planning of the coming holidays. I love, from time to time, the quiet serenity that being out in God's land brings - as well as the quiet that comes from the hunter being on the prowl of his game. I like having the remote control to myself - even if it means I have to watch DVR'd shows! I like hearing the stories of hunts past that are relived when the family catches up on the day's hunt. I do miss Grandpa, though. This is the time of year he loved as well.

I should have known when I met Larry that this would be a life time passion for him and would become part of my life! We didn't get to go on a date for several weeks when the time was come for us to do so - BECAUSE it was a hunting season... so I waited, semi-patiently! (Well worth the wait I might say!) I will say that when important things came along, like Hudson's birth, that hunting took a back seat. I'll never forget that morning - Larry was planning a bow hunting excersion with Will when my water broke and I had to "pleasure" of meeting Will at the door and telling him that "Larry will NOT be going hunting today!"

Hunting for the Robertson Household is pretty much a way of life - be it good or bad. Hunting has helped me decorate my home *pictures to come!*, hunting has opened many conversations with my students who might otherwise be silent, it has provided me with many hours of conversation with God in the beauty of the Arkansas mountains and hills... hunting IS part of our lives.

I hope you all have a wonderful Fall and if you hunt, be very careful out there and REMEMBER - you have family waiting for you at home!

Ahh, Smell the Fall Air!

Just thought I'd take a few minutes to THANK each and everyone of you who have prayed for Danton over the past few weeks. He's much better now, settled in at college and actually enjoying the "job" that he has or at least he's more at peace with it. He is an R.A. *Resident Assistant* for a floor in a co-ed dorm and had a rough beginning. He wasn't sure whether or not he'd be able to survive the training, but with God's grace - the effectual, ferverent prayer of many righteous family and friends- he did. I totally and whole heartedly believe that GOD has placed him there to be a witness and a servant. I also think this is happening for many of us to be on our knees more!!

Hudson started school and so far, so good. I also began my scheduled work day... with new students and challenges. There are still some rough patches daily but I'm working through them. With God's help and chocolate - I'll survive! :) Hudson will come through unscathed I'm sure!

Hunting season is just around the corner and of course, Larry is getting that swelling of the neck!LOL He's baiting Arkansas Black Bear and of course our abundant White Tail Deer. Hopefully we'll be successful hunters this fall.

Have a wonderful day or week - more later.

FREE TO A GOOD HOME!!

I have finally overcame my obsession with Spongebob, and it lefy me with these 2 Spongebob figures. The one on the left is a Fortune teller Spongebob, ask him a question and he gives you an answer, and the oneon the right is a Talking Spongebob, squeeze him, and he talks, and his eyes bug out! If you want them, email me, and well figure out how to disperse these bad boys!

Satursay Excursion!

The mask at Romancing the stone!
We had the most fun playing with the masks!

Mandy Fell in love with these toys!

Queen of hearts and lord farquad! haha!

Albert Einstein

One of the Royals! (I thought she looked like Meryl Streep)

Teddy Rooselvelt (ROBIN WILLIAMS!!)

On Saturday, we decided to go to the Josephine Tussuad Was Museum. It was very, interesting, shall i say. Mom and Dad had gone a few years earlier, and it was the same as then...except for Obama...lol! It kinda had a old smell there. But all in all it was a very cool experience! (although i was creeped out) We also strolled the streets and went in a few shops! I had alot of fun!

Fun At Memaws!!

She wanted to go outside, but couldent open the door with a baby in her hand!!
With her baby!

Memaw makin Gracie laugh!

AnaBelle and "Sasie"

When AnaBelle comes, EVERYTHING is fun! Jed and Erin also came and brought their baby, Gracie! Shes so cute, and she keeps growing. Erin said she was 12lbs! To me that sounds like alot, but i guess its normal! AnaBelle and Gracie both are beautiful babies!

Hudson Gets his Hair cut! *finally*

Here is what i want it to look like!
Heres how long it is....(long isnt it?)

Wow, my hair has grown ALOT!! I am planning to get a short, easy to fix cut... Here are pics of how long my hair was and after, i get it cut, ill post pics of what it looks like. The pic of that guy is how iw ant my hair cut.

[[will post pics soon!]]

August - What's Up?!

Well this is certainly something new for me so those of you who blog often and "know" what you're doing - I ask for forgiveness now! ha ha

Just a little view of what's going on w/the Larry Robertson family:
Larry : still delivering mail after 25+ years. His passion would have to be hunting in Arkansas and Colorado, but fortunately for me...this mainly happens in the Fall and Winter! :) He is preparing for another hunting trip to Colorado this October with some good friends and I keep reminding him ELK MEAT is good - horns...not so good! LOL
Traci: Working at the school and getting ready for school to begin has been a summer long job - literally! The school got in over 200 computers and I am TRYING my best to get most of them placed, installed and operational before August 19th when school begins. My hobbies at home include laundry, vaccuming and cleaning up after everyone in the house! ...naw - I'm not a bit bitter - that's what I signed up for.
Danton: Preparing to go back to Henderson State University for Sophomore year. He will be a Resident Assistant (R.A.) for the year and will enjoy a private room w/bathroom. YIPPEE YAHOO PRAISE GOD for scholarships!
Hudson: Preparing for 8th grade year, more choir and lots more fun with friends and hopefully a very good and informative year.

I'm so very thankful for God's blessings and never want to miss an opportunity to let everyone know how blessed we truely are! We may not have the best and finest of things, but we are clothed - fed - and healthy and live in a beautiful state.

The only pic I have of us brothers...

Sadly, this is the only pic I have of me and Danton...Funny, isnt it?

Baby Presli!

On Friday, July 31, at 2:47 am, Presli Mariann Bassett was welcomed into the world. She weighed 7 pounds and 14 ounces and 19 inches long. She is doing well, and so is her mom and dad. Janis is recovering well. Thank you to everyone who prayed and keep them up!!