blessed.

bellingham. gorgeous, friendly, green and uniquely bellingham. it's a city all it's own.
a.) work --> hours --> money for bills. b.) i actually like my job. and who wouldn't? they're adorable.
dustin dean hill. inspiring, encouraging, faithful, loving and sweeter than sweet.
mom and dad. they love each other, and they have for 31 years.
these are my cousins. i love family.
double wammy. wonderful, inspiring friends like Sarita, and a fab-u-lous trip to Mexico.

See? I'm blessed.

A Perfect Afternoon

Let me paint you a picture. I would ask you to close your eyes in order to see it better, but for obvious reasons, that won't quite work.

I am currently sitting inside the Woods Coffee in downtown Bellingham, typing on my beautiful new MacBook. I'm wearing a summer dress with cute black stockings underneath, and a long sweater over top. I have a scarf on, too, and my trusty "jingle flats," as I lovingly refer to them, are on my feet. I'm drinking a warm nonfat vanilla latte that is in a for-here mug. (Much better than the to-go cups. I'm working on slowing down, remember?) Oh. And one more thing. John Mayer is singing "Gravity" in my ears and I love it. Now, right here, in this moment. I am content. Oh so very content.

Contentment seems to be this crazy, radical idea that is always just out of my reach. I love my life, and I always have. I'm happy, and I feel like I always have been. But contentment just seems to never be approachable. But awhhh let me tell you. Today, I have discovered it. I've been thinking about Paul, and how he says "I have learned to be content in every situation." I love The Message version:

"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."

Okay. How beautiful is that?! Love it.

So. Right now, I'm content. And man oh man, am I loving it.

This kind of has to do with this post, but not really.

These kids are the lights of my life.

These kids just bless my life so much. So much joy. So innocent. They add to my joy for life.

Easter

He is risen! We celebrated Easter with lots of family. It was perfect.
I led worship at church (and by the way- the sermon was amazing. I sat in both services and learned even more the second time around.) Then we finished up watching the Masters. I still can't believe that Kenny Perry didn't pull out a win, but thats okay. And then we headed over to Jay and Leslie's. I love my family. :)

Uncle Warren, Steve and Terri

Doesn't get much cuter than this!

Me, sister and Kyler!

Me and my "sweet step cousin Devin"

Brother, Katy, Clea, Devin

Hope you all enjoyed your Easter! He is risen!

Baby Kyler

Baby Kyler is finally here and he is just perfect!

Liss' due date was Easter, so he was born two days late. I think that's alright- he was the perfect size at 7 lbs 2 oz, and 20" long when he decided to come out. This morning around 2 AM, Liss' water broke and her contractions were close together and getting stronger. She arrived at the hospital around 4:00. My dad drove out to her house to get her, and then she and my mom went to the hospital. She was already 4 centimeters dilated when she arrived. She received her epidural, much to her satisfaction, soon after she was in her gown and ready to go. Lucky for her, she only pushed for a minute. Maybe two. Then out came Ky, and like I said earlier- He was perfect.

Here is my favorite family around.

Later in the afternoon, after I took Reese Makena home for a nap, we returned to the hospital. Reese wore her new "I'm a Big Sister" shirt that I bought her and looked pretty darn cute.

This movie is a-dor-able. Seriously. It's cute.
Really sorry people, but I have no idea how to flip a video. So either turn your head or turn your laptop. Please and thank you. :) Basically, life is just great. I have a perfectly sweet and charming niece, and now I have a handsome nephew as well. Thanks, Jesus for such incredible blessings.

Welcome to the World!

Kyler Cruz Robinson

April 14, 2009
8:48 AM

7 lbs, 2 oz.
20" long


Photos to Come! Stay tuned!

Keep praying for baby Kyler, a smooth transition with Reese,
and a quick recovery for Mama Alyssa.

No Place Like Home

After two quarters in the dorm, I moved out. I'm back home with my parents. I don't know if I've mentioned it, but I'm not going to Western next quarter. I will be going back in the Fall, but for now, I'm taking online classes and will be working as much as I can to continue saving up money for Europe. I head out to New York on May 11th to work out there for a week and a half or so. It will be great to see the Kleins again, I've missed them! (You can see some pictures of the kiddos in my last photography post- Isabelle and Jordan.) Anyways, currently I'm in my nice cozy bed with my little pup laying next to me. The last few days have consisted of me throwing stuff out, gathering clothes to ship off to consignment stores and Goodwill, and also nailing up pictures. Here is the final product of one corner of my room. It's my favorite bit of the room for sure.
Currently I'm listening to Brandi Carlile. If you don't know who she is... Please do yourself a favor and click here. She's just fabulous. Downpour, My Song and Turpentine are some of my favorites. Definitely give her a go. I doubt you'll regret it.