Family Archives - Roubinek Reality

Cancer: Why My Family Won’t Stay Silent {Sponsored Video} #FinishTheFight

April 28, 2013 By Jamie Roubinek 1 Comment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

Cancer.

It’s an ugly word and brings angry feelings rising up inside of me, just thinking about it. Usually, I try to deal with it by not thinking about it, and pushing it away, because just the thought of how it’s threatening my family brings tears to my eyes.

My step-dad is on his second cancer fight. The first time, I was starting my senior year of high school. I was so self absorbed as a teenager that I didn’t keep up with the daily struggles he endured. But, I do remember how sick he was and how much weight he lost in the process. It was more than hard on him, but he pushed through.

Now that I’m a grown adult with kids of my own — his grandkids — I’m more aware of how precious his life is to our family. I can’t imagine life without him, and neither can my little ones. When he’s around, I really don’t even exist in their minds. Their “Umbi” is all they can think about.

Umbi knows it, too. He loves to be with them just as much as they love to be with him. Right after he got his second diagnosis, he told us, “I don’t have a choice. I HAVE to fight this cancer. I HAVE to be there for these babies.”

I don’t want to think about our lives without him.

And that’s why I didn’t hesitate when I was asked about promoting the American Cancer Society, who will be turning 100 on May 22nd. It’s been 100 years since the massive fight against cancer began. Among several current goals, one of them is to ensure life saving cancer research gets funded.

I want to do my part to make sure that happens.

For starters, I want to speak up. I won’t be silent. Today, 2 out of 3 people survive cancer, but we can’t stop until 3 out of 3 people survive. Cancer thrives on silence and complacency. We ALL have to speak out in the fight.

Currently, the American Cancer Society is undertaking a historic research study called Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), which will help to understand how to prevent cancer and save lives. The goal is to enroll 300,000 from various ethnic backgrounds from all across the US by the end of this year.

They’re also working to make sure everyone has access to quality healthcare, life saving screenings, clean air, and more. That’s something I can stand behind.

I want to share more birthdays with Umbi — his birthdays and my babies’ birthdays. It’s time to finish the fight.

This post is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Filed Under: Family, Parents, Spreading the Word Tagged With: #FinishTheFight, American Cancer Society

Easter 2013: Easter Bunny is Terrifying, STILL

April 1, 2013 By Jamie Roubinek 2 Comments

I guess from a tiny 3 year old’s perspective, the Easter Bunny is like looking at a giant animal with big eyes, large ears, and a huge teeth. I think in their minds, or at least Lanston’s, that giant animal should be behind a fence or in a cage.

Maybe that’s why I had to literally climb in to the back of the car to DRAG him out of his car seat when we got to Brookhaven Country Club for our Easter lunch. He remembered that place from last year, I’m sure, and probably remembered how terrifying it was when the Easter Bunny tried to give him a high five at lunch.

I had really hoped we were past this phase, but I guess not.

He got a first glimpse of him as we were walking up and immediately started sobbing. He stopped in his tracks and clung to me like never before.

Of course, I had to pick him up if I wanted to make any progress whatsoever, in to the building. I was suddenly regretting wearing my pretty high heels. I’m sure you can imagine what I looked like carrying a preschooler on my chest and lugging my 7 month old in her car seat, all while still trying to look pretty in my red high heels. It makes me laugh just thinking about what others saw. {You may be wondering why Jeff wasn’t helping me. I sent him in with Riverson as soon as we parked. Brantley needed a diaper change and because Langston was refusing to go in, I told Jeff to just leave him with me.}

There was really only one melt down during lunch and that was when the Easter Bunny decided to make the rounds waving at all the kids at each table. I’ve never wanted to yell, “PLEASE GO SOMEWHERE ELSE,” so badly in my life. Langston was literally clawing at me as the bunny walked closer.

After 15 minutes of calming him down, he finally got back to his chair and decided to eat his dinner. What a whip!

I have to say, he totally made up for that whole fiasco when he said he wanted to take his picture with his little sister and then it turned out like this…

As chaotic as it is to have a nice sit down meal with three little ones under 4, they actually did pretty well and we all made it through it with smiles on our faces.

My step-sister Kendra, step-mom Vicki, and Dad, with our little family.

The big kids were with their mom this year so I was just the five of us.

My dad

Kendra, Vicki, and my dad

The boys were both so excited to get their Easter baskets!

Riverson actually cried most of the ride home because he couldn’t hold it. That’s really just code for crying because he couldn’t sit in his seat and eat all of the candy on the way home.

And, now I’m busy thinking of new hiding places for all of the candy, since I’m tired of finding little candy wrappers in certain hiding spots. I can’t believe how sneaky they are, ALREADY!

All in all, we had a wonderful Easter and we hope you did, too! Thank goodness we don’t have to think about that scary Easter bunny for a whole year!

Filed Under: Family, Holidays

Dallas Arboretum

March 29, 2013 By Jamie Roubinek 5 Comments

Do you need beautiful pictures of your kids or family? I think the Dallas Arboretum might make for the prettiest backdrop in Dallas. Seriously, it’s just gorgeous there, right now, with all of the different flowers everywhere. The tulips seem to be what really stick in my mind and they are everywhere, in many, beautiful colors!

My niece, Allie, came to visit us for a few days, all the way from Oregon. This niece is extra special to me because she’s my birthday buddy. I actually became an aunt when she was born on my 12th birthday. Because she lives so far away, she’s never met her baby cousins, so it was high time she paid us a little visit.

We turned our little trip to the Dallas Arboretum in to a photo shoot for all of us. I’ve posted about this beautiful place before, on the blog, but it’s been a while. Check out these pictures of the fall decor at The Arboretum. It’s gorgeous with all of the fun pumpkins!

Because I’m always the one behind the camera, I’m extra thankful for these pictures Allie took of me and my little ones.

That’s White Rock Lake in the background. Such a beautiful setting!

Since we went straight from school at 2:00 to the Arboretum, it was pretty empty, with very few people there. That’s the way I like it! I had no problem letting the boys run on their own and the stroller was really just there for when they got tired of walking.

It was great to let them run free and play.

He was obsessed with every body of water he could put his hands in!

Now that the weather’s getting so nice, I hope to make some more trips to Dallas Arboretum! The boys loved it and I liked being in the middle of such pretty flowers.

If you’re looking for a great place to take your kids’ pictures in Dallas, you can’t beat it at Dallas Arboretum!

So thankful for these last few days with Allie. The little ones loved having her around and it was fun for me to catch up on her busy college life!

Filed Under: Boys, DFW, Family

Changes and Updates

January 18, 2013 By Jamie Roubinek 2 Comments

You probably saw my post yesterday about Brantley’s food allergies we’ve just recently discovered. Fortunately, I’ve been making a really good effort on cutting out wheat and dairy for a while now, but until this week when we got the results, it was just a guessing game.

I think the hardest part about the dairy for me was the cream in my coffee. That was soooo hard to cut out. I finally switched over to using a splash of coconut almond milk blend in my coffee. It’s not GREAT, but I can get used to it. This girl NEEDS some coffee in the mornings.

The positive to all of this is how great our dinners have been for the past few weeks. I’ve been making a conscious effort to have fresh foods and using some good substitutes for things I can’t eat. I think I might actually be losing some weight, too. Who can complain about that?

My favorite new discovery has been quinoa. I can’t believe it’s been this long for me to jump on that train. I could truly eat it every day and I LOVE it!

Another new snack I tried this week was kale. I made kale chips.

Honestly, they look disgusting. Surprisingly, they’re pretty good!

It’s just nice to have some good, fresh food to snack on during the day. It’s actually been fun to try new things and I’ve realized olive oil is my new best friend when it comes to cooking.

Riverson

I talked to Riverson’s teacher when I picked him up on Tuesday and asked her if he talked constantly while he was at school. I know we’re supposed to be thankful, and we are, but this two year old talks ALL. DAY. LONG at home. He asks constant questions and when you answer him, he responds with exactly what you said in question form. It’s funny, but man, it wears me out sometimes.

Riverson: What doin’, Mommy?

Me: I’m making breakfast.

Riverson: Oh, you makin’ breakfast?

This usually just leads to another question.

His teacher told me he definitely does talk all day long and she loves it. {Thank goodness!}

There’s actually a little girl in his class with a hearing aid. She has speech problems and the rest of her family is deaf. A speech teacher comes to work with her on the same days Riverson is at school. The speech teacher commented on Riverson’s speech and vocabulary mentioning how great he is for that little girl to be around. I LOVED hearing that. If he’s helping someone like that then he can talk all day long. It makes my heart happy.

When we got home, I found this in his bag. I can never complain about this report.

It made this sports loving mamma pretty happy, even after he had his way with the markers yesterday.

Never a dull moment, I tell ya.

Other Blog News

I recently accepted a fun gig over at Simply Being Mommy as the new baby contributor. Right now, we’re reviewing a new stroller and car seat and I’m looking forward to all of the fun things we’ll get to play with as we review and blog about them. You can check out her blog and follow along on Facebook.

Speaking of Facebook, I’m really trying to grow the Roubinek Reality Facebook page and I’d love for you to join me over there.

One last thing.

Today, I’m guest posting over at Texas Love Birds with a little bit about how our family came about. Hop on over and give it a read. You’ll like Carly’s blog. Promise.

We’re heading out of town for the weekend for some much needed relaxation and family fun! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Filed Under: Family, Food

Christmas Traditions

December 7, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 5 Comments

For our family, I’ve tried out several Christmas traditions each year. This year, I feel like such a slacker, but I just don’t have time this year to devote to everything I would normally do.

I’m trying, though.

Our Tree

Our tree has been up for a couple of weeks, but truthfully, there was a moment when I felt so overwhelmed with the whole idea of decorating it, I almost scratched it. Then I remembered how disappointed Hallie and Easton would be. Good thing I changed my mind, because I really love it. {I’ll have a pic for you soon.}

Every year when we are decorating, one of the kids gets to put the star on top. They look forward to it every year and definitely keep track of who did it last year, especially if they weren’t the one.

I also like to have ornaments the kids can remember is all about them, and not just something I picked out because it looks pretty. I like for the tree to be about memories.

Yesterday, I took all of the kids to Hobby Lobby. I regretted it when it was time to leave and Riverson threw a massive fit, forcing me to carry a screaming two year old out of there. It was fun, for sure!

However, before that, the kids picked out their favorite ornaments for the tree.

This is what we came home with.

Yes, we forgot Brantley. Kind of. I actually didn’t like the Baby’s First Christmas ornaments they had. I’ll find one for her somewhere else.

The kids each got to hang their ornament on the tree.

Langston has gone back to the Christmas tree many times since he rested his soccer ball on the branch. Every time, he gets so excited and insists on sharing his ornament with anyone who will listen to him. The latest conversation went something like this:

Mommy, look at my soccer.

It’s for my team.

I kick it in the goal and you say, “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”

I like soccer.

Santa

I get so excited every year when it’s time to see Santa.

This was our picture last year and I think it’s hysterical. They weren’t scared of him, but they had no interest in staying on his lap. There’s more pics from our trip to visit Santa last year.

We’re planning to visit him next week, but I’m honestly terrified.

While in Hobby Lobby today, I showed Riverson a picture of Santa and told him he was going to sit on his lap and take a picture. The first thing he said was, “NOOOO!”

Oh great, this will be fun.

Add that to the fact that I have THREE small children this year and he only has TWO arms and knees.

This could be a TOTAL disaster!! But I’m still super excited about it.

Elf on the Shelf

I have to be totally honest about this little guy.

He stresses me out.

It’s just one more thing for me to remember to do and I’m not good at it.

A friend of mine said she got a calendar and planned out all of her elf ideas ahead of time so it made it really easy. I really wish I was a better plan aheader.

Our elf hasn’t moved since he came out a couple of weeks ago.

He and Jeff’s most prized possession have become great friends this year.

This is my Christmas tradition fail.

Oh well. I can’t do it all and I’m okay with that. I’m living vicariously through my friends who DO have animated elves.

Christmas Eve

Probably my most favorite Christmas tradition is on Christmas Eve when we go to the Christmas Eve service at church. The sanctuary is beautiful and it gives us a chance to focus on the real reason for the season.

It’s ok if Riverson’s scared of Santa. I know he loves Jesus.

So tell me! What’s YOUR favorite Christmas tradition???

Filed Under: Christmas, Family

Weekend Recap

November 19, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 1 Comment

We had the big kids this weekend and that usually means it’s a super busy weekend for us, but we love getting to spend time as a big family. The boys LOVE it when they are with their big brother and big sister.

Jeff asked me to snap this picture with all three of his boys cuddled up together. As busy as these boys are, these moments are few and far between. However, since Langston fractured his collarbone, he’s been extra cuddly.

Although, he’s extra cuddly, he hasn’t had much interest in going to sleep and I think it’s mainly because a) he’s three and likes to fight us about naps and b) he’s having a hard time getting comfortable enough to get to sleep.

Right before this picture, he told me he didn’t need a nap and said, “Look Mommy! I’m awake!” I guess he ate those words.

On Saturday, we got to Langston’s last soccer game as late as we could, on purpose. We knew it was going to be super hard having him watch all of his friends play soccer and then tell him he couldn’t play. He was pretty unhappy about it all, and since the game was right around nap time, it wasn’t a recipe for a sweet kid, that’s for sure!

Our team was getting trophies today and we had all planned to take pictures after the game. Langston loved having everyone cheer for him as his name was called to get his trophy! He was so proud!

That afternoon, my mom came to pick up the boys. The trophy was the first thing he wanted to show her and decided it even needed to go in the bag with him. He got to her house and carried it around everywhere he went for the first hour.

Even Riverson would look at it and say, “Wow!!” So fun to see them appreciate a trophy like that, when I thought for sure he’d be too young.

I hope this is just the first of many trophies we collect!

Saturday night, Jeff and I were able to call in a last minute babysitter from our neighborhood, for Brantley, so we could make a surprise birthday party for one of our neighborhood friends.

It was so fun to get away with just this guy! Almost eight years and three babies later, and we can still have fun together! LOVE that!

Miss Brantley is still the easiest baby ever and I just adore playing with her. One of my favorite things to do with her is bath time. She loves her bath and smiles the whole time.

Now that the weather is starting to get colder, I worry about her long hair staying wet after her bath. I’ve decided to start blow drying it to help it dry faster.

She LOVES it! She’s quiet and relaxed the whole time that warm air blows across her hair. It sounds like an awesome experience and I think she’d agree, but this is what her hair had to say about it all.

Crazy hair day, I guess.

She’s still cute, even when her hair is sticking up in every direction!

Filed Under: Baby, Boys, Brantley, Family, Kids

Ford Warriors In Pink

October 19, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek Leave a Comment

As I get older, the years pass by so much faster. Since children came in to my life, and I’m watching them grow, the years seem to pass by even faster. Something else happens along the way. Life becomes more precious with each passing year and with each child added to our family.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I am so excited to see Ford raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.

My step-mom fought cancer twice in her life and when she found out cancer came back for the second time, she opted for a double mastectomy. That’s courage.

My step-sister fought breast cancer in front of her small children. She’s one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met and still was even after she lost her hair. She battled through the sickness brought on by treatment while her children watched. She chose to fight. That’s courage.

Both my step-mom and step-sister, both cancer free now, are true warriors in pink. They fought, courageously, and I looked on, admiringly. They are true models of courage.

It’s our job to bring about awareness and do our part to help find a cure.

For that reason, I’m excited to share more about the Ford Warriors in Pink program, which is designed to recognize the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer from prevention, to research, to support during treatment.

Ford Warriors in Pink honors the breast cancer fighters and survivors by releasing their first-ever documentary with the hopes of inspiring all those touched by this horrendous disease. The documentary, “Bang The Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer,” features nine women and two men, their Models of Courage who are the face of breast cancer survival.

These eleven people share their personal stories of diagnosis, treatment, and relying on local support systems, in an effort to show others there is life after cancer.

Check out the film below.

You can’t watch it without wondering how you can do your part, I promise.

Ford is giving you an option to do your part by adding to your closet at fordcares.com! Who doesn’t love that idea?!

My favorite item from the Warriors in Pink line is The Sister Hoodie for $45.

The best part about this purchase?

100% of the net proceeds go directly to support breast cancer awareness all year long!

I feel small in the midst of such a large disease that affects so much of our population, but with options like this, I would hope more of us are able to contribute.

I’m thankful breast cancer is something I have never had to personally experience but there’s no way to know whether I will have to in my future. Until then, I’ll hope and pray that one day we can find a cure.

This October, Ford Warriors in Pink® has launched its first ever produced documentary, “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer.” The film honors 11 men and women breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle with its “Models of Courage” program. 2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support for the breast cancer cause. In that time, Ford has dedicated more than $115 million to the breast cancer cause.

You too can get involved in this tremendously worthy program! When you buy Ford Warriors in Pink apparel at fordcares.com, 100 percent of the net proceeds go directly to support breast cancer awareness all year long.

To keep connected, be sure to check out Ford Warriors in Pink on Facebook and follow @WarriorsinPink on Twitter.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ford Warriors in Pink. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Family

Family Pictures

October 11, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 8 Comments

We took our yearly family pictures just this past weekend with our personal photographer, my mamma.

I couldn’t wait to try out a new (to me) location I had seen before. It was an old gas station in a small town, north of Dallas. It’s set right off of a small farm to market road and has two old gas pumps that were just perfect!

It also happens to be just a few miles away from my parents’ house. Very convenient for our photographer.

Normally, in the days leading up to our yearly pictures, I’m a nervous wreck.

For some reason, I wasn’t this time.

I knew with a newborn and two toddlers, there was very little I could control.

This was my motto:

Expect the worst, but hope for the best.

I think that gave me the freedom to relax and not get upset over the little things. Not only did I not get upset, but I laughed when things didn’t go quite how we planned.

In the end, I think we got some pretty awesome shots.

Breaks were taken to play with the wildlife

And of course there are some outtakes.

Yes, that’s a rowboat and a tire on the roof! Ha! Love it!

He was not interested in sitting in her lap for a picture.

It was definitely a little exhausting trying to keep a smile on everyone’s face, but overall, the little boys did great!

Brantley didn’t cry and the big kids stayed in good moods.

Although my mom and I have picked out a dozen things we would like to change about each picture, these are pictures I can look back at and be proud of.

After all, these are the first photos we have as a family of seven.

Yes, I know. I still can’t believe I said “seven,” too!

Want to see last year’s pictures? (2011)

And here’s our family when Langston was just 6 months old. (2009)

Filed Under: Family, Photography

Needing Prayers

September 25, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 6 Comments

When I was 6, I met a man for the first time and called him “Mr. Bill.”

He was taking my mom out for a date and I’ll never forget seeing him on our front porch for the first time.

I have no idea why that memory sticks in my mind so vividly but it was the first time I ever saw him.

He was fun.

He was silly.

We were silly together.

I loved him immediately.

He married my mom when I was 9, after I proposed to him. Yes, I asked him to marry my mom at a restaurant in Midland with his entire family.

He became a part of my family soon after.

Sweet perm and sports watch. Ha!

He became my step-dad, but really he was more than that. He was another dad in my life.

It was just the beginning of the countless stories from my life that involve him.

In 1998, the summer before my senior year in high school, he began a year long battle with skin cancer. It was awful to watch him battle through, but he came out on top.

In 2007, he and my father gave me away. I became a step-mom and I realized he gave me the best example I could have ever asked for in how to be the best step-parent I could be.

The best chapter in this book began when I got to see him as “Umbi.”

My kids, like so many others, think the world of him, and the feeling is mutual.

Last month, we found out cancer came back for him, although this time cancer was found on his tonsils. My mom wrote more about it on her blog.

Tomorrow, he will be heading to Baylor in Dallas to have his tonsils removed, along with some of the muscles surrounding the area.

Tonight, I took my little ones to have dinner with him and to squeeze his neck before his surgery.

Following his surgery, he will be in the hospital for a few days and I’m asking for your prayers.

I’m praying for his surgeon to remove all of the cancer.

I’m praying for Umbi and a speedy recovery.

I’m already looking forward to the next time we get to hug him, cancer free!

Will you join me in praying?

Filed Under: Family

We’re Always a Busy Crew

September 10, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 4 Comments

On Fridays, after school, I like to take our big kids for a fun snack. The little guys never disagree, either. Wonder why that is?

A little Yumilicious makes everyone happy!!

Our big event on Saturday was at a go-kart track. We were celebrating my nephew’s 11th birthday and our big kids were in heaven. They all LOVED IT!!

Langston and Riverson stayed home with Daddy. They would have loved being there, but I would have wanted to rip my hair out having to chase them around everywhere.

Liam, the birthday boy

It wasn’t really Brantley’s “thing” but she sure was a good sport!

Peeking in on her under the blanket

To be honest, it wasn’t really Hallie’s thing, either, but she loved it too! She may look tough with this helmet on but you wouldn’t know she had me curl her hair before we left! Ha!

Easton

My Brother, Trey

We all had a great time hanging out around the go-kart track!

Sunday afternoon, we kicked off Easton’s fall baseball season with a game. The weather was amazing, so I was happy to take all 3 of our little people to watch. The boys have a blast since they are free to run around as they please.

I love that Easton enjoys playing catcher so much. It was my favorite position to play when I was his age, too!

Along with all of the fun things starting for the kids, there’s somthing starting up for me, too!

MOPS!!

This morning was my first meeting and I loved it!! It was great to meet the girls in my discussion group and hear our pastor speak about parenting. It’s tough getting all three of our little people out of the door on time, but it’s so worth it when I get there!

We got to make these fun cups for our craft and they gave me this precious burp cloth as a baby gift for Brantley! I’m blessed to meet with this great group of women twice a month.

And tomorrow, while the boys are in school, Brantley and I will be doing lots of this! I know she won’t always want to do this with me so I’m going to soak it up while I can!