Parents 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

First Monday Trade Days in Canton

December 12, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 5 Comments

Last weekend, my mom and I finally got to do something together we’ve been wanting to do for a LONG time! We spent the day in Canton! First Monday Trade Days, actually!

This used to be one of my favorite places to go to, but I haven’t been in almost two years. It’s a sad confession for me to make.

First Monday Trade Days takes place every month on the weekend before the first Monday of the month and is an open air flea market with over 100 acres of shopping. You absolutely can NOT take every bit of it in in just one day, unless you rent a motorized scooter, of course. The veteran First Monday shoppers either know exactly the area they want to hit, or they spend more than one day taking it all in.

Since we had my little ones with us, (brave, I know) we just wanted to be there one day but we found a motel to stay at the night before so we could get there extra early.

The only problem is the motel was a dump. Just look for yourself.

I’ve stayed in some pretty bad places before, like when I spent the semester in Costa Rica, but I’ve never had my kids in something like this. It was interesting, to say the least.

My mom happened to have a football game she had to cover for her newspaper on Friday night, so we chose the closest motel to the football field. Yeah, that was dumb, but we survived it.

The best part of the whole night was seeing these two sleep so close together.

As nervous as I was, we totally survived shopping First Monday with three kids three and a half and under.

Aside from finding some great deals, like old windows for $6, lunch was my favorite time of the day.

The food out there is just like fair food. Almost all of it is fried, and it’s GOOD!!

We decided to be daring and eat something different. The fried green tomatoes and pickles were delish! The only thing that could have made lunch any better would have been a big ol’ funnel cake!

Langston was a great shopping buddy and got so excited every time I said, “We’re going SHOPPING!” That reaction will definitely not last long.

Somehow we were able to get them all asleep at the same time in their strollers and I’m pretty sure we were quite the sight.

I can’t tell you how many people saw me pushing the double stroller and said something along the lines of, “Are both of those babies yours?” You should have seen the look on their faces when I said, “They sure are. And that one over there, too!”

I heard “bless your heart” several times.

To be honest, my mom and I were high fiving each other at the end of the day, knowing we made it through the day with three kids who were still happy at the end of the day!

After such a successful day, we can’t wait to go back! It was great shopping time for my mom and me and having the kids there to experience it with us was just icing on the cake.

It’s an awesome place to go shopping with your girlfriends, but it can just as easily be a family event, too!

Filed Under: DFW, Parents

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

November 27, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 4 Comments

I was really looking forward to Thanksgiving this year! I think it was for a couple of reasons.

1.) I knew we were going to be with lots of people and just knowing we would be at Jeff’s mom’s house meant I would get help with the little ones! I’m sure I’m not the only mom who looked forward to the additional adults around.

2.) THE FOOD! I can’t remember the last time I got to have a HUGE meal just for me, meaning no one was asking for bites from my plate. I sound like such a glutton, but seriously, I was so excited about eating! So excited that I ate the leftovers for the next four meals after it was served on my mother-in-law’s beautiful table.

Not that this is a huge surprise since we’re in Texas, but the weather was pretty awesome and the kids and I were at the playground in short sleeves on Thanksgiving Eve. It was awesome!

This little girl celebrated her first Thanksgiving and it was a fun day for all of us. She met her uncle for the first time and was loved on by everyone who saw her.

How could you NOT love that face??!!

The big kids were with their mom for Thanksgiving so it was just our little family, which isn’t really little anymore, even without them. I can’t believe I have no pictures of the boys, but they were BUSY and constantly on the move!

The biggest part of the day, for me, started at midnight when I met up with my mom for some Black Friday shopping.

It was my first time, but we had so much fun!

It sounds crazy, but it was a really relaxing experience knowing my kids were at home sleeping and I didn’t have to worry about them while I was gone. Really, I only worry about Brantley when I’m out, but since she was asleep for the night, it was easier on my mind.

Also, I’m a night owl, and so is my mom, so were a perfect overnight shopping pair.

I wish I could show you some of the things I bought, but I was mostly shopping for the big kids and since miss Hallie, our 13 year old, found my Christmas list last year and knew all of her presents before she opened them, I’m not taking any chances this year!

I got some great deals, like this, from The Gap. All clearance items were an additional 40% off their marked price. So, it made things like this even more appealing.

That, my friends, is a steal!

I almost even bagged these up to take home.

Just kidding. They didn’t have my size.

At about 5 a.m., my mom and I were headed over to JCPenney’s to wait for their doors to open at 6, when I got a text from Jeff that Brantley was up and getting hungry. Since she hasn’t been great with a bottle, I decided to call it a night…or morning, and head home.

I had a great time with my mom and I don’t know that I’ll shop overnight next year, but I DO know I’ll be up super duper early to hit the early morning deals in the department stores next year. THEY had some great deals! Call me crazy, but it’s fun and I love having something else for my mom and me to do together.

Did YOU do some Black Friday shopping?? Where is your favorite place to Black Friday shop. Next year, I’m going to have a serious plan!

Filed Under: Parents

An Update

October 1, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek Leave a Comment

Today, I’m guest posting over at New Life Steward talking about walking the line in my role as a step-mom. It’s been one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. Head on over and check it out!

I also want to thank you, friends, for the many prayers for my step-dad. The surgery went well and although the doctor found more cancer than they were expecting, he thinks he got it all. We will know more when the pathology report comes back.

After a few days in the hospital, my dad went home yesterday and seems to be doing better than I expected. He’s practically had to learn how to swallow again, but he’s talking normally and for those who know him, that’s a relief. The man can’t live without talking.

Langston also started soccer practices last week and although he loves it, it’s definitely stressful for me to watch. I’ve learned we need to get there at least 15 minutes early for practice. He doesn’t really get things figured out until the second half of practice. I’m still just trying to get him to realize who his coach is and why he needs to listen to her.

Then there’s the playground. I have to remind him we’re there for practice and not to run for the playground.

I made this little picture to share with our Facebook friends on Saturday morning.

A few minutes later, we found out the game had been cancelled, due to rain. What a relief!

We need some more practice, to say the least.

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Today’s the last day to enter the latest giveaway! If you live in DFW, you don’t want to miss this. If you don’t life in DFW, head on over anyways. You will want to see these precious newborn pictures.

Filed Under: Blogging, Langston, Parents

What IS Our New Normal?

August 16, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 19 Comments

So how’s it been since we’ve been home?

{Sigh….)

I wish I could tell you the last eight days have been full of hugs, snuggles, and smiles.

I can’t.

The truth is, it’s been hard. Really hard. There have been lots of hugs, snuggles, and smiles, but there have also been lots of flailing fits {the boys}, fighting {the boys}, and crying {the boys and me}.

We have had a hard time adjusting, learning what our new normal is supposed to look like.

Fortunately, this child has done a lot of this.

Jeff had to go right back to work the day after Brantley was born, but we didn’t think it would be a big deal since my mom had planned to be with me the rest of the week.

No problem.

Then my mom got sick on Wednesday, the day after Brantley was born.

She had to leave the next morning because she was miserable and contagious.

That’s when my crying started. I lost count how many times I broke down feeling so overwhelmed.

On Friday, I got a sitter for the boys, thanks to my amazing neighborhood babysitting co-op. My friend, Elena, kept the boys for a few hours so I could take Brantley to the pediatrician for her newborn checkup.

Our pediatrician said she looked great and even told me I could skip the 2 week and 1 month visits, and not come back until 2 months. Woohoo!! That saves us $50 in co-pays. It made the frugal side of me so very happy!

She was hungry, not tortured, like she’s making you think.

After weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz right when she was born, she dropped to 7 lbs 14 oz two days later, but was already gaining by the time we got to the pediatrician the next day. She was back to 8 lbs. She’s a great eater, thank goodness.

Friday night, we planned to have a quiet night at home, but little did we know we would be getting NO SLEEP!! It wasn’t because of the baby, either. It was Riverson!

He woke up at 1am. Jeff brought him to our bed so he wouldn’t wake Langston up. The child did not go back to sleep until 5am. FIVE A.M.!!!!

My dad and step-mom knocked on our door at 9:30 on Saturday morning with plans to help us around the house. As you can imagine, Riverson was a hot mess and honestly, so was I.

I went to put him in his bed, which was an idea he absolutely hated.

He screamed, cried, and all I heard was, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy” over and over.

All he wanted was me, but he was exhausted and I needed him to sleep, so I walked out…

and burst in to tears.

The guilt was eating me up. What was I doing wrong? Why was he so unhappy? I felt helpless.

Thank goodness my dad and step-mom were there to talk me off of the ledge and remind me that we are ALL adjusting to this new normal.

By Sunday night, the big kids were here for their last two weeks of summer vacation. I was still an emotional mess.

When Jeff mentioned something we needed from the store, I immediately said, “I’ll go!!” He stared at me for several seconds and with a small smile on his face said, “You’re not going to have a nervous breakdown and leave us, are you?”

I said, “I might have a breakdown, but I’m not leaving.”

I actually didn’t have a nervous breakdown.

Things are better. I’m done crying. I’m getting a grip and realizing I CAN do this.

Riverson got out of the bathtub last night and after I spent the last 10 minutes of the bath getting on to him for splashing all over the bathroom, he walked in to their room and peed on the carpet. I could have cried.

But, I didn’t.

I may figure out this new normal after all.

So what’s the silver lining in all of this?

I love seeing the boys love on their new baby sister. I think they might let us keep her after all.

Filed Under: Baby, Boys, Family, Parents, Sleep

The Last Thing I…

May 24, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 7 Comments

Linking up with Jenna again from The Life of the Wife for:

The last thing I thanked my mom for:

This awesome little piece of equipment is on it’s way to me {thanks again, Mom} and I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. to play with it! I’ve been needing a new lens and this was a great deal we couldn’t pass up. This is the 60 mm f/2.8 Macro. I’m hoping to be able to take better pictures of the kids and post better pictures on this here blog of mine. My mom and I trade lenses all of the time, so it’s not TOOOOOTALLY for me.

Source: usa.canon.com via Jamie on Pinterest

The last thing I got out of the mailbox:

Klout sent me several free samples of this new yumminess to try out and give away to my friends.

Y’all, this stuff is goooood. Of course, I’m a true southern girl in the fact that I LOVE sweet tea! I’ve never really been a fan of flavored tea, but I LOVE this stuff! And, I love how easy it is to throw in to a water bottle. Each pack even came with a coupon. I love a good coupon!

If you live near me and want to try it out, let me know. I have several packets.

{Disclosure: I was given a free sample because I’m a Klout influencer. I am under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about this product or company.}

The last new beauty product I tried:

When I went in to Ulta yesterday to get gift cards for Langston’s teachers, I saw a small sample size of this Befefit mascara.

Source: sephora.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I’ve been wanting to try it out since it’s apparently “all the rage” right now, but I didn’t want to pay full price.

I LOVE IT! I’m always looking for mascara that does more thickening. This is good stuff.

The last thing I thanked my dad for:

My dad comes over about once or twice a month now just to bring me his coupon circulars. We used to meet for lunch but then I had more than one baby and it just wasn’t a whole lot of fun anymore. Meeting at my house or his is muuuuch better. As he was leaving, he happened to see the little eyesore that has been on our roof for the past couple of months. The big kids were trying to get a ball out of the tree and threw a piece of plastic from one of the boys’ toys at it. The ball came down but the plastic thing stayed on the roof. Lovely.

So, it’s been our white trash addition to the roof. I’m happy to say that yesterday, thanks to my avid golfer dad and his golf ball retriever, we are no longer the white trash neighbors.

Langston loved seeing Papa John with his super cool golf tool! Thanks Dad!

Last but not least……

The last thing I said, “Yes. This. Absolutely!” to:

This quote.

Source: Uploaded by user via Jamie on Pinterest

It really needs no explanation, but it’s definitely what I want for my life.

Happy Thursday!! We are so close to a three day weekend! Woohoo!

I’m hoping to work on our flower beds and pots, which I’m sure you noticed in the above pictures look so sad.

What are your Memorial Day plans???

Filed Under: Family, Food, House, Parents, Pinterest, Reviews

Back Away, Bunny!

April 9, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 4 Comments

We had such a great time for Easter but I am so glad it’s over.

Maybe I’m the only one, but the stress of getting everyone ready and out of the door on time about does me in. I try to have a system and a plan in place with naps, showers, getting dressed, etc., but it never seems to work out quite like I intend. Plus, I don’t think I handle that kind of stress very well.

The bad news: Adding another family member to the mix this summer is only going to make it worse. I really need to work on it.

The good news: Once everyone was ready and out of the door, we had a great time!

We had our yearly Easter tradition with my dad at Brookhaven Country Club and once again, they did not disappoint. The buffet was incredible, as usual, and we left feeling like we could roll out of there instead of walk.

This year, they added a pancake bar and I was SO thankful! The babies loaded up on some pancakes!!

Langston’s favorite food was his chocolate cupcake and believe it or not, he did get most of it in his mouth.

Last year, when we were here, there was a big bunny walking around shaking hands and hugging all of the kids. Langston HATED him and screamed at the sight of him.

I thought things might be better this year. I mean, he has no problem with Santa!

I was wrong.

Bunny's getting closer....

Hold me, Daddy!!!!

While Langston didn’t think that bunny could get away from him fast enough, Riverson was making friends!

High five!!!

So funny how different they are!!

After everyone finished eating, we made our way outside for family pictures, in spite of the pouring down rain.

The Roubineks

My dad and step-mom

My dad and me

Everyone took their turn playing in the rain and Riverson got the biggest kick out of it. He thought it was hysterical to see his daddy jumping in and out of the rain, being silly!

Looking at this picture, seeing him in the middle of his laughter, makes me giggle every. time!

The big kids took their turn in the rain and unfortunately, I didn’t think to take a picture of our pretty big girl before she took off to play. However, she’s just as pretty before or after the rain gets her and she loved getting to wear her Easter dress. Good thing we didn’t take the time to curl her hair. {Another one of those things that I just couldn’t make work out before we left home.}

We had such a great time filling our bellies and enjoying our time with family!

However, we won’t be making any visits with the big bunny anytime soon!

I hope you and your family had a blessed Easter! We sure did!

Filed Under: DFW, Family, Food, Kids, Parents

Just Another Reason I Love This State

April 6, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 4 Comments

There are a million reasons why I love Texas.

“Bluebonnets” hits near the top of my list.

I love that every Spring, we get such a beautiful picture backdrop in so many Texas fields.

Now that I have kids, it’s even more special to me.

However, taking pictures of kids in the bluebonnets is tough business. We definitely did not get the perfectly posed picture with everyone smiling at the camera, that’s for sure.

I’m starting to think those are not my favorite pictures, anyway.

Couldn’t forget baby girl.

I’m so thankful my mom loves bluebonnet pictures as much as I do, and she loves my boys almost as much as I do, too.

We made quite a hike to take these pictures because normally, this spot just doesn’t comare to any other spot I’ve seen. Last year, I was blown away at the sight of field after field full of bluebonnets.

This year, I was regretting making the 45 minute drive to The Denison Dam at Lake Texoma. The bluebonnet showing was a little disappointing. I wonder why.

Nevertheless, I will look back on these pictures and probably not remember that there could have been more flowers in the pictures, but I will look at the laughter on our faces and cherish seeing the boys with their Mimi.

My gosh, it’s great to live in Texas!

Filed Under: Baby, Boys, DFW, Family, Parents

My Celebrity Dad

March 29, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 5 Comments

Have you ever taken a second to think about characters you have watched on TV and wished they could be in your own family?

The first question in MamaKat’s Writer’s Workshop this week has us doing just that. It made me smile and I knew I needed to go with it!

1.) “I wanted Mr. Rogers be my dad so I could live in his neighborhood and he could love me just the way I am.” (inspired by Cottage by the Sea). What celebrity Dad would you have picked for yourself as a child?

Thinking about the shows I watched as a kid, there is one main father figure who stands out in my mind.

This guy.

Source: google.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Who doesn’t love The Cosby Show?? I know I watched it religiously and LOVED The Huxtables!

He might not have been the most affectionate father and he always joked about not liking the kids he had, but they had a relationship where no matter what he said, they knew he loved them.

Doesn’t every kid want a dad like that? No matter what he says, you know his love for you is always there?

He joked with them and poked fun at them.

I had that growing up, too. My step-dad was always one to joke with me and make fun of me.

I sucked my fingers for a ridiculously long time. Like, until I turned 12. Ridiculous, I know.

You wouldn’t know it now, thankyouverymuch braces.

My step-dad would always make fun of me for sucking my fingers because he didn’t know how else to make me stop. I learned to just ignore it and eventually just laugh at him.

Thankfully, I DID eventually stop. {P.S. I safety pinned a long sock to the sleeve of my tshirt at night and it worked!!}

He just found something else to pick on me about.

Good thing it was all in fun and that’s just the relationship we had/have. The funny thing is how the tables have turned. Now, I’m the one picking on him and I think he actually LOVES it. He created that side of me. ;)

The Huxtables were the epitomy of a big family and Cliff seemed to just be trying to stay afloat when he was with all of them.

Does anyone remember the episode when Claire was gone, so Cliff was home with the kids and the kids talked him in to giving them chocolate cake for breakfast??

“Dad is great! He gives us the chocolate cake!”

I can still sing it now.

Makes me think of Jeff. When I’m gone and he’s with the kids, they will probably have a meal that consists of goldfish and chips, and be so excited about it! Love that man, but at meal time, he’s definitely not thinking about nutrition.

Let’s be honest. I’m not always thinking about that either.

In a way, I was raised by a Bill Cosby and in another way, I married a Bill Cosby. Good thing I love that guy.

So tell me, have you ever thought about a TV character you would like to have as a dad?? I’d love to hear!

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Don’t miss out on the giveaway for the awesome Wifi Baby Monitor from OurBabyCamera.com.

Filed Under: Family, Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop, Parents

Grandparents

March 23, 2012 By Jamie Roubinek 6 Comments

The boys and I got to have lunch with my dad yesterday. It was great to see them both so cute and happy. It seems harder and harder to have them both cute and happy at the same time. And, of course during that time, I only had my iPhone for pictures. The quality is not so great and I had to be super fast!

My dad and I try to have lunch together fairly regularly and he’s much better about keeping up with the regularity of it than I am. While we were with him, it got me to thinking about how lucky my kids are to have their grandparents in their lives.

Not only that, but they have a LOT of them. Both mine and Jeff’s parents are remarried and that means we have 4 sets of grandparents. EIGHT grandparents for our kids! And for Hallie and Easton, they have even more! Their mom’s parents and step-dad’s parents add an extra 2 sets of grandparents. That’s a LOT!

While it can be overwhelming during the holidays to make sure we make the rounds and see everyone, we are so lucky to have so many parents in our lives who all care so much for us and want to be involved in our family.

It makes me so happy to see the love our parents have for our kids. They treat them as if they are their own and it’s been that way since the day they entered this world.

My boys get so excited anytime I mention their grandparents’ names and always talk about going to their houses. We ALL like when the babies go spend time at their grandparents’ houses. Fortunately, my mom and Jeff’s mom always want them! It’s a win-win for all of us.

My dad, Papa John, and Langston, Easter 2010

Jeff's dad, Granddad, and Langston, Summer 2011

Jeff's mom and step-dad, Meemaw and Eddie

My mom and step-dad, Mimi and Umbi, Spring 2011

My mom is usually the one behind the camera, so pictures like this are few and far between! This is my favorite picture of my mom and Riverson.

They have Umbi wrapped around their little fingers.

Jeff is beyond lucky to still have one of his grandparents living. This is Jeff’s mom’s dad, Poppy. What I wouldn’t give to have one of my grandparents take part in this season of our lives.

Poppy holding Riverson, Thanksgiving 2010

Jeff and I are so lucky to have the relationships we have with our parents. The relationships I see developing between our parents and our kids are priceless. I love that they just grow and grow with every day.

The look on Langston or Riverson’s face when they see one of their grandparents is pure joy.

Every. Single. Time.

Writing this post has only reminded me I just do NOT have enough pictures of the kids with their grandparents. It’s always some of their most happiest times!

Always.