Elder Stephen Davis Robinson---Called to Serve

We had a grand week seeing Stephen off to the Missionary Training Center.
On Sunday, Elder Robinson gave a wonderful farewell talk at Sacrament meeting, "The Four Dimensions of Discipleship--Discipline, Faith, Meekness and Learning."
So many people came to hear his talk, to name just a few: Christian from across the country/Cambridge, Grandma Joyce from Utah, Brent/Debbie/Ben/Josh/Matt/Stephanie/Scott/Chari/Jake from Arizona, friends from his Single's Ward, three returned missionaries from the Carlsbad CA mission came back from out of state, the Martin clan from Corona, friends from BYU Idaho, friends from institute, Barbie and Barbara from former work (R&R), neighbors and family from all over!
It was very impressive to see Stephen's network of valiant and faithful friends. Thanks for the wonderful support. We had a get-together at our home afterwards. President Sterling Brennan set Stephen apart. Those attending gave Elder Robinson good advice and expressed their love and appreciation of Stephen.

A beautiful cake from Paulette Tagaloa of our ward.

The Welcoming Committee for the family/friends gathering: Josh, Ryan and Ben.

Some of the many (60+) family and close friends who came to see Elder Stephen off.

"Barbecue Brent" brazes big burgers

The Martin clan from Corona. Andie looks forward to her departure later this summer for the Dallas TX Spanish speaking mission.

Two close friends: Taylor Rawlings and Stephen Robinson

Grandma Joyce helped soooo much!

Some of the Outhier/Robinson clan: Emily and Roy, Matt and Stephanie

More family and friends

Saying goodbyes...

Brotherly contemplation

Austin and Rachel share a minute on the back patio

Christian and Austin--who knows what's going on?

Stephen says goodbye to Ben and Josh

The Bike that Matt Built:
Matt turns over the keys to the custom made bike that he had built for Stephen's 6'8" frame

Stephen's Missionary Construction is complete--now its off to drive 700 miles to Bountiful, UT

After a day in the temple at SLC, taking pictures in Grandma Joyce's beautiful back yard, just before driving to the MTC

One last hug at the MTC

Saying our goodbyes: As Stephen told everyone, "See you soon in the Lord's time."

Elder Robinson next to the MTC plaque: "Where E'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part"
Our prayers go with Stephen.

Whiting Ranch Hike

We enjoyed hiking Whiting Ranch with Ryan, Stephen, Austin and Rachel.

A one-armed Stephen-hug

Along the trail

Stephen's Birthday and "First" Missionary Farewell

Stephen gave his first missionary farewell talk on 5/17/2009 at his Saddleback Young Single Adult Ward. Stephen's talk was on "Faith," and he exemplifies this subject. Stephen's bishop (David Beckstead) said several nice things about Stephen. According to Bishop Beckstead, Stephen has a reputation for giving love and service to others, for asking the bishop how he can lighten the bishop's load (and giving him a snickers bar), and for asking "Can I ask you a random question?...."
Jane took this picture of us in the lobby afterwards. We were excited to see lots of Stephen's family and friends in the audience--Lindsey and Hailey from Torrance, Jane and Eric, Eric Nolan, Jason B. from next door, etc, etc.

Last week Mom and Dad, Greg and Jillair and Nathan visited on Mother's Day evening--to help us wish Stephen a "happy birthday" one day early!

Two cakes required extra lung power.

Before the big blowout.

Ryan knows who loves him, and vice versa!

Grandma Marion admiring Robyn's patio/back yard farm.

Stephen L. and Stephen D.

Austin & Rachel BYU Graduation 4/23/2009

6000+ Graduates filing into the Marriott Center for the main ceremony.
All the yellow seats will be filled with graduating students.

Two happy Moms.

Siblings salute siblings.

Thanks to the California GP contingent for coming to celebrate.

Congratulations to Austin and Rachel--Graduates of BYU, April 23, 2009

Easter 2009

I WILL BE VALIANT IN THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
"This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ 'at all time and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,' ... for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "None Were With Him," LDS General Conference, April 2009

Extended Birthday Party

Thanks to Jillair for spearheading last week's extended birthday party. Grandma Marion made wonderful cakes as usual, and we had a last-minute visitor from Utah, Wyatt! Scott, Chari and Jake with friends were there from Arizona. Mike and Erin and Andrew came from Chicago.

Aren't March Birthdays great! We missed Ben and Josh. However, they were with us at least in spirit because Jillair had a photo with Greg & Jeff and Ben & Josh all together.

Three cakes.

Huffing and puffing to blow out all the candles.
Jakey and Scott
Andrew and Erin

Cousins getting together.

Erin puts on a "charades" type game.

Wyatt, Ryan and Nathan: do we really have to play this game Erin? Yes!

Update: Robyn's Garden

Robyn's garden is unfolding. New for 2009: Raised beds in the back yard, with drip irrigation soon to be installed. The patio tomato plants are already growing.