Sunday, December 20, 2009

Be Your Best sELF!!!!!

Our Annual Gibson Family Christmas Party was last weekend. Our theme was "Be your Best sELF" We had good food and good times. Everyone got something "elfy" to keep as a momento of this year's theme. Thanks to Scott for sharing his house with all of us. We were missing 2 of Brenda's family this year. Tyler was sick (thanks to his mom passing it on to him) so Troy stayed home with him. Just not the same when we are missing someone.

Allie and the elf she made (with a little help from Alyssa)

My favorite picture... Crazy Charly!

Kami Elf


Nana & Papa (aka Pat and Nolan)

Scott and his boys-


Brenda, Allie, Charly and Josh

Our crazy family
Kami and Vaughn

Matt & Miss Alyssa

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Playing catch up!

It has been a LONG time since my last post. Facebook tends to get more of my attention lately because it's quick but I really don't get to journal what is going on in my life.

My hubby's 50th birthday was last month. I really wanted to make it memorable-not just a shirt or dinner out. Not even a new softball bat. Although I know he would LOVE that, he will also just get one when he needs it (which unfortunately is more often than I would like). Anyway, after months of trying to figure out what I could do I decided to surprise him with a trip to Hawaii.

His entire family came over for dinner to celebrate the September,October, and November family birthdays-(trying to catch up on all those we missed). When he opened his present from me there was a card that talked about turning 50 and then directions to open up the box of clues to find out what his present was. There were Mr. Potato head snorkel and fins,

an underwater camera,
a book on Oahu, and finally the airline tickets.
Everyone kept saying what a good wife I was. I thought it was funny because honestly, this was the best "Homer Simpson" gift ever!!!!! Like I wasn't going to enjoy this trip as much as he would? HELLO?! Besides, our anniversary is a week after his birthday and MY birthday is a week after that so it counted for those too.

I want to thank my family that helped us be able to go on this getaway. I told them that if they needed ideas for our birthdays that they could contribute to my surprise-and so they did. It was THE BEST!!!!!

I can't believe I pulled it off and that he was actually surprised!

Anyway, the resort we stayed at was AMAZING-right on the beach. Some of the highlights were the Polynesian Cultural Center, snorkeling, Catamaran ride with breakfast and more snorkeling and SEVERAL drives to the NORTH SHORE because we just loved it there.

It was so nice to be able to get away and not have ball games to get to at certain times (since that is the only time we really ever get away). Best birthday(s)/anniversary EVER! More pictures to come

Sunday, October 11, 2009

A Good Cause...


Last year I had a good scare after a mammogram and had several months of tests and finally a biopsy to determine if I had breast cancer. My BFF also had a similar scare. It was a good eye opener and I am much more aware now. Since last year's RACE FOR THE CURE Kami and I had said we were going to do it this year.

A month or so ago- we got a reminder when my sis-in-law asked us if we wanted to walk with her in celebration of her good friend Cindy who has survived breast cancer a couple times and is currently undergoing Chemo AGAIN!!! Immediately, my goal to walk was reinforced. SIGN ME UP!

So, yesterday was the big day. Kami was up early and raring to go. We hauled our backsides downtown to join the crowds. Over 30,000 people- pretty impressive. Thanks to Kami we got lots of freebies (she's good at finding good "stuff"). We walked and walked and walked. Cindy was there with her whole family and lots of friends. There was no complaining. NONE. We took pictures of her with her friends and family but they are on Kami's camera- BUMMER!

Feels good to be a part of a good cause and to help find a cure.



We had a good time and saw some pretty funny things. It was funny how creative people got.
These girls were so cute!
And talk about a cheerleader!!! This guy was on the side of the road cheering us on and making us laugh!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Uplifted!



Yesterday I drove home in great anticipation to watch my recording of OPRAH- praying all the way that I had really set my DVR. Stephanie and Christian Nielson were going to be on the show and I was so anxious to watch.

For those of you that don't know Stephanie's story she and her husband were in a plane crash over a year ago. Long story cut VERY short- she was burned terribly and was in a drug induced coma for 3 months as she was treated for these burns. Her family stepped in and took care of her 4 young children while she and her husband healed. You can read more about it on her blog
http://http//nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Anyway, as I sat on the couch to watch her I was in awe. This woman is absolutely AMAZING! I have followed her blog for awhile now and have always felt like she was the perfect example of what motherhood should be. She takes time to enjoy the simple things and family truly comes first. She loves her husband SO much that it just oozes out of her. You can see it in their eyes as they gaze at each other and the words that she uses when she writes about him on her blog are always so respectful and tender.

I was motivated and uplifted by her and want to be a better person and appreciate the gifts that my Heavenly Father has given me and not take things for granted. I cried silent tears as I sat and watched her tell about her struggle with daily tasks. I don't feel it is an understatement that she looked beautiful on the show. Despite her scars she radiated love and beauty. Her eyes sparkled and she just glowed.

Even though they didn't bring up her religion you can see that her faith in God throughout this whole ordeal has been incredibly strong. Her family has been her greatest support. Following her blog and reading the struggles that she has had have humbled me. I doubt that I could handle the type of adversity that this woman has had to deal with. I guess our Heavenly Father knows how much we can handle. I just hope that I can continue to be mindful of all that I have been given.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

On the sandy shore...

Here are some more pics from our California Vacation. We spent a lot of time at the beach. The water was pretty cold but Kami was not about to let anybody call her a wimp so pretty soon just about everyone had at least put their feet in the ocean.
Cory looks a little cold! He was not thrilled to have his picture taken!

The cute little Love Birds---
This picture cracks me up! Look at the "duh" looks on both of their faces. This family HATES getting their pictures taken.
< Vaughn should win the prize for the best beach attire. Love that hat! The poor guy burns so easily!

Catching up...


I've decided to TRY and catch up a bit on my blog. We've been pretty busy so far this summer. I mentioned that we went to California a month ago. We went to Disneyland one of the days-it's what Kami wanted to do for her birthday (even tho we didn't get to go on her ACTUAL birthday cuz we wanted Alyssa to go) This was one of very few group shots we got on the trip-of course it was at the end of the day when everyone was hot and tired. Most everyone was smiling-it is the "Happiest place on earth" ya know!

We did have a great time and since Disneyland is having their "Year of Celebrations" we celebrated Kami and Cory's birthdays and Alyssa's graduation from ASU. They got to wear buttons all day and it was pretty funny how many people stopped them to wish them Happy Birthday although Alyssa felt a little left out cuz not so many congratulated her on her graduation. Oh well...we're proud of her!

It was great to have all the kids on vacation with us and we had a good time!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Belated Birthday Greetings!


Kami's birthday fell on Memorial Day and also while we were on California. I tried asking everyone what the main things that they wanted to do while we were on Vacation and Kami said Disneyland and the Beach (not that I was a bit surprised-those are her 2 favorite places!) We managed to fit both of those requests into our trip and had a great time! Kami always takes pictures of her in crazy hats everytime she goes to Disneyland. We even have a book of her in all of them over the years. This trip we made sure we got some pictures with Birthday hats on.


Birthday Morning we went to the Beachcomber restaraunt right on the beach for her breakfast. It's a great little place! They brought her french toast with candles in it.






.



I hope she had a great birthday! I can't believe she is 21! She's been a huge blessing in my life. Happy Birthday baby girl!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

I Miss It Already...

We spent a week in California and had a great time! Loved the weather and the beach!
The view from our room! Is that amazing or what? Will post more later...

Sunday, May 10, 2009

My Greatest Blessings...


I truly think one of my greatest accomplishments in life is being a mom. I'm certainly not a perfect mom and my children have most definitely challenged me beyond anything I could have ever imagined but I would not change it for anything! ( OK there are a FEW moments I could have lived without but that is how we learn-right?) I've always found it amazing that 3 children that were raised in the same house can be SO different! It sure has kept us on our toes but it makes life more fun!

I decided this year that now that my kids are older that Mother's Day is overrated. The cute little homemade gifts are a thing of the past and there are no missionaries serving for me to anticipate "the phone call".

Don't get me wrong- I love my kids with my entire being but I've not yet mastered how to not get my feelings hurt. I did get a "Happy Mother's Day" text from Kami who was puking and couldn't make it to our Mother's Day dinner at my Brother in Law's house. I also got a little side hug from Cory after I reminded him it was mother's day and didn't I at least get a hug.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful-it's just different than it was when they were so excited to give you their handprints on cardstock or make you breakfast in bed or read my favorite Love you forever book with them. I will tell you that they have all agreed to help paint my front room as a Mother's Day gift and that TRULY will be a wonderful gift. But ya know- it's not about the gifts- I just want to spend time with my kids and know that they love me in spite of the mistakes I've made along the way. A card with an I Love You or a letter scores big time points with me. Things that don't cost money and are done from the heart.



I do want my kids to know how much I love each one of them. Being their mom is truly an honor!

Friday, May 1, 2009

So glad it's May!

Where in the world did April go to? I must admit though I'm glad it is May for at least ONE reason. I got to change the picture on my calendar. This is what I looked at every day in April.




Kinda creepy little guy isn't he? Now I get to look at this for a month....


Much better don't you think? Happy May!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

All this Talk about Swine Flu is making me crazy

Apparently this is how it all began..
Warning- Do NOT Do This!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Double Take?

I truly haven't disappeared from the face of the earth although I'm sure it seems like it. A cute thing happened on Easter Sunday and I haven't shared it but I think about it every time I see my boys.



These pictures are of both my boys when they were 17. OK- now to the story...





While Matt was on his mission and Cory was in High School people would see Cory walking across the street to seminary and have to do a double take because he looked so much like his brother. I guess that was when he grew to be about the same size Matt was in High School- tall with long skinny legs and his hair got darker too. It didn't help that he carried a goofy teeny tiny camoflauge backpack like Matt had carried.

On Easter Sunday Allie, my youngest niece, was goofing around with Matt-putting crowns on his head and making cute faces and just teasing him like always. He kept shaking his hair around and out of the clear blue she said, "Hey! You look like Cory!" It was really funny because I hadn't heard that in a long time and for a 4 yr old to notice was cute. I think it was because Cory always flips his hair out of his eyes and Matt got the same effect when he shook his head.

Kids say the cutest things! What do you think? I never could see it but looking back they sure look a lot alike. No mistaking they are brothers anyway!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Finally!



Ok- sorry but this was too funny to not post! Finally -reality has set in and Barbie is no longer perfect. In fact-for the first time I may look better than her! Does my heart good!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Third Time's a Charm!



Well- they say that the 3rd time is a charm so let's hope in our case it's true! Kami landed herself in the hospital AGAIN! BUT- this time they found a stone in her bile duct that didn't show up on the other tests. They did and ERCP and there it was. They took it out and roughed her up during the process. It's gone now so hopefully the pain will be too! She is supposed to come home tomorrow!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

So, I'm learning to settle



I'm really looking forward to being a Grandma someday. I'm not in a big hurry or anything so don't scold me for pushing my daughter to get pregnant cuz I'm not. But...it IS the next natural stage of life for me right?

Well, I'm learning that I'm going to just have to settle for the next best thing for the time being. Here is our newest addition (actually Kami and Vaughn's) His name is CIVIC and he really is pretty dang cute don't you think? Kami got him for Vaughn for his birthday. He's a bit of a stinker and cries (actually screaming is a better word for it) louder than any dog I have ever heard! That being said- he's a keeper. And the NEXT best thing to a grandbaby.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Excuse me-did you say SENIOR?


So, the time has now come when I can officially tell my husband that he is old. He didn't have another birthday but apparently when you are 49 and 1 day old you qualify to play in the SENIOR division for softball. They have a 50 plus league. Well, last weekend we went to St. George, Utah for his first Senior tournament. I think it was really good for his ego. (OK- his ego really didn't need a boost in ANY way when it comes to softball but still...) Since he was the youngest on the team- (I think the oldest was at least 65) he was back in the outfield where he hasn't played in years. They told him, "You may be a pitcher but you won't be touching the mound- we need someone with speed in the outfield". He ran and ran and ran some more. Everytime they needed a runner (which trust me was a LOT) he was the one to run. He knocked it out of the park 9 times! Like I said- maybe a little too much for his ego- but he had a great time. I think psychologically he has always felt OLD on the other teams because they were all so much younger and now he feels like a teenager again. Anyone that knows him knows that he ACTS like one already so now he can feel young too!

I will add that it was nice to have one of the other wives say, "I don't mean to be rude but how old ARE you?" and when I told her I was 46 she told me her daughter was 41. So I guess it did MY ego a little good too!

It was great to getaway for the weekend -even if we didn't do much more than drive, eat and sit at the ballfields.

Monday, March 16, 2009

She's Home...AGAIN!

Sorry I have really been bad about updating. Things have been a little crazy! Kami got released from the hospital on Wednesday night. She's supposed to be taking it easy but it was Vaughn's birthday on Friday so she did a little more than she should have. I'm not sure when she will go back to work but for now she is at least able to sleep in her own bed. Her hubby has been GREAT this time around- poor guy! He's taking good care of her and chewing her out when she over does it! :) Apparently the key to keeping her out of the hospital is to keep her out of stressful situations. Yeah- ok! That sounds easy but do you know my daughter? HA HA! The Addison's disease is brought on by stress and then her body starts shutting down and the pancreatitis comes back- (if it ever even went away)

Thanks to everyone for their prayers!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Here We Go Again!


My daughter Kami is in the hospital again. Would someone please let her know that this is not a high class resort? She can spend a lot less and be a lot more comfortable elsewhere~
The doctors say that it looks like the early stages of pancreatitis-AGAIN! She was also diagnosed with Addison's disease during her last stay at the hospital which they believe could have contributed to the symptoms that she had with the first round of pancreatitis. You can read about Addison's disease here but basically it is when a person's body doesn't produce enough cortisol. It can cause low blood pressure, dehydration, nausea and vomiting... (sounding familiar to anyone that followed her story previously?) The nurse today told her that she couldn't believe that they didn't put a stent in her bile duct the last time she was there to help prevent the pancreatitis from coming back. Sometimes it gets SO frustrating!!!! Hopefully since they know what it is this time around it won't get so out of control.

Keep her in your prayers...