The Gibbons Gazette

My Weeks don't get any easier...

2011-09-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

Go Orange Door Hinge? The only name they could come up with....

The Whole team - They played awesome and had a great time!

Look Alissa and Jocey can get along!

Zoey and her date Jimmy!

Sideways Jocey and her date Braedon

Jocey and Braedon's cool Ride for the night

Zoey and Jimmy's cool ride for the night (This one was great and funny at the same time)

Zoey posing with her awesome Rocket for the evening ! They planned a unique way to go to Homecoming, needless to say she wore a stretchy dress with polka dot spankies for the full effect!

We know that September in this house is always nuts, especially when you have 4 teenagers. Needless to say it is all worth it!

Sept 4th All three girls get the Patriarchal Blessings: 2 hours of complete emotion - AWESOME!
Sept 5th Labor Day! Family Party and Alissa back to School
Sept 6th Football, Dance Powder Puff, Jocey Drivers Test
Sept 7th Hunter Birthday #12, Faculty Meeting, Powder Puff, Football, Parking Lot Duty, Court Of Honor, Chase Moves to Idaho (sad)
Sept 8th Chris #40? something, 9th Anniversary of Mom passing, Sub morning middle school before shift, powder puff, burning of the wolf, Football, A fast dinner with Husband
Sept 9th Early In & Early Out, at NSA, Hunter B-day Party (1st one in 5 years), PU Alissa BYU (2 hours in traffic), Homecoming Football Game, Stone at Party, Hunter Sleepover, Zoey Perform, Alissa Rascal Flatts Concert.
Sept 10th Football, Football, Football! Stone win, BYU Loss, Utah Loss, Grocery Shop (Fun pedicure with Alissa) Get girls off to Homecoming Dance, Jocey's first formal date!
Sept 11th 10 year Anniversary of 9/11, Boys put flags up at 6 am in yards, Hunter gets the priesthood, Alice gets YW medallion (finally graduated from Young Womens - - -HeHe) 2 mission farewells, Dinner with In-laws, Alissa back to School, Teenagers flood the Gibbons home - yet again!

Not including Chris and I each work full time, Drive Midgets to and from everywhere, Zoey was busy all week getting ready for Homecoming, being on SBO, and teaching Dance - We burned the candle at both ends this week - But we all made it out alive!!!

Wow and it starts all over again on Monday!!!!

Jocelyn 16 and loving it, or is she?

2011-09-06T21:19:00.002-07:00

My Baby Beans at LDS NICU

Jocey's Blessing Day (3 months old)

Jocey on Trek - Her life changing experience - she didn't even want to come home!

Ok, so I missed posting Jocelyn's 16th birthday - No we did not miss her birthday, far from it! She had the Shin-dig of the century - Well at least one that will be talked about for sometime! The Reason, well the soda pop and potato chip party that got broken up by the COPS!!! Quite the funny story - Have to post more later, Facebook friends have already read about it. So, as of August 6th she turned 16 and Today September 6th - she passed her driver's Test! Does she have her license? NO! She is hoping soon - Well that definitely depends on if Nasty Jocey is living here or Nice Jocey - I guess the future will tell all!

On-the-other hand - She has definitely defied the odds of being a 6 week preemie and my smallest and sickest baby. She is taller than Zoey & Alissa and gets told all the time that she looks like the oldest! (She loves it, they hate it)

Jocey is her Mother's daughter, personality, Looks, Temperment & Oh yes, Stubborness!!! Life is never boring with Jocey around. Jocey loves acting, singing, dancing, oh and BOYS! She has more guy friends than female friends - Sounds like her MOM - She basically has said she would rather hangout with 5 guys than 5 girls because there is no DRAMA. Needless to say, Our house this summer was filled with so many different male friends that I had to constantly ask the boys if I had met them already....

Happy Late Birthday Jocey Bossy!!!

My awesome Nephews!!!!!

2011-08-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, if I said I was proud of my nephews it would be an understatement!! On August 9th Taylor Sanders jumped on a plane to South Africa for the next 24 months. On August 10th Drew Sanders was dropped off at the Provo MTC for 3 weeks and then off to Montana for 23 months and my Chase moved in with us for 1 month until he heads up to BYU Idaho! Wow I missed a lot of their years growing up - but I sure do love them like they are my own! What a tribute to a great MOM who kept them on the right path - I love you Beth you are my HERO - Now and Always!

Wisdom Teeth (Only 3 though)

2011-08-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ok Our first teenager had their wisdom teeth putlled, luckily she only had 3 - however Alissa has had a rough year and we have found out she really does not do well on strong pain killers - It only took a week, but she got back to her pretty self!

The Snail Hunt!

2011-08-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

OK so while we went on Trek my awesome and amazing Sister & Brother in Law watched my boys, so in return we took there boys the following week while they went to the dusty plains of Wyoming. Garrett, 13, basically watched TV/ Movies and played Video games - That boy does not like to go outside.... Nate, 5, On the other hand is ready for an adventure - Reminds of Hunter! Well we had rain showers, or should I say when didn't we have rain showers, so the Snail population was ginormous!!!!! Nate was in heaven, so I gave him a plastic cup and he filled that bugger to the top. Then we released them behind the back shed to find new homes. It was fun to watch and fun to have a small one around again!!! Thanks Nate for entertaining your Auntie

TREK!!!!!.....?????.....!!!!! Wyoming, Martin's Cove, Rock Creek Hollow

2011-08-01T13:28:00.001-07:00

Alice, Jocey, Alissa, Chris & Zoey

Meagan, Brandon, McKay & Jocey

Jocey's family on the last day...

Alissa's family on the 2nd day!

Zoey's Family last day

Golden Meadows 1st ward with the head haunco - Pres Juassi & Wife

Well can't say enough about Trek - but here are few tidbits;
Hot, Windy, Dirty, Busy, Blisters, IVs, Heat Stroke, Wyoming, Great Food, Harry Potter Tent, Cold nights, Water - Water - Water - Mud, Mosquitoes, Porta-potties, Wipes, Chap stick, bug spray, sunscreen, Lost retainers, teaching moments, priesthood blessings, agro wards behind us, Built friendships, awesome support, biggest youth in stake, amazing testimonies, spiritual beyond belief, Windy (oh yeah already said that) Dirt in our teeth and noses, scrubs, chaffing, moleskin, gold bond, trail mix, hard candy, sage brush, Bathroom tarp, 2 more miles, Sweet water grass!, Nicknames, Family names, Ma's & Pa's, Tent guys!, Aleve, bandannas & last but not least -
Golden Meadows 1st Ward Rocks!!!
I could go on and on about the experiences and the spirit you feel when you attend the Pioneer Trek - but I would fill a book - I just know that the feelings you get, and you are able to be a part of, are life changing. We were lucky to have all three girls plus Chris and I on the trail. What an AWESOME experience, was sure glad to come home though.....

Missed Birthday post! Not a missed birthday though...

2011-08-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Zoey is 17 (As of May 30, 2011) - And boy oh boy does she keep herself busy!!! She is I have to say "My Favorite" don't tell the others. She always tells me she loves me, gives me kisses and always tells me how thankful she is for everything. That little fart has turned into to a beautiful little lady. Yes I mean little, she is 5 ft and petite and dances to her hearts content. She has by far the smallest feet out of all us Gibbons Girls and the best hair! It does stink, but she never does. She just finished her 2nd year on the Riverton High School Dance Company and his heading into her Senior year as the SBO over Student Recognition at Riverton and the Dance Company President. She has been taking Dance classes over the summer with 2 different studios, who just love having her, and teaching dance camps with Tiffany Dance Co, to earn money. She runs errands for me with out fail, and spends all her extra time with her girl buds and her boyfriend. ( I know - he's pretty Ok - he can brown nose with the best of them!!!) She became a Ma this year - no not really but figuratively - on the Pioneer Trek and she loved it!! She loved her family and they loved her, even though most of them were bigger than her - well except Paige - but that's ok - Paige is already like family.

Happy Happy Birthday Zoey Bear!!! Sorry it took so long to post!

Summer Time!

2011-07-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Summer time, Baseball, laying out, playing at the park and well getting a new hair color!

Cory, Dallin & Hunter Rugby 2011

Herriman 12U Lions

Summer is my most favorite time of year !!!
I will never complain about how hot it is, cause I know the second I do, then Old Man Winter will come back -0 and boy do I hate that guy!!!
I love going swimming most of all, watching sports, sitting by a pool - oh yeah I already said that one, getting rid of my baseball tan lines, enjoying time off with my kids, organizing my house, and sitting by the pool... Seeing as I don't live near a beach - The pool will have to do!
Summer is flying right by us without a the slightest bit of warning!
We began our summer break with Zoey's staples in her head, oh yeah I will post those pics (for anyone with a strong stomach)
Then the boys finished school and Baseball was still going, as well as a new found sport int he Gibbons household - "RUGBY"

Hunter decided to try Rugby out this year and is having a great time. He does however take after his older brother and Dad and being one of the more slender players - but he can run! In his 2nd week playing he scored a "TRY (touchdown). Best thing about Rugby he plays 2 games each Saturday, each game being only 30 minutes long - IT'S AWESOME! WE are all learning new terms, like; TRY, RUCK, SCRUM - Hunter really enjoys doing a sport that no one else in the family has ever played before.

Zoey headed off to yet another Leadership Camp in Logan in June. They were unofficial Aggies for three days. She can't tell me enough how leadership camp is the best. They had a dance off - and the 2 finalists were Zoey and Kenny both from Riverton High School - No shocker there - Zoey can definitely tear it up on the dance floor.She is teaching summer dance workshops with TDC and taking technique classes with CVAC and Elite this summer - She loves it and well she must, she pays for all of it on her own - She does amaze me! She has just started having SBO meeting and planning 2011-2012 and being DCO president next year she is trying to coordinate all her comings and goings - especially sharing a car with her sisters.

Alissa has been working non-stop at Mulligans Golf to earn money for BYU - She is a trooper - With Chris being unemployed for 9 months and now underemployed, she has had to take on a lot of responsibility - Yet she does without complaint! She attends a new mission farewell every week, can't believe all her friends are leaving for 2 years, they are great examples to each other. She dates non-stop, when she isn't working and well let's just say she never cleans her room, and when she is home she is sleeping in her messy room....Wow- Can I have that life, please????

Jocelyn just finished her last Road Drive and is ready to take her driving test - However she still has 3 weeks before she is 16 and 1 month more after that til she can actually have her license. That is if she doesn't get grounded this week or take her mom's phone. ( Yeah I know she complains she is still the only teenager out there without a Cell phone....Yeah Yeah Yeah cry me a river - These things are earned at t his house and well she has lots of earning to do!!!!!) Jocey is with a new friend everyday and every night - in fact sometimes there are new kids here every hour. She loves facebook, playing in the rain, taking crazy pics and hanging with ZOEY! She is a social butterfly and keeps us on our toes.

Stone just got back from Omaha Nebraska, playing in the Slumpbuster Baseball Tournament. We sent him with some awesome families and they took great care of him, He had fun going to the College World Series game, The Winter's Quarter Temple to do Baptisms and hanging at the hotel with the tam. The only thing he forgot to do was buy a t-shirt from the tournament to remember it by - Oh well I guess Mom's do come in handy at these things?Stone was able to play in a tournament with the Utah Horns on the 4th of July and had a blast, He gets along with everyone and every coach - he just wants to play ball all the time.

Hunter is, well can I say, keeping himself entertained, If he is not watching Avatar or Harry Potter Marathons, or creating new game, swimming with friends and cousins, weaving bracelets, drawing, asking mom to take him to McDonalds for a sausage burrito , or just fighting with Stone - He's complaining about having to do Scout Merit Badges during the summer or why can't he go here or there every minute of the day -

I SEE WHY MY SUMMER IS FLYING BY - I can't fit enough into every day to please everyone - That cloning thing doesn't seem so bad right now.

The Final Week of May - I'm Still standing!

2011-06-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Run down:

5/24 Alice take off work,Stone Braces, Hunter headgear on, Rugby practice

5/25 2011-2012 Inaugural assembly, take off work, SBO luncheon, DCO BBQ, Baseball Game, Mutual

5/26 Teacher Birthday, Nephew graduation in Logan (can't go), Senior Awards Night, Silverwolf Medallion Dinner, Baseball Practice, Rugby Practice, Chris final cram for Series 7 exam!

5/27 Sub all day, Stone baseball tournament alone in Spanish Fork, Chris Series 7 exam (finally), Cold and it's Memorial weekend; Chris passes Series 7 with flying colors ; yeah we still have a job!

5/28 Baseball all day, Shop for Graduation Dress, Drop & Break Cell phone - Nice one Alice

5/29 Shon mission farewell, Teach YW combined lesson, Seminary Graduation, Alexis graduation in Cali (can't be there again) Family over for dessert

5/30 Zoey the big "17" Can't go swimming its 50-60 degrees outside, The DAY Off!

5/31 Work, School Graduation and yearbook stomp for girls, Dad in town for graduation, Baseball Practice

6/1 The big day! Graduation at UVU, Dinner with family at Tempanyaki, Baseball game

6/1-6/2 Grad Night at Boondocks, Zoey friends over for Senior all nighter (senior/sunrise) ER visit 2:00 AM, Zoey clotheslined and falls on curb, Staples in the ER (This is a first at the Gibbons house)Comes home sleeps 3 hours and goes to Senior Sunrise on Lortab and Bloody hair - Dedication or CRAZY, not sure?

6/2 Back to work, Rugby, Baseball, Neighborhood graduation BBQ (It's freezing outside)

And I still have 1 more week of school Left, while the girls get to sleep in...How fair is that?

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Baseball from January to July - Mom is in heaven!

2011-06-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

So, in the State of Utah, we are not as fortunate as, I would venture to say, California, where you can practice outdoors all year round baseball. So for the past 4 years we have done Super League or Club league baseball. First with the Utah Rangers then the Riverton Rats and Stone has absolutely loved it - til this year..... No complaints about the game or the team or even the coaches it's been the WEATHER!!!!! Longest Winter on record here in Utah and we go tired of it really fast. Up until about June 10th we were bundled in blankets had hand warmers wherever we went to play, just in case, umbrellas and a change of shoes in the car. We had to travel down south to St. George to get some sunshine and warm weather and that still wasn't a guarantee this season. Stone has played many tournaments this year traveled to and from St George, Idaho, up and down the I15 more than I can count, had more rain outs this year, more cancelled delayed and postponed games on record, filled in on a couple of other teams for tournaments and finished June in Omaha, Nebraska at the Slumpbuster Tournament. The boy can't get enough and really it is never a fight when it's time from practice or another one of the 5 or 6 games he has in a usual week. The thing that killed him the most this year was going a full 10 days without a game or practice due to field and weather conditions. Wow, Stone just typing this makes me tired!

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Senior Dinner Dance

2011-05-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

Silly, Silly Boys

Sierra, Alissa & Destri

Finally a dance where there is no date required...Senior Dinner Dance is for Seniors only, so no worrying about more than one girl in a semi-formal dress. This is the final formal affair for the Graduating seniors to come together receive individual awards within their class and have a nice dinner at the Little America in Salt Lake. These are just of few of the kids who decided to meet at the Gibbons House to carpool downtown!

2011 Dance Co Formal!

2011-05-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pics (T to B) Zoey, Corbin & friend, The Juniors front, the Juniors back, The RHS DCO, + Dates

Zoey and Corbin went to the annual RHS Dance Company Formal on May 13, 2011. They had a fun time, The best thing about this event is it is only for about 40 people, and they all love to dance - Need I say more!

Springbreak with the kids! + 1

2011-04-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

Pics (T to B) Mongollian BBQ - The kids loved it!, Laying out in Mequite at Baseball (girls haven't seen sun in 4 months), Cole Josie squirting Water in Bronson's ear (what a good sport), Halli, Alissa, Bronson & Jocey, & finally Jocey, Zoey Katelyn & Halli!

Ok, so I've been bad this past few months about updating the blog/journal (mine you see) So I am posting some of our adventures on Spring Break 2011. The Alissa, Zoey, Jocey, Stone, Hunter & Bronson (Alissa's friend) went to St George and Mesquite to get some needed sun and baseball action. The girls stayed in one room and the boys in the other. Mind you I am pretty sure the boys needed a babysitter? Even though Bronson is 18 I think he had more fun playing video games and going to the vending machines late at night than Stone and Hunter did? We love him, he is a great friend to have with us! Chris had to stay back and continue his efforts in licensing for the Series 7 and 63 tests.

2011-04-24T21:10:00.001-07:00

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SBO AGAIN?????

2011-04-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

So Zoey decided she wanted to stay in student government and run for SBO, Seeing as Alissa had an amazing year this year, Zoey wanted a part of it too! In all honesty Mom tried to talk her out of it, seeing as she teaches dance, Choreographs Soloists, Choreographs for Oquirrh Middle School, Id very involved in RHS Dance Co, I thought it would be too much, Well we'll have to see about that. She turned in all the mandatory information and the quest began.

Monday Booth Day; set up booth at 5:45 am with the help of Mom and the boys (off on Spring Break)
Help create handout idea (stickers and drinks with mini-umbrellas in them)
Stay at school to help handout stuff during both lunches, while making 8 gallons of lemonade to hand out.
Wait til evening to see if she made the Top 10; YEAH SHE DID!
Now, Panels for 2 days (Question and answer sessions viewed by students and current SBO Officers)
Wednesday Assembly with Videos created by Candidates to help boost them in the polls
AWESOME JOB!!! Zoey and her Dad did a spin off of the Old Spice Commercials (will try to post soon)
Voting throughout the week (Electronically now - pretty cool)
Friday Night Spontaneous Dance / Election Stomp/ Black Light Dance at the High School; where the SBO results are announced
Mom and Dad are Chaperone's at the Dance; Well Mom mostly Dad left pretty quick after showing up....
8:00 pm The Announcement of 2011-2012 RHS Student Body Officers; Josh Wood, Drew Hunt, George Alexander, Conner Townsend and ZOEY GIBBONS! Not quite sure what position she will be yet, but we are really excited for her to show those BOYS who's BOSS!

Our Dance Poem! "The Power of Dance"

2011-04-24T19:36:00.001-07:00

2011 RHS Dance Company Performs!

2011-04-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

So we are nearing the end of yet another school year and we have already had the Final Drill Team Showcase (Jocey) and the next on the agenda is the DANCE COMPANY Concert (Zoey). Seeing as no flash photography was allowed in the auditorium I have no photos of my ZOEY dancing her heart out. Chris is still working on putting together a DVD/ video with her dances, he takes a little longer these days with extra projects, due to his new job, NO COMPLAINTS here. Zoey spent the year being the Publicity Rep for the RHS Dance CO and danced in 12 of the 13 dances performed at the year end concert (Was not in the senior dance, seeing as she is still a Junior) . She had numerous solo sections and Choreographed the only HIP HOP piece in the concert. She has become truly amazing and amazes me and surprises me to this day. We are very proud of her and all she does in the area of Dance and she has been so fortunate to have worked with some amazing women whom have helped train, teach and mold her into the Dancing Queen that she is! She is looking forward to her Senior year with the Company and being an integral part of developing an amazing DCO that girls will aspire to be apart of.

Basketball Seasons

2011-04-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

As you know with winter comes basketball - And this year we had Hunter playing and Stone playing in 3 different leagues, CRAZY - You ask? YES!!!!! That boy does not know how to stop, Hunter on the other hand, likes to do 1 thing, do it good, and move on! Chris always like to use that quote! So I have put together a little slideshow of the boys and their basketball adventures for 2010- 2011; Stone; Silverwolves 7th grade team, Golden Meadows 1st Ward Deacons team, * Jr Jazz with the neighborhood boys. Hunter; Jazzing it up with Jr Jazz!

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RHS Prom 2011 Alissa & Zoey

2011-03-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

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Alissa went with Bronson (Bronner) for the 2nd year in a row - sounds like her mom. Zoey had to help plan and carry out the prom this year being the Junior Class Historian and has been extremely stressed especially when she was counting Prom King Ballots and realized her boyfriend and date was going to be Prom King 2 days before and couldn't say a word, so she went with Corbin, 4th dance in a row - also like her mom - and they both had the time of their LIVES! Just another day in the life of our teenagers!

2011-03-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

The Decision has been made!!! After being accepted to many Universities in Utah and offered a few scholarships and ambassadorships - Alissa has chosen to attend BYU Provo this Fall, We are really excited for her and this decision. It was a really tough decision to make seeing she does not have many friends attending or even being accepted to the Y and she will be starting a new chapter in her life basically on her own. She knew this was the right decision and we are so Proud of her hard work and dedication to get accepted based on her academics and extra curricular involvement in high school!! WAY to GO LISS!
(Kind of helps the whole family has been completely Jimmered!)

A Funny thing happened on the way to Dance Comp...

2011-03-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Zoey, my dancing fanatic - Has been teaching dance with Tiffany Dance company for 4 years. She has also been performing in competition groups for 6 years and this year she finally retired from competition and just focused on teaching, choreographing solos for girls, and dancing at the High School. So March 18th was the first competition of the dance season for Zoey's Girls and well she decided to hitch a ride to Kearns High School on Friday night and watch the solo competitions. Mind you I was in St George with my boys at a baseball tournament and Alissa was working and Chris was working, so she had no means of transportation. While attending the Competition, Tiffany, her boss and former dance teacher asked her if she would fill in for a missing soloist and just improvise a routine. Zoey basically, through on some spankies, a t-shirt put her hair on top of her head and went to it, improvising a 2 minute routine on the spot. After performing for this missing soloist, Tiffany told Zoey she would call her and let her know if she placed or not - Well this is where it gets good... Not only did Zoey place
She WON QUEEN -
That is for anyone who is not familiar with Dance Competitions is the Top placer in her division for her routine! REALLY ? Having never competed as a soloist and improvising the whole routine?
WAY TO GO ZO!!!
You freaking amaze me and gave me an amazing story to be extremely proud of!

Jocey's Young Women's Medallion - Youngest to get it in our House!

2011-03-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

Finally, we do not have to be pushing and prodding the girls along to finish their personal progress - Jocelyn Finished her Personal Progress and received her YW Medallion in Church - We are so proud of her and as you can tell so is Grammy, still taking photos in the Chapel (No No)

His New Path in Life!

2011-03-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

So, As of March 7, 2011, Chris is back to Work. It's been a long 8 months, for ALL of us! But I know he feels a sense of relief. We have turned back the clock 20 years and started all over, but have Faith that this is the place we are supposed to be and what was meant to be. A few Changes, Chris has to learn to adapt to;

Freedoms of being your own boss, NONE
Has to clock in and out
First time ever having a daily commute more than 5 minutes
Can't ask for time off...
Must dress nicely each day (I like that part)
Not here to help with Activities, Sports, Driving, Cleaning, Laundry (This part he loves)
New Business Environment all together, Training, homework, licenses

We are really proud of Chris and his hard work to obtain a new job. It has been rough and sometimes downright horrible. Lots of ups and downs, and even down right sucker punches at times, but The kids and I have done our best to support his decision to leave the Family Business, take on additional debt, and look for other employment. I think in the long run, the possibility of advancement within the new company will be great and he always gives 150% to anything he touches. We are willing to stick it out til our ship comes in or sinks, which ever comes first! Like I always say We may not have it all together but Together we have it all! So we rise or fall together - in either situation we will be together forever!
(Actually some days to the girls I am pretty sure that Forever seems like an awfully long time - Especially when it is a clothing fight...)

The other Mother turns "18"!

2011-03-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

Alissa will hate that I have posted this picture - But this is the only one we have - With the camera broken we used Chris's iphone after Dinner and a Girls Church Basketball Game - Alissa still loves to participate and take it to the hole! As you can tell living in Utah, BYU has a big affect on us and Alissa's shirt says it all "I've been Jimmered" .

18 years ago today, I had no idea Alissa was coming and we got the biggest and best surprise of our lives - Being Induced into labor and 4 1/2 hours later we we handed this amazing little girl that has changed my life forever.

We are so proud of the woman Alissa has become. She has worked hard for everything in life and proven herself by her hard work. In this current phase of Alissa'a life, she is deciding on Which University to attend, being accepted to both BYU and SUU on Scholarship, Starting her 4th year on the RHS Girls Golf Team, Starting back at work at the local Golf Course, getting ready to graduate and excited to have the college experience.

Happy Birthday Baby - You are 1 in a million!

Zoey Quotes....

2011-02-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

You know I love this girl and I am surprised at times the things that come out of her mouth - Seeing she has had a job for 4 years teaching dance, can remember dance moves for dances she was in at age 10, 11, & 12. She choregraphs for girls when they need solos - and then I here this from down stairs:

"Mom, where are you? Is 1 half of 2" A little bewildered, I repeated what I could not have actually heard; "Zoey, did you just ask me is 1 half of 2?" (Mind you this is my 3.75 gpa 11th grader, soon to be senior) "Yeah is 1 half of 2? - I am having a really hard time thinking right now."
And so there you have it the Quote of the Week - my almost 17 year old - has reverted back to 1st grade math, maybe I should take her back to school with me, so this never is the issue again? What the X#$&*!

Reverence Combined Activity

2011-02-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am posting this for my purposes only; The Mia Maids were in charge of a combined YW/ YM activity in February which needed to focus on Reverence, after much deliberation and meetings with my presidency this is what we came up with:
The leaders acted out a a very ad-lib skit about all the kinds of irreverence we are too used to being around when we attend Sunday Church or Weekday church activities, We had the following adult leaders doing the following things.

Gum Chewing and popping, game playing, texting, food passing around, walking around, leaving the room constantly, know it all, tickling backs, laying on the floor, feet on chairs, falling asleep, throwing papers, are we done yet?

This went on for about 10 minutes, quite the entertainment for the youth and then the youth were put into 10 teams of 7 and they had to make a Reverence Mormon-ad (Poster) to display in the church as to what we need to be doing to show reverence with the church buildings.

(Now, a little disclaimer, we have over 100 youth and we had 73 show up for the activity, so yes it was loud and crazy, but during the skit - they were awesome.)

The activity turned out awesome and all the kids had a great time! I was really proud of the girls and leaders who helped put this all together!

Sweetheart's 2011 for Zoey & Alissa

2011-02-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

I am catching up on February before March hits me in the face in 2 more days---ARGH!

Alissa & Zoey attended to Girl ask Guy RHS Sweethearts dance on February 12, 2011 - Alissa went with a cute friend named, Jake and Zoey went with her BOY/ Friend, Corbin. Alissa spent most of the morning decorating at the school for the dance, an SBO's job is never done, Zoey joined in the decorating as soon as she was done teaching dance for the day. They then went to D.I and bought crazy outfits so they could all go to DISCO skate night at Classic Skating - The crazy safe fun the kids have I am proud of the choices they are making.

As you can tell we were able to be with Alissa to get pictures, funny story, there was snow on the ground and Jocey, didn't bring shoes with her, so she hopped on Mom's back so I could get a few pictures of Alissa and her date; cause she thought he was HOT!

However we had to CRASH the dinner party for Zoey cause they both left the house at the same time. We went to another person's house, who we did not know at all, and just started snapping pictures of all the couples and their date and of course we had to get the infamous best friends photo of Sam, Zoey & Nat! Still trying to get back in time for Stake Conference -

So the life we lead - They had a great time.

Service brings Humilty !

2011-02-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

We have been getting ready for Stake Conference this past month, and the Stake Presidency asked that each family do specific reading and FHE's and perform a service to someone. So as a Stake Presidency, the came to decision that, our families would go and serve dinner at the Road Home Shelter in Salt Lake City. Of course I was feeling a little picked, seeing as I had to use my day off to prepare and cook all the food assignments for our family and everyone else in our family just had to show up... So the humbling part begins, we show up and get set up and the kids took over the serving and talking to the people and helping the little kids: I was definitely in awe of their love and compassion for those who have hit hard times and are trying to get their lives in order and back on track! Tracy's, Blake's, Juassi's & Gibbon's Families you ROCK!!! I am so proud!

The handing over of the CHECK to the IRC

2011-02-17T16:54:00.001-08:00

SO i am little behind on posting so i am catching up on the past weeks: On February 4, 2011 the SBO's and Class officers at Riverton High School had the opportunity to finally present the IRC (International Rescue Committee) with the official check for the amount they fundraised this December for SILVERRUSH 2010. The were invited to the Salt Lake Library, fed a wonderful meal and then had a program with come of the refugee families. Alissa and Zoey were very touched and proud to be part of this entire experience.

The Good, The Bad and What the?

2011-02-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, life does throw us curve balls, now how we handle those curve balls is up to us? Well I think up to this point I have been pretty patient and understanding and gracious at times - But now I am not so sure....
Last week ended on a high note, with;

2 potential job offers for Chris, I say potential cause they both said they want to employ him, we just had to wait to see the terms...Attended a BYU game and Utah Jazz Game
Ms. Alice was back to work and the 1st graders were happy to see her.
Alissa was getting better and acting more like her self (Although she is stick thin...) Was able to go see BYU's, Jimmer Fredette in the biggest game at the Marriott Center with her DAD.
Jocelyn had a few days off from Drill, after they didn't make State, Oh Well they got screwed... Sleeping in made her happy, with 2 weekend nights of parties.
The High School boys basketball team had 2 wins this week, Fun & Crazy games (Water Boy did awesome - I love going and cheering even though I do not have a kid on the floor - Well at least not a blood related kid? )
Stone & Hunter had 4 basketball games, 4 practices, a 2 day baseball hitting tournament and they both had amazing #'s in their hoops.
Zoey got to hang with Corbin and Teach Dance - The 2 things that make her the happiest...

As my husband would say the cup is half full - I on the other hand hate to admit that I look at the cup half empty. (Especially if the kids have been sneaking my Diet Coke)

Monday8:10 am
Text message: Chris, Thank you for your proposal, I have changed my mind. - Nothing Else, just those 2 lines - What happened, maybe we will never know 1 job down, 1 to go... Sucker Punched is how he felt, but he, as always, said maybe it's for the better! 20 years with this man and he never ceases to amaze me with his FAITH! Waiting to hear from Job 2 ....

Monday Night 8:00 pm
Jocelyn begs me to take her to The SLCO Rec center to get a Lifeguard's job application.
This is how the conversation went:
J: Mom can you take me to get an application
M: Jocelyn you don't know how to be a life guard.
J: I can swim good
M: You have to be trained and take courses
J: No, that what they do for you there.
M: Jocelyn, I don't think you understand what it takes to Lifeguard, not just sitting the sun getting tan in a swim suit watching boys all summer.
J: Mom, I told you I can swim
M: Jocey, I have had friends and family do this and it takes years of training and lessons - You have not had that - Just summer swimming won't cut it.
J: Well mom so and so are doing it and I can too.
Off we go to the rec center against my better judgement - But deep inside I figure this could be a big come to Jesus Party for Jocey. Jocey enters the Rec Center- talks to the front dest about 5 minutes, comes out and says;
J: Mom I need 10$ so I can sign up for the Pre-Test before they give me an application.
M: I'm not giving you $10, See if you can pay when you come to take the test, Oh yeah - when is the test and what do you have to do? ( In my mind I'm thinking - this may be the deterent)
J: I think I have to swim 300 ft and get a brick off the bottom of the pool or something like that.
M: Really that sounds off, maybe it's 300 yards - Go check.
After Jocey goes back in for 5 more minutes she returns with a flier in hand explaining the procedure and the reality hits her in the head.

After 3 hour pre-test must be able to come everyday for 3 -5 hours of training , take classes and Emergency Medical Training and Swim 300 yards and retrieve heavy objects from the deep end of a pool - etc...
Jocelyn reads this to me and I just wait for a response - What no response??? - I guess this is a big deal and not an easy job anyone can have.

So on the way home I explained to Jocey, that however glamorous being a lifeguard may sound, you still hold the lives of all the daily swimmers in your hands, as well as the sun worshipers, you have to medically trained as well as life-guard certified and you have to clean pooh or barf out of the water when a kid or adult doesn't make it to the bathroom.

I haven't heard another thing about becoming a lifeguard - I wonder if I will?

What the *&?% was she thinking?
For that matter what the $#@& was Job #1 Thinking - BAD FORM!

Alissa's Thank you!

2011-01-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

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Our Pneumonia Adventure...

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Being a mother for the past 18 years, we have to admit, we have been very fortunate and our hearts go out to all those families who have dealt with major illnesses with their children. We have had 2 ER visits these past years, with miraculous results, no hospital admittances and 1 broken bone with 5 active children, and getting it by jumping rope no less. This past week has been a whirlwind of emotion, highs and lows, lack of sleep, complete and utter amazement at the outpouring of love and support from all those around us!
While Alissa Sleeps I make this post from the Children's Unit at The Riverton IHC Hospital Primary Children's Ward.
Notice I mention Children's Unit, My Alissa is 6 weeks away from being 18, so we are extremely fortunate with this illness, she is considered a child still!!
My amazing daughter, who gives her all to everyone and then some, had the December of her life, helping the IRC, International Rescue Committee, in Salt lake City. The SBO's and Government officers at Riverton High School annually pick a non-profit organization in which they can help make a difference and fund-raise for that cause for 3 weeks straight. When I say 3 weeks, I mean exactly that, they do not eat, sleep or get homework done (rarely) and spend all there time in service of another. SO as you can see this amazing student body worked their tails off and earned $81,000.00 + for the IRC & what a life changing experience.

I think this is where our plight begins.

So being so exhausted, Alissa slept for a few days off and on and was extremely worn out. The holidays came and went - Sickness was all around us, flu, colds, sinus infections, and extremely cold weather.
SO back to school on January 4th - however Alissa on January 5th gets a flu, bug, as we think. throwing up for 2 days, missing school, she heads back on Thurs Fri, to try and catch up.
Needless to say she was not better and the bacteria began to grow. So on Monday the 10th she went to school and within the first class, called and said she was racing home, cause she had to throw up and felt feverish!
Solid throwing up til Tuesday morning, We take her into the Inst-Care knowing full well she is Dehydrated. after 2 liters of fluid, they think she's done, nope 1 more to go - We ask the on-call to check her lungs, he dismisses this and says he can't here any rattling, so send us on our way with Anti-nausea medicine, and cough medicine.
Tuesday, Wednesday and into the morning of Thursday, still throwing up, fever and excruciating pain... Missing Term Finals and trying to get teachers to give her an extension
Back to insta-care, Chris and I insist on a chest xray - Mind you, new Dr. and we know him and he is amazing - Within minutes the results are obvious. She has barely any lung function on her right side.
Out-patient treatment is our choice, IV 3 days in a row with fluid and antibiotics and meds for home.
Friday morning - back to Insta-care for the 2nd day of treatments, however her blood pressure is extremely low and her oxygen levels are dangerous - straight to emergency and then admitted to the Hospital.
The weekend is a blur - Alissa has had good times and really bad times, crazy times and quiet times. She is in terrible pain, 2/3 of the right lung is filled with bacteria, 1/3 of the left and fluid is surround both.
She's been poked with needles more than she can count, iv'd with antibiotics and fluids consistently, 48 hours of oxygen, and we are still in the air as to if she has to have a chest tube.
Chest-tube, mind you, is the last resort, due to how evasive and painful the procedure and the recuperation time is lengthy.
It is Monday Morning, Martin Luther King Day, no school is in session, so I didn't have to call in for Substitute again, Alissa is not missing another day today, however we don't expect her to go back this week, at least. We wait and see what results we get today on blood work and X-ray's. This decides our fate for the week... Good news we stay here and finish out her treatment's and healing, bad news we get transferred to Primary Children's Salt Lake and she gets a chest tube to clear all the fluid and bacteria - Out for another couple weeks.
Like I said, My heart goes out to all those parents who have dealt with major illness within their Families, long hospital stays, cancer, chemo, and an array of things, You are my hero's! I am not sure how people do this consistently and make it through sane. All I know is the support group we have is amazing and we are very fortunate to live where we do and feel the love we do!
Alissa is loved, not only by her family, but a community and we have had an outpouring of love, visits, meals and rides given on the Gibbons' behave and we thank you all!

New Year, New What?

2011-01-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

OK, I have not posted since Christmas, and life still goes on - Can you believe it? We think time will slow down and get easier, but it just gets harder & busier. We look back and remember all the advice we were given when the kids were growing up and now we notice that we are the ones giving advice to others. Please, if I am telling you my life's experiences, take everything with a grain of salt... I never attest to being perfect or right at all times, but I do expect my children to think I am perfect and right all the time!!!

We made it through December with only a few bumps and bruises, SilverRush at Riverton High School was an amazing Success! $81,000.00 + earned and collected in 3 weeks time to donate to the International Rescue Committee - We are super proud or our girls and all the Students and friends who sacrificed sleep and homework to make this life changing event a Huge Success!

Chris and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary on December 28, 2010, going to a movie and dinner. We absolutely love going to the movies, and this year with jobs and changes we have only been a couple or times and really enjoy when we can go!

New Years came with Sickness in abundance - Jocey had been fighting off a cold/throat/sinus/cough thing for weeks - and decided to be her loving self and share the love with all of us. Starting with Stone, then Hunter & Zoey, Mom & Alissa (Alissa still battling the flu with 7 days under her belt (tightened 3 more notches) Chris - has been doing everything in his power not get the full blown thing so stays away from most of us and complains in quiet.

Jocelyn had her 2nd Drill Competition on January 8th in Sandy, Utah. This was the first one we could attend, seeing as the 1st was while Chris and I were soaking up the sun in Hawaii - Let's just reflect on that for a minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK back to reality - She was worried about the dances and how there were changes made in the final week, however she had a great time they saw some awesome competition and came home smiling - even though they did not place in most of their routines. Next one is this Saturday in Murray - I thought competition dance was demanding - Yeah Right - That was a cake walk compared to this - The things we do to give our kids Life Experiences???

Someone asked me the other day, "How do you keep up with 3 Involved High Schoolers and a multi-sports playing teenage boy and active Hunter?" My reaction is always Mom's can Multi-Task so I Divide and Conquer (At lesat I like to think that's what I do), and if that doesn't work, I get a 44oz diet coke, Hagen Daaz -Vanilla Swiss Almond Ice Cream, Jammies, Lock the Door to my room and watch Football in my Bed! Works EVERY TIME!

*** Pictures to Come Soon!****

Our Chirstmas Card 2010

2010-12-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

So with all the changes in our household this year and all the craziness with Work, Job Search, Drill Team, Sports & SILVER RUSH; I decided this year to email our family Christmas Card and Letter; However I do not have quite enough email addresses of family and friends that I thought so I am putting this on the Blog and Facebook. If you did not receive this on your email, please send me your updated email address - Thank you!

Welcome to our life with 4 Teenagers & a little guy who seems to never get his way…..

Alissa, 17 ½ (18 in March)

Senior, SBO Historian, Avid Volunteer, Golfer, Piano Player, A’capella Choir, Main Other Driver, Ready for the College Experience, If she is not studying or sleeping, she is at the High School planning the next event. She is going to be an amazing Adult!

Zoey, 16 ½

Junior, Finally Driving, RHS Dance Company, Choreographer & Teacher at TDC, Dance Co Publicity Chair, Junior Class Historian, Keeping her grades up!, Stressed to the Max!

Jocelyn, 15

Sophomore, Silverline Drill Team, Mia Maid Class President, still trying to beat the Nasties, Did I say Drill Team, Oh, yeah that pretty much is her life or being grounded, as she would say! Boys, Boys, Boys oh yeah and she is pretty sure she is going to Marry Justin Beiber. (Definitely her Mother’s Daughter – we butt heads on a daily basis)

Stone, 13

Finally Middle School 7^th grade, Another Teenager – AARGHH! – Cooperstown Baseball, A-Team Quarterback, Super League Basketball, Deacons Quorum 1^st Counselor, 7^th grade Choir, Scouts (when he fits it in) Girls Calling all the time, Still fighting with Hunter ……

Hunter, 11

– Angels Baseball Team (Mom’s Favorite) – Lake Powell Fanatic – Friend Fanatic, Artist, Drawing Contest Winner, Boy Scout, Jr. Jazz Basketball, Still Mr. Imagination, Can’t wait to see TRON!

Mugsy, 5 (The Puggle)

Ok I think this is finally the year we’ve enjoyed having a dog. No longer a puppy, Kind of Lazy, very loving – STILL SHEDS – and getting so fat she has a hard time going up the stairs. (DAD feeds her from the table – oh yeah everyone feeds her from the table – Thanks DAD!)

Chris & Alice (40 something - feel 20 something)

Alice turned 40 and loves it, Celebrating the Big 20^th Anniversary,Chris still in Stake Office as Exec Secretary (6^th year), Stepped down from Cost U Less Carpets as an owner, Alice 1^st Couns in YW, Working as T.A. at North Star Academy, 5^th year, Went to Cooperstown, NY this year with Stone, Spent the beginning of December in Kauai, for our 20^th Anniversary. We are crazy busy, bussing kids to and from the High School, Charter School and going to various performances, assemblies, fundraising events, sporting events, awards events, youth activities, church activities and trying to keep up with 4 teenagers and 1 little guy!

We would not change a thing (even if we tried) !!!

Chris and Alice Gibbons Family

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

A little Christmas Message:

Th Gibbons have been humbled through out this difficult year and we are so grateful and thankful for all our Family and Friends who have stood by our sides with the changes and difficult times we have faced. Our message to all family and friends is that:

We are grateful to know the true meaning of this holiday and to have been able to teach our children and be an example throughout their lives so far. We hope and pray we can continue
to reer our amazing children to be loving, service oriented, and positive contributors to society and have them be a positive influence and example to everyone they may come in contact with. We recognize this is probably our last Christmas will all of our kids living under the same roof and we are surprised how fast the time has gone -
Remember "The magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in HIS presence."

Kauai: 20th Anniversary

2010-12-25T18:40:00.001-08:00

This scrapbooking design made with Smilebox

Wow what a great week!

2010-11-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

Tuesday the Blizzard of the Decade to come in....Wow 4 inches and Wind - Not a record breaker - But Keith's Family got here in time to miss the Storm? Wednesday after work and pulling into my driveway the Sander's Family arrive from Cali and can't wait to get into the snow....Well at least they thought it would be fun til they realized how cold it was! Picked up Brooke & Adam from the TRAX - Then Dad & Bryan showed up and it was one big party! With 25 people under one roof - We really had an amazing time! No fights, everyone had bathrooms - No running out of hot water, We all cooked, cleaned and just messed around! It was amazing and I wish I could do it more often. Tammy, Jim & Family joined us for Thanksgiving Dinner and Friday we all met up at Salt Lake Temple Square to see the Christmas Lights get turned on and met Lisa, Rick & Family. The only sibling not able to make it to Utah was William - But he will be forgiven - Someday....
We haven't all been together since Mom passed away 8 years ago and the time went way too fast and we feel very blessed to have had these 4 days with the siblings, Dad & the cousins. I am so Thankful for all of them~ Now off to Hawaii!!

Thanksgiving 2010 @ the Gibbons Home!

2010-11-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

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Saturday is NO day off!

2010-11-20T06:41:00.000-08:00

Sleeping in has become a thing of the past.... you don't get to sleep in when the kids are little, you get a little bit of sleeping in when they are in adolescent age - Then Active, involved teenagers come and forget about it! My Saturday Morning - and I thought It would settle down when Football ended - Yeah Right!

7:00 am Drive Zoey to work
8:00 am Drive Hunter to Scouts
9:00 am Drive Jocey to Drill
10:00 pick up Hunter
11:00 am Pick up Zoey
12:00 - 2:00 Washing machine repair guy (2nd water pump in 4 months!~)
12:00 pm Stone to Basketball
12:30 pm pick up Jocelyn
12:30 pm Alissa Hair Cut
2:00 pm Pick up Stone
Grocery Shop (oh yeah no dinero)
Christmas Shop (Same predicament)

The best is - It's supposed to start SNOWING - ICK!

Well the bright sides are;

Jocey doesn't have to be at Drill at 7:00 am,
Zoey will have her license soon,
Alissa can drive herself,
My husband is around to help this morning,
I will have 20 minutes of pure pleasure laying in a tanning bed this afternoon in preparation for my HAWAII trip in 14 days and
it will be pretty outside when fresh snow falls - Oh YEAH, and I will be right in the middle of it!

Maybe in the middle of all this I can clean for my arriving visitors? AAARRGHHHHHH!
The joys of Motherhood - Oh and as my Mother-in-Law would say -

"It's where you're at dear"

What if I don't want to be where I am at Today - Oops I'm late - Well Off AGAIN!

RHS Spirit Week 2010

2010-11-13T20:20:00.001-08:00

Another digital slideshow by Smilebox

2010 Football; Stone #8

2010-11-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

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KSL Channel 5 & Zoey's Homecoming Date

2010-10-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Unusual scenario brings two campaign's together

SO last night on the 10:00 pm news was a story about Zoey's Special Friend Corbin, and how he asked her to Homecoming this year - It was quite entertaining - You should check it out! click on the link above!

Oh, Father all I want to do is Sing!

2010-10-22T07:54:00.001-07:00

Not only are we good at running a 2000 member Student Body - We can sing too! This is Alissa and some of the SBO's that are also in A'capella Choir at the High School for the annual 1st concert of the year the "Fall Festival" They are quite a gang?!?!

2 WEEKS OF "@%&!#"

2010-10-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, The boys and I are a 2 week Fall Break from School. The Good and Bad of it all -

Good: Sleeping In
Bad: The boys don't know the meaning of the words?
Good: Getting caught up on Housework
Bad: Not getting Paid!
Good: The boys can help me do housework
Bad: The boys about KILL each other on an hourly basis...
Good: I got my suburban door fixed after it got hit and had an awesome rental TAHOE
Bad: I had to return it today and get my car back...
Good: I am learning to show more patience to my boys and we are working on ANGER issues together
Bad: The boys think I am full of CR_ _!
Good: I can help the girls more with school stuff, Football Mom Stuff, YW Activities, Motivationals, Dance Co. Drill Stuff, Their Laundry!
Bad: THEIR LAUNDRY!!!!!
Good: I cooked Dinner 4 times this week
BAD: I cooked Dinner 4 times this week!
Good: Chris is here to help me when I need another driver and such
BAD: DITTO - Someone get him a job - soon!

Well we are already 1/2 way through our 2 weeks and everyone is still living, The Girls are off for the infamous UEA Holiday (Only a Utah thing) and we still are having awesome Weather! Everyone keep their fingers crossed Tomorrow is October 15th and we have not had Snow or Cold Weather YET-------YEAHHHHHH!!!

Zoey Did it! The YW Medallion

2010-10-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Alissa & Zoey

Jocey, Alissa & Zoey

Oh yeah, Grammy Gibbons took these illegal pictures in the Chapel at Church (SHHH - don't tell)

Well today was a day Zoey has been working for for 4 1/2 years. She finally received he Young Women's Medallion. Which includes 48 value experiences (VALUES; faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choices & accountability,good works, integrity, & virtue) & 8 - 10 hour service/type projects. I think one of the closest things to a Boy Scout's Eagle Project. She also had a little bit of a push, seeing as MOM would not let her get her Driver's License until she received it! So guess who is now bugging every day to go to the DMV - Oh, yeah that would be my 16 1/2 year old ZOEY - And guess who keeps putting her off, Oh yeah that would be me! Insurance Rates are CRAZY--- I guess I will have to give in soon- seeing as she has fulfilled her end of the bargain.

10/10/10 Take Ten!

2010-10-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

A New Family Goal - on 10/10/10 we decided to take 10 minutes a day and devote it to the Lord, by either reading the scriptures or reading books written by the prophets, or the church magazines. I can say with assurance I have made it the 1st 5 days, as my husband always says, "If you do something for 21 days it becomes a habit." How about 21 + years (Diet Coke) What do we call that - Livelihood? Oh well, at least I am trying to improve my self!

The Gibbons have 4 Teenagers in the House!!! AARRGGGGG!

2010-10-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

So yes, it is true, I have a 4th teenager in my home. Thank Goodness it is not another girl or we may never get Chris out of the Fetal Position. The hormones race in our home and they are now joined by the male version, however there are days I am not so sure he is male, cause those highs and lows in his emotions are pretty close to that of his sisters. Well, all I can say is, "Now it is time to learn from Chris and the male perspective of teenagers." Seeing as I was a female teenager and not the nicest of those I may add, I do not tend to put up with any CRAP from the other 3 females in my house. So this whole Male teenager thing has me stumped, Seeing as the only thing I have to compare it to, is living with my brother, who I pretty much was just tortured by him and his friends, and the infamous boyfriends - Which really doesn't count, cause they tend put on the good face for girlfriends. So I am now entering uncharted waters - Please everyone pray for me - I actually think boy teenagers might be my saving grace, especially after I live through the Nasty's with the girl teenagers. (They definitely don't mention teenagers when you come home from the hospital with a really cute, yummy baby - Cruel Joke I think!)

Happy 13th "GIBBY" You are my superstar!

2010-09-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, everyone always asks how we came up with the name "Stone". Having 3 girls in 2 1/2 years we knew we wanted to try for a boy, so we also knew we didn't want a huge space between our kids, seeing as he would probably be our last. When I got pregnant with #4 I was hoping, but not completely convinced, we were having a boy! Then comes the Ultrasound, and there was no mistaking he let us know that he had all the right parts! So hence the name game begins. We had lots of names, but none we could agree on, Then it happened... Watching Dateline NBC one night, I saw the Anchor named "Stone Phillips" and that was it, I knew that was the name. Now we went over in our heads all of the teasing and nicknames that would come with his name, but we knew that with 3 older sisters, he needed a strong, masculine name, so hence "Andrew Stone Gibbons" came to be! Why, the Andrew, well I didn't want another Christopher Gibbons, so we used Chris's middle name as Stone's 1st and have always called him "Stone". The name mystery Revealed. Now, since having Stone, we have only met or heard of 2 others named Stone, So it is a unique one and he is every bit of the meaning of his name!

Stone: Strong

So here is 13 amazing fun facts about Stoney Bologny, Gibby, Stoner, or any other nickname you can think of....

1. Sports: (Baseball, Basketball & Football) Well I don't even need to say any more.....
2. Love's all Sports Movies and watches them over and over; The Express, Blind Side, Remember the Titans, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Rudy, Field of Dreams, We are Marshall, Hoosiers, Radio, and of course Benchwarmers!
3. He can Golf Too!
4. Taught himself to ride a 2-wheeler at 3 years old
5. Had Chicken Pox at 6 months old
6. Only child to have tubes in his ears.
7. Mom went to Hawaii when he was 4 months old and nursing and left him with her sister and he survived.. Mom however that is another story (She was an angel)
8. Loves to tease his younger brother - ALOT
9. Likes to sing (really good too - don't tell anyone)
10. Love's Panda Express & In-n-Out!!!
11. Favorite Color Blue - True BYU Fan - even though this year the team have yet to show up for a game....
12. Loves watching old TV shows with his Dad; Mash, The Dukes of Hazzard, X-Files, Three's Company.
13. My Super Hero!

Thanks for letting me be your biggest FAN!

2 weeks of craziness, can we slow down, NO!

2010-09-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

With Multiple fundraisers for Dance Company, & Drill Team, Mini-Drill Camp, Church Volleyball, Family Birthday Party, Stone's Football Games, The Herriman FIRE,Our friends home miraculously spared! Hunter's 1st Boy Scout Over-nighter, Powder Puff Football (Alissa playing, Zoey coordinating) Homecoming Week along with Games, Festivities, Burning of the Wolf, and the Infamous Day dates and Homecoming Dance. We are all ready for this month to be over - Well not Stone his 13th B-day is in 3 days!!!!! Here are a few pics to remember the weeks!

2010-09-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

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My Hubby is 40+ something & Better with age!

2010-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

Happy 40 (something) Birthday El Guapo!

At almost 20 years of marriage, and Our definite ups and downs with marriage, health, kids (teenagers) & money, My husband still makes me laugh until I cry, Makes me mad until I want to scream, and supports me in everything and everyone I can't say No to, And is my Best Friend in the whole world. There is no one other than him I would want to be deserted on a Tropical Island with or just sitting on the couch watching "The Office or Modern Family". Happy Birthday Babe - My life is a better place, just having you in it! Thank you for riding this Eternal Roller Coaster with me!

(Let's make it through the next 10 years and then run away together, K!!!!)

Hunter Baby is "11" Wow, where did the time go?

2010-09-07T21:21:00.001-07:00

My IMTA Model is growing up! (7/2004)

I will be posting more, but today was like any other day, The Day began with fighting, arguing, complaining, Mom getting mad, Dad trying to fix things, Girls out and about early and earlier, Oh yeah, and lets throw in a Birthday in the mix... Mind you the youngest had a birthday today, not the way he wanted it, as we all were very aware, but he had one anyway, I am truly surprised he actually made it to this day alive...With a house full of hormones, not just female ones mind you, he did manage to get lunch brought to school, Dinner at in-n-out with the fam, Chocolate Delight and Superman ice Cream, at least he got the food he wanted, even if the presents he wanted were not exactly what was received - - - Oh, Well better luck next year, if you make it that long, Mister!

FHE & FFF "Forced Family Fun"

2010-09-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

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FFF - Forced Family Fun!

2010-09-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

Labor day fun at the Gibbons home, had to be a little forced, Seeing as Alissa was not feeling well, Jocey had Drill practice and was grounded from friends, Zoey just wanted to hang with her special friend, The boys wanted to play with friends - However almost everyone was out of town, We had a little "FFF" Forced Family Fun! A Gibbons Guy tradition is to go golfing at WillowCreek Country Club on Labor day morning before the Pro-Am begins, and then the families meet up at the pool for swimming and lunch, So that what we did. The Kids were bummed cause all weekend it was 90 degrees and today the high was supposed to be 71 degrees. Never the less we went, it was warm, we had great food, and a little forced family fun in the sun! When we got home, Hunter has been dieing to roast his Ginormous Marshmellows, So out comes the fire pit, Mom gets a bonfire going and the Roasting begins along with the silliness we call FHE! Enjoy!

The Answer!

2010-09-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

So this is what Zoey decided to do!
She had a friend pick her special friend up and take him to the overpass where the answer was posted and on the overpass Zoey and another friend were waiting with a picnic of cheese and crackers and Chocolate! Cheesy (literally) but fun! The fun only got better when a cop thought they were throwing things down onto cars from the overpass and made them leave, Zoey was freaked out - to say the least!

The First Official Dance Date Request? "Zoey"

2010-09-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

11:30pm at night, Chris asleep with ear plugs, I am just laying down and the pounding begins. Mind you I was warned this was going to happen, but have I told you teenagers do not know the meaning of the word Quiet, or Sleeping..." So Alissa and I went out to see the handiwork of the males who were helping ask Zoey to Homecoming! This is their handi-work - and the ironic thing of it all, the Boy who asked Zoey has the same name as someone in the vicinity who is running for the School Board, so His name appears all over the back of the signs. Illegal , yet creative & Funny, so no one tell!!!!
Zoey, even though she was sleep walking, was very excited to finally be asked, by who shall not be named... (By the way enjoy Alissa's coughing on video)
Now we have to figure out a way to answer him, I hate this part!

You know you have too much on your plate when.....

2010-08-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

When you are not remembering the important things in life, you have too much going on....

( The sad thing about this list, is I didn't even mention everything)

Sunday: Dad Row in town, Stake Conference, Missionary Farewell, Dinner with Family, Goodbye to neighbors leaving for college, Meetings all day!

Monday: School starts, back to work, new dress code, Dad Row in town, Football, Dance Camp , SBO meetings

Tuesday: Work, School, Hair cuts, boys, Football, Dad Row leaves, Dance Camp, SBO Officers Video Shoot, Drill tryouts - Jocey makes Silverline Drill Team

Wednesday: Drill 6:00 am, Work, school, Dance Camp, look for Drill picture outfit, Football, Team Mom Meeting, Young Mens & Young Womens Combined Parking Lot Olympics at my school, Presidency Board Meeting at 8:45, 10:30pm home and working on Football Parent info until 1:00 am

Thursday: 6:00 am Drill, work, school, Dance Camp, SBO, Change school schedules for Jocelyn, Drill Pictures in Murray until 10:30 pm, Early Football, Football Weigh ins (Stone Z'd down this year), Football Parent Meeting, Teenagers at the house when we get home, Teen Movie at the house.

Friday: 6:00 am Drill and Drill Parent Meeting, Work, School, Jocelyn Sports physical (3 shots - she cried, Chris Laughed) Early Football, Drill Performance at Half Time at RHS Football Game, Football Game, Alissa & Zoey must be at game as SBO officers, Alissa Night time golf Tournament, Zoey Dance Company Sleepover Social, Grocery Shop, Boys Fighting like a pack of Wolves... Teenagers do an all nighter Harry Potter Movie Marathon.

So as you can see we keep a crazy life - This is where I am going with this:

Saturday, August 21, 2010: Chris decides to let me sleep in and take Stone to 8:00 am football - Chris is outside working on the yard, I check my emails, do some football team mom paperwork, get dressed, go get donuts and handouts for the team, Go to football, come home and get the call.....

"We missed you this morning, what are you doing?" (Mom Gibbons Called)

Missed me where? (my reply)

"Oh, Taylor's Baptism and luncheon" (Mom Gibbons)

"Oh My Gosh, I totally spaced it!!!! I can't believe we forgot all about it, I am mortified (to say the least)! "

What A Great Aunt I have turned out to be - mind you Alissa and I looked at the Invite not only 4 days ago and did not look at my calendar for the last 4 days. So I have just been given the Title of "Suckie Aunt"! So as you can tell, we were the only family not to show up on Taylor's big day and Chris was the only uncle not in attendance to the confirmation circle of his Bishop brothers youngest daughter. So we are now the Outcasts of the Family - and will be the unreliable ones from now on, Boy you know you have too much on your plate when...... I am sorry Taylor, Lisa & Brett - I don't know how you will forgive us for this one?

"Jocey Bossy" is Finally 15!

2010-08-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Really my Preemie is 15? I am in a little shock, probably cause she is exactly like her mom, oh yeah, be afraid, be very afraid! Needless to say if you look at picture of all my children, Jocelyn definitely looks like her Mom, but in attitude, she is the same also.... She is stubborn, yet giving, Confident, yet insecure, A friend to all, but not at all times, loves children, loves drama, loves hanging out with friends (especially ones of the opposite sex) a fighter to the end, An amazing Dancer, singer, actress & leader, and truly one of a kind!
So here is 15 Fun Facts about Jocelyn

Born Aug 6th - 6 weeks early - on her Grandpa Row's B-day
Had Gag Reflux for 10 1/2 months - looked like a starving bird for 3 months
My only child to have a broken bone - Jumping rope mind you????Yeah I know How???
Stubborn as all get out - Just like her MOM
My only Brunette - Yeah ME!!!!
Had Chicken Pox at 2 1/2 and you could not find a clear spot on her.
Has Danced since she was 6 years old (with 1 year hiatus)
Played Softball for 2 years (8 & 9) and won a championship for her age group
Hates SODA - What who's child is this?
Loves to Flip and Tumble in Rain and Thunder Storms (taught herself an Aeriel, back tuck & flips)
Has amazing Relationship with her cousins!
Loves Lake Powell, the Beach, & Herriman Lake(just like her mom)
She thinks "Justin Bieber" and Taylor Lautner are the end all be all! (Dad teases her that JB is probably Gay - sorry about the racial slur)
Dunford, Chocolate Donuts are her favorite! (Just like her dad)
Favorite Color: Yellow, Favorite Food - Steak and Mashed Potatoes, Favorite Character is Tinkerbell, Loves to watch the Ghost Whisperer, icarly, Jonas, So you think you can Dance, Biggest Loser, American Idol, Benchwarmers, Harry Potter, Twilight saga movies, Scary movies with friends (especially boys)...

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Life is Fragile - Never take it for granted!

2010-07-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

We all have our share of trials and sometimes, I know we think that we are the only ones out there having a hard time, Well let me tell you something, I have to continually remind myself that the people we associate with and the bonds that keep us close are those that will help through the hard times. This year has been a big challenge in our home and we have had our fair share of biggies, however tonight, after receiving a difficult call from a close neighbor and friend, I know that our savior is looking out for each of us!
After just hitting the 40 year old mark, I have reflected on where I wanted to be in my life at this point. On many occasions I feel very blessed with the my amazing husband, my crazy children, my awesome friends, and my crazy life! Then there are the days when you think, why me, and why do we have to face the trials that come our way, and then I sit back and remember that the Lord would never give me a trial that I could not overcome, because he suffered for everyone one of our trials and sins. I know the Lord watches over each and every one of us and sends us signs and messengers along the way.
My close neighbor and friend, with whom I can tease and mess with, had a massive heart attack tonight and when his wife called to let me know what had happened, I felt a sickening feeling and yet a peaceful feeling that he would be OK! Just a few days ago, while taking our kids to Herriman Lake, me and this neighbor sat and laughed and talked about this very subject of heart attacks and how he was worried that his family was prone to these and that he was not ready to leave his family and not ready for that to happen to him. I believe that this attitude is what will pull him through this tough road. Tim, you are crazy, funny, an awesome dad, and a good friend - I am praying for you and your speedy recovery!

Pinoeer Day Tournament, "We are the Champions!"

2010-07-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Stone has been playing super league baseball for 3 1/2 years with 2 different teams and he loves it! After coming home from Cooperstown, this month, he has been slightly bored.... This last weekend a school friend of his asked if he could fill in on another Super League baseball team for the weekend, and play in a holiday tournament - Needless to say the team was basically 1/2 original players of the South Valley Bulldogs and a few pick-ups from other teams to fill the roster. The tournament was in South Jordan, only 5 miles away, and you won't believe it but his sisters even came to watch and support him. Well with this modge-podge team they were able to make it to the Championship game and Win 17-7 in the 5th inning and after 2 1/2 hours of play and at 10:00 pm on the 24th of July!

Stone has finally won a championship!
I am not sure who was more excited his mother, his crazy sisters, or him, but we are very proud of the team for coming together and only playing together as a team for 1 week - They looked like they had been together for years - IT WAS AWESOME! Good Job "Gibby" You have a 1st place trophy, finally, under your belt!

Stone's Cooperstown Dreams Park Experience

2010-07-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

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Word's cannot express the amazing trip we had to Cooperstown Dreams Park with Stone and his Super league Riverton Rats Baseball Team. The experience is life changing and one we suggest to anyone who gets this opportunity should take it!!
A Big thanks to the team, the parents and especially the coached of the Riverton Rats for giving us this opportunity and amazing experience with Stone!

What you didn't know about a $.01 bobby pin....

2010-07-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Bobby pins are the DEVIL!!!!
Or at least they take the form of a destroyer of expensive objects. So in the past months we lost a DYSON vaccuum to these little invaders, many a day or night, we will collect 50 or so on the carpet, hiding in the cushions, in sheets, in bathtubs, down drains of various sinks, peeking out of pockets, hiding in bottoms of all types of purses and bags, in all crevices of all 3 of our motor vehicles, even in the grass or on the tramp. The latest hiding place, and need I may say most expensive - the Pump in our Front Loader Washing matching.... When asking the repair guy if we just over used the Pump that has gone out on our 7 year or machine he said, NO, it was a mixture of a pony tail holder or hair elastic as he put it, and metal hair clip, or Bobby Pin as he later confirmed? REALLY can these $.01 items cause any more damage in the Gibbons household? Well with 3 teenage daughters and myself I am sure we spend a small fortune on these and they just come back to bite us in the BUTT literally. I should ban them from my home - Let's see how the girls take that? Just another day in the life of 3 teenage girls and 2 little guys! ENJOY

Cooperstown Update

2010-07-05T20:05:00.001-07:00

We are in Cooperstown, New York and Stone is competing in the Dreams Park Youth Baseball Hall of Fame series. He has been working toward this for 4 Baseball seasons on 2 super league baseball teams. So far the only game the boys struggled in was game 1, where the first 2 batters for the opposing team hit back to back home runs, was not a boost of confidence for the boys on our team. Well the madness continued and we ended up losing the game 23 to 7. Mind you the other team was being very kind In the last innings to not steal or send their players more than one base at a time/ so we appreciated that. we won the next 3 games, 1-0, 9-6, 10-9! The last game tonight was a real nail biter. We are so proud of these boys and just hope that they are taking this amazing experience and treasuring every moment, good or bad. Well I guess you can not tell that to a group 12 year old boys. 2 more games tomorrow and then we will see where we end up in the play-off rounds on Wednesday and Thursday. This has been an amazing experience thus far. I will post pictures on the weekend when I can download them to my computer, I am updating from Chris's iPad.

Off to Cooperstown!!!!!!!

2010-07-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

OK - As of 24 hours from now we will be headed to Cooperstown Dreams Park for the a week of awesome baseball!!! I am excited and overwhelmed all at once!

Silicone or Cellophane? you decide

2010-07-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Another Zoey Quote for the ages: As Jocelyn was preparing for the Camp Kickoff activity last night she asked Zoey what the name of the clear bags are that you put gifts in - She responded Silicone Bags.... When I came home and looked at Jocelyn's outline and list of ideas for the activity I came across this tidbit of information and began laughing out loud - So being the investigator that I am I asked Zoey when she came back in the room the same question Jocelyn asked her earlier - And lo and behold I received the same answer and bust a gut - and to her response this teaching moment occurred:
"Zoey, honey, Silicone bags are those that we put the gift of breast implants - which are a great gift to those who can afford it - But we are looking for Cellophane Gift bags - They are cheaper and make lots more noise when being handled"
Take it for what you will, But it made my day!

Hunter's Hair No-More! (Again)

2010-06-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Note to self,
"Never Give Ryan an inch he will take a mile..."
A wise bit of advice when you see Ryan holding hair clippers - Hunter will never forget! Check it out and see for your self!

The Most AMAZING Birthday Cake!

2010-06-21T07:54:00.001-07:00

Officially the Coolest Cake Ever!

Really, It could not get any better than this..............
My Amazing Friend, Leann made this Birthday cake for ME (after I told Chris he better get me one...) ! It is 12" Tall made of 6" inch yellow cake rounds held together by dowels and completely covered in Fondant to look like a Diet Coke Can - Absolutely Amazing and Edible!

2010-06-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

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Guess Who's "40"?

2010-06-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

OK really I can't believe it but yes I hit the big 40! And I really feel pretty great about it. 30, just about did me in, but now I am only that much closer to being a Grandma.....(Not that close) and 1/2 way through my life! (What you say?) Well it may seem a little crazy to some of you, but I have an agreement with my girls that if I live to be 80 that they are to take away all food and water, because I want to live life, not just exist - Any Over 80 is not where I want to be. Take it as you will, but it works for me and the girls are probably happy they won't be changing my diapers...

This has actually been a week long birthday - And I love birthdays!!!
Friday June 11, 2010 Drove to the O.C. with Chris and Zoey for a Dance Workshop - I see my sister Beth
Saturday June 12, 2010 Zoey dancing 8 hours - Hanging out at Newport Beach with my hubby - Dinner with Beth & Gerald and Alexa
Sunday June 13, 2010 Zoey dancing 8 hours - Have family over for Family BBQ and Birthday Celebration
Monday June 14, 2010 - My Sisters B-day- drive home to Utah - Jocey and friends have totally cleaned my house, YES!
Tuesday June 15, 2010 - See the new Karate Kid with Jocey and Hunter, LOVED IT!
Wednesday June 16, 2010 - Had a fun Mutual Activity including Cake!
Thursday June 17, 2010 -THE BIG DAY ARRIVES - I AM 18 YEARS OLD WITH 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE! (A thought from one of my young women at church)

Birthday Bed - girls got me a sundress, glasses, a purse, diet coke, Reese's and gum! Really what else do you need?
Stone gave me a coupon good for 5 extra chores to be done for me at any time...YES
Hunter and Jocey did the funniest Happy Birthday Greeting on JIB-JAB Fartin' Birthday- Laughed until I almost cried
Chris spent 4 months making the most amazing Photo Book for me that encompasses my 40 years on this earth which he perfectly named "20/20 Vision Alice's Wonderland" and a DVD of my life in pictures
A 3 foot tall candy jar filled with chocolate (unfortunately fell in my dining room and now I have a pile or shattered glass and chocolate in my dining room)
An awesome picture holder from Mother in Law
Lunch with my Mother in laws and Sister in laws and Nieces and daughters (No males)
Many phone calls, text messages, emails and cards in the mail.
Flowers from my sisters!
Batting Cages with my boys
Coloring Zoey's hair Purple (Well just a strand)
Balloons and a candy bar card from Camille and Sierra (2 of my daughters from another mother...)
Watched Stone play baseball - which I love!
70 degrees and awesome weather
Not even my Devil Child could spoil the day with his temper tantrum ( I Wonder who that would be oh yeah his name starts with "H" and ends with "unter")

Friday June 18, 2010 "Open House" Birthday party

Wow - Let's do this every year!

Coming Soon....

2010-06-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hunter finishes baseball, Schools out for Summer, Lagoon Day, Going to the O.C., Alice's Family Party & the big "40"...........

What little White Guy? The question of the day...

2010-06-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

OK, So I tried to fit in way too many things this morning, and well I got the best comment from Zoey, that I needed to post it. A little background, 10 am Zoey is at the High School do behind the wheel drivers training, I am at Stone's Physical with our family doctor, Alissa is on her way up to Salt Lake. Stone's appoint was running behind, so I called Zoey and told her to start walking home (1.2 miles from Riverton High School to our Front Door) and when I was done I would pick her up if she had not yet made it home. This is where the "question of the day" comes into play.
Alice: "Zoey stay on the main road and I will look for you on my way home"
Zoey: "OK, Mom, when I get to the main road, do I do something to cross the street?"
Alice: (Now thinking in my head, what is she talking about)
Zoey: "Is there some kind of button you push to be able to cross the street?"
Alice: (Now understanding what she is asking)" Yes, push the button to get the go ahead"
Zoey: "Is that button on the poll somewhere?"
Alice: "Yes Dear, and please do not go in the street until you see the little white guy."
Zoey: "What little white guy, I don't know what you are talking about....."
Now mind you this entire conversation is taking place in the exam room where Stone and the "Awesome" Dr. Jean are listening and laughing, even as Stone is getting his manhood checked -

OK this is where I have finally realized that I have done a disservice to all of my children! I have driven them everywhere there whole lives, they don't even know how to use a cross walk! Now that is sad, I think my children need to heel/toe it more often to get places, we would all benefit - less gas used and exercise for the kids! How do you think they will take the news?

OHMS Dance Concert/ Nationals @UVU and Zoey's First DATE

2010-05-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

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The Sweet 16 BASH! We lived through it and so did the neightbors, I Think?

2010-05-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

With planning this infamous party for the last month we had big aspirations for an outdoor Sweet 16 Bash for our Zoey. We cleaned, we prepared, invited via text, invitations & facebook, and the ever so accurate weather man predicted Thunder Storms, What? rain and cold in May in Utah, Un- heard of, or should I say, completely possible. Over the years we have had many a spring and summer day in the 40's and freezing, Kind of hate that about Utah - But what do you do - Give a little, take a little! After a week of hanging lights in the back garage and making sure the band (Zoey's friends) could get set up ok, 2 days of a Baseball tournament in Salem/Spanish Fork, Utah and running around with our heads cut off, The Big Event Came and guess what? NO RAIN, NICE WEATHER, LAST-MINUTE HELP FROM SISTER-IN-LAW LISA, APPROX. 1500 WHITE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS HUNG IN BACK GARAGE, 8 tiki torches, 18 luminaries, 1 banner, 2 direction signs, 12 balloons, 6 cans of silly string, lots of sidewalk chalk for the perimeter walls, THE BAND GOT SET UP EASILY (THEY WERE AWESOME), Along with Zoey's friends we had; ALISSA'S FRIENDS, JOCEY'S FRIENDS, EVEN SOME OF STONE'S FRIENDS, totalling 125-150 TEENAGERS (NOT KIDDING) 120 CANS OF SODA, 60 WATER BOTTLES, 60 cupcakes, 2 Texas sheet cakes AND OODLES OF CANDY AND CHIPS AND ONLY 3 MISHAPS! (That's another story) Zoey had a great time, they had dancing, a dance off, basketball, trampoline, swings, volleyball (thanks to an awesome neighbor), Foosball, air-hockey, street football, Frisbee, & Fire-pit! yeah IT's over........ HERE ARE SOME PICTURES TO PROVE IT! (oNLY 1 MORE SWEET 16 TO GO, yES)

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Happy Birthday ZOZO!!!! "Sweet 16"

2010-05-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

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Coming Soon!

2010-05-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

Okay really it is 10:30pm on Sunday Night, We have been so crazy this past week that I have not had a chance to blog, but I do have lots to say, Let's just say- stay tuned, I will sit down and type about the following this coming week:

Pictures at the Temple, Mothers Day, the Day after Mothers Day (The real Mother's Day) OHMS Dance Concert, RHS Student Government, Baseball, Early Morning at Denny's, My Bud's 40th, Scout Campout, National Dance Competition, Zoey's First Date, & Finally Some Sunshine.Me and Zoey Freezing at Oquirrh Mountain Temple Grounds

The Bounce Girls & Best Friends (Sam Nat & ZoZo)

What Does this Sign Mean to YOU?????

2010-05-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Really I know that I was taught to drive in California, But I do worry about Utah Drivers...Mind you I have 1 teenage driver at home and another quickly approaching (3 weeks to be exact). What are the Utah Drivers being taught about the above sign? Well my understanding has always been, that if you are in the Left lane of 2 lanes merging together and the right lane ends, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY, Correct? Or, does this sign actually mean... "If you are a Utah male, driving a POC (piece of crap) Truck and driving in the Right lane when approaching this sign and a woman is next to me, You have all rights to speed up and almost hit her while merging after the lane ends and if this doesn't work keep trying to merge when there is no room and My daughter could actually touch your steering wheel through the window...What do you think? Well I will tell you this If I had a gun in my car, it may have put a few holes into Utah Male Drivers Trucks today who are completely Retarded or in other words U-TARDED!!! Where is my Humvee when I need it? I would have actually driven right on top of them if I could.. Don't mess with me I have sleep deprivation and Teenagers at home! That's all I need to say about that!

"3" used to be a Favorite Number...

2010-04-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Humility is not one of my strong suits, So when you are taught this concept by your teenage daughters, it really hits home. Tonight was RHS Dance Company try-outs, - So after major coaxing from Chris, Myself, Alissa, friends & Zoey, We convinced Jocelyn to try out with Zoey for the team. Jocelyn has had her fair share of disappointment this past month and we all were in agreement that there was no way she wouldn't make it. Well - Shame on Us - 3 Strikes and you're out... Jocelyn made it through 1st cuts and was cut from the company at final cuts and needless to say for 1 small moment in time "I was speechless". I know it sounds unbelievable, but I had NO words of comfort only a shoulder to cry on and she lent me hers- I was in Shock.... Then the waters parted and Zoey came out 30 minutes later, Jocelyn ran to her and gave her a huge hug to Congratulate her - And these are the words of Wisdom that Zoey gave to Jocelyn
" Do not ever Doubt yourself, you are amazing!"
The impact of this statement was not only felt by Jocelyn but everyone around the 2 of them, Especially their Mom! I am a proud Mom Of a Dance Company Member and another Girl who never gives up! {Jocelyn's Next venture: The Bowling Team - She says} Life is going to be interesting next year at the Gibbons House!

2010-04-29T22:06:00.001-07:00

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Watch Out RHS, The Gibbons Girls are trying to take over...

2010-04-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

So another day or week in life of 3 teenage girls and 2 little guys and we are trying to survive the Roller Coaster!

After putting together a Portfolio of 22 pages containing, letters of recommendation, past experience, photographic experience, and ideas to improve Riverton High School, Alissa was voted in as the SBO Historian for 2010-2011 School year (Her Senior year). Very emotional experience, as she was facing some great candidates and she feels extremely honored to represent the School.

On we go, This week Zoey made the final 8 candidates for Jr. Class Officer and had to come up with a 30 second Speech (well something like that) and answer a bunch of Random, I mean random, questions in front of the Juniors and Seniors at her high school. She made up a Rap to the beat of "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air", which was quite creative and, Although she felt as though she failed in every aspect of the question answer panel - Zoey was nominated with 3 other Sophomores as next years Jr. Class officers - As she was vegetated in her room, Alissa & I thought it would be fun to Text her from downstairs and wait for her response. She was so excited she ran down the stairs and jumped on her Mom and plowed her to the ground...Bruises are yet to surface - Just another day in the life!

I'm just glad they are still willing to share their Heartaches and Triumphs with their ever embarrassing Mom.

RHS Dance Company Try-outs are Tomorrow for Jocelyn and Zoey - Hope we have good news to share...

It's the little things... or 2 Big things?

2010-04-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

After 2 1/2 months of getting out of my car and opening our garage by hand we finally have our new garage doors! After a friend of ours decided to turn out main garage door into a taco...OK Taco Bell 1 mile away...(JK - we love you guys) We had to replace the main door - So after the insurance issued a claim and check we found a friend who works with a Garage guy who was able to get us a generic door and its matching counterpart for technically the same price as the 1 Martin Door. So We have something new at our house - Now what about that list of 34 other things that need to be fixed? Well one stepping stone at a time, I guess...

RHS Dance Co Spring concert "Retrospection"

2010-04-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

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Hunter's Day at the Ballpark!

2010-04-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Hunter said I never write about him in the blog, so here goes... Saturday Hunter had his 3rd baseball game, and He said he was going to hit the ball today, well he not only hit the ball but he hit the ball 3 times and got a double on one of them, that went over the Center Fielders head! Way to go little Gibby, we always knew you had it in you! By the way the weather was 75 degrees - Yeah I think spring is finally here!

Quote of the Day!

2010-04-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

"Never Trust a Fart"

Chris's advice to Hunter today, as he stayed home from school with a case of the "Squirts" so dad gave him the ultimate piece of advice... Mom laughed and had to share with the world!

"Life's Lessons" I don't recall asking for these...

2010-04-19T11:22:00.001-07:00

So when you think life is raining down on you a bit, it tends to Flood... We have seen our fair share of thunderstorms these last weeks and from the mouths of babes we received the ultimate piece of advice: (Let me set up our recent family events)

Grandpa Row came to visit for a couple days, Alissa has been struggling with her golf game, Jocelyn got cut from Cheer try-outs (2nd time in as many weeks) Pretty devastating to both her and me, Stone got benched in one of his baseball games for throwing a crying fit after their team lost the 1st game of a double header ( a life lesson he will never forget) Hunter had to go to Hip hop even though he was tired, Alissa had craziness all around her at work, Mom raced as fast as she could from one end of the valley to another to try and support all her children in there endeavors, while Chris was working, and made it to Stone's 2nd baseball game to find out he was benched and she got to watch the rest of the team play and win. Zoey has been in H_ _ _ weeks with Riverton Dance Company finishing up the season with the big year end Concert and creating dances for an Alumni Dance for the Middle School, Teaching a boys hip hop class where only 2 or 3 boys show up each week, and smack dab in the middle of competition season. The house has not been cleaned, The yard has not been mowed, The weeds are beginning to creep up all over the flower beds, laundry is all over the house & according to Hunter there is nothing good to eat in this house( I could go on for 2 pages) ...Sound familiar to any of you?
So, when Chris made a comment to Zoey about him making a mistake in the Father/Daughter Dance in the High School Dance Concert, wanting to know what he had forgotten the wisdom came without pause:
"Dad it doesn't matter, it is over and we move on"
This is now the motto in the Gibbons Household, it doesn't matter the mistake we make, or how we have been wronged, it happened, it's over, we learn from it, and Move On!
(Let's see how long this will last)

When you think you've failed as a parent, Then...

2010-04-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Jocey Bossy, after some prodding from close friends, at the last minute decided to attend Drill Team clinics and try-outs for the High School Drill Team aka "Silverline". On the final day, I was attending Stone's Baseball Tournament and Zoey and Alissa were being the mom waiting in the hallway at RHS to give moral support and talk with Jocey after each segment of try-outs and texting me with all the updates. Jocey, was asked to come back in for 4 call backs, each time doing a new technical item and stunt, Completing all with confidence. (Dancing since 5, and President of OHMS Dance Co.) When Cuts came, she was CUT, Surprised, but not devastated!

(This is where I think maybe I have done something right and not completely failed as a parent....)

Zoey was so devastated for Jocey, she began crying which then began a chain reaction of crying and hugging between sisters - Then all the girls that were cut left immediately, and Jocey wanted to stay so she could congratulate the ones who were chosen. I didn't even tell her this would be the right thing to do, She wanted to do this on her own????? I came into the high school expecting tears and Drama and she was smiling happy and excited for her friends who were not cut. A proud moment for a Mom, who feels as if she fails on a daily basis with her teenage daughters.

"Go Gibbons Girls!"

You KNOW you have completely OVERLOADED your life WHEN...

2010-04-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

OK, kind of embarrassed to admit this, but I am truly the mother of the year after an incident this evening.

It is 6:10 pm as we have just gotten home form 3 baseball games and from being gone since 7:15 am.
Chris and Stone are out delivering Salt for a Baseball Team fundraiser.
Hunter and I just got home and needed to run to the store to get some rations for a group of hungry teenagers who have congregated at our home.
Zoey wanted to tag along so the 3 of us went 4 blocks away to the local Wal Mart Super Center.
Arrive at Wal Mart, so this is where the fun begins.
Hunter immediately informs me he will be in the video game section to play games while we shop.
As we finish up I think to myself to have Zoey run back and get Hunter, but I get distracted and continue to Check out and leave....
YES here is the part where I WIN "Mother of the Year - 2010"
7:00 pm Get home,
Unload car,
Talk to Jocelyn and friends,
Start making dinner,
Chris and Stone come home,
Chris starts BBQ,
Stone gets in the shower (still gross from baseball),
Chris asks where Hunter is, I respond" Oh probably in the office playing a video game", (Still not realizing what I have done -)
15 minutes later Stone gets out of shower and asks where Hunter is, I give the same response, when Stone tells me " He is not in the office or downstairs!"

THEN IT HITS ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS -
Hunter ( My 10 year old - baby) is still in the video department at WalMart -
This is where your life passes before your eyes and you panic,
While running and screaming;
"Zoey, we left Hunter at Wal Mart"
We both run out the house, realizing what I have done,
Into the Suburban and race down the street -
Hoping along the way 1. We see Hunter walking home or
2. Hoping he is oblivious to his plight and still playing video games -

7:35pm Park in the FIRE Lane at Wal Mart
drop Zoey off to run to the back of the store,
I check with the Fun Zone and the Customer Service Desk, quickly explain our plight and that if we can't find him we need to page him,
Run to the back of the store, meet up with Zoey -

NO HUNTER!
We are praying that he is OK and that we find him.

7:40 pm We turn and look down the main aisle and Hunter is walking toward us slowly, about 300 feet away.
I yell to him and he finally sees me - from that far away you see the relief and confusion in his eyes.

After he explains he has been around the store 15 times and out in the parking lot looking for us - I explain what I have done to him and grab him and hug him and apologize over and over hoping he will forgive me.
He said he was a little scared, but figured he would keep looking.
We took him home and are really thankful for living in Utah, and knowing that if we were any other place, we may not have had such a happy ending to an almost tragic situation -
Maybe this is why we are told to SIMPLIFY our lives -
By the way I am waiting for my award to arrive anyday for
"Worst Parent of the Year"

Sports is on TOP of us!

2010-04-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Baseball began in January, however the thick of things are just beginning. Hunter is playing for the Minor league ANGELS!!!! Yeah - Great Team. Stone is playing with his Super League RATS!
(Respect, Attitude, Teamwork, & Sacrifice) Starting last night we are having a a string of 8 games in 4 days. By Sunday Night I will possible need a CALGON Moment. However, They think it won't SNOW this weekend, we could only hope....

EASTER 2010 in Zion!

2010-04-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

We really are very fortunate living in Utah, and I am sure we take for granted the things we have and the opportunities that are available to us and how we don't take advantage of those opportunities. Today is Easter and on top of that the 180th Session of General Conference. With Chris being in the Stake Presidency, we had the awesome chance to attend the final session of General Conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. We were very grateful for this opportunity and felt the spirit so strong being in the presence of a living prophet and hearing the words of the Lord and the council from living prophets that have a personal relationship with our Savior. It was a great day.

PROM 2010! March 26, 2010

2010-03-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

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OK so I stayed back from the annual St George, Champion Production, Dance Competition this year, due to prom. Well not my prom, but Alissa's of course! I missed Sweethearts this year and I promised I would be there to help with Prom. Alissa started the day with getting her nails done and then Bronson and her went with a group of friends on a "DAY DATE";
(for any of you outside of Utah, this is a crazy (Stupid) tradition the teenagers have that gives them more opportunity to spend more money, it's nuts! They spend the day together doing something casual and fun, then all go home and get ready for the big dance, So if you are going with someone you really do not want to be with, it turns out to be a long, long day! )

Back to the Day date, they went to IHOP and ate and then to Nickle Cade and goofed off and played games and won tickets (Like Chuck-E-Cheese) Alissa made it home with 1 hour to get ready, mind you her dress takes 30 minutes to get on - I am not kidding (Thanks cousin Brooke for letting us borrow the Barbie dress) Hair done , check, Make-up, check, Dress on, check, Dress laced up - double check, Converse on, check, jewelry on, check, now the infamous hoop skirt....OK This was a sight to see, Picture Mom under (i mean completely under) Alissa's dress trying to get her to step in the invisible hoop skirt and mom pulling it up and tieing it around her waist, under her dress. Chris comes in and wonders where mom is, Quite the sight to see and yes with sweat dripping down my face, The hoop skirt is in place and Alissa is ready to go - Crap we forgot to brush our teeth before we put on the dress (luckily she went to the bathroom prior to putting on the dress) - So Alissa bending over the sink, with much carefulness, brushes her teeth without a mishap - and is ready to go! Where's her Date? Forgetting the Corsage at home, Bronson is running a little late, but makes it there in record time and they look awesome! The report after midnight, was; it was awesome, they had fun, Ate at Tuscano, Went to the Capitol for the Prom, took pictures, and went to a friends grandparents house, next to the Draper temple, and went swimming in there indoor pool. Until next year PROM is over - What a relief!

Return With Honor - Tanner!

2010-03-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time going up to Logan last Sunday, and surprise, surprise Chris was able to come along with us. We have been able to see our dear dad and husband on a Sunday 2 times since the beginning of the year, with Stake Conferences, Ward Conferences and Misc. Baseball Tournaments it was a nice surprise to have him for almost the whole day! All in all it was a great day, the weather cooperated, the ride was not super chaotic, well with 5 growing kids in the suburban, there was a little complaining as to who got to sit in the Captains seats - never ending saga at our house, but visiting with the (Rowbotham) cousins was a lot of fun and we do not see enough of them. I've posted a slide show of some misc visitors at Tammy and Jim's house - We are so proud of this life changing decision Tanner has made and the long road it has taken him to get here, With many prayers and blessings and lots of fasting I know that our Heavenly Father made his recovery from his last summer, long-board accident, possible! He will be an amazing instrument in the Lord's hands!

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Spring Weekend's are here again!

2010-03-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

OK Spring in Utah is just nuts...Sun, Snow, Rain, Sun & more Snow - Pick a weather system and stick with it. We are just beginning our mad crazy spring schedule this weekend, and before we know it it will be July...

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Hunter attended a Tennis Camp at Riverton High School with Shon, the next door neighbor - Mom was worried that he may have a little trouble due to baseball and getting mixed up with his swing, Well He proved me wrong, which he actually enjoys on a regular basis, and he had a great time.
Thursday Morning Chris and Stone headed out to St George for a March Madness Baseball tournament - And yes he rubbed it in that he was in 75 degrees while we were having a messed up weather system in Salt Lake. They had a great time, however they made it through the 1st 4 games and did not make it onto the Saturday Playoffs only 16 out of 64 teams were asked to stay - So we needed to go 4 -0 and well that did not happen...
Grandpa Row came into town on Wednesday Night for the weekend, HE comes into town for all the major events in his children's lives and Tanner Misustin (Grandson & Cousin) is having his mission farewell in Logan, He does business, visits old friends from California who have migrated to Utah, and just relaxes - ( Mind you I am not sure how relaxing it is to be in the House of Hormones? )
Alissa had her Spring Choir Concert at the High School on Wednesday, She is finishing up her 1st year in A'capella Choir and has had a fun time.
Alissa and Jocelyn had our 1st Region Basketball Game on Thursday night, They went 7-1 in our Stake young women's basketball, went to region and the well lets just say my previous post about crazy basketball moms, STILL STANDS! We lost against a team of Amazon Girls, they were really good, BUT HEY so are we! I am proud of you girls! (Alissa (15 of the 21 points)
Friday, Alissa worked for the 4th day in a row, Jocelyn went and watched Soccer at the high school, Zoey had a Dance Team Social, So Hunter and I had the night to rent movies and hang out.
Saturday Morning, bright and Early, we headed out to Granger High School for our 1st Dance Competition of the Season - Mind you Jocelyn and Zoey are part of 1 dance each with Tiffany Dance Company, so it becomes a long day. So the BRIGHT Side - This was a Mini-Competition - only 1/2 day - and 6 companies competed - Zoey's Dance "Bounce" received Grand Champion in Teen Hip-Hop and Jocelyn's "Jungle Drums" Received Grand Champion In Teen Advanced Lyrical/Jazz. They did really well for the 1st Competition. I have downloaded "Bounce" It is very blurry - but you get the idea - Zoey is "Mozart" in the Red Jacket in the front of the dance - She did awesome and Choreographed most of the Dance - She is really growing as a Choreographer.
Chris and Stone came home on Saturday and we watched BYU lose in March Madness, so we were very sad........
Sunday we headed up to Logan to attend Tanner Misustin's Mission Farewell, he will be leaving Wednesday the 24th to the MTC for 3 weeks and then on to Texas.

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ELDER TYLER GIBBONS "HOMECOMING"

2010-03-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

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Well a big day for the Gibbon's clan - Elder Tyler Gibbons returned from Catania, Italy on Friday March 12, 2010. My kids acted like a brother was coming home, it was awesome to see. Prior to us moving to this home and Ryan's family moving to South Jordan, Tyler and his family lived in our ward and only 4 doors down from us for 8 years; needless to say the cousins have all grown up together like brothers and sisters. We had fun going to the Airport , spending time with the Gibbons and Baum families and attending his homecoming address in South Jordan. He has absolutely changed from a boy to a man - It's AWESOME, we are so proud of him and I know that his Mom and Dad are also.

"Alice in Wonderland"

2010-03-07T17:28:00.001-08:00

Will the real Alice in Wonderland come forward!

(1990 Chris has "Alice" in Wonderland - photo at Disneyland)

I am the real "Alice in Wonderland" and don't you forget it....

We went as a family to see the Tim Burton Version of Alice in Wonderland - I loved it! It was warped, funny and completely Tim Burton! I am a fan of the original Alice in Wonderland, ergo the NAME... So I was extremely excited when we saw the billboards at New Moon Last year for the upcoming Tim Burton Film. Just a few years ago at Disneyland we found the original 1951 version on DVD and Chris has still not seen the entire movie. So needless to say he was confused in this new movie, which I had to explain to him it is in the future and not a remake of the original, Alice has grown up (ergo, DUH! jk, love you Hun) and they are bringing her back to Wonderland. I was completely satisfied with this movie and I am a Tim Burton Fan and of course a Johnny Depp Fan (DUH) Nightmare before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, These movies have given my family some of our most favorite Movie lines... ie, "Mumbler.." So if you have a little bit of a warped sense of humor, this is a movie for you!

March 3, 2010 "Happy 17th Birthday SIS!"

2010-03-04T13:18:00.001-08:00

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"17" and Loving It!

2010-03-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Alissa!
We can't believe it has been a year since the infamous Sweet 16 Birthday Party, The New Drivers License, & your first date ! You have definately grown over the past year, driving, dating, working and becoming a Young Adult! We are so proud of you and the choices you are making your life, Just think, in 1 more year you will be an adult...That's right enjoy the easy life now...

Lent Update...

2010-02-22T20:17:00.000-08:00

OK, I may have been too Hasty in making 13 goals for "LENT". Well lets just say I didn't even make it through day 1, day 2, day 3, I made it through day 4, and big fat no on Day 5 with goal #6. 1 time in front of Alissa and Bronson, I time in front of Jocey, 1 time in my car, I time in front of the kids again - Please be advised when you Post your goals on the Refrigerator you will be called on the Carpet every time you Mess up! Will try again tomorrow on #6 - Other than that I have been doing awesome on the other 12!! YAY ME! Someone has to give me kudos, even it if it is myself!

To Honor my Catholic Friends!!!

2010-02-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Southern California, most of my friends were either Catholic of Lutheran. I spent many days attending other churches. I appreciated that my parents felt this was important for me to see how other families lived and what their religious beliefs were. Being brought up LDS (Mormon), I did not always have a true sense of knowing what I believed. I definitely went through those rebellious years of thinking my parents were stupid and that I could figure things out on my own. Well needless to say, I feel very fortunate for my upbringing and that my parents were wise enough to give us 7 children Values, Morals and a strong faith that we could always fall back on when were to get lost. I read a friends blog today about "Lent" and I had a flash back of all those weeks that my buddies and I would go get Cheese pizza on Fridays during Lunch and realized I never really understood why they did this. Thank you Tiffany for reporting about LENT. I want to follow along and truly work on giving up something for the next 40 days. Mind you this was really hard, cause Diet Coke- (not gonna happen)- Sugar (not gonna happen) - Swearing (I have to say I don't have enough will power in me...) so this is what I have come up with:

"Moms 13 Things to work on before Easter"

Not to comment for 40 days on how messy our house is!
Not to tell my children what pigs they are being!
Not to complain about how the laundry is never done!
Not to look in my daughters (3 teenagers...) rooms and freak out at the mess! (Can you see a pattern to all of these?)
Accept others for their weaknesses, cause I am perfect you know?
Do not kill my dog for always running away....(this one is a toughie)
Do not Swear (Out Loud)
Do not eat after 8:00 pm at night
Do not drink Diet Coke after 8:00 pm at night
Do not get mad at all the ST---- drivers out there (hey like I said I grew up in Cali we are perfect drivers...)
Do not let the Winter get me down, think positive - Spring/Summer is almost here!!
Do not complain to my wonderful, devoted, spiritual, loving and hard working husband that I have to go to work everyday.
Do not forget the hand of the Lord in my life everyday!

Like I tell my Zoey all the time "Attitude is Everything" BE HAPPY, & as the new LDS Youth theme states: "Be Strong and of a good courage..."
Words to live by! Let's see if I can do this....

Our 2009 Dance Crew Winner!

2010-02-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.championproductionsusa.com/Competitions/DanceCrew.aspx
It has only taken Champion Productions 10 months; but they have finally posted last seasons Dance crew winners. We were so proud of Zoey, She really stood out. Press on the link above and you can watch the 6minute video, Its shows the different rounds and then the final. Zoey is in front wearing the orange and white tie-dye tank and at the end she is front and center on the "S" on the Gym Floor! Its fun to watch and Mom even had tears in here eyes because she was so proud!

ZOEY'S "CALI" ADVENTURE

2010-02-17T19:54:00.001-08:00

(Taylor M, Sam B, Nat H., & Zoey)

I can't believe our Nat is 16! I consider her one of my girls cause Zoey and her have been best friends forever, it seems. Grant (Nat's dad), took these 4 girls to CALI on Friday Night the 12th and they made it to The Los Angeles Temple at 5:00 am Saturday Morning. They did some work in the Temple and headed to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and checked out the Stars, then it was on to Knott's Berry Farm for the Day. The Girls loved it! Sunday they went sight seeing and to Newport Beach and enjoyed a California feast of El Pollo Loco. They headed back to Utah on Monday morning, even though they spent 2 days in the car, The girls all agreed it was one of the funnest trips they have ever been on!!
HAPPY SWEET 16 MY NAT!!!

President's Day Weekend/ Valentines!

2010-02-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Well we headed out to St George on Friday February 12, 2010 for a President's Day Baseball Tournament, mind you I hate driving and I had the Suburban with Zoey, Jocey, Stone & Hunter. Chris was following in Chancho (Alissa's car) (Who had the better deal in this situation? ) Alissa stayed back to attend the Sweethearts formal, Zoey was coming for the ride and being picked up later that evening to go to California for the weekend.... (Her best friend's 16th Birthday was held at Knott's Berry Farm)

The Joke of the weekend was "Mom, there is definately a difference in lodging between the M-- and the H--" We were under the impression (pictures on the internet) that the Inn that we reserved for a back up (another story) was a H--(Hotel) not a M-- (Motel) Well WRONG - - And it put true meaning to the M-- in Motel. The pool was not heated, the toilet would not flush and well lets just say the beds were like sleeping on the floor.. Well what you do to save a few bucks.
Stone played a double header on Friday, 1 win 1 loss, Zoey met up with her friends and left for Cali, Chris left early Saturday morning to make it back to Riverton for Stake Conference and all the meetings that entails. We played another double header on Saturday (2-0) & 62 degrees, to us that is warm weather, this is all foreign to us winter prisoners. We went to Pizza Factory, Went to a Birthday party for one of Stone's teammates, Saw the "Lightning Theif", Saw the Biggest Loser,St George, training facility (My kids and my favorite show) Went to Church, sat in the hot tub, watched the Olympics, played another game on Monday the 15th, but were done after the 1st game. Jocelyn and I decided to stay and watch the next game (Stone's friends were continuing on) and enjoy the heat, and dreading the drive home.
With Diet Coke and Rock Star in hand, We came home to the Winter.... Wow I will never miss the snow if we ever become freed from Winter Prison. I took a picture of this to keep reminding my self, even though Life is tough a lot of the time that "Life is Good"