The Gilbert's

Day 2 - 12 of our family vacation

2009-06-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

found us in Denver. The Monday after our encounter with the "Tomato", as Jessica calls it, found Chris flying back to Phoenix to work. He returned the following weekend and we stayed there until Thursday morning. While there we visited Estes Park. A beautiful mountain community bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. There we walked the streets and enjoyed the clean, fresh air and family. Did a little shopping and took a lot of pictures. The boys (Wayne and Chris) went on a hunt for a micro brewery but were unable to find it. They did however find the New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins where enjoyed a day of beer tasting and bonding. Not to mention the small circus bike Wayne decided to try out.

While Chris and Wayne took in a Rocky's game and a theme park, I enjoyed spending time with my sister and the kids, playing, watching TV and tye dying shirts. I too took in a few baseball games as well, only the star of the ones I watched was a 7 year old little boy who often calls me Aunty Shanny. Only wished I could have seen my oldest little man in one of his games. I promise Austin, next time I'm all over your games buddy. I have to catch at least one before you graduate from High School.

How I love to visit them but wish they lived closer! It's so hard to say goodbye.

Thank you all for the wonderful time we spent with you. I can't wait until we are able to do it again!

Denver

2009-06-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

We made it to Denver and the kids were excited to see one another. Ashylnn missed our arrival by about a half hour. Chase, who was asleep on the chair in the living room awoke with a smile to find his cousins, Aunt and Uncle standing before him. Never before have I gotten such a big hug from my little man.

Then next morning we awoke to an overcast day. Who knew what adventures would await us for that day.

That morning started as all others. Kristin and Chase played and Diane took Ashlynn to a banquet for gymnastics. Chris and Wayne went out to run errands and then grab everyone lunch. When they got home the excitement began.

Chase came running in the front door crying and Wayne followed him asking if it scared him.
"What?" I said.
"The Tornado sirens," replied Wayne in a calm collected voice
"The WHAT?"
"Tornado sirens"
"You have Tornadoes?"
"I guess."
So the tourists that we are ran to the front porch to hear the sirens.
"Holy *&^%," cried my husband
and as we turn there it is the vortex of a beginning tornado.

The mother that I am grabs the kids (and pets) and takes them to the man box in the basement. The man my husband is runs to the basement and grabs the camera. After hiding in the the man box for a few minutes I snuck out to see what is happening. I have never seen before, nor do I care to ever again seen a tornado that close!!

Lucky for us the Tornado touched down about a mile from Diane and Wayne's. There was some minor damage and minor injuries reported as well.

According to Wayne there had only been a hand full of Tornado's in the 4 years they had lived there. In the week I was there, there were at least that many.

Thank goodness for basements!!

Summer

2009-06-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

is here and school is out. Kristin is now a third grader and I am one year closer to retirement. Not that I'm counting or anything. =)

The last week of school is always fun. Packing my room, at least this year I don't have to move rooms and our annual school softball game against the 6th graders. 4th year and we are still undefeated. This year was the closest though, 11 to 6. Not to mention classroom parties and best of all NO homework for either of us.

Friday found Kristin and Chris at the annual Girls Scout Father/Daughter. This year was a sock hop. Kristin looked so cute in her Poodle Skirt while Chris was dashing in his Blue Jeans, Van, and white t-shirt. Only wish we had made it to Flag for his class ring.

On Saturday morning we packed the Santa Fe, hooked up the trailer and headed to Denver to visit Diane and the kids. 14 hours in the car pulling is a long time. The girls did an amazing job. They watched movies, sang, played games and ate. They were happy to be there though.

Cooler weather here we come.

Peach Pickin'

2009-05-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today we meet our friends from Tucson, Dawn and Greg and their kids, to pick peaches at Schnepf Farms. This was the first time we had ever done that. We had been to their for pumpkins but not peaches.

Kristin gets the prize for the most unique peach

It was great. We were able to eat the peaches right off the trees. They were delicious. Jessica and Kristin had a great time. They were sticky but happy at the end.

I thought picking peaches would take longer than it did. In fact it took us longer to drive there than to pick the peaches.

Chris, Kristin, Karsyn, Dawn and Jessica

After picking peaches we went to the restaurant for some homemade peach ice cream.

Sleep is SO over rated!

2009-05-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

My beautiful, fun loving, energizer bunny of a daughter, Jessica, has decided that sleep is not something she needs to have in order to function. Since January, she has not been going to sleep until around 10:30 0r 11, and I don't get to work on my school work until after she is asleep so I'm not getting to bed before 12:30 or so. It's amazing what your body can get use to over time, but I love my sleep.

We have tried all kinds of things to help her sleep, warm baths before bed with lavender, she loves the water she plays and splashes and has a ball. Comes out of the bath wired.

Tried Benadryl. BIG mistake. You know how it says for some children it has the opposite reaction? Yep she was the poster child. I found her dancing on the hockey table in her diaper.

No naps. Tried it. She gets so exhausted and that is no fun for anyone.

Tried the TV just letting her watch it. Gets up every half hour to find out what I'm doing.

Tried letting her cry herself to sleep . . . Throws up because she is so upset. Have to give her a bath which wires her and she's hungry.

Best solution is to lay down with her until she goes to sleep. Only problem is I fall asleep and then I'm even farther behind in my work.

I believe she has "I Miss Mommy syndrome". I know one day I will look back on this and laugh I'm sure.

Summer will be better because I am off and can lounge around on days she doesn't sleep.

Well . . .

2009-04-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

it's been a while and a lot has happened in the Gilbert house hold since I updated last. Where do I begin? Probably at the next major event.

I guess that would be Kristin turning 8. I would show birthday party pictures but since her birthday was right around Easter and then the school year ended and we have been on vacation we haven't exactly had her birthday party yet.

But here are pictures from her day.

For her birthday she got to pick what she wanted for dinner and she chose the ever popular Purple Chicken Alfredo. Doesn't look to appetizing?

The following slide show is of Kristin's last year.

Happy Birthday BooBear. Mommy, Daddy and Jessica love you very much and we are so proud of you. Hope you have a wonderful year!! You are growing up so fast. This past year you have grown up so much from a snaggle tooth 7 year old to a beautiful 8 year old. You continue to amaze me with your since of humor and wisdom. I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Catching up

2009-03-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

OK so I'm not as consistent as I should be. Life has gotten in the way and I've been busy watching my children grow as they do all to quickly.

To start the month off Chris took Kristin to the zoo with her class. He was a wonderful chaperon and the girls on the "pink team" had a great time. I think Kristin's teacher chose pink for them because of Chris's boss and his pink underwear.

This month also took us on the Lite Rail with Nana and Papa for Nana's birthday. We caught it down by the Condo and rode it to the end and then back. It's nice to have on in town but I'm not sure how many times I will ride it since it is so far from the house.

After the Lite Rail, Kristin went to Volleyball camp. She had never played before and did relatively well. She had a great time and would love to do it again, especially since her friend went with her.

Jessica got to hang out while Kristin was playing Volleyball.

The end of the week sent us to Tucson to visit Dawn, Greg and their beautiful daughters. I can't believe that Kars is 5 years old and baby Rilynn is 3 months. In Tucson we spent the day at Karsyn's 5th birthday and as all Diva's need it was a Glamour Party. Even Jessica got in the act. I think Chris is going to have his hands full with these two when they are old enough to date. I was not to be left out so I got in on the fun.

A new month has started and I'm sure new adventures await us around every bend. Until next time. . . .

She did it . . .

2009-02-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

She really did. Jessica said "I wuv you" to me on Friday when she was taking a bath. I have been waiting so long to hear those 3 little words. She says all kinds of things to me but these are always the most precious. I remember when Kristin said them. She was about the same age and we were playing "who loves you" and she looked up at me and said "I wuv you mommy". It just melted my heart.

Jessica has also come up with a new phrase in the last week "Mama, guess what?" Now answering that opens up a whole new can of worms and giggles from the back seat. She is so precious.

I can't believe how big Jessica is getting. They both are. I was thinking the other day that Kristin is going to be in 3rd grade soon. That seems so much older than 2nd grade, and Jessica's language is just exploding and her personality shines more brightly each day. I love this age.

Thank you Kristin and Jessica for filling my bucket each day and every time I hear those words "I wuv you"!!

My Soap Box . . . Autism

2009-01-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

Autism is something that has interested me for sometime. I come across it on a daily basis at school. It is difficult to watch children who are locked away in their own world and to be oblivious to the one around them.

Autism is the fasted growing disorder and it effects many children. Today 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism or an Autism spectrum disorder compared to 1 in 10,000 in 1970. 1 in 94 children with an autism spectrum disorder are boys. A new case of autism is diagnosed every 20 minutes. There is no medical detection or cure for autism but there are treatments. The cost of treating children with autism is currently 90 billion dollars worldwide annually. That cost is expected to rise to 200-400 billion by 2014. But there is hope, lifelong care can be cut by 2/3 with early diagnosis, care, and intervention, only problem is, there are many insurance companies that do not cover the cost of care.

Autism speaks is an organization dedicated to helping parents and children dealing with autism. Autism effects more children and their families than cancer (1 in 25,000 - 300 million dollars) or muscular dystrophy (1 in 200,000 - 150 million dollars), yet autism only receives 15 million dollars in funding.

Although, autism has not effected my family, it does effect many families and friends. Maybe yours. If you would like to learn more visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/.

The following video is from http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/ . This website was started by John Ondrasik, the lead singer of Five for Fighting. To see more videos from families dealing with autism, visit this website.

The family featured in the video is a friend of by best friends.

The question I pose to you is . . . What kind of world do you want?

Adventures in Potty Training!

2009-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

So we're trying to potty train Jessica. I forgot how much work it is. Jessica loves to sit on the potty when she wants to and she doesn't always tell you when she has to go. Which means we have had out share of accidents.

Well last night she dumped water down the front of her, while cooking dinner, so I had to undress her because she was upset about it. Once in her "birthday suit" I escorted her to the potty and sat her down. I then went back to cooking dinner. When I returned this is what I found:

Yes, this is the entire roll. Pretty much brand new too!!

I couldn't help but laugh. I wanted to get her picture sitting on the porcelain throne wrapped in TP but she didn't want it taken. So all you got was the above picture.

Only later did she want her picture taken alone and with her sister.

The Bucket. . .

2009-01-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

I am laughing so hard, I wish I had a camera. I just found Jessica sitting in the dog’s water dish crying. How might you ask did she get there? Well apparently she was playing flashlight tag with Cosmo, who loves to chase lights, and Dandy. They were in the hallway and I guess she was standing to close to the water dish and Dandy knocked her down. Splash!! Her little bottom fit so nicely in the dish. She is soaked and not happy about it at all. There is water all over my hallway. She keeps walking around saying “Dany me in water”. Boy I wish I had my camera. We might have to reenact it just for the picture. I’ll make sure to empty the water dish though before hand.

Thanks for filling my bucket today Jessica. You are a great bucket filler!!

Busy . . . The end of the road and the beginning of a new.

2009-01-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Ok yes I have been away for a while and I wish I had a good excuse but I don’t. All I can say is that I have been busy. The holidays are always a busy time of year and I always tell my self that this year I won’t get so rushed and I will sit back and enjoy it. Well, obviously, this was not the year. Like always there was last minute shopping and gift to get together, decorating to do, grades to finish and end of the year strings to tie up. So that is where we are at. This is the beginning of a new year and hopefully some new organizational skills.

Did you make a New Year’s resolution? I didn’t make any new ones. I’m still working on completing last years. . . less yelling, more organization, eating better and more quality time with my girls and husband. I think I will be working on these the rest of my life.

If I do this right below you will see what Our family has been up to the last few months. I know you all have been waiting with baited breath to see the exciting things we have been up to. So let’s give it a whorl.

Sunday December 19, 2008

2008-12-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

Today we baptized Jessica at Chris’s family church. It was nice to have Mimi Pat, mom and dad, Larry and Carole, Darren, Tricia and the kids there, as well as Diane, Wayne, Austin, Ashlynn and Chase.

Jessica is very lucky. She has two Godmothers, Aunt Tricia and Ashlynn and two Godfathers, Uncle Darren and Austin. Thanks to all of them for being there for her.

We love you all.

Kristin, Jordan, Ethan and Jessics

Mimi Pat

Austin and Jessica

Ashlynn and Jessica

Sleep over . . .

2008-12-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight Kristin got to host her first sleep over with multiple friends.

Her friends Caylee and Tanner came over to spend the night. The girls played, and played and then played some more. We baked cookies . . .

Jessica and I baked cookies and the girls decorated a couple of them.

That night the girls and I slept in the camper with Cosmo. The rain came down and the wind blew. I laid awake waiting for the girls to wake up but they never did. The three of them slept through it all and woke up nice and early in the morning.

Three weeks. . .

2008-12-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Well there is only 3 weeks of school until winter break. There is so much to do before the break. Grades and reports and progress reports all are due before break. As much as I am looking forward to break I wish I had more time to get everything ready.

Heck I haven’t even gotten my Christmas shopping done. Hopefully, Chris and I will get some time to get that done.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful time. Since Chris had to work we waited for our turkey until Friday. Most of you probably know that we have sea food for Thanksgiving but this year was a little different. Since everyone is coming for Christmas we chose to hold off on the buttery shrimp scampi and crab legs until then. Mimi Pat, Uncle Teddy, Aunt Kathy, the girls, Chris, Mom and Dad, and of course me, all sat down to a scrumptious turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. That evening for desert Chris’s parents and his sister and family joined us for pie. After pie we sat around and just talked. It was nice and relaxing. For some reason doing Thanksgiving on Friday didn’t seem quiet as hectic as it does on Thursday. May it’s because we had another day to get ready. Mom everything was wonderful. Thanks so much for all of your hard work.

On Saturday and Sunday Mom and I decorated for Christmas. Kristin and the girls helped decorate the Christmas tree on Friday. They did a beautiful job. Chris went with the boys and Tricia quad riding and the girls went to Carole’s to play with their cousins and their ‘Ama. Thanks Carole for your help that day.

With all the decorating done it was time to close out our Thanksgiving weekend and head home. It was a good weekend filled with wonderful memories of family.

Family campout

2008-11-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend was our family campout. We chose this weekend because we knew it would be getting rather cold soon and we wanted to try it out before we were away from home and it was to cold to run inside the house and warm up.

The girls had a wonderful time. They even got to show off their camper to friends. The Kempiak’s came over to have dinner and make smores with us tonight. The kids enjoyed eating in the trailer without the adults.

New Trailer.

2008-11-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

Well we did it. We broke down and bought a trailer. Chris and I thought it was time that the girls experience a little of what we were able to experience as children. So we bought a popup trailer. It’s nice size. It has a king sized bed on one side and two doubles for the girls. We plan to have a family campout in the back yard next weekend.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

The magic marshmallows worked. We planted and watered and in the morning . . . BINGO, two pumpkins, one large for Kristin and a smaller one for Jessica. It would have been larger but she ate half of her magic marshmallow before we were able to plant it. She had orange dripping down her face. Hopefully, a pumpkin doesn’t grow in her belly.

Last night Chris and I took the girls trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Kristin dressed up as Gabriella and Jessica an angel. They had a wonderful time. My mom and dad even showed up to join in the fun and they brought Cosmo to meet Dandy and to trick-or-treat with us. It was a great evening.

The Great Pumpkin

2008-10-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well Halloween is almost here. I can’t believe it, only a few weeks ago it was the 4th of July. Only tonight did we (well really I) decorate. This year the Gilbert's started a new tradition, tonight; we “planted” magic marshmallows. If all goes as planned the marshmallows we “planted” should grow pumpkins tonight while we sleep. I guess we will find out in the morning if it actually worked. Thanks Kymberly for the idea. Not sure we did it correctly but if a pumpkin “grows” than I guess we did right.

I'll post pictures soon, I promise it won't take me a week and a half to do so. If I wait that long it will be Thanksgiving.

SLACKER

2008-10-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ok so it’s official I’m a slacker. But I would like to say I have an excuse, not a good one but an excuse none the less. I’ve been busy. Still that’s no reason to update my blog. Well in the last week and a half a whole lot of nothing has happened in the Gilbert household. Ok that’s not exactly true. On October 22 we were able to pick up our new dog Dandy. Yes you read that right our new dog. If Corky were alive Dandy probably would have been the death of him. Why you might ask? Well because of all the breeds you can adopt now days we adopted a Queensland Blue Heeler. Yes, the same breed my parents have, the breed Corky use to argue with and lose too. Actually I think Corky would be fine with it, one because he could see how upset our oldest was at losing him and how happy Dandy makes her and two because we adopted her from the pound.

Dandy is a very sweet dog but busy. She has tried to play school with Jessica’s backpack (luckily we rescued it and the Monkey on the front) and she has played house with one of Kristin’s stuffed animals. Unfortunately we had to bury the stuffed animal (Dandy played a little too rough). She’s not to excited about her crate either, which she stays in when we are not home. She needs a lot of training but a good thing is, she’s potty trained and she is very good with both Kristin and Jessica. So far she has been a good dog and we try and keep her busy. Ask me again when the honeymoon period has warn off and we want to change her name to PIMA (Pain In My A--).

Apparently Jessica likes to walk Dandy by her tail.

A New Challenge

2008-10-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Chris and I have not worked as much or as often as we should have to teach Kristin to ride her bike. I thought I would try tackling bike riding with Kristin. Something we should have done a few years ago. My principal said that she had a video that helped all three of her children to ride their bikes called “Peddle Magic”. The video claims it can help you teach someone to ride a bike in about 5 minutes. Yeah right, or so I thought. Yesterday evening I took Kristin to AJ High School and their empty parking lot and in about 5 minutes she was riding all over the lot. She was turning and braking and starting all on her own. As a mother I was so proud of her, but I was also petrified that she would wreck and get hurt. I know that eventually that will happen and all kids have to experience scraped knees as well as bumps and bruises, but that doesn’t mean that I have to like it. Anybody have bubble wrap I can borrow?

Congratulations Kristin!!! Daddy, Mommy and Jessica are very proud of you !!!!!

Sea World and San Diego

2008-10-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

While in San Diego, over break, we decided to take the kids to Sea World. We hadn’t been there since Kristin was about 18 months so this would be Jessica’s first trip. We had a blast the Shamu show was amazing. It’s amazing how they can get those beautiful, majestic animals to do the tricks they do. I love it there.

I love to watch the faces of my children and the dolphins leap high into the air to the amazement of all. Like in Disneyland, at Sea World I become a child again. I love to experience the wonder and awe of this place.

These are pictures of the kids at the beach. It was funny while we were there a message from Verizon came over many of our parties phones. It said “Welcome to Mexico”. Last time I checked the Naval Air Station at North Island was still in the U.S. Anyway here are some pictures of us at the beach and the USS Abraham Lincoln coming into port.

Home . . .

2008-10-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

From vacation. When we last left off Jessica had just turned two. The following day we buried Corky at my parents in Rimrock. Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us bury him there.

This is going to be along post. So pull up a chair, grab some popcorn and enjoy the novel .

The following Friday, which would have been October 3, we headed for Chris’s sisters in Hanford, California. On Saturday, along with his mom, Tricia’s mother-in-law, and the kids (hers and ours) we celebrated Tricia’s 34th birthday. I wish I could say I was turning 34. Well I guess I could . . .

On Monday, Tricia’s brother-in-law and his girlfriend arrived from Colorado. You may be asking yourself why am I telling you all this . . . well because Tuesday, October 7 Tricia’s husband, who had been gone for 7 months came home. Darren, or as the kids affectionately call him . . . Uncle Frog, is a pilot for the US Navy and had been on deployment since March of this year. Our family was given the unique opportunity to be apart of his homecoming. The experience of the day was amazing. The emotions and electricity that filled the hanger of the Bounty Hunters was awe inspiring.
To witness the fly over and the anxiousness of the children, wives, mothers, fathers, sister, brothers and girlfriends who waited with baited breath to greet their loved ones is indescribable. There were wives holding newborn babies of husbands whom had not had a chance to meet or hold their new little ones. There was an explosion of happiness as each jet landed and taxied to park. There was excitement as we were released and families were finally able to be reunited and begin or find what normal was again.

The tears flowed freely from loved ones as they greeted these American Heros.

Welcome Home Darren!!!

After the fly in we packed the car and headed for San Diego for another amazing day of homecomings. Here at the North Island Naval Station we greeted the USS Abraham Lincoln and the “Dads”. Chris’s dad and Darren’s dad has the opportunity to experience what life is like on an aircraft carrier. For 7 days they joined the Navy. . . well not really. But they did get to cruise from Hawaii to San Diego. That afternoon, Jessica was introduced to the ocean. She was not to sure of the sand or the water at first but soon enough she was ready to go swimming. She even go rolled by a wave and wanted to do it again. This child is going to give me gray hair.

On Thursday, we headed for Sea World. The girls had a great time and by the end of the Shamu show, Kristin no longer wanted to be a baby doctor, now she wants to be a trainer for Shamu or for the Dolphins. She also fell in love with the Manatees. As we went for a walk along the beach that evening, Kristin picked up trash (not that there was much on the beach. This is a Naval base and the beach is kept very clean, not to mention it’s not a public beach) and said to me “Mommy, I don’t want any manatees or other animals to get hurt so I picked it up”.

I will add pictures of San Diego next time and write more of our time there.

Happy Birthday

2008-09-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day in the Gilbert house hold. Today our youngest, Jessica, turns 2. Can you believe it she's 2 today. I remember the day she was born. I remember every smell, every sound and every sight.

It's hard to believe that she is 2. My heart is sad because she is no longer a baby but my heart is excited to see what she will become someday.

On Monday we get to see just how big she really is. I'm hoping for 22 pounds and maybe a new tooth (that would make 9). We'll have to wait and see.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl. We all love you very much.

The Loss of a Dear Friend and Family Member

2008-09-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Chris and I had to make the very difficult decision to put one of our beloved pets down. On Thursday night, our dog Corky, had been showing signs of being in pain and he was very lethargic so Chris took him into the vet today. The vet informed us that he was in the beginning stages of liver failure and that the only thing we could really do was to take him to an emergency vet for IV, and then an ultrasound to find out what was wrong. Unfortunately with liver failure there is not much you can do other than prolong life. Chris and I were faced with a difficult decision, take him to an emergency vet with no guarantee that anything could be done, or end his suffering. It was very difficult but we chose to end his suffering.

The next step needed to be taken was telling our children that their beloved doggy would not be coming home tonight. As a parent there is no harder thing to do than to break your child’s heart, and tonight we had to do that to Kristin. Luckily, Jessica is too young to really understand what is going on, especially since tonight is her 2nd birthday.

Corky was a kind and gentle dog who loved his girls and protected them. He was a good companion and very loving. Although he had his moments that would try our patience, like eating diapers, or barking when the door bell rang and fighting with Cosomo, he was truely loved by all who knew him.

He was a special friend to Kristin and to Jessica and they will surely miss his antics of waiting under the table for food to drop, and his wagging tail when we came home from school. I will miss the way he would lay his head on my lap at night, when Chris was working, and we would watch TV or how he would lay in Kristin's room and sleep with her to ease her fears.

So long old friend you are loved and deeply missed.

A weekend to relax . . .

2008-09-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend was my time to just relax. I had a class scheduled, on Saturday, but it was canceled. And Chris had taken the kids to Flagstaff to see his parents, so this was my weekend to get grades done, the house cleaned, and just plain relax and enjoy the piece and quiet. Only it didn’t work out that way. Have you ever been in a place that is usually bustling with noise and activity and then suddenly it is quiet and you’re alone? Well I have, and it was this weekend. Guess what . . . I got lonely and bored so I packed up the dogs and hit the road Saturday afternoon. Where did I go you might ask? A spa, a friend’s, maybe even to Flag to be with Chris and the kids? Nope, Nope and Nope, I packed up and headed to Mom and Dad’s place in Rimrock. It was nice to visit with them. Don’t get me wrong I love to go there with my family but it was nice to be “the only child” for the first time in a long time. While there I read, watch a movie, laughed and watched the deer come into feed.

On Sunday the girls and Chris came down, along with Larry and Carole and Mimi Pat for lunch.

While there we talked, ate, watched the deer come in to feed, and took Kristin fishing (Jessica went rock throwing) although Kristin didn’t catch anything, other than a tree, she still had a good time.

Kristin thought it was funny to see Mommy acting like a monkey when I climbed the tree to try and untangle the fishing line. There were a few tense moments when I heard the branch cracking under me that I thought I was going to get a bath in Wet Beaver Creek. Luckily the branch held and I was able to get back down without getting wet.

It was a good relaxing weekend, before a very hectic week of late nights and Parent-Teacher conferences.

Mom, Kristin, Mimi Pat, Dad and Larry relaxing on the deck that Dad is building. (Chris, Jessica and Carole are in the house)

Sunday . . .

2008-09-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a lazy day at our house. Both Chris and the girls seem to have colds and after spending money at Walmart, (which seems to be an everyday occurrence around here) we came home and did nothing. The girls and I watched Meet the Robinson while Chris took a nap.

Then the girls and I made chocolate chip cookies (don't worry we washed our hands first). Jessica was having so much fun rolling them out that she was a little upset when I put them in the oven.

All in all it was a great day. With lots of smiles all around.

Now it’s off to clean the kitchen from dinner, straighten up the loft, get lunches together, and all of the other things that need to be done before the beginning of a busy work week.

It’s a Parade

2008-09-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Kristin had the unique opportunity to join her about 500 of her closest Brownie Sisters on the warning track of Chase Field. There they walked from one side of the field to the other showing their troop and Girl Scout pride.

After the parade Kristin, her sisters, and their parents stayed to enjoy the game and each others company. Although the Diamondbacks lost in the 10th inning (we left at the middle of the 8th, when we were winning 2-1) a good time was had by all. Kristin and the members of her troop, who were able to come, got to know each other a little better and they socialized with members of other troops too.

Jessica even had a good time. She made many new friends (from Kristin’s troop). For not being into baseball and being in a relatively small area in which to move around and play, she did a really good job.

Daddy even got to come. He had a good time too and he was a big help.

Chris is off . . . YEAH!!

2008-09-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, Chris has started his weekends off and after a very long week at work (seven day’s straight) we enjoyed our first of many weekends together as a family. We weren’t alone though. We escaped the heat and headed north. Chris wanted to be able to see his high school (Coconino) get trampled, mowed over and just plain beat (oh did I say that? I’m an Eagles gal all the way) by the opposing Phoenix team. The next morning we headed to mom and dad’s in Rim Rock where he spent his hard earned money on a new rifle.

Chris and the girls also had a chance to visit with Grandma and Grandpa. Kristin loves to play school with Grandma. She is so patient with both of the girls. Kristin and Jessica just adore their Grandma and Grandpa.

Kristin and Jessica had a great time with Nana and Papa too. Papa took Kristin on the “mini hummer” to get ice for Nana, while Jessica played ball with Cosmo or did puzzles with Nana. Kristin and Nana played games and did crafts together. Kristin just loves playing and spending time with her Nana and Papa.

With Chris off we will be spending more time with both sets of grandparents. Chris has already made plans for several visits. But they both get a break this weekend.

The last dog day of summer

2008-09-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Why do they call them the dog days of summer anyway?

Well, today is the last day of summer, Labor Day, although here in the desert it seems to last until November, where it is cool for about 3 days. In honor of this so called last day of summer the girls and I went swimming.

I loaded Kristin and Jessica into the car and drove to my parents condo in Scottsdale were we spent time playing and swimming in the warm waters of the community pool. The girls had such a great time. Jessica jumped in the pool and Kristin went diving for diving sticks. We had an all around good time even though Daddy couldn’t join us and we missed him.

The next time we go Daddy will get to join us since he starts his weekends off this week. YEAH!!!

Jessica (thinking of Daddy)

I can get the diving sticks

I'll save you Jessica

Look at me

Aren't we cute

What Cute Kids I have

Company

2008-08-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

On Monday my mom’s cousin Dick came into town from San Francisco. Why he would come to the desert in August is beyond me. Actually he says he likes the heat (he wants to move here) and he wanted to cook us dinner, which he did on Thursday. He cooked a scrumptious meal of steak, potatoes, chicken and corn on the cob. It was wonderful. Really Dick, how was the potato? For desert he brought a Gilbert/Mizer/Poland favorite . . . brownies. Boy, were they good.

We all had a wonderful time visiting and I am hoping he will come out for Christmas this year.

I’ll keep looking for a house in the neighborhood for you.

What a week!!

2008-08-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

It all started on Monday, after school, at dismissal time. It started with a raindrop and turned into a torrential downpour. By the time all the kids were in their respective cars the staff was not just wet but drenched. It rained so hard and so much that if I had shampoo I literally could have taken a shower. I think my shoes are still wet. That was just the beginning of the fun. Turned out the wind and rain were so strong it flooded the gym of the school and several classrooms. We spent the next hour sweeping water out of the gym. Once I got home and was able to dry out and watch the news it turned out the winds at the airport topped 70 mph, even flipping airplanes over.

Flash forward to Thursday, again another monsoon storm, this one hitting in the evening hours. This storm was estimated to be 45 miles wide and 100 miles long. Well, you can guess what happened at school . . . flood. What a mess!!

For an hour there was a continually rumble from thunder and the sky was brightly lit by the continual cloud to cloud and cloud to ground lightening. Even though Thursday storm raised havoc, it was fun to watch and listen to.

Something new . . .

2008-08-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

In our house. Our youngest, Jessica, will soon be turning 2, which means she is getting to be a BIG GIRL. For the past two months or so she has been coming to Chris or me to tell us that she is wet. So that started a half hearted attempt to potty train. Well today we took a serious step toward diaper independence . . . a potty all her own.

Today, Kristin and I took Jessica to pick out her very own potty. She was torn between two of them but with a little encouragement from her big sister (come on Jesse pick this one) Jessica picked out a Pooh Bear Potty.

After dinner Kristin and I took it out of the box and set it up for Jessica. She’s not so sure what to do with it. As you can see she thinks it is something to play in. Eventually I was able to get her to sit on it. Although nothing happened she seems to be excited (for the time being) to have her own little potty. And I am happy to be on the road to no more diaper changes, although to tell you the truth, it is a little sad to think she is getting so big.

What happened to my babies?

Kristin 6 months

Jessica 1 month

Just as I finish putting the pictures in . . . Jessica brought her potty into the living room and went potty. YEAH!!!! What a BIG GIRL

I'm Back

2008-08-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

No I haven't fallen off the Earth or been kidnapped by Aliens. I have however been held captive by DIBELS. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of experiencing it not its not some new disease, is a scientifically based assessment that all students who go to Chandler Elementary Schools get to take, and I am fortunate enough to be my schools DIBELS coordinator. Thank goodness it is over until winter when the fun begins again.

Anyway here is an update on the goings on here in the Gilbert house hold.

Another week has come to an end and yet another has begun. What a week it has been. School is now in full swing. Although my students yearn to be back on vacation they reluctantly complete their assignments to the best of their ability.

Kristin has adjusted well to her new classroom and Jessica to her new schedule (Monday’s all day at Julie’s and Friday, half days). I’m beginning to become accustomed to getting up at the crack of dawn to get ready for work and Chris has gotten use to not having me or Kristin home during the day.

With school back in session we look forward to weekends. One of these past ones I took the girls up to Rimrock. Kristin had been begging to see Cosmo as well as Nana and Papa. Jessica wanted to see Nana, Papa and Cosmo and expressed her excitement by running to (and out of) Julie’s door when I went to pick her up. The girls had a blast. Kristin loved feeding the deer with Papa. They even got to see one. Jessica loved playing ball with Cosmo. Both girls enjoyed watching Nana working on a wonderful video of their Hawaiian vacation for their friends. Kristin really enjoyed helping Nana edit the video one night. Did you ever get that to burn correctly Mom? The next morning found us in Prescott having breakfast with friends, shopping at Lowes and spending money at Walmart.

Other than that, life has been cruising right along. Kristin has started back up in brownies and will hopefully be starting gymnastics this coming week. Jessica continues to get bigger everyday. Both girls continue to keep us laughing at every turn.

Chris will be changing his days off soon. YEAH. Starting in September he will have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. Guess what that means for our parents . . . look out mom and dad here we come. Hey Dad, now Chris can help on the deck . . . save some for him to do.

School Has Started

2008-08-02T19:31:00.001-07:00

Monday began a new school year. Boy did that happen too quickly. I can't believe that Kristin is now a second grader. Time is sure moving fast. For her not fast enough, for me way to quickly.

Kristin did very well on her first day. She was nervous but persevered and walked into class with no tears. Which is a big change from the last 3 years of school. Her daddy and I are so proud of her.

Kristin really likes her teacher, Mrs. Johnston. I have taught with her for 3 years and she is very sweet, loving and is able to push kids to see their full potential. I am looking forward to seeing her progress.

Kristin has many friends in her class including one of her best, Caylee. Another of her best friends, Tanner, is unfortunately in a different class. I hear about that everyday. Luckily they get to play at lunch and both are children of co-workers so they get to play before school and after school as well. Not to mention the weekday play dates.

For me the first week of school was hectic and very long. This first week took at least a month to get through. I am still trying to figure out where my students are as well as who they are. Not to mention the ever changing schedule and coordination. It should be a good year though, busy but good. I am looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

The Late Night Comedian is . . .

2008-08-01T22:42:00.001-07:00

Jessica.

Yes we have a new comedian living in our home. On Tuesday morning, I was awakened, out of a dead sleep, at 1:45 in the morning to a screaming child. My wonderful husband, who had probably just gotten home from work, tried to rescue me from being woken up, however, as all mothers know when your child wakes in the night you always hear them. Anyway, Chris comforted her and laid her back down only to have her scream again, at that point I went to help. We brought her into the room where for the next two hours she decided to tell us knock, knock jokes. For the first half hour it was funny, “Momma, Momma . . . Gack, Gack (knock, knock)” “Who’s there Jessica” . . . then she would Babble and laugh then it would start over, this went on for 2 hours. We tried everything short putting her in the car for a drive to get her to stop. We tried milk, moving into another room, putting her back in her bed (where she screamed again so loud we were afraid she would wake up Kristin), in the tent (which she thought sleeping next to Hunter was fun and she wanted to tell me about it), we watched cartoons, we laid in bed and didn’t talk, everything we could think of, but all she did was tell us gack gack jokes. Finally around 4:30 she fell asleep, yippee, unfortunately I had to get up to go to work but she got to sleep . . . and she did. Chris said she slept until 9:30.

I think we miss named her, we should have named her Jay Leno.

Here's a picture of our little comedian being silly with her shorts on her head.

The stitches . . .

2008-07-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Are out. And Chris never even went to vet school. Most of you are probably wondering what I am talking about. In my last entry I mentioned about us sitting for my parent’s dog, while they were in Hawaii. No nothing happened to Cosmo. Corky on the other hand should pick fights with dogs of his own size. That wasn’t the case a few weeks ago.

While staying at my parents place in Flagstaff my dog decided to take on Cosmo. You would think that he would learn after last year. However, we’ll just say Corky is not the sharpest tool in the shed. In fact he can be pretty daft. Anyway one afternoon he and Cosmo got into a scuffle and Cosmo cut Corky’s side. Now in defense of my parent’s beloved boy, this whole thing was probably Corky’s fault. My best friend was staying with us and came home and Corky got excited, probably bit at Cosmo and he did what any good boy would do . . . he defended himself by opening a 3 inch gash in Corkys’ side. So off to the vet we went were he got all stitched up and wore a lamp shade on his head for 2 weeks.

Well my wonderful husband, with the help of our 7 year old daughter snipped those bright pink stitches right out of his side. Thanks to both of you. You did a nice job.

When my parents got back (Friday), Cosmo was in one piece and being loved on by all who were here. They came bearing gifts too. Chris got a box of Chocolate Macadamia Nuts from Cosmo, I got a new pen to sign all of my paperwork with (thanks Mom and Dad), Kristin got a new pair of earrings and Jessica got a surfing bear. Not to mention the coconut bras and hula skirts.

We can’t wait until Cosmo comes back. There is never a dull moment with him around and the kids just love him, and so does Chris.

The Week

2008-07-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Has ended. Yipee!!! I know it will get easier as we all adjust to the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for a lot of parents . . . the return of their children to school. For me it’s one week closer to break . . . only 44 school days (hehehe). In all honesty it’s nice to get back to work and connect with co-workers, students, parents and friends, and have an adult conversation where there isn’t someone in the background calling “mom, mom, mom”. I will miss my time with my kids and time off with Chris. But they say absence makes the heart grow fonder right?

This week has been full of excitement for the kids. On Tuesday their cousin’s from California came for a visit. I had to work of course so I missed all of the fun they had. Tricia and Chris entertained the kids wonderfully. They took them to the mall to play in the playground and to try out the new 2 story carousel. They set up our bonsai waterslide, even Tricia and I got into that one, and they went to Bounce U one day.

On Friday morning it was time to say good-bye and this time it will be for about 2 months. And as the old saying goes . . . “It’s hard to say good bye”. And for our kids it was. I have heard there were many tears shed throughout the day.

While here Ethan became attached to my parents dog “Cosmo” who we were sitting (which is a whole other blog). He walked around calling him “my doggie”. I called and told my parents that he was taking him home, they didn’t go for that. They said Ethan can visit and they’ll send him pictures. Ethan I’ll make sure they do that for you. When you come out this was next we’ll make sure we set up a play date for you with him.

The girls just plain miss each other. Even this morning I’m getting “I miss Jordan”

Everyone Else Has One . . .

2008-07-21T16:17:00.001-07:00

Why not us. It seems that everyone has a blog these days, so what the hay I might as well join them.So here we (well, really I) go into the world of blogging.

School is approaching rapidly. For me it starts in just under 16 hours. Yuck. I can't believe it has gone so quickly. I say that every year though. All and all it has been a good one. The kids and I have done quite a bit. In case you didn't know here is a quick recap:

I ventured on a plane with my two little ones for a visit to Denver. Typically I worry about Kristin and airplanes . . . if you don't know my daughter you might say she doesn't do well in unfamiliar situations. Usually one or both of us ends up with her lunch in our laps. Not this time though she did awesome. Her sister on the other hand decided she wanted to know what it was like and emptied the contents of her stomach on me as we came into land in Phoenix. Luckily she was facing Kristin and not the fella sitting next to me.

Anyway in Denver, Kristin and Jessica got to play with their cousins. My sister and I took the kids to the Denver Aquarium where we got to see them feed the sharks and the kids got to pet stingrays. Even Jessica "Baby Elizabeth" got to pet one. Their Uncle got to have some bonding time as well when he took all the kids (minus Jessica) to the movies.

After Denver we ventured to Flagstaff for 2 weeks. Where Kristin and Jessica continued their playing with their other set of cousins from California. They also got to play with their "cousin" from Tucson. My best friend and her daughter stayed with us for a week. Chris came to visit us on his days off. It was nice to be were it was cool and you could venture outside without fear of melting.

After we got home from Flagstaff, Chris and I took Kristin to the Arizona Science Center and Grossology. She had a great time exploring and interacting with the exhibits. I think her favorite was the virtual weather theater where she experienced, rain, wind, fire, earthquakes, and hurricanes all in a matter of 5 minutes.

Finally this summer Chris and I had a date. The first one in over 2 years. We had lunch and saw a movie (which we haven't done in the theater in about 5 years).

Although it is rapidly coming to an end it has been an amazing summer. Still I can't believe that I have to get up early, take a shower, do my hair and put on makeup all right after I get up. I guess the count down begins to fall break . . . only 10 weeks or 49 school day's (but who's counting) :)