Gibbons Family

Fun things to share!!

2012-01-18T16:50:00.002-06:00

So I know I haven't been the best at updating my blog. I guess the only excuse is that I'm busy. So this afternoon I video taped Cameron reading his favorite book:

http://youtu.be/JGXigrYIT84

Then I showered the dog:

Then I brushed his teeth. He was killing me every time I drove in the car with him. Yuck:

Then this is a picture of what Adam's new addiction is:

Climbing on the table to play with ANYTHING!!

Fall Sport Season has started!!!

2011-09-11T14:36:00.006-05:00

This fall we have all 3 boys in a sport!! Ricky still loves baseball...Michael is loving soccer...and Cameron started T-ball. Oh the fun we are going to have. This Saturday was the first day for all 3. It started out with Michael and a soccer game. He was right in it too. This kid really knows how to play. I just love watching him get in there and get that ball.

Then off to Ricky's baseball game. Ricky is going to be catcher until they find more on his team that can do the position. Man is Ricky excited to be the catcher!! He did AMAZING too!! We were all proud of him.

Then home for a little lunch and off to Cameron's T-ball game!! This one made me a little nervous...But he did GREAT!! He was SOOOO excited. Especially when he got his uniform on. This kid was proud to be an Angel too. He had a great game too. Way cute.

I think this fall season will be busy, but LOTS of fun. Adam was amazing too. He handled all the craziness with ease. I was shocked how good he was. Maybe it's because daddy held him most the time:-)

Some funny videos you've got to see!!

2011-03-23T17:06:00.004-05:00

Sooooo we were at our friends cabin last weekend to help him move some things out and had some fun too. You have to watch Part 1 and Part 2 of the videos to enjoy Part 3. I'm so glad I thought to grab the camera. It was a moment I don't want to forget about and will laugh about for quit a while. Enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc-W8quSgnU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL_rNpeMzJ8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHgSDT9JMyA

Cameron's bowling field trip.

2011-02-05T08:16:00.006-06:00

On December 7th Cameron and all the special needs kids at his school went on a field trip to the bowling alley. It was so much fun. Ricky and Michael got to come help out too. They each had a little buddy that they would help get the balls down the lane. It was so neat to watch them be so patient with them. I'm glad they were invited to go.

Cameron's buddy was his teacher's daughter, Jade. She is in love with him. I think it goes the other way too:-) She got special permission to ride the bus with him. He thought it was the coolest thing to ride on the BIG bus!!

Here's Cameron with his teacher, Mrs. Hudson.

Ricky's little buddy, David.

Jade helping Cameron out.

Oh he got SO excited!!

Close to the final score! I was shocked this picture actually turned out.

Ricky made Cameron's bed!!

2011-02-05T07:54:00.004-06:00

To help Ricky earn his Wood Working Merit Badge, he made Cameron a new bed. Cameron couldn't be more excited. It was cute. Ricky had a blast using daddy's tools. It was an all day affair. The stain was a little stinky for a bit, but all in all I think it turned out to be an awesome bed. Good job Ricky! Now I need to think of something else he can build for fun??!!

New Years Eve Party 2011

2011-01-28T12:57:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year 2011!!!

Adam all bundled up and ready to go PARTY!!

Cameron, Adam, and I waiting to celebrate!

Alexis, Danielle, Cameron, Adam, and I partying!!!

My girls for the night!! Cherise, Andrea, Danielle, Me, and Alexis:-)

Cam man watching the boys play table tennis.

Michael and Colben on a team against Dallin and Blake. They had a blast.

Danielle dancing with the Kinect!! That girl had moves.

Randy watching his competition. Seeing if anyone is better than him:-)

Nope....no one can beat him!!! He sure has the moves:-)

The count down!!!

Right on it's midnight!!

Kiss Kiss!!

Picture time!

All the kids that helped us celebrate the New Year.

All of us adults. Man we had so much fun with our friends:-)

Before we leave they had to play some Guitar Hero. What a band they were.

Cameron and Ben cheering them on!

Christmas Day celebration!

2011-01-28T12:01:00.008-06:00

Christmas 2010 was a blast! We had a very simple day. We opened all the presents and played until it was time to go to the Alva's and celebrate Christmas with some other families that don't have any family around. It was so nice. It helps keep your mind off of missing the family gatherings that you know your family is doing. That is the only hard part of living here in Texas. I miss my family.
Christmas this year was special to me. I can't believe that we have Adam. He is such a little miracle. I know now that our little family is complete. He is such a good baby too. He doesn't sleep well, but he is still a very calm baby. Most days that is. Of course he has his moments. It's so cute watching the other boys bond with him. They all love him so much. I just love this little family I have been given.

Here is a lot of pictures that were taken on Christmas:

The boys getting ready to see what Santa brought!!

They were very happy.

Adam even loved the toys he got. He just sat in my lap and played with them:-)

Hudson loved his candy cane bone. At first he didn't know where to begin chewing!

The mess of Christmas!

Adam just couldn't hang in there. He fell asleep in the mess. It was so cute.

On to the Alva's. They got an xbox kinect, so that is what the boys and big boys wanted to play. It was fun to watch.

Alexis and Andrea. Two awesome friends of mine!!

Randy and Paul playing the kinect.

Cameron and Keaton hanging. I think Cameron was more interested in the cookie that Keaton was eating. Cute!

The lovely Taegan!

Mommy and Cam man!

Ben trying out the Kinect!

Even Cameron gave it a try and loved it!

Another awesome friend of mine, Cherise. Love her!

When the boys weren't playing on the Kinect or with the dart guns, you can find them on the Wii.

Party at the Alva's wouldn't be a party without a little card game competition! Of course they are the fastest and win. It is still fun to play though:-)

Danika holding our Adam.

Katelynn holding Adam.

Colben just loved the Alva's baby Mckinley.

Adam's first Christmas! I love this picture!

Christmas Eve with The Brown's

2011-01-01T17:38:00.001-06:00

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Cameron turns 6!

2011-01-01T13:28:00.008-06:00

December 2004

December 2005

December 2006

December 2007

December 2008

December 2009

December 2010

So 6 years ago on December 16th our lives completely changed. For the better of course. Cameron was the best pregnancy and birth of all of my kids. He was perfect. I remember saying that something was different about him when he was born. Everyone just said that he looks different because he was just born. The next morning is when the pediatrician came in to explain what she found. I was all alone. Randy was at home with the kids and his mom. It was ok though. I wasn't freaked out or worried. All I wanted to know was what should I do now. I am glad I didn't know when I was pregnant. I think my imagination would have ran wild. So now 6 years later I am still in love with this little angel. Even though sometimes I could really use a break from him. He is at a hard age right now. We are still potty training and still trying to get him to stop sucking his thumb. It's hard to break a habit when he come out doing this:
Seriously I should have known it would be a hard habit to break. He was the BEST baby too. Such an angel. 6 years later and I still love him like I did then. He sure brings some fun in the family. He started kindergarten this year. Oh it has been a little struggle, but fun. I really think he likes it. He is trying his hardest.

For his birthday we went to Abuelos for dinner with our friends the Brown's. Then we came back home to open presents. He was so much fun this year. He loved all his gifts. It's been fun this year and last to celebrate his birthday at school. Both years now the class had their Christmas party the same day. Cameron thinks that that was his birthday party. Hopefully next year will be the same. Who knows! Here are a few pics to highlight it all:

Adams Birth

2011-01-01T10:25:00.006-06:00

Trying to get through the pain.

Randy being a BIG goof to entertain us while I labor.

Lisa being so comforting to me.

This picture reminds me of one when I was in the hospital with cancer. I think I would take this scene over that one any day.

Danielle helping cool me off. Man you get really hot towards the end.

Baby is coming...hurry get dressed! Randy has always made his pose like this.

Lisa and my mom laughing. They so look like sisters:-)

The doctor and nurse getting ready!

This picture was taken right as he was born. I just love it.

This is when I said "Holy BIG baby"

I just couldn't believe how long his toes are.

Adam Malachi Gibbons born September 16 2010
weighing 9lbs. and was 20 1/2 inches long.

I just LOVE his ears!

Grammy had to make sure he looks perfect!

Holding daddy's finger. I love it!

We were SO excited to get pregnant this year. I couldn't believe it was possible, but it was. The year went on and the bigger I got. I was so happy to find out that we were having another boy. The only hard thing was finding a name for this one. I wanted it to be special. He was our miracle baby for sure. So the middle name of Malachi was easy. The first name took weeks. I liked Jesse and Randy liked all these weird names. Then one day he said Adam. Hmmm we don't know of too many Adam's. So Adam Malachi Gibbons it was. He totally is an Adam too.

Towards the end of the pregnancy I got huge. Bigger than any of the others. I also had lots of pre labor going on. It was bugging me. Adam just didn't want to come, but I did! I ended up getting induced at 39 weeks. September 16th was the day. It was neat to walk in the hospital smiling and getting ready to have a baby. This was my first induction so I wasn't sure what to expect. All I knew was that after the water was broken I wanted to epidural so I wouldn't feel too much pain. AT 8am the water was broken and around 9am I was talking to the anesthesiologist about my epidural. Unfortunately the head anesthesiologist wanted to talk. She said that I was not a good candidate for an epidural due to where my cancer was. Dumb cancer. Apparently because we aren't sure where the nerve endings ended up, the possibility of permanent paralysis was high. She said 85% chance. If I had to have a c-section she would knock me out too. It was not a good thing. So now that I had this information....well of course I didn't want to get one. But what now. I came in preparing for an easy birth and now scared of what is to come. I didn't take any breathing classes or anything. I wish I had. Luckily my friend Danielle was coming to photograph the birth. She has experience with the natural child birth. She was so amazing in helping me stay focused. She gave me a quick run down on the breathing and that was it! I had control. It was fun to have my mom and my 2 friends Danielle and Lisa there to help me stay focused. Unfortunately the birth was a little longer than I wanted. The hard labor was about 3 hours long. It was 3 hours too long for me. I was so tired at the end. I had tried all different positions to help take some of the weight and pressure off. Finally it was time for him to come. He stuck to my record of 1 contraction and 3 pushes and he was born!! That was the same for all my kiddos now. When the doctor held him up..."Holy BIG baby" was all I could say. He was huge!! All my other babies were 7lbs.

They had me hold him to help warm him. I loved it. I still couldn't believe I had another baby. Especially after all I had been through. I kept checking him out to make sure he was all ok. I was on some bad medicine at the beginning and wasn't sure if it hurt him or not. It didn't. He was perfect. Just perfect. At first he looked like he might be have brown hair. It was that way for the first week and then it started to get lighter. He has blue eyes too. He is yummy.

Adam came home to a house full of people that LOVE him. Of course the sleepless nights were hard to adjust too. It had been almost 6 years since we had a newborn in our home. Sometimes I wonder what were we thinking??!! But I know Adam is suppose to be here. I always wanted my 4 kids and now I have them. It feels so good. Adam is a really good baby. I just love it when he smiles. He loves his brothers too.

All in all...I survived the birth. Thank you mom for taking me to all those fun restaurants before to help satisfy my cravings at the end. Oh man did we eat good. She even gave me a massage at the mall to help. Oh if I can only get my hands on that picture! We had fun trying to get me to contract. Nothing worked. It just made us tired and sore. Adam was just too comfy inside. It was nice to spend the time with my mom. The kids loved it too.

Santa Claus

2010-12-22T14:58:00.003-06:00

Every year a neighbor in our neighborhood dress's up as Santa and has a party outside their home. We eat hot cocoa and cookies. I love it because we get to chat and meet other neighbors. Santa also raffles off an handmade toy that is made out of wood. This year it was an amazing barn. He is so good with wood craft. The kids love to look at it and hope that their ticket will be drawn. Every year it isn't. I feel bad. Our poor kids have been born into the loser family. We just don't have the luck to win. But still we get excited every year.

Cameron was SO excited to hang with Santa. He kept going and holding his hand and walking around with him. When I would ask where Cameron was... I would find him with Santa. Santa loved it. One time I looked and he was walking with Santa and looking up at him with the cutest eyes. He was in heaven. I wonder what he dreamed about last night? It really was special to see. I am so glad we have great neighbors. Maybe next year we can win?? We can only hope.

Here are a few pics we took. It's with my phone camera so the quality is not there. I forgot my regular camera. You can still see the fun though:-)

Adam....

2010-12-01T11:46:00.004-06:00

Ever since we had our little Adam things have been crazy busy. He sure is a blessing in our family. What a special boy he is. Here are a couple cute pics AND a video to die for!!! I love him!

10 weeks old!!!

A little about my Michael...

2010-12-01T11:31:00.003-06:00

My sweet little Michael turned 8 in November. What a sweet boy he is. He is always being goofy to make us laugh. He has a tender heart too. He was SO excited to get baptized this month. He had his birthday on a Wednesday and that following Saturday was our wards baptism day. What an awesome day it was for all of us. I was able to lead the music at his baptism just like I did for Ricky. It was neat. Michael just couldn't wait. For his birthday his Grammy and Grandpa gave him his scriptures. He carries them around with him ALL the time. He is so proud to have them. At his baptism he was a little quiet. I think he was taking it all in. At least I hope so. Now he keeps asking about the Holy Ghost. He is such a smart little man. I just love him. Daddy baptized him and confirmed him. I am so happy to have the priesthood in my home.

Daddy and Michael before the baptism!

Mason, Michael, and Kolbe. Some of Michael's best friends:-)

This is Michael sleeping in Hudsons bed in our room. Apparently he had a nightmare and went and snuggled Hudson. I'm sure it's because he knew we would have sent him back to his room. He is TOO cute!!

Here he is with loosing his first tooth!!! He was so scared that it would hurt. But survived!

Here is more of Michael's friends...Preston, Michael, and Rebecca. They all have lost their first tooth too!! So swesome!!!!

A lot has happened!!

2010-11-22T15:25:00.005-06:00

So I have noticed that I haven't posted much since the beginning of summer!! I have been a little busy.

We had our 4th beautiful son on September 16th 2010. He came weighing in at 9lbs. and 20 1/2 inches long. He was a BIG boy! Especially since all of our others were all 7 lbs.! We have enjoyed having Adam. What a blessing he is in our family. I will post more about that later. Right now I have few minutes to post just a couple of photos I just took off my camera.

We caught his smile!!!! Oh how I love it!

Oh man do I love my little Cameron too!!

Last of the Utah pics from this summer...

2010-09-01T13:34:00.009-05:00

Here is all my parents grandchildren the night before we left. Back row L to R: Cameron, Alex, Ricky, Max, and Gavin. Bottom row L to R: Shaelynn, Jessica, Michelle, and Michael. They are a fun bunch!

Here we are all packed in and ready to go. I forgot to take a pic before we started driving. This is out of focus due to the fact that our 4-runner is so bouncy. Oh well, you get the picture. The boys are all smiles and happy!!

Randy is ready and happy too!!!

Here is the pic of the sign for Moab!! I was so excited it actually took from the car window going 70 mph!!

The beauty of Moab!

You can see the Arch in the WAY distance! You can hike to it to get closer, but due to the fact that I am pregnant and we have Cameron, we decided to try it another time. A distance pic will due for now.

On our way back to the car Cameron stopped to look at the lizard. It is so sweet. Everyone was rushing to get back to the car so we can go eat and of course Cameron stops to check out a lizard. Sometimes Cameron teaches/reminds us not to rush things. Enjoy life as it goes by. I just love that kid!

This is what Hudson had to ride in for 20 hours! He was such a trooper. We stopped every two hours to stretch and let him out. It was perfect.

As we were driving we noticed a temple in Monticello Utah!! It looked so pretty in the dark. When Randy and his dad drove out the first time, they didn't notice it!!

Here we are still all smiles!! This is the morning after. We are almost home!!

Candy came out now. Bribery!

We saw lots of these trucks carrying one of the wings of the wind mills! It was so cool to be so close to them and see the actual size. They are HUGE!!

Still on a candy high!

Ok, so now they have passed out from all the sugar and lack of sleep. It was so cute to turn around and see this. I just love my boys. We had such a fun trip home. I am so grateful that Randy was willing to drive for me. I just knew I couldn't last on the airplane. The landings were too hard on my stomach:-)

Fun time with our friends that moved to Utah...

2010-07-26T07:18:00.006-05:00

We have had two families that moved to Utah that we totally love. The Biddulph's and the Bench's. Oh how they are so missed here in Texas.

Anyways, we met up at the Biddulph's house for a visit and dinner. They have a beautiful HUGE house. They even have a horse and pool! I didn't get any pics of the pool. The dad's took the kids swimming while us women talked:-)

Oh did we have fun. I loved every minute. I just wished we didn't have to leave so soon. We are heading back to Utah for my sister's wedding, so maybe another visit with friends will be in store! Here are a few pics of the fun we had:

All of the kids waiting to shoot the BB gun!!

Michael riding the horse!! I am so glad my kids aren't scared of horses like I was when I was a kid.

Maddy gearing up to shoot!

Of course Randy had to take a pic of me at this angle:-( Yuck!
I just love Jami though. Man do I miss my girls.

Ricky riding the horse now!

I think at this point I had a HUGE spider crawling up my leg. I was rescued by Bronwen. Thanks Bronwen!!

This was funny, by the time it was Randy's turn the horse was in no mood for more rides. I felt bad for Randy. He still gave it a try though!

Yes, the horse came right at me with the camera!

Oh yummy the dinner is served now!! (left to right...Brooke, Maddy, Michael, and Ricky)

left side top to bottom...Alex, Randy, Cameron, Jocelyn
right side top to bottom... Emma, Abby, Brooke, Maddy, Michael, and Ricky

Morgan and Maddy

Jami, Me of course, and Serena (my girls)

Uncle Chris's house!!

2010-07-19T08:38:00.004-05:00

Randy ironing his shirt. I couldn't get enough of the size of the ironing board. He looked hilarious!! Sorry honey... I still love you more than anything!!

Here is my CUTE nephew Ethan! Love him!

My other CUTE nephew, Tyler, eating breakfast with Cameron and Michael.

Ricky loved playing with his cousin Ethan. I LOVED watching it:-)

We went to the Lindon water park for some fun in the sun!! Cameron loved it!

Michael looking awesome in his swim goggles.

Cameron sure took a good pic of Randy and I. Well it was a good picture. I didn't say WE looked good:-) J/K, Randy looked good!

Cameron totally fell asleep laying under the towel. Poor little guy got worn out. He took about an hour nap and then played some more.

Michael, Ricky, Cameron, and Tyler at Tyler's T-ball game. It was cute to watch.

More Utah fun!!!!

2010-07-19T08:23:00.003-05:00

The boys over at my cousins, Sarah's, house. I couldn't believe how nice it was in their backyard.

This beautiful bench in the back covered by trees. Awwww.

Cameron checking out the water slide. He never ended up going down. He had fun watching though.

Cameron with his Abuela reading a book. Oh man did he love it!

Hudson is soooo tired after the 18 hour car ride.

Randy downstairs with all the kids and both dogs, Charlie and Hudson, wrestling. It was fun to watch:-)

My birthday lunch with my sister. Oh it was fun. My boys were too cute. AND well behaved too!

2010-07-19T08:16:00.006-05:00

Sabrina is totally on the phone!!

Seriously cute pic of Cameron.

Check Ricky out in the background:-)

Cameron playing with his flashlight in Aunt Brina's car.

Every time Aunt Brina would stop quick or take a turn, it would scare Cameron. I guess Aunt Brina is a scary driver!!!

More Utah trip pictures...

2010-07-12T08:06:00.003-05:00

Every time we go to Utah, my in-laws take me to a restaurant called "Winger's". It is my favorite place to go. I am so grateful that they take me there too. I am so spoiled:-)

Here is Cameron sitting in the corner. Too cute!

Ricky looking cute like always!

Michael not wanting his pic taken.

My fabulous in-laws!! Love them!!

Ricky and Max all dressed up for their 11year old scout camp! They look so cute. They were soooo excited to go to. Unfortunately it rained all night and the next day, so they ended up canceling all the activities the next day and came home early. At least he got one more camping night to count towards his Eagle!! Of course my parents dog, Charlie, had to get in the picture with them.

I don't think he brought enough??!! (There was a tarp taking up most of the room)

Our fun trip to Utah!!!

2010-07-01T15:07:00.005-05:00

So this summer we took a LONG trip to Utah. I knew it had been awhile since we have all gone with the kiddos in school. My Grandma is also on hospice care and we have no idea when we won't be able to see her again too. So that all being said...we went to Utah for 3 weeks. Usually I go for about 2 weeks. So needless to say, we had fun. The boys and I flew there and stayed two weeks until daddy drove the car with Hudson there for the last week. I wasn't going to fly home. Three landings with a pregnancy do not work well. On the trip home we made the best of the long drive. We stopped in the Arches National Park and saw the Delicate Arch in the distance. It was beautiful. I was shocked how well the kids actually did on such a long drive. It was great. Here is a LONG list of pics that will come in more posts:-)

Here is Ricky and Gavin making their own homemade pizzas.

Michael and Max making theirs!

Michael and Max just can't wait til they are all done. Yummy!

Cameron's turn!!!

I really think Cameron loved doing this. He really got into it. It was very cute.

Ricky's Arrow of Light!!

2010-07-01T14:59:00.003-05:00

(Sister Western, Tanner, Ricky, and Sister Liddell)

I am so proud of Ricky for getting his Arrow of Light. He loved Cub Scouts. I can only imagine how much he is going to like the 11year old Boy Scouts. He had awesome Webelos Leaders too:-) Whoo-hoo Ricky!!!

You can tell how excited he is.

He LOVES his Arrow Brother Western gave him.

The bridge they walk over to Boy Scouts.

One last pic, I promise:-)

So, I am not a saleswoman but....

2010-06-30T17:24:00.001-05:00

BUT, when I find something good, I like to share it. At the Utah Convention for homeschooling I found this awesome program for phonic/grammar/everything!! It is called Mormon Little Books. I got the WHOLE package. It is an introduction to our Book of Mormon AND to reading. These books are very simple, yet they help introduce the people in the Book of Mormon. They are very cute drawings and an easy to read program. Right now the package is half price. This is the best $50 you will ever spend. It includes 32 books, scripted lesson plans book, and a Cd of Book of Mormon scripture pages that you print out and you have your children draw a picture that goes with that scripture. I think that it is not only a good reading program, but also can be used as an AWESOME family home evening lessons. I fell in love immediately. I can't wait until this winter to start this program. The link to her website is: http://mormonlittlebooks.com/shoppingcart.html

I'm not sure if she has a comment section, but if she does make sure you tell her I sent you:-)

Check it out and let me know what you think!!??

Summer...

2010-06-02T16:35:00.002-05:00

I am soooo excited for the summer to be here. I love spending time with friends and letting the kids all go run and play at the pool. I love that we don't have to have a schedule too. I love not having to get up early to rush kids off to school and packing lunch's. Next school year will be just Cameron going. It is going to be a little different. I will still have to get up early and pack a lunch, but then I get to spend some quality time with my other two boys. I can't wait. I think they are still excited. I know I am.

The ARD for Cameron went well. ARD is a meeting with the school teachers and principal to make sure we are meeting Cameron's goals for the year and to make sure he is getting everything he needs. Well this ARD was short, but they told me that he will be in all day kindergarten with bridging. He will be in the classroom for: Science, Social Studies, Calendar, Centers, Specials, Lunch and Recess. So for the most part he will be with his peers. I am so excited for that. He also will get 2 30minute speech therapy sessions that will be one on one. I really think it will be a good year for him. I can just hope that he gets a good teacher.

I started a home school blog that I have been brain storming on. It is gibblovehomeschool.blogspot.com

It has been nice to brainstorm and keep notes all together on. I have tried the writing it out and loosing the papers. This way I can keep track of everything and also keep track of all of our work we do. Just in case the boys don't like it and want to go back to school. I just can't believe how much resources are out there. It's almost too much.

So this summer I am going to Utah to stay with my grandma who is passing away soon. I am sad. The boys just love their GG. I am staying almost all month. It should be fun. We plan on visiting a few of our families that have moved from Texas back to Utah. I just can't wait to spend some time with family. It has been awhile since I have been there.

For July and August I just hope to escape the heat by going swimming almost everyday. I just need to get to September. Then Adam will be here!!!! I love how excited the boys are to meet him. Even Cameron is getting excited. I think it helps that my belly is getting bigger. Randy still hasn't felt him move though. I hope soon he can. I know Adam is moving. I feel it!

Now onto enjoying my boys and the summer time:-)

Random thoughts.

2010-05-16T13:53:00.002-05:00

So today as I sat in Stake Conference I had MANY thoughts come to mind as I laughed and teared up with all the talks that were given. They spoke of attending the temple more often. I know that a as a goal of mine and Randy's is to try and attend every month. But as I sat there I thought "Why can't I go more often?". I know why. Life is so busy. Raising kids takes so much of your time. Now that Ricky is older and can stay with the kids, we should go more often. I really think that the kids would really see the importance of attending the temple if we were the example they needed. That is just one of the thoughts and ideas that came to mind.

Another talk was on "Do it now". When I get those promptings from the Holy Ghost, I need to act on them. I often don't act on it and later regret it. Most of the time I don't act on it is because I am scared. It's scary to me to take that leap of faith and just do it. As I sit in RS on Sunday's I often want to make a comment but chicken out. Thank goodness I have Sister Brown who always says what I wanted to. She is so good at that. I know this will happen. It is a goal of mine. I need to show the boys how the Holy Ghost feels and how important it is to act on those feelings.

I have a missionary that I wanted to write a letter to when he was in the MTC, but of course I didn't do it. He is almost returning home now and I still haven't written it. It's nothing big, but I just have felt the need to say a few things. He is an amazing missionary too. I love to hear and see the updates. Today at Conference I just felt the overwhelming feeling to write it. I will. Hopefully I can say all that I want/need to.

I loved one of the talks about the importance of doing all we can here on earth to prepare us for an eternity in the Celestial Kingdom. There is a lot I don't do that I need to do. I need to start making the time now to fit them in. I am trying to slow down life a bit. I don't want to miss anything. I want to have my boys accomplish all they need to. It is my hope and prayer that through home schooling we can get the things done we need to. I know it will still be busy, but it will be a good busy. I am getting so close to finally being the mom/wife I always wanted to be. Thank you Randy for supporting me in this and for providing this beautiful life for me and the boys. I can't wait to be able to spend eternity with you:-)

Our little Adam is growing!!

2010-05-13T12:24:00.004-05:00

I went to the doctor today and got to see our baby Adam. So far the name Adam is sticking with us. We will see. Anyways, he is very healthy. He is growing faster than my original due date. He is measuring about a week ahead, which isn't bad. He is definitely a boy too. Randy was able to come with me. It was fun. I just love sitting there watching him move around. Sometimes I just wish our bellies became clear so we can watch them all the time. But I guess I wouldn't get anything done if that was the case. My due date is going to be written down as September 21st. I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going. I am sure it helps having three other boys to chase after. The sports alone make the days go by fast too. I am loving it. Now if I can make it through the Texas summer heat. Bring on the swimming pools!!

What a weekend...

2010-05-10T19:07:00.003-05:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to post this, but I need to. It all started Friday night when I was invited to a purse/jewelry party at a new friend of mines house. I was so excited to go. I invited this friend that we will call Julie. I haven't really hung out with her much except for when we have our special needs kids together. Needless to say I thought it was a great opportunity to invite her to come along. She has mentioned that she doesn't have friends.

So we go to dinner. I had a blast. This was my girls night out while Randy and the boys were camping. We then went to the party where I met my friend and all of her friends. I was having a blast. Finally around 11pm I was pooped out. Julie took me home and I gave her a hug and said thanks for coming with me.

It was then on Saturday morning I got the dreaded phone call. My new friend had called to tell me what had happened at the party that I missed because I was talking to her husband. This "friend" Julie tried to steal a very expensive wallet that my friend found at the bottom of the purse that she paid for. The night went on and while we were all in the kitchen chit chatting she had disappeared three times. Again I am totally oblivious, being pregnant and talking to another friend that I hadn't seen in awhile. But my new friend was watching. My new friend told me that a necklace had disappeared now. Of course it was the necklace that Julie wanted as well. Julie did buy me this really cute binky holder for our little Adam. I thought that was so nice. Again I wasn't worried, just embarrassed.

Now after that phone call and total embarrassment, I went out with my other friends. I go to a stampin up party every month where we all take turns hosting. It is a great group of friends. We saw a garage sale at the corner of the house we were meeting at. I of course can't help myself but look to see what I can get for Adam. I got a few cute shoes and a toy. It all added up to be $12. So as I went into my wallet I noticed I only had a $20 bill. I had $140 in that pocket for our next weeks grocery food. I was so sad. The poor Hispanic ladies standing there while I tried to get my emotions in check to pay the $12. I'm sure they have no idea why I was so sad. I couldn't believe my "friend" would steal from me. So now I realized that not only did I buy the binky holder, I also bought her purse!! I asked my new friend how she paid for it and she said that she handed her a wad of 20's. That was my money. I am still in shock that this happened to me. I never thought I would have to worry about this. I called my husband who told me that it is going to be ok and that I had to confront her.

I called her and asked her that when she was looking at my wallet at dinner if she noticed the money in the zipped pocket. She said she noticed the 20's. I then told her that they were missing. She said that she knew for sure that there was a $20 in there. Then on and on the conversation went and she mentioned that that is why she never carries cash. She looses it. Right then I new she took it. I was so sick to my stomach. I feel so violated. I don't care about the money, it is the fact that she stole from me. And now she isn't "remembering" if she did or didn't.

I went to the police department to talk to our friend/neighbor about all of this and to get some advice. He looked her up and advised me to write a report. This was the hardest thing to do, but I know it was the right thing to do. She needs help. She stole from me and my new friend. Something is seriously wrong with her. So I did. She apparently has priors.

I really thought I had a good judge of people. I guess not. I don't want this experience to change me. What I learned from it.

1. Don't let anyone look through your wallet.

2. Watch your purse at parties.

3. Don't carry that much cash unless I intend to use it.

4. Still be forgiving.

So onto the Monday. I went to my new friends house to hang and chat about what I just did. Now onto the worst part. I went to leave. I ended up backing up over her little cliff (about 3 or 4 ft tall) she house out front, over her NEW mailbox she just put in. All of this in the little new corolla Randy just bought a few months ago. It couldn't have been in my 4-runner. Seriously!! Is this really happening to me??!!

Yes, it did. Cameron and I are all ok. The car...well it needed some love when Randy got home. I feel so bad. I can't tell you how stupid I feel too. Accidents stink. Needless to say the car only had bumper damage that is being popped out. It isn't as bad as it looked. Thank goodness. I am still mortified about doing this now. I not only invited a guest in my friends house that stole from her, she stole from me and now I drive off her cliff and over her mailbox!!!!! HELP! I am never getting pregnant again. I am totally going in hiding until this baby is born. All friendships need to be put on hold. I need to preserve what I have left. I haven't ever been this clumsy before. I hope to laugh about all of this. I hope sooner than later.

The End of my very long story.

Just thought I would put this cute pic of Cameron to get a smile from you:-)

Going private....

2010-05-08T19:39:00.001-05:00

I need to go to a private blog. If anyone wants to keep up with us, please send me your email address so I can invite you in:-) Thanks!

Baby #4 sono pics

2010-04-15T12:29:00.003-05:00

I went to the perinatologist yesterday to make sure all is well with the baby and found out that we are having a BOY!!!! I can't believe it! Another boy!! I am in boy heaven right now. I just love having my boys. We are all excited. Now onto thinking of some boys names...hmmm.

We were concerned about the medication that I am taking and what effects it could have on the baby. I was relieved to find out that as of now it looks to have done nothing to our little boy. I am grateful for that. It was hard when I found out that the medication wasn't good. I know this baby is being blessed with health. He is going to be a huge blessing in our lifes. I cannot wait to be able to hold him and have to boys help take care of him. I just love the profile pic of his little nose:-)

I'm scared, excited, and nervous.

2010-04-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

I have been praying about the idea of Home Schooling for a couple of years now. When Michael went to Kindergarten last year he begged me to teach him at home. I really never thought about it much until he kept asking. I at first thought it was because he was a shy quite kid. Then I thought that he just liked me teaching him pre-school and wasn't use to someone else teaching him. Then this year he is still asking. It's not that he doesn't like school or he is getting picked on. I have checked. He just wants to be with me. I wondered if it was because he is scared that I am going to get sick again? This is why I took it to a higher power. I received my answer awhile ago. I just didn't want to admit it. I have looked at all avenues of home schooling. There are so many ways to do it. I had no idea. The nice blessing that I have is a lot of friends that home school. I was able to ask lots of questions and talk about my concerns with them. Heavenly Father has put these women in my life to help me along. I am so grateful to all of them.

So last Friday night at our ward Temple night I was hit hard with the answer. Now how to inform Randy that I was going to just do it. You see we both grew up in public schools. We are just fine. You can say we survived. Why now? Why do I have such a strong feeling to keep Ricky and Michael at home? Then I figured it out. I am blessed, very blessed to be able to stay at home and take care of things. Randy is an awesome priesthood holder. We are very lucky to be in the situation that we are in. Why not.

Every morning I wake the kids up, bark at them to get ready and rush them out the door. Then when they come home I bark at them to do their chores, eat some dinner, and off to our sports or other evening events. Then I bark at them to hurry and shower and off to bed. When do I get some time just to be their mom? When can I figure out what they want to do in life? What is their hobby? What are their goals?

Life is so busy that we just keep getting by. I don't want to do this anymore. I want to be their mom. I want to teach them about the things in life. They don't need to be told what to do all day at school and then at home. I long to be with them. I want to have that bond that mother's have with their sons. I want to raise good priesthood holders. I want them to want to serve the Lord and go on a mission. I want them to have fun learning. I don't want them stressing about what they are going to get on a test or what grade they will get on their report card. Learning should be fun. Not rushed. Not held back because of another student that just isn't able to keep up. My boys need to have fun. Life is so short. I know this. If I can stay home and teach my children about life, church, and other things. Wow. How awesome it feels to just step back and think about what it would be like. Yes, it will be stressful at times. Yes, it will be crazy. I am willing to take on this new life.

I am ready to be a mom/teacher/friend. I am scared to death. I am excited. I am nervous that I won't be able to teach them right. But I have faith in my Father in Heaven that this is what my family needs. I know it with all my heart. Right now my kids need a mom. Not a ruler. I can't wait to teach them. I can't wait to have scripture study with them. I can't wait to read books with them. I now have ALL day with them!!!! I will now have that time that my heart aches for.

Telling Randy was so scary. I was sure that he wouldn't agree with me. BUT, he did. He has his concerns just like me. He felt what my heart was saying. He is going to trust in me. I can't believe it. I guess it is all in the timing. It was the right time to start teaching them at home. I have a lot to learn. I have a lot to figure out, but I know it will all work out. I have faith.

Baby #4 update

2010-03-25T11:46:00.003-05:00

I am now 14 1/2 weeks pregnant. I still can't believe that I have such a miracle growing inside me. I have been so blessed. I hope to never forget my blessings. We had a sonogram last week that showed us more of a baby than a peanut. It was fun to see the baby move around too. The baby turned over during the sonogram. It was so much fun to see it moving around. I am still getting bigger too. I think this baby has enough room in me to swim laps! Really.

We have been blessed with some money lately. We decided to take some of it and buy a baby car seat and stroller. I can't believe that I will have one that actually go together!! I couldn't afford it with the other three boys. It is so much fun. I also bought the booster seat for our chair at the table. It lays back for when they are little and then grow up with them. I think it is much better than a high chair that will take up room and probably become a race car with the other boys!! I also bought some white cloth diapers to start embroidery. I can't wait to play with it!! I am getting so excited for this baby. So are my boys. They are still mama's boys though. Who knows what this one is, but it sure is loved already. I just want a healthy baby at the end of it all.

A picture of our growing 4th baby!!

2010-02-17T12:53:00.002-06:00

I just couldn't keep this a secret much longer. We are pregnant with our 4th baby. I am only 9 weeks along so I still have awhile, but I am so excited. This is such a miracle for us. Please keep us in your prayers though. Here is the first pic of the little peanut!

Cameron's 5th Birthday!

2010-01-22T12:27:00.002-06:00

We had a small party for Cameron as well. I was excited that his bus driver came. She is the best. I think Cameron had a blast.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Michael's 7th Birthday Party

2010-01-22T11:13:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It was a small one, but a good one. We only do friend parties on even years. That way we aren't being robbed all the time:)

Going back to Black Friday...

2010-01-08T11:52:00.005-06:00

I just have to post these pictures now that Christmas is over and I won't be spoiling any ones presents!

So I have to say that I don't mind braving the crowds and getting some good deals. I am almost addicted to it. There is nothing like getting a killer deal on stuff. Carrie and Elizabeth joined me in the fun. We first went to Toy's R Us. NEVER again will I do that! I really mean NEVER! The crowd was terrible. You couldn't even get down the isle. That is when I say that there is nothing worth that crowd. I was bummed though. I really wanted to get the boys a skateboard ramp. But oh well. It didn't happen. So needless to say we had a lot of time to kill.

We went to 7-Eleven and got some chips and a Slurpee. Oh was it good. It kept us up for sure. Then we just sat in Sears parking lot so we could be the first ones to get the $20 down comforters. And I can say WE DID IT! I am very excited that I was able to get a killer deal. There also was hardly any people there too. It was so nice. This is what my car looked like when we all tried getting our stuff in!

We still have some stuff in the cart to squeeze in!
Oh wait we have MORE in another cart too!! I wasn't sure how we were going to fit it all in.

Oh did we use EVERY inch of space:)
Carrie even had to sqeeze in. Poor Elizabeth in the back. She would be protected if we got in a accident though:p

We had to then drive home, park the truck and get into Carrie's truck to then go back out for Kohl's. All that Randy wanted this year was clothes. He hasn't bought new shirts in a long time. So we then headed back out. Kohl's was awesome. When we got there there was long lines to check out, but when we were ready to check out we walked right up to the register. It was fun. We then headed to get something to eat for breakfast and then home to sleep.

I am very grateful that my sweet hubby supports me with this addiction I have. This addiction doesn't just happen on black Friday, it happens all year long. I am always trying to find the best deals on stuff. Needless to say we are all happy with our new comforters. We are staying warm now!

New Year's Eve Party!!

2010-01-03T18:31:00.002-06:00

This is what we did on New Year's Eve!! Oh did we have some fun:p I heard that there is some revenge about to take place??? Oh is this going to be fun:)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Going back in time...

2010-01-03T17:49:00.002-06:00

I just have to post this event. We went roller skating with some friends of ours. I wanted to make it a theme night, so I asked everyone to dress in the 80's attire:) Oh boy was it fun. My friends daughter, Jessie, did my hair and make-up. She did great! We sure got a lot of looks, but also a lot of complements. Some cute girls asked to take our picture. They thought we looked awesome. I was recognized by a girl that is in Ricky's class at school. I felt bad, but she thought I looked really cool so it was ok. Thank goodness. All I need to do is ruin Ricky's rep at school:)

I have to say too that I CANNOT skate. I really thought that I could, but oh man was I bad. It was quit funny watching me I'm sure. Randy held me up most of the time. Then Emily took me to the practice rink and helped me out. She also had me trade for some roller blades. They were a little easier. I so need to practice. I would love to go skating a little more often.

All in all it was a lot of fun. Thanks ladies!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Snow day with Friends....

2009-12-31T07:44:00.009-06:00

So here in Texas we had another day of snow. It is totally crazy, but we are loving it!

The kids had their friends over while it snowed. They couldn't stand staying inside, but I didn't want to clean up 6 six that are wet. So being the mean mom I said no. Than when their dad came I let them go out....that way they went to their house wet!! Sorry Andrea:) I don't think they got too wet though. We really don' t have snow gear and the boys didn't even bother putting on coats or gloves either. They had fun though! Some of the pics are blurry, but hey you get the picture!

Caden totally killing Ricky. It was fun to watch. Ricky later on got him back, but I didn't take any pictures.

Michael and Brennan builing a tall tower of legos, and then knocking them all down. Oh what fun they had.

Caden with a HUGE snow ball!

Yep, he threw it at his little brother Brennan.

Ricky's turn with a HUGE snow ball.

Ricky and Michael getting ready to throw at each other. I made them stop so I could get at least one pick:p

Michael officially quits. His hands are frozen. And he is cold too, especially withouth his coat.

I think Brennan is ready to get his brother back:)

One last cute video you just have to see. Cameron had Payton over to play as well. I couldn't help but take a video of this. I tried to do without them seeing me, but then they did so I gave up. They still performed for me though!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T06:53:00.006-06:00

Christmas this year was fabulous. Again we kept it very simple. Christmas Eve we have a tradition that we open a present that night. It is always a pair of pj's so they can wear them for Christmas. This year I made their pj's so they already saw and wore them so we can get the Christmas picture. Last year we had another family over that had the same tradition as ours except they also open any other gift they want. I LOVED that idea. So this year we did it and we will continue to do it. The boys all picked out their gifts. Michael was sooo excited to open his. He got new sheet set!!! Just what he was looking for:p HA HA. Cameron opened the same thing too. I don't think Cameron really understood that it could have been a toy. Then it was Ricky's turn, he opened their Sonicare toothbrush set! Whoo-hoo! They have been asking for one all year. We have been holding out to give it to them for Christmas. So needless to say they were very excited, but I kow they were hoping to pick the toy gift. They still were very sweet about it and loved their gifts and homemade pj's.

Christmas morning was great! I got to sleep in until 7:30am! I was so surprised when I woke up and looked at the time. Randy and the boys were all waiting upstairs. We then started Christmas. Randy had to put on some Christmas music to set the mood. The boys all came down together. They were very patient with Cameron and came down at his speed. It was the sweetest thing. I don't ever remember waiting for my sister's to see what Santa brought. Man it was a race to get there first! Anyways, they were very surprised. They loved the blankets and then they saw the lego sets. Michael spotted it first and then looked over at Ricky's stack and saw that his was bigger and tried switching them. It was hilarious! Of course we wouldn't let him do that. He was upset for a little bit, but soon got over it. We just had to explain that Santa knows that he has more legos than Ricky does. It was pretty funny though I have to say.

Cameron sitting on the swing while pretending it is a horse. It was pretty cute.

Hudson looking on to the crazy event going on. This was our first year with him. I think he was happy:)

Santa brought him a few gifts too.

Cameron's BIG Toy Story blanket. It is soooo nice too. I love it.

Ricky already reading his Diary of Wimpy Kid Dog Days. He had been wanting this since October when it came out. Of course we held out to get it for him so that Santa can bring it!!!

Cameron's ready to help dad out in the yard this spring!!

The boys love the little remote control cars that Santa brought them.

Hudson already pooped out on us:)

Michael getting a BIG lego set from Grandpa and Grammy. He LOVED it!

Ricky got a BIG lego set from Grandpa and Grammy too!!!

Cameron got a Lepa Frog tag junior. It helps read the story books for him. That was from Grandpa and Grammy. The little apple in the corner picture is from his Abuela and Abuelo (Randy's parents). Man did he love it! It is going to help with his speech.

Seriouly Hudson just couldn't last. He went in his bed with his new gift from Santa. I couldn't help but snap this sweet picture. He really is a sweet dog. I am so glad we have him.

Randy need shirts this year, so that is what most of his gifts were. He was very happy with it too. He is such a sweet, caring, and loving husband. I received a Cricut expression!!! I can't wait to use this one. Now what to do with my little one? Randy also surprised me with a weekend at the four seasons resort here in Texas. I haven't ever been to one so I am so excited to go. Randy also got me some really nice brown boots. The boys and Randy also got me some nice jewerly sets.

I can go on and on about what we all received, but that would be very boring. My boys really enjoyed Christmas. I really enjoyed being able to help out with Christmas with my Sisters too. This year Randy and I decided to give. It felt so good too:) The boys watched and hopefully felt the Christmas Spirit. All in all Christmas 2009 was a success.

Merry Christmas Eve!! It's snowing!!

2009-12-24T17:49:00.005-06:00

The pics say it all. We had Carrie and Jessie over to wrap gifts and couldn't believe it kept snowing! So needless to say we gathered what snow gear we had and went out for some fun! Carrie and I even tried to make snow angels, but Hudson didn't understand what we were doing. I love him anyway:p This is such a fun Christmas surprise. Merry Christmas!

Here is the video to go along with that golf!

2009-12-22T08:25:00.003-06:00

I still can't believe how good Cameron took to golfing. When I was first approached to the idea I pictured golf clubs being thrown and balls everywhere. I decided to just try and see. I'm glad I did. This was his first day:p

Cameron and the boys started Golf.

2009-12-17T13:08:00.004-06:00

We have joined up with the Unique Athletes in Action. We are so blessed to have met Coach Greg. He is truly a great coach for my boys. They all love learning the game of golf. When we go to compete Ricky and Michael get to be caddies for the children with disabilites. It is going to be a great experience for them. Here are a couple of pics.

Update to the Woody Doll incident....

2009-12-17T12:36:00.002-06:00

Now here is an updated video of Cameron and his Woody Doll that now talks. He is just the cutest thing!

Is this what you wanted?

2009-11-04T16:57:00.010-06:00

Ok, so I have to explain this video. Cameron found the Toys r us magazine and saw the buzz and woody dolls. He cried for over an hour trying to get me to go buy him one. Daddy couldn't find one at walmart so the search began.

Today Randy searched at three different thrift stores and couldn't find any. He eventually gave up and went to toys r us and found this one. He came home so happy and excited to give it to Cameron. Well here was his reaction....

Poor daddy. At least he tried. Now we all know what to get Cameron for his birthday and Christmas!

The 3-Day Walk Info

2009-10-22T13:35:00.002-05:00

I know I should have posted this sooner, but I didn't. Life is just so busy lately:) I walked the 3-Day Walk last year and didn't know about the mail. I would love to receive any letters that anyone can send:) Here is the address to send them too!

Send letters to:
Breast Cancer 3-Day Post Office
ATTN: Rebecca Gibbons
P.O. Box 126496
Benbrook, TX 76126

Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than October 27th in order to ensure delivery.

And now here are the address's to come and cheer Beth and I on!!!

Cheering Stations
Please discourage your family and friends from driving along the route, as it can create a safety hazard. The following Cheering Stations are safe, recommended places for your supporters to cheer you on along the route.

Friday, November 6:
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Haggard Park
901 E 15th St.
Plano, TX 75074

12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Manhatten/ Office in the Park
14831 Midway & 14677 Midway
Addison, TX 75001

Please do not park in front of Ferrari's restaurant or Mattress Giant Corp HQ building.

Saturday, November 7:
7:45 am - 9:00 am
Unity Church of Dallas
6525 Forest Ln.
Dallas, TX 75230

10:45 am - 2:15 pm
Prestonwood Village
5505 Arapaho
Dallas, TX 75248

Sunday, November 8:
8:45 am - 11:00 am
Bank of America - Park Cities
5500 Preston
Dallas, TX 75205

11:15 am - 2:00 pm
Historic West End
N. Market St., from Munger to Elm
Dallas, TX 75202

The Conference talk that hit my heart.

2009-10-14T09:56:00.008-05:00

Safety for the Soul

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

After watching this talk I cannot deny that this Church is true. The Book of Mormon is true. I am grateful for all my ancestors and the trials they went through so that we can have this gospel today. It is my prayer and hope that you were touched by Elder Holland like I was. You cannot deny it.

Our family camping trip...

2009-09-21T08:17:00.004-05:00

YMCA put on a fabulous camping trip for families with children that have autism or down syndrome. We left Friday evening and came home early on Saturday evening. Friday night was fun trying to get settled in. We bunked with the Molencupps. Our cabin had 16 beds!! I felt like a little kid again. The boys thought it was so cool. Randy was too tall so his feet hung off the end a little. Poor Randy:) Cameron slept on the top since there were rails so he wouldn't fall off. I say slept, but he didn't get much sleep. I had to lay with him. Man he moves around too much. I think the new environment got to him.

But Saturday was still a blast. We went on a boat ride that Cameron did not like at all on the way to the island. I felt bad for everyone else. Cameron was scared. But as soon as he knew we were getting off he became very happy. We hiked up this little island. Saw lots of Cacti. Then we took the boat ride back. Luckily Cameron was ok with it. The picture of the house/cabin with the Texas flag painted on it is supposedly Mily Cyrus's place. That's what the guide told us. Who knows. I took a pic though!

We shot a few rifles too. Ricky has done this before at cub scout camp. Michael hasn't shot a rifle yet. He loved it. He did pretty good too. Cameron wanted to try too, so Randy helped him out. It was hilarious when he shot it. He instantly took off the glasses and ear plugs and walked away. It was the cutest thing. I wish I had the camera on the record mode. It was so cute.

We played a lot by the water. The boys loved to try and skip the rocks. It was a lot of fun. Randy, Ricky, and Michael went on a canoe ride. I don't have any pictures because I took Cameron back to the cabin for some rest time. Randy said the boys had fun though.

We met a lot of fun families. One family just moved here from OK. I can't wait to get to know her more. He son has Autism. He is 12 and a very fun big boy. His name is Steven, I call him Stevie.

We let the boys play in the beachy sand for a little before we took off to shower. They really liked that. It was cute to see them be creative and make things. Cameron thought it was fun to pick up the wet sand and then throw it. Ricky wasn't too excited when he fell victim to some landing on him. But it was still fun. Cameron loved it. He and Nick just got right on in and made a mess.

All in all this camping trip was worth every penny we paid for. I know we all loved it. The YMCA really did a good job.

First day of School 2009!

2009-08-24T13:54:00.005-05:00

It's official! The first day of school is here! I was so impressed with myself this morning when I remembered to take pictures of them before they left for school. Last year I totally forgot to even take pictures of Cameron too. Terrible mommy moment.

Here is the official picture:

This picture I took inside. It sure isn't my favorite...but it sure is funny:)

Cameron with my favorite bus driver...Mrs. Ruth!

Ricky and Michael right before they get on the bus! Yeah!

Every year the night before school starts Randy gives the boys a Father's blessing. It is so special to me. My dad use to do this for us. It always help calm me for my days at school. I hope it does the same for my boys. Well last night when we all sat down together to start giving Ricky his blessing, Cameron asked for one. He wanted one. So we told him to wait until we were done with Ricky. Ricky's blessing was so beautiful and perfect for him. I sure hope he remembers everything Daddy told him, or should I say..Heavenly Father. Then we were off to Michael's blessing. It was so different from Ricky's, but so perfect for Michael. Heavenly Father sure knows my boys and their personalities. It was another beautiful blessing of course.

Then to Cameron's blessing. He was so proud that daddy put his hands on his head. While Randy gave him his blessing I felt the spirit so much. Even Randy got choked up a bit. Cameron has such a great spirit about him anyway. Our Heavenly Father sure loves this little boy. I felt so proud of Cameron and the things our Heavenly Father was telling him, us. Cameron is going to accomplish so much this school year. Just seeing Cameron's face when Randy was done was priceless. He was so proud to have been given a blessing. Sometimes I forget that under the exterior body...Cameron is in there. Just like us. I know that when I see him in Heaven it will be amazing:)

Everyone at his school already knows him. He is very loved. Even the principal was telling everyone how excited she was to see "her Cameron" again. I love to know that when he is there he is getting the love he needs.

I am so proud of my husband. He is such a good example to our boys. He always knows when to use his priesthood. I don't know what I would do without the priesthood in my life. It brings such peace to my heart to know that if anything happens that our Heavenly Father is right there waiting for us to ask for help. This summer was such a busy, crazy summer. I have had many of times flustered and frustrated. Just knowing that all I have to do is get on my knees and ask for help is so comforting. I sometimes miss how close I felt to my Heavenly Father while I was sick. I have to remind myself to just stop and take a minute and breath. He is always there.

Thank you Randy for being that great husband, father, and priesthood holder you are to me and the boys. I love you!

The Special Mother

2009-07-24T10:08:00.004-05:00

I was at APE yesterday and met this mom of an autistic boy. As we were talking we found out a lot about each other. It's amazing how much we have in common. I tend to find that out with all the moms I meet that have children with special needs. In our conversation she mentioned a poem called "The Special Mother". She asked if I had read it yet. I haven't of course. So I googled it and read it.

It is so neat to be able to talk to other moms and help each other out. I can't believe how much support this APE class is for me. When Cameron was born, I had no idea what to do. I had no idea there was so much support for free! Sometimes I wonder how some can give up these little perfect angels. I don't judge anyone, I just wonder if they ever think about what it could have been like. I know Cameron changes my thinking everyday. He is such a joy to have. He is definately a clown. He loves attention. He loves to make you laugh. It is so cute. Sometimes I think of him like a little puppy. They are fun entertainment. I am so grateful to have Cameron in my life. I know that he brings a lot of challenges, but then a lot of blessings. We would not be a family without Cameron. Thank you Cameron for choosing us to be your parents here on earth. I love you with my whole heart:)

Here' the poem:

The Special Mother

by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice,
a few by social pressure and a couple by habit.
This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children.
Did you ever wonder how these mothers are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth
Selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation.
As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint, Matthew."
"Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia."
"Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
Finally he passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who knows no laughter?
That would be cruel."
"But does she have the patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea of self-pity and despair.
Once the shock and resentment wear off she'll handle it."
"I watched her today.
She has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother.
You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of it's own.
She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive.
Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect.
She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied.
She will never take for granted a spoken word.
She will never consider a step ordinary.
When her child says momma for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it.
I will permit her to see clearly the things I see--ignorance, cruelty,
prejudice--and allow her to rise above them.
She will never be alone.
I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life
Because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in the air. God smiles.
"A mirror will suffice."

Bam Bam!

2009-07-15T09:49:00.005-05:00

I when I was pregnant with Ricky I swore there would never be any toy guns allowed in our house. Well of course after three boys it didn't work. We did keep them out until Michael came along. The only reason we allowed them was because Ricky was making everything into a toy gun. He even made legos into guns. It is a boy thing I guess. I wouldn't know. I didn't have any brothers. Randy says it is a boy thing. I've got to believe him:)

Anyways, so we have these nerf guns that the boys like to shoot at each other. Well I couldn't help but share this moment with you. Our Cameron is truely a crack up! I seriously don't know where he gets all of this. I know I don't play bam bam:) Maybe it's all the cops show that we watch? Last night we were watching it and Cameron stood up and put his arms behind his back. Then Randy said to get on your knees and he did!! What are we teaching our boys?!! This may make others not want their kids to come to our house to play anymore?:)

Summer fun...

2009-07-09T11:50:00.001-05:00

It couldn't get any cuter than this...

2009-07-07T14:49:00.002-05:00

This is Nick and Cameron. They are best friends. They have known each other since they were a baby. It is so fun getting them together and watching how they interact together. They sure love each other. We recently went swimming together and somehow I was able to catch this shot. I couldn't believe it! Both of them looking and smiling at the camera at the same time!! Right on!! They are just scrumptious!!!!

This explains how life is with 3 energetic boys...

2009-06-15T15:12:00.003-05:00

Do I really have to explain?!!

Miley Cyrus...

2009-06-10T10:47:00.006-05:00

So I haven't been a Miley Cyrus fan. Maybe it's because I don't have girls, but for some reason I just haven't. Well I have been a little bit emotional lately about life. I have past my 2 year mark on being cancer free. On May 16, 2007 I had my surgery to remove my sacrum(tailbone) where the tumor was. I was told I wouldn't be able to walk after. I was sad like anybody else would be, but I held my head high. After surgery when I woke up I immediately tried to move my feet. They moved!!! I felt it too!!! I will never forget that moment in my life. It was truly a miracle. I am now 2 years past and still happy as can be. I am able to play with my kids and be the mom and wife that I want to be.

On Sunday I attempted to bear my testimony in RS. My heart is full right now. I am so grateful for all the support I was given when this trial happened to me and my family. It was amazing. I never thought I had that many people that really cared. I have the best family ever too. When we went to Utah I wasn't very excited about making new friendships while I was fighting for my life. All I wanted to do was fight and then move back home to my new house in Texas. I love Texas. I don't like the heat, but sitting in a pool when it is hot isn't so bad. I love my family and my new friends in Utah and will always be grateful for the sacrifices they did for me and my family.
Back to the song...I was coming home from "Girl's game night" last night when I heard this song. When you are all alone in the car (which doesn't happen often for me) and it is dark, I tend to listen to some of the songs more deeply than I normally would. I just love how the song made me feel. I have plenty of challenges that the cancer has brought into my life. I try and try to get through them with as much faith, hope, and love that I did with my time in the hospital. Sometimes it just makes it hard when you have a bad day. I know how strong I was when I was fighting for my life. I didn't want to leave Randy alone to raise our boys. I didn't want to leave my boys. I really was upset that Heavenly Father would give my Cameron and then make me leave him. I just couldn't let that happen. My body tried and tried to make me quit, but I couldn't. I just couldn't stop fighting.

I am grateful for the trials in my life. I am a better wife, mom, sister, and daughter. I know that I have more in life to accomplish before I go. I can only hope that I can live the life that our Heavenly Father has in store for me.

Now that I just babbled on and on. Here are the lyrics to the song. It really is a good uplifting song. Here is the link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

Miley Cyrus - The Climb Lyrics

I can almost see it
That dream I’m dreaming but
There’s a voice inside my head sayin,
You’ll never reach it,
Every step I’m taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

The struggles I’m facing,
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes they knock me down but
No I’m not breaking
The pain I’m knowing
But these are the moments that
I’m going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It’s all about
It’s all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

BUG!!!

2009-06-09T14:35:00.006-05:00

I just love summer time. We usually just hang outside in the mornings and then go to the pool for lunch and swim time. It is the easiest way to wear my boys out. This morning we had fun outside. I decided I should take a few pictures. Cameron is obsessed with bugs right now. I am not too excited about it either. The other night when we had a family over for dinner and games he decided he would bring in a bug from outside that him smashed with his finger. I turned him towards daddy to take care of it. Daddy did. He took his finger and wiped it on my floor!!! Boys. I really don't know what to do with them. They are fun though. Here is Cameron showing me a dead dried worm. Thank you Cameron:)

I love playing with sidewalk chalk. Thankfully so does Cameron. He started drawing circles on the magnadoodle that we have and now he is making bugs with the circles:) On Sunday before Sacrament started he drew a bug and showed me. I was certain that when he kept saying bug to me that it would be a real bug. It wasn't of course. He drew one! This boy of mine is just growing up so fast. He is now talking really well. I love to watch him talk and play. He is such a jokester too:)
Michael is fun too. He loves to draw and craft. Everytime I go to scrapbook he is right there asking me if I need any help. Michael is the little boy that would clean your house and enjoy it. I can give him a wash cloth and he would have fun washing the baseboards. I hope he keeps it up for his wife:)

Ricky is just like his daddy. He loves to fix things. Randy has showed him how to take apart computers and how to put them back together. It is so fun having him get older. He is a really good kid too. He loves his Cameron. Whenever I ask him to help out and play with Cameron for a little bit so I can get something done or so I could possibly get a nap, he will. He is almost in Boy Scouts too! I have one more year with him in Cub Scouts. I have enjoyed learning about the Scouting program. It is a lot of work, but I love helping him out.

Here is a fun pic of Hudson staring at the bunny we are watching for some friends of ours. He is so entertained:)

This is why I love summer vacation!

My very cute boys....

2009-05-08T15:20:00.004-05:00

Ricky 10 years old

I was so shocked to see how cute my boys school pictures were. Usually one of them is not so good:) This time they all looked so stinkin' cute! I couldn't help but get them. So now we have to print some for our family! :)

Michael 6 years old

Cameron 4 years old

The BEST Easter ever!!

2009-04-14T10:32:00.014-05:00

We had the BEST Easter ever. Randy planned a trip to a friends cabin for Easter weekend. I was a little nervous because of Cameron. He is just a handful still and I didn't want him to get into trouble. Anyways, it was truly the funnest family trip. The drive down was about 2 hours long. You would have thought the kids were going to die. They are so use to taking airplanes. I remember taking lots of road trips when I was young, and I loved them!

We made it there and immediately Hudson run to the lake. I couldn't believe how much he loved to swim! The kids loved watching him. They had a little paddle boat that we would take out for fun. Hudson loved following us. At one point he kept trying to hitch a ride:) Every time he would it would splash us too. It was so much fun having him there. You could tell he was in dog heaven.

It didn't take long until we got onto the ATV's. Gary and Patti are the owner of this property that they have built cabins on and have also let Randy's friend, Doug, build on. They are the nicest people too. I really enjoyed meeting them. I rode out with Gary on the first ride on a four wheeler. I have to say...I was a little nervous, but I had lots of fun. Later that evening I got a chance to try it out myself. Oh boy! I am addicted!! I loved going fast:) When I had Cameron on though I couldn't go very fast. He insisted that I kept one arm around him at all times. Sweet boy. They boys just loved riding with us. Michael took to Doug right away. I have to tell ya...Doug is a crazy driver too. He always kept it safe though. Michael just loved going fast with him. I haven't seen Michael smiling that much in a long time. This was right down Michael's alley. Ricky chose to ride with me a little bit and daddy a little bit too. He was nervous about going fast, but when daddy put him in front of him, he had fun. That is when he didn't mind going fast.

We tried to go look at the stars at night, but there was too many clouds rolling in. We did see some though. The full moon was awesome. It lit everything up. That didn't help the star gazing moment either. The next day we had Ricky babysit Cameron at the cabin so we could go play in the four wheelers! Ricky is such a good big brother and son. We took off and explored all the trails. Let me tell you... I was having a blast. At some hills I was even getting air! Randy was impressed with me. I was just having fun.

They have a neighbor who is probably about a mile away that let us go on his property. His name is Merrill. He has lots of horses and cows and even miniature horses. They were gorgeous! We didn't go close to the cows for obvious reasons, but we did go up to the horses. At first Hudson ran right up to them, but quickly backed away. I didn't blame him. They were a lot bigger than him! It was so much fun seeing how he reacted to them. Cameron though he was at Spirit Horse! (That is where he get therapy at here in Corinth). I felt right at home with them too. I remember when I wouldn't even come close to one and now look at me! I have Spirit Horse the thank for that one. I love horses now. These were so beautiful too. At first they wouldn't let us pet them, but they warmed up to us. The horses thought we were bringing them some food. I felt bad. We ended up going back to the cabin to get some carrots to feed them. When we got back the horses came right up to us. It was so cool! I started breaking up some carrots to feed them. We reminded the kids on the do's and dont's of feeding them. I didn't want to have any fingers missing:) We all tried and tried to get them to eat the carrots, but they wouldn't! What horse doesn't like carrots? Really? Let me tell you what horse doesn't! Merrill feeds them apples and other sweeter treats:) Spoiled horses! We even tried to get the miniature horses to eat the carrots, but they didn't either. One of the miniature horses was white and had the most beautiful blue eyes. I couldn't believe it. They were so cute too. I just loved watching Hudson with them. I don't think they liked him though. They kept trying to chase him, but he kept running back to us to protect him. He is just the cutest dog. I am so glad we were able to bring him along.

When I was trying to sleep in on Saturday morning, Michael caught two fish! Ricky was jealous. I am just glad Randy took a picture. Ricky kept trying to catch a fish the whole weekend. He finally caught one. Let me tell you... sleeping on a futon with Ricky at one end and Cameron and I at the other end. I had to lay in the fetal position all night. At times I would try and stretch out, but ended up playing footsies with Ricky instead. Finally at 6am I went and woke Randy up to switch places. Then I went to sleep. I slept through everything. I only got three hours of sleep that night. Man was I tired. It didn't stop me from having lots of fun though! When I awoke Randy was with the boys fishing. I went down to find out the news. Randy caught a fish too! I have fished before when I was in high school with my best friend Beth. We took a trip to Myrtle Beach SC. We stayed with friends of Beth's mom. They had a house on the lake and a condo on the beach. It was so much fun. Anyways, back to my story... I caught a fish for the first time but I wouldn't touch it to put it back in the lake. So now when Randy caught this fish, I wanted to try and see is I could do it. Luckily it was a little fish and he wasn't flapping everywhere. It was interesting taking the hook out. I did it though! Randy and Doug were so impressed! Man and I just impressing my honey:) Now I can say that I have caught a fish AND I have put one back in the water myself! Yeah for me.

Gary's and Patty's cabin (house) was so beautiful. The hard wood floors were just amazing. They really built it well. The kitchen was gorgeous. All the rooms were awesome too. I loved what they did with it. The master bathroom even had dual shower heads! We had to try them out:) I loved having my own water. It felt good to shower too and get out all the dirt from riding the four wheelers. Man did I have lots of dirt even in my ears!

I now know who to ask for help if we ever build anything! Going on this trip made me want to go buy land and start building now so when the boys are all grown, Randy and I can retire out in the country. I haven't convinced Randy of it yet, but I have a long time to work on it:)

Hudson got so worn out we ended up putting him on my four wheeler for a ride home. I think we wore his paws out. Poor guy. He had so much fun though. I was glad he stayed for the ride:)
Yep... it really is! My boys all enjoyed going to the bathroom outside. I reminded them that when we get home you can't do that. I just love this picture though.

Here we are on Sunday trying to get a family picture in. I think I should have done this on the first day when I actually had makeup on! It's all good.
This is Michael's new best friend Doug. He couldn't stop asking him to go for a ride. It was so cute. I am glad Doug was patient with him. He really made Michael's weekend:) Thank you Doug!

All I can say is that the land was so gorgeous. I haven't been camping in a long time and now all I want to do is go down to the cabin for every weekend! I know we can't do every, but we are going to do this again. All we have to do is get a nanny for Cameron so we can go and do some of the things with the other two boys that we couldn't all do before:) I probably left a few details out, but all in all we had the BEST weekend ever! Thank you to Randy, Doug, Gary, and Patty! You are all the best!

Camerons growing up on me...

2009-04-09T12:36:00.004-05:00

So shortly after the last post of him climbing out of his crib....we changed his bed out. We first started with taking the crib side off so it could still be a little toddler bed. Well the instructions said how to do it, but I really think we were taken for our money. We did everything right, but I think when we bought this crib we were scamed. It says you can make it into a toddler bed and then it turns into a twin headboard. All I've got to say is that it didn't work that way. Cameron ended up falling out of bed the first night. I felt so bad.
You can even tell that he can't reach the ground!

We have a bunk bed set in Ricky's room that we don't use the top often. Ricky likes the bottom because it is a full size. I don't blame him. We decided to take the top off so that Cameron had a bed that had sides to it so he would feel safe again. As soon as we got it all put together, he came running right on in. He LOVES it!! I am so glad. I have to say is that I had to get over not having the luxury of having him locked in a crib. It was a lot easier. Things have been good though. We all had the flu, the real flu, right after we changed his bed, so that helped out a lot. He got use to having to sleep for nap. Now that we are all better, it is a different story. Just last night he was up until 10pm. He would go into the boys rooms to see if they were up and then slam the door when he was done exploring. That is how we knew he was up. Silly kid. He is such a fun, loving, boy. Exhausting at times, but rewarding most of the time. I am so lucky to have such good, fun, loving boys. I dont' know what to do with girls. Thank goodness I don't have one. I will just enjoy my neices:)

So HAPPY!

Now this is what I love to see. A sleeping boy:)

I am behind on posts, but I will catch up soon. We had a fun trip to the Dallas zoo that I will have to share:)

I couldn't believe it...until I saw it!

2009-03-22T15:39:00.007-05:00

Ok, so I have to be honest. The last couple of days here haven't been great. I have been really bummed that Cameron had been getting out of his crib by himself. I know he is 4 and could sleep in a bed...but I am not ready for that. I am very selfish. I love when he takes naps or sleeps in. Now he hasn't been taking naps and he has been getting up earlier.

So today after church Randy decided to change his crib into a big boy bed. We got out the tools, instructions, and even took a few pictures to remember this day by. Then I thought, hmmm maybe we should ask him how he got out of bed so I can capture that moment too. So I turned the recorder on and this is what we got!

He was climbing out on the BIG Bear that we just moved by his bed so he could have the train table in his room to play with. We couldn't believe our eyes. Now we put away all the tools and instructions and MOVED the BIG Bear into Michaels room. We decided to give ourselves a little more time before we loose our insanity. Really, I was loosing my insanity over this mile marker. I am not ready yet. I guess you are never ready for this one are ya?

Our newest addtion!

2009-03-02T09:27:00.006-06:00

We finally got a dog. Randy wanted a pug, I wanted a Great Dane, so we got Golden Retriever! The story is actually funny. Randy one night mentioned that he wouldn't mind a Yellow Lab. I was ecstatic. Then we both agreed to a female dog. So the hunt started....I called the Denton Animal Shelter to see if by chance they had a yellow female lab. They did so I went and took Cameron to see how he would react to her. All I have to say is that she was way to hyper! She knocked Cameron down and scared him. I really couldn't manage her either. She was cute, but not fit for our family. I was bummed. I went to go home and do more searching, but Cameron insisted on going back to see more doggies. I saw some really really cute puppies that I wouldn't mind having too. Except I really didn't want a puppy. I really didn't want to start that training all over. So on with the story... I then saw this sweet looking dog that was just sitting there. He wasn't even barking! They labeled him as a 4yr old Golden Retreiver. I asked to see if we could take him outside to see how Cameron is with him. Let me tell you, he was the BEST to Cameron. He didn't even jump up on us. We sat down on a bench and Hudson, the dogs name, just sat down and put his cute little head on the bench for us to pet. He was so sweet. I wanted to take him home right away. I called Randy and told him all about Hudson. Randy was hesitant to get him because he wasn't what we wanted. We wanted a female yellow lab. I talked him into coming to see him, but I had to leave. Randy got off work a little early so we could get there before the shelter closes. When the boys got off the bus I told them that I found us a dog! We were all so excited. I called Randy to see where he was... he was on the way to get his haircut. His haircut!!! I couldn't believe it! I then told him that I was on my way with the boys. I told him to call me and I would give him the directions. I was so shocked that he wasn't coming straight home! I really loved this dog. So on my way... I did the speed limit through this school zone, but after it I gunned it! Of course there would be a police officer rigth there! Yep, I got a ticket! I was going 45 in a 30. First thing, I really can't believe I was going 45! I guess I really wanted to get there! At any rate, I was speeding. I knew it too. So I didn't say much. Now the kids always look at the speed limit and my spedometer. It gets annoying sometimes. At least they won't speed when they start to drive. Hopefully.

So then I called Randy. Boy did I dread that phone call. I really wanted this dog, but now I have this ticket. Randy was so sweet to me. We still went to see Hudson. He was still there when we got there. The boys fell in love right away. Hudson was so good to the boys too. Randy showed up and liked him, but was unsure if he was the right one because he wasn't what we were looking for. Randy left it up to me. What a good husband. So needless to say, he is home with us now.

Hudson has a very cute personality. We got him on Friday February 20th and we haven't even heard him barked or growel. He is just so sweet! The Vet told us too that he is only 2yrs old. It's amazing how good he is. He always has to have something in his mouth too. It is so cute. Cameron bus driver gave him a gift bag of goodies that he loves. She is so sweet. Hudson loves going to the bus stops to take the kids and then he loves to go pick them up. I know that my boys love having him around. Last night Randy was outside running around with him and having fun with him. Randy loves him too. He has gotten over the fact that he is a bigger dog than he ever thought he would get. Hudson had to have been trained before. He hasn't had an accident in the house at all. I love it!! All I can say is how fun and cute he is. He has such a cute personality. Here is all the fun pictures we have so far:)

My stinkn' cute rock band!

2009-01-28T08:59:00.006-06:00

So yesterday it drizzled and some ice rain came down, enough for the school to close. Ricky was so excited when I woke him up to tell him the good news. We let Michael sleep in a little longer. So we played and watched cartoons all day. What fun we had.

Randy came home a little early too! We ate early so we were able to play on our Wii guitar hero world tour game we got from Santa. We sure love Santa around here. I have to say too, we are sure getting good. I wonder if we can really have our own Rockband in a few more years?!

I just thought some pictures would be fun to see. Just a side note too, I did shower, I just didn't do anything with my hair or do any make-up. I figured I wasn't going anywhere. It was a great day and night. I love family time. It's sad that we have to have a ice storm to get more family time in. Ill take it though. Enjoy! I love the videos too.

This video is so cute too. Check out how fast Michael's little fingers are going. He is a pro! Don't I have a great start of a Rockband?!

Fun family pics....

2009-01-04T16:53:00.005-06:00

We finally had some time to take a few pictures at the bridge. It was really fun. I was expecting the kids to give us a hard time, but they didn't! It only took us 20min. to get the pictures done. I don't like my hair in them. Oh well. The wind was blowing pretty hard. It's all good though. We had fun.

Serving at Christmas time.....

2008-12-30T12:30:00.000-06:00

This year was quite a different year for our family. My heart was full this year to do service where it is needed. I really want my boys to learn that serving others is so much better than getting service(presents). We did two days of service.

Christmas Eve we took all the toys, crafts, and games to the Children's Hospital in Dallas. Boy did we get a lot of donations......

I am so grateful for the outpouring gifts everyone donated. I am so glad I finally acted on my heart. Sometimes it is so scary to take that jump and do something new, but when it is all done it feels so good to look back and say "I did it!".
Now we weren't able to see any of the children due to germs, but we did get to see the train exhibit. The kids loved it! Cameron thought it was the coolest thing.

Then on our way to the cafeteria, to get some food and a drink, I ran into the Director of Child/Life Specialist, Renee. It was so neat to talk to someone that actually works with these children. Renee said she saw all we brought and was so excited. They rely on the donations. I guess they don't get a lot of money for all the extras that these kids need. Renee also knew my cancer. I told her my story, well a brief synopsis that is, and how I knew how some of these children feel. I wanted to give back somehow. Maybe it helps me feel needed or it gives me that reason of why I was saved. All I know is that I was on the highest of highs Christmas Eve. Renee gave me her card so now I have a direct contact. I am going to keep collecting stuff all year long and when I get a load of donations, I will take them.

After the hospital we celebrated Christmas Eve with the Steven's Family. They were awesome! They have the same tradition that we have with opening pj's on Christmas Eve. They also open one more present, so we joined in and let the kids open one. The kids all had fun playing together. Amy brought this domino game called "The Mexican Train, or Chicken Foot". I was hooked:) We all played until 10:30pm! Time goes by fast when you are having fun:) After Christmas Randy had to go and find the game so we can play again. I love him:)

Christmas morning was fabulous. We got up early to open presents and then we left to deliver Meals on Wheels to the elderly. We teamed up with a family in our ward, the Duckwall's, and set off the a scary part of Dallas to deliver. I was nervous but I felt safe having Randy and Lew to protect us if needed. We never needed it though. The people we delivered to were so happy to see us. We sang a Christmas song to them and handed them their meal. They got this little TV dinner like meal with a little milk, a biscuit, and a little piece of pie. The kids were all sad to see how little they get. We had to explain that that is all they live on. They don't know any difference. It was really a neat experience for our boys to see. We delivered the meals to 10 family's. When we were done the boys were mad. They wanted to do more. I think they caught onto the serving spirit.

When we got home we had about an hour to play with our new stuff and then we headed to the Martini's house for dinner. This family is like family to us. My twin sister is a Martini; therefore we have to be related somehow right?! My sisters husband and Heidi's husband are cousins. That means Heidi's kids are our kids second cousins by marriage?! It sounds complicated, but I have to say that it all doesn't matter. We just say that we are cousins:) We are all brothers and sisters anyways right? The kids had fun playing, but they couldn't wait to come home and play with their DS.

I had such a great holiday season. I couldn't of asked for anything better. The smiles on every ones faces this year was all I needed. There was a Rabbi that said: "Don't give a present, just be a present in somebody's life". What a quote. It is my hope and prayer that I can live my life being a present. I know that I am a miracle in some life's eyes, but in mine I know I am blessed by our Father in Heaven. I got a second chance at life and I hope to live it to the fullest. I have learned not to hold grudges, get mad easily, smile more, and more important I have learned to love my family everyday. I don't leave the house without giving them a hug and saying I love you to them. Life is so short. It isn't worth being upset at anyone or anything.

Thank you to all my friends out there that have been there for me. Especially thank you to a friend here that is always listening to me. She has been there through all of this and she still is there for me. I didn't realize how much she has done for me. I have started remembering more of the past when I was really sick and all she has done for me. All I can say is "Thank You"

Happy New Year!

~Becca:)

More Christmas pictures!!!

2008-12-30T12:08:00.008-06:00

Santa came to visit....

2008-12-23T12:49:00.003-06:00

This is our second year home this year for Christmas. It is so weird to think that it has only been two years since I was sick. Time has flown by. I almost feel completely normal! If there is a normal? Anyways, In our neighborhood this older couple treat our entire neighborhood to a Santa treat. We all gather at their house and take pictures with Santa and have cookies and hot cocoa. It is such a delight. Here are a few pictures to see......

This is Cameron looking up to see how they have Santa in a wooden helicopter. I took this picture, then my battery died. I had no idea it was low. Darn.

This picture was taken on Christmas 2006. This is my family. My mom and dad, my twin sister Sabrina and her family, and my older sister Jennifer and her two girls, and then of course my family. As a tradition in our family, we always get together on Christmas Eve and open a present that we drew names for on Thanksgiving. My daddy got me this year. He gave me a necklace of an angel cutout in a heart that says HOPE. I love it. I thought I would post this picture of us when I was bald. It is so neat to think that 2 years ago I had no hair and I had cancer. It's amazing how time goes by.

Cameron was so tired of all the festivities. Man he is so sweet. Merry Christmas everyone. I hope that this Christmas will be a great one for everyone. May we all be blessed.

We are going GREEN this year!

2008-12-16T15:43:00.004-06:00

This was the best of all the pictures! It was fun:)

We thought that this year we would post our Christmas card online instead of mailing it out:) It feels kinda weird, but this will be fun. We hope this e-card finds everyone doing well. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This year I am trying to something new too.....

Dear friends and family,

I have been thinking for a while about how to give back this Christmas season. I wanted to ask for your help. As most of you all know I was diagnosed with Bone Cancer in July 2006. Yes it was hard when it came to the holiday season and I couldn't give. I was too sick to shop, sad but true. That year for Christmas was so special to me and my family. We had one family make us blankets, bought us clothes, and big bins full of toys. My sister's work donated also. To say the least we weren't short gifts. I remember how I felt to think that so many people cared enough to give. It doesn't take many people to help out. The smiles on my kids face's were priceless.

I am choosing to give to Primary Children's Medical Center of Dallas. Since I had cancer, I know what these little children are going through. I can't even imagine how they can keep on smiling when they can't even play with friends or even go outside because of their immune systems. I know how lonely it is. I know how tired they are sometimes. I also know how much hope, faith, and love that all of these children have. Just imagine their faces when they get to spend time with their family making a craft, or playing a new game on Christmas Eve. Imagine the faces of the children's family members.

Being a mom too, I was so happy just sitting there watching my boys open a present and just get so excited. I want this year to provide these families to feel that Hope, Faith, and Love that we all have for them. Please help me out with this. I know how hard this year is financially. This year my boys are getting one gift from us because we want them to see how it feels to give, not receive. My heart is full this Christmas year. I have so much love for everyone that all I want to do is give.

The Children's Medical Center of Dallas is in need of new craft items and games. They use these EVERYDAY. When the children are in the hospital going through treatment they have what they call a Child Life Counselor that sits with them to keep their spirits high. Sometimes it means to sit with them all day and sometimes just for a few hours. They are in need of these craft and games to keep busy with. As you might know these items they go through so much. You can drop off the craft items or games at my house or I can come pick them up at yours.

I need to have the new UNWRAPPED items by Sunday December 21st please. We are going to deliver them on Christmas Eve at 3pm. Due to these sweet children's immune systems, we cannot personally deliver them, but we can drop them off for the staff to deliver. I spoke with the Hospital and they mentioned that 60% of patients are under 5 and that 10% are 10 years old and older. They see patients from birth to 18, Please consider this when getting the stuff. I have provided a list that I got from their website.

I know that when I was sick and I spent time doing my scrapbooking, the time would go by so much faster. I also felt happier to see the finished pages. I really want to see their smiling faces when they see new games, or when they have some new craft to make. Please help me out with this project. I know this is a little late notice, I just couldn't make up my mind. I just don't want to fail. I thank you all for your love and support. Especially when I was sick. I have such a long list of friends and family members that helped me out. I will never forget any of them. I hope to never forget to serve as well. I have so much love for everyone. I know that we were sent here to earth to serve and help others. It is my prayer that each of you will have a fabulous Christmas this year. I also hope that we can all catch the "Giving Bug". Even if it is just one little thing. You have to start somewhere.

Love to all,
Becca Gibbons

3119 Juneau Dr
Corinth, TX 76210
972-242-4403

Donating Arts and Crafts

*Large quantities needed

Crayola Model Magic
Sculpey Clay
Stickers
Scrapbook Supplies
Construction Paper
Color Markers (Broad & Thin)
Crayons (16 and 24 count)
Coloring Books
Glitter
Play-Doh
Pipe Cleaners
Wiggly Eyes
Child Scissors
Glue Sticks & Glue (8oz. bottles)
Paint (Tempera)/Paint Brushes
Fuse Beads
Fabric Paint
Colored Sand
Paint Pens
Rubber Stamps and Ink Pads
Beads, Sequins, Feathers, Yarn
Fabric Trim (bric-a-brac, lace, ribbon)
Clothespins
Magnetic Tape
Beads & String
Jewelry Art Supplies
Spin Art
Drawing Pads
Craft Kits
Bubbles
Blank Books
Wood Craft Kits
Sun Catchers
Paint by Number Crafts
Foam Art
Velvet Posters
Individual Art Activity Kits
Glitter Wands
Birthday Wrapping Paper & Ribbons

Donating Games

Large quantities of all these games are needed. These are used daily.

Sorry
Connect Four
Guess Who?
Clue
Battleship (Board or Electronic)
Operation
Hungry, Hungry Hippo
Trouble
Life
Bop-It
Dominoes
Puzzles:
- wood puzzles for toddlers
- 25, 50, 100, 250 & 500 piece
Teen Games:
- Cranium
- Jenga
- Trivia Games, etc.
Cards:
- Playing Cards
- UNO
- Go Fish
- Old Maid

Merry Christmas!

Is this a boy thing or what?

2008-12-02T19:12:00.006-06:00

When I came upstairs for family night I found this:

Randy and the boys were having so much fun tieing them up. Cameron was first...

This is Cameron's Popeye smile:)

Then it was Michaels turn.....He doesn't like to be tied up for a long time.

Then of course Ricky couldn't be left out!......

Then it was Daddy's turn!!! The boys had so much fun with this.....

I tell ya, it is never a dull moment at our house. I came from a house of all girls. I had no idea that boys would find a dog leash as a toy to tie someone up with:) All I have to say is that I LOVE my boys:)

One of the Best Saturday's ever!

2008-11-23T13:49:00.002-06:00

With sports all over and my "Crop for A Cure" is over, I finally had a Saturday that was free of schedules! I had so much fun. Randy let me sleep in... then a surprise to me, the boys went to their friends house to play, so all we had was Cameron. It seemed easy taking Cameron out. It is so different with just one instead of three!

We went on a hunt for Legos for Michaels Birthday present. We went to Toy's r us, Lewisville Mall, Cotsco, and then Grapevine Mills mall. All to just find this Lego bin that had over 700 peices instead of the 400 we already bought at Target. We never found it, but we sure had fun. We walked past this booth to take those crazy pictures. I couldn't resist. I though it would be so cute to have the three of us.

I somtimes think that maybe it will always be the three of us when Cameron gets older. I just don't know what he will be like. That is the adventure of having a child with Down Syndrome. They are all so different:) I love it! Anyways, back to the booth, Randy was unsure of it because he didn't want the other boys to feel left out. I'm sure they wouldn't mind. They didn't even ask what it was when they got home. All they cared about was how much fun they had at their friends house.

I am so glad that we have such good friends here. We are definately taken care of. Here is the cutest picture ever!!! I don't remember taking a picture in a booth like this. I think it was maybe in middle school?!

Poor Cameron

2008-11-17T20:50:00.002-06:00

Well Cameron has now been added to our fine list of ER visits. Tonight he was upstairs playing with our boys and our neighbors kids when I heard a cry. I thought surly Ricky would console him or bring him to me. Neither happened. It was Michael running down the stairs yelling for me, saying Cameron has blood on his head. Of course I go running.Sure enough he does. I carried him the rest of the way down and our friends helped take care and assess the situation. We decided it could use a few stitches. Maybe one or two.

My sweet neighbor takes me to the InstaCare to help me, She is so sweet. I don't know if I would volunteer myself to hear someones kids screaming. They walked us right in and wiped some of the blood away and got out the staple gun. She explained to me that they don't use any numbing shots since there was only going to be two staples why traumatize him more. Poor Cameron. We laid him down in my lap. It took three of us to hold him down while the doctor stapled his head. After it was done he cried for just a minute. Cameron is so cute. I love having him. The doctor felt so bad for him that she gave him a little bear. He loved it:)

Our poor neighbors. They came over for a Family Home Evening and this is what they got. We haven't ever had someone not in the church over for this. It was really scary for me. I am just a nice person that I don't ever want someone to get upset at anything we may say. Randy did the lesson. He did such a great job at it too. That is why I married him:)

All in all, tonight I hope was a success for them. I hope they felt the spirit in our home. I enjoyed having them here with us. Maybe they might come back for another one. Who knows!?

~Becca:)

I did it!!!!!!

2008-11-11T13:54:00.003-06:00

I finished the Breast Cancer 3-day walk on Sunday and I was still smiling. I had such a great time. I was able to accomplish 56 out of the 60 miles. On Sunday my feet were so sore and frozen I couldn't walk as fast as we needed to. Therefore I had to get in the van and get dropped off at the next pitstop. I of course got emotional about it. It was hard to see Beth walking alone. I have to say that I loved doing this with such a great friend like Beth. What a strong women she is. I am glad to be her friend.

I told my story a lot too. It was Beth's idea to put on my sign: I am walking because I can... ask me my story...

It was neat to be able to tell so many women my story. I'm sure Beth has it memorized be now. It was still neat to hear other stories as well. Just being there with 3500 other women who all has a story was amazing. You almost can't describe it. I was honored to be there. I will be going every year until I can't go. This was so worth the hard work to raise the money.

I have to say "Thank You" to my friends that came to cheer us on:

Thank You Lori & Amy who came out with fun balloons and a great poster. Amy also took fabulous pictures too. I can't wait to get my hands on those:)

Thank You to Maria Sievert who came with flowers and balloons on Sunday. I was thinking we were needing more balloons:) She is such a great friend to Beth.

A HUGE Thank You to my family!! Randy was so amazing. He made sure he came with the boys all 3 days to cheer us on. It made my day to be able to see them. Randy also made sure to post for me. He is the best husband ever:)

Also Thank You to Beth's family too. It was fun to see a familiar face smiling you on.

I'll have to post more great stories later. My feet hurt when I sit too long. I walked away from this with 6 blisters and a couple of hot spots. Also shin splints and a hurt knee. I still think it was worth it too!!

~Becca:)

Walk - Day 2

2008-11-08T21:01:00.003-06:00

Becca and Beth did well again today. They are having an amazing time and love that we come and cheer them on. Becca's feet are really sore, go figure. All in all she is doing awesome. I'm so proud of her and her desire to keep going on. It's such a great cause. Thank you all so much for you love and support!!

Walk - Day 1

2008-11-07T21:27:00.002-06:00

They made it! I talked with Becca several times today. Beth and Becca made the first 21 miles and are feeling great. They have another 21 or so tomorrow and feel like they can do it. I took the boys with me and cheered them on from a rally point in Plano. It was just awesome to see so many people supporting the walkers, but the sheer number of walkers was unimaginable. It was so moving to see all those people walking together for such a great cause.

Keep up the faith!

It's time for The Breast Cancer 3-day walk...

2008-11-06T11:50:00.005-06:00

Here is some information for anyone that my be interested in cheering Beth and I on! I haven't been on this walk before, but I can just imagine how emotional it would be to see some familiar face cheering for you. I am going to try and have Randy update the blog while I walk.

This is a HUGE Challenge for me. As most of you know, I was a quadriplegic in July 2006 until I started PT and Chemo. I am so blessed today that I am here AND I can walk. Keep looking for pictures to come next week. When I recover:)

Cheering Stations:

Cheering Stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise - anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.

Friday, November 7:
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Collin Creek Crossing (Syms & Hobby Lobby)

800 - 900 West 15th Street, Plano
Please park in parking spaces closest to 15th St.
12:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Albertson's
4625 Frankford Rd., Dallas
Please do not park in front of other stores

Saturday, November 8:
7:30 am - 9:45 am
Carrollton Plaza Supermarket
3040 N Josey Ln, Carrollton

10:15 am - 1:45 pm
Kroger Signature
3305 N. Dallas Pkwy, Plano
Park behind store on Communications Pkwy. Please do not park in front of other stores.

Sunday, November 9:

7:45 am - 9:45 am
Prestonwood Town Center - Walmart
SE corner of Arapaho & Montfort/Knoll Trail
15220 Montfort Rd, Dallas
Park north of Walmart - closest to Arapaho

Closing Ceremony
After three days and 60 miles, participants will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremony. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremony site at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. Please allow extra travel time due to expected congestion at the site.

All walkers and crew members should remain in the Participant Holding Area where they will receive a victory shirt, cheer on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrate one last time together before their dramatic victory walk. The Participant Holding area is CLOSED to spectators. If you wish to meet with a participant before the Ceremony begins, please have them meet you at the Closing Ceremony site. All participants must return to the Holding Area no later than 4:00 pm in order to join the victory walk.

Sunday, November 9th Schedule:
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Walkers arrive at Holding Area
3:30 pm: Spectators arrive and should head directly to the stage
4:00 pm: Participants begin lining up for victory walk
4:30 pm: Closing Ceremonies begin
Southern Methodist University - Dallas Hall
3225 University Blvd
Dallas, TX 75205

Trampoline fun....

2008-10-30T10:28:00.004-05:00

I never had a trampoline when I grew up. Randy did, do we had to get one. I always waned one though. Well the boys love their trampoline. The other morning the boys decided it would be fun to play with baseballs on the trampoline. I, being a mom, was worried that someone would get hurt. Randy reassured me that the balls weren't too hard:)

The boys had lost of fun with them. I love it when all three of our boys are actually playing together nicely. Just as that thought entered my mind, I heard screaming!!! I ran to see what was the problem and saw this:

The boys were being tackled by Cameron. Oh man Cameron is strong too. I had to run and get the camera to capture the cuteness. I know the boys will regret teaching Cameron how to wrestle when Cameron is older and bigger than them. But for now it is fun and cute until someone gets hurt.

Date Night!

2008-10-30T09:59:00.002-05:00

Randy and I received some Maverick tickets last Thursdays preseason game. We were so excited to have them. It has been awhile since I've been to a game. If I recall right, it was before I was sick that I have been to a game. Anyways, we had a lot of fun. I learned a lot from this date too. First: My body no longer can seat in those itty-bitty seats that long. For everyone else that has a tail bone it may not be a problem, but for me who doesn't have that support, OUCH! Second: I live a sheltered life. The couple sitting behind us spoke a few choice words that I haven't heard since I worked outside of the home! I just sat there wondering if he was ever going to say anything nice. He didn't. Third: I now know that next time Randy gets any tickets, there are for him and the kids or a friend. I think as much as Randy loves going out to these occasions with me, he would most likely like to have some other company. I will say though, if it is a football or a hockey game. I may just have to bring a pillow to sit on:)

Finished!!!

2008-10-15T15:40:00.004-05:00

I finally finished my fun project for Christmas. I started this Advent calendar about a month ago and this morning and I finally finished it!!! I love having kids in school:) My kids keep asking me if there was any candy in it yet. Of course not, if there was it would be eaten before December 1st! I think it is going to be so fun to have an advent calendar that is reusable every year:)

I am so excited I finished it before Christmas too. I have to say that doing it at my Crop for the Cure event on Saturday helped too. Everyone there was admiring it too.

I love other peoples approval of stuff. Sometimes you just don't know if it really looks good or if you put the right colors together....I could go on and on. I was just so happy people actually like it and my kids LOVE it! Here it is!!

By the way Randy took Ricky's stitched out on Sunday while I was sleeping:( We were at a friends house for dinner that evening and I asked the husband if he knew how to take stitches out...Here is how it all went:

Ricky: Um mom, Dad took them out already.

Mom: When!

Dad: While you were sleeping.

Mom: Why didn't you wake me up! I really wanted to watch!

Dad: Well Ricky was really nervous. He only wanted me to be in there. He didn't even want Michael. I thought you would be impressed?

Mom: I am totally upset with both of you. I was there for Ricky through all the surgery's and I have been totally nice about everything. The least you both could have done was to wake me up so I could watch.

Then the conversation was done. I ate my dinner and tried to change the subject. I just could get over the fact that he did it while I was sleeping! The lesson I learned is to not nap on Sunday's anymore. I might miss more excited stuff. The scar on his wrist looks really neat, but his elbow just looks like a bug bite with a scab. Today was the first day Ricky went to school without any wrapping on his arm too. He forgot to wrap it this morning. When we were walking to the bus stop he remembered it but it was too late. He was afraid that kids would run away from him because it looks gross. I told him that is crazy, you can barely see them anyway. He seems to be doing good!

~Becca:)