Happy Birthdays!!!!!

Yes, I did say birthdays (plural). September 2nd is a very important date in the Gibson family. My great Grandma James (Grandma Gibsons mom), Grandpa Howard, my cousin Sarah (Kurts daughter), and Emily all share this special day!!!
Emily was born 7 weeks early. I had been in the hospital for about 4 days with dangerously high blood pressure, and contractions.
I remember being pregnant with her and she was so sweet. I would tap on my belly, and she would kick back. She would almost mimick the beats I made. I could tell that she would be up for a lot of fun! :)
Doctors knew there was a good chance that she would come early, so they were able to give her 3 steriod shots to strengthen her lungs before she was born. I had multiple ultrasounds to make sure she was okay, and I remember thinking: "Wow, that precious little baby is inside me, and I can already see how beautiful she is."
When she was born she was rushed into the NICU. I remember wanting to hold her and be with her so bad. I had the sweetest nurse who took such wonderful care of me. Sean of course was exhausted. The nurse insisted he go home, rest a little and shower. The whole time he was gone she stayed with me by my bedside reading a book, and counseling with me. About 4 hours after delivery, they wheeled me into the NICU where I was able to see her on a little table under a warmer. She had several machines hooked up to her, but I was assured that everything was going great for her. I went back to my room for a few hours, and then was moved to my new room. Sean had been able to visit Emily by this time, and brought me some photos of her. It was quite an ordeal, and Sean was so awesome and strong the whole time.
When you see your little baby so little (She was 4 pounds, 6 ounces) lying there hooked up to machines, you would think you would have great fear to hold her, but it was amazing. All I thought is "This is my precious little baby, I am so greatful she is here and healthy."
I stayed in the hospital another 3 days, and I hated leaving her. My sweet nurse Julie said "don't worry, she is in the safest, most expensive place she could possibly be." I did take comfort in that--until the $50,000 bill came a couple months later!
She was on a 3 hour feeding schedule: 3,6,9,12 etc. I made sure that someone (me, Sean, mom, Royce, or Grandma) would always be there. I remember driving up there in tears at 2:45 in the morning because I was missing her so much.
They called her the NICU cheerleader. She was so healthy that she only needed to get big enough to hold her temperature on her own, and to be able to swallow. The nurse told me to get some sleep because she could come home in a couple days, and about 5 hours later called and said: "Bring the carseat, you can bring her home."
We have been blessed with all of our babies. We have never had to deal with jealousness from siblings. (I think it is true--you won't be tested above that which you can handle. I think Heavenly Father knows I am not as patient as I need to be!) Nate and Jaron just loved her, and we felt such joy and happiness having her in our home.

Emily turns 1!

Emily turns 2!

Emily with her birthday buddies: Great-Grandpa Gibson, and Sarah

Any of you who know me well know how much I love my Grandpa. I grew up in their home and he accompanied me to several daddy daughter dates, and let me work alongside him often. He was a second father to me. I am so proud to say he is my grandpa. I love him and am so glad that families are forever!! Sarah is really sweet, and it has been fun to watch her grow up!

This is a photo of Grandma James. I was blessed to spend a lot of time with her while she lived with Grandma and Grandpa Gibson. She was so sweet and funny. She loved root beer, peanut shaped cookies, and that bracelet she is wearing. She also always wore that necklace, and I have the honor or having that necklace today.

That bracelet is mine by the way. Whenever I would leave it down, she would use her cane to scoot it over to her, so she could get it. Sometimes she would hide it under her sleeve. I would complain to Grandma: "She took my stuff!", and so grandma would go in and say: "Mom, did you take the kids stuff?" No, she would say. "Mom, now don't be naughty!" and she would generally get it back for me. (Even if it was at night after she went to sleep.) I am so great ful and lucky to have spent as much time with her as I did.

Grandma James and Kendra

I truly feel blessed this evening!

Emily's "new" dress

This is a dress that was given to Emily by her Aunt Kristy. It belonged to Emily's cousin Danielle. Brenda also bought one for Melissa. They had a photo taken of Melissa and Danielle wearing the same dress together. I could not find that photo, but in this photo of Melissa and Michelle, Michelle is wearing it. I think it is so cute how the Gordons all kind of look alike.

Love Bird tag!

Okay, so this is my journal right. I plan on printing mine out as my journal. That is why I like the tag things. I think the everyday glimpes are so important. Then there are some stories that just need to be shared. This is a cute tag I found on Lacey Briscoes blog. I find it fun and insightful, so if you have time to do it, it would be fun, but ultimatly no pressure!

1. Where did you and your husband meet?

Sean and I were both going to the Institute 10th ward. We were both dating other people at the time. I made up these card that said liscence to kiss. I held my phone number up like a prison number for the photo. I thought Sean was really cute, so I gave him one of my cards before sacrament meeting and told him to call me. And yes, his girlfriend was sitting next to him at the time! :) Ya, she didn't like me too well after that! 2. The first thing you said to each other?

Probably "call me", but I do remeber talking with him outside of the bishops office. I told him that I was going to be an Engineer or realtor, and that I was going to marry a accountant or engineer. He told me that he had his pilots liscence. I informed him that there were 3 types of people I would never marry: 1- a police, 2- a fireman, and 3- a pilot! I don't like worrying. We can see how well this worked out for us.

3. When was our first date?
There was a girl ask guy Carribean dance at the Institute. My friends and I decided to dress like pirates. By this time I had to find him (he had moved out of the ward, and I didn't have any phone numbers.) *Good thing I am rescorceful!*

4. First kiss?
This is kind of funny, because I gave him the run around. I was a real brat, and I am so glad Sean was patient. I think the first time he wanted to kiss me, he had anonamous flowers sent to me thruout the day, and at the end of the day he presented them to me in person. I didn't get kissed, because I acted like I was really embarrased. (I just have to shake my head in dissapointment with myself.)

The first time I wanted him to kiss me was as he started to loose interest in me (surprize surprize), I called to see if he wanted to go out for dinner. He said "no, I am going to the temple tonight with my ward". So I said "how about lunch". He said "no, I have to work thru my lunch so I can go tonight." So I said "Oh, can I come with you!" He made arrangements for me to do babtisms while he did a session. Afterwards, we walked by the falls. I kept sticking my hand out waiting for him to grab it, but he wouldn't. I tried to lean into him and look dreamily up at him, but he still wouldn't. On the ride home I kept putting my hand by his and on his knee, and he still wouldn't hold it! No kiss that night!

But, our first kiss was at my grandparents house. We were "watching a show" and talking an just started kissing and didn't stop for about 3 hours!! Take about having a red face form wisker burn!

5. When were the first "I love yous" said?

I think they were said that night of the kiss.

6. Long or short engagement?

Lets just say that I got my ring about a week before the wedding. We got engaged in June, and planned to marry in August. We bought the first (and only) dress I tried on, rented an apartment, and when I took Sean to meet my dad he said "Why wait? If you know you are going to get married, just do it. Waiting can only get you in trouble." We thought that was great advice, and moved up the wedding to July 11. My grandparents (whose house the reception was held at) did not think that we could pull off a reception that soon. So 1 month later (August 15)we had the reception on the original wedding date. So we had 5 weeks on 1 pan, 1 towel, etc.

7. Where did you get engaged?

I don't really know. I guess I am pretty naive. That night we kissed and said I love you (I want to spend the rest of my life with you). The next night we looked at wedding rings. The following day, I took my mom out for ice cream and said "Mom, I think I'm gonna get married!" Then at a family function I was intoduced as "Seans fiance." Then I knew I was engaged.

8. Where were you married?

We were married in the Bountiful Utah Temple. I had attended the open house while I was in high school, from then on that was "my temple." Sean didn't mind where, as long as it was a temple. 9. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
The first night we stayed in jacuzzi suite in Brigham City. Then we had a week at my family's cabin in Island Park. But, I was too excited to "play house" that the second night we stayed in our apartment in Pocatello. But that next day we went to the cabin for the week.

10. Where was your first home?

We rented my moms basement apartment for about 9 months. Then we purchased 374 Filmore. It was a small but beautiful home in a great neighborhood with great people, a large fenced yard. a deck, a dog, and 9 months later, Nathan! I still have a spot in my heart there, because it was so peaceful and the home where or family began

Back to School!!!

So, you kn0w me, I am nothing but honest. This is the first year that I have been excited for school to start. Normally I spend the first day walking up and down the halls of the school peeking into their classes, and asking people in the halls if they need help (to justify me staying.)

We have had a great summer, and I feel really good about that. But, we got so lax on our schedule, that I am ready for some structure in the home. It is hard to be the bad guy and say "go to sleep" all the time when there is no formal activities to truly necessitate it. Plus the last few weeks there has been a lot more fighting, boredom, etc.

So, no condolances for me, only much congratulations! (Plus they do come home at noon!:)) We are looking forward to a truly awesome year!

Nate will be in 4th grade this year. He has an awesome teacher that he really loves. She is great and is always finding ways to challenge him. He truly has a love of learning, and to experience new things! This school has been great for him: lots of field trips, and hands on learning and experimenting.

Jaron is in 2nd grade this year. He only had a couple weeks at the school last year, and his teacher had a baby, so he didn't get much time with her last year. We have seen her around town quite a bit the summer, and she still was quite involved, so he knows her and loves her. It will be great to let him settle in. He makes friends so easy, and from what I can see he is the class clown--everyone needs one, right!

We are so proud of our kids. We are thankful to live in a nation where they are given a good education, by teachers who love them. We also take such comfort that they are safe as they are away from home! We love our kids, and are so happy for our little family!

How we teach our children

This weekend we went to Kemmerer to see my dad. He has a couple 4 wheelers and some land. Sean and Emily went for a ride and they saw a deer hiding in the horse shed.

Emily has been on a real bug kick. She loves to find them, hold them until they die and then pull off their legs or wings--sick, I know. So I have been teaching her that even flies and bug are heavenly fathers creatures, and we need to love and take care of them. When we don't, it makes him sad.

So when they see this deer hiding, Sean thought it would be fun to chase it. (That is another FHE lesson I guess. If you can understand her in the video, she is saying "Don't chase him", "heavenly father said not to."

I would like to say that a lesson has been learned here, but I know if Sean sees another opportunity to chase something on a 4 wheeler, he will do it in no time flat!

Don't make me pretty!

The Gordon women drama continues. People ask me "Why don't you put a barrette in her hair? Why don't you let her grow her hair out? Did you forget to brush her hair? Now you can see what I go thru each day in attempt to make her look pretty, I MEAN COOL.

Why men are happier people

I got this as an e-mail from Kim Hardy, but loved it!

NICKNAMES
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah. If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back. When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators. SO TRUE!

MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale. That is ME!!!

BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel . The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't. A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail. OKAY, so I AM the exception here. A man will dress up for weddings and funerals. (But I did think of Kim when I read this, You always look beautiful!)

NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed. Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house. (Luckily for me, I am blessed with a very involved husband!)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!

Is it morally wrong to lie to your kids?

As many of you know Sean and I have been blessed with a sweet baby girl. Our sweet baby girl is a BIT of a tomboy. She is starting preschool this year, and I would love for her to wear something a little more girlie! When I was in Park city shopping with friends, we went to gymboree. They had adorable skirts, blouses, and tights. Even though I knew I could not pull off too much cutsey stuff, I did find some shirts, leggings and barretts.

Anne had a great suggestion: "How about if we have Caleb give these to her. I bet she would wear them then. At least, she is more likely to." We were thrilled to try it! Here is how it went down.

Wish me luck that I can get her to wear the barretts a couple times!

And today, thanks to cold weather, SUCCESS!!! Doesn't she look cute (even without barretts!)

The importance of a reservation

I am sure that many of you already realize the importance of making reservations of where you and your family will sleep when on vacation. This is something that we Gordons haven't quite learned. From sleeping in a filthy cat ridden hotel (did I mention I am allergic to cats) to setting up camp at midnight, or paying $250 a night for a regular room in Salt Lake, you would think we would have learned. We chose to take the kids camping this weekend. We got in the car and started driving. As we were heading down the interstate towards the y to Idaho Falls or McCammon, we decided to head right (because last time we went left).
30 minutes into the trip we decided to head to Bear Lake. Then we needed to narrow where in Bear Lake? We called and invited my dad and Gail to join us for dinner. We decided that while we wouldn't NEED a reservation, we would use our high tech blackberry phones to do so.
Apparently the Utah Parks and Rec is only open M-Th (for those who do plan ahead!) "That's fine" I think "It's not like anybody would be camping--Utah and Idaho schools are back in session, and next weekend is Labor Day." All the campgrounds were full except for this one by RATTLESNAKE ROAD. The name was enough to keep me from sleeping there, but there were also lots of rocks, and no trees.
We decided to follow dad and Gail back to their house in Kemmerer. We used their firepit to roast hot dogs. Nate and grandpa T-bone slept outside. Apparently there were tons of stars out. My dad has been a scout leader for several years and knows the diffrent stars, so they had fun talking until midnight. I stayed insided (due to a sinus infection), and Sean stayed inside to help with Jaron and Emily so I could sleep (isn't he awesome!!).
Saturday we had fun playing at the park, riding 4 wheelers, soaking in the hot tub, and Nate earned money helping grandpa wax the boat. They even convinced me to go on the 4 wheelers. It reminded me of when Sean and I were first married. We would take his aunts jetskis to American Falls and ride them together. While I have calmed down a lot, I still did have fun racing him on them. We headed home Saturday night so we could be home for church. We are very tired, but we made it on time, and enjoyed the lessons.

So I've been wondering.....

Is it worse to be on the toliet and get walked in on, or is it more embarassing to be the one who walks in on someone? Of course the answer is whichever person you are. We went camping this weekend, and stopped at Maverik for a pit stop. Nate went in, then Emily and I, and Jaron was dying in the hall. Did I mention I am on cold medicine (yet another sinus and ear infection.) Well, I forgot to lock all the locks on the bathroom door. In my defense, I did lock one of them. So just as I sit down the door opens, and a guy (same age as us) walks in on me. Now I know how this feels. So I yell: "Sorry, I am so sorry!" Emily is in the bathroom saying "mommy did he see you, is that okay that he seed you privates?" (A 3year old adding salt to the wound of embarassment.) I am sitting here humiliated thinking why didn't Jaron tell him that I was in there? I came out redfaced, looking at the ground to find Jaron looking at the candy and toys. Then the guy comes out with his hands in the air and said "I promise I didn't see anything!" Sean of course was dying laughing at me.

Unfortunatly this is not the first time this has happened to me. One time I was going to the bathroom at Shopko, I was getting ready to wash my hands when a guy walked in and said "I think you are in the wrong bathroom". So I quickly left and went into the womens to finish up.

Another time I had to stop at the reststop between Blackfoot and Idaho Falls. It was a busy weekend with a lot of people. There were a lot of people in the bathrooms and I had to go bad. As I quickly entered the bathroom, I realized halfway in that I was in the mens room. I rushed into the stall quickly to avoid the embarrasment of being seen. Once in there I thought, "If I go out there I am going to be seen, and then I will have to wait in the womens room and see them again as I leave. So I chose the unthinkable and went to the bathroom in the mens room (keep in mind there were about 10 men in there.) When I finished, I ran out with my face down, and ran to the car and layed down so I wouldn't be seen.

About 13 years ago, I had a boyfriend who was going on a mission. At his farewell was the first time I met his family, and afterwards we went to his home for dinner. I was dying to go to the bathroom. It was a large bathroom with an elevated toliet at the far end of the room. It had an accordian door that didn't lock. So I told the 6 year old sister to guard the door for me. Of course moments later, the dad walks in on me. Talk about humiliation! SO, What would YOU have done?!!!

You know me and tag games!!!

1. Do you like blue cheese? NO. It is discusting, but Sean LOVES it!

2. Have you ever smoked? Never

3. Do you own a gun? No.

4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? Fruit Punch

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? YES. Especially if they are going to dig for blood, and I dread getting naked

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like them grilled, but I cant have them too often, or I get nausia.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas Story.........Ralphie!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Lots and lots of water

9. Can you do push ups? I honestly don't think I have done a pushup in my life!

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? wedding ring, but a few years ago Sean bought me an opal necklace and a thin chain, that made me feel pretty

11. Favorite hobby? blogging, laughing with friends

12. Do you have A.D.D.? Some times I have to wonder

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I don't really hate anything about myself, but I do wish I could be better organized on a regular basis

14. Middle name? None. My parents figured I would get an extra name when I got married, so why bother.

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I should be cleaning, I want to rest my back, I want a nap.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Water, Water, Milk.

17. Current worry? Why am I so tired, I better run my errands, what can I do fun with my kids today, what should I fix for lunch, when should I prep dinner, I still need a few school supplies, I better not forget to fold my laundry, What was that noise in the basement...what mess are the kids making. I would write more, but my hands are tired.....

18. Current hate right now? A tired body and mind

19. Favorite place to be? On vacation with Sean and the kids

20. How did you ring in the New Year? We had friends over to visit and play games, kids all played, and we watched a movie on the "big screen"

21. Where would you like to go? Out for lunch, or to take a nap

22. Name three people who will complete this? I wonder.......

23. Do you own slippers? Yep somewhere, I prefer to go barefoot, but if I need slippers, I borrow Seans

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? pink

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't think I ever have, but I do like high thread count sheets

26. Can you whistle? Kind of. It really irritates Sean because it is a bit like a hum.

27. Favorite color? I like white, cream, and soft neutrals.

28. Would you be a pirate? I could be a sexy sea wench, but I don't like rough burly dirty guys

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Les Mis, Fiddler on the roof, Stop in the name of Love, I'd rather be a hammer than a nail, and much more. (Nate teases me about it)

30. Favorite Girl's Name? aside from my kids: Elise, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Annie, Maele, Maelani

31. Favorite boy's name? aside from the kids: Andrew, Jacob, Joshua

32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Sean was laughing in his sleep last night.

34. Best bed sheets as a Child? Strawberry shortcake and Sesame Street

35. Worst injury you've ever had? Delivering babies, Horrific sunburns

36. Do you love where you live? I LOVE it! I love Pocatello, and I love my neighborhood (wish I didn's smell Simplot as much though.

37. How many TVs do you have in your house?2 TVs, 1 projector, 1 in the garage "kids fort"

38. Who is your loudest friend? I think I am "the Loud friend"

39. How many dogs do you have? None... a few weeks ago we almost got 2!!!lol

40. Does someone have a crush on you? I hope Sean does!

41. What is your favorite book? Photobooks, scrapbooks and journals

42. What is your favorite candy? 3 muskateers

43. Favorite Sports Team? Pocatello High School! lol

44. What song do you want played at your funeral? When I was in the Alameda 2nd ward choir we sand a medley of "Each life that touches ours for good", and "Abide with me, fast falls the Eventide" It is beautiful and very touching. I love it!

Okay, so if you choose to do it, let me know!

We're doing WHAT!??!!

I thought this photo was too funny! She looks so SURPRISED! As some of you know we went boating with my dad in Soda on Saturday. A little less known is the fact that we could have lost her that day. When the plans started forming the thought came to mind "Keep Emily in her lifejacket." Of course, that is always the plan, but I think Heavenly Father is too aware of my laziness and wanted to make sure I knew how important it was. My dad had a big raft that he pulled behind his boat. Nate, Jaron, Sean and Emily went out. (I was vidoeing this). When they were bouncing around, I realized they were bouncing a little too much, (I was the spotter). I turned to tell my dad that it was a little too rough (now the video turned off), when all of the sudden they hit a big one, and Emily seriously flew up about 5 feet high and out. Sean hopped up and dove in to get her. My heart started beating again when I could see that she was in fact floating on top of the water, thanks to the lifevest. We put her into the boat, and I wrapped her in a towel and held her for a few minutes, after about 7 minutes, she was ready to go out and do it again. I still can't really laugh about it (except when she says "Mom, did I flied in the air?"), but I do feel so very blessed. I hope that this experience will stay with all of us so that we can keep our families safe, now and in the future. It also reaffirms my testimony that we have a living Heavenly Father who truly does love us and is mindful of us at all times. He truly is always at the door, and it is our responsibility to listen and let him in. I am so greatful to live in America and especially in Pocatello. I love my family, friends and associates, and am so greatful for all my blessings.

I guess when you read my blog, you never know if you will laugh your can off, or if I will be really sappy! Well, today I am sappy.

BUT........

Did you know that Pocatello is the BIG CITY:

Okay, this kills me. There is a car dealership in Soda Springs that says that Pocatello is the Big City: "go to Poky to ride a escallator, elevator, or attend a big sporting event, but to get the best deals on cars, go to the little city of Soda."

And people laugh at me that I think Salt Lake is the BIG CITY!