The Gibbs Adventures

Sea World Vacation

2009-09-07T21:57:00.000-05:00

We had another fantastic time in San Antonio visiting Sea World! We all LOVE going to see the shows and go on some rides. We enjoy being able to visit with our friend Chuck who is so awesome to allow the girls (and us) to have the experience of touching the whales! What an amazing opportunity for the girls to learn about the beluga whales in a way that really brings them to life! Thanks Chuck! It was a weekend filled with lots of laughs, making somores and just hanging out together! Some of the best times and I'll cherish them forever!!! Hope everyone had a great labor day weekend as well.

Go Big Red!!!!

2009-09-02T07:04:00.000-05:00

Today is wear your favorite team shirt day at Sydney's school - thanks to Aunt Jill for getting her this great Nebraska Husker's jersey!!! She loves it!

Howdy Friend Day!

2009-08-31T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today was "Howdy Friend" day at Sydney's school so they were asked to dress like cowgirls and cowboys! She wanted a pink cowgirl had but, no need for cowgirl boots (thankfully because I didn't have either). She had a great time! I happend to see her teacher tonight and she told me that Sydney wore her hat all day! What fun. Sydney is really enjoying school and I think is starting to make some new friends too!

2009-08-24T13:38:00.000-05:00

Our first arrival at school.....believe it or not when we were done taking this there was a line forming of parents wanting the same thing! Cute!

One last hug for Mommy! Sydney was more than fine being there!

1st Day of Kindergarten.....

2009-08-24T13:36:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that my little girl is already off to Kindergarten! I know that many of my friends have already gone thru this and more with their kids...some even going off to college this year! It was a great morning walking her to school. Samantha was great too...although she wasn't very happy with her outfit today - she said it was plain! She's now wearing a uniform being in the big kid class at her school. My little "fashionista" is going to have some challenges the next 2 years I think. I promised her I would let her wear fancy socks and fun hair bows! Not sure that is going to fix it but, it's all I can do for now! I'm anxiously waiting to go pick up Sydney and hear all about her first day! Yes, I took today off work - just too much to get packed in today.

Ready, Set, Go....

2009-07-01T17:24:00.002-05:00

Well, the cleaning is done, the food has been bought - now the waiting for Neal's family to arrive. it's going to be a very busy weekend around here! 14 Gibbs all together in one place...what fun! We'll be bom barding the Arboretum for some family pictures, Six Flags for some screams and roars and hanging in the pool and bbq in the back yard. I just wish it was a few degrees cooler!

Sydney's 5!!!

2009-06-21T23:01:00.005-05:00

Wow - how fast time goes by! Sydney turned 5 on Saturday and had a blast with her friends! All she asked for was a pony ride for her party...well, she and her friends had 2 ponies for 2 hours and did those ponies ever work!! She is still saying thank you for a great day! She's grown up so fast now that she knows she is 5! Today she asked me when she gets to ride in the way back of our suburban. When I told her not for a while she said, maybe when I'm 10! So, all day she's talking about things she can do when she's 10! Wow, she's not even been 5 for 24 hours and she's ready to move on. Not me! She also swam the length of our pool tonight without stopping to "rest"! That was fun to watch...to see the excitement in her eyes was priceless. She's also working on her handstands under the water - ofcourse makes mom nervous but, I guess I'd better get used to that one! Sydney Grace - I love you more than I ever thought I could! May God protect you all the days of your life and you always keep Him close! I love you sugars! Mommy.

I love surprises!!!!

2009-06-03T23:41:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a super long time since I've posted something...sorry - things have been really busy! Tonight was no different considering that I'm just getting home and yes, it's 11:30 pm and it's a "school night"!!! Neal totally surprised me with a date night! i love him!!!!
He took me to a really nice dinner at Sambuca downtown Dallas and then we went on to the Magestic Theater to listen to Bryan Adams!!!! I love him too!! :) We sat in the 4th row from the front - AWESOME!!! He was singing w/just his gutair and on some songs a piano - AMAZING! I'll upload some video's tomorrow - off to bed! Tomorrow is going to be a really long day!

LOVE you Neal!!

Samantha's favorite ride!

2009-05-25T22:25:00.000-05:00

So, if you ask Samantha what her favorite ride was at Disney World she would definately tell you it's the tea cup ride....I think these pictures proove it! I took these while her and I were on the ride....totally spinning! It was such a great time! The last picture is actually of Sydney and Aunt Jill over there somewhere! I kept trying to catch them.....

Disney Magic

2009-05-25T21:57:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we had the vacation of a lifetime! A week long trip to Disney World! It was the most fun that we've had in a very long time! We went to every park, the girls saw nearly every character & princess along with photos & autographs too! Grandma & Grandpa joined us along with Aunt Jill. We had so much fun and we can't wait to go back. I'll post more pictures but thought I'd better get something online since it's been nearly a month! Believe it or not we just returned from a fun holiday weekend down in San Antonio and spent two days at Sea World. It was a blast too...the girls love Shamu and the Beluga whales!

Day 1 - Epcot

2009-05-10T20:41:00.002-05:00

Epcot had way more to offer than any of us realized - we had a great time. They had a flower festival going on so lots and lots of gardens to enjoy! Here you see Sydney and Samantha hanging with Grandma & Grandpa a bit.....

Disney World.....Magic!

2009-05-10T20:20:00.002-05:00

Here the girls are all set on the plane ready to go to Disney World! They were very excited and really had no idea what they were in for.
So, trying a new way to upload pictures so, there is probably going to be quite a few "postings" that you'll get to look at inorder to do this faster....bear with me! :) Enjoy our trip to Disney - we did!

Jesus is alive

2009-04-27T21:31:00.002-05:00

I caught Samantha singing this cute little song she either learned at Sunday School or made up....so cute! Then ofcourse needed to get her to sing it again.....
Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Samantha

2009-04-25T21:18:00.006-05:00

Our "baby" Samantha isn't a baby any more! She turned 3 years old last weekend and boy has she grown up fast! We had a few last min. party changes due to weather but, the kids definately didn't mind...they all got to spend 2 hours at McDonalds! It all turned out fine and everyone had fun! Enjoy the pictures...happy birthday little girl!

Sorry I've been away for so long!

2009-04-21T20:38:00.009-05:00

Well, our computer had a terrible virus and we were without each other for more than a week! Thanks to Norm we are not only back up and running but, running better than ever! Whew. So, now the big job of where to begin! Not only have I missed Easter but, also Samantha's birthday! So, I'll start with Easter. I took Good Friday "off work" even though I had to go in and work for a few hours in the morning. So, Sydney and Samantha were invited to join the Beall's on a field trip to the Dallas zoo! Everyone had a great time! Saturday we went downtown Plano for a family Easter event. The girls had a great time seeing the Easter Bunny, Samantha did an egg hunt with Ryanne and Elorah. The girls and I made two of Great Grandma's "Lamb" cakes. She used to make them for kids 1st birthday's and Easter. We shared one of the cakes with Mimi Dottie & Papa Larry for their Easter desert. Easter morning brought the Easter bunny hiding eggs (inside this year due to the rain...bummer). We then went to church where there was an amazing cross that was being filled with fresh flowers by all the kids. After church we all went to Aunt Jill's....The Beall's joined us too which was extra great!

So much to say, so little time

2009-04-08T21:30:00.006-05:00

View from our room....AMAZING!!!

Me, Sarah & Kelly...love you!!!

I know it's been a while since I've updated

everyone one the Gibbs Girls and all our adventures! Recently I had an adventure that was all my own! Yes, last weekend I flew to Palm Beach, FL to spend the weekend with two of my very best friends from St. Louis! We figured out that we've known each other for 14 years! We couldn't believe it. It had been 5 years (atleast) since I'd seen Sarah and Kelly and I did have the chance to hang out just last year while she lived in New Orleans. We had a wonderful time - we only left the hotel once on Sunday afternoon to cross the street to get some ice cream...not that this hotel (Yes, I was very spoiled and we stayed at the Ritz) didn't have any ice cream! :) We spend most all day laying out at the pool and walking the beach. By Sunday everyone was asking me if I knew how red I was...one person made Kelly and I feel so guilty while walking along the beach that we turned around to head back to the hotel! Crazy. It was so great to spend uninterrupted time with them to just get caught up on life and hang out. It was something that I really needed. I was happy to get back home and see my girls and Neal too ofcourse! :) Love you Sarah & Kelly thanks for a wonderful weekend! Can't wait till next time!

TX Blue Bonnets

2009-03-29T22:11:00.006-05:00

It was a great weekend here with the Gibbs Girls! Not that we really did all that much but, we spent some great time together which I always enjoy! After breakfast on saturday...yes, roll up pancakes we just hung out at the house for a little while - it was super cold! Yes, cold for Dallas I know but, still cold none the less! Then we took Maggie to the doggie spa! She was in deperate need for a bath and toe nails clipped...whew! Today was a much better day - we went to church and on our way home made a quick stop for a photo opp. with some TX Blue Bonnets! We had such a great time - till I discovered the area we were in was covered in fire ant mounds! I stepped right in one and somehow (thank God) did not get a single bite. Which is quite amazing for how many there were and how mad they looked! We left rather quickly once that happend. The girls were being protected the whole time because they were really just running all over and sitting anywhere - Thank you God! Those bites are something else if you've never had one...be thankful! Now, it's late on Sunday night as I think about getting back to work tomorrow for the week it's sad that Monday always comes around so fast!

Enjoy the pictures!

swings, friends, ladybugs and worms...that's what springtime is all about!

2009-03-22T19:07:00.009-05:00

Well, what can we say - it's been an event filled day today for the Gibbs Girls! All started with church - which ofcourse we were running abit behind but, made it just in time! whew! After a quick lunch and nap the girls and I went to our neighbors backyard to hang out. They have a great swing set/jungle gym to play on. The all had a great time going down the slide and playing in their sandbox too. Which all lead to some great bug searching which started out with finding 2 ladybugs and put them in the bug catcher. Quickly was follwed by some "rolly pollies" and then finally some worms! I love that my girls can be the "girliest" of girls dressing up like their favorite princess with gowns and glass slippers one day and hunting for worms then next! They are definately going to be well-rounded girls! :) It was a great way to start out the week!
Sam said that they were "squishy" she really liked them!

The "whole" gang!

Easter season....

2009-03-21T22:28:00.004-05:00

It's been a great "girls weekend" here but, boy am I wiped out! Neal has been in Amarillo this weekend picking up his Grandparents player piano - we will now have 2 pianos...till I can sell one on Craigs List that is. The girls and I had fun on Friday night playing at their favorite park and came home to hang out on the couch and watched Mary Popins (their new favorite movie). Sydney says that Mary Popins is beautiful and she thinks her singing is too! I love hearing them sing "just a tea spoon of sugar..." and "supercalafragilisticexpaladoicous" they love it! Aunt Jill came over this morning to have breakfast and then we all went to the mall for a while for some shopping and had lunch together. Sydney had to learn a tough lesson today, one about keeping track of your "stuff". She decided to bring a little toy with her to the mall and kept it in the pocket of her dress...that is until she realized that it was missing. We backtracked our steps to mulitple stores and the table where we ate - no toy. Even when we went into a store for the 1st time today she asked me to find out if her toy had been turned in there. I really felt bad for her but, everyone has to learn at some point to watch your stuff or it will get lost. She did handle it pretty well - no tears or yelling. Whew! After a late (and short) nap we went over to our friend's house for their son's 1st B-day party. Happy b-day Jacob - we had a great time. Then it was time to decorate our house for Easter! The girls love to help me get everything unwrapped and pick a place for them to go. Grandma & Grandpa Johnson bought this really neat bunny rabbit for the girls last year and we only bring him out around Easter time - you'll have to listen to the video below. It's great!

Why?????

2009-03-15T22:08:00.003-05:00

Sydney has recently entered the offical phase of asking "why" for everything and asking multiple questions before you can even answer one. After church today we were driving near some road construction and I heard about 15 questions about road construction - everything from why are they building a road, why are the trucks so big, why is there so much mud, why is mud heavy and they went on and one. Neal told me that there is a book about how to answer the many kids questions of Why....I think we are going to need it soon! But, then tonight I got the question of all questions. One that totally blew me away and at the same time was so proud as her mother and parent. After saying our prayers tonight Sydney asked me..."Why did God leave Jesus on the cross?" WOW! It took me by such surprise that it took me a minute to gather my thoughts as to how was I going to answer this question of my soon to be 5 year old daughter. Knowing that my answer will resignate with her for the rest of her life! (No pressure here) I talked to her about how Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we don't have to and when we ask Jesus to live in our hearts forever we will one day go to heaven and live with God. I talked to her about how having Jesus in her heart will make her so happy and a very loving and kind little girl. I asked her if she understood my answer and all she did was smile and say yes. I pray that God give me the wisdom to be able to answer all of my girls "why mommy" questions....no matter how big or small. What a wonderful day today has been I thank God that he has given me the opportunity to be a parent to Sydney & Samantha!

Spring ahead

2009-03-10T22:15:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm not sure about all of you but, the time change has really affected our family! The girls are way off schedule and Neal tries to compensate by going to bed even earlier. funny! Not...
Last night while trying to get Sydney to go to sleep she had this response for me: "but, mommy, my eyes aren't telling me to go to sleep yet!" It was so funny!
Today I had the realization that my little girl is growing up...I had to schedule Sydney's kindergarten round up and registration for this next fall! I can't believe that she will soon be 5 years old and starting school. That doesn't seem possible when I think about it. Life has not been the same since the day she was born and the changes have only begun. Love you Sydney and I'm so proud of the little girl that you've become already. Love, Mommy

Dallas Blooms

2009-03-09T22:04:00.006-05:00

yes, it was another jam packed weekend at the Gibbs house! It was so great to have Grandma & Grandpa Johnson visit again. We spent most of the time just hanging out playing with the girls which was great! The weather was perfect for their day at the park on friday and going to the Dallas Arboretum on Saturday - abit windy but, a great time! We even went to Braum's on Sunday night after the girls had their bath....princess pj's and glass slipper were the hit by all! Love you Grandma & Grandpa!

Sunny Days, Chasin our cares away....

2009-03-01T22:13:00.008-06:00

Sydney & Betty Lou (? I think)

Samantha gets a hug from Telle Monster!

Yes, my friends...we took the girls to see Elmo tonight! They loved it! Neal and I did too! We have been to a few different "shows" with the kids and Seseame Street does it the best! The "monsters" costumes are so great - they are shiny and look squeezable! We bought our tickets quite a while ago and I didn't even know what Neal had gotten till we arrived. 2nd row center! The girls couldn't believe their eyes...neither could I! We were so close that they each got to hug a character as they walked by - so cute! The girls were so good and so excited that even during the break they didn't want to leave to have a potty break! As we were leaving the theater tonight Sydney said...I want my next show to be with the Princess's! Well, little does she know that her wish will come true in May when we take them to Disney World! The girls don't know that yet though. We aren't going to tell them till we arrive or no one will get any sleep! This weekend was abit slower on the remodel but got a few little things done that seem to take the most time. Installed some light fixtures and hung blinds on the windows. Can't believe the weekend is already over - Monday...here we come! Grandma & Grandpa Johnson will be here next weekend though so, that will be a good time!!

One step closer

2009-02-22T20:41:00.005-06:00

Today was one of those days in a remodel that you just don't feel like you are getting much done. Neal completed installing the baseboards - a long and probably boring task. We then decided that we would like to hang our tv on the wall so, off to Costco I went! Below is the result! Yeah! Nearly done - just have to run the wires through the ceiling and wall. Now Neal and I just hope we don't hear a crash in the middle of the night tonight!

Last night we all went out for dinner with a high school friend of mine! Dawn and I have known each other since the 1st grade! She came down from MN for a sales meeting for work. She loved the temps here too! She couldn't believe that the dafodilles are in bloom! We had a great time just hanging out and catching up together.

a Big helper

2009-02-21T22:42:00.005-06:00

Well, as you can imagine this remodel has been quite the family project! The girls want to be involved as much (or as little - depending on the day) that they can be. Sydney is the one that wants to be right there with Neal watching and learning what he is doing! The other night she was learning how to measure the baseboards before cutting them for the wall - she LOVED it! Not to mention she was really "dressed" for the occasion with princess gown and her saftey glasses! I can remember being about her age hanging out with my Dad out in the garage too! He'd give me a hammer, nails and my own block of wood and just let me pound away - that is till I smashed my finger, started crying and I'm sure my Mom had us both in trouble! I love it that the girls want to do so much with their Daddy...thanks Neal for being patient with them - they will never forget helping Daddy!

Moving back in.....yeah

2009-02-15T22:19:00.008-06:00

My "Accessories" closet...I really wanted this cute chandelier to make it really "girly" but, it was too big - I'm going to keep looking! I have to say I really LOVE this!

Not sure what these spots on the pictures are...ugh!

A proud moment!

Well, this weekend was a VERY productive weekend at the Gibbs house! Tonight we were able to move back into our bedroom!! I am so excited to sleep in my own bed again and not in the girl's playroom. I am so proud of Neal for all the hard work that he's done on our bedroom. It looks totally different and we love it. Yes, we still have things to do such as doors on the closets, baseboards & crown molding but, we will keep working on it till it's done. It's nice to have all the big dust making projects over! And what great timing - our cleaning people come tomorrow! AMEN! The girls were having fun running and playing in the room before we put furniture in it...Sydney even got her "hipity hop" out and thought it was great to have so much open space! This was a wonderful Valentines Day gift and I just love it....thanks sweetie! I love you!

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T22:19:00.004-06:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! We definately had a busy one here. Started off with ofcourse a roll up pancake breakfast! It was nice to have Aunt Jill join us! Neal and I then proceeded to make our dinner reservations for our trip in May to Walt Disney World - the girls have no idea that we are going and they are going to go crazy! We've planned lots of dinners and lunches with different Disney Characters so, they will get lots of time with them that I'm sure we will all enjoy! Then we had lunch with our friends The Beall's! The girls had fun playing for a while. My big excitement was organizing my "accessories" closet! I can finally see everything! It's amazing what I'd forgotten about. Our wood flooring came in so, time to install...tomorrow! Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Johnson and Grandma Andi for the sweet Valentines packages for the girls! They really loved them. Enjoy the rest of your weekend...will post an updated picture of our bedroom tomorrow.

Lots of updates

2009-02-07T22:51:00.011-06:00

This is Sydney chatting with her friend Skylar from school at a b-day party today....she looks so grown up! I'm so not ready!

Well, it's been a while since I've written...it's been abit busy around here. This past week I went to NYC for business and it was so cold! One morning it was only 10 degrees and that was w/out the wind chill. Needless to say I was happy to come home on friday evening to a warm 70 degrees! Neal and the girls had a good time while Mommy was away....eating dinner out each night! I will say I was so very impressed and HAPPY to come home to a clean house! Even the play room was clean! Way to go Neal! The girls have been really busy - last saturday we spent some time with our friends Karley, Ryanne and Aunt Lori at the zoo - what a great time! Today was spent at 2 friends birthday parties. Everything from bounce houses to bowling. I think the girls have had their fill of pizza a birthday cake for a while now! Can we say all sugar'd up! The girls also had a great time opening an early valentines day gift from Grandma & Grandpa Johnson. Filled with sea creatures that grow in water, a kids shower head for the bath tub, candy, notebooks (which they love), stickers and little lunch boxes! Samantha actually slept with her lunch box last night! So sweet! I've really taken a look at the girls this weekend and realized just how big they are (not that I don't see them every day) but, they are growing up! Now, if Samantha would just get potty trained I'd be all set! The crazy thing is she does great at school, church, aunt Jill's house...every where but with mommy & daddy!!!! ugh! I know I probably just need to get more strict on it too.....

So, our remodel is coming along - I'm sure Neal would say slowly but I am really impressed with all that he is doing and he's working so hard at it! We are close to having the 2nd closet completed...will be done tomorrow! I bought a cute light fixture for it - I hope it will work. I'll add a picture if it does! :) It's a total girl thing! This week he will finish texturing the ceiling and then painting the walls. We are hoping the flooring will come in this next Saturday. whew! Like I said it's been abit busy around here!

The remodel continues

2009-02-02T22:31:00.002-06:00

Well, many have asked about an update on the bedroom remodel....it's still going on! It's abit at a slow part - poor Neal! He's been working his butt off! All this weekend he worked on scraping the ceiling, sanding the walls (I don't think I've seen that much dust in my house) and now is what they call....floating the walls. Then will be time for the texturing! So, we are continuing to move along and will be very excited when it's done.
The weather here was so nice on Saturday that the girls and I (along with the Beall girls) went to the Dallas zoo. A good time was had by all! Sydney had been asking for I'm sure 2 months to go to the zoo. She was so anxious to see everything that she couldn't stand still to watch what ever animals we were at. It was fun and so nice to be outside and not be freezing!
I leave on Wed. morning for NYC for a few days - really looking forward to that! I've really missed NYC!! It's been nearly 3 years and can't wait! 34th street, H & M watch out!!!! :) Too bad I can't shop since we are doing so much on our house right now. My gift is my closet organizers! I'll take it though!

Signs of things to come...

2009-01-27T22:59:00.003-06:00

Today was pretty crazy (I know you are thinking and what day's of the Gibbs aren't crazy right!??)! Well, with the threat of an ice storm and Plano schools being let out early I wasn't sure if I was going to have to leave early to get the girls from their school - I didn't. Whew - I did leave around 4:45 though just to get a jump start on the drive home. Which by the way was fine. Now however I hear the freezing rain hit the windows and sky light on our house. I'm sure tomorrow will at the least be a late start. My Dad called tonight just to be sure everyone made it home safe with the threat of ice....so sweet! He wanted to talk to the girls who were in full "play" mode which is a tough thing to crack to have a conversation...but he did it. They were playing under Samantha's bed. Who knows what they exactly play under there but, they love it! It's like a huge fort! Samantha did most of the talking and proceeded to tell both Grandpa & Grandma a story about "Barbie and the Diamond Castle". She quickly told them that she doesn't have the castle, only the horse and carriage. The story went on and on and grandma & grandpa loved it! Trying to catch each word that was being said (often not exactly right into the phone ofcourse). They were all having a great time so I thought I'd share a picture of what they looked like laughing and chatting on the phone under the bed. I'm sure there will be many more nights ahead of long conversations - not always under the bed I'm sure. Enjoy!

Let phase 2 begin....

2009-01-25T22:08:00.003-06:00

Well, let no dust settle under your feet at our house....it must just keep flying in the air! haha! Well, just as we were wrapping up our 1st phase completing 1 of 2 closets we've now offically moved out of our bedroom. While we can still sleep in there (atleast for a few more nights) everything else - including the sink is now gone! All of our bedroom furniture is now in our dining room which once housed all of Neal's clothes! Now the start of scraping the ceiling should probably start tomorrow night. I think I've finally selected a color for my bedroom - it's called secluded garden....and is a shade of blue/teal - hard to describe for now. Will send picture when we paint. We're off again....have a good week.

Phase 1 is completed!

2009-01-24T22:01:00.007-06:00

Yes, we have phase 1 of our bedroom remodel completed! The closet!!!! I am so excited - I know this may sound crazy but, this is the first walk in closet that I've ever had!!! It's not huge but, so much more than what we've had in our house till now! I found clothes and shoes that I'd forgotten that I had! So fun! We have 1 more closet to "organize" with new elfa shelving, re-texture walls & ceilings, paint, put new wood flooring down & install a new vanity - not much right! hahaha So, we will be in the remodel mode for a few more months - but it's going to be worth it!

It was abit chilly tonight so, the girls and I went to the mall to hang out with some friends! It was too cold outside today to go to the park...bummer!

I have a boyfriend????!!! WHAT!!!

2009-01-20T22:17:00.002-06:00

Every night while eating dinner we talk about our day and events that happend. For the girls it's mainly who they played with, what they ate for snack, if they watched a movie today or not at school and what they want to play after dinner. Tonight was abit different for me when talking with Samantha. Tonight she told me "I have a boyfriend"! His name is Keil and he is a very sweet little boy that may I add has the runniest nose of anyone in her class! ugh! However - he really does watch out for her when playing, picks her up when she falls, gets her toy back if someone takes it from her etc....his Mom is teaching him the right way to treat a little girl. I pray all the time for the boys that my girls are going to meet, befriend, date and one day marry that they(the boys/guys/men) respect them, treat them as girls and young ladies should be treated and that they believe in God, have strong morals and strong family values.
On a day when our country is forever changed may God be with all of us and may the changes that lay ahead be those that truely will be for all. May we all be protected from the evils of this world and stay close to our friends, families and most of all God.
May God Bless America.

Making progress

2009-01-18T22:14:00.005-06:00

No one (that I know of anyway) has ever enjoyed going through a remodel of their home....me included! It's not exactly easy having your clothes on rolling racks in the dining room, food from your pantry on your kitchen counters, dust absolutely everywhere you turn and the feeling that nothing has a "place" to be put away for weeks on end. Well, this weekend we made great progress on our house (THANK YOU Neal!). Neal took on the project of re-working our pantry area himself...including re-texturing the walls & ceilings, painting putting down new tile and finally installing a (might I say) fabulous "Elfa" shelving from the container store to help get us organized in atleast one part of our home! Not only was I able to get everything off of my kitchen counter this weekend but, I also cleared out a cabinet as well - right now I have 1 completely empty cabinet in my kitchen just waiting to be filled and organized! WOW! We are about a week away from being able to get shelving into our closet which will then in turn get the clothes out of the dining room! Only to lead to the next step of scraping the ceilings, painting and then installing new wood flooring....not to mention putting in a new vanity and re-working the remaining closet with cool elfa shelving as well. So, I'm sure we are about 4 - 6 weeks away from actually being "done" but, it's going to be so worth it! I can't wait!

Proud parent day!!

2009-01-16T20:55:00.004-06:00

Those of you who know me (or just read my blog) know that I LOVE my girls and spending time with them is one of my most favorite things to do in life! Every Tuesday Sydney gets her homework and we try to get it done right away so she has the rest of the evening to do what she would like to do - play with Samantha. Well, this week there was a note from her teacher in her homework folder....a list of words for a spelling test that would happen on Friday! At first I thought "What??? a spelling test - she's only 4 1/2"!! So, the practing began that night! We would quiz in the car, the bath, before bed or just hanging out! I told her if she got all her spelling words right we could all go out for dinner on Friday night and she could pick! Now, some of you are thinking she would pick McDonald's or maybe Chickfil'a.....nope! She picked Pei Wei! Yeah - that is her favorite place to go and will pick that place every time! So, I made sure I got to the school before Sydney's teacher left to get her report on the test....you guessed it, she got them all right! She was so excited to tell me and I was so happy that she saw at a young age that if you practice you can do it! I thought I'd show you all her test!

Samantha is doing great in school as well! She's recently learned the months of the year - she gets up to October and wants to start back at April again! Here is a picture that she colored this week at school - she was told to only color the things that are blue. I asked her why she didn't color the duck and her reply was; "mommy, ducks are yellow"!! So cute! It was a very proud parent moment today with each of the girls! Glad to see the money we spend on this school isn't just for the to play all the time! :)

It's been a busy day....

2009-01-10T21:02:00.004-06:00

Our remodel is coming along nicely....today Neal installed the wood flooring in the new closet and put the new tile in the shower area! whew! I'm trying to pick a new color to paint our room - so far I don't like my first selection....we'll see where we end up. Tomorrow will be round two! ugh! The lighting between Home Depot and our room is so totally different you never know what you are going to get till it dries! It's been a long day for all of us - while Neal was busy working on the floors I swear I did about 10 loads of laundry, tried to keep the girls entertained and went through Samantha's closet! I think it's time to have a children's clothing sale! Till tomorrow.....night!

Making progress

2009-01-09T22:58:00.005-06:00

Well, to keep you in the loop of our craziness....our house is getting more and more dusty! I can't even try to keep up so - we are all sneezing abit more than normal. But, it will all be worth it soon. We now have all walls up and just waiting for the tape/mud to dry. Then the door will go in. Tomorrow Neal is going to put the flooring down in the closet which will be great! He's also working on getting the new tile in the shower area. I was busy today after work looking at new sink/vanities (how exciting right - I would have rather gone to Zara!). I took advantage of having a few hours off work early w/out the girls to really go fast. I think there are more options for us (in our budget) at Lowes - so, we'll be going back there tomorrow. I placed the order for the balance of the wood flooring that we need for our bed room - won't be in for 3 weeks though - big bummer! More to follow.......stay tuned!

We also got to join our neighbors (Mimi Dottie & Papa Larry) for dinner to help celebrate Papa's birthday. We are so lucky to have such great neighbors that really think of us as family! Have a great weekend.

Second sign of being a big girl

2009-01-07T21:10:00.003-06:00

Today was a big day for Samantha - while getting ready for school she asked me to put a braid in her hair! For those of you who know her well understand that is a big request for me to try and fill. But, happy to say I did it and she was so excited! She is growing up so fast and I'm really not ready.....guess I'd better just hold on and try to make the most out of everything.

Here we go again.....

2009-01-05T21:58:00.004-06:00

Well, after not really doing much to the inside of the house for nearly 2 years it's time we get started again. This time it's our bedroom! We ripped up our carpet back in October in anticipation of putting hardwood floors down like the rest of the house. The flooring is now on order and should be here in a few weeks. Yesterday we started the demolition of Neal's sink and closet - yes his clothes are now in our dining room on 2 rolling racks! We are going to enclose the entire area to be one "large" closet (or large for us). One of the biggest draw backs of our house is the lack of storage! Yesterday I spent nearly 2 hours at The Container Store working on a closet design for the Elfa shelving. I'm hoping we can stick with what we've got drawn up so far - it would be so great! Next girls night out can be at my house....in my closet! hahaha just kidding. It will be nice to finally see what we have instead of just grab whatever is the closest and easiest to get out. I'll keep you posted on our progress....the picture here is actually of my side for the sink (didn't get a picture of Neal's before it was torn out) but, his looked the same as mine. We are also going to put in a double vanity on my side which will be better than having to share one sink while trying to get ready for work....that wouldn't work well I'm guessing.

I'm a Big Kid now....

2009-01-05T21:44:00.005-06:00

Well, Samantha is offically a Big Girl now! She is now sleeping in a big girl bed and loves it! It wasn't something we'd been shopping for right now, it just all kinda fell into place. You've got to love http://www.craigslist.com/ ! In one day we purchased this furniture for Samantha and sold all of our baby furniture! Amazing! She's adjusting really pretty well which is nice - better than I am adjusting to loosing my baby! I'm really not ready for her to grow up on me yet! She loves being a big girl like Sydney though. I'm not totally done getting things organized and decorated for her but, it's a start....yes there's some of my "junk" on her dresser - we started to re-model our bedroom which you'll see shortly! I guess they have to start to grow up sometime. love ya Samantha!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T21:10:00.004-06:00

I can't think of a much better way to ring in the new year than with close friends and family! We had quite the gathering at our house maxing out at 9 kids(8 of which were girls) and 9 adults....it was so fun! We all ate way too much pizza and had fun making our ice cream sundaes! I think the sprinkles were the big hit with the kids. As I spent some time reflecting on 2008 realizing all that happend I feel very blessed that God has taken such good care of my family in these difficult times. We are not alone in going through a job lay off like many others in our country - God is faithful though and helped Neal find a great job and he's doing really well too. My prayers are with those who are still looking for positions and that they will find something soon and that they will be taken care of. We are so blessed to have such close friends here and Aunt Jill living here is such fun! The girls love their sleep overs at Aunt Jill's house the best I think. As I look forward to 2009 I pray for peace especially as our country prepares for a major change in the White House - I want nothing more than for our country to gain back the strenght and confidence that we once had but, more than anything I pray that more people in our country would come to know Christ as their personal savior. God is who can bring healing to our country and state that we are in today. Continue to pray for those in "control".
May God be with you in all the years ahead! Thanks for being such a special part of our lives.

kids imaginations...

2008-12-30T07:32:00.004-06:00

It will never cease to amaze me at what kids can dream up......one day they turned a regular chair into the Tea Cup ride with Grandpa. Oh to be 2 or 4 again! We all had fun with this one!

For Grandpa

2008-12-29T22:40:00.004-06:00

This is waaaaay over due for my Dad but, I couldn't get the video loaded for some reason.

Here is Samantha singing a priceless song for her Grandpa on his big 60th birthday! We love you Grandpa!!!!

Where did Christmas go???

2008-12-29T22:02:00.010-06:00

Well, just like the rest of 2008 Christmas has come and gone way too fast. Especially for our girls! They had such a great time this year (as I hope your families did as well). It's getting more and more fun as the girls get older and start to understand Christmas - and all that it means. Neal often says that our girls are going to be "tired" of our many Christmas traditions when they are older but, I really hope they don't. What are our many Christmas traditions you ask??? 1) decorating our trees (all 4 of them - could be 5 if I had more room). 2) putting out our manger scene that was made by my Mom. 3) Going to the Santa's Village in Richardson. 4) Going to see Santa at Mimi Susie's open house (I do think her Santa is the BEST). 5) New for this year is "Ernie" our Elf on the Shelf. 6) Driving to Nebraska to spend Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa Johnson. 7) Decorating a gingerbread house with grandparents. 8) Celebrate Christmas Eve at Uncle Randy's with all our Aunts, Uncles, cousins, grandparents & Great Grandpa! 9) Stay in PJ's all day on Christmas Day ( one of my personal favorites)! 10) Making and decorating a birthday cake for Jesus with Grandma. 11) Singing "Happy Birthday Jesus" on Christmas day. And #11) The long drive home from Nebraska! And can't forget going sledding and making snow angels when they have snow!!!!!

The girls really thought that Santa came through for them this year - all they have both been asking for is "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" and boy were they happy! Their faces were priceless as they came up the stairs to see what Santa left them under the tree! (Yes, my Dad's house has a basement which is so great!) The other thing they got which ranks right up there are their many horses (thanks Uncle Randy!) and their cats from Aunt Jill - they aren't real but, you sure would think that they are. Enjoy the pictures...it was hard to choose! May 2009 be one of your best years yet...be safe.

Winter Wonder Land

2008-12-16T21:07:00.003-06:00

This past weekend Neal was able to take a litte get away trip to Colorado to visit his friend Rob. Neal and Rob met while in the Army - they have been friends for a long time now and haven't seen eachother for quite a while. Rob is a Jag officer still in the Army (a lawyer) and has been called up for his 2nd tour to Iraq starting in Feb '09. They got to go skiing on Saturday and took Rob's oldest son Tomas...they all had a great time!

So much to say so little time....

2008-12-12T22:50:00.013-06:00

Santa's Village

Six Flags

Neiman Marcus Parade

Wow - so much to catch up on! First of all, I am very sorry for the long delay in any blog updates! We got a terrible virus on our computer (which was my fault) due to facebook! Never, never click on a video that looks strange! Please learn from my mistake.
We've had lots going on so, I thought I'd put it in an easy to read Top 6 List...(guess I don't have 10)....
1) Neiman Marcus Christmas Parade in downtown Dallas - this was last Saturday and boy what an event! Aunt Jill joined us and The Willson's Klan met up with us downtown as well. We had our own mini version of a tail-gate and made breakfast burritos (thanks Neal). The weather was beautiful so everyone one had fun.

2) Six Flags Holiday in the Park - we decided at the last minute to take the girls to Six Flags...Neal had some free tickets that we had to use before the end of the year. The weather was amazing (for December - even in TX)! Sydney went on a pretty big roller coaster twice - we were so proud! I'm glad she's not afraid of them because both Neal and I love them! I think the girls and I went on the Tea Cups ride atleast 6 times! There really weren't any lines which helped alot too!

3)Gymnastics - Sydney has gymnastics every Monday evening and loves it! She's getting to be pretty good at the things she really enjoys - like jumping on the trampoline and tumbling. I can see her starting to get stronger each time we go - it's exciting to see her confidence increase when she will finally do something right. It's great!

4) Dinner w/the Beall Girls - Lori and the girls came over for dinner on Tuesday (thanks for picking up dinner...we love Pei Wei). It was so nice to finally have more than 5 min. for Lori and I to catch up. The girls always play so great together so that makes it easy.

5) Santa's Village - tonight Aunt Jill and I took the girls to Santa's Village where there are little houses all with their own theme that the kids go into, make a craft, play music, face painting, petting "zoo" (really just goats), puppet shows, music and thousands of lights! I was surprised that it wasn't very crowded which made it nice that the lines weren't as long as in years past.

6) Saturday.....all I can say is that I just can't wait....I have lots to do to get ready for our trip up to Nebraska for Christmas but, hoping most of it can be done from home...especially since I am a "single parent" this weekend. :) Neal flew to Colorado today to spend the weekend with one of his best Army Buddies! Rob found out a few months ago that he will be leaving in Feb. for his second tour to Iraq. So, it will be fun for them to hang out. Luck Dog...he's going skiing tomorrow at Loveland!!!! I so wish we all went too. Next time for sure!

A few of my favorite Christmas things....

2008-12-03T21:56:00.008-06:00

I am starting to get things pulled together in the Christmas decorating category now! whew....I was getting abit stressed about it getting done so late. We still haven't touched the outside of the house - hopefully this weekend or it's just not going to get done. So, tonight I wanted to share with you one of my most favorite things that I get to take out each Christmas and I've mentioned it before - my nativity scene that my Mom hand painted. Each year I go to pull it out I just hope and pray that it's all in one piece as I'd put it away the year before.

I love decorating the Christmas trees with the girls - this year we actually have 4 trees in our house which the girls are LOVING! (And so am I) oops - took the picture of "my" tree before I got my angel on top....It's so fun! I am really looking forward to spending time with my family over the holidays and continue some traditions and share them with the girls....some old and some new. We've started decorating a gingerbread house over Christmas and everyone loves that! The girls also make a birthday cake on Christmas day with Grandma....and we sing Happy Birthday Jesus on top of many other things! We are all hoping that there will be snow again at Grandma & Grandpa's house so we can go sledding like last year. What a great time that was!

A quick Happy Birthday to Carp tomorrow! Love ya girl!!! Only 1 more year till the "Big One" make it the best yet!

Thanksgiving fun.....

2008-12-01T23:00:00.007-06:00

Wow, are the days going by faster and faster for anyone else other than me??? I had this entire last week off on vacation and feel like I accomplished nothing! I think I am the type of person who gets more done when I have too many things to do than when I have "nothing" to do! I really wanted to have all my Christmas decorating done - I've not even really started. Tonight after work Neal went to gymnastics with Sydney and Samantha and I went shopping for a new pre-lit Christmas tree. She had a good time just having some alone time with Mommy and I had fun too - just wished it would have been 3:00 in the afternoon instead of 7:00 in the evening. So, we finally found one that I liked, bought it and got it home (gotta love a suburban). Trying to put it together in between all the calls for "MOMMY" (I know you mom's know what I'm talking about) I discover that one of the branches isn't attached! It's missing the "bolt" to hold it in place. Ofcourse at this time the store is closed and now I have to wait till tomorrow to even think about getting anything further done. UGH!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and everyone has quickly moved on to Christmas but, I have many things to really be thankful for this year....first of all my family (yes, all of you!), my friends (where would I be without you....thanks Lori for the many nights of therapy!), my health, my job, my home and I could go on and on. God has so richly blessed me and my family that I can't begin to list it all!

We spent Thanksgiving with Neal's family in Amarillo this year - boy was it windy and cold! We had a good time - even though Neal was really sick - sorry Brian & Candy for all the germs he left at your house....hope you don't come down with anything!

There were some pretty big highlights for the girls this year that helped make this a great time...playing with their cousins, jumping on PaPa's trampoline and going on a horse back ride! They really had a great time!

Neal and I got to visit with some of his very close friends too which was nice - Lance, Michael & Charlotte (thanks Brian & Candy for taking the girls and putting them to bed for us)

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy the time of preparation for Christmas....

What a great time to be a kid!

2008-11-25T21:29:00.006-06:00

Well, it's nearing my FAVORITE time of the year - Christmas! I love everything about Christmas and I think the reason why Christmas is so important to me is because of how important it was to my Mom. This January will be 9 years since she's past away and it still feels like it happend just yesterday. I can just see her when those boxes of Christmas decorations would be brought out again. She loved putting up our tree and putting the angel on top, putting out one of her most prize possesions the nativity scene that she made herself (which I now have and cherish even more) and baking....she always loved to bake and cook but, Christmas were some of her best! And I wonder why I'm smaller now than I was while growing up! hahaha

My parents instilled in me the Real Meaning of Christmas which I pray that Neal and I instill in our girls as well. Family is so important to me and I can't imagine a Christmas without being together. I'm so blessed to have been able to spend every Christmas that I've celebrated with my Dad!
Tonight was the start of our Christmas traditions which was a new one for us.....the girls each have their very own hot pink Christmas tree in their rooms this year. They were so excited to decorate it! It is going to be a very blessed year for everyone!

Yes, one that actually starts with Thanksgiving and giving thanks for all that we have been given...family, health, jobs and much much more.....we are traveling to Amarillo starting tomorrow evening so, had to get some things started tonight!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Football, Friends, Football and more friends - what a great weekend!

2008-11-23T22:44:00.006-06:00

Wow - it's Sunday night already! Who knew a weekend could go by so quickly! Thank goodness I am on vacation this week! YEAH!!!! This is my first full week vacation all year and I'm so excited!

We had a fun family weekend which was great! We had friends over to watch some football, eat chili and ice cream too on saturday night and today Neal and I went to the Cowboys/49'ers football game - thanks to our good friend Jamie who gave us tickets! He plays for the 49'ers so it was great to go today! We got to meet up with him for a few minutes after the game which is always a good time too. Now, what to do tomorrow while the girls are at school....huh! It's all about mommy tomorrow! Yeah!

A pre Thanksgiving Feast

2008-11-20T22:08:00.006-06:00

Today the girls had "Thanksgiving" dinner at school and the parents were invitied to join them. I wasn't going to go because I was worried that they would cry when I would have to leave to go back to work and they would have to stay at school abit longer. Sydney asked me twice if I would come have lunch with her (so sweet). After explaining that I would have to go back to work and making sure that she wouldn't be upset about it I told her that I would join her. She was so excited! It is so amazing how important things like not being the only kid without a parent show up is to them! It really put things into perspective for me today and what an invaluable role us as parents play in our kids lives on a daily basis. Not that I didn't already know how important being Sydney and Samantha's Mom is but, today it brought it down to a new level for me. I am so thankful for my kids, my husband, our health and that we are together! God has so richly blessed us in so many ways! Hope you enjoy some pictures from today and a very special early Thanksgiving greeting from Sydney's class. The friends above with Sydney are Gage & MacKenzie

I'm going to marry a prince....

2008-11-17T21:14:00.004-06:00

Tonight was pretty busy with going to gymnastics with Sydney - we don't get home till about 7:45. Then it's eat a quick dinner, get in the bath, play with Samantha, read books and head to bed. Well, tonight while the girls were playing dress up (like they do nearly every night), Sydney informed me that "Tonight I'm going to marry a prince"!!

The conversation went something like this...

Sydney: Tonight I'm going to Marry a prince!

Me: Really, I've not gotten to meet him yet - I have to meet him before you can get married.

Sydney: Really - okay

Me: Is he nice?

Sydney: yes

Me: is he a Christian? Does he go to church?

Sydney: Yes

Me: is he handsome?

Sydney: why yes, he's little and abit different, but he's funny.

Me: does he have a job?

Sydney: yes.

Me: what does he do?

Sydney: he does lots of things. I do lots of things too...

Me: What's his name?

Sydney: Neal

At this point I was trying so hard not to laugh I couldn't stand it! It was so sweet and she was very serious about all this too! I just love it when I can get the girls going on something!

Have a great week!

Is it munchkin land or Off to see the Wizard.....

2008-11-15T20:58:00.003-06:00

This weekend we've shared one of my favorite movies as a kid with the girls....The Wizard of Oz! They love it! Infact we watched together last night (except for the parts that Neal fell asleep) and then it's on again tonight! Samantha was telling me today about the bad Witch and the flying monkeys....and how the bad witch was trying to take "her" glass slippers! She was so cute! Ofcourse one of Neal's favorite songs of the movie is "munchkin land" which he has so thoughtfully given that song to my family as our "theme song"! Not Funny!
Sydney's favorite character is the scarecrow and has now started skipping through the house....we're off to see the wizard!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzw0JEvRA5E&feature=related

Whew....

2008-11-12T21:22:00.002-06:00

This week has been a long one already - thankfully it's Wednesday....I think! I started my new job on Monday of this week! It's been a mix of starting my new position and trying to wrap up my old job all at the same time. I'm excited about my new adventure - still at JCPenney but have been promoted to be the Brand Director of our Intimate Apparel private brands. Yes, I'm back in intimate apparel.....I've come full circle now as some have said it.

The girls were really good tonight when I picked them up from school - they were excited to go to church for Veggie Tails and pick up McDonald's for dinner. I think Sydney is going through a growth spurt right now...tonight she ate her cheese burger, 1 chicken nugget that Samantha shared with her, apples and then when we got home she was still hungry so I made her a ham/cheese sandwich....wow! hungry girl!

Well - off to read with Sydney and get some sleep. Have a great week - it's starting to cool off down here for my friends up North....it was only in the low 60's this morning! :)

Happy Halloween

2008-11-04T21:01:00.010-06:00

We had a fun weekend with Grandparents in town! Bummer that both of the girls were sick! ugh!!!! Sydney had a temp and wasn't up for much. Samantha carried the entertaining of the grandparents quite well....she just had a cough! Good job Samantha! ;) Sydney is doing much better now and their coughs are nearly gone. I say that as I can now hear Sam coughing in her sleep. Trick or treating was abit limited this year - the girls were both butterfly fairies and really enjoyed their costumes! I even dressed up with them which was fun too. We always love it when Grandpa and Grandma come to visit - we celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday this weekend....just a week early. Happy Birthday Dad! Samantha sang to him - will have to try to upload the video later...it's not working now.

More weekend pictures

2008-10-27T21:16:00.003-05:00

Here's the girls with their faces all painted from our Saturday trip to the arboretum...we all had a blast!

This is Dedicated to the GRHS Class of '88

2008-10-26T21:36:00.006-05:00

After more than 20 years (yes, you did read that correctly), I finally got to go see Rick Springfield in concert last night! Although when I woke up early to go to the Arboretum with Neal and the Girls I had no idea what the rest of the day would have in store for me! I thought Neal and I were going out for a wonderful steak dinner and then to a friend's house for her Halloween costume party. Little did I know that we would be picking up our friends Mark & Taylor to join us for dinner - nice surprise since we'd not seen then since their wedding earlier this summer. Then while driving downtown Neal asks us all to listen to his new cd that he'd picked up (by the way - thanks Mark for helping him with that one!)...Rick Springfield! I ofcourse loved it...then Neal hands me a piece of paper to read....it took a minute to figure it out but, soon read that we were going to the Rick Springfield concert at the House of Blues that night instead of dinner and a costume party! It was such a great time! I had no idea and loved every song! Half way through the show Rick came down on the floor and yes, my cheerleader girlfriends from GRHS....I touched his arm! I felt like a little school girl to be so excited but, it was a great time! Thank you Neal for such a wonderful time! I love you! I did take a video of him singing "Jessie's Girl" check it out!! enjoy!

Before all the events of the concert we went together to the Dallas Arboretum - which I really think is one of the girls most favorite places to go - they get to run in the grass, play in houses that are replicas of houses long ago, eat a picnic lunch and just have a great time! This time of year there they have all kinds of things for kids - hay bail maze, face painting, crafts and more....check out our "scary" tiger and cat.....what fun! It's getting late - I will uplaod more pictures of the girls tomorrow...night!

The Big Orange Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T21:54:00.008-05:00

Today we joined our friends The Beall's at the Big Orange Pumpkin patch....the girls had a blast! We got to feed lots of very hungry animals, go on a hay ride, run in the pumpkin patch and have lunch with our friends. It was such a great day to be outside and just run around....and take lots of pictures too. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Let's all sing..

2008-10-18T19:43:00.003-05:00

On Friday after we got home from school and work it was so nice that we went outside for a long time....ofcourse only after the girls got themselves "dressed up" to play! They were having a "performance" outside for me so, I thought I'd share it with all of you. They were having such a great time! And I loved it! I am so thankful for cameras that are also a video camera so I can try to "bottle up" the innocence of the girls to show them when they are older some of their favorite things to do - play princess!

It's amazing what you can learn

2008-10-15T22:05:00.004-05:00

It has been a really busy week here at the Gibbs house and yes, it's only Wednesday! On Mondays Sydney goes to gymnastics and loves it! Her favorite thing is the trampoline! And who wouldn't love that! Tuesday wen went over to Aunt Jill's house for dinner - she is leaving on Friday for a 10 day trip to Italy! Her and a friend from Colorado are going and they are going to have such a great time! Sad I'm not joining them...take lots of pictures! Tonight I stayed pretty late at work - lots to catch up on - it was very productive so that helps having to stay late. When I got home Sydney was on the computer and Neal was watching the debate. I asked Sydney if she'd finished all her homework which she was very proud to shout "YES!" She did have one more row to complete and the video is the result.....can you believe that she is barely 4 1/2 yrs. old and she is learning to write words! I was talking to her about once you learn all your letters they get put together to make words and then before long she'll be able to read books! She got very excited about that, ran to her room to get a book to read before bed and off she went....calling for me the whole way to come read her the story! I love it! I try to cherish these moments because as my friend Joanna said just yesterday they won't last forever! Yes, in only 10 short months Sydney will be starting kindergarten! I don't think I'm ready for that one! Enjoy the rest of your week - it's nearly the weekend!

What a week....

2008-10-11T21:07:00.004-05:00

Whew - I made it to the weekend and now it's already half over! What a week we've had at our house and we are all happy that today was Saturday. I had put in lots of extra time at work and Neal was great to pick up the girls from school Tues, Wed and Thurs. evenings! It was a huge help! This next week is going to be pretty tough too but, shouldn't have the late hours at work - just really busy days! We took the girls to see the movie "Beverly Hill Chihuahua" this afternoon - check it out... http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/beverlyhillschihuahua/
We had a great time! The girls call it the chickiwawa" movie! so cute!

Aunt Jill came over this morning for pancakes which was great to see her - since she was out of town last weekend we'd not seen her in nearly 2 weeks! She's also leaving for vacation this coming weekend for a 10 day trip to Italy! I could have been going....bummer I changed my mind. next time!

Sorry - not very eventful today...maybe tomorrow will be more exciting.....enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Gotta love livin in TEXAS....

2008-10-05T19:01:00.005-05:00

Yes, you are looking at the calendar correctly....it is October 5th and our girls were swimming in the pool all afternoon! Amazing! Today our church also celebrated their 100th Anniversary! The Church of the Nazarene has been established for 100 years as of now and we had a great service today - abit long winded but good. We had lunch together after and great cake for desert! :) I also got a great treat today - my girlfriend Lori Beall and I got to go shopping at the Galleria Mall today! Just the two of us...no kids! As much as we love our kids it was so nice to have time" together! Even if it was only a few hours...thanks to Neal and Kevin for watching the girls! Have a great rest of the week!

It's the Great Pumpkin.....

2008-10-04T21:50:00.006-05:00

I love Fall and all the fun that it brings! Today we took the girls to "Owen's Farm" where they had hay rides, animals to feed, pumpkins to play with and run around and hot dogs to eat for lunch! The girls had a great time! They wore themselves out (atleast for a little while). Then tonight after dinner they got to paint little pumpkins - they love that! The weather here is finally beautiful - we may not get any change of color on our trees but, the next month or so will be some of the best weather we have here in Texas and I'm looking forward to it! Happy Fall Ya'all!

And now, the rest of the story......

2008-10-01T22:14:00.002-05:00

Just to clear the air !-------
In regards to Jodi`s childhood laboring,,,,,She was never forced to work--co-erced, perhaps, bribed, maybe, but always rewarded in ways she only appreciates now !!
THE DAD

Yes, the picture is from last year but, thought I'd add a picture of my Dad!

Love you Dad!

favorite memories....

2008-09-28T21:46:00.005-05:00

Funny the things you remember from when you were a kid. I'm sure if you sit and think about some of the earliest memories that you have all they would do is make you smile and I bet the involve family! I know that mine do! You know growing up in Fremont Nebraska had some great advantages for my sister and I while growing up. We were so close to grandparents on both sides of our family, aunts, uncles and cousins too! My parents did all that they could to try and get ahead in life and often times when I was real little my dad worked at Hormel and then evenings when he wasn't there (and lots of times weekends too) he and my Mom had their own little business going - they had a lawn service, painted houses and cleaned a few of the banks in town. I can remember going to the bank with them sometimes and it was my "job" to get the waist baskets under the desk and dump them into the big trash can...also another big job I had was to watch out for the vaccuum cord so it didn't get stuck somewhere and mom or dad have to stop. Sometimes when they would have a night job my sister and I would get to go to Grandma Johnson's house. Now, my Grandma and Grandpa lived in what I thought (becuase keep in mind I was under 5 yrs. old) was one of the biggest houses I'd ever been in - it was an old farm house...it was white and had a small porch on the back and a very squeeky screen door. The kitchen and bathroom floors were tile - and very cold might I add. One of my favorite memories of being at Grandmas's house (and there are many might I add) was when she would make a tent for Jill and I in her kitchen by putting a big sheet or blanket over the kitchen table! She would give us the baby marshmellows (the rainbow colored ones) in these small orange tupperware cups for a treat! She would come under there with us and play and read stories to us! There's nothing like being in a tent with Grandma! So, as you can see by the pictures the tradition goes on....only today it was in Samantha's room in her bed before church! Sydney and Samantha were having just as much fun playing together as Jill and I did when we were probably the same ages! There are so many days that I wish I could just bottle up these memories and keep them forever for them (and neal and I too)...I guess this is the best way I can find. So, take a minute - yes, I know we are all really busy but, try to remember your earliest memories and enjoy! Have a blessed day!

Yeah, their home!!!

2008-09-27T21:37:00.003-05:00

Yeah - Samantha and Mommy are very happy....Sydney and Daddy are home from Amarillo! They had a good time but, they are happy to be back too! It was so cute to see how excited the girls were to see eachother! Samantha and I had a great time today going to the mall for a little girl time! We got a quick visit from Uncle Brian today too. He's in town for a school board convention - here he is reading the girls a story this afternoon. The visit was short but, it was great to see him.

Note to Rebecca....the handbag you like of mine (it's an a.n.a brand) is in the stores at JCPenney now and it's on sale this weekend Collin Creek has the best assortment as Frisco is nearly sold out. :)

Things just aren't the same tonight...

2008-09-25T22:23:00.002-05:00

Things just aren't the same tonight at our house....Neal's grandpa passed away yesterday so, he left this afternoon to go to Amarillo for the service...taking Sydney with him. It was his idea and I love the fact that he wanted to spend some extra daddy time with her! She will help keep him entertained while driving (till she falls asleep ofcourse) and enjoy her special time with Daddy. Meanwhile - Samantha and I have our own Mommy/Daughter time of our own. I picked her up from school and after leaving her room she looks up at me and says "We go get Sydney Gibbs now?" It was the sweetest thing! Until ofcourse I told her that she'd already left for Amarillo with Daddy....tears came streaming down her face! She wanted anyone but me...Mommy was instantly "chopped liver"! Thanks!
That did quickly pass however once I gave her a snack in the car for the ride home. She chose an apple over a box of raisins....and loved it! We had fun playing with playdough, colors and bath time. I read her a book and she was ready for bed....it was a long day for her at school today. It was her first day in her new class - I think she's enjoying being with more girls! There are now 5 girls in her class instead of only 2 in her last class! I hoping that will help with lots of things for her!
As far as her collar bone goes - she's doing awesome! If you didn't see the brace on her arm (which half the time isn't really on anyway) you'd never know that anything was "wrong" with her! She climbs herself into the suburban and into her car seat herself! amazing! Do keep her in your prayers though please - as she is starting to feel better (quite quickly may I add) I need to be sure that she doesn't get "over confident" and re-injure herself.
Neal and I both appreciate your prayers!
So, tomorrow I think Samantha and I are going to Aunt Jill's for dinner and then will find something fun to do on saturday morning to wait for Sydney and Daddy to return home! Night!

Balloon Festival...and fireworks!

2008-09-20T22:55:00.008-05:00

We had a great time tonight at the Plano balloon festival. We've gone now for 3 years in a row with kids and friends and always have a good time. This one was abit more stressful than others due to my panics with Samantha. I was very worried that she was going to fall and hurt herself again or worse than she already is. She did get bumped a few times but, is doing okay. Actually now is great - she sleeping! It didn't take long to fall asleep tonight for either one of the girls! We ate corndogs and hung out with friends - it was great weather to be outside too! This year we were joined with the Beall's, Aunt Jill & The Goodwin family - we really missed the Wilson Klan this year!!! The girls favorite balloon is a toss up between the panda bear and the green dragon! We all loved the fire works (thanks Kevin and Lori for staying with us too!) :)

Fun times on Saturdays.....

2008-09-20T13:10:00.004-05:00

Saturdays here always start out the same way and we love it that way! Wake up around 7:00 and get started on the bacon and roll up pancakes! However, today we were out of flour...not exactly sure how that happend - oh well. So, I was going to sneak out of the house to get some and run home quick...not so much! It ended up with Samantha wearing a princess crown and dress up shoes bringing her new Snow White doll from Aunt Jill (thank you - she loves it) and Sydney wearing her dress up shoes. Yes, both girls ended up going along...so, nearly 30 min. later we arrive home and start our cooking! They helped me mix up the batter and we had a great time. It's now nap time and I hope it's a long one....we are going to the balloon festival tonight and will stay for the fireworks - Samantha has been talking about the fireworks for nearly 2 days now! She LOVES them! Have a great Saturday!

Update on Samantha

2008-09-17T22:36:00.003-05:00

Today was a tiring but pretty good day. I was able to get Samantha into an orthopedic dr. this morning (thanks to Pam & Lisa for their recommendation!) The Dr. was great. After reviewing her X-rays things look like they are all lined up and should heal good. I took Sydney to school today and talked with both the director and Samamtha's teacher about what happend yesterday. I now understand that Samantha was pushed by a boy in her class and she fell into a bookshelf. She didn't have any signs while at school I guess that she had anything broken. She did however tell her teacher that her neck hurt. There were no signs of swelling or a bruise. I am really disappointed in the school that I wasn't told of the incident of her being pushed prior to us leaving yesterday - still not happy but, there's not much I can do at this point. I've asked that they take a look at the classes and arrange the boys to not have all the more "aggressive" ones all in one class. We'll see - I'm going to keep asking. If nothing else maybe I'll see if Samantha can move. We have 4 - 6 weeks of her wearing a brace on her arm and trying to keep her from running aruond and being too active. Thanks for all your prayers. Thought you might enjoy a little video of her from tonight.....love ya!

Sam's BIG Boo-Boo

2008-09-17T22:36:00.002-05:00

Today was a pretty normal day...both Neal and I went to work and the girls went to school. Since it's wednesday the girls and I typically go to pick up dinner somewhere and then off to church to eat dinner with our friends and then the girls go to their class for the new Veggie Tales class they've started...the girls love it! Tonight when I was getting the girls into the truck after school Samantha cried when I picked her up....not just that whiny cry like I don't want to get into my seat but, a real it hurts cry. After carefully getting her into her seat she stopped crying. Well, she cried again getting her out of the car seat at church....strange right! Well, after about 20 min. of being at church and talking about it with both Lori and Annette (who have both been around Samantha enough to know that she wasn't acting normal) we decided to ask our friend Vance (a dr. who attends our chruch) to see if he'd take a quick look at her. After ruling out broken arm and dislocated shoulder we decided I should take her in for X-rays. Took her to Acute Kids (in Plano at Parker & the Tollway) and have them check her out. They were all awesome! So, for any parents who would ever need after hours care I would highly recommend them! After the dr. checking her out and getting X-rays of her neck/shoulder we saw the problem....a broken collar bone! Yes, it's broken! I'm not sure how exactly it happend YET....but, I can honestly tell you it didn't wasn't broken when she went to school - she didn't cry when I got her dressed or in / out of the car this morning. So, I will be having a conversation with the school director and her teacher tomorrow morning. Now I have to get her into see a pediatric orthopedic Dr. tomorrow for a follow up...hopefully can get an apt quickly. She has to wear a little pink sling for about 4 weeks or so...hopefully it will be all healed by Halloween! Don't want to wear a sling and wear a butterfly fairy costume to trick or treat! :) Probably won't be doing the bounce house at church though at Fall Fest. That should be fun to keep her out of! NOT! We'll cross that bridge when we get there....for now please just keep her in your prayers that this heals normally and quickly. I'm not blaming the school for it happening - these things happen to kids, I'm just wondering why no one saw anything to report....we'll see.

Thanks for your prayers!

Story time with Samantha

2008-09-15T21:47:00.005-05:00

Story time at our house is always lots of fun but, when the girls "read" to us it's even better to me! I love to hear how they read the stories that we've read to them probably a hundred times! Both of the girls love story time so much that they actually sleep with books too! I can't tell you the number of times that I try to wiggle the book from under their faces so they will be more comfortable. I guess the days of studying via "osmosis" have already begun! :) I took a video but, it's not down loading correctly tonight....will try again tomorrow. Sorry!!!
Tonight was Sydney's first night at gymnastics! She really enjoyed it! She liked jumping on the trampoline the best. She was showing us what she learned already by jumping on our bed. I wasn't able to get any good pictures because I was kinda far away...maybe next time. We are going to try it for a month and see how it goes. The most difficult thing tonight about gymnastics wasn't for Sydney at all....it was trying to explain to Samantha that she wasn't able to join too. I hated that part.

Where do the days go???

2008-09-12T22:24:00.002-05:00

Sydney is now in the mode of asking me multiple times a day what day it is, will it be "saturday" tomorrow? and the questions go on and on...It made me start to wonder just where do the days go these days??? I remember so many times being told that time sure flies - when I was younger and in school I thought 3:00 would never get here so I could be done with yet another day of school. Now that I've had a number (yes, that number is larger than I'd like) of days working I think that 5:00 will never get here! I have to say that my favorite times of the day are between 6:00 am & 7:15am and then again after 5:00pm! Those are the times that I get to be with the girls. I try not to think of the number of hours in the day that I am not with them and that they are at school with their teachers and new friends that they've made. I know that they really enjoy it at school and are learning way more than I could and or would be able to teach them if I were to stay at home with them. I guess this is the schedule that just seems to work (for now anyway) for my family. So, as far as those disappearing days.....I just try to hang on to the ones that I get and cherish the memories as much as I can. It's been a really stressful week at work this week and I had to work quite a bit at home after the girls went to sleep. There were times this week that I just wanted to hang it up but, because my girls are so sweet and Neal has helped out doing things around the house...yes, he even unloaded and loaded the dishwasher (thanks babe!), it made things go abit more smooth. Thanks for listening and try to enjoy the weekend! I have jury duty on monday....we'll see how that day goes.

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!!!

2008-09-07T19:57:00.002-05:00

There's really not much more to say other than that....we love you all our grandparents!!!

Love,
Neal, Jodi, Sydney & Samantha

hangin' with the neighbors

2008-09-06T22:06:00.006-05:00

It's been a busy Saturday - again! After our roll up pancakes all the girls (including Aunt Jill) went to do a little shopping! Then nap time for the girls means power clean up around the house for Mommy. The off to a birthday party for our friend Sloan...loved the magic show! (Shout out to Sloan...Happy 5th Birthday)! Then home quick to swim with our neighbors and have a bbq. The weather was so nice tonight that the kids got to go swimming before and after dinner! They had so much fun swimming in the dark (we had the lights on though - no danger swimming). So, enjoy a few pictures of one of the last swims of the summer I'm sure. We are actually hoping we can swim all through September - we'll see! We all had a really good time though! Thanks Gina and Mathew for letting the kids stay up abit late!

Gibbs Adventures lead to Sea World.....

2008-09-01T21:22:00.010-05:00

Wow - not exactly where to begin to recap this past weekend. We left on Friday for San Antonio, TX - the plan was for 2 days at Sea World with the girls & Aunt Jill. Mission accomplished! We had such a great time! Upon arriving at our hotel we dumped off our stuff and headed back out for some bbq for dinner. It had been a pretty long drive - the girls were great but we were all beat and went straight to bed once we got back to the hotel. Believe it or not - we all slept in till nearly 8:30 a.m. the next morning! Amazing! So, after a great breakfast we were off to a day filled excursion at Sea World. I mapped out our day by the show times and who to see first. Happy to say we got to see all the animal shows that we intended on, saw the dophin cove, the aquarium to see the sharks (Sam's personal favorite) and the girls even got on a few of the rides at Shamu harbor. Back to the hotel for dinner and some somores by the fire pit! While eating (shrimp from the shrimp boil - we got the last order and we are sure it was enough to feed about 6 people) a guy came up to ask us where we got the shrimp - I recognized him from one of the shows at Sea World....so, we offered to have him and his friend (also works at Sea World)have some and we got talking. Chuck (our new friend) is one of the head animal trainers and was so interesting to talk to. They left after about an hour...we headed out to the fire pit only to see Chuck return to hang out with his "new" friends. The girls LOVED making and eating the somores! Chuck invited us to come back to the "viva" show at 3:00 and then he'd take us behind the "scenes" to see the beluga whales and dolphins after the show. It was so amazing! We all (even the girls) got to touch and feed the belgua whales. on Sunday morning we also arrived at the park right as it opened....yes 9:00 and went straight to dophin cove to feed them....we all got to touch the dophins too! We rode some of the rides and then went to the water park area at Sea World for a few hours - so fun! Sydney, Neal and Jill got to do afew more rides since they were taller than Sam....that was abit difficult for Samantha to understand - all in due time sweetie! So, after all was said and done when you ask the girls what their favorite part of the vacation was they both say Shamu and touching Martha - the Beluga whale (Big thanks to Chuck for doing so much for us)!
Now back at home - house clean (AMEN!!), laundry nearly all done, dishwasher loaded we are all ready for a good night sleep for a very busy week ahead! It's good to be home even though we all love being on vacation.

This was a great learning in getting us prepared for our big vacation next spring to Disney World...we found out that the girls can function (quite well may we add) with only a short 20 min. nap in the stroller! yeah!

Sorry for so many pictures - couldn't pick just a few! Enjoy!

Signs of a hard working man

2008-08-26T20:55:00.004-05:00

Most of you know that Neal is an accountant and I'm sure you know the only thing that really gets "dirty" during his day at work are the cuffs of his shirt sleeves. But, you also know that Neal isn't one to just sit around - he's typically always trying to fix something, mowing the lawn, working on the fence etc.
Our truck died on Friday night after he got off work -no luck starting it with jumper cables. Big thanks to Norm who went to pick him up - with a drive by the Batman movie on the way home! :)
After researching what may be wrong he replaced the starter, popped the cluch he was off and on his way home tonight. These pictures are the result of about 4 hours of being under the truck trying to fix it!!!
Thanks to Papa Larry who is now on his way with Neal back downtown now to pick up the Bravada so we can have everything home tonight and not sitting downtown. Whew....he's a mess. I will say he did take a shower before getting into the suburban to drive! He looked much more normal! Gotta love a "Hard Working Man"

First day back to school

2008-08-25T22:19:00.005-05:00

The girls first day back to school - you'll see that Sydney wasn't all that excited about getting her picture taken. She had a great day though!

After bath time tonight the girls had a little computer fun time....please take special note of the catalog that Samantha is checking out...a little Christmas preview edition of the JCPenney catalog - yes, filled with toys! She was pretty excited!

Gibbs Girls go bowling...

2008-08-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

We had quite the busy saturday - ofcourse starting otu with our family roll up pancakes! We had 2 birthday parties in the afternoon that were so much fun! The day ended with the girls getting to go bowling - they loved it! We are definately going to take them back and next time bring some friends of their own age along.

Today was their first day back in the regular school year - Samantha started in a new class and did awesome! She received a very nice card from her previous teacher....I must say it was a very proud parent moment as I was reading the card. Her teacher (Ms Jessica) said the following..."Thankyou for all the support you did for my students in every single occasion we had. It was my pleasure to be with your child. Thanks for your trust. Samantha is the sweetest girl I've ever met. She impressed me with her personality, respect to each child wither poise, class and funny beautiful face and manners. I loved every single day with her and I wish her a bright future and also her sister. I respect every single person in your family. You spent alot of effort to raise your daugher and this is the result, wonderful children - it doesn't come from nothing - came from wonderful parents. I wish you the best and your children love to you all. Samantha I love you soooo much and when you told me "i will mis you" on friday it was worth millions to me...Love you, Ms. Jessica"

It was quite the proud parent moment that at the age of 2 she has impressed someone so much that they would write a card like this to her. I just pray that God continue to bless her life and that she grows in his will.

Thanks for letting me "brag" on my kids tonight - I just love them so much! Have a great day!

It's a crazy day

2008-08-23T14:03:00.003-05:00

Today started out like any of our other saturday mornings...girls wake us up before 7:00, I try to get them to go play quiet which usually lasts for about 15 more min. I then get up and get things together to start our breakfast - yes, roll up pancakes and bacon. This morning however Aunt Jill was running late so didn't get to eat with us - she did make it - just had to heat it up in the microwave. I'm sure my family who's had these pancakes are surprised there was even any left coming late to a roll up pancake b-fast! :)
Neal's truck decided to die yesterday but, he didn't know it wasn't working ofcourse till he went to leave that evening. He was in training most of the day and was leaving late - most everyone had already left since it was Friday. Luckily his friend Norm wanted to to go a movie and went to pick him up. We've been looking at new vehicles for a long time and this was just the real kick in the pants to get things moving abit faster I guess. So, today has spent all day at the car dealership negotiating prices etc. We'd wanted to get something through my uncle but, things just didn't work out - sorry Uncle Randy! We'll have to see what he comes home with...we've been talking about getting something with a 3rd row seat to have more room when family comes to town. Too bad gas won't be dropping much further I'm sure....
So, while Neal was off car shopping I took the girls to run some erronds.....Sydney was doing great but little Samantha was another story...she wouldn't stop crying in Target that I had to just leave. I can't handle screaming kids in stores. So, off we went to the car ofcourse not being able to finish getting what I really needed. ugh! They are taking a nap now - hoping that my sweet little girls are the one's that wake up! :)
Off to two birthday parties this afternoon - it will be a busy evening.

Let's try it again...

2008-08-20T23:08:00.000-05:00

Let's see if all the pictures show up - this is supposed to be a slide show - not sure that I did it correctly!

GRHS Class of 1988 20 yr. reunion - part 2

2008-08-20T23:05:00.000-05:00

Let's Go INDIANS!!!!
Here's a bunch of pictures from the class reunion weekend....this is something new so we will see how it works! Enjoy!

Long time no "see"....

2008-08-20T22:33:00.006-05:00

Sorry it has been nearly a week since my last entry! Whew...I blame it on the olympics! We have really enjoyed being able to watch together with the girls. Sydney asks to watch "gold swimming" every night now. Thanks to Michael Phelps! It's been fun starting to teach her about the countries around the world!

We had a busy weekend going to 2 baseball games! Friday we went to the Frisco Rough Riders - the girls really loved the fireworks at the end! They were really good. Samantha cried as we left walking to the car....the whole way asking for more fireworks in her cute little southern "drawl"! Then on Saturday we went to the Texas Rangers! We had fun spending time together this weekend.
Yes, for those of you who don't know it was my birthday this past Saturday....another year older! Wow...it's really hard for me to believe that I'm now offically closer to 40 than to 35 - no it's not 40 yet! But, watch out when the Big 4-0 does hit....I think God gave me Neal and the girls later in life to help keep me young. I so enjoy all my time that I have with the girls! I am really looking forward to all the memories we have to make together that are yet to come. Thanks to everyone who has been there for me these past few years as I have adjusted to many new changes in my life (loosing Mom, moving to Dallas, starting a new job at JCP, buying and selling a house, making new friends and cherishing the one's I already had, meeting Neal and getting married, have two of the most beautiful girls in the world, and all the other events that just happen day to day). So, to all of you who have touched my life I say "Thank you and I love you to the moon and back"!

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood....

2008-08-13T20:40:00.006-05:00

Good Morning girls! One of the girls most favorite things to do in the morning is to be able to "sleep" abit longer in mommy & daddy's bed before going to school. The enjoy watching whatever is on Nickelodien (sp?. This morning was Max & Ruby....they hang out drink their milk and wait for me to come bother them to get dressed and do their hair. It was a good morning today though....everyone was in good moods. We've been trying to get the girls to go to sleep earlier - that's kinda hard when it's still light out at nearly 8:30 pm. I can remember being a little kid living in Grand Rapids and in the summer time up there I swear the sun never went down. My sister and I shared a room in our tiny house which had no a/c (up there we didn't really need it much). The picture of the house is where we moved when my family first moved up to Grand Rapids, MN in the summer of 1976. My parents would put a small box fan in our window backwards as if to "pull" the hot air out of our room - I still remember it being blue and really quite noisy because it had a metal frame. It was so hard to fall asleep because we were first of all mad about having to go to bed when it was still daylight to us and to top it off we could hear other kids still playing outside! ugh! That was no fun. One thing that was fun though was when we got abit older - Mom & Dad let Jill and I litterally move out to the camper in the summer time. We would get to sleep outside nearly every night all summer long! It was much cooler out there and way more fun too! I swear we had every stuffed animal out there that we owned too. Now that was a good time! My dad would occasionally come outside and try to scare us though by scratching at the camper and making noises - the first couple times it worked till we caught him! We had some fun times! I hope our girls think that they had some fun times as a kid too when they are grown. I hope they remember playing dress up, having tea parties, going to the zoo and playing in the pool. Hope you enjoy their little movie tonight - they were taking Maggie for a walk - mind you accessories were put on all by themselves tonight...so cute! Hope you have fun making family memories that will last a life time and shared for years to come!

GRHS Class of 1988 20 yr. class reunion

2008-08-11T22:34:00.009-05:00

Where do I begin...as my girlfriends in TX would now say..."Hit me with your best shot!"
Neal and I headed up north to Grand Rapids, MN very early on Thursday morning of last week for my 20 year (yes, I said 20 years) class reunion. We stayed with my best friend since the 6th grade (Mrs. Quitney's class) and her husband Paul. They have built an incredible home and really made Neal and I feel right at home. We now call their home "The Frick Resort" and we'll be back there as soon as we can I'm sure. The weather was beautiful with a high of 74 or 75 and the low was somewhere in the low 50's. Much different than our more than 100 degree temps here in Dallas! I will admit - I was cold the majority of my time visiting! While I enjoyed just standing outside in the sun Sherry and Paul said at one point they had to go inside....it was just too hot! It was a scorcher as Neal put it more than once - with a temp of 74! hahaha It's all in what you get used to!
Thursday evening was met with a typical GR bon fire! What a great time to relax and see some friends that still live in GR. It was perfect for Neal to get to know a few people before the events began! Ofcourse the festivities went way into the morning hours with Neal and I ducking out around 1:30 am....I think the last of the crew left around 4:00am! whew....Friday was filled with chillin out with the Frick's, running to town abit and then off to the golf course to start the weekend off. What a great time of seeing friends that you've lost touch with and have a chance to catch up! Another late night which led to us being able to sleep in actually! yeah! Saturday was very busy - lunch at 11:00 at the Ground Round to meet up with some of my family friends and neighbors which was great! Then off to Katie's little girl Ann's 2nd b-day party....back to the Frick Resort just in time to shower and get ready for our dinner & dance! What can I say other than what a terrific time was had by all! The dinner was great, conversation was so funny, pictures were a blast and what more can I say about the dancing!!!!!! The 80's rock! There was a time that many of us felt like we were back in our high school gym just having a great time I'm sure! The class picture was followed by a loud yell of "Go INDIANS"!!!! The night came to a tearful end of having to say good bye much to soon! We weren't ready for it to end as there just wasn't enough time to talk to everyone...so, same time same place next year my friends?????
Love and miss you all! Thanks for making Neal feel so welcome so quick!

Heading up north.

2008-08-06T21:13:00.002-05:00

Well, we had dinner tonight with Aunt Jill. The girls were great when we told them that they were going to hang out with Aunt Jill for a few days! They gave us our kisses and hugs and said bye like it was really no big deal. I about cried just there.

Neal and I are trying to get the strategic packing done so we don't have to pay to check a suitcase.....then off to bed. We have to wake up around 3:00 since we have to be at the airport no later than 5:00 am to catch our flight departing at 6:00 am! ugh! Gotta love the many flight options going up north! I am really looking forward to seeing all my friends from high school though! I'm sure there'll be pictures to come!

Trying to beat the heat....

2008-08-04T22:00:00.002-05:00

Well, another scorcher today in Texas.....not sure what the acutal temp. was but, with yesterday hitting 107 I'm sure today wasn't far behind! Thankfully no black outs where I was today. It was however a great day at my house today....cleaning day! I love to come home after our cleaning people have been at our house! Although they don't typically get done till nearly 8:00 P.M. so - I try to keep the kids out of the house so they don't destroy things that they just completed cleaning! A new place opened up at a mall near by called "Jakes" - Neal described it as "chucky cheese on steroids"! So, we thought we'd try it out with the girls. They loved it - for all they knew it was just like Six Flags or Disney(without Cinderella ofcourse). There was a few rides for them and games to play. I had a $10 off coupon so, that helped bring the price down to pretty reasonable for the 4 of us. They were laughing and running around so much that we were laughing with them. We all had a great time! Then we came home to a wonderfully clean great smelling house! Gotta love mondays!

Happy 25th again!

2008-08-03T22:38:00.004-05:00

It was a great weekend to hang out with friends and celebrate Neal's Birthday. We got to bbq, hang out in the pool, play some guitar Hero, sing some kareokee and have lots of laughs with our friends!
"The Girls" were all together (both young and old alike...okay I know I'm the oldest but, just go with me on that one)!
The singing just got funnier as the night went on and it was a pretty late one for us old folks....just too much fun and the little one's didn't want to give in early either!

Today was typical sunday and we just loved it.....after church we came home and had some lunch with Aunt Jill, the girls took a nap and we hit the pool! With it being the hottest day of the year so far at 107 if you were outside you'd better be in a pool somewhere!

Now back to our crazy work weeks - although this week will be a short one as Neal and I leave for Grand Rapids MN very early Thursday morning for my class reunion....it's going to be so fun! (Thanks girls for getting me ready...hit me with your best shot....come on!) :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!

2008-07-31T21:39:00.003-05:00

It's been a great evening with the girls. They have been looking forward to Daddy's birthday for 2 days now. I took them shopping so they could pick out a gift for Daddy all by themselves (we just went to Target but, they didn't care). They had a great time going up and down the isles trying to find the perfect thing. Sydney had finally decided on getting him 2 toy horses! She just knew that Daddy would think these were perfect. Samantha got hime 2 small Zebras because they reminded her of the Safari that we went to not long ago.

We went to Blue Fish for dinner and the girls really enjoyed watching the chef cook the food right in front of us...especially when he was tossing the egg in the air and flipping the shrimp tails into his hat! :)

We had just made plans to wrap up dinner and go for ice cream somewhere and they were stalling abit bringing us our check....only to suprise us with fried ice cream for a special birthday desert. Sydney had fun eating her ice cream with her chop sticks!

We love you Neal and thanks for being the best Dad, husband and best friend! hugs and kisses!

A mommy daughter night

2008-07-30T22:04:00.003-05:00

It's nice being able to just be with one kid at a time....it doesn't happen very often but, when it does life seems so much easier. Tonight was one of those nights. Neal had Samantha while Sydney and I went to get our hair cut (mine colored). We actually both just got a little trim to clean things up a bit. I have decided that we are going to grow out our hair to be able to donate atleast 10" to "Locks of Love". I've been thinking about it for quite a while now and really think this is something great that we have a way to help a little girls potentially terrible situation be a little bit better by her getting a wig of real hair. I'm inspired by many to do this but, mainly in memory of my Mom (for those of you who may not know we lost her to breast cancer nearly 8 1/2 years ago now). Also to honor some very very special people in my life who have beat breast cancer and are living healthy: Kelly, Aunt Karen, Derreta and Susie. The medical world has gained so much knowledge today and is helping with early detection to beat cancer. I truely believe that one day they will find a total cure and way to beat this horrible thing! As difficult as it was loosing my Mom and going through that year that she was fighting it has enabled me to help support those I know who've had it and won the fight in a much stronger way. I am so proud of them and their families for all that they endured with such positive attitudes and a winning spirit - they are truely my inspiration! So, I have about 4 more months to grow out my hair...they day we get to cut it off we'll be sure to dedicate the blog to you! :)

Well, that got abit deep for so late at night...Sydney and I did have a great time tonight together and I really cherish all the great times that we have together and the many more "nights at the salon" we have in our future....gotta love it!

Is it a full moon....

2008-07-29T21:35:00.004-05:00

I think it must be a full moon tonight (I've not even looked outside to know if this is true or not) but, the girls have been all messed up tonight. I too would love to be able to always paint this picture of two perfect adorable little girls that are just always so loving towards their parents and each other....but let's get back to reality! From the moment we drove in the driveway they were whiny and wouldn't stop pestering each other. Nothing drives me crazy faster than when they whine for no reason at all - and they know it! So, when they weren't whining they were running around crazy like till one of them either fell or ran into the corner of a table or something which then lead into utter pain and major tears! I think that all I've said tonight is slow down, stop whining, watch out, don't pull your sister, stop hitting maggie (yes, even maggie got into the action tonight).
So, needless to say I got both of the girls to bed early tonight which asleep by 9:30 is a major accomplishment! So, I'm going to take advantage of them already sleeping by going to bed early tonight myself....work is really busy right now and keeps me running all day! So, if any of you have any suggestions as to how to get kids to stop whining I'm all ears!

I thought I'd share a picture of Dad & Janet's beautiful flowers that they've had this summer - something to help calm things down from this totally crazy day....helps us all remember to take a minute and stop to smell the roses....

Just a quick swim......

2008-07-28T21:47:00.007-05:00

The girls decided almost too late tonight that they wanted to go for a swim with Daddy! So, it was a quick one. When it's a school night we need to get in some swim time/play time, dinner and a bath time goes pretty fast when that all has to be (or really should be) done by 9:00! Sydney is our night owl though...she often stays up till 10:00 and then they have to be up no later than 6:15. Which means mommy has to be up before 5:15 to be done and ready for them on time. We are typically out of the house by 6:45 - 6:50 inorder for me to get to work on time.
Sydney has started to become quite the little story teller. It's funny the things she will put together in her story and if you pay attention you can learn alot. She talks about different things from her day and acts them out - could be very helpful as she gets older - note to self!! She starts talking about our neighbors cat Merci who likes to hide under Mimi & Papa's bed when the girls come over to see her....wonder why! :)
Enjoy the swimming clips - oh the large thing floating in the pool...actually the piece of the slide - Neal was trying to see if he could fill it with water to be an "island" in our pool - not sure that it's going to work. We'll see. Samantha has a special message to her grandparents....enjoy!

There's nothing like the summer time....

2008-07-27T21:11:00.003-05:00

You just gotta love a lazy Sunday in the summer!!! After church this morning the girls and Neal came striaght home and went to take a nap! Since we ate a kolachi (sp?) on our way to church no one was really hungry yet. Aunt Jill and I went to Cost Co for our weekly trip for fruit - they have the best selection! Then it was off to the backyard pool to try and stay cool - it was over 100 today...not exactly sure how much over it was but, the pool sure felt great. After swiming with the girls, dinner and bath time we took the girls to our favorite ice cream spot....Braums! Wish Grandma and Grandpa could have been with us too! It was a great surprise for the girls - we even took them in their pj's so we could just go home relax. I got Sydney a new puzzle (she's mastered the one's we already have) so this one is of the United States....well didn't take her long to figure this one out too...but, she likes it. We are learning where we live, where all our grandparents live and ofcourse she asked me to show her where Cinderella lives too! So sweet. Now it's time to get ready for another crazy week ahead.....hoping to go to bed early!

TYPO....

2008-07-27T13:22:00.001-05:00

okay - it was 1:00 am when I typed my last entry.....we went and listened to Bryan Adams....ops! :)

High School Dream comes true......finally!!!!

2008-07-27T00:40:00.006-05:00

Our Saturday started out like most of our saturdays....roll-up pancakes with aunt Jill coming over to hang out for a while. The girls play with all their toys that they don't really get to during the week because we are always running around so much, we hang out in the pool, do laundry, clean the house just like the rest of you I'm sure! Well, tonight was something really fun for me....especially since it's something I wanted to do more than yes.....more than 20 years ago! I got to so see Brian Adams live in concert tonight! It was such a great time! We initally just had lawn seats and then got to move up to "actual" seats with a perfect view! He sounds exactly the same! I felt as if time had stood still and I was back in Grand Rapids hanging out in the Hardee's parking lot with all my girlfriends in the middle of the summer!!! So, tonight happend just in time to get me ready to head back home for my yes again....20 year class reunion! I really am looking forward to going home and seeing my friends again! Hope you enjoy the short video clip from the concert....I had to reduce it pretty small so you probably won't get to see it clear but.....you can hear him! Thanks Neal for taking me and thanks to Mathew and Gina for watching the girls!!!! (We owe you a night of kid sitting!).

The out-takes of the Gibbs Girls singing....part 2

2008-07-25T22:59:00.004-05:00

Well, many of you emailed me with comments about the girls singing "Amazing Grace" that I felt it only fair to add the additional "out-takes" that also happened that same night! I promise you that these are not edited or altered in any way - nor were they rehearsed by the girls. I don't know about you but, these had me in tears!

We are all looking forward to a fun weekend of just hanging out in our pool and relaxing - Mommy is hoping to get to sleep in for even just a short while! We'll see what happens....I kept the girls up really late in hopes that they will sleep in tomorrow morning.

Finally - Amazing Grace!!!

2008-07-24T05:49:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the technical difficulty - I wasn't able to upload the video but, here it is! To view just click on the "arrow" button under the image and it should play....watch your sound if you are at work viewing this! :)
The girls have been having lots of fun the past few days at school...Sydney got to take a field trip to a children's theater and today they are going to play dress up and have a runway fashion show.....I just love her teacher for being so creative! Samantha gets to do so many different crafts that she just loves.

2008-07-22T21:44:00.002-05:00

Some of the girls most favorite things are to play dress up, hang out in their "house", have tea parties and sing! Well, we did all of that tonight! Many times at night while they fall asleep I'll sing to them. One of my favorite songs to put them to sleep to is Amazing Grace. Mainly because I can remember my Mom and Grandma Johnson singing that song all the time. Well, since the girls have such a love of music they have learned it and sing it all the time! I've taught them 3 verses. So, I caught one verse tonight...it's pretty cute! This was really my highlight for the evening - knowing that they are going to grow up knowing and learning the Grace of God! I can only pray that God continue to give me the grace (and patients) that I need in raising His two little girls! Hope you enjoy this as much as I do each time I hear them sing! I'm sure there will be a duet at RCN one day soon! :)

The 8th Wonder of "Plano TX"

2008-07-20T22:28:00.005-05:00

We were witness to the 8th Wonder of Plano TX today in our very back yard! Yes friends and family....we can offically get 2 vehicles into our garage! If you don't live in TX then it may not seem like a very big deal. In fact you might be thinking right now well, that is just crazy! In Texas we don't have basements to store all that "stuff" that gets collected over the years....especially when you have kids! Neal has been working away at the garage over the past few weeks and today he finally achieved superior status of the garage! He was so proud he went to get our neighbors to check it out....which turned out being another backyard hangout time....was so fun. All the kids that had just gotten their bath were running around some with out shoes and ofcourse getting dirty all over again - but hey...that's what summer is about right! :) Somehow the umbrellas came out and then they all had them.....it was pretty fun!
The kids got to swim today which is always a good time! Well, tomorrow is the start of another long week....fun fun....

Saturday.....no work, no school....play day!

2008-07-19T21:25:00.006-05:00

If you ask the girls what Saturday means they will start jumping around screaming "no school, no work...play day" over and over again. Well, today didn't exactly work out that way for me. I had to go into the office for a few hours this morning. After family breakfast that is! I atleast got done what I had set out to complete so, I felt good about that. It will definately make Monday seem abit less stressful. After working I hit the Allen outlet mall to check out a sale scoop that my friend Annette told me about...thanks! Children's Place has an additional 50% off their clearance prices right now! It was a great time to get a few basic shorts & tanks for the girls for next summer - the tanks cost about $2.00! Cheaper than a gallon of gas - how about that! Anything cheaper than a gallon of gas is a deal these days! :) The girls still got lots of play time packed into their day! They got to play with our neighbors Ashley & Austin in their yard...they have a great jungle gym that they love to play on! It has a pretty cool fort. Mimi Dottie and Papa Larry went to their farm for the evening so we get to feed their animals for them - the girls love it! They have 2 dogs, 2 birds, 1 cat and a fish! a mini zoo as they will call it! The girls love Mercy their cat the best. The past few times that we've gone over to see her she's been hiding so well the girls weren't able to even see her. Well, not the case tonight! Not only did they see her they got to hold her, pet her and play with her. I took a video of them playing with Mercy but, the file was too big to download...I'll get this figured out one of these days! Now I've got nearly everyone in bed and I'm not far behind.....didn't get to do my laundry today so that isn't going to make tomorrow evening much fun....but I did manage to squeeze in a pedicure this afternoon that was well worth it!