Tuesday, February 14, 2012
New Addition
Wow...I haven't been on here forever!! Much has changed in our family since the last entery...Benson Titus Gibbens was born on November 16th. He is so amazing and I feel so blessed to have him a part of our family. He is such a swet spirit. Everytime I look at him I am reminded of the quote "It is not a slight thing, when those who are so fresh from God, love us" So happy right now with life.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Number 5
So after telling the kids we will be having another baby they have been making me a little nuts with the whole baby thing. Avery won't stop talking about the baby, kissing my stomach and picking names she thinks would be good...the latest being Angel Mae (interesting considering her name is Avery Mae). Jacob has informed me that "it just better be a sister, we have way to may boys in this family". Dexten asks me every other day "Is the baby going to come out yet!?" Samuel-"I think we should have a boy and a girl baby", (yeah did that once...once was enough). While it is very sweet, it also makes me a little crazy! I need some breathing room since I always carry my babies high so that even at 4 months I already find eating a full meal uncomfortable. We will find out what we are having in June right before I leave to Colorado for school for the last summer!! I am excited to know what we are having...we would be very excited to have a girl, yet another boy will be just as exciting...although not as much fun to dress!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Pleasant Surprises
Working at the school that my 3 older children attend is a blessing and a curse. So today I was on the hunt for a missing library book...librarian informed me my daughter was missing a book...grrr. I walked down to my Avery's room...no book...walked across the hall to her twins classroom...no book either...but it happened to be 3rd grade reading buddies in Samuel's classroom...and who is his reading buddy but big brother Jacob. When the teacher told me this I thought oh no...she mixed oil and water! Much to my pleasant surprise she said they were wonderful together...and have been ever since their classes started working together.
I walked over and sure enough Jacob is patiently playing a letter sound game...what...these are my two boys...playing...nice...together...! The teacher seemed shocked that they don't do this well together all the time...in fact she told me they even requested to be together! (Now I am basically on the floor, dying of shock.) Don't get me wrong, my boys are great but out of my 4 kids those two do not tend to play well together...bossy know-it-all older brother...really annoying younger brother. I guess we must be doing something right...they may beat the crap out of eachother at home but are angels at school...well sort of
I walked over and sure enough Jacob is patiently playing a letter sound game...what...these are my two boys...playing...nice...together...! The teacher seemed shocked that they don't do this well together all the time...in fact she told me they even requested to be together! (Now I am basically on the floor, dying of shock.) Don't get me wrong, my boys are great but out of my 4 kids those two do not tend to play well together...bossy know-it-all older brother...really annoying younger brother. I guess we must be doing something right...they may beat the crap out of eachother at home but are angels at school...well sort of
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Disneyland!!
Whew, what a great vacation! We had an amazing time at Disneyland and California Adventure. I give a huge thanks to the company we booked through (recommended by a friend)...Get Away Today. Highly recommend them for anyone but especially for those of us with larger families! 3 day park hopper x 6 people, 5 days/4 night in the hotel for less than $1,500! Do the research...it saved us tons!
On the way down we stopped in Las Vegas to let the kids get out and stretch a bit...big mistake. I thought since it was during the day things would be more family friendly...and in some ways it was however when my daughter asked me why there were naked cards of girls on the ground (causing all my boys to look at the ground) we cut it short and got back on the road. Gag clean up your streets please!
But finally we arrived!! We got there on Sunday and got jacked up for Disney on Monday. It was busy but much less than I had anticipated. We have a brother and sister in law who live close to Disneyland and found out that luckily our Spring Break was different from there's so the crowds were a bit smaller.
Westen and I kept saying over and over what a perfect age our kids were (8, 5, 5, 4) to do this kind of vacation. We kept seeing the babies and toddlers and were so happy it wasn't us...especially on the 16 hour car trip. We literally rode everything that was open in both parks in 3 days...one bummer was that Splash Mountain was closed :( Of course this was one of those rare times that we pulled the Deaf card. If you have a "disability" you can get a special pass that jumps you to the front of the line and you typically have a 0-10 min wait as opposed to some of the waits that were up to 90 minutes. Now for all of you thinking that we are cheaters don't pretend you wouldn't rather hop to the front than stand in 85 degree weather for 30-45 minutes with 4 children asking how much longer...don't lie. By the 3rd day we were pooped! Grownup legs were exhausted so I have no clue how the kids did so much walking for 3 days!
Speaking of kids...they were great! There were some of the typical whines of 4 children but overall they were great troopers and we all got there and back in one piece. Avery got to meet a ton of princess' so she was super happy...the little boys almost had to be leashed they were so hyped up...and Jacob had to be forced to take pictures with the characters because he was "too old for them", I told him too bad I want picture so hush up and smile.
On our way out of town we stopped at Huntington Beach so the kids could play in/see the ocean...we do live in Idaho, these chances are a bit rare! The kids were in awe of it...Dexten said "wow mama that's a huge lake!" The water was cold but the sun was hot...about 90 degrees and our white, winter, Idaho bodies did get a bit red even with sunblock. Well worth it!
I am so thankful to have such wonderful memories that we have been able to make as a family! The look of wonder and excitment on the faces of my children when we first walked in made my eyes well up and I told myself to get a grip...then I told myself nope it's okay to get emotional because this moment will never come again, so take it all in, feel all the emotions because sometimes it's okay to 'just be'.
On the way down we stopped in Las Vegas to let the kids get out and stretch a bit...big mistake. I thought since it was during the day things would be more family friendly...and in some ways it was however when my daughter asked me why there were naked cards of girls on the ground (causing all my boys to look at the ground) we cut it short and got back on the road. Gag clean up your streets please!
But finally we arrived!! We got there on Sunday and got jacked up for Disney on Monday. It was busy but much less than I had anticipated. We have a brother and sister in law who live close to Disneyland and found out that luckily our Spring Break was different from there's so the crowds were a bit smaller.
Westen and I kept saying over and over what a perfect age our kids were (8, 5, 5, 4) to do this kind of vacation. We kept seeing the babies and toddlers and were so happy it wasn't us...especially on the 16 hour car trip. We literally rode everything that was open in both parks in 3 days...one bummer was that Splash Mountain was closed :( Of course this was one of those rare times that we pulled the Deaf card. If you have a "disability" you can get a special pass that jumps you to the front of the line and you typically have a 0-10 min wait as opposed to some of the waits that were up to 90 minutes. Now for all of you thinking that we are cheaters don't pretend you wouldn't rather hop to the front than stand in 85 degree weather for 30-45 minutes with 4 children asking how much longer...don't lie. By the 3rd day we were pooped! Grownup legs were exhausted so I have no clue how the kids did so much walking for 3 days!
Speaking of kids...they were great! There were some of the typical whines of 4 children but overall they were great troopers and we all got there and back in one piece. Avery got to meet a ton of princess' so she was super happy...the little boys almost had to be leashed they were so hyped up...and Jacob had to be forced to take pictures with the characters because he was "too old for them", I told him too bad I want picture so hush up and smile.
On our way out of town we stopped at Huntington Beach so the kids could play in/see the ocean...we do live in Idaho, these chances are a bit rare! The kids were in awe of it...Dexten said "wow mama that's a huge lake!" The water was cold but the sun was hot...about 90 degrees and our white, winter, Idaho bodies did get a bit red even with sunblock. Well worth it!
I am so thankful to have such wonderful memories that we have been able to make as a family! The look of wonder and excitment on the faces of my children when we first walked in made my eyes well up and I told myself to get a grip...then I told myself nope it's okay to get emotional because this moment will never come again, so take it all in, feel all the emotions because sometimes it's okay to 'just be'.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Disneyland
We decided that this year would be the perfect time to take the kids to Disneyland. They are at a good age to be able to enjoy and remember a lot of the things that they do. I am excited to take them! I can't wait to see the excitment on their faces when they get there. We told them last September that they would have to help save their money to go and they have been amazing about it! We have a large money jar that all of the spare change goes into to "help mom and dad" pay for our family vacation. Westen told the kids if they family wants to go to Disneyland, the family needs to help pay for it. It's been a good lesson on team work and saving money for a long term goal! 2 months and counting!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
New Puppy
Santa has finally decided that this was the year for the puppy! We are all very excited about her. She is a white Boxer, 9 weeks old, full of energy and deaf! We know that Santa found her the perfect home with us...what better family for a deaf dog. I told Westen since he can't seem to give me a deaf baby, Santa decided to give me a deaf puppy instead! The kids wanted her name to be Marley, we went back and forth and finally decided that it seemed to fit her because she is a bit ornery. She is very smart...after just a few days she seems to understand the signs for bed and bathroom. She doesn't startle easily like we had thought she so thats a good sign. She is very aware of where we are in the house and doesn't like to be alone which doesn't surprise me. When we are out of her sight she doesn't know where we have gone...on the other side of the door or half way to China. She is doing well with potty training and has just had a few accidents (the downfall of getting a puppy in the winter)...but we are luck that she sleeps through the night, something my human children never did. I may be a bit grumpier if I had to wake up every few hours with her! Over all I think it was the perfect timing for us to get a dog, she is a happy and long awaited addition to our family!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
First Timer
So I am new to the whole blog thing but decided it would be kind of fun to talk about some of the highlights that happen during the year with the Gibbens Family. As with most families, life is never dull and everyday bring with it joys and challenges. For this first post I will tell you a bit about each one of the kiddos.
Jacob is 8 and in 3rd grade. It has been a great year so far with a great teacher. He does great in school, if only he would get his homework in on time he would be set! As the oldest Jacob is dependable and typically helpful. He is a bit on the sensitive side at times but tries to put on a tough bravado! He recently got a puppy for Christmas and is very excited about it!
Avery is the only girl and loves her role! She is 5 and the girl half of the twins.She is in kindergarten and loves it, although who knew there could be so much drama amongst girls at that age! She is my helper and fashionista! She loves all things girl: make up, hair, clothes! She is a great sister and loves helping her mom clean. She is known for deep cleaning her room without being asked because "it makes mom happy ". She does inform me almost daily that she needs a baby sister...we'll see.
Westen Samuel is 5 and the boy half of the twins. He is also in kindergarten and has had a bit more of a struggle adjusting to the new world of acadamia! He is all boy, wild, couch jumping, wrestling, yelling, dirty smelly, loud, gun fighting, energetic boy. He is my wild thing and sometimes I hug him because it's all I can do! He has a great imagination and always has the funniest things to say...the way his mind works always keeps me laughing.
Dexten is the "baby" at 4 and loves his role and he plays it so well. Although he is only 15 months younger than the twins, the whole family is guilty of spoiling him...especially daddy. Dexten loves his daddy and is always very put out when he isn't allowed to do everything with him. As the youngest of 3 boys you would think he would be a bit tougher but he is a bit of a mammas boy, which is just fine by me.
A short bit about Westen and myself then we will be done! Westen is a 3rd year electrican's apprentice which he loves. One more year is what he keeps telling himself and then he will be a Journeyman which will open up more possibilities for our future whether in Idaho or other...Arizona maybe since Westen is from there. with the economy being slow right now any jobs related to the housing market have been slow to say the least although God has been faithful and Westen has been able to stay employed through these dry times. In the mean time (and to fill the hours) he has taken up woodworking and has built some great furniture for our house this last year. I will post some pictures soon! As most of you know I work at the school district here as an interpreter which is a great (and very secure) job. I love all the people that I work with and the kids are great. To help out I have taken a second part time job working as an interpreter for a video relay service for the deaf...also a great job but very different than working with kids!
Jacob is 8 and in 3rd grade. It has been a great year so far with a great teacher. He does great in school, if only he would get his homework in on time he would be set! As the oldest Jacob is dependable and typically helpful. He is a bit on the sensitive side at times but tries to put on a tough bravado! He recently got a puppy for Christmas and is very excited about it!
Avery is the only girl and loves her role! She is 5 and the girl half of the twins.She is in kindergarten and loves it, although who knew there could be so much drama amongst girls at that age! She is my helper and fashionista! She loves all things girl: make up, hair, clothes! She is a great sister and loves helping her mom clean. She is known for deep cleaning her room without being asked because "it makes mom happy ". She does inform me almost daily that she needs a baby sister...we'll see.
Westen Samuel is 5 and the boy half of the twins. He is also in kindergarten and has had a bit more of a struggle adjusting to the new world of acadamia! He is all boy, wild, couch jumping, wrestling, yelling, dirty smelly, loud, gun fighting, energetic boy. He is my wild thing and sometimes I hug him because it's all I can do! He has a great imagination and always has the funniest things to say...the way his mind works always keeps me laughing.
Dexten is the "baby" at 4 and loves his role and he plays it so well. Although he is only 15 months younger than the twins, the whole family is guilty of spoiling him...especially daddy. Dexten loves his daddy and is always very put out when he isn't allowed to do everything with him. As the youngest of 3 boys you would think he would be a bit tougher but he is a bit of a mammas boy, which is just fine by me.
A short bit about Westen and myself then we will be done! Westen is a 3rd year electrican's apprentice which he loves. One more year is what he keeps telling himself and then he will be a Journeyman which will open up more possibilities for our future whether in Idaho or other...Arizona maybe since Westen is from there. with the economy being slow right now any jobs related to the housing market have been slow to say the least although God has been faithful and Westen has been able to stay employed through these dry times. In the mean time (and to fill the hours) he has taken up woodworking and has built some great furniture for our house this last year. I will post some pictures soon! As most of you know I work at the school district here as an interpreter which is a great (and very secure) job. I love all the people that I work with and the kids are great. To help out I have taken a second part time job working as an interpreter for a video relay service for the deaf...also a great job but very different than working with kids!
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