The Short Scoop!

Time

2011-07-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

It seems Father has proven to take my life in his hands once again. Just before the June 2011 Gibb family reunion I received an email (due to my phone not working) from a friend and Walmart co-worker, Eli Combs, from when I worked overnight shifts, asking if I would go on a date with him. Though slightly stunned at his request, because he'd recently been divorced and didn't think he'd taken much interest into me, I was rather interested as to what may come of it. So, in my dedication to finding a spiritually qualified spouse I sent this oh so forward response, "Two questions: Do you have a current temple recommend? Do you attend regularly? If your answer is yes to both of these, than so is mine." His was a yes, so now I'm stuck ;)

Our first date, June 23 2011, was full of adventure seeing as we were both trying all new things in one night. We ate at a place neither of us had been to before, we were going to a club in Salt Lake that we'd never been to, to hear his friend, Buzzy, play whom he's never heard before. It didn't help his nervousness finding out my kind of music was on the opposite spectrum of what we were going to be hearing that night, but I assured him I was up for the adventure. The food was good, the club was iffy, and all except Buzzy's band the music was pretty hard core and strange, but due to the nature of the people playing, entertaining at the same time. Thanks to Buzzy playing Eli's wing man the night wasn't so terribly awkward and we even managed to dance a little at the end. All in all, for being a first date and especially something he hadn't done in several years, it was a good first date that ended with a good hug.

Believe it or not, our second date came the next Monday (though we'd seen each other between then) when I invited him to mom's for homemade doughnuts. We had been getting to know each other via text (the worst way possible, I agree, but due to his working nights and my freaky day shift schedule, texting was the only thing that worked with what spare time was left in-between) asking random questions almost constantly with a few serious ones in-between. We really had become quite comfortable with each other in person, even though we had gotten to know one another that way. Anyway, he agreed to homemade doughnuts knowing full my siblings as well as 2 of dad's sisters would be there which would likely invite opportunity for interrogation. I, however, did not know grandma and grandpa would be there and so he got introduced to quite a bit of my family in one night. I quite enjoyed watching him figure the situation out, and well, be a bit nervous :D

He tried kissing me that night before he left for work, but I gave him my cheek instead. Understanding that I had left him a little confused, I pulled away and explained why I wouldn't let him kiss me. Simply, "I don't want this to become a lustful relationship." It was already moving very quickly and I wanted to make sure that we liked each other and created a relationship for who we were and not for the lustful desires that could be fulfilled.
Thursday, June 30 2011, he came swimming with me and 2 cousins from the Perrin side before I had to go to work, lol so he got a good piece of each family in one week. He also took me to a movie that night and enjoyed a midnight stroll through Walmart since he picked me up from work. He got to see my tired-hyper side. Fun stuff. Well, we kept texting after I got home and that night's texting brought on the last of our random questioning and instilled the front of hitting the wall of avoided questions. I suggested knock it down in person.
So Friday, July 1 2011, we meet at the American Fork Amphitheater and talk for a good 4-ish hours. And now... all things are out in the open. Oh, and guess what? Chelsea kisses Eli. Eli takes Chelsea out for lunch at Panda before she has to go to work (which was happening anyway before I kissed him. Just fyi :) ).

So, the 4th of July we become officially exclusive and my life has never been this stress free! Go figure right? He's 31, has a 17mo. old girl named Lily, and recently divorced after being married for 7 years. (Funny story, mom had to clear that elephant out of the room with dad before we showed up for doughnuts that Monday. His response resembled something like this, "Good. This could be good for Chelsea." So far, so true.) He has a great relationship with his Father in heaven, and continues to work on improving himself everyday. He loves who I am, how I am, and allows me to be myself completely and feel good about myself. There's also this balance in our characteristics that allows us to flow and move so well together. I mean, this relationship has progressed so quickly, but so smoothly and at the right pace for us. We've been dating for barely a month and yet it feels like several to us. It's wonderful how well things can work out when you put the Lord at the helm of your life. And we really do. Through His help, we have helped each other heal and grow and open ourselves to all things possible.

I'm sure more updates are soon to come :) This is truly the good stuff.

Truth Be Told

2011-06-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for my beautiful family. I love them dearly. I could talk up a storm but it is my own fault I haven't written for a year. I think I will resort to a bullet list of things we did and then add some pictures off to the side. If you click on the pictures, it will take you to our web album.

2010 in a List:

Charlie was baptized on his birthday, Mar. 27th, 2010
Charlie attended his first Cub Scout Pack Mtg. and later experienced defeat at the Rain Gutter Regatta.
The annual Easter Egg Hunt was held at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Homemade ice cream as usual!
The boys headed to Oregon to sell Pest Control so we had a big feast at the buffet before they banked it!
May 2010 - Grandma and Charlie played a game of twister at Tyler's Olympic Baseball game. Nothing like a Grandma to play with!
The first grandchild, Josh, tied the knot with Haley.
We started the summer out with a hike to the PG falls with Grandpa and Grandma. On the way back down, we watched as a hang-glider landed in the thick shrubs ahead of us, breaking a leg and creating quite an emergency rescue.
Grandma Green passed away and we drove to Oregon for the funeral. It was wonderful to get together with Dave and Shannon and see the old neighborhood as well as drive to the beach, a family favorite outing.
Annual Beach trip - Pacific City and Lincoln City, OR
Sydni and Ilah held a wild and crazy bridal shower for our youngest sis Audri!
Had a fun Camper to use this year and we headed up the AF Canyon with Sam (Williams) for some good'ol KFC
I had a hysterectomy and a little bit of a scare when I passed out due to loss of blood.
First day of school!
Sydni and Jason are back in Utah and Jay took'em for a ride on 4 wheelers to show them fun can be had in UTAH!
We headed up to Utah State to see the BYU battle it out! Utah State won by a crazy land slide.
I have always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore. This was the trip of the year. It turned out to be more than we ever expected. Who knew South Dakota had so much to offer?... believe it!
Our Short Family Annual Halloween Party had the biggest turnout ever!
Thanksgiving was always going to be at Lynelle's. It just took our family till the last minute to figure that out! Sometimes I have poor decision making skills. Thanks Lynelle for your hospitality.
Christmas was peaceful and full of love. I was really grateful for that. I have wanted to see Tilly and Cricket in their Nutcracker performance and got away to do that this year.

2011. The economy has been hard on our family. But, we are pulling together and work is seeing better days right now. School is out! I can't ever remember any of my children being more happy for summer than Charlie. He loves to play. All year I would hear form him how he never has time to play. And, it is true. School was a full time job for him. But I am proud of all his efforts. He is also a little virtuoso on the piano. He can move those fingers and it is really fun to listen to him. I am lucky that he has a heart of gold, and even though he may not want to practice, he does and he usually enjoys once he is there. I have had a great school year. The class was amazing and parents were supportive. I love teaching. I really do. Zachary has lived with us and Curtis moved in as well. Chelsea and Tami have been on their own since the end of last summer. Curtis has moved forward with jaw surgery so he is in braces correcting his teeth position and then will have the surgery in the fall, if it all goes to plan. Tami has taken up long boarding and gave us a little scare when she fell pretty hard causing a concussion and black eye with cuts and scrapes. She needs everyone who reads this to tell her to get a helmet! Chelsea and Zachary (and I think Tami and Curt) are working towards school again, more to come on that decision. Just a lot of this and that right now. All is well in Shortville as we head off to the family reunion next week.

Birthday Wishes: Chelsea turned 24. She is nearing her 1/4 of a century birthday. Really? Can't I just enjoy her being 24 without going and thinking about next year? Chelsea, I sure love you. I love your cute little smirk when you know you said something cute. You have had many struggles in your life. I have watched as your trails have molded you into the young lady you are today. I listen as you try and make sense of your world and what is in store for you. I can only be so grateful that you rely closely on your Heavenly Father. The power of prayer is your constant in your life. You are truly a caring and kind person who wants to do what is right. I know that your struggles have given you humility and perspective. Thank you for our quiet times together, and for being open and very honest with me. I respect you. I love you. I cherish our friendship and your desire to be the best you can. Happy Birthday to You.

What are some of our 2011 year highlights so far? You'll find the pictures in the slide show to the right.

Charlie enjoyed playing on his first Basket Ball team.
Zachary made sure the yearly circus trip tradition continued on with painted faces, cotton candy and the works!
Happy 9th Birthday Charlie!
Easter came with cold weather! In fact, cold weather stuck around all through May as well!
Despite the cold weather, The girls managed a trip up the canyon for a bike ride with Charlie.
Tami took Charlie to ride his long board down Provo Canyon with a bunch of her friends. Gotta Say - He felt pretty special!
Happy Birthday to Chelsea

No time is like the present. I let the blog go last year. No excuses. Just a lack of interest I guess. It has been a hard year for my extended family. I have to be honest. It is still not as I would like a family to behave towards each other. This has been weighing on my mind for quite some time. The good always comes with the bad and this year, the bad has seemed overwhelming to me. Maybe it is because I am a close second to the oldest and have always tried to keep things running smoothly. I don't know if I ever did, but I liked to think so. I would help others figure things out, make sense of the craziness, or have some kind of comforting words for them and that has always given me a sense (false or real - I'm not debating that) of security. Our family was going to make it because we were always trying. But this past year has brought trials that have seemed to stump even me. And frankly, it just hurts. And there really isn't anything to say or do. We just accept that it hurts, and sit with it. So, I have. I just sit and wait and wonder and every now and then, get frustrated and confused and then remind myself that this time, we just accept that it hurts.

Good Bye to 2009

2009-12-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

It has been a wonderful year. Jay and I feel really blessed to have a growing business despite the economy and many other contractors in the area without work. I think we both feel the gratitude of our Heavenly Father who has watched over Curtis in Chicago serving a full time mission. We know he has blessed our family because of Curt's sacrifice. Chicago was not an easy place to serve. But I read letters, week after week, from a boy growing in stature as he got out of bed every morning and prepared himself to send the message of the gospel to any who would listen. I am so proud of his strength, determination and ability to push on, and sometimes dragging his companions out to do the work.

Chelsea, Zachary and Tami are busy working, or going to school or both to reach their goals. Our house is full of visitors and friends and music. The lives of our adult children keep Charlie active and listening in on a lot of conversations that most seven year old years don't hear. He has some serious wisdom for them at times though. I especially like it when he tells one of his siblings to, "Just do it because mom (or dad) said so and it is right!" Charlie has so much love for all of his brothers and sisters and loves each of them for their different personalities and time they spend with him. He keeps us all grounded and remembering the most important thing we can give each other is our time.

I have worked at John Hancock Charter School as the fifth grade teacher for 6 years now and love it. I have an absolutely great place to work and awesome people to work with. Our school is known throughout the state for its grades, innovative learning strategies and being on the top edge of new skills and ideas that create better learners. I love it. We are also known nationally as a Core Knowledge Visitation School. I like the atmoshpere and challenge!

I have been a little lazy this year keeping up on our family blog. And it is hard to write generalizations about the year, so I plan to do better and leaving my mark and quick thoughts here throughout the coming year. If anything, it is a great journal for me, and I like checking that off my to do list! Check in from time to time next year to see what I am thinking and what the family is doing. Good bye 2009!

Halloween Fun - In Charlie's eyes!

2009-11-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

I hope you had fun at our Halloween Party! If you came. Thank you for coming. If you didn't come you should have come because it was suuuuuuuper fun. The only thing that was fun for me was playing with Kyler. Musical chairs was Ciarra who won. I ate junk and I loved Grandma's donuts and Grandpa's rootbeer. I liked having the party at my school because I was at my school. My school is haunted. My favorite costunme was Nick's. He was a king and Aunt Lynelle was his queen mom. Some people I didn't know. Mom says their names are the Green's. (Jeremy and Christianne) This is swiping out my brain to think about writing. I was glad Chelsea and Tami came because they are funny. I got to ride in Tami's truck and that was cool. Love Charlie

We had a great UEA break. Traveling in a motorhome, we drove to Mesa Verde National Park and took in the Anasazi Cave Dwellings I have always wanted to see. What an experience. Charlie was thrilled to climbed up and down cliffs and ladders and crawl in and out of holes and rocks and openings. I have always wanted to see this park so I was in heaven. I teach this stuff at school! From there we stopped at four corners, which is really not the true four courners, and had our pictures taken. Just earlier in the year we had heard news that the original four corners was not geographically correct, but that didn't stop us or the tourist trap! It is still there. I loved shopping in the indian trading posts. Did you know I was born on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Arizona, near the Grand Canyon? It was off to Arches, Natural Bridges and Canyonlands. We rented a jeep to see the sites in the back country! Loved it. Loved it.

The Last Grad - NOT!

2009-06-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it was almost our last graduation. (Charlie will have one in 11 years so be ready for that party!) I remember being a young mom thinking about this day. I would be young and free. 43 years and no kids in the house. What was I thinking. First of all, they don't leave! The kids just stick around for more and more and more. But we love it! I have really enjoyed some one on one time with my girls lately. We have had giggles, gone shopping and played card games late at night and it has been fun. I sure love them.

I think a highlight for this year has been karate with my kjids. I have kicked up some good memories with Tami and Charlie this year. When I enrolled Charlie, a year ago, I didn't imagine that I would actually fulfill my life long dream of learning the sport too. So, we are blue belts, Tami is becoming an instructor and it is great morale for Charlie.

Chelsea has decided to not go on a mission which is fine with us as well. She is thinking about medical assisting right now. Her health has not been an easy road. But I see a strong woman who is ready to take on the world. I love her testimony and faith. She is going to be great at whatever she sinks herself into. Curtis is coming home in December with a scholarship waiting at Utah State and Zach is hoping to attend Dixie in the fall, Tami would like to put a couple years in at UVU before BYU. It all costs money! Man alive - having kids this close really tightens the belt. But despite it all, they keep plugging away at their goals.

It is all good. I love this time in my life? I hate this time in my life? I have mixed feelings about this time in my life as a mom? All of the above. So, I just go with it, day to day and make each day better than the last. One thing I know for sure. I love my sweetheart and everyday I am so thankful for his dying devotion to me as well. He has a big heart, a deep love, wide arms, and tons of hope for our next life! And he is one great gardner as well!

It has been Awhile!

2009-05-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Wow. I have really let the blog go. Just had a lot of other things going on I guess. So, Christmas has come and gone, new years and Spring Break! What have we been up to? I guess I could list all the events, but I would rather say we have been learning how to be a moving up and out kind of family. With Tami graduating this year, our home has taken on a different kind of life. Growing up just isn't what I remember it being like. The kids text each other, not call or talk in person. Dates, appointments and needs are met all on the internet. Even the Bishop has face book! Pictures are shared. After prom, I was at church and someone asked me if Tami went to prom the night before? I said yes, why? I guess All the other kids already had their prom pictures up and posted on their facebook. Crazy! You can do all of this from your personal phone too. I have an iphone and should be able to blog from there as well. I thought I might give it a try this weekend.

Marne and I spent a great weekend with D.J.'s family last weekend. Jaryn was in the play Beauty and the Beast and we went ot see it! We had an amazing time! The car ride to and back was hilarious and insightful and we did just what sisters do. Solved the world's problems!

Chelsea is preparing to go on a mission. Her papers are ready and waiting at the Bishop's office. She has been having a problem with her gall bladder or something. So, after she figuresit all out, or has surgery, she will send those in. What an awesome kid!

Tami is a full on karate instructor. The kids just love her. She was working as a hostess at a restaurant that had to close its doors due to Olive Garden moving in. She is getting ready to invest in college. I drop hints every now and then that she and Chelsea could be roomates, if Chelsea's mission doesn't come first.

Charlie has played basketball, practices piano with a smile on is face, climbs into our bed every morning after scriptures to snuggle, keeps dad reving up the 4 wheelers, sold fat boy ice cream to the neighbors all by himself, is testing for his blue belt in karate this weekend and pulled his own 2 front teeth after losing 2 bottom teeth as well!

I love spring. I also like the idea that school will be over soon. I always need a few months to fill my love bucket so I can go back and teach again! So, I can't wait to talk to our Elder this weekend. It will be the highlight of my week.

UEA Break!

2008-10-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

We had a little fun this long UEA weekend. Took a couple days and played at the sand dunes with Eldon and his little ones. Charlie, Tamara and I competed in our state Karate Competition. Charlie and I took 3rd place in our divisions. Tamara has been going to instructor school, so she competed against a lot of different belts. She worked the whole competition helping judge and organize. She is doing great! Charlie and I spent Monday at the Dinosaur Museum. I have been promising him a visit for some time. We had a great time. Some time, when I get a moment to talk with you, I will tell you about my awesome jump on the 4 wheeler that scared Zach to death, defied any of Eldon's dare devil moves and made me laugh so hard... you know what happened next! Love you all.

Fall

2008-09-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. The smells of autumn bring back good memories. The beginning of school at BYU is a good memory. I loved college. I loved learning. I loved my professors. I loved being on my own. I can remember struggling to find a job and wondering what in the world I had gotten myself into. Did I seriously think I could move 800 miles away and survive! Then, I landed jobs at the cougar eat, worked in catering, rode my boyfriends bike to clean a house somewhere out of town up a huge hill in the middle of winter with all the snow and ice that falls in Provo! Was I crazy? A little desperate, but not crazy! I was scared and would not ever let anyone know. I ate soda crackers to make the rent and it was a good thing I worked at the cougar eat, there was always food lieing around that I could snitch at. I would always take a 'sub' job to work in the bowling alley serving ice cream! You can imagine why. I didn't really date, I felt lonely a lot of the time, but I found comfort in just being me, figuring out who I was, and I took a ton of elective courses that, quite frankly, sounded like I could use the information somewhere down the road, in life. I learned how to write in caligraphy, compose music, do geneaology, write personal histories, be a missionary, sing, speak a semester of Japanese, cook elegant food, bowling, interior decorating, art history, architectural history, the history of Scandinavia, drafting, and I paid for one semester of piano lessons! I figured if I was going to go to school, I was going to make it worth my time. Yes, I love the smell of fall in the air... I had a great birthday this year. We took the four wheelers up to Brigham City and saw the sights in The Mountains! What fun we had. We were all dumbfounded as Tyler immediately sat down on one, aske dif he could ride and took off!! No hesitations. Just off and away he went, following Charlie over jumps and around trees. He loved his new found freedom. The trip was worth it just for that! Tyler was behind the wheel and loving it!

Wisdom Teeth and Bike Crashes... all in a days work!

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

We ended the summer with a few scrapes and burns but managed to live through it all. Tami and Zach had their wisdom teeth removed. Zach's were pretty swollen for awhile. Tami's were hardly noticable. Charlie took a big fall on the skateboard. His face met the board in a hard way! I cut the tip of my finger off with a knife and then choked to near death at school. Jay fell off the 4 wheeler and bruised up his back and side. He has been waling tender for a couple weeks now. But hey! We are all in one piece and going strong!

Rockin' Reunion

2008-07-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

What is a family reunion without someone writing about it and telling their view of the event. As if one person summarizing the event is actually the story. It can't be. I teach that to my fifth graders every year. Primary documents are only as good as the vision. A picture can only tell part of the story. A newspaper writes the facts, or does it? A post on a blog... have I enticed you to comment and add your take on the whole family get-together. Wait, there is more. I had my head behind a camera for a good portion of the 3 days spent in some pretty high temperatures. I love taking pictures, I love not talking to anyone, I love not being in any pictures, I love nature? You decide which one is right. Or, maybe you have your own idea for me. Either way, the food was good. Thanks for the spagetti and pancakes, cobblers and eggs. My favorite day was golfing with the boys. I really like to see Charlie so happy with his cousins. He just loves being with them. So, thanks for making that possible for him. The rock painting was great, Marne's foot zoning was a definite 'high', and I had a blast riding bikes around the lake with Kyler and Charlie. The sunset from there was breathtaking. But did I have a camera? No. D.J. would have taken his, was all I could think. I was just excited to go and do something with somebody. I traded the camera for a bike. Go figure. I also really appreciate the fact that getting the family together is important enough for my brothers and sisters to want to come long distances to be with each other. I can honestly say that renting the motor home and watching all of you put up camp, then take down camp was nice. When you were fineally ready to go, we pushed a button to bring the bump-out back in, tied the bikes to the back, folded up our camp chairs and waved goodbye. No really, I had a great time. Mom and Dad, thanks. I will put the pictures into some kind of slide show and send them out in the near future. In the meantime, look at the slides and see if you can guess whose t-shirt belongs to who? Love you guys.

The Grasshopper!

2008-07-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

He was small and cute, friendly and... can you really say a grasshopper is friendly? Tami chose his first name and Charlie decided on the middle name. Manchester? It just sounded right. I was just grateful the weeds were being pulled with happy hearts. The hopper didn't stay long. Tami decided to set it free an hour later, the cat decided to watch, Charlie decided to cry and the cat spat at it with her paw. I had a hard time convincing Charlie that the cat did not crush Philip Will Smith Manchester! He jumped into the cracks of the deck ... The whole affair was more than mom could take! It was a grasshopper, I think, for crying out loud. Now if it was a 'Cricket'.... well, that is a whole other story, place and person! (You have to know my neice's name to get that one :D )

Summer Party All the Time!

2008-07-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a summer full of events. Jay and I purchased 4 wheelers to enjoy and that is just what we have done! When you have a family as big as mine, there is a never ending party [it seems] for birthdays and baptisms, temple dates and farewells, anniversaries and the out of towners. The latest party for Sophia, Justin's little 1 year old, was a swim party! It is always a good idea to take the party out of doors for our size. Check out the pictures and if you want any for your own use, just click on the slide show and it will take you to my web album where you can download the ones you want!

Fireworks from the Coast!

2008-07-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

What better place to visit than a spectacular warzone for the fourth of July. This year the beach called us home. And she didn't let us down. July 4th was just as we remembered. Only this time, we put ourselves right down in the thick of it and built ourselves a bonfire. Every year, Long Beach, WA puts on a display of fireworks that draws its biggest crowd of the year. Even better, the beach is filled with spectators waiting for the big show by putting on their own show. All around us the fireworks were sent into the air and there we sat, stupid as ever, right down in the middle of it all. Charlie was amused. I kept wondering when I was going to get a firework shot in the back of my head, and Tommy (Jay's nephew) and Zach kept us entertained with our little (NOT!) batch of noise and light makers.

The pictures tell the rest of our vacation. We pulled the four wheelers with us because we wanted to make sure we only got 10 MPG (Yikes!) with gas prices shooting higher than the fireworks! Riding four wheelers in the rain was quite the experience. I gave up after one ride. The boys held out for another hour than we all packed it up and thought, "At least we got an ice cream from the Tillamook Factory out of it."

It was great to see our old stomping grounds. North Head Lighthouse, bumper cars and Jake the Alligator man. For those of you who visited us when we held fort on the beach, you may remember. Zach had to take a picture of the one plank in the tree that survived the enwowners renovations on our old property. The tree use to be a fort that Curt and he put long rainy and cold hours into building.

Lots of memories! And Charlie loved seeing what we were doing while he was waiting around for his turn on earth!

Prom Tonight!

2008-04-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Zachary and his friend Jordan took two girls of blue to the prom tonight. Amber was Zachary's date. They did not coordinate the dresses, the tuxedo's, however, were! And they looked extraordinary. Charlie had to be in the picture too! A good friend of the boys, Sis. Bates, cooked them a five course meal. She has done that for the boys when her son Stetson was involved, but kept the tradition alive for Zachary too! Now, Curtis and Stetson are on missions and it will be three years before Zach will see either Curt or Stetson because of the timing of his own mission. So for Zach, having Sis. Bates cook the meal was really special. You could tell he had memories of last years prom. When I went to take the boys pictures, Zach immediately said," With the shades, like my brother and me did last year." So off for the evening they went in a pretty nice Jaguar too, I might add.

We Love You Grandma Short

2008-04-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

We just returned from Grandma Short's funeral held in Oregon. Jay lost his mother due to complications of MS. She was 85. As is often the case, we were all brought together under sad circumstances, with a reunion of joy. It had been as long as 10years (or longer),that we had spent time with many of Jay's nieces and nephews. In that respect, it was so very nice to reaquaint ourselves. Jay's sisters are angels and he has time and again expressed his love for them. They organized and dealt with all the funeral and death arrangements with grace. Jay so appreciates all that they have done to keep the family together, connected and informed. The funeral was beautiful. From the flowers to the words and music that were shared. It was just what June would have wanted and more. Charlie loves to be with his family; He met a few new cousins he can't wait to play with again! The day after the funeral, I was able to see my Grandma Green, who is 95 years young. She is just as beautiful as I remember her. I watched as Tamara and she talked and laughed, and I thought about being the same age, sitting on the couch while Grandma would ask me about all that I was doing. I will treasure that moment as well as the time spent with Rosemary, Allen and Jennifer. It was as easy as picking up from where we left off the last time we spoke. Families are Forever, and that was what Glenda decided to put on Grandma's tombstone. Perfect! Just perfect! All our love to Judy, Glenda, Mary, and Suzanne for being the best sisters Jay could ever hope for!

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Charlie is 6 years old and he says he still feels five. He can't figure out why that is? He took everyone who wanted to come bowling. Grandpa dominated the game. He was not to be reckoned with!! Sponge Bob hosted the party! So you can imagine what kind of crazy was going on! I am sure the manager was glad when we left! We really know how to throw a party! Thank you all for coming and making him feel special. Family is good for one thing - when there is cake and bowling, they will come! (Ha! Ha!)

Breaking Spring Fever!

2008-04-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

The second day we've had 60+ degree weather in Ephraim and we take it to the max. It all started with my roommates chilling in the sun being bombarded by water balloons, into fighting water with chocolate pudding, mayonaise, pickle juice, ketchup, and mustard! Thankfully no one was hurt, though many went sliding down our stairway, and everyone pitched in to clean up the mess splattered from the inside of our apartment (top right) through the stairway, side walk, and into the boys apartment (behind the tall guy i the white shirt). Sorry, I didn't catch a picture of me splattered in pudding, but I promise I was very delectable!

The Annual Gibb Family Easter Egg Hunt

2008-04-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is already Easter. Utah is cold this year. There are still snow days but that didn't stop the Easter Bunny or Grandpa and Grandma from having an egg hunt. This year, there were not quite as many little grandkids, yet we still had the same number of eggs, so the hunt was a huge feast for little mouths! Grandpa had built his own version of a teeter-totter, Audri brought her boyfriend home for all to meet, and Marne made the trip down from Brigham City, despite the age of her 'baby'! With Charlie's birthday so close, I thought we could sing him happy birthday with everyone already gathered, and it was actually Sam's birthday so we had two cakes. Chelsea made a butterfly cake decorated with M&M's and it was a huge success. She was home for Spring Break. I have to admit, easter egg hunts seem to bring out smiles in everyone.

The Karate Chop!

2008-04-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Charlie joined karate and after watching a few lessons, I decided to fulfill my life long dream and take karate lessons too! With no coaching at all, Tami joined with me. It may have something to do with the fact that our sensai is extremely hot, but either way, we are having fun. The first karate tournament turned out to be really fun. I didn't participate. I have not been feeling well after our Paris trip. I have had three different bacterial infections. I still have one and hope I will be feeling myself soon! But Tami and Charlie both competed in forms. They didn't take any trophy but it was a lot of fun to watch! Tami is now a yellow belt and is scheduled to test for orange. I missed the yellow belt test while I was in Paris. Enjoy the pictures on the right and the movie below. (The movie takes time to start, and then the first part of it he talks to the judges for a while. It is at the end of the movie that he does the blocking move.)

Spotlight

2008-03-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

So I, Chelsea Dian Perrin, will be in one of the small performances for the theater majors who are taking directing classes. I'm a waitress with about 10 lines, but thankful for the small part. I'm not sure when I perform, having recieved the script only today because the person chosen for the role didn't show up for practice today, so my roommate said I could act, and brought the script home for me have if I wanted the role. I accepted and am excited to use more of my acting skills. Just thought I'd let y'all know. Keep praying for me to do well as my finals grow nearer and nearer. I could use the boost :D Luv luv luv!

A Week of Love in the City of Lights

2008-03-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

I was a little apprehensive as we boarded the plane in NYC. Although I love to travel and visit new places, this one had me a bit frightened. How would we ever find our way to the hotel. I knew that if I could make it to the hotel, I would be Ok. Navigating my way around a city using the Metro or Subway was no problem, but trying to figure out where we were going, before we even knew where it was located, SCARED me. So, as we left the Plane and entered Europe, anxiety set in. But, as usual, Jay solved it real quick and we got a taxi. Straight to the address that he read off our reservation sheet! Bonjour Paris! The slide show to your right takes you through the sites that we saw. Notre Damn, The Louvre Museum, Champs Elysees, Arc De Triump, Eiffel Tower, the streets of Paris, our hotel and may other stops along the way. Enjoy. I am not sure what the best part of the trip was, maybe getting to be with Jay everyday, holding his hand and loving the place we were at. But, I could think of a favorite for every day. We would lay in bed at night, exhausted and talk about what amazed us most that tour. Then, without fail, Jay would fall asleep before me, snoring like a baby. He slept well. I am sure it was because of all the walking we did. We were both driven to sore feet and calves. The hotel was tiny and quaint with a medieval flair. As you ascended the spiral staircase to your room, a medieval knight greeted you in silver armour. I was routinely surprised by him - I had to laugh at myself, even though I knew he was going to be there. We had twin beds that scooted right up next to each other. We could hold hands! Every street corner looked just like the pictures in my mind. Corner cafe's, streets that come to a full circle, parks, old architecture from the Renaissance, and French people wearing high heeled shoes and black coats. We were in a nice part of town called the Latin Quarter. Shopping was abundant with the locals so we saw a good portion of normal, daily traffic in the city. We were close enough to walk to many of the hot spots for tourists and that allowed us to see the city up close. Jay enjoyed Crepes vendors on all street corners. Do I dare mention that we saw a dinner/dance show?! I took several pictures with Jay's head buried in the tour guide book. I would be looking around, enjoying the scenery and find him with his head down, reading about what we were seeing. He turned out to be a great narrator and I was great at navigating the subway and tour route. We made a great team. It was a dream come true. We were planning our next visit to Europe before we went to bed the last night we were there. Au revoir!

Ode to my sister

2008-01-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

Tamara Sage has been a great blessing in my life. Many times she has known me better than I knew myself and has always put up with me as her older sister. Because of not only bing the youngest, but also because of my trials with cancer, she often got the butt-end of the stick. She took my hand-me-downs, the lesser amount of attention, and was still content in who she was. She was always set in her way of life and found countless ways to enjoy being by herself (which I've often been jealous of). We always faught, and I kept telling myslef that when she got to my age we wouldn't fight as much. I soon came to learn that her age had nothing to do with it, but that I would always be ahead 3 more years in experience and just needed to be patient with her trials in those stages of life...though I never really did a good job. We were constantly reminded by our mother that we were the only sister eachother had. Though we never liked hearing it, deep down inside we both knew it was true. We had our ways of putting behind the bad us, and my favorite would be our midnight talks in bed. Ideally we both would have loved our own rooms, but were more than grateful for the nights we had eachother to keep us company. Still, until I came to college I never fully appreciated the roomate, sister, and friend I've had for all these years and was grateful to have her as my shoulder to lean on, and eternal venting companion. :)

Farewell to Curtis!

2008-01-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

Like many before our family have experienced, the road to sending a son on a misssion, is not always easy. I know with surity, Satan places diversity, temptations, and prays on our weaknesses to overturn and stop the work of Heavenly Father. Our family was no exception. We kept love at the top of our list of things to work on, prayed continually for the strength to overcome our mortal selves, and then pushed forward with determination to get Curtis where he needed to be. We have watched as Curtis took on the challenges that Bishop Casper gave him, and attended Missionary and Temple Prep classes every Sunday for a year. He has stepped up to what was asked of him and began to show every one of us what a converted member commits willingly to in their lives; Scripture study, service, and prayer. Every step along this road "has not been easy" but "it has been worth it!"

Spring Semester

2008-01-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

So school has started once again. The first week of classes went by very slowly for my roommates and I, and I can tell the days are just going to get longer. I have a few favorite classes to get me through the week though. I'm even taking two music major classes (music theory and sight singing/ear training) and my teachers think I'm crazy taking them just because I want to. I suppose it's a bit unusual, but hey, I love music, I want to improve my skills, so it works. I'm also lovng my water aerobics class. Since I'm no track chick, and my joints keep deciding that gravity isn't fun when you exercise, water aerobics is just my thing and gets my heart pumping better than I thought possible. I'm also taking a mission prep class and that keeps me focused on my spiritual nourishment as well. Plus, there's a few cute guys in the class. All premi (pre mission), I know, but it's a fun little bonus. As for my health, we keep it in check with my 15 pills (5 pills perscription, 10 pills recommended to boost my immune system), and thankfully my sore throat was gone by the beginning of school, but alas all week I dealt with a measly cold. Oh, and Sunday I sang in sacrament meeting. I have the blessing of having my roommate as the music coordinator. :D So I volunteered to be our first Sunday back musical number (which releived her of lots of stress). Love u guys! Ciao.

Who wanted a 10 foot tree anyway?

2008-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

I took the tree down last night. So what if its the 14th of January? I have heard of many families who leave their tree up through Valentine's day and decorate with hearts and bows and cupids; By choice! The kids were watching a movie, and I thought, "What the heck! I'll take apart the tree" It was a novel idea and I really forgot how long and daunting that task can be. Who wanted the 10 foot tree? NOT ME! O.k. me. And I do love it. But it took 2-1/2 hours to put away. That is just crazy.

Curtis is packed, almost, and ready, almost, for the MTC. Charlie is going to miss him. It is cute to hear him say, out of the blue and for no particular reason, "I am going to miss you Curtis." Curt has always been one to walk through the door and first thing, ask Charlie to give him a hug and tell him about his day. He will set his tools down and make a bug with the Creepy Crawler, build a quick skyscraper with the lego's, or engage himslef in whatever Charlie may be doing. Charlie knows that they are buds. One day, I walked into Charlie's room and saw a stickie note on his spider man poster in Curt's handwriting, "Curt and Charlie = buds 4ever."

Charlie was a bit distraut one day, trying to figure just how he was going to write a letter to Curtis. He clearly knew that he could not write the words himself. It was silent for just a second, then Dad said he could draw a... but before Jay could finish, Charlie's independent nature (I am sure he did not get that from me!) hollered, "I know. I was thinking my idea. I was thinking to draw him a picture. Don't tell me!"

The holidays were great for our family. The Christmas Party was held the first weekend in order to accomodate Jon and Jenny who were already up from St. George. Charlie loved acting out the story of Christ's birth. He was Joseph and took his role very seriously. Closer to Christmas, Chelsea, Dad and I had high fevers with very sore throats. Somehow, we were able to get out in the snow storm and ride the 4 wheelers around the neighborhood. Santa was generous. On Christmas Eve we opened our Pixie gifts. (We choose a name the first of the month and do nice things for that person, in secret, then buy or make a gift especially for them.) Charlie wanted to bake cookies for Santa, so I used Grandma's secret Painted Mexican Cookies recipe and told Charlie that the bottle of secret potion, (Almond Extract), makes Santa Drunk. We had a great laugh and now he knows Grandma's secret recipe! Then, we sang songs of Charlie's choosing and played a game that Charlie made up - everyone draws a picture and then chooses who picture is the best. Of course, Charlie's! He wrote the nicest letter to Santa, reminding Santa that Curt was leaving for a mission and to bring extra nice things. He told Santa that Tamara is his bestest sister and Chelsea is his favorite. He asked for no one to be mad and then he said the cookies will make you drunk so eat them all! It was a night to remeber what being young is all about.

We especially loved seeing Spencer and Ilah and their family. It had been awhile since our last visit. The New Years party was held at Jeff and Lynelle's. We listened to Grandma and Grandpa duet "Poison" with Sing Star. Now that was a good laugh!! Zachary ended our holiday break with his Eagle Court of Honor.

Although the year has brought plenty of trials and learning, I know we all feel greatful to have each other to lean on for love and understanding. If not for that, it is always nice to have help when it is time to shovel the snow off the walk and driveway!