Thanksgiving, Christmas, January, and Others

Where to begin? I really need to do this more often. The last few months have been a whirlwind. Some exciting news. I found my camera so here are some random pictures:
Labor Day Campout

Elaina's 1st day of Kindergarten

September Swimming


Thanksgiving was really nice this year. We got together with my mom's side of the family. It was so fun to see all, well most, of my cousins with their families. We had planned to have Thanksgiving outside, one of the perks of living in Vegas is Thanksgiving weather, but due to rain (go figure) we reserved the church building and I think it ended up working out really well. Dan's parents were able to join us and thanks to Jim I took some pictures, although I didn't get pictures of everybody. We were about 80+ in all. Warning: I am a terrible photographer, but I would rather have bad pictures than none at all. I know that it is not difficult for the majority of the human race to hold the camera still, but perhaps, as you will see, I am not human after all.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas went by so fast. We stayed in Henderson for the before Christmas festivities and only had only a few hiccups with the seasonal flu and my ever present procrastination. The day after Christmas we took a vacation to Utah to be with Dan's family. It was COLD and FUN. I do not normally use those words in the same sentence unless I am saying the cold is NOT fun, but I was pleasantly surprised. Dan's parents are more than accommodating and work hard to help us feel welcome and entertained. We are spoiled, lucky, and extremely grateful. While there we went skiing, ice skating, sledding, running, bowling, played games- Rockband and Speed Scrabble (my new favorite), and just took it easy. Dan and I spent some much desired one on one time, and we got to visit with some friends and family. The time always seems to fly by so much faster than we would like so next time we hope to catch up with a few more friends. I still did not have my camera so it is again thanks to Jim, Dan's dad, that I have any photos.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Tommy's fifth birthday was the next order of business. He is such a fun and happy little guy, I mean big boy. It is hard for me to believe that he is five years old. When I think about it I get teary. It really caught me by surprise. While in the thick of the toddler years time just seemed to drag on forever and now that we are finishing up with them completely, it seems like a dream and I don't feel ready to wakeup. Tommy loves Transformers and infomercials. He is always telling me about the latest craze. Recently, he wanted me to buy the bendaroos and when I told him I didn't have the money, he said, "Just use your credit card, MOM!" Everything is just so simple when you put it that way.
Transformer Cake
Birthday Breakfast
In January, I ran my first half-marathon. I was hog-tied by my pride and gently persuaded by my Gibson sisters. We started training just before Thanksgiving and I thought I was going to die. Now that I am all done, I have decided this kind of venture is similar to pregnancy and childbirth. The training just bites. It takes forever, and it is painful. However, after the rush of the race and some recovery, you find yourself thinking, "Hey that wasn't so bad, I'd like to do that again." While your husband is thinking,"Really???? Do you know what you are like while you are training?"
In all seriousness, it was well worth it. I couldn't have asked for better training partners and it was a perfect first race experience for me. Even though it desecrated any slight desire or aspiration of mine to run a marathon. 13.1 miles is far enough for me. I have been thinking a triathalon might be fun....well, if I could swim, had a bike and had three great partners to train with...What do you think ladies???

Soccer

For the past eight weeks we have been enjoying the soccer season. Dan is head coach of Tommy's team and Asst Coach to Nathan's team. It has been fun. Tommy is great at defense and Nathan loves to score. They truly are salt and pepper in every way. They are unique and distinct but create the perfect combination together.

For those of you who wonder....

why doesn't Tiffney post on her blog very often?????

There are the parents who have it all together. They blog, they take pictures, buy new Halloween costumes each year instead of recycling the same costumes from at least two years ago(hey if it fits wear it, right??), they do crafts with their kids like carving pumpkins, and they on top of it--keep their house clean.

I am the parent who has just put her boys, Tommy and Nathan, in time out while I sit in the puddle of bubbles they just poured down my back and write this vent. I am the parent who buys all of the supplies to make fun ghosts and spiders, sets up all the needed equipment to play traditional Halloween games, and somehow runs out of time with nothing to show for it but a pile of supplies for next year. I mean Halloween is over now right? Is it technically too late to have a Halloween party? I am the parent who is going to refer you to her sister's blog (The Lamoreauxs) to see cute pictures of my sweet energetic family. I am the parent who has just noticed the pile of foam stickers on the floor for the twentieth time in the last two days- RR RR!!! how many times do I get to assist?? (harhar) with picking those stinking things up. I am the parent who now finally calms down, chuckles at my completely saturated wet seat- they were just trying to get my attention, and wonders do I even post this? Why not if I don't it may be another four months before I ....let my boys out of time out- time to go....HAHAHA isn't life grand. Happy Halloween everyone, it's on to Thanksgiving! Really we had a great night and my sister does have cute pictures!

Elect David Gibson

I am endorsing David S. Gibson for Henderson Justice of the Peace. I have known this candidate all my life and know him to be a knowledgable, respectable, and good man. He is a good judge of character and he cares about keeping our city safe. He is the best candidate to serve our community. For more information please visist www.ElectDavidGibson.com.

What a difference 4 months make....

This is home sweet home. We have been living here for two months and I can finally say I am glad we bought this house. I have been glad but had too many reservations to really say it.

We have four bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a family room and a swimming pool. It is not a mansion but it is in a culdesac and I am sure I prefer the latter.

Our life is completely different now than four months ago: Lucy turned one, we moved, Elaina started kindergarten, Pogi started preschool, Tommy and Nathan started soccer, and now that I start to list it it doesn't seem so crazy, but living life has seemed like a whirlwind.

I have my adjustments- cleaning three bathrooms versus the one almost says it all....but through it all the Lord has truly blessed us. After conference this weekend, I have pledged to be more grateful. So, no more murmuring until ...well probably tomorrow but I am going to try. All kidding aside, when I really stop and think about the tremendous gift I have in the gospel, it brings all other things into perspective. I am grateful for the hope I have in my ability to endure all things as I laugh at myself, more earnestly seek the Lord in prayer, and embrace the changes that come to us all.

I am still looking for my camera but when Dan's dad was here he took some pictures. My kids and I are so lucky to have others around helping to take care of the meaningful things like pictures.

This proves it....

No one can dispute that it takes a real man, to do this! My family competed in a Family Biggest Loser. In order to motivate themselves, they had monthly weigh-ins and prizes and punishments for the winner and loser of the month. In June, Dan lost the weigh-in and had to wash my brother Daves car in nothing but a speedo. This picture may not stay up for long but it was too cute not to share. David ended up winning the whole thing. Way to go Dave and Thank You Dan! (Out of respect I didn't put the video on our blog, but if you think you dare, check out www.thatcrazykishkumen.blogspot.com)

31 Reasons why Dan is the Man:

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1-he works to provide for his family 2-calms the psycho storm 3-he makes the best ice bags 4-dedicated dad 5-my favorite friend and hunk-of-a-husband 6-self motivated, once he makes his mind up to do something, he will 7-concentrates on the positive, he rarely complains 8-catlike reflexes 9-he can throw a mean Frisbee 10-comfortable company, I can't think of anywhere else I would want to be 11-great teacher, taught the kids to swim 12-belly laughs at commercials 13-beautiful voice 14-looks great in every kind of suit 15-helps put the kids to bed every night he his home 16-always puts us first, he still doesn't have his TV 17-good judgment 18-love of music and name that tune 19-"what's your high?" 20-reads to kids 21-can down any size of water cup in one breath 22-buying us a house and wants to design it 23- a great sport, wears costumes for Halloween, kids birthdays, etc. 24- wants to be around and always there when needed 25- he can "drive fast!" 26-handyman or at least learning to be one 26-a grill master, he has cooked dinner 90% of time since Mother's Day 27-plays with kids, they love to wrestle with their dad 28- supportive of my ideas 29-smart and quick-witted 30-genuine 31-he is OLD! and he can still dunk a basketball.
What a babe! I love you, Dan. It is an honor to share this life with you. Happy Birthday. I hope it is a good one.