Sadie's Surgery

Well Sadie had her surgery on Tuesday to repair her torn ACL. Who would have thought that a dog can pull and ACL. We have been trying to find out what was wrong with her for a couple of months now and all our old vet kept telling us was that she was over weight and needed to loose a few. So, when the pain was so bad that she didn't want to put any pressure on the leg, we decided we needed a second opinion. That was the day we meet our new vet Dr. Good. Fortunatly we already knew of Dr. Good and trusted his opinion. That is where Sadie stayed when we went to Texas. He took one look at her and felt her leg and told us what the problem was. Wow! the other vet just wanted us to drug her to make her feel better. I was not happy with the other vet at all.

Day one she came home and whined all night. That night was hardest on me and Sadie because I stayed up with her and comforted her the whole night. I remember around 4 a.m. Tom convinced me to come to bed. She sleep for about 2 hours and was up again at 6 a.m. Tom agreed to let me sleep a couple of hours and he sat with her for a few hours. Wednesday day after surgery! This day was a little easier she was still real whinny but sleep most of the day. Tom was gone for most of the day so I had to stay home from work to make sure she didn't get up much and us her leg. Recovery time on this type of surgery is around 8 weeks. Because they had to do a full reconstruction of her knee. She is going to have to be kept in the house with minimal activities for a few weeks and then rehab. The things we do for our dogs!! Today she had a little more energy and started to put weight on her foot. The swelling has started to come down a little but her leg is still really big. Brody doesn't know what to do he knows that she is hurting but still wants to play with her. Luckly he gets to go next door to play with his puppy cousins.

Good Luck Sadie!

Dogs

Brody is the newest member of our little family!

He was born September 4, 2008. He is the funniest little guy around. He likes to run, play, chew, and bit. He has already learned alot of different comands. I am so proud because he is only nine weeks old. He will be a great addition to our little family. Another update with our dogs is that Sadie our black lab has to have knee surgery next week to fix a torn ACL. This surger will have a long recover. I hope she heals fast!

God Bless Texas!

Last week the Gibson Family went on a family vacation to the 2008 World Championship Paint Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas. And of course when you go on vacation for something like a horse show you have to go do other things to take the wiggles out, especially me and Phil. We need our wiggle breaks or we get into mischief everywhere we go. Our first stop was for Phil we went to the famous "Southfork Ranch" for those of us that are unfamiliar with South Fork it is the home of a popular TV series called "Dallas". Phil has been obsessed with this show for many years now. Here is a little history;

"In 1978, a legend was created that would virtually be unmatched by any other series in television history. It would go on to take the world by storm, accumulating millions of fans along the way and propelling an unknown Texas ranch into one recognized around the world. Viewers across the globe would await each twist in the series, knowing the television family as well as their own. The series was "Dallas," the family the Ewings, and the ranch that was home to it all was Southfork."

APHA - Kristy's Horse Show!

Kristy qualified to attend the show with her horse Moe, just so you all understand I now nothing about showing horses so everything we watched and witnessed was my first time and I had to have Tom's dad Phil explain everything to me as it was happening. Luckily we got to watch a few people before Kristy showed, so by the time it was her turn I understood the basics. Walk here, trout there, turn right or was that left? Who knows! The first time she came out the horse was a little spooked buy the decor they had out as part of the course so unfortunately he (Moe) didn't do very well. But Their final show went really well we all thought they were going to be a finalist but I guess the horse didn't trout the right speed or something so small and minimal that I don't think it mattered. But all and all she had a great spirit about the whole experience, it was Moe's first time so hopefully she will try it again next year.

Don't Mess with Texas!

The Fort Worth Stockyards!

Well we found a place that I really enjoyed, I loved the Stockyards and just hanging out in that environment. The first time we went to the Stockyards was for dinner we ate at this quaint little restaurant called Riscky's Steakhouse, the food was wonderful. That night I got to set on a long horn steer, I wasn't even nervous about climbing on the old guy, his name was "Lone Star" real original I know. I figured when am I going to get the opportunity to do this again so I climbed on up with the help of the cowboy, I forgot to get his name oops.But, unfortunately we didn't get to stay long.

But, we were going to return the next day and that is when I really started to love the stock yards. We did a little shopping and wandering through the yards. A couple of Kristy's friends from Texas Sarah and Curt joined us on our excursion it was fun to get to know them. We got to watch the Long Horn Steers go for there daily walk "Cattle Drive" I wasn't as impressed with this like I thought I would be. There just wasn't as many steers as I thought there would be and I guess I was expecting more. I guess if you are a little kid from the city it would be really cool for you to see.

Me and Susan got Henna Tattoos, don't worry they fade in a couple of weeks. But it was fun to be a little wild. Okay so I think all my days are blurring together because I don't remember which night it was but one night Kristy, Sarah Curt and Myself went to the hotel bar and sang Karaoke they three of them choose our song "God Bless Texas" that was a great song to sing and everyone in the bar enjoyed singing along.

And that night we ate at a Riscky's BBQ another restaurant owned by the same family as our first night eating at the stockyards. I was equally Delicious. Then we did a little more shopping and called it a day. I definantely want to go back to Fort Worth there are many more things that I would like to do and see there. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is one stop that I don't want to miss next time and I didn't get to eat at Billy Bob's. So I guess next year Kristy will have to go back so we can tag along another time.

GOD BLESS TEXAS!

Chocolate Fever

My best friend has the cutiest little boy. A few months ago she was telling me about his saying when he wants chocolate. He tells his mom he has "chocolate fever" I asked her to send me a video of it so here he is and his "chocolate fever".

Father's Day

Fathers day is a great day to really think about your dad and all that he has done for you in the time that he has been your dad. I love my dad, he has been a real inspiration for me the past couple of years. It's funny when life changing events happen how people change and grow. I thought my dad was done changing and done growing, but he sure has proven me wrong. After mom passed away I didn't know how dad would take it and how it would be. But, I think he has became the person he has always wanted to become. He is happy, healthy, and a genuinely great person. My dad has always been there for me, whenever I needed him he was right there. Here are a few memories of my dad that I cherish the most.

Of course the day he walked me down the isle to give me away to my wonderful husband Tom. I remember I think he was super nervous because before the wedding we were in the brides room talking and getting ready to go and he would not stop looking at his watch. Maybe he was counting down the time.

And a memory from my childhood, I was a trouble maker and didn't like to obey my parents. I am sure this is no surprise. One day I was hanging out with some friends that my parents didn't approve of and I had stayed over there way late. It was a few days before high school graduation and I was nervous about where and what I was going to do with my life. So I left there house around midnight and drove to the river bed and parked my car to unwind and think about what I was going to do. Well as fate would have it I fell right asleep in my car and at this time I didn't have a cell phone and of course no one could find me. By the time I woke up it was 4 a.m. and by this time my parents were so worried and had called everyone in Joseph trying to find me. They had even called the cops and gave them the description of my car. So you think when I got home I was in deep crap! Well kinda, I walked in the front door and my mom was waiting for me on the couch she scolded me the whole way to my room and told me "I am to upset to deal with you right know, just wait until your father gets home from looking for you he'll take care of this." I was so scared and nervous that I just sat there in my room. Then I heard him driving down the long dirt road to get to our house. My heart was beating out of my chest. I heard him come in the house and my mom said "She's in her room waiting for you." and know for the part that really got me thinking. He came into my room gave me the biggest hug and said "I am so glad you are safe and okay I was so worried about you. Now go to bed!" No your grounded, no belt to the bum, nothing just a few words that eat me alive! I felt so bad I think that him being so concerned and so worried was the most sever punishment he could have given. I think at that point in my life I realized that my dad no longer seen me as a child but as an adult and I needed to act like an adult. What a wonderful lesson he taught me.

Yuccas

Okay, so we have decided to plant some yuccas in our yard. (We are going with a desert theme) Well my sweet neighbor was trimming her yuccas the other day and gave me a few starts from her plants. I have been babying these plants for days now. The weird thing is they turned red at the bottom. I have no clue what is going on but I figure they are getting taller so I guess they are doing okay. I will let you know if they die in a week. I am not a green thumb by any means. But my Grandma was so I hope its in my genes.

Casey Ann

My Niece Casey came to stay with me last week and finding stuff to do with an eight year old was interesting. I should mention that she is extremely hyper and wanted to do stuff non-stop. I took her swimming, to boondocks to ride to go-karts, horse back riding and shopping. Here is a pic of her driving the go-kart.

I think this was the first time she ever operated a vehicle because when she was driving it she drove head on into the wall. Good thing there was a rubber tire to bounce her off. I think she got a little whip lash and a welt on her neck from that accident. But she did a good job and I was proud of her. She didn't cause a ten car pile up on the track.

That night my sister in-law Kristy invited us down to the barn that she has her horse at. She was willing to teach Casey the ins and outs of riding a horse. Casey was a little nervous at first to get onto the horse but by the end of the night she was doing great.

The horse that she is riding was the horse that her Uncle Tom use to ride when he was a kid his name was Oakey. She thought it was neat to ride his old horse. I was really impressed with Kristy and how she had Casey do everything. When I told her mom that Casey was doing all by her self she didn't believe me good thing I got video.

I was a fun week but it reminded me how much work kids are. I loved having her stay with me so we could get to know each other a little more.

Great Pics

Last weekend I took a couple of pictures of my nieces and wanted to show the off!!!

This is Hannah! She is almost 2 years old. What a doll!!!

Hannah and Her Daddy!! She is the Biggest Daddy's girl!

We cannot forget the Princess Brooklynn!!!! She will be 4 in September! Wow!

I didn't get any pictures of the other kids, there were to busy being kids!

Eeyore

Eeyore

So, most of you know that I LOVE Eeyore, and for those who don't know I do. I got to dress up as Eeyore the other day for work it was so much fun to wear this costume.

One can't complain. I have my friends. Someone spoke to me only yesterday.

Eeyore

This is the cutest video ever!

I couldn't stop laughing.

Panama Canal Vacation

This last fall we went to the Panama Canal on a cruise. On our cruise we stop in places like "Half Moon Cay," "Aruba," "Curacao," "The Panama Canal," "Colon, Panama," and "Limon, Costa Rica". Let me tell you about our wonderful experience.
We flew to Fort Lauderdale and spent the night at a hotel, we couldn't get on the boat until the next day.
The first place we visited was "Half Moon Cay". I decided that I wanted my hair braided by one of the islanders; she put orange and green beads on the bottom of the braids. It looked awesome and was so easy to take care of. Tom went on an excursion with his dad; they went on a bicycle tour. On the ride they got to see the island and go down by some sting rays.

Aruba, I love Aruba, the first thing we did was shopped. They had a whole block of little shops set up for the tourists to get there nick knacks. After shopping we decided to go to the beach. Our first adventure was to find transportation to the beach. We decided to take the local Bus System. The bus driver had the strongest accent. He felt pity on us and asked where we wanted to go, we told him the beach. He said "I'll take you to a good beach", on the ride to the beach we must have passed 5 beaches. At this time we were all wondering where the heck he was taking us. He took us to the least crowded beach on the whole island; there was a tiki bar, beach chairs, and tons of white sand and blue water. Me and Tom made a pathetic sand castle, and went swimming. Susan and Kristy hung out on the beach chairs and made fun of people. When we got back to the boat I had the biggest red spot on my boob, we found out a couple days later, I had been stung by a jelly fish. Man that hurts!

Curacao, was our third stop, here is where we went to the Dolphin Academy. At the Dolphin Academy Tom and I got to have a meet and great with a dolphin. His name was Copan. Here is a little History about Copan; Copan is a 27 year old male and the oldest and wisest at the Academy. He acted in "Flipper" (1996) and "Bermuda Triangle". Getting to touch and learn about the dolphins was my favorite part of the trip. I have always loved dolphins and always wanted to see one, but living in Utah makes that dream a little hard to accomplish, so when I found out that this excursion was possible I wanted to sign up right away. Everyone in the family decided to come along and have the chance to see me fullfill a little dream. It was awesome!!!
Panama Canal, the Panama Canal is truly a "Modern Marvel" it was really interesting to watch the water move a huge cruise ship over a mountain. The way the locks opened to let the boat in and then fill up with water was very interesting. Who would have thought that you could move ships with the combination of water and gravity. Still to this day it is still currently operating every day. Sense 1914 the canal has only been shut completely down three times, mostly for security reasons. I think everyone should go through the canal at least once in their life. It gives you a greater respect for imported items.

The fourth port was Colon, Panama. I was not impressed with this island. When we first arrived the first thing you will notice is the very colorful shopping mall and the locals were scrambling towards the dock just to see our boat and try to hustle some money from us tourists. When we got to the main shopping area we were hassled by guys they wanted to take us on a tour of the island. The kept following us and wouldn't leave us alone. There were soldiers on every corner loaded with fire arms. This really made us feel uncomfortable; we did a little shopping and hurried back to the ship. I was glad to be back in our room where I knew we were safe.

Our final port was Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. The unofficial characteristic is best summed up in the favorite local expression of perfection and joy - "Pura Vida!" which means "unadulterated (good) life" the people from Costa Rica are very laid back easy going people. They don't have many possessions but they always seemed to be very happy people. On average they make $300.00 a month that would be ruff!! Costa Rica is a rain forest so of course when we got there it was raining and had been for a couple of days. The bamboo on the island has been known to grow a foot and a half on a good rainy day. Here they have houses on stilts to help with the constant flooding. It was a little hard to drive around and see the way the lived, there houses were little shacks, with no windows or doors and there was garbage all over in the town. In Limon we went to visit a Banana Plantation, the Plantation that we visited was the company "Del Monte" but because of the rain they were not working. But, we did learn a few things about the banana trees. Every ten years they will plant new trees, the tree will only produce one bundle of bananas and a start for a new tree. They will harvest the bananas and cut the tree down and let the new one grow. The leave the trees on the ground to help fertilize the new growths. The one think I notice was the wonderful smell of bananas. After the plantation we drove to the "Dole" Companies little village. I was really impressed with Dole, they went in and built 20 to 30 homes with windows and doors for there workers, so as long as you worked for Dole you would have a place for your family to live. But, as soon as you stopped working there you had to move immediatley. The homes were so much nicer then any of the other homes we had seen. We then headed to a hotel were we shopped and had the chance to get a soda. I had been craving a Dr. Pepper for 8 days now and was giving up on finding one. I wanted to try one last time so I asked the guy at the bar if he had a Dr. Pepper, He said to me "what is that a concoction" No surprise he had no clue what one was. So, I settled again for a coke...

This was the first time I had ever been so far from home. It was a real eye opener to how people live in that part of the world. I found new respect for everything I use to take for granted. Like, running water, windows, doors, and of course Dr. Pepper...
I would recommend this cruise to anyone; it was full of adventure for everyone. I learned a lot and had a blast doing it.
I will never forget 10 o'clock cocktails by the pool. Why 10 o'clock you ask, because I knew that at 10 o'clock there it was 8 o'clock here and everyone was headed to work and we were chillin' by the pool drinking cocktails.

New to the "Blog World"

Okay, so this is my first post ever. I am new to the blog world. I think this is going to be really fun and a great way to stay connected to everyone.