Thanksgiving and Chicago

I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving! We did, we started out by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! I loved it! I haven't seen it in years and it was fun to see. The boys likes some of the baloons... like SpongeBob and Snoopy. While Jacob had a nap and mom made rolls I took Jackson outside to play, which was a treat because it was perfect weather! In the 60s! Then he watched Ice Age while I helped mom make dinner. Dave had made stuffing earlier, which was a change from what I am used to, but it was VERY good stuffing! We ate around 4 and had so much good food! The best part??? The cranberry jelly stuff! Love that! I had fun looking at the black friday ads and dreaming of all the things I wish I could buy :) On Friday morning Mom dropped us off at Enterprise and we rented a car and we were on our way to Chicago to visit Liz and Alan. The drive took us about 4 hrs 20 min... we made pretty good time. Thank goodness for the portable DVD player. It was a life saver! Both boys slept in the car, which was nice. We were very excited to see Liz and Alan and had a lot of fun. We hung out on Friday night, went grocery shopping, ate REAL CHICAGO STYLE PIZZA, and watched Rio! It was fun and the pizza was amazing! On Saturday we went to the Chicago Zoo, which was huge and so much fun. The boys loved the animals, but Jackson was frustrated that he had to stay near us. He wanted to run off and be free! It was raining pretty much the whole time, so we got wet, but we didn't mind, it was fun! Liz has pictures from the zoo so maybe I can get some later. We came home to dry off and so Jake could nap. We watched Cars 2 and Liz made a delicious dinner. We went to the mall and the boys played on the indoor tree-house, having lots of fun, until some kid had an accident and they closed it down! So we went to see Santa and they sat on his lap for a second. Then we went to a toy store and Jackson found about a million things that he wanted! It was fun to see what he was most interested in. Jacob too. After that we came home and had baths and got ready for bed. We skyped with Luis and had fun talking with him. Alan brought us Steak and Shake milkshakes, my first time trying those, and they were awesome. Then after the kids went to bed we watched Zookeeper, which was pretty funny. Sunday we went to church for Sacrament Meeting and then Liz drove me and the boys into the city. It was cool to see. I can't wait to go back when it isn't raining and hopefully we can walk around the city. Bottom line... I loved Chicago and spending time with Liz and Alan! So did the boys (Even though we kind of destroyed their apartment in 3 days, sorry!!!) Here are some pics from Thanksgiving and from Chicago!








And the story behind this??? This is a picture of the slipper I pulled out from under the couch cushion. Mom asked me to dig down there and get what she though was one of the boys' toys. Well, in the process I found this nasty slipper, which had never belonged to anyone in our family... meaning I pulled out with my bare hand a disgusting slipper from the previous owners of this couch... which dave bought YEARS ago!!! I could not wash my hands enough!!! YUCK!

Toys

Remember that toy Dave put together that took forever and the boys love?? Mom and I made an executive decision. It has to go back. It seems like every 2-3 minutes one of the boys is crying for me to come fix it. The ramps are not very sturdy... the whole thing isn't really, but with the slightest bit of weight the ramps disconnect from the garage and they need help fixing it. So we are going to take it back and get a Cars 2 racing toy that was our 2nd choice. Assembly not required, so ya know, that's a plus :) Now the trick is to find all the little pieces that belong with the current toy... Don't tell Walmart but it might be returned minus one or two street lamps or stop signs.

Ok, Ethan loves Jax and Jake, but a 13 year old only has so much tolerance for toddlers. I know they get on his nerves sometimes. Ethan came up to me yesterday and these were his exact words "I think I found an activity that both the boys and I enjoy... shooting them!" And this is what he meant... He is a nerf gun fanatic and realized that if he shoots the boys with the nerf gun, they laugh and he laughs, so there you go. Something a 13 year old and a 1 and 4 year old can enjoy together! One more thing about those nerf guns... don't be fooled, these little foamy darts can hurt. I got a nerf dart in the chin during a rousing round of sniper. (That is Ethan's made up game that I am not very good at because, naturally, I am a little afraid of being stocked in the dark by someone I know intends to shoot me!)But every few days I give in and play one or two rounds. And believe it or not, I have actually won!

Quilting- PROOF!

Mom and I are making Jackson an I-spy quilt for Jackson. I am really excited about it. It was kind of annoying to have to cut all the squares, but now I'm actually enjoying it. I started to help with the sewing yesterday and I am posting some pictures as proof! (For those of you who can't imagine me behind a sewing machine :)





Grandma and Grandpop bought Jackson new shoes... I didn't even notice how tight his old ones were, but Grandpop did! They even light up :)

Ethan, he was very excited about 11-11-11 :)

Family tradition... chocolate graham crackers! YUMMY!

When Ethan was little he had a rubber snake that he named Bootity... I know, it's weird, but hilarious... so we got Jacob a snake and guess what his name is??? Yup, Bootity. (We were debating about how to spell that name and that is what Ethan said. SInce it was his snake, I guess he has the final say. However, it is pronounced like Boodidy... which is how I would spell it :) I also must say, and this is totally random, that my 13 year old brother is way smarter than me... as I am typing he is explaining to me the 5th dimension and moving in time and the sequence of time and alternate universes and all kinds of crazy things... he is even drawing diagrams... as I type. And I don't get it. He is a future physicist...he belongs on The Big Bang Theory!


Grandpop wanted the boys to have something to play with their cars on so mom and I got this toy, which was a pain for him to set up... Sorry, Dave! But the kids love it!

My travels

The company I work for, Health Fitness Corporation, sometimes will fly their screeners to different locations if there are not enough locals. Last week they flew me to Albuquerque, NM to work a one-day event. I was so excited to get that event because it gave me a chance to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa Paulos and Mary. I haven't seen them in years... MANY MANY years and it was about time! Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures! UGH! THey all look great! And with all the health problems I have been hearing about from them, I was expecting something different, but they were exactly as I remember them! We had a lot of fun catching up on all the family and of course I had to update them on my situation... not fun. I was also able to get some geneology information from them. I got 5 full names and a few other partials. I am so excited to have this information to add to my geneology online. I am about to take a geneology class through the ward here and I can't wait! Especially since I am clueless about where to go from here! Wish me luck on that!

This past week I spent 3 and a half days in the Baltimore area, Maryland. It was a good event because we were very busy, but very stressful because there was a lot of drama with the client company. It was also hard for me because I lost my voice!!! I could barely speak, but had to!!! I'm sure people were thinking "What are you doing at a health fair... you aren't even healthy!" Anyway, I administered about 400 nicotine tests in the 3 day period :) Fun, right? I am glad that I can help contribute financially right now but it is hard to leave the boys. I am very thankful to Mom and Dave for watching the boys so I can do these events. I was also having a hard time with this event because of SO much bad language and a roommate that I will NEVER room with again! Overall it was just an uncomfortable and exhausting trip. But I am thankful for the hours I worked and the income it will provide. Oh, and I was able to meet up with June, my friend from high school. She drove up from the DC area... it was just perfect timing and we had lots of fun catching up too! I may end up working an event in Chicago after thanksgiving... if I can coordinate with Mom and afford the upfront costs of travel... even though the company reimburses for all food and travel, it has to come out of my pocket first!

Luis is working really hard to get a job. He is networking and applying to companies like crazy. Please pray that something will come up soon!

Meals and Deals for Veterans!

Happy Veteran's Day to all our Vets! Thank you so much for serving our wonderful country! I wanted to share this list of freebies and discounts for our Veterans... some of them only apply for today, so read on and take your Veteran out on a date!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Veterans Day 2011: Many businesses honor Veterans and Service members by
offering Veterans Day discounts on goods, services and dining. Most
businesses require some proof of military service, this includes a VA
Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers) or in some
cases a picture of the veteran in uniform. Be aware that not all franchise
locations participate in their national chain‘s Veterans Day programs, be
sure contact your nearest establishment to be sure they are participating.
check out the following:

Food
Abuelo's Mexican Food - Abuelo's offerings vary by region, be sure to call
ahead to see what the discounts or freebies are included.
Applebees - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited
menu at Applebee's on Veterans Day. Refer to
http://www.applebees.com/menu/vetsday for locations.
America’s Incredible Pizza Company (St. Louis and St. Peters, MO) - Free
meal Nov. 11th. Call ahead to verify hours and locations.
Barmuda (Iowa) - Barmuda is offering a free meal to all active duty members
and veterans in all restaurants. 1100-2200 on 11 NOV.
Boston’s Gourmet Pizza (Denver area) – Free individual pizza. All military
veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy an FREE individual one
topping pizza this Veteran‘s Day 5-7 PM.
Chili's - Veterans and active duty dine for free from a special limited six
item menu on Veterans Day.
Golden Corral - Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Monday free
dinner will be available on November 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military
retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all
welcome.
Hooters - All Veterans and active duty eat free. The free entrees must be
selected from a special Veterans Day menu.
Hy-Vee - Free breakfast on Veteran‘s Day during regular breakfast hours.
Select from scrambled eggs, hashbrown casserole, biscuits and gravy and
more. A free small drink is also included.
Krispy Kreme - All active-duty, retirees & veterans get a free doughnut on
Veterans Day. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is
par-ticipating.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants - Participating McCormick &
Schmick's Seafood Restaurants offer a complimentary entree to vets from a
special menu on a space available basis, online reservations are highly
recommended.
Outback Steakhouse - Veterans and active-duty military get a complimen-tary
Bloomin' Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day.
Ruby’s Diner - Free Cinnamon Roll French Toast a la carte for all veterans
and active duty military personnel on Veteran‘s Day with coupon. Breakfast
is served until 11:30 a.m.
Subway - Participating Subway‘s are offering free six-inch sub sandwiches
to veterans or active-duty members on November 11th. Please call ahead for
details.
T.G.I. Friday's - Veterans and Service members Buy one get one free from Nov
11-14. Contact your nearest location for more details on their Veterans Day
BOGO offer.
Texas Roadhouse - Free meal from opening until 4pm. on Veterans Day. Call
ahead to your local restaurant for more information.
Tim Hortons - all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans on
11 NOV.
UNO Chicago Grill - UNO is offering a Buy One Get One free offer to Service
members or Veterans with a military or veteran I.D. or in uniform or with a
photo of themselves in uniform. The Veterans Day BOGO offer includes a free
entree or individual pizza, with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal
or greater value.

Retail
Amazon.com - Free ?Veterans Day Honor? MP3 album download. The album
includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training
Corps, will receive a 20% discount November 11-15 on any one transaction at
Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans,
active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel
November 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.
Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a
copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.
Home Depot - Offers a 10 percent discount to all Veterans during Veterans
Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Lowe's - All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran's Day,
Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only
and is limited to in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.
Sam's Club - Sam's give away 36,000 collapsible Hugo Canes on Veterans Day
to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam's Club will require
membership for this offer, but proof of service may be necessary.
Sears - 10% discount Thursday and Friday, Nov. 11-12. Sears is offering a ―
Salute to Local Heroes‖ discount to all military, veterans, police,
firefighters, teachers, and hospital staff. Offer is good for 10% of
regular, sale, and clearance prices.
Sleep Number Stores - Free travel pillow to all active duty military &
retirees now through Nov. 14. Find your ―sleep number‖ setting, and get a
free pillow.
Sports Clips Haircuts - The men's hair salon chain is offering a free
haircut to active military and veterans on Veterans Day.
The Dollar General - Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve),
and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount with a
Veterans Day coupon. The coupon may be found in store circular ads or by
asking a sales associate.

Other
Aquarium of the Pacific - Free admission to the (November 11, 2011 B&B’s
for Vets - Bed and Breakfasts across the nation are offering a one night
stay, the night before Veteran‘s Day, free to Veterans. Many also offer
discounts to military and veterans throughout the year.
Brevard Zoo FL - Free admission deployed November 11-13, 2011 (even to
spouses whose loved one is Colonial Williamsburg - Free weekend-long
admission tickets active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and
their immediate dependants November 11-13, 2011.
Concerts - Free Veterans Day Concert from The San Antonio Symphony and the
United States Air Force Band of the West November 13, 2011.
Des Moines Botanical Center - Free admission to the November 11, 2011.
Grace for Vets - Free car wash for all vets on 11 Nov at 1620 Total
Participating Locations in 50 States. Check locations at
http://graceforvets.org/2011/participating.php.
Knott’s Berry Farm - Veterans and active duty members will receive free
admission and one guest from November 1st though Thanksgiving.
Identification is required. Six additional tickets can also be purchased for
$15 a piece.
National Parks, Forests, & Monuments - Free Entrance to the public November
11-13, 2011.
Pembroke Pines - Free event on November 11, 2011.
Red Roof Hotels - Veterans will receive a 15 percent discount at
participating hotels during the month of November. Use coupon code ―
606310‖ or mention your military status when reserving. Identification of
past or present military service is required.
Registry Inns - Select Registry Inns is offering a one night stay, November
10th, the night before Veteran‘s Day to qualified Veterans and their
families. You must present a valid military ID or Veteran‘s Administration
card to take advantage of this program. Some of the sites offer additional
services and amenities for reduced rates as well.
San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free
admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the
special exhibit to all veterans and their families Sea World, Busch Gardens
& Sesame Place - Up to 3 direct military dependents will receive a free,
single-day complimentary admission.
Wet n Wild Hawaii Water Park - Wet n Wild Hawaii is hosting the eighth
annual Veterans Day event, Thursday, November 11. All active duty and
retired military, reservists and national guards (with valid identification)
receive FREE entry into the park. Friends and family members can also
purchase a special discount admission for just $19.99 each plus tax.


Year-Round Veterans Discounts
FarmerBoy Restaurants - Offers a year-round 15% discount to all active
military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members
with a valid military ID.
Foot Locker - Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and
their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive
a 20 percent discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online
and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids
Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports - even on sale items Home Depot -
Offers a 10 percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military,
reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid
military ID.
Lowe’s - Lowe‘s offers a year-round 10 percent discount offer for all
active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees and disabled Service
members and their immediate families. The discount is available on in-stock
and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. The offer can‘t be used on
sales at Lowes?.com, on previous sales or on sales of services or gift
cards. You must present a valid military I.D. card to receive the discount.

[Source: Military.com Terry Howell article 9 Oct 2011 ++] (Courtesy: Clark
AB, PI, RAO, Bulletin Article, Nov. 1, 2011)

Ethan is too funny.

I love Ethan, he is so hilarious... the things that he says. For example, he and I had an ab challenge today. I was telling him about P90X and about the AbRipper workout and he was being all proud and saying how he could do it no problem. I told him he would die before it was over. So, the challenge was made! After I did my Kenpo routine I put on AbRipper. I have to say that Ethan did more of them than I did... but I blame that on the fact that I have had 2 children and he is a fit, cross-country running 13 year old :) So I was impressed, but still, I think he was surprised by how difficult it was, so in a way I think I set him straight with a good respect for P90X! BUT, the second exercise is the bicycle, where you are sitting down and moving your legs as if you are peddling a bike. The third move is a reverse bicycle where you move the opposite direction. Ethan started struggling and acting kind of confused and he said "this reverse bicycle is like a brain teaser!" Mom and I cracked up. Needless to say, I couldn't finish my reverse bicycle reps from laughing so hard! But I really didn't mind ;)

Loving being here at G and G Gibson's!

Ok, I've been taking a lot of pictures lately and I definitely shouldn't wait too long to post because then I have too many to pick from! No explanations, they are pretty much self explanatory! Enjoy!

O'Fallon, IL

Yesterday I flew St. Louis with the boys. Mom picked us up at the airport and we came home to O'Fallon, IL! We will stay here for who knows how long... pretty much until Luis and I figure out what and where he will be working from now on! He us applying to about 10 jobs every day. We are praying something comes up soon! I am so happy to be here with Mom, Dave, and Ethan... and hey all my brothers and sisters... anyone want to come join us??? It would be so much fun. The day of traveling went pretty well. Jackson freaked out at the airport in McAllen when he had to walk through the metal detector... I think he was just very scared of what would happen to him. I had to pick him up kicking and screaming to get him through. The flight to houston was good until the landing. Jackson must have got motion sickness because he got all sweaty and clammy skin and pale and he cried a lot. He didn't throw up though, thank goodness. We RAN to our connecting flight to St Louis. We had to get on the train toget to the gate. We got there about 2 minutes before we had to board! WHEW! That was close. Jackson fell asleep before the plane even took off and Jake fell asleep shortly after. They slept for half the flight and ate snacks and played with cars the rest of the time. No sickness the second time around. I think Jackson recognized Grandma Gibson and they warmed up to Grandpop and Ethan very quickly. We had some yummy french toast for dinner and got some good playtime in! It was fun to catch up with Mom and Dave. We are sharing Ethan's room, so he got to moveinto Matt's room, which I think he was very excited about. The area is beautiful with trees that actually have red and orange leaves! The weird thing is that most houses here don't have fences... not even in the back. Unusual huh? It's like everyone shares a backyard. Dangerous if you ask me! Anyways, I will post pictures later! Sorry for typos, mom has a Mac keyboard and I have to get used to it!

Goodbye Pictures

Sunday night Claudia came over to say goodbye to the boys and she brought them 2 long sleeve shirts each! She is so sweet. She is a PA student of Lew's and a good friend of the family. We have a lot of fun with her! She also brought Silvia and I Halloween goodie bags :) Unfortunately all the pics of the boys and Claudia are on Silvia's iphone! Here are some I took later with Grandma and Papa Lew! Can you guess what Silvia smelled??? I love Jake's face :)