CRIBBS CLAN

2010-12-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

Marissa's 4th Grade Class Party

2010-11-22T00:10:00.000-08:00

Mummy contest

Emma and Missy

Me as the Witch Sorcerist doing my ANNUAL
Mystery Game with the kids (brains, guts, eyeballs, and all!)

Trick or Treating

2010-11-02T00:45:00.000-07:00

Janson's 8th B-Day!

2010-11-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

"Huh, is it Halloween Already?"

2010-10-31T02:13:00.000-07:00

I ran out of time this year, but friends say I had to go as a woman this year instead of a man! So Marilyn Monroe was the girliest girl I could think of....Marissa actually helped me put this together last minute (she is the designer afterall:).

Annual Halloween Party-Thanks Camille!

2010-10-31T01:50:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T01:49:00.000-07:00

Another Fabulous Halloween, my favorite holiday and time of year!

Janson's Baptism!

2010-10-31T01:37:00.000-07:00

Janson was so privledged to be baptized by his Papa Munk and confirmed by his Uncle Ruston

2010-10-31T01:35:00.000-07:00

2010-10-31T01:19:00.000-07:00

September Birthday Celebration! September was little Bubba's, Aunt YaYa's, and Papa's Birthday!

Thanksgiving in Oregon

2009-12-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

I had my lab in Oregon the weekend before Thanksgiving for my anatomy class. So, it worked out great for my sis and I to drive up to Oregon with the kids together to celebrate Thanksgiving. We also had a birthday bowling party for Marissa at her favorite playland! Lab was very intense, but I got through it, and was able to enjoy the rest of the week with family! The kids made their own apple turkeys, and Chambray made these cute fruit turkey plates for dinner. We cut out everyone's handprint and Marissa decorated them for the placecards. We even had one for our beloved brother, uncle, and son Brandon...who we miss very much and remember especially on this day! I feel so very thankful and overwhelmed with gratitude for mine and our family's bountiful blessings!

Student of the Month

2009-11-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of our little Bubba! He has worked so hard this year at school, and it has paid off. Mrs. Banto said she can't believe how responsible and self motivated he is for a 1st grader. Janson has straight A's and was awarded "Student of the Month" and received a certificate from the principal at an assembly. Way to go Jance! Doesn't he look sharp:)

Trick-Or-Treat'n 09

2009-11-05T21:27:00.001-08:00

Its all about the costume...for all of you who know me you know that Halloween is my favorite holiday! This year my friends Steph and Darren helped me put this one together...including the wood block shoes that made me 7' tall! Yep-that huge KISS Member is me!

Life is never dull around here. I am working part time at the school my kids attend, taking a full load for nursing school, while juggling a single mom life with three kids. Between soccer, gymnastics, church activities and callings, managing diabetes, meetings, and fun kid stuff, we have our plates full! After over a year without steady income and employment, our friend offered Jason an administrative assistant job, which we are grateful for in order to ensure health insurance for Janson. Jason continues to choose a different lifestyle and lives in Henderson. He helps out with the kids when I attend school, and joined us for trick or treating, along with our amazing friends the Wildes for my traditional chili meal and scary movies. We had a blast! We even visited our dear friends Charli and Roy (in pic), who my kids call grandma and grandpa! As Missy's room-mom, I had the opportunity to do her Halloween party again...which of course is way more fun for me than the kids! At least I didn't make any kids cry this year with my blindfold game! My girlfriend asked me about my schedule and how I was doing it...without thinking I replied, "I'm not"..."He's doing it". She just looked at me and said that she had not heard that reply before....truth is, without my Heavenly Father, I wouldn't be able to go 1 day! I am so grateful for all my blessings this year, month, and every minute. I can only strive to live by faith and pray to understand His Will for me. Good-Bye to another Fabulous Halloween!!!

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-05T21:22:00.000-08:00

Shawna and Aunt Debbie threw a fabulous Halloween party in St. George as always...it was amazing! The games, the food, and the fun!

Halloween Party

2009-11-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

The Simmons Brothers!(My sis and I)

Homework here we come!

2009-09-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

First Day of School!

2009-09-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast the summer went by! The kids are getting so big and I have an almost teen, it goes way to fast! Janson is so excited to be in 1st grade and to be at school all day. The lunch thing has been such a big plateau for him, considering he is getting insulin and counting carbs at school. He got his favorite teacher this year, Mrs. Banto! Missy is in third grade and loves her class and teacher, and Chambray started 7th grade this year. I even started school too! I am going back to nursing school to get my RN! The kids made me some sweet cards to help with my nervous butterflies too!

Campin' in Cascade-McKee Reunion!

2009-07-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

McKee Reunion July 17th-20th (about 100 in attendance). We did it all! Swam in the lake, canoe rides, slept in tents, campfire stories, playing cards, horseshoe tournaments, and of course..eating the best food ever! Elli decides to get away from the mosquitoes in the tent bag! They were real bad this year, Missy counted 21 on her face alone and Chammy had about 30 on her back!

More Reunions! This was our little family's reunion in Salt Lake the week before...

Janson's "Disneyland"...his favorite place on earth, the Eccles Dinosaur Park!

Gateway Mall, some Chinese tourists wanted to take our picture while we sat here!..."A bench full of blondes!"

Olympic wall at Gateway. Alesha found her engraved brick near the splashpad!

Special Moments in Oregon

2009-07-24T03:37:00.000-07:00

From swinging in the tire, to roasting marshmellows in dad's firepit, to even riding horses in the front yard! Then to top it off...my sister-in-law and I took a mom timeout to do a session at the Boise temple! The perfect combination of activities to bring peace and joy!

Home for the 4th of July!

2009-07-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

At the Butler's for homemade strawberry icecream!

Unfortunately, Grandma ended up with a broken hip and in the hospital on the 4th! We've been taking shifts to be with her at the hospital this week. Love you Grandma!

Our favorite tradition...to watch fireworks at DonnaClair and Bill's house.

We're Home! Vale's Pool to Mechanical Bull!

2009-07-09T01:04:00.000-07:00

Visit at the Rodeo and Suicide Race

I ran the 5k and Kids all ran the Fun 1 miler race! I was amazed and proud at how fast they were!

My brother's dental office had a float this year in the paradee. I drove the truck pulling the float, Missy and Janson threw candy and sprayed people with water guns, and Chambray followed down the street doing back and fronthand springs! My brother followed behind handing out toothbrushes. Dad was in charge of paradee and said this year was a huge turnout. LOVED it!

We all rode the mechanical bull... So fun. Check out mom's face! Ruston only lasted about 30 seconds before he broke his thumb!

Fiesta Birthday Celebration

2009-07-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

When we got here Mom and Dad took us out to dinner to the fam's favorite Mexican restaurant to celebrate mine and Chammy's birthdays. OLE!

White Water Rafting

2009-07-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

This was probably the most fun I've had since the Harley ride through the redwoods. My cousin Cheri invited me on a rafting trip down the Payette river. I was honestly surprised how much fun this is! Her boyfriend knew the river well, and as our experienced guide, he helped me feel completely safe. He just told us when to paddle through the waves and when to relax and enjoy the ride. We talked about how this was kind of like life, right?! You just drift along for a while, then things speed up and you have to gear up and prepare for the rapids. The scenery was breathtaking! It was touching to spend time with Brentan and Cheri again, and I was so impressed by their men! I still see Brentan in my mind as 14, but she has really grown into an amazing woman and mom. This was one of those picture perfect days that I will always carry in my heart and mind.

Floatin' the Canal

2009-07-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

What a treat! Good neighbor Hawkins let us float down their canal on inner tubes- I felt like one of the kids again!

Desert GymCats Dance Festival

2009-05-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Chambray's dance recital was tonight and she was fabulous! We always enjoy watching the amazing talent of these teams, and GymCats always puts on a great production!

Campin' Memorial Weekend

2009-05-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

Last minute get out of town for Memorial Weekend turned out great! The kids had a blast playing in the dirt, hiking, sleeping in our tent, swinging in the hammock, trying to catch lizards, playing games, and spending time with daddy. They really needed and enjoyed this weekend. Skippin rocks, playing "PIT", and telling stories in the dark were some highlights. The first night was so windy, we ate our yummy bbq salmon dinner in the back of the truck and hoped our tent didn't blow away! Adventure always seems to follow our clan. Still, this place was perfect, one of our favs. Check out the sunsets!

Easter in St George

2009-05-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to St. George to my sis' house for Easter. Thanks to her and her family, we had the best spring break we could imagine! We did everything from visiting, to riding horses, to hanging out with just the girls, to even decorating easter eggs like the pioneers did! Jason stayed with his mom and came and rode horses with us. Peanut came too! The kids also got to see all their cousins that they haven't seen forever. Josh's family shared their awesome family tradition of tying flowers around eggs and coloring them in water dyed from red root we dug up near the river. The eggs turned out so pretty, and the kids had a blast. Marissa really got into it, she said, "Mom, I am very crafty huh?" Oh, and the Easter Bunny did find us somehow at Ya Ya house!

Fearless Family Fun!

2009-04-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Yes!!!We did it. This trip to Cali last month was for Chambray's gymnastics competition. Her manager and coaches have been so good to us. They also had $20 tick. to Six Flags, right across the street from us! Chammy had a great meet, and we saw some of the most talented gymnast in the nation! Then off to 6 Flags! This was a girls trip, I didn't want to drive alone, so I made my sister come with me and my neice too! We had so much fun! It was all about facing and conquering our fears having fun in the moment! I have not gone on that many rollercoasters since I was a teenager! There was no lines, and a few times we even stayed on the ride without getting off! My fav...Scream and Superman! The girls wore my sis and I out, our voices were dead from screaming so much. Chammy did not want to go on any big coasters. Finally, at the end of the day, she finally got up the nerve to do the Viper! At the last minute she tried chikening out and started getting out of her seat, but I just said, "you'll be fine honey" and pulled the bar down over her head! I know, ruthless huh! Well, mom's gut told me to just trust the experience of it....as we began to go up the long slow steep incline..."chuga,chuga,chuga", went the coaster on the tracks...she said "Mom, I am so mad at you!" I said hold my hand sweetie, she said "don't touch me, leave me alone, I'll never forgive you, I hate this"....Then swish, we were going down the steep hill at record speed, turning, flipping, back and forth, upsidedown, and then up and down, I looked over at her before the 3 minute ride was over and her face had gone from a pale frown, to one of smiling laughter and excitment. I said, "Are you ok baby, what do you think?" At the screetching halt of the brakes and the quick whiplash movement of our bodies forward when the coaster stopped she looked over at me and said "I love it, can we do it again Mom?!" She went on Scream with us 4 times after that! The pure simplicity of facing fears that day taught us both so much. Later I said, I am so glad you liked the rides, cause I made a quick decision at that moment you were trying to escape, and risked alot! All of us girls talked about how LIFE is just like that Viper rollercoaster...the fear can be overcome, because you never know...it just might be FUN, fun enough to give us the strength to face it again!

Animas Family Unites!

2009-04-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

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When we realized that I had left the cartridges to Janson's pump at home, while in St. George Saturday we were able to get in touch with another family who has an 8 yr old on the same pump as Janson. She said she cried when Animas called saying that another mom needed help, she had been in this situation before and said she hoped that one day she could help someone else. Our only alternative was shots or to leave St. George and go home. Luckily, Cathy was available and was so kind to meet me and give me an extra cartridge so Janson could get insulin. She also said that her son Andrew knows no one else with diabetes his age and feels alone alot. Now, Andrew has another diabetes buddy! I love Animas and its family network!

The Bachelor Junkie in Me!

2009-03-04T01:51:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I am a "Bachelor/Bachelorette" junkie! The other reality shows I can't do, but ever since Trista and Ryan, this one I admit I dig! Melissa was left holding a ring with empty promises, but Molly was given another chance!...Wow, what an interesting twist this season...I sometimes wonder how much of it was actually planned. Anyway, what do you think? I think Jason did show his emotional maturity, integrity and strength of character in his decision. Even though it looked bad to America and was hard, he said he was doing the honest thing. I admire that. I do feel bad for Melissa though, but she said she is taking the positive approach and is learning from the experience. Molly loves him and just had all her dreams come true at once! I know...she is "Cindersickenrella!" (HaaHaa) She sounded so happy on tonights episode and has a true appreciation for their relationship. She knows how much he must love her, considering what he did, and sacrificed, and what he risked just to be with her. Another ABC couple is formed...wish them the best!

Property of ABC

Appreciate the Simple Things...

2009-02-28T02:17:00.000-08:00

We noticed the breathtaking beauty of Summerlin's snow capped mountains, red rock, and cloudy skies, with multi-colored mountains. The sun and clouds were moving fast so we all jumped in the car fast, grabbed the camera, and drove as fast as possible up Charleston. I pulled over and the kids were in awe of the beauty that Heavenly Father created. Each of them took turns out of the sunroof of the truck taking pics..here are some the kids took!

Love Notes and Valentines Day

2009-02-28T02:15:00.000-08:00

Woke up to this cute licorce love note from Chambray...she is so amazing...she wrote me this sweet note thanking me for helping her with homework and with so much she goes through. Then she reminds me that Heavenly Father will take care of me..(in this note on the right). She is wise beyond her years and is my anchor in life. I thank my Heavenly Father for her spiritual strength and faith that inspires me daily! Love You Cham!

Red Day Run in Logan!

2009-02-25T02:15:00.000-08:00

I've so needed this recent trip to see my best friend Kaci, and of course I was also able to visit my brother Brandon's grave. I hardly get the chance to get up there, its been a couple of years. When Kaci moved to Logan I was so sad, but also excited because this is where alot of my family is from. Without me even mentioning it, she made me a promise that if they moved there, she would visit Brandon and take care of him for me. She has kept this promise diligently! Kac will call out of the blue just to say, "Hey, I am here with Brandon, the sky is blue, the trees are green and blooming, and the sprinklers keep hitting right over Brandon!...." I love her...for calling me to describe the exact conditions of that moment there in the cemetery, so that I might "feel as though I am there" she says. Kaci's daughter Alyssa is such a sweet princess, she has a special bond with Brandon and has always taken care of him for me she tells me! Kaci is an amazing person, friend, and mom. I love her!
She has also taken up running, she says Matt, her husband, and I, have inspired her. Well, we ran 5 miles outside when it was only 16 degrees! I thought I was going to die! There was a thick fog that day that was all around us, the cold air came into my lungs and I couldn't breathe, my snot froze to my face immediately, and I couldn't feel anything below my hips!! We found out later, that it was a "RED DAY", meaning the pollution and inversion was so bad that you shouldn't be outside! And yes...we went running in it!! Matt said we might as well have stuck our head in a smog exhaust pipe or smoked 10 packs of cigarettes at once! Ironically enough, I went there for a get-away, to clear my head, and to chill. At the end of our run she says, "oh I forgot to tell you the last 1/2 mile is straight uphill!" "Agghhh" She pushed me to the end...even through the "RED DAY" fog, bitter cold, and numbing pain! She is my true inspiration, and her friendship means everything to me. Through my fog I found clarity...because of my "RED DAY" run in Logan, I found my renewed inner strength to push through the fog, cold, and pain.

Kaci and Matt and their kids

Marissa's Baptism Announcement

2008-12-24T03:14:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would put this pic I found of 1 year ago tonight...Christmas Eve 2007 at Grandma Suzi's house in St. George. What a year, the Lord has blessed our CLAN! Wow, it has been a long hard year, but we have all grown...spiritually, physically, and emotionally! I am so grateful for my Savior, the Atonement, and my knowledge that He has a plan for me!

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A mother's prayer

2008-12-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

This song is to my daughter today. Things have been kinda crazy for our family lately. My heart has been softened and turned to my 11 year old Chambray as she is facing a difficult time in life. Middle school has brought many challenges academically and in terms of time management with homework and gymnastics. Chambray has been faced with a tough decision. She plays the flute in 6th grade and has her Christmas concert on the 16th of December. Attendance and participation in the performance is 1/3 of her grade in the class! She also has her dance recital that same night where she has been asked to lead a 3 and 4 yr. old ballet class as well as perform several numbers with her teammates. The numbers have already been coreographed and rehearsed! I know she has a committment and responsibility to her team and to her sport, but she also has a committment to put her education above anything outside of it, and to earn her best grades. She can however choose to write a 5 page essay on a classical composer if she does not play in the concert. As a mom, I want to make the decision for her, to make it all better and to relieve her stress, uncomfortableness, and pressure from teachers, coaches, and peers. At the same time, I know she has to practice self-reliance and to learn to make difficult decisions on her own. I told her that she needed to pray and to consult with her Father in Heaven. "You decide what you think is best, and then ask Him", I told her. I know she is only 11, but it seems as though the kids today are dealing with so much more, more adult issues, than we ever had to! I prayed night and day for her, and came to the conclusion that this was something that needed to be used as a testimony builder for her. She would have to deal with the decision and its consequences. I am so scared to watch this! Anyway, Tuesday night we prayed together before bed. She said "mom, I want to pray about it tomorrow too, and then we can talk after school." When she got home, I was so nervous for her I remember my hands were sweaty! I asked her on the way to gymnastics, do you have an answer? She said, "yes, I think so, but how do I know for sure?" We talked about how the Holy Ghost speaks to each of us differently, and then she shuffled off to gym. Last night driving home from her workout, she proceeded to tell me about how the coreographer and head dance coach just chewed her out and yelled at her in front of all the teams, when she told them she was not going to be performing. Normally, I think she would have been in tears about it, but it was almost as though their opposition to her decision (which she knew would come) had strengthened her in her decision. Almost as if she was unsure, but knew for sure now, that what she wanted was to play her flute in the band concert. There were many recitals to come, and many had passed.....this opportunity to play her flute was a newfound talent she wanted to display. I am so proud of my Bray Bear. I love her more than life itself, she is my gift from God, SHE is the reason I am here. Even though she drives me crazy most days, she is the what gives my soul breath! I thank my Heavenly Father for gifting her to me in this life. My mother's prayer is always to keep her safe and warm, but today I saw her stretch and fly!

Attitude of Gratitude! Thanksgiving Memories

2008-12-04T04:11:00.000-08:00

Grateful This Week For:
- positive power of prayer
- family and friends
- my Savior Jesus Christ
- little Munk noses that have dripped all week
- penicillin shots! (best thing for strep throat)
- protection from harm (discovered garage door had been opened all night long)
- my little man "mom, I'm the man of the house when dad is gone"
- the big beautiful fire and ice pink rose outside my kitchen window!
- our country and our freedoms
- humor
- the policeman only giving me 2 tickets instead of 3!
- our home, food, education, and ability to earn a living
- Attitude of Gratitude!

They got me! "One, two, three"....then I got the bird!

Check out our growing bunch of handsome kids!

We even got to visit with Ya Ya in St. George

Soccer Season Ends

2008-12-03T02:21:00.000-08:00

The JDRF Diabetes Walk at Janson's School

2008-11-23T21:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who helped with Friday's big walk! Helen, the school nurse, and I have been planning this walk for quite a while. We were so pleased to see the gracious response of kids and parents from both schools! November is "Diabetes Month" so we decided to devote the whole month to educating the kids about the signs and risks associated with Type I diabetes, and the prevention of Type II. Both Bonner Elementary (where Janson attends kindergarten) and Givens Elementary, where Janson's Type I buddies Conner and Conner attend, did the WALK! School administrators, teachers, PTA members, parent volunteers, and kids were all amazing! The the walk went totally smooth! It was cool to see commorodity- teachers had their kids all wear matching shirts! Also, JDRF gives 10% of funds raised back to the school!

I am so overwhelmed by the whole experience! The kids were encouraged to bring in their change ("dimes for diabetes") during the week. One boy, a 1st grader, pulled a handful of pennies and nickels from both jean pockets and said to me, "Here, take this from my piggy bank to help the kids with diabetes." AAHHHH!!! I know, I couldn't hold back the tears that day! There are over 940 kids in the Clark County school district alone living with this disease. Type I kids would not live more than a few days without their insulin injections. This disease which used to be rare, is fast becoming the most expensive health epidemic and crisis in our country. 218 Billion dollars was spent on diabetes health care last year alone!

Janson went with us into classes to help teach about diabetes. I was so impressed with how Janson answered the kids' questions. "Does your diabetes hurt, how did you get it, can I get it?" Janson replied..."Sometimes, but not really, and I don't know how I got it....that's why we need to find a cure...and no, I can't give you diabetes, I'm just a normal kid like you." What was even more impressive, was the way these kids caught on and how much they already knew about diabetes. One kid said to me, "isn't it when your pancreas doesn't make insulin anymore?" YES! These kids are amazing. I was very emotional when watching every class K-5 walking around the field chanting, "Let's find a cure, Let's find a cure!"

I hope and pray for the day when needles pricks every 3 hours, site shots every 2 days, high and low symptoms, long term damage to the organs, and the constant worry about blood glucose stability can be lifted! The cure comes through science, research, and money! I pray for the CURE sometime in Janson's life. Wouldn't be awesome if it was here before he is old enough to serve a mission! Thanks to all who donated! Every $ counts...were now $11,000 closer to the cure.

Scroll over to 5:00 minutes. This is the noon news coverage of the Givens Elementary walk. Mitch Truswell the news anchor, has been very involved with diabetes in our community. He sits on JDRF's board of directors and is a great proponent in advocating the CURE! Thanks to ALL!
If you are interested in donating to JDRF, its not too late! There is a link for "Team Bonner" on JDRF's website at http://walk.jdrf.org/support.cfm?id=87286686 Just follow the prompts!

Orlando Trip

2008-11-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

We just returned from a fun trip in Orlando. We had planned to take a family vacation back in March of last year. When we found out that we could take off for almost 9 days and the kids would only miss 3 1/2 days of school, we couldn't pass up Disney in November! It was absolutely beautiful weather, and even better- no lines at Disney! Even though it was not ideal, due to our employment situation, to leave town for over a week (Jason left his job back in September and he is back at his start-up company on 100% commission), we were still very grateful and blessed to have this time to cultivate our family relationship and to spend time together. My mom and dad meet us there, and we all stayed in one of their time share condos. We had a blast- and pretty much covered it all, from NASA's space center, to Disney World, swimming and water sliding, Gatorland, tennis, movies, shopping, and late night games while eating popcorn! Dad even dropped us off and picked us up at the theme parks so we didn't have to wait for the shuttle! The kids loved seeing Grandma "Villa" and "Papa Wink"! This year my kids have not really seen their grandparents other than a few days in July, so they were in grandparent heaven! Poor Missy sobbed when we said goodbye at the airport, and was still crying for them when we landed in Vegas! At Disney's Blizzard Beach water park we loved our favorite ride where we rode the "ski lift" to the top and all five of us came screaming down the slide on one huge inner tube!

This was one of Janson's highlights of the trip. While at Kennedy Space Center, we got to sit in a simulation machine to see what it is like to shoot up into space. Marissa saw this all too real! She kept crying ..."please Mommy please, I'm scared, please don't send me to outer space today, I want to stay on earth!"Janson got picked to meet and ask John (a real live astronaut!)about his adventures in space.

Florida Gators!

2008-11-17T01:11:00.000-08:00

Halloween Slideshow

2008-11-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

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Halloween night at the Bulloch's was so incredible! Jason did the Obama thing...and me well...I think the adjective used the most that night was "gross"! The whole neighborhood was done up to the hilt, lights, decorations, haunted houses in frontyards and garages! It was like we had stepped into a movie...streets and sidewalks lined with treak or treaters, like we had walked into the "village of Halloween people"! Wow, what a fun night! Thanks to Darren Hardy for all the awesome pics! Find him at www.darrenhardyphotography.com

Missy's 2nd Gr. Class Party

2008-11-02T02:08:00.000-08:00

Since Marissa volunteered me as her "room mom" this year, I was quite busy last week putting together the Halloween party. It was a blast. We had 4 different activities, games and crafts that the kids all rotated through. Then the FUN began.... I brought each child out separately and had them put their hand through holes in this box- and while blindfolded- they had to guess what they were touching! I had brains, guts, and eyeballs in the box! Most of laughed and said "coool", after their undeniable saying every single time of... "EEEWWWWWHHH"!! After our pizza party, I did show the kids the real food items in the box, they couldn't believe it! I love this, teasing my own kids is one of my top pure passions and pleasures in this life, so teasing someone else's kids is pretty close!

Marissa knows how much I love Halloween, so she drew me these pics for my fridge!

Blond in the kitchen?

2008-11-02T01:41:00.000-07:00

Has this ever happened to you?! Okay, maybe just me- this is just one of those reoccuring blond moments I tend to have....anyway, here Jason caught me! Here I am making dinner-spraying the pan-after the dinner was in it! OOOPS!

St. George

2008-11-02T01:29:00.000-07:00

We went to St. George last weekend to visit family. It was so fun to see everyone again! My nephews and niece are getting so big, I can't believe it! I think John and Alex are both taller than me now! Janson was THRILLED to visit Ganma Suzi and Papa Terry! Ganma Suzi has a very special backyard- an adventure awaiting him every visit! Ya know, Papa has real dino bones buried all over his backyard! He went straight outside for his "better than Disneyland" dinosaur dig with Papa. This is Jance's most favorite thing in the world! He now has 4 more "dino" bones, these from a baby tri-ceratops, to add to his collection!

Vince's B-Day and Janson's Laser Tag Thanks

2008-11-02T01:10:00.001-07:00

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Vincent's Birthday! My dear friend Brittany's son has become a true part of our family! These 3 amigos- Vince, Marissa, and Janson have been friends since Janson was only a few months old. They have been 3 peas in a pod ever since. We love you Vince!

I've been tagged

2008-10-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

So, my sis "tagged me" on her blog. I am supposed to post the 4th photo in the 4th folder of my pic folder. So, this is it, the girls are so cute... This was taken bowling at the JDRF family function. Well, I'm going to tag Stephy H. and Chelsea P., just follow the same instructions.

Chambray's Bar Rountine

2008-10-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

Gymnastics Meet

2008-10-17T11:38:00.001-07:00

Chammy's first meet of the season was fabulous! She took 1st place all around! This time of year is really busy with soccer too, but the whole family looks forward to going to every meet....the family sits in the stands, our hearts pounding with excitement and apprehension for Chammy, eating popcorn and treats, and cheering on our little superstar! Chambray is gearing up for optionals after November! Good luck Chammy! She loves this sport, it is so much a part of her! (And as an extra bonus as parents, we get to witness her develop self confidence and assurance through her hard work and accomplishment!)

Girls Night

2008-10-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here we are.... a few friends getting together for Steph's birthday, having fun, acting like silly teenagers, and forgetting how old we really are for a night!

Birthday Boy and Losing 1st tooth

2008-10-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Janson lost his first tooth the night before his Birthday. The day started with a note and some money under his pillow. Then, after checking his BG and having breakfast, he went off to school to share his cupcakes. That night we ordered Janson's favorite meal, Panada Express, and had a carpet picnic as a family.

2008-09-18T01:09:00.000-07:00

Marissa loves to draw and design. She keeps a collection of over 100 pages of different dresses and handbags. Here she shows me her "baptism dress" she designed and tells me she wants to wear it today!

Fun Friends-School and Play

2008-09-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

We love friends!

One Liners/Letting Go...

2008-09-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

Kids say the darndest things....Missy..."Oh, eeewwwhh, Dad don't call mom 'baby' cause that's what the guys call the girls in their music, gross dad!....Janson would not eat breakfast, I told him if he did, he would be strong enough to score a goal, and we would all go see a movie...2 minutes into the game, Janson shoots and scores then stops, turns to me and yells across the soccer field, "Mom can we go see 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' now?!" Chammy.......after studying the instruction paper inside a bobble head McDonald's toy for about 5 minutes said..."Mom, I don't get it."
Journal entry..."Letting Go"...Today Janson began his playgroup/carpool for afternoon kindergarten. It is a great opportunity for us. Between the 5 children in the group, we all switch off and take a day of the week having the kids over, letting them play, and then feeding them lunch before taking them to school. This is a huge step in the long road of letting go and allowing Janson to be looked after by others. I knew it would be a paradigm, Janson has never really been with anyone for more than a few hours other than family and a few babysitters. This was a good lesson in trust and faith. I didn't think much of it until I returned home from dropping him off and reviewing the "instruction manual" for my son with a mom. I walked in the door, went to the fridge, then sat down on the floor and just sobbed. I know he will be absolutely fine, but letting go is so hard. I will always worry about his blood sugars and his medical condition. I was quite shocked at my reaction, and was surprised how this was harder than sending him off to school. I still remember his little face saying to me "it's ok mom, I can do it, just go and don't worry.....I'm gonna play with my friends." My Heavenly Father continues to bless me and to protect my son. I am eternally grateful for the gift of spirit that tells me how and when my son needs medical attention. I pray that I might continue to stay in tune with what Janson needs, even if it is playtime with wonderful friends AWAY from MOM!!

Labor Day Fun

2008-09-04T01:21:00.000-07:00

This Labor Day we went out to Lake Mead boating with our good friends the Bullochs. They were so kind and generous and invited us to join in on a fun day of boating, knee boarding, tubing, cliff diving, and of course swimming and jammin to music on a really fast boat! The kids LOVED it of course! It was their first time on a ski boat and they loved tubing and cliff jumping. Chammy got up on the knee board, Missy had a blast on the tube and kept wanting to go faster, and Janson was a daredevil climbing up the mountain and jumping of the cliff! I swear, my kids have NO fear! Jas and I enjoyed seeing the thrills of the kids, and enjoyed time visiting with friends! After a long day of water and sun, the kids were wiped, so after getting home, us adults went out to dinner. We can't say enough about how awesome the Bullochs are and how much their family means to us. Monday was pretty close to one of those perfect days!

The funniest thing ever.....2 grown men, Jason and Roger on the intertube....Megan took them into figure 8's going 30mp/hr! They caught air several times, and finally were thrown off! Several icy hot patches later, despite the moaning of whip lash and sunburn- the men did survive!

First Day of School

2008-09-03T04:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe school is already here! We are sad that the summer is gone, yet the kids are so excited to start school with new teachers and friends. Chambray started middle school. This is a big adjustment and so far after making it through the first week, she is still loving it! Marissa loves Bonner, and walked in the first day of 2nd grade as if she owned the place! Janson with 2 full years of school, started a half day of kindergarten like it was nothing. I am so excited to see what this year has to bring! Chambray amazes me with how she just takes things in stride, without stress. She was so calm, cool, and collected this week about the 6 classes, homework, the locker thing, flute, having 6 classes in 5 different wings with 1700 other students, carpool with the 7th graders, and even getting lost the first day. I think this would have just put me over the edge and I would have bawled and bawled my first week. Not Chammy, she just shrugs off the uncomfortableness, overcomes the fear of new things, and laughs about being blond! She's showing her true colors and I stand in awe as she develops into a responsible daughter of God!

One Last Summer Getaway-CAMPING

2008-09-01T01:28:00.000-07:00

Picking out lava rock on the road to Pine Valley

This year before school started we went camping for a few days. It was alot of work, really dirty, and quite different than the usual beach trip, but we loved it! Jason and I haven't taken the kids camping since Marissa was just a baby, so this trip was long overdue. I reserved the campsite online, the website said there was "flushable toilets"- well when we arrived they didn't have our reservation, and there were no toilets! Oh well- no problem, the Cribbs Clan love spontaneity- like we always say- change is for the better. Well, we ended up getting an awesome huge family site right next to the creek because of the mistake. And the toilet thing....well my girls learned all about squatting! We even bathed in a pot of heated creek water.- (now that's rouging it)! The kids had a blast...getting dirty, playing in the water, fishing, roasting marshmallows, hiking around, and playing with their little cousins! We were so glad my sister and her family joined us for one night!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Lazy Days

2008-09-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Our favorite day of camping was spent in a lazy day of fishing! We walked across the Pine Valley reservoir and found a beautiful serene spot to set up for fishing. The kids each fished and Jas helped them with their bait. Janson kept catching little trout so fast, as soon as he would cast out he would be reeling in with one! Dad couldn't keep up with baiting each kid's pole! I had it made- since I gave up the annual beach trip, I got special treatment that day! Jas hung the hammock up for me and I read my magazines, catnapped, and literally hung out!

More smores please! This was Janson's first real campfire smore ever! And my first smore since 1985 I think! Yummy!

My Little Buddy

2008-08-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

"There has to be at least 2 dinosaur musems in my city....that's it ...I will live in Salt Lake City mom!"

Uncle Aidan Comes to Visit

2008-08-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

For Aidan's birthday we went to the movies, and after he came over for a visit. The kids were so attached to him! They couldn't stop laughing! Aidan is definitely a kid magnet- my kids think he is hilarious and has the best stories, they are still talking about them! We hadn't seen Aidan in ages- so it so fun to visit and catch up!

Chambray started a daring contest with her Uncle and began trying gross combinations of food- which a few they actually liked! It started with vanilla icecream and mustard, then strawberries, then pickle relish, then when they added a full beef bullion cube- they both about died! As they rose their forks to each bite, they toasted and gave the "Volcan StarTrek sign"!

2008-08-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

BYU Sports Camp was from the 4th to the 8th of August. This year Marissa was able to go. Everyday of camp they do a different sport, some days they do 2 sports....(soccer, football, tennis, gymnastics, softball, basketball)... What a fun girls trip! Some of my girlfriends have girls the same age as mine, so we all drove up to Provo together and spent the week. While the 11 and 7 year olds spent all day at sports camp, us girls took our little ones and shopped, played at dinosaur museums and parks, and even went to the parade of homes. At night the older girls enjoyed rollerskating, swimming, and sometimes just hanging out at the house we rented playing and watching movies. Wow, it was a fun filled week!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2008-08-21T01:55:00.000-07:00

JDRF bowling day! The kids and I attended a fun day of bowling and visiting with friends at a JDRF function. It was wonderful to see so many of Janson's friends and to even met some newly diagnosed kids. There are 5 little boys all the same age as Janson who also have type I diabetes. It was refreshing to visit with mom's who experience the same ups and downs as we do, and of course for Janson to bond with kids that he can truly relate to! They all got to hang out and bowl. JDRF rented out "Jillian's" for all the families with children with diabetes in the area! Thanks JDRF!

2008-08-21T01:36:00.000-07:00

2008-08-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

A goodbye party for Sara! Sara and Ben are moving to LA so we had to say goodbye with a fun luncheon! Kyndra put together a great gift- a book with a picture of us, our message to Sara, and a receipe for her! We also put together a little triva quiz about Sara- I even got some great stories from her sister! I always love an excuse to throw a fablous party for friends, but saying goodbye is always hard! We will miss you Sara.

Braces!

2008-07-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chambray visited the orthodontist and she ended up coming home the same day with a mouth full, literally! After having a couple other consults, Jas and I were so impressed by the dr. and his staff we decided that since we had put off braces as long as possible, that it was time. The office made her feel completely comfortable, they even had a parking spot and a surf board in the waiting room with her name on it! At the end of the exam she was begging to get braces that moment. After Jason and I left, they put on her braces and even gave her a limo ride home in the ortho's Hummer (loaded with X-box and movies)! She thought it was a day from heaven, until of course the pain started! Nothing a little Advil can't cure! My baby is growing up! I tell her she can't keep growing and to stay little, but she doesn't listen! Today I turned around from the driver's seat to hand my just turned 11 yr old daughter, an icecream cone- and I experienced this surreal mom movie thing-I saw her whole life flash before me! There she was, this 30 year old with braces, licking her icecream cone! I hope to savor each and every minute with my children. Chambray is quickly leaving the "little girl" stage and moving into the "young lady" stage, and even though I feel ill prepared for the next phase of her life as her mom, I know with her unprecedented strength beyond her years, she will prevail!

Gettin' it All Together!

2008-07-23T03:25:00.000-07:00

The kids rock climbed in Salt Lake for the first time and took a strong likening to it! They went back 3 times! The instructor said Janson went higher than any 5 yr. old he had ever seen, and thought Chambray should start a climb team right away! I met my beautiful baby niece for the first time- she is so pretty! We even went fishing near Park City! I was so fortunate to already be in Utah so I could attend Aunt Marjorie's funeral!

Fishing and Playing

2008-07-23T03:06:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun & Family Reunions

2008-07-23T02:39:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm going to really try to do this blog thing....Anyways...here are some pics of our summer activities! We went to Salt Lake with Jason on his business trip at the end of June, then Park City for the Munk reunion over the 4th of July, and then on to Draper for the McKee reunion. I stayed for Aunt Marjorie's funeral, and Jason took the kids home. He survived the 3 long days! It was a hard time and we all love and miss our Aunt Marj! Yet, funny how things work out, I was able to see cousins and family I hadn't seen in over 10 years!

Palm Springs Trip

2008-06-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Fun Times! Swimming, Games, and Lots of Laughs

Fun with Friends

2008-06-09T12:58:00.001-07:00

Jason and I spent 4 days in Palm Springs with great friends, relaxing and catching up with each other. We ate, played games, and of course laid out at the pool! We all stayed at the house together and talked and talked. Our friends are everything to us-these are relationships in our lives that we cherish. We are blessed to have such amazing friends!

Summer Starts

2008-06-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the house in Palm Springs where we are for a 4 day getaway with friends. We began our summer with a bang! The kids' last day of school was Wednesday and they are staying with their aunt YaYa in St. George while we are here. I have finally, with the help of my dear friend Sara, began journaling online with our family's blog! I hope to experiment and learn my way through it!