Christmas 2009

Well, it has come and gone. Another year. This year we had the traditional holiday dinner, but I wasn't there for it. I worked on Christmas Day-left at 10 am for work because the roads were covered in snow and ice. I spent the night because of the weather and the next day when I got home Daniel was already at work. So, on Sunday we were both able to spend some time together. We still have turkey! I put some in the freezer after I made turkey and noodles because we need a break from it... We hope everyone had a great Christmas! At the Beck family party this year, my grandma's cousin gave everyone old family quilts. Ours is from 1936 and was made be the ladies of the Milo Christian Church for my grandma's Uncle Earl, who was their minister at that time, and Aunt Susie, his wife. I remember my Aunt Susie very well and was deeply touched by the gift.

Adam at the Temple...

Things I am Thankful For....

1) My husband, my best friend, and my eternal partner-Daniel
2) My children, Andrew and Britton
3) My step children, Ammon, Daniel, Vallaree, Sterling, Nathan, Angelena, (and Joseph (Hopkins))-they are all very precious to our family and an integral part of our future.
4) All of our grandchildren (they are a great reminder of what it was like to be young, and what it was like to have youngsters, and a source of much fun and laughter.
5) My extended family-parents, grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc... because they are all a part of the person I am.
6) My career and my job. It is the best job I have ever had, as a nurse or otherwise. This is a time when many people can not find work and I have an excellent job that I get up at 4:30am for, because I look forward to work each day!
7) My home. Not the house, just the home. It's the people in the house that truly make it a home and it is a little piece of 'heaven on earth" to me.
8) My health
9) running water and indoor plumbing
10) electricity
11) internet and my laptop
12) my new car, which allows us to travel and get to work....
13) my camera and scrapbooking stuff

--I'm sure there are more, but that's all I have time for now....

Andy being silly....

Yes, this is my boy! Andy was being silly, sitting on the dock. He probably didn't think I would show this to anyone. He is really good about letting me take his pictures-a big ham.

The Wizard of Oz!

Saturday night was Bret's final performance in The Wizardof Oz anda it was great! We picked up Grandma after doing Pauls pictures and we all went. We also found out that Bret has a girlfriend that was in the production with him, her name is Morgan.

More from Gunn Park...

Gunn Park and Paul's Senior Pictures...

This is my cousin Paul. He is in between Bret and Andy's age and this is his Senior year, too. We went to Gunn Park (which is a family favorite) and took his pics Saturday. I wasn't sure how it would go because of the leaves already having fallen and being so brown and such, but I love the results we got. There were ducks and a goose that insisted on being in the pics, too. Paul seemed to enjoy the interaction with the birds.... Andy and my wonderful Daniel went along, too. We climbed hills and mucked around for a couple of hours, taking over 100 photos.

Colorado Trip

Well, we had an awesome trip. We got to see snow along I-70 on the way out (drifted) and there was some light snow while we were there. We went to the ward Halloween party with the grandkids all dressed up while we were there, a state park for a walk and some playtime, out to Ci Ci's, shopping, and of course Gabriel's blessing. It all went by too fast though....the photo is at the Denver, Co Temple.

New Update on Andy....

Well, for anyone that doesn't know, Andy is home. He called a week ago Wednesday, and Daniel and I drove to Texas the next morning and brought him home. Things went about the way I expected for him, but as most teenagers, he had to discover it all for himself. Luckily he was able to admit it was not good for him and he is happy to be home. He leaves the beginning of January for a little over 9 weeks of Military Police training at Ft Leonard Wood.

More pictures from the game....

Gabriel wanted to make some funny faces after the game... He changed to go with his dad, and gave his mommy a big hug before he left.

Gabriel's First Soccer Game....

Today I went to Neosho and went to Gabriel's first soccer game with Vallaree. It brought back lots of memories from when Bret and Andy were little... He is a cute little boy!

This is a cactus my dad gave us for Christmas. It doesn't usually have any flowers on it, but it suprised us this week and bloomed. the flowers are really pretty and there are more blooms that haven't opened yet.

Conrats to Dan and Jenni!

The newest member of the Gomez Clan arrived yesterday at 3:28 pm in Colorado! Dan and Jenni welcomed Gabriel Noah Gomez. He weighed 8#3oz and was 21 1/2 inches long with very dark hair. He joins siblings Daniel, Rebekah, Michael, and Adam.

Labor Day Cookout

Well, today Bret is grilling steak. Daniel put together a unique marinade and I made pasta salad and sweet potato casserole. Sterling is here, too. We're just watching Snow Dogs and takin' it easy! Hope everyone had a nice Holiday.

Update on Andy...

Andy is living in Georgetown, TX (near Austin). He's working and going to ITT Tech until January, when he will return to Ft Leonard Wood to complete his MP training. We expect to see him for Thanksgiving and around Christmas (before he reports).

My new job....

Well, this is for anyone who is interested in my new job. Besides having great pay, benefits, a brand new facility and state of the art equipment...as well as awesome co-workers-we have extremely innovative methods and ideas where I work. I now work at McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage, MO. They are very selective about who they hire, so I feel truly privileged to be chosen after an interview and a peer review process. The facility incorporates light, water, and nature into the facility to enhance healing and wellness. They allow patients to choose their own artwork for their rooms and all rooms are private. If you want to "fish" while you recover we can set you right up for that, too. Every room has a view of water-either the waterfall, stream, or lake. Meals are served whenever the patients want them-not at a set time. Staff have concierge services and are truly treated like "family." You can have your dry cleaning done while at work or your car can be picked up and serviced, then returned while you work, too. It is just awesome!!! Check it out at http://www.mccune-brooks.org/getpage.php?name=index
Also, I work 3 days per week so the drive isn't a big deal (12 hr shifts)....and in the winter if it's icy on the roads I can sleep at the hospital.

More pics...

Here are some shots with sepia coloring. His expressions are always so serious....kind of ironic for such a funny kid!

Bret's Senior Pics...

Keeping with tradition, we did Bret's Senior Pictures ourselves. We went to Radio Springs Park and Bret wanted his sword in the photos, so here are some color shots.

Well, classes are finished for the summer! I am finished with my degree.... I am officially K Gomez, RN, BSN. Until I get around to adding the MSN. Now the job search begins....

Happy Mother's Day!

We had a nice Mother's Day. Bret, Sterling, Vallaree, and Gabriel were here. Andy got to call from Ft Leonard Wood. We heard from Daniel and Jenni, and we had heard from Ammon and Adrienne-their baby girl arrived! Bret cooked for everyone on the grill Sunday afternoon and it was awesome. He's the new offical "Gomez griller" here at home. This is a busy week with finals and graduation. Then it's a few weeks of break and back for summer classes.....

Sterling's New Adventure...

Well, Sterling now has his own apartment. He is so excited-he got up this morning and started moving things (Andy drove of course). He hasn't stopped smiling since he signed his lease! He has lots of big plans for his new little home. He is going to put down some turf-builder and plant some flowers when the weather is warm enough, too.

We had a leak today!

This morning one of the copper pipes in the ceiling broke and spewed water everywhere in the basement bathroom. It's all fixed now-but it was a real fun time....

Daniel & Jenni's Bunch 2008

Christmas...

We had a nice holiday this year. Daniel and I had 4 kids home and Gabriel was here, too. You can see how much Gabriel likes his dump truck and hat!