The Gissel Family

"Sweet Child of Mine"

2009-12-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

Five Fun Facts about Kendall Grace as she celebrates her fifth birthday.

1. She says "chock-o-lick" for chocolate and "fruit-way" for freeway.

2. Her favorite color is pink so she had her new room painted, yes, purple.

3. She has incredible patience and will kick your ass at a stare-down.

4. She LOVES animals. Especially dogs. And she can bark the alphabet quite entertainingly.

5. She's smart, gorgeous, fun, funny, kind and helpful.

I would join forces with the moon to overthrow the sun for this kid. My baby.

And then I'd give her all of my choc-o-lick.

"This is Halloween, This is Halloween..."

2009-11-01T16:57:00.001-08:00

Halloween this year was our usual mix of crazy and fun. Throw in three soccer games (the kids), two Saturday work schedules (Keith and me), and a meltdown (no comment), and our day was lucky to escape with only superficial wounds.

Ryleigh was an Angel.

You know. Type-casting.

Zack was a referee.

Keith wanted him to throw out his yellow flag everytime someone gave him bad candy and yell, "FOUL!" He refused. Thankfully.

Kendall was a Fairy.

This, she informed me, is her chosen adult profession. After, of course, "Being famous for being famous." We'll see which ones pans out.

Another fabulous Halloween with my kids.

And I won't even tell you how I ate my weight in chocolate. Sigh.

"You're Everything I Need and More"

2009-10-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

She is from California, from orange blossoms and library books.

She is from the Clock Avenue gingerbread house. Pink and purple bedrooms and rainy day fireplaces.

She is from her grandmother's ladybug garden. From backyard pumpkin patches and climbing cosmos.

She is from kissing hello and goodbye. Trusting whole-heartedly. From Zack, Kendall, Gilliam, Higgins and Reedy.

She is from finding humor in everything and the peaceful comfort of good, fair friends. She's from making these friends her family.

From "Hello, Angel Face" and "I love you."

She is from little white Easter gloves and shiny white shoes. Christmas mornings and homemade Halloween costumes.

She's from the land of the Saints. The Beach and the Mountains. The North and the South. A southern sun girlie-girl through and through.

She's from cupcakes for breakfast and hot sauce on everything.

From the adoring parents who still cannot believe their good luck. From Van Gogh's Cherry Blossoms, a starfish and a crazy cactus.

She's from my heart. A gift from me to the world ten years ago.

Lucky world.

"You Wish That Summers Could Always Be Here"

2009-07-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Finally! A proper summer for the Gissel family. We normally go back to school on the 5th of July, but not anymore! We are proper modified traditionalists now. Suck it, C track!

We've had a perfect combination of a lazy and yet still crazy summer.

Pictures? Well, since you asked...

Summer is going too fast.

"In The Sun We're Gonna Have Some Fun"

2009-06-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

Ryleigh, Zack and Kendall recently finished their spring sports.

Zack was on the T-ball Cardinals. He played pitcher, first base, third base and short stop. And practically hit the cover off of the ball.

Ryleigh was on the GU-10 Pink Starburst and played everything but goalie. My girl has mad foot skillz . She can trick her way out of a one on one play like a good lawyer.

Kendall played soccer for the fiercely named Pink Princesses. Not to be confused with the other girls under 6 teams, The Tinkerbells, The Ladybugs, or The Blue Dolphins.

She loved her first season, holding close to her heart the old adage, "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's what's in the goodie bag at the end of the game."

My favorite part of Kendall's season?

The ring-around-the-goalmaker dance at the beginning of the last game. Completely team-started and with the additional bonus of a group hug at the end. If they gave out awards for the "Cutest Damn Team" they would have won first place. Hands down.

"I Love your Sunny, Funny Face"

2009-05-24T21:35:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when you tell a 6 year old to hold onto the camera.

Zack totally cracks himself up.

"On the Isle of Oahu, the Day is Just Begun"

2009-05-06T11:14:00.001-07:00

Recipe for a Perfect Family Holiday

Take three fabulous, fun children:

and this view from our hotel room balcony.

Mix in favorite beaches,

gorgeous scenery,

snorkeling,

and a mini luau complete with fireworks.

Temper with a trip to Pearl Harbor.

Shake vigorously with friends, new (Thanks Dean & Karen!) and old (Hi Kevin, Jennie & Ainsley!),

and another look at the cute kids.

Serve with Pina Coladas. And beer. And Mai Tai's.

Serves five. Happily.

"Oh Denise, Shooby Doo"

2009-03-11T16:46:00.001-07:00

Dee Dee's birthday was this last weekend and we celebrated at Joel and Juliet's house on Friday night.

Aunt Susie (mom's BFF and PSWMLEUIJW*) was there, of course, as well as Joel & Juliet and kids, Matt & Bettina and kids, Aunt Nicki & us.

We had a delicious dinner, many cocktails, and entertainment by my youngest nephew Alec. That two year old does a mean Jack Sparrow impression.

Here is the picture I took of Dee Dee with her grand-girls Ava, Leah, Ryleigh & Kendall. The one I had planned of g-ma with all of her grandkids wasn't much of a success for three reasons:

1. The excessive drinking generally makes me forget that I have a camera. And shoes. And another drink in my other hand.

2. I don't have a "2." or a "3." It was really just the drinking thing.

Happy Birthday Dee Dee!

You are loved.

*Person She Will Most Likely End Up In Jail With.

"If You Want To Be Happy For The Rest Of Your Life"

2009-02-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

Keith and I celebrated 11 years of marriage on Saturday the 21st of February. For this occasion, I made a little quiz about our relationship. Let me know how many you got right and the winner will get to take us to lunch.

1. When Keith and I met

a. I was 22, he was 26.

b. I was 23, he was 22.

c. I was 25, he was 30.

d. I was 16, going on 17 and he was 17, going on 18.

2. Keith and I met

a. at the Metro in Riverside. That boy could rock an electric pink tank top.

b. in High School. That boy could rock some tight white jeans with a big comb in the back pocket.

c. through Tracie and Rob Alo.

d. at church.

3. Our first date (by ourselves) was

a. miniature golfing.

b. at the Olive Garden.

c. at a house party where he impressed me with his beer-bonging skills.

d. at a football game.

4. We dated

a. 4 years before we got married.

b. 2 years before we got married.

c. 3 months before we got married.

d. 6 months before we got married.

5. We got engaged

a. at a Broncos game in Denver, Colorado.

b. on Christmas Eve in front of our families.

c. on a dude ranch in Grand Prarie, Texas.

d. at Spirit Island in Alberta, Canada.

6. Our wedding song was

a. "Baby's Got Back".

b. "Sympathy for the Devil".
c. "Wonderful Tonight".

d. "You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me".

7. During the candle lighting portion of our ceremony, Keith whispered to me,

a. "This is perfect."

b. "I ate at McDonalds before this."

c. "You look beautiful."

d. "Nevermind."

8. Our honeymoon was in

a. Cancun, Mexico.

b. Yosemite National Park.

c. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

d. Carlsbad.

9. We have

a. 2 nephews and 3 nieces.

b. 1 niece and 3 nephews.

c. 5 nieces and 4 nephews.

d. 5 nephews and 3 nieces.

10. We both agree that

a. we have the cutest kids ever.

b. we have the funniest kids ever.

c. we have the smartest kids ever.

d. we are not at all biased.

Answers:

1. A

2. C

3. B

4. A

5. D

6. D

7. B

8. A

9. C

10. Is a trick question. The answer is All of the Above.

Happy

"Let's make it legal, have a bunch of kids and live happily ever after"

day to us!

"Wait A Minute Mr. Postman!"

2009-02-12T20:58:00.000-08:00

This morning, Kendall's class had a walking field trip to the local post office. The kids were adorable with their handmade mailbags stuffed with homemade Valentines and quite proud to do this grown-up job of, well, mailing things.

For some reason, I am a target for filter-less four and five year olds. My most recent attack, er, conversation, went a little something like this:

Me, "Hi, Sweetheart."

Anonymous 5 year old, "Hi Miss Kendall's Mommy."

Me, "How are you today?"

Anonymous 5 year old, "Good. I think you look like my sister's Barbie."

Me, blushing, "You are so silly. I think that..."

Anonymous 5 year old, "You know, if you weren't so very, VERY old."

Me, "uh, well, yeah, I'm, uh, gonna, you know, over here."

I'm fine. Really... fine. Good, even. Fine.

At the very least it's nothing a few mid-morning cocktails can't smooth over.

"100 Days For His Heart"

2009-02-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

Zack's 100th day of school was on Friday. Everybody had to bring in 100 of something and present it to the class.

We made 100 cupcakes 'cause that's how we roll.

"Just Shine Your Light For Everyone To See"

2009-01-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

Ryleigh had quite a day today.

She was awarded the "Peace-Builder" award at her school!

After the shock of her announced name wore off (she was very surprised), she stood in the front of the auditorium while everybody was reminded of why they voted for her:

Ryleigh has always been a helpful, kind, beautiful, big-hearted, smart, generous, funny kid who introduces herself to the new kids, is nice to everybody, shares, helps others with their work, is a good friend, and isn't afraid to do the right thing.

We've always known she was special. It turns out, lots of other people know it as well.

We couldn't be more proud of her today.

And, well, everyday.

"What Is That You Say?"

2009-01-13T22:14:00.001-08:00

Actual conversation with my son:

Zack, "Mom. I am so hot. You know, the first kind of hot."

Me, "Uuuuh, what?"

Zack, "You know, the kind where I am sweating and stuff."

Me, "And there is a different kind of hot?"

Zack, "Well, yeah. You know. Like, 'that girly-girl is so hot.'"

Crappity crap crap.

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

2008-12-24T23:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Love,

Keith, Kendra, Ryleigh, Zack & Kendall

"You're extra special so have a great day!"

2008-12-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

Zack's golf-themed birthday party on Saturday was quite a success!We (barely) missed the rain for our outdoor shin-dig. It held off just long enough for us to have a putting contest, a driving contest (seriously, I don't even know if that makes any sense - drive contest, driving contest?? Whatever...) and a chance to beat the crap out of each other with the golf clubs. Just kidding. Kind of.

Zack's last two parties have been sports themed. Next year, I am going to to suggest my favorite sport. Kickball, anyone?

"Six Years Gone"

2008-12-07T12:59:00.001-08:00

Zack turned six years old on Saturday.

When I asked him how it feels to be six, he paused and said,

"Like I'm seven plus four minus five."

Happy Birthday, Buddy!!

"I'm Four Years Old"

2008-11-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

My baby is four! Today was her actual birthday (November 29th) as well as her "baby animals" themed birthday party. We had a very fun day filled with lots of friends & family, a big jumpy house, lots of mini food (to go with our 'baby animals' theme),

cupcakes,

presents,

and a new bike with a baby seat for her animals and baby dolls. Kendall had a perfect day.

Dear Uncle Joel,

Thanks a lot for playing hacky sack with me, Uncle Matt & my dad today at Kendall's birthday party. I really like playing games with you. Mommy says that I'm lucky to have an uncle who acts the same age as me. She's so funny. I'm only five and you are bigger than me. I don't think you're five. You're probably a lot older, like six or seven. And you drink beer, so that must mean you are maybe ten or twelve. Mommy said that all the beer you drank today was the reason you accidentally kicked me in the face, split the inside of my mouth open & gave me this fat lip.

I will think about how much fun we had all week when I am eating my food through a straw.

Love, Zack

"She needs Fabulous"

2008-11-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Kendall got a haircut!

Actually, both of the girls got haircuts, but Ryleigh didn't like any of the pictures of her, so here you go. If you'd like, you can picture Ry in the green shirt next to Kendall with an identical 'do. Go Ahead. We'll wait.But Kendall! How frickin' cute is she?

She told the hairdresser that she wanted her hair washed, cut like Ryleigh's, blow-dried & styled, thank you very much. I wish I'd brought my camera to the salon, because then I could have documented the beginning stages of my three year old's journey to becoming a trophy wife. Next she'll be asking me to take her to Dr. Stab for her Botox injections.

P.S. The fish is actually named Dead Zone. My bad. And, for those of you keeping score, he's still alive. I think. I haven't checked in a day or two.

"But have you fed the fish today?"

2008-11-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce you all to the newest member of our family.

This is Death Zone.

We received D.Z. at a U of R Halloween Carnival. This, of course, was about twenty minutes after I left for work with the parting words to my loving husband, "Honey, whatever you do, please don't let them win a fish."

When I got home that night, he was sitting in a cup on the table.

Actually, he's starting to grow on me. He doesn't shed or poop in the yard. He doesn't hump every ball we own. He doesn't shred his doggy pillows. (I'm looking at you, Freddie...) Of course, he also doesn't get fed a whole lot. Which is why I decided to take wagers on Death Zone's Death Day.

Anyone?

I'll give excellent odds...

"Haunts and Ghouls of every size"

2008-10-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

Halloween around our house is always a day long event, and this year was no different. Book Character parade at school, Dad's work, State Street, Church carnival(s), Olive Street & then trick-or-treating. By the time we got home, the sugar had wielded its magic and the jumping, leaping, running, and whining for "one more piece of candy" was inevitable.

I can't help it. I like candy.

Kendall was a blue bird.

Whenever she walked to a door she yelled, "Squawk! Trick-or-Treat"

Zack was a mummy.

He knew every 5th person we walked by on State Street. Including the guy he thinks we saw at Vons the other day. Ryleigh was a pilgrim.
Her costume choice is generally locked in for the following year by Nov. 1st. I'll keep you posted. (She was a 4th grade costume winner in her parade at school today!)

"You Say It's Your Birthday"

2008-10-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ryleigh turned NINE this weekend!

We invited twelve of her friends over for a great "Hollywood Award" style slumber party on Friday night complete with red carpet, Hollywood hill, LOUD music, fashion shows, spontaneous bouts of giggling, hours and hours of crazy front lawn dancing, tin foil dresses, sparkly nail polish & mass consumption of sparkling drinks. In this case, apple cider.

At many points during the evening's festivities, it looked an awful lot like a college kegger. Those nine year olds can P.A.R.T.Y.

I'm exhausted.

(Yes, Zack was the only boy there. Obviously, it was a downer for him.)

"The flag still stands for freedom"

2008-09-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

At this morning's Patriot Day Assembly, Ryleigh did a phenomenal job at her first foray into public speaking.

My 2nd favorite part of the morning was listening to all of the Franklin kids sing "God Bless The USA." When they sang the first verse, they were all a little quiet, but when they got to the chorus and belted out, "And I'm proud to be an American..." they were LOUD and proud and, let me tell you, when the group of kids in front of me put their arms around each other and started swaying and singing, there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

Especially not from this proud mom.

"There are so many colors in a flower, Let's use every one."

2008-09-08T13:25:00.001-07:00

The (mostly) true story of Kendall's first day of Pre-school.

Once upon a time, the cutest three year old on the planet got to attend her first day of preschool.

Her enormous pussycat backpack had other ideas.

Kendall had been anxiously but patiently awaiting this day for many months and was not amused.

So she kicked its ass.

And the humbled backpack never again tried to assert itself over Queen Kendall.

The Beginning.

"Lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely..."

2008-09-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

So, anybody know what this is? Anyone?
Hello?
Bueller?
This, my peeps, is a house sans children.

Yes, it's true. They all went to school today.

All of them together. At school. At the same time.

I don't know what to do with myself.

(Well, besides sit around in my underwear and eat ice cream out of the carton at 7:50 a.m. - but doesn't everybody do that?)

"On a Pot of Gold with a Silver Lining"

2008-08-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

We went on a mini vacation to Stateline. We had a really fun time even though a lot of the fun rides were pretty much closed the entire time. Well, I take that back. They DID let us use the water slide for 65 minutes on the day we were leaving before they unceremoniously kicked our butts out of the pool for maintenance. The maintenance they apparently couldn't get done the previous 58 hours the pool was closed. But I digress...

In actuality, it must have cost them a fortune to have us stay there for three days. Since we don't really gamble, and they gave us $160 in free buffets and $340 in free ride wristbands, we didn't spend any money while we were there. (Unless you count the anti-nausea medicine I had to take after going on the virtual roller coaster. I am not young anymore.) SCORE!

"Keep on Rockin' in the Free World"

2008-08-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

Aunt Kelly took Ryleigh to her first concert - The Jonas Brothers! When she got home, I asked her how she liked her First. Concert. Ever. She said, "Well, it was really loud."

I have so much to teach that child.

"Because you're sweet and lovely, girl, I love you "

2008-07-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Kendall is amazing.

She dances, sings, performs skits, and can throw out an insult faster and meaner than a 10th grade cheerleader. For example:

While waiting in line at the local super market:

"WOW! Mom - your hair is turning really, REALLY dark brown. Here. At the top. And I see gray hairs, too. I like all the pretty colors on your hair, mom. Except, I don't."

While organizing her old clothes to give away:

"Mom, where are all of these going?" "Well, honey, you've grown out of them so we're going to give them to a friend of mine." Silence. More silence. I glance over to see her staring at me, slack jawed and wide eyed. "YOU. HAVE. FRIENDS?"

I hope she's saving for my therapy.

"Whose broad stripes and bright stars"

2008-07-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

We had a very entertaining Independence Day.

Unfortunately, we lost someone very dear to us that day. Our blender, Blendy. He was a good blender. He made excellent smoothies and fantastic cocktails. I will always remember the time when he and I first attempted a Hollandaise sauce. What a mess! *sniff* He would not have wanted us to be sad, though. He went out on his own terms, with a cocktail in his pitcher and a fire in his base. We will miss you, Blendy.

"Until your haircut looks its best"

2008-07-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

Ryleigh finally got the haircut she has been waiting for.

She has been telling everyone that she had it cut by a professional.

As opposed to my amateur status, I guess.

"Inevitably, the first day of school came"

2008-07-03T18:38:00.001-07:00

Wednesday was the first day of school for Ryleigh and Zack. Ryleigh started 4th grade.
Zack started Kindergarten.

After our orientation morning, I asked him if he wanted me to stay for a while. He said, "Why?" I said, "Well, I don't know. I just thought that I would stay if you wanted me too." Pause. "Mom. I need for you to go so that I can teach all my new kids how to behave."

"If I had my druthers I'd go fishing"

2008-06-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Keith and Zack went camping with Mike and Camden on Wednesday.

They fished.
They got dirty.

They burped a lot.

And they played with fire.

It was classic male bonding.

Without the strippers.

"Well, Hello there Good old friend of mine"

2008-06-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

Constance came to visit last week and brought her two adorable kids Maximus and Savannah.
It was so fun seeing her and meeting Miss Savannah. We had a great visit where I promised her that I would never tell her kids about the time we got pulled over twice in the span of 45 minutes while driving her VW bug. And that she flirted her way out of the ticket. BOTH TIMES. That conversation concluded with my wavery rendition of, "Did you ever know that you're my hero..."

"Won't you let me meet you at the pool"

2008-06-18T08:06:00.001-07:00

At the pool on Tuesday, I discovered that my children's personalities can be well summed up by how they play in the pool.

Ryleigh swam laps. I lost count after twelve.

Zack cannon-balled off the side and did kicky/splashy underwater somersaults.

Kendall practiced her S.I. swim-suit pose and swapped perfect summer sangria recipes with a new friend. They're playing canasta on Thursdays.

"I can go the distance"

2008-06-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Franklin Elementary School had it's annual Jr. Olympics last Thursday and Friday. Mrs. Shelbourne's class came away with a bunch of ribbons; two from Ryleigh.

She won third place in the frisbee throw and second place in the running long jump. (The blue ribbon is from Running Club where she voluntarily goes to school early on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and runs until the bell rings. She finishes just in time to shake out her perfect hair and skip to class to start her morning education. This is about the same time I have removed the last booger from my eye.)

Ryleigh and her friends spent time preparing for each event by braiding each others hair and playing hand slapping games. I also think there was a period of time when they said, "No way!" and "I know, right?" to each other while rolling their eyes and putting their hands on their hips.

Drew, Jessica, Leesiah, Kimberly, Ryleigh & Reina. Cute. I know, right?

"When you were only startin' to go to Kindergarten"

2008-06-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Zack's final day of preschool was on Thursday of last week. He thought long and hard about his perfect graduation outfit and came up with this, which I have decided is the sartorial equivalent of a mullet:

Business on the top,

party on the bottom.

His teachers:

Mrs. Witherspoon

and Miss Houston.

Zack's best friend from school, Alfonso.

Chanelle & Cheyenne. Can you guess which one had a year long crush on Zack?

Kendall's TUBS teacher, Miss Sara, was there, too. Kendall LOVES Miss Sara. Their mutual love of animals (especially dogs) makes them kindred spirits.

Congratulations, Zack! You had such a fantastic year and we are so proud of you!

"Look at me, I could be centerfield"

2008-06-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

Zack's first season of coach-pitch baseball ended this week.

Wednesday night was the awards banquet (pizza, natch) where Zack was awarded the "Slugger" award 'cause Homie can hit.

This is the video he and I made for the team. It's rated "G" with no gratuitous violence or swear words. In other words, it doesn't reflect our real life at all.

"Celebrate good times, come on!"

2008-06-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

We went to "Celebration Park" on Sunday.

Keith and I had a great time telling Kendall, "Hey! Check out the hole in the ground...closer...closer..." and then standing back as the water squirted her in the eye. Good times. Good times.

"Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks"

2008-06-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

After Zack's baseball game on Thursday, we met some friends at the Sixty-Sixers game.

Somebody caught a ball and gave it to Zack, because, honestly, could YOU resist him in this uniform?

Thanks Pete, Alicia & Palmer!

"Brother/Sister go dancing Through my head"

2008-05-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

What adorable children. They are so sweet.
They are so well behaved.
And they have feet.

"We gon' party, like it's yo birthday"

2008-05-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

My nephew Eli turned five on Monday & we celebrated at his house on Sunday night with a jumpy house, birthday presents, The Marvel Comics Super-Heroes, and mass consumption of alcoholic beverages. Isn't that what all families do at kids birthday parties?

Eli's Super Five Top-Three?

3. Better Batter Baseball.

2. Family & friends.

1. No police raids, fire engines or bloodletting.

Awesome.

"And the bobby soxer's doing the twist"

2008-05-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Just checking to see how the video part of this works.

"Inside the museums, infinity goes up on trial"

2008-05-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Fun day at the museum yesterday where Keith's polar bear impression (and the screaming in fear that resulted) will now live in infamy. We hope they will let us back after our 6 month suspension from the facility. Sheesh.

"...The gang's all here"

2008-05-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

And a couple of days ago we broke the heat barrier. Zack is just lucky he refused the shorts I picked out for him this morning. He would have frozen on our chilly tundra today.