Halbison Family

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

2010-11-26T15:37:00.001-08:00

Charles Dickens, I couldn't explain 2010 better myself.

The lows have been low, but the highs have been high and although I love me a good roller coaster I am ready for this one to end. Kirk laughs when I tell him I feel bad everyone doesn't get to experience something like my accident. My renewed appreciation for LIFE and witnessing the power of prayer and all the truly everyday angels surrounding me has meant more then I could ever put into words.

THANK YOU EVERYONE

*and special thanks to you Vess for letting me copy your blog (stopping further flak about my infrequent posts)

Crash

As I was heading out the door for work,

on a Wednesday night in the middle of September,
I got a call from my mom.
My sister had been hit by a car

and was being life-flighted to the hospital.

Brooke had just started an evening jog
and was crossing an intersection near her home.
The car didn't see her, didn't brake,
and hit her going 30mph.
She rolled up on the car
and broke the windshield.

At the scene, amazingly,
she was able to recall her phone number.
Her husband got the call from cops,
dropped their 3 kids off at a neighbor's,
and rushed to the scene.

When she first arrived at the hospital,
they were not allowing any family, even her husband,
to be with her or even check on her.
However, I work at the hospital she was flown too,
and I made my way back to her.

When I first saw her,
she was a bloody mess with missing and broken teeth.
She thought no one knew where she was
and was worried she was all alone.
She didn't know if she was driving a car,
if her kids had been involved in the accident,
she forgot her husband had been at the scene,
and she thought she was dying.
Being true to herself though, as I was leaving, she said,
"Tell everyone I am fine."

Through the miracle of modern technology,
hundreds of people across the country
were praying for Brooke within hours of the accident.
She received her own miracle when after a
CT scan, they were able to let her know she had
no internal bleeding (the biggest worry).

She had plenty of road rash,
a nice gash on her forehead,
and a smile that made you cringe.

But if you see her now,
you wouldn't even know
she had been in such a
traumatic accident.
She does have a lifetime
of oral surgeries to look forward to,
and is loving being back in braces.

We are all so grateful that Brooke was
blessed that night and for the many
miracles we were able to witness first hand.
We don't know what we would do without
our little Brookie.

NOLA

2010-06-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a little vacay and a whole lot of HUMIDITY to celebrate

Fathers Day and your 7th Anniversary.

Didn't realize we would be staying at the most "Haunted" hotel in New Orleans

Mama and Baby didn't seem to mine

and Kirk was just happy to have the nightly 10pm PB&J's and Piping Hot Cocoa

Bourbon Street

Garden District

Strolled back into the late 1800's. Fell in love. Snuck back at night to peek into lit up windows. Amazing.

Above ground cemetary in Garden District. Interesting or Creepy? Undecided.

Swamp Tour

Out on the Bayou

Cafe Du Monde Beignets

$2.14 for absolute indulgent deliciousness

A Po Boy for my Po Boy

For the Girl whose Junior research paper was based on Gone with the Wind, I couldn't get enough of the plantations. (Oak Alley Plantation)

Creole Laura Plantation (multi-colored houses belonged to the Creoles)

Easy Breezy in the Big Easy

Mississippi River

School's Out!

2010-05-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

3 kids to drag

2 times a day to the bus stop

5 days a week for

9 months

My Reward?

1 hour School Program

(to remind me that all this daily chaos is really worth it!)

KINDERGARTEN RAINBOW PROGRAM

Prince isn't the only male making purple look good.

JOY SCHOOL GRADUATION

There aren't words...

Allie . Grace . Molly . Landon

The fun thing about Joy School is getting to teach Gracie's class once a month. We had so much fun with this group that we are going to do it all over again next year!

Full of GLEE

2010-05-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

3 little MIRACLES happened this past weekend:

1. I FINALLY scored tickets to Glee in just the nick-of-time

2. Forget about Finn... I have converted to Team Puck

3. Kirk is now a GLEEK (I just caught him downloading some of their songs on itunes, this makes it official)

2010-04-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Introducing HANK BRETT HALBISON

2010-03-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Birth Date: March 5th 2010

Weight: 8lb. 13oz

Length: 21 and 3/4 inches

Looking scrawny next to Cousin Oliver who is 6 months his senior.

Gracie loves the new addition - but not the loss of attention!

"Mr. Personality"

All this kid wants to do is sleep! No interest in anything - not even his mama! All it takes is one difficult baby (sorry Parker) to know this a blessing.

And then there was three...

Halloween 2009

2009-11-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

Purchase this delectable combo meal "to-go" for a very reasonable price!

Coombs Annual Halloween Party

Pumpkin Carving at Papa and Nana's

Halloween Night: After trick-or-treating through the neighborhood Grandma and Grandpa and Vess and Curtis came over for Chili Bowls (G's recipe of course).

But the most DELICIOUS treat of all was brand new BABY OLIVER!

Sam and Alison's Wedding

2009-09-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

AUGUST 21st 2009 Sammy got married! He somehow nabbed Alison who is adorable (as you can see), endlessly nice, makes the best chocolate chip cookies ever and has been deemed the child whisperer (seriously, she is incredible with kids). He definitely has a keeper!

The Sibs: 3 marriages down, 2 grandchildren and one grandchild minutes away. Vanessa was one very prego trooper!

The Venue: Villa Sienna

Never a dull moment with my cousins Katie and Lauren. Wish I had photos of all the great family that came out for the wedding, so great to catch up with everyone!

Gracie and her uncle "Bingo" doing what they do best together; giving me ulcers.

The whole Nielsen Crew

Welcome to the Family Alison!

Summer 2009

2009-09-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses...

Okay, here it is:

I am pregnant and feeling crummy (nonetheless hiding it for 12 wks)

We moved from Maricopa to Gilbert

My brother got Married

Parker started Kindergarten

Both my kids had b-days

Kirk started ASU's MBA program

So yes, I was busy and tired and I bailed on the blog!

A QUICK RECAP OF SUMMER WILL HAVE TO SUFFICE

TUKEE GIRLS

All my BFF's (except Bethany, we missed you) from H.S. together again - hasn't been pulled off in years. We were in the hot tub till early morning, lots of great laughs and stories. Oh what a night!

BACK TO SCHOOL

Parker started 1/2 day Kindergarten! Notice the "classy" outfit - when your child's b-day is on the first day of school how can you say no to their favorite spiderman shirt. Picture day, however, mom is taking back dictatorship.

BIRTHDAY TIME
Sadly, this is probably the last year I can get away trying to celebrate the kids birthdays together. Parker turned 5 and Gracie 3. No babies in our house anymore.

Parker's new obsession: Dinosaurs

Gracie finally got some new dolls, barbies, etc that are not filthy, naked or broken. Fingers crossed she will take better care of her new toy collection.

OUR FIRST GARDEN
One of the best experiences we had this summer was having a garden plot at a farm. We spent Saturdays seeding, weeding and picking fruit all summer.

Zuchinni, tomatoes, bell peppers, cantaloupe and watermelon. I like to think I might have a green thumb??

Did I mention it was Dirty?

LP 2009

My little stud!

Parker stole the spotlight everyday with his big ski run. I noticed that I didn't end up getting one pic of Kirk or I wakeboarding, this was so much better. This is the part of parenting that I love!

Taken just moments before we were ravaged by a storm in the middle of the channel. It was crazy, there were several boats that sank that day. All part of the adventure, right?

Kris and I playing around before a serious white-knuckled tube run with the boys.
Grandpa and Gracie rockin their shades

It feels a lot higher than it looks...

BANANA BOAT GIRLS!

Baby girl can't get enough of the jet ski!

FAREWELL TO COPA

Leaving your first home is bittersweet....

It is bitter because we will never put in as much energy, time or personal manpower to any other home. I found a love for decorating and Kirk learned he was pretty handy. We will always have a little bit of pride in our first big labor of love.

The sweet part is that we love being in Gilbert. It is perfect for us right now.

We really miss all our great friends in Maricopa and are happy to be close enough to come around and visit!

Father & Sons 2009

2009-06-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

24 hours free of belches, ESPN, Parker's nightmares, Transformers and anything else male related.

I am really digging this whole Father & Sons thing!

Preschool Graduation 2009

2009-05-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Our little man has graduated from Preschool! We will really miss all the poems and songs he has learned and is teaching Mom and Gracie. He has learned so much and was the best cleaner in the whole Preschool (he will jump through hoops to get a gold star at the end of the day).

Kindergarten here we come!

What Parker is thankful for... (what he told his teachers verbatim)
Indiana Jones
playing baseball
Transformers show
water balloons
Mcdonald's
getting myself dressed
my whole bed
break the ice game
my mom making me chicken nuggets
digging holes
going to grandma and grandpas

Speaking of learning...
Parker overheard me tell Kirk I wanted to make Zuchini bread. So the P-man decided to surprise me and made it himself (as you can see above). Love watching how his little mind works!

VIVA LA MEXICO

2009-03-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

We spent Spring Break with a little fun in the sun. FUN being the key word! Hands down best trip with our kids - I don't think they ever fussed and they played so hard that they were putting themselves to sleep at night. Santo Tomas you did us good!

One evening millions of fish were spawning all over the shore line (pretty rare thing to see). A little boys dream come true.

The Pad

Mad and I showed up with the same new suit from The Rack. Think she might be my twin...just born 6 years late.

Parker and Asher proving their manhood by picking up the spawning fish.

My Girls

BFF's for over 15 years. Big 10 year Reunion in May - YIKES!

Kayaking with the Fam. Kirk and Parker were able to Kayak with dolphins playing all around them later that day. It was the boys' highlight.

Parker and Grandpa patroled the beaches finding crashed airplanes, beached seals, eels and whales along the way. Parker couldn't get enough!

Parker and his bud Asher flying a kite. The boys were inseparable.

Piglet and I searching the tide pools for shells.

Beach Golf

Grace and her Uncle J chillin

Bub bye Santo Tomas. Miss you already.....

At last!

2009-03-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

It has been 18 months in the making, but we have finally eaten at Pizzeria Bianco. So does this world famous joint really stand up to the claim by the Big O and Gayle as the Nations best Pizza? You betcha! Must be something in the dough because I have been craving it ever since. Note to self: make reservations tomorrow to get in before the end of the year.

Grazie Chef Bianco!

Reunited, and it feels so good!

2009-01-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sam Beano has returned! He got home late Wednesday night and for his first meal he requested Buffalo Wings (duh)! It has been a great weekend with friends and family coming over for a Homecoming Dinner on Saturday and Sam giving an amazing talk on Sunday. I have so missed his wit, his intensity, his passion for things he loves, watching him play with my kids and just shooting the breeze with him. He is a big guy with an even bigger presence.
So good to have you back!

Our whole Fam is very proud of Sam for the devout service and faith he put into his mission. Sam jokes, "I've heard that if I work hard on my mission my family and I may be blessed for my service, but I never would of guessed my favorite NFL team would reap such great blessings."

Still fit, nice tan and very polite...the Marshall Islands has done him good.

The Fab Five - together again!

Who would of thunk? Parker seems to have remembered Sam and has quickly embraced having him back. Gracie is still working the system - Sam better have potato chips or candy if she is going to give him the time of day.

He really is the best! He brought me home this beautiful handmade Kili bag that is only made on the Marshall Islands. Jackie Kennedy made them popular in the late 60's when she started carrying one around. Other celebrities have joined the trend and all the President's wives since Jackie O have been gifted with one. Watch out Michelle Obama; you don't have anything on me!

WELCOME HOME SAM!

Holiday Bliss

2009-01-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

We may not of had a "White Christmas" but spending part of the Holiday in shorts on a beautiful day hiking South Mountain ain't too bad of a consolation prize.

We hiked clear up to Fat Man's Pass. Gracie and I were able to squeeze through, but we did witness one lady who wasn't quite so lucky!

Gracie and Grandma take a breather.

Later on the trail a woman stopped my mom and I and said, "you two must be sisters, you look just alike." Great for my mom, not so good for me. Come on lady, I am still in my 20's!

Parker held his own leading the pack on the way up...coming down was a different story...the kids rode mules named Grandpa and Dad.

FYI: Sam built this fence at the trailhead for his eagle project 4 yrs ago. Big Sammy is coming home from his mish in just 8 days!

Maddie and Jack vying for some attention. Some things never change.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like Christmas just isn't as great as you used to remember it? Then you most certainly do not have a 2 and 4 year old whose favorite movie is Polar Express, read Olive the Other Reindeer very night, can't leave the tree ornaments alone, obey at the very mention of Santa, sing rudolph and jingle bells at the top of their lungs, and eat candy canes, fudge, gingerbread, hot cocoa and cookies like they are the 5 food groups. Thanks Parker and Gracie for making these past couple of Christmases the best I have ever had!

The best gift of all!...Gracie had a break-through week in toilet-training! (notice the new undies, she conveniently lost her pants).

Oldest is Best!

2008-12-19T10:10:00.001-08:00

I grew up complaining that there were no perks to being the oldest child (i.e. pushed the hardest, full-time babysitter, the guinea pig, ...you get the idea). But hey, I'll admit it, I'm wrong! My sister just reminded me of one more reason I love my lot in life...

I have siblings that willingly choose to make a mess like THIS with my kids! I can't say the same for myself.

Thanks Vess!

I Heart Arizona Cardinals

2008-11-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

You better believe it, baby!Kirk and I have been Card fans for the past 3 years, despite the anger, heartbreak and glares we have had to endure. It is FINALLY oh so sweet to be groveling in the glorious success of the NFL's biggest underdog!

I don't want to jinx anything, but after the big victory over the Cowboy's (bonus perk: breaking the fingers of Jessica Simpson's boy toy) and beating the 49ers last night for their 1st Monday Night Football game win in 20 years, Cards are about to be the great comeback story of the year. I just might pull out all the stops and purchase a Boldin Jersey.

Come join the Cardinal Bandwagon...this is as good as it gets!

OCTOBERFEST 2008

2008-11-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

This October has been crazy, ooky, spooky and fun! Here is a glimpse of what we have been up to:

Grant and Carsons 3rd Annual Halloween Luncheon

miss diva held her own with the boys

Black and green.... the new Halloween colors?

Hot dog mummies, spider crackers and ghost cookies made for quite the kids meal, along with crafts, games and goodie bags.

Greene's Spookilcious Recipe Club

The Ladies

Excellent food, as usual, and the Greene's really decked the place out. Dave had some games up his sleeve for some serious competion and good laughs to end the night.

The fellas

Halbison Men "Roughing It"

Kirk's Dad pulled the troops together for a trip up to Payson.

No Girls Allowed!

Parker was super excited to hang with his cousin Jacob from Joseph City

Parker also got to go with Grandpa Nielsen to his ward campout at Canyon Lake. He had a blast with his buds Evan, Max and Colton...the 4 yr. old brat pack.

Arizona State Fair:

My lil' piglets feeding the pigs

Should I be concerned that the ride operator thought Parker would be an appropriate guardian for Gracie on the Bumper Cars? Probably.

Can't tell who is having more fun, Mom or the kids?

HALLOWEEN

Started the festivities a couple days early at the Ahw. 1st Ward Trunk or Treat. Grandpa served up his homemde rootbeer.

Gracie posing with Grandma to show off her face painting.

The kids went gaga for candy on Halloween night. They would literally walk right into strangers' homes. We stayed at home and were able to go to a block party, see lot's of our neighbors and have family over for pumpkin chili bowls. Wouldn't of had it any other way.

Ready...Set...Go!!

2008-10-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous morning on South Mountain, the best running partner/coach next to my side, fresh legs, steady pace and then...MILE ELEVEN. Some genius decided that the last 2 miles of the race should be uphill!!?? I was not physically, emotionally or mentally ready for this! Not to mention, my stomach was getting the best of me. The last 2 miles were nothing short of a NIGHTMARE! As slow as the last mile was, I ran till the end and all things considered I am happy with my time. This was the 1st Half Marathon for my Dad and I. At 51 he is still the one leading the way and helping to push me through the race. Just emailed me with 2 new races he thinks we should do...I can't even think about it yet.

This is the form of someone who doesn't know if they can even make it 5 more feet to the finish line. After a few days of recovery I can finally admit this whole ordeal may have been worth it.

Back to School Night

2008-10-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Recipe Club has kicked off it's 3rd year! Molly and Jimmy started things off right with a fun theme "Pickett Cafeteria" where we enjoyed the fine cuisine from the good old days.Putting the invite in the pencil box was so cute and clever. I was assigned an appetizer, so of course I made the childhood classic "pigs in a blanket".

Things were official when Molly and Jimmy rocked hair nets while serving up our food on the same lunch trays we all remember from grade school.

We played the Elementary School picture game. Kirk was cute and awarded "Mama's Boy". However, my 1st grade photo resembled a girl right out of Colorado City. Being only 7 yrs. old I am blaming this fashion faux pas on my mom.

Who doesn't like getting a party favor? These apples were every bit as good as they look!

Labor Day

2008-09-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to great friends we went spent the holiday with some families at a nearby Lake House. I couldn't imagine a better way to have one last summer hurrah! Cheers to big laughs, perfect water, yummy food and good friends!

My Baby is Growing Up!

2008-09-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yep, Gracie turned terrible two! Fortunately, she is the most lovable, happy, little girl which compensates for her uncanny ablility to put me in a panic attack in 2.5 seconds flat.

What Gracie looked like a year ago...(thank goodness she finally has some hair!)What we hope she will outgrow:

-hating nursery (still!)
-bossing boys twice her size
-scaring mom by climbing EVERYTHING (including her dressser which fell on her)
-taking her purse, cell phone, wallet, everywhere! Aunt Vess just got her a little couture fake dog carrier so now we have got a little Paris Hilton on our hands.
-invading personal space, this girl is not shy

What we hope she never outgrows:

-being a Mama's Girl (secretly I kind of like it)
-her vivaciouness and love of life
-her ENERGY...well, maybe a toned down version
-being a good napper and eater
-adoring her brother
-her cute curly locks

Parker's B-day Bash

2008-08-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Parker turned 4! We celebrated his big day by inviting some friends from 'Copa to Parker's grandparents house for a little swim party. Parker had a ball! The Hit of the night (literally and figuratively) was the two motorized bumper boats grandpa got Parker for his birthday. We couldn't get the kids out of the pool!

Parker's favorite color is ORANGE so Nemo was the theme of the night. His creative Aunt Heather made this adorable and delicious cake!

Parker and his buds, he loved the attention!

SHOCKING! Grace ending up with her clothes off once again...

Last Minute Escape to UTAH

2008-08-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

On a whim my mom and I took the kids to Utah to catch the tail end of the July 24th Celebrations and G's (my hip grandma) birthday! It was worth the 11 hour car ride...my relatives are that cool! First things first, the Bountiful Park Days of 47 Carnival!

Peas in a pod! Parker and his cousin Ellie are quite the pair...her gentleness is the perfect compliment to his craziness!

Grandma Nielsen gave the kids their first Rootbeer floats...Parker is now requesting I buy rootbeer for the icecream in our freezer.

No fireworks in AZ! Had to take advantage of sparklers while in Utah!

G's party was the highlight! She turned 39 once again and here are her original grandchildren (minus my siblings and a couple missionaries) surrounding her. Thanks G for letting us stay with you. We had a blast!

LP Summer Vacay

2008-07-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Nothing better than spending a week at Powell with great friends and family...

The WHOLE crew!

Cramped Quarters

A bit of nostalgia: Loved tubing, wakeboarding and catching up with my BFF since childhood, Krista. (thumbs up to the new idea of jumping between tubes..ADRENALINE RUSH!

Coincidence? Had to flaunt the fact that we all packed a brown swimsuit!

Good Old Rainbow Bridge

Looks like the oldest and the youngest needed a rest along the way...

Yes, my little bro jumped into the disgusting swarm of carp at "Dangling Rope" ($5 was all it took)

Group Cliff Jump

Captain Grace

Beautiful hike above where we were docked

Parker learned to SKI! Okay, he squatted so low that it looked like he was sitting but he held on and kept going. Hate to write Sammy the harsh news, his 4 yr. old record is broken!

Guess the Target Boardshorts are a hit, I bought them and next thing you know my sisters both have a pair. 15 years ago he fought tooth and nail to not match and now we giggle and take pics!

Show off!

Great slot canyon we explored (found a scorpion and small snake along the way)

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

What a great 4th of July Weekend! We had a pool party with Kirk's Family on Friday and on Saturday we hit Canyon Lake with mine. The little water dogs' couldn't of been happier!Keep'n it classy

Kirk's sisters made this incredible cake and Parker was obsessed. Seriously, I think all he will be getting for his birthday is one big decorated cake.

AArAttempting to be festive in our neon accessories

Yes, Parker really jumped off this cliff...the kid is a maniac!

Crashing on the boat with Jack after a long, hard day of play!

Sliding into 6....

2008-06-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

For our 5th Anniversary Kirk surprised me with a quick getaway to the Arizona Grand. Of course, the kids are never far behind and joined us the next day for some fun in the sun. It was a perfect weekend!

BEWARE!!!

2008-06-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Show up unannounced and this is what you might find in our backyard. Gracie is our resident nudist who thinks everything and anything is more fun with her clothes off!

2008-06-10T13:00:00.001-07:00

YW Lake House Retreat

2008-06-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

We took the YW on an overnighter to a nearby Lake House. I don't know who had more fun the Girls or the Leaders? Not a minute of sunlight was wasted...these girls have some serious energy. Thanks Seares for letting us us your place! (Kirk was happy to "help" out on the boat so that he and the kids could come along). While we were still showered, clean and not sunburned...

Modest is Hottest!

Leaders Gone Wild

Young Woman "WANNABE"

Mountain Men

2008-06-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

"Hanging" with the boys

Kirk and Parker on their first Father & Sons Campout.
Highlights:

Kirk's homemade donuts were a hit! (too bad he never cooks for us at home)

Parker's obsession with roasting marshmallows and then refusing to eat the finished product.

Endless hours of "Monster Tag"...guess who was the monster? (takes after his uncle Jack)

No veggies, fruit or whole grains eaten! The boys' dream come true.

S P R I N K L E S

2008-06-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Autie is obsessed with cupcakes! So of course a few of us made it out to Scottsdale to try the long awaited "Sprinkles". They were deelish!...but I still prefer my favorite"Nothing Bundt Cakes".

Memorial Weekend

2008-06-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Another great trip to Lake Pleasant on Grandpa's boat. It was the coolest (82 degrees) Memorial Day I can remember in my 17 years here in Arizona. Loved it!

Couldn't Resist...

2008-06-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Had to photograph the surprise I found on my bed upon arriving home one night. How exactly they all fell asleep together on the same bed still boggles my mind!

It is official...

2008-05-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Halbisons have FINALLY hopped on the blogging bandwagon! Let's cross our fingers that this will help me take more pictures of the fam and to record the good, the bad and the ugly.

Here we go...