You Like Tomato and I Like Tomahto

Look what I grew!! I know, I really am getting old! In April I planted a little garden. I didn't know anything about gardening, but I wanted to try. I read a little on the internet and decided I would give it a shot. I planted a cherry tomato plant and 60+ days later this is what I have! I had a little salad the other day and went out in the backyard and picked tomatoes off the vine to complete the salad! Perfect and so delicious! I've decided that next year I'll go bigger and I plan to plant several different varieties of tomatoes. I also want to try and grow some squash and zucchini! Happy Gardening!



My thumb might not be green, but it's getting there!





We've been back from "vacation" for almost a week now. We seriously needed a vacation to recover from our vacation. We're so happy we were able to help Alyson, Mike and Carter with this move. Alyson & Mike are getting settled into the new house. Mike's folks went out to ABQ last weekend and made tremendous progress in the backyard...it looks amazing. I'll try and get some pictures the next time we're out there.



Here are a few pictures I took of the house before we left for the airport last Tuesday:










As you can see Alyson busted her bottom and got the house in really good shape before Mike got home!
I think she mentioned she has 15 boxes in the garage still left to unpack, but they're going to wait awhile. They're going to enjoy the next week before Mike starts work at the hospital by exploring Albuquerque. We're all looking forward to learning more about the city Baby Gilles #2 will call it's birthplace.

Speaking of Baby Gilles #2, we should find out if we're expecting a baby boy or a baby girl on July 9th. We can't wait! Alyson is actually feeling very good. While we were there moving, cleaning and packing you would never have known she was expecting. Her energy level, her attitude the way she kept going, she inspired us all. Way to go Alyson!

Update on the injuries that occured during the move:
*Chip's head is completely healed. His hair will cover the scar.
*Carter's little face healed very quickly. Within 2-3 days you couldn't even tell he'd been bitten. (The dog is still being watched very closely!)
*The cardinal...is in heaven!

This will be the last post about the trip across country. Again, we thank you for all your prayers and your notes and calls of encouragement. The Gilles' will possibly be moving again in 3 - 4 years....By then this memory may be like childbirth. You know, when you forget the bad parts of the experience and only remember the good and we'll probably make ourselves available to help again. Although by then, they'll probably be able to afford to hire professional movers!

I leave you with this adorable picture of our little guy enjoying a popsicle. Oh, it's good to be a kid!



Father,
We thank you for all the blessings you gave us on this trip. Safe travel, a wonderful time together, the beautiful scenery, the patience, the endurance, etc. Thank you for being with us every mile of the trip.

We ask your continued blessings on the Gilles family has they settle into the routines of their new home. May they see Albuquerque through Your eyes and feel the peace in knowing they are in Your will.

May we be with them all again soon.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Kickin' It Cross Country Days 6 & 7

We made it! We arrived in Albuquerque, NM at 9:30 AM on Sunday, June 15, 2008. We knew the final day would be the easiest as far as travel miles go. As soon as Alyson & Carter gave the new house the once over, we immediately began the process of unloading the truck. The plan was to get out the essentials and wait until Uncle Jeff flew in from Las Vegas at 1:10 PM. But once the process started, it was hard to stop. When Alyson, Carter and I left to pick up Jeff at the airport, Chip remained at the house to "unload a few more things" and take a little rest. By the time we returned a little while later, over 1/2 the truck was unloaded! Of course, the really heavy stuff could wait until Uncle Jeff arrived, after all, that's why we asked him to come!

After a pretty quick lunch, everyone got back to work and by dinnertime, the truck was completely unloaded and not a single casualty...Good job guys!

Once the truck was unloaded,the task of putting together all the beds was number one on the "to do" list. It was late, but everything got done on that first day that we hoped would. Alyson was so tired of eating out that she decided if we found the pots and pans in the mountain of boxes, she was cooking dinner for us all. Lucky for us we did (little does she know we all stopped our jobs and sought out that specific box...wink, wink) She made Thai Sesame Chicken that was delicious! We were all impressed and very thankful for the home cooked meal!

Monday morning came way to early, but once we were awake the task of emptying more boxes and finding new places to put them began.



Carter charmed us all as we took our mini breaks to play with him as we waited for the cable guy to show up and install the cable and internet. Carter loves to put anything over his head to hide his eyes and then walk around and bump into things.
It's hysterical. He doesn't do this slowly and cautiously, he walked until he bumps into something or someone, then laughs hysterically...the laughter is so contagious!

Mike's last day of work ended around 11:00 AM this morning and he hit the road around 1:45 PM. He made it to the Little Rock area and will stay at Todd Bauer's parent's house tonight. He'll head west tomorrow morning and the plan is to try and drive all the way through, unless he gets too fatigued. If he can make it all the way through, he'll be here sometime Tuesday, otherwise he'll get into ABQ on Wednesday.

Uncle Jeffrey flew home tonight. We worked him hard and it was sad to have him leave so quickly. I hope now that everyone is closer, there will be more visits for everyone! We were so thankful Jeff agreed to come and help, there is literally no way, I could have done his share of the lifting and moving that he did! Thank you again, Jeff! You were awesome and Carter sure enjoyed you visit!

Well, I will try and take more pictures of the house now that the 'stuff' is put away. I can't believe how nicely things are coming together. Alyson couldn't do a lot of the lifting, but she's worked her tail off getting things put away. Everything is looking amazing!

Please remember Mike in your prayers. Until tomorrow...

God,
We lift Mike up to you as he travels to Albuquerque. May his trip be as uneventful as our was. May he arrive here rested and ready to pitch in to make this house their home. We ask for clear skies and safe, courteous drivers on the road.
We thank you for all the blessings you've given us on this trip and everyday. We are so unworthy of them, yet you keep giving them to us. We love you Lord, may everyone who meets us, see a glimpse of You.
In Jesus' Name...Amen

PS: Alyson has been receiving frequent calls from the 'friends' from Nashville. Sounds like just about everyone is finishing up their business in Nashville and are leaving or have left for their new locations. Everyone is very sad and somewhat homesick already, but they're moving forward! Good luck everyone....you are loved and will be missed terribly! May God bless you on this new leg of your journey.
Take care...

Kickin' It Cross Country Day 5

Well today was the day we were all dreading. We knew it would be a very long day and we didn't quite know what it would look like for us all.....and the good news is...WE SURVIVED IT! 10 Hours on the road and really only one casualty for the day...one little red cardinal bird flew right into Alyson's car first thing this morning as we left Arkansas...may he rest in peace.

Last night in Little Rock we had a severe thunderstorm that went on all night long. The lightning and thunder was like nothing I've never seen or heard before! I thought for sure Carter and the dogs would have been kept up all night with the noise, but Alyson said they pretty much slept right through it. I forgot, they've lived with these kinds of storms for the last three years!

We decided to hit the road at 5:30 AM and get a jump on the day. We weren't too far off schedule, we actually left at 5:45 AM and it was still raining, but within an hour it had cleared up and we had great weather the rest of the day.

Today's journey took us over 600 miles, which I wouldn't recommend to anyone. It was a very long day...but it's over. I honestly don't remember what time it was when we rolled into the La Quinta in Amarillo, TX. The last several hours are a blur. We got in our rooms and it immediately began raining and severe thunderstorms are in the forecast for tonight.

Once we got settled into our rooms, had a little dinner, Carter had a bath and then he came over to our room where he watched NOGGIN videos on the computer.

There's nothing better, after a very long day on the road, than to chill with "Pop Pop", aka Grandpa, and friends from NOGGIN.com.

Tomorrow should be a relatively easy day in comparison. We plan to leave by 5:00 AM and be in Albuquerque by 11:00 AM. Uncle Jeffy is flying in around 1:30 PM to help unload the truck and leaving at that time will get us in ABQ in plenty of time to pick him up.

Here are a few pictures from the last several days:
The moving van outside of their Nashville home:












Chip's little bump on his "noggin"...it's doing much better today.










Here's the moving van completely full. Please pray that everything arrives in ABQ in the same condition as it was packed. The roads in Oklahoma were the worst and Chip said he's sure the load shifted.


Lord,
This has been a great couple of days. And, as we get ready to wind this trip down, again we give You thanks for it all. We're so grateful our family will be moving closer. We pray they will find ABQ the perfect place for them during these next three years. May Mike's time at this hospital teach him everything he needs to know to take into his own field of medicine. God, You have gifted him and we trust in the plans You already have laid out for him. You are the Ultimate Healer and we give you the praise!
Amen

"Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done."

Philippians 4:6, NLT

Let me just say right here, thank you for all your prayers. We have felt them and appreciate them more than you'll know.
When we arrive in ABQ tomorrow our internet access may be limited as the cable won't be installed until Monday at the new house. So this could be the final post until we get back home to Vegas. Don't worry if you don't see anything for a couple of days, I'll recap very soon.
God Bless!

Kickin' It Cross Country Day 4

This will be a short post today...we're tired and the adventure continues bright and early tomorrow morning...at 5:30 AM...tomorrow is our long day of traveling. We will probably be in the road 10 hours tomorrow...

Today was a good day. Weather was relatively cooperative. We hit a major thunderstorm a few miles out of Nashville, but other than that we had plenty of sunshine.

We arrived in Little Rock, Arkansas at 5:00 in the afternoon. It was, thankfully, a pretty uneventful drive. We split the puppies up, Alyson & I took Briley and Chip took Brody. When they aren't together, they do better. (more on the puppies in a minute)

Carter hung in there like a champ early in the day. By late afternoon, he had enough of being in the car. No video, toy and silly games seemed to do the trick. Thankfully, when we arrived at the hotel there was a pool and it turned his little attitude around. He loved it! I have some cute video I'll post on You Tube in the next couple of days.

When we finished swimming, Chip ran out and brought back Chinese food. It was yummy and we're very grateful he did the running. Thanks Chip! While we enjoyed our dinner, Carter was playing on the floor with the puppies and the next thing we heard was growling, squeeling and then tears. Briley had gotten upset with Carter and bit his little face. Thankfully, it was a superficial bite...it did draw a little blood, but within 5 minutes Carter was back to his normal self and I'm not so sure Briley will be the same...we're watching him like a hawk and scolding him every chance we get.

There have been lots of changes for this little family during the last few months and I think it's even effecting the puppies!

Please keep the prayers going for us.

Until tomorrow in Amarillo...

God,
We ask your continued presence on this trip. We pray for protection as we travel and as we try and rest between stops. Lord, heal Carter's little face quickly and let there be no adverse effects from the incident.

Please be with Mike as he's separated from his family. I sure the miles between them must feel like a million, especially when Carter got hurt.

We pray for a restful night tonight and a great day tomorrow.

And these things we ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Kickin' It Cross Country Day 3

Fatigue has set in. Between the loading, the packing, the cleaning, the crazy humidity,and trying to keep up with Carter...we are tired! We're feeling more aches and pains than I ever thought we could...But we're finished. The house is empty and ready for the new owners. Not without one minor incident though...this morning as Chip was making sure The Gilles Mac would fit in the front of the moving van, he somehow banged his head on the truck door and got a 3 inch gash in the back of his head. He quickly ran into the house and asked if there was a doctor in the house(no he didn't, I'm just joking)...and what do you know, we had one! When I saw the gash I thought for sure we'd be spending the next several hours, not to mention several hundred dollars at Vanderbilt's emergency room. But Dr. Mike quickly went into doctormode and gave him great care, cleaned up the wound and said he'd be fine. We put a little liquid bandage on it and he's good to go. Of course Chip's milking it just a little...only when he's trying to get out of doing something he doesn't want to do, but he's going to be just fine! Thanks Dr. Mike!

Alyson and Mike signed the closing papers on their home late this afternoon, the new owners had their walk-through at 5:00 this evening and everything should be recorded sometime tomorrow. That's it...their three years in Nashville is now over and the next season of their lives begins.

Tonight we're at the hotel and we're all taking it easy tonight. We decided to order take out from Jim & Nick's rather than eat there. We just didn't have the energy. We brought our dinner back to the hotel and now we're just relaxing.

Tomorrow's plan looks something like this: wake up and have breakfast at the hotel. Then around 10:00 AM we'll say our goodbyes to Mike and hit the road for Little Rock, Arkansas. Our best guess should put us in Little Rock around 3:00 tomorrow afternoon.

We had a huge thunderstorm roll in here just a little while ago. As fun as it was to watch we're hoping the bad weather stays here when we leave. Please keep the prayers going for safe travel and clear weather. We sincerely appreciate them!

The fireflies were out tonight to say goodbye.
Until tomorrow...

God,
You have blessed us so much already on this trip and we're very grateful.
As we get ready to head west tomorrow, we ask for your protection every mile we travel. May the vehicles cross the country without any mechanical problems and may the miles we travel go by quickly with the great conversations we share with each other. We pray people see You on this trip through us. Amen

Kickin' It Cross Country Day 2

Day 2 started out bright and early. Alyson & Mike had to take their SUV for it's final Nashville service at Darrell Waltrip's car dealership.(I mention this because of Chip's love of NASCAR) The air conditioner whistled...and though it was a pleasant tune, they wanted to make sure we'd have plenty of cool air as we crossed the nation's desert.

When they got back to the house it was time to pick up the moving van....a 26 foot long Penske. Within an hour of it's arrival Mike and Chip were high 5'ing themselves to death at how quickly everything was being loaded up....dun dun dunnnnnn....don't you hate it when you break your own arm patting yourselves on the back? I'm just kidding...even though they didn't have as much room left over as Chip thought they might, everything is loaded, with only the last minute items to go. We started around 9:30 in the morning and finished around 5:00 in the evening. Not quite the "half days worth of work" as some thought it would be, but it wasn't bad at all!

After we loaded the truck and showered...which I forgot to mention the weather....86 degrees and 90% humidity. Mike and Chip both did well in the heat and humidity, but honestly, I don't think I've ever seen Chip sweat as much as he did.

Anyway, after our showers we met all their friends at Jonathans for dinner. Jonathans is a local pub and one of their signature dishes is "fried pickles". Chip loves them and it was his request we go there for one of our last meals in Nashville.

Dorrie & Jared, John, Becky and baby Madeline, Stephanie & Mike, Todd and Jenn, their little guy Brady and their 7 week old daughter Grace, Mike, Alyson & Carter and Chip and I enjoyed a wonderful evening talking about "life". It was great! For us, it was a wonderful testimony to Alyson & Mike's time in Nashville. They have met some of the greatest people and made life long friends, most of us could only dream about!

Todd & Jenn gave them this goodbye gift.

The letters spell out their last name of Gilles. But each letter is from the sign or logo of some of their favorite spots in Nashville; one of the most thoughtful, not to mention cool and creative gifts, I've ever seen.

Tomorrow should be a pretty busy day as well. A few errands to run in the morning, back home to meet the cleaning lady, Mike & Alyson have to sign the closing paperwork on their home then we're heading to the Hampton Inn for our final night in Nashville. Our last dinner in the south will be at Jim & Nick's...one of our favorite "southern BBQ" places in the south. I may just blow the diet for some genuine, southern "sweet tea".


.

Here's Carter in the sprinkler yesterday. He sure had a great time trying to keep cool! It's funny...as he's getting older he's seems to prefer Chip more than me...which makes me sad and happy all at the same time.


God,
It's been a good day and we thank you. We know if You weren't in the middle of this, none of this would would be happening in such an effortless way. Thank you for Mike & Alyson and the easy way they have of meeting people and endearing themselves to them. Thank you for the little "family" they've created while they're away from us. It's a gift and we recognize that gift is from You and we thank You. You are awesome God, to fill the holes in our lives with the perfect people.
May we always recognize that it's Your doing and not ours.

In Jesus' name we thank you. Amen

Kickin' It Cross Country - Day 1

Pictures will be posted tomorrow...

Woke up this morning at 2:45 A.M .... uh huh, I said A.M. We got to the airport at 4:15 A.M. and we're off to Nashville! We had a 1 hour layover in Kansas City, Missouri, boarded flight #2 at 11:50 AM and arrived, right on time, in Nashville at 1:15 P.M.

Gorgeous day,temperature in the mid 80's...and so was the humidity! Chip helped Mike with a little yard work, while Carter napped. Alyson and I ran to the grocery store for a few things. When we got back Carter was playing in the sprinkler. Chip looked like he had run through the sprinklers with Carter, but nope...he was drenched with sweat...weather like this sure makes you appreciate the "dry heat" of Nevada!

We had a really nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse and when we got home we sat outside and waited for the "lightning bugs".
They didn't disappoint me this year...they showed up and brought as big a smile to my face as the first time I saw them! After all...isn't that their purpose?

Tomorrow morning, we wake up early. The moving van gets picked up at 9:00 A.M. and the fun begins. Now that Chip has seen Mike & Alyson's "stuff"...neatly organized and packed in boxes,(Alyson got my organizational genes and Chip's packing genes) he keeps saying "this is nothing"..."half a days work at the most"...and he's probably right.

A couple of their neighbors stopped by this evening to say their goodbyes. So far so good...I told Chip this morning, I forgot to pack my waterproof mascara, because I know I'm going to need it.

Please remember us in your prayers!
To be continued. . .

God,
We give you thanks for this gorgeous day and for granting us a safe and fun journey to Nashville today. Thank you for our family and for the friends they have made in this wonderful place. Be with us all as we begin the process of loading up the moving van and preparing the house for the new owners. We ask that you protect us from injury and fatigue and prepare our hearts, minds and bodies for the journey we begin in 3 days.
In Jesus' Name, Amen

The Journey Begins

Well...it's finally here. It's time for Chip and I to head south and move the Gilles family to ABQ, NM. I couldn't find an actual map of our route, but you get the picture...We have to be at the airport by 4:15AM....yes, I said AM!!! I have every intention to blog at the end of each day to fill you all in on this journey. How we felt, what we ate, what we saw and what we talked about AND of course....what cute thing Carter did on our trip!

I'm seriously begging for your prayers. Please pray for the obvious; safe travel, patience, health, grace and a grateful heart. But I'm also requesting prayers that He allow us to see the beauty He's created in everything and everyone. Help us all to realize we're all His children...we're all human and flawed and He loves us just the same. Help us to love EVERYONE as He does.

We won't actually "hit the road" until Friday, June 13th...first stop; Little Rock, Arkansas!

God,
I humbly come before you and pray that Your will be done on this trip and always.
I pray you will give us what we need,when we need it;patience when we've run out. Grace when it's needed most and compassion that flows continuously.
I love you God and I pray I honor You in all I do and that You are glorified on this trip. Allow me to be Your instrument this week especially....In Jesus' name, Amen

TO BE CONTINUED. . .

The Fun Begins...in 7 Days

Alyson has this "ticker" posted on her blog....it reads: 7 days until the Great Gilles Move '08. 7 days? Seriously?

That means 5 days and we'll be boarding the plane, for what might be our last trip to Nashville. That thought can instantaneously bring me to tears.
I will miss you Nashville. I'll miss the weather, the history, the shopping, the Bluebird Cafe, authentic BBQ, and 3 years of memories; lightning bugs, painting Carter's room, evenings with new found "friends", Carter's birth and celebrity sightings!

Yes, we did have a celebrity sighting,while in Nashville. It was our very first trip to Nashville and it was time to go home. We got to the airport in plenty of time and while we were waiting to board the plane, who shows up? Kix Brooks from "Brooks and Dunn". I'm a huge B&D fan, but I couldn't muster up the courage to get an autograph or even smile at him. I stood back and watched every move he made, until it was time to board the plane.

To our surprise, he was heading to Las Vegas and boarded our plane first (he got priority boarding apparently because he's a star!) We were in the "A" group, so we boarded mere seconds after he did and I spotted where he was seated and snagged the seats right across the aisle from him. I knew it was him because he had a huge, diamond studded ring on his left hand that read "KIX"...I guess in case he forgot who he was? Anyway, it was the first (and only) time I felt like a stalker. For the next 4 hours I watched what he ate, what he drank, if he dozed off. All the while, the man NEVER removed his sunglasses....and it was nighttime! Anyway, I got a picture, as non-chalantly as I could on my cell phone and I never uttered a word to him... we never made eye contact... but I was as star struck as anyone could be! I'm a dork I know!

That was the ONLY celebrity sighting we ever had in Nashville, but Alyson had several over the three years.

One time she was in an elevator at the mall with LeAnn Rimes and her husband.


Then more recently, The Gilles' were heading back home to Nashville after a Las Vegas visit and Naomi Judd and Kellie Pickler boarded the same plane!





Alyson said when they walked by, Naomi commented how cute Carter was. You know I always liked Naomi and her music, but now that I know we have something in common...




Kellie had no comment...and neither do I!

I'm just saying....Naomi, the next time you're in Vegas, let's do lunch...we have lots we can talk about!

Seriously, I can't believe this chapter of our lives is coming to a close. It's been a blast and I will miss the South "somethin' fierce"! I can't wait to see what God has in store for everyone in ABQ.

God,
We love you and trust in your infinite wisdom. May we never ask "why Albuquerque?" but may we say, "thank you for Albuquerque and all that You give us". I'm grateful my family will be closer to us. May we be open to the new adventures we're presented with in ABQ and may the time in the southwest be as sweet and memorable as the south was for us all. One wonderful memory we're looking forward to watching unfold, is ABQ will be the birthplace of BG2. And when I think of that, a smile immediately comes to my lips!
Thank you God!

Hectic, Busy, Crazy, Wonderful Life

Let me take a few minutes to share with you some of the cutest kids on the planet (don't worry Carter and BG#2....no matter how much I love them...you two are still my favorite 2 grandchildren...in the whole wide world!)

This beautiful circle of kids are my great nieces and nephews. At the time of this photo I believe they were all ages 4 and under. My niece Shannon has 3 beautiful girls, McKenna, Kyla and Katie and my other niece Melanie (Shannon's sister) has 2 energized boys; Luke and Gavin and one very sweet little girl; Maggie.

Whenever we're all gathered together for birthdays, dance recitals, whatever, it instaneously takes me back 30+ years when my sister Beth and I were the young, busy, believing we were losing our minds, mommies! My oldest son, Bryan and Beth's oldest daughter, Shannon are 8 months apart in age. Not long after that came Alyson, Christopher, Jeffrey and then Melanie. Between us we had 6 kids aged 4 & under too! Throw in our brother's son Joey, a few neighbor kids, and we had plenty of chaos and mayhem....and more wonderful memories than anyone should be allowed to have.

Here they all are before our younger sister Eileen started having her kids. Once she married and started her family, she added 2 more to the fun!



Hot Summer Days of Fun!










GROUP HUG (of the ones who were walking)










Adventures at Disneyland












Our parents finally ended up with 9 grandchildren; Bryan, Shannon, Alyson, Christopher, Jeffrey, Melanie, Joey, Wayne and Alyssa. (Christopher and Alyssa aren't in the photo) and 8 great grandchildren (so far); McKenna, Luke, Kyla, Gavin, Carter, Roland, Maggie and Katie.










I'm really missing those busy, hectic family gatherings. Don't get me wrong, I love this season of our lives, but I do miss having little ones around to watch after and focus all our attention on. Today our neighbor came over with her two beautiful daughters, Stella and Sophie, ages 4 and 2 (23 months apart)...they were so full of energy, giggles and endless questions. We smiled the entire time they were here. I really do miss those crazy, busy, believing I'm losing my mind days.

God in Heaven,
When I reflect back to those crazy, busy days of being a young mother, I have to smile. I'm sure, as I was manuevering through those days, I rarely slowed down to thank you for those little blessings I was fortunate enough to snuggle with, share giggles with and tuck into bed every night.

Thank you. Thank you for the patience you gave me when it was needed most. Thank you for the wisdom you gave me, even if I forgot to ask. Thank you for the grace you lavished on me when mistakes were made. Thank you for your perfect love. My prayer is that my family knows how much I have loved you and leaned on you over the years and they know you are there for them today as well.

Amen