Post a fun memory....for fun.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
A Guilty Pleasure
A few weeks ago at the Page movie theater, a rare event occured. There was a midnight premier for a movie that has been highly anticipated by many young girls and their moms alike, yes I speak of the vampire saga, Twilight. Even though I am definately NOT a night owl, a group of friends and I made a plan to go and enjoy this adolescent delight. To ensure we could make it to the witching hour, we met up at 10pm at Denny's (the only place open past 9:00 in Page) for some pre-movie viewing banter and noshing. Finally, the time had come for us to welcome Edward and Bella to our town. We know that he doesn't really have fangs, but we wanted to show our vampire excitement. Here are some of us in front of the theater after the event. We love you Edward!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Winter Wonderland in Durango
A trip to the Gillelands' is never dull. We had a fantastic extended weekend eating, playing in the snow, riding four-wheelers and the mule, going to movies, shopping, eating, hanging out, relaxing, eating, eating, you get the point! It was especially delightful to have the Hannays there as well. We missed you Ross brothers and Debbie! Here are just a few pictures from the Thanksgiving extravaganza.....
Rex and Jebb were the first to brave the winter weather, but it wasn't long before we had a whole group of wet, muddy, snowy, happy kids frolicking outside.
Michelle set a beautiful table with all of the traditional Thanksgiving fare! It was a thumbs up from everyone!
We attempted the Ross favorite, snail rolls, but alas were not successful. Blame it on the weather.
We enjoyed getting to know Lauren's "friend" Devin, and look forward to seeing lots more of him!
Thank you, thank you, thank you John and Michelle. As always, you were such gracious hosts! We are so thankful for you!
Rex and Jebb were the first to brave the winter weather, but it wasn't long before we had a whole group of wet, muddy, snowy, happy kids frolicking outside.
Michelle set a beautiful table with all of the traditional Thanksgiving fare! It was a thumbs up from everyone!
We attempted the Ross favorite, snail rolls, but alas were not successful. Blame it on the weather.
We enjoyed getting to know Lauren's "friend" Devin, and look forward to seeing lots more of him!Thank you, thank you, thank you John and Michelle. As always, you were such gracious hosts! We are so thankful for you!
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Blessing Box
Hey Everyone! I hope we all had a GREAT Thanksgiving! I want to invite all of you to participate in the Blessing Box. Click Here
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Atlantic View Hotel
We found the perfect hotel for the Gilleland's. There is plenty of room for the rest of you. She wanted something right on the beach. yea, it doesn't have AC but there is plenty of ventilation. Just walk across the street to the to Atlantic Ocean. The picture of her view was taken on our walk along the street going into Scarborough, you can see forever. The kids can dive off the wall into the Atlantic, which often has nice breakers beating against the wall. The rates should be good, but we didn't see the manager anywhere to ask.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Bingham Ball
Ty had a great time with Tory (Lauren's former volleyball teammate) at the Bingham Ball. (Yes, I did try to talk him out of the suspenders and white belt!) They went in a big group that all had a strict dress code. All of them are goof-balls apparently. It is so fun watching them go through these stages. (sniff, sniff)
Gift Exchange???
Is anyone interested in doing a cousin gift exchange this year? Without mom to spearhead the effort, time has gotten away from us. I was thinking since a large number of us are gathering for Thanksgiving, it would be an opportunity to save some postage...We always enjoy shopping for our cousins, and I would be willing to post a list if everyone is game. Weigh in Ross clan!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Super Spies!!
Want to see the most exciting, most fabulous, most marvelous spy adventure of all time? Don't go see Quantum of Solace, the new James Bond movie premiering today. Watch the B. Ross kids in the blockbuster new release, A Super Spy Adventure. (Made for our ward's home movie night. All rights reserved. No babies were harmed in the making of this movie.)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tickets Purchased
First of all, we are very relieved to hear that Keryn and baby Heber are no longer homeless living in vans by the river! I hope he is doing well now that you guys are home. What a freaky thing!!
I am posting to let G&G know that our tickets to go to Trinidad have been purchased! We are going on Feb 7th from Albuquerque arriving in Trinidad that night. We still need to get the Tobago leg. Would you mind picking us up late at night? 10pm or so? We are staying the whole week (hope that's ok!) then flying out of Trinidad on Monday the 16th. We are wondering if we should fly to Trinidad from Tobago on Sun nite or early Mon. morning? Do you have a preference? We got awesome airfare-less that 400 per person for the whole flight! You can't beat that! Now we need to get our passports in order! I hope you guys are OK with us coming!
This gives us a date to work towards collecting stuff to bring. Nic and Kim both want assignments too. Have you zeroed in on anything specific? We are excited to go and if anyone else wants to come, I think airfare is pretty reasonable... :)
I am posting to let G&G know that our tickets to go to Trinidad have been purchased! We are going on Feb 7th from Albuquerque arriving in Trinidad that night. We still need to get the Tobago leg. Would you mind picking us up late at night? 10pm or so? We are staying the whole week (hope that's ok!) then flying out of Trinidad on Monday the 16th. We are wondering if we should fly to Trinidad from Tobago on Sun nite or early Mon. morning? Do you have a preference? We got awesome airfare-less that 400 per person for the whole flight! You can't beat that! Now we need to get our passports in order! I hope you guys are OK with us coming!
This gives us a date to work towards collecting stuff to bring. Nic and Kim both want assignments too. Have you zeroed in on anything specific? We are excited to go and if anyone else wants to come, I think airfare is pretty reasonable... :)
Monday, November 10, 2008
HOME!!
Quite unexpectedly, we are home home home! YAY!
Heber's bilirubin levels went significantly down two days in a row, and he has been eating well (and doing a good job at what happens next, if you catch my drift), and so they let us come home this afternoon. Heber has to keep a "biliblanket" against his back skin all the time--it's a fiber optic stiff sheet that emits blue light--it's actually quite cool looking. We have to have tests run in the morning to make sure everything is okay. But here we are, where Heber can eat and be cuddled and loved and be at home!
And I am glad to be here, too. Thanks for all your prayers and love.
Heber's bilirubin levels went significantly down two days in a row, and he has been eating well (and doing a good job at what happens next, if you catch my drift), and so they let us come home this afternoon. Heber has to keep a "biliblanket" against his back skin all the time--it's a fiber optic stiff sheet that emits blue light--it's actually quite cool looking. We have to have tests run in the morning to make sure everything is okay. But here we are, where Heber can eat and be cuddled and loved and be at home!
And I am glad to be here, too. Thanks for all your prayers and love.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Music and BYU Students
(I just posted this at our religion blog, PonderIt, and thought you might like to read it, too)
My fourth child was born the day after election day, Wednesday November 5. He is currently in the NICU, being treated for severe jaundice and other blood-related problems. That's the bad news; the good news is that his levels are going down, he's responding well to treatment, he's not in any pain, and although we don't get to take him home for several more days, once he is released we don't have to worry about these problems again--it's a one time thing.
Still, it's been a bit of a bummer. With number three (my son with spina bifida), I was completely geared up to spend tons of time at the hospital, and emotionally (more) ready to do so. With this baby, it has been a surprise, which is always a little harder for me to deal with. My three kids at home aren't happy with my absence, especially the youngest--at almost 2, with a giant cast on his left leg because of recent surgery related to his spina bifida, he has been a bear with Grandma, and sometimes even with Daddy. Add to that the general exhaustion and hormonal shifts that follow childbirth, it's not a wonder that I am a little shaky and sad, prone to tears and frustration.
So what does this have to do with my post's title, "Music and BYU Students"? Simply this. It's Sunday night, I'm in the lobby of the main hospital in Utah Valley, which is very near BYU campus. I'm waiting until it's time to feed my little son again, and the lobby is quiet and peaceful. Various people walk by, most still dressed in their Sunday best, going to visit friends, family, or ward members. When a group of college-age people stop at the Information desk, I pay little attention to them until they begin singing.
It is one of my favorite hymns, "I Need Thee Every Hour", but oddly my first reaction is irritation at the intrusion into the silence. But then I feel my eyes begin to sting, and I look closer at the group. They are not singing loudly, nor are they facing out into the lobby--they are mostly singing for the elderly volunteer manning the front desk. They are not the most accomplished singers I have ever heard, but they are on-key and have some harmony. As I continue to listen, the words sink into my heart, and I have to blink rapidly to stop from crying.
I need thee every hour
Stay thou nearby
Temptations lose their power
When thou are nigh
I need thee!
O I need thee
Every hour I need thee
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come unto thee
When I was in college, I didn't usually participate in the hospital or nursing home singing visits. My general feeling was that a bunch of young, healthy kids barging into the hospital for an hour was an intrusion, generally unwelcome. And (like most activities in college) impressing the opposite sex was a large part of the draw, and I felt weird doing "service" with that end in mind.
But I may have to change my opinion now. For a few moments, unexpectedly, on a day that most decidedly does not feel like Sunday, I was privileged to feel the Spirit. I could hear the love those students have for singing, for the Savior, for others. I was reminded of all my good fortune, the tangible and real blessing of having the Gospel in my life--of having Christ in my life. I am comforted.
Thank you, singers. Whoever you are, whatever your motives, thank you for singing in the lobby of Utah Valley Regional Medical Center tonight. You brought peace to my heart.
My fourth child was born the day after election day, Wednesday November 5. He is currently in the NICU, being treated for severe jaundice and other blood-related problems. That's the bad news; the good news is that his levels are going down, he's responding well to treatment, he's not in any pain, and although we don't get to take him home for several more days, once he is released we don't have to worry about these problems again--it's a one time thing.
Still, it's been a bit of a bummer. With number three (my son with spina bifida), I was completely geared up to spend tons of time at the hospital, and emotionally (more) ready to do so. With this baby, it has been a surprise, which is always a little harder for me to deal with. My three kids at home aren't happy with my absence, especially the youngest--at almost 2, with a giant cast on his left leg because of recent surgery related to his spina bifida, he has been a bear with Grandma, and sometimes even with Daddy. Add to that the general exhaustion and hormonal shifts that follow childbirth, it's not a wonder that I am a little shaky and sad, prone to tears and frustration.
So what does this have to do with my post's title, "Music and BYU Students"? Simply this. It's Sunday night, I'm in the lobby of the main hospital in Utah Valley, which is very near BYU campus. I'm waiting until it's time to feed my little son again, and the lobby is quiet and peaceful. Various people walk by, most still dressed in their Sunday best, going to visit friends, family, or ward members. When a group of college-age people stop at the Information desk, I pay little attention to them until they begin singing.
It is one of my favorite hymns, "I Need Thee Every Hour", but oddly my first reaction is irritation at the intrusion into the silence. But then I feel my eyes begin to sting, and I look closer at the group. They are not singing loudly, nor are they facing out into the lobby--they are mostly singing for the elderly volunteer manning the front desk. They are not the most accomplished singers I have ever heard, but they are on-key and have some harmony. As I continue to listen, the words sink into my heart, and I have to blink rapidly to stop from crying.
I need thee every hour
Stay thou nearby
Temptations lose their power
When thou are nigh
I need thee!
O I need thee
Every hour I need thee
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come unto thee
When I was in college, I didn't usually participate in the hospital or nursing home singing visits. My general feeling was that a bunch of young, healthy kids barging into the hospital for an hour was an intrusion, generally unwelcome. And (like most activities in college) impressing the opposite sex was a large part of the draw, and I felt weird doing "service" with that end in mind.
But I may have to change my opinion now. For a few moments, unexpectedly, on a day that most decidedly does not feel like Sunday, I was privileged to feel the Spirit. I could hear the love those students have for singing, for the Savior, for others. I was reminded of all my good fortune, the tangible and real blessing of having the Gospel in my life--of having Christ in my life. I am comforted.
Thank you, singers. Whoever you are, whatever your motives, thank you for singing in the lobby of Utah Valley Regional Medical Center tonight. You brought peace to my heart.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Mighty Mama
Oh my goodness, you are too funny. I hope little Heber is Okay, not to mention you. You just had a baby you know,... and sleeping in a van. The things mothers do. Heber sure has one "Mighty Mama." Get some rest if you can. Prayers go out to you.
...In a van down by the river
We don't get to come home tonight, either.
Heber's levels aren't where they should be, and so we are here another night. Except this time they don't have a little room for me to sleep--other moms need it more (which I totally understand). So Bradley just went home to get a sleeping mat, bag, pillows, etc so I can park in the van (and the hospital is sort of by the river) tonight. It will be more comfortable than sleeping in a chair (this hospital has a dearth of couches, oddly), and less time-consuming than driving back and forth btwn Spanish Fork and Provo. This way I can feed Heber every three hours and get him all better so we can go HOME!
Let's be honest--this is going to be a great story to hang over my Heber's head the rest of his life. "Don't you roll your eyes at me, young man! I slept in a VAN down by the RIVER for you!"
Heber's levels aren't where they should be, and so we are here another night. Except this time they don't have a little room for me to sleep--other moms need it more (which I totally understand). So Bradley just went home to get a sleeping mat, bag, pillows, etc so I can park in the van (and the hospital is sort of by the river) tonight. It will be more comfortable than sleeping in a chair (this hospital has a dearth of couches, oddly), and less time-consuming than driving back and forth btwn Spanish Fork and Provo. This way I can feed Heber every three hours and get him all better so we can go HOME!
Let's be honest--this is going to be a great story to hang over my Heber's head the rest of his life. "Don't you roll your eyes at me, young man! I slept in a VAN down by the RIVER for you!"
Friday, November 07, 2008
Day Two, unexpected stuff
So it turns out we don't get to come home tonight.
Heber's bilirubin levels were high, so the pediatrician ordered a few blood tests to see what's up with that. He discovered that Heber's hematocrit levels are also quite high (normal: 50; Heber's: 75), which has to do with the amount of red blood cells in your blood. Apparently, during delivery, it's possible for the levels between momma and baby to get messed up, and the baby's body can't easily deal with it.
So Heber gets to have a transfusion, through the belly button, to thin out his blood. He gets to stay in the NICU (our first baby to do so, how awesome is that?) tonight, and hopefully we'll get to go home tomorrow!
Heber's bilirubin levels were high, so the pediatrician ordered a few blood tests to see what's up with that. He discovered that Heber's hematocrit levels are also quite high (normal: 50; Heber's: 75), which has to do with the amount of red blood cells in your blood. Apparently, during delivery, it's possible for the levels between momma and baby to get messed up, and the baby's body can't easily deal with it.
So Heber gets to have a transfusion, through the belly button, to thin out his blood. He gets to stay in the NICU (our first baby to do so, how awesome is that?) tonight, and hopefully we'll get to go home tomorrow!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Congrats!!!
Love the pics! We want to see more. He looks so cute and tiny from a far. Is he ready for his close up? We miss you and wish we were there to help. Remember four is fun!
Day One of Heber
(Thanks, Deb!)
So, did the name surprise any of you? Just curious. If you hate it, too late...mwahahahahaha! Just don't tell me. :) No, we honestly didn't decide on it until about 9 o'clock the night he was born--he was three or four hours old.
He's quite the gorgeous baby, not that I'm biased or anything. His fingernails are superlong, his toes are long (he's got the Peters' feet, just like all my babies). Heber had his first video conference this afternoon, "talking" to Grandma and Grandpa in Tobago. It's amazing that they could watch and listen to him, thousands and thousands of miles away, before he's even 24 hours old. What an amazing world we live in! We sure miss Grandma and Grandpa, though. Grandma thinks he looks like Mercy. I think I agree, but I'll have to get pictures out to be sure.
Sorry I didn't post last night with the "results" of our day in labor...I wanted to, but then my computer stopped picking up the internet and Bradley had already gone home to be with the other kids! I was without internet until he returned around ten this morning, with Ezra, Gideon, and Mercy in tow. That was interesting...Ezra and Mercy were excited to meet the new baby, although the crackers and cookies the nurse brought in, and Playhouse Disney on the TV, were more captivating. Mercy-girl is pretty excited about her "Baby Heber", though. Gideon-boy, however, couldn't have cared less. He wanted Momma and he wanted her RIGHT NOW. And nobody else. (Except the water jug they give you at the hospital was a pretty cool toy, he thought.)
Anyway, we should be home by tomorrow night, all things going well (as they are right now). We love you all, and we'll keep you updated with fun pictures.
So, did the name surprise any of you? Just curious. If you hate it, too late...mwahahahahaha! Just don't tell me. :) No, we honestly didn't decide on it until about 9 o'clock the night he was born--he was three or four hours old.
He's quite the gorgeous baby, not that I'm biased or anything. His fingernails are superlong, his toes are long (he's got the Peters' feet, just like all my babies). Heber had his first video conference this afternoon, "talking" to Grandma and Grandpa in Tobago. It's amazing that they could watch and listen to him, thousands and thousands of miles away, before he's even 24 hours old. What an amazing world we live in! We sure miss Grandma and Grandpa, though. Grandma thinks he looks like Mercy. I think I agree, but I'll have to get pictures out to be sure.
Sorry I didn't post last night with the "results" of our day in labor...I wanted to, but then my computer stopped picking up the internet and Bradley had already gone home to be with the other kids! I was without internet until he returned around ten this morning, with Ezra, Gideon, and Mercy in tow. That was interesting...Ezra and Mercy were excited to meet the new baby, although the crackers and cookies the nurse brought in, and Playhouse Disney on the TV, were more captivating. Mercy-girl is pretty excited about her "Baby Heber", though. Gideon-boy, however, couldn't have cared less. He wanted Momma and he wanted her RIGHT NOW. And nobody else. (Except the water jug they give you at the hospital was a pretty cool toy, he thought.)
Anyway, we should be home by tomorrow night, all things going well (as they are right now). We love you all, and we'll keep you updated with fun pictures.
Heber Alexander Ross
We welcomed Heber Alexander Ross into the Obamanation at 5:50pm, November 5, 2008. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 19" long. In the Ross tradition, he is the cutest baby ever born at this hospital!
Please Update Us!!
OK Rosses! What is up?! This suspense is killing me!! Did you meet my new nephew yet?! We are so excited!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Here we go!
Here we are at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center--ready to have this baby boy! I've been contracting since about 10pm last night, but we're not moving forward very fast. The doctor broke my water about ten minutes ago, and we'll hopefully have this baby by five o'clock this evening--if I'm lucky.
We'll let you all know--and the name, too (as soon as we figure that one out, too)!
We'll let you all know--and the name, too (as soon as we figure that one out, too)!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Any ideas?
The Gilleland family is fairly sure (no plane tickets purchased yet) they are going to Tobago in February. We want to make it a service trip as well as a fun trip. We want to bring useful items for the people/children of Tobago. I have been thinking collecting white shirts for either school or church children might be useful. Mom is going to put the feelers out. Does anyone have any ideas? It would have to be able to fit in our luggage over there. I was thinking school supplies or humanitarian stuff?? Are there orphanages with needs? It wouldn't have to be a service to only church members there, but if we have room or ideas, we could do community stuff too. Any ideas? I know I belong to the smartest family on the planet and would welcome any thoughts. I have considered opening it up to a scout activity or even a school activity by encouraging those people to help. Maybe we could all collect white shirts in our own wards to send? Don't be shy-let's hear your thoughts!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Another Address Update
Well, I have moved again. I will be at this new address for at least a month, but I don't really know beyond that. I'll let you all know if/when I move again.
2347 S Orange St
Mesa, AZ 85210
2347 S Orange St
Mesa, AZ 85210
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Fun in the Fall
We found the cutest little pumpkin face pieces at Walmart. I thought this was such a good idea considering whenever we carve our pumpkins ahead of time, they are all shriveled by Halloween.
In other news, last weekend we went to Navajo Mountain to watch Drake run. He is getting better every race. He was 18th this week and was so thrilled to get a medal! This coming Saturday is his last race of the season. We'll let you know how it goes.
What wonderful news about Gideon. You guys are in our prayers!
Great news!
Thanks for the update on Gideon. You have been on our mind and in our prayers all day wondering how it was going. You both will sleep better in your own beds. Give Gideon a hug for us. You will stay in our prayers. We are anxious to hear when we have a new grandson an see some pictures.
We are off on the airplane tomorrow at 7:30 am for zone conference in Trinidad. We will get to meet with Pres Vinas, 1st Couns in the Area Presidency. He is a member of the first Q of 70. We are coming back Sat morning.
Love,
G & G Ross
We are off on the airplane tomorrow at 7:30 am for zone conference in Trinidad. We will get to meet with Pres Vinas, 1st Couns in the Area Presidency. He is a member of the first Q of 70. We are coming back Sat morning.
Love,
G & G Ross
Gideon update
We're home!
The surgery went fabulously well. It was scheduled to be 2.5 hours, but the actual operation only took one--they didn't have to break any bones, or set any pins, or anything like that. It was pretty minor, the doctor said. Recovery's been a bit rough--morphine doesn't seem to work well on Gideon's pain, but we got through those first hours of recovery without too much trauma. (Easy for me to say, but Gideon can't tell his side of the story. Hopefully he won't remember.)
Because it was so minor, the doctor sent us home! Yay! We were all prepared for an overnight stay, but it is such a relief to be home. Gideon is totally groggy--he's zoned out in his bed, his little casted foot propped up on pillows--but hopefully when he wakes up he will be feeling a little better.
I am so grateful for everyone who has prayed for us today. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and my family and friends. I love you all, and I'll keep you updated!
The surgery went fabulously well. It was scheduled to be 2.5 hours, but the actual operation only took one--they didn't have to break any bones, or set any pins, or anything like that. It was pretty minor, the doctor said. Recovery's been a bit rough--morphine doesn't seem to work well on Gideon's pain, but we got through those first hours of recovery without too much trauma. (Easy for me to say, but Gideon can't tell his side of the story. Hopefully he won't remember.)
Because it was so minor, the doctor sent us home! Yay! We were all prepared for an overnight stay, but it is such a relief to be home. Gideon is totally groggy--he's zoned out in his bed, his little casted foot propped up on pillows--but hopefully when he wakes up he will be feeling a little better.
I am so grateful for everyone who has prayed for us today. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and my family and friends. I love you all, and I'll keep you updated!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Gideon's surgery
Gideon's surgery is tomorrow morning at 11:30 MDT, so if you get a chance and think about it, prayers for him and his medical time are most appreciated. (And for his slightly freaked-out mother, too...)
I'll post an update tomorrow afternoon/evening, when I get a chance. (Primary Children's has free wireless internet, they really are saints up there!)
I'll post an update tomorrow afternoon/evening, when I get a chance. (Primary Children's has free wireless internet, they really are saints up there!)
Saturday, October 18, 2008
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