What options do I have for extending my guardian visa while traveling outside Thailand?

Boring update which may be useful to somebody. My one-year guardian (of half-thai children) extension expires March 18, and I am traveling from April 5 to May 5. I could not do another one-year extension, because the full stamp would be approved when I am not in the country (they give you under consideration and ask you to come back a month later for the full stamp, around middle of April when I'm not here). So, what to do? Instead, I did a 60-day family visit (Thai wife), which puts my 1-year extension date in May when I am back in Thailand. The IO asked a lot of questions about why I wasn't doing the one-year extension, he didn't seem thrilled but my wife was there and talked to him and explained the situation. My experience may be different than yours, just wanted to share.