Disneyland & Christmas pics

Hi, please see our family letter below.

Merry Christmas from the Gibson Family

Merry Christmas from Saint George!

Krissy has been very sick for the last couple of days and has spent much of that time worshipping the porcelain God (believe me, it's NOT what you think) so as a matter of default, I've been drafted into writing our family Christmas letter. It's probably been a good three or four years since we last put any significant effort into writing a Christmas letter so it's long overdue.

As you an see, I've attached a slide show which should give you a good idea of what we've been up to over the last month or so. Needless to say, Disneyland was the highlight of our holiday season (everyone but mine that is). While I enjoy a good roller coaster ride as much as the next guy, I was NOT looking forward to the crowds and lines at Disneyland. I was still recovering from our last Disney adventure a couple of years ago. Much to my surprise however, the lines weren't half bad. This, coming from a guy who hates standing behind two people at Albertson's is saying a lot.

The kids had a wonderful time as we knew they would. Sloanie was still traumatized from not going through Minnie Mouse's house during our last trip so she was DETERMINED to meet Minnie this time. She was disappointed when we didn't make her house our first stop but not wanting to cause my daughter the same distress I experienced by not being allowed to climb up the statue of Liberty as a child (just kidding Mom:), right around lunch time she and I made a special trip over to Toon town. Unfortunately Minnie was not there. I asked one of the workers if the reason she wasn't there was because she and Mickey were having marital difficulties but I was assured that wasn't the reason. We were however able to go through Minnie's house and Sloanie seemed satisfied.

The boys were antsy to go off by themselves and since they had their cell phone with them, we let them go ride Thunder Mountain fourteen times or whatever it was while we watched the parade. I guess you've really arrived as a dad when you realize that although you don't like parade's, you'd rather have your daughter on your shoulders (even though by then my shoulders, legs and feet were killing me) than go ride more roller coasters.

By the time evening came, it was quite cold (California cold) and drizzly. We also had two very tired kids (darn that Tevin and Chandler:) so we finally left a couple of hours before we had planned. All in all we had a great time although if we never went again, I'd be a happy man.

We've had another good year and I'm continually amazed at how rapidly time passes as I get older. It doesn't seem possible that another year has come and gone.

Krissy keeps herself as busy as anyone I know. She's the treasurer for the PTA at Sloane's school and is also a room mother for at least a couple of the kids. Additionally, since Sloane attends a charter school, Krissy and I are both obligated to volunteer 40 hours each per school year. So far I've put in about 5 hours while Krissy is right around 60. Krissy also runs a scrap book club and currently has 12 members. Once a month she is in charge of a party (no kegs involved), which thankfully is only held at our house once a year. She seems to really enjoy this challenge and also pulls in a few extra bucks each month as a result. She also serves as the activities chairperson in our ward which is an ideal calling for someone with her skillset. Overall it seems as if Krissy has experienced better health this year, this weekend notwithstanding.

Chandler is doing well in school again this year. Krissy and I really respect and admire Chandler for how hard he works. Chandler is such a good kid and is and always has been our peacemaker. He looks out for his siblings and as a rule, puts others first in almost everything he does. Chandler played corner back on his football team this year and although he was one of the smaller players, he showed no fear as he went against guys LITERALLY twice as heavy. His team did poorly but Chanman had a fun time and plans on trying out for the high school team next year. Chandler is also serving as the secretary in his deacon's quorum.

Tevin is.....well, Tevin is Tevin. He's such a good kid but Krissy and I continually need to remind ourselves that he's just 13 even though he could easily pass for 16 or 17. Tevin has definitely entered teenage hood. It's hard for me to understand what he's going through since I was such a perfect teenager (stop laughing Mom). Tevin is nothing like his twin brother. He's over a foot taller and weighs well over a hundred pounds more than Chandler. He's still trying to get used to that big body of his but all in all he's doing remarkably well. Tevin is also doing well in school and among other things, enjoys guitar lessons and the computer.

Harrison is our comic relief. He jokes and teases nonstop and Krissy rarely misses an opportunity to remind me that this is probably my fault. Harrison is doing exceptionally well in school and it's very important for him to do well. Kind of like me as a kid, right Mom & Dad? Harrison plays the Bass in his school orchestra which is easily a foot taller than he he is and it's pretty comical to see him try to lug that thing around. Harrison is already girl crazy and it's come to my attention just recently while at Disneyland that girls are crazy about him. I definitely noticed him getting looks from young teenage girls (while I got checked out by the senior citizens babes).

We are so grateful for our only girl Sloanie. She seems to have a calming effect on the boys, which is both amusing and necessary. Sloanie absolutely loves school and is doing remarkably well. The charter school she is attending is known for its rigorous curriculum so we were understandably worried when she began kindergarten in August but so far so good. She's learning things that the public schools don't teach until 1st and in some cases, 2nd grade so we feel very fortunate and blessed to have gotten her into this school.

Sloanie most defintely has her Daddy wrapped around her finger. We have a very close relationship which will hopefully continue as she get's older. Every Sunday after church she'll remind me that it's "Daddy and Sloanie time". So, while Mom and Holden nap, she and I hang out together.

Holden, I don't mind saying is the Lord's way of letting us know that our family is complete. He can be incredibly cute but he'll probably end up spending 4 or 5 years in the terrible two's. Much to my delight, Holden loves to play with balls. Given a choice between cars, stuffed animals or virtually anything else, he'll invariably choose a ball to play with. So, Krissy and I are hoping that he inherits her athletic ability and my determination with regards to sports, and NOT the other way around.

As for me, I continue to enjoy my business and the challenge it provides. It keeps me very busy as I'm always adding new products and making subtle and not so subtle changes to my business in order to stay competitive. I enjoy racquetball and lifting weights as I generally work out 4 or 5 times a week. And while I'd consider myself to be in good shape for a guy my age, I'm defintely a lot more creaky than I used to be. I'm also becoming much more a student of the gospel as I get older and I'm currently taking a continuing education course on the Old Testament. Most of all I enjoy my sweetheart and my family (Krissy is looking over my shoulder).

As a whole, we're doing very well and are enjoying Saint George immensely. During this time of year we are particularly grateful for our extended family as well as the gospel of Jesus Christ and the strength and hope that it provides.

We wish each of you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Love,

The Gibson's

BBBBUUUUUSSSSYYYYY

I can't believe how long it has been since I last blogged or looked at anyone Else's for that matter. We have had a busy month between birthdays, thanksgiving, new callings and having to do a ward Christmas party real fast, I am pooped!!! Kim- my friend made the cake and I bought the tinker bell ornament that was on top from Hallmark. Holden didn't even eat any of his cake because he was too busy playing with his ROARS (dinosaurs). I can't believe how fast they grow up. The pictures of my family room in the slide show are my before shots of me tearing it apart to get ready to paint it. I will be putting up the after photos soon. It has taken my longer than expected with the holiday season here as well.

I can't remember if we told you that Chris and I received new callings. Anyway, Chris is the 1st counselor in Young Men's and I am the ward activities chairman. I am excited about my calling. I love planning ward parties. I told a member of the bishopric on Sunday that he had to keep me in at least a year because I have next years Christmas party all planned.

All the kids are doing really well. We have two concerts to go to this week. One for Tevin for Choir and one for Harrison for orchestra. I am glad we have a video camera now and I can finally record these concerts we have been going to over the last few years.

I need to stop for now. Holden is screaming bloody murder for me. I need to get away just a mommy trip with peace and quite. Love to ya.

Pics from birthday's, etc.

Hi everyone. Krissy asked me to embed this slideshow. She will update with details soon. FYI, to view the pics in the largest possible slideshow (Dad:)), click on the slideshow to launch it in a new window. Then click 'view album' and then click 'slideshow'. Hope everyone is well.

Chris

Bottomless Pit

I think Sloane is going through a growing spurt. She can not stop eating. Every 5 minutes she wants something and I hate to tell her no since she is so skinny, but at the same time I wonder where it all goes. Sometime I think she eats more than Tevin.

The kids are doing a lot better. I did have to come home early from church with Sloane cause she was running a fever, but she seems fine now. Tomorrow I will be starting the redecorating of my downstairs before I put up Xmas stuff. I will put a before and after pic up on the blog. I hope it turns out the way I am imagining it in my mind.

Have a good night and see ya soon!!!

Lack of Sleep

Well Holden is sick, but than again what else is new. Last week on Saturday his ear drum burst and rushed him to the doctor and he has been doing pretty good until last night. He started running a fever and threw up all over my bed and his bed. Chris slept on the couch until Holden's bed was dry and I put towels all over our bed so I could get Holden down. Chris and I are running on caffeine today. I am hoping everyone is healthy for the holiday weekend next week. I can't wait to go shopping on the Friday for whoever is game. I know Chris is not. He will watch kids :) The other kids are all doing well. We have our struggles with the twins now that they are at that teenage time where every word that comes out of their mouths are mumbles and can't understand them, but at least I know I am not a lone out there and other parents of teenagers are going through the same thing.

Slideshow

Hey everyone,

We decided to sign up with slide.com and so far we've been very pleased. Krissy will post more later. Sorry, all you get is three sentences out of me!

Chris

New Slideshow

Party Planning

I can't believe Sloane is going to be 6 on Thursday. Time goes by so fast. I am partied out of ideas to do at her party with all her friends. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do with 10 little girls. Sloane's birthday theme is Tinker Bell. I have spent all day today making invitations and handing them out for her. Chris was home most of the day because his computer at work got a really bad virus and he has to take it in to get repaired. Anyway, that is what we have been up to today.

We love this time of year. Hope everyone is enjoying the Harvest time. I know we are.

I had to take a picture with Sloane too. I have had a lot of people tell me who knew me as a little one that she looks so much like I did as a little girl. For me, I look at her and just see her father. She is my little buddy.

I have wanted my picture taken with the boys for some time. It was fun trying to get them to join in. Tevin and his faces that he makes in every photo drives me crazy. But then again we were sitting on him. I love my boys.

Sick again

Well it has been a busy last few days. I had my sister Alison and her family here as well as my brother Adam and his family. We had fun hanging out together and the girls enjoyed all our shopping we did. Our husbands might not have enjoyed the bill that will come in the mail on our credit card statement. The best part of the weekend was having the great grand kids spend time with my grandparents. We took lots of pictures and had a blast. It really makes my grandfather happy when the little ones come and see him.

When everyone left on Sunday that night I came down with pink eye as well as another virus not sure what it is this time. I have been sick on and off for a month. I am shaky and dizzy and my eye sight is out of focus. Chris gave me a blessing last night and I am doing a little better today. I have no energy. On days like today I wish I had my mother close or mother in law. :)

Anyway, I need to lay down, but wanted to do an update.

Krissy

Sloane Says

I miss everyone and can't wait to see you soon. My cousins are coming to visit me tomorrow from California to get away from the fires. Grandma and Grandpa I love you tons.

Long Day

Today has been one of the longest days of my life. I have been up since 3:30am. I 5am I took 2 teachers from Sloane's school to the airport in Vegas and Chris was Mr. MOM and got all the kids off to school. I got home around 11am and was hoping to take a nap, but our little guy prevented that one and then kids started coming home from school and a nap went out the window. It is now 8pm and I am going to bed. Hope everyone had a great day. Everyone is finally well.

Hair Cut

well I did it. I cut off my hair. I think it looks really cute. Chris said he is going to have to get use to it. When Harrison gets home I will have him take a picture and I will put it up. Holden wasn't too sure when he first saw me and keeps on touching my hair. I wonder what the rest of the kids are going to say.

Hair Cut

Friday I took Holden to get a hair cut. This was his first time sitting in the chair all by himself. He didn't want me to hold him. He was being so good. I was noticing his eyes getting kind of glossy and told the lady who was cutting his hair that he is going to fall asleep. Not more than a minute later I was on my knees holding his head up and he was sound asleep. He slept through the rest of his trim. Everyone was laughing. I wish I had my camera with me.

Sick Kids

Just when I thought we were over sickness, Chandler came home last night from being with his dad saying he doesn't feel well. His room is right below ours and I could hear him throwing up in the night. Needless to say he is home from school today. Hopefully it is just a 24 hour flu and I am hoping it DOES NOT go through the rest of us.

The Parents

Krissy: Well, about a week ago our new roberts opened and some friends are I got there at 6am to be the first ones there and get some of their prizes. Chris thought we were nuts but it was fun. If was almost like black friday. I got a lot of good deals and won a couple of prizes. Yesterday Chris, Sloane, Holden and I went to Vegas and ate at Treasure Island and then went shopping for a video camera. We found one we like and have had a blast recording the kids. I am busy with being the Treasurer at Pineview middle school and room parent at Sloanes school as well as doing 2 scrapbook clubs. Sometimes I think I need to cut back on a few things but I love to stay busy. I have another goal and that is to make afgans for all the kids. Chandlers is first and it is like a basket weave in black camaflodge. Everyone knows that I am not a reader, but I have to say I am loving the Twight books. And I just found out that there are 2 more coming WOOHOO. Anything to get me reading...lol. I have some pictures I will upload and probably put on tomorrow. Chris has taken all he can of Holden for the night. I will have to update everyone on Chris next post.

Stressed with 5

Well, seems the children are always the most important in a family so I will start with them.

Chandler: he is having a ball being in tackle football. He is the smallest on the team but is full of spirit that drives him to prove himself to be just as good as the bigger boys. And he has done that and has more playing time then the lazier boys. He is doing really well in school. His first report card consists of all A's and B's. We are really proud of him. We know how much harder he has to work to get good grades. He is now in 2 resource classes. One is for language arts and the other if to help him in his other classes but they focus a lot on math. He is loving 8th grade. He is such a blessing in our lives. I always call him my peace maker.

Tevin: when I think of Tev I just laugh. He may drives us crazy, but he keeps things fun. He has strated guitar lessons and is loving every minute of it. I am finally glad to have Tevin involved in something that he is passionate about. His teacher (Hal Stead) is amazing and knows exactly what Tevin needs. I love to hear them play together. School on the other hand with Tev is ok. His grades range from A's to D's. I have to say that he did have F's but got 2 of them up to C's and one to a D. These are classes he is bored in. I told him if the grades don't stay up then the guitar lessons with have to stop. So he is trying hard. I took Tevin out on a date night the other night and had a really good talk. A lot of it was about 2 girls he likes and him wanting a cell phone, and me telling him no to a lot of things he wants for Christmas that cost over 300 dollars each. I think he just likes to talk the talk and try to get me worked up. He is now officially taller than his mom who tops out at 5ft 11in.

Harrison: Harrison is not involved in anything right now after school, but he is our straight A student. I was so proud when I saw his report card. He works so hard on school work, and is still afraid that he is going to do poorly. When he handed me his report card he had the biggest grin. I told him he is going to put me in the poor house, because we pay 10 dollars for every A. He is enjoying 6th grade and learning to play the bass. Man that is a big instrument. He loves to play night games with his friends in the neighbor hood. They ususally play every night but Sundays. We have good kids in the neighborhood. He is into girls as well, and he was telling me a girl wanted him to be her boyfriend and he told her not tell he was 16. That made me proud. I feel like Chris and I are raising him right.

Sloane: Our sweet little princess. For the last month she has and still is counting down the days until her birthday. She has a list that has about 20 things on it and she tells us what she doesn't get from us for her birthday that she would give the rest of her list to santa. She has lost her 2 top teeth and has a little bit of a lisp. She is also getting more freckles across her cheeks and nose. She reminds us often that Uncle Dan loves her freckles. She loves school and is doing really well. She is now doing 1st grade math and are starting to read at 1st grade level. We are so impressed. She has homework nightly even on the weekends and right when she gets home from school she gets in done. She counts all the time and starts to drive her parents crazy, but we know she needs to practice and loves the praise she gets in return. She is a big tease. He daddy has taught her well.

Holden: hmmm, oohhh, naaaa. Our little stinker. I can't believe he is almost 2. He is a spit fire. There are days where he is wonderful, but then like today he is a monster. He loves to go for rides. When we get him dressed in the morning he automatically thinks we are going bye bye, which we usually do so mom can get her 52oz diet coke for the day. His brothers are his hero's. He adores that ground they walk on. He loves to go crawl into bed with Tevin at night. It is so sweet. And the boys love him just as much. Sloane is really good with him as well. He was in trouble today and Chris put him in his room and after the 1 minute time out period Chris went in to go make the peace and Sloane had him laying on her lap telling him a story. It was so sweet. Tonight he also wanted Daddy to do push up with him. They both were on the ground and Holden was grunting and breathing hard like his daddy usually is. He talks a lot and understands so much. He is a blessing in our lives.

Guilt Trip

Ok, I am finally giving in to the blog thing. My life is pretty boring and it is mainly focused around kids these days. But I will do my best to keep everything up to date. I plan on working on our blog this weekend so be patient. Love to all krissy