Christmas 2014

The Gibson Gazette:

Sir Noir Gibson

  
(Age 2 ½) came to us last year as a Stray Dog in need of a Good Home!  He found us and is certainly here to stay.  He has successfully wrapped his paws… which started off as puppy paws, and have settled as a 105 lb. wanna-be lap dog… has successfully conned the family into weekly outings to the Dog Park, Walks along the Hills of Palos Verdes on Sunny Days, and an great excuse to get the kids off their butts and walk, run and scooter around the block on a regular basis.  He is all lick and love, but has a commanding bark that announces that he will protect house, kids and car!  DO NOT SNEAK UP BEHIND US!

Fiona Rachael is a very active 8-year old.  She loves being in 3^rd grade and is extremely proud that she is currently reading through the Harry Potter Series.  She is nearly finished with book 7!  Her love for reading and book-smarts makes schoolwork easy and her boredom from homework a challenge.  Fortunately she keeps involved with her friends and activities in Brownies, Irish Dancing, and being Mommy’s Art Assistant throughout the year.  In the spring she made her First Holy Communion.  Fiona has expressed an interest in writing, taking pictures and documenting various events, so we’ve set up a Facebook Page called “Follow Fiona” for her to share stories, pictures and her commentary. 

ALEXANDER MARTIN is now 10 years old.  He is an active 5^th grader and loves to read books that are challenging or teach him something.  He is interested in science, technology and things that require lots of critical thinking.  When he is not at school he is often exploring with his brother or friends.  Recently he has acquired a love for walking home from school with his friend Gordon.  I think this is a great opportunity for him to chat, relax and just be a buddy to his friend, who otherwise would be walking alone every day.  It is a testament to Alex being friendly and enjoying time without siblings around him.  He is about to bridge from a cub to a boy scout and has already begun to map his calendar of camping and day excursions with his brother.  Though, without a doubt, when not at school or scouts, his favorite activity is playing on his Y-flicker and on the X-box.

David allen is 12.  He is a very enjoyable young man who is quickly becoming a responsible and caring individual.  He relishes the fact that he is growing taller and taller every week, and has become fascinated that he is now 5’7 and growing…  We’ve given up buying long pants for him as what was purchased a few months ago needs letting out again.  And really, Alex isn’t far behind him.  This past summer he discovered his own love for the outdoors with a week of Camp at Emerald Bay on Catalina Island.  He has already made plans to return and when old enough intends on working at camp for a summer job.  (sounds like his mother?)  He earned several Merit Badges and is now a First Class Scout.  At school he is balancing the challenge of 7^th-Grade and the typical malarkey that comes with being a “Tween-age” boy.  He is learning to skate-board, devours several books each week, and has become a buddy to our 93-year-old neighbor Lou.  Several times a week he will visit and sit, do homework, talk and a source of entertainment for him.  We are so proud of David for this.

John & Suzanne

Celebrated 14 years in august

Together, John and Suzanne have continued to build and finish the house remodel and extension.  John has singled handedly built the stairs, and moved most of the construction to the upper floor now.  Earlier this year we successfully moved all children into their own bedrooms.  There are finishing touches to be done, new paint and curtains to be installed, but proudly each child has their own space to call their own.  We have 3 working bathrooms / toilets / 2 working showers, and soon will have a fully functional upper master bathroom.  Happily though, mom and dad moved upstairs into their own space and now the challenge is to get stuff put away and stored properly. 

Our next jobs include the Pub, Downstairs Storage, Cabinetry and finishes around the TV and entertainment center.  This is the hub of the house and getting it functional has been a challenge, but slowly is starting to feel more like a home and less like a war-zone.  Of course, the sounds of boys playing “Call of Duty” on the Xbox makes it sound like a war-zone at times… and that is when Suzy escapes to Paint and Play and John is busy prepping, tiling and figuring out what project to tackle next.

John in all of his “free” time continues to protect and serve with the L.A.S.D. and in between scout trips manages to continue to travel for his regular job.  This year’s travel included various points within the U.S., Canada, and Israel.  In October he was able to fix a surprise his sister Margaret by showing up brought her to tears!     

When home and not working, he also visits neighbor Lou.  We do our best to teach our kids to care for those around us.

Suzanne continues to volunteer a lot of her time at the schools for all 3 kids in Adventures in Art, Stars, and the Healthy-Ever-After nutrition program.  Her art and design business is keeping her out of trouble and continued exposure is bringing in new clients.  This summer Suzanne & Fiona attended the Big Bear Arts Festival over the 4^th of July Weekend with a Booth, Teaching and Demonstrations, and had a good girly adventure.  Mid-July, Suzanne had her first “Solo” art show at the Madrona Marsh.  A 6 week exhibit themed “Through the Eyes of Children”.

The year rounded out with several pieces being installed at a local CPA office, and various commissioned artworks.  The brushes don’t have time to dry in between work… and this is a good thing!

Lastly, we would be amiss to not acknowledge those who have added to our enjoyably busy year.  Suzy’s parents: David & Clare continue to share the love by hosting little Gibson’s for dinner, homework, and overnights during the week, over the weekends, and throughout the year.  Balancing hectic schedules it is comforting to know the kids have a warm bed and clean socks no matter where they are.

Of course, Granny & Grand-dad need a break too, so in between baking cookies, whale watches, and “virtual flying lessons” they are off again for another cruise.  This year they were in Germany, and next year they are heading to Australia and New Zealand. 

Wishing you and your Family and Friends a Healthy and Happy Holiday, Christmas, New Year, and so much more for 2015. 

Be strong, be an example, be amazing… because amazing is happening right now!

Love always, John, Suzanne, David, Alexander, Fiona, Sir Noir & Caramel 

Visit the Gibson's on Facebook:

Suzanne: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbySuzanne

John: https://www.facebook.com/john.gibson.77

Fiona's Blog: https://www.facebook.com/fantasticfionalovesartandmusic