The Gibbons Family

Random Pics of 2010

2010-03-04T22:04:00.001-08:00

Aunt Bebe with baby Jesse. He looks like he's already smiling @ two weeks old. So sweet.

Aubrea, Grant and AnnAlyse. It looks like Aubrea is the shortest one of the group but she's now actually taller than AnnAlyse. Grant still is taller than the both of them. Great kids!

Eliza!!! Such a cutie!

Porter!!! Isn't that the cutest look on his face?

Chelsea! I tell you, they're starving her. Cute cheeks!

Brock and Aunt Nannies! Those smiles :-]

Guy's headshot for Auditions.

Michael, Grant, Rick Baptist (the NUMBER 1 trumpet player in the WORLD) and Barry. Rick came and recorded at the Studio. He was SOOOOOOOO amazing! Such a good man too! He's a total family man, religious, doesn't drink or smoke - not even a foul mouth. Now who does that these days that is that famous? Our family went took him out to dinner and had an amazing experience listening to his stories about what he's played on. Here are just a few: Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall", movies such as "The Incredibles", "Up" and "Avatar", Michael Buble, Josh Grobin and the list goes ON AND ON!!!!

Celebrating Bare's 49th Birthday! LOVE that man!!!

Family photo!

Introducing Jesse Perkins Black

2010-03-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Introducing Jesse Perkins Black born January 9th, 2010. Born one week early weighing 9 lbs. 3 oz.!!! He is SUCH a sweet little/BIG boy!! He is much LOVED by his siblings, Eliza and Porter. Eliza named her little brother Jesse months prior and their VERY wise parents decided to keep it. He truly looks like and Angel so Jesse fits him to a T! He has a VERY sweet nature about him and melts our hearts! Aubrea and I drove up the week after he was born and stayed for a week and just LOVED being with their ADORABLE family and then Bare flew in the day before we were to leave so he could drive us home. It was so wonderful seeing how there family has grown! They have their evening ritual down pat with singing a Primary Hymn, reading the Book of Mormon, singing the "Amen" song then Praying and marching off to bed while singing the Jungle Book Elephant song. It is ADORABLE!!! We miss not being with them daily but are SO grateful the Lord is watching over them in Washington! Love you Black Family!

Aunt Aubrea (Bebe) with Porter, Eliza and Jesse.

Mimi and Papa with those three little munchkins. See all that dark, beautiful hair on Jesse's head?

Family photo right before bed.

CHRISTmas 2009

2010-03-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

Random CHRISTmas pics. It was SOOO good to have (almost) everyone there (the Black family couldn't come cause Brook was too close to her due date). We did our traditional Nativity Scene (doesn't everyone do that @ CHRISTmas time?), ate French food (believe it or not, I fixed it) and most importantly enjoyed the true meaning of the day.

Grant got the big SUPREEZE CHRISTmas a.m. - his first Cell phone! Bare set it up the night before and had me call his number as he was opening it up. He kept saying, "Whose Cell phone is that ringing ? As you can tell, he was VERY happy!!!!

Megan made me these Three Ribbon Trees. SO cute! They go with my favorite book, "The Three Trees. Thanks Megz!

We scored BIG with Brock - he LOVED his ball we got him! Don't you LOVE his smile?

Guy peeking @ what he got.

Our CHRISTmas Eve Nativity Scene. Michael played Joseph, Jenny played Mary and Chelsea played the part of baby Jesus of course. So sweet!

This is how Chelsea was dressed CHRISTmas Eve! A little elf!

Picking up Guy in FRANCE!!!

2010-03-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

I'm too ridiculous to remember to load my pictures last to first so you get to see it backwards. Just remember the initial excitement was when Barry and I met Elder Guy Richey Gibbons @ the Toulouse, France airport with his Mission President and wife, the Carter's, even though it looks like he came home first and then we went to France. Nope - it didn't happen that way. Bare and I flew out on the 8th of December, 2009 and we returned home to the SLC airport on Dec. 15th. Guy looked SO good and of course I was a bawling mess. It was HEAVENLY to not only see him again but to meet the Carter's. What WONDERFUL people they are! I'll do my best to post who's who but if I can't remember just enjoy the pics anyway. We LOVED ALL of it!!!

Meeting Brock Flinders for the first time. Brock was a tiny bit confused cause Uncle Guy looks just like who he thought was Uncle Grant. "Hmmm . . . I think someone's messing with me here."

Guy meeting Jenny and Chelsea for the first time. You can tell, they're going to be good friends. Michael anxious to have Uncle Guy meet adorable Chelsea.

Here he is, coming down the "infamous" escalators to meet the cheering crowd (family - that's all).

Guy with Elder Jeremy DelBel. Elder DelBel trained Guy as the Assistant. We met up with Jeremy in Paris where he is working/living. It was SOOO good to finally meet him!

A view from the TOP of the Eiffel tower!

Yep! It's freezing that high up!

Proof that Barry and I were there in the Louver.

Famous Mona Lisa.

Our very first view of Paris @ about 7 a.m. - BEAUTIFUL! We stayed not far from the Eiffel Tower so this is what we saw each day to as we got on the Metro from our Hotel which was ALSO amazing!

Elder Moody (who's now serving as the Assistant) who was one of Guy's companions, Guy, Elder Barrus. GREAT ELDERS!!!

Montpelier @ night.

We had Breakfast with President and Sister Carter in Toulouse. Such AMAZING people. We LOVED the company and the French PASTRIES!!!!!!!!!

The Daudruy family. We had dinner with them. Brother Daudruy is the Ward Mission Leader there in Toulouse. GREAT people too!!!!!!

Guy in the Toulouse Town Center. Right after this picture was taken we were doing some shopping and my Passport and money were stolen. STRESSFUL but LOTS of blessings along the way!!!!! We got home - a day later but we DID get home!!!

Introducing . . .

2009-11-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

4th Grandchild of Barry & Lucie Gibbons
Daughter of Michael & Jenny Gibbons

Born: November 19, 2009
Time: 11:47 p.m.
Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz.
Length: 21 inches

Mommy & Baby are doing so very well! She is nursing and sleeping just like a baby should - we love her so much. She is our little bundle of joy! We are so grateful to have this new "cute as a button" addition to our family.

Say "Cheese", French style!

2009-11-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

I seriously can't believe that Barry and I leave to pick up our Missionary, Elder Guy Richey Gibbons, in three weeks from TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's about all I can think of, except Michael and Jenny having their baby, Chelsea, any day now (her due date is TODAY), as well as planning the Bishopric/Single Sisters dinner, speaking at the CHRISTmas R.S. dinner, . . . ! Ok, so I have a few other things on my mind as well but seriously - HE'S COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!! I have LOVED having missionary sons out serving the Lord FULL time - there just comes a point when you are SOOOOOOOOO ready for them to come home you don't think you can stand it for one more day. I remember when we went to pick up Michael I made Barry drive around the mission home SEVERAL times before we actually picked him up the following day. Barry thought for sure Michael spot us. This time, Guy will actually meet us at the Airport (our flight doesn't get in til the afternoon). I'll post the millions of pics that Barry will take as soon as we're home - or as soon as CHRISTmas is over - or as soon as Guy's Homecoming is over (you get the idea, my life NEVER slows down). Say "Cheese" in French!

West Side Story

2009-11-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Grant and Aubrea were in "West Side Story" at BHS. Grant played the part of "Riff" and Aubrea was a "Shark" girlfriend. Of course we thought they were terrific! Grant had never played a part quite like "Riff" before and boy did he pull it off!!! Aubrea LOVED her Petti-skirt (I've wondered if that was her favorite part of the show - he he). Our kids have always been blessed to be in shows with each other - they have such a fun time together and we've loved watching how they cheer each other on. On Closing night Grant, "Riff", dies - right after it's intermission - well the lights on stage go down and the auditorium lights go up - to keep the illusion of "Riff's" death, the "Jets" come back on stage to carry "Riff" off. Don't worry - after the "Jets" pick up Grant they drop him and one of them trips over him, hitting him with his knee and breaks Grant's nose!!! Yep, closing night! Way to take one for the team/show! Blessing - he stills has a beautiful nose - not misplaced much at all. All's well! What great memories!

Summer 2009

2009-09-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm late with posting this but here's out summer events. I've already posted some summer events earlier but no good pics - so here are the details along with the events)! It didn't feel like a summer because of how busy we were but none the less it happened during the summer. We LOVED spending so much time with our family however our kids asked their Dad if next summer we could just take a vacation. We've never done that before. We've taken trips but NOT vacations - we're always performing or something like that. We'll see - it's always fun performing but perhaps they have something to that whole relaxing thing. Love you kids!!!

Washington

2009-09-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Our summer began going to Burley, Idaho (where I'm from) to celebrate my folks 60th Wedding Anniversary! It was a very nice event. The following weekend we all drove to Washington to be with the Blacks. We couldn't get there soon enough. We hadn't seen those sweet kids since CHRISTmas! Eliza had grown so much and remembered all of us. She wasn't shy at all. Porter had grown a TON and didn't know any of us. He was still so sweet to us strangers. Brook's Stake had asked our family to perform at their Stake Youth Conference. It was a positive experience - the Spirit was strong but it was very emotional. We hadn't sung together as a family for such a long time (still missing Guy). We enjoyed our stay sooooo much. Here are just some of the pics from our day at the Columbia River. We were also able to stay for Porter's 1st b-day! The cutest thing was watching these cousins with each other. Eliza was soooo adorable to Brockton. They all seemed to get along so well. Can't wait to see them in October!

Barry's 30th Class Reunion

2009-09-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

July was an EXTREMELY busy month (read on you'll see). July 3rd was Barry's 30 Class Reunion from Orem High. Since he was Class President we were in charge of it. He really spent a lot of time trying to make sure it was a fun/memorable event. It was held at the Provo Marriott and thank goodness for our children (once again) for helping out! They ran sound, helped with decorations, games and making gifts. Barry really did a great job as well as others that participated.

AnnAlyse's 19th Birthday

2009-09-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

AnnAlyse turned 19 in July! She has been looking forward to this for a long time (19 just seems so much older) and it was a fun day. This pic is of her holding a "hand"made card from her niece, Eliza and nephew, Porter - it was sweet (of course with the help of their mother, Brook). She was spoiled by all her relatives. We LOVE our Nannies and feel so blessed to have her in our lives! She's talented, has a STRONG testimony, funny, loving, energetic, kind, thoughtful, passionate, giving, loves serving others and LOVES her family!!!!!!!!!! That smile is truly AnnAlyse!

Tower of Power

2009-09-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

One of Barry's dreams has been to record "Tower of Power". Well this dream came true in July! T.O.P. was coming to SLC for the Jazz festival and Bare called their manager to see if they'd be able to come and play on "Hair Spray" that Barry's company was recording (his business called "The MT Pit). Sure enough, their manager called back and said they'd love to!!!!!! We couldn't believe it - a Total dream come true. Well, the most amazing part about this was the night they came (trust me, we were all there) Barry turned to our son, Michael, and let him record T.O.P.! I started crying. This was Barry's dream and he just handed it over to his son. That says EVERYTHING about the kind of man Barry is. I love that man more than Earthly words can say. What a memorable night - very nice men and talk about TALENTED!!!!!!!!!!!

The Black Family

2009-09-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

Right before we left for Nauvoo Brook and her family came to see us for a few days. They were headed down to Blanding for a Family Reunion with Daniel's side of the family. Even though it was only for a few days (and we were sooo busy with rehearsing for Nauvoo) it was sooooo good to see them. We felt like we really bonded with Porter and Eliza kept us in stitches the whole time. We wish they lived closer but we know they're doing a great work where the Lord needs them in Washington. Don't they just melt your heart?

Nauvoo

2009-09-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

The biggest highlight of our summer was going to Nauvoo again. Our family was asked to do a Sunday Night Sociable there and we performed a Broadway Musical Review (we were told that this show should NOT be religious for the most part because the whole community would be invited). The folks in charge told us to plan for about 500 people to attend. Almost 1000 were in attendance. We were overwhelmed (and Barry a little panicked because he provided the sound system and was hoping it would be loud enough for the bigger crowd). We definitely felt blessed and soooo grateful for our children, their support and willingness to not just perform but all the many hours of rehearsing. Our in-law kids had never been to Nauvoo before so it was a real treat to have them along. Brook and her family were the only ones that couldn't join us (which was very sad for us) but it was so nice to have all our other kids there with us (well, of course not Guy, he's serving a mission). After we did our show we were able to spend the rest of the week touring around and seeing our favorite places (Nauvoo's become our second home). Barry's mom, Donna, is serving a mission there and it was so nice to spend time with her and watching her perform in her Rendevous. Our grandson Brock was an absolute angel! He's such a joy and melts ALL our hearts. My mom-in-law (Grandma Great) hasn't seen Brock since he was one day old so it was good for them to get to know each other a little bit better. Brock makes us laugh and he laughs at us- so it works out either way. We all did Sealings (married kids) on Grandma Greats 70th b-day) in the Nauvoo Temple!

Youth Conference

2009-09-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

The youth in our Ward had a great Youth Conference! I'm so glad Bare has such a great camera to capture these pics of Grant and Aubrea. It was challenging but they did it and LOVED it! Grant said his testimony grew so much from this particular Youth Conference. Thanks to the Liljenquists for making it fun, challenging and spiritual.

Homecoming @ BHS

2009-09-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Last but not least Grant won Homecoming King at Bountiful High School! He was in total shock and so were we! Michael did the same thing his Senior year so we were beginning to wonder if our kids were bribing their peers. His date was Camie Knight and they had a GREAT time. Here are a few pics of the weeks events.

More Than Air

2009-09-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!! My sweet daughter-in-law Jenny helped me (actually she did the whole thing) put up our boys music on my blog!!!!!!!!!!!! It makes me soooooo happy to hear them right off the bat when I open up my blog! That's all I wanted to know how to do (well actually, getting pics loaded a little easier would be nice too - um, Jenny?). Now, I can promote the boys CD to everyone that views my blog - oh yeah, I have to start making friends so people will want to view my blog!
Our boys CD is called,
"The Gibbons, More Than Air". Go BUY it!!!!!!!!! =-]

BIG AnNoUnCeMeNt!!!

2009-07-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Michael and Jenny just got back from their ultra-sound and the baby is HEALTHY and doing well (that's the most important thing) - and they're having . . . a GIRL!!! Truth be told you're grateful for whatever it is - it's just so exciting to find out the gender! Now we will have two granddaughters and two grandsons thus far (until Brook announces what they're having in about another month)! Congrats to them - they were so excited and so are WE!!!!!!!!! They'll be such wonderful parents! We love you Michael-Jenny and baby girl!

Summer!

2009-07-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

Way too much news to even know where to start! Ahhhh! First off our missionary son, Elder Guy, was called to be the assistant of the France, Toulouse mission. He's loving it and says he's never been more tired and more happy! We're so grateful he's happy and doing well! Barry and I are going to pick him up in December and tour his mission for about a week!!! Can't wait. Guy is on the second row (ish) second on the left - blonde and HAPPY!

Next, we have two more grandchildren on the way!!! Michael and Jenny are expecting their first in November and find out today (!!!) what they're having and Brook and Dan have announced they're expecting their third in January (that will be three under the age of three for about a month)!!! We're thrilled to think we'll have FIVE grandchildren right after Guy comes home!!! These grandchildren are such a joy and we love having more!

We've had a VERY busy summer thus far (I calculated last night I've been out of town six times since

school got out and we haven't even gone to Nauvoo yet! Bare and I went to Burley to celebrate my folks 60th Wedding Anniversary the first of June. We went to the Twin Falls Temple to do a session (while they were working there) and Bare and I were asked to be the witness couple. It was a tender experience for all of us. It's a beautiful Temple (they all are)! The next weekend we went to Pasco, Washington to be with our daughter Brook and her family. We were asked to perform for their Stake Youth Conference. We were blessed to have us all there (except for Elder Guy) and the youth were VERY receptive to our music and message. We Love performing as a family and I cried seeing & hearing us all together again. Eliza, Porter and Brook were so much fun to watch as they became better acquainted as cousins! We celebrated Porters 1st Birthday while we were there. Brook and Dan were perfect hosts! THANKS!

I also want to share a little about Aubrea and how grateful I am for her. My sister-in-law, Annette Gibbons was diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months back and has been going thru Chemo (and has been doing remarkably well) - because of this Aubrea had the idea to do a 5K Cancer Run (or walk if you're more like me). It is being held here in Bountiful on August 8th and all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Besides doing this to support her Aunt she is also doing this for one of her 10 hour projects for Personal Progress. Here's her blog - 5kcancerwalk.blogspot.com . Come and support it if you can!

We've been rehearsing for our BIG Nauvoo show coming up in a couple of weeks! We're excited to have this opportunity and hope all goes well. We've fasted and prayed to make sure we've chosen the right music and now we're practicing like crazy!

Barry had his 30th Class Reunion July 3rd at the Provo Marriott. Since he was Senior Class President we were in charge! He went to so much work to make sure it was nice for all who came and thank heavens our children are ALWAYS so willing to help us out with EVERYTHING we're up to! It wouldn't have come off as nicely if it weren't for them! Thanks kids! We had several people come up to him and tell him they wanted to do a cruise for our next reunion in five years. That would DEFINITELY be a lot easier on our part! We'll see. This pic is of Marilyn Allred Jenkins (and us) and she graduated with Bare. While Bare was out on his mission Marilyn married his first cousin Dave Jenkins! We love that we're related!

Barry and I celebrated our 27th anniversary of the day we met on the 4th of July! I can't believe it's been 27 years! My life has been sooooo blessed because of him! I can't even imagine how things would have turned out because he has made me so happy! I've laughed more than I ever thought possible for ANY human being! I'm sooooo grateful for his humor, testimony, strength, wisdom, love of the Lord and His work and mostly his love for me and our family! I love you Bare, more than earthly words can express!

Our latest BIG news is that Bare has contracted for . . . ready for this - it's BIG . . . "Tower of Power" to come and record at his studio!!!!!!!!!! It's like a dream come true for Barry! They're coming this Saturday night to record on some of the songs from "Hairspray"! We're soooo excited to meet them! Barry knew they'd be in town this weekend for the Jazz festival in SLC and so he contacted their manager and made the arrangements for them to blow horns for a few hours! Bare has received several emails from some of the players asking questions! AHHH, receiving emails from TOWER OF POWER!!! It's so exciting to think we'll get to meet them! We're surprising Guy and not telling him until next week when we write and we'll just send him pictures! He'll NOT believe it! I'll try to post pics of that! TTFN!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong but I can't get my husbands laptop to download any of the pics he's taken over the past little while (the kids concerts - which are PLENTY, etc.) soooo I'm stuck with just another, plain PoSt! Boring! I want to SEE PICS! I'm sure it's something easy - I'm just not getting it! Anyshmoo - Happy Memorial Day to all! Yesterday Barry did the neatest thing for Sacrament Meeting - May's his month to conduct and he asked Bishop Maynard (a previous Bishop in our ward) to share a story about Memorial Day right before the Sacrament Hymn. It was soooo moving and then as we were singing the Hymn and partaking of the Bread and Water the Spirit was so very powerful! I'm so glad he did that because it really brought the focus sooo much on Christ and ALL he's done for us and then the talks were all on Christ. To say the least by the end of the 3 hour block I was a mess (it was also Barry's turn to do Sharing Time in the Primary and he did it on the Holy Ghost - ok, now I'm crying all over again just thinking about it). I'm so grateful for those who were willing to fight for our/my Freedoms! I LOVE living in the USA! I ALSO LOOOOOOVE my husband! He truly is such a thoughtful man and tries to do his very best in all he does. The people in our ward LOVE him so much because he loves and serves them. He's MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll try again later to post pics when someone with more knowledge can help me out. In the meanwhile love to all that read this (all four of you)!

ALWAYS room for Improvement!

2009-04-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing experience. It was our Stake Priesthood meeting Sunday night and the Stakes Primary, Y.W. and Relief Society Presidencies were invited to attend and sit on the stand. It was quite an overwhelming experience to be in that kind of a setting. I was taken back by the power of the Priesthood and the amazing Stake we have full of good men and boys. The purpose of our Stake leaders inviting us was to (visually and audibly) talk about "Respecting women and girls" as well as "Pornography". I've never been in that kind of a setting before and by the end of the night the unity and the feeling of truly wanting to become better was so strong from these men that I wanted to run home to our daughters and, once again, remind them that they too MUST be respectful to the men in our lives. Being raised in this Gibbons family has meant a few things. 1) LOTS and LOTS of laughter (lots - daily), 2) Feeling the Spirit on a daily basis and, 3) Being SPOILED by the men folk!!! There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thanked (over things that aren't even amazing), ALWAYS, everyday, ALL doors are opened for us, girls are ALWAYS first, and then on top all that - they're not even mean or rude or tease us! We're treated like QUEENS! I know I can personally do better. I LOVE that we live in an area where our leaders see a vision of "even though we're good people we can always improve"! I'll start and DO IT!!!!

AnnAlyse and Grant are HOME!!!

2009-04-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hooray! We have our Nannies back home! Like I said, Aubrea and I drove her back to BYUI (fondly referred to as Ydaho at our house, thank Bare) and we packed her up while she took her finals and we drove away she did cry a bit. She has had a very positive experience there and has loved attending her classes as well as the Temple weekly. She's been so blessed in so many ways - we're just glad to have her back!!! Dad (Bare) wanted to celebrate her homecoming so we all went to see the new movie, "Monsters vs. Aliens". Papa and I got to hold Brock the whole time. There was even one point that I looked over at Bare while he was snuggling Brock and they were both asleep - so cute. AnnAlyse even had a date right when she got home. She's got more lined up for the next few weeks - sheesh - that girl!

Grant also got home from his San Francisco Band trip (unfortunately we said hello and goodbye all in the same breath. I think Bare and Grant survived just fine without us.). Woods Cross took First Place in every category except for choir. It's the Heritage Festival and Woods Cross defeats everyone every year. Grant loves being involved at two different High Schools. We feel more like a family now!

Easter was wonderful!!! I LOVE the Holiday's that focus on CHRIST! It's always good to have the family come over and spend that time with us. We went Easter Caroling to the Widows in the ward (thanks Michael and Jenny for joining us) and left them with an Easter goodie. Brook called to tell us of her Easter adventures. I've decided she's much more of a super mom than I ever was as well as than she gives herself credit. Eliza had a little problem and Brook had time to wash and dry Eliza's Easter dress TWICE before church ever even started! Amazing!!! Porter just hangs out and observes it all.

How blessed we are to have our family, faithful in the Church and with firm testimonies of what it's really all about! How blessed we also are to have children marry into our family and bring us soooo much joy and love! Check out our other kids blogs!

Conference, Musicals, Birthday and more

2009-04-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ok - I've just spent a LONG time posting pics - I'm getting the swing of things but I still feel a little retarded at this whole blogging thing sometimes. I first wanted to say how much I loved Conference. It always motivates me to improve and want to be better. I truly loved Elder Holland's talk on the Savior. He has such a gift of making it feel like he wrote his talk just for me and yet I talk to so many that feel the same way. We were excited to hear about Elder Andersen joining the 12 because exactly two years ago we were asked to perform as a family (Jenny had not met Michael yet but our two sons in law joined us) for the first and second Quorums of the Seventy. They invited us to do a Broadway Themed musical show and end with something spiritual as well as they invited us to eat with them. This is an annual event and was very high-class. We couldn't believe the food - WOW! Well, they put our children at one table and asked Barry and I to sit at the head table where Elder Andersen was presiding and conducting the event. He sat next to me and we discovered we had many things in common - serving a mission in France seemed to be the main topic and then he and Michael spoke quite a bit of French together - it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know Elder Andersen and his wife better. He'll be wonderful!

Aubrea made Musical Theater at BHS and is the last of our seven children to go thru that program. She's mostly excited to be with her brother as he includes her with all his friends.

AnnAlyse came home for the weekend!!!!! Aubrea and I will drive her back up to BYUI and pack her stuff while she takes her finals so we can head back home on Thursday!!! We're sooo excited to have her back home with us. She's been a bit sad because Grant's been gone this week (he comes home late tomorrow night) from his Woodscross High School Music Trip. It's amazing that the whole music program ALL goes together on this trip each year. Bare and I have never heard of such a thing. Usually it's just the Choir or the Band doing their trips separately. I'm sure glad he does band at Woodscross. He called me this a.m. and was able to listen to Elder Holland's talk. He missed our traditional Sunday a.m. Crepes that we have every Conference but I think I'll surprise him next month by making them again (I don't feel quite so sorry for Guy since he's serving in France - he gets Crepes as often as he wants, he he).

Well enjoy this pics and it's good to hear from all of you that are checking out our blog - I'll learn how to reply someday. ;)

2009-04-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

Megan and Luke just finished a HUGE Musical Revue shown at the Regional Center in Bountiful. Their main parts (although they were in several different numbers) were in "Beauty and the Beast" where Megz played "Belle" and Luke played the part of "Gaston". All I can do is tell you how amazing it was (you'll have to check out the video sometime cause I definitely don't know how to post that). Luke was for sure the best "Gaston" I've ever seen - he was made to play that part - it was hilarious and Megan's reactions were perfect!

Megan played the perfect "Belle"! She sang her songs soooooo beautifully I was in tears. The man who played the "Beast" was good too but really Megan and Luke stole the show! I would have posted more pics of this production but Bare's lap top would only let me do two at a time - bummer. Enjoy!

2009-04-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Megan (Belle) and the "Beast" as they're about to dance and then as the "Beast" gives her the mirror to see her father.

2009-04-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Megz sang, "Change in Me". It was absolutely beautiful. It was so cute afterwards all these little girls wanted to talk to "Belle" and they just stared at her in "awe" as they either asked for her autograph or shaking her hand. Megan was adorable with them, although I wonder what they thought of "Belle" holding a baby (Brock) and standing with "Gaston"? Funny.

2009-04-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Aubrea's 15th Birthday! Here's a pic with her friends - they're soooo good to her. As you can see she's quite excited about receiving this framed picture of Audrey Hepburn, her favorite actress! It was a total surprise to her. She had a great time. How time flies when you're having fun - wow - 15!!!

2009-04-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Sweet, thoughtful Jenny made this adorable Fruit Bouquet for Aubrea's 15th Birthday! It was sooooo amazing as well as yummy! It was also so Aubrea! Aubrea LOVES to create and decorating things with food and the fact that Jenny did something like this (knowing that about Aubrea) meant so much!

2009-04-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

A tradition: to take each of our children over to the church parking lot and let them practice driving for the first time. Here's Aubrea (our baby) with a sweet, excited grin on her face (Grant smiling too, guess she didn't scare him). I can't believe we're done with this phase of our lives.

2009-04-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Michael playing his favorite guitar! I LOVE that Michael takes after his Dad with playing the guitar sooooo beautifully!

Life!

2009-03-31T07:23:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd try a few recent pictures. Barry has most of the pics on his lap top and between work and Bishop responsibilities I rarely ever get to see that lap top - so for now this is what I have but CONFERENCE is this weekend and perhaps I'll have time to download more pics then - meanwhile enjoy!

2009-03-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Priest Quorum in our ward put on a Mother's Dinner and it wasn't even Mother's Day (or even the month)! It was delicious but more importantly I got eat with my two handsome men on each side of me - Grant on my left and Barry on my right. I'm sooooo blessed!!!

2009-03-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

I LOVE it when Aubrea pulls faces - she'll not believe it when she sees that I posted this pic of her but I just couldn't resist - she's adorable no matter what face she's putting on! Our baby, 15!!!!!

2009-03-31T07:08:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics of Grant's 17th birthday (I'll post Aubrea's 15th later). He had a jam session with friends at the Studio and then cake and games later - I think it was fun for all (what kid doesn't like jamming in a professional sound recording studio)

More Music from Elder Gibbons

2009-03-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

I know that I didn't mention anything in my last Post about our missionary, Elder Guy Richey - not that he's been forgotten - I guess it's because I actually don't know how much music he's involved with in France right now. He was in charge of a HUGE Christmas program that toured the entire mission with President and Sister Carter during December (teaching ALL the missionaries choir music and he personally entertained everyone at Sister Carter's request) but currently I think he's more focused on preaching the gospel. However, trust me when I say there is music involved with his teaching style somewhere. He CAN'T live without music in his life. In fact his last e-mail to the fam mentioned a certain song the Tab Choir sang at a General Conference in 2008, "Faith in Every Footstep". Obviously music is still a huge part of his life even though he's not jammin with his brothers and his Dad - he will soon enough and his mission will be but a sweet memory.

He writes: "I love that song so much! At the end the choir is at full force and about to sing the final phrase when they sing a breathtaking chord while singing the word "LOVE" (to me, it is ironic, Craig Jessop knows what he is doing because the very moment when they hold this chord and sing "LOVE" is when they sing an extra note... the major 7th ;) "the choir of LOVE".) You need to hear it, it is really moving when they sing love and they are singing the chord of love at the same time."

Music, Music, Music

2009-03-18T16:22:00.001-07:00

It seems like every Spring we have at least six concerts, three shows, five Solo/Ensembles, singing for church, funerals and firesides and music auditions that just about put us over board (and this Spring we even have two kids performing in a Comedy Club gone music) and we wouldn't change a thing!

Aubrea was required (along with all the choir students by their Jr. High teacher) to sing a song for Solo/Ensemble. She received a Superior rating at the highest level (thankful for that teacher). Because of this she was asked to perform that song at last weeks choir concert. She has a beautiful voice and like her sisters, LOVES listening to every Musical there is. She has also had several other band performances where Superior ratings have been achieved. She plays the Flute and Piccolo (she especially likes playing the Piccolo for the arrangement of "Wicked"). Aubrea and Grant were asked to record a song called, "An Example I'll Be" for a youth project. Their voices blend beautifully (Michael was the engineer using his skills as well)!

Grant as well has had concerts and Solo/Ensemble for choirs (Bountiful High) and bands (Woods Cross) and is headed to the State Solo Ensemble in a Vocal Quartet where his group has also received Superior ratings. He has also been asked to accompany for several auditions being held next week. He is working for his Dad editing musicals and in his spare time (ha ha) and plays the keyboard at the Comedy Club on the weekends. If he could just add one more music class ;)!

AnnAlyse is really enjoying her time at BYUI and has had many opportunities with music as well. She too continues to perform and also works for her Dad's musical theater business, The MT Pit. She too, has auditions coming up - good luck Nans!

Brook is still teaching her music classes and Daniel has gotten into the Spring music fun as of late. Brook and Dan were asked to teach a class at the annual Seminary Teachers, Couples Weekend Get-a-way (whoosh, long title, sorry) where they were given the topic of "How to Incorporate Good Music in the Home". Perfect topic for them with Eliza singing "Cinderellie, Cinderellie, night and day it's Cinderellie" and now Porter's old enough to join in the singing fun (except his words sound a little more like Mama).

Michael is still working for his Dad at the Studio and helps with Engineering as well as mixing LOTS of Musicals (etc.) He also works at the Comedy Club and thanks goodness he has his Dad's quick whit - he is able to add his music abilities with Grant's to make it a fun-filled, hilarious, musical evening. Michael and Grant just got through being interviewed for VJIAM (a video journalism TV channel) where they were chosen to share what they do for young adults all over the Nation. I'll post it (help gals) when it aires. Jenny also works for The MT Pit, recording all the tracts for preliminary work for the keyboard. She just got through directing their Stake Youth Choir for Stake Conference (wonderful job) and Jenny, Megan and I were asked to sing a song called "My Sister's Hands" for a Relief Society DVD. She's also Michael's biggest supporter!

Megan and Luke are in two more performances! The first one is for their old Stake that's putting on a HUGE Musical Revue where Luke plays the part of "Gaston" and Megan is "Belle" in "Beauty and the Beast" which shows the first of April (they are both in other numbers as well). Trust me, this is no ordinary Stake production! They've also been asked to sing a duet in their Stake Easter Program. Brockton is fascinated by all the music and quiets right down to listen to his parents sing.

So you see, know matter what musical thing we're up to we're glad it's Spring - we wouldn't change a thing!

one more!

2009-02-19T13:59:00.001-08:00

My computer wouldn't let me upload this picture along with the last post so I have to post it by itself. This is Brock and I on his blessing day!

Can I do this?

2009-02-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

Our girls surprised me by setting up a family blog to keep those kids that live away connected. So here I sit not quite knowing how to do this whole blog thing. One by one each daughter has tried to teach me (mostly over the phone - which is never a good idea since I'm at a Kindergarten level here) how to post pics, vids, etc. The only thing I've mastered thus far is how to change the cute background (that's meaningful). Hopefully this post (including pics) will work. Everyone keep your fingers crossed.

Aubrea, Grant and AnnAlyse after doing a show at Rodgers Memorial Theater of "H.S. Musical" where Grant played the part of "Troy" and Aubrea was a cheerleader (AnnAlyse was not in that show she just worked at RMT).

Elder Guy Richey Gibbons with the "Whistler" of Gap, France. This man whistles or plays his harmonic in the town square every evening. He's a member of the Branch there in Gap.
Daniel and Brook Black's first home. Pasco, Washington.
Eliza Kaye Black - happy girl.
Porter Daniel Black - angel face.

AnnAlyse's Broadway Revue

2009-02-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

AnnAlyse in the Broadway Revue singing
Who Will Love Me As I Am
From Side Show

(at BYU-I)