Simon Says...

More Summer Fun and Projects

2009-07-10T09:51:00.001-07:00

Summer time is a fun time for Mike to be puttering around in the yard and doing neat outdoor projects. He has built two really nice lattice trelices and is now constructing a hammock swing stand. (photos to follow) Luckily for him we have had such a miled summer thus far that he's not out there cooking in the sun. Spencer and Kyla are at zoo camp this week and Mikayla is at a gymnastics camp. Poor Damian is stuck home with me. He didn't express an interest in anything but a golf camp, so we will see if we can get that done. Next week he will be busy at scout camp. The fourth of July was a good one. All the kids were with us and our neighborhood provided quite a display of fireworks for us to enjoy, along with the ones we purchased in Vancouver, WA. We had our dear friends the Beikmans over, along with Mike's mom and Paul and my mom. Small group, but lots of fun. Card games and great kabob BBQ dinner.

Make a Smilebox postcard

School Ends (kids: "hooray") Summer Begins (parents: "yipee")

2009-06-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Well here we go. Summer 2009. As soon as the sun decides to show its face and provide some heat we will be ready to go. The end of the school year was a good one. Kyla ended her 7th grade school year with excellent grades. (all A's, except for the B in French) I should have known that was coming as I ask her french words all the time and I am convinced now that she doesn't actually know any. Spencer and Mikayla both did well adjusting to their new schools (they transferred to West Linn)and are doing very well academically as well. We are not sure how the grades will work out for Spencer with the transfer but he usually proves to pull through nearly all A's. He is learning responsibility and diligence for sure. Mikayla tested very well at her new school and has been asked to join the TAG (talented and gifted) program at school. She reads very well, and has grasped and excelled at all the math concepts she has been taught. Now if they could just get her to focus and complete a task that would top it off. Damian had a terrific year at school and was loved greatly by his teacher, who even said she "wrote home to mom about him". (actually I think it was a call). So our school district is losing lots of money for the 2010 school year which has displaced many of our great teachers and programs so far. Ms. Lepore (Damian's teacher) was on that list, so for a few days Damian didn't want school to end. He wanted to hold on to Ms. Lepore as long as he could. I appreciate her impact in his life. Her caring and investment in him made for a good experience in 3rd grade. Here are some shots from our last end of year field trip to Ibach Park.

This is the adored Ms. Lepore.

We look forward to lots of trips and camps and fun this summer. In fact we will do a Simon family first in July. ROAD TRIP!!! We are going to drive to Utah. Start crossing your fingers now. We have a 50/50 chance of this being a serious love/hate vacation. :o)

TA-DA

2009-05-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

this is it. this is the fruit(literally) of my labors. already. i am so excited every day by the growing plants in my garden. i faithfully water them when the sun shines, and pull out the weeds that try and surround them. and they seem happy and healthy. i think i want to be a farmer now! mike and i are continually adding ornament to our rather bare yard that we have slowly been building. today mike went and got flat stone to build a walkway to the garden and shed. he has been invisioning it for quite some time and now it is done. it is beautiful and well done. i appreciate his detail and desire to create in the yard. we got a new pink dogwood for the corner in the back as well as some flowers as friends at its base. i can't wait until it blooms next year. (they bloom early in the spring) for now i shall just watch it grow. thank you to the sun for finally showing its face. everything appreciates it. ESPECIALLY ME!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

TEENAGER

2009-05-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well here we go, Chapter 13 for me and Kyla. Today she has officially reached her teenage years and now she can join facebook and become a farmer. There is so much to look forward to. As a newly started tradition we allow the birthday person to select dinner for the night, and so we are sufficiently stuffed from Olive Garden tonight. Kyla LOVES fetticini alfredo and salad! Other things that Kyla loves are reading, jumping on the trampoline, hangin' with friends, swimming, soccer, torturing her brother, saying "like", "wow" and "whatever". Far as I can tell she is right on track for her age. And I love her. I am amazed by her maturity and thoughts. I can't even fault her for her attitude as I have created the creature. (too much in my image unfortunately) She is beautiful, kind and loving. She is a great student at school and was just nominated by a teacher for giving it her all. She will get recognized in a special breakfast at the school next week. I am excited to see the changes that will happen for her this year. She is looking forward to getting her braces off. Her blue eyes make me smile.

"voodoo? Who do?"

2009-05-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

"you do, remind me of the babe, the babe with the power, what power?" Did anyone else grow up watching a studly David Bowie in tights sing songs for the movie Labrynth? Well its not surch a pretty picture if you are conguring it up in your head right now. But this post is not about Labrynth, but it is about VooDoo. Donuts that is. Several months ago I was watching a TV show about the best donut places in the US, and I was surprised to know that in the top 5 was a donut shop right here in our own beautiful city. In downtown Portland on 3rd near the Burnside bridge there is a hole-in-the-wall (fitting for donuts) little shop making famous donuts. So.....we decided to take the kids on an outing to discover the donuts. Now my kids are fairly easily entertained, adn taking the MAX is great fun for them. So, we started by our little cars, trains, and cycle trip by driving to the west side transit center in Beaverton. Now I should mention that 3 of our four offspring brought other peoples offspring with them, so we had quite a little group. (insert photos)

The max took us downtown and then we walked from the stop at Pioneer Square to the donut shop. (in case you want to make this outing yourself, you should be aware there are much closer MAX stops than Pioneer Square, but you miss some great and sometimes very interesting scenery) Sometimes we even skipped. (more photos)

Now I am sure you are wanting to know if these donuts are all they are made up to be, and well.....I don't know. I like a maple bar, or something with cream inside, and I happen to live very close to one very nice Donut Land which is a good donut. But, if you want a donut with captain crunch on the top, or bacon strips on it, or shaped like mens genitalia, than VooDoo donuts is for you. They had some typical donuts as well, but I don't know that they were better than the next guys. Grandma had a donut with mango filling, dipped in icing and Tang powder. It was actually really good!!! And I wanted the donut Portland Cream (like a boston cream) with maple not chocolate on the top and they only had one left and it was Vegan. ??? What? Vegan donuts? Shouldn't you have to give up eating donuts if you are Vegan? It was not bad. (yep, photos)

We proceeded from the donut store to the waterfront where we rented the Double Surry pedalbike. The kids had a great time taking turns on the pedals up and down the water front. A beautiful sunny day in Portland can hardly be beat. (i know you want to see the photo)

It was a wonderful day we spent together laughing and having fun. If I said a nice thing or taught any kind of lesson can I call it Family Home Evening?

Plants

2009-04-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

So I just wanted to show you the starts of what will become the "fruits of my labors" in the days ahead. I have planted brocolli, lettuce (2 types), tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, strawberries, and cantaloupe. I just can't wait for them to grow and produce. I am not sure a person with patience like me, or the lack thereof, should do gardening. It is such a long process.

Besides gardening I have done some scrapbooking pages of my sweet little boy. I am trying hard to hold on the the days when they are so young and sweet and tender and cuddly. He is already 9. Darn it.

We have been also very excited for the sun we have experienced. The kids are living on the trampoline and I got out and did some jumping with them as well. It is fun to have a rapid fire feature on your camera, as we could be cought mid air. Here is Kyla doing her super chops. (and me too)

Our neighbors are probably not as thrilled with this, as a trampoline with four kids on it having fun is quite a noisy affair. The squeeking of the tramp itself and then the squeeling of the kids, it's something else. And now that our dear next door neighbor and her kids have moved, we are surrounded by kidless families. We try and be polite by bringing in the troop by 8:30, and we hope we don't start finding warm poo on our doorstep!!

Derby Time

2009-04-20T15:53:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Plan It, Build It, Plant It

2009-04-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Garden Time. I am so excited. My DH built me a wonderful garden box so I can have my first ever garden. It is so exciting that my back yard has space enough to have the trampoline and still build a 12' x 8' garden. I am so looking forward to growing some of my own produce. It will be a great experience to have Kyla help me water and weed and pluck the veggies of our labors from the vines. I am planning on planting brocolli, green beans, lettuce, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and strawberries. I have no idea if I have a green thumb or not, but I am hoping that the wonderful fertilized and mulched dirt we brought in will do the trick. And I need for the weather to cooperate, and that is never a given around here. Come on sun I know you can do it. We are supposed to be experiencing global WARMING right? Oh my goodness, sorry for the interruption, but I just got fat fingers and pushed some buttons and the screen went blank. I thought my work was gone-but I found it. Here it is! Yeah!!! Anywho- here is the box:

And of course I have to make it cute too. Watch for further decoration to follow.

In addition to the garden, we spent some time doing yard work. Working the dead grass, and re-seeding. I got all the kids to do some weed pulling too, and Spencer and Kyla learned how to edge and mow the lawn. Fun to see them grown up!

Life after Death

2009-03-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

No, No, No, this is not a religious debate post. We have had a crazy cold and wacky winter this year. Drier than usual I think, but with tons of snow and freezing temps. I have been thinking about little other than trying to get warm and basking in the sun. But, recently I have been amazed at the fact that despite the freezing temps, life is prevailing, in the plant world! I think we have only had one casualty this year, and although it is a hard one to swallow, I am sure we will pull through. Many of you may remember that we completely cleared and resodded our yard in the fall of 07'. The grass was wonderful and fresh and new. No weeds, no crab grass, no holes...soft and perfect. Well here is a photo of what a large portion of the grass looks like currently, post snow.

Don't shed too many tears, we gotta keep our head up. This can be remedied. It won't be easy (for Mike) but I have faith. I spent hours on my hands and knees digging out the dead sludge to expose the bare ground and hopefully promote life again.

I have noticed though that throughout the neighborhood, all the pink and white dogwoods are in full bloom, many flowers are providing bits of wonderful color, and these things are alive in my own yard...

The startings of my hostas on the side yard just making their debut. Reaching up for whatever sun they may get. Saying hello to Spring. And this one is my tree outside my office. All the branches covered with the signs of new life and blooms.

It is wonderful and it helps my spirit stay up and have hope. There is a sun god out there somewhere and these are signs that someday not to far off, it will come and visit us here in Oregon.

And by the way....on the way home from Sunriver the skies were amazing. They were all sorts of grey and then suddenly from behind the blue would pierce through. I grabbed my camera and took this shot as we drove by. Proof that there is a silver lining.

Surprises

2009-03-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

It is wonderful to create and enjoy surprises. This year my good ole' pops turned 60 and that definately calls for the execution of a great surprise. So I called all my siblings and we rallied to get it done. My brothers and sisters came to town and we all went to Sun River to have a party for dad. Our youngest brother Derek had the task of getting dad from Bend to Sun River without spoiling our plan and he did well! It has been several years since all of us have been able to meet in one place and be together. Natalie has been living in Germany and Chicago and is often not with us. It was so wonderful and fun for our cousins to be together and play with one another. Luckily we have some same aged children. Our step brother Jason has some mean cooking skills and he made the birthday dinner for us. Grilled chicken, and brocolli (and in case, like me, you have never BBQ'd brocolli-it is wonderful!) and homemade mac and cheese. Yummers!!! I don't have the video that shows dad reaction to seeing all of us, but we brought a tear to his eye. The weather was cold but much better than expected as it was supposed to snow quite a bit. The house came equipped with a ping pong table, and 4 cruiser style bikes that we enjoyed riding. Most of the time we just sat indoors and enjoyed each others company. The boys played poker too. (no money at stake, just fun) Kedra produced a video to hightlight dads years and his posterity which we all enjoyed watching. Except for Derek who went through a pretty bad long hair 90's stage. It's ok-boy we all have some oh no photos for sure. Here is a little look at our trip. I am so thankful for all my siblings and our dad for getting us here! Thanks-TURKEY!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Growing Up Experiences

2009-02-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

So we have hit a new milestone. My little first born angel is now my big babysitting 12 year old angel with so much experience and knowledge. (I know this because she tells me daily) Friday night Kyla had a babysitting job in which she earned $40. I know this babysitting is a real job now. No more $2.00 per hour business like we slaved away for. Anywho- Saturday I took her with me to go shopping. I am caught off guard often by the age of my children and their ever changing maturity, but this was fun. She had her own little purse, with her own cash, and she bought her own complete outfit for the very first time. And for now she is still attracted to modest clothing that covers all her body parts in their entirety, and like her mother, she likes to shop cheap! Which in case you didn't know, you can do rather easily in this poor economy. Everything is on sale. So we found said outfit of Kyla's liking at Aeropostle Factory Store in Woodburn, all 70% off clearance prices. She got jeans (with some store made holes in them-small ones) a sweater and a tank top to layer it with. It was fun to watch her, spend time with her, and notice how she has grown. Next step............total loss of parental control!!!! Yikes.

More LOVE stuff

2009-02-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

Today Mike and I didn't make any plans for the day with exception of the piano concert I am dragging him to tonight, so when I got home from work we kicked around some ideas, and asked Kyla and Damian what they wanted to do. We couldn't really agree on anything right away, but Mike's response has got to be one of the top five things I love about him. He said "I don't care baby, I just want to spend the day by your side". And best of all, when he says that he means it. He doesn't have to get his way, or do anything exciting, and in fact, he will even do things he doesn't care anything about, just to be supportive and close to me. We went to the library and got a cultural pass to visit a rock museum. Romantic huh? Not really, but it was interesting, and we enjoyed our time together. And he made two very sweet homemade Valentine's Day cards for me (with money in them). So I add to my previous post, but list specifically the things I LOVE just about my great husband Michael Charles!

I love that he adores and respects his mom.
I greatly appreciate that he will go places and do things with me even if he would never do them on his own, and/or might not even like it.
I love to hear his laugh when we play around, and he gets thrilled teasin' me.
I enjoy his soft cheeks right after a clean shave.
I admire his drive and motivation. Failure is not an option.
I envy (in a good way) and appreciate his athletic abilities and game skills.
I get a kick out of his goofyness, and awesome dance moves.
I am thankful he tells me that he is glad to have me.
I am thankful he supports my church callings and extra curricular activities.
I love his eyes, and his rear-end.
I am so thankful he provides well for our family and takes all of our wants/needs in to consideration.
I am so thankful he lives unselfishly, and always wants to please.
I love that he is sentimental and likes "chick flicks".
I am so glad that when I leave the house for an extended trip, I know the house will be in perfect order when I return.
I love that he does laundry, and cooks.
I love that he builds sheds, and shelves, and puts up wainscoting, and paints.
I love that he is a dedicated father and always wants more time with his kids.
I really appreciate that he will take my kids to their dads early Sunday morning just so I can stay snuggled in bed a little longer.
I enjoy that he remembers our memories and expresses his joy about the things we do often.
I love that he supports me having girl time, and quiet time.

I don't know that I should go on forever, but I think I could. Thanks for everything you do!!!

I love you!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am glad there is a day that will bring to our attention LOVE! Usually it's just the love of our spouse or kids, but I have love for lots more than that. In no particular order:

I LOVE The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints and its teachings.
I LOVE that my husband will go to church with me, just because I like him too, not because he does.
I LOVE all my brothers and sisters who truly are wonderful people who make me laugh.
I LOVE my nieces and nephews.
I LOVE to make crafts and create things to share with others.
I LOVE brand new freshly cut green grass that has not been infested by weeds or crab grass.
I LOVE the pureness of newly fallen snow that has not seen it's first step.
I LOVE watching my kids excel and grow.
I LOVE my friends, and the fact that I don't have to see them every day to know that they will be there for me.
I LOVE the beach. (if the wind is not blowing like crazy)
I LOVE heat!!!
I LOVE babies and their cute noises.
I LOVE my home and all its belongings.
I LOVE sarcasm. (if it's not meant to be mean)
I LOVE my husbands energy and zest for life.
I LOVE that my daughter still gives me hugs and kisses and likes to be tucked in at night.
I LOVE to snuggle with my son.
I LOVE to LOVE!!!

Here is a picture of my daughter and her friends making a heart craft, and the big cookie we bought for all the kids. Oh and that reminds me...I LOVE COOKIES!!!

BLASPHEMY

2009-01-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

My dear husband was relaxing after a hard days work at the office by way of watching some T.V. Now I am quite certain it was a worthwhile program of importance, but I don't much get in to any T.V. if it is not House, Chuck, Biggest Loser, or Family Fued. (which I DVR to watch whenever I get the time) Anywho-I worked a long day as well and my relax method of choice is computer time. It is getting sordof consuming. I love to search for my friends on face-book (or OLD friends who make me look more important than I am if I add them to my friend list) and read the blogs of my dear friends and loved ones. I am constantly interested in every one elses comings and goings. Now I should state that my DH (Dear Husband) only watches T.V. for short periods of time unless we are watching one of the above mentioned programs together. And I should say also that my DH just LOVES to be around me. Wherever I am, whatever I am doing, he likes to be by my side (insert a slow, ahhhhh-that is so sweet). BUT, tonight when he got up from the T.V. to look for his lovely sweet wife, he found me on the computer reading my sister in laws blog and he said "honey we need an intervention, this is a problem now. I think this is affecting our family. It is 6pm and your kids and husband have not had dinner. This facebook and blogs oh my goodness." (oh and he is giggling so joyfully at himself) SO I am so happy to have had this conversation because now I am thinking I just got permission to get a lap top. Then I can sit right by his side and watch T.V. with him (while playing on facebook and reading blogs). Win Win situation right? A purchase for the whole family. And I won't even use it until I actually feed my family.

New Years

2009-01-09T07:48:00.001-08:00

Mike and I spent New Years Eve playing card games and eating lots of food with some of our friends. It was fun and relaxing. When I review the year 2008 this type of activity fills lots of my thoughts and memories and it was a great year. No matter what happens to the economy or the world outside, we will be able to sit together and play games. Say nice things to each other and lift each other up. (while spending no money-we have an eternal stock pile of games)

I have decided that I don't even need to make any New Years resolutions, since I never ever have, why start right? My only goal is to make this year as good as the last, and I have some all the time goals: to always get more outside of myself, to be better at this and that, Love more, yell less, smile all the time, correct my attitude, serve those around me, etc. I surely haven't yet figured out how to perfect that so I still have things to work on.

Gang of Four: one of our new favorite games- glad the Beikmans love to play as much as we do.

Cheers to great friends!!

And to sleeping when and where you want. Midnight is too late to stay up for sure.

Grouches Yucky Words

2008-12-31T08:48:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I spend a few hours a week working at Kids World at Club Sport. It seemed an easy painless way to earn the membership, which for an individual is over $100 per month. (no can do) Anywho- yesterday I got to spend my shift (that is 3.5 hrs.) in the kid fit room, which is children ages 4-7. Normally a very quiet room during my day shift, yesterday was CRAZY. School is still out so we had probably 40 kids. One thing I really like to do is read to the kids. So a sad little girl brought me one of the books, and it was Grouchs' (of the Sesame Street fame) favorite yucky words A-Z. I have decided to create some of my own favorite yucky words. I will not do the whole alphabet, but a select few. Please note: these words may not be yucky to everyone, and may change for me at some point, but for now, here it goes:

A- annoying: 40 children ages 4-7 in one room at one time can be extremely annoying.
B- bra: Wearing a bra is a necessary evil that reminds you daily you don't have the bustline you once had.
C- crumbs: My kitchen floor is CONSTANTLY covered with crumbs.
D- diaper: The smell of a diaper is directly related to the color of its contents.
J- jeans: Shopping for jeans is a painstaking process that often excentuates for you, all the flaws of the lower portion of your body. (Gap:long and lean is the way to go- thanks sis!)

M- mom: "I don't like this dinner, MOM!", "I have to have a cell phone, MOM!", "That pretty dress you want me to wear is UGLY, MOM!", "I want that, MOM!"
N- nylons: Putting tight nylon material over your natural beautiful skin is a male consiracy.
P- period: Every month you get a period whether you need/want it or not. (Cruel)
S- sty: Having a sty on your eye is painful, makes you look funny, and does NOT come from peeing in the street. (dads story)
U- underwear: Finding underwear that is willing to stay out of your bum cheeks takes a mighty miracle.

holy snowy!!!

2008-12-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

Wow- a 40 year record snow fall and storm has been upon us and we have faired well. The storm rolled in a week ago and until today we had not lost power. I have created a photo documentary of it all because I am so amazed at the depth, and the continuous dropping of snow. The kids are contantly putting on their layers and spending lots of time outside. Mike grew up in Wisconsin and he is very accustomed to mass snow so he drives around just fine and isn't quite as taken back. Today I put my dinner in the crockpot around noon (beef stroganoff), and around 2 pm, while I was playing on line games with my mom and aunt, the power shut off, AND it stayed off for 4 hours. I took my dinner out of the crock pot and put it in the fridge that I hoped would stay cold long enough to protect it, but I just don't know? Is is safe? Can I crock it tomorrow? Luckily we can get out with the chains on my car, and with Mike's driving skills, we took the opportunity to dine out, where they have power. Which, although there was power, was harder than we thought. Our first 5 restaraunt choices were not open. We ended up at Chevy's where I devoured a pound of chips and salsa without breathing. But that is not the good stuff. The good stuff is shown in the following photos. The beauty of pure white snow, and the glistening of ice cycles. The beauty of the joy on the kids' faces. I love it!

Make a Smilebox photobook

happyness

2008-12-19T12:07:00.001-08:00

It has been snowing all week and school has been out for all the kids. Although we have been able to leave the house, the thought of not being able to and the unattractiveness of 30 degree weather makes me a little stir crazy. So I play, and I make this little video. AND because I am the mom and you only get to make 5 elves, I don't embarass myself, just the rest of my family. Oh that does bring me little tingles inside. he he he. Aren't elves evil? And to top it all off you don't choose the body of the little dancing fellow, and I think it looks like Mike has boobs. Enjoy!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Trees and Decorating

2008-12-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for finding, cutting, shaking, and decorating the annual Christmas Tree. Last year was a great tree finding experience although we sort of just stumbled across the tree farm (which are located everywhere in our area) we ended up cutting from and this year could not for the life of me remember where it was, so....we tried new. Lee Farms in Tualatin which is only about 2.5 miles from our house. Great farm with lots of things for the kids to do including a hay maze and playplace aparatus. The trees were nice as well. I am a big fan of Noble's. Not the Charlie Brown type, but one with plenty of wholes in it for my decorations. At Lee's they grow lots of Nobles, but many of them were the Charlie Brown style and sorta ragged. And the rest of them were very tall, over 11 feet, which would not fit in the house. Now I think probably everyone know the "rules" for the proper cutting of a tree at a farm, and for this reason I confess my sins. I found the perfect tree, but it started about 3 feet in the air. The bottom part of the tree was not so nice and like I mentioned, would not have fit anyway. So....we cut the tree down in the middle and dragged our perfect portion of the tree from the scene of the crime. Can you believe it? I just jumped to the top of the Naughty List a few weeks from ultimate gift receiving. (good thing I got my gift already. don't be mad, it was on sale and we are watching our pennies) And, to redeem myself, we bought a tree for the kids too, so they got our money for the 12 foot tree we shafted. And to tell the complete truth I buy the kids a tree not to cover my sins, or be a great mom, I buy them one so I don't have to share "mine" with them. I get a little picky and fanatical about decorating "my" tree myself. (I have so many shallow problems) Anywho- Kyla put the lights on the "kid" tree and them Mikayla and Damian helped decorate. Spencer didn't care to participate, but he put up his Seahawk ornament. We get the kids ornaments every year and these perfectly depict our children at their current station in life.

Kyla happens to have the same love of shoes that I hold.

Damian's little mini controller.

SPencer loves the Seahawks and going to the games with dad.

And Mikayla learned to ride her bike last fall.

I also set up my little Christmas village and bring out our Jim Shore santas and such. To add to decorations this year I got 3 small fake alpine trees. They were a steal at Michaels the day after Thanksgiving. Mike went with me to pick them out and they sold us the display model as it was the last one, and Mike asked "are those for the back porch or garage, 'cause they are UGLY!", but since I have twisted and turned and bent the limbs to appropriate places and added holy berries to them, he has changed his opinion. He was lacking the vision and faith.

Now its on to gift finding. Which will be more need centered this year as we watch the pocket book and try to help our kids learn that all their wants are not life or death, and the healthy attitude of gratitude. (wish us luck.)Happy Holidays to all.

A couple of my favorite brand new people

2008-11-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a great week up in Washington with my sister and sister-in-law. Kedra had a baby on Tuesday morning after 32 hours of crazy yucky labor, and it was wonderful to spend some time with her and the new baby. Nolan was born weighing in at 9 lbs. 2 oun. He is just beautiful. (as you can clearly see from the pics) Heidi, (Mike's older sister) had her baby on the 20th of September and it was wonderful to meet her as well. Hannah was a sweetheart, and her and mom are doing great. Everyone knows how crazy I am about babies and any chance I get I have my hands on one. It was nice to spend some time not worrying about finances, employment, dirty clothes, and sweeping the ever dirty kitchen floor. I have an abundance of confidence in Mike and his ability or even better yet, complete willingness, to keep up the house and take care of everything while I am gone. I do appreciate that!!! He is willing to let me go and I appreciate his support. Family is everything and I am so happy ours is still growing. Welcome wonderful little ones!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Spur of the Moment

2008-11-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

Damian got off the bus today and it was sunny and nearly warm outside. Not traditional weather for early November. Scouts starts at 3:30 and he gets home around 2:50. He came in and said hi, and wanted to go play at a friends. I told him he could go if he would change in to a nice shirt and let me take some pictures of him. We have been meaning to update the photos on the family photo wall for quite some time. We just can't stand the school photos so we like to take the kids to Kiddie Candids or someplace where they can express some creativity and have a prop, but it just never happened. The pictures on the wall are two years old now. Anywho- Damian took my bribe and we got him dressed. We drove to the next block over and he was great for me. We spent about 10 minutes and he gave me these shots. I can't believe he is so charming and handsome.

Bookies-some of my favorite peeps

2008-11-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

I am, as many of you might be, part of a great book club. Which by the way is a cool thing, unlike reporting that you are part of a chess club. (sorry chess players) Last week we met at Mandy's beautiful home and I took my camera. I wanted to post a picture of the wonderful ladies I call friends that I am blessed to meet with every month. The books we read are sometimes great, sometimes not so great, and sometimes just something in between, but the company and conversation with these ladies is always WONDERFUL. Now, these ladies just were not cooperating much with the camera (some things you never outgrow-I hate the camera too!) so your not seeing them at their best. I told them I would post them even if they didn't want to smile and look adorable. I just want them to know that I respect them all, I enjoy their friendship, I appreciate their thoughts and wisdom, their cooking skills (we eat great treats) and their huge kind hearts. Thanks for letting me in the club. And by the way, I am going to do Pride and Prejudice on book on tape. (is that legal in a book club?)

Mandy and Susan

Shonda and Monique

Cama, Sharla, and Erin

Not all are pictured, but loved just the same. :o)

Halloween Bah-humbug!!

2008-11-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

What a weird year. I have children that are young enough to still participate in halloween festivities, but they spent the night with their dad so I was off the hook. Thus, not being responsible for costumes this year, and knowing the night was free I had no spirit. Not much in the way of decorating and very little thought given. Mikayla was our only kid to trick or treat and dad took her out. I didn't do a pumpkin patch either, although to get some effort points I did pick up some nice pumpkins courtesy of Winco. (that is so sad to admit) Mikayla and I carved the pumpkins and Kyla made herself a costume to wear to school for the day. Kyla also attended a murder mystery party last weekend with some friends and she was assigned the part of the male movie director. She made a great boy. Here are the pathetic details in photo:

Princess angel

The tongue of concentration

The guts

Cleaning and carving

Kyla the director

And one of my favorite little guys that stopped by (friends son)

"Little Stinker) Caleb

Not for Granted

2008-10-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

I don't have any major photos to share, or great stories to tell, but last night I saw a wonderful movie with my husband. The Secret Life of Bees. Many of you may have read the novel which is a popular book club book and on Oprahs book list. The book was great, and often movies made from books fall short of your expectations because they have to omit so much information and detail, not the case here. This movie was just perfectly casted and wonderfully done. I cried quite a bit, and laughed a little, and just felt darn good when it was over. It made me appreciate so much the wonderful times and life I have been born in to. So I have a list of things that I certainly do not take for granted. Blessings I am thankful everyday.

1. 2 parents who love and care for me

2. A husband who constantly shows/tells me that he cherishes and adores me

3. 4 healthy, vibrant, smart, loving children

4. A faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

5. Wonderful siblings who are my best friends

6. A beautiful, safe, loving home

7. Mike's employment and desire to care and protect us financially

8. The freedom to roam around whenever and wherever I want/need to

9. Wonderful friends who share good/bad times with me and my family

10. Family Game Time (although Mike usually always wins)

11. My own good health

12. Wonderful extended family and in-laws

13. A craft room full of goodies to create memories with

14. Photography/Cameras to catch life and hold on to it

15. Freedom to eat what and when we want/ varieties of foods

16. Good public schools to help teach my kids to be successful

17. The ability to be athletic and exercise

18. Clothes

19. Hair on my head

20. To be able to laugh until I cry

The list could go on forever, and these are not in any specific order, but times are scary for lots of people right now and a movie like this one can help us all see how much better off we are than most the world and help us realize that we have LOTS to give up and sacrifice and remain happy and lucky. I am blessed to be able to have reason to have a smile on my face!!!

Highlight

2008-10-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I had to make this post seperate to save the wrath that Kyla will and has given to me over said content. Some of you know that I was a big So You Think You Can Dance fan this year. Last year I attended the tour with my sister Kedra in Portland, but I had never watched the show so I didn't know the stars. This time I watched all season long, and I picked Joshua and Katie as the winners from the "No Air" routine they did week one. (which I watched on DVR about 10 times) So, while we were walking through Disneyland this guy in sunglasses ran by with some kindof crazy hair, and I was like "hey that is a So You Think You Can Dance", Mark. He was moving fast so I didn't get to scream of say anything like "way to go on making top 10, I am a huge fan of your show, can you sign my shirt?" But it was fun to see him flittering by. Later in that day we went back to our hotel for our afternoon break, and upon returning to the park we were walking from the bus transit to Disney, and Mike said "hey that is a So You Think You Can Dance guy" I looked over and sure enough sitting on the bench playing on his cell phone was Matt. So this time I said "hey, your So You Think You Can Dance" and he said "yeah" with that every so big always perfect smile pasted on his face. I asked for a picture with him and he obliged. So here is the highlight of my Disney. A moment with a star!

And Kyla and I had this conversation as we walked away:

Mom: "Wow how cool-that is the highlight of my trip"

Kyla: "oh my gosh mom I can't believe you can spend a week with your family and that is your highlight, nice."

And she carried on for a few more moments about her disbelief and dissapointment. Oh, to be a kid.......and to still think the world is all about you! he he he

Disclaimer: I do care about my family MOST!!!

Happiest Place on Earth

2008-10-09T11:47:00.001-07:00

It might catch some of you by surprise that we took a week long family vacation to Disneyland, because it was a secret. We did not tell our kids prior to the 4am wake up Monday morning the 22nd. What a great experience it was. I am no wizard so I can't figure out how to get the video on the computer, so you will have to take me word for it. It was classic surprise and excitement, after of course the irritation of the dragging out of bed. Kyla clearly let us know that it was 4am on a school day (insert glare and hugh sigh of irritation). Once we told them they were not going to school that day or all week, the attitude made a bit of a change. And then we said we are going to Disneyland, and there was screaming and dancing and happyness all around. Each child was given a personalized Disney character shirt, and a fanny pack (yes, that is correct they got fanny packs- and they didn't even know that was nerdy), and some spending cashola. SO, it was ALL smiles for a week. They even did homework for an hour a day without complaining. The weather was high 80's low 90's, there were virtually NO lines to wait in, our hotel was nice, the transporting was easy, they walked all day with little whining, and there was almost no fighting. That is truly happyness. I took 200 pictures which I won't bore you all with but here is a snipit of California Adventure, Disneyland, and Universal Studios. Damian thinks that was such a great easy trip he tells me every other day that he wants his birthday party at Disneyland. Think you can all make it?? Oh, to be a kid.......

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Well how about on Sunday?

2008-09-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

Typically that answer is easy. I go to church and then I rest. I am good for a nap every Sunday afternoon. But, now it includes......soccer. Yes that is right, we have another member playing soccer and his games are on Sunday evening. As a general rule for myself and the kids we do not play on Sunday, but I watch Mike play. He is on an over 35 co-ed team and the game is great. He enjoys getting out there and running again, and he is pretty skilled. On this team he plays defense and it is hard to catch him in action on the field with my camera, but here are some sideline throw ins for you. Or is that a ballet pose?

And in case you wondered or were aware, yes I play soccer as well. I have been playing on a womens indoor team for over a year and we play Wed. night. You will not be seeing evidence as such since no one runs the camera but me. :o)

Whatcha doin' Saturday?

2008-09-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well before September there could have been various responses to that question. Maybe we would be going to the park to play, catching a new movie, swimming, or just hanging around the house playing together. Now? Soccer! Soccer! Soccer! (yes that is x's 3) Mikayla, Damian, and Kyla are all in soccer and it is hard for two of us to be at 3 different games. This is the first year for Mikayla to play, and play is a loose term at 6 yrs. old. They sortof get it, but mostly NOT. Fortunately for the us they are just dang cute running around in a little heard of pony tails and ribbons. Sometimes they go the right way, and sometimes not, and I don't think they even care. It's all wonderful.

Damian is playing for his third year, and this is the first year they play positions and have a goal keeper. This is getting real fun to watch. Damian is doing well as both an offensive and defensive player. He still shows some great aggresiveness. They have a 2-0 record for the starts of the season. Here's my boy getting some action-he's in the red and beating the white to the ball. Go bud!

Third year for Kyla as well. She is our star, although maybe when Damian is her age he will be more than her because of the years under his belt. Kyla is still on the "Disturbed" team in the DRL league. She is a sweeper. For those of you not doing Saturday Soccer the sweeper is the last defensive person before the goal keeper. I love watching all the games, but Kyla's are especially fun as they play some pretty real soccer. They understand the game and they run plays as well as play on a full field with 11 players. I have ordered a lens for my camera that will actually be able to catch her in action on the field, but for now, this is her after the big first game. (they lost for the first time-went undefeated last year)

So.....Until the end of October....I will see you at the field!

Good Times

2008-09-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while and I am not sure what to post now. I think the fact that I turned another year older has made me tired. Or possibly it is the fact that the ever intrusive always returning "cycle" is upon me. I know I know, TMI, but I have learned that keeping it secret doesn't make it not happen. Which ever, I am sleepy.

I had a birthday last week on the 5th and I appreciate all the calls and well wishes. I am a glorious 33 years young and just getting my bearings on life. Do we ever really get it figured out? I am wishing for more insight, patience, endurance,......typical things right? I feel to young to have two kids so old, but so proud to be their mom. My little funny girl is 7th grade already. (that is not so funny, I feel fear) My birthday was a great one. I am so loved and my dear husband takes good care of me. He cooks too! He had a few of my friends over and made us all chicken enchildas which are a speciality of his. I got games, and a stack of frozen pizzas (long story, in short, I love Totinos frozen pizzas and my friends covered me), and cards with money from each of my darlings. I haven't shopped in a while, and I look forward to it!!! My little ones are quite artistic, here are my cards- with the money already taken and forming a hole in my pocket.

This is me and Damian

This artistic one is from Kyla

And this is from Spencer- I am sure that is a self portrait and not something to do with me

And this one from Mikayla

Thank everyone. I plan on this year being another great one.

Animal Enthusiast

2008-08-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Kyla is still set on becoming a veterinarian later in life, as she has had a love of animals for the last several years. Unfortunately I am not so much the same way. I don't like the hair and mess and fuss, so luckily for her she has two dogs and a cat at her dads house. Today while visiting the neighbors she spotted a cat stuck high up in a tree. (surely chased there by the neighbors lovely but very exciteable terrier) She tried to climb the fence to get it,but the mid section of this cat was stuck and it could not help at all and Kyla couldn't reach. So we drug out this large ladder and Kyla climbed up to save it. My neighbor and I really wanted to call the fire dept. Possibly some strappin', hot, half clothed man in rubber pants and boots would come to the rescue for all of us, but maybe that is all computer work on those calendars. Kyla saved the day so we will never know.

Happy Birthday Mikayla

2008-08-11T17:48:00.002-07:00

Mikayla turned 6 on Saturday the 2nd and her only birthday wish was as follows: "Dad, I wish I could be Hannah Montana!". Great, a wish we can't deliver on. So, we passed along the word and did what we could to surround her with Hannah. She loved the things she got. A shirt that sings and new Hannah pajamas. Games, and music CD's too. It is truly amazing how technical the children are at such a young age these days. Thank you Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Paul, Josh and Deborah, and Grandma Cindy for helping us celebrate, and thanks to Aunt Heidi, Uncle Jeff and Jordan for celebrating from afar. We miss you!!!

Mikayla is growing up so quickly and this year will surely be one of lots of growth and learning. Entering the first grade and learning how to read, do math, and have homework. Should be a great experience. Mikayla is smart and loving. She is very social and quick to make friends always sharing her smile with those around her. And soon that smile should have some teeth in it again. :o) Happy Birthday!!!

Tree Frog or Olympian?

2008-08-11T17:48:00.001-07:00

Kyla has always been my climber. In our last house Kyla would climb up the walls in a spiderman like fashion and stand on the top of her door jam, or climb on top of her dresser, up the wall, and into the plant shelf area occupied by stuffed animals above her closet. She can also climb down the hallway with her hands and feet spread on either side not touching the ground. You have to make a lot of financial decisions as a parent, and I made them the best I could, but I think Kyla has missed out on a predestined calling to be a great gymnast. Which by the way is the sport of the rich and famous. She has practically no fear and she loves to throw herself around. She is thin and very strong as well. So we were playing games with some friends the other night and all of the kids were playing outside together. One of them came in the house and said "Kyla climbed to the top of the street lamp post, come see quick", so on my way out the door I grab my camera and this is how we find her. Hanging on like a tree frog with suction cups for feet and hands.

So although I doubt Kyla wants to be a log climber professionally, this is good stuff.

P.S. of course I did tell her to not do it again as it is very dangerous and if she lost footing and fell to her death (or broke a bone) I would not be happy. :o)

Dance Like No One is Watching

2008-08-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Especially if there are really about 200 and it is your first dance recital as a hip hop star. Spencer and Mikayla both participated in this years dance recital, the second year of performing for Mikayla. Spencer has been in a hip hop class at Innovative Dance for the past several months, and Mikayla takes a tap/jazz class. This years performance was a jazz number for her. Thankfully Spencer is very comfortable around girls since he was one of only 2 boys in his class. He did a great job. He knew the steps and enjoyed performing it. Mikayla did a little jig to "Tiki Room". The theme of the recital was "Deja Vu" and all of the numbers performed had been performed in previous years, therefore each one was the same but different. (last year Mikayla had a disney theme and danced to a lion king song) She was adorable and wears a great big pretty smile.

Full Disclosure

2008-08-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dinner conversation between Mike and Mikayla:

Mikayla: "Dad can I have those two dino nuggets"

Dad: "After you eat your corn, know why? Because I bet you will eat those chicken nuggets and then you will say, daddy I'm full."

Mikayla: "Sometimes I say that just because I don't want to eat my corn"

Kids say the darndest things. Smart enough to say it, but not quite smart enough not to admit it. But still pretty darn cute. Notice all the missing teeth.

BIG EDDY

2008-07-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Kyla: "aaaaahhhhhh, aaaaahhhhhh, aaaaaaahhhhhhhh"
Spencer: mouth closed (smart boy)
Damian: "this is not fun"
Carter: "i don't like this, i don't like this"
Guide Ross: "keep paddling Chad"

This trip was great. What a ride. A good short thrill through some real cold wild waters is quite exhilerating. Our faces can tell just about the whole story with exception of my silent thought about half way through- "wow we are really getting close to those rocks-keep paddling Chad" And..."what is it about the outdoor rugged enthusiast that is so dang cute?" Ross just sat back in his stylish long sleeve button up, shared information, and stayed perfectly dry. Amazing. We all loved it with exception of the two small boys-they made that perfectly clear- see above. We have high hopes of someday making the trip last a little longer and doing a day trip or overnighter. Floating and camping, great combination (if we can avoid mesquitos-see cultus lake story).

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Little Cultus

2008-07-29T08:48:00.001-07:00

Well I am sure you have just been dying to make sure we survived the great outdoors. Not only did we survive-we thrived- oh no wait, that was the mesquitos that thrived! On our blood no doubt. They were in mass quantity and particularly seemed to like the faces of Spencer and Kyla. BUT, lots of fun to be had despite their attempt to run us out of camp. Seeing family just makes things good. All the children were well behaved, showing us only their bright sides (mostly). The food was good and quite an experience for me, luckily I have family that is more out-door-sy than me. Dutch oven cooking? I had no idea. Check the slide show to preview roasting chicken madness. Way to dive in there Erika. And thanks Grandpa Jeff Simon for the wood cutting training. I had no idea Paul Bunyan was my husbands inner beast.

Some other highlights of the trip included white water rafting for some of us and I will have to add that another time. Stay tuned, and enjoy the slideshow. Much love to our family-we miss you already!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Great Outdoors

2008-07-15T16:12:00.001-07:00

Our family is taking our first ever (with all of us) camping trip tomorrow. 4 days in the mountains outside Bend. Lucky for us we will share the time with my brother Chad and his family, my sister Kedra and her family, and my dad. There will be 18 of us. Watch out Little Cultus Lakes. The Brendle's can be a crazy bunch. (not my brothers family, but all of us originals) We got a tent trailer from a friend so it's not too rough, but a bit more primitive than our cozy home. We will cook dutch over foods, roast hot dogs on stick, and of course SMORES. "First you toast the mallows'." (little sandlot reference for you movie lovers) Until next week....enjoy your flushing toilet, and take nothing for granted.

Pine Wood Derby

2008-07-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have to back track a bit now. I started this blog after some very monumental events happened here for the Simon's. The age of 8 is a big one, especially for an LDS child who has the chance to be baptised. My son had this opportunity this year and it was a wonderful experience for our family. In addition to that though, and probably (although sadly) ranking of more importance (to an 8 year old) is the fact that you can join cub scouts, and participate in the creation of the pinewood derby car. Which I think is mostly very exciting for the dad of an 8 year old. I think there is an underground secret society of engineers that spend endless hours figuring out how to best get a 7.25" x 1.75" piece of wood to race down a roughly grooved piece of wood propped up on plastic wheels with nails. The women of the scouting program tried to impose boundaries and make rules to prevent "daddy cars", but I would have to say the 1st place winner in our event went to a dad(just guessing). Now here in this household, Damian and Mike followed the rules. Mike made his own dad car to race and he performed only one cut on Damians car. Damian had to cut, sand, paint, and decorate his own car, and he took 3rd place. Both my favorite boys placed 3rd (Mike's couldn't really take a place) and they had some good looking cars. Supporting two of their favorite sports teams in the process. Mike has memories of making his car as a young scout himself, and I appreciate him stepping in and helping Damian. I think the shear excitement of the evening enticed Spencer enough that he wants to make a car for himself next year. Surprisingly (not) he is pretty competitive and trying to beat dad will be fun for him. Good luck BOYS!

Damian supported the Seahawks and Mike represented for Green Bay. GO CHEESE HEAD!

2008-07-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Bucket List

If you have not had the opportunity to see the Bucket List, I suggest you take the time. A great movie with classic Jack Nicolson in it. Both funny, and tear jerking. The premise is two men given one year to live and the creation of a Bucket List, which is things to do before the end. Now granted they could go all out with the help of enless amounts of money (Jack is rich) and time, it helped me think about my own life and things that might go on my list. Two things go on the list in the movie that I like; Kiss the most beautiful girl, and witness something truly majestic. I have those two done. I have been blessed to have children, and I would argue there is nothing that can be more amazing or majestic, and I kissed my newborn daughter, which you could not convince me wasn't the most beautiful girl in the world. I hope all of us can think of the many wonderful life experiences we have had. I recall a song about a man who is near death and it says (closely) "I went skydiving, I went rocky mountain climbing, I spent 2.7 seconds on a bull named fu-man-choo,....." etc. LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING. I have to give thanks to my dear husband for helping me out with this. For helping live life to the fullest. I went SKYDIVING!

What a surprise! Mike and I have agreed to take turns planning our anniversary celebration each year, and as many of you know, Mike doesn't do anything half way. I have always said " I would love to try that" and Mike called me bluff. And most amazingly he jumped with me. He gets motion sickness something fierce and had no desire to be thrown from a plane, but he has a very strong desire to make my dreams come true. I think in this next picture you can see him over my shoulder with a great big grin. Getting joy from the classic look of terror on my face.

Although it was thrilling, your God given common sense tells you to resist falling from a plane at 13,000 ft. I am certain my eyes could not open any further. WOW. Thanks for being the best Mike. I truly love you! Happy 2nd Anniversary!

P.S. I do not think bull riding will ever be one of our activities, and I don't know how to top this. I guess I have a year to figure it out. Wish me luck. Oh, and my jump will be sent to me on DVD, so if it has my screaming included I will post that so you can enjoy the moment. Yikes!

The Obsession

2008-07-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is it. This is the grass, the tree, and just a few of the flowers. I am amazed at the maintenance level of grass. How rediculous. One simple thing should not have so many possible threats. Last year our yard was eaten by crane fly, and we put in new grass at the end of the summer. Now Mike has to put things on it all the time to prevent moss, crab grass, red thread, brown thread, mushrooms, fungus etc. etc. AND you have to fertilize often to help it grow and stay green. AND you have to be sure to not water too much, not to water too little. BUT, I love it. I love soft healthy green grass. I planted this little pink and green willow ball outside my craft room window last fall as well and now I just trim it to keep it round and not growing all crazy. In a couple more seasons it should be full and strong. I love seeing it.

I AM TAGGED

2008-07-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Wow- I don't know if I should start my first blog with such a task- I'm not worthy, but here it goes. (thanks for the challenge Kedra)

3 Things that bring JOY

Being Happily Married- It just isn't that easy to come by and sustain in this life, but when properly fed, it is wonderful and joyous. Thank you Mr. Michael C. Simon for being the best!
Having healthy wonderful children. "Practically perfect in every way"
Friends, scrappin', beautiful places, soft green grass, cookies. (is that cheating?)

3 Things I FEAR

Having my kids grow up and say something like "my childhood was ok-my mom was not very nice"
Losing my material comforts and having an economic depression. The market, the price of oil, the crop crisis, the weather.....ya know basically everything on the local news. (which is precisely why I don't watch-Everything is happy in my bubble)
Big Nasty Killer spiders and other Really UGLY bugs.

3 Current Obsessions

Creating a BLOG!
Yard work- trying to have pretty flowers and green grass. (well the grass is Mike's job, but I do obssess about it. :o)
Having fun. I constantly think of summer vacations and family trips and just fun, fun, fun. ( I really need to try harder to stay focused and grounded-especially given my fear of the depression and money)

3 Random/Surprising Facts (ooooph..this is a hard one)

I looked a lot like Tweety Bird when I was little, and I have a twin blanet with Tweety on it from childhood. (now my step daughter is nicknamed Tweety Bird by her dad)
I really like change. I like to shift things around and hope for never a dull moment.
In my old age I am starting to get motion sickness. I am afraid!

3 people I tag

Rebecca Gawryl

I have a pathetic announcement: I am about the last person I know to do this, so I can only tag one.

Give this a whirl...I just want to be cool

2008-06-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends and Family- I just want to be one of the crowd. I want to blog. Most importantly I just want to share our family with all of you. Especially all of you who we unfortunately can rarely see. I have been inspired to do so by so many great friends and siblings. I hope you enjoy.