Our Simmons family dinner...

We enjoyed a nice get together for Christmas. We chowed down on Chili, baked potatoe bar, grandma's famous mexican dip,cornbread, donuts and much much more. It was so fun to see everyone. The only one's we were missing were James and Ashley. My niece and nephew. But the kids had a fun time with their cousins, as you can see in the older kids pics making funny faces with grandma. After food and visiting, we went and saw the Holdman Christmas lights in P.G. They were awesome. Here's the link if you're interested in stopping by.

http://www.holdman.com/christmas/

We loved it and ended up taking a family pic in front of the home.

Last Monday night we went to the city lighting of the lights ceremony and our school choir got to carol along the street as the candy windows were revealed. It was a really fun night except Ashleigh and Kiri had to work so we missed out on having them with us.

We walked along the streets and admired the beautiful, and I mean BEAUTIFUL exhibits of candy. We got treated to Hot chocolate and cookies along the way. They also had fire pits to keep us warm all down Center Street. All of the picture don't even come close to showing all the different kinds of candies used or even the detail, but believe me when I say, they were incredible. The balloon ride took first place and it weighed over 200 lbs. They told us they had been working on it since March. All the backround and ground were also covered in candy with sparkling lights to represent city lights. On another one, the red horse was made so good and the green candies were the ground and the blue background was all candy. You can see Emma, William, and Gracie's reflections in the window which reminded me of how much this holiday is so fun for children. I think my sister Kim would love the girl sleeping in the bed because of the quilt. It was made so incredibly well.

The candy windows will be on display until New Years on Center Street in Provo. Take the kids if you get a chance.

I hope the holiday season is finding all in good health and spirits. I need the help of all of you. I am making an attempt to start writing my personal history. My memory is terrible (due to old age). I am starting by listing all the past incidents in my life that I can remember, with the intent of putting meat on the bones later. If any of you can think of an incident that invovled you that I can add it would be greatly appreciated. I have already got several to start me off with and could be writing for ever, but I want to make this history as thorough as possible.

Thanks a lot,
Eddie

I want to let you all know what I am thankful for. That turkey being pulled out of the oven is a good place to start. Whenever I say prayers with the kids at night I make a point to give thanks for food to eat and for our warm house to live in. it makes me feel greatful for the things we have. I am also greatful for Leah and the lessons we have learned together the last twenty-one years (boy did they go by fast). I am also greatful for my children. They have been a hand full but I can't think of anything better to place in my hand. I am greatful for my job. Not only for the money it provides but for the opportunity to work with the population of people I work with. When I see someone make an effort to change it forces me to thing about the Atonement and how the gospel is for sinners, not saints. I am greatful for my part-time employment with Macey's. It gives me the opportunity to use what would be down-time early in the morning to benefit my family with additional income, while not spending any less time away from my family. I am also greatful for my extended family and for all the things they have help Leah and myself with over the years ( you all know who you are). Thanks to all of you and have a good Thanksgiving.

I can't wait!

I am definitely a carnivore! heehee!


YUM!

Thanksgiving is upon us and I wanted to list some things I am grateful for this year:

*My dear sweet husband who has been by my side for 21 yrs.
*My children who have given me some of my greatest life lessons.
*Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have become a better person because of it.
*My Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ who lifts me everyday.
*My brain. After all these years it's reassuring to be able to go back to school and do well.
*My extended family who loves and supports me and my family. I couldn't ask for any better!
*My calling in Young Women's because it has made me a better mother to my teenagers.
*My nice, warm, soft, cozy bed.
*My nice, warm, cozy home.

There is so much more, but these are at the top of the list.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone! We love you!

Our son...the Idol!

Andrew got to participate in Falcon Idol at his school last night. He was 1 out of 16 contestants with professional judges and everything. We even got ballots to vote for our top 3 singers. Well, Andrew made it into the top 5. Wow! He did an awesome job singing "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's. Then for his final song he sang "Bet on It" from High School Musical 2. He was the only boy chosen for the top 5 out of 4 boys. The rest were girls and they filled up the other 4 spots. He ended up gettin 4th runner up with a $15.00 prize. He was so excited!

Congratulations Andrew!

I am just playing I haven't anything of importance to report. I just wanted to see if this post would publish on the blog. All have a good day.

It's Shelby's birthday today!

Happy 17th to my dear, sweet daughter! We love you!

New blog for our family....Eddie and Leah's

Kiri is doing well at work and is currently looking for another job because she doesn't like it. She is taking Iceskating through UVSC and is doing so well at it that she will take it again next semester. She even bought her very own pair of skates. I still remember when my sis bought her own skates. Kiri is the Primary Pianist in our ward

Ashleigh is going to UVSC and works hard at her job. She is loving being a college gal. She is currently in nursery in our ward.



Shelby was in the play Hello Dolly at her school. She played an ensemble member of the cast and got to dance and sing a lot. She loved it!





Andrew was in the play The Sound of Music at his school. He played Baron Elberfeld and had a real good time.

The last few weeks have been exciting for us because of these musicals.

Gracie has loved school this year and is starting up with her school singing group. She is a social butterfly and is becoming so independent.

Emma is my little whirlwind. She loves to tease her brother and sister. Drives me batty sometimes, but she always has a hug and a kiss for her mom, so who can be frustrated for too long with that?!?

William is loving 1st grade and has become so independent lately. It's like he really wants to be grown up, so he shows and tells me every opportunity that he can do it himself. My baby is growing up!!

Eddie is doing well at work and is now the Webelos leader in our ward. He is really taking up the slack with me in school. I can't say how much he helps me. I love him!

I am going to school, of course, and I have changed my major from Music to Social Work. It's been a long time coming but it's time to move on and I have felt so much inspiration in this direction, besides, everything is falling into place so nicely. I just feel like it's going to take me forever to finish. I'm still in Young Women's and love it, although it takes up some of the little bit of free time I have.

Our family is doing well and we all look forward to the holidays and getting together with our families.