Simmons Family Happenings

LaJoy Dove Simmons

2008-09-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

December 26, 1934-September 8, 2008

This was the matriarch of our family and we will miss her!

We love you grandma Joy!

Sunday's Food for Thought

2008-08-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

"Perhaps the most important lesson young Joseph learned in the Sacred Grove is that the heavens are not sealed. God does communicate with mortals. He loves us today just as much as He loved those who lived anciently. He knows us and cares about us, individually and collectively. He communicates with us, either directly or through His living prophets, according to our needs."
M. Russell Ballard

A moment with William

2008-08-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

How many have my name?

2008-07-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

This was fun and it had other information too.

Edward Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1,082
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Leah Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
100
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Kiri Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Ashleigh Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
11
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Shelby Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
50
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Andrew Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
747
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Gracie Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
25
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Emma Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
229
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

William Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
3,406
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

USPEA Lagoon day

2008-07-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

We had such a blast. We were there from open to close. Our neighbors, the Jenkins were able to come on the same day as us and so we enjoyed being with them. Also Katherine, our other daughter (friend) was able to come too. All the kids hung out all day. My family really enjoyed it. Aunt Tammy and Brianna came too. We sure missed James. Kim and McKenna showed up around 2 and stayed with us until close. It is always fun seeing the cousins and friends have fun together and form great memories. I know we won't forget it!

Entering the Park

Katherine and Ashleigh doing poses on the stage in our pavillion

First ride of the day....The Odyssey. Kiri and Emma
Brianna and Gracie
Ryan and Lyndi (hiding her face)

Adam and Shelby
Ashleigh and Katherine
Andrew, Brennan, Shelby, and Adam
Andrew and Brennan
Katherine and Kiri peaking up over the back (she was in another fish with Emma)
Dad and William
Paul and Vicki
Katherine and Ashleigh
The Log Flume. Emma, Ashleigh, Lyndi (hiding her face), and Gracie
The Cliffhanger with l-r: Emma, Kiri, Gracie, Brianna (hiding her face), and Aunt Tammy
Rattlesnake Rapids...all the girls...the boys were outnumbered. Going clockwise: Kiri, Brianna, Gracie, Katherine (Our other daughter), Ashleigh, Shelby, and Emma
The Jenkins family plus Andrew
The Rapids was Williams favorite ride with the Log Flume coming in second. He got his dad to take him a 3rd time. I sat out. I wonder why? Hmmmm!
Aunt Tammy
This was me after going directly through the waterfall. Then we got right back in line and went again. Guess who got the waterfall the 2nd time? You guessed it! I was drenched!

Like Father, Like Son (look at the hats)

Auntie Kim, McKenna, Kiri, Sarah (Kenna's friend), and Emma on the train
Same as above except add William
One of the last rides of the night. Andrew and Brennan waiting to take off on The Rocket. Makes me sick just lookin' at it.

Sunday's Food for Thought

2008-07-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

"When Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment to 'love one another; as I have loved you,' (John 13:34), He gave to them the grand key to happiness in this life and glory in the next. "Love is the greatest of all the commandments--all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the living Christ. It is the one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives."

Joseph B. Wirthlin

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming

2008-07-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Our kids favorite summer activity......
We just upgraded our 12 footer pool to the 15 footer and boy is it a hit!

Busy bee's

2008-07-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy summer so far. We have been doing summer movies and swimming. That is usually the gist of our summer fun because I always use up Eddie's vacation time with my calling in young women's. I've already been to youth conference and will be going to girls camp in 2 weeks. But times are a changin'! This will be my last year going to girls camp. I have a new calling.........RS 2nd counselor/enrichment counselor. Tonight was YW's and I really missed being there. I have been in for 8 yrs. That's 8 yrs. of going to weekly activities. 8 yrs. of youth conferences and girl's camps. I've loved it!! This has been a hard transition, but I know Heavenly Father will help me adjust. I am definitely in new territory!!!

We are going to lagoon as a family through Eddie's work and that will probably be the last big thing we do for awhile. I will try to get pictures and post them next week. We had a blast last year so I am hoping for some fun.

Also, last week Eddie and I were able to go on a 2 day retreat for our 22nd anniversary. It was wonderful! 22 years!! I still can't believe it. It has been a great ride. We went to a little, very charming bed and breakfast in the middle of SLC. We were the only ones there so it was a nice and quiet time. Amid a house full of kids, 4 of them grown ups, it's nice to have some quiet, peaceful moments. We ate at the Market Street Broiler (fabulous), The Lion House, Gandolfo's, and Olive Garden. We also went and saw "The Incredible Hulk". Definitely a good see. We loved it.

Jordin Sparks

2008-06-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ashleigh, Shelby, and Gracie got to go to the Jordin Sparks concert last night and had a blast.

In the picture below Jordin Sparks is taking pictures of the crowd from the sunroof of her Escalade and Shelby got a picture of it.

Last days of school and first days of summer

2008-06-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

A moment with Ashleigh and Emma

2008-05-20T17:25:00.001-07:00

Book shout out

2008-05-20T17:14:00.001-07:00

This is book 5 in the "Great and Terrible" series by Chris Stewart. I've been waiting and it's finally here and I read it in 2 days.

Loved it, Loved it, Loved it! I haven't found a bad book in the bunch yet. Now all I have to do is wait for number 6. When it comes to this series I'm not a patient person. LOL!

Random Pics of the last little while

2008-05-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Andrew's Jazz Concert

2008-05-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Andrew got to play a jazz solo and did such a fantastic job. We got it on video, but I can't seem to get it to download. Dang! So, here are a few pics from it. If you ever want to see the video let me know, it's awesome!

Kiri's Ice Skating final

2008-05-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Kiri has had so much fun with her ice skating class and she has learned so much! She skated to a song from the newer "Peter Pan" and played Tinkerbell. She didn't get to finish because they had to keep it to a minimum on time and of course you can hear me talking a couple of times (haha!), but as nervous as she was she did great!

Easter pics for 2008

2008-05-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

We had a nice Easter dinner and egg hunt at Aunty Kim's this year. I didn't get much in the way of the hunt pictures because the kids beat us there and when we finally made it down the street to the park, they were done. Oh well, they had a blast!

In honor of all the real mothers in my life

2008-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

I know it's a day late, but better late than never right?

REAL MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of shag carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask ' why me? ' and get their answer when a little voice says, ' because I love you best. '

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...

It is marked by the progression of Mama to Mom to Mother..

Happy Mother's Day!

Short update

2008-04-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of studying for finals and doing final projects, so my time on the computer has been real limited. I haven't even had any time to post anything with pictures for Easter. I'm just real stretched for time right now, so forgive me if you never see Easter pics until next Easter. My choir tour wasn't interesting enough for pictures, so I didn't take any. (for shame!)

So, in a nutshell....I'm too busy to blog right now. I will catch up later.

Easter pics will have to wait, I'm off for tour

2008-03-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Choir tour that is. We had a nice Easter day and I will give the deets and pics when I return. Gotta go and get some packing done. I'll tell all when I return.

Easter Sunday's food for thought

2008-03-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

We may not know what lies ahead of us.
We know not what the coming days will bring.
We live in a world of uncertainty.
But one thing we do know.
Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives.
He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the
very focus of our faith."

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Happy Easter everyone!

Sunday's Food for Thought

2008-03-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the devil to enter a door that is closed. He seems to have no keys for locked doors. But if a door is slightly ajar, he gets his toe in, and soon this is followed by his foot, then by his leg, and his body and his head, and finally he is in all the way.

President Spencer W. Kimball

Movie review

2008-03-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

Since I have a break from school, I went and finally saw this movie today. I've been wanting to see it since it came out. Well, I was not disappointed. I loved it! It was so cute and had a really great message. I will definitely be taking my family to see this one

123 book meme

2008-03-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Meme Rules:

1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Open to page 123, go down to the fifth sentence.
3. Post the text of the next three sentences on your blog.
4. Name of the book and the author.
5. Tag three people.

Tally collapsed onto the bed, covering her face with her hands and sobbing.

Peris sat next to her and held her for a while as she cried, then wiped her nose and sat her up.

"Look at you, Tally Youngblood."

"Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

This is a book my daughter is reading and loves

Here's the synopsis:
Tally was tired of being separated from her best friend, Peris. The last few months, trapped in Uglyville while Peris was in New Pretty Town, had been torture. Tally decided she had to see him, even if for only a few minutes, and escaped into New Pretty Town. She did manage to see Peris very briefly and he had changed inside and out. He was mildly pleased to see Tally and promised they would be best friends again when Tally became "pretty" in a few months. He helped her escape safely and, on her way back to Uglyville, she met Shay. Shay is another "ugly" who was also meeting a friend in New Pretty Town. She and Tally shared stories of their adventures. They became the best of friends, and Shay took Tally to the Rusty Ruins. She shared with her about a group of people who had run away to live in the forest by the ruin. Those people had decided not to become "pretty" and Shay was considering it too. She wanted Tally to run away with her and not become "pretty", but Tally wouldn't. Shay left without her. So, Tally became sixteen, and was on her way to the hospital for the "pretty" operation, when she found herself at Special Circumstances instead. A "cruel pretty" named Dr. Cable met with Tally and told her that either she could become a spy and go to the forest and activate a tracker (disguised as a pendant) so that the people living there could be arrested or she could stay "ugly" forever. Tally, thinking she really didn't have a choice, decided to become a spy and found the people who lived in the forest, called the Smoke. The Smokies, as they are called, don't trust her at first, but in time, she convinced them that she wanted to be there. Tally had to tell numerous lies to cover the truth and the lies get more and more complicated. In time, she decided that she really liked living there, developed a relationship with David, and wanted to become a Smokie. To show her commitment to the Smokies, and to David specifically, Tally threw her pendant into the fire. Unbeknownst to Tally, the pendant was programmed to go off even if it was damaged. The tracking signal was sent, and when Tally awoke, Special Circumstances had surrounded the Smoke. Will Tally, David, and the other Smokies escape or will they be captured and forced to become "pretty"?

I tag Kim, Natalie, and Jannet

Sunday's Food for Thought (on Monday)

2008-03-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

Since I was so busy yesterday, I didn't have an opportunity to get on the computer, so here is a thought for today:

Happiness keeps you sweet,
Trials keep you strong,
Sorrows keep you human,
Failures keep you humble,
Success keeps you glowing,
But only God keeps you going.

Happy Birthday Eddie!

2008-03-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

WE LOVE YOU!

New photo of the first presidency of the church

2008-03-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

All I can say is, inspiring and wonderful!

One of my favorite voices

2008-03-04T07:46:00.001-08:00

This is Ruthie Henshall from my favorite play of all...so far....Les Miserables
"I Dreamed a Dream"

I love plays....

2008-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

That's why it is so fun to have my kids involved in them.

I have seen: Me and My Girl, Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Crazy for you, The Secret Garden, A Christmas Carol, Jane Eyre, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of Penzance, Pride and Prejudice, Hello Dolly, Once on this Island, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Music Man, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and more that I can't remember right now.
This is my most recent favorite

Ashleigh got me hooked on the music and it made me really want to see the play. Well, guess what, it's on you tube. With none other than David Hasselhoff in the lead. You know, if you're old enough that is...Knight Rider. I loved Knight Rider!

He did an okay job on the music, but I do like the soundtrack from the original show the best. If you want to see it on you tube here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1MPNT9Ag1s

It has 16 parts, but it's worth the watch.

I've been tagged by Natalie

2008-03-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

TEN YEARS AGO...I was 33 yrs. old. I had Kiri (10), Ashleigh (8), Shelby (7), Andrew (5), and Gracie(1). Not much going on besides being a mom at this point. I was wrapped in school, diapers, carseats, bottles, toys, and more toys. Emma wasn't even a twinkle in my eyes yet.

FIVE PLACES I HAVE LIVED...

1. Racine, Wisconsin

2. Orem, Utah

3. New Rochelle, New York

4. Orem, Utah

5. Orem, Utah

Wow! I really know how to get around! heehee!

I ENJOY...Music, especially piano and voice, cooking, baking being my favorite, Journaling, going to school, being a mom, and date nights with my honey.

THREE BAD HABITS...

1. I'm a fatalist, but I'm improving on changing this habit

2. Okay, I'm being honest here...Yelling, with an occasional swear word.

3. Eating too much.

FIVE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME...

1. I love to sleep in.

2. I don't color my hair...Ever! Someday let me tell you that story.

3. I hate beans...Any kind and I won't Ever eat them again!! K, another story here.

4. I love, love, love movies.

5. Eddie and I will be married for 22 yrs. this June. BIG story here!

FIVE JOBS THAT I HAVE HAD...

1. Burger King through High School

2. Major Babysitting ages 8 through 21

3. Nanny in New York for 1 yr.

4. Arby's in College

5. Macey's service desk

And, I have to add one more, the most important of course...Mother extraordinaire.

I now tag, Kim, Ashleigh, Janet, Brianna, and Cheryl, and Eddie

Sunday's Food for Thought

2008-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

While our individual salvation is based on our individual obedience, it is equally important that we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family. When families are functioning as designed by God, the relationships found therein are the most valued of mortality. The plan of the Father is that family love and companionship will continue into the eternities. Being one in a family carries a great responsibility of caring, loving, lifting, and strengthening each member of the family so that all can righteously endure to the end in mortality and dwell together throughout eternity. It is not enough just to save ourselves. It is equally important that parents, brothers, and sisters are saved in our families. If we return home alone to our Heavenly Father, we will be asked, “Where is the rest of the family?” This is why we teach that families are forever. The eternal nature of an individual becomes the eternal nature of the family.

Elder Robert D. Hales

Here he is, Andrew, in "Me and My Girl"

2008-03-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

This was a good show!

Andrew's Musical....

2008-02-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

Andrew's play begins on Thursday, February 21st through Wednesday, February 27th with a matinee on Saturday, the 23rd. It oughta be a great play. It's at Canyon View Jr. High School starting at 7:00 pm each night. Here's a breakdown of the plot:
Who turns out to be the long-lost heir to the Baronetcy of Hareford, its 17th Baron and 8th Viscount? Lambeth's own Cockney sparrow, Bill Snibson, that's who. He has his own girlfriend, Sally, but that won't stop gold-digger Lady Jacqueline. She ditches her dumbfounded boyfriend, Gerald, when Mr Parchester, the family solicitor, presents Bill to the flabbergasted family as the new son and heir. But Bill has still to win the family's approval to inherit the title - and the money. If he doesn't, he'll be given an annuity and sent away. The formidable Duchess is determined Bill should stay, insisting that all will be well and, with a little grooming, Bill will be suitable to inherit. There will be an official reception to introduce him to the county set. But Sally is not to be invited. Bill faces up to the Duchess - no Sally, no Bill. But Sally doesn't want to come anyway - not to a posh party. The party goes ahead and Sally turns up in full Cockney get-up complete with a posse of pearly kings and queens who perform the 'Lambeth Walk' to prove Bill doesn't belong. But they are all invited to the reception and go into dinner.

Next day there's croquet on the lawn. In an effort to make him stay and take up his inheritance, the Duchess has persuaded Sally to tell Bill she no longer loves him. Sally does this, and slips out to an unknown destination. Bill, helped by Sir John and Parchester, is determined to find Sally (whom he still loves). He is urged on by a Ruddigore-like gallery of ghostly portraits of his ancestors.

Back at her landlady's Sally decides to move on. She's got a telegram from Bill and must escape. However, Sir John arrives and has a cunning plan for her. When Bill arrives, her landlady says she's not there, but Bill waits. He expends all his energy on locating Sally and bringing her back. Sir John makes the Duchess soften her attitude towards Bill's beloved. Bill finally rejects Lady Jacqueline and she returns to Gerald. Bill is making to leave when Sir John enters with a new Eliza Doolittle - it's a posh Sally! The Duchess is delighted and Bill has his girl!

Here she is...

2008-02-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

Shelby playing the role of Tracey, from Hairspray, in "You can't stop the beat" Don't you love the hair!!!

Update

2008-02-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

My new best friends:

I went to the dr. this morning and I have Bronchitis. Pretty nasty. He gave me a script for cough medicine, so I can get some rest, and then he gave me some antibiotics. Dr. said I should be feeling better within a couple of days. Yahoo!

Sick as a dog

2008-02-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's me! I'm finally giving in and heading to the doctor. I only got a couple hours of sleep last night because of my cough. Luckily Eddie got it more mild and the kids have been well so far. What's wrong with this picture? The mom can't get sick! Oh well, they're, I mean my family, is taking good care of me. What can I say, they're wonderful!

BTW, here's a link to find out about the cliche "Sick as a dog". I found it fascinating: http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-sic1.htm

We had the priviledge of going to President Hinckley's viewing

2008-02-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

All 9 of us were available and decided to take a family trip up to Salt Lake City for the viewing. When we finally made it around 4:00 we had to find where to get in line because there were so many people. After trying to find the end of a line, we were told that the one we were searching for was the "no purse line", "express" is what one of the missionaries called it, because you didn't need to go through major security. Well, 3 of us had purses. It took us almost a 1/2 hour to find the right line. It was 4:55pm.

The sun was starting to go down and I knew it would get real cold. Well, it did! We ended up outside for almost 3 hrs. and by the time we made it inside the conference center, we couldn't stop shaking. It was really hard for the little ones but we just kept saying "It would be worth it!" After a few meltdown's obviously brought on by the extreme cold, we made it inside and sat down for another 1 1/2 hrs. At least we were inside, sitting down, restrooms and water available and they even were showing some films of President Hinckley.

The cold physically exhausted us, so the rest was welcomed. Then about 20 minutes in another line and we were able to enter the room where President Hinckley laid. It was such a spiritual thing for us. He looked so peaceful. The Spirit was so strong in the room. All I can say is Beautiful!

I think our family will remember this forever. Eddie says even though we had a real tough time in the cold, he was so touched by how the children pulled together to find ways to keep each other warm. It really was quite amazing to see them come together to help each other out. This is one of those beautiful vista's President Hinckley was talking about in his train analogy. I still have to try and find that talk. Can't even remember the year or the topic. It any of you know please tell me.

Happy birthday to me!

2008-01-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a nice day. The kids decorated my car, and Ashleigh had all of her friends text me "Happy Birthday" as many times as they wanted to. I got 71 all together. It was really fun.

Then, when I got home the kids all had a surprise party for me. They even bought me a pinata and decorated the living room. We also played a game. Then we went to a nice dinner this evening.

I also got calls from LaJoy, my sis Kim, my friend Maxine and Claudia. I got some flowers from my friend Vicki, and some balloons from the Young Women's presidency in my ward.

All in all it was a great day!

I love my family!

(A virus attacked my kodak easyshare software so I can't load the pics we took of the party)

Guess who?

2008-01-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

In honor of my birthday tomorrow, I thought I'd show me as a cute widdle baby.
Sorry it's kinda blurry, I had to take a picture of a picture.

Me and my sister Kim

Me as a cute widdle girl

Me at about 13 yo (I loved that dress)

Our newest addition to the family

2008-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

A green (my favorite color btw) 1998 Chrysler Concorde. It seats 6. A couple in our ward were selling it for a really great deal and since I'm the only one driving most of the time during the days, we wanted to have something that is not such a gas guzzler. That means we'll be back to driving two cars again when the whole family goes somewhere, but we've done it before and the savings on gas will be nice. A van would've been nice, but it is out of the question with a tight budget. So, that means we're selling the Big Blue Whale. If you know anyone who wants a fixer upper with a great 5 yo engine let us know.

What's in my purse?

2008-01-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by my sister Kim, so here is what is in my purse right now. I'm always amazed at how much stuff we can fit into such small places!

Here's the list of things to look for:

Button
Ibuprofen
Wallet
Hand lotion
A 1$ bill
Cell phone
Two checkbooks
My 3 drivers licenses(old one, temp one, and new one I just got in the mail)
2 sets of keys
2 free tickets to the movies (from when I went to a movie and it cut out)
Carmex
Halls lozenges
Eye drops
Tampon
Pad
Palm pilot
Floss
Fingernail clippers
Lots of paper stuff (I don't want to get detailed, too boring)
Notebook
Toilet paper (don't want to get caught without that. Really just to wipe my nose)
Student card
Costco card
Temple recommend
And many other cards (again, too boring to mention all of them)
Sunglasses
Paperclips

Okay, I don't know who to tag because Kim has already done it, and tagged Natalie. So, if you have a blog and find yourself reading this, consider yourself TAGGED!

White Beauty

2008-01-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

If there is anything the Simmons' love, it is snow. And lots of it! It snowed quite a bit about a week ago, but I never got pics. So today we decided to try. It snowed quite a bit again and boy what perfect timing. Eddie took some of the kids sledding since it was a holiday. They had a blast!

William was out nice and early trying to shovel with a shovel bigger than him, but he was out first thing this morning and had a grand time.

Shelby.....the new Tracey from "Hairspray"

2008-01-18T15:44:00.000-08:00

Shelby got to play the part of Tracey in the finale of her Musical Theater Showcase last Friday. She did terrific. My camera died so my friend took pics for me and hopefully I will be posting them as soon as she emails them to me.

Shelby's hair was so cute. They teased it all up and she had flipped it out. She did an amazing job and got a LOT of compliments and even a few..."I didn't know you sang so good Shelby!"

I can't wait to post pics!

Andrew is now 15

2008-01-18T15:41:00.001-08:00

He celebrated his birthday on January 4th. He will start High School come Fall. And, he has a lot less hair now after a recent hair cut! LOL!

I got the chance to sing at the State Capitol

2008-01-18T15:29:00.001-08:00

With my UVSC choir. It was a neat experience, especially since I had never had it. Some of my kids had with their school choirs. The new renovations are beautiful to say the least. Eddie and I got the chance to go together and enjoy seeing all the historical aspects of the building. It was a show youreself around type tour. Such a beautiful building. We think we will take the kids up for a tour sometime soon.

Buss family Christmas party

2008-01-18T14:53:00.001-08:00

This was from our Buss family Christmas party. I know, I know.....it has taken me a bit longer than I wanted but here they are. Thanks to our gracious host and hostess, my brother Rob and his wife Edy, we had a blast!

Back to school

2008-01-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

The kids and I are back to school and all is going well. I love this new semester. I'm taking:
Advanced Music Theory
Acapella
Private Piano lessons
Intro to Social Work
and an institute class.

It snowed a ton today and the kids are out basking in the snow. Rolling, sliding, jumping and all out having a blast. It was interesting getting to school this morning early because it was still snowing and the roads were pretty bad, but thank goodness for 4 wheel drive. I made it without any problems and by the time I finished school the roads looked good. Then I came home and put my muscles into shoveling all this white beauty.

Our Simmons family dinner...

2007-12-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-12-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-11-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-21T09:03:00.001-08:00

I am definitely a carnivore! heehee!

YUM!

2007-11-20T21:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

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

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

2007-11-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

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.