SimonSays 6

Redirecting our blog

2011-11-02T08:57:00.001-04:00

Well apparently it is possible to run out of room on a blog. Who knew? I had posted so many pictures over the last few years, that my blog simply couldn't hold anymore. After much deliberation on whether or not to eliminate postings or simply start an additional blog, I chose the latter. My hope is you will continue to enjoy the many adventures of the Simons Family. Join us as we laugh together, cry together, learn together and support each other through it all.

Simonsays6 Part II is located at http://mjdkln6.blogspot.com/

Join us there!

Finally Finished Unpacking

2011-08-05T00:51:00.002-04:00

I cannot begin to tell you how much I dislike moving and unpacking.

Whereas it has been very fun to come into this house and create a home from it, I have gotten so sick of having this wall full of unpacked boxes needing addressed.

This week I had a few days off and decided to finish this.

What a great feeling to have a clean room again.

Jonathan is already fantasizing about the pool table he would like to go into this space :D

Thieman Family Reunion 2011

2011-07-31T23:19:00.016-04:00

Thieman Family Reunion

July 31st, 2011

Harrison Lake State Park

Let's eat!

Dylan doing his "thing"

Jonathan and Uncle Steve chat

Lining up for Kid Games

Kyle plays with Baby Glenn

Our fearless leader, Katie shows the kids how to play the Oreo game

Luke is gonna give it a try

Working it on down

Group #1

Aunt Barb watches

Nicholas eating his Oreo...He caught on really fast

Dylan's such a good sport (He really didn't want oreo cookie all over his face)

Luke throwing the cookie up in the air and trying to catch it in his mouth

Nicholas and his prize. He won the Oreo game for his group

Nick Tillman and Luke Simons

Dylan hides behind Nicholas

Nicholas T. and Luke partner up for the Beach Ball Relay

Dylan and Nicholas partners

This is fun!

Ray Bosch and his partner Matthew

Nicholas plays

The Fishing Game

Luke plays too

Luke gets his fish in

Visiting

Luke's Prize

Brothers

Nicholas with Yankee Doodle

Luke

Cuddle Time

Mama and Papa Bear

Enjoying the beautiful day together

Cuddling with my sweetheart

This picture reminds me of Twilight

Kyle

The kids swimming in Harrison Lake

Dylan playing with his brothers

Air borne

Luke's turn now

It's funny because I have pics here in the same lake 5 or 6 years ago with Jonathan throwing the boys in the water...now it's Dylan :D

The kids had a great day

Maria and Jonathan

Best Friends

The Simons Adventures at Cedar Point

2011-07-08T23:41:00.010-04:00

My guys ready for a fun day!

Cedar Point here we come!

The very first ride they went on

They are off!

Fun times!

Jonathan

Our boys!

What's next?

Dylan riding with Nicholas

They were excited to go on this ride because they didn't get a chance to go on it last year.

Ready to go!

Maxair

Dylan and Nicholas

Mom doesn't like the rides. She just comes along to facilitate the fun

We were playing around while we waited for the others to go on the Wicked Twister.

Jonathan, Luke and Kyle were unable to go on the Wicked Twister because it started Thunder and Lightning

Making silly faces!

Now what? Many of the rides shut down due to the weather.

We wouldn't be able to get our money back...

The kids decided to play in the rain

We try to teach our kids to make the best out of whatever situation they find themselves in

Wet Monkeys!

We ended up finding some rides open in the pouring rain

Nicholas riding the Matterhorn

Dylan and Kyle

He's such a happy kid

Riding the Mine Ride

The Mine Riders

They were already wet...why not go on Thunder Canyon?

Luke on Snake River Falls

There they go

Jonathan and Kyle

Here they come!

Nicholas and Dylan soaked in the front row

The Millenium Force Riders

Mantis!

Kyle was excited to ride the Dragster!

The day went down hill after this.

I think everyone started getting tired.

Nicholas decided throw one of his tantrums and wouldn't come with us...there was a communication breakdown and Luke took off alone to the Wind Seeker. Jonathan and Kyle went to find Luke. I stayed where he disappeared from, in case he returned. Nicholas decided he was going to the car, so I sent Dylan with him. Jonathan found Luke. I headed to the car. Got to the car and there wasn't any Nicholas or Dylan. Dylan had forgotten to bring his cell phone with him that day. So, I'm calling Jonathan frantic! He starts searching for them in the park, while I drive all over the parking lot looking for our boys. Jonathan got security looking for our boys, too. Not finding them, I finally went to the gate entrance/exit to wait for them. Knowing they couldn't leave without my seeing them. Jonathan and the other two boys met up with me. As soon as we caught up on what had been happening, Kyle looks up at the Carousel and says "Look Mom, they are right there!" RELIEF!

Even with the "bumps" in the day, we had a great Family Day!

Happy Homeowners

2011-06-29T18:29:00.002-04:00

This last year has been quite the adventure for us. In July we received a surprise visit from our landlords, inquiring what our intentions were with buying the house we were currently renting? We reaffirmed that we would begin to look in the fall (as originally agreed upon). Two weeks after school started, we received a phone call informing us that our landlords had some misfortune earlier in the year when he had been laid off. The rent we were paying had been used to supplement their lack of income and now they were facing foreclosure on the house we were living in. This news overwhelmed us. Needing a handicapped accessible house for Gramma and two children on IEP's in school (needing to stay in their schools), the prospect of moving on such short notice was daunting.

We began looking in to purchasing the house, only to discover that the Fannie Mae Laws regarding how long a buyer needed to wait before purchasing another house after bankruptcy had changed. We talked to a few lenders and they told us the same thing. We would NOT be able to purchase the house. This was sort of a relief to us because we had prayed on multiple occasions regarding whether or not we should buy this house and never felt a confirmation that we should. We knew if we bought the house because we were in a jam, we would ultimately regret it.

Our landlords began looking into "working things out with the bank" to avoid foreclosure. They had us sign another lease because "the bank was requiring there to be a signed lease." They assured us to continue paying the rent and they would work things out. There wasn't really anything suitable out there for us to rent, so we didn't have much choice in the matter.

In January, I began receiving texts from my landlords again asking "what our intentions with the house were?" We explained that the amount they were hoping for the house was way beyond what we were really willing to pay for the house. Living in the house for 2 1/2 years, we were well aware of the "problems" with the house and knew there would need to be a good deal of money invested into the house in the next 10 years. She told me they would put the house on the market in the Spring and if they couldn't sell would consider selling us the house as a "short sale."

Over the next few months we would observe people pulling up outside the house, taking notes, and taking pictures. Having foreclosed on a house, we were familiar with this process. On March 19th, one of the kids came and awakened us informing me that someone was at the door for us. I came to the door to discover someone from the landlord's bank there to "serve them with papers". Imagine both of our surprise when they discovered that we were tenants. Jonathan and I became gravely concerned. The pieces of this puzzle just weren't matching up. Supposedly the bank was aware we were renting this house, and now they were surprised we lived there? We didn't feel like we were being dealt with honestly.

We attended a wedding that day and discussed what we had experienced with my Mom and Jim and a friend of ours who is a lawyer. Our lawyer friend looked up on the Lucas County Docket and showed us exactly what had been transpiring between our landlords and the courts. The evidence was right in front of us, the house was set to be foreclosed on in May. We were counseled to stop paying rent to the landlords, place the rent in a holding account, and start looking for another place to live. He also gave us the name of the bank he works for to inquire if we might not be able to buy a house after all.

We called the bank and found out that we could indeed qualify for a 80/20 loan. We saved our income tax refund and that would be the 5% money down required. There was a house I had driven past, that I was really interested in. But by the time we started the search, it had been sold. I went on Danberry.com and started looking for houses that met our criteria. We were matched up with a realtor, Lori Stephens through Danberry...who we just loved. And the search began. We went through many houses. The house we ended up in attracted me from the beginning. When I saw it on the website, it went to the top of my list. When we went through the house, I felt like it was home. We looked at some others, but we kept coming back to this one. The house didn't seem ideal for Gramma, so we kept trying to find something else. After a great deal of prayer and consideration, we ended up putting an offer in on this one and our offer was accepted.

We no sooner had our accepted offer and Gramma started getting very sick. Before I knew it they were telling me that her kidneys had failed and we were making her a Comfort Care patient. Initially, I raised my hands to the heavens and ask "why on earth this was happening now, when we already had so much stress in our lives?" The answer came to me immediately... Gramma wouldn't be moving to the new house with us. She would pass away before we were able to move. This would allow us to bring her home, allow her to die at home like she wanted, and not have to remain in the house where those memories of her death lingered. It suddenly made perfect sense why this house on Colgate was the house for us.

The process of buying our house as a "short sale" was a stressful one. Buying this house and getting it for the price we are, is saving us $600 a month in housing. That is a beautiful prospect. What we were paying in rent on our house on Talmadge was really maxing us out. Our house payment is much more realistic for us to achieve now. The landlords fought us during this whole process, but we were able to come up with an amicable arrangement. There have been lots of ups and downs and a few occasions where we thought we had lost the house, but today we became the Happy Homeowners of our new home on 5008 Colgate Rd.

We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father's wisdom in leading us to the right paths and right people to allow this to happen. A huge burden has been lifted off of our shoulders!

Now it is time to get to work!

Gramma's Eulogy

2011-06-04T11:01:00.001-04:00

Since Gramma's passing, I have been busy making arrangements for Gramma's Celebration of Life Service, finishing up the Celebration of Life video, and writing Gramma's Eulogy. Here is what I wrote...

"As I read Gramma's obituary this morning, I was struck with how much you wouldn't know about her and her life by reading it. Sure you learned when she was born, when she died, people who loved her and those she loved. But where did it tell you the kind of person she was? The life that she lived? What her interests and passions might be? Where did it tell you that her favorite color was Turquoise. She loved to dance. She loved to eat. She loved to laugh. She loved cats. She loved plants and nurturing life. She loved beauty. She loved the scriptures and had an abiding faith in God.

Where did it tell you that the best thing she ever did in this life was to become a mother? That she loved it so much, that she couldn't have enough children...having 13 of her own. Risking her very own life having 6 simultaneous ceasarean sections. That just when she thought it couldn't be any better to be a mother, she became a grandmother...learning she had only begun to understand her capacity for love. Where did it tell you her favorite place in the entire world was to be surrounded by her family? That she loved her family more than her very own life.

Where did it tell you that the greatest losses she ever endured came by way of the pains endured by her own children? Early in her life she was introduced to loss. She lost her mother when she was barely a woman herself. She lost her first born daughter Paula when she was just a baby. She lost her 9 year old son Greg when he was riding his bike. She lost her son Roy to the ravaging effects of cancer. And she lost her son, Michael through the devastating effects of depression. These losses were deep and even crippling at times for her. Henry James once said, Sorrow comes in great waves…but it rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us it leaves us on the spot and we know that if it is strong we are stronger inasmuch as it passes and we remain." Gramma struggled with the effects of loss the remaining days of her life, but through this loss she discovered life should be enjoyed, not endured and more importantly "What we have once enjoyed, we never lose. All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us." (Helen Keller)

Through Gramma's example we have learned to continue to put one foot in front of another, hold our heads up high, and to just keep moving. She taught us that loving others might bring loss, but it also brings great happiness, peace and joy into our lives. She taught us "Sometimes forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way." (Gordon B. Hinckley). If you could sum up one word to describe her, it would be the word “love.” She may have been tiny, but her barely five foot frame belies her unending capacity to love.

When Jonathan and I were in the midst of our whirlwind romance, I had the occasion to accompany him to a family birthday party for his cousin Greg. This was the very first time I would get the opportunity to meet Mary Ruth. As we walked into the house, the first person I saw was her. It was difficult not to notice her because as we walked into the room, she completely lit up the moment that she saw Jon. I witnessed the adoration in her eyes as she came over and held on to him, kissing and hugging him and letting him know how he had been missed by her. I knew in that moment that she loved this man, I was learning to love myself...more than I could even begin to ever really fathom. She cherished him and I felt a sudden responsibility to understand her treasure. From that time, I have witnessed time and time again, Gramma's delight in seeing and spending time with those she loves. Whether you are a spouse, daughter, son, grandchild, nephew, niece, cousin or friend...she loves and delights in you.

On that first day that I met Mary Ruth, I never fathomed the impact she would have on my life and the relationship we would share. She was more than a mother/grandmother in law...she was my friend. Over the years we have shared laughter and tears. She has taught me lessons about forgiveness, love, commitment, and devotion I couldn't have learned from any other person. She blessed our lives in numerous ways and taught our family the way love grows through sacrificing for another. The world was a better place because she was in it.

Gramma will be missed greatly as part of our family traditions, household and daily lives. We were privileged to have her for the time that we did. It will take me some time not to have her be my first thought as I awaken in the morning.

Mary Ruth would not want us to focus on the sadness of her death, but instead look at the happiness we still have in our lives. She was very specific in her wishes for us to gather together, embrace one another, eat good food (because we all know how she loved good food), and remember her fondly. She would want us to look at each other and appreciate what we have together and what we hope to make better. She would want us to remember her love and to keep loving one another. She would want us to pass on this love to our children. She wants us to know that life does go on. She is with us always. And she WILL see us again! She has great faith in the promises given to us in the scriptures. She is with the Father and the Son! She is surrounded by those she loves. Families really are forever! I bear you this solemn witness, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

A mother's hands

2011-06-02T21:44:00.002-04:00

"A mother holds her children's hands for a while and their hearts forever."

We have been on a definite adventure the last few months. In January, Gramma started communicating her sense of wearing down and being ready to leave this life. In February, the circulation in her legs became so poor that she almost required a bilateral above the knee amputation. Luckily, we got her to the hospital in time. She continued to get weaker and weaker and more and more ornery. We did the best we could for her, but the day to day pain was exhausting for her.

On Mother's Day we had a fun-filled day, taking her to Chris and Diane's for a lunch cookout and then to my Mom and Dad's for dinner. After a week of not bouncing back from Mother's day, I took her to the hospital convinced she was probably having another UTI. She was pretty confused most of the time when we were down in the Emergency Room and got downright ornery when we got her up to her hospital room. She got it in her mind that she wanted to watch "Pirates of the Caribbean" and was pretty disgusted with me for not making it happen for her.

A couple of days later, I received a phone call from the Case Manager informing me that she was in Renal Failure to the point where she would require Dialysis. Gramma has said for years that she NEVER wanted to go through Dialysis. Since I am her Health Care Power of Attorney, it was up to me to decide whether the time had come to make her a Comfort Care. The plan was decided to finish treating her infection and then bring her home, where she would want to be. I went up later that day and she looked pretty good, sitting up in the chair, feeding herself, and oriented. I reviewed with her whether it was still her desire not to do Dialysis and she agreed that she didn't want to go that route. I saw her Wednesday and Thursday and whereas she didn't look as good as she had on Tuesday, she still didn't look as bad as when I had brought her in. The discharge to home was set for Friday.

Jonathan and I were stunned when we walked in on Friday to pick her up. She was lethargic, confused, and incredibly weak. We were barely able to get her home on our own, but we managed to get her home preparing ourselves for what the remainder of her time might consist of. They discharged her late on a Friday, making it difficult to coordinate the services we would need for Gramma over the weekend. Fortunately, I had given the agency that provided her Nursing Assistants a heads up that I would be needing help over the weekend. We cancelled any plans over the weekend and planned on providing the care she would require.

It was a challenge! Jonathan had never taken care of someone who was a total care patient before, so I had to teach him how to transfer her, turn her, dress her, feed her, bather her, change her....EVERYTHING. She had already started to sleep a lot and her interactions with us were limited.

By Sunday, she had gone even further down hill. We couldn't even transfer her into a chair because she couldn't even sit up and she wasn't really eating much at all. It was a challenge just to get her meds into her. Fortunately I was able to get an HCD that night from work, because that was when the phone calls really began as Gramma's children realized that their mother might be dying soon. We spent hours on the phone helping them to understand, attempting to help them gain peace, and allowing them the opportunity to express their love to her over the phone and some of them in person.

Monday, I called her case manager through Passport and maxed her services to having a Nursing Assistant there 8 hours a day. Gramma was taking lots of care and not knowing how long this might continue on, we had to return to work. The help was essential for us. Her longtime aid, Melinda Grimes altered her life around immediately and was there for us helping us through. Having Melinda there really eased our minds, because we knew that Gramma knew her and trusted her...and we knew her and trusted her. I went to the grocery store and bought her favorite foods, hoping that we might be able to persuade her into eating more.

Gramma continued to go down hill quickly and within a few days we called her Doctor's office and had them consult Southern Care Hospice for her.

Friday, Tommy and Camelia came to visit Gramma. At the same time, the Hospice Nurse and Social Worker came to open Gramma's case and begin providing services. She declined even more over the weekend, and we weren't sure how much longer she would be with us.

On Memorial Day most of the family arrived. There was a hub bub of activity as The Riegers, The Bullocks and Naomi all came to town to see Gramma. Teresa and Ken came. Kenny and Sarah came. Kevin came. Elisa and Bob came. Chris and Diane were there. April, Tim and Jamie were there. If there weren't family members physically here, they were here via the phone. The house was filled with people who loved her....and their love enveloped Gramma.

Feeling the love and energy from her children, Gramma started to perk up. Gramma loved her children and grandchildren deeply. She loved spending time with them. Their presence with her now was a precious gift to her.

Tuesday and Wednesday was filled with visitors in and out. On Wednesday night, I challenged Nicole and Michelle now that they had their opportunities to express their love and make their peace with Mom, that it was time for them to think about giving her permission to go. This was a hard conversation to have, and their hearts were heavy...but we all knew that it was time.

The next morning I couldn't even get Gramma to swallow yogurt to take her meds. Michelle showed up early, appearing as if she hadn't slept, requesting some private time with her mother. I left to run some errands to afford her this opportunity. While I was gone, I called Hospice and asked that they get the Morphine and Ativan to us in case she begins to get agitated or painful. I was only gone a few hours, when Melinda, the nursing assistant called and informed me that Gramma's breathing was starting to become labored and rattling. I hurried home.

The meds came that afternoon. By dinner time, Gramma's breathing and agitation was worsening. Michelle and I decided to give her the Morphine and Ativan to help ease some of her agitation. Shortly after, the family all began arriving. I texted Krisi (who works for Southern Care Hospice) and let her know what was happening. She came to offer support. We opened the bedroom window to allow for some air circulation and Nicholas thought it was good fun to come to the window from the outside and scare everyone. I had asked him to stop, but as usual he thought he knew better.

About 9 pm, there were several people gathered in Gramma's room. She started to act agitated again. It was too soon to give her another dose of meds. So Nicole and Michelle started singing "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. They started dancing around. Watching the labored breathing increase, I looked at Krisi inquiring if she might be dying right at this moment? Krisi's eyes told me "she thought so". I looked over at Gramma and she made a pained expression and took her last breath. I went upstairs and grabbed my stethoscope. When I returned to the room and listened, I confirmed for everyone that she was gone. Right at that moment, Nicholas came to the window and scared us all again. Grrrrr! This was at 9:05 pm, but we had to wait for the Hospice Nurse to arrive to officially call her time of death at 9:29 pm.

The rest of the evening consisted of goodbyes, tears, and consoling one another. Since May of 2005, we have been on this care giving journey with Gramma. We were with her every step of the way and did all that we could. In that time we had a lot of laughter, tears, and tons of growth. She taught our family things we couldn't have learned in any other way. We feel her absence in our lives for the time being, but we know we are so much richer from the love we received from her. We KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will be with her again.
Gramma, We love you deeply and miss you desperately!
"Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be all right!"

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T21:06:00.007-04:00

Kyle made this for me for Mother's Day

~ The mother of boys works from son up to son down~

The best choice I ever made was becoming a mother

My gift from Nicholas

He is my tender one...when he wants to be

He even held a bouquet of flowers just for me :)

Dylan

After church we went to Chris and Diane's for a Lunch Cook Out to celebrate Mother's Day with Gramma

Nicholas

Jonathan and Gramma enjoying the beautiful sunshine at Chris and Diane's

Papa Bear with his pretty flower donned by his Granddaughters

We went from Chris and Diane's to my Mom and Dad's

We were happy that Gramma decided she wanted to come along here too.

Dad got me flowers for Mother's Day...I sure love him :D

Uncle Jeff holding Preston

Britain holding her Dandelion bouquet

Mackay

Smile Preston :D

Samantha and Britain give Gramma love

She taught me all she knows about being a Mom

Kyle holding Preston

Dylan presents Mom with her gifts from us

First is the poem written by Jeff...yep she cried :D

Then he helps put on her Eternally Yours bracelet

We are so lucky to call you our own

The Eternally Yours bracelet we bought for Mom

Luke turns 13

2011-05-02T20:49:00.003-04:00

We have ourselves another teenager in the house.

It's Luke's Birthday! Luke chose Applebee's for his birthday dinner.
This picture was by our table.
Luke thought it was cool, since it is the year he was born

Luke deciding what he would like to eat and drink

Our birthday boy!

Luke's Birthday Sundae

Luke birthday shopping

Happy Birthday Luke!

Easter Egg Coloring 2011

2011-04-24T20:41:00.003-04:00

The two older boys have kind of lost interest, but the two younger ones still like to color Easter Eggs
Luke being silly

Eating the cracked eggs is fun too

Luke and Nicholas

Nicholas coloring his Easter Egg

True blue Nicholas! He is such a character :D

Easter Morning

2011-04-24T20:34:00.002-04:00

Nicholas with his Easter Basket Findings
Luke

Kyle

Dylan

Now we are off to church to celebrate the true meaning of Easter

We are so grateful for the Atonement and Resurrection and what they mean to us in our lives

Seminary Trip to Kirtland

2011-04-16T10:30:00.000-04:00

This year the Seminary class studied the Doctrine and Covenants

It seemed appropriate for them to take a field trip to Kirtland, OH

Brother Harvey Miller taught them the majority of the year.

Back row: Dylan Simons, Steven Klepacz, Brother Miller, Devin Jastal, and Kyle Simons

Middle row: Sam Marco, Kaylyn Johnston, Laura Klepacz

Front row: Genevieve Ostler and Amanda Kasch

Kyle sitting in the School of Prophets

Emma Smith's Hymnal

Temple Key

Dylan and Kyle were able to solidify their testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith and his experiences, the value of the scriptures and the importance in feasting upon the words of Christ.

We are so grateful for the blessing of seminary.

It may seem difficult to get up early before school and attend, but the blesssings you receive as a result are exponential.

Dylan's trip to Disney World

2011-04-07T23:44:00.002-04:00

Dylan had the great opportunity to travel with Northview Orchestra and perform at Walt Disney World over Spring Break
Dylan's best buddy, Danny

Dylan plays with his light saber

Dylan having fun in the sun

Dylan, Sam, and Danny

Jayla and Dylan

at EpcotDanny, Jayla, Dylan and Patrick inside of Chinese Epcot

We had initially planned on taking a family vacation down to Disney World, but I was unable to get the time off of work and then we decided that we would need to buy a house this year. We knew the saved money would be better served going toward a house.

It was a nerve wracking experience sending Dylan across the country on his own. I got him a cell phone. We checked and double checked that he had all he needed. We sent him with money and had lengthy conversations regarding the budgeting of his money. He would need to pay for about half of his meals and could use the rest of the money for souvenirs.

A couple of days before he was to arrive home, Dylan texted me and informed me that he only had $40 left. The last couple of days, he was primarily responsible for his meals. I initially panicked, and began looking for ways to get more money to Dylan. But the more I thought about it, the more I began to realize that my bailing Dylan out would not teach him anything. Dylan needed to suffer the natural consequences of his choices. I counselled with him and instructed him on stretching his money out the best he could.

The next day he texted me and informed me that he had lost the remainder of the money. They were then on their way home. It was agony to stand firm, but I knew he wouldn't starve in one day. He was certainly hungry when he returned, but learned a great lesson.

By the way...Dylan did find the lost money when he returned home inside of his wallet.

That Boy!

Birthday message for Jonathan

2011-04-05T12:14:00.001-04:00

Today is a very special day! Today is my sweetheart's birthday! I must confess I have received the greatest gift in having you, Jonathan! May all of your birthday wishes come true

My heart walking around on the outside of my body

2011-04-05T11:39:00.001-04:00

There is no doubt, my child, that I gave you life; but you, my darling, returned the favor.

My life was good. I was happy, successful, and thriving; but there was a part of me that has always known the richness and magic I was missing without you. It felt like I was living only a half-life. The things I held so dear, in which I invested so much time and effort and belief – those things were important and still exist, but they have been voluntarily relegated to a much lesser place in my heart.

How could they ever compete with you, my child? You who can make me laugh, and make me sing? You show me the world in bright new colors, arrayed in all its impossible possibilities. In your mind and heart there are no barriers, no shackles. The world is your oyster, and so it is mine as well. With my hand in yours, my eyes can suddenly see that all doors are open.

Each moment of wonder that you experience gives me back some of my own wonder. And wonder is love – humble and awe-inspiring love. We drink in the world together – each blade of grass, each butterfly, each unbroken dream. You restore my faith in all that is good in the world. You bring hope and love surging through my heart in a tidal wave of emotion that feels like euphoria.

Everything is new and exciting and holds the potential for joy.

You have no prejudices and no preconceptions. You have this unwavering faith not only in God, but in mankind. You take the world as it comes to you, embracing each moment and each experience with open arms and an open mind. You find joy in the simplest of things – a puddle, a shiny stone, a pile of leaves. And your joy is contagious. It infects me. It infects everyone around you. It gathers strength like a tornado spinning, spiraling, bringing smiles and laughter.

You are not afraid to sing out loud or dance in broad daylight. You do cartwheels for no reason and giggle ceaselessly when you fall. You give me the courage to be myself, to try new things, to open my heart to all the possibilities in my own life. You remind me what it feels like to be truly young at heart, believing that the world was made just for me and I was made to bring magic into it.

My child, my life. We have given each other so much already. I can hardly wait to see what the future holds in store for us. I love you with all of my heart <3

Dylan leaves for Disney

2011-04-01T12:07:00.002-04:00

Dylan is traveling to Disney World with the Northview Orchestra
There is excitement in the air

We're gonna miss him

Have fun!

Disney Concert for Parents

2011-03-31T23:20:00.003-04:00

The Northview Orchestra leaves for their Spring Break Trip down to

perform in Disney World.

I can't get enough pictures of Dylan in his tux. He is so handsome!

Tonight they practice their performance for us

Playing Disney favorites like "A Whole New World"

They did an excellent job!

Dylan and Ben Pfifer

IEP

2011-03-25T11:10:00.002-04:00

I remember the days not too long ago, when I absolutely dreaded my appointments to renew the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for Luke and Kyle (and even at one point Dylan). There's nothing like having a bunch of "experts" sit around a table and inform you of the many things that your child struggles with and future struggles that may be experienced. I have walked out of many of these meetings overwhelmed and despondent.

Today I was able to have a different experience. The High School experience at Southview High School for Kyle has been surreal. We started the school year with me informing Kyle's case manager, Mandy Ballantyne of all of the do's and don'ts with Kyle and her looking at Kyle and saying "Kyle we are in High School now. We don't need your mom to know every little thing you do. High Schoolers don't behave that way in High School." I scoffed at her thinking "Just wait sister. You will see!"

I have been pleasantly surprised to be free of any behavior problems from Kyle. I have not received one phone call this year regarding behavior. The Dean of Discipline doesn't even know who I am. In addition,Kyle has remained on the Honor Roll each quarter this year.

When we sat in his IEP meeting, I was informed that we needed to remove the behavior element from his IEP because there wasn't any evidence in the last year to support it. Initially, I was struck with fear. There is security in knowing that there is a step by step process and goals for Kyle when it comes to his behavior established in his IEP. On the same note, I am so grateful to have had the reduction in stress and not only witnessing in Kyle's maturing, but hope that there may be an end in sight of constantly dealing with Kyle's behavior problems. Makes me think we are on the right path for him. I am so grateful for the right people being in the right places at the right times to help my children. Mrs. Ballantyne is exactly what Kyle needs.

Conversation with Nicholas

2011-03-21T17:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight as I was standing at the kitchen counter, shredding chicken for dinner and trying to get Nicholas to complete his homework the following conversation ensued...
Nicholas: "Mom, why are you still wearing your pajamas?"
Me: "Because I worked last night Nicholas."
Nicholas: "Do you work tonight?"
Me: "No, but my idea of a good day is NOT having to get out of my pajamas."
Nicholas: "Then can I have a good day tomorrow." (meaning not going to school)
He's a quick one I tell ya :D

Be nice

2011-03-20T10:57:00.002-04:00

Recently, I received my job evaluation which was exceptional except for one area. Our floor has incorporated a Peer Evaluation component into our job eval format. One of the comments made in one of my peer evaluations referred to the fact that I don't always communicate kindly with my fellow co-workers. I was greatly disturbed by this, not because I disagree that I can tend to be harsh at times because I know I can, but moreso because we have been counselled in our Unit Practice Council to hold our peers accountable and be willing to say the "hard" things to them to ensure quality patient and nursing care. This seemed to me to be a contradiction, one moment I am being asked to hold my co-workers accountable, and in the next moment I am being marked off on my job evaluation as a result. Because I have a difficult time not internalizing things, I have really been struggling with this.

Today, I was really touched when I came across this quote by Gordon B. Hinckley...."I come to you tonight with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we try to 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. Now I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man or woman who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his or her course.

"What I am suggesting is that you turn from the negativism that so permeates our modern society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom you associate, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my wise father would say: 'Cynics do not contribute. Skeptics do not create. Doubters do not achieve.' "

I've decided rather than allowing this experience to make me feel badly about the kind of person I am or to defeat me, that I will grow from this. I have made an index card of this quote that I will carry with me. When I feel the temptation to be unkind, I will read this quote to remind me that we all need a little more kindness in this world.

Fun times at Adam and Chelle's Reception

2011-03-19T20:18:00.003-04:00

Our assigned table

Mom and Dad sat with us

The kids loved these chairs..they pretended they were their thrones

Luke with his royal guards

Dylan's Class Ring

2011-03-15T12:34:00.001-04:00

Dylan received his class ring today

He designed his own ring. This side has a cello

This side represents his artistic side

He chose the purple stone...even though his birthstone is topaz

Gramma's 76th Birthday

2011-03-04T22:09:00.000-05:00

We were blessed to celebrate another birthday with Gramma today. This year has been tough on her with her body and memory really declining. She announced to me in January that she was ready to move on to the next life. Tired of the constant pain and feeling very little quality to her day in and day out. As heartbreaking as this was to hear, I understood where she was coming from. We have been a part of that day in and day out and continual struggle that she has.

With this in mind, we are especially grateful to have another birthday with her. We went and celebrated her birthday with her favorite people...her children and grandchildren, eating her favorite food (seafood) at Red Lobster. Happy Birthday Gramma! We love you more than words

Samantha Lake's Baptism

2011-02-26T20:26:00.004-05:00

Samantha Jenelle Lake's Baptism Day
Sam's Great to be Eight Donuts

Samantha was more than willing to make a promise to her Heavenly Father and she wanted to follow him with all of her heart,
but having to be dunked under water to do so was a terrifying proposition.
Samantha faced her fears and "took the plunge"

Dad and Mom

Gramma and Grampa Browne

Gramma and Grampa Cady

The confirmation circle
Grampa Cady, Dad, Uncle Jonathan, and Grampa Browne

Sam and Sam
Sister Nickles has been serving in the Bowling Green Ward for quite some time.
In fact, she was in their ward when Gramma and Grampa Cady were married.
I inquired about the length of her stay, and she replied "yeah, really I'm not even technically on my mission any longer. I just can't let my mission experience go." She was joking of course, but she had me going for just a moment.

Aunt Linda

The Lake Family

Vivi and Sam

My Parker, how you've grown!

Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Maria

Samantha and Britain

Sailor and Luke...Two peas in a pod
Congratulations Samantha!
We are very proud of the choice you have made.

No Power

2011-02-21T22:08:00.002-05:00

Last night, Mother Nature sent us freezing rain. Limbs began to fall off trees, roads were hazardous, and electric lines began to blow. At 11:10 pm last night we lost power. Everyone else was asleep, so we just went to sleep for the night hoping that the electricity would be restored by morning.

At 5 am I was awakened by gun shot like noises. I looked out the window and could see the electric transformer up the block blowing and releasing a huge bolt of light. At this point we knew there was a slight likelihood that the electricity would be returning back on for some time.

After a lot of thought and prayer, Jonathan and I decided the best course of action would be to pack everyone up and risk traveling to Bowling Green to stay with my parents. We had confirmed with them that they still had electricity. We knew that we could probably rough it, but Gramma would never be able to tolerate being in a home with no heat or electricity.

The kids were pretty excited for the adventure of going to Gramma and Grampa's, knowing full well that we would make sure their needs were cared for.

The snow started as we headed out their way. Once we got settled in, and warmed up, Grampa asked if Dylan would like to go out and use the snow blower to keep up with the snow fall.
Dylan didn't even hesitate to be willing to serve.

Dylan looking pretty cool after he finished snow blowing.

This was the results of all of the snow

We were so grateful to have somewhere we could go to be warm, fed and loved during these difficult times. We gained a real testimony of appreciating the smallest of our blessings.
We are so grateful to have family that we can count on.

My Valentine!

2011-02-14T20:01:00.003-05:00

I had to work Valentine's Day Night, but Jonathan didn't want me to leave without knowing how much he loves me.
He went to The Elephant Bar and got one of my favorites...Mongolian Beef

I asked him where my candle was for my Candle lit dinner, and he shrugged said "I don't have a candle, but I have this"...and put the flashlight between us.
I love him, and his humor.

When I said "I do"... I meant "I will"...And I mean it FOREVER ♥

Baby, you're the perfect ending to any day ♥

My thoughts on what true love is

2011-02-14T05:32:00.016-05:00

At this Valentine's time of the year, when "love" is in the air...I had a friend inquire on "what real true love is?" She wasn't getting the answer she was looking for, so she asked a few different times about other's perceptions on "real true love". This left me laying awake in bed, pondering what I believed "real true love" to be? When I was a young girl, I dreamed of love. I loved watching any movie, reading any book, or hearing any story that spoke of love. I dreamed of the day and longed for the opportunity when I would be able to experience "real true love." I couldn't wait for my turn in love! But in order to experience "real true love", it is important to understand what "real true love" is. I have done a great deal of searching to find the answer. Through the years, I have found a conglomeration of thoughts and opinions on the matter, but my favorite theorist of late has been Thomas S. Monson. I have discovered many poignant thoughts on "love" from President Monson, and I hope to demonstrate through sharing some of his wisdom, what "real true love" can really be (at least from my own perspective).

"Remember who you are and what God expects you to become" ~Thomas S. Monson...We've all heard the adage that "someone else can't love us, unless we love ourselves first." I actually think this notion is mistaken. Others are quite capable of loving us even when we don't love ourselves, but what we ARE incapable of when we are in a state of self loathing is the opportunity to believe the possibility of, trust in, or even begin to grasp the concept of that love. How can we even attempt to experience "real true love" if we aren't first loving ourselves?

So who am I? That IS the first great question! Do I recognize the wonder of who I am? That I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me? That no matter what has transpired in my life or the pains I have endured... that just that simple knowledge might be enough to testify I deserve love and happiness? Do I treat myself with the same thoughtfulness, love and tenderness that I would expect from another? Do I attempt to show love to others and do I allow others to love me?

"May I share with you a formula, that in my judgment will help you and help me to journey well through mortality...First, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love." ~Thomas S. Monson.... Anyone who knows me, knows that my journey in the acquistion of "real true love" has definitely been replete with lots of experimenting and mistakes along the way. As much as I had dreamed of finding "real true love," often times it was my very actions that kept me from being able to experience this love. It wasn't until I was inspired by the concept of "The Love Dare" portrayed in the movie "Fireproof" that I really began to feel like I could truly put words to what I had already begun to believe about "love". The message portrayed in the book and movie consist of ...fix our thoughts, attitudes and actions about ourselves...improve our relationship with our Heavenly Father... and nourish our love with others each and every day. We can create the greatest change in our relationships by first changing ourselves.

"Everyone can be discontented if he ignores his blessings and looks only on his burdens." ~Thomas S. Monson...I had a very poignant experience with this concept in my marriage. Jonathan and I started our relationship with lots of love, but our relationship also possessed a great deal of dysfunction. We wanted to love one another, but often times fell short of demonstrating and cultivating that love toward one another. I found myself falling victim to the thought process of "if he loved me...he would..." or "if we were meant to be togther...we would..." This is a malignant thought process to engage in while in a marriage, because what we end up doing is allowing ourselves to focus on the negative in our relationship rather than seeing the great beauty that is there. Before we knew it the love, respect and trust that had once resided in our marriage had completely dissipated. I would lay in bed wondering "how I could have possibly gone so wrong in choosing the wrong person to spend my life with?"

"Choose your love, love your choice." ~Thomas S. Monson...We were on the verge of a bitter divorce. Many harmful things had been said and done between us. As we neared the finalization of our upcoming divorce, I laid in bed realizing how incredibly miserable I had become...without any hope of ever being lifted from that misery. As I lay there, wallowing in my sorrows, a thought occurred to me "How much of my/our troubles were based on my own perceptions? Am I the cause of this marriage failing?" Through further reflection, I discovered that my perception had a great deal to do with why our marriage was indeed failing. I didn't/couldn't believe that I was truly worthy of being loved completely by a man. I had always fallen short in my love relationships in the past, maybe that's how it would always be? (WRONG!) Second, had I given Jonathan a fair shot? Through expecting that someone couldn't truly love me, I tended to focus on the negative. Jonathan could do a hundred wonderful, loving, thoughtful things and I would immediately dismiss them...but let him have one insensitive word or thoughtless action and there it was in front of me... the proof of why he couldn't possibly truly love me and why we were "wrong" togther.

"When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish stiving, the power of God brings to pass his purposes." ~Thomas S. Monson...I began to wonder what might happen if instead of focusing on what I considered to be Jonathan's faults, that rather I focus on his positive qualities? In a matter of days, our whole relationship began to transform. I was still "Maria" and he was still "Jonathan". We both still possessed the same virtues and defects. But when I allowed myself to see the good in our relationship, I allowed myself to trust in Jonathan's "real true love" for me and began to want to nourish and cultivate that "love."

"The good you have done, the kind words you have spoken, the love you have shown to others, can never be fully measured." ~Thomas S. Monson... Our relationships are what we make of them. Whether it is in a marriage, with a family member, or with a friend...we should think of the other, pray for the other, selflessly serve the other. Then there is never a question in their mind of our love for them. Love is more than just words...it IS actions! We will never believe someone's proclamations of love, if it isn't followed up with their actions...nor can others believe in our love for them, if we do not show it in our actions toward them.

"When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be." ~Thomas S. Monson...Jesus Christ was the perfect example of showing us "real true love." Love cannot reside when unkind words, bitter accusations, and thoughtless deeds are employed. We HAVE to be nice! We HAVE to be kind! We cultivate our relationship when we treat those we love with our best, rather than our worse. We nourish our "love" when we look for the positive, lovely, and of good report in others. I make sure that I remind Jonathan often, exactly why it is that he is the "perfect" one for me. Is he perfect? Absolutely not! Neither am I. But when I remind him of my gratitude and my deep abiding love for him, I reassure him that our love is "real" and "true".

"Find joy in the journey" ~ Thomas S. Monson..."Real, true love" is what we make of it. Love can be EVERYTHING we ever want it to be. What it means to me, may be entirely different from what it means to another. Our Heavenly Father has taught us many things about "real, true love" and how to find it. It starts with us...and ends with us. The only changes we will ever be able to make will ALWAYS begin with us.

My wish for all of you is to experience "real, true love" in your life. It isn't easy to attain, but very worth having.

Gramma comes home

2011-02-11T22:36:00.001-05:00

As we rang in the New Year this year, Gramma has been wanting to do less and less and complaining of extreme pain in her legs. It has been frustrating, because she has basically just "given up". In her "giving up" she has become a total care. Being difficult to even move her in her bed, and even do the basics with her.
A little over a week ago, I brushed across her foot with my hand and she yelled out. Perplexed at her reaction, I removed her sock to discover a necrotic area that had formed on her big toe. I was immediately concerned, especially with the fact that the necrosis had developed without there being any source of a wound there first. I knew immediately that this indicated a severe lack of circulation in her leg.
I called her doctor's office and asked them what they would have me to do? They said I should take her to the ER. I had to call the Paramedics to get her to the hospital, because I wouldn't be able to do this on my own. We spent the entire day in the ER. At one point (halfway through the day), they spoke of discharging us home and having us follow up with Vascular outpatient. I refused informing them that it would take too long to get in with the doctor, and we needed to do something now. So, they admitted her. Taking their sweet time in doing so. It was 4:30 pm before I had her in her room and I was rushing home to get ready for work that night.
The Vascular doctor, Dr. Piggott saw her and after extensive testing determined that they would need to perform an Angiogram to clean out her arteries and place stents.
The surgery was Tuesday evening.
I had to work this night as well, so I was able to be there during pre-op, but then had to head home to get ready for work. Dr. Piggott called me to let me know how the surgery went. The surgery was a great success! Dr. Piggott thanked me for my perseverance in insisting that she be admitted and seen. He let me know had we waited 2 more weeks, she probably would've lost both legs to amputation...her circulation was that severely compromised. Her outlook now looks very promising!

Friday was Gramma's day of discharge. I started early in the morning calling trying to get the ball rolling to get her discharged and at home. Jonathan and I had plans to go on our Valentine's Day Date tonight (since I have to work on Valentine's Day), and I wanted to get Gramma home and settled before we left. As always, our plans were thwarted in the delays that occurred at the hospital. As we decided to go on our date and pick up Gramma afterwards, the phone rings and the nurse informs us that she is ready for discharge.
We head over to the hospital to pick up Gramma, only to find that she wasn't as "ready" as they had indicated. It took 2 hours to get her discharged. Eating into our date time. None of us were thrilled to say the least.
Out of boredom Jonathan began to fall asleep in the chair.

I wasn't happy at all and "Pouty Maria" started to show herself. Nobody likes "Pouty Maria"!
It gets so frustrating when things just won't go the way I plan.
We just kept telling ourselves, how happy we were able to do something to help Gramma and optimistic of what the future holds.
We were finally able to get Gramma home and go on our date.
Better late, than never.

The Last Simons Pinewood Derby

2011-02-08T21:20:00.001-05:00

Nicholas is a Webelos this year, so this is our very last Pinewood Derby.
Jonathan has quite a reputation for being a "force to be reckoned with" at the Pinewood Derby.
We have placed in many of the Pinewood Derbies through the years.
This year's Pinewood Derby was re-scheduled due to weather.
As a result, I was unable to attend because of my work schedule.
Jonathan forgot to take the camera. So this is our only picture.
It was a good race.
Nicholas placed 2nd!

Poor, poor Preston

2011-02-07T23:30:00.001-05:00

Just a little over a month old, and Preston was transported from Wood County Hospital to The Toledo Hospital on Sunday, February 6th for RSV.
Luckily, I had to work that night so I was able to go up and see Laura and her little guy.
Nicholas had RSV as a little one, so I had great empathy for what she was going through.

The next day, I came up to see our little guy.
They discovered that he not only had RSV, but Pneumonia too.
Keep him in your prayers.

3 month old Puppies

2011-02-06T14:20:00.001-05:00

We've been having quite the winter this year.
Church was cancelled due to the severity of the weather.
The puppies just recently turned 3 months old, so we wanted to show them off.

They are both very lovable, but Riley is definitely the lover out of the two of them.
She would much rather be with us, cuddling and being pet then doing any other thing
(Okay, okay...she probably likes eating more :D)

Nicholas is holding Ashes
Look how big they've gotten.

Riley playing with a toy

They love being together
and are usually on top of each other in some way.
It has been quite an adventure having two puppies at once.
They have been really tough to potty train.
They are coming along, slowly but surely.
The kids have been difficult to keep them involved on the upkeep of the animals.
The main responsibility definitely falls to mom and dad. No big surprise there!
We are looking forward to some nicer weather to enjoy walks and outdoor playing.

Double Date

2011-02-04T21:29:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since we've been able to go out.

We decided to double date with Kenny and Sarah

They had never been to Sakura's or had sushi, so we thought we would introduce them.
Then we introduced them to Ritter's Custard.
It was a very yummy night!

The essence of Jonathan

2011-02-04T19:13:00.002-05:00

Our last Pinewood Derby is tomorrow.
I worked last night and this is what I awakened to today.
Jonathan had made a test track to test the Pinewood Derby Car.
You think he takes this a little seriously?

When I had something to say about the track running through not only my living room but also my family room,
Jonathan's response was "just be glad it's not draped over our bed."
That Man!
I sure love him!

Cheesecake Factory with Melissa

2011-01-22T21:05:00.002-05:00

A year ago, I kidnapped Melissa and took her to The Cheesecake Factory as a get away for us.
From there, we have decided to create a tradition of taking a day out once a year and escaping away from our real life and return to the days of just Melissa and Maria.
We have really been looking forward to today.

It was a cold, blustery day...but we didn't care.
We were together, and that's all that mattered.

The food was so good!
I couldn't even finish my favorite cheesecake

We found a store next door to The Cheesecake Factory called
Charming Charlies
This place was awesome!
They have accessories of every kind...and even better, everything is organized by color

We had so much fun in there!
We both spotted these boots and decided to buy a pair.
Taking a little me time is so refreshing!

Family Night with the Simons and Nevers

2011-01-14T22:59:00.000-05:00

We had Jonathan's brother, Kenny and his family over for dinner and playing with the new Kinect video game

Clark and Luke get us started

Raelynn likes to join in

Sarah and Kendra

Little Kenny gives it a try

Kenny, Kenny and Nicholas

Kenny

Now it's the girls turn

Dylan is so tall, it is hard for the game to see him...so he gets on his knees

Chicken Enchiladas and Nachos...
Ice Cream Sundaes...
and lots of fun together

Preston Andrew Hodgkins

2011-01-04T17:28:00.001-05:00

Preston Andrew Hodgkins is here

8 lbs 13 oz 21 inches long

born at 5:28 pm on January 4th, 2011

snuggling with his Aunt Maria

Preston is born to Laura and Jeremy Hodgkins

he is probably the very last grandchild in our family...our sweet little caboose

Loving from Mama

He looks just like his daddy :D
Welcome to the family Preston!
We sure love you!

New Year's Eve 2010

2010-12-31T23:23:00.004-05:00

We spent our New Year's Eve at my mom and dad's this year
Denise and Laura were sick :(
Jeff brought the Lake kids.
The Hodgkins stayed home.
And then the Simons were there.

Jonathan and Maria

Parker and Dylan playing their Nintendo DS XL

Festive Jeff and Kyle

Linnie

What's a family get together without a little Apples to Apples?

Jeff and Carly

Sam and Nicholas

Linda likes the game

Mom and Dad

Dad beat us at Apples to Apples...here is his description

Simons Family Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T01:21:00.005-05:00

Jamie Musser, Nicole Rieger and Netania Rieger ready to open presents
Diane Simons with Gramma

Chad and Caleb Rieger

Nicholas and Dylan

Cody always makes me smile

David Simons and Tim Fields

Luke

Luke and Nicholas open their joint gift

Kyle

Dylan being silly

Dylan's gift

Chad Dylan and Caleb

Netania opening her gift

We had such a great time together, playing, singing, laughing

It was a day full of creating awesome memories

Newbold Nativity Pageant 2010

2010-12-25T14:42:00.005-05:00

Uncle Steve and Grampa ready for the Nativity Pageant
Britain Hodgkins plays Mary and Parker plays Joseph

King Herod and His Guards played by

Jeff as King Herod, Sailor Hodgkins and Nicholas Simons as his guards

The angels tell the Shepherds of the birth of Baby Jesus

Shepherds played by Luke Simons and Brooklyn Hodgkins

Angels played by Addie Hodgkins and Caitlin Newbold

The Three Kings come to King Herod in search of the Baby Jesus

Mackay Hodgkins shows the star that tells of the birth of Baby Jesus

The wise men visit the Baby Jesus

wise men played by Kennedy Carey, Samantha Lake, and Vivi Hodgkins

Christmas Morning 2010

2010-12-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

The boys ready to open presents

The most favorite Christmas Presents are of course Ashes and Riley

Kyle ready to open his gifts

Dylan ready with his Christmas presents

Nicholas opening a gift

Kyle opening his gift

Dylan opening a gift

Luke very happy over his gift

The puppies play on Dylan's lap

The kids opened the family gift

They got a Nintendo XL and a case for itThis is the gift that Nicholas made for Mom and Dad

Christmas Jammies 2010

2010-12-24T23:19:00.000-05:00

Nicholas in his Christmas Jammies
Dylan in his Christmas Jammies

Kyle in his Christmas Jammies

Maria in her Christmas Jammies with Ashes and Riley

Maria and Nicholas

The Simons Family in their Christmas Jammies

We wish you a Merry Christmas

Silent Night

2010-12-19T19:38:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas from The Simons

Santa Hats: $12
Duct Tape: $6
Having a Silent Night: Priceless!

Luke, Kyle, Dylan, and Nicholas

Silent Nicholas

Silent Dylan

Silent Kyle

Silent Luke

Smile!

Puppy Auditions

2010-12-12T22:17:00.005-05:00

For YEARS the boys have been begging for a puppy.
Our last few attempts hadn't gone well, so we were reluctant...
but the constant pleading wore us down and we gave in when my Aunt Vicky's dog had puppies they were trying to get rid of.
Aunt Vicky, Tim, Amanda and Choya came into town and brought a few of the puppies so we could decide which one we wanted.
We initially thought we would only want one, but after thinking about it...
we decided to get two to provide a playmate for the other.
Merry Christmas to the Simons!

By the time we got the puppies home, they were pretty tuckered out.
Snoop doggy dog, snuggled right up with Dylan and fell asleep.

Luke loves playing with Riley

Nicholas picked out Ashes before they even brought the puppies

Puppies getting spoiled with all of their new playmates

Our first two picks were Snoop and Ashes, but once we met Riley we just couldn't let her go

Ash is always wrestling with Riley.
He has a very fun, perky personality

Nicholas originally wanted to name him Toby, but he looks like he rolled in Ashes...
so we call him Ash

The puppies Mom was a yellow lab (she died one week after the puppies were born)
and the Dad is an Australian Shepherd/Collie mix

Play time

Trying to teach her to chew on toys, instead of fingers...
but she definitely prefers fingers

Snoop playing with toys

Bubby and Sissy

Riley has the sweetest personality
She is definitely a lover
She always comes up after I feed her to give me her thank you kisses

Riley in a basket

Riley and Ash
The favorite Christmas Presents of the year

Li'l Miss Riley

The puppies like to be close to us and then they start to wrestle
It's really cute

Nicholas is thrilled beyond words!
He loves the puppies!

We ended up deciding that we wanted to keep Ashes and Riley!
Everyone was heartbroken to send Snoop back with Aunt Vicky, but this household just couldn't handle 3 dogs.
There were lots of crocodile tears and there is a picture of Snoop in a frame by Luke's bed.
Hopefully they'll get over it quickly

Northview High School Cabaret Concert 2010

2010-12-12T18:38:00.001-05:00

Today was Northview's Annual Cabaret Concert where Dylan performed with his orchestra once again.
Doesn't he look so handsome in his tux?

I love this face.
Whenever he plays, this is his look of concentration

Kyle makes the Honor Roll

2010-12-09T22:41:00.003-05:00

Kyle has really matured this past year.
He was very excited about starting High School and takes his role as a Freshman very seriously.
So far this year, his behavior has been very good and I haven't had any phone calls from the teachers or principals about Kyle.

Today we received a letter in the mail informing us that Kyle's grades were good enough during the first quarter to place him on the Honor Roll.

We are very proud that he is trying so hard in school this year!
Keep up the good work Kyle!

What a day

2010-12-06T20:08:00.002-05:00

This was quite the day for us. Dylan slipped and fell at school with a stack of books in one hand and his cello in the other. He ended up landing on his tailbone. He was complaining pretty good about the pain and said he felt like "something was rubbing past each other whenever he walked" , so I took him to the Pediatrician and had him checked out. There wasn't too much evidence of a break, and even if there was a break, the treatment would be the same....rest, ice, Motrin 800. They took a Xray to know for sure. No breaks, just a bruised ego and bum He was feeling much better by bedtime and grateful not to have to tell others that he "broke his butt".

Then Nicholas and Luke were goofing off at bedtime. Luke fell and gashed his leg (shin) on the metal bed frame. He came down howling and we knew something was seriously wrong and all I could think is "I might be living in the Twilight Zone" (not the first time I ever felt this way).

We called our friend Morgan (he works as a Trauma PA) who said we probably should go to the ER, because it might need to get stitched. Flower's ER was awesome. They were so good with Luke. The nurse Marcia joked around with Luke getting him to giggle and relax a bit. She was great about forming the trust bond with him right off the bat. She told him they were definitely going to need to put stitches in. The spot where he gashed his leg had too much tension to just use Dermabond. Dr. Guff came in and placed six stitches in Luke's leg. He too was great in explaining things and helping Luke get through a scary experience. Luke was very unhappy about the Lidocaine injections, but he hung in there. Jonathan watched the whole thing without getting woozy. I was shocked! It's amazing what a parent can do when it comes to their child.

Well, we got through the day in one piece, but it definitely ended up being interesting. It's kind of ironic because when we were on our way home from Frankenmuth on Saturday, I started feeling a cold sore coming on. I was quite mystified because it has been years since I have had a cold sore and now this was the third one I have had a cold sore develop in two weeks. I started putting Abreva on my lip right away, but by Sunday morning my lip was quite swollen with a monster of a cold sore (it kind of looked like I had Botox injections done in my lip). I was scheduled to work Sunday and Monday night. The last thing I wanted to have to do was use the vacation/sick hours I have been trying to accrue with hopes of going on a vacation in the Spring. I was pretty frustrated about having to call in to work, but now I see the wisdom in my need to be at home. My family needed Mom there more than I needed to be at work. I'm grateful that the Lord knows more than we do when it comes to what we "need".

Dylan's Priest Ordination

2010-12-05T20:55:00.002-05:00

Dylan was ordained today to the office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood
Grampa Cady, Dad, Uncle Jeremy, Mike Richter, Uncle Jeff and Harvey Miller participated in this ordination.

We're all so proud of the young man Dylan has become

Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–52
46The ^apriest’s duty is to preach, ^bteach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,

47And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to ^apray ^bvocally and in secret and attend to all ^cfamily duties. UAdd a Note

48And he may also ^aordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.

49And he is to take the ^alead of meetings when there is no elder present; UAdd a Note

50But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,

51And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties. UAdd a Note

52In all these duties the priest is to ^aassist the elder if occasion requires.

As a Priest Dylan should
remain worthy to represent the Savior by
doing all of the following regularly:

1. Keep the commandments.
2. Live the standards in For the Strength of
Youth.
3. Have daily personal prayer.
4. Read the scriptures.
5. Attend seminary
6. Attend sacrament meeting, priesthood
meeting, and other Church meetings.
7. Keep the Word of Wisdom.
8. Pay a full tithe.
9. Bless the sacrament.
10. Serve as a home teacher as assigned by
his priesthood leaders.
11. Perform other assigned priesthood duties.

Frankenmuth

2010-12-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

We attempted to go to the Ann Arbor Nativity Festival today,
only to discover they stopped having the festival three years ago...
so we made an impromptu road trip up to Frankenmuth.
The kids didn't like the car ride much, but became quite excited once we arrived.

Our boys

Dylan

Nicholas

Mom and Dad

Luke

Merry Christmas from the Simons

Nativity in front of Bronner's

The kids loved seeing Santa on a motorcycle

There were Christmas ornaments of many different kinds.

We let the kids pick out their own ornaments.
They loved it

Interfaith Nativity Festival

2010-12-03T20:25:00.003-05:00

Every year our stake puts on an Interfaith Nativity Festival
It is an awesome way to get in the true Christmas Spirit

There are hundreds of nativities from all over the world

There's even a live nativity

Jonathan and Dylan were wisemen

I loved this tree...it looks like an upside down Christmas Tree with nativity ornaments hanging on it. It was stunning!

Decorating the Tree

2010-11-30T19:59:00.006-05:00

We've had this ornament since our very first Christmas together

Decorating our Christmas Tree

A little Christmas Music playing...

Definitely puts us in the mood

Our tree is full of keepsake ornaments,

so it is always fun re-discovering the ornaments of years gone by

I'm watching you

Luke

Kyle

Dylan used to be a little guy

Nicholas

My li'l blondie

Dylan

17 years

2010-11-27T20:26:00.000-05:00

"I know that you are not perfect and nor can I claim to be either, but please believe me, when I say that I want to be by your side, to hold your hand, to treasure you in the morning and the noon-tide, to be next to you, to be held close to your heart now and for the rest of my living years, to comfort you, dry your tears and calm your most frightening fears, to fight your battles and show no shame, to scream my love for you out loud all over the land."

Happy Anniversary Jonathan ♥ I love you with all of my heart ♥ You have stood by me through thick and thin... believed in me... picked me up when I am down...been the father of my children...become my most loyal friend...helped my dreams to come true...and loved me unconditionally through it all ♥ You are my forever love ♥

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T21:35:00.007-05:00

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with the Cady's

Gramma and Jonathan snuggle up on the couch

Dad offers up his home baked goodies

Linnie-Lou

Linnie loves her Maria

The Hodgkin kids walked in and were immediately mesmerized by the television

Mackie Lily

Luke's typical "I'm bored" stance

London's turkey

Vivi and London play together

Britain plays in the play room

Nicholas fighting off a headache

Nicholas more like himself

Laura and Maria

Sisters

Dad wielding his ominous grabber

Addie

Vivi

Gramma puttering out

Sailor

Luke

Addie

Brookie

Our yummy feast

All Mackay really wanted was a banana

Nicholas playing a game

Vivi playing with Aunt Maria

Dad and Mom

Game time...Apples to Apples here

Trouble in here

We have so much to be thankful for

Attitude of Gratitude

2010-11-25T21:00:00.002-05:00

With Thanksgiving coming up this month, I challenged my family in Family Home Evening last night to keep a "Gratitude Journal". Every night they are supposed to sit down and write about the ways they were blessed by the Lord that day. In Thomas S. Monson's General Conference address in April of 1992 entitled "An Attitude of Gratitude" he shares "This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the most serious of sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." Just imagine how our attitudes and even lives could change if we focused more on the blessings than on the trials. We can't necessarily change our circumstances, but we can change how we view those circumstances and how they affect us

Each day I plan to share some of the things I am grateful for. Not only to give thanks for the things I have been blessed with, but to remind me on the tough days how much I truly am grateful for. ‎"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life! It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~Melody Beattie

November 2, 2010

When I was a young girl, fantasizing about the many magical moments that were yet to be experienced, I would envision graduating high school, going to college, falling in love, getting married, and having children. As wonderful as those moments are, they are fewer and farther between than the everyday, little moments. The everyday, little moments have become the moments that I have come to treasure the most. Hearing "I love you!"...Rocking my babies to sleep...Having my sons ramble on about their days (because it still means they want to talk with me)...Having my sons randomly come up and give me a hug, a kiss, or snuggle...Hearing the laughter of my children...Having my husband insist on giving me a kiss and saying "I love you" before he goes anywhere (even if it is only a five minute trip)...When Nicholas was a little guy coming up to me and saying "I wanna hold you!" (when he wanted picked up)...Knowing that there isn't another person on this earth that they would rather be...and knowing that they are the only ones I want too...Knowing that I am loved and respected by so many of my friends and family...Making others laugh or smile...Making a difference in someone's day or life. These are just a few of the things that make me feel the happiest.

November 3, 2010

Today I am grateful for the advances of medicine. Dylan has come down with a cold, and I feel like I am starting one. I'm so thankful I could go to the store and get some remedies for us to help alleviate the miserable symptoms a cold can bring.

November 4, 2010

"The companionship of Christlike friends deeply touches and changes our lives. We should well remember that the Lord often sends 'blessings from above, thru words and deeds of those who love'...Love is the very essence of the gospel of Christ. In this church, prayers for help are often answered by the Lord through the simple, daily service of caring brothers and sisters. In the goodness of genuine friends, I have seen the reflected mercy of the Lord Himself. I have always been humbled by the knowledge that the Savior regards us as His friends when we choose to follow Him and Keep His commandments." Joseph B. Wirthlin

Today I am grateful for family and friends who make up the difference for our own lacking. I have been blessed with angels in my life. When I have needed them most, they have been there with the right words, hugs, help, or skills to get me through whatever trial might have come my way. On many occasions, I have been humbled to my knees by the great compassion of our Heavenly Father who knows what we are going through and what we need so well...that He will inspire others to come to our rescue. Thank you for being my angels

November 5, 2010

Today I am grateful to be married to my best friend. Jonathan loves me with such a purity of spirit. He looks at and treats me exactly the same way, whether I have bedhead or dressed to kill, whether I'm skinny or fluffy, whether I am nice or cranky. He sees the good in me, even when I can't. He always makes me feel like I am his first priority. He has stood by me through it all. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I sure am grateful.

"If you can't be content with what you have received, be thankful for what you have escaped."

November 6, 2010

Today I am grateful for my children. All things being considered, they are a dream come true from me. I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a mom more than anything in the world! There might be difficult times, and times that try my patience...but those times are diminished by the laughter, hugs, good times, and happiness. I love my boys

November 7, 2010

I am so thankful for my belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the infinite evidences in my life that confirm that I am a Child of God, each and every day. I am thankful for my testimony in knowing that living the Gospel is the only true path to happiness. I am thankful for the lessons I learn each and every day. I am thankful to know that there is more to this life.

November 8, 2010

I am thankful for all of the luxuries we enjoy. We may not go on fancy vacations, own summer homes, or have expensive things...but we truly have EVERYTHING we NEED.

"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life." ~Christiane Northrup

November 9, 2010

I am truly thankful to work in a profession I love! Being a mom was and still is my number one choice of professions...but Nursing definitely comes in a close second. I'll never forget first becoming a nurse and feeling like I was born to do this, too.

November 10, 2010

I am thankful for those in this world who go out of there way to serve others. I have become a firm believer when we work together...we can achieve so much more. Thank you to all of those who give a little of themselves to make our world better.

November 11, 2010

Today I am thankful to have Gramma finally back home with us. It has been quite the month, but we are hoping that she will be doing better from here on out. Life in our household just isn't the same without her here.

November 12, 2010

What can I say? Today I am thankful to have a day off! There's plenty of other things I am thankful for, but that one is taking top prize right now ;)

November 13, 2010

I know this may seem shallow, but...today I am thankful for hair dye and my own personal hair stylist. For without these two, I would appear so much older than I really am ;)

November 14, 2010

One of the greatest blessings to mankind is the blessing of the Atonement. I am so grateful for my Savior, for his example, his great love, and his willingness to suffer for my sins. For Him I am truly thankful.

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues." ~ Cicero

November 15, 2010

I am thankful for productive days. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have plenty of things to do each day. Working full time, having 4 children, taking care of Gramma, serving in church and trying to keep it all organized becomes quite the feat. Often times, I feel like I am falling short...especially when I forget an appointment or aren't able to accomplish everything asked of me. When I have productive days and I am able to succeed in keep everything "together", it brings me great joy :D

November 16, 2010

I am thankful for the power of laughter. I was raised in a household where we were taught the value of laughter, especially when we most wanted to cry. I can't tell you how many times I have had a good laugh and thought, "Wow! I really needed that." Don't take life so seriously that you forget to laugh :D

November 17, 2010

I am thankful for a husband who takes care of our household business, so that I can come home from work and get straight to bed (Today is a Late Start...if he wasn't here, it would be quite a while before I would be able to get to bed). Round two again tonight! Let's hope tonight is a little gentler on me :P

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~ Maya Angelou

November 18, 2010

I am thankful to know where I came from...why I'm here...where I'm going...and the journey along the way

November 19, 2010

I am thankful for my childrens' teachers (past and present). We have been so blessed to have really great teachers who work patiently with our children to help them learn new things. I can't say enough good about them. Thank you, thank you one and all.

A teacher is somewhere in the world tonight preparing lessons to teach your children while you are watching tv. In the minute it takes you to read this, teachers all over the world are sacrificing their own time for your children's literacy, prosperity, and future.

November 20, 2010

I am thankful to know my family is a forever family. As my kids are growing older and I try to conceive of the possibility of them leaving me some day...it is so reassuring to know that there are ties that bind us together forever.

November 21, 2010

Today I am thankful for moms and dads who love their children even when they are trying to be unlovable. I have had many unlovable moments in my life and yet I have felt such unconditional love and direction come my way despite myself. Now that I am a mom myself I realize just how tough Parenthood is! There are those out there who have served as an example of great parenting to me. Thank you for your example. Thank you mom for loving me through it all.

November 22, 2010

I am thankful for all of those things that we often take for granted, but make our lives so much simpler...a house where love abides, keeps us warm, and gives a place to rest our heads...cars that get us where we need to go...good food to eat...plenty of clothes to wear...appliances that make our lives easier...etc. Yo...u never know how much you appreciate these things, until they aren't here. We are a blessed society!

November 23, 2010

I am thankful for promises . Promises made between husbands and wives. Promises made between parents and children. Promises made between siblings. Promises made between friends. Promises made between us and God. A promise is a powerful thing....especially when it is a promise that is kept.

November 24, 2010

I am thankful for the closeness I feel to my brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces and nephews. It really is awesome to be able to live around so many of them.

‎"Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting." ~ author unknown

November 25, 2010

Today I am thankful for our freedom. Freedom of religion. Freedom to choose our careers. Freedom to choose our mate. Freedom to have the size of family we want. Freedom provided to us by those who serve. Freedom doesn't come free, but it does offer us plenty of opportunities to choose what direction we would like to take.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Happy Thanksgiving to all those who help to add to the light I carry inside! I hope this day finds you surrounded by the ones you love, remembering all that we have to be thankful for. May we never lose sight of our many blessings

Dylan's 16th Birthday

2010-11-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

Turning 16 is a big deal!
We did our usual birthday festivities... Dylan had Parker come to spend the night, he chose to go see Harry Potter VII, he bought art supplies and video games with his birthday money... but
To commemorate Dylan's 16th birthday we decided to get him a nice watch that he might be able to keep through the years as a keepsake.

This was a big surprise to Dylan because we didn't tell him ahead of time what we planned to do.
He was quite curious what this gift might be.

Dylan trying to figure out what it is

See???

Happiness ♥

He removes the outer box, only to find a different box. He still hasn't figured out what it is.

Ohhh, it's a watch!

He loves it! ♥

"Are those diamonds?"

Cherish the moments Dylan! They go by so fast!

This kid is killing me

2010-11-05T22:15:00.000-04:00

Symphony of Strings 2010

2010-11-02T22:08:00.001-04:00

Dylan's first Orchestra Concert of his Sophomore Year
Every year a bunch of the schools get together and compete.
This year Southview hosted the competition

They did a great job as always

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:30:00.007-04:00

Happy Halloween 2010!
The boys chose to be Characters in Greek Mythology this year

Kyle was Poseidon

Luke was Perseus (he beheaded Medusa)

Nicholas was Ares (the God of war)

Luke

Dylan was Odysseus (A greek King)

He still enjoys Halloween

Ready for battle!

Ready for some Trick or Treating

It is tradition for the Simons and Nevers to trick or treat together

Kyle ended up grounded from Trick or Treating,
but it didn't stop him from helping Raelynn

Jonathan and Dylan come up the road

They have so much energy

Raelynn was a little shy about trick or treating

Luke trick or treating

Clark

Raelynn puttering out

Nicholas and Clark

Jonathan ended up with everyone's costume parts...
He was a good sport about it

Kenny definitely wins the high energy award...
He was a force to be reckoned with

The boys with the stash

The "fruits" of their labors

High School Football

2010-10-29T22:25:00.000-04:00

We have quite the quandry this year...
With one son at Northview and the other at Soutview,
Our allegiances get tested.

This is us with Dylan on October 1st, 2010
The Northview vs. Springfield Football Game

Kyle and Jonathan ready for the
Northview vs. Southview Football Game
on October 29th, 2010

Happy Birthday Dane Armitage

2010-10-27T23:19:00.001-04:00

Today was such a great day!
We managed to go up and see Gramma at Rehab...she is doing well
We got new tires on our van
I went out to lunch with Jonathan
Jonathan took Luke to his Orchestra Concert
I took the boys to the Trunk or Treat
Then I went up to the hospital to meet Karen's newest addition to her family

Doesn't she look beautiful?

Introducing Dane Michael Armitage

born at 9:09 pm

8 lbs 4 oz 20 inches long

Luke's Seventh Grade Fall Orchestra Concert

2010-10-27T23:04:00.002-04:00

Luke is really enjoying learning how to play the violin

The kids always stand after they perform

They did such a nice job

Trunk or Treat 2010

2010-10-27T21:10:00.005-04:00

We had another night where we had to divide and conquer
Jonathan took Luke to his Orchestra Concert
and I took the rest of the kids to the ward Trunk or Treat Activity
Courage and Nicholas
best buddies!

There were lots of games

Kyle does the Bean Bag Toss

Kyle chooses a prize

Dylan explains his artwork to Sister Dameworth

Time for the Pinata

Nicholas gives it a whack!

Kyle gives it a whack!

The kids had a really good time!

Carving Pumpkins 2010

2010-10-26T22:18:00.005-04:00

Carving our pumpkins together

Jonathan and Luke's pumpkins

Nicholas wanted to carve a mummy
He fizzled out in "helping" relatively quickly

Luke with his "Demon Avatar" Pumpkin

Gooey Hands!

Jonathan is definitely our carving expert.
We would be lost without him.

Dylan wanted to do a 3-D creation

Dylan's Pumpkin Man

Nicholas with his mummy

Not too bad, considering I free handed this ;)

Sarah and Jesse Mezano

2010-10-23T22:41:00.000-04:00

Today was Sarah & Jesse's Wedding Day
We enjoyed being able to celebrate with them

Cheryl Helberg (Jessica Bryant hiding behind Cheryl), Cheryl Crowder, Kristi Berning and her husband, and Bill and Kathy Arnholt

Sherry Boyce, Evelyn Turner, Anessa Stewart, Sandy Zollweg and Korin Zollweg

The Nyes and Phyllis Degg

Zeke Roehrig, Christie Roehrig, Jasmine Hynson, Geneva Shelton, Linda Young Pickett, Lori White and Olivia White

Tenley Reid, Barb Reid and Lisa Urias

Tenley and Barb

Wedding Cake

Father of the Bride-Aaron Bivins

Aaron, Jesse, Sarah and Shelley

Maria and Shelley

Jasmine and Maria

Maria with the Newlyweds

Parents of the Bride
Aaron and Ronnie

Melissa Barnhart, Maria and Amanda Nowacki

Diane Fischer, Kathy Arnholt, Ronnie Bivins, Barb Reid, and Jessica Bryant

Their first dance

Father and Daughter dance

Fleitz Farm Corn Maze

2010-10-22T21:57:00.005-04:00

Aren't our boys cute?

We went to the Fleitz Farm Corn Maze in Oregon tonight
The Kijowskis joined us
The weather was perfect

Made it to our first post

The tower to give us an idea of the maze

We didn't see much

The sun setting behind us

Dylan

What are our next clues?

Full moon night

The victorious Kijowskis

The victorious Simons

Jonathan's new friend

Who's taller?

Cami

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-10-08T21:16:00.002-04:00

Friday, October 8, 2010
My friend Keri recommended that we try out Trabbic Family Farm this year
It is in Erie Michigan on Sterns Rd

Our favorite pumpkins

Simons Boys

"Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He's gotta pick this one. He's got to. I don't see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see." ~Linus

Fall is my favorite time of the year...
I love the colors, the smells, the weather, every part of it :D

Jonathan and Maria

Nicholas with a pumpkin almost bigger than he is

My sweet boy

Bittersweet October
The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.
~Carol Bishop Hipps

What are the world's largest fruits?
The largest fruits are giant pumpkins, specially grown and bred for their size. The largest ones can weigh over 1,000 pounds!
Growing giant pumpkins is a fine art, and there are many different ideas about how to do it best. Many growers keep their methods secret. Some use heating cables to protect against cold weather, or special fertilizers for maximum growth.
Giant pumpkin vines are pampered and watched carefully.

People with glass Pumpkins shouldn't throw gourds.

The search for the perfect pumpkin begins

"I had a pumpkin, a big fat Pumpkin
It was growing on a vine.
Then I carved a jack-o'lantern
and it turned out just fine."

A Pumpkin by any other name is still a pumpkin

This is one small step for pumpkins and one giant leap for pumpkin-kind.

Ask not what your Pumpkin can do for you, ask what you can do for your pumpkin!

I'll love you til the end of vine.

I never met a pumpkin I didn't like.

Nicholas climbs through the hay maze

So does Luke

Checking out the chickens

The baby goat was digging Nicholas

Dylan and Kyle checking out the piggies

Cows

Nicholas checks out the Percheron horse

He is part Mustang

Pumpkin Express

Nicholas enjoys his Apple Cider Slushie on the Pumpkin Express

Luke was in there too, but he wasn't posing for the pictures

Jonathan waits for the boys to finish up

My farm animals :D

I grow my pumpkins big

Race for the Cure 2010

2010-09-26T17:49:00.002-04:00

September 26th, 2010
This was the first year that I would walk in the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
The girls I work with have a team called "Breast Friends"
They were recruiting others by offering to pay the registration fee for that person
I won the contest
They presented me with a pink boa to wear during the race.

My number

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

The runners go first

Chrys Peterson (news anchor for Channel 11)
is a huge advocate for this race in Toledo

Breast Friends 2010
Back Chris Pfleghaar , Tenley Reid
Front Beth, Trina Fulton, Barb Reid, Cindy La Plante
and of course, me as the photographer

Barb and Tenley Reid

Out of 20,000 people...I was amazed that I ran into Diane

Diane and Chris were there walking with her work group "Accounting on a cure"

We're walking

Women agonize over cancer; we take as a personal threat the lump in every friend's breast. ~Martha Weinman Lear, Heartsounds

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there.

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. ~Emily Kimbrough

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Nicholas 10th Birthday

2010-09-25T20:11:00.007-04:00

Nicholas is in the double digits now (My baby!)
He went to see Legend of the Guardians in 3 D
He went on his birthday spending spree
and chose Mr. Heroes for his birthday dinner

Nicholas was excited to get a pop to himself...he usually has to share with one of his brothers

When they found out it was his birthday at Mr. Heroes...
they let Nicholas choose his own cheesecake

He loved it

Happy Birthday♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪to you!!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday ♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ to you!!!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Dear N-I-C-H-O-L-A-S! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ ...Wishing you all the greatest things in life! I hope your birthday brings you an extra share of all that makes you happiest! You are one of the wishes that came true in my life. I love you! :D

Nicholas Egyptian Project

2010-09-23T21:06:00.002-04:00

Nicholas had a project for Reading where they needed to create a mummy case out of whatever materials he desired.
It needed to have his name in Egyptian hieroglyphics and
he needed to decorate it.

We went to Hobby Lobby

Designed our plans
Nicholas wanted to have the Egyptian god, Anubis on the top
This is what we came up with
Nicholas was thrilled with his final product
He got an A+