Bad News Folks!

Although my phone survived a dunk in the toilet, it died sadly by being drowned in milk. (The toilet was London, the milk was Tyler.) Hence, the need for all contact numbers! My SIM card was completely ruined. If all of you wonderful people who have my numero could text me your name with your number I would greatly appreciate it!

Merry Christmas!

Well, it was quite a holiday folks! Since I totally slacked on writing anything about Thanksgiving, I'm here to redeem myself for this holiday. We started out the holidays with having Tyler's brother and sister come over for dinner and games (Tues night). Tyler's mom lives in Japan so we used the webcam to see her. She had sent London on Origami frog that the child literally laughed herself to hysteria. Tyler caught the end of the laughter on video. It was fun to see his family and play games! For Christmas Eve we traveled up to my grandparents for the festivities. Of course there was way to much delicious food and my six extra pounds for the month of December is sticking, unfortunately. The nativity scene included London as a distracted Mary and my nephew Sam as the best baby Jesus ever! Well, London has been asking about Santa for weeks now and I seriously worried about how she'd handle the "real" Santa at my grandma's. He knocked loudly on the door and said his "Ho, ho, ho," and London wrapped her arms around my neck scared to death. However, when he walked in the door she surprised us all by screaming "Sanna! Sanna!" It was precious! She went right to him and sat on his lap. She loved the presents! We did discover that London is quite jealous of mommy holding other babies. She feels that if I'm holding a baby than I should be holding her too. We had a talent show as well and I was so proud of my family! WOW! She was so tired that she sat on Poppa's lap and wanted to cuddle. That night was a mess. London would not go to sleep and ended up staying awake until after midnight and waking up at four a.m. We were all so tired! I finally let her open up some presents at midnight because I really didn't think she'd be awake in the morning. Wrong. So all of us climbed on the stairs for our glamorous morning pic. I have to say that Maddie looks like a devil. She'll love that. London loved playing with her cousins and all of her gifts. But, by the end of the day we were exhausted! Everyone was trying to stay awake. It's too bad that Christmas is over already. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Why do I....

spend every morning putting the utmost effort in my child's hair? I'm telling you, it is a serious battle. The main issue is that after we have wrestled, combed, curled, cried, and hair sprayed, she takes a nap. hair-do ruined. So, Why do I do it every single day!!!!!!??? The answer is, for the pure self-assurance that I'm not lazy and I like my child to look clean and done up....even if it doesn't finish the day like that.

What a Let Down....

Okay, I don't usually post twice in one day, but I'm due for serious updates. Tyler was gone for two weeks in Australia and came home for my birthday. London was asking about where Daddy was every single day. Needless to say, I was sure she was going to give Tyler the biggest, most excited reaction ever. Because I was so sure, I recorded it. Yes, I recorded it. Here it is folks, the not-so-great reaction caught on video for your pleasure. By the way, do I sound just like my sister, Monica or is it just me?

I'm so not.....

Jumping on the Twilight bandwagon and posting a pic of the movie with a huge commentary of its craziness. So, yes I read it and I saw it. It was good. The End

Garbage

So, lately London has been putting things in the garbage and taking them out. Tyler gave her a chocolate covered cookie today. After eating a little bit, she put it in the garbage and walked over and wiped her chocolatey hands on a towel. Then she went back to the garbage took her cookie back out and then proceeded to eat it. It's funny that she hates her hands to be dirty, but doesn't mind that her food is.

Change

This week I've been pondering and preparing a lesson for my Beehives on preparing for change. I have to explain to them that change is inevitable whether it is desirable or undesirable. As we all know, the only thing constant is change. It has really hit me that some change can be a blessing and a curse. From the moment I laid eyes on London, it was love at first sight. I knew my life was changed forever. My little angel, so full of joy and gibberish is learning so quickly how to speak in sentences. This change has brought me pride and joy....and sorrow. She will never be an infant again, so entirely dependent on my love and attention. But, she will call me by name and tell me she loves me everyday. She can tell what she wants and that she missed me when I was gone. Change, good or bad, may be inevitable but, it doesn't mean that I can't hate it and like it at the same time. Marvin J. Ashton said, "...Many of us are suspect of change and will often fight and resist it before we have even discovered what the actual effects will be..." So fight like a warrior I will, but only in my mind, because I know she will only continue to grow. Her growth may and will cause me pain but, nobody can take those precious first years of her life away from my memory. I love you Lewie.

Wedding Dresses! Oh my!

So, how often do you get to wear your wedding dress (for the second time) the same day as your sister. A rare thing my friends! Mandy and I wore our dresses for my mom's young women. As much as I despised being in my dress again because it is oh so uncomfortable, it was pretty fun and memorable. I'm thrilled that Mandy married such a supportive and loving husband (like mine) who came to see us. She deserves the best and I can say that she got it! I love you Mandy and as always, it's fun to be your sidekick!

Halloween!

Oh what a fun holiday! We spent the Saturday before Halloween at the zoo where London was able to wear her costume and get treats while seeing the animals. My friends Megan and Abong came with their kids! Oh so cute! Kyson, Bong's little boy, was a cute little turtle. That night we had the yearly Simmons' Halloween party. I have to say that Tyler and my costumes were the best. Who can beat Wayne and Garth? Seriously?! London was a princess and loving it. Funny enough, Mary and Emily and Sam were all cows. If you can't tell what Mandy and Trent are, they're McCain and Palin...Lame. In the end, my mom pulled off a sweet party. Thanks for going to all that work. As always, it was a blast being with the fam. We missed Olivia, Monica, and Brad. Love you guys!

High School Tag...Oh boy....

Okay, I just discovered that my two friends, Sarah and Jodie, tagged me quite a while ago and I was unaware. This is the ugliest H.S. pic ever so enjoy my humiliation. Here goes: Did you date people from your high school? Sure did. What car did you drive? The ugliest '89 Chevy S10 Most embarrassing moment? So many....ummm probably losing my shorts in the middle of gym stretching. Kill me now. Were you considered a party animal? Nada Were you a flirt? Ummm... I enjoy the opposite sex, so probably. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Choir! Oh yeah! Ryann and I loved that class. Were you a nerd? So-so. Did you get suspended or expelled? I don't think there has EVER been anything I would even think of doing to get that sentence. Can you still sing the fight song? Unfortunately Who were your best friends? I'd say Maren, Ryann, Ike, and Josh Where did you sit during lunch? Josh's car School Mascot? DART Did you go to Homecoming? With who? Blair Willis (Funnest dance ever!) and Ladd VanBrocklin If you could go back and do it again would you? Not on your life. What do you remember most about graduation? Ryann and I singing in choir and crying at the end of it...even though I never want to go back. Where did you go senior skip day? No idea Have you gained weight? Lost Who were your prom dates? Kellen Fowler and Ben Ricketts Are you going to your 10 year reunion? I don't know! We'll see what friends can get me to go! I guess if Sarah, Carly, Jodie, and Ry go....I'll go. Looking back what advice would you give yourself? Oh a ton. Don't let fear get in the way. Everything gets better. Date more. Play more. Do more homework. And I'd give myself a smokin workout routine! HA HA!

Causing Mischief

I can honestly say that I've got an adventurous child who enjoys teasing me. The other day I was running around looking for her only to discover her legs peeking under the clothes in our hall closet.London quite enjoys playing in Daddy's suitcase. Unfortunately, I didn't notice how tired she was until she'd fallen asleep on her knees with her head in the suitcase. London especially loves playing in the washer and dryer. Particularly when I have the wash going, she pushes all of the buttons...this is frustrating because most of the time I have to restart it! The child continues to amaze me with her lack of shame. What can I say? She's an exhibitionist. She has also learned a little trick about the Utes and Cougars from her daddy. Sorry, if anyone's offended about this. I can't control my husband....or my kid.

UEA!

Okay, I don't go to highschool, but I still experienced a UEA. My mom, Madeline, London, and I went to Park City for a night. We went shopping, swimming, and to the Olympic museum. London was such a trooper. She took pictures with mommy and apparently...she went skiing.She thought that she was pretty funny. We went to the World Market and can I say that I could really get in trouble in that store. But, much to my husband's relief, I only bought two huge baskets for Loddie's toys. They're the two baskets on the floor. Seriously, I think London is more frustrated with the lids than anything. The next day we went to my grandparents house to clean their yard. They are getting home from their mission in a week. London was so excited before we left that I couldn't get her to take off her coat. She was so happy to be waiting for Mimi and Poppa to come get us but, so tired to take a nap that she just laid on the kitchen floor.

Gratitude

I am sitting in a hotel in Cheyenne, Wyoming and contemplating the blessings in my life. I think that there are far too many times when I take for granted all of the things that I have in my life, and get caught up in those "woe is me" moments. I am so grateful that the Lord has seen fit to bless me with a wonderful friend and companion that constantly helps me to see the light. I wanted to just send a quick note to my sweet wife and let her know that I love her and could not enjoy my life without her in it. I am so blessed to have such a wise woman to help me in my times of weakness and provide such a good example. I have been blessed in so many things that I sometimes take for granted what I have. I am so lucky to have a wonderful job that provides for my family in these troubled times. I am blessed to have amazing friends and family members who continue to enjoy good health and live good lives. I am so thankful to have a little angel that calls me daddy and brings a smile and sense of pride to me every time I think about her. I am blessed to have the love of Shelley, and everyday thank my Father in Heaven for her. What a great joy and source of happiness she is to me! I love you Shelley and miss you dearly. I can't wait to come home and be with you. Thank you for being the mom, wife, and woman that you are. You are my perfect example of how to live like the Savior and I am lucky that you love me. Thank you for all that you do. See you soon!

Early Birthday Present!

As most of you know, I begin my birthday and Christmas lists 11 months in advance. My husband, who is most accommodating almost always gets me what I want plus a few surprises! That sounds like I'm demanding and spoiled but, in all honesty, most of my requests are in the forms of, "Oh, that looks cool!" or "That would be nice to have!" Since I have broken two previous iPods, which I swear wasn't my fault, I assumed I would have to be content with one that shows no screen. My husband and I have a problem with showing each other gifts in advance. The truth is that we're so excited to give them to each other that we just can't and don't wait. Tyler went to the gym after I did the other day because London was sick and we had to rotate. When he got home I was taking a nap on our bed. He promptly woke me up and said he had a birthday present for me. Of course I was thrilled and shocked to find a purple nano! People, you shake it and it literally shuffles the songs! So, in much gratitude, I say thank you and love you to my ever attentive spouse!

What a Week!

Well, my sweet husband came back from work and it has been so nice to have him home. He might not say the same because we've been in the yard working everyday! Tuesday, I was feeling a little sick of the gym. We took London in a backpack and hiked Adam's canyon. It was so fun! London loved seeing the waterfall. She kept trying to catch the mist from the waterfall in her hands. She was so tired at the very beginning but, stayed faithfully alert with her head on Daddy's back the whole way up. Fortunately, the ride down lulled her to sleep. At least we got some family pics thanks to the self-timer on our camera! That night we were all tired. London is a heavy girl! But, of course, she was the first one asleep promptly at 7:00 on Daddy's lap. What an angel! Thursday, my entire family went mini golfing at Cherry Hill. (Except Monica who is sorely missed.) It was so fun. London tried so hard to pose for any picture. She just couldn't quite figure out which one the camera was to look at! Luke, London, and Mia were hoots. Luke pretty much just ran around dipping his club on fountains and climbing on all the props. Mia got upset when her ball wasn't doing what she wanted. London was too excited to do anything but attempt to hit her ball in a spastic manner. At the end, all the grandkids climbed into an outhouse with Aunt Mandy. Now if only they could give me a good picture....

New Edition!

Okay, I failed to post about Danny and Emily's new baby boy. World, meet Samuel Daniel Simmons. He is so cute. He even has a cleft chin! Sorry, I don't know why the picture won't rotate. London and I were able to see him in the hospital. She is in love with him. Danny is such a proud papa. Welcome Sam! Well, Tyler has been gone almost two weeks and the little girl is getting restless. She has taken up to posing when she gets ready. She loves her Nike outfit! The child is a gifted model, what can I say?! We miss you Ty, can't wait for you to get home tomorrow.

Growing up

I've come to accept that my little girl is growing up. The other day she was in the back seat saying, "Watch, Mama!" she said it over and over again. Finally I said, "What London? Show me." Then she did a little dance and sang song full of gibberish. Oh she's cute! She also has learned to hide from me under the sofa table where can eat her "chocut" in peace. This past week she's been acting like she's want to potty train. Mind you, she is a year and a half so this kind of surprised me. After squealing and making a fuss, I finally took off her diaper and let her sit on a potty her size. What do you know! She pooped! (Sigh) I'm ashamed to say that I pouted a little that night because it was a reality shock! Does the time just fly people? This is a picture of my angel almost exactly one year ago. Now this is a picture of London today. not only does she look bigger but, she's learning how to flex her muscles. Oh, the pains of parenthood! Just kidding! I love being a mother and I can't even put into words the love my husband and I have for this little stinker! Love you Lewie!

Sick week!

Okay, so last week my entire family got sick. Wednesday while at the gym, the daycare workers all ran towards me in a panic. Apparently London threw up everywhere. When we got home she acted fine all day. So, I took her on some errands and after much thought, I got a milkshake. I then got a call from my mom asking me to meet her at her house. My dad was sick driving home from work and didn't think he could make it. I guess she needed my car. As I'm taking London out of the car, she gives a slight whimper and projectile vomits everywhere. I grabbed her and the melting milkshake and ran for the house. It was locked. I told London to sit tight (She was covered in vomit) and put the shake on the top step while I ran back to the car to grab a key. As I'm running back I see the most hilarious scene as London, covered in throw up, is in full sprint mode on the porch towards the milkshake. I got there just in time! The child is hilarious...even while sick. Later that week, after I said I never get sick, I got what London had as well and the rest of my family. Luckily, they took London to the rodeo...and left me by myself. C'est la vie! Here are more pics of the wedding from Danny and Emily's camera. Enjoy! Here's Danny and Emily. She was due yesterday and still no baby! Don't worry Em, he's gotta come out sometime! A little Mandy and London timeMy nephew, Luke and niece, Mia.Me and the hubs. Two goofy girls.Huh? You want another picture?!Redneck weddings anyone?