Christmas is Over!

Can you believe it? I can't. It seemed to fly by quickly. It was a busy time, and if I was being honest, it was not relaxing. But, even though it was hectic, we still found time to have fun and appreciate the season. I can say that next year, I will work harder to slow down and manage my time better! For now, here are some pictures from our holiday...

Because dogs celebrate Christmas too! (Although I left her gifts at Vicki's house! Bad pet Mommy!)

Smiling and getting along because Santa is coming soon...

Reindeer Food! The reindeer need a pick me up during the long Christmas night!

Nana watching the children spread reindeer food in the yard.

Sitting down to dinner. It was yummy!

Christmas Cards

We didn't send them out this year! Time got away from me... I was sick and so busy at work! But I did actually write one! Here it is...

Twas the night before Christmas in the Simon house; not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, with the hope that the dogs would not eat what was in there.

We fought with the children and finally got them in bed; then we collapsed on the couch while memories danced in our heads.

Brady’s in Fifth grade and he acts so old. He ran cross country and got a medal of gold.
Although he works hard in school and gives it his best; he’d rather be playing his Nintendo DS.

Christian’s in Second Grade and he’s behaving well. We ask him if he likes it, but he’ll never tell. He wants to eat spaghetti all of the time; if we fix something else, he says it’s a crime!

Leah’s in Kindergarten and she’s doing great; she gets upset if she’s even late! She loves to read and especially write; we tell her daily that she is so bright.

DeAnn is a counselor, she helps people galore; but on Monday mornings, it feels like a chore! She spends a great deal of time at Berry Elementary School; she thinks being with the children is just super cool!

Scot likes his job, although he’s always busy; he runs around so much, he often gets dizzy. He plays with the children and is such a fun dad; but when he wins, the children get mad!

Spirit and Piper are part of our family too. Piper barks at anyone new. Spirit is old, but he’s still fun; his favorite thing to do is lay in the sun.

What a year it’s been here in this place we call home; we’re humbled and blessed to not live it alone. We have people who love us and who truly care; without them it would be too much to bear!

From our home to yours, may the season bring you a smile,And time with loved ones you haven’t seen in awhile;We wish you health and happiness, may your 2009 be bright,Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Scot, DeAnn & family

Lego World

What could be better than Darth Vader? A life size Lego Darth Vader!

This really puts those hours that I spent attempting to put those little Bioncle lego robots together in perspective. Clearly, I would not be qualified to apply for a job at Lego world being that the Bioncle robot ended up being deformed. My child finally looked at me and said, "Nevermind Mommy. I'll just do it".

A close second to Lego Darth Vader is the Egyptian Mummy here...

Can you imagine putting this together? Do you think they had a plan to work by or was it some work of artistic genius? Whoever did this is totally wasted working at Lego. They should go and work for the government or something. And do you see the little Lego pod man behind the mummy? How cute is that? I'm fascinated. Maybe I'll quit my job and become a Lego builder. It may be a thankless job, but it would be fun! Then again, looking at the handicapped Bioncle... maybe not.

And to All a Good Night...

Here is the way I found Leah asleep last night when I went to check on her...

Here Comes Santa Claus...

We recently went to a party at The Movies at Mt. Berry Square. Scot's company hosted it and we really had fun! Scot, Leah, and Brady went and watched Bolt. Christian and I watched Madagascar 2. We had fun. Santa was there...

Leah listed off some things that she wanted. Then, Santa and Mrs. Clause posed for a picture...

We had lots of fun!

PS- Brady and Christian wouldn't go near Santa. I guess they're getting coal this year...

All the Who's down in Whoville...

Our little Who (Brady) recently participated in a Grinch play. He performed this a total of 4 times and lets just say, he's really tired of the Grinch. Or at least I thought he was until I heard him singing that Grinch song "Welcome Christmas, bring your joy...." in the shower last night. I laughed....

J Week!

This week was "J" week in Kindergarten. It was a multicultural experience! The children wore kimono's, ate sushi, learned Japanese words, and spent a lot of time with their shoes off (Leah's favorite part!). The week ended with a trip to the chinese restaurant where they ate only with chopsticks. No silverware allowed! I was fortunate enough to get to go on this trip and we really had fun.

Leah: "Hmm, now how do I get this rice on my chopsticks and in my mouth without it falling off?"

Leah: "Oh, wait... I think I actually got some in my mouth that time!"

A good time was had by all. I, myself, got into the spirit and used only chopsticks. This was an interesting experience and I think I definitely ate less than I would have normally. Maybe I should use chopsticks at every meal! I was going to go back (it was a buffet), but then I decided it would be too much trouble.

I love that Leah gets to experience other cultures at this age. I know that it will give her an appreciation and respect for others who may be different from her. She stated at the end of this week, "Mommy, I wish J week was every week. I loved it!".