December 1st Family Celebration

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Calming Baby

http://www.news10.net/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=1274333a64a5d7e45e434dd91191c8e94a1234b7&maven_referralObject=1312370300

There is hope! Easy calming techniques. See http://www.without-regret.org/ for classes!

Happy Anniversary Miller Lovebirds!

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Rosh Hashanah

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Who Packed Your Parachute?

Who Packed Your Parachute?
An excerpt from Aim for the Heart
By Tom Mathews

I want to share this excerpt as a way of thanking all those who have "packed my parachute"- been there for me to uphold me, support me and encourage me through all the ups and downs of life. Sometimes, it is even someone I barely know. Others, it is life time friends and family.

This is also my reminder to self: to take care to help pack other's parachutes for if I am not doing that, what am I doing here in the first place? I so easily can get caught up in my “poor me" syndrome in this stage of my life-instead I need to seek those who need help with their parachutes of life!

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By the way- the two in the photo are my Mom and Dad, both pilots, as their love story began. Thanks for helping to pack my parachute of life!
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Captain Charles Plumb, a graduate from the Naval Academy, plane, after 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam, was shot down. He parachuted to safety, but was captured, tortured and spent 2,103 days in a small box-like cell.After surviving the ordeal, Captain Plumb received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit and two Purple Hearts, and returned to America and spoke to many groups about his experience and how it compared to the challenges of everyday life.Shortly after coming home, Charlie and his wife were sitting in a restaurant. A man rose from a nearby table, walked over and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"Surprised that he was recognized, Charlie responded, "How in the world did you know that?" The man replied, "I packed your parachute." Charlie looked up with surprise. The man pumped his hand, gave a thumbs-up, and said, "I guess it worked!"Charlie stood to shake the man's hand, and assured him, "It most certainly did work. If it had not worked, I would not be here today."Charlie could not sleep that night, thinking about the man. He wondered if he might have seen him and not even said, "Good morning, how are you?" He thought of the many hours the sailor had spent bending over a long wooden table in the bottom of the ship, carefully folding the silks and weaving the shrouds of each chute, each time holding in his hands the fate of someone he didn't know.Plumb then began to realize that along with the physical parachute, he needed mental, emotional and spiritual parachutes. He had called on all these supports during his long and painful ordeal.

Who Packed Your Parachute? Whose Parachute are you packing?

Happy 33/13 Wedding Anniversary

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They Are Only Little for Awhile...

As I was driving home from my 10 days in SLO with Tilly Jane, Hattie Rose and Sarah and Ryan, tears streamed down my cheeks as I listened to the song, "Let them be Little"--and I knew the truth of how fast these years go by and become like a whisper in the wind- not even sure it ever even happened. Yet, I had been reminded how difficult these days can be with two little ones, no time to yourself, always serving the needs of these little beings that are totally dependant on you for everything... I want to cry out- cherish each moment, each hug, even each temper tantrum and wakeful night-- but can you when you are exhausted and in the midst of it all??? ..."for they are only that way for awhile".

I will miss the early morning quiet times, the singing of "Tell me Why", the "I love You- miss yous", the little impy moments, the daily changes...and I am sad I am not closer to help Sarah and Ryan in the stress of it all- as raising a family is stressful ...

But it is also joyous like no other time in life. I came to realize that I don't think we were meant to live as independent families but we were created to live in extended family community as we all really do need each other- to be that village that helps and supports in raising these precious little ones. How is it that our life has become so mobile, so isolated from one another?


Even Uncle Deven fell in love with these two precious ones and longs to spend more time- to be silly together and have adventures. He found a bond- one that is meant to be among nieces and Uncles.

Mornings were some of my most special times- as Sarah could sleep or get other things done and Hattie had her breakfast next me as I held Tilly- quiet moments-precious memories.

But we all stretch and do what life demands- making the best of the situations we have- but I can long for a simpler time. When families were close together, they could run over to help when needed, laugh over a funny moments, have a cup of coffee together- watch those precious little people grow and learn and love.

Tilly Jane- one Month old

Miss Hattie Rose Turns Two!

YEAH! Hattie Rose turned 2 on June 14, 2009. She is all you would expect from 2- energetic, curious, creative, gentle and loving, funny, a bit sneaky, and definitely testing her boundaries (and exhausting her parents!). She is a JOY!

And what 2 year old wouldn't want a SUSHI PARTY!!!!! Yes- you read right. Hattie LOVES SUSHI and sushi she had- real sushi, cake made to look like sushi (a brillant invention of her Mother's!), rice krispy treats made to look like sushi, sushi party favors and Asian decorations and other Asian snacks! It was amazing and delicious and appreciated by all- even all the 2 year olds! I would recommend the idea for a party for any age. Actually it was one of the most relaxed, coordinated (perfectly coordinated -Aunt Dee Dee would be proud!), and delicious party I have attended!

The party was done in a park which made for lots to do for the children, and easy clean up. Hattie was gracious and appreciative of all gifts- and was the perfect little hostess! I think Sarah should write a book on kid's parties!! I was so glad to have been there!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HATTIE!!!

Happy Anniversary to Stephen and Michelle

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The Folly of Wisdom

So...is it the beginning of wisdom when you finally realize that you live in a state of folly?

It surely doesn't feel that way but I see a glimmer that that may be the opening door of wisdom.

I've lived my life purposefully (as much as I could) - consciously making major decisions with one foot in the grave--will this matter in the long run of life, will this matter in the generations to come, will this matter in eternity? As I looked at raising a family, it was done with these things in mind-what was true and lasting and important-love of God, relationship and love of others and of self. When one is young- all things seem possible and energy is seemingly endless. It didn't matter that creating traditions took time, nights without sleep to prepare the best surprises or keep up the newly found traditions that would give the message of love, relationship, God and family.

One such incidence was the crazy notion that I must be at my Dad's Birthday (81st?) to show him how important he was to me and to show our children the importance of family, no matter the cost. We packed up our small children early in the morning to be in Anaheim by dinner to celebrate with him and we had to leave the next morning to be back for an appointment in Sacramento. It was a feat, but family was that important! I'll never forget, after the long drive with small children, ringing my parent's doorbell, awaiting the surprise and the hugs from my Dad, to only be greeted with, "Oh, I didn't know you were coming- did you read the newspaper today?" I was dumbfounded- I hugged Dad and said , "Dad, we drove all the way from Sacramento to surprise you for your birthday." This lack of enthusiasm was uncharacteristic, I knew that, but still it hurt, so after our brief hug, I excused myself and went into the back bedroom and broken-heartedly cried.

Was this folly? To work so hard to love, to build memories, to enrich relationship ...only to be asked if I had read the paper today? Where is the wisdom? Is the very effort folly? (I know it was insanely crazy but was it folly?) One thinks... I thought... when I was a young Mom, I knew what was really important with one foot in the grave...but did I? Did I pour my life into folly? These are the questions on this side of life. More important...what shall I know to be true wisdom? One of the guiding sayings I kept present as our 4 children were growing up was, "Teach them always to gain in wisdom and in grace.." Now, on this side of life, it seems ironic- for what do I know of wisdom? I am just now getting a glimpse of folly. With the psalmist I pray, "Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part Thou will make me know wisdom." ps 51:6

This is my prayer,

but for now,

I am thinking that, just maybe,

folly is the gatekeeper of wisdom.

The extrodinary wisdom from this side of life I have to share today is...

PedEgg (as seen on TV) works!

I have happy feet!

The Amazing 1.5 Weeks!

It is the events of this past 1.5 weeks that caused me to set up a blog in the first place. So much happened-joyous events- that, in all humbleness, took super-human tactics and strength from the "Invisible Mom" (with the positive help of Dad) to pull off! As I reflected on all that had happened, I didn't want to loose it in what I am starting to recognize as the fading of memory! May 16, 2009 marked the graduation Stephen (25) from William Jessup University with a BA-Cum Laude-in counseling psychology, Bible and Theology. When he married Michelle, one of his promises to her parents is that he would finish his education. Being man of integrity, he did just that as a married man, holding down a full-time job and is looking forward to getting a Psy-D in marriage and family counseling. He does and will touch and positively impact so many families with his insight, wisdom and guidance.

Back to the story--3 days before Carleen and Grandma Janet arrived from So Ca, the next day Michelle's parents arrived from New York and the next day we flew Deven in as a graduation surprise for Stephen. In the meantime, Mary Rose was finishing up her sophomore year at WJU and moving home! As one big happy family, we attended Stephen's Baccalaureate service on Friday night and graduation on Saturday morning and returned home for a typical Simonson celebration with friends, family and LOTS of food. We had worked WEEKS (and Rick through back pain from a recent car accident) to beautify our back yard only to be greeted with 100 degree weather and the neccessity to stay inside in our one air conditioned room! But celebrate we did!



The next day, Sunday, as we were returning from the airport and dropping off our house guests, we got a call from Sarah and Ryan. Due to concern for the new baby yet to be born (low amniotic fluid, high blood pressure, low fetal movement), it was decided Sarah should be induced that day. So home to pack for Mary Rose and I and off to SLO to help with the events of birth (mostly as Hattie's support). We arrived in SLO at 1am on Monday and Hattie woke up the Grandma and Auntie Rose at home and Mom and Dad in the hospital (a change from the homebirth plan). At 9:30am we got the call that contractions were increasing and at noon we got the call to be stand-by and by 2pm we were in the hospital parking lot at the ready and by 3:30pm Tilly Jane Miller came into the world in her very own unique way (I'll save that for another blog!) with Dad, Hattie Rose, Auntie Rose, and Grandma in attendance! A truly BEAUTIFUL little girl with dimples charmed us all from the very beginning!

The next couple of days were spent cleaning and preparing until Grandpa Rick came on Thursday and it was off to So Ca to prepare for Deven's college graduation!



Arriving at Aunt Bunny's, who generously opened her home to us, around midnight on Thursday and Friday was entirely shopping for the grad party and restocking all the decorations I had left in Sac in me rush to leave for the birth! Deven graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Theater Arts for which he gave his hear and soul and became a stronger man for it. Saturday was the event with another Simonson celebration with LOTS of food,m family and friends back at Aunt Bunny's (she is a bit sainted to allow us to invade her home). What a delight to see family we haven't seen in years and some we hadn't even met! What a celebration of Deven's accomplishments and each one was rewarded with one, or several, of Deven's infamous hugs!

But wait...there's more!
The next morning-early- we gathered at Michael C's home- just a small group- Kelly, Brittany, Mike, Dee Dee, Aunt Bunny, Stephen and Michelle, Rick , Deven and Mary Rose and me- as Mike and I were baptized in acknowledgement of our love and commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ. We were profoundly honored to be baptized by Stephen. Having been a Christian myself since I was 18, I had never made the decision to be re-baptized as an adult who accepted Christ as my Savior. I knew this was the moment-this is what I had waited for-to be baptized with my brother and by my son. It was deeply meaningful, joyous and inspiring.

So- in a week and one half- my two son's graduated from college, my second granddaughter was born and I was baptized with my brother- each with celebrations of their own! That 1.5 weeks seemed like months - I am exhausted but profoundly grateful and humbled, and like Mary of the Bible, I will long ponder these things in my heart.