LaJoy Dove Simmons

December 26, 1934-September 8, 2008

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

We love you grandma Joy!

How many have my name?

This number represents my name, Leah Simmons

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 100 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

I also did it with my maiden name and the results were very different.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 3 people with my name in the U.S.A. http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

Sunday's Food for Thought

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

Joseph B. Wirthlin

I can't believe....

I let the whole month of June go by and not a post. It has been a busy summer so far. We have been doing summer movies and swimming. That is usually the gist of our summer fun because I always use up my dh's vacation time with my calling in young women's. I've already been to youth conference and will be going to girls camp in 2 weeks. But times are a changin'! This will be my last year going to girls camp. I have a new calling.........RS 2nd counselor/enrichment counselor. Tonight was YW's and I really missed being there. I have been in for 8 yrs. That's 8 yrs. of going to weekly activities. 8 yrs. of youth conferences and girl's camps. This has been a hard transition, but I know Heavenly Father will help me adjust. I am definitely in new territory!!!


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

Also, last week my dh and I were able to go on a 2 day retreat for our 22nd anniversary. It was wonderful! We went to a little, very charming bed and breakfast in the middle of SLC. We were the only ones there so it was a nice and quiet time. Amid a house full of kids, 4 of them grown ups, it's nice to have some quiet, peaceful moments.

Book shout out

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

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

Update on Me

The last little while has been filled with lots and lots to say. First, I finished school and pulled 3 A's and a B+ in Advanced Theory. I was pretty proud of myself. My dd Ashleigh finished her first year of college with pretty good grades herself. We are both taking breaks for the summer. Ashleigh wants to work full time and save money to move out. She is definitely itching to do so as soon as possible.

During finals week I got Bronchitis again. Worse this time. I thought I had pneumonia, but the x-rays showed otherwise. It took me a month to get over the cough again. I was so greatful because all my teachers had given our finals the week earlier so we wouldn't have to worry about it during finals week. Wow! What a blessing. Heavenly Father is really watching out for me.

All this stress and self neglect has caused me to gain weight and struggle with my energy level. And lets not forget self confidence in all this. The PMDD challenges me enough and now to add this. I have started walking again and hope to get in better shape over time. I have to say though that I have been managing my PMDD quite well. Lots to work on. At least my desire is strengthening and I can function pretty good now. I'm a bit nervous with summer coming and having the kids home, but I have a plan and hope that I can continue to function in such a positive way.

Not much more than that.

Short update

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

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

I'm off for Choir tour

We will be hitting Price, Moab, and Green River. I will return on Wednesday evening and I will be sure to update on Easter and my tour, maybe even with pics, when I return.

I have to say, this is weird, I'm going to go on a trip with a bunch of people half my age.

I do get to room with a friend that's around my age though, and a pregnant lady, so the party begins! Bwahahahahahahahaha!

Easter Sunday's food for thought

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

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Happy Easter everyone!

School starts tomorrow

I've had a nice spring break since Wednesday. Now, it's time to get back to work. It's gonna be crunch time from here on out. I have 3 big projects in Music theory that I am quite nervous about. Then I have one big paper in my Social Work class. Choir tour comes on March 24th-26th, and I have to add all this to my kids school stuff. I just don't feel on top of things like I want to, but I do know that I can do this. I have to. Music theory has been more difficult than ever and I feel so inadequate to the task. I've got to rid myself of this perfectionistic attitude and know that I can do my best and pass the class. I will pass it. Once I'm done with this I will be done with theory all together. Yay!

I played the Raindrop Prelude by Chopin in a group performance class week before last and had a major anxiety attack. Now I get to go out and play in at least 10 different settings to get some exposure (as my teacher would say). That's the best thing for performance anxiety. I know that. But, it's getting past the anxiety to perform that gets in the way. My teacher said she'll give me an "A" if I do this and also perform in the next performance class. I need this A to offset the grade I'll probably get in theory. I want to keep my GPA up for future scholarships.

Choir has been a blast and we're going to go down to Moab, Green River, and Price for a 3 day tour. I'm not excited about the places we're going, but the fact that we're going sounds like so much fun.

My Social work class has also been really good for me. We are doing 15 hrs. of volunteer work in a government agency and then doing a big paper on it. That has been fun too.

Concerning my PMDD, my dr. decided to change my BC pills because they found problems with the Yaz. It is supposedly affecting potassium levels, cholesterol levels, and some blood pressure. So, they are trying me on Loestrin 24 fe. I've only been on it for 5 days now and I am not feeling so well. More cranky than usual at this part of my cycle, plus more depressed. I don't know if it's the meds or life, or stress. I constantly go through all the possibilities and struggle to figure it out. I'm giving this new med a good try and then when I go in for my physical in May, I will see if I level out again. Man this is frustrating. I hate feeling hopeless and not knowing why.

Sunday's Food for Thought

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

President Spencer W. Kimball

123 book meme

Meme Rules:

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



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

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

"Look at you, Tally Youngblood."



"Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld


This is a book my daughter is reading and loves



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

I tag the Denise, Kris, and Donna

Sunday's Food for Thought (on Monday)

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

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

New photo of the first presidency of the church

All I can say is, inspiring and wonderful!

One of my favorite voices

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

I love plays.....

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

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

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

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

I've been tagged by my niece Natalie

TEN YEARS AGO...I was 33 yrs. old. I had Kiri (10), Ashleigh (18), Shelby (7), Andrew (5), and Gracie(1). Not much going on besides being a mom at this point. I was wrapped in school, diapers, carseats, bottles, toys, and more toys. Emma wasn't even a twinkle in my eyes yet.


FIVE PLACES I HAVE LIVED...


1. Racine, Wisconsin


2. Orem, Utah


3. New Rochelle, New York


4. Orem, Utah


5. Orem, Utah

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




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


THREE BAD HABITS...

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

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

3. Eating too much.


FIVE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME...

1. I love to sleep in.

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

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

4. I love, love, love movies.

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


FIVE JOBS THAT I HAVE HAD...

1. Burger King through High School

2. Major Babysitting ages 8 through 21

3. Nanny in New York for 1 yr.

4. Arby's in College

5. Macey's service desk

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


I now tag whoever reads this.

Sunday's Food for Thought

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

Elder Robert D. Hales

I'm on the mend...

If only this nasty cough would go away!!!! My poor son and dd have had the same thing but not as bad as me. Thank goodness!

School is going really well this semester. I have even kept up with being sick. I had to miss a couple of days and I was worried about getting behind, but things have worked out. I feel so blessed by a good dh taking such good care of me and also our family while I have been down and out. I am also grateful for nice professors with a lot of patience. There has been plenty of sickness going around and a lot of missing students.

One of the good things coming out of this is my children are certainly more grateful of their mothers' cooking abilities. They've had way more FFY's (fend for yourself) and pre-prepared foods than they would like. I'm glad to be back in the cooking mode.

My pmdd has been better the last little while. Mostly because I'm accepting my limitations graciously and more patiently. But, every now and then, my frustration takes over and I just wish things were easier. I took so much for granted where my health was concerned for so many years and now that I don't have it the same way, or the way I want it, it's simply hard to accept some days. And the ever present "why me" still creeps out sometimes and takes over the positive. But, I'm definitely feeling more positive these days and that has helped my depression and anxiety. I am working on looking at life with a new perspective. One of gratitude, and submitting my will to the will of my Heavenly Father. As I like to say, "there is a lesson to be learned from this" and if I fight it, it will only make it that much harder.

Update

My new best friends:


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

Sick as a dog

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

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

Happy birthday to me!

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

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

I also got calls from LaJoy, my sis Kim, my friend Maxine and Claudia. I got some flowers from my friend Vicki, and some balloons from the Young Women's presidency in my ward. And I can't forget all the birthday wishes from my sista's. Thank you all!

All in all it was a great day!

I love my family!

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

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional. You prefer things the way you've always known them. You'll admit that you're old fashioned, and you don't see anything wrong with that. Your tastes and preferences are classic. And classic never goes out of style. Those who like you crave security. People can rely on you to be true to yourself - and true to them. You're loyal, trustworthy, and comfortable in your own skin. And because of these qualities, you've definitely earned a lot of respect.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Guess who?

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

Me and my sister Kim

Me as a cute widdle girl

Me at about 13 yo (I loved that dress)

The newest addition to our family

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

What's in my purse?

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


Here's the list of things to look for:

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

Those who should consider themselves tagged:
Kari
Denise
Kris
Shayla
Donna

Show us what ya got!!

Here I go again.....

School starts tomorrow and I'm actually excited. The kids start tomorrow too. So, here's to a new year and another semester!