Simonds Family at Smith Rock

Xander's First Hike

While on retreat Rochelle sent some pictures of Xander doing push ups with great joy to encourage us to do the same. Did we do push ups? I am sure we thought about it.

I have also added some pictures of Xander doing cute faces and going on his first hike (just the beginning for this boy) to Smith Rock. Rochelle reported that he was content about 50% of the trip but not too happy the other 50. The most important part was he looked darned cute :)

The Many Faces of Xander

Xander demonstrates pushups

SOAR Retreat

April 28,2008
Lots of activity since the last post. I have added several picture groups. The first addition is of the S.O.A.R trip (Sisters on a Retreat). Oh what fun we had. Cindy bought us all pink exercise balls. We watched a video to show us exercises to perform but somehow we could not duplicate what was being shown. I was very impressed with the balance my sisters had...I was pathetic and could not retain my balance...but it was a good laugh. We had pedicures and Letty gave us all facials. But the best part was doing our Bible Study and our Prayer Time. We have already seen some answers and we can't wait for SOAR II.

Joshy Boy

April 11, 2008
I promised you pictures of my baby Joshy Boy! And thanks to Charlene and Letty I am able to post them so quickly. Yesterday Charlene and Letty drove out to LA to visit their favorite nephew Josh at his high powered job at the Cheesecake Factory. Lindsay Lohan happened to be eating lunch at the same time but that did not distract Josh for being a super server to his Aunts. He loved their visit and hope others will follow in their footsteps.

Charlene Letty and Lindsay visit the Cheesecake Factory

Who would you choose to serve if you worked at the Cheesecake Factory? Lindsay Lohan or your Aunties. Josh made the right choice and waited on his Aunts. Whose feet are pictured below. The Paparazzi tried to get a shot of their faces but were not successful. If you would like to see Lindsay Lohan dodging the paparazzi that day you can visit this link...
http://www.tmz.com/tmz_main_video?titleid=1496397873

Cheesecake Factory Collage

The Van Bruggen Family on Easter

The Many Faces of Ingrid

The Many Faces of Greta Moon

Two Sleeping Beauties

April 7, 2008
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103: 1&2

Well, it is time for some new postings and updates. I was very excited to get some updates from the Reno gang. Ingrid is almost two months old already and Xander is four months old. You can scroll down all the pictures in April and see how my grandchildren are growing bigger and cuter everyday.

Here are a few of the family updates since the last blog: Jared returned to work after a several month lay off. He is back working for Sierra Air Inc. and it is an exciting answer to prayer.

Bill took a Detail (Temporary Assignment) in Albuquerque, NM for the next four months. He will be commuting back and forth and so will I some of the time. It is a good way for him to try out a possible job for the future.

Rochelle went back to work and Brandon has been the stay at home Daddy. He does a great job. He has a job offer from Colorado and a move may be in their near future. If you care to map it ...Albuquerque and Denver are not too far apart:).

Joshua James is still working on the next great novel or short story or article. He loves visitors at his job at the Cheese Cake Factory in LA. I will have to snag a new picture of him so he won't feel left out of the blog. He still is "My Baby"

Hanging in my Hoodie

March Madness

Here we find Xander ready to watch some serious B-ball with his Dad. I believe his Dad is rejoicing over Kansas winning it all.

Basketball could only hold his attention for so long so he moved over to his swing to play with his froggy.