Picture of the Lake Havasu trip! Its not a topless beach, but Simi thought it was. Venice is more of an albino; she chose to keep her shirt on. She chose...wisely.

Enamored (that's a fancy word for Love) with NANCY! 3 cheers for new Fancy Nancy books. If you have a "girly" girl at your house, you've probably read these adorable books by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser. My daughter is obsessed with Nancy and gets so excited when new ones come to the library. The author somehow must have secretly used our family as inspiration for the series--or it must mean that I'm not alone and there are other "plain" parents out there in the same situation. (We recommend Fancy Nancy and the Posh Pup, our fav).

Two New Arizona Temples AnnouncedThis is the beautiful and historical Mesa Arizona Temple. It was the only temple in AZ from 1927 until just a few years ago when the Snowflake Temple was built. Now Arizona will have 4! These are the first Temple construction announcements for Thomas S. Monson as a prophet. Read the newsroom article at:

http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/president-monson-announces-two-new-temples-in-arizona

Happy Birthday Princess Knuckles!

Dear Knuckles, Happy First birthday. When I think back to April of 07, one year ago, I can hardly remember life without you in our family....it might be because my brain has never made a full recovery. Please forgive me if I've been exhausted your whole life. But it doesn't mean I love you any less. Thank you for every hug, every snuggle, every smile, every pout (which we see a lot of), every giggle, tickle, and love. -Mom.

Check out this Blog. Do it.

http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html

It is the official Reflections of Christ Blog and has an amazing video montage of beautiful photography and music. These works by Mark Mabry will take your breath away.

Is there a better 80's combo than 'wife beaters' and Mustang GTs? (This picture screams: 'get off the camera and take care of your children'. Clothe them, and for heaven's sake, do that child's hair).

Hi friends! Yes, I took off all my links because my blog is public and I didn't want anyone's last names exploited on my account. :) Speaking of...Enjoy this name game:
(thanks Elena, it was fun)

1 . YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Kippy Dodge
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Phish Food C. Chip
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)D-Mac
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Purple Lemar
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Dalee Yakima
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)Mac-da
7.SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Yellow Lemonada
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Rulon Frank
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)Happy Butterfingers (yikes)
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) ________Ann
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Kinsey Kuna
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Spring HollyHocks
(yikes, this could be a stripper too)
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Pineapple Flip-flop
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Oatmeal Aspen
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)The Yoga/Song- Sun Tour

Much Love for the Mini

Some folks had questions about the ol' minivan (doubed 'the mini'). Yes the carseats are built in (for children weighing 22-50 lbs). Yes, I love it. Say "Yes" to the Mini. Yes, I know the mini isn't for everyone. But if you have children, and travel via roadtrip like we do, it pretty much rocks. Mini rocks the roadtrip. There are few out there that have built in car seats; mine is the 2005 Dodge. I've heard that the older Poniac minis have carseats built in too. And if you are wondering...Yes, I do get crap about driving a minivan, from lots of people. But I never feel like I have to defend it...cause it speaks for itself. All you mini drivers out there...do you not feel the same?

Mortifying...

Ok, Elena this post is just for you...I got tagged to make an "embarrassing moment" And if you are reading this you are also tagged to post your own embarrassing moment...but especially Jessica because MORTIFYING is our fav word.

so here goes...(Loralee never lets me live this one down...I don't think Elena knows this story, yet.)

In 1999 I was dating Robb MacDonald and was invited to accompany him and his family to the Johnson Family Thanksgiving Reunion to not only meet the parents, but the GRANDparents! I had NO idea what I was in for. Like a lamb to the slaughter I went to meet Robb's Grandmother (Grandmama) for the first time. I sat in his grandma and grandpa's living room and for at least 2 hours (seemed like an eternity) was grilled on questions about my life, background, parents, siblings, pets, talents, passions, goals, skills, grades, political preference, academic achievements, failures, successes, dreams, ambitions, astrological sign and dress size...

I felt myself getting pushed deeper and deeper into the ground and I was scrambling to get out. I wasn't about to let my poor interviewing skills keep me from the love of my life. I panicked. Had I entered some sort of alternate universe???? I thought grandmas were supposed to smile, give you a hug and offer you home baked cookies! I didn't bargain for this! As these thoughts raced through my mind I heard Robb's grandma point a final question to me..."do you have ANY talents?" I shouted, "I can do the SPLITS!?" Why did I say it? I don't know, it was rapid fire; the first random thing on my brain. They wanted proof. Before I knew it I was on the ground demonstrating both Chinese and American splits. "Get OFF the ground, Dalee!" my-later-to-be Sister-in-law Loralee, yelled. I was so degraded. on the ground...begging for a little respect. ew I'm grimacing just remembering it.

Front Facers

Venice turns 12 months shortly and one of the joys of being 1-years old is getting to sit like a person, front-facing. And Simi is sporting her Gwen-do (thats what I call it). Her bangs do this natural 40's-style-pin-curls-type thing so I jazz it with hair spray and there ya have it, instant Gwen Stephani.

So here is more compare and contrast. This time Father-Daughter. This picture of Robb reminds me of Simi. The "unimpressed look", the blonde curls, the BIG chuncky face!

Happy Easter

Ricks Forever! This coming Spring/Summer marks 10 years since I first entered Ricks College as a Freshmen. So HAPPY 10 YEARS LADIES! Ricks was my favorite part of my whole academic career. (this picture was actually from 1999 which was an especially fun year)

On a less sentimental note: those who were in this picture or attended this "banquet" will remember it was like the Ricks College 235th ward or something...and we got awards at the end of the year based on our personalities. I remember being angry to say the least that I got "Best Airhead" or something like that. I think I burned the certificate. Correct me if I'm wrong: Jessica got: Best Smile. Bonnie got "City Slicker" (LOVE that), Holly got "Best Hair" and Lisa and Melissa I don't remember your awards...please someone fill me in! Am I psycho that I remember the awards from so long ago?

The Primaries have been CRAZY, huh? A very intense election year. Because I hang out at the local park with babies for a large portion of the day, I generally don't get many opportunities to talk politics with people. Except for yesterday. A young girl (no older than 7) said,

"hello"

"Hi" I replied.

"So who did YOU vote for??!" she said, with a bit of sassiness that made me giggle.

"...well, I..." (I didn't expect such a heavy question at the jungle gym. I was speechless.)

my stammering, frustrated the young girl and she blurted--

"Well, I voted for OBAMA!"

The Funky-Fresh Christmas of 1982 This one is for the Coons. For those who are confused, this is Matthew Coons and Robb, doubling up on Santa. My favorite part is Santa pointing.

Nudist Colony...? simi's newest favorite thing to do is take off all her clothes when friends come over to play. ummmm. Not sure what else to say about that. Never a dull moment with Simi.

Another new fav. is her bed.

Nothing comes easily for a Princess. In the following post are pictures of Venice trying to crawl. It is much easier to have a scream fest, right?

Compare and Contrast

These are my girls both pictured at about 7 months. I post this because I forgot to mention that at Venice's 9month check up the doctor actually asked if my children were "fathered by the same person." Yes, and not jokingly either.

Prophetic Passing
Anna M. Molgard January 27, 2008
I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.
I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.
I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."
I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.
I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward - there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.

"9 month shots?!"

Yes, Venice turned 9 months and got her shots. She isn't very tough when it comes to doctors appointments...who are we kidding? She's a wimp about everything. That is why we love our Bindi-Boo! (we ironically call her "knuckles" because she's so sensitive) But how can we resist that sweet gummy smile??

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday Robb! 30 years old! But you are only as old as you feel and look right? If that is the case...just 3 years ago robb was mistaken for a highschool student. true story.

Pictured above is Simi's drawing of herself with Robb. I've been meaning to put some of her art work on the blog for a long time. I know I'm her mom, but she really does amazing artwork. The detail of her pictures/people look like a kindergardener's not a 2 year old's. the other picture is Robb playing with the girls and his train set on his b-day...didn't I say 'there is always a train'?

Their Favorite Things: The girls have 2 favorite things to do together. Number 1 is Tickle Time with Daddy. They both have the same shriek and its a daily ritual when robb comes home.

Coming in at a close 2nd is Bath Time together. Simi now requires that Venice bathe with her...little sisters are good to have around to laugh at your jokes! (as pictured).

Spoiled??...NO!

Pictured outside of Nana and Poppy's home Christmas Day. As you can see Simi put on all her gifts immediately and had to go on a wagon ride with doll in hand. Thank you MacDonalds for sharing Christmas with us.

Sleeping Beauty on Crack? From infancy Simi has had an obsession with hair...a hair fetish you could say. Grandma and Grandpa Somerville got her a Sleeping Beauty wig...looks more like the Princess on Crack to us. (she was quite angry in the picture because she wanted to play with the train).

"...What? I'm feeding myself today...and these blues say that's final!"

Sexy is Back I know, you are thinking: 'not another car posting', but I couldn't resist to share that we broke down and got a paint job on the civic. I think Robb was tired of getting $500 offers to have it taken off our hands. Some have said it was good we chose the original red color too, that way the guys who stole it will recognize it! (we are always thinking of others).

Happy Birthday DAD! Its Grandpa Somerville's birthday today. We just wanted to say we love you and hope your day is great. This is a picture of the Somerville's with the girls when they visited in October.

Cloudy in AZ? This is not a Lake...this is the park 1 block from our house! Most parks and soccer fields in the Valley in AZ are designed to collect the whole neighborhood's rain run-off just like this (for those who were unaware). Within a day or so ducks always find their way to our neighborhood and people bring out their canoes and paddle around the park. Its hysterical! We are grateful for the rain this weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving For Thanksgiving we visited Uncle Corey's house (his trampoline was a blast...at first Simi didn't know what it was called and said, "Wanna jump on dat big Cherrio!").

Here is Ven enjoying some Turkey...J/K, its a cracker.

"Oh What do you do in the Winter Time...?"

This is what we did this weekend. Yes, on November 17th Simi went swimming. The water was too chilly for mom and dad. But it was 88 degrees on the patio...a delight.

FROM THE ARCHIVES . . .

Here is a little something that represents our hard work at BYU. The T-Bird was donated a couple years back. Hopefully the new owner never sees this video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EJzByTk2sdQ

Richard is KING!Thank you for all the voted on Simi's costume. We had to give the public what they voted for...and that was Ric Simmons! Simi wasn't so sure about the constume, but she liked the long "CD necklace" sportin' Sweatin' to the Oldies and by the end of the night she didn't want to take off the outfit.

Other halloween pictures:

Savior of the World Production

Hello, I'm finally back! The last 6 months I have been involved in the "Savior of the World" production that my Stake in Peoria put on. The last 3 weeks have been the final rehearsals and performances--it completely consumed any extra time I've had. It was amazing! I played Salome the disciple in the first picture, and the second picture is my angel costume. SO, I was dressed up on Halloween!! there were just no tricks or treats this year. I'm so blessed to have been a part of it.