Teaching Connor to Sail...

No words needed!

Daddy's Chair

David has a favorite chair in our family room. It's his favorite place to work, watch TV, and just hang out. It's a Love Sac. There are several Love Sac chairs to choose from; ours is the "Movie Sac." A Love Sac is basically a very nice, suede, oversized, foam, "bean-bag-like" chair. Needless to say, a man who can fall asleep anywhere can definitely fall asleep here. What I found out this week is that: Sybella can fall asleep here too....

Another Saturday Morning in Dad's Eyes

Here are some more Saturday morning pictures from David...he is developing a habit of walking around with the camera on Saturdays. It's a good thing we're not shy about being photographed at "our best." LOL!!

Here is Dad's favorite: All of our kids drink every drop of sugary-milk in the bowl.

Saturday Morning in Dad's Eyes

Here are some pictures from a Saturday Morning about a week ago. David was just walking around the house snapping shots. Looks like the boys are a bit camera shy in the morning.

Some September Sybella Stuff

There are 2 pictures of Sybella from September '08 that I just couldn't pass up for a posting. I know that they are late but they are cute.

Three or four days after we moved into the new house, I heard Sybella call out "Mommy" from the other room. She normally calls me "Mom" so I knew something was a little different. I said, "Yes Sybella, what do you need?" (I was putting something away in my closet and she was about 25 feet away in her room or so I thought.)
The next thing I heard was "Mommmmy................... Mommmmy............. Mommmmy......Mommmmy...Mommmmy" is an increasing speed and increasing whine. I, of course, went running. Sybella stopped calling (I think because she knew I was coming.) Sybella was not in her room, she was not in Connor's room, she was not in the bathroom. So, at this point, I am calling for Sybella! I then hear a whimper from the hall closet. Opening the door, I find a young lady who has shut herself in the closet and now in the dark, can't figure out how to get herself out.
The quality isn't great but this is the picture I manged to capture:



And this is a picture of Sybella in Dad's arms. How Cute!!

Getting Close

Today was just one of those days full of meetings, emails, and phone calls. I did end the day by playing catch football with the boys in the cul-de-sac. After a long day I think it is easier to relax by playing catch with the boys than it is to relax watching tv.

After rejecting one applicant to rent our home and so many people we have interviewed and shown through the house, we are getting close. We have a great family that has gone through the whole process and we should be signing the rental agreement. Keep your fingers crossed and the prayers coming.

For you die hard, devote bloggers...I will let you in on a secret...I conceded several days ago but tonight I officially told Sharon we can have #4. For those of you who know us well...you'll know what that means.

~David

Father's Day Food Drive Finale

Instead of a gift for Father's Day, Colin and Connor decided to Honor their dad by demonstrating the love and service to others that he has taught them. (See post on Service Project Update)

On Father's Day, the boys were invited to Chesterbrook United Methodist Church to make a presentation of all the food and donations that they collected for the Food Bank. During the announcements they had the opportunity to briefly explain that by going door-to-door and sending e-mails that they had collected:

~ 16 filled bags of groceries and $150.00 for the local SHARE food bank

as well as,

~ $275.00 collected for a local Washington State Food Bank because of their e-mails.

The kids FAR EXCEEDED their goal to collect 20 bags or approximatey $400-$500 dollars. Essentially their efforts, almost doubled their goal. Great Job!

We are so proud of the care and concern that they have for others, it will certainly bless and enhance their lives!

Father's Day Golf

For Father's Day I decided to take my Father to the Piedmont Golf Course. This PGA Tour course, is designed by Tom Fazio, while the fairways are open the rough will eat your ball in a heart beat and if you go much further than the rough...don't bother looking for that ball! The medium sized greens are straight forward but the only approach is straight on; otherwise you are dodging sand traps and water. It is a Par 72 course that plays 7,000 yards from the back tees. It's a workout when the temperature gets up there.

The course is windy! When we started it was pretty calm but I was told that most days the course is tough to play because there is almost always a constant cross breeze.


We started off great...all 3 of us hit straight down the fairway and landed dead center about 200 yards off the tee. From there on out the rest of the game went well but I won't share the details in order to allow for some story telling by those who swung the clubs. My brother Phillip joined us since he is now living in Northern Virginia and the three of us had a great time cruising around the course and hanging out on Father's Day.

It was a great morning and afternoon as we rounded the back nine and headed off to the front nine. As we approached the 3rd hole, I found out why they call this place "The windy course"...in a matter of minutes a storm blew in off the foot hills (you can't call them mountains once you have lived in the Pacific Northwest) and the temperature dropped from 90 to 70 (or at least it felt that way).



All and all a very enjoyable time, relaxing, and fun to play a challenging course . Thank goodness I brought a dozen extra golf balls...

~David

FSM

Well it isn't quite Father's Day but since I am traveling again on Sunday and I have plans with my Father on Saturday...I thought it was a good idea to take the boys out for a Father Son Moment. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive, just some good old fun at the driving range. There is a driving range about 4 miles from the house (Oak Marr Rec Center & Golf Course).

We had fun just swinging the clubs and the boys wanted to go on the 'upper level'...I think it makes them feel like thier golf ball goes further. We had a good time and enjoyed the weather. Just having a quality time with the boys...who are growing up way to fast (10 and 8 now). Colin will be in 5th grade next year...YIKES (I have a 5th grader) and Connor will be in 2nd grade.

For the record...we did not dig tunnels in the sand trap at the golf course. These are photos from of the tunnel I helped the boys build while we were in Myrtle beach several weeks ago during another FSM.

Service Project Update

Here is a reminder and update to our service project:

Instead of getting David a gift for Father’s Day, the kids have decided to honor their dad by collecting FOOD and FUNDS for those in need.

We are inviting you, to help us, help others.We all know that the economy is tough right now and food prices are UP--- unfortunately that has created many empty shelves and pantries at Food Banks and Services.

We are raising money and food for S.H.A.R.E. of Virginia via the Chesterbrook United Methodist Church's drop site.*****If you are not familiar with S.H.A.R.E, they partner with approximately 350 churches and community organizations to collect food. The individuals who participate in S.H.A.R.E volunteer 2 hours of their time and then are able to pay $18 for bags of groceries worth $40-$50. The participants get to bless and help others and are then blessed themselves with low-cost groceries.

Over the last 2 weeks, we have collected 8 bags of food and $70 in donations. However, we still have a ways to go;
we have set a goal to collect 20 bags of groceries (approximately $400-$500) to give on Father’s Day, June 15th!

How can you help?

Before June 13, Bring a bag(s) of food to our house OR, if you live far away,
send a check made out to S.H.A.R.E. of Virginia (NO amount is too small or large, send $1 and UP ^^- We need EVERYONE's help!)

Thanks again for helping!!!

NOTE: 100% of your donation is Tax deductible and will go to S.H.A.R.E. of Virginia. If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, let our mom know- she will make sure that you receive one.

A Canned Food Brunch

I am totally excited about the Father's Day Gift we are giving David (and a lot of other dads)!!

Here are the details:

You are invited to the Best Father's Day Brunch ever! What is it you ask?It is a Canned Food Brunch--a what? A Canned Food Brunch!

We are inviting you, to help us, help others. We all know that the economy is tough right now and food prices are UP--- unfortunately that has created many empty shelves at Food Banks & Services. We have decided to HONOR our dad, David, with an AWESOME service project; we are raising money and food for S.H.A.R.E. of Virginia via the Chesterbrook United Methodist Church's drop site.***If you are not familiar with S.H.A.R.E, they partner with approximately 350 churches and community organizations to collect food. The individuals who participate in S.H.A.R.E volunteer 2 hours of their time and then are able to pay $18 for bags of groceries worth $40-$50. The participants get to bless and help others and are then blessed themselves with low-cost groceries.

Over the next 3 weeks, we will be going door-to-door in our neighborhood to collect canned goods and non-perishables for S.H.A.R.E. We have set a goal to collect 20 bags of groceries (approximately $400-$500).

But, How can you help? It's not hard! You would normally get your dad a gift for Father's day but does he really need another tie, money clip, sports jersey, baseball cap, or electronic gadget?

Instead, Before June 13, Bring a bag(s) of food to our house with YOUR dad's name on it or, if you live far away, send a check made out to our mom (Sharon Simon) with YOUR dad's name in the Memo line and our mom will buy the food. (NO amount is too small or large, send $1 and UP ^^- We need EVERYONE's help!)

All of the food will be donated in honor of YOUR dad on June 15th--- Father's Day. On Father's Day, you can give your dad a card with a message inside about how he inspired this gift of giving. [If your dad is not with you anymore, you can still give; instead write a card to your child, spouse, or a friend and tell them what you admired and loved about YOUR dad]

Please take this opportunity to HONOR your DAD's Legacy by helping someone else. Also, please feel free to pass this e-vite along to others.

NOTE: 100% of your donation is Tax deductible and will go to S.H.A.R.E. of Virginia. If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, let us know- we will make sure that you receive one. If you would like verification of the validity of this offer, please feel free to contact Chesterbrook United Methodist Church at ChesterbrookUMC@aol.com or 703-356-7100.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad! You're the Best!

Love,
Colin, Connor, & Sybella

Family Night

Tuesday night we took the boys and headed over to RFK Stadium to watch DC United play Jamaica's Harbour View in the CONCACAF Quarterfinals. We rode the metro from Vienna to the other side of DC and walked to the stadium. Being spring break we had no worries about getting home late. The boys got to hang out with "Sammy the Eagle"...United's mascot. We had great seats in the 'rowdy' section of the stadium. We actually sat just to the right of the group that was throwing confetti, splashing liquids, and beating the drums.

The boys are embracing the great American past time of heading to the local stadium and cheering on your favorite sports team. We left Sybella at home with Granda while we headed out into the cold weather. We decided to get stadium food...OUCH! Forgot how expensive that stuff is. Anyways, it was a fun game and the home team won.

After a 1-1 draw with D.C. United at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium, many were expecting Harbour View to lose the return-leg CONCACAF Champions Cup game in Washington on Tuesday night.

However, a 5-0 thrashing was more than many, yours truly included, bargained for. Tons of scoring, lots of yelling, what a wonderful atmosphere.

At no point did I envision D.C. United, a United States Major League Soccer kingpin, as a team that was five goals better than any of the top Jamaican sides.

Tag-Along

By: Sharon

Saturday morning, David was going to get a haircut. Since we had family pictures on Sunday, I asked him to take the boys so that they could get haircuts too. Then, since I was getting ready for a baby shower that I was hosting Saturday afternoon, it was decided that Sybella would go with the boys to tag-along.

....Apparently, the "tag-along" part was not UNDERSTOOD.

Stop laughing!

So as you've guessed, Dad decided that Sybella needed to get a haircut too. Of course she should also look her best for family pictures! Sybella had her bangs trimmed and had the back "cleaned- up" according to dad (cleaned-up is apparently synonymous with cut-shorter).

I must admit that the cut is cute and Dad was right, she needed it. That being said, it's a little weird to have dad in charge of things like Sybella's first haircut. I have always done those things. But, even as it feels weird, Dad did a good job, which is no surprise for me. Also, Ladies, aren't we always the ones wishing that our husbands could: help out, pick up the slack, give us a short break, or take on a family job without us planning it from start to finish?? I must brag on David to say that as much as possible he does those things and does them well, even a little girl's first haircut!

1st Communion

This weekend was the boys 1st communion. We decided to go into the District Saturday night and hang out at Ebenezers. Besides being the largest coffee shop in DC it is also home to National Community Church (NCC). We got to know NCC and the senior Pastor Mark Batterson over 2 years ago via the web and podcasts. So when we decided to move from Seattle to DC, it was a natural fit to plug into a church that meets in a coffee house.

Anyways, back to the real story...it was not planned but NCC decided to have communion and the timing was right. So I stood next to the boys and explained to them what communion was and why we do it. Really cool experience. I love technology and being able to capture the moment. ~David

FLU

We are at it again here in the Simon house. Nothing like a little commicable disease spread around the family. While we got the boys thier flu shots, Connor seems to have gotten it anyways. He stayed home from school for 3 days and then passed the flu to Sharon, Sybella, and I. The ladies are taking it well but I am suffering. My head feels like it is going to explode and my body aches. What more can I say? Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger...
~David

National Prayer Breakfast

I attended the National Prayer Breakfast this morning. Every U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s has attended the annual prayer breakfast. There were 4000 people from 150 different countries. In attendance was the President of the United States and the First Lady, several heads of state, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Congressman and Senators from both sides of the aisle, and leaders from all over the world. It was awesome to see so many people in such positions of influence and leadership who came and gathered in the name of Jesus.

The Key note speaker was, Ward Brehm, a businessman who developed an interest in Africa through his church and now heads a government agency called the U.S. African Development Foundation, which helps small businesses in Africa (micro-loans). Brehm talked about his impressions of the continent, and how he became aware through his work in Africa that all peoples - rich and poor - share one human spirit.
"I will forever be indebted to Africa. Africa awakened me when I didn't even know I was asleep".

Father to Daughter

Awesome book by Harry Harrison, Jr.


Sharon picked this one up for me. I got some cool ideas for raising Sybella. When I read "Wild at Heart", I gained new insight as to why my boys act the way they do and what drives boys as they become men. Father to Daughter, is full of cute one liners, great ideas, and tips on dealing with that special little girl in your life.

One of my favorite words of wisdom is, "When you tell a boy not to stick something in an electrical socket, he will either stomp off or do it any ways. Girls will cry!" I have already seen this one. One of the ideas I walk away with is to buy her a nice necklace and then by charms for different events as she grows-up.

Again, well written book helping remind men in America that we need to be the example of how men should treat women and that lesson starts with treating are little girl right.

Ouch!

This morning before I drove off for work Sharon asked me if I would carry a few boxes downstairs. Little did I know what awaited me...I took the stairs a little to fast and found myself sliding down to the bottom with my left leg extended and my right leg bent backward. Yes that's right... SNAP, CRACKLE, POP! I tore my 'quad'. Not walking very good and the kids are not authorized to sit on my lap as the result is me screaming in pain. I was hoping for a cool sports story to go with this bad of an injury but no such luck. ~David