A Letter to the Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday Sister!

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.

~Marion C. Garretty

Dear Quincy,

Did you know that I really like you a lot?

I do.

You are a sensational person.

Please do not assume that I feel this way, because you make the most delicious blueberry lime jam in this entire world.

And it isn't because you ran a half marathon and did a triathlon, too.

Or because you can sew fabulous purses, answer any questions I have about grammar, and that you are becoming a coupon expert!

I like you, because you are good.

And because you are brave.

Being in your presence is feeling a little bit of heaven.

Haven't we had fun?

Do you remember when Nikki and I were dancing to crazy 80's songs when Zoe was born to help make you laugh? Whenever I hear, "You Spin Me Round" by Dead or Alive, I think about that wonderfully hard day.

Thank you for always being there for me, too.

I am so grateful that we are sisters.

I hope this birthday brings you love and happiness.

Don't forget to make a wish.

Love,

Your devoted sister.

p.s. I will always remember that you never did laugh at the "Cooter Fest" signs in South Carolina-- even though you may have wanted to just a little bit!

A Love Story

Our engagement picture.

Nothing is better than reading a great love story. Today, Brad and I celebrate 15 years of marriage. As I think about our life together, I am struck with the impression that we have been blessed with a love story of our own.

I'd like to share it.


Lasting Impressions
January 1988

The Christmas holidays were over. I was an eager freshman anxiously anticipating flying back to college. As the plane descended into Idaho Falls, a blanket of snow greeted me. It was a white wonderland. The Idaho Falls Airport is small in comparison to the Atlanta Airport, but it was still bustling with people. The snow started coming down harder limiting the possibility of finding transportation to take us to campus. We pursued all options to no avail.

I was stranded.

My friend and I discovered a group of students in the same predicament. After making our introductions, we all decided to grab a bite to eat while we waited for the snow storm to blow over.

We had just walked out of the Atlanta Temple hand in hand.

There was a student in our group who caught my attention. He had mentioned to us that he was from South Carolina. I loved meeting people from the South, and I quickly mentioned that I was from Georgia. There was a moment during our lunch together that I found myself staring at him. I could not understand why. There was no explanation for it; however, I now understand that an impression was being made upon my heart. Eventually, I would need to remember this day.

After eating lunch, the snow storm subsided, and our little group hailed a taxi to take us to campus. It's still a mystery to me how we all fit into that cab. It was a relief to finally make it to campus. When the time came for us to go our separate ways, we bid our farewells and expressed hopes of seeing each other around campus that semester.

I never saw him again that year.

Brad had been whispering sweet nothings into my ear;
keeping a straight face was quite difficult.

Opportunity Lost
July 1992

After attending college in Idaho and Utah for three years and serving a mission in Tucson, Arizona; I made the decision to stay in Atlanta. My best friend Jori and I became very involved with the Young Single adult Program with our church. The highlight of each summer was attending the Single Adult Conference-- with the hopes of us meeting Mr. Right! I will never forget while dancing with a friend, I looked across the room and noticed a very handsome man talking to a group of people. He seemed familiar to me. Did I know him? I almost approached him. I didn't dare. I simply couldn't remember how I recognized him.

The conference came to an end without our paths crossing.

I was so nervous when I had to cut the cake at my reception.
I actually attempted to use a fork to feed Brad his piece of cake.
People were yelling at me, "Jeannie, you're not to use a fork!
Use your fingers." Oh, I was so embarrassed!
Brad was a true gentleman and didn't smash any wedding cake on my face.

A Second Chance
July 1993

A year had passed. Jori and I were so excited for Young Single Adult Conference. Always at the back of my mind was the hope that I would meet someone. On the first night of the conference, I was standing around the parking lot visiting with my friends.

Then it happened.

There he was!

In an instant, I remembered him. I recalled clearly the day we were stranded at the Idaho Falls airport. We were freshman together at Ricks College. He was from South Carolina. We even hailed a cab together. It was fresh in my mind.

There were no reservations on my part. I immediately approached him.

"Excuse me, I believe we have met before." I bravely spoke to him.

He turned to look at me and flashed the kindest smile.

"We have?" he asked.

"Yes, I believe we were stranded at the Idaho Falls airport when we were freshman at Ricks college." I explained.

He pondered this before responding.

"I remember that day!" He said with the most handsome smile.

I then introduced myself.

He shook my hand and told me his name was Brad Simmons.

At least, that's what it sounded like he said...

Our love song is "When I fall in Love."

Wouldn't it be lovely if I could share that Brad remembered me from that fateful meeting at the airport years ago? Brad remembered being stranded at the airport.

He just didn't remember me!

It didn't matter. He was perfectly willing to keep our conversation lingering and even invited me to a game of badminton or volleyball. My friends teased me in front of him saying, "She made the whole thing up, just so she could meet you!"

That put a smile on his face.

Later that night, Jori asked me, "How is it possible that you happened to get stranded at the airport with the cutest man at this conference?"

That put a smile on my face.

The next morning, I was hopeful to see him when we went tubing down the Chattahoochee River. I only saw him once, and he didn't have a shirt on. I was struck with the realization that I was very attracted to him, and it made me turn my head and giggle like a little school girl!

I was so excited for the formal dance that evening. We saw each other at the beginning of the dance, spoke for a few minutes, and then he excused himself. I truly believed he would make his way back to me very quickly. He didn't. Would you believe that he waited until the very last dance of the evening before he asked me to dance?

It's true.

When conference was over. Brad approached me to ask for my phone number. I fumbled the piece of paper with my phone number on it as I handed it back to him.

I was giddy.

I had met someone that I liked.

A lot!

This is my favorite wedding picture.

The Long Wait
July-September 1993

When I returned home, my parents heard about Brad for days. I sat by the phone waiting for his phone call. I had a notebook where I scribbled, "Jeannie Simmons, Mrs. Jeannie Simmons, Mrs. Brad Simmons" all through its pages. Days and nights turned into weeks. He never called me.

I was heart broken.

At the beginning of August, I flew to Chicago for a long weekend to attend the wedding of my best friend from college. After she and her husband left for their honeymoon, I had some time with Martha's parents. Her Dad and I had a wonderful conversation about friendship. He knew that my heart was hurting. That night he promised me that I would be married within one year.

Was that possible?

Our family cheering us farewell.

September had arrived. The first Friday of every month was designated for the Young Single Adult dances. Jori and I never dreamed of missing a dance. However, that Friday evening, I was not feeling well. I did not want to go.

And I almost didn't.

At the last minute I decided to go. Brad was waiting for me at the dance. I wanted to ignore him. He approached me immediately. I was cool. I can recall asking him why I had not heard from him. He tried to explain that he was busy with work and had flown to Idaho at the beginning of August to attend his friend's wedding. He stated that he had always planned on seeing me at this dance.

"Oh, really?" I responded with shock, "I almost did not come tonight!"

"Then, I would have called you."

All of a sudden I was very hot.

I was nervous. I decided to share with him that I had been to Chicago for a wedding as well. We had a wonderful conversation. I was warming to him. Brad made his intentions known immediately.

He invited me to go with him to an Atlanta Braves baseball game.

With his parents!


The Courtship
October 1993

Going on a first date with your "future in-laws" can be quite intimidating. However, Bill and Shirley treated me like a member of the family from the moment we met. There are a hundred stories I could share about our courtship.

This one is the best!

Brad and I were devoted to each other after our first date. We lived in different states, so we only saw each other on the weekends. When Brad invited me to come to South Carolina for the first time, I was very nervous. When I arrived, Brad was still getting dressed. I was greeted warmly by Shirley. When Brad came upstairs, I was so happy to see him. He gave me a big hug and invited me into the kitchen.

I noticed a letter on the kitchen table addressed to "The Simpson Family."

"Who is the Simpson Family?" I sincerely asked.

He was incredulous. He had to think I was crazy.

"We are!"

"WHAT? Your last name is Simpson?" I questioned with a gaping jaw.

(You need to remember that I had a notebook at home filled with pages of Jeannie Simmons scribbled all over it)!

I continued," I thought you told me your last name was "Simmons" when we met last July!"

"No, I'm positive that we're the Simpson family." Brad joked.

We both started laughing hysterically.

Now, I had to adjust to the idea of becoming Mrs. Jeannie Simpson.

I had to go by me a new notebook...

El Pronto!

15 years later with our darling children:
Kayleigh, Everett, and Cozette.

Brad and I were married 10 months later.

What is true love?

Being married to Brad has taught me more about its true nature:

It is kind. It is unselfish. It is hopeful. It is hard work. It is yearning. It is unwavering. It is forgiving. It is loyal. It is giving. It is tender. It is intense. It is passionate. It is laughter. It is support. It is tears. It is trusting. It is respectful. It is honorable. It is lasting. It is forever.

It is Brad.

We have been blessed with a great love.

And the best part about this love story is that it will never end!

Happy Anniversary, my love.

Chocolate Heaven

Nie Nie's Mud Cake Magnifique with chocolate mascarpone mousse & genache bitter cream

Click here for the recipe.

This cake sends you straight to chocolate heaven. It is divine. Brad and Everett both expressed that it was good, but too chocolaty. Brad said he has to be loyal to his favorite Key Lime Cake.

Fabulous!

That means more cake for Kayleigh and me. Kayleigh said she could have this chocolate cake for every meal.

I have recently discovered that I enjoy baking layered cakes. I will try to find more delicious cakes and post the recipes on my blog.

The Destroying Angel

Is it possible this darling little face could be the one of a destroying angel?

Yes!

Cozette is doing what Brad calls her "sinister" laugh in this picture. She is laughing at her spilled applesauce. The four of us had to bury our faces at the dinner table, so she could not see us laughing. We do not want to encourage her. Seriously!

Nikki said Cozette was the destroying angel.

It is sad--but true!

Cozette has more tricks up her sleeve than I can keep up with. She has mastered the art of finding trouble and making messes. Cozette recently decided that she likes to wear my pink lip gloss, and she insists that I spray my perfume on her when I am getting dressed each morning.

As I am typing this post, I can hear Cozette downstairs screaming at the top of her lungs. Brad is trying to figure out what she wants. I just heard Brad say, "Go see Mommy!" If she comes upstairs, I will tell her to go back downstairs to find her Daddy!

She is very prissy. "My dess, my dess!" She says as she points to her new dress. She did not want me to take it off, either. She has recently discovered that she likes to change her clothes, too.

Cozette is saying phrases now. "I wanna go," "go outside," "go away," (we are working on correcting that one)! "my shoes." It's wonderful that she is trying to communicate with us.

I love when I ask her before she takes her nap, "Cozette, do you want to go snuggle, smooch, and sing?" She looks at me and answers with a big smile, "Yesh!" She loves singing, "The Wheels on the Bus." She insists, "again, Mommy!"

Kayleigh recently told me that Cozette is a lot of work.

I agreed.

But, I sure am glad this destroying angel didn't pass by our house!

Growing Pains

The Beehive Five

For months now, Kayleigh has anticipated and prepared for girl's camp. She assisted me around the house doing chores and watched Cozette to earn her money to pay for camp. She has been counting down for weeks.

"I can't wait for girl's camp!" were usually the first words Kayleigh uttered each morning.

We had a special shopping trip to get her necessary supplies. It was complete bliss for Kayleigh to choose the special snacks she wanted to bring and share with her friends-- Chocolate Mint Oreos, Munchies, and a big bag of Skittles. Her bags were packed a couple of days in advance; she packed all by herself, too. When I checked her bags, I was impressed at how organized she was.

Then finally!

The big day arrived.

She popped out of bed as fast as she could to get dressed. I drove her to the church bright and early. While driving, our conversation was simply about how much fun she was going to have. She told me to hurry; she was concerned that she might be left behind. We were about two minutes late. I promised that her YW leaders would never leave without her.

Kayleigh was greeted by her best friends. She was so excited to be with them and to leave for the big trip. I helped her with her bags, took a few pictures, spoke with her friends for a moment, and then we gave each other a quick hug and said, "good-bye."

It was a very casual farewell. She was with her friends, and I am learning my limits when it comes to proper expressions of affection towards her in front of them.

I drove home, laid back down in bed for a few minutes, then I started to cry.

Brad came into the bedroom and noticed I was emotional.

"This week will fly by," he comforted me.

At that moment, I really couldn't explain the reason for my tears. I wasn't sure if I even understood my emotions.

I told Brad that I felt lonely for Kayleigh and life seemed to be out of kilter without her being home.

Then, I decided to get up to start my day.

The plot thickens:

Before I share my thoughts about why I was emotional, I need to add that Kayleigh was struck with a severe case of homesickness by the end of the day. We have been working through it all week. She fought a good fight--and endured to the end. I am happy to report that she decided to stay at camp.

What is girl's camp without a little drama?

It never dawned on me that Kayleigh would struggle with being homesick. I never dreamed that she would actually grieve for me the way I grieved for her absence the morning she left.

When Kayleigh left for camp, I was overcome with the realization that Kayleigh's days at home are numbered. She is now a young woman. Her childhood is behind us. In a brief moment, I processed the pain of when she leaves home for good.

And it broke my heart.

On a lighter note:

Kayleigh left behind a little folded note on our refrigerator. She wrote with red marker on the outside of the note,"Read if you miss me." In her letter, she expressed her love and assurance that she will be home very soon.

And that she would give me a very big hug when she gets home.

Truthfully, I have been so busy comforting and encouraging her to stay at camp, that I haven't had a moment to miss her!

A happy ending:

Kayleigh just called to say goodnight. She expressed that testimony meeting was wonderful. She wanted me to know that she shared her testimony.

"Every one was crying, Mom! It was the best meeting EVER!" She happily reported.

She said that she is "so happy" that she stayed at camp.

That makes all the growing pains worth it!

Simple Pleasures

Hollywood starlet.

First ponytail.

Running away from Mommy.

My personal landscaper .

Teenager on the horizon.

The greatest pleasure of life is LOVE.

~Euripides~

I'm Going to the Beach, and I'm bringing Me a Yak

Sunday afternoon pictures after
church at Grandma's house.
Brad seems to have a halo.
I knew he was an angel.

Driving in the van with children who are anticipating the arrival at Grandma and Grandpa's house for vacation can be quite eventful. Kayleigh's and Everett's wildness factor usually increases by several degrees. It's all I can do to calm them down. We usually play games to pass the time and to entertain them. We love playing the ABC game of, "I'm going on vacation and I'm bringing a..."

We usually get bored and quit the game by the time we reach the letter N.

Not this time.

We made it through the alphabet on the way to Grandma and Grandpa's, and we also played it with all of the cousins while driving to the beach.

Here are the ABC highlight's of this years vacation to Columbia, SC and Myrtle Beach:


A: "A good attitude." We started off on a rocky note going to the beach, so Meredith and I wanted to entertain the kids and make them all happy. We agreed that having a good attitude was important for all of us in order to have a good time. We were so sad having to leave the beach, so we agreed that it would be OK to leave our good attitudes at the beach!

B: "Brad's 40th birthday celebration." I was so excited that Brad would be with his family around his birthday. Bill and Shirley planned a wonderful party for him. We all had the opportunity to share why we love him so much. The theme of the night is how congenial, kind, and good he is. I believe Brad is the heart of his family.

Poor Brad had to sit in the rocking chair since he is now so old!

C: "Cousins." Anticipating the next time they get to see their cousins is how Kayleigh and Everett measure time. These children truly love each other, and it broke my heart having to say good bye this time. Our Arizona and DC cousins need to move closer.


D: "Driving to Myrtle Beach." I got lucky this year and was able to drive all of the cousins. Meredith was my navigator. I had to pick my poison. Did I want to drive with the crazy kiddos or ride with a screaming Cozette?

The crazy kiddos won!

I'm really trying hard to not harbor hostilities towards my brother-in-law, Sam, for making us change vans on the way home. He kept saying that baby Kate needed a change of scenery. I quickly figured out that he was the one that needed a break from little Miss Cozette!

E: "Eating." We are a group that appreciates good food. And, we love to eat. Grandma Shirley always treats us so well with her cooking. This year, her key lime cake and cherry nut cake were a big hit. Bill is also a fabulous cook, and he surprised us with a lemon chess pie.

F: "Frankie's Fun Place." It's the ultimate arcade and go cart place. We all enjoyed driving the Go carts. Kayleigh was speed racer and it took forever for me to catch up with her. We also played "Deal or No Deal," and we actually won 202 tickets.


G:"Going to the SC State Museum." It's becoming a tradition to go to the museum. I love it there, because I always learn something new. This year, I spent most of my time chasing Cozette. However, I did manage to learn a little more about the forces of nature at the special exhibit.


H: "Hudson's" is our favorite BBQ restaurant in the world. Even John McCain held a rally there while campaigning for the presidency last year. We managed to stop by for a quick bite on the way home from the beach.

I: "Imagination." It always amazes me how all of the cousins come up with the most creative games. They were everything from orphans to top secret agents during the week. Kayleigh was crazy Agnes trying to adopt the orphans, but no one wanted to live with her because she was so crazy. Everett's nickname is Bobby. He was also the bobby from England. They entertain themselves for hours, and we are the recipients of their creative genius.

J: "Just doing nothing." We did appreciate the quiet moments because there were not very many of them.

K: "Kate." Baby Kate is the easiest and sweetest baby. She rarely makes a peep. Baby Kate is Cozette's baby. I told Kate when we were saying our good bye's that she really needed to try harder at being nicer.

Cousin Kate and her beautiful blue eyes.

L: "Loved Myrtle Beach." It was the highlight of our time together. I need to add it was my first visit there even though I am a Southerner.

M: "Mary's Birthday party." We were also able to celebrate cousin Mary's birthday. She turned five years old. Of course, all the other cousins had to entertain her with song and dance. "Rock the mullet, rock, rock the mullet" became the cousins theme song and dance over our vacation.

The Birthday celebration

N:"Night life at Myrtle Beach." We loved being together at night and walking on the beach. We also went to a beach store and bought souvenirs for the kids. Kayleigh spent her money on a new Myrtle Beach T-shirt and Everett purchased a boogie board, which was a hit at the beach. Meredith said it was a bunch of Chinese junk! Bill and Shirley decided they were going to be a couple on the town and took in a variety show. I think we missed them more than they missed us!

On the town

O: "Onion." Baby Kate actually gnawed on a purple onion at lunch. Meredith was worried that she would not like it, but I assured her it was probably much better than all of the sand she ate at the beach.

P: "Picture taking." I have evolved into a compulsive picture taker. I took about 175 of the week, which is actually a modest number considering all that we did.

Q: "Quitting the five pound club." I started a diet before vacation. Meredith was my support group. I lost my five pounds for the trip. Sadly, I believe I put it back on!

R: "Reading the morning newspaper." Bill and Brad love reading the USA Today each morning. I thought it was quite funny finding this scene in the kitchen:

Cousins keeping up with the daily news.

S: "Snitchell." In the cartoon Hoodwinked, there is a German vendor selling "schnitzles." Caroline calls them "snitchells." This became a joke with us. We love using this word. By the way, I never saw that cartoon. I hear it is very amusing.

T: "Taking turns chasing Cozette." Cozette was a little E-E-E which is code for B-A-D! I believe her B-A-D factor increased by a few degrees. Brad was not with us for a few days because of our Landscaping business. I was very appreciative of all the help I received with Cozette. I like to say, "Just give her to Grandma and Grandpa!" She did become my smoochin' partner at night while Brad was away from us for a few days.

U: "U Rock." Bill and Shirley have a white board on their refrigerator door. The cousins enjoyed writing them love notes. "Grandma and Grandpa are amazing!" Of course, Bill and Shirley kindly responded by telling them they loved them too!

V: "The VIEW from our room." We stayed on the 20th floor at the Carolinian Best Western. We had a majestic view of the beach. I must add that going out on the porch did make me very nervous. I have issues with heights.

W: "We love Grandma and Grandpa," who are...


X: "X-tra special people." Thank you for such a lovely week. We all have cherished memories that will last forever.

Y: "Yak." I'm going to the beach and I'm bringing a Yak." For the life of me, I can''t remember which cousin said this. I think it was Caroline.

Z: "Zee cutest baby ever!" Cozette learned to say "C'mon" while on vacation. She also says, "tanks" and "OK." Kayleigh taught her to ask "What?" And she is finally saying, "yuh you" for I love you. She brings us so much happiness.



And that my friends is the ABC's of our vacation.

The End.



P.S. I really wanted to stop writing this post around the letter N!