Day 275: Driver's Ed Times Two

Well, it's hard for me to believe, but my twin sons Harrison & Spencer will be 15 and a half years old this week. You say what, how the heck did that happen? Not only does this mean that they are getting older, but it means that in six months they'll get their driver's license. So the process has begun.

I remember the process with Brandon and while it was exciting, it was also very nerve wrecking. I mean as much as parents may relish not having to drive their young ones here, there and everywhere, along with that convenience comes the fear of letting go. I'd much rather continue driving them, keeping them sheltered a bit longer, safer a while longer. Once they begin to drive, you as a parent, have lost some control. Very scary.

So the first step has been completed. The on-line driver's education course. They both completed the course work and took the on-line test, and passed. Next up is heading to the DMV later this week for the written driving test. If they pass this exam then we will leave the DMV with permits in hand.... which means they are licensed to get behind-the-wheel and drive with an adult in the car. Oh my goodness.

With one child at a time it seems manageable, and I have already done that successfully. But the idea of having to teach two teenage boys at the same time seems a bit overwhelming. I'll keep you posted as to how their process pans out this week. Just another stage in raising children.

Day 274: Saying Farewell, Not Good Bye

Can you believe how beautiful the weather has been here in Los Angeles in January? Wow, just gorgeous. Perfect for hiking and of course my runs at the beach.

College boy Brandon wasn't too happy that the weather was so perfect as he headed back to rainy Oregon today. The Pacific Northwest is known for their extensive rainy, cloudy season. If you're an LA kid you either embrace the weather differences or you can't wait to return to the sunshine in sunny Southern California. My son is the latter.

Pictured here is proud Mama (me) with my eldest son Brandon.

But life chugs on and students have to return to college for the second semester. The best part of Brandon's next semester is that it's baseball season! He'll be back in LA in February for a series of games against local universities. And then we'll head up to Salem, Oregon in Spring to watch him play at Willamette.

So today was just a farewell, as I know how fast the days will fly before I see my big boy again. So to all my college bound kids, enjoy the experience and take full advantage of the gift you have been given. We'll see you soon enough.

Day 273: Simon Tacos

Tonight dinner was Simon Tacos. These delicious tacos designed by hubby Brian have brought much joy to our family for years. It was college boy Brandon's last night in town.... he heads back to school tomorrow after a very long winter break. Why do they give college students so much time off?

After baseball games all morning for teenagers Harrison & Spencer, we headed home where the boys had friends over and lots of basketball was played. A full day for sure.

Maybe it's just me, but I keep thinking about the young man (only 22 years old) who just one week ago today shot all those innocent people in Arizona at a political gathering in front of a supermarket. After reading extensively about this boy and his family, I don't imagine his parents ever experienced much nacaous (kvelling, joy, happiness) from their son. I doubt there were baseball games or backyard basketball games, or many family Simon taco nights.

I can't imagine having children that are so troubled that this type of violence occurs. I really can't. My heart has broken a thousand times over for the shooting victims, the injured, the community, the nation. Just a senseless crime. But isn't all crime senseless?

Sure there is plenty of blame to go around. Plenty of warning signs that this young man was troubled and in need of mental health services. How did his parents not know is what many are asking. We may never know the answer to this question.

So tonight while I hung with the boys I thought, be grateful they are mentally and physically healthy tonight.

Day 272: Dinner with the Girls

Had dinner tonight with two Mom's from college boy Brandon's high school days! What a treat. I adore these gals, but with life as chaotic as it is for us all, we do not get to see one another as often as we'd like. I find that true for most of my wonderful friendships.

Lina Fabrizio is Ricky's Mom, one of Brandon's high school chums and Michelle Simon is Matt's Mom one of Brandon's pals from the Pacific Hills baseball team.

All our son's are turning 20 this year ... where have those years gone? The boys are all in college, the road has not been seamless, as is true for many adolescents who struggle to find their niche in this world.

As parents you attempt to raise your children with the tools to conquer life, some they adopt, others they reject. Raising children is an endless journey ....

So us Mom's had fun catching up, eating, drinking our wine, talking about everything from our husbands to sex to parenting.... no topic was left untouched. And that's what us gals do, we share, bond, communicate ... it's refreshing too to be in the company of honest friends who don't sugar coat life...

Life has blemishes, and warts, and sometimes it's ugly, being able to recognize that and share our thoughts and emotions with other terrific women, is very cathartic. To all my wonderful girlfriends who are challenged with their marriages, their children, work, weight, family, what ever the poison may be today, know that we all go through it, and we are all on the ride together.

Day 271: The Outpouring of Encouragement

Wow, I am feeling pretty blessed today! Since launching my new website on 1/11/11, I have been inundated with passionate, moving, and emotional responses from my universe of supporters. Wow. Lovely emails from people who I have not connected with in years, each sending me their feedback on the new site.

"The site is so friendly to navigate."

"How creative and eye catching."

"Love the creativity & recommendations for services."

More than 1,000 people opened the launch announcement, not too shabby. What's refreshing is that the responses have been far more friendly then when I sent out political campaign emails, that's for sure!

I'm feeling very overwhelmed by the interest in my life, my Blog, and my site. Perhaps I have touched a nerve with my followers. I speak honestly about what daily life is like as a mother to three teenagers, to be a woman politically passionate to my candidates & causes, and speaking the truth about reaching a milestone age.

If you have not weighed in yet to offer your candid feedback on my new site, what are you waiting for? The site is a work-in-progress, just like I am ... I'll be spending a lot of time tweaking, adding content, expanding and continuing to provide inspiration. It's a daily challenge, but with enormous gratification... join me won't you!

Day 270: 16 Miles and Counting

This is insanity. Why did I make this my personal goal for turning 50? Who runs this much? Those people must be crazy, wait, that's me.... well then I am certifiable!

I ran 16 MILES today. That is the most I have EVER run in my life. I'm still alive so that's a good sign.

The Los Angeles Marathon is 9 weeks away, and while 16 miles may sound impressive, I still need to log another 10 miles to complete a marathon. I told you, it's insane behavior!

My recovery was a bit tough this afternoon, but I did not collapse. It is amazing what we can train our bodies to handle. If you had told me one year ago that I'd be able to run 16 miles, I would have laughed in your face.

But, I did and next week I'll do it again, and I'll continue to tack on more miles. I really hope my body hangs on.... if you have been following my running antidotes, you know I have gone through intense pain to get to this point. It has been some journey, that's for sure!

Day 269: Website Launch

Did you get your announcement today? I hope so! Today I sent a detailed message announcing my newly designed Website! I am ecstatic to have the new site up and running, and to have the old campaign site a distant memory!

One of my goals for 2010 was to bring the old site down and replace it with a site that was more current and reflective of what my life is all about these days. I wanted a site that expressed by passions, intentions, and purpose, with a whimsical and fanciful feel. I believe I have achieved this goal and it feels terrific.

When you set a goal, and you reach it, it's a wonderful feeling. I know many of us have made New Year's resolutions, I implore you to stick to yours ... I promise that when you reach your intended goal, you will feel blissful!

While I shared with you, my faithful supporters the news of the site on New Year's day, the rest of my universe learned of my new creation today. Please take a peek at my new site by visiting http://www.robynrittersimon.com/, and let me know what you think. Be sure to check out MY CLOSET, it offers lots of cool finds.

2011 is off to a very productive start!

Day 268: Back to the Routine

The boys returned to high school today. The routine is back in swing. While I am a schedule driven person, I have to tell you it was very nice these past few weeks to not be so constricted by schedules and deadlines. While Brian and I continued our work projects, and daily life still needed to be managed, it was great to eliminate that daily grind of school, baseball, homework, cooked breakfasts, horrible traffic, and packed lunch's.

The fast pace that we live can get to you, if you don't take some time to re-charge. While I didn't exactly have days at the spa as I was Holiday entertaining, and still schlepping boys here, there and every where, it was a nice break from the routine... so today was long, but productive. And tomorrow is a new day.

Day 267: The Office Cubby

This afternoon colleague Rebecca Simon and I worked for hours on several pending projects including my new Website (please visit http://www.robynrittersimon.com/ to check it out!), to political endeavors, and potential speaking engagements for me. It was a very busy and productive afternoon.

Pictured here are us two huddled in her "office cubby". A tiny little cut our parcel that Rebecca has transformed to her "home office".

Who knew one could be so productive in such a tiny space. Makes you wonder why we always crave more, bigger, spacious. While it is good to stretch out and have room to ponder, there is something very inviting about small quarters. You feel cozy & warm and are far less distracted.

So there we were today, cruising along, drinking wine (of course) and getting our "stuff" done! A formal launch announcement for my new website will be going out this week and I encourage you to take a peek. This is a great way to kick-off the New Year.

Day 266: Campaign Kick-Off Day

Talk about bringing back memories! Today was my friend Marisa Perez's campaign kick-off for her race for Lakewood City Council. I've posted about Marisa several times before, and I hope you will consider supporting her candidacy http://www.marisaforlakewoodcouncil.com/

While I don't have the desire to run for public office again, my passion continues with supporting other qualified and talented women to run and win. Today we assembled at a beautiful park in the Lakewood community where Marisa was surrounded by family and friends. The park was full of parents and children and it just felt like a perfect match for Marisa, a young mom herself with three darling children.

From there off we went to greet voters at their homes to introduce them to Marisa and tell them why they should vote for her on March 8th. Oh my gosh, it brought back so many memories. The hours, and hours, and hours and days and days and days I walked my district. It's exhausting, painful, emotional, inspiring, gratifying and overwhelming. However, it is the old fashion way to campaign, and is the proven and most affective way to reach voters with your message. But is takes a very confidant and assured person to knock on countless doors and talk politics.

I walked with a former Chamber colleague Catherine Gaughen who is President of the Cerritos Chamber (a neighboring community) and we had a great time. Mostly because we adore the subject we were campaigning for.... Marisa is fresh, smart, and wants to preserve the quality life in Lakewood to raise her family.

I am hosting an event for Marisa at my home on January 27th and invite you to attend to meet my candidate and support our efforts to get her elected. It was a great way to spend Saturday, stomping for a cool woman, and doing what I have passion for.

Day 265: A Beautiful Story of HOPE

Well by now most of you have heard of the Ted Williams story, if you haven't, I'm not sure where you've been as it's led the news for days now.

Ted had been raised in a good family, had a good life until drugs & alcohol ripped him of that life. He fell so deep that for the past ten years he's been sleeping in a tent under a freeway overpass in Cleveland. He was panhandling with a sign for money. You know the people you avoid making eye contact with when you are stopped at a red light, that was Ted for TEN years.

Until one day a man who took the time to speak to Ted, who happened to be a news producer, discovered that Mr. Williams had a special gift... his baritone voice. And what a voice it is. The producer videotaped Ted speaking and posted the images on You Tube. What happened next, as they say, is history. The You Tube clip went viral and Ted's life has been changed over night.

He's appeared on every National news program, Oprah Winfrey wants him to do voice over work for her new network OWN, the Cleavland Cavaliers want him to do voice over work for their professional basketball team, Kraft Foods has picked him up to record commercials... it goes on an on.

The story is clearly one of HOPE. It illustrates that no matter what your situation, or how down you are (and most of us can agree that homelessness and panhandling are the lowest we can go), you can still change your destiny.

While revelations have surfaced that he is the father to 9 children and has not provided for them, I recognize by no means is Ted a saint, but a person who had one time enjoyed a life of decency who fell into the abyss of drugs.

This is his moment . If he can stay clean, reunite with his family, make good on all the years lost, then he just may become the first miracle story of 2011.

Day 264: Happy Birthday Papa Joe

What a perfect day for a golf game, and what a perfect way to celebrate Papa Joe's Birthday! Hubby Brian, and teenagers Harrison & Spencer met Dad at Penmar golf course this morning for a round of golf.

Check out how damn cute they are Harrison, Dad, and Spencer

Afterwards college boy Brandon, niece Zoe, and I met them all for lunch. We went to a FABULOUS BBQ joint in Venice. It's called Baby Blues BBQ and if you are ever in Venice on Lincoln Boulevard you must visit this delicious southern home cooked BBQ place. What a yummy lunch we had and a fabulous celebration.

Seems like we just celebrated Papa Joe's 80th Birthday one year ago -- how fast the year has passed. It has been a year full of great happiness and some sorrow. We lost Papa Nat last March, hard to believe we are coming up on one year for that. The kids have all grown and are happy and healthy. Life keeps tickin'.

Pictured here are Spencer, Me, Dad, Zoe, Harrison and Brandon.

Make sure you make an effort to see the one's you love and care about, because someday we'll all be gone.

Day 263: Last Week of Winter Break

The boys are out of school this one last week for Winter break. Today two of them, college boy Brandon, and teenager Spencer, headed to Disneyland with friends. The other boy, Harrison went bowling with friends. At 10 p.m. tonight they all ended up back at the Simon house with about 7 other teenagers for an outside basketball game. I tell you it just keeps on goin'! Here, there, and everywhere are these boys.

I, of course, want them reading Charles Dickens masterpiece, Great Expectations (which is their reading assignment for the break), or working on their driver's education on-line, or filling out those college transfer applications, or, or, or.... ahhh, well they'll either get to it or they won't! One thing is for sure, they are having a lot of happy days together over break, and for that I am grateful.

Day 262: The Biggest Loser

Tonight was the season premiere of The Biggest Loser, and well it was a whopper! I really love this program. Let me tell you why. I feel like these folks' lives have gotten so far off track, and food has become an enemy. Some contestants have experienced extreme loss, hardship, overbearing disappointment, while others just simply stuffed their mouth with way too much food (honestly they all did this).

This season there are 54 year old identical twin brothers on the show. One brother shared how he lost his son to an overdose of drugs a few years before. The other brother shared how his only son won't even speak to him because he is so obese. There is a former Olympic Gold athlete on the show who has let his body mushroom to 500 pounds. Really? How the hell does this happen? Each has a story to tell about their journey to obesity. Some are very painful. Abuse, victims of a violent crime, divorce, loss of a spouse, loss of a child. If I ever experienced such a tragedy would I turn to food to soothe my soul?

Parts of the show are almost too grotesque to view. What happens though throughout the season is that these people transform their lives. They are given the tools to be healthier people and to deal with their demons. It is so gratifying to see a contestant at the end of the program when they have transformed their bodies. It shows that no matter how far gone you may be, there is hope to get back to the person you were before the tragedy, the loss, the "whatever".

I know that many people have no empathy for these folks. They just chalk it up to an abuse of food. In part this is accurate, but not everyone has the strength to be so strong to resist temptation. So I rejoice in people's triumphs and their desire to change their bodies and in the process their lives.

I say kudos to the program producers for creating a show that doesn't make you a star, but gives you your life back.

Day 261: Dinner With Zoe

Tonight hubby Brian and I went to the movies and dinner with our niece Zoe, who is home from college for Winter Break. I love spending one-on-one time with my boys and all the other children in my life. While family gatherings are wonderful, spending time with just one child at a time, gives you a chance to really visit and connect.

Pictured here is Miss Zoe looking so hip!

Zoe now 19 years old and attending Utah State University in Logan, Utah has come a long way. We couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments. She works full-time and takes a full load of classes. She's performing great with both endeavors. Not an easy task as I know.

We caught up on life, school, her plans for the future and I just kept flashing back to the day she was born. I was in New York with Brandon (who at the time was only 9 months old) when she was born and it was a day I can see so clearly. How did 19 years go by? Damn, this is when I feel so reflective -- not sure if I'm happy that so many memories have been created over the years or sad that so much time has passed? So many days I wish I could travel back to the days when all my nieces were young playing with my boys on the beach. I wish I could have frozen that moment, at least for a little longer.

Pictured here are the Bernstein sisters: Olivia, Esme, and Zoe.

But as we all know, life marches on and you've got to be present and active to absorb it all... spending the evening with Zoe tonight warmed my heart. While the journey to adulthood has not been easy for her or her family, she is on a healthy path of self discovery and what more could you ask for.

Day 260: Campaign Strategy Dinner

Great way to kick-off the New Year by attending a "kitchen cabinet" meeting for Marisa Perez' campaign for Lakewood City Council. Marisa is a dear friend, a former colleague of mine from the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, a mom to three young children, and a rock star candidate. The Election is March 8th.

Tonight we met with her political consultant and other political operatives from the Long Beach & Lakewood communities to map out the campaign strategy. I was honored to be included and working with Marisa on her communication plan. Please visit http://www.marisaforlakewoodcouncil.com/ to learn more about Marisa's accomplishments and goals for her community.

And save Thursday, January 27th for an event at my house to meet Marisa and support her candidacy. Being active and engaged in a campaign was a great way to kick start the New Year today!

Day 259: New Year, New Website

Happy first day of the New Decade!

I'm so excited to announce on this first day of 2011, the news of my new Website! Finally is all I can say! My campaign for city council was back in March 2009 and my campaign site was still "live" causing me much anxiety!

I had made one of my goals for 2010 to bring that site down and replace it with a whimsical, fun and fanciful site that better reflects where I'm at with my life these days.

Please check it out at www.RobynRitterSimon.com It's still being fine tuned and a formal launch will take place next week with a grand announcement.

As followers of my Birthday Blog, you are all my loyal supporters, so if you have thoughts, comments, ideas, I'm open to incorporating your creativity into the new site.

What a great way to kick off the New Year! I'm feeling good today!

Day 258: Make Today Count

Wow, the last day of a decade. When you reflect back on the year, are you happy with what you've accomplished? Disappointed that you didn't keep your resolutions? Pleased with where you are in life? Well, today's the day to take stock in your life, your relationships, your work, your community and decide what you want to change, keep the same, or improve upon.

Some people don't like making New Year's resolutions, maybe because they never stick with them! Others like to goal-set. Making goals and commitments is a plan that works for them. Everyone has their own style.

A few goals I have set for 2011 include:

1) Organizing my computer (What a disaster my filing system is on my computer!)

2) Catch up on my photo albums (I cherish my pictures and believe they chronicle the years of my life & family... I feel so damn behind!)

3) Read more (I love the feeling of being wrapped up in a great story, I miss that feeling and want to experience it more often in the New Year)

4) Continue my running (I've been training for the Los Angeles Marathon in March 2011 and I've stuck to this goal, it's so close now I can't give up!)

5) Launch my new Website (Wait to you see this gem, it's beautiful! Look for a launch announcement in the next week!)

Whatever your style is, at a minimum commit to living your life with passion and purpose.

My greatest wish for us all in the New Year .... May 2011 bring the world abundance peace.

Day 257: We Can Do It

Geraldine Hoff Doyle, the inspiration for "Rosie the Riveter," has died at the age of 86.

Rosie's story began in the 1940s, when the 17-year-old Doyle was working at a metal factory in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A visiting United Press International photographer snapped a picture of her on the job. The image was then used by artist J. Howard Miller for the "We Can Do It!" poster, released during World War II.

As the Washington Post writes, "For millions of Americans throughout the decades since World War II, the stunning brunette in the red and white polka-dot bandanna was Rosie the Riveter."

A later "Rosie the Riveter" interpretation, done by Norman Rockwell, was featured on the Saturday Evening Post in 1943. Ultimately, the idea of "Rosie the Riveter" came to represent all female factory workers at the time.

But for decades, Doyle had no idea that her likeness was used on the original poster.

The New York Times writes:
Mrs. Doyle was unaware of the poster's existence until 1982, when, while thumbing through a magazine, she saw a photograph of it and recognized herself. Her daughter said that the face on the poster was her mother's, but that the muscles were not.
"She didn't have big, muscular arms," [her daughter Stephanie] Gregg said. "She was 5-foot-10 and very slender. She was a glamour girl. The arched eyebrows, the beautiful lips, the shape of the face -- that's her."

According to the Wall Street Journal, Doyle quit after just one week at the factory where her picture was made famous. "She later married a dentist and raised a family in Lansing, Mich.," the Journal reports.

Doyle is survived by five children, 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. But in addition to these family survivors, Rosie is survived by the millions of women for whom she spoke for, unknowingly perhaps, but just the same, she spoke to our mission of "Yes, We Can" And indeed we can!

Day 256: Are We Tired Yet?

Whew, you have to be a pro to handle the Holiday Season! My goodness, so much for "down time" ... I feel like I'm running, yet I really haven't been hitting the pavement!

It's been parties, dinners, shopping, talking and going, going .... all fun, but hey this bod ain't as young as it used to be and I'm feelin' it!

Maybe it's all the champagne? or Wine? or Martini's ... yeah that might be playing a role in my exhaustion (ya think so?).

Anyway we had a lovely dinner tonight with Brian's ACN team member and ACN mentor Mark Weinstock and his adorable wife Lori. I've talked about hubby Brian's new business venture, ACN, and Mark is the person who introduced Brian to this opportunity more then one year ago and it's taken off ever since.

Let's hope it continues to be successful for the Simon's and the Weinstock's and all the others who are engaged and workin' it! Mostly because I'm going to need a long, expensive vacation after the Holiday's!

Day 255: More Family

For those of you who know me well, you know I have a very blended family. The entire mishpuka is quite complicated and requires a detailed chart to truly follow.

I remember when the boys were young and I'd have to explain all the marriages, divorces, his children, her children, their children stories. Oh my goodness, kudos to me and my hubby and boys for being so cool and understanding to the entire clan.

Pictured here are all 6 grand kids with Papa Jack. L-R: Esme (11), Jack, Spencer (15), Zoe (19), Olivia (17), Harrison (15), and Brandon (19).

As I've often said, having this much family is both a blessing and a burden! There are lots of relationships to maintain & manage, but it is well worth the effort. Tonight was pure blessing! For the first time in a really, really long time, we gathered all four Ritter children, their respective others, and all six of the grandchildren. What a gathering. Papa Jack was so happy to have all his kids & grand kids assembled together for some holiday cheer.

It's crazy to think how we have all grown over the years... Jonathan Ritter is 28 now, Josh Ritter 31. Both are attorney's, just like Dad. Johnny in private practice, Josh a District Attorney.

Pictured here, me, Jack, the patient & lovely Pam Ritter, Johnny, Michele and Josh.

With so much family, you never really feel alone in the world that is for sure! It was a great evening ... you have to create the memories to have memories is what I always say. If you don't make an effort to connect with those that you love, then it doesn't happen and then the years will go by ... I'm so happy we all connected tonight.

Day 254: The "Other" Simon's

Today is Miss Rebecca's birthday. Rebecca Simon was my campaign manager for my city council race in 2009.

For those of you who know me well, you know that she became much more to me then the manager of my political campaign. In addition to becoming a trusted ally and confidant, she has also become like a daughter to hubby Brian and I and a sister to my boys.

Pictured here is Rebecca's family from L-R: Me, Brian, Birthday girl Rebecca, grandma, brother David, Mom Joan and Dad Craig Simon.

If you are lucky enough in life to meet special people along your journey who leave indelible marks on your heart, than you are blessed. I am blessed to have Rebecca in my life.

She comes from a beautiful family, the "other" Simon's and tonight they generously invited us to join them for a birthday celebration for Rebecca.

I feel blessed that our two families have merged, surely one of the best byproducts of my campaign. We shared a special journey in my life, and have continued to work on projects and share one another's lives way past Election Day.

A solid friend is a gift to be treasured. We feel like we received a gorgeous trinket with Rebecca... thank you to Joan & Craig Simon for sharing your beautiful daughter with us Simon's.

Day 253: Holidays Sushi Style

Today is the "day-after" the big Christmas of 2010. While most people were hitting the malls to return presents, us Simon's continued our holiday food-a-thon enjoying another day of indulgence & family. After catching up on the past few weeks of episodes of Desperate Housewives, the gang checked out a new Sushi place. We are big sushi fans in this house.

We were down one teenager, Spencer, who was at a friend's, I think he was tired of his family (hee-hee), but the other two teenagers Harrison & Brandon were happy as can be, as evident from this brotherly love photo!

Then we came home and watched the movie Inception, which I had never seen. Hmm, I believe I have to watch it again. I'm not sure if it was the Saki, or the movie, but I was confused! Didn't matter though as it was a great way to spend the "day-after" day!

Day 252: HO HO HO

Whatever faith you follow, whatever traditions you preserve, whatever meals you prepare ... may your home and table be filled with people you love and may this day fill your heart with forgiveness, peace and gratefulness.

From the big man in the red suit,

Have a Merry, Merry!

Day 251: Christmas Eve Tradition

We are so grateful to be invited year after year to our neighbors home to celebrate Christmas Eve. Since we are Jewish, we don't go to Church and the day doesn't hold any religious significance for us, but just the same it is a day to celebrate with family & friends. I mean really anything for a party, right?

So good friends Suzanne & Rudy Freeman open up their lovely home every Christmas Eve and have a party full of great food & friends. I mean what could be easier then walking across the street!? It's so great to gather at this yearly event and to see how the children grow from year to year. Those Freeman children are some of the most delicious kids around and watching them play with their cousins and friends is enough of a present for all of us!

And their party wouldn't be complete without the traditional White Elephant gift exchange which always ensures great laughter! The Simon's had a great time and love the Freeman's for hosting every year!

And the fun just keeps coming!

Day 250: More Holiday Cheer

The Holidays are in full swing now, that's for sure. Thank goodness I took a nice run at the beach this morning! An absolutely glorious day! The rain does that in Los Angeles.... it clears out all the smog and ick that build up here in our air. The beach was magnificent. Clear, crisp, gorgeous. Melody (my running trainer) and I even did our stretching out on the sand.... just beautiful.

With all the eating and drinking I've been consuming, I was happy to have a good sweat. Tonight was once again another celebratory dinner at one of my favorite throw-backs, The Buggy Whip. Yummy. If you have never experienced this place, I highly recommend you make it a priority in 2011. If you enjoy a cast of characters to dine with, great surf & turf, red leather booths, then this is your spot. Peter, the piano player was on fire with his Christmas music, and a good time was had by all. Tomorrow brings more fun I'm sure!

Day 249: Another Family Feast

Tonight we hosted a dinner with friends & family to celebrate some holiday cheer. I gotta hand it to my son Harrison who made from scratch, delicious ginger & carrot soup, and roasted a pork shoulder roast ... oh my goodness, so yummy! I made my mother's mashed potatoes and our favorite vegetable, brussel sprouts. Wow! What a dinner.

Pictured here is college boy Brandon with his Papa Joe.

I sipped my yummy champagne and Brian poured delicious wine for all. We had 12 teenagers and one pre-teen (our niece Esme).... can you imagine the energy in the house with all these teens. I of course LOVED it!

Pictured here are my gorgeous nieces Olivia (17), Esme (11) and Zoe (19)

I love the house being full of friends & family, especially the kids.... and I love entertaining. I spent days decorating the house to make it festive and it brings me great pleasure to have a warm and cozy home.

Pictured here are three of my favorite boys Son Harrison, good friend Ryan, and good friend Griffin. Love these boys!

And below is a picture of good friend Justin Ruder mowing on a yummy lamb chop that Harrison made for appetizers!

Between last night's dinner at Lawry's and tonight's beautiful party at home, it's beginning to feel like the holidays for me! And I'm lovin' it!

Day 248: The Lawry's Tradition

Ah, our yearly visit to the famed Lawry's Restaurant for holiday prime rib! Yummy! I have been going to Lawry's since I was a child with my family for the delicious meal & festivities at this time of the year. Hubby Brian and I have continued the tradition with our boy's and it is a treat they always look forward to!

Pictured here is me (the proud Mama) with two of her cubs, Harrison & Spencer Simon (both 15 years old).

If you have never visited this Los Angeles landmark, and you are a healthy eater, then I highly recommend putting it on your things to accomplish in 2011. Especially if you are a carnivore like us Simon's. The food is always scrumptious and the Singing Carolers are always special.

A few years ago dear gal pal Suzee Markowitz and her son Brandon joined our yearly tradition for the feast.

Pictured here are Suzee and her handsome son Brandon.

And pictured here is me with my son Brandon .... these two boys, now 19 years old were born the same day and share the same name!

Pictured here is my son Brandon and his friend beautiful Kalli, who took all the lovely photos for us!

If you ever doubt that your children may not care or treasure the family traditions you have created, don't, because they do care. I've written about this before ... your children do care about traditions, consistency, things they can depend on and look forward to. This special family dinner at Lawry's during the Holidays is one of those memories. We love sharing the tradition with good friends Suzee & Brandon.

Pictured here is me and gal pal Suzee!

What a beautiful night full of great food, treasured friendships and blissful memories!

Day 247: Still Overwhelmed

Running, going, doing, smiling, bitching, driving, shopping, cooking, food shopping ... that's all I can muster to say today!

Day 246: Too Exhausted

Too exhausted to write anything! Long day full of parties & fun .... more later about the day!