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 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 246: Too Exhausted

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

Day 232: Happy Hanukkah

Tonight we celebrated the 5th night of Hanukkah at Cheri & Marty's house. It was a beautiful evening spent with dear family & terrific friends. Very warm & cozy. The food was delicious with brisket & latka's, and the kids all enjoyed their Hanukkah treats.

Here's our beautiful niece Gabriella Figueroa lighting the Hanukkah candles on the menorah with Cheri, our gracious host, watching!

I love the holidays mostly because it is a chance for family to connect and spend some festive time together. It's amazing to watch the children grow from year to year... all a little taller, smarter, and engaging.

Pictured here are sons Spencer, Harrison, Me and my niece Olivia.

There never seems to be enough time to visit with everyone... that's why we have to make a point to spend time with those we love and care about throughout the year, not just during the Holidays.

Pictured here is Papa Joe leading the Hanukkah prayers with the kids.

I missed college boy Brandon who doesn't return from school for winter break until next week, and niece Zoe who is also away at college. But we will celebrate with them when they get home.

We should feel blessed that we have family to share our holidays with, and have a plentiful table filled with good cheer. Hope you are having a festive and meaningful Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas, or whatever faith & traditions you observe!

Day 222: FIFTH DAY: I Am Grateful

Happy Thanksgiving to my gracious Blog followers. May your day be filled with abundance and may you be surrounded by the people you love and cherish. While many of us will celebrate this day with way too much food & cheers, millions go hungry today. What a shame in this country, isn't it?

Pictured here is our beautiful Thanksgiving table decorated by Aunt Jennifer! It was gorgeous!

We have spent many of Thanksgiving donating time and food to shelters and to those less fortunate. And I'm happy we have created these experiences for our boys. We've been blessed to host a long standing tradition of sharing this holiday with family and friends. Over the years the group has grown and has topped out at some 40 guests for our feast. Always beautiful, warm and wonderful. But this year I wanted and needed to change it up.

I wrote about the many reasons that this was the year to make the change. From the boys school schedule changing to the boys getting older, to family on the East Coast that wanted to host a holiday.... this was the year and I'm so grateful that we could make it happen. Not an easy task, change is a challenge, but here we are in Austerlitz, New York and I couldn't be happier.

It's another crisp, cool and glorious day in the country and the house was full of energy all day as we cooked and prepared for our feast. One of the most magical moments for me was watching our boys play football... it was a real East Coast day, you really felt you were in New England with it blistery cold outside and the boys running around with a football.

Jennifer was really an amazing host and chef. She prepared most of the dinner as I served as sous chef and on KP. Hubby Brian had made a wine store run back in Manhattan and so we had delicious wine to share with our yummy food.

Pictured here is Jen on a step stool to be able to mix those potatoes... check out Kevin's eyes as he walks by ... hmm he's saying ... can't wait to eat those spuds!

Watching Jennifer make our Mom's yummy mashed potatoes with pounds of butter and whipped cream was a real treat.

And watching Harrison and Brian prepare our turkey for the feast just warmed my heart. And isn't that what the day is about. Being wrapped in memories and by the people you share your life with... creating new memories and traditions, keeping some old ones, and being grateful that you even have a place at a table to share the holiday.

Pictured below is the family feasting at our beautifully decorated table!

One of the funniest and most memorable images I will take away from tonight's feast is what happened to the Simon boys after dinner... they all passed out on the couch from eating so much food... check these brothers out on the couch! Hysterical!

Brian and I congratulated one another for making today's Holiday happen... we broke from tradition, but created a new one with Jen's family and in New York. The boys LOVED being in the country, playing football with Zachary, eating yummy food and being together. What more could you ask for?

We were all very grateful tonight!

Day 217: We're Outta Here

We are off ... car arrives momentarily to take us to LAX where we'll board our flight to New York! I will be posting daily about all our activities so you can keep updated on the crazy Simon adventures.

Honestly a part of me is a little nervous about us four - Brian, Harrison, Spencer and me -- flying together while college boy Brandon flies solo out of Portland on Tuesday. As a parent you can't help but have your mind do a number on your emotions... what if our plane goes down? What will happen to my first born son Brandon? What if his plane goes down and he doesn't reach us in New York? I have a pit in my stomach and will until we are all landed safely in the Big Apple.

I love my family to The Moon & Stars & Back Again and can't imagine life without any of them ... just my anxiety kicking in ... I love you all too!

Day 215: Packing Anxiety

Okay, everyone has something that they do not do well ... cooking, dancing, gardening, driving, writing, the list goes on and on with how many tasks we manage daily and the degree in which we perform these chores or activities. Some we shy away from. Others we just never engage in. For me the task that causes me the most anxiety is packing for a trip! Sounds odd doesn't it... I mean you'd think one would be so excited about getting the heck out of town (which I am) that they'd happily throw some items in the bag and hit the road.

For me it's a bit more complicated then that. What if I bring too many clothes? Or not enough? Or not the right clothes... will it be very cold, mildly cold or will an unseasonal heat wave hit the city when I've packed all winter sweaters and scarfs? Such a dilemma I tell you.

The Simon gang departs on Saturday for New York City, yeah! We are going to spend the week and the Thanksgiving Holiday with kid sis Jennifer, her beau Kevin and his 6 year old son Zachary. We are all super excited to be on the East Coast with the cold wintry weather and to spend time with Jennifer & Kevin in their Country home in Hudson, New York.

As you know if you follow my Blog, we usually host Turkey Day and it is always fun & festive.... but this year due to numerous reasons we elected to change it up and try something new. So off we go on Saturday morning. College boy Brandon will fly out of Portland, Oregon on Tuesday and hook up with us then in Manhattan.

We have all kinds of fun activities planned, but that will be another post, today I need to vent about my anxiety surrounding packing the right items ... not just for myself but for the boys too! Can't have them showing up in the city not dressed properly!

So here's the deal for me... as you know I'm a huge accessory queen ... I change my handbag daily to match my outfit. Same with my jewelry... I know it's weird but that's who I am. So when I set out to pack I have to carefully imagine every accessory that goes with each outfit, I sound crazy don't I, again that's me! And I like to have options... do I want to wear slacks, leggings, a skirt out to dinner or walking around .... I don't know what mood I'll be in so I end up bringing all three choices.

It's similar to going to the grocery store and trying to plan dinner for the next 5 nights ... how the hell do I know what I'll want to eat on Thursday if I'm food shopping on a Monday? I need variety and options and don't want to be boxed in ... that's how it is for my clothes!

So tonight begins the process of laying everything out that I believe I will wear and then going crazy because it's all way too much and then I feel overwhelmed and just throw everything in the damn bag... oh such problems!

Day 191: Laugh A Little

With all the sad news and loss this past week I thought I'd post a photo that always makes me smile and laugh. It reminds me how we should never take ourselves too seriously ... as you can see from this photo my family doesn't take me very seriously sometimes ...

In a family portrait taken a few years ago, I said "now everyone smile" and look how my goofy boys smiled ...

Whenever I need a "pick me up" I look at this picture! I love the age of the boys here and where our life was at when this picture was captured ... all my chicks living at home... before they all became teenagers, when I could still dress them, hold them, and smother them with kisses ... this was one of those moments where I wanted to freeze time, have it stand still ... whenever I need to "regroup" and shake off whatever is tugging at me, this is my "go to" picture that can snap me out of a "blue" mood...

Doesn't it make you laugh too?

Day 189: Band of Boys

The college boy was in town for a few days -- semester break. Loved having him home, even for a brief stint. It felt like a fraternity house this weekend around the Simon house. We had a house full of boys which means lots of food & fun. Absolutely my favorite way to spend time ... cooking and hanging with my boys. I love them all...

Having Brandon home and Harrison & Spencer around with all their friends was the perfect medicine for my aching heart. This week was plagued by the loss of too many young sons. I have posted about their tragic deaths. I still can't wrap my arms around how a Mother ever gets over losing a child. I guess that's why I was feeling like we should really embrace the kids these past few days. Keep them close & snug to us. So we did.

Checkout this picture of us all at dinner...

lots of laughter & smiles! Given the sad news this week I was so happy to be surrounded by my family and to relish in their company ... it's what life is all about!

Day 177: Happy Birthday Hubby

Today is my handsome, hunky, hubby's Birthday! For those that don't know, Brian and I met when we were 13 years old! He attended my Sweet Sixteen Birthday party! We've shared more Birthday's together, than not. That's pretty crazy, isn't it?

I'm six months older, he likes to say he prefers older women! Next year we both turn the Big 5-0 and have had many discussions about how to honor this milestone together. As you know I am running a full marathon. It's always been something I've wanted to challenge my mind and body to accomplish, and I thought if not now, when!?! Brian hasn't decided on some "BIG" thing to "do" to honor the Birthday. I think it's different for men then women?

We talked about taking an adventuresome trip with the boys. Maybe Africa? Maybe to Italy or Israel. We are not sure, but we feel like we'd love to usher the year in with a memorable family adventure -- something that both Brian and I and the boys can look back and say, "what a fabulous time together we had back when Mom & Dad turned 50."

But a trip like that takes a lot of planning & resources. It's ok for us to dream and maybe we can make it a reality, but if not we'll get to these places with the boys one of these days.

In the meantime, Brian and I are content with knowing that physically we are both in the best shape we've ever been in; we have three healthy sons; we have a beautiful, warm home; we have a loving extended family; fabulous friends; and a bond between us that I hope lasts forever. I'd say that trumps any trip we could take and is worthy of a celebration everyday!

Happy Birthday Brian! May all your wishes come true this year and beyond!

Day 126: Last Family Summer Dinner

Tonight Brian and I and the boys - Brandon, Harrison & Spencer had dinner together for the last time in Summer 2010. Harrison & Spencer leave tomorrow for Camp Harmony to be camp counselors for a week and while they are gone, Brandon returns to college.

Wow, I can't believe our summer as a family has come to an end. What a whirlwind it has been. I mean really a whirlwind. On any given night we probably had 6 to 7 teenage bodies sleeping at the house. The food shopping, cooking and BBQs that took place were endless. The house always had a buzz ... sports games blaring from the TV screen, video games being played, music pumping ... and certainly lots of laughter.

I have always said that two of the ingredients to raising healthy teenage boys must include food & sports. One day I will post my philosophy on why I believe family meals are so vital to a child's upbringing and why any sports activity - organized or otherwise - is equally important to raising boys.

Having all three sons together over the summer has been wonderful. Watching them interact and be "bros" was very special for me. When one of your chicks leaves for college the dynamics of the house are forever changed. For good or bad. For me it's bad because I so crave my chicks being together. But part of responsible parenting is giving your children the wings to fly and to be successful while on their journey.

So Harrison and Spencer will experience being camp counselors at sleep away camp for the first time and Brandon will return to begin his Sophomore year of college. As sad as it may make me, it also brings me much joy that they are all on these great paths of life.

So as we sat around the dinner table us 5 Simon's, dining on our last meal together for many months, I thought what a great summer it has been!

Day 85: Real Housewives

Went to the grocery store today - a 3 time a week adventure for me in this eating frenzied household I manage -- and I ran into bestest gal pal Jill. We giggled that we had both just returned from vacation together and were restocking the shelves of our respective homes. But we also chuckled as we talked about why we both drove across town to a market as opposed to visiting the one in our neighborhood. We agreed that the local store is icky and we prefer the produce, poultry and other goodies offered at this further away market. Oh what we do to provide the best for our families!

Then we compared our shopping carts. I was stocking up on shrimp and pasta for one night's dinner & ground meat to make a meatloaf another night. She was making tacos (actually sounded better then my meatloaf). She spotted the pretty pink bottle in my cart -- it was fresh squeezed watermelon juice which I use to mix with my vodka for an evening summer yummy! We giggled about other items in our carts or what still needed to be pulled from shelf's and we talked about our families and meals, etc.

I thought to myself we are the "real" housewives of Beverlywood & Cheviot Hills. All those reality shows that claim to be the "real housewives of ... fill in the city" are women always dressed up and shopping or lunching or feuding with their friends, but have you noticed they are never really doing any of the hundreds of tasks that real women, mothers, wives, do in real life!

And whether you work in the house or outside the house, the reality is that the marketing & menu planning is primarily accomplished by the women of the house. Not sure why that is, but it just is.

So there we stood -- me and my oldest gal pal Jill -- in the market laughing & giggling about the goodies we'd be taking home for our families. And I thought, this is what REAL housewives do!

Day 84: Back Home

Ahh, settling back in to life after a week away! Lots of laundry to fold, phone calls & emails to return, Blogging, unpacking, marketing! Now I need a vacation from the vacation. Which really wasn't a vacation. As I posted yesterday when we returned I was under the weather the entire week in Bass Lake. So now it's back to juggling every one's calendars, family commitments and back to my exercise routine.... which I definitely need after a week off.

Pictured here is the "Bass Lake Gang" ... a motley crew of mixed families & friends, but all together we make our own special "Lake Family!"

How do our lives get so damn busy with all we do? I mean it's suppose to be summer, but the boys - all three of them - still have workouts and baseball, and dental appointments and chiropractor visits, and friends in and out all day long. And oh yeah everyone still needs to eat so there's still that to tend to. And over summer break there are more mouths to feed with kids coming and going. But ya know what I really do love it. Especially the feeding part. Maybe it's the mama bear in me that loves to see my boys and others chow down on a good meal. It's a role I relish. I just wish I was feeling myself. I'm still not and that's a bummer for me as I spend my life feeling healthy and fun and happy and when I'm not, it really takes its toll.

So as I prepare for the week ahead, working out, getting healthy, attending baseball games and figuring out next steps is all on the menu... join me for the adventures, won't you please?

Day 74 - 83: Where Has Robyn Been?

Hi my faithful followers! Have you missed me? Well I sure have missed blogging about my daily escapades. Let me tell ya what's been goin' on!

Finally got the family packed and out the door last Saturday, July 3rd for our annual trip up to Bass Lake with friends & family. As I have written about in earlier posts this is the most memorable vacation for my family.

Pictured above is my family L-R Brandon, Harrison, Me, Spencer, and Brian

My sister Michele and I were introduced to the trip as young girls when our parents were still married many moons ago. I have continued the tradition with my family and other siblings and friends. It is the one trip that my children pine for throughout the year. So we finally arrive, unpack, do the marketing, get organized and we are ready to party! We had our usual fabulous 4th of July Holiday as we watched fireworks on a boat parked in the middle of the lake at beautiful Bass Lake!

Pictured here are kid sister Jennifer on the left (who came from New York with love pal Kevin, wearing the hat, and his darling 6 year old son Zachary) and family friend Suzee on the right. We were on the boat watching 4th of July fireworks!

Unfortunately that's where the fun ended for me! From that night on I was saddled with a horrible sickness and fever pushing 102.8. I was ready to make a run for the hospital but after speaking to my LA Doc I decided against that as goodness knows what the mountain Doctor would have recommended for treatment! We are still not clear on what I had and still have. I never once went in the Lake or water skied or put a bathing suit on the entire week. This has never happened to me before and it was really a bummer to be away on this annual family trip and not be able to enjoy all the festivities.

Pictured here are Papa Joe, the Patriarch of the trip all these 40 plus years, with my eldest son Brandon. This is what it's all about!

Despite my feeling in the dumps, I did however capture moments of great joy. One was watching my son Brandon master wake boarding like a true jock and the other was knowing that Harrison & Spencer were laughing hysterically as they were tossed all over the Lake on an inter tube. Thank you gal pal Jill for being the boat driver for all the teenager crazy boys! And for constantly taking my temperature to make sure it didn't climb any higher!

Another highlight for me was being able to play umpteen rounds of Runmmicue with my gal pals Caren & Jill and hubby Brian. That was very special for me. I love games!
But all in all while my heart was warmed that my boys and Brian and all my darling family & friends were soaking up the sun and having a blast my heart also ached because I just wasn't myself.

Pictured here is Papa Joe wearing a cowboy hat! He's 80 years old and look at him go!

It's bad enough to not feel well when you are at home, but to wait all year for your annual vacation and go away and not be yourself is really a bummer. So because of this and because we had very poor technological support nestled up in the mountains I was not able to communicate with my Blog friends daily. Of course I felt guilty about this, but sometimes you just need to be flexible and go with what you are confronted with. In my case it was just not possible for me to share my lake musings daily which was something I was looking forward to.

So my dear followers please forgive me and know that I will post more photos and anecdotes from our trip as the week goes on. I'm happy to write that we are home safe and sound and I'm feeling better. I know my three sons and all the others had a fantastic week and that really is the best vacation I could ask for. My heart is warmed just looking at this photo of Brian holding the "beef" of the day with that big yummy smile!

Pictured here is Brian in Bass Lake 2010, after grilling our 4th of July yummy steak for 30!

Day 70: Family Bonds

Went to dinner tonight with the family -- which included us 5 Simon's, and Grandma Paula & Papa Craig, Brian's parents from Roseville, California (that's near Sacramento) who are in town visiting. We had all attended Harrison & Spencer's baseball game and then went to one of the local favorites, Factor's Famous Deli. Had a yummy dinner as usual.

This post is not about our delicious corned beef sandwiches, it's about how much fun we had and apparently our fun loving time was noticed by others too.

We had a darling Russian server named Olga who made our dining enjoyable by being on top of all our wants. When it was time to pay the bill we thanked her for her service and she said,

"No thank you. Your family is beautiful and the love shows through. I hope someday to have a family like this."

Well that really touched my heart. Sometimes we take for granted how close we are in this Simon family, always loving & kissing & hugging, not realizing that many families don't share this kind of bond.

It doesn't always take a big family hoopla to share special moments. Sometimes it's just the simple mundane things like attending a ball game and sharing a family dinner together that creates the memories that last. It was a good night!