Day 4: One More Day in San Diego

Well our Palisades Dolphins made it to the play-offs here in San Diego in the Lions Tournament. Very exciting. We played hard today, but just couldn't secure the win losing 10 - 8.

Pictured here is Harrison with his Dolphin Teammates.

So we headed back home today with two very exhausted teenagers. What a great 4-day get-away it was for us all. Harrison & Spencer had a blast with their teammates while Mom & Dad soaked up great baseball and enjoyed getting to know our fellow baseball families.

A great time was had by all!

Day 2: Day 2 of Being 50

Still trying to determine if I feel any different now that I'm 50? Hmm, not really! It's been a marathon of celebrations... all fabulous!

Pictured here are me and my darling Miss Rebecca Simon at the National Women's Political Caucus 50 for 50 Event!

Today the hubby Brian and I headed to San Diego for four days to attend Harrison & Spencer's baseball tournament. We are having a blast!

Nothing better then being with my boys and my man watching baseball! So much fun to watch all these teenager's play competitive ball! And who knew it would also be a little get away for the hubby and I to reconnect after a whirlwind of Birthday festivities!

It's been fun hanging with all the baseball families and getting to know everyone better! Long legged Harry pitched an entire game today against a tough opponent and he rocked it baby!

While the opposing team had an obnoxious coach and student athletes who consistently haggled Harrison, he never wavered.

True leadership on the mound and a real treat to watch. It was a victorious game and one of those moments for Brian and I ... just magical... life is really good today!

Day 351: The Morning After

Yikes, I can't remember the last time hubby Brian and I stayed out until 3 a.m.! Oh my gosh! Wow did we have fun! We attended a friends' 50th Birthday party at a magnificent and new beautiful restaurant in West Hollywood... Fig & Olive! It was scrumptious & elegant!

We had so much fun visiting with guests, eating a delicious meal, and it was a special treat because our two teenage boys Harrison & Spencer were also invited! They were all dressed up looking very dapper & handsome and it was nice to be out on a Saturday night with them!

When the party was winding down we were invited to join my friend and her family in a limo ride for some late night cocktails! Oh my goodness, we rode around in a disco lit Hummer limo! I was cracking up! It's been years since Brian and I had so much fun dancing along with stropping lights & blaring music! We hit a few hot spots for cocktails and ended arriving home at 3 in the morning.

Oh my gosh is all I can say!

Day 334: Pali High School Baseball

Spent the afternoon (once again!) watching the boys play ball at their school, Palisades Charter High School.

Today was a bit unique as for the first time in a very long time, I had both my boys on the field together at the same time!

Check out this photo... Spencer at 2nd base, Harrison on the pitcher's mound ...

Doesn't always occur. When they were younger it was a staple in games. Spencer at shortstop, Harrison at the mound ... and they were solid teammates backing one another up... and today I had that rare moment again to see the boys as teammates, brothers, and great ballers!

It was a sweet moment for the proud mama.

Day 328: A Full Day

It was a long, productive day. Kicked off with a great workout at the park in the sunshine... then a very informative meeting with the California Forward folks... check this group out they are performing some really terrific work on behalf of moving our State's economy forward and suggesting we rethink the way we govern (because it ain't workin' people). Check them out at
http://www.cafwd.org/ideas/entry/framework-home

Join the conversation by adding your thoughts, comments & suggestions!

After this very cool exchange Brian and I headed out to Birmingham High School to watch Harrison & Spencer play ball. Great game, and some great playin'. The boys batted one right after another and both got hits... watching them both on base together was so sweet! Harrison pitched 5 innings and had 5 strikeouts. Sweet again!

Then we joined Lu & Ron Barzilli and their son Elliot for a yummy dinner. It was a great way to spend a Friday, busy & productive, but very rewarding.

Day 321: The Rookie Takes to the Mound

Play Ball! Today was the first league game for Palisades High School Baseball! The boys play ball year round, but today the season kicked off. We are playing in the Royal Tournament and this afternoon we were at Granada Hills High School in the San Fernando Valley.

We didn't know if teenagers Harrison & Spencer would get a chance to play much as this was their first game as official Varsity roster players. Spencer had moved up months ago and was playing regularly in the pre-season games, both pitching and playing infield.

Today it was his brother's turn. Harrison Simon took to the mound like a pro. With his long lanky legs and beautiful form he released that sweet baseball and let the batters have it. It was beautiful! He delivered for his team and showed why he was asked to move up as a sophomore pitcher.

If you follow my Blog regularly you know that baseball is a constant theme. Not just in my posts, but in my life. With three sons who all play ball, and have since they were 5 years old, you can bet I love this game and I LOVE watching them play.

Honestly there are few activities I enjoy more then watching their beautiful faces & bodies when standing tall and strong on the mound ... such poise, and control... it warms my heart and never gets old.

Good thing too, because tomorrow there's another game!

Day 291: Odds & Ends

Here's a recap of some loose ends ... When I shared with my boys that I had posted on my BLOG about the "driving experience", Spencer asked if I mentioned the part where I was crying? Sadly I had blocked that part out, so in full disclosure, YES I was actually crying when I said, "you've got to pull over". It was that bad!

Big brother college boy Brandon even posted a comment on my BLOG saying he'd teach them to drive. Thank goodness is all I can.

My running log... I clocked 19 miles today! A first for this distance... I'm feeling much more confidant about finishing the full length of the Los Angeles Marathon which is 26.2 miles... but remember 19 miles is still 7.2 miles short of what I'll have to perform on race day!

Harrison's cumin, coriander, and fennel chicken was delicious! Yummy!

That's all the tidbits for today!

Day 281: Play Ball

What a gorgeous day to be outside! And that's exactly how the Simon's spent the day! Baseball all day at the boys' high school in Pacific Palisades! Lovely sunshine all day as the teenagers Harrison & Spencer played some great ball.

Pictured here is Spencer, 15 years old, and below is Harrison, also 15 years old

It's really great too because we have terrific families to socialize with while in the stands for some 6 to 7 hours! Really wonderful mom's and dad's and the camaraderie is really super. Makes the long days go by with great conversation while watching all our children play.

Great way to spend a Sunday ...

Day 279: They Passed, Should I be Happy?

So the twin teenagers Harrison & Spencer passed their written driver's exam today, means they are now licensed to drive (with an adult 25 years or older in the car)! Be warned I say, stay off the road. All their friends are getting their learner's permits... it's the year of turning 16.

While I know it is a rite of passage to get your license and experience freedom in a car, it's not exactly something I relish. At 16 years young your brain is still mush. Your judgement is poor, your instincts not trained, your driving skills mild at best, and yet thousands of kids hit the road with a machine that is deadly.

I remember going through this entire experience with college boy. We had him drive us everywhere so he got as much experience behind-the-wheel as possible. That was a very smart move on our part. But it still scared the heck out of me. I never really slept till I heard him come home. Now that I think about it, I've really never slept deep since having children.

As with my older boy, we had Harrison & Spencer take their exam today, January 21, which is exactly 6 months till their 16th birthday's on July 21st. That way if they pass the driving test in July they will receive their license on their 16th birthday. That's a very cool feeling and I'm happy for them, just so ambivalent about it myself.

The thought of them driving on Pacific Coast Highway and so much freeway driving to get to and from their school scares the heck out of me. Oh well, I suppose we'll cross that impasse when it arrives.

In the meantime, we hit another milestone today in the raising of children. Why is it that none of these experiences, feelings, emotions, fears, or worries were ever explained in the delivery room?

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 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 241: 24 Hours

What I Accomplished in 24 Hours

Drafted & emailed to 75 media outlets a Press Release announcing gal pal Marisa Perez' candidacy for Lakewood City Council *Ran 7 miles *Worried about Bailey (our gorgeous Golden Retriever of 9 years) while he underwent surgery for a growth that had to be biopsied * Attended niece Esme's musical Broadway performance * Wrote Letter of Recommendation for gal pal Candace * Visited the podiatrist * Picked up custom orthodics* Grocery shopped at Trader Joe's *Packed 2 lunches * Cooked breakfast & dinner * Celebrated boys making Palisades Charter High School Baseball team * Sent Good Luck note to college boy for finals* Picked up and dropped off teenage sons Harrison & Spencer from school in the Palisades * Took son Spencer to physical therapy * Made coffee for hubby Brian * Washed dishes * Folded laundry * Got gas in the Cadillac * Went to the bank * Posted to my Birthday Blog * Made Holiday reservations * Made dental appointments for boy's * Had eyebrows waxed & colored * Spoke to numerous people on the phone * Wrote & responded to numerous emails * Sent multiple texts *Picked up college boy from airport .... and I question why I'm always tired!

Day 235: The Driving Process

Can't believe I made appointments today for teenagers Harrison & Spencer to take their written driver's license exam for next month! Yikes, it has just crept up on me that on January 21st they will be 15 and a half (the age you apply for your learner's permit).

I remember when Brandon was approaching this age and thinking, how can I have a son old enough to be driving? And now he's a sophomore in college and will turn 20 in two months! He'll be leaving the teenage years... oh my gosh.

I've written it so many times before in my Blog posts, time is precious, the years do fly by ... and certain milestones cast the light even brighter... such as the right of passage of turning 16 in California and getting your driver's license.

At least with Brandon I only had one driver to worry about at a time.... can't imagine how this is going to work with two at the same time! The other night I had Harrison drive with me and Spencer drove with Brian, I guess we will truly have to tag team on this adventure!

Day 231: A Long Day

Wow, today was a long day. Hubby Brian and teenager Spencer headed out at around 7:30 a.m. this morning to drive to Malibu High School. Spencer had a game at 10:00, had to be there by 8:30 a.m.

I stayed back with Harrison and pal Justin Ruder. All three boys had to be at the park by 4:30 for a 6 p.m. game. In between Brian spent the day in Palmdale doing an ACN presentation and met me at Clover Park in Santa Monica for the 6 p.m. game. (ACN is Brian's second business, launched just about one year ago).

In between I of course was at the market doing a large grocery run (I feel like that's what I do a lot to keep this house stocked!)

We did not leave the park tonight until 10:00 p.m.! I mean the park lights went out. It was ridiculous. Overkill at its best. Boys played 9 innings instead of the usual 7 innings and then I guess coach was so pissed at how they performed he made these kids at night, in the cold, run so many sprints, it was making my eyes spin.

And as if that wasn't enough he decided to punish the Team Captains for not acting more "like leaders" and made them run MORE sprints. One of the Team Captain's is my son Spencer. By 10 p.m. he had clocked 10 hours of baseball. I mean really, that's just over the top even for a die hard baseball Mom like me. I mean I wasn't sure if the Coaches were trying to punish the parents as well!

So here it is 10 p.m. on Saturday night and of course it's Los Angeles so every restaurant suitable to take 5 teenage boys, in dirty uniforms, to eat at was closed. And of course they were starving ... having been at the park since 4:30.

Well, guess what, we ended up at Carrows on Ocean Park Avenue (it's opened until midnight in case you ever need a joint to eat at opened late). It's a coffee shop like Norm's or Coco's.

Can I tell you it was the best way to end a very long day of craziness watching these teenagers mow on steak and chocolate crepes for dinner at 10:30 at night. I was just grateful they served wine and happily had a glass!

Life is never boring with teenagers or baseball that's for sure!

Day 224: SEVENTH DAY: Time To Go Home

Today was a long day of good-byes and travel. But wouldn't you know it, the morning we are leaving it begins to snow! Real beautiful snowflakes... I thought can this trip get any better! It was a real treat to see beautiful white snow fall before we headed home.

We packed up and hit the road for about a 3 hour drive from Austerlitz to JFK Airport to head back home to Los Angeles. One of the small towns (tiny, tiny town!) in the countryside was named none other then ... SPENCERTOWN! Can you believe it ... so of course we had to stop and have our Spencer pose for a photo!

The ride to the airport was gorgeous. Beautiful open country to marvel out. It's always sad to end a great time and to leave the people you love, but we will cherish the memories created this past week for a lifetime.

It was also a good-bye for me to the college boy Brandon who boarded a plane back to Oregon while us four Simon's headed back home to Los Angeles.

As I watched my handsome son's face turn to walk down the airport corridor, I had a very teary-eyed moment ... not out of sadness, but out of pure happiness. Happiness that hubby Brian and I had made this trip happen, that we were welcomed so graciously by family on the East Coast, that the earth didn't cave in because we didn't stick to tradition and host Thanksgiving Dinner, happiness for my family's health, laughter, and love... a very blessed Thanksgiving it was!

So from the Ritter Simon family ....

to the Yousem Wolf Family, we say thank you for a beautiful Holiday week ... the boys loved New York so much, who knows we might all be back next year!

Day 219: SECOND DAY: Lady Liberty in New York City

Oh my gosh another fabulous day here in Manhattan. Gorgeous weather for walking and exploring and that's exactly what we did all day! After sleeping in to recover from Sunday's whirlwind we made our way to one of my favorite little restaurants that Jen had turned me on to when I visited her back in April. I knew I wanted to take hubby Brian and the boys there when we returned in November.

Pictured here are kid sis Jen and I looking stuffed from a scrumptious lunch. I look a little sleepy from the delicious glasses of wine I drank at lunch ! That's what I love about a vacation ... you get to drink wine at lunch!

LUPA, is one of the original Mario Battali establishments. It's a small Italian restaurant in SOHO and it is worth the headache of trying to score a reservation to get into. It's that good. I mean let's face it, us Simon's are extreme foodies. The best quote of the day was coined by Spencer who turned to us and said after eating tongue and brain cheese (I'm not kidding ... he really did eat these items and I had to look away every time he took a bite) ...

"This is the best day time meal I've ever had."

Brian and I thought we'd die from laughter. Gotta love a 15 year old kid who will be that adventuresome with his food and say something like that!

From there we hit the city for sightseeing. We walked to Washington Park where New York University is located and all around the cool neighborhoods and shops in this pocket of the city.

Pictured here in Washington Park are Harrison, Dani Grossman, and Spencer. The sophisticated teenage travellers!

Then we headed to Battery Park on the Hudson River where the magnificent Statue of Liberty is viewed brilliantly. What a sight ... it always gives me goose bumps to see our lady Liberty in her greatness and know that every one's ancestry's at one time travelled these waters to enter our great country. An added treat is that our dear friends Howard Grossman and his daughter Dani were in town too and we hooked up with them for our afternoon sightseeing.



Pictured to the left are the Simon boys with good friend Dani Grossman and Aunt Jennifer and me.

Then it was off to see Ground Zero. A somber but significant visit for all Americans. The boys asked a million questions about that harrowing day in 2001 and how it changed us for ever. A very poignant visit to make if you ever get to New York with your children.

Pictured here are Harrison & Spencer viewing the devastation and now construction taking place at Ground Zero in Manhattan.

And what would a night in the city be without another fabulous dinner! When I was in New York visiting Jen in April another favorite restaurant of mine was The Harrison, in the Tribeca neighborhood.

Given its name and its delicious menu, I knew I wanted to go back with the family. So off we went for another meal.

We had a beautiful round table and Kevin, Jen, Brian and I and the boys devoured another tasty meal. Laughing, talking and just enjoying each other's company.

Jennifer and Kevin have been such gracious hosts, putting us up in their apartment, making reservations at all my favorite places, and making so many logistical maneuvers to shepard this group through the city. We could not be more appreciative of their welcoming arms and hospitality. It's been amazing to be in the city with them at this very beautiful time of the year and my favorite time of the year.

Pictured here is the restaurants' namesake, my Happy Harrison and his proud mama.

I am deeply grateful that my wonderful husband agreed with me to take this adventure and break from our tradition of hosting Thanksgiving. While I am sad to not share the holiday with all my family, I am grateful to be with Jennifer and her family and to be with my boys. To just enjoy them away from our home and all the craziness that life offers. We were able to spend hours talking, enjoying, and laughing and that is a gift I will always treasure.

You can not go back in time. You have to make the memories now, capture what you can especially when you are raising teenagers. Time is so very precious and I feel as if the time we had today and the past few days here in New York with my family has warmed my heart and soul.

Day 212: Roasting Peppers

So my kid sis Jennifer is in town for the week for work. She's an analyst at Paramount Pictures. When she comes to town she stays with one of several different family members. With the college boy Brandon away we have an extra room so I always beg her to stay with the crazy Simon's.

So tonight in her honor I decided to make tacos with all the fixings. Fresh cilantro, tomatoes, guacamole... I picked the boys up at 4 from baseball practice and we made the almost hour drive home (damn that LA traffic). We unload the groceries and I tell the boys to try the guacamole and salsa. Spencer and I dig in to taste the samplings.

Only my Harrison would go to the refrigerator, pull out peppers and start slicing them, drizzling them with olive oil and seasoning ... then he proceeds to roast them in the oven! Who the heck roasts peppers at 15 years old (or at any age!) for an after-school snack.

Gotta love my budding chef!

Day 211: The Wooden Bat Tournament

Today the boys had their championship game for the Wooden Bat Tournament which they have been playing in since September. They WON! It was a great team effort by all the players and all the parents were so proud of the boys' performance.

It was a magnificent day here in Los Angeles today. Sun was shining and it was a glorious day to be at the ballpark. Good thing Brian and I enjoy watching the boys play ball because we sure do spend hours sitting in the stands at the baseball field. But it is a wonderful way to spend your time. Outdoors, with friends and watching your children. Can't get much better than that!

It was a great way to end the weekend after the baseball fundraiser last night. I really adore the parents and the boy's on the team. So many of these boys came up to me at the dinner last night to hug me and say hello. The greatest compliment you can receive is when teenagers seek you out to say hello. I feel so honored. I just adore these kids and love being in their company. I love listening to their rap music, watching them play baseball and watching them mature into young men.

It was a terrific championship win and a great day to be at the ball field.

Day 210: Palisades Baseball Traditions

We attended the Palisades High School Baseball Traditions dinner & auction tonight with Harrison & Spencer. All the players are required to attend, and be dressed in coat & ties. This is the annual fundraiser to raise money to fund the baseball program at the boys High School.

Public schools no longer have the funds to support athletic, music, drama or art programs. It's up to the parents and community to supplement the budget shortfall.

So off we went all dolled up with the boys looking so dapper in their new suits -- I only wish teenage girls were in attendance because all the baseball players looked so handsome & dapper!

Brian and I had a blast visiting with fellow baseball parents! One of the guest speakers was a real treat to hear, especially for Brian. It was Brian's old baseball coach from University High School -- Frank Cruz, now the baseball Coach at University of Southern California.

Frank spent twelve years as the head coach at Loyola Maramount University, before moving over to USC this year. Well the sweetest thing is when Coach Cruz gave a "shout out" to his former baseball player Brian Simon! What a treat for Brian's boys to hear that even after so many years, coach still remembers the outstanding baller and promising player Brian was ... only if a different course had been encouraged, who knows what Brian's life would have been had he pursued baseball!

The entire evening was a plus for us as we watched our young, maturing teenage boys laugh with their teammates and listen to the great speakers. Not only did prominent coaches speak, but a baseball recruiter from the Washington Mariners talked about what he looks for in players ... and a former Palisades High School baseball player spoke about how he is now in the MLB, drafted in the 5th round out of Pepperdine University (my Alma mater) and what it took to get him where he is today.

Whatever happens with the boys and their baseball careers, the experience and the program they are involved in is teaching them far more than just how to swing a bat or throw a perfect pitch. It is developing them into young men who can be leaders and tonight we couldn't have been more proud of our young men!

Day 204: 15 Years Today

Crazy to imagine, but my mom, the beautiful Suzanne Sherman, passed away 15 years ago today, November 7th. She was 55 years young when her dreadful cancer got the best of her.

I know I join with my sisters and family & friends in saying that we all miss her. I went to the cemetery today with a huge bouquet of orange flowers. Like me, she loved Fall and all it had to offer. She was born in October, had auburn hair and loved Halloween & Thanksgiving as much as I do.

She loved the beach too. This picture is taken in front of her home (the grey one with the yellow staircase in the background) in Santa Monica. I am pregnant with my twin boys. I gave birth two weeks after this photo was taken. She died 3 months after this picture was captured.

When someone dies so young, you have to hold on tight to the memories you created together when they were alive, otherwise your mind drifts to all that was missed in their absence. Like how my twin sons Harrison & Spencer were only 3 months old when she died ... or that my niece Esme, wasn't even born. But she carries Mom's name, Suzanne, as her middle name. Or that she never got to see her daughter Jennifer graduate from college or fall in love. How many things she missed out on, and how much we all missed out on not having her here.

All of Suzanne's children and grandchildren carry on her memory & legacy - that's what they mean about the circle of life. So invest everything you can in making memories with your loved one's so that when they are gone the warm thoughts of you being together will carry you through on dark days like today.

Rest in peace Susu.