Rachel's Early Birthday

Rachel has wanted to either go on a hot air balloon or go parasailing for her birthday for a long time. It is hard to do either activity in December so this year she got an early birthday present in September and went parasailing with Erin Joy. They both had a lot of fun and want to go again. I was happy to take pictures safely from the ground.

Of course, she had to have a large bowl of hot and sour soup to complete her birthday fun.

Erin's Birthday/Mid-Autumn Festival

 Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival happened to fall on the night of the really excited blood moon/eclipse.  I was super excited that the sky was clear. We watched from our church's property and it was beautiful.

This was about a month ago. I'm just now trying to blog...

 For her birthday, Erin Joy went with a couple of friends and Rachel to the Schack Art Center. They made glass blown pumpkins. It was super fun and their pumpkins turned out so beautiful. These pictures are really out of order, but I don't want to fix them.

My Mom

I have neglected blogging for over a month.  My mother passed away. My heart is broken. I feel like a piece of me is missing. My life will never be the same again.  Here is her obituary, but as my wise aunt and my mom's sister said, "Lila is more than an obituary."

Oh, how I love her. Oh, how I miss her. Oh, how I long to talk to her again.  I know that families are eternal. I am grateful my parents were sealed in the temple for time and eternity. I know I will be with her again. She is the first person I want to see when it is my turn to leave this mortal existence. She will be the first person I hug. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know the atonement is real.  I am so grateful for the Savior; for His everlasting love and sacrifice. Because He died and lived again, my mother will live again.  Of this I am positive.

In Loving Memory Lila Larsen Simmons 3/15/1946 - 8/27/2015 Lila Larsen Simmons, 69, of Goshen passed away August 27, 2015. She was born March 15, 1946 in Idaho Falls to Alden and Irma Green Larsen.  She attended schools in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School.  She attended Ricks College and BYU graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Child Development/ Elementary Education. On August 26, 1967 she married Thomas Wayne Simmons in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Lila taught kindergarten in Shelley for 16 years and loved to teach.  Walking in the grocery store, she was often hugged by many of her students. She loved to serve the Lord and others in any way possible.  She served willingly in many callings in the church including Primary, Young Women, and as the Ward and Stake Relief Society President.  In 2006 she served a mission with her husband in the Marshall Islands.  Later she served in the Idaho Falls Temple and at the visitors center.  She loved to go on trips with family and loved when family gathered together for Thanksgiving. The gift she wanted to give her children and grandchildren was a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  She loved the Lord.  She loved her family.  She was the best mom, grandma, and wife.  We look forward to being with her again. She is survived by her husband, Wayne Simmons of Goshen; children, Stacey Simmons of Granite Falls, WA; Tom (Carma) Simmons of Victor; Erin (John) Valberg of Brigham City, UT; Susan Frame of Gooding; Ted (Mellisa) Simmons of Richmond, KY; Becky (Doug) Otto of Twin Falls; William (Tarin) Simmons of Rose; siblings, Leo (Dawna) Larsen of Idaho Falls; Oscar (Aleen) Larsen of Orem, UT; DeOn (Derlin) Campbell of Idaho Falls; Janelle (Monty) Montague of Rigby; LaRee (Doug) Ward of Bountiful, UT; twin brother, Lyle (Katrina) Larsen of Idaho Falls; 26 grandchildren with two more on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Dean Larsen. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at the Goshen Ward Chapel (792 North 1090 East). The family will meet with friends Monday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Tuesday morning from 9:30 till 10:40 A.M. at the church.  Burial will be in the Goshen Cemetery.

Online Condolences From: Patrice Williams   Shelley Idaho Relationship:   Words can not say how much your dear mom will be missed. Every where she went she influenced people for the good. I often joked about how uncomfortable it was living next to the most Christ like person anyone has ever met. However, because of her Christ like attributes she never once judged me or my family. She was a great example to us and always willing to help in any way she could. I will miss our talks in our driveway, her wonderful smile, her little moomoos from the Marshell Islands, her news paper clippings she always brought over, her updates on her children and grand children (who she is very proud of), the treats she always brought over to share, her wonderful advice, her insights of the gospel, and the little tap tap tap at my door that we always knew was her because it was as soft as her soft spoken voice. I love your family and am sorry for your loss. I know that she is still watching over you, praying for you, and will be waiting patiently for the day she is reunited with you all. With Love, Patrice  Sent:  8/28/2015 From: Leesa & Justin Mitchell   Shelley Idaho Relationship:  friend Mr. Simmons and family, We are so sorry for your loss, Lila was a kind, soft spoken, loving woman. She will be greatly missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Sent:  8/28/2015 From: Brent and rosemary palmer   Shelley Idaho Relationship:  Neighbor and friends  Our deepest sympathies for your family for this too early loss of the sweetest most loving lady we know. Lila is a humble example of a christ-like life and we are all going to miss her perpetual smile. Please know of our love for your family. Brent & rosemary palmer and family Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Cassie Richards   pocatello Idaho Relationship:   My heart goes out to the family of this most wonderful selfless woman. She was my gilrs' kindergarten teacher. The teaching world will miss her immensly! Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Genny Graham    Relationship:  Co worker  To the family of Lila Simmons, I am so very sorry for your loss! Lila was a wonderful person, and she taught my son Mat, for which I'm thankful! God bless you all during this difficult time. Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Gary & Bonita Higley   Idaho Falls Idaho Relationship:  Directors of Idaho Falls Temple Visitors' Center and Friends Forever We are so very saddened by the passing of Lila. She and Wayne were so very wonderful at the visitors' center. We remember very clearly watching her at the feet of the Christus surrounded by groups of children, sharing her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She had a special and loving spirit about her at all times. It was fun sharing monthly get togethers with all of the couples that we served with. We send our love and prayers to Wayne and their family. She will be greatly missed, and we are so greatful that we had the opportunity to know and love her. Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Tom and Sue Frame   Platte City Missouri Relationship:  Friend Wayne and family, we were saddened by the news of Lila's passing. Our deepest condolences to you, your children, and your grandchildren (especially the two we share) in your loss. We pray the Lord will lighten your grief and wrap you in His comforting arms. God be with you. Love, Tom and Sue Frame Sent:  8/29/2015 From: David and Deanna Fried   Shelley Idaho Relationship:  friend Dear Simmons family, We wish to express our condolences for your great loss. Lila is such a wonderful lady! She was always willing to share and serve. She has been a great compassionate service coordinator for her ward. She was also a great sunday school teacher. She always shared her sweet love and spirit with others. She was proud of her family and often spoke of each of her children with such love. She will continue to watch over you and will be waiting to reunite with all. Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Randall maughan   American Falls Idaho Relationship:  Friend Wayne and family, it was with sorrow that I heard about Lilas passing. Kathy and I will miss seeing and working with Lila in the IF Temple on Thursdays, such a wonderful lady. Many our Father in Heaven bless and watch over you during this time.R Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Marilyn & Maurice Clegg   American Fork Utah Relationship:  Cousin to Wayne We are so sorry about your loss, Wayne. We read the obituary online after Sue's phone call. We are so impressed with Lila's great accomplishments - large family, long-time teacher, devoted church worker and cherished companion. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Greer Swearingen   Idaho Falls ID Relationship:  Neighbor Mr. Simmons my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.....looking back at my childhood I have only fond memories of going to preschool and caroling where we stopped at your house. Wishing the best for you  Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Michael Campbell   Aurora Colorado Relationship:  Great Nephew Aunt Lyla was such as nice Great Aunt. We had so many good memories of Thanksgiving with the Larsen family. Visiting with Aunt Lyla was the highlight of these visits. She is a sweet lady and always made us feel happy. We can't wait to visit with her again! Love, Michael and Net Campbell Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Angie   Bainbridge  Relationship:  None I'm truly sorry for your loss, I hope during this difficult time you find strength and solace in the promise Jesus made to resurrect all those in God's memory. I know this includes Lila. Sincerely, Angie Sent:  8/29/2015 From: CAROLYN LYON   firth Idaho Relationship:  Friend Wayne We were so surprised when we heard about Lila. She was a great lady. May the Lord be with you and your family at this sad time in your lives. Isn't our knowledge that families are forever comforting at this time, and you know you will be with her again. Love Wayne and Carolyn Lyon . Sent:  8/29/2015 From: Gaylene Hahn   Goshen Idaho Relationship:  sister in the gospel Lila was a fantastic visiting teacher along with her companion, Janice Felsted. They both have such amazing testimonies and wisdom. I always looked forward to their visits because I knew I would be uplifted by their great spirits and joyful humor! I only hope I can meet my maker someday with the credentials Lila had. Well done my dear sister! Condolences to the family. Sent:  8/30/2015 From: Stephanie Huntsman   Shelley Idaho Relationship:  Mom of her student  So sad to hear of this sweet lady's passing. I had the pleasure of helping out in her classroom and my daughter and I loved and appreciated her. She had a gentle soul and a big heart. She remembered and asked about Kayleigh just a few months ago even though it's been 20 years since she taught her. Such a lovely lady. She will be missed. Sent:  8/30/2015 From: LeIna Christensen   Saratoga Springs Utah Relationship:  Friend I am sincerely sorry to hear of Lila's death. I wish I could be there for the funeral but I cannot so accept my condolences I loved all of your family. Sent:  8/30/2015 From: Christina Christensen   Shelley Idaho Relationship:  friend Wayne & family, Your family has been such an intregal part of Goshen for many years. I always admired Lila. She always had a smile on her face and a hug. She believed in what the Savior said "love one another", I never heard her raise her voice or speak badly about anyone. It was a pleasure to be the passionate service person when she was the relief society president. She was always checking on people and making sure they were not forgotten. We are all blessed to have such a beautiful person in our lives. She will be waiting with open arms and a sweet smile for you,   Sent:  8/31/2015 From: Susan Frame    Relationship:  Child This is a link to a movie my sister, Stacey, made for my mom for Mother's Day 2013 We would like to share it with you.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rZLX1gj6mk Sent:  8/31/2015 From: Mesa Jackson   West Valley City Utah Relationship:  friend and neighbor  My heart broke when I heard about sweet Lila Simmons' passing. My childhood would not have been the same without her. She always had a smile on her face and I don't think I ever heard her raise her voice or become angry even when us neighbor kids were being rambunctious. She was literally like a 2nd grandma to my siblings and I. I remember one time, when I was little I was trying to sell rocks out in our lawn that I had painted. The only one I soled was to Sister Simmons which made my day. My deepest condolences to you and your sweet family, Brother Simmons. I wish I could be there to celebrate her life with you at her funeral. Love, Mesa Sent:  8/31/2015 From: Pam Stuart   Kaysville UT Relationship:  Friend Our thoughts are with Mrs. Simmon's family. We have fond and loving memories of her. Such a sweet and loving teacher. Our children dearly loved her. We dearly loved her. She will be greatly missed! Sent:  9/1/2015 From: Micahel Malcom   Pocatello Idaho Relationship:  Friends Your family's faith and testimony have helped strengthen me, and I know Lila was a big part of that. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this trial. Sent:  9/2/2015 From: Ann Hansen (Capson) Whiteside   Firth ID Relationship:  friend Wayne & Family; I was saddened to hear of Lila's passing. She was always so kind and compassionate. You have an amazing family, a tribute to both. May the Holy Comforter continue to be with you all. I am sure you have felt His presence. My condolences, Ann (Capson) Whiteside Sent:  9/8/2015

Mt. Adams

We have never been to Mt. Adams before. It was a fun trip. 

The girls are excited at the ice caves because I dropped my GPS and they thought we wouldn't have to go geocaching ever again. Nope. The GPS still works:)

 Natural bridges...

 Beautiful falls in the rain...

 Just a bit tired...

 Lava field...

Many, many huckleberries...

 Imagine a big beautiful mountain behind the kids....it was covered in clouds.

 There's the peak!

 Singin' in the rain....