The Simisters

The new start

2012-02-03T19:39:00.001-08:00

As much as I hate blogging because I feel so blogging illiterate but, I feel like I need to. Did I mention I hate blogging. Can't get the pictures to upload so it's going to be boring.

It has been a crazy crazy year. So much has happened since I posted last. I want to go one by one of the family and tell what has been happening In everyone's life.

We will start with the stinker mickayla or ma-cougar is one of the many nick names she has. It's crazy my baby is 2. I am so grateful to have a little princess and a princess she is. She loves her nails done, her hair done, and already getting into moms make-up. She is the happiest and the most opinionated little 2 year old I have ever met. She loves her brothers and they love her. We are grateful when she is healthy and struggle with breathing treatments and pray it doesn't get to bad. Last year we struggled a lot with her health. She is finally ona daily inhaler and it seems to working. Her episodes are not as bad as they used to be.

The sweet whinny comedian, miles. He is currently in the apple academy preschool doing so well. He is doing the distar reading program. I am amazed what he knows and can do. Heis my easy going one that is so unpredictable because he keeps everything in. He is always happy and loves teasing his sister and being her best buddy. They play so well together. He loves playing video games and could do it for hours if I let him. He is always telling jokes that don't make sense. He thinks he is so funny, that it is so funny.

My challenging cuddly sporty one, haven. I love this kid so much. He challenges me every day. He is such a tease and knows how to get to you. But, he always ends the day with a love you and a hug. Haven loves sports and is pretty good at them. He is currently in 1st grade and is doing so well. He is a great reader but, loves math more. This last summer he was able to do a golf camp.He loves playing it and watch it and wishes he could do it more and wants to grow up and be a pro like his uncle. Haven also loves video games and being with his dad. He try's to be with him every chance he gets.

Then we come to my hard working husband. We have been so blessed to have finally found him a new job at us synthetic. (Thanks to some wonderful neighbors!) he has sacrifed working doubles because of a pay cut to do it but, in the end a new start to start at the bottom of a great company will be worth it. He is almost done with his six sigma black belt and takes the test in march. He is very excited to work in a company that actually appreciates his degree and hopes to use it in every way he can. I have never seen a man work so hard in my life and a great quality that I would never change.

Now i guess it's my turn. As much as I struggle missing my husband and feeling like a busy single mommy. It's worth every minute of it! I am so grateful that my husband works so hard so I can stay home and be there with my little monkeys. I am still doing gymnastics and loves it for the most part. It has taught me great patience. The lord has blessed me so much with so many things in life. I am truly grateful for the little things in life. Things don't always go the way you plan. Moving is taking longer than expected. I know it is gods plan and I am trying to be patient for how long it will take. Things are working out so well right now and know it will come when it's right. We are just grateful for the struggles we have had to learn from them and know god is there for us.

McCollum family tree

2011-12-01T02:15:00.000-08:00

I am up late, as usuall. I wish I had the poetic flare I had in college. I could sit up all night and just right the coolest stuff.

Now I have a mother flare, the family history flare. I have been looking for clues to my past, and have found some, some real great ones too. But I still haven't found what I am looking for. I want to try to find someone who has it all. Like my grandpa Sim has it all. A wealth of knowledge of his family, and pictures and stuff to boot.

The real prize would be to track down my elusive Lena A McCollum. She married Philip H McCollum. He died in 1964. Supposedly due to a house fire. But a friend of his fathers told me it was a disease or something.

Suicide. He killed himself. Somehow, the LA Times forgot to mention that little fact. Mostly due to his father, the ever so great Ross McCollum, president of National Oil, being friends with, and in a band with, the sherrif of Los Angeles.

So Ross paid of Lena and she went back into the world with stories I would love to know. She is probably alive today, and most likely one of the few who can hel me put this scattered tree together.

As far as I can tell, the McCollums moved to the United States in The 1800's. Stephen being one of the first In my family. They were farmers of New York. Man, they had so many kids too, 9 to be as exact as I can be. And by some miracle, one of them lived long enough to get married and have kids too. Stephen married a Lucy Horton from new york, but I don't know anything about here.

The one that lived was Geroge mcCollum. I should mention that most if not all the other boys died in the civil war.

George married a Martha Betts, don't know anything about here either, but they had a grip load of kids too. I guess you have to if you a going to farm hundreds and hundreds of acres of rich network soil. 8 kids to be exact.

3 of the boys decided to set out west. Crazy right? Leave all that farm, all that heritage? Only one brother left with three sisters to help on the farm.

I can imagine how I would feel if my children wanted to leave for some kids of pipe dream. Gold, big business, oil, money...that's what's out west! Opportunity dad, opportunity.

I hope to never have my children leave on bad terms, but I feel like this is what happened, it was treason is how I feel it went down. But I don't really know.

The girls, Edward, and Fred stayed.a few of them had kids, and their kids had kids, and some are alive today, but have not really gotten the picture yet. That being what happened to the family, and where are all the prices that are left. I would like to gather as many memories as I can, pictures, scraps, etc, and make a great book.

I degres, the three, Albert, the youngest, Frank, and Roy set out into California. I don't know in what order, but they did.

Albert married a woman ny the name of Leona Henderson. She came from a strange sort of circumstances that we will have to get into another time, but let's just say that she ended up right where she needed to be, literally. Albert ran a coffe and tea merchant trade business there, was a cook, and a restaurant owner. Leona was a dress maker, waitress, and from what I know, just the most wonderful woman. There are a few today that knew her.

They had only one child. And I might need to remind you that these folk were coming from a long line of people who didn't fair so well when it came to having children live, and procreate.

Elmer James Simister. Worked in the military as a photo shop guy. He did all the coloring of the plates and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Skinny as a rail, and by the pictures we have, happy as a clam, all the time. He married Beth Simister, another miItary gal. They had my father James wilford McCollum.

Their fate is not an easy one to describe, but simply put, they suffered through what I can only assume to be the worst of all alcoholism has to offer.

Jimmy had to move to Utah to live with aunt and uncle Leon ans Louise while they got "better". Beth died first, sadly, and Mac as they called him never made it out alive.

Albert had passed before Leona and she lived alone in California, sitting on her porch, watching the Oakland temple being built. She later went to that magnificent temple.

The other brothers I don't know an awful lot about, I only found the out at all because Albert had listed Frank Edwin McCollum as a nearest relative of his on his military card and I traced the addresses to match. Used his name to link him to the same frank e McCollum in new york with a brother named "Burt". And that was that. Frank had a son name Ross. He was quite educated. Excellent schooling, and a bright mind.

He went into engineering and work for the Rockefellerers back east until he decided he could do it on his own. I don't know the whole story but he made it back out here and bought a well, and went into the oil business. He was filthy rich. All the luxuries of life I would imagine. I read a book about him, it made him out to be this great pioneer in the oil business and I thought he was a great man...until I discovered his son.

I don't know anything about Phillip. Few people do, and some of those have not been very forthcoming with the details of his life, and if they had, they are suspect to to be true at all.still others I do trust. Ross was....well let me just say the suicide of his son was probably the best brush we can use to paint that picture. His legacy of money still lives on through various charities and trusts, mostly to schools.

Ross would have been Elmer's paternal 1st cousin.

The other boys I don't know anything at all about. I only hope someone read this and can shed some light on it. It's so sad that today people don't keep books of remembrance, or talk to their kids about their heritage. It is a miracle that I am her at all, and that's just my fathers paternal line.

Albert married Leona in California....how she got California is another great story.

She was born in 1886 in coffeey county Kansas to David Henderson. Her mothers name was Cora henderoson, as far as we can tell. Cora died giving birth.

David lived with his brothers and sisters on account of the parents were both deaf mutes. They cou
Don't hear nor speak. They met in school.

I imagine it was a close family, because oshortly aft the death of Cora, David remarried. Sarah Antrim.

Acids sisters left to California as well right around the same time the McCollum boys left. They headed out and said they would send word once they had a job.

Soon, they sent for Leona and her grandmother sophrona. They left everyone, forever it seems.

The sisters were servants in a well to do house, serving food, champagne, etc. at some point they moved to Washington state. Vashon island to be exact. I've been there, to the house that my great grandmother and her sweet aunts took her in and protected her. It was a small wood house on a beautifull hill. Covered in daffodils. They raised chickens and generally farmed. At some point she met a man name burton Edwin Anderson, he was from Texas, but was there for some reason.

They got married and moved to Canada for a few years. She later returned, divorced.

I don't know what caused her to go to California, but she did, and she met Albert.

IF ANY ONE HAS ANYTHING THEY CAN ADD....PLEASE DO. THERE ARE S MANY STORIES TO TELL.

Y

WOW it has been a while!

2009-03-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

It has been for ever since I did my blogg so much has happen since then.

As you may know I hate doing my blogg, I feel blogg retarded. Everyone has such cute bloggs and there is mine. Oh well here is the update.

We have been doing great Miles just turned 2 and is getting smarter everyday. He can count to 12 and is copying everything Haven says and does. Haven is excited for summer and is ready for preschool to get out in may. His brother drives him nutts and is fighting with him a lot. We went to Idaho and Coalville a few weeks ago the kids had so much fun. The love to ride the 4-wheeler and play on the play ground.

Before christmas we redid our living room and got a new car that would be better for our future family.

Here is some pictures our the last few months:

About Mike

2008-09-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

I thought I would let you all know about one of the most important people in my life. He is the most unique person I know. That is why I love him. Here is 15 things about him

1- He loves music, pretty much anything but country. His favorite band is Primus/ Les Claypool. He also went to a bucket head concert last week. Mike can pretty much play any instrument you put in front of him.Claypool"

2. He loves to eat. He also likes to go to expensive restaurants because that's the only restaurants were he is happy with everything.

3. His favorite color is green.

4. He loves cats.

5. His favorite thing to do is spin/ DJ.

6. He loves to do art and is very good at it.

7. He loves to garden and will spend hours doing so.

8. He hates casseroles.

9. He loves Cream cheese & marshmallows fluff and will put it on anything and everything.

10. He loves pepsi. I have never seen anyone drink pepsi so much.

11. He hates his feet touched.

12. He loves to shower.

13. He collects everything. (stamps, coins, records comic books, action figures, t-shirts, watches, and more and more junk.)

14. He loves cheese especially blue cheese.

15. He loves to think of ideas and inventions. He has the craziest ideas sometimes, i just have to laugh and shake my head.

Long time no talk!!!

2008-09-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have blogged. We have been so busy with our new little TaT business. The last 2 months have been going by so fast. Here is our update.

Haven has started school again and loves it. I guess the the first day of school he told a little girl that she looked beautiful and she fell in love with him. Her mom told me that she said wanted to marry him and was talking about kissing him. His teacher said he always is telling the girls they are beautiful. He is our charmer.

Miles is talking so much. He loves men especially grandpas. He loves any thing and everything Haven loves. They fight a lot but he is our little lover still.

Dash and peaches love each other. Haven still loves his cat he puts him in all his toys and he will just stay there and sleep. He is a great cat for the kids.

Havens

friends : left to right) Rilley, Addi, Miles, Haven, Roxy.

Roxy and Rilley just moved from the neighborhood

Haven and miles are always being funny!

Happy Birthday Haven!!! We wen t and played on a bouncer at Tammy's on his birthday. He had lots of fun. He wanted a racing car birthday. So this was the cake I made as you can see he picked in it right after I made it. (the H is gone)

The update!!!

2008-06-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Havens new kitty Dash!!!

Camping dont Ask!!!!

The Summer Project

Miles wants to be just like dad. He saw mike wearing his bandana and got my headband out of my bathroom and put it on himself.

Funny Faces!!!!

2008-05-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

FUNNY FACES!!!!!

(THIS ONE IS FOR YOU AUNT POLLY)

HAVEN AND MILES ARE LITTLE SHADOWS OF EACH OTHER!! MILES IS STARTING TO WANT TO BE JUST LIKE HIS BIG BROTHER. THEY BOTH HAVE THE FUNNIEST EXPRESSIONS. HERE IS SOME I GOT ON THE CAMERA!!!!!

I KNOW HOW TO GET WHAT I WANT!!!

DO YOU LIKE MY CURLY HAIR!!!!

CHEESE!!!

I LOVE MY BRO.!!!

LIKE MY HAT MOM!!!!

I AM SO MAD!!!!

I CAN SCREAM LOUDER!!!

LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!!!!

I AM SO CUTE WHEN I CRY!!!!

GRANDPA WHERE'S MINE I HATE SHARING!!!!

I KNOW WE ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO PLAY UP HERE!!!!

MOM I GOT UP HERE ALL BY MY SELF!!!!!!!

I WANT MORE FOOD!!!!

COME ON MOM NOT ANOTHER PICTURE!!!

Birthday GUY!!!

2008-05-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

HAPPY B_DAY!!!
Do you like mikes Glasses???????

Happy Birthday MIKE!!!

I know it has been a while but mikes B-DAY was on May 11th, yes Mothers Day!! I made Mike his favorite Angel food cake with danish desert and strawberries. As you can see he really enjoyed it. I gave him a cool shirt, a watch, and flip flops (that he never wears).

MIKE HAS THE BIGGEST MOUTH I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!!

Birthday Girl!!!

2008-04-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 26!!!!

Wow 26 is about killing me!!! I had such a great birthday this year. Mike was amazing. He made me feel pretty special. He made me hashbrowns in bed for breakfast and Manicotti for dinner. It was so good!!! He also gave be a shopping trip by myself on saturday. Which almost got ruined by a accident I got into that day on my way to the mall. Oh Yeah, did I mention he made me that cake. We went to the chocolate slide during the day. Then later sunday night we went up to timpinogous Canyon with Vince, Tammy, and the kids.

Funny Boys!!!

2008-04-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

Haven and Miles have been so bored with the weather so crappy. They have learned to play together. They don't always get along but, I know they love each other.

Haven loves licorice he will eat a whole bag of it. As you can see in the picture. He also likes to help mom with doing dishes, laundry, and cleaning anything but picking up his toys. He is such a great helper especially with Miles.

Miles just loves to eat. He has been talking so much. He has been dying to go out side he will try to escape every time the door opens. he is still so happy and enjoyable.

DJ Fun!!!!

2008-04-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

MIKE AND DAVE PLAYING!!!

Mike loves to Spin records. A few weeks ago Dave and him stayed up as late as the could and made music. This is mikes favortie hobbie.

Birthday Boy!

2008-04-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday Miles!!!

Thanks, everyone that came to Miles birthday party. We had a great time and it was good to see everyone. Here is some pictures those who weren't able to come.

Popsicle Lovers!!!!

2008-03-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

Miles and Haven are so ready for summer! They are always wanting to go outside and play. This month has been very hard for them with the on and off cold weather. We try to keep them satisfied with popsicles.

Miles is growing so big he is no into 24 months to 2T clothing. He is turning 1 years old on Wednesday. He will eat anything and everything. He loves popsicles and had his first chocolate chip cookie the other day. He is still so happy and lovey. He is starting to walk and climbs on everything. Haven gets so worried about his brother and tries to not let him get hurt.

Haven is getting so funny he says the funniest things and just keeps going and going and going. He is going through this stage that he does NOT want clothes on. It drives us nutts!! He loves school and is really excited it is getting warmer, so he can ride his bike. Haven is 3.5 years old now and is growing up so fast. He loves hot dogs, pizza, and of course watermelon. He also loves being with dad. Havens favorite thing to do is take a bath. He is such a caring big brother and makes sure miles is taken care of.

TAG I'M IT NOW! 7 habits or facts about me

2008-02-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

1- I HATE WET TOILET PAPER!!! I have the biggest phobia about wet toilet paper. I can look at it but, touching it almost makes me puke. Mike thinks this is really funny and is always doing thing like, putting it on the seat before I go to the bathroom ( so it sticks to my butt)or throwing it at me while I take a bath . It is dumb I know but, it is about as gross as wet bread. Another phobia of mine.

2-I LOVE NAME BRAND CLOTHES!!! I don't know what it is, I just think name brand clothes look better and make you feel better. I know, like michael says "its all in my head". I will always buy them for my kids though.

3- I LOVE TO GO TANNING!!! I have an obsession to be tan. Everyone that has ever known me knows this. I use to do everything and anything to get tan. I have never been able to tan until after my pregnancy with Haven.

4-I LOVE BASSET HOUNDS!! I have always wanted a basset hound and hopefully some day mike will let me have one.

5- MY ALL TIME FAVORITE FOOD!!! My all time favorite food would have to be MAC & CHEESE and CHICKEN FRIED STEAK. If it wasn't so fattening I would probably eat it for lunch everyday.

6- I TALK TO MY FAMILY ALMOST EVERYDAY!!! I call my mom or my sister or both everyday. They probably get sick of me but, it really helps when mikes gone all the time.

7- I LOVE HARD MUSIC!!!! I love music like KORN and ROB ZOMBIE ect. Everyone is always shocked when I tell them.

2008-02-02T01:16:00.000-08:00

The Simisters

2008-01-31T18:37:00.001-08:00

THE SIMISTER'S

We are the Simister's Michael, April, Haven, and Miles. We moved to Eagle Mountain about 6 monthsago from Rexburg. We love it even though it has been a challenge. Here are some picture that

I love.

MICHAEL:

Michael has

been working very hard graveyards at Sysco, in West Jordan. He is really liking his job so far. He has many hobbies (sometimes to many). He love to play with the kids, Spinning) play his turn tables, play his guitar, and plant a garden in the summer. He recently went to California for a gig for a party spinning. He really enjoyed that and hopes to do another one in the summer.

APRIL:

April has been very busy being a mom. She babysits on tuesdays and thursdays. She likes to do a lot of stuff but being with her family is what she likes the best.

HAVEN (our little Terror):

Haven is such a sweet, but stubborn kid. He is 3 years old. He has been having so much fun in our new house with so many friends. His favorite is Addison. He goes to Little Star Academy on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He loves it and is learning so much. He is always doing the funniest things. Recently he has been drawing his name on his belly. He also loves to play tables with dad. He loves music and he is always dancing. He got a drum set for christmas and tells mike to get his guitar because he is in a band, "the music" he calls it. He loves his brother and is always trying to protect him even though he is not very nice to him sometimes. He truly is a 3 year old.

Miles: (our sweet heart)

Miles has had a rough life so far. He has been sick so much. But he always seem to be happy. He recently got tubes put in his ears. Hopefully that will be the end of the sicknesses. He is currently 10 1/2 months. He has been crawling, screaming, and standing on his own. (Almost walking) He is so lovable he loves to be held. He loves to cuddle especially with dad while they sleep. He truly is our sweet heart!!