Simonsen’s Share Love of Hobbies

Hobbies are a source of pleasure for many people, providing relaxation in one’s leisure time. Choosing a hobby greatly depends on one’s ambitions. Some enjoy reading, stamp collecting, craft projects and gardening, to name but a few.

Woodworking and reading are two of Abby Simonsen’s (of Lyons) favorite hobbies. “I took woodworking class in high school. It was fun. I made a show tack box for my FFA and 4-H stuff and a picnic table,” Abby said. “We still had the table up until a while ago. Mr. Schoch and Mr. Kamp were great teachers. I also learned about woodworking from my mom and dad and from Pinterest.”

She has made several other different items over the years, such as a potato bin and more recently, two new beds. One of the beds she made was for her son Tate, but she didn’t do it alone. Her husband Kyle also enjoys woodworking projects and assisted in making the bed. “My husband is awesome. I come up with some hair brained ideas and together we make the plans, buy the stuff and make it,” Abby stated. “My son’s bed has been my favorite project so far.”

Making a bed takes time, but also requires a place to work in large enough for the bed. “It took us about a week to make it. We worked on it at night and few afternoons when we were off of work early,” Abby said. “Most of our projects originate in the garage, then radiate into the room it will be used in.”

Abby also reads in her spare time. “I like romance books, the ones from historical times. I read as often as I can. It helps to have iBooks on my cell phone as opposed to real books,” Abby stated.

Her children, Tate and Kassi, are also avid readers. “Tate, age nine, is currently reading at the 6^th grade level. Kassi, age six, is just beginning, but seems to exude the same passion as Tate and I for books,” Abby said.

Hobbies are also very educational, as the Simonsen’s can attest to. They also pass their passions from one generation to the next, enjoying their hobbies together. Whether it is creating a new woodworking project, or reading a book, it is a family affair.

The bed that Abby and Kyle Simonsen made for their son Tate. Photo courtesy of Abby Simonsen.