Pumpkin Picking From The Vine!

There's something about picking pumpkins straight from the vine that makes all the fun as opposed to buying a pre-cut one. When we went to this pumpkin patch in Bucks county all we did was walk around to look at all the beautifully precut orange, and white pumpkins, but it wasn't the same as actually picking one from the vine. So we all ended up going back to one of our favorite farms in Connecticut to pick pumpkins straight from the vine, and it was the best! 

New York in October!

I have to tell ya each year for us Halloween just gets better and better. Even though these kids are getting up there in age they still make this holiday fun! I love that Chelsea is 13.5 years old and still likes to go trick or treating with us. All of my girls were like that until they left for college. I am hoping that these two will continue to celebrate Halloween every day in many different ways. Whether it's going on simple walks to see Halloween decorations, pumpkin picking, or going to sleepy hollow! 

Attending Some Of The Newest Temples In Utah.

Writing about the temple, and sharing some of my experiences is one of my favorite things to do on here. I write about it as a reminder as to why I attend, and how it helps me as a person. I write it for anyone who may wonder what temples are all about, and also for my posterity. 

Inspirational Thought.

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. 

Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord’s kingdom for the next 50 years. 

That is influence; that is power." 

Julie B. Beck
(Draper Temple, Utah)

Nostalgia At The Salt Lake Temple.

Going back to the temple where Jon and I were sealed gave me butterflies. Walking through the temple grounds and looking up at that tall beautiful building had me feeling all the feels. I felt so much love for my family, and appreciation for God, and the faith I had for making it my goal to be sealed to my family forever. 

Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple & Mormon Trail Center.

When we moved cross country 12 years ago I didn't realize that there was a temple in Nebraska. I was so bummed knowing that it was on the way, and that we didn't stop by. As we were figuring out places to go, and temples to see on our way back to Utah over the summer I made sure that we were going to this temple. So after our pit stop in Nauvoo we made sure our timing would be perfect that way we would arrive in Winter Quarters first thing in the morning. 

A Special Morning At The Jordan River Temple.

While in Utah we took advantage of attending a lot of temples so brace yourself because this won't be the only temple post to come! I wanted to write about this special day because it totally reminded me of the time I first went in with Jon, and the sister missionaries who taught me the gospel of Jesus Christ. This spot right is where we all stood. 

FiiZ, Swig, & Sodalicious!

One of man mades greatest inventions are the specialty soda shops that we visited while we were in Utah. I've been a dr. pepper fan since I was a little kid, and will still drink it from time to time. I believe in moderation, and in my opinion see nothing wrong with having a soda every now and then. 

General Conference- Fall, 2018.

Every six months I look forward to watching general conference which is a worldwide broadcast given by my church live from Salt Lake City. This particular conference was epic, and different in many ways. Different because I have dwindled down to having one daughter left in my nest to attend conference with, and it was pretty wonderful! Although I miss having her sisters watching both general & women's conference with us, I am so fortunate to have Chelsea by my side to watch the women's session with me so we can both share in the joy, and spirit that it brings together.

The Adventure Continues With Pack 79.

As some y'all know our church is disbanding the scout program soon, and even though it is scheduled to be discontinued next year, the church in our area decided to conclude it early! I can't tell you how bummed I was, but I don't want to this to be a sappy post, but a grateful and happy one!

The Color Factory NYC!

I can't begin to tell you how lucky we are to live near New York City where there are so many fun things to do that involve culture, elaborate slides at various parks, museums of every kind, amazing restaurants, broadway shows, and yes...pop-up museums which have become a favorite. We were so lucky to have gone to the Hall of Breakfast while we were in Utah, but in all honesty I have to say that the Color Factory is at the top of our list because it had me at macaroons, and all things colorful!