spring is in bloom in Jersey.

We have had the most amazing 75 degree sun shining weather thus far. The past two days have been filled with sunshine, not only in my soul, but outdoors. I took advantage of this beautiful weather, and have been spending them at the park with Noah.

I'll tell you at the age of 41 I still can't believe I have energy left for this little guy. If you have an active three year old get ready to sweat, run, and utter words like be careful, wait up, watch for cars, is that poison ivy, no throwing rocks, quit swinging that stick, crap, and the list goes on.

I don't mind because this is the time of year where anyone who has endured a long winter has every right to go outside into the warm sunshine, and let out all that energy that has been bottled up since January. After having a pretty long winter here in Jersey I'd say it's time to go outside, and play all day everyday!

Noah is the funniest boy ever, and wanted to wear his hunter boots in this weather. Wearing those boots has its advantages especially when walking through wooded areas where there might be poison ivy, and sharp sticks laying around.

We came home from the park because I knew the girls would be getting home from school soon, and you know me...I love being home when they arrive so I can greet them, and talk about their day. As soon as I drove up the street I saw Alexandra walking with Chelsea. The first words that came out of my mouth instead were "I'm hot, lets go get some water ice."The past three days have been perfect for it!

After a day of playing hard, and wearing yourself out coming home feels refreshing. Hearing the sounds of spring from inside the house makes me happy. Especially when you can hear the birds singing. So glad that I can roll up the windows, and take in all those wonderful sounds of spring. 

I see the change in the kids personalities when seasons change, and it is wonderful! It's like having a brand new kid again! Love it! 

My little green thumb. It's so nice to see Noah playing by himself so nicely, and in this case making his cars a parking lot on my little dresser.

These are the things that will definitely make our spring and summer complete. Having a husband who loves to bbq is the icing on the cake. We had our first one of the season last night in our little backyard, and it was yummy!

And these are some of the things that make those long winters worth living on the east coast!

Celebrating Father's Day

After we came home from church services yesterday we went to our next door neighbor's house for a little BBQ to honor Father's Day. I cried. As if the talks spoken during sacrament meeting weren't enough to set the alarms off. I didn't, no, let me correct that, I've NEVER had a great father figure in my life. The closest people I've ever had to having a great father would be my father-in-law, my husband, and of course...my Father in Heaven.

My father abandoned my mother, me and my sister when I was about five years old. My step-father came into my family when I was eight, and the molestation began when I was ten. It lasted until I was about 14. I don't want to ruin this post with a sob story that I've healed from, and maybe I'll write about my molestation on a later date. For now... these fathers had way too much fun, and I'm not about to spoil it boohooing about my past.

I was so impressed with this family. They are not mormon, and that's okay. They have been my neighbor's for three years, and it seems like we moved in yesterday. I LOVE this family. They had a total of at least 30 family members come to celebrate!! I was thinking of my family back in Utah, and all the get together's we had with my husband's family.

I. miss. that.

I loved that the hugs, and kisses on the cheek when I met the rest of this family were reciprocal.
I loved watching others play with my kid.

 I love that even though my girls, and Tinika's girls are a few years apart...they get along great, and enjoy each other's company. 

Noah had so much fun playing with this exercise ball. I love Tinika's backyard. Compared to our's...it's a lot bigger!!

I'm so grateful to have wonderful neighbors here in Jersey. One may seem nervous to move and start all over again meeting new people. To be honest...I'm not. As much as we've moved around from state to state in the past six years, it's become second nature for me to immediately step out of my comfort zone, and get to work with meeting others and sharing the one important thing that means the most in my life...the gospel of Jesus Christ. I had that opportunity last night, and it was a great conversation!!

It was the best five and a half hours spent with a great family.

THANKS TINIKA for a fun-filled evening filled with harmonious fathers...and delicious food!!

Our First BBQ of the Season

I am just loving this month. So many wonderful things have happened thus far, and the wistful memories just keep coming back of our BBQ days back in North Carolina and Utah when the girls were little. I look forward to the spring and summer months because those are the months when we can have picnics, and BBQ in our little back yard, and that is exactly what we did for dinner last night. I have been craving BBQ ribs for a while so I had Jon drive to the store to buy the briquettes, some ribs, and Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. We managed to cook all of the beef ribs in our little smokey joe before the rain started again.

Noah was observing his dad the whole time Jon was turning the meat. Once in a while Jon will have to lift up the lid and blow some of the smoke out of the way with his hand or mouth. Noah is imitating his daddy by blowing in the air.

As I was taking this picture Noah was laughing for no reason...he's such a happy little boy.

The girls played frisbee, and horseshoes.

It seems as if the grass becomes greener with each passing year. We have been here for three years now and the grass looks more vibrant in color.  So pretty, and I love it!

Noah has become obsessed with picking up sticks. At least he doesn't swing them around or hit anybody with it!

Although the weather may become trite for some of us...I actually don't mind it. If I was pregnant right now the rain probably would put a damper in my mood. Since I'm not though I actually don't mind overcast days. I don't want to hibernate in the house and do nothing. I really try to make the best of each day and make it fun for both me, my better half and our kids.

And the BBQ dinner...it was DELICIOUS!!