a celebration at central park.

Gratitude and tender mercies of the Lord are five words that go hand in hand especially being that this is the month we give thanks, and the fact that Noah is a November baby makes it even more special.

A very generous gift arrived in the mail days before his birthday and while we usually keep our kids birthday celebration at a minimum with simplicity we decided to splurge just a little with this kid.

Oh man, oh man I still can't believe Noah is FOUR already! It's surreal. The only thing that is different about this little boy is the fact that his vocabulary is clearer, but other than that he's so petite that he still wears size three in clothes, and hasn't lost his baby face. His birthday weekend consisted of going to New York because right now autumn in New York is slowly transitioning into winter, but none the less it is absolutely breathtaking.

Manhattan seems to be calling my name every so often and I get that itch to venture out into the city. Everything about the city is magical! The lights, the adrenaline, and the energy as we walk through the streets of New York. Having a temple in the city gives it a unique spirit of calmness that is filled with great energy...the good kind that whispers to you, "this city is safe". So much energy that you end up driving back to Jersey ready to share it with the world.

And that's what I'm about to do.

A little celebration for Noah took place in the heart of Central Park. Cupcakes from Magnolia bakery were devoured within seconds after singing Happy birthday to him. Lollipops were eaten until the kids tongues turned color. The temps began to drop but we didn't care because this is the one place where one can merit any uniqueness they can share. We walked around hearing and seeing all kinds of raw talent & entertainment. We saw a jazz band playing, a girl singing opera, and Noah's favorite...the bubble man. Horse drawn carriage rides dressed up the entire park, and it felt like winter already. While the kids were playing in the park the crisp chill in the air turned their cheeks red, and they didn't mind. We spent all of our afternoon here until darkness fell at 5pm.

^^ blue & red tongues...silly kids ^^

^^ horse drawn carriage with a bride in the background ^^

^^ the bubble man ^^

^^ autumn in central park ^^

^^ two peas in a pod & best friends ^^

^^ Noah devouring his cupcake ^^

^^ mandatory picture of cupcakes from magnolia bakery ^^

^^ Happy Fourth to my little man ^^

Even though most of the leaves have fallen to the ground I could still feel autumn lingering in the air hanging on for dear life. There is still some color left on the leaves, but seeing them faded in color laying on the ground is a sure sign that winter is near. 

Living close to the city (yes...89 miles is my definition of close) is amazing, and I love it here. This year is going to come to a close real quick, and then we are going to begin a whole new year. All our kids are healthy, and have all celebrated their birthdays. Soon Thanksgiving, a parade, December, Jon's birthday, our anniversary, Santa, & Christmas will all come, and go in a flash. With the way I've been spending my days lately with my family makes me happy. Makes me glad that I'm not taking anything for granted. And we shouldn't because all of this goes by way too quickly. Reflection, and resolutions will come, and kick us in the butt come January. And then it'll be 2014.

And now it's time for sleep. To wake up to the start of another week, and do this all over again.

Exhausting as life may be...I love my life. 

the big four.

Today this little guy turns the big four, and i can hardly believe my eyes, ears, and mind! Holy cow this kid truly grew overnight. It seems as if yesterday I was carrying him in my belly, and in complete shock because i was finally having a boy. Never in a million years did I ever think that I would have a son, and here he is all handsome looking like someone who just walked out of a Gap ad. 

Heavenly Father sure has blessed me with a bundle of work, but pure fun. He is my little buddy who enjoys his independency all while giving me hugs. Per his request he wants to have a picnic at a park, and eat pizza, and cupcakes today. He thinks presents are fun, but at this age he isn't asking for too much which is nice (we'll save that for Christmas.) We'll see whats in store for this little guy on his big day. 

But for now I want to wish you a very happy birthday Noah! You are the best joy that has ever happened to me, and your family. I'm so glad I had you, and that's the truth baby! Keep smiling, and let's make this day great!

"If all the little boys in the entire world were lined up and I had to pick just one to be her son, I'd pick you every time."

~Barbara Streisand, The Guilt Trip

look for the lovely no matter what.

As I was on my to pick up Sierra from her dorm last night so many thoughts began forming in my head. I was recollecting our conversations we've been having since she first left for college. Wondering if she truly is happy with her surroundings. I see it in her face that she longs to be around  good people, and "real friends". She longs to be surrounded by pure things that bring in a good spirit. I have put my girls on a pedestal, and I have realized that I shouldn't do that because no one is perfect...no one. I love how our girls are so kind, loving, and accepting to everyone they meet, but they are also human, and will eventually make mistakes, and learn from them on their own. I want them to know that i will be here for them no matter what. I want them to know that I won't judge them, and that those "mean" words that sometimes come out of my mouth are those of a mother who at one point in her life...made mistakes too. I want them to know that they will always have a home to escape to when life takes a toll on them. I want them to know that even if they go to a college that is 3000 miles away that I still need them in my life. I also want them to know that words said in frustration are never meant to be said. 

We are so fortunate to have Sierra home with us at this moment, and I'm glad that she is close by to spend Noah's fourth birthday, Thanksgiving, and the Christmas holiday with us. I'm extremely grateful that we didn't move like we had planned, and that she is attending school nearby in Philly. She continues to learn from so many experiences as she attends there...both the good, bad, and the ugly.

One great thing about going to a college anywhere in the world is the fact that there is a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints nearby. Whether it's a 10, 20, or 30 minute drive there will be one. Sierra is lucky to have one 10 minutes away that comes with a loving bishop, awesome visiting teachers & home teachers who check up on her periodically. She is a special girl who needs that strength in her life because living in the city...especially one like Philly where UARTS is known to be a "party school" can be stressful, and hard. I have told her many times to be strong, and to do the things that are right by God. 

We live in a world where it's sometimes hard to "look for the lovely" (wise words from my friend Casey) especially when bad things happen to someone we know and love. We are a fortunate people to have this wonderful gospel which truly brings us joy, and gives us the strength we need to not give in to anything that is unclean, or immoral. Something that I didn't have while growing up.  I believe that with continued consistency in attending all our meetings at church, reading the scriptures, and praying to The Lord that we will be protected, and guided by the spirit. 

Sometimes for some of us that's not always the case, and bad things happen to good people. I have taught my kids that the world is not perfect, and living in it doesn't mean that we need to be living the way the billboards, media, & magazines want us to live. Oh no...we don't need to live that way. Let's not forget those unclean popups that come up while we're searching for an article on the internet. Temptation, and peer pressure is worsening as our children get older, and if we're not careful it is easy to succumb to it these days. It is everywhere, and it will even target the stalwarth ones. 

I know this for a fact because it happened to me in my past after converting to the church. I realized that when I stopped doing the things that I know kept me on the straight and narrow (such as scripture study, praying, etc.) that the spirit was not as strong, and it's real easy to lose your focus. It is then that I realized that I would never be perfected in this life, but knowing that I had a chance to right the wrongs I did after my conversion gave me hope. Hope and faith to never falter again.

As parents it's important to develop a strong bond in relationships with your children & to keep those lines of communication open 24/7. We want our kids to treat the gospel differently & better than we did while we were newlywed. I want them to know that we will always be here to listen to them just as Heavely Father is there to listen to them as well.  

Oh...how this world can truly be a beautiful place where one can live, and prosper in. We just need to look for the lovely no matter how unlovely it can get. 

look for the lovely.

a colorful autumn november day.

With Noah turning four soon I'm beginning to see the signs of independency....and it's inevitable. I want him to know that I still need his hugs and kisses, and cuddles while watching cartoons for an hour (or two) on the couch. There's no excuse for him to ever sever the ties of a very compassionate mother until he's a married man (or ever!) 

We're in the here & now and instant gratification with this boy is my happiness during the day when I have him all to myself.

Except for this week. 

The girls (excluding Sierra) have the rest of the week off of school due to teacher in service, and next week they only go to school for two days, and then have half days for the rest of the week due to parent/teachers conferences. Lucky them. 

November...

It is the shortest month for school days. Now I know why it is Lexie's favorite time out of the entire school year. She's never mentioned it before until now. i was like... is this you talking Lexie?" The one who loves school, and is a big time voracious reader! It's okay that she says that as long as she keeps bringing home them A's. Just kidding. She's a great kid who loves school, but sometimes they need that break you know. I know I did while I was in school! 

I'm kind of glad that they have the rest of the week off so that they can help me prepare for Noah turning the big four on Saturday! He's so cute, and is constantly saying, "I'm going to be four this Saturday." Of course he says that because we keep telling him that. Since it's his "birthday week" we've been asking him what he'd like to do. 

We decided to go to the library & rented Reel Steel with Hugh Jackman, and it was a really cool robot movie. Y'all got to watch it. The little kid who plays his son in the movie is soooooooo cute. Reminds me of what Noah might look like in a few years!! I hope he has his dance moves too! 

The weather was too perfect to spend it indoors, and as soon as the movie was over Noah wanted to go to the park. We headed out to the same park where we took these gorgeous photos of Noah. This park is absolutely breathtaking around this time of year because you can see the true colors of fall. 

As usual all the kids took over the swings, and Noah pretended to be the king of this castle. He's so friendly with other kids even though there are some that aren't. He is just a happy little boy in his own bubble who makes up his own kind of fun. 

^^ i'm the king of the world!"

This week is already flying by, and then before we know it Noah will be celebrating another year of living. I'm excited to celebrate, but don't want to imagine him getting older. 

There were a few moments today where he didn't want me to hold him too much, but then I grabbed him, and without forcing him, he gave me a big hug. It doesn't take much to capture a smile or get a laugh out of him by tickling him. 

My sweet boy...please stop growing.

No seriously...stop it already.

And as the colors of fall become more vibrant in color, especially in November is how I know this boy is changing & growing up with the season way too fast.  

And after his birthday, Thanksgiving will be here, and then it'll be winter. 

Welcome, November!

The last week of October was such a blur and was filled with so much activity that I neglected to officially welcome November, and I am loving this month. The fact that temps have been well in the 60's, and seeing the colors of autumn lingering all over South Jersey makes the area I'm living in so beautiful. The leaves are still hanging onto the trees, yet there are so many on the ground. It's months like this which make life worth living. You can be having a trial, or be under a lot of stress, but being surrounded with so much beauty in the world that includes your children turns that stress into a different perspective which is light...and then you realize how much we have to be grateful for.

Went to trader joe's this weekend & Chelsea helped me pick the cutest mini fall mums for some of the sisters that I visit teach...and bought some for myself!

^^ red shoes with rhinestones...perfect for fall ^^

Besides going to the park...going for a drive to see the beautiful colored leaves, and eating at one our favorite spots Chipotle seems to be the highlight of our days lately. I swear we eat more Chipotle in the fall...especially when the days get chillier. 

Captured this & looked up through the fall foliage giving it a big smile. It's as if the brightness of the sun was God greeting me with open arms. 

^^ Can't believe this little pumpkin of ours is turning the big FOUR this Saturday! ^^

Through all the struggles we have endured this year with Jon losing his job I am reminded of the things that I'm truly grateful for. Life, my family, Jon's new job, and the love that I have for nature, and God. Now I know why November is indeed my favorite month! 

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Terror Behind the Walls.

I wasn't going to blog about this, but since it was my first time going to a haunted house in a hundred years I figured it would somewhat be blog worthy...and i hope you find it to be too. 

Sierra has been wanting to go to a haunted house for years. I blame it on her peers, and since she may not be here next fall we decided to take advantage and check out the Terror Behind the Walls.

This nighttime haunted house is set up inside the Eastern State Penitentiary which is a very old prison. It's a pretty awesome building, and I was pretty impressed with all the special effects, lighting, & makeup they did on the staff, but in all honesty I wasn't that scared. I think it's because I grew up watching horror movies. 

Watching the Exorcist, and the Grim Reaper when you're 11 years was no picnic, and it was not by choice. I was petrified of those movies (thanks mom.) I'm grateful that I have no desire to watch horror movies or anything else that deals with possession, or excessive images of bloodiness! I still like scary movies, but not that scary! Not good for my soul! No bueno!

We lucked out with the lines, and didn't have to wait for too long. Also...if you purchase your tickets online and go on a weekday it's a lot cheaper! 

I didn't get to take a lot of photos, because we weren't allowed past a certain point, but I did manage to capture just a few as we were standing in line waiting to go inside. 

They make you sign a waiver in case you have a heart attack or something so they won't be liable, and also give you the option of wearing a glowing necklace which indicates that you agree to be touched by the staff. Sierra talked me into it, and we chose to wear the glowing necklaces. They mostly picked on Sierra, and I had a blast watching her get taken away screaming & everything! Especially in this video when she was standing in line! We hadn't even gone inside yet! 

Overall it was a fun experience, but I don't think I'd go again. Maybe I'm getting old, and I'm just not that fun when it comes to being scared. 

They do have tours to see this 100 year old prison, and Jon and I plan on going...during the day. 

And that's the official end of anything that pertains to Halloween, or scary for this season. 

Now...it's seriously time to prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday! 

Happy November!!!

trick or treat!!

Noah had been wearing his Luke Skywalker costume all day and was waiting for his sisters to come home from school so they can go trick or treating. He was in the mood to actually go this time, but then...fell asleep. 

I didn't want to have a cranky toddler so I kept him in the car sleeping while Lexie & Chelsea hit a couple of houses for some treats. That was the beginning of a night that was going to be filled with kids of all ages wearing some really cool costumes all while getting some candy for free! 

Noah finally woke up, but was a little grumpy at first. He wanted dad to hold him for the first half hour of trick or treating. 

Our dear friend Maryann joined us that evening, and had fun with Chelsea by her side. She just loves that girl! 

Lexie decided to go rogue to do a little trick or treating of her own. After she got some candy she said to me, "Okay...that was weird...going trick or treating by myself. I felt like such a nerd." You know...because nerds are usually alone, or hang out with other nerds. I thought it was funny. 

After a while she joined her sibs, and Noah got into the Halloween spirit wanting to hit every house in the subdivision for some candy! Their bags were getting full!! 

He was so cute and polite as he was walking up to get some candy. His thank you's were so sweet!   

Trick or treating is so much fun when you have kids, and although we missed Sierra we had the time of our life last night. I have to say that out of all the Halloweens we've had in the past this year was awesome, and the their bags were filled to capacity!! 

Just look at all their loot! 

I'm a little sad that it's over because Noah looked so cute dressed as Luke Skywalker. But I'm so excited for Thanksgiving! 

I can't believe how quickly the holidays are upon us!! 

Hope everyone had a fun halloween!