The Sacred Grove

One cannot leave the town of Palmyra without walking inside the Sacred Grove. The Sacred Grove is where it all started. Where a young 14 year old boy knelt down to pray to God to ask which church he should attend. And then all of a sudden a bright light appeared in the sky and then God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ appeared to him, and answered his question! They both answered to him, "none." They told him that he was the chosen one. The one to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His true church upon this earth which I am now a member of. 

I know. 

At first I couldn't believe it myself, but when the missionaries were teaching me about the Joseph Smith story I felt my heart beating a million miles a minute, and I knew it was true. 

And I know it to be even more true now. 

Every year when my family and I go the Pageant the sacred Grove is the number one place we run (not walk) to. You'd think it be the temple, and that's super important too, but the the Sacred Grove is a place where you are surrounded by nature, and the fact that this is where the beginning of something great happened makes the spirit even stronger. Our family loves it, and I know that the Sacred Grove is another place where you can feel peace, and be in tune with the spirit. 

After all...this is where it all started. 
The kids were super excited to walk through it yet again. We walked through on Saturday during the day, and then again on Sunday before we headed out. It rained on Sunday, and regardless of the muddy trail we walked through the entire grove. I wasn't thinking of how muddy my shoes were getting. All I was thinking about was what a beautiful place this is, and how it never changes, and the feeling that I get is always different. I can understand why anyone would want to come here to pray, and receive revelation for themselves. 

There are some days where I wonder why the Lord chose to appear to a 14 year old boy, but then I look at Lexie who is 14 at the moment, and am amazed at her maturity. Joseph Smith sure must have been a mature 14 year old boy at that time for Heavenly Father to appear to him, and put a major responsibility on him where it would change the world. 

And it has.  It truly changed mine! 

There are days when I wish I could live in this part of the country so that I can come here seeking answers to prayers, and do my visiting teaching. Attend the church at the Peter Whitmer farm,or Palmyra ward, and make a whole new group of friends both young, and old. This whole area would be a wonderful place to serve a mission, and when our kids are grown, married, and completely on their own, Jon & I would love serve a mission here!

It truly is a wonderful place to visit, see all the sites, and if you want to learn more about LDS church history this is one of the places to come. Every time we come here we always feel leaving with a unique strength that helps us endure life no matter what challenges come our way with a sense of peace. It's easy to forget the things of the world & all the silliness & drama that comes with it when you come here. It is a great reminder of my conversion, and why I believe in it so strongly! 

Everyday is a new day to do better. 
And now I leave you with my testimony...

^^^I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he restored the gospel on this earth for us to have. Prophets have been around for years, and having one today to lead and guide us is a blessing...a huge blessing! I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It definitely is another testament of Jesus Christ, and along with the bible they are two of the best books ever written. I know this because I've felt it through reading it! I am thankful for the temples that are built upon this earth, and know that as long as I strive to live a good life in being an obedient daughter of God that I will be with them forever, and reign with Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ for all eternity. ^^^

Have a wonderful weekend! 

The Palmyra Temple

Can you believe that in the past seven years of going to Palmyra for the Pageant, and attending the temple we've never walked the temple grounds?? I know...crazy right? Every time we do a session we'd just walk right out back to our kiddos. There is no visitors center for the kids to hang out in, and so for those two hours we're inside the kids just linger around the temple hopefully not tearing up the place because you know when you have a four year old boy anything can happen. Especially when he loves picking flowers from the flowerbed, and all of sudden Noah comes up to me afterwards, and says "here mommy, these are for you", and hands me these...

^^^ beautiful daisies. ^^^

We absolutely love the temple, and I honestly don't know what I'd do had I not joined the church, and finally felt prepared to enter inside. I'd probably feel lost, and would always feel something is missing because now that I know they're here for a purpose...I just simply can not go. I want to go. I crave it every time I feel down, stressed, or overwhelmed. Serving, and doing the work of the Lord really uplifts me, and truly brings joy into my life. And all the things that seem to be such a big worry don't matter anymore. It makes me love my husband even more, my children more, family, and overall helps me to become a better human being. The past ten months with Jon being unemployed off and on was not an easy one, and instead of letting my faith slide we attended the temple numerous times. I'd had been going through a little bit of withdrawal lately because I hadn't been to the temple in a couple of months. I'm so happy to have made some time in our 'short weekend of a schedule trip' to go to the temple. 

Taking the time to actually walk the temple grounds in its entirety didn't even take long. I make it sound like the grounds are huge. It does take long, however, when you are sitting on one of the benches appreciating the countryside, and everything that happened around this area 194 years ago. You look at your kids walking along with you, sometimes ahead of you because when you have a little boy running around always looking up they know how the temple looks like, and that there's an gold angel at the top, but yet don't know the significance of it. And that's just the beginning of knowing that we need to continue to teach him more about the importance of temple worship.

^^^ love that the colors of Chelsea's skirt & sandals match the flowers. ^^^

We met a family from Canada and they were kind enough to take a family picture. We in return took theirs. It's so nice to meet other families who come from different parts of the world to attend the pageant, and get familiar with all the historical sites here. 

We love the temple, and I'm so grateful that they stand out and bring a feeling of peace, and harmony inside every one of us. I can tell that the girls love getting familiar with different types of temples. Lexie was taking pictures of the architecture, and Chelsea and Noah were being kids exploring the temple grounds. This was the first time not having Sierra with us and it felt a little "off" not having her around...especially when we come here. 

Oh, how we all miss her.  

Luckily we know that families can be together no matter what. Watching this video is a reminder to me, and definitely brings a feeling of comfort, and for that I am eternally grateful! 

Hill Cumorah Pageant '14

Attending the Hill Cumorah Pageant is one of the highlights during the summer, and a time for us to bond as a family on a spiritual level. Ever since we moved to North Carolina, and watched it for the first time we were all hooked. Maybe it's the fact that my girls love the theatrics, but now that they are older they love the whole story behind it. "It's like the Book of Mormon coming to life" Chelsea said. She was almost four when she watched it for the first time, and there were several years where she would fall asleep, but now she's wide awake. Noah is the same age as her now, and he is even more in awe, and intrigued by the whole storyline. His eyes were glued to the stage especially during the fighting scenes. When I asked what his favorite part was he mentioned the part when they built a ship, and when the fire came out "popping in the air", and when Jesus is "coming down from the sky." It's so interesting to watch my kids as they get older, and how they continue to learn more about the history of the church in various ways including going to the pageant. 

Ever since Chelsea, and Noah have gotten older they love going on prophet hunts. When Sierra, and Lexie were younger we really didn't really seek out the actors who were dressed as the prophets, but they still loved taking pictures with them. Noah has been going to the pageant since he was a baby, and I think the fact of having a boy gets Jon enthusiastic to have him meet the characters who play the prophets. Now that Noah is older he is beginning to really understand this whole prophet thing and he gets really excited to meet them. 

Every year we sometimes hear of friends having gone to the pageant or plan to go to the pageant, but what are the odds of actually running into them. There have been many instances where the girls have bumped into friends they met at EFY, and the fact that we've lived in many different wards in various states gives us more opportunity to run into some old friends. I mean...what are the chances right. You'll be surprised...especially the year when Sierra ran into Hannah whom she met at the Boston temple, and then later saw her that same year participating in the pageant. Or the year we ran into the Laney's and my dear friend Eliza. It's a small world, and this year we saw Becca from our stake, and it was really nice to have seen her there with her family. Even better passing the time talking, and getting better acquainted with her. Thanks for the company Becca!

We are so grateful we had the opportunity to attend the pageant again this year, and every year it's the same storyline, and it never gets old. It's never a waste of time, and the five hour drive is totally worth it! Each year our testimony builds, and we see it in our children as well. When summer arrives, and pageant time hits Chelsea will always ask if we're going again this year. And I always tell her yes. No matter the drive, or little time we have throughout the weekend to spend with each other (because Jon won't get vacation time until after a year with the company) we will take advantage of all the sights, and history of this wonderful church, and the gospel that was restored by Joseph Smith. It's an amazing, inspirational  true story with so much to learn, and spiritually grow from, and if you ever have the opportunity to attend I encourage you to go. You will not regret it, you won't fall sleep, and I guarantee you will feel leaving with a happiness that you've never felt before. 

Philadelphia International Music Festival: Part II

I just received these pictures from Maxim Kuzin who was kind enough to post them on Facebook and give me permission to use on my blog. He was the conductor for Lexie's orchestra, and was amazing. He is from the Ukraine, and as you can see had such a great time with the kids. Most of these kids who attended the PIMF range in ages between 10 to 18, and from what Lexie was telling me had a couple of ten year olds who are prodigies! It really inspired her to never give up on playing, or practicing because if these young 10, 11, 12 year olds can do it starting off at a young age then every child can do it, and continue to get better at playing too.

^^^ My young music geniuses!" -Maxim Kuzin ^^^

Having Lexie making it into the top two orchestras that played at the festival tells me that all those lessons, and hard work is paying off. She truly had an amazing experience and has been going through a bit of withdrawal lately. Not only is she missing her music peeps, but I think she's missing the intense feeling of playing the heck out of her violin the most. Music has become a huge part in her life, and she uses it for good. Music definitely touches the heart, mind, and soul. I personally don't know how to play an instrument, but one thing I do know is the feeling that it brings into life. 

Especially my life. 

I thought that with Sierra being gone I wouldn't be hearing too much of the piano being played, but I was wrong. As much as Lexie loves to play the violin she has been teaching herself to get better at the piano, and she is making some excellent progress. She along with her sister Chelsea have been learning to play the guitar as well. Having musical instruments constantly being played in the home brings solace, and moments of clarity. I'm especially grateful for all my girls to be so musically inclined. I never want them to give up on their dreams, or stop playing. I never want them to feel they are not good enough to enter into a university that is known to be a good music school. I never want them to not audition for an orchestra because you'll never know if you'll get in. 

Music has been around for centuries, and when its played depending on the genre and the mood you're in can really have an affect on our emotions. I love listening to all kinds of music, but especially the kind that brings goodness into our hearts. The kind that makes us happy. The kind that uplifts us. The kind that heals us. The kind of music we can listen to over and over again. The kind of music that Alexandra played last weekend. The kind that relaxes you yet builds so much energy to uplift you. And when you have a conductor like Maxim Kuzin that leads them in an orchestra who conducts with so much emotion...you'll definitely feel his energy as much as theirs. 

And you'll be leaving yearning for more. 

Selfies from the Fourth.

On the day of the fourth before Lexie's grand finale concert in Philly started we decided to go to the park, and the let the kids play around. Noah was excited because even though we didn't go to a parade, or have our own little swarry in our neighborhood we decided to do our own thing. We decorated Noah's little scooter, and he rode around in it feeling like someone important. He loved it, and next year I hope we can be more elaborate in our celebrating by attending a fourth of July event during the day, possibly have a little bbq with family, and a few friends.

I'm not sure how many of you know that I used to do a little bit of modeling in the first years of my marriage when i was in my 20's, and it never fails. Till this day every time we take pictures my husband will mimic me every time I tell him to photograph me. This time we were taking selfies, and as much as I'm not a big fan of them I wanted to have a little bit of fun. When I'm trying to take one looking fierce (which wasn't working) Jon was not helping, and i couldn't concentrate. He was being goofy, and that's when I said, "the heck with this...let's have some fun with this wonderful thing man invented called an iPhone." Here we are in our many different faces...

See what I mean...he's mimicking me!

Chelsea & Noah saw how much fun we were having and were feeling a bit left out. I took one with the both of them individually. We have definitely created some selfie monsters. 

And finally...an appropriate selfie for our posterity. 

We may not have immediate family close by, but what we have is each other. And as long as our little family is happy that's all that matters. We make our own kind of fun, and that's the best part of everyday no matter what the occasion is. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and that this post made you smile! 

Just Another Beach Post.

So far this summer has been crazy busy with beach trips. The past three times we've gone to the beach have fallen on a Monday which is good because I would feel pretty guilty going to the beach on a weekday instead of going to the temple (haven't been since April!) We figured since we are going to spend the afternoon at the beach that we might as well have family home evening. We have been taking advantage of this, and what better place to do it than being surrounded in one of God's most beautiful creations. We talked about Ether in the Book of Mormon, and Noah & the flood & how North and South America became a choice land after the waters receded. And as far as the temple goes we definitely plan on going this month now that Jon has weekends off, and that our car is driving properly. There were a few days last week where the heat index was 105 degrees, and although we stayed indoors for a couple of days we are grateful for the time we've come to enjoy ourselves without having a heatstroke. Some of the photos I'm posting are from this past Monday, and last week.  

I love the boardwalk at Belmar Beach. I still can't believe that this whole boardwalk was completely demolished by superstorm Sandy. They did such a great job in rebuilding it, and still looks so clean, and brand new. Noah had a blast riding his scooter up and down the boardwalk. Every time we come to the beach he expects us to bring it so he can have some scooting time. 

^^^ patiently waiting for papa to come back with treats he left in the car ^^^

The kids always, always have so much fun playing in the water. Noah mocks Chelsea's every move. If he sees her get in the water and splash or kick the waves, he'll do the same thing. He absolutely loves the water, but like I said before, he'd rather play in the sand than be in the water. I'm sure when he's older he'll become more accustomed to the water. Maybe we should encourage him by getting him a boogie board.

This girl is never afraid of the water. If she would, she could go so far deep and have the waves crashing down on her...and she'd probably be underwater. This girl definitely needs a boogie board. She's fearless which is scary because you just never know what goes on in that nine year old head of hers. 

^^^ Staying hydrated. ^^^

We always have such a great time on our beach trips. It's perfect family bonding time, and glad we took advantage of the Mondays that Jon has had off from work. It would be nice if he had Mondays off permanently so we can make that a FHE "beach day". Who knows...a three day weekend always sounds nice, and a perfect schedule for family. We love spending time together, and hear the sound of the waves crashing. I'm happy to see my kids thrive on the simple things such as playing in the sand not expecting anything to come out of it...except that they are always hungry when we leave. Can we say pizza??

We sure have been counting our blessings with all the wonderful things that we are able to do together. Finding this "love" sculpture as we were walking along the shore was a sure sign that love really does conquer all. Especially when it comes to family, and sibs who tend to pick on each other all the time, but in the end always, always express their love for one another through smiles, and hugs.

The end.

A Summer With The Orchestra.

Words cannot express how amazed I was at the summer band program that Lexie attended for the past two weeks. She was completely transformed & seemed different when she came home, but in a very good way. She really takes her violin seriously & has no intention of ever giving that up. As soon as we arrived for her grand finale concert she mentioned how next year there's a possibility of having the summer program being three weeks instead of two. So she'll definitely apply for the program next year and hopefully get another scholarship because this camp is not cheap! 

She has become a bit spoiled for the past two weeks being that she was surrounded by amazing musicians, involved in master classes, & taking private lessons from Barbara Govatos who is a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra. If I lived in Philly, and could afford lessons from her she would definitely be Lexie's teacher. She learned a lot in the two weeks she had lessons from her.

I can understand why Lexie said she was "spoiled" with this program because when you're surrounded by people who can actually play and know their exact measures and all the music jargon & other kids who really take their music seriously (in other words they practice) tells you that these kids are talented and don't mess around when it comes to music. 

Although she told me is was a pretty strict camp with attending classes all day, having a hall monitor that walks the hallways at a specific time to make sure they hear you practice, waking up everyday at 7am, and being in bed by 11pm she managed to enjoy her time with her new friends during her lunch hour! Luckily they had a beach trip to Ocean City, and a movie night to relieve any kind of stress. 

Although she was sore from playing so much on her first day she immediately got used to it. See...when you don't play as much and only practice for 30 minutes instead of two hours you're wrist will be sore for the first day or two. She literally put in about 22 hours of practicing in a 14 day period! I'd say that's a lot. Apparently they presented an award for "who practiced the most" and it was given to a young girl who practiced for 17 hours. When I asked Lexie how that could be when she practiced for more than 17 hours she said that apparently they gave everyone a sheet to log in their hours but misplaced hers, and didn't focus on jotting them down. (we later found it at home mixed in with her certificate, and music sheets!) She just wanted to practice and play. Obviously getting an award for "who practiced the most" didn't mean anything to her, and that's okay because she knows that she practiced. 

Going to her Grand finale concert this past weekend was a perfect end to my Fourth of July . Personally I don't think I would've wanted to be anywhere else. The entire day at this camp was filled with concert after concert with different composers and I can tell that all of these kids really worked hard & take their music seriously. They all played exceptionally well, and I'm so proud of how well she played. There was so much to record, but really wanted to sit back and enjoy the sounds of beautiful music so I only recorded two pieces. You can listen to them here, and here. I seriously got tired of holding my phone, and even more tired watching their arms! Totally amazing performances! 

I met a lot of her new friends & in an instant could distinguish how well they all played compared to a regular band in high school. The Wind Ensemble played a few pieces too, and because it was the Fourth of July I had to record a snippet of their performance which you can see here. If you listen carefully you can here the piccolo player in the background. She was awesome. They all played amazingly well too! Too bad Lexie's high school doesn't have an orchestra where she can get to pay the violin more. Although she loves piano the violin is definitely her forte. She hopes that she'll be pumped up for band this year being that she had an amazing experience with musicians who know their music, practice, and really know how to play! 

My Country, 'Tis of thee.

My country, 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From ev'ry mountainside

Let freedom ring!

May we always reflect on the purpose of Independence day, and always be thankful for this great nation we live in...to love, nurture, and always appreciate those who sacrifice their life in order for us to be alive, and enjoy so freely this wonderful country we live in. I am proud to be an american, and express my gratitude to the men and women who serve our country. May we pass this on to our posterity in teaching them the true meaning of the land where are fathers died.

I love this holiday because of the celebrations we have in remembering this great nation while celebrating its birthday. There is so much fun, and remembrance in it. Although the fireworks  are deemed "celebratory" it sure is a beautiful sight to see them light up in the sky. And this past Wednesday we watched them light up over the water at Princeton near the stadium. 

We are also so excited to be attending Lexie's grand finale concert this evening in Philly with selected members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has worked so hard throughout the past two weeks at the festival, and we are all excited to see her. We have all missed her, and are anxious to have her home again. This day will be celebrated with simplicity, and maybe after the concert we'll go out for some ice cream, and maybe watch the fireworks in Philly. 

Then again...we can always watch them on television too. You know...just in case we're too tired to go anywhere afterwards. 

Hope y'all have a memorable fourth, and to go back in time to see other posts from the fourth go to 2011 2012, & 2013!