Free Hugs In The Middle Of Times Square.

The day before Sierra decided to take off we went on a spontaneous trip to new york, and made the best of the little time we had left to spend with her.  

Gift Exchange, and Our Christmas Dinner.

There is something about gift exchanges that makes Christmas a little bit more fun. Don't get me wrong, we each make our own Christmas the best it can be, and for some it may not be about the gifts, but when it comes to friends gift exchanges are so much fun to do! 

Christmas Morning & My Two Favorite Gifts.

Christmas is by far the most wonderful time of the year, and truly my favorite holiday. It's a time for families to get together. To love, and laugh, and cry tears of joy. Tears of joy because we are spending it with our loved ones. It is the time to celebrate the birth of Christ, and to share the love we have for everyone. The Light of the World campaign was one of the highlights of this month for me.

The Winter Party.

One of the best things about being a stay at home mom is the fact that I can volunteer at my kids schools anytime, any day without feeling the need to be rushed knowing that i had to go back to work in an office. I remember many times where Sierra would ask me if I could help at her school with the other moms doing various projects, and always remember telling her "no."

"Wise Men Still Seek Him."

When I found out that the ward we moved to re-enacts the story of Christ, I literally jumped for joy. I believe in traditions, and even though we don't have enough people in our family to reenact the story of Christ on Christmas eve we always manage to read the story from the scriptures, but seeing it in person with your children, and being a part of it made my heart happy. 

Noah-isms: Christmas Edition.

Life has been way too busy this holiday season to jot down every single quirky thing Noah says, but i somehow always manage to remember the funniest, and sweetest things that he utters. I love it when he comes home from school, and gives me his daily recap. He always has something interesting to say, and sometimes they are things I don't want to hear such as his friends at school talking about girls, and how some girls want to kiss him.

Errand Of Angels From Utah, Circa 2006.

It's hard to believe that this video is ten years old, but boy oh boy do i love a good reminder. It feels as if I left from that area yesterday. All the sisters in this video remind me of the goodness that we can share, and the love that we can give to others. No matter what paths we have all gone towards, or where we live at this moment what matters is that these angels that were mine for those short years expressed service, love, devotion, thoughtfulness, compassion, love, and kindness. All the attributes that the Savior has, and desires us to inhibit were given to me, and because of that I will pass that on! 

Christmas Lights At Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.

If you enjoy seeing christmas lights as a family tradition during the holidays, and are ever in the new york area you gotta see the Christmas lights at Dyker Heights. After we took Noah to see Peter and the Wolf we drove over to see the lights Brooklyn style. I have heard of this phenomenon over the years, and this year decided to see them up, close, and personal for the first time.

Peter & The Wolf At The Guggenheim.

Peter and the wolf at the Guggenheim museum has become our new Christmas family tradition for Noah, and I'm only sad that I didn't bring the girls. Even though Chelsea, and Lexie are a tween and a teen I know they would have enjoyed this show. Not only because of the story, but because there is an orchestra that involves a violin, and a cello! Let's not mention that oboe player that plays on the stage. 

It's Never Too Late To Light The World.

So we finally printed this baby out and taped it up! The day this campaign started was the day my husband had minor surgery, and all that mattered to me at that moment was making sure he was being taken care of. Luckily he's a good sport, and presses forward through difficult times. The "Light The World" campaign couldn't have come at a better time because it has really helped me to focus on the things that are important.

Tree-Cutting...One Of Our Christmas Faves!

I promised myself that this year's holidays were not going to be hustle and bustle and rush, rush, rush, but the fact that my husband had a bit of an emergency last weekend which resulted in minor surgery caused a delay in getting our Christmas tree. Not to worry it wasn't anything major, but luckily he's recovering like a trooper, and that he had enough stamina to come with us to go tree-cutting. 

Visiting Santa At ABC Carpet & Home.

Christmas is the time for all things magical especially when you have young children, and going to see Santa this year at the ABC carpet and home was worth the wait in line. Going inside to see this particular Santa who has been here for years was the friendliest one ever! Since moving to the east we have been going to Macy's, and The Plaza to visit Santa, but this year we decided to visit him at ABC.

Holiday Train Show At The New York Transit Museum.

For the past four years I've been wanting to take Noah to the holiday train show at the New York transit train museum during the holidays, but every time we've gone to new york it just never panned out. We'd end up doing other things, and before you know it, it's time to go home, and Noah would be crashed out. Now that Noah's in school full time it's hard to take him out during the day unless it's a holiday or an in-service day for teachers.

Hooray For Christmas in Lighting The World!

"The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us" has become one of my new favorite quotes. It helps me to remind my kids what Christmas is all about. I love that we have built traditions around the holidays, but also love this time of year because it helps me to reflect more on the Savior which helps give me an even deeper appreciation for those who are without, having hard times whether it be physical, emotional, or financial, and are in need of comfort, kind words, love, friendshipping. Teaching my children the true meaning of Christmas is enough for me when it comes to the holidays. 

Sure we have fun decorating the tree, going to new york to see Christmas in the city, visiting Santa, driving around to see the Christmas lights, baking cookies (them, not me...I'll just frost them), and other various activities that we will fit into our schedule, but I have come to the realization that at the end of the day, it's all about peace, hope, and time. Peace because I am a mother, and with that comes a lot of parental concerns, hope because all I want for Christmas is joy, and time because it's important to make times for the things that matter most.  

Light The World is a project that my church has been doing since December 1st, and I love the idea that comes from it. This is definitely one way where we can continue to remind our children what Christmas is all about. Finding ways to light the world" by serving others, and for us to become better christians. 

Last weekend the kids pulled out their little tree, and all their ornaments, and decorated it. I even made a little video that you can view here. I've had this little tree since Lexie was born, and they have so much fun decorating it each year. This is something they have done on their own since Sierra was about 10. It's been a fun tradition watching them decorate their little tree, and I'm not sure if I'll ever get rid of it. Some of the branches have fallen off, and glued back on, but it's still standing and the kids love it! 

I captured a few photos for my posterity in hopes that my future grandkids will read this and build their own traditions. 

We love pinecones, and Noah had fun putting them inside the vase. He is such a good little helper, and really got into the spirit of Christmas doing it! 

He's especially proud of decorating their little christmas tree with the help of his sisters.

Going to the Macy's parade is another tradition we started eight years ago when we moved here, and hope to always make it to the parade. It's one of the ways we start off the Christmas season. Noah is proud of his pin that was given to him by one of the people participating in the parade. He will not take it off! 

I also took a few photos of these two dancing with the christmas lights, and getting tangled in them. Even though these two have their moments, at the end of the day it all ends with love, and laughter! 

One of our favorite books, and Christmas traditions is reading this book to the kids. It helps them remember the true meaning of Christmas, and that it's not about the worldly gifts, but the gift that comes from God which is the Savior. 

Here's hoping y'all are enjoying the festivities that this holiday season brings! 

Miles Found Us!

Well, he did it. Miles found us. 

I thought that after moving from south jersey he'd lose us, but it looks like he didn't want to give up, and since he knows his way around Jersey tracked us down with the help of Santa's radar. I am only glad that he is a very simple, and laid back little elf. He just chills around the house, and doesn't pull any kind of mischief, or make messes.

Date Day With Chelsea & Why One On One Time Is Important.

One of the most important things that I have learned as a mother especially now that I'm getting up there in age is how one on one time with each of my daughters is so important. I wish I would have done these dates more often with my oldest, but knowing now why it is so beneficial to their lives that I put some time aside for my girls individually has made them open up to me even more. They are willing to talk to me about any issue, or concern they may be having.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas in NYC!

I wish we had more time to spend in the city after watching the  Macy's parade before going back to Jersey, but had to leave due to dinner plans with friends. However, I am grateful for time, and that we at least got to walk around for a bit to take in some of the sights. Every year it's the same decorations in the same spot, and every time we come to see them it. never. gets. old! Never!

Friends-giving.

I was so excited when my friend Suzie texted me and asked us to have thanksgiving dinner with her family, and our new friend Beena. I have known this woman for eight years, and have turned down some of her invites in the past, but there was no way I was going to turn down this one! 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade '16.

Five years ago we began the tradition of going to the Macy's thanksgiving parade in New York, and every time we go there's always a new float, and balloons. The kids are fascinated by the balloons, and waking up at 5:30 in the morning to get a good spot is no easy feat, but because we've been going to the parade for so many years has made the kids get out of bed a bit easier. 

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Little Pilgrim!

I read somewhere that "gratitude turns what we have, into enough." I can't even begin to express how true that statement is. As much as I have complained about the goings on in my life with my kids, and just the daily mundane, I have to seriously stop to think, look around, and recognize at all the things that are right in front of me and just be grateful for them. 

T H A N K F U L !

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

Life Lately in Pictures.

Ever since school started the months have been rushing one into another, and I can't believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday! The past few weeks have flown by but by capturing the moments of my day to day in pictures is my way to preserve my memory, and to savor, and appreciate even the simplest of moments. I love making new friends, and entertaining in my home (even if it's just been the missionaries from our church lately),

My November Days.

My days lately without any kids during the day have consisted of long walks, and drives to unknown territory. When I lived in South Jersey I explored as much as I could in that area, and now that i'm in Central jersey I can't help but to explore some more. October and November have been the months of exploring, and I couldn't have picked a better season to venture outdoors. Fall here has been exquisite lately, and my heart is smitten. 

Another Temple Post All Because of Sister Nutting.

I really hope you guys are not getting tired of my temple posts, but if going to the temple deals with special people then you better believe I'm going to share some goodness! And meeting up with the sister missionaries who serve full time in our church leaving all "the world" behind is the icing on the cake! 

The Bronx Zoo.

Ever since school started Noah has been wanting to go to the zoo, any zoo for his birthday. Unfortunately it rained on his birthday, and the fact that his birthday fell on a school day wouldn't have worked out anyway being that it fell on a school day. Luckily the kids had two days off which included veterans day, and so with the weather being sunny with no chance of showers we decided to go the day after he turned seven. 

Noah's 7th Birthday Celebration!

It was exactly 5:36 on a Wednesday morning when Noah jumped into our bed with a clear and happy voice saying "mommy, I'm so excited cause today is my birthday!" I was like, "Noah, it's too early, and you don't have school for another two hours! Go back to sleep!" Well, he never went back to sleep, an since it was time for Lexie to go to seminary anyway I ended up waking up, gave him a great big hug, kissed him on the cheek, and wished him a happy birthday! 

My Wishes For Noah On His 7th Birthday.

Each year of my boys growing life seems more fleeting than the last. I can't believe that he is seven! Although I look forward to his future, and how he's going to be when he grows up, I wish this day would never end so that I can take in all his noahisms, and the things he does. That I can capture each moment perfectly, and cherish his little laugh, humor, and quirky thing every boy does. He is perfection in my eyes, and each year just gets better and better with him. 

A Little "Fall" in Sayen Gardens.

Sometimes I feel as if I spoil Noah too much and let my guard down when it comes to outings especially when we are out and about going on walks or at a playground. There were times when he used to ride his scooter that I would let him go way ahead of me, and then sometimes he would hesitate at a stop sign not quite knowing how to discern from stop, and go and realizing that there are going to be real life giant size cars up ahead.

Noah-isms: Fall Edition.

I continue to marvel at the thought that this kid will be seven next week! He truly is showing his age by his personality, and the way he is speaking. Not only is he speaking clearly in full sentences, but the things he says are far too funny, and sometimes not too funny. He's a boy with a lot of questions who wants thorough answers.

Super Heroes & A Halloween Video!

Halloween this year in our new neighborhood and town was the best! It truly is a great place to raise kids, and all the neighbors in our area gave out tons of candy, not just a small size candy bar, but a whole package of candy, and boxes of cookies! There were many neighbors who were dressed up, offered hot chocolate, and treated us as if we had been living here for years! I became good friends with the wicked witch of the west. Michelle is the coolest witch, and I'm so glad I met her! 

A Trunk Or Treat in Princeton.

This years trunk or treat in our new area, and church was a huge success! I couldn't believe how many kids, and people attended! Almost every car, and van was decorated, and it made me so happy, and grateful to be in a place where there were so many people, especially the youth having a ton of fun, laughing and having a grand time! It goes to show that we are never too old to dress up as there were a lot of older youth, and adults all decked out in elaborate costumes!

Bike Riding in Autumn.

Autumn feels like the perfect time to learn how to ride a bike without breaking into a massive sweat and so yesterday we took advantage of the autumn weather, and decided to go to the park to take Noah on a test drive in riding his bike.

Temple Day With Some of My Favorite People!

Several missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gathered today at the Philadelphia temple to bid farewell to a few missionaries who are departing home. I met up with one of my many dear friends from my old ward to attend the temple together along with other sister missionaries including Sister Jensen who will be going home next week! 

Leaf Peeping in the Catskill Mountains.

There is nothing more beautiful in the fall than going for a drive down the Hudson Valley with our family. The two and half hour drive to the Catskill mountains to take a train ride put a smile on our little boy's face. He was sick for almost four days, and the look on his face when he saw a red train was priceless. He had no idea what were going to do. All he knew was that we were all going to go for a drive to go leaf peeping by car, not by train. 

A Reflection Of Heaven.

Throughout my years of being a member of the LDS church, and turning over a new leaf in learning about Christ's life, and growing spiritually is that I think we often err when we plead to the Lord to take any kind of temptation, and trial away from us. But one thing I've seriously learned about living this life is that there must be opposition in all things.

Throwback of Sierra Playing Piano From Christmas '15.

When I'm feeling down, or can't sleep I tend to listen to good music. I'm so glad that I have kids who are talented not only with playing the piano, and various instruments, but to make music as well. My oldest daughter Sierra and her girlfriend created their own rendition of Capitol Cities "Safe and Sound" (which you can listen to on Soundcloud.com), and I can't even begin to tell you how that song was created at the time when I needed some solace.

Love My Team of Readers!

One of our favorite things to do when we move to a new area, and to relieve us from any type of boredom which seems to be rare these days because of school being in session along with piano lessons, and other extracurricular activities is going on the prowl to hunt for bookstores. This is one thing that we all absolutely love to do!

Witches Night Out at Gardner Village - Circa, 2005

Even though I've scrap booked my kids lives in their memory books since the day they were born there was no depiction or stories written behind the photos. And since I enjoy writing I've decided to do a few throwback posts on some of my fondest memories before we moved to Jersey, and before we became a family of six. They won't be in order, but i hope that you won't get bored with my short stories or snippets of my family behind these posts. This is being written for my posterity, and will be printed and added on to the tangible photos in their scrapbooks. I also hope that at the same time it'll make you smile, and have you leaving saying, "no wonder", "so that's what happened to her",  "cute kids", and "so glad she was safe all these years!" So enjoy! Note that all photos in this post were taken by wonderful husband with a Nikon N4004 back when people used to develop film in a dark room, and way before smartphones! 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

There are days when I miss Halloweens in Utah. Back when the girls were little we always dressed up as witches to attend an event called witches night out at Gardner Village. I blame my mother-in-law for getting me hooked on this tradition, and every time I see my friends with their daughters going to this fun event via social media, I have to admit I get a tad bit jealous!

Pumpkin Picking At Castle Hill Farm.

It's funny how seasons can really change someones mood, and turn you into whole different person. When summer ended I was a little sad, but at the same time was looking forward to fall only because this past summer was scorching hot. I have to say that fall is definitely my favorite season, and only wish that it could last longer than the other seasons.

Noah-isms. End Of Summer Edition.

I meant to post this a couple of weeks ago way before fall began, but time slipped away from my little fingers. Now that we are two weeks into autumn I figured I'd post this anyway.

Hartford Connecticut Temple Open House.

How incredibly blessed we are to have more temples in the east coast. It's not Utah, but having six temples in a proximity where you can drive anywhere form one, two, three, or even six hours to attend one is good enough for me! It most definitely has been a miraculous year of temple building here in the east as well as the west coast, and to have attended two open houses is indeed a miracle not only for me, but for my children as well.

This past weekend we attended the open house in Hartford, Connecticut and oh my goodness this temple is absolutely exquisite! It is beautiful, and totally reflects the New England culture. It is quaint, and old fashioned, and I love the lampposts that stand outside the temple as well as the one hanging in front as you enter in. Again, we are not allowed to take pictures inside, but being the avid art lover that I am observed every single painting that was hanging on the walls, and noticed that there were two that were duplicates as the ones being hung in the Philadelphia temple. Not sure which one has the original, but it was pretty neat to see similar pictures of Christ, and to have had a deja vu moment. 

I captured a few moments outside the temple of my sweet family, and only wish Sierra could have joined in on this moment. I'm grateful that she has had opportunities to attend a few open houses in Utah such as the Payson, and City Center. 

I love the mums that are planted outside the temple. My favorite plant and so New England! 

Jon's twin. I swear she's looking more, and more like him each day. She'll definitely be tall like him too!  

I'm so grateful to have made the time to come out and experience yet another temple open house. This is so important to me, and taking the kids for them to see how special temples are is important to us. I want them to know that this a special place where they can come to feel peace, and perform ordinances for their ancestors. To know that doing their work is the utmost important thing they can do for our loved ones who have passed on. To know that when they are old enough to go through that this is a place where they can escape from the world, reflect on the Lord's blessings, be strengthened, feel peace, and become hopeful again. 

Counting my blessings to know that this guy is mine for all eternity. We love the temple, and appreicate it. The temple truly is a reflection of heaven, and a place to go where I will always, always find peace. 

I love my family, and shutter to think of how life would be without them for eternity. Like Elder Holland said, "I don't know how to speak about heaven in the traditional, lovely, paradisiacal beauty that we speak of heaven. I wouldn't know how to speak of heaven without my wife, or children. That would not be heaven for me." 

And just like Elder Holland I cannot imagine heaven without Jon, or our children. No matter how much we may disagree, yell, and have spats I love my family, and cannot imagine eternity without them! 

**The open house is until October 22 so if you live in the east, or are planning a 'New England fall trip' please come. It is free, and such a beautiful place to be! You can reserve tickets here if interested!