Road Trip to D.C. On The Last Weekend Of 2019!

The holidays continued to glow for us as we ventured out to Washington D.C. to see the temple lights and the People's tree on Capitol Hill. We try to go before Christmas Day but since Lexie flew in two days before Christmas went over the weekend. We are always so grateful to make time to come here along with eating at one of our favorite places! As usual I captured some moments of us during our day trip and it was exquisite! Even the blurry photos make this post perfect since our lives are not! Families are forever! 

Winter Glow.

One of the coolest and magical pop-up art installations we've seen this season is called Winter Glow. It is located at Intersect in the Lexus building. This is by far the best installation we've seen this Christmas. As soon as the elevators opened to the third floor everything was so bright and sparkly. If I had a backyard I would add all the twinkle lights, and hydrangea flowers. What a creative way to celebrate the holidays by adding a crystal reindeer, with gold and sparkle to the mix! This whole installation is set in one huge room and the best part of this exhibit is that it's free! It's open until January 5th for those who need some sparkle in their life! I snapped a lot of photos, and loved capturing the kids in them!

Christmas Morning.

And just like that, Christmas has come and gone. Ours was purely the simplest and sweetest Christmas. The kids didn't get too much gifts and they were totally fine with it which made our morning go by so fast! They all unwrapped they're little gifts and were done within 15 minutes! I loved every minute of this particular Christmas simply because it was filled with gratitude, humility, and simplicity. I captured a few moments of the kids but this pic is my favorite of the girls giggling. It is so nice for Chelsea to have one of her sisters home to laugh with. 

Chinatown, Philadelphia.

We hardly ever come to chinatown in Philadelphia but when we do it's such a treat. It may not be as big as New York city but at least parking is cheaper, and close to Market street where you can walk to Fashion District Mall where Candytopia was happening. The feeling of Philly is a total different dynamic than New York, but because we lived so close to Philly for eight years the city of brotherly love will always hold a special place in my heart! And we still love venturing out here! 

Gifting Our Kids With Experiences Instead of Material Things.

Growing up I didn't have many Christmases which is probably why I spoiled my kids with gifts when they were toddlers but now that they are all older gifts are becoming less and less. I have reminded my kids that although the things of the world are nice and all, happiness with those things won't last forever, and the memory of them will eventually fade. I love the fact that we live in an area where we are surrounded by endless culture and history which is why I love going to the city and venturing out to various places in the east. The kids seem to remember moments spent together as opposed to what they got for Christmas last year, two years ago, or even five years ago.

Santa At The Plaza!

     

Love the tradition of going to see Santa at the Plaza! Although I think Noah may be getting to that point where he feels he may be outgrowing Santa. (In other words he's getting too big to sit on his lap!) Oh, how I don't want our these days to end but eventually they will and then he will be sitting on the steps like his sister! Nonetheless the kids had a nice talk with Santa. I love how Santa tells them to mind your parents, and to be good kids. Gifts were mentioned but not as much as the gift of love he mentioned to our kiddos. Pretty much the same advice he gave to them last year. I love this santa! More pics below...

Today Is Our 25th Anniversary!

“There is no greater risk than matrimony, but there is nothing happier than a happy marriage.”

–Benjamin Disraeli, 1870

(in a letter to queen victoria’s daughter louise, 

congratulating her on her engagement, 

via the book committed by Elizabeth gilbert)

Today is our 25TH wedding anniversary, and it seems as if I married this Utah boy yesterday. I will always remember the day we joined hands in unity while then Bishop Lloyd was uttering those words of two people coming together in union. Although the ceremony was a civil one the words "till death do you part" didn't matter to me, because I knew that eventually we would be sealed for "time, and eternity."

And we were!

More of our eternal story can be read in this article I wrote that was published via Deseret News. 

Wedding Anniversary Weekend.

This weekend is our 25th wedding anniversary and sometimes I can't believe we've made it this far! It truly seems like we met yesterday and in between all the ups and downs, and makeups after arguments we treat life good, and each other the best way we know how. Not much to do on our weekend because it's been a rainy one, and because Jon has been working the past couple of Saturdays due to the holidays prevents us to venture out to the city which has always been somewhat a tradition since we moved here. Nonetheless we will make our 25th a special and simple one. Even if it's eating a simple dinner and watching a movie. I'm just eternally grateful to have Jon by my side to vent to, laugh with. Raise my kids with, and do this whole parenting, and living life together. Marriage can be hard at times especially when we are faced with trials, but without those challenges and choosing to find the joy in each situation, this 25th year together would have never come. 

Cheers to 25. 

Candytopia in Philadelphia!

For months I've been seeing posts about a place called Candytopia and as I was scrolling through instagam another image popped up and the posts seemed much more elaborate with adults and big kids having way too much fun. I then read about what it was and the fact that they were in Philly decided to check it out and count this fun event as one of their Christmas gifts! 

Dear Santa, I Still Believe...

At 10 years old Noah still believes in Santa Claus and in writing letters to him which makes my heart burst! Even though he sees different Santa's in different locations he still believes he is real. I think watching movies like Santa Claus and Home Alone helps Noah believe in miracles. I know eventually he will grow out of the Santa phase and will most likely stop sitting on his lap as gets older, but I'm enjoying this time while he's still little.

Lexie Lately- Her Mission Call.

Next year, on February 28, Lexie will be heading to Mexico City where she be learning the Spanish language at a training center where our church missionaries are taught to speak the language. This will then lead her to Tempe, Arizona where she be living for 18 months. Her hope is to build relationships in reaching out to those who are in search of comfort and love by sharing with them the purpose of life that The Lord has created. I have to say that I am super excited knowing that I will soon have another member in our family (besides my mom and sister) to speak Spanish with! We are so proud of our second oldest coconut. We just know she will bring light and sunshine to those around her who are seeking healing and the light of the world. 

First Little Snowfall Of The Season!

When we heard that we were expecting snow on Monday the kids got excited. Little did they know that it was only going to be a couple of inches. We literally got nothing but a small blanket but that's better than nothing. I'm sure we will get hit with a lot of snow come January but oh beautiful and fun it would be if we actually had a nice snowfall on Christmas Day! Nonetheless Noah had fun running through a grove of trees pretending like he was in a scene from the Lord of the Rings. I blame that on his sister Lexie. He has grown to love those movies, and always thinks of Lexie when he watches them. It was a fun moment capturing him in action...

Tree Hunting!

We had so much this past weekend going to Wyckoff's tree farm again. We debated on getting a colored tree this year, but oh what a mess it would make in our living room especially when we haul it in to our house! I noticed that last year when Noah and I first discovered this place. So we decided to stick to the traditional green. It's always fun to go the farm to pick and cut our own tree. A tradition we started back in 2013. I captured a few moments of our outing, and once again had so much fun making memories with my shrinking crew...

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade '19.

What a fun and wonderful thanksgiving parade we had this year! Love this tradition of going to the Macy's parade since we moved here. We never take our New York minutes for granted. Going to the parade and watching it live is as thriving as it is televised. I mean, the tv version doesn't do the live experience justice! The kids are getting older and continuing these moments with them has developed a stronger meaning of what tradition, and 'family bonding' really means to them. I'm so happy that they have already mentioned that they are going to do this when they have kids! Not sure where they'll end up living as they grow older, and move away but how fun it would be to even tell their future posterity stories of what traditions they had on holidays when they were kids. 

A Day At The Met!

If I lived in the city I would be going to The Met every week! What an amazing museum! This was our first time going together as a family and boy did we wear out feet to the ground! So much art to see, and read! Next time we go we'll hit more than two wings, but time spent with our kids is always a fun jaunt! I didn't take too many photos as I was so enthralled in the art! Next time we come I will definitely capture some of my favorite pieces of art. 

'Every Day I Pray For Love' Exhibit At David Zwirner Gallery.

Last Friday I had the kids skip school and went to the city to see one of the most coolest exhibits from one of the most amazing artists! The kids really needed this break and since they've been having a good school year so far with perfect attendance felt they deserved this outing, and I'm so glad we went! Yayoi Kusama is a favorite and I missed her exhibit the last time she was here. Her lines are always long, but luckily there was a nice guy who saw that my kids were freezing and had us skip the long line to the infinity room where we were one of the first people to enter in, and this exhibit was as beautiful as the theme behind it. 

Every Day  I Pray For Love...

A Boy And His Pumpkin.

Ever since Noah was old enough to carve a pumpkin he has taken enormous pride and joy in doing so. As he gets older carving becomes more intricate and serious for him! Jon will help him at times but is learning to do it on his own.  He carefully draws the design he wants to carve on paper and then grabs a pencil to draw on the pumpkin. He's a little too meticulous when it comes to carving that perfect pumpkin and wants to makes sure it looks "cool." Which is why he wants to hang on to this one a little bit longer. 

My Mini Central Park.

Autumn is still hanging on in our neck of the woods and to be honest I hope she hangs on for the rest of the month! I love fall and because it doesn't last want it to linger a little longer. Seeing the leaves hanging on to the tree branches gives me hope that she'll stay until Thanksgiving but smelling that cold chilly air tells me that winter is coming. I felt it as I walked the grounds of Princeton University yesterday. I love this campus. It's nostalgic and coming here never gets old.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Christmas is already in motion in New York city and on the weekend of Noah's birthday we happened to be in the city where New York's most famous decoration arrived at the Rockefeller center. The Christmas tree! We were so excited to have witnessed this without it being super crowded. Noah was amazed at how huge the tree was. He said it looks huge and plain without the decorations and lights on! I have to agree. He was impressed with all the workers securing and working around the tree to get it ready for the lighting ceremony.

10: A Simple & Sweet Celebration At Central Park.

You'd think that turning 10 years old would require a huge celebration but our idea of a huge celebration when it comes to birthday parties are simple, and sweet...literally. If it were up to Noah he would play with his legos and transformers all day and rebuild the millennial falcon with his dad but because it was a beautiful day we decided to go to the city to celebrate Noah's 10th birthday. 

Noah Turns 10!

 Yesterday this dreamy boy of ours turned 10!! Time has certainly flown with this child, and I can't believe how grown up he's getting. He's smart, and determined to build anything he sees by sight with his legos. He's kind and loving, thoughtful and the happiest you'll ever meet! Words cannot express how grateful I am to be his momma! Love my only boy! Here's a throwback on my Instagram of him at two years old that I tried to replicate. Pretty close but Noah's legs and arms have definitely gotten longer! 

One More Day!

 Tomorrow is the day this big kid turns 1 0 !

And he is super excited! 

T H A N K F U L !

So thankful to make it to November. I love this month! November is the last month of autumn, the month of our only boys birthday, and the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year! So excited for the holidays, road trips, thanksgiving, trips to the city, tree picking, spending time with family, snow, and all that this season brings. I am particularly thankful for this guy right here, who makes these things possible. He's such a hard worker and wants us to have the best time as a family. Even in the smallest way. He's so great, and patient when it comes to me telling him what are plans are going to be on this day, and that weekend! He's just the best! I love him, and look forward to the holidays with my family. I hope that they are just as bright as these lit up pumpkins! 

Hello November!

HAPPY NOVEMBER from the GARDEN STATE! Leaves are quickly falling off the trees but there is still some color left thanks to all the rain we had last week. I took a few pictures before and after Halloween, and so far the leaves are still colorful and look like a big fluffy carpet. I doubt the colors will stay like this until Thanksgiving but one can hope and dream right! So thankful for November. I absolutely love this time of year when we can reflect on all the things that we are thankful for! 

Our Halloween Was A Happy One!

This is most likely the last photo to blog about this Halloween. With the light rain and gusty winds we had yesterday didn’t stop all the ghouls & goblins from trick-or-treating. Everyone was out and about and although the candy slowly filled up their bags all the kids in our hood had a great time. These kids managed to go to town receiving a lot of candy and we’re so grateful to our neighbors who go out of their way on Stockton Street & the little town of Windsor to make Halloween a fun and safe place for our kiddos! Hope everyone had a safe, and fun Halloween! Here's to November! 

The Headless Horseman & Katrina Van Tassel.

Ever since I introduced Noah to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow movie last year he wanted to be the Headless horseman for Halloween this year. He also wanted Chelsea to team up with him somehow and so luckily I found the perfect costume for her to be Katrina Van Tassel minus the blond hair and I think they both look great in their costumes! 

Days Before Halloween We...

Days before Halloween we always drive into the city and spend all day sightseeing and locating all the halloween installations, and decorations that we see one of my favorite pages on Instagram. New York city decorates in all forms and it is so interesting to see how creative, and unique New Yorkers get when it comes to Halloween season! I captured a few photos of the kids checking out all kinds of decorations particularly this one pumpkin arch installation which is set up at Pier 17 in the seaport district.

It's Spooky Season In Manhattan!

New York in the fall never never disappoints especially when brownstones and their stoops look like this! How fun it would be to live in one of these only so I can decorate it! Man would I love that! When fall comes around we drive into the city just so that we can walk around the upper west side to see if anyone has done any early decorating yet, and there were a few that did. Instagram helps us out with that! It's never a waste of time when we come into the city no matter what season we are in but New York in the fall is breathtaking and beautiful and so far we have seen some decorated, halloween magic among city life!

A Cranberry Harvest At A.D. Makepeace Company.

This past weekend, we drove to Massachusetts to witness some cranberry harvesting in action! It's a beautiful time of the year to do this! We went to the A.D. Makepeace company which is the oldest cranberry grower in the country and have been around for over 160 years! I have been wanting to see this for years and was so bummed to find out that last year was the final year of having the cranberry festival which also means not going inside the bog. Bummer! Luckily they still do the tours, and we still had a grand time learning all about how they harvest the berries. And it was very interesting! 

An Autumn Day At The Pumpkin Patch!

Fall season has officially arrived and since Jersey's fall foliage isn't quite as vibrant went for a drive to New England where we did a little bit of leaf peeping, and pumpkin picking. I love New England in the fall. So picturesque and relaxing. This past weekend was filled with family fun and pumpkin picking is one tradition we will never outgrow. I wish I did this as a kid but because I never did am making up for it in my later years along with my kids and I love it! We ventured out to Castle Hill Farm where we have gone for the past two years and it has become our favorite farm in Connecticut!

Pumpkin Picking At Old Homestead In The Poconos!

I know I've mentioned this before but one thing about living in the garden state are all the farms, and orchards you can visit! Especially the pumpkin patches in the fall! They are breathtaking, relaxing and fun. Last year we ventured out to quite a few, and decided to do the two hour drive to the Poconos just to pick some pumpkins. We will drive anywhere where they have an aesthetic background and this backdrop of Old Homestead farm was pleasing to my sometimes stressed out little heart! 

On The Steps Where The JOKER Danced!

The Joker movie left me with feelings of humility, compassion, sorrow, and love for those who have mental health issues. Although it was just a movie there are people out there who will snap at the spur of the moment and overall are just really, really sad. With that being said wanted to share some happy moments of the movie in which one of my favorite scenes was when Joaquin Phoenix (JOKER) was dancing down the stairs near his apartment in the Bronx where filming took place. 

A Monster Mash Lawn!

Is it me or does it feel like October is rushing along! There are so many things we love to do during the fall season, but have come to terms that we can't do them all and that's okay. One thing we look forward to is going pumpkin picking. No matter how many kids are left in the house that will be one family tradition that we will never oversee. Since we live in a small space with a shared porch I don't really decorate anymore. Mums, carved pumpkins and a fall wreath is as far as my porch will take! I do miss it going all out but I am happy that the kids understand and that they appreciate the little decor we have to decorate our apartment. Since we don't have a yard to decorate wanted to share this photo from last year. One of our neighbors goes all out on Halloween and decorates his heart out of his lawn! He has been doing this for 16 years, and every year says he isn't going to do it anymore but he does it anyway...for the kids! Pretty spooky! 

Guggenheim - Artistic License Exhibit!

When my sister came to visit me over my birthday there was one museum she wanted to go to. The Guggenheim. She has seen it in movies, and as a backdrop on some of my Instagram photos. She has had it on her bucket list forever, and she finally made it through. Love this museum myself, and every exhibit that comes along never disappoints. The last time we were here we saw this one and it was amazing. I love the Guggenheim and always look forward to going especially during the holidays to see this cute show which has become a tradition with Noah. 

General Conference, Fall '19

This years church conference will definitely be one to remember. It was filled with great changes and powerful and passionate messages. Our leaders are truly in charge, and engaged with the spirit! It was a special time for me being that I have to children left in the house to raise. They are learning so much as they grow older, and because of all the changes with the youth have hope that it will help my kids become valiant sons and daughters of God. We live in challenging times and with the help and guidance of our Prophet we can know of the things we should be doing. Our kids know how to be, and how to live. Our example as parents too will help motivate them on how one should live their life. And I hope that we are doing a bang up job!!

Meeting Henry Winkler (A.K.A.The Fonz!!)

Meeting Henry Winkler last night (a.k.a. the Fonz) was a childhood dream come true. I remember looking forward to coming home from school on the days that it aired. Laverne and Shirley was another favorite but there was something about Happy Days that literally made my days "happy" by watching that show. Hearing his story about how he struggled in grade school with dyslexia was both shocking and humbling. The fact that he succeeded in his own way and time in school was impressive. No one was aware of what dyslexia was back then as opposed to now. Which brings me to a short story about my son. 

Snippets From September!

There are days when I'd rather put pen to paper and write about my day or post little captions underneath a tiny square photo on my Instagram page rather than sit in front of a computer editing my photos, and write until my eyes or my wrists ache which is why I haven't been blogging as much. However, I did want to document some of our fun adventures during my birthday month. So much happened in September that I neglected this small space on the net but I did capture a lot of moments and posted them on my Instagram because that honestly just seems simpler and easier to do these days. 

48 Trips Around The Sun!

This past Tuesday I turned 48 and in all honesty felt like another normal day to me. I don't feel any different, I don't feel any older, but what I do feel is that time is flying by so fast. Especially with my kids. Having two energetic kids left at home to communicate with, laugh with, entertain, and explore with keeps me young at heart. I'll also tell ya this...there is definitely a maturity that comes when aging. In all aspects of life, and I love it. I love that maturing with grace, and accepting your age can set you free. Realizing that not caring about "not caring" is liberating, and that what matters most are the things that are important. Not the petty ones. To not sweat the small stuff, and to love others unconditionally no matter who they are or what they have done. To forgive. But most of all to LOVE, and to be of great cheer! Here's to 48 trips around the sun! 

Hello Fall!

"Don't you love New York in the fall? 

It makes me want to buy school supplies. 

I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils

 if I knew your name and address." 

A snippet from Nora Ephron's romantic comedy, You've Got Mail. 

Inspirational Thought.

No gall, no glory;

No cross, no crown;

No thorns, no throne. 

~William Penn 

May we always remember that our trials are meant for our growth. Going to the temple with faith, and a handful of hope will help us overcome them quicker, and with appreciation in helping us become stronger in our faith in God! 

Finding The Light In My Mom's Journey.

This will most likely be the final post from our recent trip to Texas. Had to save the best one for last because it's my momma. It is always hard to leave the ones you love who live so far away. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with my mom this past summer. Even if it was just for a few days. I got to spend 72 hours with her. And in those 72 hours witnessed a lot of forgetfulness in her. Although the doctors have yet to diagnose her with any stage of dementia or Alzheimer’s it’s inevitable. She’s exhibiting the signs, but still has memory left. Memory left for her to remember who we are. Memory left for who she is. Where she is. When she’s hungry. What tv shows are her favorite, and the things she loves.

Never Forget 9/11.

Since we moved closer to New York and as the kids and I continue to grow older I can't help but to praise  and appreciate this city so much. I can't get enough of it. How grateful I am to live so close where there is so much to grow, and learn from. This city has so much to offer which is why we constantly come here. There is a unique energy that comes from the city that automatically is instilled in your heart.

Kids' Day At Arthur Ashe Stadium!

Well, this was the last weekend of the US Open and unfortunately weren't able to see a live match because of time and other commitments that happened in the beginning of September but we did manage to take the kids to Arthur Ashe kids days which has become a tradition of ours for the past two years. Noah and Chelsea have really gotten their game on with tennis and it has become their favorite sport. They both have been playing for about four years now, and every time they get on the court whether at school, or at home they just keep getting better and better. 

Tender Moments In San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio will always have a special place in my heart. It is where my second daughter was born. Where I met some of my dear friends and where the San Antonio temple stands. During our trip I was able to catch up with a friend that I used to work with years ago. We worked for the same doctors. She is retired now but still working and keeping busy. Mary is a couple of years older than my mom, and she and I have been friends for at least 20 years. When we moved to San Antonio she was our "hotel." We stayed with her for a while until we found our own place. I am so glad she kept the same landline number, and that we never lost touch. We stayed overnight at her place and talked until midnight! It amazes me how much energy she has for her age! I captured these moments with her. She truly is a wonderful lady with a beautiful spirit! 

Color Factory, Round Two!

While Lexie was home for the summer and because she did so well her first semester of college we wanted to do something fun for her, and so we took her to the Color Factory! These small pop up musuems have become a favorite of ours and her sibs wanted to take her because when you add an extra sister to the mix they have way too much fun! And so did I! 

Another Trip To The Pez Visitor Center!

Summer is not complete without a day trip to the Pez Visitor Center. Noah and I usually go by ourselves while the girls were away at camp, but since Lexie was with us this summer while Chelsea was away at camp decided not to go. We broke tradition but that's okay because Chelsea loves Pez and she was happy to have made this trip with us.