REPLY
Happy Leap year, and last day of February everyone! I can't believe how quickly this month flew by! January was somewhat slow, and dreary but luckily having the girls birthdays and helping prepare Lexie for her mission helped the time go by fast. Not that I wanted it to because dang I miss that girl, but really looking forward to spring, and hope that with warmer weather heading our way next week will make spring come early!
February was indeed filled with lots of love, and I really love this mural. The girls birthdays and Valentines day are a great stat to a new year and reading the words on the red hearts are beautiful reminders on how to always be... not just on special holidays but all the days of our life. And it is my hope that we will always choose love. Have Respect. Be in harmony. Be happy. And simply just LOVE period! Looking forward to March and the rest of the days ahead. Even though I don't mind the cold too much I will still be hoping for warmer weather, and that spring comes early!
Last week Lexie and I went on a girls day out and spent the day in Philly where we got to experience Wonderspaces. We love going to art exhibits like this and since she loves art, and won't be doing any kind of outings like this on her mission wanted to treat her to a nice relaxing day filled with "wonder spaces!"
A little late in sharing Noah's choice of valentine's this year, but because he has one more year left of elementary school wanted to document it for my own reminiscing pleasure. He's the only boy and last child I'll get to do this with. The years are flying and I never want to take even the smallest things such as seeing valentines day in the eyes of a child for granted. I only took a couple of pictures of the box he made in which he drew (not copied) Sonic and Tails, and the simple printable we found of Sonic on Pinterest.
I've been taking advantage of going to the city a lot lately. There is always something new popping up. Whether it's a flower flash, a pop up museum or an art mural. Being that it's the month of Valentine's Day various artists come out and create art on the streets of New York. I am amazed at the talent these artists have and how intricate they draw in detail. Some of their artwork have been on the walls for years and some have been painted over but nonetheless no matter where you walk in New York there is always some beautiful artwork to look at! It's been fun having Lexie be my personal photographer, and to be taking her on these adventures with me before she's off on her church mission!
Panic has set in, and people are definitely taking it to the extreme. We’re using common sense, practicing caution, and going about our day (while enjoying those sunny rays!!)
Valentines Day for us has always been quite simple. And sometimes the simplest celebrations are the most special. In all our years of being together, neither of us have never felt the need to try hard to impress each other. Our gifts didn't always consist of material gifts and flowers. We realized long ago that quality time together was always the answer to every celebration. Whether it's going to the matinee or watching Netflix or a dvd from home. Making a simple dinner at home. A walk on the beach (if it's not too cold). Sitting on a park bench discussing matters of the heart, or simply walking the streets of New York laughing and eating our way through the city. It feels great knowing that we don't need to go all out for each other and as the years pass us by and as we grow older time and our kids become more important. Important in the fact that we acknowledge them and shower them with love and a good ear in hearing all about their days. Valentines is a lovely holiday and whoever thought it up is genius. Expressing love to those who mean the most through handwritten notes is my favorite. And although gifts such as flowers and chocolate are nice...flowers die, and chocolate gets eaten really, really quick! So time. Time spent together is all one really needs. And a whole lot of LOVE!
However you celebrate this holiday I wish you both!
New York City sure doesn't disappoint in the winter months. Every now and then I get the urge to get in the car and drive to the city just so I can get out of the house and be inspired! I've been getting spring fever lately and with all the beautiful pop up flower flashes that I've been seeing on Instagram has me so anxious for spring and I just crave to have a little taste of it! Tiffany's has the cutest display of spring flowers right now in their store along with a turquoise Empire State building inside. It was unbelievably breathtaking and the staff is always so inviting and courteous. I love, love the city and all that it brings especially on rainy days like this. This is the third day in a row where we've had rain so I say that Mother Nature is preparing for spring early! We shall see...
Now for a few photos that Lexie took while we were admiring everything inside from Tiffany & Co.
A couple of years ago we finally made it out to Vermont to visit the Joseph Smith Memorial site. We only had Chelsea and Noah with us, but this year we decided to do another trip before Lexie leaves for her mission. I am so glad we did. We really love history especially when it comes to the church. So much knowledge to gain, and learn from. I am so appreciative of Joseph Smith and grateful to him for restoring the gospel. Going to his memorial was beautiful and inspiring. We had such a nice time and oh how nice it was to also see some snow! Vermont is absolutely breathtaking and we really enjoyed coming up here.
Well-we survived January and as soon as February came we jumped for joy!
Literally...
Chelsea is truly the cheerleader in our family. She rallies us on when times are tough, and when I start raising my voice she will tell us to stop yelling! Her sass can be a great thing and at 15 years old is learning to manage it well. She is a city kid at heart, and wants everyone to just be happy! Man I wish I could bottle of some of her energy and use it on days that are sluggish. And January was pretty sluggish. Thank goodness for birthdays and fun events that were planned throughout January because in all honesty surviving January each year where I live is hard. Thankfully I have her and the rest of our kiddos as a reminder to celebrate life no matter how dark the days, and to live life colorfully. So with that being said we survived Jan and are going to enjoy February in hopes that it brings more light, LOVE, and color into our lives!
Happy February y'all! xo
