Lexie Lately In Tempe: Three Months In the Mission Field.

When we spoke with Lexie last week she mentioned to us how she has already been on her mission for three months. "THREE months." Technically she's only been in the mission field for two weeks but she still can't believe that between learning the language in the MTC in Mexico City, being quarantined at home for seven weeks then finally leaving to Arizona it all added up to three months. But who's counting. She continues to shelter in place with five other sisters living in a huge house and her dad even recommended cold calling from a phone book (if they still exist) to share the gospel. Take it from one who did that in the 90's as a missionary with excellent results as well as being a sales guy. Very easy to do if you're fearless! She took him up on that and also connected with people via Facebook and had some luck! They met their goal of five people and two "went to church" via zoom last Sunday! Awesome experiences this sis of ours is having in her second week of her mission. Sure she's had a couple of lows but nothing that she can't handle. Her unwavering faith is amazing and she knows the gospel brings truth and light when it's read and seriously studied with a lot of prayer involved. She has learned that more now than ever before and it shows! So proud of her!

New York Stock Exchange: Together, We're Strong.

Love, love this city and how they express their love for it especially at this time with all they are going through. It sure was a different start to our "summer season" going to outings wearing masks and all but it is for own good. 

For some it is the beginning of summer at the beach wearing flip flops, and sandals, having bbq's and eating a lot of melted ice cream cones but for us on this day we spent it remembering our soldiers who have passed on, and those who continue to fight today. Memorial Day gives us the moment to pay tribute to those who have done so much to preserve our country in values that we strive for. So thankful for this holiday that comes once a year and for a city that is proud to wear red, white, and blue. 

Memorial Day 2020.

We feel blessed to live in a great place and are very thankful for the honorable men and women who have served and continue to serve this beautiful country who is going through so much right now. Your spirit is kept alive and y'all will never be forgotten. I also want to express my gratitude to all frontline workers today who continue to fight above and beyond against Covid19. Y'all will always be remembered for your courage and bravery! A million thank you's on this Memorial Day! 

Scenes of An Empty NYC In The Midst Of A Pandemic.

Although we don't live in New York I was curious to see how the city has been doing, so for the past month we've been venturing out to see how empty it has been with everyone sheltering in place. And it was surreal. So surreal to see this epic city on pause. To see some of my favorite spots shut down. To not have people hustling and brushing next to me on the sidewalk. I felt so much sorrow and my heart was hurting for this city that has once been known to never sleep. I even documented its emptiness on my TikTok. Yes, I caved and I blame it on the pandemic for having created one! 

A Heart Attack In Manhattan!

One of the greatest things about New York city are the people that live in it. The way they treat their beloved city is profound and admirable. I love the way they take care of her and find ways to nurture her. To make her alive again. To remind everyone living with her to be strong. To be kind. To let everyone know that they are not alone. To know that things will be ok. That this "new normal" won't last. That the city won't be "closed" forever. And that this too shall pass. 

Walking the streets of New York last week and discovering these hearts struck a cord to my soul, and I appreciate the ones that put them up there, because this is what New Yorkers do. This is what they think about instead of feeling sorry for themselves. They find joy during trying times. And besides 9/11 this is one of the hardest times their city has ever been hit with something so catastrophic. So here's to Lizzy for making the time to make all these hearts and to put them around all Manhattan for the world to see. Her heart is just like mine. We love New York and know that this city will re-emerge someday. But not yet. Not yet. 

So while she's curing our lovely city here are some words of inspiration and positivity to help those who may need it at this time!

Celebrating 25 From A Distance.

Time flies and before we know it our oldest turns 25! It's been years since we've celebrated a birthday together but the love that stays locked in our hearts keeps us close no matter what. Social media has a lot to do with that and I hate to use her job as an excuse as to why we text more than we talk on the phone but it's special days like this where one picks up the phone to call and wish loved ones a happy birthday. And that is exactly what we did. Audio messages are fun and all and Jon and I singing "happy birthday" to Sierra on the phone this morning brightened up her day. Gifts and edible arrangements are great too but at the end of the day hearing her voice and telling me about her plans and how her day went is all that matters. I love to celebrate in a big simple way when it comes to my kids and when one hits a milestone such as a 25th birthday I recommend sharing her special day with others, and going all out for them because they only turn 25 once! Especially when their birthday is in the middle of a pandemic!

Happy 25th Birthday Sierra! We love you and wish you the best year ever! 

A Mother's Day Re-Cap.

Although this Mother's Day was different it was definitely memorable. One doesn't need to have a huge celebration to feel loved and to be honest all my past mothers days have pretty much been simple and extra sweet. Since both our families live across the country we don't have any one coming over nor do we. For the past 14 years it has always just been us, and I actually like it that way. I do hope that when my kids get older and have a family of their own that they will come visit me if we live on the same side of the world. Other than that it's always the little things that matter. The simple joys. The simplicity of a homemade card with a drawing on the front cover. Uttering those three words Happy. Mother's. Day. Burned toast, and raw eggs for breakfast. Oh wait, that was when the girls were little! Seriously though...hugs and kisses, a good hamburger, laughter and a simple walk through a tulip garden makes this momma happy. And a quick trip to D.C. to eat at Cookout and take in the temple under construction was a treat too! These great kids-I'm so honored to be their momma, and so happy that Lexie got to spend one last Mummy's Day with me before she took off on her mission! More pics below...

Lexie Lately: Second Time Is A Charm!

It's been seven weeks since Lexie returned home from the MTC in Mexico City and like all other missionaries was waiting to hear when she would be back in the field. We finally got word from our stake president that Lexie's itinerary for travel will be on May 12! That was today and in spite of all the feels she was so excited for this day to come! I'm just so happy that she was spared to spend one last Mother's Day with me! Her time with us has been fun and productive and we made many more memories with her. I know that time will pass quickly and that she will be home before we know it. The Lord is in charge and in spite of the pandemic which is still happening know she will be in good hands. She is needed out in the world and the people of Tempe Arizona will be very lucky to have her  and to know her! She truly is a special spirit and you can see it in her face as we say our goodbyes how happy she is for this day to come! 

A Few Little Thank You Letters To Welcome May.

Can't believe May is here! Time sure does fly when there's a pandemic going on and your kids have been home since mid-March. Praying that our cities will recover so that life can have "life" again. With the weather being absolutely beautiful these days its hard to stay home. Spring is in full swing and we only have a month left of it and then Summahhhhhh! In spite of the virus we make the best of these days. I love my family and have learned so much through this experience. Still am. And although I feel as if I am such a grateful and compassionate person I am still learning and appreciating more and more each day. This pandemic has made me even more generous in all things. Here's to the beautiful month of May and since she arrived in a blink of an eye I'd like to thank her with a few little letters....

My Testimony On My 28th Year Of Being A Member Of The Church Of Jesus Christ.

Today marks my 28th anniversary of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. “Love" and "following the Savior" are two of the things that I got out of when two lovely sister missionaries Stacie & Susanna talked to me about the gospel of Jesus Christ & Our Heavenly Fathers plan.

One great example of the church that I have always noticed is the service that we render to our fellowman, and we do it all in the name of love. I feel that at times when I am feeling at my lowest I want to serve others more. I have always loved doing things for other people, and I truly feel that I am pretty devoted in doing so. I do it out of my heart, and without any obligation.