Peak Foliage in Central Park!

Two weekends ago we went to Central Park cause it was peak foliage and it was stunning! I was really impressed with the fall foliage. We have had summer all month of October and with no rain I feel that the leaves are already drying out. They are falling off now but I am so glad we were able to see autumn in New York. It never gets old and we just love coming here when peak hits. I captured a few photos on the lapse app as well as my own. So remind yourself that these scenes from fall in Central Park are a reminder to you to put it on your bucket list and come experience it for yourself. It is gorgeous! And let's not get into the halloween decorations that new Yorker put out! Absolutely perfect!

Same Stoop Six Years Later!

 

We have been "halloween stooping" since moving closer to the city and six years ago I captured Noah walking past the same stoop from six years ago. I can't believe how tall and grown he's gotten. My heart is literally breaking watching him tower me. It's so fun to capture these moments and bittersweet at the same time. Not sure how long we will do these reenactments of old photos but I'll take it as long as he allows me to!

Halloween 2024.

And just like that...October is gone and November arrived like a leer jet. Before welcoming November I'd like to talk a little about October and how trick or treating went this year. First of all, let me mention that this was my first time preparing and handing out candy in about 25 years. All my years I've been taking the kids out trick or treating and mind you I never left a bowl of candy out because in all honestly we lived in an area where we didn't get many trick or treaters and just didn't bother because we weren't going to be home anyway. However, for the first time in the year 2024 I made cute little candy baggies and decorated my tin basket outside and guess how many trick or treaters came? Four! Luckily as I was putting everything inside I saw three more trick or treaters passing my house and gave them bags of candy. I still had at least 20 plus left. Oh well, since Noah didn't go out trick or treating I gave the candy to him and that was how my halloween went. Not sure I will do it again next year as we do live in an area that is near the turnpike where we hardly get trick or treaters but nonetheless I was grateful for those seven humans who came and passed through my space to hand out candy. And although I cried a bit, it was a pretty good feeling when I handed them out. 

Fall In The Hudson Valley.

 

It's peak foliage right now in the Hudson Valley and each year we go to Sleepy Hollow to check out all the sights. We didn't do the whole "touristy" thing because we've gone so many times and it's a good thing because it was so crowded. I swear every year this area gets busier and busier with crowds. I know putting this spot on social media doesn't help. When some big influencer posts about a certain place everyone just has to go there. We've been coming here since Instagram was even a thing and now that I'm getting older it kind of bothers me that these quaint little towns are becoming so popular. Don't get me wrong I love people but not when it's super crowded! We love sleepy hollow and we will still come here but not during halloween season!

Tia Margot.

I've always wondered what my aunt was up to since she left Mcallen and when I googled my aunt's address earlier this year I knew that I had to get in touch with her. I was trying to get a hold of her to let her know about my mom and when I was on my way to see my niece I decided to go see her. See, they both live within 30 minutes of each other and I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone. Even though it took me forever to get a hold of my aunt I knew that I had to keep trying. I finally got a text back from her but it wasn't very sensible. I kept calling her to let her know that her sister (my mom) died but to no avail. She wasn't picking up or answering the texts right away. When we finally arrived I now knew why and I will explain that in a minute. 

A Hike In Bucks County.

Hiking is honestly not one of my favorite things to do but oh how I love basking in nature. Over the summer we went on a hike in Bucks County Pennsylvania and I have to admit it was beautiful. Going hiking at this age proves all too well that I am a city girl through and through but theres something about nature that lives in you. Noah loves to go on hikes and being a Boy Scout has helped him appreciate the outdoors. He loves using his compass to find his way through the woods. Not that we would get lost in a hiking trail but you never know. It's good that he learned how to use a compass and the do's and don'ts of hiking. It was a beautiful warm day and something that I needed to do to feel closer to my mom. She wasn't a hiker either but the fact that I was in one of Gods beautiful creations in the outdoors and being high up helped me to know that she is always looking out for me from above. 

Arthur Ashe Day At The U.S. Open!

Here we are in the middle of the October and although I am enjoying the cooler weather there are days when I miss summer. Particularly because of the U.S. open. It's only here for a short time. Two weeks is never enough to see our favorite players play but we did get to take Noah on Arthur Ashe day. We've been coming here for years since he was about seven and you're never to old to go. We love all the freebies they give. We had such a great time sitting in the stadium watching dude perfect and the legendary Andre Agassi. It was so much fun and a perfect sunny day for it. Last year we got rained on and the crowds were minimal. This year it was super crowded! We had such a fun time and look forward to taking Noah to see a game next year. 

Moments to Live For.

It's been over a little two months since my mom passed away and the one thing I will always remember are the happy moments I shared when we were all together. So grateful that 3/4 of my kids made it to our little gathering and that they were able to help us get through the grief. So thankful for them and for my brother and sister who held it together through this stressful time. We are all built differently when it comes to handling stress and grief and believe me, I'm not that strong and when I'm not it's God's turn. Inside I'm literally screaming but on the outside I'm keeping it sane. I made the choice to do so for the sake of myself and my family. I love the time we all spent together and these will be the moments I will remember the most. 

It's October!

And just like that...it's October. 

It's been a pretty busy first week of October hence not blogging but alas I'm here and am welcoming October with open arms. I love all the "ember" months and look forward to cooler temps, the smell of pumpkin spice, and of course Halloween. Noah is on the fence about dressing up this year and it makes me sad that those years of trick or treating are gone but hopefully he will be in the mood to dress up. I mentioned to him "it's free candy" and he still hasn't budged. I won't force him but it's on October 7th so there's still hope! 

At least he'll still let me take his picture on decorated stoops in the city! And this one on the upper east side is absolutely gorgeous! 

Remembering 9/11

Here we are on the last day of September and want to close the month with a little post in regards to 9/11. 23 years later and it's still gut wrenching to see these tribute lights. We have been going every year since moving to Jersey and every year I become more and more emotional. I blame it on getting older. I blame it on living so close to the city and how life is indeed very short-especially these days. It's bittersweet looking forward to this day as it falls on my birthday month. Paying tribute to those who lost their lives is my priority when the month begins. Sure I look forward to my special day and in doing fun things but what I love the most is remembering. Remembering 9/11 with my family. Remembering the first time I fell in love with New York city when we went for the first time in the year 2000. Remembering the first time we entered those twin towers with my then little family of four. Remembering all those who lost their lives and although it is painful for thousands of families it is also beautiful knowing that they will never be forgotten with these tribute lights. Even in death- this world can truly be beautiful if we view like that. So let us never forget and always remember this day and to continue to teach our posterity all about what happened in one of our favorite cites back on September 11, 2001. 

Apple Picking On My Birthday!

 

Apple picking has been a tradition since Noah was a toddler and so we snuck in some fall fun on my birthday this past week and went to the orchard! Noah was a good sport and with Jon working wanted to make my day fun and so we decided to go apple picking. It was the sweetest most simplest gift and I of course turned it into a mini photo shoot. I love taking pictures and capturing the moments especially with this kid. He's growing up way too fast and so far he has made the time to come with me on little dates. They say that between the ages of 14-18 life gets busy with kids and I have to say that so far it hasn't gotten that way....yet! Noah doesn't pack his schedule with a lot of extra curricular activities and I don't have in multiple sports. He just started high school so I'm hoping that he will learn to find a balance in case he gets even busier as he grows older. I'm sure he will but hopefully the lessons I've taught him about how important sleep, time, and family are that he will make those a priority. The overcast day made it a perfect day to go. I'm so grateful for these moments and hope that we will continue to go on little outings like this as long as he is living under our roof! 

Beach Therapy.

Going to the beach is all kinds of therapy especially when you need to be reminded of how beautiful life can be. It's up to us to choose joy and I choose to be happy. Losing my momma hasn't been the easiest but I'll tell you that it can be a bit tolerable knowing that she is in a better place. I know that she is watching over me in hopes that I know that she's okay. The beach was her favorite and coming here gave me the reassurance that she is. That she is with loved ones catching up and enjoying each others company. I am so grateful for that feeling of peace and although I have days where I break down I know that it'll pass and that I will repeatedly remember her death but also celebrate it in a way where it can be positive and beautiful. 

Sunday Brunch.

Earlier this month we ventured out to the outskirts of Philly and explored Life's Patina Mercantile and & Cafe and it is the cutest shop. We went there for brunch and I had the keesh and Jon and Noah had the pork sandwich. It was delicious and the poppy seed cake was rich and mouth watering. I feel that my sweet tooth is diminishing. I've never had one to begin with but being that it's my birthday month splurged and ate some. I also love their home decor and they have funny birthday cards and fresh flowers. It was a beautiful spot and being away from the city was soothing. I love venturing out in the country every now and then. I love the city but sometimes you just need to getaway. Especially this time of year when the leaves are beginning to change.

I Choose Joy.

Don’t let the smiles fool you behind these photos. Yesterday was my 53rd Birthday and in all honesty it was a pretty hard day. A day of off and on crying-waiting for my mom's yearly phone call to hear her voice on the phone uttering those two words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Asking me “How is your day going?” “Are you doing anything fun today?” Yada yada yada.

Well, I am lucky and I am thankful that I have done fun things during my birthday month, but it’s still hard. The only difference is…is that I choose JOY. I choose JOY to make my days fulfilled and worth living. And that makes a huge difference when a loved one is no longer with you. Especially when it's your momma.

Chicago The Musical!

This past weekend we celebrated by 53rd birthday a little early and all I wanted was to go to the city to catch a broadway show and eat at one of my favorite overrated restaurants with my favorite photo booth! It has become tradition to see a show and since my birthday is on a weekday celebrated this past Saturday. After being on broadway for so many years we finally saw Chicago and it was so good. I was bummed that Alyssa Milano wasn't performing that day due to a stomach virus but hope to see her perform in it before her last performance on November 10th. It was a simple and fun evening. The weather was perfect and it always feels great to be back in my city but at times am grateful to have the opportunity to have both worlds. Living outside the city is a blessing at times because of the hustle but my love for New York will NEVER go away. No matter how noisy it gets I will always come back to her. Anyway, after the show we ate at the smith where I Jon had the yummiest burger and I had pasta with hot fudge brownie sundae for dessert. It was a perfect celebration and so thankful to have a hubby who makes me feel good inside and out! Okay I hope that didn't sound kinky! Y'all know what I mean!

Road Trip to Harmony, Pennsylvania.

On the last day of August we drove to Harmony Pennsylvania where we took in the peace and quiet that nature in the outskirts of Philly has to bring. It definitely felt like fall as we walked and stood looking at the Susquehanna river. Noah and Jon were having too much fun throwing rocks in the water while I gazed and took in all of the greenery surrounding the river. I love it here. It's so peaceful and the perfect getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of all the noise that we are surrounded with. Especially at this time with my mind still in disbelief that my momma is gone. I am doing much better now and know that my mom would want me to enjoy myself and to continue to do the things that she wasn't able to see or do. It's nice to go to places like this where I can stop and pause to think and clear my mind of all the noise in this world. Jon and Noah have been great at making me feel at ease and to remind me that life goes on.

Visiting the priesthood restoration site for the third time is always nice but this time my focus was on my myself and to take in the moments of the quiet. It is a great place to remind me of why I believe in God and in how the book of mormon came about. I will forever be grateful for the peace that it gives me when I am in  possession of it. This area has so much history and is a beautiful place to just walk and enjoy the fall season that is now upon us! 

More photos below...

The Coffee Mugg.

One of the cutest places my sister took me to while in Corpus was a quaint little coffee place called the Coffee Mugg and it is inspired by Harry Potter. I really appreciate the effort this coffee shop put into making it a fun, relaxing place where you can sit and sip on your coffee or hot chocolate. I had to take pictures of it because it's so cute and nostalgic. My entire family are huge Harry Potter fans and being here was a breather and a little get away from our mom while she was at home resting. I highly recommend this place if you're into coffee and even you're not like me it's still a fun joint where you can play chess and just sit and chit chat with your peeps or in this case with my sis.

A Day At The Pool.

I have to admit I felt a little guilty going to the pool after my mom passed away but the weather in Texas was brutal with temps that felt over 100 degrees! Oh how grateful I am for free pools that the city of Corpus Christi provides for everyone. We didn't spend too much time as the water was very warm. It felt like I was taking a warm bath! However, it was nice and I'm glad that we had a little bit of relaxation in the middle of all that was happening such as waiting for my moms ashes, and putting her little apartment in order and so on! This day was good.

Summertime Sadness.

Don't let the smiles fool ya in these photos. This whole summer has been filled with sadness and in all honesty I felt obligated to smile behind the lens. I was worrying to death about my dear mom wondering how much longer she was going to live after I flew back home. Little did I know she would die three days later. I did want to see the ocean before leaving and so my sister took me before I flew out. I call Corpus the "California of Texas" and just love the palm trees. They remind me of my mom when we last took pictures here with her. Bittersweet memories and oh how I do miss her. 

NOLA.

Our little trip to NOLA while on our way to see mom hit differently this time around. The fact that we were passing through this city was not to have fun but to remember. I honest didn't even feel like walking down bourbon street or window shop or see art and culture. And I love art! We did go to Lafayette cemetery and walked around. I love the architecture and the above ground tombstones. For some reason I found it gratifying. I was at peace walking around and admiring the family tombs. Maybe it was because we weren't going to bury my mom because she was going to be cremated. Noah also thought the cemeteries here are pretty cool. It sure was a hot day so we got snow-cones afterward. That is one traditional fun thing we did. 

In Memory Of Mom.

It's been almost a month since my mom passed and i have to admit my momentum in blogging has gone downhill. I honestly don't feel like writing but I know that it helps me when I do. Maybe one of these days I will write about what I remember about my mom and write a longer version of this story. We drove back to Texas to settle mom's things our of her apartment as well as go to the funeral home to have my mom cremated. Those were her wishes and although it was a very stressful day finalizing her final wish and everything that goes when a loved one dies we pressed on and got things done. 3/4 of our kids were there for moral support and to provide me, their aunt and uncle with love and hugs. It was bittersweet having them all here. The reason I say that is because mom passed away a week before we all arrived. She wasn't able to see any of the grandkids but at least they got to face-time her while I was there the first time. I was just so happy that Noah, Hyrum, Lexie and Chelsea were there and that we all arrived safely. 

Rest in Peace Momma...

Yesterday our mom lost her battle with Dementia. There is nothing that prepares you for losing a parent. As she was the only parent I had that raised me. I'm still not quite sure what to write at the moment. There will be no funeral service as she wanted to be cremated. When our kids fly out in August we will have our own little private little ceremony to honor her. We will forever be grateful for the thoughts and prayers that she made it long enough to spend time with me and my sis....but most of all our brother. He definitely was her "little prince." For the prompting that my dear friend Catherine had in flying me ahead of time to spend those final days with my mom. She was definitely waiting for me to see her. Go with your loved ones now momma, and be with you till we meet again.
 

My Final Days With My Momma.

Back in May my mom fell down and broke her shoulder which required for her to have surgery. When she came out of surgery she had no idea where she was. Her caregiver mentioned to her how she was in rehab to recuperate from a broken shoulder in hopes that she can go home within 30 days. After she came home is when the decline began happening...and quick. I couldn't help but to feel helpless here in Jersey while my mom was in the process of healing. It was then that my sister realized she had to move from Florida to be closer to our mom. To help her get settled in and adjust when she got released. All was going well when all of a sudden her momentum was declining.

Yankees!

So far this week temps have been brutal as high as 95 degrees and we have pretty much been staying indoors. However we did go to a yankees game last weekend and even though we went in the evening it was still scorching hot! Humid. We quenched our thirst throughout the entire game and sweated and were totally sticky by the end of the night. Nonetheless we had a good time and even though I'm not a baseball aficionado I love going to the games. It's such a vibe. The crowd, the energy they give when the Yankees are winning. It's the best and I love it! One of these days we will be on the Jumbotron but at least we get to get down with the crowds singing YMCA! 

On The Second Day In June...

We had our first visit to a swimming pool! 

When Lexie and Hyrum got married they were gifted a three night stay at a nearby hotel and it was the best! We got to swim in their pool and were able to get a little tan. It was so nice and I can tell Noah has been going through withdrawal not going to a pool and having his sisters with him made it twice as fun! I love this pool! We miss the heck out of these kids but luckily Noah and I have each other and find fun stuff to do to keep summer busy. Some days we will just stay home and veg out cause it's been too hot, and somedays we will go to the pool! hat we have a nearby pool to swim in! We do miss Jon but luckily we have the weekends with him!

A New Haircut!

After a year of trying to growing out his hair Noah decided, actually we decided to just chop it off and give him a new look. And I think his hair looks great! It looks a lot healthier and cleaner! I don't know why puberty can be so cruel but when he had long hair five years ago it did not look so scraggly and dull. It actually shined and looked healthier! I love how his hair curls and how his new looks a bit like it did when he was six. He still has that baby face too! Love it! Oh son don't you ever grow up! 

Macy's Fireworks At The Jersey City Waterfront!

Celebrating the 4th seemed so different this year. The fact that we are now a trio seems surreal. We have celebrated many a fourth of Julys with the girls and now that they are older, married and my youngest daughter in college they don't get to celebrate certain holidays with us. We kept it pretty simple this year and decided to see the fireworks from Liberty state park. We walked to the Jersey waterfront on the Hudson and the Macy's fireworks were spectacular. I wish the fireworks would have gone a bit higher but it was still a great show! I appreciated them and no matter all the negativity America gets with those who are leading our country I will always be proud to be an American! Happy 4th! Hope y'all had fun celebrating! 

Pool Time!!

July has been brutally hot lately and it's a heat wave like this where I wish we owned a pool. Well, luckily we know people who have a pool because this past week has been brutally hot. We went to a friends pool at their complex and we also have been swimming at a nearby pool as well. On this day we had the whole pool to ourselves! It was so nice and we had fun. Noah continues to learn to be a strong swimmer but he has a long way to go! Nonetheless we have fun without pressuring him to be the best and as long as he completes his swim merit badge before turning 18 that is fine with us! Cheers to July and all the pool dates ahead!

Year 8 Complete!

Ending the month of June with so many lasts with this kid who just completed year 8!! I can't believe my baby boy is growing up and is officially a high schooler! His baby face still shows that he is younger than he looks and maybe that's a good thing but I know that he's going to blossom and grow older throughout his high school years. I have to admit it, his second semester of 8th grade was a bit challenging. I'm telling you that these pandemic kids went through a lot but alas he passed all his classes and he is very well aware that in high school teachers will be more harder and difficult. 

Summer Solstice!

 

Yoga in times square has become a summer solstice tradition and tonight Jon and I did the last class and it was quite a workout! I absolutely love yoga and need to do it more often than once a month! I love how it calms my mind, body and soul. Jon and I both really needed this time tonight for ourselves, for our minds, and our bodies. But most of all for our mental health. Jon loved it so much that he is going to reserve this day for us and take summer solstice off every year. And Noah has agreed to come with us next year too. Chelsea is my yoga girl but she isn't here so of course I dragged Jon along and he was so into it! Cheers to a wonderful summer ahead!

Ranking Up In Scouts!

Working on your eagle is a lot of work and I have seen it firsthand with my son. I feel that if you don’t get things done right away you’re going to get behind and the years fly by so fast that before you know it you either get your eagle or it’s too late. Well, I would hate for my son to be the latter, so luckily Noah has found a way to get ahead and without being rushed and without feeling the need that he’s got to do this because it’s got to be done as opposed to doing it because his dad is an Eagle Scout. 

The Ring Ceremony.

Beautiful bouquet created by Hyrum's sister Rue. She truly does have a talent for making bouquets. Since it was a simple wedding we didn't hire a photographer. Everyone in the wedding party was their own photographer and we all captured a few wedding photos but these are my own. It was such a loving ceremony and Bishop Burns words said to them were so personal and kind. I truly felt a wonderful spirit and know that these two are a perfect match! 

Father's Day 2024!

 

Happy Fathers Day to our number one! Jon is the absolute best and making all of our kids laugh and feel better after they've had a hard day. I love how he lights up our lives and has the best convos with our kids. Particularly this kid who is the only one left in the house! I love how these two have the geekiest conversations about naruto and everything and anything. He truly is the best dad ever! 

Lexie & Hyrum.

 

By the looks of these photos words don't need to be shared but yes my daughter got married two weeks ago. These were taken by yours truly and I had a fun time doing it. Lexie is not one to take photos and is  a very private person which I don't blame her but she didn't mind me sharing a few pics of her and her beloved Hyrum. These were taken at Sayen Gardens the day before their wedding and although it was a very warm day they were good sports in taking pictures. I still can't believe she's married and I'm so happy these two found each other! 

Memorial Day In Essex, CT!

Love how New England coastal towns decorate for Memorial Day. Its so quintessential and aesthetic. It inspires me to move here but I am grateful that we are only a 2. 5 hour drive away from some of the cutest towns in Connecticut. Essex is one of my faves and I captured a lot of red white and blue while we came here. I've explored this town before but not over memorial day weekend. It was quaint and pretty and we had a lovely time taking in the peace and the sounds of the ocean as well! 

Art Omi

 

Fourth time going to Art Omi and the 2.5 hour drive is always worth it and never disappoints. The huge wide open space. The art sculptures. Nature. Serenity. Quiet. Major social distancing. I love it and I'm so glad I found out about this place during the pandemic. There's always new pieces of art on exhibit inside the visitors center and new sculptures displayed outside. It's fun and I'm always in awe looking at them. Reading about them and how the artist depicts it. We all had a nice time going and taking Hyrum for the first time reminded me of when Jon first went. I have to admit I look at the sculpture before reading about it. Jon and Hyrum really delve into the concept and meaning behind the sculpture. They read every detail. I love it! I love that Lexie and I have smart, intellectual men in our lives! I look forward to coming again and bringing more of our kids here!

Nostalgia in Blackwood - 10 Years Later....

It's been more than a minute since I've logged on here. Even though we have a month left of spring it feels as if it's already over. The smell of summer is in the air, and the temps have been warm lately but today it's nice and breezy. The blossoms in the spring are gorgeous but now they have fallen off the trees and have disappeared. Earlier this month I took a drive to my old hood with Noah and couldn't believe how fast time flew having raised this kid here. It's been 10 years since we've seen his childhood train. He loved coming here with his miniature Thomas the train figures pretending to be a conductor. I thought it was a train phase but he is now 14 and still has a love for trains. He was such a cutie. Still is.

Goodbye April, Hello May!

And just like that...March and April have come to an end! The past two months flew by pretty quick. We saw the new Ghostbusters movie, went to a lot of broadway shows, had a simple Easter, and saw general conference. Those two weekends are always my favorite! The cherry bloom festival in D.C. has come and gone. That time of year is a favorite cause of all the cherry trees in bloom along the tidal Basin. 

Our Easter this year was simple and chill without the girls but luckily I was able to still crack cascarones on both Jon and Noah's head! It was funny cause Jon hardly has any hair but Noah has a ton. It has been a very chill time for our little crew here in Jersey and I know my girls have a lot going on in Utah with school ending and all. Now that spring semester is over they can get more sleep and just work their jobs without having to study!

The Outsiders Musical!

 

Last week Noah and I saw The Outsiders musical and it was well done! I'm old school and was looking forward to having it be similar to the movie but they changed a few scenes. It was interesting how they added songs to certain scenes but it was done very tastefully. Noah saw the movie for the first time earlier that day to prepare to see how they would make it into a musical and he was very pleased. We both were. I loved it so much and my 14 year young heart was so happy to see it. It brought back memories from my youth as a kid and how much I felt Ponyboy and Johnny's pain. I still feel it to this day when I see the movie and I felt it that night when I watched the show. Although our lives were similar to a certain extent I am grateful for my outcome to still be here today in my 50's and to have introduced my 14.5 yr old boy to the movie and show.  So if you're ever in NYC...go see it!

An Afternoon At The Washington D.C. Temple.

 

As long as I'm living in the east coast near one of my favorite temples in Washington D.C. I will always be feeling nostalgic. When we first moved here this was the one temple where we the most active in attending and the one temple where we always dragged our kids along since they were single digit ages. I love looking back at old photos and blog posts and having one kid left to take to this temple is bittersweet. Whether Noah fakes it or not or pretends to like coming here to make me happy doesn't matter. Although I believe he really does like coming because of the little pool and the cool auditorium which remind me of a mini conference center. He always has new questions to ask us about the church and the temple and I appreciate his curiosity. He eventually will make his own choice as to continue to attend the temple as he gets older, but whatever his choices are we love him no matter what he thinks of it.  I love that we always have a fun time here. Sure it's a spiritual place but we can always make our own fun by not being so serious all the time. Like President Gordon B. Hinckley one said, "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

Indulge!

 

 

Meeting Valerie Bertinelli was so fun! I grew up watching "One Day At A Time" and thought she was the funniest. I sure do miss 70's and 80's shows. The fact that I grew up liking the same shows as my mom proves all too well that she raised me to watch good prime time television. I miss those simple days of watching tv. Even with the interruption of commercials. I didn't mind that one bit and now we can watch a whole series in one sitting without any interruptions! Those were the days and meeting Ms. Bertinelli brought back all the nostalgia. I'm so excited to try her new cookbook recipes too. Since my husband loves to cook and is the main cook in the home I got it for him as a fathers day gift. I already have a few recipes in mind to try and reading her essays in between are inspiring too! So if you're in the market for a healthy and inspiring cookbook go get Indulge! 

A Special Temple Morning.

 

I hadn't been feeling well all week both mentally and physically. I blame it on the rain that continues to make my bones ache, and joints stiff. I call in stiff aching "boints." But then I look at these two lovely sisters of mine who are in their 70's and think to myself, "if they can wake up with aching knees and drive 45 minutes to Philly to attend the temple, then so can I. I literally just wanted to lay in bed after dropping off my son at school, but said a prayer and just like that...I felt better.

Our Easter.

 

Our Easter Sunday this year was extremely chill. We went to sacrament meeting and listened to talks about the Savior. We came home and since we had leftover cascarones from last year we sneakingly cracked a few on each others heads. It was still fun, but we all felt that it would have been more fun if we had the girls with us. Oh, those were the days when we cracked confetti eggs on our heads, had a big bbq easter dinner and go for a walk in the park! This time we took a drive to the temple in Maryland to take in the spirit of the Lord and reflect on his resurrection. Holy Week is something we always appreciate and try to reflect on those days where he went through so much. I feel that future easters will be very different from now on. Different as in not having huge gatherings, and just focusing on what's important which is Jesus. Especially during Holy Week. Who knows, maybe our gatherings will be big again when we have grandkids! 

Happy Earth Day!

 

Not only is it a week of service but it's also earth day today. Spring is absolutely stunning right now with the tulips in bloom. We went to the D.C. during conference weekend and the blossoms and cherry trees are all in bloom right now. It's too bad it doesn't last very long. The water is still a bit nippy in the mornings and it warms up during the day. We have had quite a bit of rain showers and are expecting more. Luckily the flowers hang on and are still in bloom. I hope that we find the time to serve in the temple and if you can't enter in the temple smiling at a stranger is good enough. And of course-to keep the earth clean and as healthy as possible. I mean, we do what we can to keep the earth alive right? Whether it's cleaning up trash at parks, or picking up someone else's trash on their property or the side of the road. It's pretty simple to keep our earth looking beautiful and I hope it continues to thrive! 

New York In Bloom!

Spring has officially popped up in the city and the blooms are stunning! After watching this show we headed toward Central Park to see if the blossoms have bloomed and they have! It was still a bit chilly over the weekend so we didn't walk for too long but I did capture a few shots of a blossom tree with Noah standing near it. Noah also captured a photo of me with these tulips before crossing the street to the park. Aren't these tulips stunning! So glad spring has arrived so we can enjoy the outdoors instead of being cooped up inside!

The Play That Goes Wrong.

 

After years of hearing Noah talking about the play that goes wrong we finally went to go see it! It was everything I thought it was going to be. British humor and boy do we love a murder mystery! We had so much fun laughing our tushes off. It's always nice to see Noah happy and laughing after a long year of school. Spring break was fun with all the shows we went to and I'm glad that I am able to do this with him. I'm so lucky to still have one kid left at home at my age! I look forward to more dates with my boy before he grows to old and has a girlfriend!

The Who's TOMMY!

 

There's something about the rain that brings us outside and when I saw cheap tickets to go see The Who's Tommy I snagged them. Noah had no idea what the show was about and I figured since he's into rock music and plays the guitar that he would like songs from The Who. And he did! He is familiar with a few and didn't know who the artist was. We loved the show and it was well done! I never saw the one back in the 90's but I'm sure it would have been interesting to see it so I can compare the two. The LED lights and the special effects were amazing! They didn't have those kinds of lights back then. It was a fun and rainy day in the city and I'm so glad I introduced Noah to The Who and saw Tommy! 

Ghostbusters HQ In A Deep Freeze!

We saw the new Ghostbusters movie and it really good. It seemed like a short movie but we enjoyed it. We went to the HQ in the city and saw it all decked out in a deep freeze. It was the coolest installation and so glad we came before they tore it all down. Go and see the movie while it's still in theaters. I love New York and seeing parts of the city where they filmed the movies was pretty cool!