For The Beauty of The Temple.

Going to the temple even if it's to walk the temple grounds is peaceful especially in the summer time with all the colorful flowers. I don't know what heaven would be like but I can only imagine it will be surrounded by beauty and cleanliness. 

While on our trip to Palmyra we stopped by the temple and we walked all around it.The flowers that surround this small building were bright in color. We could have just sat here all day and just gazed at the sun. Pondering our heaviest thoughts and imagining what it would be like to be together forever. No matter what annoyances and disagreements we bring in a family we know that at the end of the day we can choose to overcome, find a resolve and be happy. Find joy if you will and learn from the lessons that might have been trying that day. To not stress over the little things that we have no control of. God will not judge us because He knows us. And He also wants us to see those small miracles that are waiting to happen to us. 

After a year of the temples being close due to the pandemic I am so happy that they are now open for us to attend to gain and feel that peace again. I only hope that they won't shut down again because of the surge of the delta variant virus again. And if they do, we can always just go anyway and walk the temple grounds just like we did on this day.

Peter Whitmer Farm.

Going to the Peter Whitmer farm is another great reminder of how The Church of Jesus Christ started. It was where the church was first organized and where they first held church service with like eight people. It's also nostalgic for me to go to historical log cabin homes like this and like the the Joseph Smith log home, reminds me of my childhood. Not necessarily how the house looks but the fact that it was small and simple. I love it and I love the feeling that it brings as we tour and walk around through and around it. Although these kids are all about the city they also find solace in visiting places like this.

Joseph Smith Log Cabin.

I literally grew up in a house this size except it was one story with three rooms. Our shower & bathroom we’re outside. I never complained of our living conditions as a child but as I grew older in my teens was embarrassed to show my friends where I lived. Eventually I learned not to care and to appreciate the fact that I at least had a roof over my head. 

I’m always in awe when I come to Palmyra and see the little house Joseph Smith grew up in. As I walk in I am reminded of the necessities we need. And we never need a lot. Just enough to make our house a home. A bed, clothes, blankets, kitchen with simple gadgets to cook meals with. 

I’m grateful for the house we have now and that it’s not gigantic, but roomy enough to fit my family and the things we need. 

And to have a yard is pretty dreamy. It helps put our kids to work and to get their hands dirty, and keep up with the yard and garden. This is how we grow up & learn and to be humble and thankful in appreciating all that we have. 

Because Joseph Smith & his family did just that. 

Atop The Hill Cumorah in 2021.

We've been home for almost two weeks from our little getaway trip to Palmyra and already missing it! I love upstate New York and the quietness that it brings. As much as I love living near the city and in a borough that has a lot of action, every now and then I long for that stillness of nature of peace and tranquility and going to Palmyra to see the church history sites does it for me. Some may not think that's boring (especially if you're not into Jesus) but as for and my family we love coming here so for the next few days I will be documenting about the places we went to and our little adventures. A lot has changed since the pageant was permanently canceled but we still love coming up here to remember it all. Those little reminders of what happened here years agohstrengthen us and build our love for the Savior even more. 

Peter Whitmer Farm & Palmyra Temple: Summer 2020

Such a peaceful trip this was being isolated from people. Not that we don't mind crowds but this trip was completely different. Empty parking lots. Empty temple grounds. No cars. I didn't see the need to wear our masks throughout our time in Palmyra while looking at the sites. Although we are used to wearing them the entire time I have to be honest. It was nice not wearing them being that the temps were in the 90's. Sure it cools down in the late afternoon but during the day it was pretty hot. I captured a few moments with the kids at the temple and Noah roaming free around this reconstructed log house at the Peter Whitmer farm. He had the time of his life being that there were no tours going on. He just ran amuck like a little pioneer kid from the 1800's picking up sticks and rocks. It was simplicity at its best and I loved every minute of this trip. If we could only live simply like the pioneers did back in the day. How nice it would be!

Hill Cumorah & The Sacred Grove: Summer In Palmyra 2020

The Hill Cumorah pageant may have been cancelled this year due to Covid-19 but tradition is tradition and we still made the trip up here. We absolutely love this place with or without crowds and as you can see by the photos on the hill cumorah there was like zero people! This was definitely the place for social distancing and to take in the peace and joy that these historical sites give. I am so glad we made the 4.5 hour drive up year. It is soooooo worth the drive to feel all the vibes that these places give especially in their 200th year! What a blessing it is to be here and to continue this tradition with our two youngest children who on their own motive love to come here. I honestly think they enjoy this trip  because we always grab some lunch at Mark's pizzeria and eat dinner at Tom Wahl's burgers. Oh, and staying at The Palmyra Inn is always their favorite part of this trip! I captured a few photos atop from the hill cumorah as well as the The Sacred Grove. We probably saw five people which were all missionaries from the church in the grove but it was so nice to have some major quiet time to ponder all that happened here 200 years ago! Such special places! 

Hill Cumorah Pageant 2019.

For the past ten years since moving to the east our family has watched the Hill Cumorah pageant. As much as we love the story, and the message behind the Book of Mormon the pageant food is good too! My kids love the pageant potatoes, and walking around before the pageant starts to go on a prophet hunt. The pageant is a must-see performance that will incredibly touch the core of your heart, and I recommend coming to watch it in their final year which will be in 2020. 

Church History Sites In Palmyra, New York.

For those of you who have known us for the past ten years know how much we love going to Palmyra to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant, and all the historic sites in the area. It is what makes our summer, and helps us to overcome the world. We love the peaceful feeling we receive while walking inside the sacred grove, and for once to pretend that life is absolutely perfect! It is the place where one can go to feel peace, and joy. There is no place I'd rather be than with my family while exploring this wonderful place, and to know that it all started here. 

A Few Snippets From Our Weekend In Palmyra.

Growing up I didn't attend church too much and if I did it was because my mother told me to. She said it was good for the soul, and that it would make me a better person. She said it was one way to know Jesus, and make friends. I remember going to CCD classes only because my friends were going. Even though my heart wasn't completely into the whole church thing, she was right about one thing...making friends. And ever since I joined the LDS church I've always managed to make friends where ever I go. 

Reflecting back on our weekend in Palmyra was awesome y'all. Every time we come here it gets better and better. The choices I make in having a good time, continuing to believe, and having my testimony strengthened by this wonderful place is refreshing! And when you have friends you can visit with who allow you stay with them is a blessing, and that adds extra icing to the cake. 

I wish we would have spent more time here with Jacob & Emily, but the weekends seem to get shorter, and shorter! They have the coolest farmhouse with lots of  land, goats, and chickens. Makes me want to seriously think about moving up here, and join in on having a farm life. Although Jersey is home for now there are some days where we just need to get away. Where we need to escape the "city life" and venture out to a place where we can catch our breath. Where the kids can actually run around, interact with country folk, and experience attending another ward. When I asked the girls if they wanted to stay for the remaining two hours of church they both willingly said yes, and my heart swelled! Even Noah...he was a bit fussy in the beginning, but knowing that Emily was a familiar face in the Primary eased his mind, and from what she said did very well. He even looked content after classes were done. I personally was thinking of leaving right after sacrament meeting so that we can have more time to visit the sacred grove again, but ended up staying for the remaining two hours and I'm so glad I did. I love meeting new sisters and feeling a different kind of love from them. They don't know me, and I don't know them, but for that one hour of being in Relief Society I immediately felt as if I was part of their family. They were extremely welcoming, and I'll tell ya when you participate, and comment during the lesson they love you more! Listening to the girls wanting to stay and go to Primary and Young women classes on their own motive tells me that this is where they wanted to be. And that they also continue to believe. 

We may not have had enough time to visit with our friends, but attending church with them was so nice...so nice! I sure love their family, and I'm so grateful for their hospitality! 

This will be my last post from our weekend in Palmyra, and I now leave you with a few snippets from that weekend...

 ^^^ Eating ice cream at Chill and Grill because this is where it's at! ^^^

^^^ Colossal size banana split! Shared it with Lexie because I just couldn't finish it! ^^^

^^^ Colossal ice cream cones the first time around. ^^^

 ^^^ Fun pictures taken inside the Sacred Grove because there are times when you just can't take life to seriously. ^^^

^^^ Sisterly love. I hope that when they are in their 20's they'll look back at this pic and say to each other, "Those were the best of times sis!" ^^^

And another picture for our posterity. Going to the temple on a road trip is a must! Whenever we are on a road trip, and there's a temple nearby it's mandatory that we attend. It truly helps with my patience on the drive back...especially when you have two young ones who constantly pick at each other. 

Hope your summer weekends thus far have been memorable, and fun! 

**You can see other highlights of the pageant, the sacred grove, and the temple here, here, and here. 

Happy Monday! 

The Sacred Grove

One cannot leave the town of Palmyra without walking inside the Sacred Grove. The Sacred Grove is where it all started. Where a young 14 year old boy knelt down to pray to God to ask which church he should attend. And then all of a sudden a bright light appeared in the sky and then God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ appeared to him, and answered his question! They both answered to him, "none." They told him that he was the chosen one. The one to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His true church upon this earth which I am now a member of. 

I know. 

At first I couldn't believe it myself, but when the missionaries were teaching me about the Joseph Smith story I felt my heart beating a million miles a minute, and I knew it was true. 

And I know it to be even more true now. 

Every year when my family and I go the Pageant the sacred Grove is the number one place we run (not walk) to. You'd think it be the temple, and that's super important too, but the the Sacred Grove is a place where you are surrounded by nature, and the fact that this is where the beginning of something great happened makes the spirit even stronger. Our family loves it, and I know that the Sacred Grove is another place where you can feel peace, and be in tune with the spirit. 

After all...this is where it all started. 
The kids were super excited to walk through it yet again. We walked through on Saturday during the day, and then again on Sunday before we headed out. It rained on Sunday, and regardless of the muddy trail we walked through the entire grove. I wasn't thinking of how muddy my shoes were getting. All I was thinking about was what a beautiful place this is, and how it never changes, and the feeling that I get is always different. I can understand why anyone would want to come here to pray, and receive revelation for themselves. 

There are some days where I wonder why the Lord chose to appear to a 14 year old boy, but then I look at Lexie who is 14 at the moment, and am amazed at her maturity. Joseph Smith sure must have been a mature 14 year old boy at that time for Heavenly Father to appear to him, and put a major responsibility on him where it would change the world. 

And it has.  It truly changed mine! 

There are days when I wish I could live in this part of the country so that I can come here seeking answers to prayers, and do my visiting teaching. Attend the church at the Peter Whitmer farm,or Palmyra ward, and make a whole new group of friends both young, and old. This whole area would be a wonderful place to serve a mission, and when our kids are grown, married, and completely on their own, Jon & I would love serve a mission here!

It truly is a wonderful place to visit, see all the sites, and if you want to learn more about LDS church history this is one of the places to come. Every time we come here we always feel leaving with a unique strength that helps us endure life no matter what challenges come our way with a sense of peace. It's easy to forget the things of the world & all the silliness & drama that comes with it when you come here. It is a great reminder of my conversion, and why I believe in it so strongly! 

Everyday is a new day to do better. 
And now I leave you with my testimony...

^^^I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he restored the gospel on this earth for us to have. Prophets have been around for years, and having one today to lead and guide us is a blessing...a huge blessing! I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It definitely is another testament of Jesus Christ, and along with the bible they are two of the best books ever written. I know this because I've felt it through reading it! I am thankful for the temples that are built upon this earth, and know that as long as I strive to live a good life in being an obedient daughter of God that I will be with them forever, and reign with Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ for all eternity. ^^^

Have a wonderful weekend! 

The Hill Cumorah Pageant

The Hill Cumorah Pageant is an amazing theatrical production which describes the origins of The Book of Mormon, and our basic beliefs. Since we moved to the east coast we've made it a tradition to attend every summer. Here are a few photographs with depictions from each picture.

Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist in Nephi's dream.

Lehi's dream of the tree of life.

The prophet Abinadi brought before wicked King Noah.

Jesus appearing to the Nephites & Lamanites in America.

Jesus teaching the children.

 Every year Chelsea always looks forward in searching the prophets, and has to be photographed with them...

Here she is with Abinadi (and his wife.)

 Joseph Smith with nephite warriors.

Lehi and Nephi are her favorites!

It was interesting to have seen some of the same members play different characters. Last year this gentleman was Samuel and this year he played Moroni. It was funny how he was in character because last year when he played Samuel he was so sweet. This year his countenance seemed more strict. I didn't take it personally because I knew he was in character (Moroni was a warrior, hence being a strict prophet.) He was impressed that I recognized him from the year before.

                                    Moroni~2011                                               Samuel~ 2010

Because of different scenes and immediate acting, there are multiple characters of the same prophet in the pageant. Here is the second Moroni. 

LAMAN!

I had to have King Noah hold my Noah in this picture. My Noah seemed okay being held by him. 

This is a sweet family I met as we were entering in. Laurie and her children (her hubby was greeting others on the other side.) They are from the Tricities in Washington. It's interesting to meet all these members who participate in this pageant at their own cost! We hope to someday have that opportunity...if Jon can take off work for three weeks in a row!

I accidentally bumped into this sweet girl, and for some reason I felt prompted to stop and ask her what character she was playing. I was with Sierra and it was funny to look at the both of them. They kept looking at each other as if they knew one another. Sure enough they did. Sierra met Hannah at the Boston temple this past Spring break. They were both doing baptisms for the dead, and didn't have a chance to talk. Hannah was with her youth group from New Hampshire and Sierra was with her dad. They made sure that evening to exchange information so they can keep in touch. 

It sure is a small world.

 We count our blessings and give thanks each year that we made it to the pageant again. It never gets repetitious for us. Our kids really enjoy this tradition, and pray we will always be able to go. We can watch it over and over again. If you haven't had the opportunity and don't live on the east coast, start saving your pennies! This is a must see production...and it's FREE!

*Awesome pictures taken by my talented hubby!