Thankful for Traditions and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Traditions are very special and one tradition that we have had since moving to the east coast has been going to the Macy's thanksgiving parade in NYC. It's hard to believe that I have one kid left in the nest and today was extra special. This kid has been a trooper for the past 12 years waking up every thanksgiving morning at 5-6am just so we can get to the Macy's parade a bit early! I am thankful for all of our blessings and for the day we had. Especially more grateful for my girls who are away for college and live in a state where they have family to spend the holidays with. My heart is full! Happy thanksgiving and stay tuned for more pics! 

Thankful For Novembers.

Can't believe this is the last day of November. Where did the past 11 months go! So much has happened this month. So many memories were made. It's amazing how fast time flies when you love the life you're in. Spending it with loved ones. Even when the season changes time goes by even faster. November was filled with so much goodness. From Noah's 13th birthday, to sticking with tradition by going to the Macy's thanksgiving day parade. 

96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Not sure how many more parades we will attend in person but I'm hoping that we will continue to go even after the kids are grown up! Seeing the parade live in NYC is definitely a once in a lifetime thing to do especially if you are a New Yorker or live in the tristate area. People from all over the world travel to see this iconic event so anyone who lives close to the state of New York you have no excuse! GO! You will have so much fun and feel energized. Going to the parade despite our sleep depravation truly brings us joy and we always have a grand time cheering on those in the parade as well as making new friends along the way. It definitely is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

It's Thanksgiving Week!

Thanksgiving week has arrived here in NYC and we couldn't be more excited. Just looking at Tom Turkey atop the Macy's building in Herald Square definitely gets you in the holiday spirit and we are ready for it. But first, the Thanksgiving parade. We look forward to going and seeing it live. I'm sure the crowds will be crazy this year as opposed to years past but we've been going since 2012 so we are used to the crowds! I am so thankful for the blessing we have to be able to attend such an event and take in all the New York city moments while we are here. We absolutely love the city and cherish every nostalgic minute. Hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving week whether your prepping for Turkey day, traveling or spending it with loved ones. Hope y'all keep it a simple and sweet-chillaxin' thanksgiving day!

Macy's 95th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade!

The Macy's thanksgiving day parade is really fun to experience in person if you are in the city. This was the first time where we actually arrived close to 6am! We live in Jersey so the drive that early in the morning only took us about 45 minutes on the turnpike and it was so nice not having any traffic entering in! I recommend watching it down 6th avenue near radio city. Central Park west is a nice spot but in all honesty being near the park where the sun hits pictures may not look so great. So when you have a tall building like Radio City Music Hall blocking the sun you're photos will most likely won't have any sun spots and what not. But if you're not photographer and just want to sit and watch the parade then by all means you can go to any spot where the balloons will be passing!

"Give, Love, Believe" Theme At Macy's In NYC.

Thanksgiving was very different this year. Due to the pandemic this was the first time in years that the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade was televised with no spectators. We watched it on the telly and in all honesty wasn't too thrilled with the results but we understand why. There wasn't very many balloons but the new ones that came out like Boss baby and the artist Kusama's octopus balloon was pretty cool. Still...watching it from home was making me miss it big time but we are thankful to have been present at past parades and to have been at home safe watching it on the television. We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with all the mixings and great company. We are so thankful for the blessings we have received this year so far with being spared from covid and to be safe in the comforts of our home. The #givethanks campaign really put my life into perspective on expressing more gratitude. Really grateful that President Nelson challenged us to give thanks. It truly does wonders when you either write in your journal about all the things your thankful or expressing it online. It was the best healing gift he could offer to everyone in the world especially with all that's happening right now.

Now that Thanksgiving has past and the Christmas season is here we are looking forward to Christmas in the city. We love exploring all things Christmasy in the city and the GIVE, LOVE, BELIEVE theme for this year's Macy's holiday display is so fitting for this year. So let's continue to "Give, Love, and Believe!

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. 

For Sierra & Lexie.

"Give them wings to fly. Roots to come home. And reasons to stay." I love that saying. It is something I hope for every time I talk to my older daughters whenever they plan on visiting, or coming home for breaks from school. Hoping that they love coming home no matter what. Having two adult daughters is bittersweet. Bitter because I wish they were closer to home, and sweet because they are away from familiar territory where they are growing, and learning new things all while being challenged with the ways of the world. 

For Tradition & Happy Thanksgiving!

This time of year is filled with traditions, and I love that we have created some of our own with our family. In our third year of living in Jersey we decided to "not cook" on Thanksgiving, and to go to the parade in NYC instead. I honestly don't know how long we will continue to go to the annual Macy's Thanksgiving day parade, but we've been going for the past five years or so, and it never gets old! 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade '17!

I can't believe another Thanksgiving has passed us by, and that this was our fifth year going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. We braved the cold temperatures this year (last year it was in the 50's) and stood for about an hour, and a half until the parade got to our part of Manhattan. We stood right smack in front of Radio city Music hall, and had a pretty good view of the floats. People are always kind to let Chelsea and Noah stand front and center of the parade. They had a clear view of all the floats, and people walking in the parade. It was nothing but magical, and fun. 

Happy Thanksgiving From Us!

I don't do the whole "days for what I'm thankful for on a daily basis, but I'd like to take this moment to pause and reflect on all the beautiful things I am thankful for combined in a nutshell. For the blessings that I continue to receive in my life. It's not always perfect, in fact it's never perfect, but because of these five lovely people my determination and motivation to continue to endure in all things always become greater, and stronger.

Friends-giving.

I was so excited when my friend Suzie texted me and asked us to have thanksgiving dinner with her family, and our new friend Beena. I have known this woman for eight years, and have turned down some of her invites in the past, but there was no way I was going to turn down this one! 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade '16.

Five years ago we began the tradition of going to the Macy's thanksgiving parade in New York, and every time we go there's always a new float, and balloons. The kids are fascinated by the balloons, and waking up at 5:30 in the morning to get a good spot is no easy feat, but because we've been going to the parade for so many years has made the kids get out of bed a bit easier. 

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Little Pilgrim!

I read somewhere that "gratitude turns what we have, into enough." I can't even begin to express how true that statement is. As much as I have complained about the goings on in my life with my kids, and just the daily mundane, I have to seriously stop to think, look around, and recognize at all the things that are right in front of me and just be grateful for them. 

T H A N K F U L !

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

Thanksgiving Day 2015.

This is the second year in a row where we didn't do a thanksgiving dinner. The fact that we have no immediate family around gives us an excuse not to cook, and venture out to the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, and to spend the entire day in the city. Our kids have enjoyed going to the parade since the first time we went three years ago. I'm not sure we've made this a permanent tradition because there are years when I would love to invite a family, or someone who's on the same boat as us with no family around over for dinner. I know how it feels to be without, and to eat alone around the holidays. Those were the years when I was a young single adult, but now that I'm married with children I don't mind having our own little gathering, and just doing our own thing. We are that bonded as a family. Still...one of these years I would like to invite someone over who may be feeling alone on the holidays. Time will tell, but the kids are totally hooked on going to the parade every year, and in all honesty I can't say no to them because Jon and I both love going too!  

Lexie loves to see the marching bands that are performing, and of course Noah and Chelsea look forward to seeing which cartoon characters will be floating around Manhattan. There's something about seeing it live, and taking in all the excitement from the crowd. We always end up making new friends when we go. It's interesting to know how far families, and people travel just to see the parade. When I tell them we live in Jersey they say how lucky we are to live so close to New York, and to be able to expose our kids to diversity, and culture. I have to agree with them. As a youth I didn't go anywhere, or experienced any real family outings. I feel so fortunate to be able to do that with my kids, and no matter how old they get we will continue to explore with them. 

When Sierra saw my snapchat and saw that we went to the city she truly missed it, and misses hanging out with us. We face timed as soon as we got home, and we all talked about our thanksgiving day. I'm so glad she is with family, and that she's always had a nice holiday since she moved out west for school. Truly grateful for my in laws to take her in, and treat her like their own. The fact that my mother-in-law raised four boys, and one girl makes her extremely happy to have another girl in the house. We sure do miss her, but know that she is where she should be, and luckily she has time off from work so she can come out and visit us during the holidays as well as after the new year before she leaves for her mission. 

The weather was a perfect 61 degrees, and we stood comfortably warm among the crowd. Last year it was freezing, and towards the end of the parade snow flurries began to fall. So this time around we took our time, and walked around the city to window shop, and see all the decorations that surrounded fifth avenue, Radio City, and Rockefeller Center. 

Here are a few photos from the parade leading up to the end of the day...

This year they had scrat, and his acorn. The kids love the movie Ice Age so seeing this balloon was a real treat for them! 

I didn't take too many photos because I wanted to notice, and take in the feelings of the parade, and the city. If you take a gander at this post, you'll see how I captured so many photos of the parade. It was our first time taking my dear friend Maggie so it was mandatory to take all those photos! 

After it was over we walked towards fifth avenue, and saw the tree at Rockefeller Center. Super huge, and looks so dull when it's not lit! I just love the decorations they put out there. 

^^^ The angels and the tree in the background make a perfect backdrop for a perfect photo. As you can see there was room for my Sierra had she been here! ^^^ 

^^ When in New York it is a must that Noah eats a hot dog, and a pretzel. This kid just loves new york dogs, and pretzels. I have to say I don't blame him. They truly taste better than your regular store bought dogs. That and the pizza alone are the most delicious here compared to anywhere else! ^^^

^^^ Noah just strutting in the middle of the street after the parade. ^^^ 

We couldn't leave the city without venturing out to Central park.

The granite slide has become the kids favorite attraction, and if you look at this video you'll see why!  We could have stayed here for hours, and the kids could have played for days, but darkness was falling, and it was time to go home and have some grub. 

It was such a beautiful day, and as much as I complain about the little things, I am well aware of how much to be grateful for, and strive to find joy in the beauty in all things. 

So grateful for this day, and to be surrounded with my favorite people. I sure do love my family so, so much. I wish we could have more days like this like before the kids grew up! Spending it with them 24/7, but now the kids are no longer little. That is except for Noah & Chelsea. They grow up, get busy with school, and eventually move on their own, but luckily we have technology to stay in touch. I cherish these moments whether my kids are six, or 20! I count my blessings every single day, and I truly love my life. 

No matter the ups, and downs, I truly love my life! 

Whether or not y'all celebrate Thanksgiving I hope it was a great day for you, and that you are ready to kick off the holiday season! 

Thankful For Our Bounty.

There's so much to be thankful for in remembering the history of thanksgiving when the pilgrims and the Indians joined in unison to share their bounties. That is is what this season is all about. To give and to share, and attending Noah's thanksgiving feast this year was the perfect setting to witness both of those things. The kids were all dressed as pilgrims, and indians, and the kids were so excited to have their parents join in to share with them this wonderful food!

Noah was a pilgrim and I loved his little costume. The kids did a good job in making their hats, and jackets out of construction paper. I love seeing him interacting with his friends, and how they all get along. Their teacher call these three the three musketeers, and I just love their enthusiasm...especially when I tell them I want to take a picture! Silly boys!

It was such a treat to have been able to be a part of this special time in his life where he is learning all about the purpose of Thanksgiving, and extremely thankful for this time that I had to spend with my boy. I didn't have any kind of feast with my two older daughters at their schools when they were younger, and because Noah was two weeks old when Chelsea had her feast I wasn't able to attend. So being here with him, and looking at the big smile on his face made my day, and made me appreciate all that I have been blessed with. All while enjoying a delicious meal with other adults!

Here's wishing y'all a beautiful day in this season of giving! 

Our Thankful Tree.

When i first got on pinterest and found pins on thankful trees  I knew that I had to get on the wagon, and start one the following year. Thing is I didn't. Time rushes by so quickly and before you know it you are in the middle of November, and decide not to do it because it's too late. Well, it's never too late. I found an artificial tree branch at Michael's craft store, grabbed one of my vases where beautiful flowers once dwelled in, poured in a bunch of pinto beans, wrapped a fallish looking ribbon around it, grabbed a few leaves from the dollar store, and voila...we have a thankful tree. 

The kids have been going to town writing down the things they are thankful for, and to see Noah wanting to be the first one to do it, he write what he's thankful for, and put it on the tree on his own brings a huge smile on my face. He's so giddy, and wants to put another one on. I explained to him the purpose of having a thankful tree, and what it's all about. I told him how there are people in the world who don't have the things we have such as toys, running water, food to eat, a ball to play with, or even a blanket to warm our bodies. Even though he's still young, and doesn't fully understand, but I think he gets the gist of it. 

Having a thankful tree does help our children realize how much they have to be grateful for. I know for me, writing it down whether it's on a sticky note, or a leaf helps me to ponder on that things that I wrote. It's a great way to also leave the house being more kind, and humble filling ourselves with gratitude instead of selfishness, and sadness. 

Thankful trees are a great idea, and I'm so glad I started this tradition. So whether you already started one in the beginning of November, or now, it's never too late to begin. You can also go well into December because there is even so much more to be grateful for.  

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2014.

I love, love the holidays and I'm so grateful that we survived yet another holiday. This Thanksgiving turned out to be perfect in every way. We may not have cooked, had major family over, or prepared huge dishes, but spending it with one of my dear friends including my sweet family in New York City was perfection.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have been feeling a bit nostalgic while posting a couple of "say thanks" videos that Facebook has allowed us to make. Truth is it's making me miss my family even more, but isn't that what the holidays are all about? To think about our family and friends, and focus on all the precious memories we've had then...and now. To remember all the good times, and focus on the positive instead of the negative. To reminisce and laugh about times of old. But most of all to focus on our blessings. Sure some families may argue during the holidays, and sometimes it's best if they keep their distance, but truth is that I long for all my family to get together. Call it a misfortune, but the fact that we are all so spread out all over the united states map really bites! Most of my family live in Texas, and Florida and one of these days we are going to make a trip out again to those states for a visit! My oldest daughter is out west and has been aways from us all year long, and is finally coming home for Christmas! I am so excited, and boy have we missed her. Even though we have adjusted to her being gone there are moments when Lexie will do something that is so Sierra, and I begin to cry. It does get easier as time goes by, and as long as we text/call each other at least twice a week all is well. 

Besides my immediate family my mom and my sister are the closest human beings to me. They are all the way in Texas, and I hope that one day we can all take another picture of four generations. I have a wonderful second cousin who is literally like an aunt to me who lives in Las Vegas, and I sure do miss our quarterly visits there when we lived in Utah. All these memories are so beautiful and fresh in my mind as if it was yesterday.

Distance truly makes the heart grow fonder, and even though we are so spread out my attempt in keeping constant contact, and that communication open is so precious to me. I never want to lose sight of what's important in this world, and besides having the good Lord in my life, family will always be my number one. 

I am extremely grateful for the teachings of this gospel that has given me the capacity to love unconditionally, and accept everyone no matter who they are. It has taught me to serve, and to always strive to be like the Savior. I'll never reach perfection, but knowing that I have the man upstairs looking down on me rooting for me to do better brings me peace. I know this because I believe. His example of strength helps me to let the little trials in my life that seem big...look small, and always focusing on the positive side of things makes life so much easier, and I am thankful. All together my family is my rock, and my children are the glue that keep me going. Their example of tolerance, and strength especially when they go through a trial (and believe me they have gone through some pretty hefty ones) helps me see that if they can survive anything harsh in this day and age... I can too.

For almost 20 years my husband who literally is my best friend has been there for me through good times and bad. He is my perfect example of unconditional love, and patience (he married me right?) haha! My friends near and far who let me know via text, fb, and snail mail that they are thinking of me. I am so lucky to live in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood with incredible neighbors who know us, and accept us for who we are. I can always depend on them for a cup of sugar, a ride when my car has been out of commission, an egg, or a muffin pan (and then end up giving me the muffin pan!) The past six years of living in this borough has brought us nothing but good luck, and we have been so blessed! 

Life is beautiful, and we continue to make it that way in spite of all the trials and mishaps that seem to slap us in the face every now and then. There will always be opposition in every beautiful thing that is put on our path, and it is up to us to continue to keep that beauty within our soul, to choose all that is good, and always cast our eyes on the things that bring us joy.

Thanksgiving gives us the chance to express our gratitude, focus on our blessings, and as much as I complain, and my imperfections continue to be imperfect, I know that I am loved not only by family, but by a perfect being who loves us all no matter who we are. 

Here's wishing everyone who is cooking, hosting, traveling, or even working the happiest of Thanksgiving. 

And like my friend Ruth says...

"As you sit down to dinner with your family and friends, don't forget to send some positive energy into the universe for those who need a little TLC this holiday season."

And I know there are so many of us out there who can really use it! 

Happy Thanksgiving my friends!