A Snowy Weekend In Boston.

Enjoyed a little bit of snow this past weekend in Boston and it honestly felt surreal to be surrounded by it. Winter this year in Jersey has been long and dreary and being surrounded by snow in Boston was just what we needed. I think we all got our snow fix and to be honest are ready for spring! Not sure if we will get any more snow in our neck of the woods but if we do I'm sure it'll be a dusting and that it'll all be gone by noon! Oh, and guess what? We woke up to some snow this morning and it was definitely gone by noon! Crazy weather we've been having but I am enjoying the sunshine and 40 degree temps especially in the winter time! Now for some photos live from Acorn street...

Inspirational Thought.

Rushing and a tight time table do not equal happy moms or happy babies or happy toddlers. 
Settle in. 

Settle in at home with your role as a mother, 

embrace it fully and trust that the time you give these years-if you give your children your attention, 
and structure and find ways to enjoy your days at home, 

it will all pay off. 

-unknown

Come, Listen To A Prophet's Voice.

In April 2011 Jeffrey R. Holland said, "As our conference comes to a close, I ask you to reflect in the days ahead not only on messages you have heard, but also on the unique phenomenon that general conference itself is-what we as Latter-day Saints believe such conferences to be and what we invite the world to hear and observe about them. We testify to every nation, kinder, tongue, and people that God not only lives but also that He speaks, that of our time and in our day the counsel you have heard is, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, "the will of the Lord, the word of the Lord, the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."

Boston Temple On Labor Day.

One way to end summer on a good note, and have the kids transition easily into a new school year is by attending the temple. The temple is an important tool in my life that I use to have peace, and sanity! Especially with these kids growing up, and with the way the world is changing. Although there are amazing things happening in times of trouble, and catastrophe we still need some inner peace in our life to function, and be able to do the things all in the name of service. The girls have come to really, really love the temple, and Chelsea is excited to have gone to four different temples since she turned 12 earlier this year.She's beginning to feel the difference in her life when she waits too long to go.

A Few Photos & A Little Video of Noah In New England.

We spent Labor Day weekend traveling all over New England. One thing about our trips is that if there is a temple you better believe we are going to stop by even when it's closed at night. We first stopped at the Hartford temple to take a quick look, and parked for a minute to reflect on the beauty, and the peace that these buildings bring. We continued to drive until we arrived to our somewhat final destination in Boston, and found a hotel to stay in about 25 minutes from the temple. Noah has become pretty obsessed with the temple, and every time we tell him about a certain place we are going to he'll ask if there's a temple, and if so can we can stop by. 

just the two of us.

So I tried to get Noah enrolled in the same preschool program as Chelsea was in when she was four. It would have been perfect because they would both be attending the same elementary school except...Noah won't turn four until November. 

And I wasn't disappointed. 

As a matter of fact I took it as a sign. A sign pointing out to me that I need to continue to stay home to raise this little boy. To be with him every hour of each day nurturing him, playing trains, and building legos with him, watching cartoons with him, taking him to the playground, and cuddling with him on the couch while watching one of my 'happy movies'. 

Making his oatmeal for breakfast, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (or corn dogs) for lunch. Reading with him, coloring with him, playing chutes and ladders with him, and maybe even squeeze in a nap or two (if he'll still take them) with him. 

I want to take him out to explore new places in our part of the world in our own backyard. I want to teach him to ride a bike, and not just a tricycle, but a big boy bike. And when autumn leaves begin to fall to the ground I want to take him on walks to see the beautiful colored leaves just like we did last year. 

It is a choice that I am making to stay home with him, and the best one! I love this boy, and he is my world. Especially when I have him all to myself.  

Time flies when you are a parent in your forties, and having a toddler running around only makes it pass by quicker. I want to make our years count together while he is still young at heart. While I can still hear his sweet little voice telling me "I love you mommy" in the cutest most tasteful Jersey accent.

He is my tiny friend who will always love me unconditionally, and give me hugs and kisses when I need them. 

And I know that I'm going to need a lot of those in the days to come. 

Nostalgic Temple Trips

Yesterday the youth of our church attended the temple in D.C. to do baptisms for the dead. When my daughter returned from the temple she shared with me a spiritual experience that she had while in the temple. While in the dressing room she noticed a sister who was speaking in spanish asking questions to other sisters, and no one was helpful in understanding her. Sierra felt inspired to reach out to her, and help her through her translation, but was nervous in doing so...her spanish isn't as strong.

Downtown Boston & the Temple

On the last day of our spring break we made sure we put time in to attend the temple in Boston. We are a family that likes to have fun, but if there is a temple close by we make sure we make equal time for the Lord. My husband and I went on Friday evening and Sierra and her dad went on Saturday morning.

After Sierra and her dad attended the temple I asked her how it was. They combined together with a youth group from Vermont. Apparently the youth up here attend the temple regularly. Sierra had mentioned sitting next to a 13 year old girl and asked her how often they come. She said ONCE A MONTH. Sierra was impressed with the youth and the fact that they drive three hours to come once a month. Wow! 

No matter our circumstances, I know that Heavenly Father will allow us to get to the temple no matter what. We attend the Washington D.C. temple which is about two and a half hours away and the youth in our area don't attend as much as I would like, hence taking our family to the temple on our own when it is feasible. I know that it is important, especially in these days of living in a world where there is a lot for the youth to fight against. Attending the temple is our shield and strength to overcome all adversity and to be better. We attend the temple as much as we can, and as a family we leave feeling closer than ever before!

And the feeling to know that we have done service to those who have passed on...is worth driving any distance to any temple in the world!

Like I said before we are a family that likes to have fun.

On our last day of the break we also went downtown to Boston Commons where there is a lot of history and the freedom trail. We didn't get to walk the freedom trail because it was under construction, and blocked off. It seems as if they are building a monument or something. Hopefully it'll be complete next time we visit so that we can walk the trail. 

We had the kids ride on the carousel and they had fun.

Noah was a little nervous as the carousel began to move, and when the animal started moving up and down he began to freak out a bit. After a few seconds he was calm and began to enjoy the ride. Phew! 

Before the six hour drive home we had the kids run amok around the park. 

It was a perfect weekend with beautiful weather. We love visiting New England. Until next time.

*Ever been to Boston?

*What things do you like to do as a family during Spring Break?