Rocky on Broadway, & Jewish food.

I can't believe how quickly May has arrived. Last fall I purchased a ticket for our yearly New York trip to help raise funds for cancer research. Now... if you read my blog, and are my Facebook friend y'all know how much New york has my heart, and how much we go! Reasons for this specific trip and going at this specific time of the year is dear to my heart, and it's all for a good cause. I'm grateful to be a part of this group, and to know that if I can't buzz my entire head like my daughter did recently to help raise funds for pediatric cancer that I can do something else for the cause, and in return have a bit of fun!

This year we saw Rocky on broadway and it was amazing! The actors talked, acted, and looked just like a young Stallone, and Talia Shire. It was uncanny, and the performances were excellent! I especially loved the way they portrayed Rocky running up the steps of the "Museum in Philly." Really interesting, and it was pretty cool. 

I tried to capture a few good shots with my iPhone, but was really into the show. Plus I didn't want usher's saying to me, "no pictures please"  like I did when we saw Ghost two years ago. I did manage to get a few towards the end of the final match.

Like I said...New York city is so beautiful this time of year, and since we had a little time to spare before dinner we decided to walk around Central park, and take in some of the sights. It amazes me that most of the people that were on our party bus only come once a year to New York. Seriously?? C'mon Philly natives go to New York more often. The more you go, the more you'll love it! I honestly can't stay from it, and every time I come I try to take advantage of the sights, and capture New York moments every now and then. Not too many today since we had so little time in between all the walking we did, but oh how I love Central park! 

Dinner was very interesting. We ate at a place in the lower east side called Sammy's and apparently is one of the best jewish restaurants in the city. I'm all for ethnic food, and all but this is one place where I never thought I'd try. It was actually pretty good, but to be honest I think I liked the entertainment better. It made me want to be jewish for a minute because of all the sing a longs we were having. Kind of made me want to get out of my seat, and dance! It was so much fun! I was also busy clogging up my arteries with all the different kinds of foods they were bringing out. All these waiters were  bringing out dish after dish. The worst dish I tried was the chopped liver! Sorry I'm just not a liver kind of gal. The Latkes with applesauce, skirt steak, salmon, and chicken were delicious, and because I loved the sweet bell peppers, and bread...I had to post a pic!

The stuffed cabbage may not look too appealing in this photo, but it tastes really good when it's in front of your face. No, I didn't eat the whole thing. We had about 150 people in our group eating at this restaurant so the food was being passed around table after table. I couldn't believe I had rugelach for dessert, and seltzer in an old school bottle. By the end of the night I was completely stuffed! 

It was an amazing day, and now I'm sore from all the walking I did! Can you imagine how in shape I'd be if we lived here not having a car, and all we did is walk! I would definitely be able to eat at every restaurant in the city without gaining any weight!

Too much fun...too much fun! 

a momentous event...all for a great cause.

For the past three weeks Lexie's friends at school were braiding, twirling, and even straightened her hair one day just to see how she would look with straight hair.  Friends were constantly telling her how they couldn't believe she was actually going to go through with buzzing her hair off, and how much they were going to miss her long hair. Even her teachers were amazed at her willingness to do this, but at the same time weren't surprised. Luckily they were all supportive, and at the end of the day all of those said friends & teachers high fived her, and complimented her on her bravery. 

I was excited and looking forward for 1:30 to come along so that we can go over to the school where members of the St. Baldrick's Organization were present to witness this wonderful event. There were 13 students who volunteered to have their heads shaved including the principal, and guidance counselor. Lexie, and another young woman were the only two girls who decided to have their hair buzzed off. I couldn't believe my eyes as I was on my knees recording this momentous event the entire time (which you can watch here.) I saw as the hairdresser put her hair in a ponytail, and then cutting it off. The entire class was cheering for both her & Symone (yes...she has blue hair) while their hair was being cut, and even more so as it was being shaved. They were such a good sport, and I was amazed at their bravery. Lexie didn't shed one tear, and although my eyes got a little teary...they didn't stream down my face. 

^^^ lexie with a bob before the shave ^^^

^^^ Lexie & Symone after the "shave" & with Ms. Gardner who also got her hair cut short. ^^^

^^^ Principal Otten at the bottom left with his head completely shaved off along with the other shavees of the school. ^^^

There are many members on both sides of our families who have died of cancer, and friends of mine who have battled it, and survived. I am so grateful for organizations such as St. Baldrick's who stand proud for what they do, and especially grateful for my daughter whose heart is so big to have been selfless enough to give up her gorgeous curls without any regrets (okay...now I'm crying.) I also want to express my gratitude to those of you who donated funds on her behalf for this great cause. It really meant a lot to Lexie. 

This day, as overwhelming as it was for everyone was definitely a "proud mom moment" for me, and I am so amazed at how this child of ours who found it in her heart to do something extremely amazing for such a great cause! She is even more beautiful to me now than she ever has been!

*Hope you're weekend was just as amazing as ours was, and that this week is even more amazing! 

a good cause: part II

^^^ two more weeks until this head of hair is gone ^^^

A week has past since we announced that Lexie will be one of the candidates at her school in volunteering to shave her head to raise funds for childhood cancer. We have received so much support, and love from our friends, and I appreciate those of you who have "liked" the St. Baldrick's Facebook page. I know ya'll get bombarded with invites to all sorts of pages, but it touches my heart to see those who've accepted it. You exemplify your caring, and love, and empathy for the cause by just a click of the button. So I, we thank you!  

Lexie has received her first donation online, and I want to thank everyone who is able to do that. I can't stress enough how important this foundation is, and how we'll never give up on finding a cure for childhood cancer. I don't want to sound too pushy, but if you can donate as little as a dollar that would be wonderful. I know nowadays a dollar may be too much for some, but I ask to find it in your heart to strive your best to donate...you will be blessed for your efforts. 

I know some of you have had loved ones die from it, and some who have survived from it. Whether you've already donated before in the past, or feel that you've donated "enough", and feel that you did your part already it shouldn't stop there. Even if you can't donate money to the recipients who are shaving their hair off, or donating their hair to locks of love why not  "donating" a smile instead, a hug, or a "congratulations, I'm so proud of you" moment (which some of you have already done on my daughters picture on Facebook) Those compliments are worth a million dollars, and I so appreciate all my friends...especially those from out of state, and friends from the St. Baldrick's Foundation page , (who I don't consider strangers) who have done that so far.  

Finding a cure for cancer is never going to end, and we will continue to go forth until a cure is found. I'm so proud of my kid for doing such a bold, and selfless move. This is a story she's going to tell to her future posterity, and an experience that she's going to hold dear in her heart for the rest of her life. 

This past week her sister has been finding excuses to play with her hair, and Lexie tells me that all the kids in her class are constantly playing with it too. She doesn't mind, and when they tell her "I can't believe your gonna give up your hair!" Her response is always the same, "it's for a good cause, and it's just hair...it'll grow back!" 

I continue to be amazed at all the choices she makes, and all the things that she does...all in the name of service. 

Again...if you want to donate please click on this link. This is her personal page where donations can be made through the St. Baldrick's website. It will be greatly appreciated! 

Thanks and may God bless you always. 

^^^ Have a wonderful weekend! ^^^

a good cause.

I began to cry. Not because of the fact that her hair will be gone. Not because she's going to look different. Not because I'll be embarrassed to be seen with her. Not because of the questions I might get asked. I cried because my 14 year old daughter decided on her own motive to be one of the candidates to have her hair cut, and buzzed to raise funds for child cancer research. I cried because of her bravery. It's official. She has been chosen, and so the short story goes like this... 

"Mom, what would you think if i shaved my entire head off?" I was like..."uhhh...why, what for?" "It's to raise funds for cancer research." Without hesitation, and a little bit of tears I said "it's fine with me." (my wow moment came shortly after!) She then asked me what her dad would think? I then told her go ask him. Better yet I called his name out to come into the living room. "Hun...come here." "Okay Lexie, ask him now." She asked him and he immediately said "go for it". I knew he would be supportive as we usually are when it comes to something huge, and different like this. I stood up from the couch, gave her a great big hug, kissed her on the cheek, and told her she was amazingly brave for her wanting to do this. 

We began to discuss the details of when it's going to take place, and how does one get chosen. Apparently the staff chooses three students from each grade. Lexie was so serious in wanting to do this that we got up early the next morning to sign a permission slip allowing her to be one of the candidates to participate. We got there a little late, but signed the permission slip anyway. She didn't think she'd get chosen, but I had a strong feeling that she was going to be, and sure enough she came home Friday after school telling me she was one of the chosen ones. I was really happy for her, and let me tell you something...I didn't recant in telling her that she shouldn't do it, and wasn't disappointed that she was chosen. As much I love her beautiful hair, I will love her even more without it! 

My heart swelled because of the choice as to why she's doing this. It is such a great feeling to know that I have a child full of strength and courage with a heart so big that she is willing to do this even thought she's not sick. The fact that we have had many family members from both sides of our families die of cancer has given her more encouragement to do so. Uncles, grandparents, and even friends who have suffered long battles with it, and eventually died from it. 

I began to cry because of the offering she is so willing to give, and in thinking of the cause. I am so pleased with myself in the way that I have raised this child. All of our children are sooooo different, and not everyone would have the audacity to do such a thing. I know that I would not have even thought twice about cutting my hair (was made fun of too much as a kid with an afro) much less having it buzzed off at her age. What an awesome young woman! 

I am in awe of her bravery, and the willingness for her to do such a selfless act of love. I count my blessings that the Lord continues to give me when it comes to our children. I am thankful for having a heart so big in allowing my daughter to give up her gorgeous hair for this stupid thing we call cancer.

And lucky for locks of love to be soon receiving some beautiful, healthy hair that has never been damaged by any chemicals! 

She has three weeks to enjoy her hair before it gets buzzed off! 


The End.

**Our goal is to raise at least $500.00, but we hope to surpass that. If  any of you who would like to donate funds please visit the St. Baldricks Foundation website and you can donate there.  Donations as little as a dollar will help increase the funds! This is such great cause, and again I am humbled that our daughter has chosen to do this.  

A special thanks to those who keep up with this blog!

xxx-Rose

Ghost the musical

If you are in the mood for love, and want to remember the reason why you fell in love, and to feel how strong the love is for your better half -stop what you're doing, and come watch the broadway musical GHOST! It was unbelievable, and I couldn't stop balling in the end! It had such a soft spiritual side and a lot of passion. It truly teaches you to never take those three little words for granted and to always say "I love you." It was so magical and breathtaking, and everyone was amazing onstage. I'd watch it again in a heartbeat!

I had been looking forward for this day since early February and I am so grateful for my dear friend Marianne for inviting me. To raise funds for cancer awareness a bus is rented and at least 100 people gather once a year in May to spend the day in New York City to watch a broadway show and have a nice dinner. I was so happy to have been a part of the group this year, and am now officially a part of the clan. I plan on attending every year. This was a treat for me, and I really enjoyed myself!

The day began with all of us waking up early in the morning and meeting in Philadelphia to join others on a party bus.

The hour and a half bus ride went by too quick. Everyone was having a great time, and I was lucky enough to have sat next to a gentleman who happened to be a trustee in a Baptist church. He asked where I was from, and where I used to live and when I mentioned Utah that gave me an opportunity to share my faith with him.

We had a nice, long talk about what the LDS church, and what its all about. The best thing about the trip (besides the show) was as we were driving around Manhattan we happened to drive by the temple. I was excited and started pointing and saying, "Oh, oh there is the temple of the church I attend, and if you look up you'll see the angel Moroni." He was impressed, and asked me what an angel Moroni was. I explained to him the best I could who Moroni was in the Book of Mormon, and he was even more curious as to what the LDS church is all about. He asked me for some information and told him to log onto lds.org to find out more about what we believe in.

 It was so nice to have made new friends such as Cathy from Chicago, and getting to know other ladies as well.

Dinner at Scaletta restaurant was delicious!

Mariann had the veal

I had the chicken (love the small portion of mashed potatoes!)

Yummy dessert! Loved them all...especially the bread pudding!

The show was phenomenal. It was amazing how they played out some of the scenes. I was wondering how they were going to do the train scene, and walking through people, doors, and jumping in and out of the train. It was tastefully done, and would love to see this show again before it closes. 

New York in May is beautiful and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful group of people, and to have spent the day in New York all in the name of research. It was a great day, and I am so glad I had the courage to open my mouth and to have shared the gospel along with my conversion story.


**All images of the photos of the show are from google.