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. 

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. 

The Last Week of December 2023!

There were so many grateful moments of my life this year but I have to say that this past week was the best and a great ending to 2023! 

I had all my kids home together and not only did they all catch up on sleep but we also had fun playing lots of games and just spending quality time together. We did manage to eat at canes, play chess, take a lot of BeReals, and Noah played his new guitar for us. He's getting better and better. He's been wanting a new one since he started lessons three years ago and I'm so happy that his big sis Sierra & Sawyer gifted it to him. There are a few more moments that I captured as you read and I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year ahead! May 2024 bring you nothing but joy and happiness! 

Reunited - Catching Up On Lost Time.

Seeing my brother for the first time in about 20 years was the most emotional part of this trip. Not to mention my mom, who is in the early stages of dementia was even happier to have seen him. It was so hard to watch them two reunite. There is so much to write behind these scenes of this post and if I did a video on them reuniting after all these years I would have gotten so much clout. But I didn't because this was a private and tender moment. Tears were shed in every direction. Jon, who only cries when a huge milestone hits such as our wedding day, our kids being born, or kids serving missions. It takes a sincere moment for him to cry and this was one of them.  Even my 18 year old was emotional. My 13 yr old son was like, "what's happening?" It wasn't until we came home that we explained to him how she didn't raise him and why her her parents did. Long story to share on here but if I ever write a book about my life I will include this part in it. But that will have to wait.

A Thank You Letter To My Friends & Family.

Having gall bladder surgery was something I was not expecting to have this month. Or ever. Having throwing up for four days straight and not able to keep anything in and waking up to major pain on my right side one morning was something that concerned me and luckily my husband took work off for three days to make sure it wasn't anything serious. Well, I guess having my gall bladder lit up with stones was pretty serious for me and although it took the doctors a day and a half to make sure everything else in my body was working properly went ahead and scheduled the surgery for later on that night. Like 11:30 at night! I was not afraid but curious. Wondering how this was going to turn out in the end. I've never had surgery except to have c-section babies and that is it. I have always been a healthy woman but I guess when you're nearing 50 (I turn 50 this September) your body will have begin to have age relating issues. And this one really snuck up on me! Luckily I had no other serious health issues. They ruled out stomach ulcers, and I did have a belly hernia which was fixed during surgery. Don't ask me what that was because I don't even remember the doctor's answer when I asked him.

I'm Going To Be A Great Aunt!!!

Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, 

the giggle of a granchild, the first snowfall. 

It's the little things that make the happy moments, not the grand events. 

Joy comes in sips, not gulps. 

-Sharon Draper

Well, this news is pretty grand for me because later on this month I'm going to be a Great Aunt, and that's a big deal for me! I am thrilled over the moon for my only niece to be expecting, and for her to becoming a momma so close to her 30th birthday! We are so excited for her tiny joy to come! 

For Cousins.

I didn't take too many photos of the family while I was in Utah which I'm pretty bummed about, but that's okay. The kids were too busy playing and getting to know one another as it should be without a camera shoved in their face! I did manage to capture this photo of one of the cousins with Noah. She kept Noah entertained when she would come over, and I'm so glad they met. Yes, this is the first time that Chelsea and Noah have met their cousins, and uncles, and aunts in real life! Crazy sad, but grateful at the same time!

Inspirational Thought.

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. 

Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord’s kingdom for the next 50 years. 

That is influence; that is power." 

Julie B. Beck
(Draper Temple, Utah)

Happy Birthday Pa!!

How cool is it that my in-laws have back to back to birthdays! Since I wrote a bit about Sue yesterday I figured I'd add a few words besides "happy birthday" to the man that is a spitting image of his son! I'd be amiss if I didn't have something to share about him, and want to let the world know that he too, is indeed, a great person. 

Happy Birthday To The Coolest Momma-In-Law Ever!

I couldn't let this year go by without wishing my mother in law the happiest of birthdays. I rarely ever write, or even talk about her on this blog, but because she has put up with so much of my bull**it , and has done sooooooooooo much for me, and my family throughout the past 24 years of being her daughter-in-law wanted to express my love and appreciation to her for so many reasons. 

An Inspirational Thought On Motherhood.

"Mothers decide to stay home not just because they are tired of juggling family and career; not just because they want to "be there" for the first word and the first step; not just because they have found that a rich home life requires persistent personal investment.

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.

Batter Batter Swing!

While Jon was grilling the other day I looked out my window and saw Noah and Chelsea playing baseball with a wooden stick. It made me happy to see that even though they didn't have an actual bat to hit with that they used their creativity, and didn't mind using a piece of wood. I went outside, and Jon said that these kids would love to play baseball for fun, and that we should get them a bat. The next day I went to the dollar store, and picked up a simple, plain, plastic bat that came with a plastic ball, and the kids didn't mind. They are not picky, and certainly didn't expect me to buy a top of the line baseball bat like the ones professionals play with. They were grateful for what I bought and happy the whole time they were playing which made my heart content. 

Washington D.C. Temple Lights on New Year's Eve.

In our family, traditions are a wonderful thing, and we have a few during the Christmas season that we like to do. Normally we see the temple lights in D.C. before Christmas, but because of various new traditions that we started didn't get around to it until New Year's Eve. What better way to end the year though, by going to the temple to reflect on what's really important in hopes that we will carry it into the new year. 

Life Lately in Pictures.

Ever since school started the months have been rushing one into another, and I can't believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday! The past few weeks have flown by but by capturing the moments of my day to day in pictures is my way to preserve my memory, and to savor, and appreciate even the simplest of moments. I love making new friends, and entertaining in my home (even if it's just been the missionaries from our church lately),

A Reflection Of Heaven.

Throughout my years of being a member of the LDS church, and turning over a new leaf in learning about Christ's life, and growing spiritually is that I think we often err when we plead to the Lord to take any kind of temptation, and trial away from us. But one thing I've seriously learned about living this life is that there must be opposition in all things.

Always Speak Kind Words to Each Other.

But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another. -Mosiah 4:15

A "husband and wife have a women responsibility to love and care for each other, and for their children." "The home is to be God's laboratory of love, and service," said President Russell M. Nelson> 

"Our Heavenly Father wants husbands and wives to be faithful to each other, and to esteem and treat their children as an heritage from the Lord."

In the book of Mormon, Jacob said that the love that husbands had for their wives, the love that wives had for their husbands, and the love that both had for their children was among the reasons the Laminates were at one point more righteous than the Nephites. (Jacob 3:7)

One of the best ways to invite love, and harmony into our homes is by speaking kindly to our family members. Speaking kindly brings the Holy Ghost. Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, asked us to consider: 

"How often do we intentionally "speak kind words to each other?"

Not only is this the visiting teaching lesson for the month of August, but Jon, and I also taught it this past week for our FHE lesson. It seems like so many of us speak unkind words to each other. Sometimes without even knowing it. Not knowing how hurtful, or detrimental it can be to the other person. 

As a mother I know that I have been guilty at speaking unkind words to those I love, and I know I can do so much better. I have seen the difference in my kids when I have uttered words in anger, and how their demeanor changes. I see that it hurts, and how they will go to Jon telling them how I've been a "mean mom" today. 

After writing this post that's what has caused me even more to change, and treat others better. Whether it's family members, or any human being that crosses our path. As a member of the church it is my right, and duty to live as Christ is. And although I'll never reach perfection, I know I can always try. 

So thankful for the teachings of the gospel, and for a prophet that leads and guides us today in these latter days. There is nothing more peaceful than waking up, and reading the scriptures. Whether it's the bible, the Book of Mormon, a whole chapter, or even a verse. Just reading a snippet of one of those books, and seriously pondering, and studying it will help my day be better. The spirit of the Lord tends to be more calm, and peaceful when I put God's word first. 

I love the stories, and messages that are given monthly to us from our church magazine. When I read them my soul is uplifted, and i always try to imagine my life in one of the stories. Kind of like a "what if." Some of them I can relate to, and the ones I don't I can only imagine. 

So as we continue to settle in our new area, and place I hope to always speak kind words to others. To my new neighbors (which I hardly ever see) strangers, every member of my church, but most of all my family, and especially my children, because they are the ones who are learning from me, and watching my example.

Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

Finding Joy In All Things.

Our desire to attend the temple is quite frequent, and even though the Philadelphia temple is complete, and ready for the open house, I can't wait another month for it to be dedicated so we can go inside and do some work. So this past weekend we all literally jumped in the car, and headed to D.C. to attend the temple. 

This move has been pretty rough for me, but I manage to adjust, and find joy in all things. The house, the area, and our new congregation. Attending the temple often is what keeps me going, and sane when things become to hard to manage. It truly is a wonderful place that brings me peace, and joy. It helps me to forget about all the negativity that's going on in the world, and helps me to find joy in every tough situation.

My family is my rock, and the resilient spirits that the kids bring to my heart helps me to adjust even better. What an amazing place to go to prepare ourselves more spiritually so that each day can be lived fully with the surety that I can leave telling myself, "I'm stronger, but know that I can always work on my weaknesses, because I have the Lord on my side at all times, and in all places!" To always "have joy in mothering" regardless of the drama they may bring. I can't even imagine my life had I not had them, and attending the temple is one way of expressing my gratitude and love to our Heavenly Father for giving me such a life. 

Especially a life that I can handle. 

And re-reading this post I wrote three years ago is a reminder to help me handle it even more! 

Being The Mom Through The Joys & Sorrows.

As I get older marriage, children, and motherhood becomes a different way of life. At least it is for me. I remember how simpler, and easier life was when the kids were little. Although we had some trials they were not as huge, and they just seemed easier to handle. But as you get older, we never know what life is going to throw at us. Illness, job loss, financial challenges as well as challenges with our children, and extended family members tend to become more prevalent as they get older, and sometimes can take a toll on us. One thing I know for sure that gets me through all the mundane is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I'm extremely grateful for that. Because with God, everything is possible, and the fact that God, and motherhood equal each other makes my life as a mother a little bit easier. Without His guidance I honestly don't think I would have been able to handle all the hardships I've endured then, and now as a person, but most of all...as a mother. Especially in today's world. 

Another thing I'm grateful for is having my kids spread out in age. They are all five years apart, and in all honesty have never dealt with any stresses. I mean, there have been some issues, but nothing that this momma can handle. Because of their age gap I have five years in between each child to "recuperate"  after the oldest one is off to college, and so forth! For this purpose, I'm pretty happy that my kids are spread apart in age. Didn't even plan it that way, but I know that Heavenly Father knew I'd need those breaks in between kids so he sent me a child every five years! Every child is completely different, and with each one I have learned something different, and it's interesting to watch them grow and see them face challenges, and learn from the. One thing I've learned as a mom is that if we let them know how special they are, and teach them proper principles they will be able to handle any challenge that comes their way. They will know right from wrong. Especially if they listen to that still small voice.  

One thing I will say when I had my first child is that I was terribly lonely. I was 23 when I had Sierra, and although I felt as if I was old, and strong enough to raise a baby, I was kind of like a wimp in many ways. I never looked upon my mother, or mother-in-law, or any other mothers for advice. My mother was 1700 miles away when I had Sierra, and well, my mother in law must have thought I was super mom because she saw what a trooper I was while giving birth to her, naturally without any drugs. Sure she'd check up on me from time to time, but with her life at that time managing teenagers, and working full time I didn't really want to bother her, and so that made me even more independent (call it pride), and never called upon anyone if I had an issue. There were times when I didn't even want to go to church because I felt as if I didn't fit the mold, and even though I never lacked for friends I never called upon any of them. Even the ones that lived near by. I know, I was a pretty stubborn mom back then. Thank goodness for all those moments of hardships because they have made me into the mother I am today!

Now that I'm older and Sierra is almost 21 (yikes!), and all the other kids are getting up there in age I feel that I have learned so much throughout the past 20 years as a mom, and to finally having my boy which was my Jersey surprise has made me an even more stronger, and fierce mom. 

And so I say this to all the moms out there. No matter how old you are we are all on different levels of motherhood. Some of our challenges when its comes to kids are easier, and some of them aren't. Life with our children is what we make it, and and even though life may seem like rainbows and butterflies right now because our kids are little, believe me when I say this...the trials will come as they get older. If you think dealing with a crying toddler at church, or in a public place is tough. Try having your daughter crying because of a boy that just broke their heart. I'd rather go back to those days than to see what challenges my kids have to face today.  They'll be different, harder, and more challenging, but if you know who you are as a mother, and remember all the things that helped you gain strength, (whether it was your mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, etc.) lock it in, keep it with you, and pass it on down to your kids. As long as you know that you're doing the best you can as a momma, then that's all that matters. All those sacrifices that you make on a daily basis such as not showering for days, forgetting to brush your teeth because of being a hurry to run errands before the child's nap time. Letting your kid have the last apple because pay day isn't until next week will all be worth it. You'll look back longing for those moments once they become teenagers. I know I do. Then again, it's exciting to watch our children become an adult, and handle their own problems knowing that they have the Lord to guide them through it all. 

God's children are the most precious gifts that Heavenly Father gave us. They are sons, and daughters of God. But I know this, as long as we stay focused on the Lord, and continue to teach our children how to love, forgive, and pray... all those sacrifices whether big or small will pay off in the end. And it'll all work out. 

I love being a mother even when life throws us those curveballs. But without those curveballs we will never learn to pick up the pieces. Granted there are days when I just want a time out, and be alone somewhere where I can read a book without any interruptions, but that's part of being a mom, and it's something that I have learned to cope with. Children come with interruptions, and I have realized throughout the years of being a mom that my time with my children is what's most important, and in all honesty if it wasn't for me having them I wouldn't be the person I am today. They truly make me a better human being! 

Also...this mothers day video really made me tear up! 

**Happy Mother's Day everyone!**

Our Spring Break So Far...

Spring really motivates us to explore the outdoors more, and since we're big on travel, and finding places to go to that are worth the drive we decided to venture out to Central Jersey, and found this wonderful hidden gem of a town called Cranbury. It's not too far from the main highway where you'll find your shopping plazas with a trader joes, marshalls, and whole foods, and it's only about 20 minutes away from the shopping malls. 

I can't even begin to tell you how friendly, quaint, patient, did I mention friendly, this town is. The town was established in 1872. Very old, nostalgic, quaint little village, and we love it. We loved it so much that we came back again three days later! I have to brag about some of the shops, and places to eat here because the owners were so friendly, and welcoming to out of towners. And the food at some of these places is absolutely delicious!! They even let me take pictures of their porches, and inside their restaurants without any complaint! 

// The fact that this door was yellow, and had an owl on the wreath made Noah more interested in taking a  photo in front of a door. //

// Another favorite. All of the homes in this village have the same historic look, and blend in very well with each other. //

If you want some good ol' home cooking food come to Teddy's. Everything here is homemade, and cooked to taste!! I am very picky with food, and I don't mean to boast, but as long as I have taste buds I know what good food tastes like! Especially since I'm from Texas, and having lived in various states eating at various restaurants has really helped me distinguish what's good food, and what's bland food. The nachos here are done right, and without the cheese whiz!! I'm sorry, but when I first moved to Jersey and saw that every place puts cheese whiz on their fries, and nachos I'm like...nope, sorry. That should be illegal, and is not the way to do it! Thank you, but I'll pass! 

These nachos were super tasty, and you can tell by the smile on Lexie's face that she couldn't wait to devour them the second time around! 

// chicken cilantro soup was the soup of the day, and it was delicious! // 

// I love this shot I took of Chelsea. It kind of reminds me of one of the black and white photos in the opening theme song of Felicity. // 

// and here's my goofy kid doing his super hero pose before eating his cookies and cream ice cream topped with whipped cream which is very rare for him to eat!/He doesn't have too much of a sweet tooth, and has to be in the mood to crave ice cream! // 

Everything here is within walking distance. After eating lunch we walked around the village where they have a cool consignment shop, and found a short cut to a nearby park where they have tennis courts where the kids decided to play for a bit. (you know their true tennis players when they each have a spare racket in the car.) They didn't mind that spring was a bit nippy, because once they were on that court they took their jackets off, and played like it was the US open.  //

 // this boy has good posture. Those piano lessons are really helping him with his form. Love it! //

// I had to add another black and white photo in here! And he has a pretty good back hand too! //

Some of these photos were taken the first time we explored this place with Jon. We all had such a fun time together as a family, and told Jon that I would definitely be back with the kids, and what do you know...we did come back! 

I almost forgot to mention this yummy pizza place where we grabbed a couple of slices of pizza for Jon on our way home, and this is good pizza y'all! Seriously...really good! They even gave the kids a lollipop! 

As the years pass me by I feel that Spring, and Summer are my two favorite seasons, but Autumn will always top winter. When I see trees blooming, and the sun shining it brings so much peace within me. I'm so grateful for the renewal that spring brings not only to earth, but to my soul as well.

Seeing this just gets me more excited for summer!