A Birthday Celebration With Pizza & the Beach!

This past weekend was just too much fun, and the fact that I got to spend it all day with another great friend and her daughters made it all better! Going to the beach with these girls on Myesha's birthday might as well become tradition. Last year we went to Sea Isle for her birthday, and they had so much fun taking in the july sun, getting all sandy, and their favorite part, splashing in the waves! There is way too much fun going on in these pictures, and did my best to take a few great shots without dropping my phone!! Seriously need to invest in a go-pro, and waterproof case cover for my iPhone! 

This day was too perfect, and we all wish it wouldn't end. I can tell that the girls didn't want to leave the beach, and when it was time to take them home can tell that both Myesha, and her sis didn't want to say goodbye. We love them so much, and wish we still lived close enough to where we can hang out every day...especially in the summer time! 

Here are a few photos of the birthday girl, and the rest of the crew. 

We started the day taking her out for lunch to her favorite food...Pizza!! One of the pros about where I now live are the great pizza places they have, and we took her to papas tomato pies. Soooooo good! 

Noah giving her a birthday hug...he missed her!

And now for some beach photos! 

 see what i mean by splashing!!!

waiting for the waves...

 Little boy in the blue taking in the waves! He loves running away from them! 

 Can't believe how beautiful and grown my girl is getting. She's so pretty! 

 me, my boy, and my fly away hair! 

 As much as i love the beach I try not to get to much sand on me, but for these kids they wouldn't care less. They love digging in it, being buried in it, playing with it, and sitting on it! 

 mommy long legs. Yeah right! I wish. 

waiting for fried oreos! 

What an amazing day it was for everyone. I personally didn't want to leave either, but had to get home. We are already planning a sleep over so the girls can stay all day as opposed to two hours. That's what happens when distance separates us, and we don't have enough time in the day to have a long beach day. 

Hope you enjoyed your birthday Myesha, and see y'all next time! 

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Our weekend.

This past weekend I woke up with the urge to phone a friend of mine whom I hadn't seen since moving to New Jersey. Six years seems like a long time, but when I saw her it was as if I had seen her yesterday (love friendships like that!) I have always wanted to visit her since moving to jersey but our schedules just never connected. She's a planner, and I'm not so every time my family and I would go to to the temple I wouldn't call her because our temple trips would be spontaneous and for one day only. Luckily we had the entire weekend plus one day (Jon is off on Mondays so far) to drive to Virginia (and go to the temple) and spend a couple of days with her. 

And I'm so glad I did! 

Before we arrived to Dominique's we hung out in Capitol Hill for a while, and went to the farmers market, and ate some delicious dogs at DC-3. This is when I wish we didn't live hours away so that I could buy flowers, fruits, and vegetables to take home! Even though I live in the "garden state" it's still nice to buy, and try fruits from other areas. I'm afraid that if I bought flowers they would wilt on the way home, and the fruit would go bad. Maybe not the veggies, but I still didn't want to take that chance. So I left with nothing. 

We just love venturing out in Capitol Hill. There are so many places to eat, and we love trying new foods. Here are a few photos from our weekend. Sorry if it's an overload. There are many more pics to post, but will probably write  about them, and post them tomorrow.

^^^ Best hot dogs on Capitol Hill ^^^

^^^ Can you tell he wasn't enjoying it?" He just chowed on that hot dog like there was no tomorrow! ^^^

^^^ The best part of eating here for Noah was the fact that there was a propeller on the wall! He loves planes! ^^^

^^^ Farmers market haul ^^^

^^^ Love these sunflowers. Wished I could have brought some home with me. I think they would have survived. ^^^

^^^ city bikes. ^^^ 

^^^ The navy yards barracks. ^^^

^^^ Walking down the street, and checking out the flea market. ^^^

^^^ selfie in front of a vintage mirror ^^^

Seeing Dominique was a sight for my sore eyes. It was so nice picking up where we left off. She was also one of the missionaries Jon served with over 23 years ago and that's how I met this lovely sister of mine. I swear I became friends with so many missionaries in Texas & till this day still keep in touch with some of them via Facebook. 

We had so much fun catching up, laughing, and just discussing matters of life. She also makes a mean kale salad. She was so sweet as to go to Costco and  buy all this delicious food to prepare meals for us every night we were there. She has officially become "Aunt Dominique" to my kids. The kids looooove her! 

One evening before dinner I caught Noah and Chelsea having a conversation with her as if they were adults. It was so cute hearing the words that were coming out of their mouth...especially Noah's. When we were figuring out who would bless the food Noah pointed to Dominique (he was sitting right beside her) and said "you say it." He then went on to point at every single one of us saying, "not Chelsea, not Lexie, not mommy, and not daddy. Dominique, you say it." And so she did. It was so cute. You really had to be there to hear, and see the cuteness. 

There was one night when I was sitting in the tv room with the kids & can hear Jon & Dominique in her foyer talking about their mission and who got married to who, and what happened to so and so, and who's passed on, and is she or he Facebook friends with you (no, it wasn't gossip.) I loved that they were both in deep conversation reminiscing about their mission. 23 years later, and they still remember. That's one thing I love about my missionaries is that whenever any of them get together they all have to bring up their mission stories, and I love it. That's how you know a missionary loved their mission is by how they talk about it, and how they would do it all over again! I also love that Jon gets along with all of my girlfriends, and that my friends are his friends and vice versa. I enjoyed going to her ward, and meeting more of our brothers, and sisters. The church is true no matter where we go, and that's the best part of going out of town too. You can always find a chapel in every state, and almost in every town. 

This weekend was soooo nice, and we had so much fun. I think my favorite part of this trip, and visit with Dominique was going to the temple with her. The kids love the temple grounds, and we could have been there all day!  

It. Never. Gets. Old.

^^^ Barefoot on the temple grounds. ^^^

^^^ My light, light brown, messy haired little boy! ^^^

 ^^^ A bee on a flower, and beautiful flowers on the temple grounds. ^^^

^^^ Lexie loves taking pictures with her "new" camera. (We gave her ours.) ^^^

^^^ Just another family picture without Sierra (insert frown face here) for our posterity. ^^^

One thing I learned about this trip is that I never want to take any of my friends for granted. Especially the ones that I have known for years, and years. I have been living in Jersey for six years now, and not once did I really make an effort to see Dominique until now. Shame on me, and I know she felt the same way. Life is short, and the friends we made long ago, and still have today are the best kind. The ones that love, and forgive, and don't judge you for your past, or present mistakes are the ones you never want to let go of. The ones that will pick up the phone the second you call, and the minute they say hello you say to them, "I really need to see a familiar face, and I'd like to come see you", and don't even hesitate, but to say to you, "I'm so glad you called, please come on over" are the truest of friendships. If you have those friendships cherish them, and take care of them because they are very rare to find nowadays. Especially at my age! 

Thank you Dominique for your friendship, and most of all for your hospitality in sharing our weekend with you. You are a wonderful friend, and sure have missed you. I thank you for everything, and I mean everything! The kids love that Soda Stream! We will definitely plan on making more trips to visit you, and know you are always welcome in our neck of the woods too!

We love Virginia, and we love you! We will see you again soon...especially since Chelsea forgot the LOVE pillow you gave her! 

because sometimes parents aren't enough.

I've written about this wonderful lady a couple of times on my blog, but had to add another post about her because of all the love that she has shown to my family...especially to my nine year old. She is one who exhibits the pure love of Christ, and in many ways is a great example to me.

Maryann was Chelsea's kindergarten teacher three years ago, and till this day continues to spend quality time with her. I honestly believe that God put her in my path specifically for Chelsea. Chelsea is my youngest daughter and the one who can use a lot of attention. She's a good kid with a heart so full. She has so much room in her heart for her friends, but sometimes I feel as if she needs more in return. It's hard when both of her grandmas live across the country, and this is one kid that definitely yearns for a "grandmother role" in her life. She writes both her grandmas, but it's not the same. Maryann fits the role pretty close, and there have been many days where she saves me from taking my child out on adventures whether it's to see a ballet, lunch, or a movie. She saves me from the simplicity of just spending quality time with her as a grandmother, aunt, older sibling, and mother would. 

Don't get me wrong...Jon & I love spending time with this child, but sometimes she needs another adult besides us folk to break the monotony of always hanging around with someone that doesn't let them get away with anything. 

Maryann is as awesome as they come. She's hip, fun and loves children. She was an educator for 30 years, and from my perspective was great at it! The way that she looks at Chelsea puts a smile on my face. It's as if she longs for a grandchild of her own. I see the way they are together when they talk, or play a simple game on her iPhone. The way she'll sometimes stop by on a whim while Chelsea's doing her homework to help her with any questions she may have concerning it. After all...she was her teacher once before. The way she sounds when she leaves voice mails on my phone letting me know how excited she is to attend any school/church activity that pertains to any of my children...especially for Chelsea. The thrill in her voice when I invite her over to have dinner, or just simply spend time with us.

In the early part of January we "attempted" to go ice skating at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, but to no avail. Time was cut short when we arrived and saw that the line was about an hour long! Chelsea & Noah had open call auditions to be a kids model for American Apparel in Hoboken, and couldn't afford to be late. Maryann was more patient than I was when it came to standing out in freezing temperatures walking around prospect park to find the nearest exit. This was our first time venturing out to this park not knowing our way around. Luckily they have signs, and that Maryann was around to save me from insanity with two freezing kids in tow. 

Sometimes we need another adult in the lives of our children to show them a different kind of love that is different from the parent. I strongly believe that's why the Lord put this lovely woman in my path to help me in that department. 

I still haven't heard back as to whether or not the kids have been chosen, but even if they weren't selected as models, spending the day & ending the evening with great company whom I call family, and eating delicious pizza from Grimaldi's was the icing on the cake!

Grateful for Maryann's friendship & all that she does for my family! 

dance like it's 1980.

lovely young women enjoying an evening of dancing like it's 1980.
-photo source Tom Hawkins

This polar vortex that we've been having sure didn't keep us indoors. This past weekend was planned with fun places to go one being New York to see Jon's cousin Kenzie, and beating the clock against New York traffic to get Lexie to arrive safe and sound for her first youth dance at our church. 

Darkness began to fall and it was already after five pm. We had planned it very carefully to leave at a certain time so that we can make it back in time for the dance, but to no avail.  

We didn't leave the city until past 5 & by the time we hit the Polaski skyway it was close to 6! Although we knew we'd be arriving late we tried to make up time without trying to speed. We obviously enjoyed Kenzie's company way too much that time spent with her flew like a leer jet, and we lost track of time. We just had to keep her until the very last minute!

We arrived close to 8:30 so that gave Lexie an hour and a half of 'boogie time" As we drove into the parking lot of the church and pulled into a parking space I could see some of the young women waiting for Lexie. I told Jon to reverse slowly so that I can catch a clearer glimpse of who they were. Not that I worry about who the girls were, but I was glad that Lexie's reaction to entering wasn't nerve wrecking (although I think she was hiding it very well.) I saw the girls welcoming her with open arms & greeting her with hugs. I can see Lexie smiling, and laughing from a distance, and that's when I knew she was going to have the time of her life. 

And I wasn't worried.  

Lexie had a great experience attending her first youth dance. It was an '80's themed dance, and I think the youth committee is doing a great job in planning these activities to accommodate the younger crowd. 

She turned 14 two weeks ago, and was pretty excited about going. I have no clue how one feels to be anxiously awaiting to turn 14 to go to a dance at the church. Sometimes I wish I was able to experience how Lexie and Sierra felt when she began going to youth activities. I know that it's a totally different feeling as opposed to a youth outside of the church turning 14. At 14 I had a boyfriend and doing things that were not "spiritual"...if you know what I mean. 

There is so much fun that goes on within the youth of our church both spiritually and temporally. Mini youth conference is coming up next month, and Lexie is definitely excited for that. Her favorite part about being 14 in the church aside from going to the dances, & seeing her friends from other wards is learning about the gospel at the level she is in. She is anxiously engaged in wanting to know more about The Savior & His restored gospel so that she can serve others, and share it in hopes that her level of spirituality will reach an all time high. I believe that it will.  

I am so grateful for these activities that keep our youth safe, and actively strong in the church. Having clean fun surrounded by happy youth is the way to be. I'm happy that Lexie enjoys learning about the gospel, attending her meetings, and learning from her leaders in her class. She is another daughter of mine who is unique in her own way. One of a kind, and it's so fun to watch her spirituality grow, and to see the love on her face when we talk about the Savior, and the gospel. It is a priceless look that I never want to go astray!

the blessings of friendship & an expression of gratitude.

Taking Sierra to the airport the other day was surreal. I haven't shed too many tears...yet. It feels as if she is on "vacation" visiting family. I'm sure it'll hit me later on, but I know she's in good hands. Sometimes I wonder which school Sierra would have chosen had we stayed in Utah instead of moving across the country. I wonder if she would have gone east. Most kids tend to stay closer to home for college (especially if you're a mormon), and some who have never been anywhere else except being stuck in the same place for 18 years may want to venture outside their hometown (again...especially if you're a mormon.) Who knows! I am just so happy that Sierra got to experience life as a mormon living in Philly surrounded by "the world", and that she made the wise choice of opening her eyes deciding on her own that she found her resolve with school. Her ambivalence toward UARTS helped her open her heart in prayer knowing what she really needed to do, and where she really needed to continue her education. Her spirituality is important, and she would never want to divorce that. 

I'm so grateful for all the friends I met through all the moving we've done in the past 10 years. Having a nomadic life was indeed a blessing after all. I got to meet new friends, experience the church in other states, hold different church callings, learn, grow, and seriously get out of my comfort zone to see the differences from living here, there, and oh yeah...over there too! I loved, loved every second of living that part of my life, and it was all for a good reason. And the day has come for all of those friends from long ago to come and lend a helping hand in fellowshipping. How wonderful it is to know that we have friends (& family) from all places.

One of the main things I learned while moving from state to state, and apartment to apartment all over the Salt Lake valley is the fact that the church is true no matter where you go...and so are your 'real' friends. That's the beauty of the Lord, and how He works when it comes to the gospel. 

As soon as i posted this picture mentioning how Sierra was going out west for college my cell phone began blowing up with notifications from friends we knew while living in Utah & North Carolina in regards to Sierra. Letting me know that if she needs anything that they'll be there for her. They even want her over for dinner, and friends of hers since she hasn't seen she was 11 want to get together with her. My heart filled up with so much gratitude, and a little bit of jealousy (the good kind) because Sierra is going to see some of our amazing friends before me! It was so humbling, and sometimes it makes me want to move back to the places where I met these wonderful & gracious people. 

Oh what a fun, bittersweet day it was to have seen her off, and to have read all the wonderful messages I received via text, email, Facebook, and Instagram from awesome, awesome friends. Sierra has your phone numbers so be expecting a text or phone call from her soon.

I also wanted to note the morning of Sierra's departure. Chelsea really wanted to see her off so we called her out from school (what is she going to miss...trigonometry?) I had asked Lexie if she wanted to come too, but knowing the 'focused' girl that she is opted 'no'. Besides...she had a test, and graduation pictures to take that day (who takes 8th grade graduation pics anyway??) What a waste of dough!! They said their goodbyes early that morning before Lex headed off to school, and had so much fun together during the winter break, and that was good enough for them. 

But these two really wanted to come see her off, and since Noah has a love for airplanes wanted to see them take off too.

He still thinks Sierra is on the plane.

Fete Paradiso

This past weekend we experienced the cutest little vintage french carnival on Governors Island. It was so fun seeing everyone dressed as if we were in Paris, and I think I could have fit right in had I been wearing a scarf, and beret! 

There were so many vintage games, carousels, and attractions that were old! There was even a carousel in which Abraham Lincoln rode in 1865! This was indeed a legit carnival in which all the rides were in fact from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

 I think the kids favorite rides were the vintage cars they rode.

A carnival is not complete without the cotton candy, and we all ended up buying more than one! For a moment Noah was playing with it as if it was a balloon, and after awhile took like one bite. He doesn't have much of a sweet tooth which is probably a good thing, but still...it was delicious! 

There was even a band playing french music. I could have sat here all day eating good food, and listening to them all afternoon!

Jon and I had a blast with Noah & Chelsea, and we got on a few rides with them. Jon vined Chelsea and I on the roller coaster here, and the kids loved the swing ride! It was the happiest moment for all of us being that Ceyda and Celeste were with us. These kids all had the time of their life, and being there for most of the day felt like an hour. Time just flew!

Riding the ferry to and from Governors Island was Noah's favorite & boy was he enjoying the sucker that was given to him by a "french" worker at the carnival. 

This is the first time Fete Paradiso has ever come to the United States. They are a traveling carnival, and because it's seasonal the weekend of the 29th will be their last time here. I highly recommend going if you live anywhere near New York. 

They travel around various cities, and hopefully they will come to your neck of the woods. So glad we had the opportunity to venture out to experience this quaint, vintage, french style carnival. We loved every minute of our time here, and definitely will be returning next time they're in the city! 

Bye for now!