For The Change Of Season.

There is nothing better to brighten the spirit and bring joy than focusing on gratitude, November is the perfect month for that. I love this time of year where I get to remember all the great things, and people that I'm thankful for, and because it's November 1st want to start out by expressing my gratitude for the change of season! I love that I live in the east where the foliage is vibrant in the fall, and where we have the change of every! 

Thankful For The Gospel, The Savior, & The Christmas Season.

Thanksgiving is the beginning of expressing gratitude for what's important in our lives, and with the Christmas season upon us my main goal is to focus on the Savior, and his example. I have two small children who still believe in Santa Claus, and I don't want to take that away from them until they are old enough to know that we were behind the gift giving. Thing is we have taught our children that although gifts are fun to receive it's better to give, and to think of those who are less fortunate. Ever since my mother in law gifted me this book reading it to our two oldest girls when they were little taught them to believe, and know that Santa is very similar to Jesus. If you read the book you'll see it in the pictures that it's so true. So far my 10 year old gets the gist of it. Noah, who's barely six, is beginning to take in the whole Santa comes on Christmas eve to deliver presents, but we are teaching him that the  real reason for the season is to focus on the baby Jesus. He also believes Santa is real. I Believe In Santa Claus has become a perfect tradition to read this to my younger children, and to advise my older daughters to pass it on when it is their time to have their own family. 

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.

Because of him I am able to live with my family forever. Because of Him I have the capacity to love, and serve. Because of Him I have the ability to strengthen my weaknesses, and receive divine inspiration. Because of Him we are fortunate enough to share the gift with everyone. Because of Him I am who I am, and have a choice to continue to do the best I can each day to live. 

So thankful for November, and for the season of gratitude, and looking forward to December which is the season of giving. 

And because my sweet oldest daughter who isn't pictured is coming home for a visit! 

View this for Spiritual enlightenment as well as going to christmas.mormon.org for more inspiring messages of Christmas! 

Thankful for Books & What Noah Is Reading Right Now.

Books have become the main source of entertainment in our family. Whether it's reading to do a book report, or just to escape from the world for an hour or two books are something that we love, and can never get enough of. I am so thankful to all the writers, and authors out there who make this happen. Everyone in our family is a reader, and while I wish I had more room for bookshelves in this house for books, the girls wish they had more money to buy books. Although there are Kindles, and iPads in which you can download books for free or at a discount there's nothing better than holding a tangible book while inhaling the smell of those brand new pages! 

Thankful For The LDS Missionaries.

^^^This is one of Sierra's childhood friends from Utah. Jordan Watchman served in San Diego where he recently returned home from his mission with honor. We are very proud of him. And soon it'll be Sierra's turn! ^^^ 

In the church I attend we have what you call missionaries that go out and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although we believe in the bible we also believe that there is another testament of Jesus Christ titled the Book of Mormon. 23 years ago I became a member of this wonderful church and my whole heart became more focused on the Savior Jesus Christ. Without the help of the missionaries of the church there would've been no way that I would've been strong enough, or taught proper enough in learning true principles of the gospel. To love, cultivate compassion, forgive, and most of all turn my heart over with sincerity to the Savior and leave my old life behind, and turn to a new one. To turn my heart over to Him so that in the end I can have eternal life, and reign with my Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ for eternity. So these wonderful missionaries are important in today's society, and whether they are 18 or 80 these missionaries are dedicated to sharing the gospel to anyone who may be searching for truth in a happier way. They are the ones who help those who want to learn about eternal happiness and the purpose of life. They are the ones with the knowledge of Christ's teachings, and His restored gospel. 

I am extremely thankful for the sister missionaries that had a huge part in my conversion. I will never forget them, and will always appreciate their kindness, love, and the patience they had in putting up with my stubbornness and all. It's been a pretty great life for me and I am so thankful to be a member of this church. I know that this church is true, and that we are guided by living prophets. I know that it has helped my family become more bonded than ever. It truly is the way to lasting happiness. No matter the trials we've faced as a family, I know that leaning towards the Savior will help guide us through a better life, and help us to be more Christlike. 

So here's to the missionaries who have served, who are about to serve, and who are currently serving all over the country. You are amazing, and even if you find one family, one person to come unto Christ, you're mission will be worth it. The Lord knows your hearts, and your reasons as to why you are serving. Keep on keeping on with finding those lost sheep who were on the same wavelength as I was 23 years ago. They're out there, you just got to have the patience, and faith to seek them. It may be tough at times, but I know that with sincere prayer you will find those who want so desperately to belong to a better world with light in it, and want to change. To have a new life, and be cleansed. 

First I want to recognize Hermana Schmidt who I met on the internet when I wrote about this post in regards to our former stake president. Turns out that she is serving in the Dominican Republic where he is currently serving as her mission president! Definitely a small world, and she is lucky to have President Corbitt as her president! 

^^^ Daniel Poaletti returned home from his mission earlier this year. He dedicated two years of service in Brazil. ^^^

^^^ Elder Hubner is currently serving in Missouri, and Elder Dapp is currently serving in California. They both grew up in the church together, and are the best of friends. How awesome it is that they are both serving missions at the same time! ^^^

 ^^^ Sister Alexandria Spears is currently serving in California. ^^^ 

^^^ Sister Vogel (the one doing the peace sign) is currently at the MTC, and will soon be serving in the Vanuatu/ New Caledonia which are the islands in the South Pacific! ^^^ 

There's a few more missionaries that I'd love to put on this blog, but don't want to make this a super long post! Know that I'm thinking of y'all! I love these people so much! I would say kids, but they are almost 19, & 20!! So never ever give up on the work! You will be so blessed for doing so!

***If you are interested in learning more about the missionaries, or want a free Book of Mormon please don't hesitate to contact me! You can also log onto our website at lds.org to find out more about the missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

Thankful For The Temple.

Nine years ago before we moved to the east coast, long before driving 75 minutes to two and a half hours to a temple I once was going to the temple once a week. 

Ever since I received my endowments, and got sealed to my family in Utah back in 2003 I immediately began attending the temple weekly, and the feeling I received from going was incredible. The temple is indeed a holy place filled with so much inspiration, and desire. A desire for me to continue to strive to do better. It is a beautiful building that I just cannot live without, and I'm extremely grateful for the Lord to give me that continued desire to attend when my time permits. 

When we first moved out here it was pretty tough not being able to go every week, but I bridled my passion and gave thanks to the Lord that it's only a two and a half drive, and not two days to get to a temple. Heavenly Father knows my heart, and is aware of my desire to serve. I"m very thankful of the times that we are able to go by ourselves, with friends, and yes...even our children. There have been times when Jon will go on temple dates with the girls, and in all honesty I think those are the best daddy daughter dates! He hasn't done that in a while because of time, and the kids being in school, but it's definitely on his resolution list for next year. 

Resolution: Taking our daughter to the temple more often even if it's once every three months. 

We always make the best of our temple trips when we take the kids, and I'm so glad we bring them. I know that by bringing them the example we set off as parents is a good one, and they will see the happiness on our faces as we arrive, and even more when we exit the building. 

It never fails that when we leave our kids to enter inside the temple my love for them is solid. And when the time comes for us to leave the temple, the love I have in my heart is even stronger, and all I want to do is hurry up and get to my kids and shower them with never-ending hugs and kisses. What a blessing it is to be able to feel that! 

My hope is that as they get older they will remember these temple trips, and that they will be able to do this with their future posterity. So attending the temple is important to me, and it is at the top of my list in my life of priorities. It strengthens me, my family, and particularly our marriage. It is such a beautiful place to be, and no matter the distance we will always make the time to go. 

Once we have a temple  close to us next year, you better believe I'll be attending in a weekly basis. I'm an adventurer, and a lover of temples so even when we have one that's 20 minutes away I will still drive hours to various temples. I never want to take them for granted, and the driving distance helps me appreciate that even more. 

Thankful For My Husband.

Most of us may assume that a wife's role in the home is to raise kids, do lots of laundry, clean, and cook. Well, I'm all for the top three except the last one. Although I don't mind cooking, truth is I choose not to, and so I let my husband take over. Don't get me wrong, there are times when I have cooked meals, but my husbands therapy is cooking. Some men fish, write, go to the gym, shoot guns, play golf, drink...mine, he cooks.

And he loves it!

He also loves golf & tennis too! 

Just the other day I was about to make hamburgers for the kids when all of a sudden I got a text from Jon that read, "heading in" which means "come pick me up." I then asked him if he could hang for a few minutes so I can make these patties for the kids, but he told me not to worry that he would make them. I can totally tell by the text that he was looking forward to letting his hair down (no pun intended) by coming home to whip up some patties. And so I let him take over the fort. 

I am soooooo lucky to have a husband who absolutely loves to cook, and go out of his way in finding unique recipes, and adding secret ingredients to a dish he just made up. He totally takes after his mom in the cooking department, and I'm glad that as a young boy observed her while she was cooking in the kitchen. If only time allowed him to go to a culinary school he'd probably be a chef by now working at a fine restaurant in the city, but it's nice to have him cook for us in the comforts of our home. 

I am extremely grateful to have a hardworking husband, that after driving for nine hours delivering at least 275 packages, loves to cook and that he doesn't expect dinner on the table like a soldier at 0600. I feel that as long as I'm doing all the other things, and because I'm a mom I don't mind, he doesn't mind doing the cooking. 

He's not only an amazing cook, but a great tennis player, father, and a great teacher. All his callings in the church have been teaching the youth, and that is a great talent that he has! His personality, and through experiences of his own while he was young has helped him reach out to some of the kids at our church. Teaching seminary for four years really helped him appreciate what it meant to wake up at 5 in the morning, while I was pregnant, and when Noah was born, but to see these kids in action waking up because they chose to made him appreciate it even more! 

Again...how grateful I am for having a teachable, fun, geeky, star wars loving, 6'3 laid back kind of guy,  in my family that the kids love, and that I'm proud to call my husband! 

We're a pretty lucky bunch!

Thankful For Callings In The Church.

One that gets my mind off of my own issues, and worldly chaos is serving others, and I'm in the perfect church for it. I love how how the church i attend is so service oriented, and how some members go out of their way to lend a helping hand. As a mother I tend to be subservient not only to my family, but to my friends, and neighbors, or anyone who may be in need of help. I've had many callings in the church, and at this moment I currently hold a calling where I teach the 8-11 year old girls. So far it has been a pleasure in being able to teach these young girls, and it is my hope that they will take in all that is being taught to them inside the home, and at church. 

Because I didn't have this growing up, I hope they know how much they appreciate this program, and how I wish I could have been in their shoes when I was their ages. 

To be taught about the savior. 
What service means.
How we can cultivate compassion. 
How we can be kind to others. 
What the atonement means. 
How we can forgive. 
To have faith. 
To have hope. 
To be peaceful. 

And the list goes on. 

But most of all...how we can gain a personal testimony of the Lord, and His gospel. 

Although I was raised a catholic, and went to CCD classes i wasn't devout, and in all honesty didn't apply any of it to my life at that time. So I didn't have any kind of gospel centered, service in the church kind of life growing up. And now I'm raising and teaching my kids, as well as these girls with the gospel. I hope that by the time they turn 12, they will be properly prepared to enter into a different kind of "fun" & spiritual territory which is the young women program. 

The young women program is a bit more intense because they'll be dealing with a whole lot of different. Same teachings, but in a different direction. The ages between 12 to18, in my opinion, are the most crucial years in an adolescents life, and it can be the toughest time for a teen. But knowing that they have the gospel of Jesus Christ in their life, and if they apply it...I mean really apply it daily they can endure all things, and have help from the Lord in leading them to all that is good. To know that they are indeed a daughter of a king, and that they no longer need to have the things of the world tell them what to do, and how to be. So being the girls achievement leader is a privilege to me because I will be helping them down that path. 

My youngest daughter Chelsea will be 11 in a couple of months and having her sit in with the other girls to teach them is a humbling time for me. At this moment she's been having a lot of questions, and is curious about other religions. Particularly the catholic religion. Luckily I was raised with that, and knew about the doctrine, and can explain to her such things as why they make a sign of the cross on their face, and pray with a pretty necklace with a bunch of colorful beads. Oh yeah...I explained all that to her, and in no way does she think it's weird. Different, but not weird. I'm grateful for her spirit, and for her questions because it allows me to teach her in a way that I wasn't taught. I didn't have an open mind growing up, and thankfully Chelsea does. I hope that she will continue to know that the things she is being raised with in the church, and taught in the home are true. 

I'm extremely grateful for all the callings I've had in the church because not only have they've helped me grow spiritually, but they have reminded me of something that I was once taught. The stories of Christ. It's almost like a refresher course on the basic principles. I also love that not only do I help teach these girls, but in return they are teaching me. 

The first night I taught them i was very impressed with their behavior, answers, and actions. They had it together, and I pray for many days like this. I hope that as we continue on this journey in learning about the gospel together that I will do more than my best. And that their parents will feel at ease knowing that their child is in good hands. Not the most perfect hands, but good hands. And that they will know that my heart is in the right place when it comes to teaching their girls true principles of the Lord. 

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.  

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! 

It's a Beautiful Season Of Gratitude.

Having a house that is 1500 sq feet has its pros and cons. Cons because it can get a little too crowded where everyone can hear everything, and see what everyone is doing, hence sometimes getting on each others nerves, and pros because it can be the most coziest and intimate setting to a family. I personally choose the latter, and for the past six and a half years of living in this "cape cod" style house of ours we have made it a heaven on earth, and a place where our  kids can home to feel safe, comfortable, and loved. 

This time of year brings a lot of cozy moments into our home. Cozy because fall is officially in full swing. This is a period where the girls begin to play Christmas music on the piano, and sing like crazy people. This is a  time where I don't mind all of us sitting down on the couch watching a hallmark movie, or reading a book while the kids are entertaining themselves doing crafts, coloring, or  playing "restaurant" where Noah's the waiter, and Chelsea's the cook, and if Lexie's home, well...she pretends to eat the fake food! Right now with school still in session Noah and I have all the time in the world to do things together during the day, and as much as I would like to sit down to catch up on my reading, and my journal writing, I make the choice to pull myself in the direction of a beating heart. Not mine, but my children, and my focus is all on them. I have long since realized that time quickly flies when your raising teenagers, and now even toddlers. Especially when I see my 19 year old daughter making decisions on her own, and praying that they will be wise ones. Yep...the days just keep passing by way too quick for me these days especially for this little munchkin who just turned five, and you know what that means. 

Once they turn five, time seems to fly by even quicker and the next thing you know they're in kindergarten! Therefore spending time with him during the day is my priority, and sometimes my selfishness tends to creep out even more these days. I don't allow him too much "alone time" entertaining himself because this is the time where time with our little ones should be cherished. There are days when I look at him and thank my lucky stars because for the past five years he hasn't broken a bone in his body, gotten too many boo boos, or overall cause me any major stress & I'm extremely thankful for those blessings. I think having three sisters has helped him not get hurt too bad because they spoil him & treat him like a little prince. They aren't rough with him except maybe for Chelsea who can provoke, poke, and egg him at times, but luckily there have never been no trips to the e.r., or major punishments for serious drama. I thank the girls for loving him and expressing kindness to him more than any kind of resentment. He's as sweet as they come packaged with hugs, kisses, and a lot of  "I love you's, I'm sorry's mixed in with "don't spank my butt." 

At times I'll reflect back on the time spent raising the girls (including Sierra who is not pictured in the photo above) at this age, and never want to see them as the "lost years." I chose to be a stay at home mom for the simple reason of "time", and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity that I have had for the past 14 years to be a "stay at home mom" with my kids.  I love them all, and this time of year gives me many opportunities to express my gratitude towards them. Thanking the Lord for sending them down to me one by one to nurture, guide, protect, and love them. Even when they're 20, 30, even 40 years old I want them to know that I'll be there for them to give advice, and continue to love them. This time of year is very sentimental to me, but also a very happy time. It reminds me to be kind, and give thanks in all that I do, and for all that I have. This is such a beautiful season of "life" not only because of how nature shows herself off with beautiful colored leaves, and cooler temperatures, but because it is a time for family get togethers, and expressing gratitude in all things! And I always want my kids to know that no matter how old they are that they will always have a "heavenly" home to come home to...no matter what! 

Happy Summer To Us & A New Job For The Hubs.

After all those snow days we had that caused our kids to end school one week after their original release date I feel that we deserve many vacations this summer. The fact that all my girls passed with flying colors to their next grade level makes me one proud mama. So glad that school is out, and that we are ready to have our summer "officially" begin. 

But first...

general conference on a sunday with a side of gratitude, & love.

The gospel is about love. God is about love. Service is love. Kindness is love. God is love. It should be that plain and simple, but in this day and age it usually isn't. Luckily I have gratitude in my heart that connects with love, and compassion because without those two things, I don't think I'd have a big heart towards mankind. My neighbors, my family, my friends, and yes...even those who may dislike me, or who have wronged me. 

I really enjoyed President Thomas S. Monson's message of love this past Sunday. He said, "Love should be the heart of family life." Fortunately for my family of six it truly is. I tend to focus on the positive side of love. That's the kind of love I want to pass on down to my posterity. I don't want them to experience the kind of love that I learned while growing up. I always remind them to pray for that special love which is the one like Christ. Luckily we have a song titled "Love one Another" as a reminder for our children whenever they sing it in primary as well as for us grown ups who may sing that simple hymn during a relief society and/or priesthood meeting. 

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf always hits me to the core of my soul with his words. This is one man who is so in tune with the spirit that he knows exactly what we need to hear, and how to be. President Monson certainly knows how to choose his counselors.

Love and gratitude definitely tied into each other for me at this year's conference because without a good attitude I don't think I could ever exhibit the love I have for everyone. Within the past four years I have truly learned to be grateful not only for the blessings I receive, but for the trials as well. I find myself being in a state of major thanksgiving when I kneel down in prayer praying to Heavenly Father for every single hardship that has come our way while living in Jersey. Even more and more for all the trials I have experienced on my own. Call it maturing in age or in the gospel, but when I humble myself before God I have a heaviness in my heart that I sometimes can't believe how grateful I am for the "big" things I've gone through in this life...especially with with my family. I know that because of those trials our lives have been blessed, and have made us stronger members of the church. Having an "attitude of gratitude" makes a huge difference in our lives, and it continues to strengthen our spirit, and overall makes us a better person. 

This year's conference was so special. Special because it is the actual and accurate day of the Savior's birth. Seeing Noah looking up at the picture of Jesus Christ next to the Bishop's offices with a huge smile on his innocent face reassures me that he knows who He is. He even said, "Happy Birthday Jesus." That was a precious moment!

I absolutely love this time of year, and it certainly was a perfect day for conference. The weather was just the right temperature, and the signs of spring such as the sun shining with green grass is proof that winter is finally coming to an end. 

Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk on family history gave me even more motivation to not get complacent in my genealogy. Just because I have a few family names doesn't mean I should stop there because the work of the Lord never ends. I have so much work to do for my side of the family, and it brings me tears to "sense" that some of them are waiting on the other side praying and hoping that it's their turn. And when I finally do their work it's a sense of fulfillment, and pure joy! 
I sometimes find myself in a dream state. Maybe I'm being hard on myself, but there are moments when I can't believe I have a family this wonderful. With all our imperfections, bad days, exhausting days, drama moments, and "tiger mom" moments having the gospel of Jesus Christ, and knowing that "we have the atonement to make up for life's imperfections" ( as Gary E. Stevenson quoted) makes life tolerable.

Today was one of those days where the only thing that mattered was hearing the words of our church leaders with my family (excluding Sierra who had the opportunity to watch conference live...lucky her!)

Six months goes by way too fast, and before we know it October will be here with another conference & a mixture of fall to show it's beautiful colors.

Luckily we have back issues of the Ensign to read up on past conferences.

**In case you missed conference you can watch, listen, or download any of the talks here.

**How did you like conference? 
**Is there any specific talk that hit the core of your soul? 

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.

There is always something to be thankful for.

And today, on the 22 day of November I am thankful for...

• my family, and extended family all over the world...I love them so much. 
• my only sister, who through thick and thin has been there for me...no matter what.  
• friends near and far whom I've kept in touch with throughout the years.
• technology, without it I would have never reconnected with friends from years ago.
• my husband, who works so hard to provide for us.
• a warm bed to sleep on inside a nice heated home. 
• good books because there's so much knowledge in them if we understand the story.
• music, without it my soul wouldn't be the same. Plus...it helps me when I write.
• a house full of happy kids.
• my children, they are all the glue that hold me together...especially Noah.
• life, for it is the air I breathe and wake up to everyday.
• sunshine on a chilled November afternoon.
• nature, and all of God's beautiful creations that remind us that He is always watching over us.
• this little blog that i have to inform others of my life both past & present in hopes that they continue to stay and visit longer. And possibly be inspired.
• endurance, without that I don't think I would have survived my childhood.
• trials, without them I wouldn't learn, and grow spiritually from them.
• prayer...without it I don't think my relationship with Heavenly Father would have developed.
• our church magazines with stories that inspire me, and help me to never give up on life.
• my conversion in to the LDS church & for change because all things are possible.
• faith, without that there is no way I can have hope or trust that good things will happen.
• support, without that I honestly don't think that we'd have friends to offer it.
• the gospel, because without it I honestly would feel "lost", a recluse, a totally different person. A person who would have continued to live a life that was not good. And I am grateful. 

Boy am I forever grateful! 

**What are you thankful for?

Noah in September.

Noah is my technology baby, and so far he has surpassed Chelsea in a field where game playing, and word games reside. Luckily there is more to life for him than being surrounded in a world that is filled with technical devices, media, and things that a kid shouldn't have to tolerate.

Luckily he has us as parents to teach, nurture, and to comfort him. Sisters to play with, hug, and sometimes torture. 

And then there's the outdoors.

Having gone on a few road trips this summer I had been giving in a lot lately with giving him my phone as entertainment while we go on errands or drives that are an hour long. I know that's my fault, and luckily he's one kid who will politely ask, "mommy, can i play with your phone?" "pleeeeeease mom...just for a little bit." I mean seriously. If you heard the way this kid speaks, and asks for something you can't say no to his cute face. Especially when you hear that sweet little voice of his.

Thing is that I'm not one to just give in and immediately give him this device that is making him super smart because not only does he play Despicable Me minion rush, but he also plays educational word games with puzzles. He is amazingly well at it, and we now have all these people following him on the game part. Weird because I don't really play games nor do I care for them, but I know that it makes him happy when he plays.

Well, now that school is back in session I am trying my hardest to not have him play on my phone or on the computer too much. I'm surprised he hasn't attempted to sneak into our room to turn on the mac while its sleeping.

When the girls leave we'll watch a little bit of cartoons, have his Robots movie fix, snack time, and will then attack his toy bin. There are moments where he'll nonchalantly sit at the piano, and start playing some off beat tunes. Even though he doesn't play yet he'll tap (not pound) on the keys, and there was a time where it sounded as if he was actually playing a melody. I wish I had my phone on hand to have vined it!! See...the phone is good for some things!! Being alone with him for a few hours everyday gives me the opportunity to pay attention to every detail of my almost four year old.

Thing is we're not hermits, and we like to have some recreational time. As a mom being archaic is the best feeling, and I sometimes miss those days before he went on this tangent with playing games on iphones and ipads. Venturing outside, and taking him to the park is his most favorite thing, and mine.

Fall is just around the corner, and after getting a much needed haircut yesterday we ventured out into our little wilderness where he played with sticks, chased squirrels, and threw rocks into the lake.

Reading statuses on Facebook about the most recent shooting disturbs me, and although I am one to follow up with current events, sad news like that is something I try not to focus on too much. 

I'm just grateful that we can escape the "things of the world" by going outside, and taking in all of Gods beautiful creations and to be glorified in its presence. It makes me extremely thankful to be alive.

Seriously...who needs the television, and all those technical devices when we have the playground, and each other to keep us entertained, but most of all to make us smile.