SPLISHIN & A SPLASHIN IN THE POOL!

We have lived in the comforts of Jersey for seven years now, and we still have the most awesome neighbors. Our lives may be busy to the point where we only say hi and goodbye as we exit our homes in the morning, but nonetheless we look out for each other, ask if we can borrow eggs, sugar, milk, and at one point even asked if they had like two pieces of bread on a Sunday because of our neglect to shop during the week or on a Saturday! They've even let us "borrow" their pool when it opens up in the summertime! This has been such a treat for my kids especially since the little blue pool is no longer viable. Those pools can only last for so long, but luckily they were able to enjoy playing in it for a while.  

One thing I am most grateful for is that in the seven years I have lived in this borough I have never had one altercation with anyone on my block! And even though I have shared the gospel with them numerous times in conversation as well as bearing it as a gift to them over the holidays they have not once ever disrespected my beliefs. That's good neighboring, and I'm so grateful to be a part of this neighborhood. 

Just recently we had the chance to splash away, and enjoy our time in the pool on Jon's day off. With Jon driving in the hot sun all day it's nice to have a day off where he can just relax, and lay out by the pool. Of course he's inside the pool playing with the kids, and even taught Noah how to float. I would love to get him in swimming lessons, but have to find the time, and a place that's affordable. Chelsea also learned how to float, and swim on that day!! Yes...she's 10 and just barely learned how to swim. Don't laugh because I still can't swim that well, and I'm almost 44! 

It had been a while since we've been in their pool, and boy did it feel good stepping foot inside it again...

^^^ I spy Noah, a ball, and a pretty handsome guy on a turtle float. ^^^

^^^ Meant to capture Chelsea floating in the water, and here comes papa photobombing it in the background! ^^^

^^^ Noah taking a break after he nearly slipped from the steps in the pool, but by the grace of god doggie paddled, and stood on his tippy toes until Jon grabbed him! He was the closest to him! Almost gave me a heart attack! ^^^ 

This was such a fun day for the kids, and these moments are proof on the internet that show that it's the smallest, most simplest things that keeps these kids in good spirits. Who needs an extravagant trip to Hawaii, or Cancun (although that would be nice someday) when you have your neighbors pool! 

Summer...we really don't want you go, and I really don't want my neighbors to ever move!! 

Love thy neighbor.

How blessed we are to have such wonderful neighbors who have the nicest kids. Living here for four years has been a blessing. A blessing because anytime you need a cup of sugar, milk, a ride, my wonderful neighbors are there to help. 

And when summer comes...

their pool is open!

 The lovely Kayla always invites us, and we really needed this. Temperatures were scorching hot yesterday!

 I, of course am taking pictures proving how much fun all the kids are having. I was able to put my suit on and join in on the fun, but obviously took pictures instead. 

 We need to either have Chelsea take swimming lessons, or have her sisters teach her. I personally am not a good swimmer therefore I wouldn't be a good teacher. She can doggy paddle, but still wears a life vest! She doesn't mind it. 

 When we came over last year for a father's day bbq, Noah was not ready to jump into their pool. This is Noah's first time inside their pool, and was timid at first, but then began splashing his sisters, and having a blast!

I am so grateful for the love that I have for my neighbor. Not just the one that lives next door, but my whole block! It's so important to get along with them, and to introduce yourselves first when you move into a new area so that they can know about who you are.  I believe I am an expert now with all the moving I've done. You just never know when you'll need them, or when they'll need you.

 In our case when summer is here they think of us, and in weather like this makes us extremely grateful. 

We sure love our neighbors, and it's not because of their pool! 

Celebrating Father's Day

After we came home from church services yesterday we went to our next door neighbor's house for a little BBQ to honor Father's Day. I cried. As if the talks spoken during sacrament meeting weren't enough to set the alarms off. I didn't, no, let me correct that, I've NEVER had a great father figure in my life. The closest people I've ever had to having a great father would be my father-in-law, my husband, and of course...my Father in Heaven.

My father abandoned my mother, me and my sister when I was about five years old. My step-father came into my family when I was eight, and the molestation began when I was ten. It lasted until I was about 14. I don't want to ruin this post with a sob story that I've healed from, and maybe I'll write about my molestation on a later date. For now... these fathers had way too much fun, and I'm not about to spoil it boohooing about my past.

I was so impressed with this family. They are not mormon, and that's okay. They have been my neighbor's for three years, and it seems like we moved in yesterday. I LOVE this family. They had a total of at least 30 family members come to celebrate!! I was thinking of my family back in Utah, and all the get together's we had with my husband's family.

I. miss. that.

I loved that the hugs, and kisses on the cheek when I met the rest of this family were reciprocal.
I loved watching others play with my kid.

 I love that even though my girls, and Tinika's girls are a few years apart...they get along great, and enjoy each other's company. 

Noah had so much fun playing with this exercise ball. I love Tinika's backyard. Compared to our's...it's a lot bigger!!

I'm so grateful to have wonderful neighbors here in Jersey. One may seem nervous to move and start all over again meeting new people. To be honest...I'm not. As much as we've moved around from state to state in the past six years, it's become second nature for me to immediately step out of my comfort zone, and get to work with meeting others and sharing the one important thing that means the most in my life...the gospel of Jesus Christ. I had that opportunity last night, and it was a great conversation!!

It was the best five and a half hours spent with a great family.

THANKS TINIKA for a fun-filled evening filled with harmonious fathers...and delicious food!!