Joseph Smith Log Cabin.

I literally grew up in a house this size except it was one story with three rooms. Our shower & bathroom we’re outside. I never complained of our living conditions as a child but as I grew older in my teens was embarrassed to show my friends where I lived. Eventually I learned not to care and to appreciate the fact that I at least had a roof over my head. 

I’m always in awe when I come to Palmyra and see the little house Joseph Smith grew up in. As I walk in I am reminded of the necessities we need. And we never need a lot. Just enough to make our house a home. A bed, clothes, blankets, kitchen with simple gadgets to cook meals with. 

I’m grateful for the house we have now and that it’s not gigantic, but roomy enough to fit my family and the things we need. 

And to have a yard is pretty dreamy. It helps put our kids to work and to get their hands dirty, and keep up with the yard and garden. This is how we grow up & learn and to be humble and thankful in appreciating all that we have. 

Because Joseph Smith & his family did just that. 

Atop The Hill Cumorah in 2021.

We've been home for almost two weeks from our little getaway trip to Palmyra and already missing it! I love upstate New York and the quietness that it brings. As much as I love living near the city and in a borough that has a lot of action, every now and then I long for that stillness of nature of peace and tranquility and going to Palmyra to see the church history sites does it for me. Some may not think that's boring (especially if you're not into Jesus) but as for and my family we love coming here so for the next few days I will be documenting about the places we went to and our little adventures. A lot has changed since the pageant was permanently canceled but we still love coming up here to remember it all. Those little reminders of what happened here years agohstrengthen us and build our love for the Savior even more. 

Peter Whitmer Farm & Palmyra Temple: Summer 2020

Such a peaceful trip this was being isolated from people. Not that we don't mind crowds but this trip was completely different. Empty parking lots. Empty temple grounds. No cars. I didn't see the need to wear our masks throughout our time in Palmyra while looking at the sites. Although we are used to wearing them the entire time I have to be honest. It was nice not wearing them being that the temps were in the 90's. Sure it cools down in the late afternoon but during the day it was pretty hot. I captured a few moments with the kids at the temple and Noah roaming free around this reconstructed log house at the Peter Whitmer farm. He had the time of his life being that there were no tours going on. He just ran amuck like a little pioneer kid from the 1800's picking up sticks and rocks. It was simplicity at its best and I loved every minute of this trip. If we could only live simply like the pioneers did back in the day. How nice it would be!

Saturday In Palmyra, NY!

The Hill Cumorah Pageant this year was, as always a great experience! In spite of leaving late Friday evening, and arriving in the wee hours of the morning we filled our Saturday making memories as a family. This place never grows weary on us, and every year we come here we leave with a different experience, and it is always a good one! 

Church History Sites In Palmyra, New York.

For those of you who have known us for the past ten years know how much we love going to Palmyra to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant, and all the historic sites in the area. It is what makes our summer, and helps us to overcome the world. We love the peaceful feeling we receive while walking inside the sacred grove, and for once to pretend that life is absolutely perfect! It is the place where one can go to feel peace, and joy. There is no place I'd rather be than with my family while exploring this wonderful place, and to know that it all started here. 

YOUTH CONFERENCE IN PALMYRA 2015

Four years have passed since the youth of our church went to Palmyra, and this past summer the youth endured the six hour drive to upstate New York to visit the sites. Youth conference, along with other church programs such as girls camp is something that my girls always look forward to every year. They love the camaraderie among friends as well as the spirit that it brings. 

When it comes to youth conference every stake in the church plans a spiritual activity. I know a few wards who have TREK every four years (which is something our stake should seriously consider in planning.) Some may have a temple trip like we did last year, but this year our youth traveled to Palmyra to visit all the historical sites. 

We almost didn't go this year, and I'm so glad that the youth went simply because not everyone in our church has ever been to upstate New York to explore, and see the history sites. So I'm extremely grateful that are stake president stuck to his word on having the youth go to Palmyra. So, so grateful. 

I know that if these youth take in all that they see, and put themselves in that moment of what happened in Palmyra including the hill cumorah, and sacred grove that they will feel the spirit. Testimonies will be strengthened, the spirit of the Lord will be felt so strong, and to learn about where the church started and to see it in person truly makes it more meaningful.

I remember when Sierra went with the youth four years ago. I remember how much fun she had, and how attuned she was with the spirit once she returned home. Having all those spiritual experiences throughout that summer really helped her deal with all the trials that she went through as well as issues that were harboring deep within her heart, and mind. It is remarkable to have talked with her about what she learned, and felt that summer because that was a very difficult year for her dealing with drama among "so called friends", and just overall life. And now...she's preparing for a mission!! Yay! 

We also had the opportunity this year to go to Palmyra as a family, and Lexie was excited to have also gone with the youth. She mentioned that it was different seeing the hill cumorah without the stage, but mentioned that the spirit was just as strong. 

Lexie didn't capture too many photos of her youth trip which is probably good because that meant that she was focusing more on listening, and enjoying time with her friends. Taking pictures is great and all, but to go without having that device of technology glued to your hand makes a huge difference, and you tend to pay more attention to your surroundings. 

I am so grateful for programs such as youth conference that remind our youth of the plan of salvation, happiness, and enduring to the end. And it is my hope that like her sister Sierra, Lexie will always remember what she is taught and to take that with her no matter where she goes once she is in college, and on her own. 

oh, the places we eat.

While on our trip to Palmyra there were a couple of places we like to eat at, and I'd like to share some of those amazing places with you.

If you're lucky enough to stay in a motel where they have a kitchen to cook your own food in that's the best way to go, but on this trip we ate out just a bit!

The first time we came to the pageant was seven years ago. We drove 13 hours from North Carolina, and we were so excited. We were lucky enough to have stayed at the Palmyra Inn, (place gets booked real quick.) They have an eat in kitchen, but we ate out most of the time. Since it was only for a few days we figured it would be easier if we just ate out. Then again we only had three kids at the time, and at two years old Chelsea wasn't a big eater.

Well...now that they are all older, and have a boy in the family they are all very good eaters with taste buds, and love food. Noah is still a bit picky, but simple. He loves hotdogs.

For the past few years we have been eating at a place called Mac's Drive In in Waterloo, and let me tell you...this place is dirt cheap. You see all this food...$27.79.

And it was delicious!

We had four hamburgers, four drinks, two waters (free), three orders of fries, two orders of onion rings, and a hot dog. Granted they are not huge burgers, and the portions are not enormous, but it's just enough to get us through the afternoon. They also have some pretty good pulled pork sandwiches! 

They have picnic tables, and plenty of field for the kids to run around and have fun in.

One place we started going to last year when we came was the Chill and Grill. They have the best ice cream, and their portions are enormous! Their kiddie size cone is probably a large in regular ice cream shops.

I'm not sure which place has better ice cream...Samuels in Connecticut, or Chill & Grill in Palmyra. They are both delicious! I'd recommend getting a child's cone because the scoops they put on are enormous! The girls always want to come here for ice cream after dinner.

I'm not sure which place has better ice cream...Samuels in Connecticut, or the Chill & Grill in Palmyra. They are both delicious! The girls always want to come here for ice cream after dinner.

These are the small size cones!! Two huge scoops! Circa-2012

I ordered the turtle which is soft served ice cream dipped in chocolate, and the bottom is filled with caramel, and peanuts. Noah was attempting to eat it by tongue. Silly boy...

And of course if you want to eat dinner at the pageant and spend four dollars on a hamburger with just meat and bun go ahead. But you got to have the potatoes! They are soooo good!

The next day we had dinner at the Chill and Grill again. We normally just eat ice cream, but really wanted to try the food. We all had burgers...again, and man were they  huge! The spicy waffle fries were pretty good. I wasn't too impressed with the food, but I sure love their ice cream. Although their food was "okay" I'd rather "chill" with ice cream than "grill" with the food here. I personally prefer Mac's in Waterloo.

If you can pack a cooler in your long travels that is the best, and cheapest way to eat. Sometimes we go for it, sometimes we don't. We did bring cookie butter, and jelly to make sandwiches on our way up to Connecticut, but on our way to Palmyra we kind of ran out of bread, hence eating out.

We certainly spoiled ourselves with the Mac's in Waterloo, and ice cream cones at the Chill and Grill.

So if you are planning a trip to upstate New York in Palmyra I highly recommend eating at those places...you won't be disappointed.

Palymra, Birthplace of the Restoration

This is the blogging finale of our Palmyra trip. There was just so much to do when we went.

 After all, we only come up here once a year (except for Sierra... she'll be up here again next week for youth conference.)

This is the Peter Whitmer house. I always feel a sense of peace when I enter in. This little house is where the LDS church was first organized. Can you believe there were only six members who attended church  in this home, and now there are over 14 million members!

 As I was walking up to the top of the Hill Cumorah, I was thinking back to when I first climbed it in 2009. I was seven months pregnant. I was amazed at my determination back then. This time around, it was a piece of cake, and it was good exercise too!

The view from the top of the Hill Cumorah. You can see the stage and the all the chairs that sit at least 9,000 people.

I love this scripture.

It really helped me when I was first investigating the church. I was challenged and read the entire Book of Mormon before committing to this wonderful church. I know that if I continue to do what is right, read my scriptures daily, and strive to do my very best in this world...the blessings will pour down from heaven upon me and my family.

And last but not least, our favorite place to go to escape the things of the world... the temple. As you walk into the temple and enter the foyer there is a view of the Sacred Grove. It really brings an even more peaceful feeling. 

Palmyra Temple

So happy that we were able to enjoy this time as a family.
Until next year.

Inside the Sacred Grove

"What happened here changed the world. Let it change your life."

This past week we attended the the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra, New York. There is always so much to see when we go to Palmyra. I love everything about Palmyra. One of my most favorite places to go to is the Sacred Grove. I wish my family lived close enough to come here every day to read our scriptures, and just take in the moments to sit down and ponder our thoughts about what we are thinking about as we walk through the grove.


I could live in a country village like Palmyra where life doesn't seem as rushed. If I lived here I would do my visiting teaching in the grove. I would come here to pray about any problems, or trials I am having. I would just come here to feel the spirit. What a wonderful feeling we have every time we come here. What happened here in the grove was life changing for many people...

It truly changed mine.

To read about what happened here inside the Sacred grove...click HERE. 

I promise you it'll change your life.