Happy Cupid Day!

I romanticize this city so much when it comes to holidays and special occasions but particularly Valentine's Day. Moments were captured with my boys in front of this decorative stoop and had so much fun doing so.

Also, one thing I have learned throughout my years especially as I grow older is that if you look for it, and I mean really look for it-whether with your gals, guys, family, neighbors or even strangers...you'll find that LOVE actually is all around! 

Wishing everyone a wonderful cupid day! 

Love Is In The Air In NYC!

One thing I LOVE about the city on Valentines is how so many businesses and residents decorate their stoops. There are also many artists who will spread the love by creating their own art on their doors or a random wall on the street along with art installations and sculptures. This month we went to town all over the city and stopped by so many cute places where there were people speeding the love and we just had to capture each other in them. Since Jon works every single day until dusk my kids are my sweethearts when it comes to taking pictures during the days that lead up to Valentines day. Luckily we came on a Saturday where Chelsea was able to capture at least one photo of me and her pa!

A Sonic Valentines.

A little late in sharing Noah's choice of valentine's this year, but because he has one more year left of elementary school wanted to document it for my own reminiscing pleasure. He's the only boy and last child I'll get to do this with. The years are flying and I never want to take even the smallest things such as seeing valentines day in the eyes of a child for granted. I only took a couple of pictures of the box he made in which he drew (not copied) Sonic and Tails, and the simple printable we found of Sonic on Pinterest. 

It's Valentine's Day!

I've been taking advantage of going to the city a lot lately. There is always something new popping up. Whether it's a flower flash, a pop up museum or an art mural. Being that it's the month of Valentine's Day various artists come out and create art on the streets of New York. I am amazed at the talent these artists have and how intricate they draw in detail. Some of their artwork have been on the walls for years and some have been painted over but nonetheless no matter where you walk in New York there is always some beautiful artwork to look at! It's been fun having Lexie be my personal photographer, and to be taking her on these adventures with me before she's off on her church mission! 

Panic has set in, and people are definitely taking it to the extreme. We’re using common sense, practicing caution, and going about our day (while enjoying those sunny rays!!)

Thoughts On Celebrating Valentine's Day.

Valentines Day for us has always been quite simple. And sometimes the simplest celebrations are the most special. In all our years of being together, neither of us have never felt the need to try hard to impress each other. Our gifts didn't always consist of material gifts and flowers. We realized long ago that quality time together was always the answer to every celebration. Whether it's going to the matinee or watching Netflix or a dvd from home. Making a simple dinner at home. A walk on the beach (if it's not too cold). Sitting on a park bench discussing matters of the heart, or simply walking the streets of New York laughing and eating our way through the city. It feels great knowing that we don't need to go all out for each other and as the years pass us by and as we grow older time and our kids become more important. Important in the fact that we acknowledge them and shower them with love and a good ear in hearing all about their days. Valentines is a lovely holiday and whoever thought it up is genius. Expressing love to those who mean the most through handwritten notes is my favorite. And although gifts such as flowers and chocolate are nice...flowers die, and chocolate gets eaten really, really quick! So time. Time spent together is all one really needs. And a whole lot of LOVE! 

However you celebrate this holiday I wish you both! 

Our Valentine's Day.

Valentines day this year came and went by way too quick! With the kids in school Jon and I spent the day in the city. It was 60 degrees, and a perfect day to walk the streets of New York, and take in the nice early "spring" weather! We were famished, and had lunch at cafe lalo. It was perfect, and half empty which was nice. We were lucky to have found a parking space a block away for free. Reason I'm mentioning "free parking" is because parking can cost you up to 50 bucks in the city! Especially if you drive a mini-van. Counting our blessings every time that happens!

Valentine's Day In New York City.

This past weekend we braved the cold temperatures and went to New York to meet up with a dear friend of ours. When I got the text to let me know she was coming I squealed with delight. This friend was a former missionary who served for or our church in our area back in 2010. I will always remember the day she came into our ward, and because I love the missionaries so much I immediately greeted her. My youngest daughter Chelsea was almost six when she met her, and Noah was just a baby. I remember the huge smile on her face when she turned around and noticed a little girl tapping her arm wanting to say hello. 

That's when I knew that this was going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship not only between us, but between her and my daughter as well. They have a special bond, and I love it! 

And ever since we have been in touch! 

The day went by way too quickly, and even thought the temps dropped to the teens, we still managed to take a walk on the Brooklyn bridge, and catch up. Time certainly does pass when you're in good company, and the cold didn't even matter. Well...almost! It was so nice also catching up with her brother, and meeting some of her other family members. We all had a grand time chatting, and eating Thai food. 

Here are a few photos I took while on the bridge. Didn't take very many because you know...it was cold, and my fingers were freezing, and I wanted to give my full attention to Becky, but nonetheless here you go:

This was something that never caught my eye as we were walking. Becky pointed it out to her niece, and I was like, "How cool is that!" It's interesting to see a bunch of locks on a bridge as opposed to the love lock bridge in Paris (which I would love to see someday!) 

And the skyline never disappoints...

Grainy selfie of Lexie, and I on the bridge, and a few random photos I took of us and the kids while on our way to the bridge. This whole "celebrating Valentines Day with kids, and friends" was awesome! I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat. 

Even in cold temps, and especially in New York City!

Hope you're Valentine's Day was awesome, and that you have a Happy President's Day! 

Happy Monday!

our "winter" Valentine's day weekend.

Is Valentines day a weekend for lovers? Yes and no. Some of us may be single with many friends to share it with, and some of us may have a significant other to celebrate it with. Fortunately I have a love in my life along with four children to make this holiday very special. Valentines day is one of my favorite holidays specifically because of the kids. Exchanging valentines with other kids at school was one of my favorite things to do when I was their age. I love teaching them about loving their fellow man no matter what, & that giving out valentines day cards to their friends at school (even to the kids that are mean) is teaching them unconditional love. 

Valentines day is not just for adults. It's also for the little people & these two had a grand time making valentines. Noah's art may not be mastered but he has the right concept when he draws a picture. We mailed cards, dropped off treats, and after a day of thinking of others it was our turn to have a date night. 

The day we saw The Saratov Approach movie we saw the trailer for Winter's Tale, and the fact that Jessica Brown Finlay (who played Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey) stars in it along with Colin Farrell made my heart swell, and I was sold! I had been counting the days till valentine's day for this magical looking movie to open. 

First of all I had no idea that this movie was going to be about angels & demons. Without giving too much of the movie away it was beautiful & absolutely stunning. There is a lot of love, hope, magic, and miracles in this film. It's an unabashedly love story with an ending that makes you realize what could possibly happen to us when we die, and in my opinion was an interesting rendition of good verses evil.

If you liked the movie "Ghost"...you'll definitely love Winter's Tale! 

*****

Attending the temple the day after was perfect! It was Valentine's Day weekend, we had just seen the perfect movie the night before, and we had our cute kids with us. We made it a priority to just take off and "run" to the temple! I felt so emotional this day. Winter can bring out the "blues" for some of us, but when you're at the temple no matter how busy, tired, or stressed your week, life is/was going to the temple takes all of that away. I know I write a lot about our trips to the temple, and that is because I have such a strong passion for it. The seasons pass us by way too quickly, and knowing that I made it to the temple this winter makes me extremely grateful that I made the time to go. 

Spring is coming pretty soon, and I look forward to the flowerbeds filled with different colored tulips, but on this day seeing the temple grounds covered with snow was a sight to see. It's amazing how looking at this timeless building in the winter brings me a different, but "fresh" perspective at my life right now.

This picture makes me so happy. Seeing these two hugging while the cold air is blowing with smiles on their faces gives me a surety that no matter how much they bicker they truly do love each other. Noah was too cold to stand outside for a long period of time, and so I quickly managed to capture this photo of him while cuddling on papas shoulder. Stubborn little boy wouldn't put his coat on. I asked him if he wanted his hat, and he said "I am wearing my hat mommy...it's my hoodie!" Silly boy.

Our lives seem so much calmer, peaceful when we leave the House of The Lord. Our feelings don't get hurt, and any offense made by another person whether it's family, a friend, neighbor, or even a member of our own congregation just passes us by. Nothing matters to us, but the love we share for others, by being a good example to those we meet, and come in contact with. Whether they feel our love for them is real is their choice. But I know that my love for each and every human being that I meet on this earth is real.

And that...my brothers and sisters is what the temple brings. Love, joy, & fulfillment. It truly makes us a better disciple of Christ, mother to my children, wife to my hubby, and friend to others.

Now two things you need to tryyyyyy to do this week..go watch Winter's Tale and attend the temple if you can! There's over 100 of them, and there's bound to be one where you live! If not...I don't think you'll have to wait much longer.

Happy Monday! 

Spontaneity on a Day Off

I always look forward to Jon's day off. He puts in about 45 hours a week, sometimes more. His days off vary on a weekly basis. Today was the day. We don't have a "routine" or a strict schedule we live by. We don't always plan, sometimes we just do.

There are always things to be accomplished at our house such as laundry, putting up that picture that has been leaning against the wall behind the crib for over a week now, returning texts a day late because my phone was on vibrate, looking in our pantry to see if we are lacking any major ingredients on what we are having for dinner tonight. Sure we did all those things... and I also:

 1. Addressed valentine's day cards.

 2. Mailed a sympathy card to a close friend whose aunt passed away yesterday.

 3. Went to Target and bought Chelsea a booster seat (she got too tall for her old one) & a popcorn combo.

 4. Bought Chelsea her own bed (she's been sharing a bed with her sister since we moved here two and a half years ago.)

 5. Bought new sheets for Chelsea's new bed.

 6. Went to a friend's house to give her youngest some slightly used clothing previously worn by Chelsea.

 7. Reimbursed a friend who just recently traveled to England where she bought me some lovely stuff from Cath Kidston.

 8. Helped Chelsea with her homework.

 9. Supervised Chelsea while practicing piano.

10. Fed Noah oatmeal for lunch (he can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!)

11. Took Sierra to her drama rehearsal.

12. Had a dear friend (whom I hadn't seen since Halloween) over for a surprise visit while Jon was playing with this.

13. Make a last minute trip to Marshall's to pick up another pillow for Chelsea before 9:30 p.m. (she likes sleeping with two pillows.)

Unfortunately... I didn't get back in time for me to personally say goodnight to my kids and have our family prayer (which is very rare.) So I peeked in, gave them all a kiss, and saw Noah cuddled in Lexie's bed (I heart his rosy cheeks!)

Sierra got a ride home from rehearsal and was exhausted. I noticed Sierra wearing her pink hoodie to bed (at least she had her pajama bottoms on and not her jeans.)

I saw sweet Chelsea on her new bed with her new sheets comfortably sleeping (does she really need a second pillow?)

As crazy as this day sounds, and although some things weren't planned...I enjoyed every minute of today.

One of my life's motto is: if you have a daily schedule and are organized,  you can add some spontaneity in your daily life, and serve others.

On Jon's days off, when things are rarely ever planned that's exactly what we try to do.

*Are you a planner, or spontaneous?
*What do y'all usually do on your day off?
*Have you addressed your Valentine's day cards?