A Train Ride & A Day Spent in Philly.

Life takes us on many unexpected turns & it's up to me to either accept the turn & let it take it's course, or do something about it & change it. Ever since we moved to New Jersey we've had many a hardships but by the grace of God, our faith in Him, and in His love in never leaving our side has helped us to accept every hard turn, allowed it to let it run its course, and in the end learned from the challenge, and never ever forget what it has taught us.

And I'm sure there are going to be more to come. Which is fine because after so many lessons learned I'm ready. 

And one thing I've learned about living here where time seems to fly by our prickly little fingers too quickly.  Where the hustle and bustle never stop. Where we feel we need to pack in our schedule and do so many things at once. Where we may feel as if we're the only ones looking up smiling at others...is time, and love. 

Time is flying by way too quickly, and it feels as if the older my kids get, the older I get, and of course the years go by fast!! I have learned to always keep my head held up high no matter what. I love my life, and have always made the best of my surroundings. Jersey has taught me so much just as all the other states I've lived in have. But Jersey, oh Jersey... you were way too hard on me in the beginning, and very stubborn too. Maybe that's why our personalities clashed in the beginning because I too was hard on you & very stubborn. Luckily we have both agreed that this is my city right now, and that as long as Jon has a great job this is the place for us to dwell...for now.

The past couple of years of exploring good 'ol Jersey has been interesting and fun for the kids. Of course we tend to go to NYC a lot, and that's probably one of the reasons why I love living in this part of the country. As far as Philly goes...how can you not appreciate this place with all the culture its surrounded with.

Sure there are moments where I tell myself that going to Philly gets old because it's just a 20 minute drive across the bridge, and we go there quite frequently. Expecially when Sierra was going to school there we constantly would go just to get more familiar with the city. I always said to myself that there's not much to do there because we've already explored the Liberty bell like 50 million times, and gone to the Betsy Ross House, Please Touch Museum, Franklin Institute, Philly Zoo a gazillion times, and eaten at the Reading Terminal Market a dozen times. But I've long since realized that there is more to Philly than entering a museum, or eating at a popular restaurant. Sure there are a lot of museums & restaurants we still haven't been to, but that doesn't matter. It's the time spent with my kids in just freely walking the streets of Philly laughing, talking, and seeing Noah & Chelsea getting along and having a great time that matters. Going into the city doesn't mean you have to spend so much money to shop, (although that's nice too), but what matters the most to me is time. Time is what matters to me. Time spent with my children in exploring this old city, and looking at their reaction as we venture out. I want them to know that this city is our other neighbor (NYC is our other neighbor too!)
Earlier in the week I took the kids, and rode the train into Philly. Can you believe that this was my first time taking the train into the city? I've always, always driven, and just like my son I've fallen in love with trains. Noah is a huge train lover, and loves riding in them. Sure he's been on other trains such as the Santa express during Christmas and the essex train ride in Connecticut last year, but when you take the train into the city where it crosses a bridge over water, it's a little different. He couldn't take his eyes off the window. 

The ride was so relaxing, and I was kind of relieved that I didn't have to deal with traffic. Not that I don't mind driving, but sometimes it's nice to just take public transportation, and not have to deal with crazy drivers. 

I did have to call Sierra for a little help to figure out where certain places were (see...I'm used to driving!) Since she used to walk everywhere around the city when she lived here during her first semester of college last year I trusted her to tell me of other places to go, and where to get off from the train. It's an easy ride to Philly, and I still can't believe I waited six years to take this train! Hello...earth to Rose! 
It was a beautiful sunny day, and we had a wonderful time walking the streets of Philly. We wanted to eat at Mexico on the Square, but they were closed! How can they be closed in the middle of the day! So sad because they have the greatest mexican tacos at a good price! It's right across the street from the dorm Sierra lived in. I think they must have been on break because the lights inside were still on, and the neon light that says 'open' was lit. We waited for a few minutes, gave up and decided to eat at the one place where the kids always want to go...Shake Shack. 

Now that was good!!!!

^^^ good bye crinkle fries, hello string fries! ^^^

Afterwards we walked along Rittenhouse Square, and relaxed on the grass while Noah was chasing away some pigeons. It felt a little awkward for me to see him do that here because there were people reading, napping, and relaxing. It's not like Sheep Meadow in Central Park where you can chase pigeons, run around, and be loud. Not here...I had to explain to Noah that it's a bit different here, and that Rittenhouse is not really a park. Its just a place to sit, and relax before people have to walk blocks and blocks around the city. 

I honestly don't think he was supposed to be sitting near this dog statue near the entrance either, but I couldn't resist. He loves dogs, and I snapped a quick photo. Well...actually a couple, but this one was my fave. 

And this one...

On our way home we spotted this sweet looking cat staring from inside the window. The owner happened to be coming home, and said that his name was Ernie. He said that everyone who walks by has to stop and take a glance at him, and the kids sure had fun looking at him. Ernie seemed intrigued.

As we were heading back to the station Lexie was saying how nice today was. She said how nice it would be to wake up everyday, and walk everywhere where you are surrounded by a variety of culture. I have to agree with her. It is nice to take public transportation, and to get good exercise. We are fortunate to live in an area where we are able to do both. Jersey is my home for now, and as long as I'm living here I will continue to explore, and pay 3 bucks to take a train into Philly. Haven't taken the train from Jersey into New York yet, but I'm ready for that. Funny how we'll ride the subway around the city, but have never taken the train into the city. The only time we've taken a train into New York was the time we were in Connecticut. We took the express train into Grand Central and that was a lot of fun. Why I've never taken the train into Philly or New York from Jersey until now is beyond me. 

Well...my eyes have been opened and I'm ready for more train rides...and so are the kiddos! 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Remembering A Pioneer Day In Texas.

^^^ Sisters swinging on a Pioneer Day in Texas, circa, 2002 ^^^

One of the things I miss the most about living in Utah is Pioneer Day. Pioneer Day falls on the 24th of July, and is a major state holiday in Utah. It is based on our heritage in remembering the early pioneers for all their sacrifices they made in escaping persecution in order to settle in the Salt Lake Valley. I found out a few years ago that ancestors from my husbands side of the family all come from royalty, hence my girls being able to ride on of them floats of the Days of '47. It would be a neat experience to see my daughters in a parade riding on a float feeling like Miss America or something, but for now we'll do our own pioneer day kind of celebrating. The only one living in Utah right now is Sierra, and I think it would be last minute for her to have participated in a parade.

Once we moved away from Utah, and moved to San Antonio due to a job transfer I was very impressed with the members in our ward, and how much they appreciated in celebrating our heritage. I absolutely loved everyone! When my church announced that there was going to be a family activity for Pioneer Day I was pretty excited. I was like, "this stake actually does something to honor our heritage for pioneer day, yay!!" At the time the girls were seven, and three and at that age they got pretty excited about almost everything. You can imagine the look on my face when we arrived to the location where it was being held. It was held on acres and acres of land, and my jaw dropped! 

This wasn't just an activity...it was a huge celebration!!

And everyone including neighbors, the community whether you were a member or not was invited!! It honesty believe this was the beginning of my fearlessness in having major gospel sharing experiences! 

The girls came dressed as pioneers wearing bonnets, and cute Laura Ashely dresses that looked like something the pioneers wore back in the day. They've always liked playing dress up, and they were happy to have been wearing the bonnets...until that Texas heat started boiling up! 

Sure there were games, animal balloon making, and good food, but the memory of why we were celebrating never stopped. There were tents with various activities including a few members, and LDS missionaries handing out Books of Mormon, and sharing our faith. 

I will always remember this day, and how wonderful the turnout was for Pioneer Day in Texas. The fact that it was near one of our favorite country stores was a blessing. I literally would go out of my way to go shopping at this quaint little village. The best part about coming to this village were the swings that were available for customers. I also love the fact that it's out in the boonies.

There are days when I look back and long for this period again. When the girls are growing, and learning about life, and God. I am so happy to reflect back on these days especially on the moments that have meaning. Don't get me wrong, every moment with my kids have meaning, but there are those days when they were perfect not just in pictures, but in real life. 

Celebrating, and remembering our ancestors and the sacrifices the pioneers made is is very important to our family, and no matter how far we are away from the place where our heritage settled doesn't mean we don't need to remember. Sierra experiencing Trek for the first time in North Carolina was a huge blessing for her, and a great testimony builder. She was riveted by the experience, and at times we'll reminisce about that time. We have been very fortunate to have lived in other states where we did something to remember our pioneers. Haven't experienced that in Jersey yet, but time will tell. As long as we remember our heritage, sing praises in honor of them during sacrament meeting and appreciate all that they sacrificed in helping us to better appreciate what we have today is good enough for me.

***

Love this inspiring message by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. It gives me an even greater appreciation of the mormon pioneers, and helps me to strive to be a better example of faith, strength and courage in these modern days.

Wheaton Arts.

Bill Moyers said, "Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous" and I believe we found one of those places in our neck of the woods. New Jersey never ceases to amaze me. I love the fact that you can find places to go that are tucked away  without driving for hours and hours, and if you do...it doesn't seem like a long drive. I have found a few hidden "gems" in the Garden State, and the latest gem/adventure we found was exploring the art in a beautiful wooded village in Millville called Wheaton Arts. 

This place is perfect for people of all ages. We lucked out on going on a perfect non-humid, cool weekend, and the best part...it was free! Apparently they have a free weekend in July every summer, and we just happened to pick the weekend where admission was free. 

We first got to experience the art of glass blowing, and can I just begin to tell you how brilliant blowing glass is!! I was amazed at these artists in how they shape, bend, and heat up the glass to make it into a perfect size pitcher. Noah was enthralled with the whole experience that he was listening with intent during the demonstration observing every move these guys made.  

As we were leaving the building we scoped out some huge round glass looking ornaments and a shrine full of, what else...blown up glass! Everything was done so tastefully & I commend them for their hard work! I can see why they charge so much for their art. Not only is it perfect, but standing in front of an oven that's 1750 degrees for hours blowing glass would be understandable as to why this art is high in price. 

As soon as we walked outside of the building into cooler temperatures we got a glimpse of these lovely glass bowls, and vases. So colorful, but I left with nothing. Maybe next time. 

They also have a playground inside for the kids, and as soon as they spotted it they all ran towards it. It was perfect, and because I had a feeling we were going to be here all day we let them swing away! Noah was too much fun as you can see here.

We then went inside the building next door, and experienced the world of pottery! I was particularly impressed with this gentleman who knocked these coffee mugs out within minutes! 

My daughter Lexie told me how she can totally picture me wearing my overalls with my hair in a bun doing pottery. I sort of shook my head thinking...yeah, I could do this. By the way... Noah kept petting this beautiful Golden Retriever. I can tell he would like us to own one someday. Not now little man!

As we walked around the rest of the place I had myself a little house on the prairie moment. They have an old school house where you can walk inside and get a taste of how it might have felt like to be a student in the 1800's. The desks were so old that you can smell the wood through the glass window. 

We then browsed the award winning museum stores & quaint shops where they sell all kinds of american glass. From paperweights to jewelry, and unique accessories...it's amazing artwork! 

I didn't trust Noah to go into some of the shops with me for fear of breaking something so he stayed behind and chalked the walkway in front of the shops. Believe me if you're in a store surrounded by $400 paperweights from all over the world, and if you have a touchy kind of kid I guarantee you'd want them to stay outside, hence the chalk. Maybe thats why they have boxes of chalk laid out all over this place...to keep the kids occupied. Chelsea went ahead, and joined him in on the fun, only after she we went inside the General Store to listen to this mechanical piano. Really old time music!

This place was quite amazing, and I'm so glad I discovered it while driving through the backroads of South Jersey. The kids had so much fun exploring this fun place. It kind of reminded me of the time we went to Sturbridge Village (another hidden gem.) Old school, but modern.

Wheaton Arts truly is a hidden gem.

A Few Snippets From Our Weekend In Palmyra.

Growing up I didn't attend church too much and if I did it was because my mother told me to. She said it was good for the soul, and that it would make me a better person. She said it was one way to know Jesus, and make friends. I remember going to CCD classes only because my friends were going. Even though my heart wasn't completely into the whole church thing, she was right about one thing...making friends. And ever since I joined the LDS church I've always managed to make friends where ever I go. 

Reflecting back on our weekend in Palmyra was awesome y'all. Every time we come here it gets better and better. The choices I make in having a good time, continuing to believe, and having my testimony strengthened by this wonderful place is refreshing! And when you have friends you can visit with who allow you stay with them is a blessing, and that adds extra icing to the cake. 

I wish we would have spent more time here with Jacob & Emily, but the weekends seem to get shorter, and shorter! They have the coolest farmhouse with lots of  land, goats, and chickens. Makes me want to seriously think about moving up here, and join in on having a farm life. Although Jersey is home for now there are some days where we just need to get away. Where we need to escape the "city life" and venture out to a place where we can catch our breath. Where the kids can actually run around, interact with country folk, and experience attending another ward. When I asked the girls if they wanted to stay for the remaining two hours of church they both willingly said yes, and my heart swelled! Even Noah...he was a bit fussy in the beginning, but knowing that Emily was a familiar face in the Primary eased his mind, and from what she said did very well. He even looked content after classes were done. I personally was thinking of leaving right after sacrament meeting so that we can have more time to visit the sacred grove again, but ended up staying for the remaining two hours and I'm so glad I did. I love meeting new sisters and feeling a different kind of love from them. They don't know me, and I don't know them, but for that one hour of being in Relief Society I immediately felt as if I was part of their family. They were extremely welcoming, and I'll tell ya when you participate, and comment during the lesson they love you more! Listening to the girls wanting to stay and go to Primary and Young women classes on their own motive tells me that this is where they wanted to be. And that they also continue to believe. 

We may not have had enough time to visit with our friends, but attending church with them was so nice...so nice! I sure love their family, and I'm so grateful for their hospitality! 

This will be my last post from our weekend in Palmyra, and I now leave you with a few snippets from that weekend...

 ^^^ Eating ice cream at Chill and Grill because this is where it's at! ^^^

^^^ Colossal size banana split! Shared it with Lexie because I just couldn't finish it! ^^^

^^^ Colossal ice cream cones the first time around. ^^^

 ^^^ Fun pictures taken inside the Sacred Grove because there are times when you just can't take life to seriously. ^^^

^^^ Sisterly love. I hope that when they are in their 20's they'll look back at this pic and say to each other, "Those were the best of times sis!" ^^^

And another picture for our posterity. Going to the temple on a road trip is a must! Whenever we are on a road trip, and there's a temple nearby it's mandatory that we attend. It truly helps with my patience on the drive back...especially when you have two young ones who constantly pick at each other. 

Hope your summer weekends thus far have been memorable, and fun! 

**You can see other highlights of the pageant, the sacred grove, and the temple here, here, and here. 

Happy Monday! 

The Sacred Grove

One cannot leave the town of Palmyra without walking inside the Sacred Grove. The Sacred Grove is where it all started. Where a young 14 year old boy knelt down to pray to God to ask which church he should attend. And then all of a sudden a bright light appeared in the sky and then God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ appeared to him, and answered his question! They both answered to him, "none." They told him that he was the chosen one. The one to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His true church upon this earth which I am now a member of. 

I know. 

At first I couldn't believe it myself, but when the missionaries were teaching me about the Joseph Smith story I felt my heart beating a million miles a minute, and I knew it was true. 

And I know it to be even more true now. 

Every year when my family and I go the Pageant the sacred Grove is the number one place we run (not walk) to. You'd think it be the temple, and that's super important too, but the the Sacred Grove is a place where you are surrounded by nature, and the fact that this is where the beginning of something great happened makes the spirit even stronger. Our family loves it, and I know that the Sacred Grove is another place where you can feel peace, and be in tune with the spirit. 

After all...this is where it all started. 
The kids were super excited to walk through it yet again. We walked through on Saturday during the day, and then again on Sunday before we headed out. It rained on Sunday, and regardless of the muddy trail we walked through the entire grove. I wasn't thinking of how muddy my shoes were getting. All I was thinking about was what a beautiful place this is, and how it never changes, and the feeling that I get is always different. I can understand why anyone would want to come here to pray, and receive revelation for themselves. 

There are some days where I wonder why the Lord chose to appear to a 14 year old boy, but then I look at Lexie who is 14 at the moment, and am amazed at her maturity. Joseph Smith sure must have been a mature 14 year old boy at that time for Heavenly Father to appear to him, and put a major responsibility on him where it would change the world. 

And it has.  It truly changed mine! 

There are days when I wish I could live in this part of the country so that I can come here seeking answers to prayers, and do my visiting teaching. Attend the church at the Peter Whitmer farm,or Palmyra ward, and make a whole new group of friends both young, and old. This whole area would be a wonderful place to serve a mission, and when our kids are grown, married, and completely on their own, Jon & I would love serve a mission here!

It truly is a wonderful place to visit, see all the sites, and if you want to learn more about LDS church history this is one of the places to come. Every time we come here we always feel leaving with a unique strength that helps us endure life no matter what challenges come our way with a sense of peace. It's easy to forget the things of the world & all the silliness & drama that comes with it when you come here. It is a great reminder of my conversion, and why I believe in it so strongly! 

Everyday is a new day to do better. 
And now I leave you with my testimony...

^^^I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he restored the gospel on this earth for us to have. Prophets have been around for years, and having one today to lead and guide us is a blessing...a huge blessing! I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It definitely is another testament of Jesus Christ, and along with the bible they are two of the best books ever written. I know this because I've felt it through reading it! I am thankful for the temples that are built upon this earth, and know that as long as I strive to live a good life in being an obedient daughter of God that I will be with them forever, and reign with Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ for all eternity. ^^^

Have a wonderful weekend!