SUMMER AT THE ZOO & SPLASH PARK!

If it wasn't for splash pads/parks, my neighbors pool, and zoos in the summertime with two active kids I seriously don't know what i would do with myself. I mean I know I could get my younger kids more engaged in doing crafts at home, take them to the playground every day, and although they love tennis I don't want them to feel the need to practice every single day for hours to be the next Agassi, or Venus Williams but to have a love for the sport without any obligation, but when it's like 90 degrees driving in a car without air condition while running errands all over south jersey knowing that you're on your way to a place where they have both a zoo, and a splash park really puts a huge smile on their faces, and it is 100 percent refreshing! 

Upon leaving for girls camp we decided to once again travel the short distance of not even 25 minutes to the Cohanzick zoo, and mini splash park. I figured this would be the last fun thing to do with them before i left them for four days! This was our second time coming here, and the second year the splash park has been opened. I'm surprised not too many people know about it so it's kind of nice for it to not be so crowded, because it is small.  It's only two bucks per kid, and for two hours they are splashing away getting automatic buckets of water poured over them. It's nice to walk around the zoo on a nice summer day taking in the sounds of the animals, and watching your kids enjoying the simplicity of a small zoo, and then walking across the street to the mini splash park to get wet. They love coming here, and it's so much fun. 

Here are a few photos from that day...

^^^ i didn't take too many photos of any real animals as most of them were dormant, plus I was having a nice time walking around the zoo for once without my iPhone in hand! ^^^

 ^^^ not real (thank goodness) but they love posing with these statues of the gorilla, and bear. ^^^

^^^ I love this lion water fountain. Every time I see one at a zoo it totally reminds me of the lion I grew up with at home! Don't drink the water though, it's gross. ^^^

^^^ all the jumps this girl did while we were here indicates that she is indeed having a blast! ^^^

Each day I count my blessings for living in an area where there are a variety of simple things to do that keep our kids happy. We need not spend a lot of money to keep our kids entertained. Just walking around the zoo was relaxing and fun . And like i said before, it's the simplest things that keep our children happy, and bring joy to their young life. 

TENNIS LESSONS FOR CHELSEA.

Chelsea began tennis lessons back in July, and just like her sisters, and little brother she is loving it. I was excited that she had the same coach as Noah did when he took lessons, and coach Ron continues to do what he does best. They all begin with leg exercises, and skills that will help them be fast at hitting the ball on the court. One game in particular was called "drop and dash"  where they have their hands in a T, and they have two balls in each hand. As soon as they drop one of the balls their opponent dashes to grab it without dropping it on the ground. I saw Chelsea doing this one particular skill, and I have to say she was pretty quick at catching the ball. 

Some of the days were brutally hot, but luckily the kids are only out for an hour and half with lots of water on hand. It's so nice to see kids having an interest in tennis. It truly is a sport that I have always loved since I was little. Never played it in my high school years, but grateful to be playing it now with my kids in their spare time, and that my kids are showing a firm interest in it. I only hope that my two youngest will stick to it all the way up into high school (and maybe college!). My two oldest daughters didn't take lessons when they were toddler or elementary age, but they do have a love for the sport. 

It's always a bittersweet moment when tennis lessons are over, but I'm grateful for a wonderful coach who acknowledges my daughter, and tells me that she is ready for private lessons. I told Chelsea it's either cello, or tennis because right now i can't do both. Maybe later...but not right now. I can't even begin to tell you how much we sacrifice in order for our children to play an instrument or sport they love. In the end it is worth it because on their own motive they'll either love it, or they won't. So far they all have loved every activity, and instrument we've put them in, and it's so hard to tell them we can only do one. Private lessons are doable in the summer and spring for Chelsea, and Noah. But just because we have to wait until the spring doesn't meant that they can't play in the fall with family! 

I am so grateful that we as a family have a love for tennis, and that it is something that even if our kids don't pursue it in their future that we can always play it until we are 80 years old! 

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!! 

GIRLS CAMP '15-ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE.

There's something about the outdoors that brings a bond between my Heavenly Father, and myself. Being surrounded by this beautiful creation called nature uplifts my spirit in every aspect (even when there's bugs, and being covered with bug spray!)

This year was my first year ever to experience girl's camp. Although I love the outdoors I'm not much of a camper, and the fact that we stayed in a cabin was fine by me. I can't say I loved it because I'd be lying but I will say this...I loved the spirit that it brought among the young women, between my daughter and I, and between me, and God. I love the spirit that it brought among the level leaders. I saw a lot of hugs, smiles, and high fives exchanged. I saw in them a maternal part that they didn't leave behind with their own children. Sure they left their young children behind with loved ones to watch over them so that they could embark on this adventure, but what they didn't leave behind was that maternal love.  

And that's what girl's camp should be all about. Love, and spiritual growth. 

For the past four days I have witnessed amazing level leaders expressing a Christlike example of love and kindness to their young women. As a mother it is amazing to see that especially when two of them are looking after my daughter.  I've known some of these young women for a few years, and it is truly amazing to see the spiritual glow they exhibit during camp, and when they return home from camp. I love the camaraderie that girls camp brings, and the friendships that are made. I myself made new friends along the way, and it is always so nice to sit among sisters whom you can truly feel the spirit, and laugh with. 

It is so nice to see the joy and happiness on these girls faces while being surrounded by friends among nature and everything that is good, and that is something that we all need. It truly brings them closer to God, and I know that for me, being here for the first time I really felt an even closer connection to God. Especially with all the devotionals that were given. Listening to them assures me that no matter how imperfect I am, this church is true, and I'm just so grateful to be a part of it. 

What I witnessed this week was nothing but pure joy and fulfillment among these young girls...

 ^^^ ear to ear smiles due to successfully accomplishing their overnight hike in which you can view a snippet of them returning on my Instagram here. ^^^

^^^ can i just tell you how much we love this girl Josa. She's such an amazing girl with a beautiful heart, and an awesome will to be strong! ^^^

 ^^^ There was a time for the girls to have some fun! ^^^ 

^^^ And a time to serve. ^^^

Girls camp is something I wasn't raised with as a youth, and I'm just so grateful that my kids are part of such a wonderful program. I never had the opportunity to attend girls camp with Sierra, but having gone to girls camp this year with my other daughter Lexie was an unspeakable happiness because I love watching her grow spirituality.  Just knowing how she knows how much the Lord loves her, and hearing her bear her testimony and just being around others who share the same standards as her brings me a sense of relief, and gives me a greater hope that I'm doing right by the Lord in raising her the way he'd want me to. So grateful she has the gospel in her life to help guide her through those sometimes rough days in high school, and overall "life." I'm so grateful that Lexie, and all the other youth in the church attended church camp before school starts so that they can be strong, and endure all that this new school year will bring.

Because believe me...they will all need that! 

^^^ Yes...that's me in my camp get up, dark circles under my eyes due to lack of sleep, and shedding a few tears (of joy!) Don't think bright green is my color, (hence the black and white photo), but because I love myself, and my kid I'm posting this pic! Girls camp this year was truly an interesting adventure for me, and an experience I'll never forget! ^^^

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless before god at the last day." 

                                                                          (D&C 4:2).

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! 

AUGUST & OUR SUMMER SO FAR...

Our summer so far has consisted of the simplest outings from going to the orchard, to playing chess, and venturing out to places that our closer to home. And even though I'm excited for the crisp smell of fall, sweater wearing, apple picking, wrapping my neck with scarves I'm just not ready for summer to end. I am loving the time spent with the kids especially my two youngest. I have done more recreational things with them than I have ever done with my two oldest daughters, let alone my own childhood! Times sure have changed since before Chelsea, and Noah were born, and I'm so grateful for the time I make, and energy that I have to be able to do such things! We have spent endless hours at the beach, and have lived in the playground since spring began. I don't think that'll ever end anytime soon...especially when I have such an active boy! I have never been so active before in my life (except when i was in my teens, and 20's) when it comes to sports and my second home has been on the tennis courts. Noah definitely is my "gym" and keeps me active these days with all the running around we do when it's just me and him. It certainly saves me money on those gym memberships which I just can't justify paying no matter how cheap it is! I know that when school starts I'm going to spend my mornings easing back into yoga with a side of cardio which will include walking and/or biking on the bike trail (which reminds me I need to buy new sneakers because these one's are so yesterday!) I sure do count my blessings for living near a bike trail! No matter how hot summer can be she knows that as long as I have water in hand that I can endure the heat and tolerate the outdoors with all the critters, and humidity that it brings. 

Why, because i have my favorite people with me, and because they bring out the best in me, and the good in every season. And if you have a Snapchat you can see us live snapping away on a daily basis.  

Just take a look and see...

And now...I'm off to girls camp, and driving with a few tweens! yikes!!

Happy Tuesday, and I'll blog back in a few days! 

A DOUBLE DATE NIGHT AT THE TEMPLE.

One of the things that helps shape my life, helps me gain a more positive attitude, and allows me to see my life in a better perspective is finding ways to serve. To serve in different aspects. Not just signing up to take someone a meal, or give them a gift basket, but to actually be present in their life as a friend. I love serving when it comes to my neighbors, and people in, and outside of our church. But most all, I love serving in the temple. 

This past Saturday Jon, and I invited some dear friends of ours to go with us to the temple for a date night. We had been talking about doing a double date at the temple for quite some time now, and they were so happy when we told them we could take them. Although they have been to the temple in the past they have never entered inside the visitors center. For me, the visitors center is an uplifting place where one can become more familiar with the church. It is amazing to see all the changes they have in the visitors center. They have so many visual aids, and mini booths in which you can sit in to watch a simple video of what the church is about. I believe that these visual aids will gain more traffic, and attract anyone who is interested in learning more about the church, and the Savior. We spent at least three hours at the temple which included the visitors center. It was such a peaceful feeling to be inside the visitor center. The temple is so peaceful, and invigorating, but for those who cannot go inside the temple yet, just being inside the visitors center brings a spirit of comfort. 

Inside the visitors center you can watch a lot of videos including this one called Meet the Mormons. If you want to watch a good show with inspirational stories of conversion mixed with humility this is the show to watch. There are so many reminders inside the visitors center that remind me of my own conversion. From videos to the missionaries that are serving there. They are there all day happily waiting for anyone who is there to hear the gospel, and aid those who may have any questions. 

The temple is definitely one of the most holiest places on earth! I never, ever want to leave this place. I love the feeling I get when I enter in as well as the feeling i get when i exit out. Knowing that I helped serve in the temple refreshes my spirit, and I totally transform into a much stronger person. I don't attend the temple as much as I'd like, but in between the gap I sure do strive to live and feel the way I feel when I'm inside the temple. I do my best to "stand as a light" in this world to others. And although I love to travel, and do fun "worldly" things as a family I love mixing that in with spiritual things. To add goodness, and service into the mix. And going to the temple is a perfect solution to the temporal part of my life. 

I am so thankful that we were able to take our friends with us to the temple. Going on temple dates are my favorite, and I wish we could do that more often. The Philadelphia temple will be here before we know it, and I guarantee we will be going there on a weekly basis! Even if it's just us girls! 

Serving in the temple gives me the strength to endure all things, and it is never a chore for me. I never see it as something to do on a "check list", and i certainly don't look at it as a burden, or work. Yes, it's work. A very important work which I love to do. And because of the Savior, and all that He did for me in order to have the life I'm living I want to serve Him. And the more we attend the temple to serve, the more we grow, and love it. 

Even if it's just hanging out at the visitors center. 

Going to the temple was a great start to the month of August! 

Happy Monday! 

**Special thanks to the sweet sister missionary who took these photos of us. She did a great job!