I Love........

I love Valentine's day. It's a pretty big deal to me because it is all about LOVE. I mean...everyday should be all about love, but on this particular day is when I tend to express it the most. It is the day I get to express my love for my friends, my kids, and my husband. It's the next best thing to our anniversary. I love to write letters.

100th Day Of School On Valentine's Day.

For the past couple of weeks I had been wondering how Noah can decorate his t-shirt for the 1ooth day of school. Well, instead of telling him how to decorate it I asked him what he'd like on his shirt. I am really glad that I have come to let my kids be independent in making their own decisions. This is obviously an easy one because it's about a t-shirt, and not about something serious! I remember when Chelsea was in first grade, and decorated her t-shirt with heart stickers. Sure it was my idea, but she really liked it.

An Evening With Stephanie Nielsen.

Last night the girls and I had the opportunity to hear New York Times best selling author, and global blogger Stephanie Nielsen at the chapel in Manhattan. I  have been following Stephanie Nielsen's blog since I started blogging back in 2011. I never knew about her tragedy until then which is shocking because having lived in Utah for so long you'd think I'd hear the news, but I was living in North Carolina at that time, and had no idea. Her story has inspired so many people worldwide, and I am one of them.

Our Snow Day Went Like This...

The day started out at 6am this morning when I woke up to take Jon to work. There was sleet, and light rain...no snow. The forecast yesterday called for so many inches of snow, and it is now after 6pm, and it's all slushy now, and pretty much melting. The weather yesterday was a wonderful 60 degrees, and today it dropped all the way down to about 25! Brrr.

New Britain Museum of American Art.

Attending the temple is one of my favorite things to do with my husband, but when we go as a family it is super special. Especially now that all my girls are of age to enter in. This past weekend we decided to take a day trip to Hartford. Lexie mentioned to us the other day how she has been going through withdrawal from the temple, and how she was in need of going.

Happy Birthday Momma!

One thing I have to say about my momma is that she has always enjoyed taking pictures. I think that's where I inherited the both photo, and writing bug from. All her life she has always documented her life. Whether it's through a letter, an old school notepad, or a photo album, she has always been diligent in doing that. Even with an old school cameras. (Thank you Kodak!)

Chelsea's First Temple Trip!

When Chelsea got her temple recommend from the bishop on the night of New Beginnings she was quiet, but super excited. She contained her composure pretty well, and as soon as we got home she asked if we had any kind of cover to put it in, and luckily Lexie had an extra one that was given to her years ago which she was saving, and gave it up to Chelsea. And she is proud of it! 

Happy 6th Birthday Blog! Let's Celebrate With A GiveAway! (Closed)

This month marks six years since my first blog post. It might seem silly to celebrate a blog's birthday, but the fact that I've been writing all about my life for the past six years is mind-boggling to me only because I didn't think that I was going to start a blog. I've always been into scrapbooking my kids lives, but as I said in this video that i made last year the age of digital media has truly taken over my scrapbooking days, and is in full force.

A Good Reminder When It Comes To The Temple.

After experiencing such hardship in her life one of my oldest daughters dear friends who helped her look at the temple in a different perspective said to her...

Noah-isms.

We've been singing Hamilton all year long, and the other day when I started singing, "My Shot" Noah says, "oh my gosh! I'm so done with that song!"

Jazz Java Jam!

This past Friday Lexie's high school band had an event called "Java Jam" This was  Lexie's first performance playing the piano with her new jazz band. Although she misses the jazz band at her old high school she really has adjusted to this great group of kids, and her teacher. Every jazz band plays differently, and every teacher has their own style, and I have to say that I was impressed with this particular jazz band. They all sounded amazing, and everyone did a great job playing their part with great sound. Lexie is also part of the all girls A Capella group, and they all sung great! I didn't get to record any of their singing, but I did record one of my favorite jazz pieces which is Duke Ellington's "Caravan" in which the band played. Caravan has become a favorite of mine, and I blame it on the movie Whiplash. I absolutely loved that movie, but not the barbaric actions on how the teacher in the film teaches his students. I love the drum solo in Caravan, and the adrenaline rush it gives when played, and the drummer in this jazz band nailed it. I'm only grateful that Lexie's new jazz band teacher doesn't curse, or treats his students as J.K. Simmons did in the movie, and motivates them without having to throw any furniture, or cymbals at them! 

Had so much fun listening to them play, and watching them all get down as they were playing. You can view more on my you tube channel if you'd like! It truly was a great evening with relaxing sounds of jazz, and voices that sounded like gold! Good job kids!