Inspirational Thought.

No gall, no glory;

No cross, no crown;

No thorns, no throne. 

~William Penn 

May we always remember that our trials are meant for our growth. Going to the temple with faith, and a handful of hope will help us overcome them quicker, and with appreciation in helping us become stronger in our faith in God! 

Finding The Light In My Mom's Journey.

This will most likely be the final post from our recent trip to Texas. Had to save the best one for last because it's my momma. It is always hard to leave the ones you love who live so far away. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with my mom this past summer. Even if it was just for a few days. I got to spend 72 hours with her. And in those 72 hours witnessed a lot of forgetfulness in her. Although the doctors have yet to diagnose her with any stage of dementia or Alzheimer’s it’s inevitable. She’s exhibiting the signs, but still has memory left. Memory left for her to remember who we are. Memory left for who she is. Where she is. When she’s hungry. What tv shows are her favorite, and the things she loves.

Never Forget 9/11.

Since we moved closer to New York and as the kids and I continue to grow older I can't help but to praise  and appreciate this city so much. I can't get enough of it. How grateful I am to live so close where there is so much to grow, and learn from. This city has so much to offer which is why we constantly come here. There is a unique energy that comes from the city that automatically is instilled in your heart.

Kids' Day At Arthur Ashe Stadium!

Well, this was the last weekend of the US Open and unfortunately weren't able to see a live match because of time and other commitments that happened in the beginning of September but we did manage to take the kids to Arthur Ashe kids days which has become a tradition of ours for the past two years. Noah and Chelsea have really gotten their game on with tennis and it has become their favorite sport. They both have been playing for about four years now, and every time they get on the court whether at school, or at home they just keep getting better and better. 

Tender Moments In San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio will always have a special place in my heart. It is where my second daughter was born. Where I met some of my dear friends and where the San Antonio temple stands. During our trip I was able to catch up with a friend that I used to work with years ago. We worked for the same doctors. She is retired now but still working and keeping busy. Mary is a couple of years older than my mom, and she and I have been friends for at least 20 years. When we moved to San Antonio she was our "hotel." We stayed with her for a while until we found our own place. I am so glad she kept the same landline number, and that we never lost touch. We stayed overnight at her place and talked until midnight! It amazes me how much energy she has for her age! I captured these moments with her. She truly is a wonderful lady with a beautiful spirit! 

Color Factory, Round Two!

While Lexie was home for the summer and because she did so well her first semester of college we wanted to do something fun for her, and so we took her to the Color Factory! These small pop up musuems have become a favorite of ours and her sibs wanted to take her because when you add an extra sister to the mix they have way too much fun! And so did I! 

Another Trip To The Pez Visitor Center!

Summer is not complete without a day trip to the Pez Visitor Center. Noah and I usually go by ourselves while the girls were away at camp, but since Lexie was with us this summer while Chelsea was away at camp decided not to go. We broke tradition but that's okay because Chelsea loves Pez and she was happy to have made this trip with us.

Labor Day Weekend In Lake George & The Sagamore Resort.

We weren't planning on going anywhere for Labor Day weekend but at the last minute we decided to head out to upstate New York and get some r & r in Lake George. Luckily Jon had a long weekend so we can make this possible and the drive up there is always beautiful. 

Going Back To The Tiny Yellow House In Kingsville.

Bittersweet memories ran through my mind as we drove into the tiny town of Kingsville. I wasn't going to visit the town I grew up in, but wanted to show my kids where I was raised, who I was, how I found myself, and the place where traumatic things happened that helped me find my way to a better life. 

Blackberry Picking At Terhune Orchards!

When we came home from our trip to Texas we realized that we hadn't gone to the orchard as much this summer. So after getting much needed rest we went the next day to Terhune orchards to pick some blueberries. Well, as soon as we got there we had a change of heart and decided to pick blackberries instead. The last time we went blackberry picking Chelsea and Noah were ten and five! It had been too long since we went blackberry picking, and I'm so glad we chose to pick those instead of blueberries!

Sunflower Maze At Happy Day Farm.

I will always remember the first time we went to a sunflower field and it was the most gorgeous thing to do during summer. I couldn't let the summer pass us by without venturing out to one, and luckily we have so many here in the garden state! I discovered one much closer to us in Manalapan and it was beautiful. We went on one of the hottest days this summer, and still had fun. The kids wandered around traipsing along the field trying to find that perfect sunflower. Sweat, and the words "I'm hot, can we go now" were constantly uttered by Noah. It didn't take us too long to meander, and pick because all the flowers were perfect, and capturing moments of this day was pretty easy. That is until Noah began to complain about how "toasty" the sun was getting!