I actually can't believe so much time has gone by so quickly... I sound old by saying that, but oh well! This blog is bad for my self esteem! I'm just not very good at it! The worst thing is when some amazing corporate working mom asks me point blank what I do all day while my kids are at school... and I have to come up with some concrete answers! Um, well, ohhhhh, hmmmmm.... STUFF!!!! And it's all for the good of the family, ok???
Anyway, we had a super Thanksgiving in Cape May, NJ! It's the most adorable Victorian town right on the Atlantic. We went with two other families and had a blast. The main components being the gourmet Thanksgiving buffet (the bread pudding was "to die for"!!!), and the indoor pool area (the last day we spent 6 hours in there...). It was pretty amazing looking out the windows from our room and seeing the beautiful ocean. (I have to say, the only problem with the East coast is that you have to be a morning person to see a spectacular sun rise, as opposed to the west coast sunsets in the evening- my time of day!) Conan would say, it's worth the sacrifice! We also went to a great zoo with lots of lively animals, and found some really cool shells we haven't seen anywhere else on the beach. We took the ferry to Delaware to get home, stopping in Bethany Beach to visit with friends at their beach house. The ferry ride was pretty crazy with huge waves and very unsteady walking conditions! It was great!
Then, December hit... Always way busier than I'd like it to be. Elizabeth's chorus at school did a super job at the "winter" concert! I spent the first week working on a Christmas tree for our dining room that would be covered in pictures from past Christmases, and other nice memories. That was so fun! I copied all of the pictures in black and white, then mounted them on two different papers. My colors being red and black, I couldn't find any fun black paper in my stuff, so I grabbed some black and white toille fabric from my stash and copied it on cardstock! It worked! I attached ribbon hangers (a stapler worked great), then hung them up! I love looking at it... It has really been simple reminder of what my focus should be this time of year. I had a visiting teaching lunch last week that was a hit- a great way to get all of our sisters together. We decided that the best part of the menu was the honey butter for the rolls... Oh, and the caramel apple cider. Yum!
The girls and I made our traditional sugar cookies, which they frosted and decorated so nicely! Also, Emma and I found a super peanut butter fudge recipe that is amazing! We've already made it twice and have shared it at two different events! The first weekend of December brought us 6 inches of snow!! That was awesome! It only stayed for two days, but that first night the kids spent hours in it and loved every minute of it. Christian and friends decided they would strip down to shorts and run around barefooted in it... Fifteen year old boys... who gets them? I had to get a picture of that!
We have spent a lot of time together as a family this month, which I really cherish. We miss being with our families, especially this time of year, and think about them often. We picked out a Christmas tree last weekend at a local farm and brought it home to decorate with the years of collected ornaments (mostly homemade- the best ones being the ones out of popsicle sticks with glued on school pictures!). We also had a lovely family home evening Monday night with our good friends from our old neighborhood and church ward. My wonderful friend with the five ultra talented string playing boys (someone has to have them...) gave us all a mini concert, too.
I am so thrilled to be able to go to the White House on Monday with a few fabulous friends! All of those beautiful trees amid the history is something I look forward to seeing!
Here are my two favorite recipes for the month. Enjoy what's left of December and 2009!
Caramel Apple Cider: Bring cream and brown sugar to boil over medium heat.
1/4 c. heavy cream Stir in water and cider and heat just until it steams.
1/4 c. brown sugar Divide into 4 mugs, top each with 2 T. of caramel whipped
3 c. apple cider cream. Enjoy!
1/2 c. water
Caramel Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip cream with brown sugar until
1/2 c. heavy cream soft peaks form.
1 T. brown sugar
Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge:
2 c. sugar
2/3 cup milk
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
3/4 cup marshmallow cream (or 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
Combine sugar and milk in saucepan; cook to soft ball stage (I boil for 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat; add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour into a buttered 8x8 inch dish. Allow to cool and cut into squares. (It sets up quickly and is ready to cut in about an hour!)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Another Sick Day...
Yippppeeee! After a whole week (2 weeks ago) of Elizabeth being sick, then Emma having that awful flu, Elizabeth came home from school yesterday with a 103 fever!!! I am really hoping this is it for the winter. My poor Lizzie. So, while she went to bed for several hours, I decided to take it upon myself to rearrange the entire downstairs. I was really hoping that Conan wouldn't come home until it was finished, but since it's now the following day and still not done, oh well! He never cares, but I just hate the thought of him at work all day and coming home to complete chaos! He's so used to my wacky design stuff that he just ordered sushi and picked it up for us while I cleared off a few feet of space on the kitchen table. That dinner was way better than the scrambled eggs I was considering... So, all is well... except for Elizabeth. We are really praying that she will beat it today; she was selected to sing in a small group for a choral festival tomorrow in Harrisburg and she really needs to be there...
Conan took Emma to a very lovely daddy-daughter event on Tuesday night at church and they ate a delicious dinner that the girls had all prepared ahead of time (spinach manicotti) and then the Bishop taught them how to waltz! They had these beautiful corsages and boutineers that an extremely creative leader made for everyone and they enjoyed it immensely!
With all the ups and downs of daily life, I am just happy to have so many blessings. That is what I reflect upon when it gets a little hairy around here. I was at Barnes and Noble yesterday doing a little design research (sinking into one of those comfy chairs they have for people like me who just go there to read, not buy!) and reading out of super talented, Celerie Kemble's book. I love her design philosophy in combining as many textures as possible to create a beautiful space that is also for living in- for real-life living, not what we want other people to think that we live like. So many of those magazine rooms look like no one could ever actually live there! Do they have family pictures? Anyway, it helps me to stay grounded knowing that life is what it is and I really just have to find contentment in it right now, not waiting for the better things ahead, but still able to draw upon that wellspring of HOPE that exists deep down somewhere... too much philosophy... I'm going to check on my sickie!
Conan took Emma to a very lovely daddy-daughter event on Tuesday night at church and they ate a delicious dinner that the girls had all prepared ahead of time (spinach manicotti) and then the Bishop taught them how to waltz! They had these beautiful corsages and boutineers that an extremely creative leader made for everyone and they enjoyed it immensely!
With all the ups and downs of daily life, I am just happy to have so many blessings. That is what I reflect upon when it gets a little hairy around here. I was at Barnes and Noble yesterday doing a little design research (sinking into one of those comfy chairs they have for people like me who just go there to read, not buy!) and reading out of super talented, Celerie Kemble's book. I love her design philosophy in combining as many textures as possible to create a beautiful space that is also for living in- for real-life living, not what we want other people to think that we live like. So many of those magazine rooms look like no one could ever actually live there! Do they have family pictures? Anyway, it helps me to stay grounded knowing that life is what it is and I really just have to find contentment in it right now, not waiting for the better things ahead, but still able to draw upon that wellspring of HOPE that exists deep down somewhere... too much philosophy... I'm going to check on my sickie!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Happy Fall!
I am really an awful blogger... Oh well, I try! (kind of)
Halloween was weird at our house this year. I stayed up way too late the night before working on my new website (refreshdesignnow.com- check it out!), and Christian and his friend stayed up until like 4 in the morning... So we all kind of slept in on Saturday! I made scary jack-o-lantern face pancakes with chocolate chips (yum), and by the time we got our yard work and stuff done, it was time for Conan and Christian to go with friends down to Annapolis for the Navy game. They had a great time, even though Navy lost by 3 points...
Just about the time that Elizabeth got her costume together for trick-or-treating with friends, it started raining!!! NOOOOOOOO! It was reminiscent of our Halloweens in Seattle... So, she went with her friends (three of them as 80's girls- scary, and 3 in pajamas) and Emma and I went to McDonalds! (New tradition, I guess). Emma got her bumble bee costume on and we braved the weather armed with umbrellas! Since Emma had just gotten over her week long stint with the swine flu (icky), she was pretty tired after about the 4th house! She braved it out for two whole streets though... "must get candy"... We came home, changed out of our soggy clothes and watched Food Network- haunted house/cake and candy competition! So, no pumpkin carving this year which was totally out of the norm! It was so laid back...
The biggest news is that a fabulous friend of mine and I, after talking about it for several months, took the plunge and started our re-design business! We are so excited about it! She is super talented and amazing and I am just compulsive about design, so we fit together perfectly as business partners! We have one client lined up already, and one potential client! It's a little scary, but also just feels right, for both of us. We were delivering post cards on doors on Friday and looked at each other and cracked up... like, "what are we doing?"! It's great! So, on to new challenges and an adventure... I'm in love with the fall leaves, by the way- breathtaking here in southern PA!
Halloween was weird at our house this year. I stayed up way too late the night before working on my new website (refreshdesignnow.com- check it out!), and Christian and his friend stayed up until like 4 in the morning... So we all kind of slept in on Saturday! I made scary jack-o-lantern face pancakes with chocolate chips (yum), and by the time we got our yard work and stuff done, it was time for Conan and Christian to go with friends down to Annapolis for the Navy game. They had a great time, even though Navy lost by 3 points...
Just about the time that Elizabeth got her costume together for trick-or-treating with friends, it started raining!!! NOOOOOOOO! It was reminiscent of our Halloweens in Seattle... So, she went with her friends (three of them as 80's girls- scary, and 3 in pajamas) and Emma and I went to McDonalds! (New tradition, I guess). Emma got her bumble bee costume on and we braved the weather armed with umbrellas! Since Emma had just gotten over her week long stint with the swine flu (icky), she was pretty tired after about the 4th house! She braved it out for two whole streets though... "must get candy"... We came home, changed out of our soggy clothes and watched Food Network- haunted house/cake and candy competition! So, no pumpkin carving this year which was totally out of the norm! It was so laid back...
The biggest news is that a fabulous friend of mine and I, after talking about it for several months, took the plunge and started our re-design business! We are so excited about it! She is super talented and amazing and I am just compulsive about design, so we fit together perfectly as business partners! We have one client lined up already, and one potential client! It's a little scary, but also just feels right, for both of us. We were delivering post cards on doors on Friday and looked at each other and cracked up... like, "what are we doing?"! It's great! So, on to new challenges and an adventure... I'm in love with the fall leaves, by the way- breathtaking here in southern PA!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Life Goes On...
As in, it's been way too long since I've updated this thing... Mainly because after Conan was unemployed, life got really tough and I just didn't know quite what to say! "Life sucks right now?" I don't even let my kids say that, so it's not really appropriate for me to say, right? On the plus side, my sister Renee' came to visit last month! She surprised me with a day's notice due to crazy communications issues. She had moved from Denmark, spent several weeks in Sardenia, then went on the Bulgaria, and stopped here in the USA on their way to Spain(their move to Mallorca)!!! Yep, it's right on the way... It was the BEST!!! The funny thing was, we were both being totally frugal by necessity, and were both really exhausted, so we mainly hung out with the kids and talked and laughed!!! We found out two major things while she was here- one, our landlords needed to move back into their house (in a few weeks...), and two, Conan got two job offers! The first one he accepted, as a systems engineer outside of Baltimore, MD, working on the UAV (unmanned air vehicle- Army), the second one came a week later, which he turned down, in Pittsburgh. That one would have required him to travel 80% of the year... No thanks... More money, but at too high a price. We are just so grateful that he didn't have to wait it out too long. Reading the news and about rising unemployment, I was preparing myself for the long haul... But praying and hoping for a short one! Tender mercies..
A few strange things happened, including a major change in moving plans (not by our choice) one week before we had to move... and my cute nephew coming to visit, out of complete necessity when he found out his passport was missing in D.C. right before leaving for the airport to go to Spain.. So, Conan picked him up, then back to D.C. a few days later to the passport office, all while we had basically 2 days to find a house to rent... It was CRAZY, INSANE!! The rental business is so completely weird and abnormal here, it's very difficult and time consuming to find anything worthwhile (meaning, not a rat hole!!!). What it came down to was that a family we didn't know very well, but heard about our plight, called us and offered to rent us their house that was empty and had been on the market since May. The downside; though only five miles north of our previous home, it was in a completely different school district and church ward... the kids were freaking out... Heck, I was freaking out!!! But NOTHING was panning out, so after much searching, unanswered phone messages, and constant prayers, etc., we made the decision to accept the offer. Then I spent the next 2 and a half days withdrawing the kids from the old schools and signing up for the 3 new ones... I had one day left to finish packing before we had to be out, then moving day, then one day later Conan started his new job!!! And, the kids started their new schools...and we celebrated Emma's 10th birthday!
So, here I am two weeks later... Meanwhile, Conan spent last week in Georgia at an Army base while I got really sick, dealt with several major meltdowns (I confess to one of my own...), unpacked the house, started chauffeuring kids to their various after school activities (guitar lessons, ice-skating, church youth, gymnastics), not to mention the before school early morning seminary class... Wow, I kind of feel like a super mom right now! I left out the part that I have had NO energy left for cooking, so way too many trips through the drive through... We all hate fast food now!!!! (except Christian who wanted to go to Mc D's after eating three bites of my beef strouganoff the other night- whatever!!!)
Life goes on... and on! I'm ready to get back to exercising, and doing some fun projects. I unpacked and decorated Emma's room for her birthday, now hot pink and black! I have a few pictures, which I have to find the camera to updoad! Somehow, we will all adjust and manage these crazy times.... A lot of praying on my part... And gluing on a happy face... and laughing when I feel like crying... Life is just like that right now. I am so thankful for the blessings, Heavenly Father's love, family hugs (near and far), and the energy to keep going.
A few strange things happened, including a major change in moving plans (not by our choice) one week before we had to move... and my cute nephew coming to visit, out of complete necessity when he found out his passport was missing in D.C. right before leaving for the airport to go to Spain.. So, Conan picked him up, then back to D.C. a few days later to the passport office, all while we had basically 2 days to find a house to rent... It was CRAZY, INSANE!! The rental business is so completely weird and abnormal here, it's very difficult and time consuming to find anything worthwhile (meaning, not a rat hole!!!). What it came down to was that a family we didn't know very well, but heard about our plight, called us and offered to rent us their house that was empty and had been on the market since May. The downside; though only five miles north of our previous home, it was in a completely different school district and church ward... the kids were freaking out... Heck, I was freaking out!!! But NOTHING was panning out, so after much searching, unanswered phone messages, and constant prayers, etc., we made the decision to accept the offer. Then I spent the next 2 and a half days withdrawing the kids from the old schools and signing up for the 3 new ones... I had one day left to finish packing before we had to be out, then moving day, then one day later Conan started his new job!!! And, the kids started their new schools...and we celebrated Emma's 10th birthday!
So, here I am two weeks later... Meanwhile, Conan spent last week in Georgia at an Army base while I got really sick, dealt with several major meltdowns (I confess to one of my own...), unpacked the house, started chauffeuring kids to their various after school activities (guitar lessons, ice-skating, church youth, gymnastics), not to mention the before school early morning seminary class... Wow, I kind of feel like a super mom right now! I left out the part that I have had NO energy left for cooking, so way too many trips through the drive through... We all hate fast food now!!!! (except Christian who wanted to go to Mc D's after eating three bites of my beef strouganoff the other night- whatever!!!)
Life goes on... and on! I'm ready to get back to exercising, and doing some fun projects. I unpacked and decorated Emma's room for her birthday, now hot pink and black! I have a few pictures, which I have to find the camera to updoad! Somehow, we will all adjust and manage these crazy times.... A lot of praying on my part... And gluing on a happy face... and laughing when I feel like crying... Life is just like that right now. I am so thankful for the blessings, Heavenly Father's love, family hugs (near and far), and the energy to keep going.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
American History!
So, I guess when you are unemployed and it's summertime, you go to all of the free sights nearby... For us that means AMERICAN HISTORY!!! It's really what I would prefer to do, but the kids have to grumble a little until we actually get there. (They are bemoaning the fact that we didn't escape to Hershey Park last month when we actually had a j0b...) Then, after the first 20 minutes they are completely into it and have a great time. Last Saturday we visited Fort McHenry in Baltimore, which was really great- we got to see (and HEAR) an 1800's cannon being fired! It is at the tip of the harbor, where the British tried unsuccessfully to take back America. (Part of the Battle of 1812). It is where Francis Scott Key watched the "bombs bursting in air" from a ship in the harbor and penned the "Star Spangled Banner." That flag was ginourmous (as Elizabeth would say)!
On Tuesday, we hopped in the car and drove over to Philadelphia to finally see that old city, with all of it's amazing history! The best experience by far, was the tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. What heroic men... It's inspiring. It's such a great city; we could have spent days there! We've decided that when the kids are grown and on their own, we'd love to live in the city somewhere for awhile (Conan picks New York). For now, we'll be content visiting! I finally had my passport picture taken... With Renee' and family in Europe, I don't have any excuses! They are moving to Spain from Denmark in the next few weeks. I miss them tons and can't wait too visit...
On Tuesday, we hopped in the car and drove over to Philadelphia to finally see that old city, with all of it's amazing history! The best experience by far, was the tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. What heroic men... It's inspiring. It's such a great city; we could have spent days there! We've decided that when the kids are grown and on their own, we'd love to live in the city somewhere for awhile (Conan picks New York). For now, we'll be content visiting! I finally had my passport picture taken... With Renee' and family in Europe, I don't have any excuses! They are moving to Spain from Denmark in the next few weeks. I miss them tons and can't wait too visit...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Did I Really Say That I Loved Summer???
How many weeks has it been since school's been out? It feels like about 6 months, but who's counting? The first problem was that I got a really awful cold/ flu thing at the end of the first official week... I actually lost my voice entirely for two days! I'm sure my kids were heartbroken... After sleeping in until 11:00 every morning for a week because I'd been up half the night coughing, everyone thought they could do whatever they wanted all day (meaning, no work, all play!). The second problem is that my sweet little fifteen year old boy has a "girlfriend"! That really just speaks for itself... The third and now most prevalent fiasco of the summer is that the Defense Department released it's program cuts on Friday and Conan's was one of them... Translation, yesterday was his last day at work. That is just a tad bit inconvenient...
So, no matter how prepared we are, life just has to shock us now and then or we'd be way too comfortable, right? For some reason, I see a pattern in our lives of humbling circumstances having to do with MOVING!!! It's actually not all that bad, really. I'm starting to get the moving fever when things get on a good schedule and we start making great friends. (Did I really say that?) Who knows, maybe we'll end up staying right here... WE SHALL SEE!!!
On a positive note, we had a great time on Saturday renting boats at the local lake! Conan and Christian got a canoe and the girls and I had a great time building up our leg muscles in a peddle boat! I didn't actually take the camera out on the lake, but I did get a few pics.
We're trying to decide if we should try to experience the July 4th festivities in Washington D.C. We'll definitely take the Metro if we venture down there! Anyway, what ever we decide, life has just gotten way more interesting and exciting!!!
So, no matter how prepared we are, life just has to shock us now and then or we'd be way too comfortable, right? For some reason, I see a pattern in our lives of humbling circumstances having to do with MOVING!!! It's actually not all that bad, really. I'm starting to get the moving fever when things get on a good schedule and we start making great friends. (Did I really say that?) Who knows, maybe we'll end up staying right here... WE SHALL SEE!!!
On a positive note, we had a great time on Saturday renting boats at the local lake! Conan and Christian got a canoe and the girls and I had a great time building up our leg muscles in a peddle boat! I didn't actually take the camera out on the lake, but I did get a few pics.
We're trying to decide if we should try to experience the July 4th festivities in Washington D.C. We'll definitely take the Metro if we venture down there! Anyway, what ever we decide, life has just gotten way more interesting and exciting!!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer Is Here!
I welcome summer! I LOVE summer!!! The amazing thing about southern PA is that it isn't hot yet... It's been soooooo nice here! Our last day of school was Friday, so we had a celebratory marshmallow roast at our backyard fire pit! Yesterday, Elizabeth got to pack up and head to Girls' Camp at Camp Tuckahoe for the week. Driving in there reminded me of a Disney movie.. It's beautiful- a lake with canoes, a huge pool, in the middle of the woods! She was only concerned about the bugs... I'm sure she'll survive!!!
Last week Elizabeth and Emma made these funny alien cupcakes! They are so cute! They are the reason I messed up on my diet...!
Christian misses school already (the friend/social part...). NO WAY!!! He's now praying that we won't move again. I told him that all of the months of praying that we WILL move back west might cancel out the 3 weeks of praying to stay... hmmmm... who knows?
Conan is working on his resume- we'll see what happens!
I have a list about a mile long of all the places I want to go this summer... Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown settlement, Boston, New York, Philly, Baltimore Aquarium, Hershey Park... Next week I'm picking one and just GOING! I'm also getting our passport applications in- for sure! With a sister in Denmark (she just found out they may end up in Spain...), no excuses! We have missed them this year... Anyway, I'm ready for those lazy days with no schedules to follow, lunches to pack, and school projects to help finish... Ahhhhhhh! SUMMER!
Last week Elizabeth and Emma made these funny alien cupcakes! They are so cute! They are the reason I messed up on my diet...!
Christian misses school already (the friend/social part...). NO WAY!!! He's now praying that we won't move again. I told him that all of the months of praying that we WILL move back west might cancel out the 3 weeks of praying to stay... hmmmm... who knows?
Conan is working on his resume- we'll see what happens!
I have a list about a mile long of all the places I want to go this summer... Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown settlement, Boston, New York, Philly, Baltimore Aquarium, Hershey Park... Next week I'm picking one and just GOING! I'm also getting our passport applications in- for sure! With a sister in Denmark (she just found out they may end up in Spain...), no excuses! We have missed them this year... Anyway, I'm ready for those lazy days with no schedules to follow, lunches to pack, and school projects to help finish... Ahhhhhhh! SUMMER!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Vacations and Returning
I know it's been a few weeks... We have had two great weekends in a row, so I better write about them! On memorial weekend we totally lucked out (more like a blessing) with renting the most beautiful vacation house possible in Bethany Beach, Delaware! After the grueling 5 and a half hour (usually only 3) drive down there (car accidents and D.C. traffic...), we pulled up to this gorgeous home that we had found online the day before!!! It was like walking into a dream!!! Some friends of ours have a beach house down there, too, so we hooked up with them and hung out at the beach, took walks, had BBQ's, swam in the pool, played games... all while the weather was a perfect 75 degrees and sunny! (It finally started raining the day we left...!) It was glorious!!! On the downside, our refrigerator went out while we were gone, but fortunately my mom was here house sitting and she was able to save some of the food, and keep our house from smelling like rotten garbage when we got home!
After unpacking for two days, then a day to pack again, I got to get on a train to New York City with my mom early Friday morning and hang out there for the weekend! She had a book convention, so I went for fun! We had the BEST time!!! It was so weird to be alone, not used to that, but nice to walk and walk around different parts of the city. Friday I walked around midtown Manhattan, where our hotel was and took pictures and shopped! Aside from spending a few hundred dollars in a matter of a few minutes... (well, maybe hours), it felt really good! I love people watching! Friday night we went to the top of the Empire State Building then ate a delicious, non kid friendly dinner at the rink restaurant outside, Rockefeller Plaza! The weather was beautiful! Saturday morning, I had time to myself again, so I went to lower Manhattan, SOHO, and walked up and down the cobblestone streets wandering in and out of some amazing home decor/design shops. I was definitely inspired... Wow, what amazing design. I wandered up into Washington Square park, listened to some great musicians, then took in all the STUFF for sale at the Saturday morning market just bordering the park. I was really just looking, when an extremely persistent Chinese woman grabbed me and told (ordered) me to be still while she gave me a minute shoulder massage... OKAAAAAY.... After that, I was history. I sat right into her chair and endured (how can that feel so good???) a ten minute, very intense- and much needed, may I add, massage!!! It was worth every dollar! My mom and I met back at the hotel to walk up to Broadway for "The Phantom of the Opera." It was kind of a last minute decision to look for tickets online, but somehow we ended up with 2 front row, center orchestra seats for way CHEAP!!! What an incredible show. The power of music always astounds me... We ate another non kid friendly dinner that was delicious, then walked up to Central Park and over to Lincoln Center. We had yummy desserts that probably canceled out our walking, then fell into our beds exhausted and happy! We went to church on Sunday morning and were both so touched by the music in Sacrament Meeting. A beautiful woman with an equally beautiful voice sang the most incredible arrangement of "Amazing Grace", accompanied by cello and piano, that I have ever heard. It really touched me to the core. After our church service, we visited Ground Zero, and the Episcapalian church standing across the street, which was pivitol in the relief efforts during the aftermath of 9/11. It was deeply touching as well, to read about the service and sacrifice of so many and see the exhibits there. It was so amazing to me to find out that that church is the oldest Colonial public building in New York, still standing (it still has George Washington's pew). We were so enthralled in the exhibits and feelings of that sacred place that we missed our train coming home. It was well worth the two hour wait in Penn station...
Upon arrival home, I was so overjoyed to be in the arms of my family again. As wonderful as the trip was, there's just no place like home!
After unpacking for two days, then a day to pack again, I got to get on a train to New York City with my mom early Friday morning and hang out there for the weekend! She had a book convention, so I went for fun! We had the BEST time!!! It was so weird to be alone, not used to that, but nice to walk and walk around different parts of the city. Friday I walked around midtown Manhattan, where our hotel was and took pictures and shopped! Aside from spending a few hundred dollars in a matter of a few minutes... (well, maybe hours), it felt really good! I love people watching! Friday night we went to the top of the Empire State Building then ate a delicious, non kid friendly dinner at the rink restaurant outside, Rockefeller Plaza! The weather was beautiful! Saturday morning, I had time to myself again, so I went to lower Manhattan, SOHO, and walked up and down the cobblestone streets wandering in and out of some amazing home decor/design shops. I was definitely inspired... Wow, what amazing design. I wandered up into Washington Square park, listened to some great musicians, then took in all the STUFF for sale at the Saturday morning market just bordering the park. I was really just looking, when an extremely persistent Chinese woman grabbed me and told (ordered) me to be still while she gave me a minute shoulder massage... OKAAAAAY.... After that, I was history. I sat right into her chair and endured (how can that feel so good???) a ten minute, very intense- and much needed, may I add, massage!!! It was worth every dollar! My mom and I met back at the hotel to walk up to Broadway for "The Phantom of the Opera." It was kind of a last minute decision to look for tickets online, but somehow we ended up with 2 front row, center orchestra seats for way CHEAP!!! What an incredible show. The power of music always astounds me... We ate another non kid friendly dinner that was delicious, then walked up to Central Park and over to Lincoln Center. We had yummy desserts that probably canceled out our walking, then fell into our beds exhausted and happy! We went to church on Sunday morning and were both so touched by the music in Sacrament Meeting. A beautiful woman with an equally beautiful voice sang the most incredible arrangement of "Amazing Grace", accompanied by cello and piano, that I have ever heard. It really touched me to the core. After our church service, we visited Ground Zero, and the Episcapalian church standing across the street, which was pivitol in the relief efforts during the aftermath of 9/11. It was deeply touching as well, to read about the service and sacrifice of so many and see the exhibits there. It was so amazing to me to find out that that church is the oldest Colonial public building in New York, still standing (it still has George Washington's pew). We were so enthralled in the exhibits and feelings of that sacred place that we missed our train coming home. It was well worth the two hour wait in Penn station...
Upon arrival home, I was so overjoyed to be in the arms of my family again. As wonderful as the trip was, there's just no place like home!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Temple and teens!
I have a few minutes before the teenagers get home and monopolize the computer...!
We've had a great week so far! On Tuesday evening we drove down to Washington D.C. to the temple to do baptisms. We were able to take Elizabeth for the first time, and also our own family names. It started out as a test of patience for us because the youth group that they put us with never showed up at 6:30! So, after driving for an hour and a half, we sat in the baptistry and waited quietly for over an hour for the next group to come. Since the temple is the most peaceful place on earth, I didn't mind it much, but it was beginning to be a stretch for Elizabeth and Christian! So, after what seemed like forever, the other group came (they had driven over 4 hours on a school night) and we were able to be baptized for several family members on both my parent's sides. It was a beautiful experience. It really puts things into an eternal perspective.
Yesterday was Christian's fifteenth birthday, which seems quite impossible! We did the best we could to celebrate in the midst of youth activities and Conan having to stay at work late for a Pacific coast meeting... Christian got a guitar for his birthday and is anxious to learn how to play. Emma and Elizabeth decorated and were so happy for their brother! What sweet children we have. Now, if I survive teen-hood, it will probably be a miracle... Too bad it feels like I was just there a few years ago! Am I really equipped??? Oh well, there's no turning back now...
We've had a great week so far! On Tuesday evening we drove down to Washington D.C. to the temple to do baptisms. We were able to take Elizabeth for the first time, and also our own family names. It started out as a test of patience for us because the youth group that they put us with never showed up at 6:30! So, after driving for an hour and a half, we sat in the baptistry and waited quietly for over an hour for the next group to come. Since the temple is the most peaceful place on earth, I didn't mind it much, but it was beginning to be a stretch for Elizabeth and Christian! So, after what seemed like forever, the other group came (they had driven over 4 hours on a school night) and we were able to be baptized for several family members on both my parent's sides. It was a beautiful experience. It really puts things into an eternal perspective.
Yesterday was Christian's fifteenth birthday, which seems quite impossible! We did the best we could to celebrate in the midst of youth activities and Conan having to stay at work late for a Pacific coast meeting... Christian got a guitar for his birthday and is anxious to learn how to play. Emma and Elizabeth decorated and were so happy for their brother! What sweet children we have. Now, if I survive teen-hood, it will probably be a miracle... Too bad it feels like I was just there a few years ago! Am I really equipped??? Oh well, there's no turning back now...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Marriage, money, and broken TV's...
So, it seems I have let a few weeks go by without saying anything... Last week Conan got to travel to northern CA for his job and I just couldn't think of what to say! That must mean that he inspires me! Actually, he does! He deserves a medal for loving me so much and for so long. I really hate it when he's gone, and not just because I can't sleep very well without him... I did put some chairs under the knobs of the outside doors (which a few teenagers in my life- I won't mention names, really had to make fun of...) and Maya, our dog came upstairs and slept next to my bed! I didn't even ask her to!
I've been pondering the milestones in my life- married for 17 years, which we recently celebrated at the beach in Delaware and Maryland, Elizabeth turning 12 in February, and now Christian, our first born, will be turning 15 next week!!! No way! Now I get it when "older" people say things like, "where has the time gone?" or "life just goes by too fast!" I don't really feel that old, some days I feel like I am still about 10... When those fears hit and I'm too scared to want to be the mom; the responsible adult setting the example. This past week I hit the library and ended up reading several books. I specifically felt drawn to the finance section and ended up with three books on getting out of debt and then one in the motivational section entitled something like "Sugar Addiction is Real"! I did manage to read the money books, but couldn't quite get past the second chapter of the sugar addict's self help one... No, it's not denial... The point is, I know where my weaknesses are and I'm really trying! REALLY!
Back to the milestones... the best thing is to look back and see how far I've come, how much I've really changed for the better. The absolute worst thing is to look back and see how much I haven't changed and how many years have gone by without realizing how much better I could be if I would have... Make sense??? ( Oh well, it's my blog so I can say anything I want to!)
The greatest thing of all is to see how amazingly blessed I am, how much our Father in Heaven has given to me. I don't always feel or show my gratitude, especially when I get whiny about things, but I really am overwhelmed with thanks for everything and everyone in my life. My life really is good and I'm making a huge effort to treat myself better (more exercise, less sugar, less spending, more laughing and hugging...).
Oh yeah, our ridiculously expensive 50" plasma TV broke last week (along with my camera which had broken the week before), so I had the satellite turned off... (HUGE!) so we're watching way less television now (as in NONE), which doesn't seem to be inflicting too much pain! Yesterday Elizabeth manufactured a treasure hunt for Emma to go on- how long has it been since that happened last??? Over the weekend we actually played games for hours (as in board games, remember those?). It's all good! Yep, I'm still grateful..
I've been pondering the milestones in my life- married for 17 years, which we recently celebrated at the beach in Delaware and Maryland, Elizabeth turning 12 in February, and now Christian, our first born, will be turning 15 next week!!! No way! Now I get it when "older" people say things like, "where has the time gone?" or "life just goes by too fast!" I don't really feel that old, some days I feel like I am still about 10... When those fears hit and I'm too scared to want to be the mom; the responsible adult setting the example. This past week I hit the library and ended up reading several books. I specifically felt drawn to the finance section and ended up with three books on getting out of debt and then one in the motivational section entitled something like "Sugar Addiction is Real"! I did manage to read the money books, but couldn't quite get past the second chapter of the sugar addict's self help one... No, it's not denial... The point is, I know where my weaknesses are and I'm really trying! REALLY!
Back to the milestones... the best thing is to look back and see how far I've come, how much I've really changed for the better. The absolute worst thing is to look back and see how much I haven't changed and how many years have gone by without realizing how much better I could be if I would have... Make sense??? ( Oh well, it's my blog so I can say anything I want to!)
The greatest thing of all is to see how amazingly blessed I am, how much our Father in Heaven has given to me. I don't always feel or show my gratitude, especially when I get whiny about things, but I really am overwhelmed with thanks for everything and everyone in my life. My life really is good and I'm making a huge effort to treat myself better (more exercise, less sugar, less spending, more laughing and hugging...).
Oh yeah, our ridiculously expensive 50" plasma TV broke last week (along with my camera which had broken the week before), so I had the satellite turned off... (HUGE!) so we're watching way less television now (as in NONE), which doesn't seem to be inflicting too much pain! Yesterday Elizabeth manufactured a treasure hunt for Emma to go on- how long has it been since that happened last??? Over the weekend we actually played games for hours (as in board games, remember those?). It's all good! Yep, I'm still grateful..
Monday, April 20, 2009
I Love Spring and Joseph!
I promised myself I would keep up with this every week, so here I am...
Emma is home today because the elementary school has the day off for parent teacher conferences! It's pretty fun having her around. She does the funniest things and is so creative I can't believe it. She's already created three different games to play today, practiced with her hula hoop, made the cutest card to give her teacher when we go for her conference, and is now video taping herself giving messages for her dad! She definitely inspires me to be more productive. There's just something magical about spring and the accompanying urge to do something new!
I am loving the blossoms that have popped out on so many trees this past weekend! All of those white and pink fluffy flowers are so sweet. My mom and I got to go to the temple on Friday in D.C. and it was wonderful, of course. Unbelievably peaceful... When you are driving west on the Beltway, you come around a curve and suddenly straight ahead is this breathtaking sight of the temple towering over the freeway. This time it was gleaming white in the sunshine and was amazing. Just seeing it gave me the overpowering feeling of awe and wonder at the blessing of being able to enter Heaven on Earth. As we walked to the entrance we were overcome with the scent from hundreds of tulips around us. It was a wonderful day!
Last Monday night we had a really unique experience. Our family home evening group of five families meets once a month and this time we were privileged to have it hosted by our awesome neighbors who were raised Jewish and both converted to Mormonism later in life. They married each other after their children were raised and after both had lost their spouses. They are the best! They explained all about the Passover and how the Jewish people celebrate it. We got to watch and take part in it! It was really fascinating! They both speak Jewish (we found out that is different from Hebrew) and they gave us a very personal look into what makes them who they are and their deep feelings of reverence toward the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and how it relates to their Jewish blood. It made me reflect back a few weeks to the musical that Elizabeth was able to participate in, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and the truly miraculous story. If you've seen the Donny Osmond version, you may not have loved the costuming of the Broadway production. The high school did such a great job with everything- of course our daughter was in it, so that really helped...! Being able to see it several times really made it a part of our family and gave us many opportunities to ponder the scriptural account and appreciate the meaning of it! (Thank you, Emma who is reading this over my shoulder and giving me words to say!) Beautiful Elizabeth glowed on that stage and radiated the inner beauty of a happy young woman who loves music and doing what's right.
Here are some pictures!
Monday, April 13, 2009
New Blog!
I've been wanting to create this for awhile, but with a really cold Pennsylvania winter and our computer in the equally cold (and windowless) basement, I've been procrastinating... I have an aversion to cold (and dungeon-like) surroundings! So, we just moved the computer to our nice warm, sunny living room and I have a new lease on life!!! It just takes a little change to motivate me. I'm calling this Simple Life because "simplify" has always been my motto, and with the craziness all around us in the world I have an even greater desire to live it. Living on the edge of Amish country, I am frequently reminded of the dedication of a religious community to take this idea to a complete way of life. Actually, our favorite bread of all time comes from the local Amish Market just a few miles down the road! I can taste it now...
Just last week we had the privilege to sit at home all weekend and watch General Conference as a family. Our kids know that the first weekend of April and October we clear our calendars and expect everyone to be at home and ready to listen to our church leaders. President Monson's closing remarks were the ultimate in simplifying (and inspiration)... Our future is as bright as our faith. It can't get much clearer then that.
This past weekend we had some time off (Conan and kids), so we took a day to go "somewhere"! We hopped in the car and drove a few hours south to visit the historic home of one of the great founding fathers. George Washington's Mt. Vernon. Wow! It was incredible! The drive between Alexandria, VA and Mt. Vernon (about 13 miles) is unbelievable! Bordering the Potomac and lined with blossoming trees, it is absolutely breathtaking, as is the entire setting of the estate. It had a sacred feeling to it. Emma and Elizabeth especially loved touring the mansion and observing the sheep with their new lambs scurrying behind. That was pretty sweet! We finished off the day by getting to know the freeways around D.C.- Conan was amazing with that map... and we found P.F. Changs in Arlington! That was my birthday dinner!
Our Easter Sunday was lovely as well... So nice to be able to share my birthday with Easter! I got some beautiful hand made cards and gifts and an amazing necklace from my mom-a unique handmade silver rectangle with four rows of stones, three in each row that she acquired in Israel a few years back. It represents the 12 tribes of Israel and is a priceless gift. Just as priceless are the sweet cards and presents crafted by my children and husband and given in love! The happy birthday wishes from family and friends are treasured as well! The amazing dinner prepared by Conan, with help from all, our traditional Passover food and family favorites let us all cherish the day reserved for our celebration of our Father in Heaven's ultimate gift to us, our Savior and Redeemer. I am so grateful; for the gifts of Easter, the blessings of life and renewal, and the love of family.
Just last week we had the privilege to sit at home all weekend and watch General Conference as a family. Our kids know that the first weekend of April and October we clear our calendars and expect everyone to be at home and ready to listen to our church leaders. President Monson's closing remarks were the ultimate in simplifying (and inspiration)... Our future is as bright as our faith. It can't get much clearer then that.
This past weekend we had some time off (Conan and kids), so we took a day to go "somewhere"! We hopped in the car and drove a few hours south to visit the historic home of one of the great founding fathers. George Washington's Mt. Vernon. Wow! It was incredible! The drive between Alexandria, VA and Mt. Vernon (about 13 miles) is unbelievable! Bordering the Potomac and lined with blossoming trees, it is absolutely breathtaking, as is the entire setting of the estate. It had a sacred feeling to it. Emma and Elizabeth especially loved touring the mansion and observing the sheep with their new lambs scurrying behind. That was pretty sweet! We finished off the day by getting to know the freeways around D.C.- Conan was amazing with that map... and we found P.F. Changs in Arlington! That was my birthday dinner!
Our Easter Sunday was lovely as well... So nice to be able to share my birthday with Easter! I got some beautiful hand made cards and gifts and an amazing necklace from my mom-a unique handmade silver rectangle with four rows of stones, three in each row that she acquired in Israel a few years back. It represents the 12 tribes of Israel and is a priceless gift. Just as priceless are the sweet cards and presents crafted by my children and husband and given in love! The happy birthday wishes from family and friends are treasured as well! The amazing dinner prepared by Conan, with help from all, our traditional Passover food and family favorites let us all cherish the day reserved for our celebration of our Father in Heaven's ultimate gift to us, our Savior and Redeemer. I am so grateful; for the gifts of Easter, the blessings of life and renewal, and the love of family.
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