A FULL WEEKEND

Brian had a "flex Friday" on the 18th so we decided to take a family vacation. Our dear friends the Ramos' came with us. We started out early Friday morning...our first stop was picking up Dia from girls camp. Then we headed north to Palmyra, New York. We got to the Hill Cumorah around 4:00 pm. The daddies dropped us off so we could save our seats for the pageant and they went to put up our tents.

The kids, Stacie and I reserved our seats...and hiked to the top of the Hill Cumorah so we could look out over the valley. It was beautiful. On top the hill is a statue of Moroni holding the Gold Plates. Once we got down we realized how hot it truly was so we spent some time in the Visitor's Center. We started in a room with a statue of the Christus, then we were taken into a room where we watched the Restoration movie. You could feel the Spirit so strong there on the Hill.

Once the daddies got done we took a little drive to the Smith Farm where we went into the replica of the home the Smith family lived in when Joseph was visited by the Angel Moroni. Then we walked down the dirt road to the "Frame House" that Alvin built for his family. He wanted to take care of his family, so he started building a bigger home. He died before the house was finished. Hyrum, at the request of Alvin, finished the house for the family. This is the house Joseph hid the Gold Plates a few times from the mob. He once hid them in the fireplace.

After walking through the homes we were able to spend time in the Sacred Grove. It is so peaceful there. I appreciate the Spirit in the grove. No picture will ever depict the tranquility felt there. We were able to spend a bit more time in the grove this visit which meant a lot to me. The last time I took the kids through we were a bit rushed. Once through the grove the kids had to stop at the restroom. As we were waiting I realized I recognized a couple standing pretty close to me...it was Brother Jex from BYU-I. He was my boss at Badger Creek, my advisor at college and he taught most of my classes. It was such a wonderful surprise to see him. I have a deep respect for him and have thought of him often. We were able to speak for a moment, but as kids are impatient when fun things are still to come, we had to take off so we could get a bit of dinner before the pageant started.

We grabbed a bit of Subway for dinner then got back to our seats. The pageant of course was AMAZING!!!!! I find it incredible how they get the water and flames on the stage out in the middle of nowhere. We all enjoyed the performance immensely. The Spirit was very strong on the Hill. The performers did a fantastic job! The kids got so excited to see Jesus descending from Heaven.

After the pageant we were bombarded by Hecklers screaming into megaphones horrible things about Mormons. One continued to take the name of Mormon in vain. The kids were able to feel the spirit leave them. They all mentioned something about "feeling bad" or "yucky now" because of the things being screamed at us. We were able to turn the uncomfortable situation into a good one by showing the kids the difference in feeling the Spirit of God vs the spirit of Satan. I think we all had a potent experience and testimony builder because of the hecklers. At first we were greatly upset by them, but it was a perfect example to us all of why we live our lives in a way that the right spirit is with us. I was so glad my kids could have that experience to see the dramatic difference.

We got back to our tents and got kids to bed. A travel van pulled up along side us and parked for the night. The sister got out and started making small talk with us. The conversation got going and we were really enjoying ourselves. Brian asked her where she was from, it turns out she grew up in Boise on the bench. Brian asked her if she knew Gene Watkins, she looked at him in disbelief and said, "Yes, he's my brother." We were parked next to Brian's Aunt (Step Aunt, he thinks he met her once years ago, that is why he didn't know who he was talking to). We had actually taken their tent space. It had been raining and they moved the tent into the shelter across the road. Anyway, their family was in the pageant, they had been camping their since the 4th of July. It was such a great surprise to be able to meet them.

Saturday morning we got pictures with our family, then went back to the Hill Cumorah so the daddies could see the statue on top of the hill. We then took off for Niagara Falls. Brian mentioned because of the "family pit-stops" we had to take there was no way we were going to run into Brother Jex again. (He had mentioned to us that he would be there on Saturday too.) I am supposed to note that all the girls except Ysabel and Stacie were wearing green shirts on Saturday. Ysabel felt left out so we borrowed another green shirt from Isabelle so Ysabel could match the rest of us. OK! With that said...we got our tickets to ride the Maid of the Mist into the falls. We got everyone situated then headed off for the elevator that would take us down to get on the boat. Brian was ahead of me, he shouted out to a person two people in front of him, it was Brother Jex. We got to chat with him again for a few minutes. I really love that man. We were also able to ride the same boat into the falls, however, once we got on the boat we didn't see him again...so I hope they enjoyed the rest of their trip.

Just before you get on the Maid of the Mist, staff hands you a blue poncho to wear. The kids were dead set against wearing their ponchos. It was a good thing however that we got them because it started raining and didn't stop. Brother Jex mentioned that we really needed to ride on the top deck. The last time I took the kids we were on the bottom level and I do believe we missed out. We got on the top deck and had a great view of the falls. The kids did get soaked. I love that ride! We were also able to take a walk up along side the falls. That was really incredible.

We drove back to Palmyra, it had rained during the day. We got kids to bed again then the four parents went and sat on the porch of one of the buildings and talked like kids until the wee hours of the night. It was great. Brian even mentioned he felt like a kid again...that is a big deal when you are as old as he is! LOL!!!! (We were camping at the Palmyra Fair Grounds, I recommend it! You get to socialize with many pageant staff and goers! ) It sprinkled and poured all night long. We woke to an even rainier day and wet tents. We got the kids up and started showering and preparing for the day. We had to put everything away wet...YUCK! We were running late for church so Brian took the kids with him while the mommies showered. Brian said it was very neat going to church in Palmyra. He really enjoyed the experince.

On our way home we stopped over in Fayette to see the Peter Whitmer Farm. We were able to go through the chapel and Visitor's Center there. We were also able to tour the replica of the Whitmer Home where the church was offically founded and the first meeting held. The farm is so peaceful! You cannot hear traffic anywhere. It was sunny in Fayette so we could enjoy the farm. With the fields and the apple orchard, I was reminded of Gran's house. Yeah, I might have been a bit homesick. The spirit was very strong here. The missionaries allowed the kids to pick the apples. They were very tasty! We had such a great time! I am so glad the Ramos family came with us. They are such great friends.

Having been to a few church history sites , I have noticed how hard it can be to leave these places. I know my spirit loves being there, feeling so close to Heavenly Father. I love the church! I know it is true. I know Joseph Smith restored the only true gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know we have prophets on the earth today who converse with Jesus Chrsit in order to lead His church as He directs. I am grateful to have these experiences that touch my spirit and remind me what it feels like to be home. I do look forward to seeing my Savior again. And I know I am a child of a Father who loves me and cares for me as I do my own children. I love the temple and the blessings I receive from going. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I am proud to be called a "Mormon" because I know Mormon did a great work for us and he was a true disciple of Jesus Christ, he was a respectable man. I know Christ lives and our Father loves us all! This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Cave Cricket

My newest neighbor. Brian and I were down stairs doing laundry last night and we found one of these on the astro-turf right next to the dryer. The body of this guy was at least an inch and a half long. His legs do stick up that far off his body. I screamed and ran. Brian did a little too...but then he killed it.

My friend Stacie had these in her house when she first moved in. Her exterminator told her, she "had the worst infestation he'd ever seen." I can't imagine. She said these buggers were everywhere.

I did not understand the nastiness of them until last night, and my encounter was with only one! So my hats off to Stacie! You are more woman than I am!

Growing Up Way Too Fast!

It is official! My kids are growing up without my permission! You know it is a fact when your baby starts loosing his baby teeth. Today Brock lost his first tooth. Hannah has lost two in the last month. It is going to be a lonely existance without my kids next year! I still don't know what I am going to do with myself with them all in school....sad, huh? I thought so too...

Philly Cheesesteak and the 4th of July

For those of you who know me, you know I can't take less than 100 pictures when I go to a place of distinction. So, this is going to be loaded with pictures, I hope you don't mind. When we first moved out here I told Brian I wanted to go to Philadelphia for a real Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. Since I was feeling much better on the fourth Brian talked me into (and it was real hard to do it! lol) going to Philadelphia for the celebration. We got there around 11:30 am and went straight to Geno's for the best sandwiches Philly has to offer! (I provided a link below if anyone is planning to go.) Many famous people have their picture with Geno. I do not, but he did serve me my sandwich!

Once we got our sandwiches we were ushered over to the condiments table. We asked some fine Philly folks what they recommended for the toppings to our sandwiches. One man said hot sauce and peppers. So I went over and did a thin line of hot sauce across mine and proceeded to the mustard. Another man came over and said, "honey I would recommend tasting the hot sauce before you eat that sandwich! It is extremely hot." So I dipped my finger in, barely got a dot, placed it on my tongue and for the rest of the day I wished I had not! I can eat wasabe plain with barely even noticing, but I can not handle extremely spicy hot sauce, you know, the kind that is so hot it has no taste to it but burn. Brian, showing me he loves me, happily switched me sandwiches. Now, you need to understand something about this hot sauce! It is the kind that burns so fast all you feel is pain. When applied on contact the skin is instantly seared off and only pain remains! No water, no matter how great the application, can quench this fire! With that.... please continue reading....

Once we were settled in the van Brian took a giant hungry bite of his sandwich, he did ok for the first few bites. About half way through he started turning red and sweating. I looked at him, waiting, and then I saw it....the most frantic look in his eye! It was terrifying! He went in search of his watter bottle, he downed 22 oz within a few seconds and started grasping for another. I handed him mine. He drank as if he had just crossed the Gobi! Once the initial shock of the heat was over he proved he has a death wish! he finished off his sandwich! That of course started the whole routine over again. I was floored! I couldn't believe after all that he would even try to finish that sandwich! Ysabel, hating to see her daddy in such pain passed him up her ice water. (Granted, since she has his sense of humor, she was giggling all the while!) Her ice water only lasted a matter of seconds also.

As I was trying to be supportive of him, (mostly because I was the one who put the hot sauce on the sandwich,) I tried not to giggle with Ysabel. But, inevitably I couldn't help it and the laughter ensued. The desperation returned to his eyes, the nose started to run, his face returned to a brilliant shade of crimson, and the life or death hunt for water began again! I have seen desperate people on tv searching for something to quench a fire like that, but never Brian, he loves his spicy food. This was seriously hilarious. Needless to say, if we go back, we will NOT have the hot sauce.

Philadelphia was beautiful! We parked the van and walked to the visitors center where employees were handing out 10,000 Tastycakes to celebrate the nation's birthday. At the end of the hall others were doing temporary tattoos. We just had to have one, so we stood patiently in line and each acquired a festive, red, white and blue, tattoo.

We walked out into the square just as 3 men came up the walk. One man had a flute, one a drum and the other was leading them. The leader stood in the square and read to us in great enthusiasm, the Declaration of Independence. It was extremely moving to be in Philly on the 4th and hear that document read. They placed employees dressed as commoners and British Loyalists in the crowd. They cheered or hollered "Treason!" Yeah! I cried. Ever since our summer in VA I have deep patriotism.

After his reading he asked who would like to join the colonial army. We followed and were drafted. We were taught to march, stand in a "trim line", about face, left face, right face, etc. We were given firearms and taught to load and shoot, to use the bayonets, etc. It was great. Ethan was even asked to hold the colors for our troop. We were discharged after our training and given a receipt of our labors signed by General Washington himself!

After our honorable discharge we were able to visit Congress Hall, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. Those buildings were beautiful and you could feel the reverence in each. I had forgotten that President Washington did not wish to serve two terms. John Adams wrote him a letter reminding him that he was the only person holding our nation together. President Washington served another term but made it known he would not serve a third. Anyway....We also were able to visit the grave side of Benjamin Franklin. That was a great experience. The pennies on his grave are in remembrance of his saying, "a penny saved is a penny earned." People believe it is good luck to toss a penny on his grave. I recommend this city to all for 4th of July celebrations! It was worth the hour and a half drive!

We didn't stop there! We ate our pb and j sandwiched in the van on our way back to NY so we could watch the fireworks over the Statue of Liberty. We got to Liberty park with about 2 hours to spare. We played and rested, tried to dodge the rain, waited and dodged more rain, then the fireworks finally started. They were beautiful! Rebekah was correct about all the other shows going a the same time, I have never seen so many fireworks at one time! IT was truly beautiful! I did enjoy the 4th! I hope you all did as well!

GOOD NEWS

I got my lab results back and it wasn't lyme disease! Apparently it was the flu. I am already feeling better and look forward to being busy again!

POSSIBLE PROGRESSION OF LYME DISEASE

(This is not my leg! This is a picture from the internet)

Last week I had a red circle on my leg 4inches by 3 inches with a raised bumpy thing, I ripped it off, squeezed out puss and now the red circles is all but gone, HOWEVER, now I am so tired and feeling so nasty that I can't hardly stand it. Yesturday I could not keep my eyes open let alone stomach the thought of eating or drinking anything. Brian says I have been grumpy the last few days.... This morning Brian and Stacie are forcing me to go to the dr. to see if I have Lyme Disease.

Most things don't gross me out, but the thought of Ticks....arrrrgh! Even worse, the thought of Tick germs ransacking my blood, COME ON!!!!! That means I have tick coodies all over inside me! Can you think of anything more revolting? HONESTLY? So I will let you know when I do.

Bella's Baptism

Ysabel was baptized Saturday, June 28, 2008. We are so proud of her for making this decision. She fasted and prayed and knew it was the right thing to do. Our friends the Ramos' helped us get her ready. Stacie helped me find her beautiful dress and the day before the baptism, Stacie and I took Ysabel and Isabelle to Kiddie Candids and got pictures taken of her so she could remember her special day. These are the pictures.

It was a wonderful day. We invited our best friends from the ward, the Missionaries, (Elder Clark is from Blackfoot, and his mom is a Baird, we think she is Uncle Calvin's cousin. Elder Hennis is from the Boise area and knows Ricky, Brian's brother), our first councelor presided, Bella's teacher (Emily Dorman) spoke on baptism, and I spoke on the Comforter. We had fruit and vegi platters for refreshments and a beautiful cake that I forgot to get a picture of.

That night we took the Dorman's with us to celebrate Ysabel's day with a baptism dinner. Bella wanted to eat Mexican food, so Jonathan found a great place in South Orange. We are so pleased that she would decide to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She is such a special member of our family! We love you so much Bella! Congratulations baby!

I wanna check you for TICKS

NASTY NASTY NASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!
One hazard of living in Jersey are the TICKS! Rebekah has had a horrible go with the buggers! Poor Sam is working on his second round of Lime Disease, and now Aaron has it too! So the whole thought makes me itch uncontrollably.

Last night I had Bella get Brock's sheets out of the dryer, she did it and I immediately got them on his bed since it was bedtime. As I flicked his top sheet across the bed I saw a small black dot on the top of it. (Tender Mercy!!!!!!) I was given the thought to check out the black dot. So I did...IT WAS A TICK!!!!!! Y-U-C-K-Y!!!!! (Crazy "get it the heck off" dance done at this time!)

Try and tell me you aren't cringing right now!

The poor kid was petrified of sleeping in his bed. I tried to convince him that Heavenly Father was the one who told me to check the "dot" and if there were more he would have had me check further...but we are ok. NO GO! He wasn't about to sleep in those sheets. I had to prove to him there weren't anymore. He had to witness me throwing back his covers to peek at every nook and cranny! ( I personally don't blame the poor little whipper snapper!) Somewhat satisfied he finally got into bed. Once that terror was put to rest and Brock could snuggle with peace of mind I kissed the boys good night.

I went in to kiss the girls good night and couldn't find Bella! I looked down at Hannah's bed and found my missing child. Hannah had made Ysabel sleep with her. She wasn't going to sleep alone with ticks on the loose! The girls had even grabbed an extention cord and Jerry Rigged it so they could hang their night light from the bunk bed so they had all the light necessary to see a tick sneeking up on them. Horrible isn't it?!

STRAWBERRIES!!!!

We had a great time last friday! I checked the kids out of Radcliffe after Hannah's graduation Wednesday. Because of the power outage the week before they extended the school year again. I felt bad since my kids have been in school since August, so did the great staff at Radcliffe, and we all decided it would be ok for them to be done. SOOOOOO

Friday we spent the day with Ramos' and Dolan's. Charity took us to Chester to pick strawberries. It was so refreshing to be on a farm. The farmer had cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, goats, pigs, peacocks, and other animals. They sold carrots and corn to feed the animals, and the animals were tame enough to pet. The farmer was rolling hay across the street, it smelled so good.

We got to the farm early enough to pick some great berries, (all you can pick and want to pay for.) they also sold rhubarb, fresh peas, beans, tomatoes, carrots, etc. etc. etc. its a farm! OH! And pie! They bake it right there in the store so you smell it and want one! Pretty sneaky if you ask me! They also sell special honeys and mustards, and all kinds of fun tasty stuff.

The kids had such a great time! They loved being outside and doing Idahoish stuff again. We ran through the strawberry fields finding the best, most fattest, reddest berries ever. They have signs up asking you not to eat the berries before you pay for them...we had a few in our charge that obviously couldn't read! After picking to our hearts content we had a picinic lunch and took pictures.

Once we got back to Ramos' house the kids wanted to play, the Moms wanted to sleep! We couldn't believe they still had energy! It truly was a fun day.