I Need a Moment to Vent

Living in New Jersey has been a great influence for my testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know it is a true book. I am humbled by the fact that I have been blessed with the opportunity to know of its existence.

I see so many people every day who do not know that it even exists and it breaks my heart.

I know this book is true! I know what it teaches is truth. It is sobering to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints outside of the "bubble" and I am happy I have this opportunity to find that out.

I know Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants our happiness in this life and the next. I know he wants us all to make good decisions in this life so we can be with him forever.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the missionaries who preach it without fear! I love being "peculiar"! I have a testimony of the commandments of God and the joy that comes to my life by obeying them. I find peace in my life because I have lived them.

I know God lives, I know Jesus Christ died to redeem us all! I know Joseph Smith was as much a true prophet of God as Moses and Abraham! I have a testimony of his work here in the East to restore the true church of God back to the Earth.

I LOVE THIS CHURCH! I know Thomas Monson is also as much a true prophet of God as was Isaiah, and all the others the Bible and Book of Mormon talks about. I also know the Bible is the true word of God, in as much as it has been correctly translated. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.... it is true and I know it!

Quality not Quantity

First I must appologize for not having any pictures....but...Tonight we were treated with a "quality" not "quantity" visit from Uncle Darrell! We were all so excited to see him! Darrell is 4th in the family and about 4 years younger than Brian. He is the brother who works for Smith Sports Optics in Sun Valley, Idaho. The brother who, until this year, we have spent the last I- don't- know- how- many New Year's Eve with.

Brian and Darrell were planning to stop at the house so the family could see Darrell then go as brothers to dinner...but...after 10 minutes of being around the kids it was obvious the kids were not going to let Darrell out of their sights that easy, so we were invited to crash the "brother dinner"!

I am glad we were invited, it was great to have some Tullis family around. We had a wonderful Chinese dinner in Verona. Brock told Darrell over dinner that he has missed him "so, so bad"! It was great to have a good meal and chat with our brother/uncle. We sure enjoyed being around him. It was sad he had to leave so soon, but Darrell....here is a huge THANKS for coming! WE LOVE YOU! We look forward to seeing you again...next time, if you can, bring the family! Thanks again.

THE TOE

Brock's toe looks pretty nasty huh? He was riding his bike without shoes. This is something I have tried on many occasion to hinder, unfortunately this is the only thing that has cured him of riding without shoes...Brock came racing around the corner of the house and crashed his bike. He ripped up his toe nail and smacked his head on a rock. It took 10 hours to get him to calm down. He finally fell asleep at midnight, but only after we gave him a blessing and some Motrin. He has lost half of the toenail now and we are waiting anxiously for the other half to fall off. The knot on his head was the length of my thumb and almost twice that wide. He is doing better, and he wears shoes!

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!