New York

Ain't it pretty?  It's my city.

I got to go to New York again in October.  I can't believe it either.  Our awesome friends Robert and Trish suggested we make the trip all together and somehow it happened.  We tried to do things that we didn't do last time, like take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry out past Lady Liberty.  At night.  I would totally recommend this to everyone. The view was breathtaking and the ride over was relaxing.

This view was pretty awesome, too...

Whoopsie!  I meant for everyone to see THIS view from the top of the Rockefeller Center:

We saw this when we were wandering around the city at night.  I kind of wished I saw it in the daytime when I could have peeked inside and maybe even met Alex and his accordions.  

We were looking for the Manhattan LDS Temple and I couldn't find it even though I knew we were in the vicinity.  I asked Trish if she could see it and she pointed up at this:

I'm not sure why but I thought this was even better than seeing the actual temple.  There was just something cool about seeing Moroni hanging out behind this building.  We got to attend church in the same building as the temple (along with every other member of the LDS church who was visiting New York City that weekend.  I bet they get a lot of visitors!).

I don't even remember what this was called.  The tour guide said it was like the Big Ben of New York City.

This was a beautiful cathedral that we were able to step inside of for a few minutes.  The stained glass windows were some of the most exquisite I've ever seen but all of my pictures of them turned out blurry so this is all you get, one of the intricate archways in the front.

I don't think it is any secret that my favorite part of the trip was seeing Newsies again!  Trish and I also saw Wicked (my 4th time, it was still fantastic and still made me cry).  Both were amazing.  I could go to Broadway shows every night of my life and be totally fine with that.

We got tickets to the World Trade Center Memorial and I couldn't take any pictures to do this place justice. People were talking and laughing and that felt weird to me somehow.  I wanted it to be silent - so I like that my pictures don't make noise.

We rode through Central Park in a carriage at night.  This was probably one of the best things we did.

Not necessarily because the views were amazing (remember, it was night?) but because we got to chat with our carriage driver, Errol and hear his story.  He's from Turkey, here in the US studying computer science and one of the kindest people we met on our trip.

Me, Errol and Barney

On our last trip here we only went to a teensy corner of Central Park so this time I really wanted to spend some time there.  This never happened except for our carriage ride (at night, remember?) therefore I need to return to New York yet again simply to explore Central Park in the day time (and see more Broadway shows).

There are a lot of people who like to dress up and have people pay them to take a picture with them.  Most of them scared me.  I have never seen so many Elmos, Cookie Monsters, Hello Kittys and Minnie Mouses in my life.  But this guy was pretty cool.

Because I am me I had to giggle every time we saw this sign on the bus tour:

Or this one in Greenwich Village:

Do they think the dogs can read?  And if they could, would they honor this request?  I think not.

One of the best things we did differently this time around was to stay in an apartment we found at homeaway dot com.  We found a two bedroom place near the theater district with a full kitchen and free wifi and paid less than we did for a hotel room with no wiggle room on our last trip.  I would totally recommend this - we got to experience more of the city and easily found restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance.

I didn't worry so much about taking pictures so what you see above is pretty much the best of what I captured on camera.

I don't know how to explain it but there is something about New York that just draws me in.  I doubt it will be anytime soon but I'm excited to make another trip there some time in the future.    

How To Eat Cereal

Sometimes it's just better on a plate.

Visiting the Fire Station

One of Hubba's last requirements to earn his Wolf badge in cub scouts was to visit a fire station so I called and set up a time for that to happen.  I had Hubba call around and ask the other boys in his Wolf Den if they wanted to join us and then let Little O tag along because I knew he would love it.

Some people use these as hose attachments but to Little O this was obviously a telescope to find the fires.

Hubba was completely fascinated by this panel of gauges and sensors.  The fireman was so kind to answer every single question about "What does that one do?" and "What do the colors mean?" and "Why is this here?"

They let the boys climb up into every part of the truck.  They loved seeing all of the places to sit, where different equipment is stored and how to turn on the siren.

When they had a tour of the actual station they kept asking questions that the fireman giving the tour had never heard before.  Things like, "Where does that door go to?" and "How do you get to that window up there?"  Because they asked questions and were behaving so well they got to go see a part of the station that they don't usually take people to.  It was a room on the second floor where there was a ping pong table and a window overlooking the garage where the trucks were stored.  It might as well have been some treasure room for how excited they were to see it!

This was a fun little field trip with a fun group of boys.

Four Four-Eyes

As of July we now have four kids who wear glasses.  I don't know if this is common but all of them have one eye that is much worse off than the other.  The doctor mentioned that their good eye has likely compensated for the bad eye enough over time that it has felt normal to them to see the world through mostly one eye.

Now they're each looking at the world through two sets of eyes.    

They're a pretty fine-looking spectacled crew, don't you think?  

Three Weeks, Three Birthdays

Every one of our kids has their own birthday month.  We're not sure how that worked out so perfectly but it's pretty awesome to have celebrations spread throughout the year. There is a three week period of time at the tail end of October and early November when we have a birthday every week spaced exactly a week apart.

In honor of these three recent birthdays and the years they've graced this planet, here are 9 words that describe Hubba, 19 words that describe Elle and 44 words that describe Allen.

Friendly, happy, kind, smart, inquisitive, dancer (The Robot is his specialty), 

singer (Owl City's biggest fan!), hungry, outgoing. 

Independent, loyal, brilliant, gorgeous (inside and out), dedicated, happy, baker, amusing, fun, talented, athletic, surprising, kind, thoughtful, adventurous, creative, crafty, missionary, friend.    

Articulate, hard-working, handsome, artistic, sentimental, generous, reliable, handyman, playful, writer, resourceful, clever, rugged, efficient, productive, loving, disciple, inventive, respectful, service-minded, outdoorsman, teacher, down-to-earth, thrifty, woodworker, scoutmaster, adventurous, silly, multi-tasker, inspiring, inspired, genuine, neighborly, mentor, visionary, kind, committed, unselfish, example, husband, father, son, brother, friend.

A late happy birthday to three of my favorite people!  

The Magic Plate

I was able to snap a picture before the last cookie remnant disappeared.

Some time in the last few years a friend of mine gave us this plate along with some other items as a Christmas gift.  We love the look of it but didn't realize it was no ordinary plate - this plate is magic!

Since it doesn't match any of our other plates we usually use it when we want to give cookies or some other treats to a friend or neighbor and we don't have something disposable to put them on.  Here's where the magic comes in.  Every time we have given the plate to someone we have not expected it to come back.  But it always does!  And that's not even the magical part!  This plate always comes back with something on it. Cookies, brownies, rolls, homemade caramels or chocolates... I'd even venture to say that often what we get in return is even better than what we gave.

Now that's magic!



*disclaimer* To all of our local friends and family: If this plate comes into your possession you should in no way feel obligated to return it laden with fantastical treats.  (But we wouldn't complain.)

My Buddies

Little O: This is my sock.  I didn't want it any more.  So I just made this holder necklace. 

These are my last two kids who are not in school all day.  They are my best buddies right now.  I love the conversations we have and the observations they make.  I love how Little X will follow O around and do everything he does and even repeat every word he says. (It's pretty hilarious.)  I love this picture of these two darling boys because it captures their personalities and their relationship well.  I love how X is looking at O admiringly and how proud O is of his creation.

I am so thankful for these two cute boys who keep me company (and on my toes!) when everyone else is gone all day long.

Jokes For Kids: Harry Potter Edition

Wands up!  

Why wasn't Voldemort at the Yule Ball?
He had no body to go with.

What do Death Eaters eat for breakfast?
Cruci-os

Why do Slytherins cross the road twice?
They're double crossers

How many Voldemorts does it take to light up a wand?
None. Why do you think they call him the Dark Lord?

Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
You know.
You know who?
He's dead, you can say his name now.

Why does Dobby keep criticizing himself?
He has low elf esteem.

What do you call a Headmaster of Hogwarts who doesn't speak clearly?
Mumbledore

What do you call a Headmaster of Hogwarts who keeps tripping on his cloak?
Stumbledore

What do you call a boy wizard who is planning to overthrow the government?
Harry Plotter

Why did Crabbe and Goyle cross the road?
Because Draco crossed the road.

What do you call the author who made billions of dollars from her Harry Potter series?
J K Rowling-in-the-dough

Why did Professor Snape stand in the middle of the road?
So no one could tell which side he was on.

How many wizards does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
None.  They don't use lightbulbs.

What happened when Hedwig lost her voice?
She didn't give a hoot.

What do you get when you cross the Dark Lord with Harry Potter?
Dead.

What do you call a Hogwarts teacher with a bad attitude?
Moody

What do you call a movie about a boy wizard who is unhappy with a photo lab's service?
Harry Potter and the half-dark prints

How many Harry Potters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
One.  He holds it and the world revolves around him.

And I saved our three favorites for last...

What did Voldemort say when Wormtail asked if the Dark Lord could really rise again?
"Yes, but you may have to give me a hand."

If Hermione was abandoned what would she be called?
The Lone Granger

What did Harry's godfather say when Harry wouldn't stop poking him?
"Stop that, Harry. I'm Sirius."

Do you know any good Harry Potter jokes that you didn't see here?  Please leave them in the comments!

Sew Much Fun

When Allen and I were first married his paternal grandparents gave me a sewing machine.  They told me that they couldn't imagine someone having kids and no sewing machine to create things on.  My mom was always an amazingly talented seamstress but I was pretty lacking in the sewing department.  However, this was a game changer for me. 

The machine came with a free class on how to operate it and that was what got me excited about the possibilities.  I started out just making blankets because I figured anyone could sew a bunch of squares together.  They turned out pretty good and so I ventured into the territory of making a dress or two for Elle when she was really young and didn't care what she was wearing.  Those turned out pretty great, too.  I even tried making some of my own maternity clothes once.  They were so fashionable and well-made!  (Well, at least I thought so until I got them out for my next pregnancy and realized how homemade they looked.  But still!) The thing I quickly realized was that anyone can sew if they're willing to read a pattern and follow directions.  I could even create Halloween costumes without a pattern as long as I was willing to make a few mistakes along the way.

This is why, when the drama teacher at the high school asked if I could help with costumes for the musical Seussical this year, I said yes.  It has actually been a lot of fun!  Thumbelina is helping too - she did most of the work on this pile of Who-Girl dresses:

while I'm just doing a bunch of random things like sewing a hidden pocket into the back of a dress or re-constructing existing costumes with feathers and trim and ribbons and adjustments or making this bird-girl dress a bit longer and that Thing 2 outfit a bit smaller.

It has been a fun way to be involved in something I loved in high school without having to be away from home.  I'm grateful for insightful grandparents who gifted me my sewing machine and helped me to discover talents I didn't even know I had!

Stop Growing Up Already!

It has happened.  The day I have dreaded for a long time.  Little X has figured out how to get around the child-proof doorknob thingies.

Here he is, caught in the act!

Here he is again, mocking my loss of control over the pantry, bathrooms and toy closet.

My kids are all growing up so fast.  Even this littlest munchkin who it seems crazy to call The Baby anymore. There is good in this, though - and that's where having a large family becomes a huge blessing.

When I look at All-a-Boy sleeping in church or hear of Hubba's inability to keep answers to himself at school I can look at what an awesome young man Allen the Younger has become despite having done these same things when he was younger.  

When I see how overly emotional and sensitive to every little thing I do or say some of my younger girls are or worry that I am never doing anything right as a parent I can look to how Elle turned out and see that, despite all of my faults and weaknesses as a mother and person, she turned out beautifully.

I have learned to appreciate the hard times because they seem to be what makes our kids into amazing adults.  I don't always remember to appreciate the difficulties but I am thankful to have both perspectives to help me remember that I'm doing okay.

Inspiration

Thursday night was spent doing something I always enjoy - taking in some local musical theater.  However, this time it was different because my friend Jenny was in the cast.

When she first came on stage I had to stop myself from crying.  And when I saw her owning the dance numbers (something I am awesome at in my head but my body can just NOT figure out how to do what I want it to) I had to hold back the tears again.  These were high energy dance numbers.  Why was I crying?!?!

I was not thinking I would cry before I went.  It never even crossed my mind.  But there was something about seeing her there on stage, having a dream to perform on stage again after 18 years and LIVING it, knowing she nailed her first audition... I don't know.  It just got to me.

If you want to read her inspiring story, click HERE.  And if you live near me and haven't seen In the Heights yet, you should.  The energy on stage is awesome and even Allen, who lived in the Dominican Republic for a couple of years, says they capture the feeling of living in the barrio perfectly.

I am thankful for friends who inspire me by living their dreams, for letting me see that anything is possible with hard work and determination.  And I hope Jenny doesn't mind me kind of living vicariously through her talent in performing.

Someday I would love to be on stage again.  However, I accepted a long time ago that I could never be cast as a main character in a musical because of my great lack of ability in the dancing department.  I've decided that once all of my kids have left the nest I could maybe audition for the part of a nun in my favorite musical of all time, Newsies, or as one of the crazy old ladies in the play Arsenic and Old Lace.

I'll get back to you when that happens.

Awesome Teachers

I am very thankful for these four awesome women who teach my elementary school kids this year.  They all seem to have the perfect personalities to fit each of our kids.

I love going to parent/teacher conferences every time.  Not because I get to chase kids around the gym while we're waiting our turn to talk to each teacher but because I love hearing about how awesome my kids are. 

I am grateful that these women chose to be teachers and really put their hearts into what they do every day. These are the people who make school a place that my kids love to go to. I am also grateful to the many teachers at the middle school and high school who make a difference in my kids lives.  My family spends a lot of time in the public school system and we are very blessed to live in an area where we can feel okay about that.

Thank you teachers!

Horcruxes

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I finally decided to just get it written down so I can stop writing it in my head.  In the whole last year since my friend Jason died (<< there's a link there in case you don't know what I'm talking about) I have gone through all sorts of crazy emotions and thoughts.  I wanted to write about him all the time and I didn't want to write about him at all. I think the best way I can explain it is that I didn't want to feel like I had to prove our friendship to anyone. At the same time I worried that he would be forgotten.  I don't know if that makes any sense but that's what's at the surface of my train of thought.

Since Jason's untimely death I have distanced myself from others. This is something I have noticed recently and have some regrets about but all I can do from here is move on and try to be better.  I think that somewhere in my subconscious I am worried that I will lose someone again, so unexpectedly and suddenly and tragically and without any warning.  I do not know that my heart could handle it.  But, like I said, I am trying to change.

There are a million things I could say that I haven't over the last year, but the one thing that really stands out lately is this: in losing Jason I have gained something else - a whole network of friends who look out for and care about each other. Because Jason was such a big fan of the Harry Potter books, I like to think of it in terms of Horcruxes.

Jason is no longer here with us but a small part of him is alive in every person who loved him.  So, even though he may not be here with us physically we can still have a part of him with us when we associate with each other.  He lives on in each of us. We are like his Horcruxes, anchoring fragments of his soul to the earth in the memories that we've shared with him. Every person who has a memory of Jason holds a piece of his story. I think that when we remain connected to each other we remain connected to him.  That is something I can hold on to.  That is something I am thankful for.

Random Kindness

After his last Cub Scout pack meeting Hubba and I went to the Dollar Store so he could spend the dollar that he got from the tooth fairy.  I was impressed that he held on to that dollar for a whole two weeks because let me tell you, he was dying to spend it.

Hubba insisted on searching every inch of every shelf in the store in case there was something better down the next aisle. This kid was not going to spend his dollar until he knew he was getting the best that the Dollar Store had to offer a 9-year-old boy.  As he perused the merchandise in the store he painstakingly narrowed his purchase down to two items - a ninja set and a blow-gun that shot suction-cup darts.

He could not decide between these two treasures but he knew that he had to. I needed to pick up some treats in the candy aisle so I told him he had about a minute before we'd be at the register.  As I stopped in front of the candy wall I saw the thing that my little boy will remember for a good, long time.

Someone had left a dollar in a ziplock bag with this note:

Please enjoy this random act of kindness (you deserve it). Yes, it's for you!

To say he was excited would be an understatement.  This kid was ecstatic!  He kept questioning why someone would do this and who did I think it was and did he really get to keep the dollar? He went home that night with both of the toys he wanted as well as a huge smile on his face.  He couldn't stop talking about what had happened.  Everyone still gets to hear about it.  It's pretty amazing how much a dollar means to a 9-year-old boy, especially when it seemed to just magically appear.

I am thankful that there are people in this world who make time to do kind things for others.