Feeling Blessed

I keep a daily journal so usually I don't write my thoughts on here. We all know I am not the most articulate writer, so just consider yourself warned if you choose to continue reading.


As I sat down to write in my journal last night I ended up thinking a lot more than writing and since my head goes 110X's faster than I can write I didn't write a fraction of what was going on in my head. I really don't like to complain about things or dwell on things too long because it takes too much energy and effort for me. Its a lot easier to smile and be happy. But, I think I have been complaining a lot lately or at least I have felt like complaining a lot lately due to things things that I would want to change at the moment that I can't- like my job or lack of a car. But as I sat thinking last night, I reflected on and remembered how blessed I really truly am.

I am so blessed to have the family that I have. Some people would say I am lucky. I'm not sure if luck has anything to do with it. I don't know why some people seem to have it easier than others, but I am thankful to be blessed with the family that I have. I am thankful for my parents. They have been married for 31 years now as of yesterday and I am thankful for the love that they have for one another and that they have for me and my sisters. They are always willing to help in anyway they can. I have three wonderful sisters who I look up to and respect on a daily basis. I love that I have a close enough relationship with them to be able to talk to them about anything. Although we are all far apart from each other I am glad that I can pick up the phone and talk with them whenever I want. I can't wait for everyone to be together in August.

I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really don't know where I would be without it and am grateful that I haven't had to find out. I know that God is real. I know that he loves me. I know that he hears and answers everyone of our prayers that we offer humbly and sincerely to him. I know that Jesus Christ lives for me. I am thankful that he sacrificed everything for me so that I can have joy and be happy now and in eternity. I know that there are times in our lives when we may not think anyone knows what we are feeling or dealing with, that words can't express what we feel, but the Savior knows. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it because he has been there too. I am thankful to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that he is a member of the Godhead and that as we live our life worthy and do the things we are supposed to do that we can be under His influence for good and the choices we make will lead us where we need to go.

I am thankful for agency. I was reflecting on the last year of my life and the choices that I have made. I am thankful that I have the ability to choose. I know that our decisions not only affect ourselves, but those around us as well. Sometimes we are affected by someone else's choice in a way that would not have been of our choosing, but we all are free agents. And although we can't change someones choice, we can choose how we are going to react to it. There is always a choice involved in everything we do.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that prayers are heard and answered. I know miracles occur everyday in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Sometimes we don't recognize them, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

I am thankful to have a love of the scriptures. I know from experience as we open them up and read them and study and ponder them, that life seems a little less complicated. The answers to all lives questions really are in there. It's like our own little life instructions book. If you don't believe me then read it and find out for yourself.

I am thankful to be blessed with good friends who care about me and support me in the things that I do.

I really believe that perspective makes all the difference. I got this quote from a friend and I really liked it-
"Don't be dependent on people to make you happy...it's your job"

10 of the Reason's why I need a new Job

These are in no specific order

Number One
I don't like it

Number Two
It's Boring

Number Three
Owner's computer Crashed on Monday due to huge Virus
We have no IT dept and no back up.

Number Four
The other 2 computers in the office anti-virus software has expired (and no one seems to care) so my computer could be next

Number Five
Little pay

Number Six
My safety- 2 disgruntled employees were fired Monday after 1st day on the job and are now feared to seek retaliation
(who is the girl that sits in the office alone all day long?)- Ya that's me

Number Seven
No real financial or business sense by those making financial and business decisions

Number Eight
I attended and graduated from college

Number Nine
No Health Benefits

Number Ten
Cobwebs on high windows with holes in them and bars on them are not my idea of good decorating.

Number Eleven
Spiders- I greatly dislike bugs and unfortunately I see them here everyday.

Number Twelve
Oh wait- I said I would only list 10

***I really am thankful to currently be employed, I just wish it was somewhere else doing something else***

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is Mom's Birthday. To celebrate we went out to dinner at Outback. It was really yummy. Good choice Mom.

Here are Mom and Dad enjoying their food.

Mom requested an ice cream cake for her birthday. I really enjoy eating them, but I have never made one before. There was a little problem with the cool whip frosting, but it tasted really good if I don't say so myself.

Here is Mom getting ready to enjoy some of her cake.

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!

East Coast Beach Trip!

We decided it was time to introduce Kyle to the beach. So we packed up the car and headed out to Ocean City, NJ. It was a beautiful day at the beach. I have to say that I still prefer West Coast beaches, but it was a beach so of course I enjoyed it. From the pictures you really wouldn't be able to tell, but it was only about 62 degrees today with a frigid wind that wouldn't stop blowing. Despite the cold temps I still managed to fry the back of my legs, but although they burn it was well worth the trip. These girls sure are their Mother's children-They can't get enough of the beach.

Kyle also enjoyed being at the beach. He was such a trooper all day long.

Emma and Abby were so excited that they could find Sand crabs at this beach too. The ones that Emma was finding were massive. She is a pro. The girls loved playing with them so much. They would have taken then home if they could.

We had a great time. I think Tamar is trying to figure out a way to go back at least once a week for the rest of the summer. I don't blame her.

The beach was so much fun. These were the looks from the back seat on the way home.

Abby was pooped after her eventful day. She kept really busy making sand castles, sand angles, searching for sand crabs with her big sister and enjoying the water.

Emma and Kyle were both overjoyed and can't wait to make a trip back.

After we all showered off and tried to scrub all the sand off of us we headed out to dinner at Five Guys. We all enjoyed our cheeseburgers and Fries. For dessert we checked out this little ice cream shack and got ice cream cones and shakes.

We couldn't have asked for a better day.

I am definitely going to miss them. It has been a great trip and I can't wait for you guys to come home in less than 2 months. It is going to be a blast.

I am especially going to miss this little guy. I have been trying to figure out a way to take him back home with me, but Tamar won't let me.

Quiet Sunday

Today being Sunday was a pretty quiet day in Philadelphia. We all slept in a little today and after our adventurous day yesterday I think we all needed it.
We went to church from 1-4. After getting home we did a video chat with Grandma and Grandpa. Then we had a yummy oven fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and watermelon. Then we finished it off with a delicious Mint Chocolate cake thanks to a recipe from Karina.
I didn't take many pictures today, but I am sure to have a lot tomorrow after our trip to the shore.

Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Healthy Kids Day

Our adventure for the day today was braving the crowd at the 1st annual CHOP Healthy Kids Day at Mann Center of Preforming Arts in Philadelphia. It was in part of this really cool park. I really think the park is a cool place. If I lived in Philly I would probably spend a lot of time there. There was a great view of the city above all the trees.

They had tons of stuff for the kids to do. They made out like bandits with all the free stuff being handed out. Everything was free- admission, lunch, games, toys, concert,...etc. There was all types of informative materials and workshops and to see as well as things to play at. There was a lot of free healthy food and snacks everywhere. Our little cookie monster, aka Abby, took every free cookie bag she could get her hands on.

Here we are enjoying lunch.

The girls loved having their faces painted. I think they look pretty cute.

They had blow-up obstacle courses and gymnastic tumbling equipment that these little monkeys loved.

At the end of the day there was a free concert with Laurie Berkner Band. We didn't get to stay for the whole concert, but they girls enjoyed dancing in the aisles and singing along.

Abby wanted to take her picture with this furry creature, but he kept running away from us. I guess just another reason not to be a Phillies fan.

At the end of the day we were still all smiles.

I really wasn't on the ball with picture taking today and I didn't get to take any pictures of this little guy at the park since he was so good and just slept almost the whole time we were out. But the blog wouldn't be complete without a picture of this little guy.

Introducing Mr.Kyle Scientist

Kyle is sporting a new look. I think he looks pretty good. I think it is just a visual reminder to everyone about how smart he is. He has Manderino and Griffitts blood so he has to be smart =). We think he looks like a little scientist.

Here is he taking his first look at the world through his new eyes. I think he is contemplating his next move.

He is happier than ever.

Let the Fun Times Roll

Kyle pulled his tubes off today. Yay! Although he is cute with them on he is just that much more cute without them so of course I had to take advantage of the opportunity and get more pictures of his cute face.

Tamar got a very cute hair cut this morning. She went really short, but looks great. I really like it Tamar- and no it doesn't look like a helmet.

We decided it would be fun to make a trip to the zoo. So after lunch we checked Emma out of school early and headed over to the Philadelphia Zoo.

It was a perfect day. Going in the afternoon meant we missed all the kiddos that were on field trips and pretty much had the zoo all to ourselves. Emma and Abby loved it since they got to go on all the rides without waiting in lines.

We started our trip with a balloon ride. It gave a pretty great view of Philly.

Since there weren't any lines, Emma and Abby along with the balloon ride, got to ride a horse, the train, the carousel, and even talked me into ridding a camel with them.

Although a lot of the animals were sleeping we got to see a lot of cool things

I found these monkeys to be exceptionally cute.

We ended the day at the zoo with some ice cream which is always a hit.

The fun for the day didn't end at the zoo. After dinner Tamar and the girls showed me their Rockband skills. I didn't get any pictures of them playing, but I got some videos of the girls after we were done.

Philadelphia Fun!!!

I had a really long plane ride into Philadelphia yesterday, but it was definitely worth it. Here are just a few quick reasons why I am loving being in Philadelphia. Better updates and pictures to come soon.

Little Miss Abby- She loves being a big sister to her baby brother and helping out.

"Little Emma Sue" I can't believe how big she is getting and how smart she is.

And Handsome little Kyle- They really don't come any cuter than this...

And of course they all love their Aunt Shayla, but then again- who can blame them. =)