3rd Day in N.Y.

Today is our third day here in New York. It has been chilly the past couple of days, no rain today. Here is how our day went.

1. Breakfast with family: Me, the kids, John, my mom, Grandpa & Grandma Lardner, Favorite Aunt Mary, Cousin Jessica, Aunt Chrissy & Uncle John.

2. We then walked to the subway station. Took the C train to the Natural History Museum.

3. Walked around the museum. I think our favorite part was looking at the all the dinosaurs. The kids loved it.

4. We then took a taxi to the Central Park Zoo.

5. Had lunch prior to entering the actual zoo.

6. Walked around the zoo...the kids wanted to see Alex the Lion...the zoo had no lions. But we did see lots of birds, polar bears, red panda, sea lions, monkeys, penguins...and some other animals. Not a large zoo at all.

7. Walked around Central Park, something I've always wanted to do. It was gorgeous. The trees and flowers have started to bloom.

8. Took subway back to our hotel.

9. Picked up pizza and ate at the hotel

10 . John took boys to dinner and Audrey and I stayed back. I was so tired and sore from all of the walking.

11. Bed time!!! Tomorrow...Empire State building...Fire Museum and ???

2nd day in N.Y.

This is how our day went:

1. Woke up had bagels and coffee
2. Walked...walked...and walked some more to the ferry.
3. Took the ferry around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island...didn't get of the ferry because it was raining and very cold.
4. Walked...walked and walked some more, back to our hotel.
5. Had a late lunch. Yummy turkey sandwiches.
6. Met up with my in-laws. The kids were so happy to see their grandpa and grandma Lardner
7. Took a taxi ride to Macy's. I was in shopping heaven...Macy's has 9 floors.
8. Trying to hail a taxi in N.Y. is crazy...took a taxi ride back to our hotel.
9. Met up with my sister-in-law and bro-in-law
10. Had dinner with the family. Kids loved seeing our family. It was great.
11. Time for bed. Long day tomorrow!!

First day in N.Y.

Connor wanted me to call his teachers to tell them we were in N.Y. So I told him we'd keep a journal of our trip, that way he could share with class when we get back.

First thing this morning we boarded our plane that was to leave at 7:45...and then was told to exit the plane, which would then reboard and depart at 9:15...got off the plane and then was told to get back on the plane...WHAT??? I have 3 children, don't they realize how difficult it is for me and John. Any ways we made it on time to New Jersey. The kids did great on the plane. I was told I have a great family...that comment made me smile.

We had a driver pick us up and take us to our hotel in lower Manhattan. The boys loved it that we were in a limo. We traveled through a long tunnel...that seemed like there was no end. We pointed out the Statue of Liberty to the boys. Connor said she looked like a robot.

We arrived at our hotel. Unpacked and headed out for pizza. Pizza in New York is so different...it's just so YUMMY!

Long day of traveling...we are all so tired. Hopefully the rain will stop.

Family Time:

So it's spring break for my boys. We decided to make a quick trip to the Colorado River. We found a campground near the river. The kids are having a great time. John bought the boys fishing poles and took them fishing today...they didn't catch anything. Connor is collecting rocks, for what I don't know. Maybe he'll start a pet rock collection. It's better than the mice and hamster he wants...yuck!! Charlie and I took a well needed nap together. We were so tired and grumpy, we needed the rest. Audrey...I don't think she's too fond of the whole camping thing. She's use to her crib and has a hard time falling asleep somewhere else. She's sleeping next to me tonight. We'll see how that goes. Last night was tough...no sleep for me. She's our little diva...knows exactly what she wants and knows how to get it. We are in trouble when she starts to talk.
We are headed back tomorrow. I can't wait to get home and meet my great-nephew Jay. I've seen pictures of him, he's adorable.
Going to bed now.

A New Addition:

What a wonderful & blessed day. My niece Kari had her baby this afternoon. My great-nephew Jay Andrew weighed in at 8lbs 1oz...20 1/2 inches. Big boy for such a little lady. I'm sitting in our trailer, typing away. We are spending a few days at the river in Parker, AZ. I can't wait to meet the new little guy and hold him.
Thought about my dad today. Kari was his first grandchild. His pride and joy. She went everywhere with her Papa. He would be so proud of his great-grandson.
We are all so happy for our new addition to our family. So thankful that both mommy & baby are healthy and happy!

My Three Little Buddies:

What a wonderful life I have, to be a mommy to three amazing kids.

Love:

Love: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

Have you ever felt a love so strong...a love that nothing can compare to? Not even the love you receive from your husband, your children or any other can compare to this love. These past few days I've been thinking about what Jesus has done for me. Who in their right mind would sacrifice his own life for me? Who would give up his life for all I've done wrong? Who would love me that much, to take a beating, to be dragged, get spit on and worse, nailed to a cross and die for me. Only ONE person. I'm forever grateful for what He has done for me, my family...for all of us. I can never repay Him for what he has done. But I can try and love others like he has loved me. I can teach my children about Him...to know him. I can share stories of all the good that comes from knowing Him.

This Past Week...

...has been a little hectic, yet fun. We started out the week by going to the Oritz house. My friend Desiree always knows how to throw a good kid party. She had made pins for the kids with their names on it. There were flower pins for the mommas. We played games out front, like toss the egg, hot potato and had a sack race. The kids later searched for the hidden eggs in the backyard. Lots of food and yummy cupcakes. A great day with good friends.

The next day (Monday) I decided to keep the kids home from school. Made breakfast for the family. We did a little running around and then came home. We took advantage of the beautiful summer like weather. We sat around the pool and let the kids play in the kiddie area of our pool. There was no way I was getting in...it was too cold. Later that night we had a BBQ which is always nice on a warm night.

On Tuesday we were invited to go Legoland with the Frederick's. The boys were so excited when we told them we were going. They had been asking us to take them for the longest time. We couldn't pass up the deal Jamie had. It was a nice day, but a bit crowded. The boys enjoyed the rides and Legos. Grandma gave them each Easter money, so they bought a couple Lego sets.
After Legoland, we went and had dinner at Hensley's Flying Elephant Pub & Grill. What a neat restaurant, there are black and red walls with accordions & lots of photos & paintings hung up. The restaurant is owned by Matthew Hensley...a former professional skateboarder and accordionist for the band Flogging Molly.
Ok gotta go...Audrey is crying. This week is not over yet...so stay tuned for more!

Oh and wait...I've also started sewing a few things. Nothing major, just a few "cute" things for Audrey.

Friends @ play:

Perfect day with great friends. Rachel and the kids came over today, to hang out. The kids played pretty much the entire visit. We had lunch and ice cream...yummy! The weather could not have been any better. We snapped some pictures of all the kids, great memories! So blessed to have family friends like the Heisers. I love the fact that our children get along despite the age differences. My kids were worn out. I was tired too...but still needed to make dinner. Poor Charles started to doze off at the dinner table...he ended up falling asleep while watching a movie. I started a new project later in the evening...I will reveal what it is later, if it turns out ok.
Time for bed it's late...brand new BEAUTIFUL day tomorrow. Hanging out with some more friends tomorrow.

Prayer

I found this in One-Minute Prayers for Women:

True Devotion

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful ** Colossians 4:2

God, can You work with me on my commitment issues? Build in me a desire to pray. I want to be a disciplined follower. Steady my spirit to stillness. Quiet and solitude prepare me for Your presence. Direct my eyes to be watching for Your answers, watching as my prayers are heard and responded to. I want to see and recognize Your work in my life.
Cause my faith to grow, Lord. Each day that I come to meet with You, may I know You better. Replace my ignorance with Your knowledge. Help me be strong in my commitment to You. Show me how to pray, Lord.

Ok so one of my BIGGEST fears is praying. I also fear public speaking...so praying with others is not really an option for me right now. What is it that I'm afraid of...that the person will judge the way I speak...am I choosing the correct words? I'd love to do it. I want to do it. Maybe I should JUST DO IT! What do I have to lose right? I've had friends and family pray for me and with me. Why do I struggle with it so much? It's not a big deal...it's a HONOR to be able to pray for others and yourself. It's an HONOR to be loved and cherished by Him. Having my prayers answered or sometimes not answered is an HONOR to me. (Not sure why I used the word honor) I have so much respect for what God has given me...so why not talk with Him everyday...get down on my knees and give him THANKS.
I'm working on it, praying. I've even started reading my daily devotional out loud...it's a start right?

...to be continued.