Another Sunday at the Beach

Sweet Home "New York"

"Sweet Home New York"

One of my favorite movies is Sweet Home Alabama. I like the movie for many reasons, but today I was reminded of the part where her dad is in a civil war reenactment. I went with Bonnie and Arianne to a small historical community where I witnessed the civil war. Well, in parts. The community is created of about 20 houses all from the nineteenth century or later. We drank homemade rootbeer, ate hard candy from the general store, and felt the heat of the summer's in the East. The closest comparison I can get is if you have been to Nauvoo, but the houses are "Awesome" We had a great time!!! Thanks Bonnie.
This week has been amazing for Jon, he is going for 20 sales and was on the APX webpage for top sales men one of the days with 5 same days. He is still on the list for the week. I couldn't be more proud of his hard work. Thanks for being a great provider Jon we love you so much:)

Our Testimony's

This week hasn't been too eventful, however, Jon and I read an article in the Ensign by Elder M Russell Ballard titled, "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet" which gave us an idea for a post. He encouraged us to share our testimonies via the web and write about how the gospel has influenced our lives. I encourage everyone who reads our blog to post there own.

Marie's Testimony:
I have a testimony that the Savior came to the Earth and lived a perfect life, and taught us how we can return back to our Heavenly Father. He suffered that we might be forgiven through repentance. I also know that Joseph Smith restored the Gospel in it's fullness. Having been to the Sacred Grove and the Hill Cumorah I have witnessed the peaceful testimony which abides there knowing that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In my life I have witnessed many tiny miracles which bare testimony to my heart that God knows me and answers my prayers. He answers them through the scriptures as I read, friends and strangers, or by the Holy Ghost's whisperings. I am very grateful to my Heavenly Father to have had the experience of Mothering two very sweet daughters. Through this experience I have a stronger testimony that families are eternal. I know this is how the Lord intends it to be and as a mother am grateful I will be with my children and husband forever.
I am grateful to have this knowledge and the peace that comes from living in harmony with the Saviors teachings.

Jon's Testimony:
My job has allowed me to talk with thousands of people and after spending time with each person or family that I talk to I thank the Lord for the restored gospel. I know that living the commandments and following the Savior is where true happiness and peace is found. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church. It gives me direction and encouragement in the most difficult circumstances that we are to face in life. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He is the son of God and atoned for the sins of all who accept Him and ask His forgiveness. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God and that he restored the gospel Jesus Christ to the earth. I love The Book of Mormon and know it to be true. It's guidance and teachings strengthen me spiritually and mentally. I know that I can be with my family forever through the sealing power of the priesthood. I also know that the modern-day prophet Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, he continues to receive revelation to guide the Lord's church today. I love the gospel and know that I can return to live with my Heavenly Father again.

All because I sent Him to the store at 11pm

We needed some tortillas for Sunday dinner so I sent Jon to the store late Sat. and he came back with these, and the tortillas. Thanks Jon I love you so much too!

Below is the slide show of our 4th of July. It turned out to be quite awesome. First the girls and I went to a parade in Patchoque with the rest of the wives and friends here. It was a simple parade, but fun none the less. Then I was pleased to pick Jon up at 5:30 and drive down to Manhattan as a family to explore. First, we went and seen Wall Street and Jon got a picture with the infamous Bull then, we were humbled to be at Ground Zero on the Fourth of July, and lastly, we were able to see the fireworks burst right behind the Statue of Liberty while in the middle of those going off the famous Macy's fireworks that are seen on T.V. started going off behind us so we turned around and watched that as well. It was a memorable fourth. But my favorite part was being with our little family.

Our Fourth of July

Mothering Moments

I have had a few moments in mothering where my jaw drops my heart begins to race in anger and I want to scream and cry at the same time. In the moment I never took the time to capture the humor in the situation. For example just before Makenna turned one I had left her in her crib awake. I heard giggling and joy so I didn't bother to check on her. Come to find out she had pooped in her diaper and decided it would be fun to take the diaper off and finger paint the poop "everywhere" it wasn't until my friend Pii, said, "Did you get a picture?" that I told myself the next time something like that happens I would capture it. So today was one of those moments. I call this one, "The Trouble with Having Girls". They were playing upstairs when they decided it was a must that they paint there finger nails. They love this activity, but it is usually supervised. To say the least they covered themselves, carpet, furniture, and walls in Nail Polish. Infuriated I ran down stairs and grabbed a camera. If anyone has any advice for getting fingernail polish out of the carpet I am in desperate need.

Home Sick

Ok, so it finally hit after my family left that the kids and I are homesick. We have been doing this job for five years and you think I would just get used to being away, but we miss the summer's every year! I would really love to be going to the 4th of July activities my family does every year, parade, boating, picnics and fireworks. I also miss ridding horses, Morgan Fair and Rodeo and most of all 4-wheeling and camping. I miss being a country girl this week :( Having said that we have a few fun photos. So the first to describe is Autumn with her feet on the table. This one if for my Dad because I remember in my childhood every night at dinner time his voice saying, "Marie get those feet off the table." Bet you didn't know it was hereditary!!! Also, Autumn has learned to say "Cheese." She is such a ham. Next is the picture of the sandwiches. I have the most loving husband, although I technically should make him a lunch everyday he takes care of himself along with making me a sandwich too. He is so thoughtful! Lastly, are pictures of us picking strawberries. Long Island is known for it's strawberries I guess so they have patches everywhere where you can self pick so we stopped with some friends. It was really fun! Have a wonderful 4th of July and enjoy the family stuff without us.

Last week of June! Hurray