Autumn...

Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.

                                                                                                                 Faith Baldwin

Together We Can....

This years Reflections contest in schools across the nation was "Together We Can..."  Kellie submitted her project entitled, "Together We Can...Discover the World".  She enjoyed thinking of the wonderful places she's been and imagining the places she hopes to visit someday. 

Thank you, Kellie for reminding me that this amazing world is full of beautiful, wonderful places.  I hope that I can 'Discover the World' with you.

No School? Let's Go See the CAKE BOSS!

What do you do when you have a day off of school?  How about leave the house at 6:00 a.m., meet some friends, and drive to Hoboken, New Jersey to see the Cake Boss!!  Definately one of the bonuses of living on the east coast!!

The drive from our home in south-eastern Pennsylvania to Hoboken, New Jersey is just a short two hour drive.  It couldn't have been a more beautiful morning.  The trees are teasing us with their beautiful yellows, reds and golds.  Sometimes it even feels like it's raining yellow leaves.  The fall weather this week has been spectacular!

Here's a few pictures of our Family Field Trip to Carlos Bakery! 

Click here to view these pictures larger

Just for the record, I think we broke it when we walked out of Buddy's shop with a mere $80 worth of pastries.  We bought an authentic New York Crumb Cake, another kind of cake, Bob's favorite Napoleans, Italian lobster tails, chocolate cannolis, and just plain overkill of every other kind of pastry and cookie that we couldn't resist.  (This is, after all, the one, the only Carlo's Bakery!!)

Hey, when you drive 100 miles to get to THE bakery, you better have something to show for it!!  (Let me just say.....the crumb cake was TO DIE FOR!!)

Need a Thanksgiving Tablescape Idea?

I am serving as a counselor in Relief Society over Relief Society meetings.  I invited my board over for a get-to-know you breakfast this past Saturday morning.  It was so enjoyable to plan and prepare to have people over.  It was bitter sweet as I remembered doing the same kind of thing many times over in our previous home in Keller, Texas.  I constantly remind myself that I haven't 'lost' friends, I'm simply making new ones.  To my friends old and new, here's a few pictures of my table that you might enjoy.  Who knows, you might even use a few of these ideas at your own tables this Thanksgiving...

I love fall.  It's no wonder the colors in my home reflect these dark, warm tones.  I've used a rust colored table cloth, fall leaves (from Pottery Barn) sprinkled all over the table, various gourds around the table, mini pumpkins at each table setting and of course, a few acorn candles to add that 'touch' to the table. 

I love dishes!  Over the years, I have collected a few different sets.  These are the carmel brown and olive green sets that I picked up on sale at Costco (my favorite store) years ago.  I mix and match the two sets.  I think it makes for a more interesting table.

These sets of dishes came with their own leaf bread plate.  I love it!  I think every table needs a touch of whimsy.

I love chargers.  Over the years this is another thing I have collected.  They add the 'Wow' factor to an individual table setting.  Here, I have used a dark brown rattan as the base charger with an antique gold charger on top of it.  Then, I have placed my main plate with a salad plate with a delicious yogurt parfait on top.  The luncheous plate makes for easy and elegant removal of a finished parfait. 

Let's face it, we don't set the table with chargers for dinner every night.  I only break out the chargers for special occasions.  So, when your guests sit down, they immediately know this is a special occasion and they are special guests. 

As I write this, I have a big lump in my throat thinking about my dear friend, Stacey Williams.  She is a master floral designer.  When any of us had a special occasion that needed flowers, there was no one else we'd rather turn to than 'Our Stacey'.  She never turned us down, and always came up with the most beautiful, out of the box arrangements I have ever seen.  I have learned so much from her.  As I arranged this simple centerpiece, I thought of how proud she would be of me.  I guess the best in us does rub off on others.  I know the best of Stacey, in more ways than just flower arranging, has rubbed off on me.  Thank you, dear friend!!!!

Take a simple pumpkin, cut off the top and take out the seeds.  Buy 2 bunches of beautiful flowers.  (Always buy more flowers than you'll think you'll need.  Believe me, you'll need them.  And even if you have extra flowers, you'll think of something to do with them; like placing individual, small vases with flowers at every table setting, or setting a small, fresh bouquet near the bathroom sink where your guests will say, 'She thought of everything!')  Then, think beautiful, happy thoughts and just add flowers one at a time until your amazing centerpiece emerges.  I promise, it will!!

Here's bonus pictures of our buffet.  Egg and cheese souffles from Panerra Bread.  (Someday I will learn how to make them.  They are awesome!)  Individual hash browns made in a muffin pan.  (Hit. Total hit!)Fresh cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins and flaky croissants with fresh butter and homemade raspberry and triple berry jam.  And in case you didn't notice, there were individual yogurt parfaits waiting for guests at each table setting.  Simple, easy, delicious!

Grateful Sundays

"I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing."

...Louise L. Hay

Mikenzie and Kellie having a karaoke moment...

Where has the month of July gone?  Here are just a few of the things I'm grateful for this week.

Navigation Systems.  Getting used to a new area would be nearly impossible if it weren't for my handy, dandy navigation systems.  I have one in my car, one on my phone and just in case either one of those is leading me in the wrong direction, Bob bought me a Tom Tom.  I am sure to get to my destination now.  The only thing about these navigation systems, is it seems like they are so anxious for me to see the beautiful scenery of Pennsylvania and Delaware, that often they lead me on the most scenic route available, which is not often the shortest.  Oh well.  For the Modern Technology of Navigation Systems, Thank You.

New Callings.  Well, we've been here not even quite two months and Bob and I have received our first callings in the West Chester Ward.  (Funny thing, our ward in Cincinnati was called the West Chester Ward, too...)  I am so excited to be serving as the 2nd counselor in Relief Society over RS activities (formerly known as Enrichment meetings).  I am so happy to be able to serve with the wonderful sisters in our ward.  Our relief society president, Sister Ali Brown is absolutely amazing.  She and her family are from England and have been here in the states for almost 11 years.  She is a spiritual giant.  And of course, her beautiful English accent is mesmorizing.  I am so fortunate to be able to learn from and serve with her.  Wish me luck, my first lesson is next Sunday.  It's been so long since I've taught a class to adults!!  (Bob will be serving as the Teachers Quorum advisor in Young Men and as an assistant Venture (?) Scout leader.  He will love it!)  For the Opportunity to Serve in New Callings, Thank You.

My Girl Sue.  Sydnie flew in to Philadelphia and spent a week or so with us here.  She got to see our home and her room for the first time.  I think she liked it.  It was so great to have her home.  Yes, it was a little more lively, if you know what I mean. But it just felt like home.  She's already made some fast friends as she attended our Stake's Trek activity for the youth.  They spent 3 days near Gettysburg reenacting the pioneer trek toward the Great Salt Lake Valley.  My Girl Sue is one tough cookie.  She had a great time even when the handcart ran over her foot.  She is a special girl!  I hope she'll always know how much I love her.  For My Girl Sue, Thank You!

Rain.  You don't know how important rain is until you don't have any for a month or so.  Today we got a 30 minute downpour that was desparately needed.  The ground drank up every drop of the gift from the sky.  It's been very hot and humid here the past 3 weeks or so.  I think I may just go outside and do a little rain dance and see if I can tempt the heavens to send us some more moisture.  Wish me luck!  For the Gift of Rain, Thank You.

Bored/Board Games.  When the kids seem a little bit bored, I suggest the old-fashioned, non-technical Board Games.  Recentely, they actually took me up on the offter.  The kids have been having a ball playing Life and Monopoly.  They have even rediscovered Yahtzee.  They have been having a wonderful time sitting at the kitchen table playing nicely with each other.  I occasionally hear a kind word and maybe even a little laughter, too.  For the Gift of Board Games, Thank You.

Home Sweet Home

A house is made of walls and beams.

A home is built with love and dreams.

Here is our new home in Landenberg, Pennsylvania.  (Most affectionately referred to as 'The Sticks'.)  After living in Texas where everything is so close and convenient, it feels very 'countryish' here.  Our backyard is protected land known as the White Clay Creek Preserve.  I'm sure we're going to see quite a few critters around here. 

Our new home is actually perfect for us.  Bob has worked tirelessly trying to get it 'move-in' ready.  I'm so appreciative of his hard work and effort.  It really looks amazing. 

Stay tuned for some before and after shots.

And if you're ever in the area, we'd love to have you come and stay!!  The door is always open!!

A Perfect 4th of July

What could be better than homemade ice cream and fireworks on the 4th of July?  Nothing...

This farm is just a few miles from our home.  They make their own homemade ice cream.  I wondered why they had such a big parking lot.  Now I know...

This farmhouse was built in the late 1700s.  (Crazy, huh?)  It is still a working farm.  The people come from miles around to sample the amazing ice cream. 

There's always a line.  It moves fast. 

Chocolate Thunder for me.  (Triple the chocolate.)  It's so good, I can't bring myself to try any other flavor!

"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!!"

Ooo...

Aaahh...

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Boys Need Projects

Every boy needs a project.  Blake decided that we needed a new mailbox.  (Which we did!)  He worked hard ordering, assembling and finishing our new mailbox.

I have decided that Blake is much like my brother, Brandon.  My mother has always said that Brandon, like Blake, enjoys the 'journey' of a project maybe even more than the 'destination'.  He tinkered for a few days until it was 'Just Right'.

It looks awesome, Blake!!

My Boy Scout

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my Country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

                                   ---The Boy Scout Oath

Blake spent 8 days at Resica Falls, a Boy Scout Camp in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.  He had a fantastic time earning his Swimming, Environmental Science and yes, even a Basket Weaving merit badge.  (No laughing aloud!)

He is really enjoying the new boys in our new ward and in his scout troop. 

It is so amazing to see your son grow up.  It makes a mother happy and sad all at the same time!

Here are a few pics Blake took at scout camp...

Blake's Scoutmaster was quick to tell us what an excellent fire maker/starter Blake is. 

Resica Falls.  The perfect place for a Scout to swim and cool off!

'Home Sweet Home'

Moving In...

It's almost over...

Let the unpacking begin!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

This picture describes perfectly how we all felt the week we moved into our new home in Pennsylvania...

On to Middle School

The Best Boy in the World is moving on to Middle School!  I can hardly believe it myself.  Here's a picture of him receiving an award during the 6th grade award ceremony. 

Blake receiving an award from Mrs. Taylor, the Bear Creek Intermediate principal. 

This boy just makes me smile!!

She's a Forth Grade Graduate!

I can hardly believe that Kellie is no longer an elementary school student!  She has spent the last five years at Florence Elementary learning, growing and having fun.  The memories she's made at Florence will always be treasured!

Way to go, Kellie!!

A hug from Florence's principal, Dr. Martin, assistant principal Mrs. Seaberry and the counselor, Mrs. Bowen.

Kellie received numerous awards and also received a Reading Olympics Gold Medal.  I love this girl!

It's a Date...

What could be nicer than lunch and a movie with two of my favorite people?  Mikenzie, Blake and I savored one last lunch at Central Market and escaped the heat in the Cine Capri watching Prince of Persia.  (Okay, just for the record...that Jake Gyllenhaal is some serious eye candy!!!)

I always order grilled chicken and grilled vegetables.  They're always delicious and I'm never disappointed.  I have to say that one of the things that I'll miss about Texas the most is Central Market.  I love it!!  There isn't another kind of specialty grocery store like it!

Mikenzie had an awesome steak salad.

A Boy and his burger!!

The biggest screen in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Such a fun afternoon!

Boxes, Boxes and More Boxes...

The end of this school year has been just a little nuts.  Wrapping up the school year with four kids is crazy enough.  Add to that trying to move a household across the country at the same time and it gets a little insane.  We managed somehow with the kindness of friends and some pretty awesome kids. 

Here's what our house looked like for a week or so...

Six Flags Over Texas - 4th Grade Style

The forth grade students at Florence Elementary performed their final program Six Flags Over Texas at the end of the school year.  What a great way to celebrate the great state of Texas. 

Take a peek at my little Cowgirl...

"Cowgirl Jane"

Isn't she cute?

Move Over Beethoven!

Mikenzie and Kellie had their last piano recital with Sister Beth Sands.  It was such fun!  It was a duet recital.  Beth paired her students up with another student who was not a sibling.  They each learned their part and performed it amazingly! 

Kellie playing Chim Chim Cherree from Mary Poppins with Beth.

Mikenzie and Kellie have thoroughly enjoyed taking piano lessons from Beth.  She is amazingly talented, fun and inspiring!  I couldn't have asked for a better teacher for my girls!  Thanks Beth!!

Just a Little Trip to Utah...

I took a trip to Utah in May.  My mom and I attended a Calyco Healing Workshop held in Saint George, Utah.  It was such a treat to spend a week with my family in the beautiful state of Utah.  Here are a few pics...

Me, my brother Brandon, his boy, Braxton and my beautiful sister, Danae.

Two of my favorite people.  Mom and Dad.

My parents literally live right behind the Jordan River Temple.

The flowers this spring were absolutely spectacular.

A sea of white and purple tulips.

Blossoms, tulips, flowers, everywhere!

Pinks and purples...

"Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by a lilac tree, I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me."

In this sea of white and pink flowers, there was a lone orange tulip.  It reminded me that even though we might think we are different, we are each unique, special and beautiful in our own way.

It's not every day you get to see one of the largest copper mines in the world!

Brigham "Y"oung University

My mom and I stayed at this quaint Bed and Breakfast.  There were nine beautifully restored homes nestled in a garden-like setting around the "Village Green" right in the heart of old town St. George.   

What's the history behind the name "Green Gate" Village? In 1877, Brigham Young ordered white paint for the new St. George Temple. When the shipment finally arrived by wagon he was disappointed to learn that the paint was green, not white. Unable to return it, he gave the green paint to local St. George residents to gild their gates and fences. Only one of those green gates still remain from a 131 years ago and is on display in the formal garden.

Mom and I stayed in the Granery Suite.  It has a lovely sitting room, large spacious bedroom and bath.  What a fun week spent with my mom!

The beautiful St. George Tabernacle was right across the street from our Bed and Breakfast.

The St. George Temple is spectacular.  You can see it from most every place in St. George.  The white of the temple is in such stark contrast to the beautiful red rock of St. George.  (Note to self...St. George would be an excellent place to retire!!!  I'm not old enough to say that, am I?)

"Heaven... I'm in Heaven!..."

There's not much I wouldn't do for a Cafe Rio Salad!!

Delicious!!

I couldn't believe that there was so much snow still in the mountains the last week of May...

(Aren't these mountains gorgeous!)