Spreading The Word

Shortly after we moved, we were visited by two Jehovah's Witnesses. My only other interaction with them has been other times they've knocked on our door and when I attended a friend's funeral service at their church.

I try to be patient and let them share their message because we hear so many times of "people slamming doors in the missionaries faces". They left me a pamphlet to read, which included some scriptures in the Bible, and I'll admit, I tossed it a few days later.

Yesterday, while I was getting ready for the day, I heard a knock at the door. I checked to see who it was and the ladies were back. I was in my bath robe and decided to pass up a visit. Except they knocked a second time and then rang the doorbell. The whole time, I'm whispering to The Lime to keep as quiet as he can so they don't know we're ignoring them. They eventually left and we could be noisy again.

The Lime and I spent all morning cleaning the house. About two minutes after I put the vacuum away, someone knocked on our door. All of our windows were open and when I peeked to see who it was, I knew I couldn't hide this time. So despite looking homeless, I answered the door.

Lauretta shared with me a message about the world being evil but it won't be like this forever. She read me a few scriptures and expressed her gratitude that Heavenly Father has given us the Bible. I replied with, "And isn't it wonderful that any question we might have, the answer can be found in the scriptures?! They apply to our lives just as much as any other dispensation!" I don't think she was expecting me to bust out with a comment like that since all of my other remarks had been one word answers.

I hope I'm not giving her a false sense of hope that I'll convert but I do enjoy being able to discuss gospel topics with someone from a different religion. My co-worker and I would spend our Fridays talking about our beliefs and while we attended different churches, we did agree on a lot of things.

I just hope I'm more presentable the next time they come over.

The Empire State

When I was visiting my sister last weekend, something on the television prompted me to say, "I would love to go back to New York!" A friend's cousin and his wife are living in New York while he attends Orthodontic school and I love reading about their adventures on her blog.

I knew after our trip, I had posted a couple pictures but just realized I wrote no details! Our time in New York was short but I want to remember as much of it as I can.

We took the train from Philadelphia to New York City on the morning of July 5, 2009. We arrived at Penn Station, which is just next to Madison Square Garden and the Macy's at Herald Square (Thanksgiving Day parade). From there, we walked several blocks to our hotel. I'm pretty sure it was this trek where the straps on our duffel bag broke and since I was three months pregnant, LaVor was the lucky one who got to carry the bag on his shoulders. He wasn't happy with me, since he had suggested we buy a new bag before we left for the trip and I assured him we'd be fine. Whoops.

We quickly checked in, got directions to our first destination, and set out on our adventure.

Food is always what rules our trips and New York was no exception. Katz's was #1 on LaVor's list so that's where we went first.  They hand you a ticket when you first walk in (no ticket, no service) and then you place your order at the counter.  Although I was never sick while pregnant, I did have one weekend at home where we had pastrami sandwiches and it just did not settle right.  So I was leaving the pastrami sandwich to LaVor while I ordered a grilled cheese.  He still makes fun of me for ordering a grilled cheese at the famous Katz's. 



We then took the subway down to the World Trade Center site where all we saw was construction (obviously).  We walked down Vesey Street where we ran into a New York Police Officer.  I think I had mentioned before how he spoke to us and I commented on his accent.  I can still picture that in my mind as if it happened yesterday.  We walked to the World Financial Center where we got some ice cream and then sat out by the water, people watching.  There was a Norweigan family that was visiting and I offered to take their picture.



From there, we walked along the water and someone *ahem* didn't want to wait in the lines for the ferry to take us to Ellis Island so I had to rely on our lens to capture a photo from across the water.  Snapped one of the Statue of Liberty, too.



We then hopped back on the subway and got off in Times Square, making a loopty loop through the Theater District.  We stood on the corner of Broadway and 47th Street and snapped pictures of each other and everything around us.  There were so many people!  I can't imagine what it's like on New Year's Eve.



On the way back to our hotel, we stopped at an Italian restaurant (don't remember the name) that was good but not as good as I'm sure we could have found in New York.  The rest of our night was spent crashed in our bed.

The next morning we woke up early and printed out more directions to the sites we wanted to see.  Looking back, there were probably better things we could have spent our time on but I really wanted to see Zarin Fabrics from the Real Housewives of New York.  LaVor firmly objected to going inside with me so I just snapped a few photos and we went on our way.



LaVor's second food "must" was Lombardi's Pizza, which is noted as the first pizzeria in America.  I can't believe I have no pictures of this experience since I take pictures of everything!  And honestly, I don't remember much about it either, except for walking by their famous pizza oven.

Not my picture

We walked around the area, specifically down Broadway to Ted Baker.  Then back on the subway we went, headed for the Temple.  We came up to street level and were trying to find the building numbers.  I remember twirling around in a circle and then saying, "Ah ha!  There it is!"  And there it was, right on the corner, being passed by hundreds of people as if it was just a regular building.



The Temple is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Central Park. I have no clue what part of the park we ended up in, all I know is that it was right by Tavern on the Green. LaVor didn't understand but I had to take a picture of it. I was envisioning Bette Midler watching her daughter get married inside, while she stood out in the rain. Ahhhh! Such a good movie (Stella)!



We meandered around the park and ended up on the south end, where I spotted The Plaza. I've written a post about The Plaza so I won't repeat myself here.

After my disappointing discovery, we walked down Fifth Avenue, stopping by Rockefeller Center, Trump Towers, the Empire State Building, and eventually stopping at the Flatiron Building. While passing Madison Square Park, we saw a camera crew and a gentleman in an old sports car. Still don't know who it was or what they were filming but it was neat.





I am pretty sure we walked the rest of the way to Chelsea Market but then again, I'm thinking we took the subway. We did a lot of walking the entire trip and I wouldn't have been surprised if LaVor had said, "Enough walking!" by this point. I do remember some cute houses just down the street from Chelsea Market and imagining how fun it would be to live there.

Looking at the website now, I think Chelsea Market has grown since we were there. Apparently Iron Chef America is taped there. I do remember a bakery, a little grocery store, and the place we stopped to eat dinner. The website says there is a Ronnybrook Farm Dairy but I can't remember if that's what it was. Anyway, we had stopped in a dairy and their special for the day was macaroni and cheese. Something got skewed in the ordering and I was brought a completely different dish. I didn't know if it was an awful take on the dish or what, and I'm a sissy and don't like saying anything, but LaVor stepped in. I was just about done with the dish when he asked our waiter what it was. I don't remember what he said but it wasn't macaroni and cheese. He offered to get us a new plate but since I had just finished the mistake order, I didn't have any room for the actual dish. I now wish I had spoken up sooner.



That was our trip in a nutshell. I wish we could go back and spend more than 48 hours and actually experience New York. LaVor really wanted to go to Brooklyn and we'd love to try a ton more restaurants. So for now, I'll have to live vicariously through strangers and hope we can pay another visit soon.

Rodeo Parade

The Lime had a dental appointment on Thursday and since we've decided to still go to the office where I worked, and we didn't want to drive down and back in one day, we made a weekend out of it.

While at the office, my co-worker reminded me it was rodeo weekend.  Perfect!  We had plans to stay until Saturday which meant we'd be able to enjoy the parade.  And since The Lime doesn't go anywhere without his cowboy hat (and only wants to wear jeans even if it's blazing hot), he was all set!

We stopped by LaVor's parents' house and drove to the parade together, where we met up with Great Grams and Papa.  They've been out of town for over a month and it was the sweetest thing to see how excited they were to see The Lime, especially Papa.

One of the wards always sells snow cones at the parade and so we set up shop right next to their command post.  Great Papa bought The Lime a blue one and since he was drinking the syrup faster than eating the ice, he needed two additional syrup re-fills.  Nobody can say "no" to a little cowboy or a sweet old man.

The Lime spent the entire time on Great Papa's lap.  They waved and clapped and pointed and cheered as each participant walked by.

All of a sudden we noticed the sky get extremely smoky and brown but we couldn't smell anything.  Before we knew it, the entire downtown was filled with smoke and you could certainly smell the grass fire.  Ironically enough, the worst of it was when the Las Positas Fire Academy was marching by.

This was The Lime's favorite part.  I really hope he becomes a firefighter when he's older just because right now, he loves anything fire SO much.  When we first moved and I had to change my address with everything, I would spell out our last name and when I got to B, I would say, "B as in boy."  He would say, in an annoyed voice, "I'm not a boy, I'm a fireman!"

We tried to leave on several occasions but then The Lime would poke his head out and see who was coming next.  We stayed long enough to see the dancing horses and then avoid stepping in their poop on the way back to the car.

Growing up, we didn't have parades in the city I grew up in and although I don't feel like I missed out, I am glad The Lime gets to enjoy them.  Can't wait for the 4th of July parade in our new stomping grounds!

The Sandlot

Last Saturday night, we spent a little time at the baseball games across the street, checking things out. While waiting in line for our snacks, I noticed a flier that said the league would be showing The Sandlot the following weekend, on one of the baseball fields. LaVor was going to be out of town on a fishing trip but I decided The Lime and I would definitely have to participate.

I'm lucky enough to have grown up when The Sandlot came out. I remember watching that and A League of Their Own and getting the baseball bug. There weren't a lot of kids in our neighborhood, mostly just from my family, but with the few that we had, we'd get together and play Pickle. Lots of fun memories.

The Lime and I talked about the movie all week and when we got home from our Bay Area visit, The Lime asked how much longer until we could go. We finished up dinner, gathered our blanket, and walked across the street in the 100+ degree weather at 7:30. When we got there, they were just setting up the inflatable screen so we went to another field to watch some boys practice batting.

Checkin' things out

The Lime was so into the practice, calling balls and strikes, pop-ups and fouls. I'd guess the boys were between 10-12 and boy could they hit. One of the boys hit about 75% of them over the fence. They must have had a game or tournament today, as I heard the coach mention "tomorrow" several times. Listening to the coach, who wasn't mean but taking the situation seriously, made me a little nervous for when The Lime plays baseball. I hope we raise him to have a thick enough skin where he can take constructive criticism because I probably would have cried if I were one of the boys out there last night.

Watching the ball as it came over the backstop - see the sweat dripping down his face?  Poor kid sweats so bad.

Taco tongue!

 They finished their practice and we noticed several families had already staked their claim on the other field. It was still plenty light outside so we had to wait about another hour before the movie started but the cherry ICEE helped the time to go by.

Mine!  All mine!

It really did taste great and hit the spot since it was so dang hot

A handlebar ICEE mustache

I had to sneak sips since he was being a bit possessive. I had to remind him I bought it so technically it was mine but he was adamant that it was his. He even slipped a, "This is the last time I'm going to tell you to stop drinking it!" in there. I wonder where he's heard that before?

The second the sun started going down, it cooled off.  Such a relief!

The movie finally started and for the most part, The Lime sat and watched it. I had forgotten how many times they said the "S" word and at one point accidentally covered The Lime's eyes rather than ears. Call me a prude but I have strong feelings about swearing. It's always really bothered me and I feel bad for people who think they need to use such language in order to communicate.

The Sandlot!

We ended up not getting home until after 10:30. It was straight to the bathroom for teeth brushing and potty going and then off to bed The Lime went. We had a busy day and I think we ended it perfectly. We had a fun little date and I'm excited for another one!

NDD

Happy National Doughnut Day!

We are huge fans of doughnuts and can never pass up an opportunity to savor one, especially if it's free!  And thank goodness we aren't too far from Krispy Kreme which happens to serve free doughnuts on this special day.

When we went a few years ago, I think they were only offering the glazed doughnuts at no cost.  So when we went today, and the kiddos were anxious for sprinkles, I snuck a few dollars in my pocket to be safe.  The Lime and Grace found the doughnut making process fascinating and I love that Krispy Kreme has a raised level so the little ones can get an up close and personal look at everything.

I ordered the two sprinkle doughnuts and asked, "Are you guys offering the free doughnuts?"  The girl said yes so I told her I'd take one.  She asked me what I wanted and I gasped and said, "I can pick whatever I want?!"  I had seen an ad for the new key lime a few weeks ago so I picked that one.  Then she handed me my box and I was on my way.  Love free things!

As we sat outside, enjoying our yummy goodness, I couldn't help but think of when this particular Krispy Kreme opened.  It was right across the street from my parents' old house, where the drive-in movies once stood.  A new shopping center was being built, as well as a movie theater, and Krispy Kreme was one of the first shops in the center.

If I remember correctly, Krispy Kreme was new to our area and the Union City location was the first in the Bay Area.  It was a big deal and the community couldn't wait.  The store was such a big deal that it was all over the news and the papers.

"While not every doughnut lover warms up to Krispy Kremes, dozens of fans are expected to be in line at 5 a.m. to get the first Hot Original Glazed rings out of the Union City fryer." -SFGATE

The night before the store opened, there was a news station at the site and they interviewed the young man that decided to get an extra early start to the grand opening.  They initially showed his silhouette, sitting against the wall next to the front door, but then they said his name.  We all looked at each other and laughed and laughed.  Of course our Tanner would be the first one to enjoy these yummy treats!

And while they're no Donut Wheel, they were yummy. So yummy, in fact, that I polished mine off, the last two bites of The Lime's, and Grace's.

I am also skipping lunch and possibly dinner.

Midnight Inspiration

I am officially at my one week mark of the worst/most annoying sore throat I've ever had.  The runny nose and cough decided to make an appearance on Saturday.  The coughing did me in last night and to give LaVor some sort of relief, I slept on the couch (hoping the propped pillows would help).  They didn't help so I searched our medicine cabinet for some assistance.  Delsym caught my eye and I chugged the two teaspoons and waited for it to do its thing.

While I waited, I bounced around watching cooking shows and the very first episode of The Bachelor.  I happened upon a show about barbecue, which we love around here.  The contributors started describing this "barbecue shepherd's pie", from Squeal, and my hand let go of the remote...this was getting good.  They started out with a layer of pulled pork, followed by a layer of corn maque choux, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, and covered with shredded cheese that is then melted into bubbly goodness.  They finish the dish off with some jalapeño fritters.  

photo from Flickr - not mine

Oh.my.gosh!  

I was ready to wake LaVor up and insist we make this dish ASAP!  (It's never a good idea to watch shows about food when you're hungry.  Yet, I always find myself doing such things.)

And since we have no plans on visiting New Orleans anytime soon, we just might have to.

Change of Plans

Before getting pregnant with The Lime, I had everything planned out so that I would be early enough in my pregnancy to still participate in the Avon Walk.  Despite people shooting down my plan of execution, it all unfolded the way I had hoped.  

Since everything went my way the first time around, why would I second guess things the second time?  Ha!

After I finished the walk last year, I didn't register for this year because I was hoping we'd either have another little one in our family or I'd be huge with child.  After a year of trying, we've come to realize that The Lime is the only kiddo Heavenly Father has planned for our family right now.  While it makes me extremely sad, I have to accept that life isn't about what I want or what I think I need.  Someone knows better.  So my trust is in Him.

While vacuuming last night, it hit me that I need to do the walk again.  Rather than feeling sorry for myself (which I've totally been guilty of doing for months), I need to be serving others and be grateful for all of the wonderful blessings I've been given.  The walk accomplishes both of those things.

The walk is at the end of September this year which actually works out nicely.  It gives me almost four months to train and raise my money.  The fundraising will be harder this year, as I don't have my little spot to stand on with my sign and I don't think our new city is keen on people asking for money on street corners.  But really, when has the money stopped me?  It's always a rush to the end and it all works out.

It'll all work out.