Halloween. Holmes. Hurricane.

HALLOWEEN. 

Halloween is always a fun time of year. Pumpkins, candy, costumes, haunted houses and hayrides. The day  is almost here, and every store is decked out in their best decorations and kids are swarming the costume shops. On Friday as I walked home from work, I saw witches, goblins, bumble bees, scarecrows, lions, ghosts, and princesses. All these little kids were dressed up to what I guessed to be a school Halloween party. They were so cute! and so excited. Friday night Scot & I had our own little Halloween party to attend at our ward. We were slackers this year though, and didn't even come up with a costume until about 10 minutes before we left for the party. Scot was the brains of this years operation: 

  

Dead Tennis Players...... Original eh? Haha!

After racking our brains with different ideas, the time got later and later. Then Scot remembered as a kid he once went as a Dead Soccer Player, and proposed the idea of going as Dead Tennis Players. It was the easiest and only idea we came up with at the time--baby powder in our hair and on our face to give us the pale dead look. Tennis outfits with rackets. And my handy bright red lip stick (that I never wear) to make slashes and blood on our face.  It actually turned out pretty legit if you ask me. :) ....... The only unfortunate part was, we were so late to the party.........we showed up just in time for.....

clean up. 

Haha, we had fun anyways though! And took lots of pictures and then hung out with some friends from the ward. All in all, it was still a fun Halloween-spirited night to celebrate the season. 

HOLMES.

On Thursday night, I had the opportunity to go see an "Inside Look" to an upcoming Broadway show staring Katie Holmes, and Judy Greer. It was so fun! It was a small audience, and I got to go and listen to all the details that go into writing, directing, and producing a Broadway show. It was super interesting! I felt very priveledged to be able to not only learn about Broadway, but be able to meet (almost) Katie Holmes. I've been a fan since the days of Dawsons Creek, and she was just as cute and sweet as I had imagined. The guests were allowed to meet the whole cast afterward, however Katie had to leave quickly after to get home to her 6 year old daughter. However, she did smile and wave hello to me. It was an exciting moment and a really fun event to attend. :) Scot would have come too, but he had to work. :(

Here are some pictures from the event. 

 

HURRICANE.

Last but not least, the things that been consuming most of our time this weekend is preperation for the monster hurricane that is suppose to make landfall here later today. As I sit here I can hear the strong gusts of wind like crazy out there. All the public transportation in the city has been shut down, businesses closed, and even parts of the city are under mandatory evacuation. Luckily, Scot and I are not in those areas. We feel pretty safe where we are, but that's not to say the proper precautions shouldn't be taken.  This weekend, we stocked up. 

Shelves were about empty at Trader Joes, but we managed to still get all the essentials we needed. 

Scot went a little crazy and not only did we fill up the Bathtub, get 3 jugs of water filled, and 2 bags of ice--he filled every cup in the house. Hahaha, my little prepared man. 

Also, we got tons of dried food, soups, juices, caned veggies, tuna, 3 loafs of bread, and plenty of fruit! 

The storm is a brewin' out there.......Bring it on Sandy. We're ready for you! 

Phases

Now before I go on, I have to warn you. You may find this to be a kind of different blog post. Different from others I have posted at least. No photos, just writing. It seems, this blog has not only turned into a space for family to keep up with Scot and my adventures here in the city, but a place where I can just write. If you didn't know, I actually LOVE to write. It’s the only way I can seem to put words to my feelings and thoughts and make sense of them all. Now that that has been said... can’t say I didn't warn you. It's long.

There's something you should know about me. (besides my love for writing) and this something  was only recently discovered. I had never realized this about myself, until about 2 years ago when my roommate Victoria pointed it out to me. After she said it--I knew she was right. Suddenly a certain aspect of me was made known, and I've made a mental note of it ever since. It’s rather funny if you ask me....and gave Victoria and I a laugh when we first realized it.

I am a girl of phases. 

Now before you start jumping to conclusions of what that statement actually means, it’s nothing bad. More just a funny little quirk that my Husband likes to poke fun at me for. 
 
You see, over the years I have realized that I go through these funny phases of interest. Some last a week, some last months. When I get interested in something, or someone, or discover a new song, or new food, or new recipe. I go through this phase where it’s either all I eat, all I listen to, all I read about, all I want to make, all I want to do, and all I want to talk about. Now using the word “all” is a little extreme--during my “snickerdoodle cookie baking phase”, I didn't ONLY bake cookies. However, I did try that recipe over and over again during the course of a few weeks until it was perfected.

It all started when I was in the third grade. Well, at least that’s about as far back as I can remember it starting.The topic in History class that day was--The Titanic.  Now I have no idea what it was about the Titanic that interested me so, but something grabbed my attention so much that it caused me to learn EVERY SINGLE THING about the subject in what I like to now call my “Titanic phase” that lasted for about 6 months. I remember my parents buying me tons of books about the Titanic, and I would read them. Avidly.  In fact I remember one time my Mom took me to a museum in Boston, where I actually got to touch part of the ship! (Wasn't that just the best day ever.) Hahaha, my dorky side is revealed.

Now, this was also around the time the movie Titanic came out, which I couldn't see at that age (for obvious reasons) and after such a tragic “no” from my parents on watching the movie, combined with  now having learned pretty much every little thing about the subject... the phase ended. 

However, I can still tell you every fact possible. 

Some of the other phases I had through my childhood were people like Mia Hamm-- my childhood Soccer Idol, in which I again learned every little thing about, and studied her soccer skills until I perfected the moves. Others--Sandra Bullock. Miss Congeniality made me laugh so hard, I insisted on renting every other movie with this actress in it for the next year. As well as learning her life story. Pretty incredible person. She still holds the position of favorite actress. Then, of course came the phase all little girls went through in the 90’s-- Boy Bands. But I wouldn't just listen and drool over them, I would research and learn about how they came to be, and who they were as people. At age 9 or 10? So weird. 

Other phases that have resulted in my extensive knowledge of random topics have been The Revolutionary War, (which came in handy this summer when Scot and I walked the Freedom Trail in Boston, and he got his own personal tour guide with all the facts. Ha) Also, Cowboys and Indians (Both of which became memorable themes of childhood birthday parties). 


I have also had food phases with things like cornbread, peanut butter- cinnamon and honey on toast, popcorn, orange juice, oatmeal raisin granola bars,olives, cucumber salad, cheerios, and peanut M&M's. Now as far as the food items go, you're probably thinking, "Okay, those are all just things you like, that's not weird." True. But all of which were at times the ONLY drink, snack, food, or candy I wanted. And I'd eat/drink them...
all. the. time.

Thankfully, all my random phases of interest have always been innocent, and have only resulted in crazy deep knowledge of very random subjects.

Now this doesn't mean I am not a girl of variety. I love learning, and eating and listening to all different things. But I definitely have a quirky phase side to me. Recently Scot has said I'm in my "celebrity phase" .... every time I go outside I think I see someone famous. I blame it on the city. It's crazy to think how many stars live within a mile from me. 

Now for the moral of the story...

When I think back about all these phases I've gone through, I realized something. At one time, I thought I was going through a phase. But this specfic phase became something deeper. It became real. It became my LIFE. And this would significantly impact the rest of my future. 

At the time, friends even mentioned how I was going through a little "religious phase". But it wasn't a phase.

When I was a Junior in High School I became good friends with a girl on my soccer team. After hanging out a few times, there was something different about her. She was Mormon. "wait but you look normal?" I remember thinking as I had some skewed perception that Mormons were like Amish people. As the soccer season went on, I found it so inspiring about how she talked about her religion. Suddenly the "Mormon phase" began. I went home and researched EVERYTHING I could about the religion. I was so interested right away. I started going to church. Meeting with missionaries. Listening to church music. Reading the Book of Mormon, and loving every minute of it. In fact, after a while I realized my "phase" was becoming more and more permanent. I knew this is what I wanted in my life. 

Now, as I am approaching my 4 year mark of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I feel more blessed than ever. Every good thing in my life has been enriched because of this decision. My membership in the church is the most important part of my life. And I hope all of you that are reading this really hear me, when I tell you how much happiness and pure bliss this church provides. How much comfort, strength, friendships, and love. It gives purpose to my everyday. I don't usually write about these things publicly, but today I just felt the urge. I hope all of you that are reading this who have never heard of the LDS church, never learned about it, or maybe have and have fallen away from it. Learn about it. It will change your life.

With all of this, I want to write one more thing. I believe there are certain phases that we go through that impact our lives in ways we can't even begin to imagine. Some are really just that--a phase. And others, ingrain themselves into who we are. The love I have for my family, for my Husband, for my friends, and for my Father in Heaven, and for this church will NEVER be a phase. It's permanent. 

Click on the link for more information. Happy Wednesday Everyone!

http://www.lds.org/?lang=eng

Missing the Country

This weekend was great! On Friday Scot went on a campout with the young men in our ward. Scot is the 2nd counselor in the Young Men's Presidency, so he gets the benefit of getting to go on these awesome trips with the young men! So Jealous that he was able to get out of the city and into the woods! With a campfire. With Trees. With stars. With complete silence.....man oh man. Sometimes I really miss the country livin'. Even though Scot got the wonderful opportunity to venture out of the city for a night, I got the wonderful opportunity to have a little girls date night with my great friend Lindsey! Lindsey and her husband alex are fellow Utah State Aggies, and just moved here for her job. We have hung out with them a couple times since they moved, and it's been way fun! Lindsey and I met up for some Vietnamese, and then had ice cream. :) All of it, was so good to me. 

 

(PS Scot isn't exactly the photographer in the family, so I don't have any pictures from his camp out. You will just have to use your imagination to envision the campfire, stars, and endless amount of red, orange, and yellow trees he got to see on his trip)  ....the small things in life. Ha. apparently after living in the city for a few months, once you get out "the sky never seems bluer, and the trees never smell better". (Quote from Scot after he got back) 

This Friday night we have a ward Halloween party, in which costumes are a must. So Saturday night Scot and I went on an adventure to different Halloween and thrift shops throughout the city. unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. But hey, we got some fun pictures and great ideas!

  

  

Then last night we walked over to Lindsey and Alex's to stop by for a visit,  and we walked right along the water to get there. It is such an amazing view of the city right on the water. Just when I'm feeling sad and homesick for the trees, sky, and countryside. I see this: 

and realize how grateful we are.

Lastly, Thursday it rained harder than I've seen in a long time. It was a wet commute home, and  I don't know if strangers  appreciated me taking their picture, but it made for some fun artsy photos. Enjoy.  

Home Sweet Home

After a long week by myself, Scot arrived back at home safe and sound late Friday night! It was so good to see him again. I know, I know, I know.....you guys are all thinking-- 5 days apart? come' on Sarah, you two are pathetic. Well, pathetic we may be, but we're okay with that.

Even though the week went by so slowww, It was really fun. Roaming the city, having movie marathons with the whole couch to myself ( an endless amount of chick flicks may I add) ,decorating the house, 90's flashback with re-runs of Dawson's Creek on Netflix,(old school, I know)  lunch with a dear friend--miss Shayly Levesque, and last but not least....









On Friday after work I took the subway...












 over to Grand Central Station. Wow, I have been to Grand Central Station many times, but each time it puts me in awe of how cool it is.I was there to meet up with one of my most favorite people in the world....









Auntie Sue.

We had dinner at a cafe just right down from our apartment, then I gave her a tour, chatted for a while, took some pictures and said our goodbyes. It was too short, but so fun to see her! I love my Aunt so much.

Not much else has happened since Scot got home. We mainly just relaxed all weekend. The highlight was that we attended Stake Conference both Saturday and Sunday. It was a wonderful conference. The NYC stake is awesome. Wonderful leaders and members of the church here. We feel so blessed. 

Below I have included a bunch of pictures of our apartment! Sorry for the quality. They all look really dark. My real camera wasn't charged at the time so I took them on my phone. Hopefully I can update this blog with some better photos soon. In the mean time, enjoy! 

Right outside our apartment there are already lights all lit up. There's just something about New York in the fall, it's beautiful. 

Exploring.

 With Scot gone on a business trip this week-- I've been missing him a lot. It's no surprise seeing as we haven't spent a night apart since we were married...It's been lonely around here. However, I guess I can't feel that lonely in a city full of 8,244,910 people. But still, the apartment itself is lonely. Even before Scot, with all the roommates I've had the past few years of college-- I haven't been in an apartment by myself for very long. Which is why I haven't spent a lot of time there. It's not that I don't love being at home, in fact I really love being at home. But I have to admit, I am a little bit of a social butterfly. I love being around people. And...with no where to go, no one to see, and nothing to get home to. I have decided to do a lot of : Exploring. 

It's been getting chilly here in the big city. Fall is definitely in the air, and on Monday night when I decided to explore, I got all bundled up in my pea coat, mittens, and a scarf.Of course, I popped in my headphones and just started walking. It felt so good. After sitting in an office all day everyday, going for a walk is like Christmas. I walked and explored for almost 3 hours. I just kept going. I saw couples out on dates. Families walking their dogs. Musicians playing at the local cafe. Puppies at the pet store. Workers decorating their store with Halloween essentials. The football game playing through the window of a local bar. I sampled different bread at the bakery. Different Ice cream at the yogurt shop. I windowed shopped. I tried on clothes that were way too expensive, already knowing that I'd never buy anything. Just for fun. With each passing person, I wondered where they were going? What were they like? How did they meet the person they were with? It amazes me everyday all the different types of people that all live in this  23 mile Island. It's a fun place to be. 

It was a peaceful night. I feel like every time I am out on the streets, I have a place to get to, and the pace of NYC is fast. I am practically running to the subway or the bus constantly. This however, was a great change of pace. I had nowhere to be, nothing specific to see--I just went. And could just soak in everything. All the sites, the smells, the noises, the tastes. I savored every moment. 


At the end of the night I realized, that though the company of my Husband or other friends is always the better option, maybe sometimes, spending a lot of time alone isn't so bad after all...




 Sometimes. 

Conference Weekend

Conference Weekend. One of my favorite weekends of the year. :) Where you cuddle up on the couch and listen to the General Authorities of the church address everyone with wonderful talks on all different topics they feel should be spoken on at this time. General Conference is so amazing. I always leave the weekend, just feeling refreshed. Motivated. Inspired. I'm so grateful for the wonderfully inspired men and women who spoke to us this past weekend. It truly was incredible.

Also, what an incredible announcement on the new age of missionaries! 18, instead of 19  for boys, 19, instead of 21 for girls. More and more missionaries will be going on missions, what a wonderful opportunity and experience! :)

So Scot and I have decided to start our own tradition of crepes on the Sunday of conference. It's a special treat to make these delicious sweet crepes, as we don't usually spend money on things like nutella and powdered sugar. But man, were they goood. Conference Crepes are a new tradition for sure.

Not only did we enjoy General Conference this weekend, but one of my best friends, the wonderful Brianna Rowland came into town! She and her husband pretty much have the COOLEST job ever. They are driving a huge tour bus all around the country to promote bus tours in Alaska (where they work in the summer) This couple is crazy. From September-April they will be doing this, and they have all expenses paid for and get paid on top of that, of course. They are traveling the 50 states in a huge tour bus, just the two of them. Haha, we loved hearing their stories. Well on Saturday morning they came into the city and we all met for breakfast. It was so fun seeing Bree again! :)

We had a super fun weekend, and after last weekend with the kids, we were still exhausted and recovering ha. So it was nice and R.e.L.a.X.i.N.g. ....and we did lots of this. 

My cute Husband wears a sleeping mask because he likes it EXTRA dark. Haha 

I married Zorro. :)

Became Mom and Dad for the weekend.

Oh Boy are we tired. This whole weekend we had the sweet opportunity to watch our 6 little nieces and nephews while their parents took a birthday retreat to a Bed and Breakfast in Connecticut. We definitely had our work cut out for us, going from 0 to 6 is quite the challenge, and in a 2 bedroom apartment in Manhattan none the less. Needless to say we survived, and not only that, but we were pretty proud of how in control we kept things. They are so fun, and this weekend was one of our favorites ever! These kids are seriously adorable, and sooo funny! the things they do and say just crack us up. Some of the classic comments from this weekend were:

Marissa (8) to Owen (5) : " Owen, I'm so sick of all your shenanigans." 

Owen (5) to me: "Sarah, why are your eyelids silver? Do they have super powers?"
Me:  "Haha, no, its eye-shadow, its make up to help them look prettier" ...
Owen: "well why do you wear make up? you're already pretty!" ( so cute. )

Hudson(5) to me and Scot: "Do you guys kiss on the lips?" 
Scot: "Yes, we are married." 
Hudson: "Does it feel weird? like really slimy?... you guys are gross."

Shem (7) : " Come here Uncle William."
 ( Scots first name is William, but  he goes by his middle name, so when Shem said this, we were so caught off guard haha ) 

Here are some photos from the weekend, so fun. 

The Boys go crazy once out of the apartment and on the side walk. 

My sweetie pushing the stroller, like a real man.

waiting for the Library to open.

These kids crack me up.

Reading time, in search of the best book!

The West Side Marsdens little all star reader. 

Scot reading Star Wars and spider-man to the boys!

Sophia's cute after dinner face :) little sweetie.

Playground time! Little London was the hardest of them all! She just learned to walk, and she has become quite the runner! She will just take off if we don't watch her very carefully.

Marissa's close up on the Tire Swing. 

This little one LOVES Uncle Sockie. 

Then, we became the favorite Aunt and Uncle, by treating the kids to some Ice Cream and 16 Handles :) Their excitement was out of control. Haha

Teeth Brushing time!

Brushing picture, again. 

Cuddling up for one of Scot's bedtime stories. :)

We for sure had a busy weekend, but one of the best. We feel so lucky to live so close to family :)