Stark Contrast

Alexis needed a couple more pairs of pants, so last night we went down to Old Navy on 125th Street and then decided to head over to one of our favorite pizza places on 110th. After we ordered, Matt pulled out the debit card to pay only to be told they no longer take credit cards- cash only. We were surprised since every time we've gone, we have paid with a card. We decided to eat first and then Matt was going to go the several blocks to our bank to get some cash. After we had all settled into our booth, a woman came over and gave us $20 insisting on paying for our dinner. She said, "It's so cold outside. Just take it. No problem!" We were stunned. We tried to refuse since we have no way of knowing who she is and paying her back. But she was so so so insistent. Maybe she took pity on us since we had 2 adorable kids and seemed to be in an inconvenient situation? Amazing moments like this (and this one with the cab driver) are just a few of the reasons we love New Yorkers and the city we all live in together. They definitely outweigh the very bad experiences.

Hanging Out at the Park

Ella's not really a big swinger yet- just kind of hangs out in the seat and sways a few inches back and forth. Lexi, on the other hand, needs a big *underdog* push to start things off...

Primary Program

Last Sunday we had the Ward Primary Program. Lexi is a Sunbeam this year, so she had one line to say in the microphone (I can't see Jesus but I know He is there because the Spirit helps me to feel good and happy). She basically refused to practice her line at home. One evening we were attempting to get her to practice and I prompted her by saying, "I can't see Jesus....." to which she replied, "Yes I can! He's right there!" and pointed to a picture we have hanging over her desk in the computer room.
The primary had several practices and for the most part she was familiar with her line. The next hurdle was getting her to say the words in the microphone. What little kid doesn't love to hear their voice magnified a bazillion times?! Not Lexi. At least, not in front of a couple hundred people. I desperately wanted to hear her sweet little voice during the program and was considering some sort of bribe... Grandma Susan to the rescue! She told Lexi that if she would say her words in the microphone, she would get a little present from Grandma- a Belle doll, to replace the ones she lost on an outing in the city... The best part of the story is that just before the meeting started, Lexi was seated near a live microphone and proceeded to tell the little girl next to her that Grandma had a present for her if she said her words in the microphone. Don't know how many people actually heard that, but it had us laughing pretty hard!
This little flower was one of the many that each child made to display in the hallway---