(part two)

Here is the second part of the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village post.  If you didn't see that previous post, make sure you check it out below.

The second day of our trip we spent it in the Museum. I felt so bad that Ben wasn't able to be there. Everything we would see would make me stop, take a picture and then send it to Ben. Here are a few pics from our fun filled day. 

This plane is cool. Henry Ford was trying to make 'model t' planes that everyone could buy. I guess that idea didn't take off as well as the cars.

"It won't be a stylish marriage, I can't afford a carriage. 

But you'll look sweet, upon the seat of a bicycle built for...

10?"

OH.MAN... TRAINS!!!!!

  Grant loved them. (so did I) 

They have the COOLEST stuff here.

Look closely. 

I was so confused when I saw this for the first time. But it's a replica (made with pieces from the original) of the first passenger train in the United States (or the first in New York or something). But it's a carriage on tracks! So cool.

 "Oh I wish I were an Oscar Myer Wiener!!"

 What's up!?

 The Museum is in the most beautiful building. I could LIVE in this hallway. It's so pretty.

We had an amazing time. I love this place and I can't wait to go back. We saw SO MUCH more than what I posted. They have the chair that Lincoln was shot in (complete with blood! ew), also the car that Kennedy was shot in, they have Model T's driving around the village, lots of other really neat stuff. 

 This is from last week. We bought a swing and put it on one of our trees in the backyard. The boys both LOVE it! This picture is cute. I sent ALL the boys out to rake the leaves while I got some work done inside, and when I went to check on them, this is what I found :) I love my family. This is such a sweet picture. Ben is such an amazing father- and our children love him so much- as do I. Hope you like our pictures!

Henry Ford & Greenfield Village (take one)

Sorry about the lack of posts, but I've been busy. I went to Michigan a few weeks ago with the boys and my little sister while Ben finished up playing in the musical, RENT, on campus.  Growing up, my family went to Detroit, MI to visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.  If you have not been, go. It's amazing. And it may be one of my favorite places :)  It was an AWESOME trip- beautiful landscapes and some awesome learning (for me). We had quite the adventure. I may have to post these pictures in a few different posts- so please be patient with me. My little sister took around 300 pictures over the weekend, so there are SO many to choose from. ENJOY :)

Our trip started just fine, but when we hit South Bend, the car wouldn't start. We were able to get a battery jump from one of Ben's band member's family (they were SOOOOO nice). Then we got back on the road and drove for another hour or so. Well, we needed more gas, and the the car didn't start, AGAIN. Luckily, there was a truck stop and service station for trucks across the street from the gas station. They took care of us. Our batter was TOTALLY DEAD. He put in a tiny fork lift battery to just do some tests, and the car was working better than with our HUGE battery. sigh. We bought a new one and was back on the road. A quick 6 hour trip turned into 12 hours. Awesome. But let me tell you- the pizza we had delivered to the hotel was AMAZING. Maybe? worth the dead battery. haha

Greenfield Village is a place that Henry Ford created back in the day for education purposes. He was friends with Thomas Edison, so his house and workshop are here. Also, they have tons of carriages, old cars, old houses, trains, etc. It's like stepping back into the early 20th Century, and I love it.

Grant has gotten into Thomas and Friends after I bought him some books. Needless to say, THIS was his favorite part of the entire trip. TRAINS! This train is, I think, 1 of 6 working steam engines left- and the only one in the Midwest. Cool. We rode it.

Grant enjoying being OUT of the stroller. Funny kid.

 A rare picture of me. Ben got me an iPhone so I could have the internet with me at all times. It came in handy with our car emergency 24 hours after getting the phone. Thank you babe!!

 I don't know what this house was, but it is BEAUTIFUL!

 This is a replica of a slave's cottage. Nuts.

Well, it was hard to see ALL the houses while we had two crazy kids. We mostly walked around the village. If anyone wants to go back there with me, I have a pass, and I can get a guest in :) Stay tuned for more pictures from the AMAZING museum. 

And also, stay tuned for our HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!!!

Autumn

This is my favorite time of the year. I probably say it all the time, but it is. Growing up, we were probably the only people on the street who RAKED OUT OWN LAWN! haha It's kind of a sore subject with some siblings.  This week, I put Grant to work.

 "MOM! I raked the leaves!"

Our leaves are changing (as I'm sure everyone's are too), but this summer was pretty dry, so I hear that the leaves won't be as beautiful? Anyone know if this is true?

He loves this hat.

Don't you love the ketchup on his little face?

"Look what I found!!"

Ben will be playing guitar in the IU Theater's Department's  production of RENT this week and next. I'm going tomorrow... it should be WICKED AWESOME! We love you all and miss you!

Heart is Full

Sometimes I'm not the best at preparing for General Conference. Sometimes, I fall asleep during the sessions. I'll be honest, I didn't know until I was an adult that there were sessions on Saturday. However, I have had a good month when it comes to hearing the Word of God. I thought I would take a minute and share some of my thoughts on everything.

Two weeks ago, Elder Holland came to our little stake here in Indiana. While many things were said that touched my heart, he spoke directly to ME about "sucking it up." haha That sounds a bit harsh, or odd, but honestly- that's what I walked away with. While we all have bad or hard days, it's important to "endure!" (and endure it WELL!)  If we focus on our own problems, then we can't be useful as members of the church- specifically, we can not help others when we're being selfish. So- "suck it up" and "get on with it!"

That helped me when I heard the Relief Society session last week. So many good things, again, were said. But I was struck with the obvious realization that while we meet as sisters each Sunday, our responsibilities don't stop there. We are a society that gives RELIEF! We should be not only helping the sisters we see each week, but we should also be mindful of those who are not members of the church.

I love what everyone has said so far during the past two days of conference. While President Monson spoke this morning (or this afternoon- here in Indiana), I prayed that I would REALLY KNOW that he is the prophet. I don't know what I was hoping would happen, and it's not like I think he is NOT the prophet, but I wanted my testimony of him to be stronger. While listening to him speak on gratitude, I was COMPLETELY overcome with the sense of LOVE that he has for each one of us in the church. I have never met President Monson- I've sung for him and had dinner in the same room as him twice, but that's about it. He doesn't know my name, but he knows who we are- and he loves us. HE LOVES US!  My testimony of him as our prophet and mouth-piece for the Lord was strengthened today.

Speaking of GRATITUDE, I wanted to express my gratitude for my little family.  I love them so much. Henry is an amazing little boy. He loves to play, stand on his own, and he gives smiles and laughs to anyone! He lights up everyone's day, and I am thankful for him. I am LOVING watching him explore and grow. He is a smart little boy who has completed our little family (at this point in our lives).

I love Grant so much. He gives me a run for my money. I think a lot of times that he is too smart for MY own good :)  While I am struggling most days with the amount of energy he has, I am thankful for his love. Not just for me, but for his dad. He has told me and Ben on a number of occasions that "you are my best friend" followed with a hug and kiss. Someone told me last night that he is about the same as 3 kids rolled into one! While that might have been annoying to hear, I was glad to hear it! It was nice to hear that he REALLY IS a handful, and that I am not an awful mom because I feel overwhelmed a lot. But Grant gives hugs and kisses. He dances. He sings. I am grateful for the JOY that he brings to our lives- to MY LIFE. He loves his brother and helps him, pushes him, and pulls the bait and switch with toys so that he can take what Henry's playing with. But I LOVE that :) I love him, and I am grateful EVERYDAY for him.

Ben. What more can I say that I haven't already posted all over this blog...? I love him with ALL my heart. He is my best friend. He knows just what to say to make me feel better. He is worthy of the Priesthood he holds and he helps me be better. He works SO hard for our little family, and I think I complain too much. He is the LIGHT OF MY LIFE! I am so proud of him and all he has done, all he does, and I'm proud of who he is turning into. I feel so LUCKY everyday to be his wife. I mean, do you KNOW who my husband is?? haha... he is BEN MATHEWS! I am so grateful for him. I KNOW he loves me, and I love him. Together, we have created a crazy little family that I am so thankful for.

I am grateful, most of all, to my Father in Heaven. I am grateful for His love (especially because I don't deserve it). I have gratitude in my heart for His son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. The 3 boys in my life are all a result of the blessings I have received from my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I hope you all enjoy conference, and if you haven't watched or listened or read it- just go do so!! It's the best.

Love, Rochelle

Fun at the Park

More pictures. Indulge us.

 

We LOVE THESE KIDS!