Adventure Aquarium.

The best part of being a mother of a third grader is going on various field trips to be a chaperone. I really enjoy the places we go, and holy moly I couldn't believe how many kids went to the Adventure Aquarium today! Must have been the torrential rain pour we got. I'm cool with chaperoning a few kids, but when you get off the bus, and see that there are other buses with other kids from various schools, I was like...we better hurry up and get inside because we only have three and a half hours to venture this place. Tis the time of year for field trips! 

We were really excited to finally venture out to the aquarium. It was our first time going, and had so much fun. Having a toddler makes it even more fun, and Noah had the time of his life. He loves the ocean, and anything that swims in the water...except for sharks. I don't think it helped him watching the edited for television of Jaws a couple of weeks ago with me. Watching that movie didn't seem to bother him at the time we were watching it, but when we entered the tunnel where you have a ton of sharks swimming above us, and beside us didn't do well for him. He did get over it pretty quick when he realized that they couldn't get us through the glass. After he saw a few scuba divers inside he saw that they were safe, and said he wanted to go in with them. Who knows...he could be a future marine biologist.

There was a shark tank where you can actually "touch a shark" with two fingers, and so many different kinds of fishes! For the first while Noah kept saying, "I want to see a whale mommy. A big whale!" I told him there are no whales here just sharks, jellyfish, and small fishes. He grinned until he saw the clownfishes! One of his favorite movies is Finding Nemo, and he was so excited when he came upon these...

^^^ lovely ceiling display of fishes. ^^^

A lot of "hands on" moments were the highlight of this trip when they were allowed to touch starfishes, sea urchins, and stingrays. I myself hesitated at first to touch them, but then after a while I was like...this is pretty cool! Yes...I was deprived as a child when it came to places like this, but not my kids.

One of our favorite attractions was looking at the penguins, and they are the cutest things! 

I love this shot! It reminds me of the movie Happy Feet when Ramon says, "Let me say something to joo!"

Stole this picture of this cute hippo from another mom, because when we went to see them they were all motionless, & relaxing in the water. 

Kids...they sure are the greatest, and we all had such a fun day today. I'm so glad that we were all able to go as a family too. We all sure had a blast. 

Until next time! Hope you're Wednesday was a happy one too! 

Our Memorial Day.

I remember the first time I began to really understand what the military was all about was when a friend I met back in college mentioned to me how he went to Saudi Arabia. I had just joined the LDS church, was on my own, and was beginning to learn how to truly "unshelter" myself from the world. I didn't quite understand why he went, or what he did while he was there, and when I asked him how Saudi was he said he didn't want to talk about it. I respected his response, and never questioned him about it again. Years passed, and now that I'm older, and understand more about what's going on with the world, war, and our troops my heart just grows deeper. Having lived in North Carolina for two years really helped me to understand even more. Especially when we were living in Fayetteville attending a ward that was 95% military. I grew to really appreciate the acts of sacrifice they would make in order to serve not only within the church, but to our country as well. I saw their willingness to fight, be strong, and to endure no matter how rough it was. There were so many young men & women fighting for our freedom leaving their families behind to make the world a better place. I have learned to appreciate what they do for us, and for the past ten eight years have made sure to remember both the fallen troops of the past, and those who are still fighting for our country today. 

Living in the east has its advantages and we are surrounded by so much "war" history. I love that we live in an area where we can drive 45 minutes to Valley Forge to see Washington's Headquarters, and two hours to Washington D.C. to visit all the memorials. I have become somewhat of a history buff since moving here, and I want my children to know what Memorial Day means to me, and what it's all about. They have learned that's it not just any other day, but a day of remembering.  

On this Memorial Day we decided to go to Valley Forge National Park to visit the sites. I didn't take as many pictures as I did the last time we were here, but let me tell you...I felt an entire different feeling the second time around. I really love this place, and visiting Washington's Headquarters is always so humbling.  

After visiting Valley Forge we did end up driving to the beach. The kids, particular my two younger ones kept talking about going to the beach since...this morning! I guess you can say this was one of the warmest days we've had thus far, and out of all the days for it to be hot it had to be on Memorial Day! Chelsea, and Noah had too much fun. To them it's all about the sand. They absolutely love getting all sandy while building sand castles. 

They mostly preferred digging in the sand more than going in the water. It's probably a good thing because let me tell you...the water was freezing cold!! I took baby steps slowly going in, but the water only made it to my calves. It was so freaking cold! Chelsea is a pretty brave soul, and kept going back and forth to put water in the pails to build sandcastles. You can tell by her reaction how cold the water was...

She eventually got used to it, and just enjoyed the crashing of the waves against her...legs.

^^^ and Lexie just relaxed the entire time. ^^^

^^^ and Noah would get tempted to go into the water which he did end up doing, but after falling while a wave was crashing did not go back in again. (too bad I didn't get that on camera!) ^^^  

Although we had some recreational fun on this day I'm glad we took the time to think of the fallen from the past, and to remember them on this day. 

Every year Memorial day becomes more, and more meaningful to me, and the first thing I want to do on this holiday before any fun is to pay our respects for all who have died. How nice, and peaceful it would be if our troops would return home. But until that day comes I will always, always keep them in our prayers.

And I hope your Memorial Day was lovely too! 

Delaware Art Museum.

A couple of years ago when I rented a car from enterprise they gave me a bunch of pamphlets of places to tour, and see. I really had no interest in them because some of them were in small towns around New Jersey. It didn't interest me then, but it does now. Lately I have been on a quest to seek out fun things to do for my kids for the summer, and that's when I remembered the pamphlets. I ended up driving back to enterprise to request them, and this time I am keeping them. There are so many fun sights to see around our neck of the woods that I totally took for granted...including the small state of Delaware. 

So this past Saturday we decided to check out the Delaware Art Museum. This hidden treasure is tucked away in the beautiful town of Wilmington. It's located in a quaint, residential area surrounded by a lot of trees! This museum was perfect. Admission prices are extremely affordable, and on Sundays the fees are waived! The collection of art displayed is a mixture of Howard Pyle who is a Wilmington Native who died in 1911, British Pre-Raphaelites, John Sloan, and a lot of American art that dates from the 19th Century to present day. 

Here are some of our moments spent at the museum... 

^^^  black and white photos dated from the early 1900's ^^^

^^^ there's a journal left on the table for visitors to sign, and give their thoughts on the curator who displayed these black and white photos. ^^^

^^^ Chelsea is doing a puzzle, and matching up the pieces as displayed in the case. They are called tobacco jars, and are in the forms of birds, and a grotesque. Apparently men would hide their treasures in them. ^^^

^^^ Reminds me of the Armor of God. ^^^

^^^ Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. ^^^

^^^ Noah taking a break ^^^

There are sculptures on the grounds of the museum given as gifts in memory of specific artists, and I have to say that the grounds are absolutely breathtaking. There are a few benches where you can just sit, and relax and take in the beauty of this surrounding. The kids and I had a great time taking in this wonderful work of art, and just walking around enjoying the scenery. 

The kids discovered quite a bit including this amazing Labyrinth. 

Apparently it used to be a reservoir. I found Lexie doing some brisk walking, and I yelled out at her from above saying, "What are you doing?" She seemed as if she was in a daze concentrating on her mind or something. And she was! I felt bad because I interrupted her moment inside the labyrinth. She said she was trying to block me out because she said it was actually working! I left her alone, and she completed walking the labyrinth in about 20 minutes. 

Noah and Chelsea found this pile of stone rocks, and Noah was in heaven. I told him that the rocks were too hard to get out, and that they are there as a work of art. 

I loved every minute of this day, and my kids are really beginning to find out what art means to them. They are explorers, and have a big imagination when it comes to creating visions in their head. 

"It's Saturday!"

This year all the third grade classes performed together for their end of year school production called "It's Saturday", and what a perfect day to write about it because guess what...it's Saturday! I was amazed at how quickly the auditorium filled up. There were so many proud parents out there having a grand time watching their kid perform, sing, dance, act crazy, and just having a good old time. I was very, very impressed with this particular group of kids. Including mine. For weeks and weeks Chelsea was singing and practicing her skit, and she was so ready for "opening night". She is somewhat of a perfectionist, and wanted to get every single line, and song spoken and sung without any mistakes. I can see that they put so much effort, and hard work in rehearsing for this play, and it was so fun to watch. Particularly because they were all in pajamas. I think their favorite part of rehearsing for this play was the fact that they got to practice in their pajamas, and come to school in them for one day! 

Chelsea was part of the Harmony choir, and I am so pleased with her singing & acting ability. She was so cute, and because the songs and skit were fun to read I had to put it on video. Well...not the entire play, but I only recorded two of the songs she's part of in the skit. The kids all sang with such enthusiasm, and they all looked so happy to be singing "It's Saturday!" I mean...they should be because after a long week of school Saturday is "the best day all week long."

"It's Saturday!" from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

This song was my favorite! Saturdays truly are a night of fun, and innocent shenanigans for little kids. I have to warn you about this one...it includes a pillow fight. 

^^^ Friends since Kindergarten: Chelsea & Alex ^^^ 

Like I said...i was amazed at these group of kids. They all seemed to be having fun, and there were about five kids who filled in for another student literally at the last minute. Talk about willingness and devotion to help another kid out! Those are signs of maturity in which most of these kids exhibited. They all seemed to enjoy working together, and just having fun being a kid. This particular class of 2023 is going to be a great generation, and I can see why when I look at who their older siblings are! 

^^^ Sibs: Chelsea, & Lexie, Alex & Sean. ^^^

it's the small things that mean the most to our children.

I can't believe this week just flew by that quick. I guess that's what happens when you have about two weeks of school left, and you start buying things that show the signs of summer. Chelsea and Noah were so excited when we bought this pool last week. This is one activity that will definitely keep them occupied during the summer. This is where I'm grateful for tile floor that's easy to mop because any thing they pick up on their way in such as grass mixed in with a little bit of muddy water can easily be wiped down. I kind of like the look of a messy "wanna be" mudroom. I grew up with a little blue pool of my own, and it's fun to see that my kids are too. At 15 bucks a pool that lasts for a couple of years I'd say that's a good investment and your water bill isn't a gazillion dollars during the summer months. There are days where I tell myself how nice it would be to live in a house with a big backyard so that we can have an underground pool, but for the past six years we have learned to be grateful for the little things, (and a small water bill.) A little blue pool for our little backyard, as well as a little smoky joe for our little bbq's.Yep...this is what our summers are all about in our little backyard, and this is how we live it in New Jersey. 

Hope y'all have a nice weekend filled with nice weather, and children that help make your "off" days "turn on" with smiles of gratitude for the small and simple things we do for them. 

Because when I see my kids happy, I'm happy. And these days that's how I'm striving to live! 

Happy Weekend everyone!

enduring to the end when it comes to the temple.

^^^ front of the Philly temple ^^^

Five years ago during General Conference it was announced that a temple in Philadelphia will be built. Even though we'd only been living here for a few months we were totally stoked when we heard the announcement!! I love the temple, and although I don't mind driving hours to attend to one the feeling of having one so close to home is awesome! It's unfortunate that there were so many roadblocks that prevented this particular temple for the groundbreaking to be done, and dedicated but alas it's getting done, and is in the process of being built. It just goes to show you that "no unhallowed hand will stop the work of the Lord from progressing" and this is proof that it never will. And that is truly a miracle! 

^^^ side view of the Philly temple ^^^

I remember when there was just a big hole in the ground and how it took forever for any kind of structure to be up. And now there is. Every time we drive into Philly I have to drive by the temple site, and I never grow weary in doing so. I'll pullover for a few minutes & just stare up at it. How easy it'll be to drive across the bridge, or take the train into the city to enter in the House of the Lord when you feel you need peace for the day, week, or month. I remember when we lived in Salt Lake how Jon would go in the morning right before work and start the day right.  

I really hope, and pray that members from our surrounding area will attend frequently, and forgive me for saying this not "whine" about the 5 dollar toll, train ride, gas or parking. One thing I have noticed since moving here is listening to members complain (yes, complain) about how far driving to the temple in D.C. is and how expensive tolls are with gas, etc. Literally made my heart sad because I remember when I first joined the church in Texas how there was only one temple built and how members in my ward then would drive eight hours to Dallas! Eight! My sweet friend Sharon who has now passed on had Multiple sclerosis, and literally drove her van to the ground because she attended the temple in Dallas so much. Memories of her temple stories were a motivator for me, and I will always treasure her experiences, and will always remember the glow on her face as she would talk about them. She never once whined about the long drive especially when it was during those hot Texas summers. Too bad I never had the opportunity to attend the temple with her, but I know that I will see her on the other side. She lived a great life, one that was true, filled with commitment for the Lord, and I know that she will definitely be on the other side of heaven waiting on her loved ones.

Learning how hard the pioneers endured by sacrificing everything they owned, and had in order to establish "Zion", and complete the building of the temple is a key factor as to why I love the temple so much. I'm not an aficionado on Mormon doctrine, or the pioneers but I know that they sacrificed so much for us so that we can have this restored gospel, and to have these beautiful buildings built so that we can do work for our kindred dead. 

I know there are many of us with financial hardships, health issues, or "work a lot" during the week to not make the two hour drive to the temple, but I know that with perfect faith The Lord can help us make it there. As many temples as I have been to in different states I can't even begin to tell you how many brothers, and sisters with disabilities and old age attended. It's amazing to see these widows, and widowers gathered together just to make it to the temple. They endure to the end, and make it a priority. It's doable folks because Jon and I attempt to go at least once a month. Through all the hardships we have endured since losing his job last summer we've never given up on going to the temple. I just hope and pray that when I'm a senior citizen that I'll be able to endure just as those sweet old couples, widows, and widowers.

While Jon was out of a job recently during the brutal winter we sometimes went twice a month because we believe in the blessings that come from it. We believe that in God's time we will blessed with good things, and we never give up on the Lord. I have sacrificed too much, learned too much, built a testimony far greater than I could ever imagine to just throw it all away by not attending the temple. And no matter how hard life may get whether it's emotional, or financial I will not let this beautiful building go to waste. No matter where we live I will make sure that my family and I make it to the temple. It's so important to teach our children from a young age what the temple is all about because in the end they are going to be doing the work for us. They are the ones that are going to continue the family history, and build our heritage. I personally think it's about time that my children index, and do family history work. I know that it will strengthen them spiritually, build their testimony, gain a greater faith, and help them to appreciate their ancestors as well and truly "get" why we have these beautiful buildings called The House of the Lord. 

my shining star.

^^^ with Mr. Otten, principal of her school ^^^

Shame on us for skipping family home evening last night, but I think that attending Lexie's recognition night for being Lewis 'shining star student' is a pretty good excuse. We can make it up during the week! There were quite a few "shining star students" who were recognized this evening for achievement in improving on their academics throughout the year, for kind acts of service, and overall being an excellent student. We definitely live in a society where all we see on the news throughout the tristate area are acts of violence. I personally don't need to watch the news every night because I know what kind of world we live in. It's so nice to know that there are great things happening in the midst of all that violence such as wonderful students being recognized for the good that they do in this world. And one of those courageous people in this world is our daughter Lexie. 

Members of the board congratulated her as she walked down the aisle shaking each of their hand individually. It was so nice to hear the words of her guidance counselor read by Principal Otten as to why she was chosen as Lewis Shining star student, and I couldn't agree more. Mr. Otten represented her on Mrs. Gardiner's behalf, and it was so nice to hear all the wonderful things she wrote about her.

 

Shining Star Student '14 from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

We are so proud of Lexie in all the wonderful things she has done, does, and continues to do! I never have to worry with this one. Aside from the fact that I look like a really, really short person in this pic next to her, and Jon she is my shining star as well!(That's what you get for marrying a really tall guy!)

this gem is 19.

For the first time in 19 years I celebrated Mother's Day without Sierra. And now, on her 19th birthday we're about to celebrate it without her in person. But this is the time where I am loving technology, and not whining about how much we shouldn't be on it. Thank you Apple, thank you FaceTime, thank you Facebook, thank you blogger, and all the other social networks out there that I'm on where I can post something lovely for my daughter to see.

It has been a ginormous blessing to have her in my life. With all the moving around we've done since she was five she has learned so much. I have realized even more now that without all the things she's experienced by living in different states, church, and with "the world" I know she would never take anything back that she experienced. Without the things she learned in Philly, without the friends she made at UARTS, and without the people she brought into her life from New Jersey that she's known for the past five-six years...she wouldn't be who she is today. 

In my eyes she is an amazing example of love, and courage. If you only knew what this girl has endured to get to where she is at today you wouldn't believe it. I love her for it, and no matter what life throws at her she has learned to manage it with a sheer commitment to come out of it. She is a survivor of many things, but especially of "this world" where modern society tends to influence the youth with things that seem to be "okay." Where the adversary tends to target the valiant, and make them stoop to a level of nothingness. Where people are people, and where this no such thing as perfection. 

No matter how old she gets she will always be a daughter of a king, and in the end she will not let society or the adversary bring her down to ruins. She is smart and is the most talented piece of beautiful matter that the Lord has blessed me with. I will always be by her side with eyes wide open and a good pair of listening ears to hear the stories of her life.   

I love you Sierra. We all love you. You are loved by so, so many! You have been blessed with a talent beyond measure with a beautiful voice, and fingers that keep on rocking that big box of wood you play called a piano. You have a countenance that radiates beauty, compassion, and genuine love. Pass it on, and continue to share that light with others. Don't ever give up when things seem to fall off the path that you're navigating on, but most of all...don't ever give up on you! 

Remember that things happen for a reason, that people come into our life for a reason, that Heavenly Father is always there when you are feeling at your lowest, & that you have amazing friends that are there for you no matter what. Grandparents that will do anything for you. That you have two sisters, and a brother that love you and could never imagine their life without you. Particularly a sister who is like your twin in many ways that is always there for you even when you call her at 10pm at night which is midnight our time. And that you have two parents who are here for you sitting, and waiting by the phone to listen with whatever it is you'd like to get off your chest. Regardless if it is happy or sad, pleasing or disappointing. We are here for you! 

Know that if the only friends you have in this world are us...that we'd be with you every step of the way until we reach the eternities! In other words...you'll never be alone! 

Happy Birthday sweet Sierra. Hope you make 19 a very special day! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you! 

xxx, 

mom