my instagram life.

Instagram has become my very best friend within the past year and a half. It has given me a many opportunities to document the little happenings in my life. Happenings such as where we had lunch, what the kids are doing, a special occasion with family, an accomplishment, your favorite store, your favorite place to eat, the weather, visitors, the book you are currently reading (or trying to finish reading), great friends, holidays, a sport, recitals, and the little things that matter. 

At first I was like, "what is this?" Oh...It's an app with cool filters in which you can make your crappy iphone pictures look somewhat professional! 

I had noticed a friend who posted a picture of her new pocketbook a couple of years ago, and I thought it looked pretty cool. I wasn't too impressed at first because it was just... that a pocketbook, but then I decided to join, and I have been addicted ever since. 

Instagram also gives me opportunities to do whatever I want with the picture. Choosing a filter, making it black/white, or sepia. Adding a little text is fun too. It's like a digital scrapbook without the card stock & glue sticks! 

I have also fallen in love with the VSCO cam app as well. This app seems to make my photos look somewhat unique. I'm still playing around with it so forgive me if these pics don't look so nice.

I love to take pictures, and moments like this are fun for me. Everyday I find opportunities that are meaningful to me whether I'm outside, or in the home. Building memories is one of my ultimate goals in this life, and I try to capture the big things, and the not so big things.

Looking through these photos are my memories. Memories of everything that we are experiencing in this world. Memories of small intricate details that may seem of insignificance to one, but crucial to another. (such as  my son sleeping.)

My life, and my family are my number one. This is the gift of time for me. Time which is important to me, because as I'm clicking the button, I'm smiling. Smiling because these kids seem to have fun when I'm focusing on them.

Social media can be a good influence in this world when we use it for good. To share, uplift, and inspire one another.

How will we, or our posterity remember our life, their life, the temples we've been to, cities we've lived in, and traveled if we don't document them somehow. 

It's too important for me to let life pass us by without capturing the little things that matter most. I can never stop documenting. Whether online or by hand! 

I love life too much! 

**How about you? How do you record your daily life, and the life of your posterity?

my happy place.

After writing this post yesterday I realized that there is so much that I could offer my children had I completed my education, and got a really great job. Truth is I did have quite a few good jobs while I lived in Utah between the years of 1994 and 2000, but the minute I had my second daughter who is now 13 I knew my place was in the home.

my very short college life.

circa, 1996

Here we are at the beginning of another week, and after the weekend I've had writing about the "happenings" in my life gives me so much relief. 

Right now I am going through many emotions. Emotions that pertain to our firstborn in having her choose the right college for her. 

For those of you who have already sent a kid(s) to college you know what I mean. If your child only applied to one, and got accepted God Bless you! If you have a child who applied to more than one God Bless you even more because they only have two to choose from, but if your child applied to more than three...Good luck!

That's my issue at this point. Even though Sierra knows exactly what she wants to do with her life she still applied to numerous universities. So far she has been accepted to three, and is really pleased. I personally have no idea what she is going through because I only went to ONE college. My educational status could have been a lot better, but i chose to go a different route. 

My kids know that I didn't graduate with my high school class, and after letting them know the whys, I told them that I want them to do better than me, and my golly they are! 

My short college life consisted of attending CBM technical school in which they are no longer around so don't even bother googling it. That is where I learned the "old school" Lotus 123, Dos, and Wordperfect 5.0. It was a year of learning all about computers for me, and thankfully I passed with A's and left with a certificate of completion in Computer office technology. 

I then enrolled in Del Mar College, and majored in Public Relations which I loved so much. Majoring in that field taught me to be fearless in public speaking, and gave me the motivation in continuing my education once I moved out west to Utah.

Not...I got married instead (that story to come later.)

I had two wonderful roommates named Maria & Marivel whom I hardly saw because they were always busy with school, and played with the infamous Mariachi Cascabel. I remember moments spent with them that were priceless, and memorable, and living with them also prepared me in how it would be to live with future roommates.  

Having grown up in Texas my whole life up until the age of 20, I always thought that I would go to the school that everyone was applying to which was Texas A&M, but I didn't. Even though Del Mar wasn't on my list of schools I didn't even try to apply at other colleges such as the University of Texas, SMU, University of Houston, or any other schools outside of my 'comfort zone'. I guess I thought that I wasn't good enough. Darn low self esteem! 

Well, I am extremely grateful that my oldest had the courage to apply to various schools, and not just one. If I could go back and rewind my college life I would have definitely applied to more schools. 

That was then, and this is now, and as much as I would love to change the past that deals with my education I'm grateful for some of the education that I have today. Even though I don't have a "BA, MBA, or PHD" I still managed to learn from those two short years at Del Mar college, and grew from the different occupations I've had in my life.

One thing for sure that 'saved' me, and helped build up my confidence in knowing that I can better myself in accomplishing anything in this world was by converting to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

circa, 1996 (a picture for my posterity at the age of 23) 

By being a member of this church, and learning from its teachings, it has taught me to better my life in doing more good towards all humanity. Mostly towards my own life, and my fellow man. It has taught me true principles that I can pass down to my posterity. It has taught me the value of friendship in sisterhood, and how we should always strive to be a good citizen throughout this mortal life. 

Most of all it has taught me to teach my children to strive their best to live happily, and to be focused on the important things in life such as getting an education, and to treat others as they would want to be treated. Basically to be a good example, and strive to live righteously. 

These are some of the things that I didn't have as a youth, and because I made the choice to change my life at the age of 20, my kids have the chance to have it better. They may not always make the choices we want them to, but through constant guidance and encouragement without lecturing...their choices will be just.

My very short college life was filled with energy and I actually had a really good experience. It strengthened me in relationships, got me out of my comfort zone, I made a lot of friends from all walks of life,  and it also tested me in ways that I never thought it would. Luckily I had the foundation of Christ in my life to guide me through any trial whether good or bad.

This advice I will pass on to my future posterity. No matter which college Sierra decides to attend, I'll know it's because she prayed about it, and saw all the possibilities, pros and cons that it entails. I'll know that it'll be the right decision for her, just as mine was. 

Remembering my college days are bittersweet. I think I did my best in being good enough at that point in my life, and I have no regrets in the choices I made thus far.

Maybe someday the time will come for me to complete my college education. 

Not yet. 

Not yet. 

utes or the cougars.

Back in early January a dear friend surprised us with a lovely gift for Noah. He felt that he was being deprived of the Utes so he sent him a swoop pillow pet. 

My husband bleeds red, and I personally don't bleed either color. For those of you who are not familiar with the universities in Salt Lake City, and Provo, University of Utah, and BYU are big time rivals! I am not a BYU or University of Utah alumni so I wouldn't care less which pillow pet Noah likes the best. I'll watch the football games, and I'll cheer for whoever is having a good year, but other than that fighting over teams is silly, and too fanatic! 

Well, last Christmas my in laws bought Noah a cougar pillow pet, and when he opened it up he seemed pretty content with it, but when he saw the bright red colored animal with a yellow beak that looks like an angry bird out of the box he squealed with delight. Jon, and I then held each of the pillow pets, and asked Noah which one he preferred. 

Guess which one he chose? 

Swoop!! 

Jon was like, "YES!", and I was like, "please dude", and Noah just snuggled with it, and wouldn't let it go. Every time we'd give him the cougar one he would toss it to Sierra. 

Is that a sign? Is her little brother telling her she can have it to take with her when, and if she decides to attend BYU? 

Last night, we found out via email that she has been accepted to BYU in Provo.

We were all thrilled (still are) and are so excited for her. The look on her face was priceless. I can't imagine how she must be feeling right now caught in between numerous colleges that she has applied to and has already been accepted. Not sure which one she will choose, but wherever she goes I will try my best to support her decision. It is all up to her as to what university she chooses that has a good music program. 

BYU, SVU, and Rowan are all very good schools. She is still waiting to here back from at least five other colleges including the University of Utah to see if she has been accepted. She'll then have until May to make a decision.

I didn't have too many decisions to choose from back when I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I attended a two year college, and that was it! Someday I'll write about my short college life, but right now it's all about Sierra, and I definitely wouldn't want to be in her shoes! 

All i know is that she'll have a lot of praying to do. 

One thing for sure is that if she decides to attend BYU she'll have cougar the pillow pet to make her feel at home. Oh wait...she's a Utah native, and was born there. 

We lived there for 10 years so it is familiar territory for her.  

for the love of music-senior edition

When my daughter decided in her junior year of high school to change her decision from studying criminal law to music education I have to admit I was a little bit relieved. Not because she would be dealing with criminals, but because her talent in music is beyond amazing. I mean, who doesn't want their kid to become some hot shot lawyer. We do need good and honest ones in the future, but she no longer saw herself as such. She sees herself as an educator in hopes that she will teach others to be passionate in their music. 

I see the love, and dedication she has whenever she sings or plays. She comes home right after school, and instead of eating she'll immediately go to the piano. There are days I can tell when she has had it rough, or when some sort of drama has occured because she'll play her heart out. I have seen proof how losing yourself through music can help one deal with the stresses of life. Writing my heart out in a journal is my way of dealing with any kind of stress, and playing the piano works for her. 

I also have my moments as a mother to let her know that she needs to sleep, and eat. She is a 'full-time' senior with a lot of extracurricular activities, and needs her rest. What do I know. I didn't go through anything that she is going through right now because I didn't have a lot on my plate in my days of high school. She seems to handle, and somewhat balance her schedule, but I still can't help to remind her in a stern voice that she needs a break too. 

And then I hear her lovely voice which is a natural gift because she has never taken any voice lessons, and I myself forget about food. Noah and I will then sit on the couch to hear her. 

Yesterday as I was in my room cleaning up I began hearing her play a tune that was all too familiar. I love Les Miserables, and the song she was singing was so beautiful. I immediately sneaked up behind her and did some vine activity. She knew I was recording her, and that's when I asked if I could record her singing. I knew she'd say yes because she always does.

Hearing her sing this song for the first time brought me to tears. I was in awe, and couldn't believe her voice. Mind you she is a little under the weather right now, but she still obliged to record her singing.    

And she sounded amazing! 

Oh yes...I think taking 10 years of lessons has been worth it, and no matter the struggles we have faced financially with three daughters taking violin and piano lessons we know that in the end it'll all be worth it. All of our girls seem so focused when it comes to music. 

Some may wonder why music education?

Well, there aren't enough music educators in the world, and we need them. Whether our children want to become doctors, lawyers, or a teacher-it doesn't matter. What matters is for them to do something with their life that they will love, and wake up each day looking forward to their 'happy' job.

Not everyone has that chance. I didn't, but I know that music is Sierra's happy place. It never gets old hearing her play, and she never tires out of playing piano. She has too much love for it! 

I am especially grateful that Sierra has this guide in her life that has helped her come to terms with her decision to major in music education, and that also helps her throughout the days of her life. 

Not all kids know what they want out of life, or what they want to become in four years. One thing I know for sure is that this girl will jump at every opportunity when it comes to singing or playing. 

And I believe that she will have many opportunities in her future. 

I didn't grow up with any kind of music in the home, and never thought that I would have musical children today. I am so very grateful to have bought this big piece of wood 10 years ago so that our children can learn, and love music. Music truly is a gift when one has that in their life, and it soothes the soul in many ways.

That to me is a beautiful thing.

three generations.

I'm not sure how often my father in law reads my blog, but I am hoping that if he happens to read this post in it's entirety that he won't take it too personal, and that he will laugh. I honestly don't think he will because for the past 22 years he never seemed to take anything personal, and I think that is a good thing. 

Marrying his son was the best thing that ever happened to me, and after living with him for 20+ years I have to say that he and his dad are like two peas in a pod. They are goofy, and love to talk a lot. They are very personable, helpful to others, have a lot of knowledge with the scriptures, and have compassion for others. 

It makes happy knowing that with these two wonderful examples Noah will be just like them. It also makes me wonder how what kind of attributes he'll inherit! Goofy ones? I think Noah is on the right track, and that's a compliment! 

Pictures like these are priceless, and bring me a lot of joy. Simply because I didn't have any pictures taken with my father, and there is a reason for that. He was never around, and I think that is why I want to remember this day with these three wonderful faces. 

When I texted this picture to Jay he mentioned how he wished he would have taken a picture with his dad when Jon was little. Even Jon mentioned that they never took one when he was little with his dad, and grandpa.

Sometimes we don't think to take advantage of the time spent with family members, and in taking a simple photo that can be passed down to our posterity. I don't have any pictures of different generations on my side of the family, and I guarantee that this picture taking of different generations will continue. 

It's so important, and a beautiful moment when one sees a picture of different generations. These days it doesn't happen very often.

Looking forward for more pics of three generations on their next visit!

scenes of our presidents day.

We braved the cold yesterday and ventured out to D.C. with five kids. We had a wonderful time walking along Capitol Hill eating the best pizza, and best homemade sodas. This was our first time eating at We, the pizza, and it was delish! We are definitely coming back to this place again. 

a day at the U of arts.

What do yo do in the city of brotherly love while your daughter is auditioning at the University of the Arts. a) Sit around & do nothing, b) read the last six chapters of Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children, or c) walk around campus alongside other parents discovering more about what this school has to offer our kids.  

I'll choose the latter, and I did just that. 

This past weekend I had a lovely time meeting & getting acquainted with numerous parents. Particularly these two wonderful ladies. 

They both have children who auditioned wih Sierra this past Saturday, and like myself they both seemed to be calm and collected. I know we should all be nervous mothers, but I really didn't feel that way. I think it's because of the fact that I know Sierra has great potential to be a great musician, and teacher. 

I'll tell you though sitting & waiting for our children to finish auditions can be a good sign, and lead into a conversation of talking about my religion & end with "if our girls make it in maybe they can all be roommates."

These ladies kept me sane, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. 

As the months go by it's hard to believe that my firstborn will possibly be attending this university in less than six months! I'm not sure which one she will choose as she continues to go to other auditions at different schools in hopes that one will pick her. 

The University of the Arts is at the top of her list, and being there for five hours on Saturday was a good sign. I kind of felt like one of those parents you see in movies where their kids are trying out for dance, acting, and music. Okay...it reminded me of Fame, or Center Stage!

Funny how I really wasn't nervous for her. I guess I have too much confidence in her. When I received the text that she was done I felt a little relieved. She met me in the lobby where we originally registered at, and she walked up the steps a little too excited. She mentioned how the judge was really impressed with her audition, and how she tested really well when they played keys on the piano asking her if it was scales, what are intervals, a harmony, and all that piano jargon. She seems to have perfect pitch because they also tested her ear placement. Apparently they really enjoyed interviewing her & playing because her audition was 45 minutes long! 

Does that sound like a good sign? Should I be worried? 

I think the part she mentioned in how she and the judges were all laughing comfortably & talking in the end was a good sign for her!  

This was another day in which I didn't want to end. As much as I love all my children equally, and miss them, and Jon when we are all separated I really enjoyed this one on one time with Sierra. I warned her that I would be taking advantage of spending more alone time with her since she'll soon be gone soon.

We had a lovely time walking down Broad st. looking at the architecture of old buildings, and taking in the feeling of center city. We toured the campus some more, and went to the different halls where she would possibly be performing if she were to go here. 

It's so nice seeing my daughter smiling ear to ear, and showing such interest when it comes to her future with music.  

Her goal is to major in music education to teach others, but we never know. We could be looking at the next Alicia Keys.

another dream thought i suppose! 

a day & an evening with my valentines.

My valentines day started out perfect. Waking up to the bright shining sun after spending sick days vegging out on the couch was heaven! While the girls were at school, and hubby at work I took Noah out to a nearby park, and we had a blast. 

He loves this little park with the merry go round. You don't find too many of these nowadays, and even though it was surrounded by snow and mud that didn't stop him from having a good time. 

He's the boss of the playground! 

It's kind of hard to choose which was the best part of my valentines day when you have two adorable men loving you all the time. I had such a blast with my little man, and as soon as Jon got off work we went straight to The Pop Shop for some grub. 

It kind of helps recovering from the flu because I really wasn't hungry until about 7pm. I saved my appetite waiting to eat this delicious food. My favorite was the dessert! You can never go wrong with a classic banana split. 

It was simple. 

It was quiet. 

It. Was. Perfect! 

I have to say that this was one of my best days ever! 

its valentines day.

It's been a crazy week being sick and all, and I have to say that resolving to stay away from devices such as the phone & the computer was the best thing. I didn't really miss it, and it felt so good to be taken care of by my kids. Even though they have a lot on their plate right now they set their own issues aside to make sure their mom is okay.

And I am.

I have been spoiling the kids buying cupid hearts from Dunkin this past week. I hardly ever buy them except on special occasions. What I really should be doing is baking sugar cookies, and I think that'll be next on my list once I feel 100% better. It's kind of hard to do that since I don't really bake that much.  For now I'll just get store bought! 

I love cards! No matter how weak I may still feel I managed to send out cards to those I love and care about. I do this every year, and it is scary to say that snail mail is becoming a lost art. 

Not with me!

I stayed up late finishing up Chelsea's valentines day cards. She wanted to do them with me, but fell asleep. She gets so giddy when holidays come up. Especially one that deals with candy. She had fun while I tried to capture the perfect shot. She didn't want her arm looking too crooked. It's the same card she did last year, but whoa...she looks a tad bit older! I think we'll do this every year to see how much she's changed throughout the years, or at least until the kids get tired of eating snickers!

As much as I forced myself to write, glue, cut, lick, mail, peel, making and sending valentines because I'm still getting over the flu...it was all worth it. I didn't throw any big party for my kiddos, but they know that those three simple words "i love you", and a huge hug will suffice.

*Candy, donuts, and brand new Toms are a bonus too*!

*Happy hearts day*!

I'm sick yo.

January for others may have been a jerk, because of so many getting sick with the flu, but it looks like February is the one being fickle. At least for the Jorgensens.

Lexie, and Chelsea were sick. Now I'm sick. No fun! At all!

February is one of my favorite months because of Valentines day and the fact that it prepares me for spring. I haven't been sick in two years so I guess it was time for my immune system to build up. 

I'm sorry that there are no major updates, or anything interesting to blog right now. I did however go to church yesterday, and only lasted an hour. I had to go home to get some rest, but I am grateful that I was able to at least attend sacrament meeting. Partaking of the sacrament is the most important part of church...at least for me.

Hopefully I'll be better soon because this weekend is going to be busy with the girls camp fundraiser being held at our church. 

Sierra also has an audition at the University of the Arts in Philly this Saturday so- uh, yeah...I better be better by the weekend! 

Having an active boy in the house motivates me to make myself well too. Luckily he knows when mommy isn't feeling well, and he'll go about doing his own thing. For the most part he is snuggling with me on the couch watching cartoons. I snapped this photo real quick (nice huh), while Noah is glued to the TV. I just hope that he doesn't get sick next! 

We do look forward to the five day weekend, and hope that we can do something fun as a family. Snow, sleet, rain or shine we will make it a happy weekend. I just hope I'm completely recovered from this wicked, wicked flu. I'll be glad when this coughing, aching, sneezing, stuffy head crap will subside. (So much for drinking lots of orange juice, and popping those VC chewables!) 

Oh well...have a great week y'all! 

a rainy day.

So I'm feeling a little sick at the moment, and I don't think going for a walk earlier this afternoon in the rain helped. It wasn't pouring as much, and I felt that on days like this I need to venture outdoors. Rain or shine...it's all the same to me. 

Well our walk didn't last very long. Noah got cold, and I felt chills coming on. I'm glad he decided to throw a slight tantrum grabbing my hand telling me, "let's go home, and go inside." Otherwise I would have been stubborn and said "splash and sing in the rain like Chelsea does!" 

Luckily he had some Oreos in hand to keep him sane until we got home. 

As I stood there in the slight pouring rain taking pictures of him I couldn't help but to look at this three year old boy turning into a handsome little man. It breaks my heart sometimes, because he's growing up way too fast! 

He was getting a little impatient with me because I wanted to take pictures of his Oreo face! 

After the rain subsided (somewhat) I had to improvise to get a cute smile out of him. I jumped onto the grass, and said, "uh oh", and had a lot of mud all over my boots. As soon as he began to laugh I clicked the camera real quick, and captured this sweet chocolaty smile. 

It is now eight something in the evening, and all we are getting is some light snow. It's not sticking yet, but I heard we are supposed to get quite a bit. Since I'm not feeling so hot right now I'm hoping that we don't get too much. 

Oh...who cares. I'll just keep popping those vitamin c chewables, drink lots of water, and overdose on some alka seltzer medicine! 

Thank goodness for Hunter. We are definitely going to need these this weekend with the blizzard and all...if we even have one! Quit teasing snow!!!

Noah's dance scene.

Noah's obsession with Footloose gets stronger everytime I play this song. He is so smart that he knows exactly what buttons to push on the computer to hear songs on my playlist. 

As I was cleaning up in the kitchen I heard music coming from my bedroom. This is the time where I am grateful to have had my phone on hand because I knew that he was about to do his version of Ren's angry dance scene from Footloose. 

I sneakingly recorded him.

I love the beginning of this video when he starts singing, and begins to dance. He cracks me up at 2:20 when he starts shaking the crib as if he's in a fit of anger relieving stress (just like Ren did in the movie.) It was so fun watching him! I tried not to laugh, and make it obvious, but I lost.

Luckily it was close to the end of the song when Noah shut the door on me. 

Cute huh?

I'm seriously thinking of getting him into gymnastics or dance lessons this year, because this boy has got some moves. 

But first I need to potty train him!

Don't need no accidents on the dance floor in class!