Gulliver's Gate.

We thought we could brave the freezing temps when we went to the city the other day, but boy were we wrong! It's a good thing we did the whole Rockefeller tree/seeing Santa at the plaza walking around the streets of New York before this arctic mass hit! Nonetheless we always make the best of our day in the city even when it's bitter cold! 

Dyker Heights Lights '17

When we went to see the lights in Dyker Heights last year in Brooklyn I couldn't believe how many houses literally went all out out to get lit up! I was so impressed with the way they displayed the holiday decorations and although it was a bit over the top it sure was a fun sight to see! You can check out some short videos on my Insta stories too!

Merry Christmas From Us!

 "The Glitter of the season should never prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace." 

Here's wishing everyone a Merry-Cheery Christmas Day, and hope y'all enjoy your time with family friends, and getting plenty of rest this holiday season. This season is all about bringing light to others, spending time with family, and reaching out to as many people as you can to let them know they are being thought of. The Light The World campaign this year gave us many opportunities to do so, and I am so grateful for that.

Noah's Winter Party '17

Didn't Noah just have his winter party last year? Man, it feels as if it was yesterday that Noah had his winter party! Time is definitely passing us by especially when you're having fun and enjoying your kid! I have loved volunteering at Noah's school for the past year. It truly is something I love to do and missed out on when Sierra was his age. His face lights up every time I walk through his classroom door. When sees me walking through that door, he knows momma's here to help out.

Visiting Santa At The Plaza, & Other Christmas Festivities!

Durign the holidays we try to fit in as many activities as we can especially since Noah is getting older but then I realize that it's the simplest things that matter. As much as we'd like to see "Elf" or "the nutcracker" there is so little time, and not enough Saturdays in the month of December. Jon's work keeps him extremely busy during the holidays especially when it gets closer to Christmas but I've gotten used to it which probably isn't a good thing, but at least we have our weekends to venture out to enjoy some of the Christmas festivities---especially in the city. 

Light The World '17

The Light The World campaign has been a huge blessing in my life, and in the lives of our children. Especially when one has had a rough year. Luckily we can clean it up and finish the year off with lighting the world not only for our families, but for others as well. There are so many people out there who can use some light in their life, and it's not too late too start. I love the scripture that is written for that day as well, and I have to admit when I watch the videos I tear up a bit!

23 years.

Today is our 23 wedding anniversary! The past 23 years have been filled with trials, and triumphs, but there is no one in the world I'd rather be enduring them with than with this guy! Happy anniversary Jonny! xoxoxo

A Little Winter Christmas Concert.

Last night was Noah's winter concert, and it was amazing! It seems that the older he gets the better he, and the rest of his class sing! This concert was so well prepared for the second graders. Everyone looked so sharp, and nice and their voices sounded so awesome! I can tell their music teacher went all out in helping them by rehearsing, and I can see why these kids grow up and get into acapella groups like their older siblings, eventually audition, and make it into the major competitions as they enter into their high school choir. 

Snow Day In The City!

After we helped out at the food bank this past Saturday in the Bronx we walked out into a winter wonderland! It was snowing, and it looked so pretty! The first snow of the season always looks so fresh and clean. Since we were in the city I wanted to take advantage of this magical moment in Central Park. Central Park looks absolutely beautiful in the winter time, and this time my kids got to witness it. We had tickets to see Peter and the Wolf, and because we had some time to kill before the show decided to play in the park for a bit.

Giving Back At The Food Bank For NYC.

So many wonderful things happened this past weekend but first I want to talk about the service that my family and I did together in the Bronx. It was a service project that Naomi Davis set up and I have to say it was the most organized and one of the best experiences I've ever had. What made it even more special is that I was with my family. Watching my eight year old going to town with that tape gun taping boxes made me all kinds of happy. He's just like his pa when it comes to hard work.

Hunting for An Evergreen!

I love these pictures for what they are, and for the sake of memory going to post a bunch of photos of us surrounded by trees because...evergreen and Christmas! Tree picking has been a tradition for us for four years now, and for awhile was debating on buying an articifical pre-lit tree this year. I did, but as soon as we put it up it looked so fake. Even when we puffed out those douglas fir faux branches it still didn't feel...homey. So we stuck with tradition and bought ourselves a real tree!

Building Traditions With The Youth of Your Church!

As I was looking through some old photos when we lived near Cherry Hill I was blindsided by nostalgia with this picture. All I could think about were the kids that are in this photo as well as the sister missionaries that were serving there at the time. I think about how they're doing, and what they're up to these days. I thought about the time I was in the stake young women, and how I would do everything possible to unite our youth in the stake as well as our ward.

Happy Birthday To My Sister, My California Girl!

So my one and only sister turns fortyyyyyyyyy..........niiiiiiiine today!!YIKES! I know she won't mind me advertising her age globally because she looks amazing! I only hope I'll continue to gracefully age just as she and our mother do! I attest to that to all her years of running, and being so athletic since she was in middle school! 

Celebrating With Mari In NYC!

I blog this for memory, and because Chelsea doesn't have social media wanted to document her adventure with her peeps. Since Chelsea moved here last year she has been fortunate enough to have made a great group of friends. She avoids all cattiness, and drama, and if any drama should arise she tends to be the peacemaker of the bunch. She's a lot like me in that aspect, and I am grateful that she has learned that no matter what, there will always be 7th grade hormones raging, middle school drama, but at the end of the day what matters is how you handled any dramatic situation, and to always be yourself while being an example to others.

Robotics Discovery Day!

When Noah came from school last month and brought home a flier that read "Enjoy a day of robotics with robot building out of legos" I couldn't help but to ask if he would be interested in going. Our school district is huge on robotics, and because Noah is into building contraptions, buildings, cars, and transformers with his legos I figured this would be something he'd like to experience, and it was!

These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Things In NYC!

Hey December! We are so excited for this time of year. Time for day trips to the city to see all the decorations on fifth avenue, and all around the city. I swear they never get old. Time to finally go ice skating at Rockefeller center. We are so excited for all our holiday adventures, and for the sleep that I'll hopefully get in between. Traditions are important in our family, and we try to keep with them for as long as we can! 

A Throwback Post - Lost Photos From Last December.

When we first moved to New Jersey I couldn't believe how close we were to New York city. Philly is great and all but there is something about new York that gives you that extra energy to endure, live, and just be free all around. I blame it on the hustle and bustle of it all, but even so I am not that type of mom who just wants to go, go, go.

On Earning Her Young Women Medallion.

For those of you who don't quite exactly know what the big deal is on this necklace is the fact that it's a pretty special piece of jewelry, and a big deal to those who have completed their personal progress (at least it is for this girl.) This was Lexie's year in earning it, and I am so happy for her! 

WONDER-A Must Read Book & Movie to See!

This past weekend after kicking off the Thanksgiving holiday by going to the Macy's parade, and seeing all the wonderful Christmas decorations down 5th avenue and Rockefeller center we vegged out on Friday by not doing the whole Black Friday thing. Rather than shopping we went out to Jim's bagel loft for a quiet breakfast, and then we back home and watched old movies all day! Even though we didn't cook on Thanksgiving day we were still worn out due to all the walking we did in the city so resting at home watching Netflix, and eating out on Friday was better than fighting the crowds over great deals on Black Friday.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade '17!

I can't believe another Thanksgiving has passed us by, and that this was our fifth year going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. We braved the cold temperatures this year (last year it was in the 50's) and stood for about an hour, and a half until the parade got to our part of Manhattan. We stood right smack in front of Radio city Music hall, and had a pretty good view of the floats. People are always kind to let Chelsea and Noah stand front and center of the parade. They had a clear view of all the floats, and people walking in the parade. It was nothing but magical, and fun. 

Happy Thanksgiving From Us!

I don't do the whole "days for what I'm thankful for on a daily basis, but I'd like to take this moment to pause and reflect on all the beautiful things I am thankful for combined in a nutshell. For the blessings that I continue to receive in my life. It's not always perfect, in fact it's never perfect, but because of these five lovely people my determination and motivation to continue to endure in all things always become greater, and stronger.

On The Day Before Thanksgiving....

Noah and I took a walk around our neighborhood to take in the last moments of fall. Most of the leaves have already fallen onto the ground, and some of the trees already look dried up, and bare. Luckily for me I have an adventurous boy who likes to get out no matter what the weather is like. He's such a good sport when it comes to taking pictures. I love that he's somewhat of a natural, and doesn't mind posing for me! Most of the time he wanted to just kick the leaves, and splash in small puddles all while trying to find a four leaf clover.

Hallmark Channel's Museum of Christmas in NYC!

This past Saturday we cruised up to New York and even though thanksgiving hasn't happened we couldn't help but to go to the Hallmark Channel's Museum of Christmas to have a bit of fun, and be filled with some Christmas spirit. I love Hallmark, and have been watching hallmark movies since like forever.

Inspirational Thought - Childhood.

"Somehow, in our hurry to steer our children toward accomplishment and independence 
we seem to have forgotten what childhood is all about. 

Preoccupied with managing their lives, and our own, it is so easy to lose sight of our children-their tenderness and innocence, their joyousness, their capacity of wonder, their hunger of enchantment. 

A touch of magic can reawaken the childlike spirit in all of us allowing us to revisit, for a time, the secret realm of childhood." 
-Katrina Kenison, 
Mitten Strings for God

Karaoke With The Watkins!

Never in my 46 years of living have I ever done karaoke. Never. I've sung in the shower, under my breath, and in the car with my kids, and friends while in high school, but never karaoke. Well, this past Sunday after dinner, our dear friends, who own a karaoke machine asked if we could do it, and let me tell you something...it was so much fun!! 

Noah's Baptism!

"Yes, mothers, teach your children the gospel in your home, at your own fireside. This is the most effective teaching that your children will ever receive. This is the Lord’s way of teaching. The Church cannot teach like you can. The school cannot. The day-care center cannot. But you can, and the Lord will sustain you. Your children will remember your teachings forever, and when they are old, they will not depart from them. They will call you blessed--their truly angel mother. Mothers, this kind of heavenly, motherly teaching takes time--lots of time. It cannot be done effectively part-time. It must be done all the time in order to save and exalt your children. This is your divine calling."

-Ezra Taft Benson

Noah's Eighth Birthday Celebration!

Noah's birthday like all other birthdays was simple, special, and sweet. Extra special because for the first time in his eight years of his life his grandparents from Utah celebrated it with us. They usually come during the summer for a visit, but this year they were gracious to fly in on his special day. Having Sierra here with us has also been a treat for him too. Event though it's been a year since we've seen here, sometimes it feels like an eternity for Noah. We love her so much, and are so happy that she is with us for a few days!

Happy 8th Birthday Noah!!!

I can't believe this day has come. EIGHT! My baby boy is eight! There are so many things I want to write about this wonderful boy. About how a blessing he is for coming into my life at a such an old age. Okay...38 isn't old, but to me it was. He has been a light in his three sister's eyes, and my solace on my dark days. He has a light that shines so bright, and is so good. He's so unique in the loveliest ways.

Educating Our Children In The Gospel.

"It is a duty we owe our children to see that they get an education; 

but the education of the heart,

education in the Gospel, 

a testimony of the plan of salvation,

is the foundation that we should lay in the breast of every child." 

-Heber J. Grant

Inspirational Thought.

"Like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures. 

These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family; they get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. 

They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by siblings. 

They are little signs of tenderness, affection and compassion. 

Like the warm supper we look forward to at night, the early lunch awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work. 

Homely gestures. 

Like a blessing before we go to bed, or a hug after we return from a hard day’s work. "

-Pope Francis-

The Last Match & Senior Day!

The milestones are never ending in the Jorgensen household, and I don't think they'll ever stop! Last week was Lexie's last tennis match and "senior day." It was bittersweet watching her play all season, and although she didn't win her last match she had a pretty good year. The day the girls had their senior day was very sweet. The underclassmen bought them flowers, made them signs, and t-shirts with their names on it. There were all kinds of goodies which included pizza, soda, and a lot of junk food that these girls shouldn't eat before a tennis match, but luckily no one got sick, and they all played a pretty good game! 

An Encouraging Post to Myself When It Comes To Attending The Temple.

 "Jesus lives here. He's so lucky." -Noah

It has been a couple of months since I've gone to the temple, and as I was finally importing some photos from my iPhone I stumbled upon this one. I will always remember what Noah said as we stopped to take another good look at this beautiful temple. He said, "Jesus lives here. He's so lucky." He also added how he wishes he could come here every day.

Halloween 2017.

The last time I dressed up for Halloween was back when we lived in Utah. The girls were little, and we all dressed up as witches for Witches Night Out at Gardner village. It was one of the most memorable days of my life. I remember Chelsea being Snow White at nine months, and while the girls and I were dancing, having fun with spooky people Jon was tending to her. Since then with time fleeting and all my focus has always been on getting the what the kids need especially at halloween. Not on me.

Trunk Or Treat & A Pumpkin Carving Weekend!

This past weekend we had our church trunk or treat, and my family finally carved their pumpkins. This month seems to be passing us way too quickly, and because of that every outing, and activity we've had slips through my life like dust, and just like that it's over! I begin to feel melancholy because I really want this time of year to drag more slowly!

A Fall Morning Walk With Noah.

The sunshine continues to hang on into our neck of the woods, and with the little bit of rain we had yesterday it's beginning to feel more like fall. If we're lucky maybe autumn will be like it was two years ago in November! The leaves are becoming more vibrant, and colorful, and the air is much cooler. I really love fall, and because we haven't had much of it since September 21 hope it lasts a while longer, at least until thanksgiving.

Noah's A Cub Scout!

When I wrote this post five years ago I didn't think that we'd end up at this point that quickly. It's moments like this where time flees too fast, and now our son is a Cub Scout! Writing about my Cub Scout is a big deal for me because a) he's my only son b) I didn't grow up with my brother so I have no idea what it takes to be a scout, and c) because I'm a mom, and as a woman am eager to learn with my son as he grows, and excels as a Boy Scout. 

The Fall Party.

Noah's second year in his new school has been successful, and he absolutely loves second grade. Most of all, he loves his teacher Mr. B., and I have to agree with him. So far this year has been pretty great. Last year I was so stressed when we moved, and when he enrolled he somewhat had a hard time adjusting, and  because his teacher and I butt heads a lot didn't help, but by the end of the school year we ended up loving each other, and wished his first grade teacher well, and thanked her for helping him through the transition, and for forgiving me for my grumpiness and all! 

Spooky Sleepy Hollow In New York!

Four years ago when I heard about Spooky Hollow, and all the fun events, and historic "spooky sites" including the old dutch cemetery where Washington Irving and his family are buried in I knew I had to visit. It's been on my bucket list since like forever but time on the weekends permitted us to go.  Jon worked weekends when we first moved to Jersey, and until he joined the UPS team four years ago I made it a goal to go to sleepy hollow, and so we finally went this past Saturday, and ventured all day there!

A Hayride To The Pumpkin Patch At Johnson's Farm!

So far the month of October has kept us outdoors going to "fallish" places. particularly to various pumpkin patches, and we are loving it! One can never get enough of pumpkin patches especially when temperatures are in the 70's! Since the kids had no school yesterday we decided to find ourselves a hayride. We've already gone to pick pumpkins, and apples, but missed out on the hayride. 

Sierra Live, & A Few YouTube Videos.

Since Sierra left for school to Utah writing about her on my blog has shifted. I respect her privacy, and will ask her if she wouldn't mind me writing about her. Although she tells me I never need to ask, I do. Only because she has been through a heck of a lot in the past four years of her life, and as a mother wants to make sure she is healthy, and happy. Most of all happy.

Being "Booed"-A Fun, Random Act Of Kindness.

I had never been "booed" or ever heard of a "boo" until I moved to Utah, and I thought it was the funnest thing ever.  Recently I had a friend from Texas ask me what a boo was and I explained to her what it was. I was shocked to learn that she didn't know what it was so for any of you out there who aren't familiar with what a "boo" is it's basically receiving treats with a note inside saying to pass it on, and boo two other people or families within 48 hours. Or for a specific example you can read this! 

Mum Picking At Our Favorite Garden!

Autumn has finally arrived, and it definitely felt like fall today! I was in the mood to pick some mums so after the kids got out of school we went to our favorite mum garden. We discovered this mum garden last fall when we moved here, and it has become our desired mum spot! The owners are super friendly, and I'm always happy to give them business. So if you are in the area, and in the market for some beautiful mums at a great price come to good earth nursery before they get picked over! 

Sorry Homecoming, But I Have Priorities.

When I asked Lexie when homecoming was she said she wasn't sure that she would check the date to make sure it didn't fall during women's session, or my birthday weekend. Sure enough it did, because homecoming was early this year., and I was pretty bummed for her. 

Crossing Our Fingers.

If any of you out there who have ever worn braces knows now painful it can be when you go to your six/seven week check ups to have them tightened. I have never had braces, and so far Chelsea is our only kid who has to experience this unfortunate phase in her young life. One positive outcome of her experience with braces is the fact that Jon had them too. He was about her age, and had them on for about two years.

Pumpkin Picking in 80 Degree Weather!

Tis the season for a month of fall estivities! There are so many things we'd like to do as a family this season, but no way to pack in on all those things on our fall bucket list. Finding balance, and doing the simple things that are fun without added stress is the way to go, and lately we have been doing just that! 

Noah-isms - The Emotional Edition.

I don't know how much longer I can keep up with this little guy when it comes to his words, but man, oh man I can never get enough of him. I laugh, cry, and sometimes will raise my mom voice when he will do something naughty which is very rare, and I'm not lying. This kid is as good as he gets, but he has his days of grumpiness, and it's beginning to show. He definitely is growing up, and that's okay. I get it. In four years he'll be a tween! 

Because He Loves Us-My Thoughts On General Conference.

The other day Jon and I were talking about current events, and all that has been going on in the world, and how as parents we need to be better. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  we may think we are doing enough as parents, and in fellowshipping, but I know that as a mom, neighbor, friend, sister, wife, and person I can do more, and be better. I am so grateful for general conference because this years conference was extremely special, and seemingly exactly what we needed to hear as a family.

Apple Picking At Battleview Orchards!

It wouldn't be autumn without our yearly visit to the orchard., and we are so lucky to live within reach of some of the finest orchards in Jersey. This year we decided to check out Battleview Orchards which is close to home. We continue to have the most memorable times while picking apples no matter which orchard we go to. This particular orchard was absolutely beautiful, and although it seemed a bit crowded, I have to say that this orchard is big enough for a lot of people, and we didn't mind all the people. We practically had a whole row to ourselves, and we just kept picking and picking.

Come, Listen To A Prophet's Voice.

In April 2011 Jeffrey R. Holland said, "As our conference comes to a close, I ask you to reflect in the days ahead not only on messages you have heard, but also on the unique phenomenon that general conference itself is-what we as Latter-day Saints believe such conferences to be and what we invite the world to hear and observe about them. We testify to every nation, kinder, tongue, and people that God not only lives but also that He speaks, that of our time and in our day the counsel you have heard is, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, "the will of the Lord, the word of the Lord, the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."

A Day In Good Harbor Beach & Rockport, MA.

A little late in posting but I wanted to write a little bit about how  I spent my birthday this past Sunday. We spent in Rockport which is a quaint beach town in Massachusetts. I wish we could have stayed here all week since fall has been feeling more like summer, but because of work and school had to go home late in the evening. We spent the majority of the day at Good Harbor Beach where the kids collected rocks, and to their feet wet. I wish we would have packed our swimsuits, but the water was a bit nippy, but it still would have been fun to get a little wet!