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.