A Little Less Blogging, A Lot More Journal Writing.

It's been really nice having my Mac in the shop and taking a break from blogging, and in all honesty has been liberating. I'm currently blogging from Lexie's laptop and feel bad for hoarding, and loading a ton of photos on here. She doesn't seem to mind but I do so I'm going to make this post short, and sweet without a myriad of photos to look at. 

snow, mr. highland, & tgif.

Can you tell that we are excited that we finally got some snow around here. It may only be a few inches, but it's better than nothing. 

It has been bitter cold so hopefully having some snow on the ground will make it less cold. January is almost over, and before we know it February, Valentine's day, and warmer weather will be here so I'm going to take this in as much as I can. 

This month is going by way to quick. There were so many events that happened that made me happy such as Chelsea's baptism. 

I am also stocking this house up with lots of orange juice so that none of us get sick! Noah has been drinking it like water (that and a little bit of coke.) Shhh!

Sierra is like a revolving door right now going from one place to the next. 

This weekend she'll be singing with the All South Jersey Choir, and last night she participated in the Mr. Highland contest, and was part of three acts. 

For Mr. January she played the keyboard, she was the accompanist for Mr. May in which he sang this song so beautifully, she was also a backup dancer for Mr. August in which they all showed off their dance moves (check out my favorite part at 4:21), and was Mr. July's escort in which he did an amazing juggling act and doing Noah's favorite-backflips. 

I obviously recorded more than I took photos because I was too enthralled with the show, and for those of you who need some pick up lines on how to win a girls heart this Valentines day watch this. Some of them are cute, corny, & funny!

You can also read about Sierra being an escort in previous Mr. Highland contests here and here. 

Oh...I also think this years Mr. Highland of 2013 (Mr. May) is very handsome not to mention super talented. 

My in laws should be making their way back from Connecticut sometime tomorrow just in time to see Sierra perform this weekend. It has been so fun having them, and I know the kids enjoyed having fun with grandpa. 

I think we need to invest in a fooseball table. They were all rolling rolls of duck tape on the table, and having a blast! Kids imaginations are very interesting! 

Now that the night is almost over (no date night tonight) I'm going to say goodnight to the girls, and cuddle on the couch with Noah because he is a night owl like me, and his dad. 

Hopefully we'll get more snow throughout the night so that we can wake up to go sledding! 

crossing our fingers! 

a thankful week with a video

Here are some of my favorite moments that happened this past week in which I'm extremely grateful for that happened throughout the week...

Family Home Evening...

I love it when it's Chelsea's turn to teach the family home evening lesson. She is becoming more bold, and outgoing when it comes to teaching. She really makes it interesting, and I just love her enthusiasm as she teaches us! Her lesson was on Kindness, and to do an act of kindness for a family member, friend, neighbor, or anyone!

Letters...

I love sending them as well as receiving them, and I had a lot of catching up to do this week. Writing is always at the top of my "to do" list. That time has come for me to mail out our Thanksgiving cards, and before we know it it'll be time to mail out our yearly holiday cards, as well as care packages. 

Simple little things...

Such as press on nails. Can you guess who's nails these are? I'll give you a hint. She's our sassy girl. Yep...you guessed right. They are Chelsea's. I personally would never buy these for her, but my dear friend got them for her, and Chelsea just couldn't wait to put them on. She loved them, and seeing the smile on her face after putting them on was priceless.

Learning...

Here's Noah kicking it old school with a leap pad from 1999. He plays it almost every day. Hey...it still works, and he loves it!

Technology (sometimes!)...

Here is Noah ditching the leap pad for today's technology...sneakingly playing games on one of dad's phones.

Time...

I love finding time to spend with the girls. I have three, and sometimes it's hard to have a one on one with just ONE! Chelsea wanted to help make a batch of popcorn balls. We originally only made a batch for our trick or treaters, and didn't think to save us any. We've been making these every year since we moved to the east, and all the kids at the trunk or treat just love them. It is a great recipe from my mother in law. You can have them sitting in a bowl a week after Halloween, and they never get hard! We will always keep this tradition in the family.

Education...

This past Wednesday Sierra, along with the NHS veteran class of 2013 had the privilege of introducing the new National Honor Society Inductees of 2014. She was inducted last year, and had a little bit of deja vu on this night. It was so nice to have seen these three girls hugging, and smiling, and expressing love towards one another. This is such a great accomplishment for all of them, and it truly is a huge step forward to their successes in the future!

Service...

This video brought tears of joy to my eyes. Tears of joy because of how compassionate all the members  of the LDS Church in New York have been in giving of their time, and efforts to help serve, and clean up all the debris from the storm. Truly the work of the Lord, and it's so beautiful that we can make a world a better place no matter how hard the trial.

And their trial was enormous.

God continue to bless the hands that help our fellow man.

After watching this video I can't complain. It's been a good week, and I have a lot to be grateful for.

A week in review.

 It is always seems that when it gets to the end of the school year life becomes somewhat unmanageable trying to juggle so many things all at once. It's not that easy when your only car is still out of commission and living life in New Jersey has proven to us that a vehicle is a necessity! Luckily for Chelsea she spent the day with her sweet friend riding an electric scooter, eating pizza, and just having fun while I was at the temple having spiritual fun. 

After all the chaos that I endured last week the spirit filled my heart, and my dear friend from church asked me if I was going to her sealing. She knew I didn't have a car and offered if I could drive for her. Being that I love to drive I obliged. I really didn't mind, and the two hour drive to D.C. to attend the temple is worth it and never a problem for me. I am so happy to have been a witness to their sealing, and to have heard the counsel from their sealer in the temple. I love the temple, and always feel joy, and uplifted when I leave. After the week I had I definitely needed that spiritual feed, and I took it all in!

My sweet boy who so far loves waking up on Sundays to attend church knows when it's time to go. He will run to his dresser drawer, and point out his clothes. I love these colors on him, and he is just a happy little boy. He said the prayer today in his nursery class, and every time he comes out wearing a sign that reads I gave the prayer in Nursery today it warms my heart.

 I can see that he is learning it at church as well as in our home. No matter if he's two or twenty, praying alone with my son before a meal is teaching him what he has to look forward to. Although he may be too young to understand what a prayer is or mumble the words that I tell him to repeat, the point is that he is learning, and when he attends his nursery class at church he will be reminded of the things he is taught at home, and will continue to grow in to loving the gospel, and Jesus on his own. 

My dear friend Eliza who was in our ward for a short time is moving back to upstate New York. She leaves later on this evening.

She brought her warmth, and shared it with us for almost two years. We are lucky that we don't mind driving long distance in the event that we attend the Hill Cumorah pageant next month in hopes that we will visit. I wish her the best, and pray that her life with her better half will be a fresh start, and filled with wonderful endeavors. I am lucky enough to live within walking distance of her son's gravesite so that we can tend after it. She will be missed, and thought of often.

Last but not least this boy is definitely going to keep all of us busy throughout this summer, and it has already begun. I love kicking it old school with the kids by going to the park, and having fun outdoors.

I know this picture is dark, and I didn't put the flash on because I wanted to capture the moment of truth when it comes to being outdoors. Here Noah is trying to catch fireflies. I love evenings like this when life without technology was so...simple. 

Reminds me of when I was little kid. 

Who needs television and games?

Have a wonderful weekend...it's Friday! 

A week in review.

Noah is a Cheerio freak! What kid drinks all the milk out of the bowl first, and then eats the cheerios in the end?

 Mine.

Poor Sierra. I know she will be so glad once finals are over. She has been so overloaded with various projects, work, and literally has been passing out when she comes home from jazz band. I don't know how she does it, or any other kids who are on the same boat as her. Kudos to you Sierra for being superwoman!

Noah no longer needs his wooby to keep him quiet, get him to sleep, or occupied. He doesn't miss it, and neither do I. Although I don't think I want to wash it. It has a babyish smell to it, and I wish I could bottle that up so that I can remember his final scent as a two and half year old baby.

 Yep...my little boy is growing up fast!

These lovely flowers were given to Sierra on her 17th birthday by her lovely friend Lana, and to my surprise are still alive. Sunflowers are the most beautiful flowers, and Sierra truly does resemble them. I know Sierra will take care of them just like she has taken care of the friend that gave them to her (smile.)

I normally don't like the kids watching movies throughout the week, but since there are about ten days left of school I made an acception. Since Noah loves watching movies with fish they decided to watch this movie. Yes...my two oldest still love watching animated shows, and they are not afraid to admit it!

image by tumbler

Since my better half fractured his elbow he, and Chelsea have been watching Matilda twice this week on Netflix, and it has been a huge motivator in wanting her to do a lot of summer reading. She even wants to watch the broadway show which opens in NYC in early 2013. That'll be her birthday gift since she turns eight in January. It'll be interesting to see how they convert the movie into broadway! See...not all movies are trash!

Sierra has been practicing her jazz pieces all week long for her Spring concert that will be held next Tuesday! I love hearing her play. She plays with such emotion, and I love watching her fingers as they glide effortlessly across the piano keys. She truly is a wonderful pianist.

Never a dull moment in the Jorgensen household. No notes to be taken this time. School is almost over, and when my better half's elbow heals he'll be able to join in on having more fun!

A week in review

Last Saturday Jon and I finally watched the Avengers in 3D, and it was awesome! We went the weekend after the premiere, and it was not as packed! We enjoyed our "date night", and had a great evening! I am so thankful to be able to make the time for ourselves so that we can keep our sanity when it comes to parenthood. As much as we love our children we know how important it is to keep that bond between a husband and wife so we attempt to have a date night as much as we can. It was an awesome evening watching a fantastic movie!

Sunday was Mother's day, and I woke up with a lot of beautiful handwritten letters written by my daughters...

from: Sierra

from: Lexie

I had a beautiful Mother's Day and always look forward to this day every year. Reading letters like this reassures me that I am doing a pretty good job in raising my kids, and pray that I will always be a good influence on them in teaching them proper principles. Everyone's letter was so touching. Some were short and sweet like Sierra's, other's were long and heartfelt like Lexie's (I didn't quite fit all of hers in), some were typed because Noah can't write yet, and a drawing illustrated by my youngest daughter with the words I love You is all I needed to hear on this day!

For my mother's day dinner my better half made me Creamy Grilled Chicken Picatta. A recipe that I found on Pinterest. It was delicious, and a lot cheaper than feeding a family of six at Olive Garden! My better half is such a great cook!

On Monday...

It rained and rained all day which normally I don't mind, but it did bug me today. I made a summer bucket list to get me out of the slump, and before my better half went into work he took Noah and I out to eat for lunch at Don Pablos. It is pretty close to any homemade mexican food I am used to (that's just my opinion.)

On Tuesday...

The rain subsided but going to the park was not an option seeing that the grass was still wet. Chelsea and Noah always want to venture outdoors, especially when their olders sisters go to their young women activity at church. We spent the day walking down the bike trail while Noah drove his truck on the pavement. They all had fun even though they didn't get on the monkey bars or slide.

On Wednesday...

My dear friend and I spent the day in New York City and watched Ghost the musical. It was so much fun, and this was such a special post Mother's Day treat for me. I loved every minute of this day!

On Thursday...

I went to the Red White and Blue Thrift store, and found these Rainbow flip flops for two bucks!!!!!! I was seriously thinking of buying brand new ones, but I am so happy that I didn't spend 48 bucks on a pair! Yes...my daughters all own a pair, but believe me these Rainbow flip flops will last you for a long time! I bought Sierra's when she was in eighth grade, and she still has them. They are still in great condition, and doesn't wear them to the beach. That's what the Old Navy flip flops are for.

I also found a new love. Marie Callenders cherry filled pie with Golden Oreo ice cream, and Hershey's Dark Chocolate syrup...yumo!!! I have to be in a certain mood to be able to eat something sweet. It's also nice to be able to splurge every now and then for the kids. I hardly ever buy this stuff, but I was in the mood for it, and I bought it. You should try it!

On Friday...

My eldest, and most beautiful daughter turned 17. There are days when I look at her and still see a little girl running around with curly haired pig tails. She truly is growing up to be such a lovely young daughter of God, and I am truly grateful to have her in my life!

Note to self...

• Always have a date night at least once a month! It truly makes a huge difference in our life! 

• Never take my children, and husband for granted...ever! Mother's day comes once a year and raising them year after year that one day makes a huge difference when they show their appreciation! 

• No matter how cooped up we may feel in the house due to dismal weather snap out of it, and do something fun whether its indoors or outdoors.

• Always take the little ones out for a stroll in the neighborhood. Even when the rain has stopped.

• Make a goal to see a broadway show once a year!

• Always go thrift shopping!

• Spend more time with my children, and pay attention to the little things they do because before you know it...they will be in college, married, and out of the house doing the same things with their kids that we used to do with them! (Sorry for the fragmented sentence!)

A week in review

Last Saturday...

Chelsea went to a birthday party and hung out there for about four hours! She came home  looking like a cast member from CATS. Apparently they painted all the kids faces, and although she looks like a rabid little puppy dog (or cat)... she still looked cute. I usually don't let her stay too long at a party, but since it was the evening of Sierra's church prom I decided to have her stay longer so I could help Sierra get ready. I'm so glad Lexie was there to help take care of Noah while Sierra and I did last minute errands for her prom. See...the five year gap is a blessing! Anyway...Chelsea enjoyed herself at Michael's seventh birthday party. They are such sweet friends. 

On Sunday...

We had our weekly family home evening, and Noah decided to help on rearranging our names on our FHE board. Alexandra taught the lesson on obedience. I am so glad she taught this lesson, and I hope that my youngest daughter "got it". She's a good kid, but she has her moments of being a sassy seven year old! moments of being seven! Then again lessons on obedience should never be trite because every now and then we all need that extra strength to help us remember.

On Monday...

I bought all the girls new flip flops. Where else can you buy decent flip flops for five bucks? I went to Old Navy and bought all the girls two pairs each. Summer is brutal in this household when it comes to the girls being active, and with two of them going to girls camp this summer-I don't want them taking their nicer flip flops and having them ruined or misplaced. They always look forward to summer because they know that they all get new flip flops. Thank goodness for Old Navy...it truly saves us some dough!

On Tuesday...

Lexie  and I created a reading nook for her and Chelsea to read their books. Their bedroom upstairs is an attic converted into one large room with two small closets. I use one of them for storage, and decorated this one. They have enjoyed going inside to read peacefully. We did our best to decorate it tastefully, and later on we will add somer more decor. Not much to add since it has limited space!

On Wednesday...

We went to see the Phillies play against the Mets. This was out first time going to a major league baseball game and we had a wonderful time. Alexandra had the opportunity to play the national anthem with the rest of the band from her school. It was a nice evening spent with just her. Next time we'll bring the whole family! I know Noah will have a blast watching the game.

On Thursday...

While everyone in South Texas was under a tornado watch, weather here in Jersey was sunny and clear. Noah and I took a stroll to the one near our house! I am taking advantage of every moment with my little boy. He LOVES the park and I am so glad we have one within walking distance. It was such a beautiful day that we could have walked all day! Luckily my friends and family were safe from the tornadoes, and stayed out of harms way.

On Friday...

I hope this part isn't boring for y'all to read but Chelsea wanted me to blog about it. Chelsea and Lexie both have American girl dolls, and love to dress them up and style their hair. We went to Dollar Tree and I found these small hair clips along with hair ties. They are the perfect size for their hair. These dolls are a few years old now, and they sure take care of them. They better because they cost a pretty penny!

Note to self: 

Try not to stress when their is more than one engagement on the same day. May has been a busy month so far, and I need to slow down when it comes to having too many commitments in one week. Next year will be different with Sierra graduating high school.

Continue to have our weekly family home evening. It has been such an important part of our life for the past 10 years, and I'm so glad we honor it. 

Buy more books. I'm so glad my girls love books more than media.

Go to baseball games more often. 

Appreciate the little things, and always remember the moments of Noah in his toddler years-because soon that's all they will be...memories.