"Pieces of Evidence"

Noah finally received his third collaborated published book called "Pieces of Evidence." He wrote last spring in 8th grade and it took a while to get it printed and published. Noah loves creative writing and told me the night he received it that as much as he didn't mind writing with other authors he'd rather write on his own and publish his own book. Since starting freshman year he's gotten a bit busy and doesn't plan on doing any creative writing right now. His heart is set on school and scouts and his future perhaps architecture. I'm good with that! It was a chill evening announcing all the kids who wrote books. I'm just grateful he got to write for three years while  he was in middle school and that he got published! 

Hydrangeas And A Little Library Pantry!

It's that time of year where hydrangeas are in full bloom and for the past two years have always passed by this cute little pantry library where the most vibrant hydrangeas bloom. Last year on the same day we stopped by and then again this past week. It was a fluke that we happened to stumble upon it on the same day! The older Noah gets the more he likes to venture out to little pantry libraries to see what they have. In return I will put in books that we'll no longer re-read and that's the best trade! But look at how colorful these hydrangeas are! These photos don't do it justice and I sure do love capturing them in all their blooming glory! I don't which I love the most- books or hydrangeas!!

Meeting Henry Winkler (A.K.A.The Fonz!!)

Meeting Henry Winkler last night (a.k.a. the Fonz) was a childhood dream come true. I remember looking forward to coming home from school on the days that it aired. Laverne and Shirley was another favorite but there was something about Happy Days that literally made my days "happy" by watching that show. Hearing his story about how he struggled in grade school with dyslexia was both shocking and humbling. The fact that he succeeded in his own way and time in school was impressive. No one was aware of what dyslexia was back then as opposed to now. Which brings me to a short story about my son. 

Indie Bookstore Day In Brooklyn!

Over the weekend we spent our entire day in Brooklyn, and it was dreamy. The fact that it was Indie bookstore day made it worthwhile. We spent most of our day in Greenpoint which is near Williamsburg. We stopped by a couple of bookstores, and took advantage of the weather, and scenery and walked throughout the neighborhood only to spot beautiful blossom trees. We even spotted a box filled with books, and Noah and I began to fumble through it and he took a couple. Hey, when a sign reads free, take it! 

Rumple Buttercup & Matthew Gray Gubler!

When I read the tweet about Matthew Gray Gubler comimg to Jersey for a book signing I immediately cleared my schedule and told the kids that we were going to meet "Dr. Reid." Noah was a bit quiet when I told him the news. I think it was more of a "I have to see him to believe it" sort of look. I don't blame him.

It's National Library Week!

You'd think that because we are a family who loves to read, and frequents the library often that we'd know it's national library week. Well, we didn't. In all honesty I haven't paid too much attention to all things that are "national" but I am glad that we found out about it, and that we had some fun exploring the library yesterday. If you look at my instagram story (gotta click on my profile pic) you can see just how much fun Noah was having at being at the library. 

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.

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.

What We Are Reading Lately, & A Dream Thought About Writing A Book.

It's been a while since I've written about what we are currently reading at the moment. I love, love to read but in all honesty time just slips away sometimes, but after realizing that we can make time, and that there shouldn't be no excuses to read. Because we can make the time to read. All we have to do is turn the tv off, stop cleaning, wait to run those petty errands, get off the phone, or internet, and just read!

Love My Team of Readers!

One of our favorite things to do when we move to a new area, and to relieve us from any type of boredom which seems to be rare these days because of school being in session along with piano lessons, and other extracurricular activities is going on the prowl to hunt for bookstores. This is one thing that we all absolutely love to do!

Superhero Library Kind of Day!

One thing I look forward to during the summer time is reading!!! I have been struggling to finish this book, and have extended the due date, and because its so good I'm just going to go ahead and buy it! One thing the kids look forward to during summer is going to the library. We try to go at least twice a month during the school year, but this year has been pretty impossible. With Noah going to school half a day the morning flies, and with after school activities there just isn't enough time in the day to venture out there. I remember when Noah and I would walk to the library, and because Noah wasn't in preschool we'd come home on our own leisure. I was his teacher for five years, and to get back those days to go to the library, check out some books, and just lounge around on a comfy couch in the library to read was dreamy. Okay, now I'm thinking of Matilda. Luckily on this day the kids didn't have anything going on after school, and on their own motive asked if they could go to the library. Of course I said yes! Since it's only a couple of blocks away they wanted to walk, but we ended up driving because...rain. The sun is still trying her hardest to shine, but the clouds are just taking over. The weather around this time is so different compared to last year, and although I'm getting used to these dreary, and cloudy days with scattered showers here and there, I snap out of it, and so do the kids, and they do it with...............books!

Noah has become obsessed with everything marvel. Ever since Lexie exposed him to captain america, spider man, superman, and iron man he wants to read everything that has a superhero photo on the cover. He's really getting into comic books like his pa, and even though I feel like they could be a little too much to read, I make sure there are is no graphic content in them. Because Lexie is a fast reader she is pretty good, at judging a book through flipping through the pages quickly, and if she sees any type of curse word, or innuendo she puts it right back on the shelf. 

Chelsea always lucks out, and finds great books to read. I don't think she'll ever out grow the Judy Blume phase. She'll be reading those books until she's 20! 

Of course Lexie has to pick out the thickest book there is on the shelf, and also because...Orson Scott Card! She's a fan, and loves the book Enders game so much to the point where she has read it a gazillion times, and has a little crush on Asa Butterfield who plays Jacob in this movie which comes out this summer! She's read the entire series, and so she's excited to see the movie, and how they portray it. 

Even though he's a fan of marvel comic books, he's an even bigger fan of Transformers. He really wanted to check out this book, and so he did. He is hooked! 

These kids always have a grand time at the library. They can be there for hours, and like piano, I think they'd rather read than eat, and sleep! It's amazing what books can do in the life of a child. I know for me, reading, and really getting into the characters of the book is a way for me to relax, and escape. That's why I look forward to summer because it truly is the season to relax, sit down, and read a book. 

Or in our case, try to read as much books as we can!! 

Happy Monday folks! 

Thankful for Books & What Noah Is Reading Right Now.

Books have become the main source of entertainment in our family. Whether it's reading to do a book report, or just to escape from the world for an hour or two books are something that we love, and can never get enough of. I am so thankful to all the writers, and authors out there who make this happen. Everyone in our family is a reader, and while I wish I had more room for bookshelves in this house for books, the girls wish they had more money to buy books. Although there are Kindles, and iPads in which you can download books for free or at a discount there's nothing better than holding a tangible book while inhaling the smell of those brand new pages! 

RAINY DAYS ARE FOR READING.

So Noah and I have a routine we do every single morning, and maybe one of these days I'll record it, but I don't know if I ever will because I'm too busy waking up, take daddy to work, making breakfast, helping him brush his teeth, opening up the windows so that I don't have such a high electric bill (thank goodness for Lasko, and them ceiling fans), putting a load of laundry in, and checking email because that's how people communicate nowadays. We don't have major cable so I allow him to watch a little bit of cartoons on PBS which is his favorite, have lunch, go to the park (if it's not raining), rinse, repeat, etc. And since it's been raining for the past two days we've pretty much been cooped up in the house. 

Reading. 

As much as I love being at home, and having a boy that keeps himself entertained not going anywhere for two days can make one go stir crazy. I finally got myself out of the hermit rut and went to our local library to check out some books. Even though we have a ton of books at home we still like checking out books at the library. I think it makes my kids super smart or something! I find that when I take the kids to the library a lot of stress is relieved. I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but once i start reading a book I get so excited. Especially when I finish it in 24 hours. Reading books is some serious therapy, and a way for me to "escape" from the daily mundane that surrounds me in motherhood. 

Summertime is definitely my favorite time of the year because that's the time when my kids read the most. There's two more weeks of school left in our neck of the woods, and I'm glad that they are all getting a head start on reading. 

Books definitely keeps one sane especially if it's a really good one. So glad Chelsea is of age now to read the Fablehaven series. Her sisters both tead these books, and now it's her turn. 

We love, love books! 

And summer! 

My View On "Hey Natalie Jean."

I'm not one to write a review about any books because I'm no professional book critic, but after reading Hey Natalie Jean, and all that it entails I have to say that it was insightful, and witty, but most of all real. I have been reading Natalie's blog for over two years now, and the fact that this woman is ten years younger than me has helped me broaden my horizons while living on the east coast in terms of being adventurous with my kid(s) I love how she portrays her life living in New York City, and how she spends her days with her son. I may be 10 plus years older than her, but this woman has inspired me over, and over again on how keeping it real is the way life ought to be. She has taught this 40 plus year old how to apply false eyelashes (not that I'll ever wear them, but you never know!), and how to choose the right color lipstick. She has shown me how her life with her husband Brandon is, and how I too, after 20 years of marriage can still have fun with my hubs, and ideas on how to make your home a fun place to live. Her sense of fashion, and interior design is amazing, and love how she brushes all the negativity aside in spite of what life throws at her with motherhood, infertility, and all. The fact that we both have sons close in age gives me hope that even though I'm older I can make life fun for my little boy. She exhibits how living life in New York is fun, and regardless of the huge age gap we have I feel that we have a lot in common. I never grow weary of her musings, and how she writes about her life in the real world. 

Hey Natalie Jean is definitely a good read, and if you are one who is in the market for a book with all kinds of inspiration from fashion to motherhood, and to look at the sweetest, and funnest photos pick up a copy of her book. She'll have you at "Hey" and you will want to read it over, and over again! 

Reading Across America With Dr. Seuss.

You can imagine my surprise when we received the 25th anniversary edition of Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You Go! book via snail mail. Even though we already have that book the fact that it was gifted to us by the National Education Association and that it was the 25th anniversary edition brought happy faces to both and Noah and Chelsea. "We each have our own now!" They exclaimed! It arrived at the perfect time while it was snowing, and it kept them busy. Especially when they have numerous Dr. Seuss books they can read. I honestly don't think the Dr. Seuss genre will ever leave our house, and that's fine by me! 

Chelsea & Noah both gathered some of their favorite stuffed animals, sat them on the bed, and Chelsea, being the nice big sister that she sometimes can be read to him, and his "friends." You can watch the 14 second video here, and, it was such a sweet moment to see.

I'm very grateful for the "Read Across America" program that was organized 18 years ago by the NEA. Reading is so important, and should be encouraged to kids all across America. This is an all year round program that focuses on motivating young children and teens to read through events, and reading resources. 

I love books, and no matter how tired or or old I get I will continue to be an example to my children when it comes to reading. So far all the girls enjoy reading and tend to read even more during the summer months. I notice that the more we read to Noah, take him to the library, a book store, or when he sees that I just received a package from Amazon filled with books his face is delightful, and becomes more interested in learning how to read. He's a boy and sometimes he'd rather play with transformers or play outside, but I know that by example and encouraging words that he can be a voracious reader just like his sisters. 

I want to express many thanks to the NEA for thinking of me, and my kids in gifting us this book. I had such a wonderful experience last fall when I met the president of the NEA, Lily Eskelsen Garcia, along with an amazing group of educators. We are all educators in our children's eyes whether we teach them at home, or in a public school setting. Gifts like this are welcome via snail mail to our house anytime! Thanks again! 

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."

Read Instead...

Without books I honestly believe that life would be boring. I say this because as a young child reading was my escape. Escape from the real world, and any dramatic thing that was going on in my life. Reading fuels up the imagination, and when you're reading a great book whether happy or sad it's even better. I remember the times when ever I read a "happy" book I'd sometimes picture myself as the protagonist. The main character who is usually the good guy. The one who is usually happy, young, sweet, carefree, always having a good attitude. I love books like that. I also love books that are tear jerkers and give us pure joy. I love books that may have heartache in it too, with happy endings. Intense books are a must too, because sometimes we need that little pick me up. Reading the Watcher in the Woods at the age of ten was pretty intense for me because of the storyline. It's about a family with two girls who move away from their comfort zone into unfamiliar territory to a house near the woods where they both feel that someone or something is watching them. I pictured myself in that dark place trying to figure out who or what was watching, and how to resolve that. I need to read that book again because I forgot how the ending went. I love books that teach us the meaning of life, true stories of then and now, and books that help us grow spiritually. I love all kinds of books, and I am extremely grateful to have a house full of kids who actually enjoy reading them. 

You can imagine my giddiness when Noah came up to me the other day requesting he'd get a library card. I know he got that idea from his sister. Summer reading is upon us, and there are a ton of books to catch up on. One thing I love about the summer reading program are the incentives they offer for reading all summer long. I know that some kind of 'treat' is given, but not sure what kind. I had to give Chelsea one of my 'mom pushes' to read this year, but in all honesty she kind of struggles. Although she's an excellent reader, and pronounces her words correctly she would rather play outside, watch Disney movies, or play games on the computer (which I don't allow too much of lately.) Yay me! However, ever since school ended she has shown a vast interest in reading. Probably because of the 'mom push' I've been giving her, or the fact that I bought this print which gives her the motivation to read instead of playing games, and/or watching television. I also think the fact that Lexie won a scholarship, and money for being the winner of two award winning essays gave her more encouragement. I mentioned to her how reading books make you smarter, which in a lot of cases helps your vocabulary become more extensive, hence writing good stories. She really looks up to her sisters, and wants to read like lightening, and be smart like them. As Lexie and I were discussing Chelsea's struggles in reading, Lexie mentioned to me how she remembered the time we lived in North Carolina and how her second grade teacher awarded every month throughout the school year with coupons for a personal pan pizza from Pizza hut every time she read book that was at least 500 pages long. Because of that incentive she wanted to read more and more...and boy did she read a ton (still does!) Same with Sierra. 

Too bad the school here doesn't offer coupons for free pizza, but they do award certificates, and...a pencil. A pencil?? Really?? I guess I should be grateful huh? Well...I decided to do my own rewarding just like I did last year when she read. Last week we went to the library and checked out a couple of books, and made it a point to take a trip to the library at least once a week this summer. One thing that made my heart melt is seeing how excited Noah was when he got his very first library card. 

He demanded a picture, and so I snapped a few as he was wondering around  trying to figure out which books piqued his interest.  

^^^ He wanted this dictionary, but I told him we already had one at home! ^^^

Even though Chelsea is not a voracious reader (yet) like her sisters I am happy that she at least knows the importance of reading. She is entering the fourth grade this fall, and I think reality is beginning to hit her as she gets older. Knowing that there is going to be more homework, and less recess. As long as I continue to give her that 'mom push' she'll eventually have the desire to read on her own, and it's already beginning.  

Books we own, read, and are currently reading.

When all is quiet in the house such as Noah taking a nap (which is becoming more rare) or entertaining himself with his trucks & legos I find myself reading more & more books rather than spending my "free time" on social media or popping in a DVD. 

I'd like to share a few books that I have read & am currently reading at this moment. In the past two weeks I have read four books so far. That's a record for me folks because the last time I read that many was last summer! I tend to read more in the spring & summer months as opposed to fall & winter. I don't know why but there's something about sitting outside your back yard or on the beach reading a really good book that you just can't put down. And this week I have read quite a few.  

^^^ my lovely son took this pic...can you tell? ^^^

I'm such a hoarder when it comes to books and my daughters are the same way. We find ourselves at the library every week to see what the new arrivals are. If I could fill up my house with books I would, and I do! It would be nice to find a house with extra space to build a bookshelves, and have ourselves our own little library. I refuse to buy a kindle because I love the tangible feeling & the smell of books. For now some of our books are neatly stacked on bookshelves & some are piled neatly against the wall, and on the girls desks.The only thing we've accumulated since moving into this house are books. 

Here a few books that are great for teens & adults to read:

Eragon Series, Sword of Shannara Trilogy, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Harry Potter Series, Hunger Games Series, Hourglass Door series, Candy Shop War series, Levin Thump series, Divergent series, 13th Reality series. Notice we dont' have the Twilight Series...not interested. Sorry Stephenie Meyer, but The Host was an interesting read. 

^^^ See what I mean? We seriously need just a little bit more room in this house to build a library! ^^^

^^^ I love these cloth style penguin classic books. ^^^

^^^ on top of Lexie's desk. ^^^

^^^ Chelsea's stash. ^^^

^^^ my domain, but the girls are welcome to 'check' out any book! haha! ^^^

^^ my current stash of books I've read, and want to read. ^^^

I watched the movie Heaven is for Real over Easter weekend & it was so good. I was so excited to watch it knowing that I had read the book. There have been times when I watch the movie & then read the book, but it's all good to me. The Fault of our Stars doesn't open in theatres until June & I  look forward to watching that movie as well. Such a sweet romantic love story. I'll probably read the book again for a quick recap before I do. They are both simple reads, and I literally read those books in one day! 

Glitter and Glue is another book I just read & it took me about a week to finish it. I love anything by Kelly Corrigan and the book just came out earlier this year. Her stories about her upbringing, her mother, & all that she went through & experienced as a young adult all the way into marriage, and her battle with breast cancer has inspired me to someday write my own story about all of my experiences.  She's written three books so far, and they have all been very inspiring. 

With Noah growing up & possibly starting preschool (we'll find out in June if he gets chosen) this fall will give me more "free time" to myself to seriously dig into all my journals & utilize them carefully into one (hopefully) great memoir. There are sooooooo many writers out there & books that are being written about interesting lives & meaningful stories with a purpose. I would love to be among those great writers who write their story as candid as possible.  I know it won't be an easy thing to do, but I feel that it's time & that is my resolution. 

^^^ This is perfection...love it when Noah just goes into his little space & picks out a book. ^^^

I know I have my blog & a ton of journals to leave behind for my posterity, but how wonderful it would be to put it all of that into one story. That way each of my children (and their future posterity) can have a copy instead of having them to decide which one keeps the journal mom wrote about her boyfriends, the one about her first years as a convert to the LDS church, the one about dating, the one about the rants, hardships, friendships, & the one about survival. 

Time will tell, but for now I'll keep reading good books to keep myself motivated & inspired in hopes that I make all those blog posts & brutally honest written journal entries into something that will make a story worth reading!

Here are a few more books on my list to read that are really good. Some of them I've already read (that's how I know they're really good!) Pretty much every book you see in these photos are really good. Want a thorough review...ask my daughter Lexie. She's the only one in the family who has read all of those series more than twice! 

• The Namesake (never saw the movie, but don't feel that I need to.)
• Hollow City (this is the second novel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children so read that one first!)
• Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (very interesting book that'll keep you smiling all the way through!)
• The Freedom Writer's Diary (saw the movie first, and now reading the book...again. It's that good.)

Have a great weekend!

a librarian in my own home.

Remember when I wrote how I wish i could be a librarian?  Well, I may not be one at an actual library, but I certainly can be one in my own home. 

We have one small shelf of young children's books, and a taller shelf of books of all kinds in Sierra's room which we all have shared. Every room is surrounded by books. Whether on my small dressers or on the piano. Even in the kitchen, and it's not just cookbooks. Alexandra told us the other day that she is running out of books to read. She has read the Harry Potter Series at least three times this year (those are her favorite.) She went through my stash of books recently and chose the DaVinci Code which she read in two days, Kite Runner, and A Thousand Splendid Suns which she read both within a week! It took me almost a month or so to finish any of those books, and I haven't even read the DaVinci Code. This girl is just like Sierra when she was her age.  Laser focused, and they both read faster than lightning. I honestly think that Sierra plays piano more than reading right now, and that's okay. She practically read all year long in her English throughout her senior year. 

Lexie reads, and plays her violin more than any recreational activity. Sometimes she'd rather read than watch a movie, play games on a mini iPad, or computer. They both would rather read than, eat, and sleep.

Young adult fiction has become popular in our home. I used to read books to "test" them out in making sure they were appropriate for the kids, but I kind of gave up on that. 

Sierra & Lexie are a good judge of character when it comes to books, and I trust them. They will also ask me if I've heard of such and such book, and one time Sierra had 50 Shades of Grey on her book list, and I was like, "umm...I don't think you want to read that book, or the series." 

She asked me why, and all I said to her was that it's nothing like the Twilight series, and that it's more in depth with sensuality. She didn't realize, and after asking others about it, she didn't have the desire to read them. Even though I, too heard how great those books were, (and I'm an adult) I still didn't have any desire to read them.  

We all have our own taste in books, but sometimes there is stuff out there that is just not a "good read", and in my opinion I don't care to read books like that. 

Noah & Chelsea are following in their sisters footsteps and although they love to play games, and watch cartoons they also love books! 

This right here is a candid moment, and it made me happy when I saw him striving to read in Spanish on his own motive! 

This kid will be bilingual.

I am so glad that in spite of everything that goes in life that we can all escape with a good book. That seems to be the remedy for our stresses in the Jorgensen household these days. 

Me...going to the beach last week with just the girls helped me to relax, and reading is always the icing on the cake. When I went with my entire family the week before I thought I was going to read, but instead i played with my kids in the water. I will always find time to read even if it's done in the middle of the night on my bed. 

Summer is coming to an end in a few weeks, and we would like to read a few more books before school resumes. I don't think we'll ever be done with our summer reading around here. More like "all year round" reading! 

Books are definitely a cure for everything, and I never want to take them or our wonderful libraries for granted!

new york public library.

Let's be honest.

This summer has been a blah for reading on my behalf, and I feel terrible. Blame it on spending more time on the final preparations getting Sierra ready for college, having family visit, the fact that we might be moving again, and that my concentration is solely on making sure that my kids are number one in my life, and that they are all doing well. Still...reading helps me escape in many ways, and soothes my brain. I miss it, and after going to the NYPL I'm going to at least finish one book before the end of summer!! 

Lexie and Sierra continue to read faster than lightening, and Chelsea gets more motivated when she sees them with books. 

I have so many books listed on Goodreads, but have yet to finish the one I was reading. I currently have my eye on this one at the moment. I have a love for young adult fiction (blame it on my teenage girls.) Sierra is currently reading Dante's Inferno, and Lexie is reading The Kite Runner, wait...A Thousand Splendid Suns, oh... she finished that one, Davinci Code, what, already! Not only does this girl have laser focus, but she reminds me a little bit of Dr. Spencer Reid when it comes to reading. Seriously, that girl can read the Harry Potter Series in a week! She did read them all in a week, and has reread them three times already this year!

Because of her my motivation for reading keeps increasing. Chelsea would rather go outside & play in the pool or park, but for the most part she does have an interest in reading. We have a few books on the list that we are getting, and she gets excited whenever we go to Barnes and Noble, or to our local library to check out books.

She is currently reading Mandy, and it's perfect for her.

When we went to visit the New York Public Library recently she was floored! First of all she said to me, "this is the same room like in that movie with the ice age storm." I fell in love with this library, and I'm telling you if we lived here we would be here almost every day.

The children's reading room is a good size room where you can take your young children and sit for hours reading to them. It's so cozy, and there are so many books!

The Rose Reading room is amazing. I can tell this area can get pretty packed quick. We were lucky to have found an empty seat! 

There is a "laptop room" and although the room looked a little plain the paintings on the wall made it beautiful.

Chelsea spotted George Washington in a second! 

This library is my absolute favorite, and there are times when I wish I was a "real" librarian so I can broaden my mind with the knowledge in all kinds of rare books, history, and every kind of book from fiction to biographies.

It truly is a beautiful library with timeless artwork. I feel right at home when we entered inside. Every new yorker is so lucky to have this library in their backyard, and I sure hope they don't take it for granted!

**Have you done any summer reading lately?