The Shortest Date.

Oh how I wish Jon had more one on one time to spend with Lexie while she was here over winter break so he could have taken her out on a proper date. His job permits him to take holidays off especially during Christmas because packages have to be delivered, and since he is one of the best carriers in the city management relies on him to get those 300 plus packages delivered during the month of December.

For Sierra & Lexie.

"Give them wings to fly. Roots to come home. And reasons to stay." I love that saying. It is something I hope for every time I talk to my older daughters whenever they plan on visiting, or coming home for breaks from school. Hoping that they love coming home no matter what. Having two adult daughters is bittersweet. Bitter because I wish they were closer to home, and sweet because they are away from familiar territory where they are growing, and learning new things all while being challenged with the ways of the world. 

MR. RHS!

When we moved to New Jersey, and Sierra started high school they had a fun event called Mr. Highland where 12 boys are selected to compete against each other as to who is the most talented calendar guy. It was so fun, and because we saw how much Sierra enjoyed herself being a part of Mr. Highland  for two years thought it would be a fun thing to do if Lexie's new high school did it, and they did! You can view Mr. August, Mr. September, & Mr. October's opening acts here on my you tube channel. 

Skull & Bones!

For the longest time Lexie has always talked about being a doctor. When she was 10 years old she said she wanted to be a pediatrician when she grew up, and till this day she still wants to be a doctor. She is in love with anatomy and biology, and has always been fascinated with the body, bones, and brains. 

Lexie's Love & Belief For Music.

Since Lexie is in Utah for two weeks  I decided to write a little post about her when it comes to her love for music. By the way she has created her own YouTube channel by accident. Meaning that by taking a multi media digital class as an elective in school this past year has helped her create, and edit videos to the point where they are meaningful and really, really good!

Girls Camp '16

Girls camp is over, and my girl is back. Although Lexie is exhausted she had a ton of fun. She always makes the best out of girls camp, and the friendships she builds with the girls grows stronger every year. 

Especially since it was her last year attending girls camp in the Cherry Hill Stake.  

This years theme was "There's No Place Like Home." 

When I asked her what exactly the theme entailed she tried to explain it the best way she can to me as to how the theme connected to the gospel, but she said the leaders did a great job, and she had an amazing week. 

One of her favorite parts was when they went on a hike, and how in the beginning of the hike each spot they passed represented a burden. Burdens such as sexual sin, eating disorders, family issues, betrayal, self esteem issues, porn issues, drugs. There were so many burdens, and as they passed each one more rocks were being put inside their backpack which caused it to be heavier. There even came a point where leaders had to somewhat help the girls carry it, and at the end the girls carried it themselves all the way to the finish line. Lexie said it was a very spiritual hike because of what it represented, and how there were so many tears being shed. The point of that whole experience is that it is indeed hard to carry all those burdens, and even though there are people there to help you along the way, the ultimate key in relieving those burdens is relying on The Lord at all times so He can ease off those pressures. 

Girls camp is an amazing program, and I will forever be grateful for having been a part of it last year. My time spent at girls camp last year was interesting, and I had a nice time. My favorite part was seeing the girls having a great time, smiling, being themselves, and building their testimony. 

// Selfie by Ashley. //

It sure helps when you have amazing leaders like Sister Jensen. Lexie rode up to camp with her, and her daughter Ashley. Love this family with all my heart! 

With all the negativity, and horrible things that are going on in the world today it's so important to remind our girls the goodness there is in this world. Just as Dorothy had a happy ending in the wizard of oz, and meeting friends along the way like the lion, tin man, and scarecrow, that we can all learn and grow, and choose the right path in this life. 

 // The girls had a color run, and they all had a blast. //  

So grateful for girls camp, and we're excited to see what our new ward brings to the plate next year when Lexie attends a whole new camp with a whole new different group of friends! 

I also love this video that the church put out when it comes to the values of the young women. Such a sweet video! 

The Little Mermaid.

As much as I dislike how late the teacher/director keeps the kids late from school every single year when it comes to the high school plays due to rehearsals especially when it comes to extra curricular activities I always look forward to the high school musical. I recall being in a drama class once throughout my high school career, but we didn't have any plays or musicals so it's always a thrill to see what musical my kids school are going to do next in this generation. 

I'm amazed at the stamina and energy these kids have when it comes to wanting to be a part of something they love. Being in the high school musical requires a lot of hard work in auditioning for the part, memorizing lines, endless hours of rehearsals, and hoping to hit those high notes while singing. 

And all these kids did an amazing job! 

Luckily "tech week" doesn't last for too long, and that the exhaustion only lasts for a couple of weeks. I can't even imaging the life of a broadway actor, because in their case they do shows that last for years, and years! It's amazing to see how, no matter how stressful those weeks of rehearsing can get that at the end of the day, things work out, fall into place, and that the show is terrific. 

Regardless of all those late, and sleepless nights Lexie always makes the best out of every activity, and in this case the role that she was chosen for the musical this year was one that she was pleased with. She always makes the best of each role no matter what part she plays, and enjoys being a part of something she enjoys. She did her very best in hitting that high note in the end, and did a pretty good job. 

This year she played one of the princesses, Sleeping Beauty in the Little Mermaid.

Since I didn't come early enough to get a good seat in the front I didn't take too many photos, but I managed to save a few blurry ones from my Snapchat, and the one I posted at the top I stole from the school's Facebook page! 

She was cute playing one of the fishes under the sea, and even more beautiful as a princess. She really enjoyed being a part of this production, and looks forward to the musical next year.

Each year we are proud of all her accomplishments, and even though she's like a zombie throughout those weeks of rehearsal she says those late nights of rehearsing are worth it, because she enjoys being a part of something she enjoys doing all in the name of fun! 

***You can see other plays she's been in here, here, here, and a combination of all of them here.

Always Be Brave Kids.

For those of you who faithfully read my blog you know that my writing is all about family, trials, adventures, and the drama that can come from it. I try my best to keep my blog positive, and inspiring, but sometimes that's not always going to happen. When it comes to my children I'm like a lioness, and you better believe that I'm going to protect my kids from anything that may be harmful to their well being. However, I have learned to step back at times so that all my children, including my six year old can learn to be independent, and govern themselves. 

Ever heard of that old adage when a mother tells her child to not touch the stove or you'll get burned, but the child doesn't listen, hence burning themselves? Well, it's the same with teenagers. We can tell them what's good and bad, which friends seem unreal, and real, good, and not so good. But their not always going to listen, and eventually they're going to have to get hurt in the process, and learn on their own. 

As a mother I have that radar vision as to knowing which kids are a good influence to my kids, and which ones are not. I have a vast, extensive experience as to knowing which friends are real, and not so good because I dealt a lot of that in high school, and believe it, or not I sometimes deal with that today as well. I can tell when danger lies ahead, and when someone is a bad influence, or is not being genuine. I also have learned to listen to that still, small voice to guide me in all that is good. 

When one of my kids come home stressed, sad, not really being themselves, and then they burst into tears, there's something seriously wrong. Especially since I'm so used to seeing my kids cheerful. Luckily I have my past experiences to help them out with that. I do however pray for myself in seeing every person that's not so nice as Heavenly Father sees them, a brother and sister in Christ, and that is a work in progress for me. But just as I learned for myself, so will my kids. 

And they pretty much have. 

I advise my kids to be aware of their surroundings especially when they are out with their friends as well as their influences, and because there is so much negativity, hate, and temptation in this world they need to be extra careful in the choices they make. But there is one thing that keeps my kids grounded that helps them stand firm and true to who they are, and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both of my oldest daughters have learned that the Lord is their light in every dark situation, and through Him everything is possible. And when others who don't have an understanding of our beliefs, see that light, that different, unique light, everything bad, and dark in the world including the friends who you thought were your friends can test you, and try everything in satan's power to bring you down. Shunning you making you feel worthless, trapped, and useless. I know exactly how that feels because I myself experienced drama as a young girl with my so called friends, but because of what I endured in the past, and went through I am who I am today.  I learned from it, and strive my very best to stand firm in my actions as to what i believe to be right, and true.

I see a lot of my girls in me. Particularly Lexie. Strong willed, and believes that people can change. But when they don't the disappointment kicks in, and then you wonder why, and how people can be so mean. That is something she is learning so far this year. Not everyone is going to be the same as they were when you met them back in third grade, sixth grade, heck even freshman year of high school! People change. Teachers get rough, and so does life. She does give people the benefit of the doubt, and although that's a good thing, there comes a time when enough is enough, and you have to sever something that is not good. Whether it's a friendship, or something that is just weighing you down. To turn away from it, and ask Heavenly Father for guidance. The teenage years are tough, but if you hang firm to what you know is right the Lord will be there by her side, and I know that she has turned to Him for strength.

Every first Sunday of the month in our church we have what you call a testimony meeting. Members of our congregation will sporadically stand up and bear testimony, and testify of truths of the savior. Earlier this month Lexie stood up to share her thoughts, and I was overwhelmed at her testimony. I didn't realize how difficult this school year has been for her, and that she was in so much pain. I figured if she brings home A's, and winning tennis matches that everything is fine. I mean, I knew that she was having some off days, and after talking about it she'd be fine. Little did I know she was holding it in, being herself trying not to let the problems get in her way. How grateful I am to God in giving my child the strength to endure the harshness that this world brings. Especially to the good kids who are targeted because they are different, and strive to be good. I admire her for standing up to bear witness knowing that Heavenly Father is there for her, and I found that extremely brave of her to do that. Especially in front of the congregation, and through her tears it was evident in her voice that she knows that Jesus is the Christ, and that He walks with her every step of the way. 

I also want to add how proud I am of Lexie in how she has managed the change in her friends, and how society lives in todays world. And although there will be many more times where she may break down, and tear up because let's face it...teenage girls are emotional. Especially when one exhibits that shining light. And sometimes people are afraid of that light, because it's a different kind. 

One thing I've taught my kids is that as you get older people change. The friends you thought were your friends shift towards a different direction, and begin to drift away. And if you're lucky you'll have one, maybe two friends from high school whom you'll keep in touch with, and visit from time to time. This I know to be true too. 

Truth is we know what holds us together, and as a mother you better believe that I'm going to strive to hang on to that iron rod, and be there for my children until the day i leave this earth. And one thing that I will always advise my children is to always be brave. To know that among all the calamity that the world brings there is also beauty and light. That they are never the issue. To always smile, and be that light. To teach them that ugliness never needs to stand in the way. All they have to do is be brave enough to turn away from it, and to always head towards goodness, and light. Especially that, which is Christ. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Lexie Lately.

The last time I wrote about Lexie was a little over a year ago. I hardly ever write too much about her partly because she is a really private person, and I respect that. She doesn't put herself out there on the internet too much because, well...she simply doesn't care for it (except Instagram). She is probably the only 15 year old in her high school without a Facebook or twitter. The older she gets the more focused she becomes in her academics. Besides...she's too busy to be around us too much to take photos so that I can really blog about her. Her days are spent all day at school where she'll come home around 9pm. Some of her friends, and teachers can't believe that she wakes up at 5am every day throughout the school year to attend early morning seminary. So technically she's up from 5am until about 11pm almost every single day. She knows how much I love to write about various topics, but about our life as well. Then again she knows I write this for her and her sibs, and because she loves me so much told me that it's okay to write about her even though this is out there for the world to see. 

So today I wanted to write a little bit about her, and how she has been doing lately since entering high school. 

As many of y'all know she cut off 12 inches of her hair last spring and after much debate as to whether or not she should grow it out she decided on her own motive to keep it short. I personally love her short hair, and true...there are moments when I miss her long hair, but in the end it's her choice, and I am with her all the way with her short hair. She has grown to like her pixie cut, and says that it's easier to maintain. She doesn't have to use a lot of shampoo or hair products, a blow dryer or straightener (not that she even used those gadgets). 

I love how unique she is in the way she dresses. She's simple, and doesn't care to be trendy. Sure she likes nice clothes, but it doesn't matter if it comes from a high end store. I appreciate that she's not one who will put us in the poorhouse! When Sierra was visiting over Christmas break she gave her some mascara and even though Lexie won't wear it she'll save it for a special occasion. Most 15 year olds today put too much makeup on, and they don't even need it! I admit when Lexie was younger I'd put a little bit of gloss on her, but now that she's gotten older rejects it, and doesn't care for it. In my eyes she is a natural beauty, and it's nice to see that she carries herself well without feeling the need to look beautiful by wearing makeup, or having to keep her long hair to make her feel beautiful. 

I really respect that, and love her even more for who she is. Here are a few photos I captured of her when she came home from school a couple of weeks ago. We were fooling around and since I hadn't taken any recent photos of her lately I randomly took these candid shots of her.

Here she is with her goofiness, and all...

I remember now it was National Hug Day when I took these photos. I sure do love this girl, and can't believe how quickly she is growing up. I am proud of who she is becoming, and that she sees herself in a different light when it comes to vanity. Who knows if she'll ever grow her hair out again, or when she'll start to wear some makeup, but that doesn't matter to me. Besides...she looks so darn cute with her hair short, and has a beautiful face. Her haircut frames her face perfectly! It's been pretty cool having a daughter who did something so brave, and selfless, as to cutting off all her hair so someone with cancer can wear it as a wig. 

Here's hoping she'll continue to succeed throughout the rest of her high school career, and pursues whatever dreams and goals she has. 

I sure am proud to be her mama! 

my shining star.

^^^ with Mr. Otten, principal of her school ^^^

Shame on us for skipping family home evening last night, but I think that attending Lexie's recognition night for being Lewis 'shining star student' is a pretty good excuse. We can make it up during the week! There were quite a few "shining star students" who were recognized this evening for achievement in improving on their academics throughout the year, for kind acts of service, and overall being an excellent student. We definitely live in a society where all we see on the news throughout the tristate area are acts of violence. I personally don't need to watch the news every night because I know what kind of world we live in. It's so nice to know that there are great things happening in the midst of all that violence such as wonderful students being recognized for the good that they do in this world. And one of those courageous people in this world is our daughter Lexie. 

Members of the board congratulated her as she walked down the aisle shaking each of their hand individually. It was so nice to hear the words of her guidance counselor read by Principal Otten as to why she was chosen as Lewis Shining star student, and I couldn't agree more. Mr. Otten represented her on Mrs. Gardiner's behalf, and it was so nice to hear all the wonderful things she wrote about her.

 

Shining Star Student '14 from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

We are so proud of Lexie in all the wonderful things she has done, does, and continues to do! I never have to worry with this one. Aside from the fact that I look like a really, really short person in this pic next to her, and Jon she is my shining star as well!(That's what you get for marrying a really tall guy!)

Moab, Utah.

Moab. 

This was one place where I loved venturing out to get away when I lived in Salt Lake. I can't believe it has been eight years since we left Utah, and I'm sure missing it right now. Especially since we've been hit some massive, windy, cold weather. What happened to spring anyway? It's like it just sprung us over! 

I love looking back at old photos reflecting on the good times we had when the girls were little. Don't get me wrong...I love all the memories we're making now with a boy in the mix, but this part of my life watching the girls grow up, and developing into their own personalities was amazing. 

Still is...

Especially since these two girls are now teenagers, and one of them is about to turn nineteen in a couple of months. Now that Sierra is back in Utah going to school I hope that she is taking advantage of her surroundings and hope that she'll get the chance to go back to Moab.

The years fly by way too quickly especially with this cute little girl who is now nine! It seems as if she was this small yesterday. There are times when I look at Noah, and see Chelsea all over again. It's beautiful to see the way God creates our children, and how they all carry the same resemblance. 

Memories of a four drive to Moab was certainly worth it. The singing in the car with their squeaky voices, and giggling all around. Toys scattered about, and crayons rolling back and forth as we'd make a turn. The drive down is so peaceful, and the sun...oh man that sun can shine on my face for eternity if it could. The great part of my life while having three daughters was taking them to the most beautiful places out west. I think moving from a small town in Texas to a state like Utah gave me many opportunities to want to explore the western hemisphere, and we sure did a lot of that before moving out here. 

Jon is such a great photographer. I always tell him that he should go back and take up photography as a career. I love the way he captured the girls in all their beauty. I wish I'd been in some of these pics, but I was too busy taking in the beauty of Moab too! I was also making sure Chelsea wasn't running off, or putting rocks and dirt in her mouth! Living on the east coast is great and all, but sometimes you just need to get away...far away, and venture out to the other side of the hemisphere, and that is what we hope to do soon!

Cross country drive in our plans for the future? Who knows.  Right now all i want is some warmer weather. Taking it day by day, and living in the moment...for now.

the national junior honor society.

"I pledge myself 
to uphold the higher purposes 
of the national junior honor society 
to which I have been selected... 

Striving in every way,

by word and deed

to make its ideals, the ideals of my life."

During the winter of 2013 Lexie was chosen to be a part of the National Junior Honor Society. Sadly she developed the flu that lasted five days which resulted in missing her induction that year. Although she was recognized that evening & given a certificate the day she returned to school I couldn't help but to feel sad that she missed her own induction. Luckily she had the opportunity to be present this year to assist the new inductees for the class of 2015. 

I decided to attend the ceremony last night to extend my support to this years new inductees, and to get a glimpse of what I missed last year. It's surreal to see my eighth grader growing up in becoming a sophisticated young woman, & hard to believe that she'll be in high school in less than seven months! Didn't I just have a kid that just graduated high school? It's bittersweet, & witnessing tonight's ceremony with all the chapter members of the class of 2014 was impressive. 

Hearing some of their speeches tonight were insightful & it's amazing to see how well this generation is becoming. These kids are too smart for their own good & it scares me sometimes! I always tell Lexie that you can succeed in all that you do & no matter how grand your dreams are you are the only one that can make them come true. 

I'm so pleased with her & obviously love to share my enthusiasm about my kids' accomplishments. It's great to see her being academically inclined as to keeping up that 4.0 GPA. 

Her intelligence reminds me of my own...up until the point I messed up in in high school ruining my GPA, but because of my faults I can bring forth the opposite example & teach her that academics are way more important than boys, & hanging out at the mall! 

Fun is great, but that can wait! 

Lexie is a doer, not a thinker & she definitely is a student before an athlete (at least for now.) She definitely shows great leadership quality, is confident, has a beautiful character in how she treats others, serves her fellow man with love & compassion, & exhibits an attitude of gratitude filled with mannerisms of humility, grace, & integrity. 

So glad I hung around for this event & that I was able to hear her play the keyboard while we sang the national anthem. 

Lexie is following in her sister's footsteps, and I'm sure that she'll be in the NHS once she gets into high school. That is something to be said about this mom who had it pretty rough in making "not so smart' choices that didn't meet NJHS material. Nonetheless I made out pretty well, and so far...so are my girls. 

Congratulations to my 'not so little' girl (who's now taller than me) keep up the excellent work! 

You're going to grow up to do something amazing...I just know it! 

making music part III.

Ever since we moved here five years ago Lexie has been blessed with wonderful violin teachers. Lindsay, Madeline, and Sara were the beginning to Lexie's success in how far she has come in playing the violin.

We love, and appreciate music so much. So much that our house literally sounds like a music hall. Since Sierra has been gone there hasn't been to much piano playing, but there is certainly a lot of violin playing. 

I usually cancel lessons for the summer, but this year I didn't. I put time in for Lexie to take lessons once a week, and managed squeezing in time throughout all the traveling we've done. I can tell that music makes the girls happy, and that going to their lessons is an accomplishment, and a goal.

A goal knowing and hoping that if they continue to keep playing that they can be the best pianist, and violinist this side of Jersey. In my eyes they are. They are hardworking, and practice so hard. Lexie is my violinist, and she loves playing. It has been a great summer because she continues to improve on her technique, and having a great teacher makes all the difference.

Once again we said goodbye to Sara as she is returning to NYU again. I was worrying about finding another teacher on short notice with school starting soon. Luckily Sara gave me the number of the woman that taught her since she was seven.

We met with her the other day, and we got along really well. This woman is very knowledgeable, and sharp! Her credentials are impressive, and has taught for 30 years. She is very experienced and was blown away at our recent trial lesson she gave Lexie. She is a sweet lady, and someone that I feel I can look up to as a mother.

I vined a little bit of her playing here, and her first lesson with her went well. I know that with a teacher like Ms. Alice Lexie is going to learn more, and perhaps more throughly. There is no perfect violinist, but really good violin players, and I believe that Lexie will get to that point with Ms. Alice in hopes that she will make it into the All South Jersey Junior Orchestra again (and maybe even play like Lindsey Stirling someday!) 

Lexie with Ms. Alice

Music is the key to happiness, and heals the soul. Without it life would be boring. I know that Lexie feels lost without her violin in tow. Listening to the strings fiddling in the background is soothing, and helps me get back to me. Having music in the home is an important part of our life, and we will sacrifice a lot to have the girls continue to play what they love.

Lexie & Sarah

We all need music to escape these days.

Arise, Shine & Sparkle

One of the greatest things about being in the church is the fact that every Young Women auxiliary throughout the world has the same program year after year. Each year the church leaders come up with a different theme, and the meaning behind it is spiritually uplifting.

Last week Sierra hosted the Young Women in Excellence event, and since she's heading off to college next fall she wanted to be a part in hosting it.  She, and her counselor buddies all helped by pitching in their thoughts, and ideas. We especially need to thank this wonderful blog we found on pinterest that inspired the girls so much that they mocked some ideas, and tweaked it a bit.

The theme this year is Arise and Shine Forth, and being that the trend this year seems to be glitter, and sparkles Sierra wanted to add some sparkle to the scene, and I think everything turned out really nice.

The next generation of young women. Our fun loving beehives! 

She will definitely miss being part of the young women as she will enter into the Relief Society next fall! She'll still be able to attend one more year of EFY, youth conference, and girls camp. I am happy to see that Lexie is continuing to enjoy being part of the young women, and I know that her light will shine just as her sisters does.

As our daughters get older I see them being more responsible, spiritual, and most of all loving. I know it's because of the choices they make, and being involved in the young women program at our church makes all the difference!

Hunkered down in Jersey

Lexie overlooking Blackwood Lake which will probably be overflowing after tonight.

I woke up this morning to the sound of my son's voice saying, "I want some "papa" (which is slang for "food" in Spanish), and then our seven year old keeps asking us, "When is the hurricane going to hit us?" 

Truth is that we are tracking it, and it should make landfill sometime this evening. 

So far we are having light rain and wind, and Sandy is taking her time in arriving to our little borough. While others may want her to hurry up and pass us by I personally am in no rush for Sandy to come. I am enjoying this day having electricity with my family, and I will continue to do so even after she hits.

I am thankful to have children who are calm, and cautious. They have all been a huge help in helping us prepare for Sandy.

Growing up in Texas and remembering the resilience I had when Hurricane Allen hit in 1980 taught me that at the age of 10 to never panic when a hurricane is about to hit. Telling them that story to our girls has taught them the same.

Having had the calling as Humanitarian leader back in Utah really opened my eyes on how crucial it is to have all the emergency essentials as well as a plan. I wasn't a professional then, and I am not a professional now, but I do know what basics to have in case of an emergency, and we do have a plan.

I have a feeling that this one will be bigger than when Irene hit last year, but we are preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best.

I may not have enough food to feed my neighbors, but I do have a heart full of love and compassion to let them know that if they need anything to let us know anyway.

I will continue to pray for everyone on the path of Sandy, and pray that all of your essential needs including love and support of friends will be met.

Take care, and may God watch over us all!

enjoying the calm before the storm

Autumn this year has been especially good to me, and I am really going to miss it. I don't know why this particular autumn has been so special to me, but as you can see from my most recent posts they are all pretty focused on the joys of autumn with our kids.

On my way home from church today my friend and I were discussing the needs of what it takes to be prepared for a hurricane. We should be expecting Sandy to arrive sometime tomorrow evening, and I hope that it won't be catastrophic. They say this one is supposed to be worse than the storm we had last year. Last year we were without power for only 18 hours. It wasn't too bad compared to friends of ours in the New England area who had no power for over a week! Talking about this and knowing that we are somewhat prepared puts me at ease.

The fact that Sandy is landing close to Halloween doesn't sit well with my seven year old. She asked me today why does Sandy have to come close to Halloween, and cancel our trunk or treat? I explained to her because it's important to be prepared, and once Sandy passes we can focus on Halloween. She seemed pleased with my answer, and then mentioned how lucky we were to have gone to this trunk or treat this past week. I said to her that was a blessing in disguise, and that I, too was happy that we went.

Today we experienced another joy of autumn (without Sierra due to her being sick), and after dropping off my friend from church we took advantage and took a walk behind her quaint little apartment complex.

There was a gazebo in which the kids through leaves up in the air...again. I know this should be a day of rest, but I am taking in all this scenery, the nice cool 50 degree weather, and documenting every action of autumn I get!

The kids all love this time of the year, and I think even Noah knows that all of these beautiful colored leaves will be gone tomorrow.

We walked further into a small path which led to a garden. It was such a beautiful day, and I cannot begin to tell you how much I am really going to miss fall this year. It just seemed to fly by us too quick! Maybe the fact that Noah turns three next month doesn't help either!

Why can't time just be still for a moment the way these pictures do! 

Like all the kids growing up, I want fall to last just a little bit longer!