Peace, Love, & Happiness Installation.

Here's hoping that the month of February treated y'all well and that y'all felt so much love this month than ever before. In spite of all the snow we got in the east and all over the country (71 percent of it!) I hope that everyone survived and endured the unusual freezing temps (especially in Texas.) I wish y'all more peace, love, and happiness in your future and in your lives. I hope that the next 10 months will bring more blissful moments. I hope that spring will come faster that we expected. I hope that each day we wake up we will have a good attitude and have positive days. I hope that your days are bright as all the snow we had. I hope that the worries of the world will be less on your shoulders. I hope that no matter where you are or where you live that you will find joy in all that you do, and with all that you see. 

**Peace, Love, and Happiness art installation is located at Pier 17. More photos below, and if you look at the last photo it's even more beautiful in the evening when it's overlooking the Brooklyn bridge.

Peace & Love.

"Peace is the beauty of life. 
It is sunshine. 
It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. 
It is the advancement of man, the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth."
-Menachem Begin

Saw this beautiful floral peace sign in the borough of Chelsea in Manhattan, and it made me smile big! No matter how rough life becomes for us or someone we love, may peace take over in our heart, and appreciate the littlee things that bring us joy. 

Peace & Love: It All Starts In The Home.

It's amazing to see the different personalities in each of my daughters, and Noah. Although they are all different they have so many similarities. One similarity is that they all have the capacity to be filled with love, joy, and compassion. And for the most part they are. I hope that I have been the best example I can be, for them to continue to strive to keep those attributes because in this day and age its so important to live it. 

Last Sunday in Relief Society we were taught about what it means to be at peace. How to feel it, and how to look for it. I know that living a gospel centered life focused on Christ has helped me through my darkest moments. I see the happiness that lies in my children's eyes when they turn to God for support, and guidance. I find that when they are amidst some kind of difficulty they will seek Him. Of course there are times when they'll call, or come to us to vent for support, but for the most part they realize that turning to God for guidance is never a failure, because He is always there to listen. And if they know that, they will feel it, develop a strong testimony of it, and always use that tool as a solace. In spite of all the turmoil that life throws at us I always find ways to feel at peace, and to center myself around goodness. Teaching my children true principles of the gospel, and how Christ taught us about "peace" saves me an extra lesson on teaching my kids "how not to be." Yet, I still advise them how to behave around others, and how to treat each others whether it's family or friends. Even strangers. Being kind, finding peace, and being "peaceful" truly is a choice, and we are the ones to decide if we want to be peaceful, or miserable. 

This year we are studying the life of Howard W. Hunter, and in one of his lessons he said...

"The world in which we live, whether close to home or far away, needs he gospel of Jesus Christ. It provides the only way the world will ever know peace. We need a more peaceful world, growing out of more peaceful families, neighborhoods and communities to secure, and cultivate peace, "we must love others, even our enemies, as well as our friends." We need to extend the hand of friendship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger." 

As much as these kids will bicker, pick, disagree, annoy, they always find a way to make amends, and to be at peace with each other as siblings. If they've ever disagreed with friends, they try really hard to not involve contention. One thing I notice about my girls is that they don't like to be drawn to drama, nor do they enjoy it. It's something that they try to stay away from. For the most part they have been pretty lucky in finding ways to escape the petty world of drama, and surviving the conflicts that they've experienced with friends. And always find ways to make amends. I know that they are guided by a loving Heavenly Father, and so far my two oldest daughters "get it." They always, always make the choice to find time to put God in their lives, and when they are at peace with themselves, and with each other, their days look like this...

And it makes me so happy! Sure am going to miss these moments, and once Sierra comes home from her mission there will be more memories to make! 

And so I'll end this post with a scripture...

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

I hope that we can all find peace among the calamities of life, and that we will pass this on to our children. What a wonderful guide we have to find that peace. We find it in the scriptures, and kneeling in prayer. May we all someday reach that level of of peace, so that others can feel of our genuine love at heart. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

finding peace & trying to live life better.

This past weekend consisted of hearing children sing, and reciting scriptures for a full hour, ways to find joy in attending the temple as well as learning ways we can pass on the love of The Lord, and our ancestors to our posterity. Suggestions on how we can make our home a heaven on earth without being bombarded with the "things" of the world, and how to overall just have peace in finding ways to regroup.

Although I'm beginning to feel that "good things come to those who hustle" sometimes slowing down is the best medicine. 

There are good days and not so good days. Luckily in the Jorgensen household we have more good days. I enjoy my days as someone who doesn't have much of a "paying job". I absolutely love being a stay at home mom, but to be honest my life (or I should say days) have been a bit rough for me lately. Noah hasn't been wanting to go to primary class, I'm still adjusting to Jon's new job, my calling, and having these two teasing each other every single day gets old. 

Why can't we all just get along!!

It's too much happening all at once, but I know that I can handle it. These two kids give the perfect definition of having a love/hate relationship. I am praying my heart out that it'll pass, and that when they are five, and ten years of age their relationship will blossom like their older sisters, & I will not give up on them!

Since Lexie has been staying after school for various activities it has given me the opportunity to have these two have some "outdoor time" together again.

This is my favorite time of year to spend outside, and take in every moment to see how beautiful life is. To really appreciate all that i have been given even when it's not enough. To always be grateful for opportunities when we can sit still, and not feel rushed to do the things that we feel have to get done. 

Because if you look at the big picture...the stress that we felt after packing so much in on a weekly basis is not a good feeling. 

My anecdote when I feel I have survived overtime hours of motherhood is seeing these two get along, because they usually don't...at least in our home. Every day they wake up teasing each other, and when she comes home from school it continues. 

And...

My struggle right now has been yelling, and I tend to yell really loud. Believe me...you don't want to hear me yell because us mexicans can yell really loud!

There are days when these two are literally pulling hair, and kicking each other (at least Noah does.) Although Chelsea has control on not to fight back, she'll still add in a little kick, and a side of an "I'm going to get you" look. I know...shocking huh. She's a sweet kid, but when it comes to her baby brother she has learned to defend herself. He's an almost four year old with a good amount of strength, and one who will certainly let you know to back off if you're bugging him. I know they are young, and again praying that it's a phase, and that this too shall pass. 

As I was hearing the words of the teacher this past Sunday about finding "peace at home" it clicked. I mean really clicked. I am seriously going to strive and thrive on finding that "unique" peace. I want to find that "unique" peace that I once had before all my kids got old! I want to find that "unique" peace where yelling was not a part of my life. I want my life to be filled with the spirit, and for my home to be a heaven on earth filled with peace, pure happiness, and love.

I know that it's up to me to me as a mother, and my responsibility to rear our children (especially these two) into being the best they can be. I am the only mother they have. They truly are good kids, and i love them both so very much! 

So here's to a life where from here on out my goal is to not yell when these two get out of hand, find peace within these two monkeys, and to simply live a happy and normal life. 

**Prayers are welcomed, and a Happy Monday to you!

the gift from the sea.

Ever have days as a mother, or just a person for that matter where you just want to venture off alone without anyone bothering you? Not that any of my family members bother me. As much as I have fun with all of my family at the beach sometimes I just need to sit, and relax without having any interruptions. 

This past Saturday I drove to the beach again, and only brought along three teenagers. Even though I wasn't completely alone it sure felt pretty close to it. I really enjoyed this time with them. Being at the beach sitting, and relaxing without keeping a watchful eye on Chelsea, and Noah was nice. I even finished reading a book! Even if it was a book with 125 pages I finished it, and it was one of the greatest books I've ever read! 

While reading certain excerpts from this book all the thoughts, and ideas of the writer were speaking right at me. It's as if she was telling me that it's okay to feel this way. It's okay to want to be alone. It's okay to want to be alone with your husband, and leave the kids behind. Life can certainly be overwhelming at times and finding balance in our daily life is the best way to handle "life". 

Sitting next to Lexie without saying a word to each other didn't feel weird at all. If anything it was relaxing. Hearing the sounds of the waves as they were crashing really hard was so peaceful. It didn't matter that I was surrounded by dozens of people on the beach. Everyone was doing their own thing, and minding their own business. At times a ball would fly our way because of a family playing ping pong in the air, but I didn't mind the sound of the tap, tap, tap. 





I'll tell you something going to the beach and really putting all your energy in just taking in the moment whether your reading, writing, or just laying out can really bring you a whole new perspective as to why you are there. 

Why do we come to such a place when one can pretend to be a mermaid, and swim in the ocean, pick up seashells, or surf the waves? Why does anyone? It's so true what the author wrote about how the sea can bring you many gifts. What gift it brings is upon you. How we define the meanings behind our feelings as to why we walk up and down the shore feeling the sand on our feet, and hearing the sounds of the ocean is surely comforting, and a perfect place to get closer with our inner being.

Life on the beach is viewed differently by everyone...including teenagers. I know my girls love the beach for pleasure, getting together with friends, and the food. You can't leave the boardwalk without having fried oreos! 

I found out a lot about me on this day as I was sitting, laying, reading, and looking way out into the ocean imagining. I even got in the water for a while and splashed them waves with the girls. Even if it was just for a few hours I felt rejuvenated, and so much better about myself, and this "life" that I am living. It seems the older our family gets in age the more I want to be in tune with my needs, and their needs. I realized that in order to "have it together" I need to take care of myself, rely on the Divine, be hopeful, and just be happy . 

Everyone of us is different as to how we view "life on the beach". Some come for pleasure, and some come for peace, and although I love having fun...I usually come for peace. 

And just like that I allowed that peace to take over my soul on this day. Let's hope it'll stick with me forever because I don't ever want to forget it. 

in finding peace where you live.

It's Friday again, and these weeks just keep flying by, and before we know it school will be starting. The thing is that I'm not sure where the kids will be starting school. I know Sierra will be in Philly for college, but where will we be? 

To tell you the truth I would like to be stable...for once. I love the east coast, and where we live is so centered to the states we love, but it looks like we may need to reevaluate our current situation. Who knows...right now I'm just going to enjoy this time with my family, and not worry about it! 

I stumbled upon two quotes recently, and it's amazing how reading something can speak right at you! I thanked the lovely woman who posted them on her blog a while back. 

"If you are depressed you are living in the past

If you are anxious you are living in the future

If you are at peace, you are living in the present."

Long ago when my oldest was about two, we kept moving back and forth from Utah to Texas, and knew it was because I had to deal with things from my past. Times were hard even after I converted my life to Christ at the age of 20. It wasn't easy, but all those moves back and forth (believe it or not) did help me out of my "depression phase", and to stop living in the past. 

Throughout those moves feelings of anxiety kicked in. I always couldn't wait to leave Utah to move to Texas, and leave Texas to go back to Utah, and so forth. It wasn't until we moved back to Utah the third time is when genuine feelings of peace kicked in. I know that being sealed in the temple had a lot to do with it! Even so...we ended up moving again after three years to North Carolina.

Feeling anxious when it comes to moving is not a peaceful feeling at all! It's unhealthy in a way, and I am realizing now that  I don't want to feel that way with this move (whenever that will be!)

I know our time will come to move, but I want to live in the now, and in the present peacefully with my family. I want to grow more with the ward that has been part of my family now for five years. I want to continue to fellowship my neighbors, and not take them for granted. And even though it's summertime I want to be able to think of those who may feel alone, lost, or on the same boat as we're in.  

Living in New Jersey can be a hustle and bustle of life, (depends on where you live) and when I go to New York, D.C. or Philly it doubles! I've long since realized that even though I long for that peace and quiet, I also long for the city noise too. 

I do have two young children who constantly need that stimulus, and I think we are in the perfect place to please them with it. The background of our life whether it's noisy or calm shouldn't matter. It's how we come to terms with it in making peace with the way we live...no matter how hard life can get. 

Peace

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. 

It means to be in the midst of those things, and still be calm in your heart.