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.

Dr. Seuss Night!

Was it just last year when I wrote this post about celebrating Dr. Seuss? It seems like we relived that day yesterday! Going with Noah again this year, and adding papa to the mix was the icing on the cake. Jon rarely gets to attend any of Noah's activities because of getting off work late, but he's been lucky to be able to be there for his son the past couple of events he's had, and Noah is loving it! 

Celebrating Dr. Seuss!

One thing I will forever be grateful for are books, and the opportunity I had to sit in with some very prestigious educators including the President of the NEA to talk about education. Ever since they gifted me with a letter of appreciation, and a 25th anniversary edition of "Oh, The Places You Go" book, I have relished the importance of reading, and academic growth in children. 

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!

From Sight Words To Story Books.

When we first moved here, and heard that the schools in our area were a "no child left behind" school, and that the curriculum was somewhat rigorous I have to admit I was a bit nervous for the girls. Well, truth is I wasn't having an issue with the girls academic potential. It was Noah's. 

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!

Noah's Teddy Bear Pajama Party!

One thing that I found so important in this life in being a mom is the importance of reading to my child. Or in this case, going to a pajama teddy bear party at Noah's school for some games, treats, and story time! Every kindergartner in our school district has this opportunity to attend, and because it all deals with literary you better believe we're going to be there. 

I remember when I went with Chelsea to her pajama party five years ago. Noah was a year old, and I remember that day so vividly. I remember how exhausted I was that day (and that whole year), and how I didn't feel like going, and because Jon was working in sales at the time for AT&T he couldn't make it. So...here I was forced to put on my makeup to cover those dark circles under my eyes (which I still have because they're heredity), and put a smile on my face to make my little girl happy. The things we do for our children right? Well, this time I had all the energy in the world to attend Noah's party, and was smiling the whole night because Noah was having so much fun with his buddies. Then again, I don't have a baby to tend to all day anymore (insert frown face here.) 

All week long Noah kept asking me when his pajama party was, and it's so funny how I was counting the days too. It really helps having this stendig calendar on my wall so I can put sticky notes on the days we have plans, and it makes it easier for the kids to see what's going on, and whenever they ask what's on the agenda for the day, or when event is takin place I'll just say, "look on the calendar." So nice to have that! 

Anyways, back to our pajama party. There were game stations where they had puzzles, and tic tac toe, and one where they made necklaces out of fruit loops, and gummy life savors. He was so proud of his little necklace, and by the time story time began they were gone and all that was left was the string. 

I really enjoyed this evening. I love how the teachers emphasize on how reading is super important, and I can tell how much they love their job as a kindergarten teacher. Their actions when they were reading a story proved all too well that this was fun for them too. I really enjoyed listening to the Very Cranky Bear story. I snapchatted bits and pieces of this evening, and if it's still on my snapchat you can view it at r_jorgensen.

Ms. Mullen, (she's the one behind the camera in the background) was one of the teachers who read, and it was pretty haunting to see her from a distance, and to hear her read as she reminded me of Ms. Welsh who was the one who started this whole Pajama teddy bear party years ago. Shen went all out and would decorated the gym with teddy bears, and lots of books! Three years ago she took her own life due to mental illness, and till this day we are reminded of her vibrant spirit. Noah will never know her now, but luckily Chelsea had the opportunity to hear her stories while she was still living. 

It was such a wonderful evening, and even though the party lasted for half an hour that half an hour was worth spending it with my kid, and getting those treats in the end was a "treat" too! It was such a grand evening, and to see Noah interested in reading even more makes me super happy, and that is one reason why I love attending any event that deals with literacy. 

Have a wonderful weekend folks, and keep on reading! 

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! 

THANKFUL FOR SMALL LIBRARIES.

I love books. I love the way old books smell whenever I enter a used bookstore, or even a library. It has been interesting to explore various libraries around my neck of the woods, and the other day my dear friend, and I along with our kids went to her local library to check out some books, and I'll tell ya...we could have been there all day! 

One thing I loved about this small, quaint library was the fact that it's super old school. Although it's a small library, it's big enough to accommodate enough people without getting claustrophobic, and her girls always leave with a ton of books that they enjoy reading which means their book selection is not too sparse. They don't have library cards with a bar code in the back. What they have are cards inside the books where they stamp the date, and you sign your name! Love that! Totally reminded me of my school days when I used to go to my school library, and check out books to read. One of my favorites books was The Watcher in the Woods. It was (still is) such a favorite of mine that I ended up getting it for free for being a part of the Texas Readers book club. Sound familiar to any my local Kingsvillian peeps?? The Watcher in the woods was the first young adult book i owned in which i read over, and over again. Poor thing was so dog eared that I think my mother got rid of it. No wonder I don't have it, but I guarantee I'll get my hands on a copy so my girls can read it! 

We had such a great day, and what I love about my friends is the fact that if you're a bookworm, I love you even more! I think that's why our girls get along so well because they all are all voracious readers, and have similar tastes in the books they read. 

Even though Chelsea is a few years younger than her girls she looks forward to reading certain books on their level. There are quite a few that are still too "young adult" for her so she'll wait to read them once she turns 12. She will stick with the Lemony Snicket, and Fabel Haven series for now! 

This is one library where they have a special play area for the kiddies. I understand that the play area is there for parents with small children, and I think that's great, but man was it a distraction for Noah. All he wanted to do was play with cars, and eat animal crackers. Since we weren't checking out any books for him here, I went ahead and had him play for a bit, and he was in heaven. 

I know reading is important to young children, and starting them off young is great, but they still need their play time, and if he's happy I'm happy. So playing with cars, and eating animal crackers made him happy which made me happy! 

And to be completely honest...I think we have half of the books that are on these book cases at home so keep on playing Noah. 

How cute is this doll house! I was so surprised that Chelsea didn't play with it. Really surprised because every once in a while she'll still play with her bitty baby, and dolls here at home. Kind of puts a sadness to this mama's face knowing that she may be getting out of the doll phase soon, and putting Josefina back in her box (tear...)

And what's a library without a movie section. Once I read a book that has been made into a movie I will watch it. The book has to be super good though, and so far the Maze Runner series is awesome! So looking forward to the Scorch Trials when it opens on the week of my birthday!

I tell ya this library is where it's at. You may think that because it's small and in an area where it's too hidden to even know it's an actual library, or feel that it's up to no good, it's not! Just like you can't judge a book by it's cover, you can't judge a library by it's location, or until you've actually entered in. I'm so glad we stopped in to check it out! Cute as can be, and the one man staff was very friendly (she's hiding behind her desk!)

After we spent a couple of hours in here, we then went to my local library which is a bit bigger, and has no play area. We all checked out a book, and Noah chose this one. 

^^^ Here he is flipping through the pages looking at the pictures. ^^^

He has now become obsessed with dogs, astronaut lingo, and outer space attire. Guess I'm going to have to make him some kind of jumpsuit so he can pretend that he's an astronaut (as if i can sew...NOT! ). He also wants a dog, but I told him not yet! 

I'm so thankful for the little libraries that are still functioning today. It's a shame that small libraries are slowing becoming obsolete due to funds being cut. That says a lot about our generation today. Kids don't seem to be reading enough, and adults have substituted an iPad or Kindle in place of a tangible book. Not me though. I'm too old school for my own good. Heck, I still carry a pad, and pen in my purse, and write people's phone numbers down in it instead of my iPhone! Sure wish Jersey would create some kind of book club for the youth like the one I was in when I was little. I know that incentive will encourage kids to read more. Plus...who wouldn't want free books! 

I personally love books, and one of these days I hope to have a "library" in my home. A room full of books. Kind of like the one in The Book Thief. Loved the setting of llsa's library where Liesel would go to find comfort in words, and escape. 

Words are inspiring, and no matter how old i get there is no way that I'll stop reading. 

No way. 

And I will always encourage my kids to do the same. 

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."

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!

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?

reading, & a vine addiction.

Currently we are playing catch up on a lot of reading around here. Whether it's reading back issues from the Ensign, New Era, & The friend magazines to just good books. 

I wrote a while back that I have been reading Les Miserables, and oh my goodness...that book is so good, and so detailed as to how the priest came to be so giving. It truly has a spiritual aspect to it. It'll probably take me even longer to finish it since I have found this mysterious book to read.

It's times like this when I have a book that is as thick as the bible to read where I wish I was like Dr. Spencer Reid in Criminal minds. He reads like what...20,000 words a minute. Wow! If I  had that talent I could finish Les Miserables in a day!

With these two in the house most of the time, I really want them to read more than watch movies. I've been spoiling Noah in watching too much disney because of the temperatures being so cold. 

I found this book called Goodnight ipad, and we absolutely love it. It truly is meant for the young, young, generations, and I find that the more I read it to the kids the better they understand when I say, "we need to say goodnight to all electronics for the night, and read more books." 

Noah loves it!

He'll scoff at some of the pictures in the book, but he sure does love it. I totally recommend it for toddlers. Especially those who already know how to use an iphone, and computer! 

He sure had fun showing off his books to grandpa when they were here recently. He wanted him to read to him, and grandpa obliged. It was so nice to see them spending quality time reading together.

After too much reading has been done, and we are burned out on too much technology (don't think that'll ever happen according to Noah) I'll let him go off on his phone to play with his cars & trains while Chelsea will play the piano. She really does love to play, and she is just like her sisters...I NEVER have to tell her to practice.

Or we will also have fun making six second videos using the #Vine app which I am so addicted too! Yes...I know that's media, and I am guilty of spending too much time on that app. But it is the coolest, and I have so much fun using it! It's only available on the iPhone so if you have one get the vine app, and come follow me at a harmonious combination! 

You won't regret it!