Giving Back At The Food Bank For NYC.

So many wonderful things happened this past weekend but first I want to talk about the service that my family and I did together in the Bronx. It was a service project that Naomi Davis set up and I have to say it was the most organized and one of the best experiences I've ever had. What made it even more special is that I was with my family. Watching my eight year old going to town with that tape gun taping boxes made me all kinds of happy. He's just like his pa when it comes to hard work.

Teaching Noah.

After serving in the nursery for the past nine months at my church I am now serving as a teacher in the primary. The best thing about this particular calling is that Noah is in this class so having him as one of my students makes it extra special. Especially since he'll be turning eight in three months! There have been many times where I have pretty much taught all my girls when I used to teach in the past whether it was in the nursery when Chelsea was a toddler, in primary when Sierra was five, and in the Young women with Lexie, but this is the first time where I'll be teaching Noah true principles of Christ through lessons in a church setting. 

It's Never Too Late To Light The World.

So we finally printed this baby out and taped it up! The day this campaign started was the day my husband had minor surgery, and all that mattered to me at that moment was making sure he was being taken care of. Luckily he's a good sport, and presses forward through difficult times. The "Light The World" campaign couldn't have come at a better time because it has really helped me to focus on the things that are important.

The Nursery.

As I entered into a room filled with colorful artwork on the walls, and opened up a closet filled with books, puzzles, playdough, and a basket full of toys brought back so many memories of the time I last had a calling in the nursery. That was 10 years ago! Chelsea was almost two when I was her nursery leader, and my how times have changed! One thing that I have realized since those days is that my patience with other peoples kids has definitely improved! In all honesty I didn't care about tending other peoples kids when my oldest was born. Maybe that's why I always had a calling in primary when I first joined the church!

A Shout Out To The LDS Missionaries.

One thing I failed to mention upon moving were the details of our move. I mean, we're just moving and it's not like I'm going to take numerous photos of boxes, and us packing. That would probably be boring to most readers, but what I wanted to write about is "the help" we received. 

In the beginning of packing boxes and piling all the rubber maid bins against the foyer I thought to myself, "we can do this on our own, just the five of us, we don't need any help, we're pros. We've done this before." Now mind you I was thinking this way because Jon and I have moved so many times before (at least 11 times in 21 years) we figured we can do this, but when it came close to the end of our moving date I was beginning to get a little bit overwhelmed and like 21 Pilots "stressed out" that I knew I had to swallow my pride and ask for help. I knew that I needed at least three extra bodies besides my family to help us out to load up boxes and bins into the truck. I was thinking who could possibly help us out two days prior to our move. If you're wondering about my neighbors helping they would have, but most of the neighbors on our block are senior citizens, and my neighbor next door, whom I love to death, was getting married so my last resort was asking members from our church. 

I began scrolling down the directory to see which brethren would actually come serve on a Saturday morning with two days notice. I thought of a few, and got a couple of responses, but only one brother showed up. No biggie. My gratitude kicked in. Then, as Lexie was sweeping up the kitchen she said, "mom call the elder missionaries." It was as if a light bulb clicked in her head, and I was like, "why didn't I think of that?" Well, it's probably because we haven't had any male missionaries in our church for like five years so the term "out of sight, out of mind" was like that towards the missionaries. 

I immediately gave them a call and asked if they could come help us load. They obliged without any hesitation. They even asked us if we'd like more help. I was like, umm, yes!!!  So we had more missionaries come help us, and I was so relieved. It was like an anvil was lifted off my shoulders! 

I'm so grateful that Lexie received that inspiration of telling me to call the missionaries, and for my part in contacting a few brethren. Even though we only had one brother come I was so grateful!! What a blessing it was to have had five men come and help our family move. 

We got everything loaded in the truck within two hours and it was really quick and easy. Even the missionaries and Brother Szary mentioned how our move was the easiest move ever! They said, "you guys have it down." I attest that to years of moving, and only keeping the things that are the necessities of life which makes our move easier! 

My heart swelled with so much appreciation for their service, and I will forever be grateful to them for helping us out at the last minute. 

I want to give another shout out to the  missionaries from our church because if there is one person(s) you can rely on when it comes to a helping hand, call the missionaries. They are really big on service. We were so fortunate to have had them come, and even though I called them a couple days prior to our move, there was no murmuring or, whining. There was laughter, and a lot of action. 

If you follow me on my Snapchat I snapchatted them while they were moving our washer and dryer from the basement and they had the biggest smiles on their face, and were laughing because they were trying to figure out how to get it through the door. Jon helped them out a bit, but the genuine laughter on their faces showed that they didn't mind the sweat, and found joy in helping us move! They all had a great attitude, and they certainly will be blessed for their service.

It is my hope that as our son grows up, and when his time comes to serve a mission that he will always be willing to serve with his heart, and a good attitude! The way he helps me in the house today makes me believe that he's off to a great start! 

If you're interested in contacting the missionaries from our church to meet with them, and to find out more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints just log onto LDS.org. 

Have a wonderful weekend!! 

In The Spirit of Giving.

There's something about serving one another, and doing for others that makes you forget about your own problems, worries, and most of all yourself. 

One of my favorite things to do around the holidays is crafts. Especially when you do it with a great group of sisters, and friends. One thing about the church I attend are the activities, and opportunities we have to invite others, and reach out in fellowship, and just be happy in having a grand time. I am so grateful for the sister missionaries we have in our church who are here for that purpose in visiting with those who are in need of a friend, and spiritual uplifting. I love that they are there not only here to share the gospel, but to serve as Christ's diciple in love and fellowship, and this is the time of year where we should all be extending a helping hand, and exhibiting that example even more. 

Yesterday I went to visit a sister whom I've known for a few years since moving to Jersey, but never really had the opportunity to fully reach out to her. I am so excited that I have finally stepped inside the home of this lovely young woman two times now, and to get to know her better as a friend. She is so personable, and invited the sister missionaries as well as a friend of hers (who isn't a member of the church) to hang out, and do a little service project that involved crafts. We all made jars of facial scrub, and cookie mix to give to someone who we feel can use some christmas cheer. 

We had so much fun on this day, and the best thing about being together is the unity we feel in sisterhood regardless of what religion we are. I just met some of these girls, and I feel as if I've known them forever! I love the feeling I get of being myself, sharing my thoughts, and conversion story to those whom I've met for the first time. If someone is going to ask me where I'm from, how I met my husband, and if I was raised a mormon I'm going to give them a tasteful, full, detailed story. Especially since I wasn't raised in the mormon church I will tell them my conversion story, and telling it always feels as if I was just baptized yesterday! 22 years a member doesn't seem too long, and I always feel like super woman after sharing my experiences and thoughts as to how I became a member of this church. 

Twas a good morning on this day, and look forward to more days like this.   

To Give.

I remember when I was about six or seven my mother would sell my clothes so that we could make ends meet. Sometimes I wondered why she would want to get rid of my clothes when at the time I felt I had very little to wear. There were times when she'd constantly ask me "does this still fit you?" "do you think you'll still wear this?" "are you sure you like this still?" Answers to those questions were no, no, and not really, but when I realized why she was getting rid of some of my clothes, and selling them to our little old neighbor of ours who had numerous grandkids I could see why...and I didn't hesitate to negotiate, or rebut with my mother with questions such as "but it still fits"  or "why are you getting rid of my clothes?" and proceeded to let her do her thing.

After gathering and washing the clothes she'd carefully put them in a bag so that I could deliver it. Before stepping foot onto the old lady's porch I took a quick peek inside the bag, and saw the set prices written with ink on maskin tape...25 cents, 35 cents, 50 cents, 75 cents for a sweater, $1.00 for a really nice dress, and $1.50 for a pair of shoes. I'm thinking...this lady is getting a good deal! 

One thing I did appreciate that my mama did was pass on down my sisters clothing to me. Granted some of them didn't fit because I was a bit chunky, and my sister has always been slim, but it made me feel good knowing that my sisters clothes would be handed on down to me before she gave or sold them. I believe that my mother was doing a good deed with this woman at selling my clothes at cheap prices because for the most part, even though I had very little clothing growing up, the clothes my mother found for us were reasonable, and in return...with the money she'd receive would buy us new shoes, and we'd have a warm meal to eat.

Now that I have my own children, and seeing that they are growing like weeds I have officially decided to get rid of some of their clothes. I honestly don't think I'm having anymore children because if I did I would save more than what I am now! I have saved a few of their things, but for the most part I'm getting rid of some. The fact that I have passed down clothing after clothing after clothing to three girls has gotten to the point of being unable to pass them down to Noah because he's a boy! Overall, Lexie was overjoyed when Sierra's clothes started to fit, and Chelsea was excited every time Lexie's & Sierra's hand me downs would fit. Luckily Sierra and Lexie took great care of their clothes throughout the years that Chelsea was still able to wear them. And the cycle will continue I'm sure until they are all in their 20's! 

Now...someone else can take over the pure pleasure in wearing some of their clothes. So over the weekend I did just that! I looked through Noah & Chelsea's clothes gathered them and had them try some of their clothes one more time. I knew this was going to be a bittersweet moment because they are both (physically) growing way too quickly!  

With Noah being the only boy he has become quite a clothes horse. Okay...that's my fault because when you have just one boy you want to give him the world! He's growing up way too fast, and the clothes that he has been able to wear for the past 2-3 years no longer fit him. For some reason turning five stretched out his arms, legs, torso, and even his foot. As much as I would love to hoard all of his clothes I feel that someone else can use them. Bittersweet I'm telling you.

I have kept a few pieces of the girls clothes so that they can pass them on down to their future posterity, you know, things such as their first pair of shoes, first coat, socks, blessing dress, hair accessories, baby bracelets, and blankets. I do have a few things of Noah's that I'm saving as well. Still...it's time to make someone else's day, and besides...it makes me feel good to give, and that is the best kind of therapy. 

I don't know the whole story as to how my mom and this sweet old lady got into a discussion of giving/selling clothes, but if I'm not mistaken...I'm sure my mother was willing to "give" them to her, but she offered to compensate her for them. Nonetheless it was all done in good deed, and witnessing my mom joyously selling these clothes to her at really affordable prices made her feel good. Her prices were reasonable, and at the end of the day we always had food on the table. 

I'm never one to "charge" anyone for anything. Donating, serving, and giving even when I feel I don't have too much to give are two of my favorite things to do in this life, and being that it is the season of giving makes it even more meaningful. 

"Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more." 

~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Angelic friends to the rescue

The Lord has blessed us with amazing friends here in Jersey. If we have just one person in our lives that exhibit true friendship, and know the meaning of how it is to be Christlike...that's all we need. In this case we've had two, and if you don't mind I'm going to boast about them...all in the name of service. 

This woman has been a blessing in my life, and an amazing friend to the Jorgensen clan. She is Chelsea's former kindergarten teacher, and has become a surrogate aunt to her. Last night was Candy Bar Bingo at Chelsea's school, and substituted on my behalf in taking her. She wanted to take Chelsea, and see all the other kids from her former class. Ms. Griffith's tradition with Chelsea every time she takes her out is they must eat at Friendly's afterwards. Yes...that's Chelsea's favorite part. She also LOVES spending time with her.

As y'all know our car broke down two weeks ago, and one of the things I was stressing over was how the girls are going to make it to their piano, and violin lessons. Here comes Ms. Griffith to the rescue. I felt so comfortable in asking her if she would do me the favor in taking the girls to their lessons just until we got the car fixed, and she didn't hesitate for nothing. As a matter of fact I left her a long message on her voice mail explaining to her what happened to our car, and how I needed help in getting the girls to their lessons. She immediately returned my call right away. Not the next day, not two days later, right away...meaning within the hour!!!

The Lord has been extremely good to us during this trial. I truly don't feel alone at all in this 'broken down car/waiting for it to get fixed' situation.

As members of the church we tend to observe, and help others in times of need. You also know when someone truly LIVES the gospel, and understands how to serve in an unconditional manner just as Christ would. Someone who goes with the saying, "He will take his shirt off his back for anyone." Well, I know a few people in our church who exhibit that perfect example of service adding a mix of, "the pure love of Christ."

The Albrecht's...

Since my husband is the seminary teacher in our ward, we were trying to figure out how he was going to get to early morning seminary. Since he picks up two other young women he was worrying even more as far as finding a solution to this problem. My husband's main concern was teaching seminary to the kids. To be honest, most of the parents didn't seem to help us find a solution as to how they were all going to make it to seminary, or if anyone else would be willing to sub for him...or even offer to help pick him up.

We thought of finishing seminary inside our home for the remainder of the school year, but then my husband mentioned that the kids can be pretty loud, and our house isn't that big. Although our basement isn't finished, I mentioned that I could fix it up and he could teach down there. We were seriously thinking of doing that when last Sunday Brother Albrecht came up to Jon, and said to him that he can use his car to take the kids to seminary, and leave it at the house for me to use. He is willing to do this until our vehicle is fixed. What an amazing guy!

I can't begin to tell you how much that meant to me. My heart swelled up, and it brought back memories of when we lived in San Antonio, and in North Carolina. This is the third state in which we had a 'car situation' and members of the church observed our predicament which ended up in a family offering the use of their car until it got fixed! Now that's what you call service, and an amazing Christlike attribute!

There are also two other friends we have in our community who have extended a helping hand, and I thank them also. We also appreciate those in the ward who have also had a part in helping us with a ride, or even the gesture as to being "concerned". I also appreciate those who instead of asking us, "Is the car fixed"?, or "When are you going to fix your car"? ask us,"If y'all need anything...please let us know." 

That's the kind of question I like hearing, and the ones whom I feel truly understand the meaning of service.

A nice surprise

Oh... doesn't this pie look so good!! I wish I would have taken a picture of the full pie before my kids, and hubby devoured half of it, but it was too late! I also wish that I could take the credit in baking it, but a dear sister in our church baked it on our cooking club night.

 Every other month in our our church we rotate our months by having a cooking club, and a book club. This month was 'to cook', and the sisters learned how to bake an apple pie from scratch! Yes...dough and all! I really need to master my skills in making a home made apple pie from scratch for my loved ones. 

Since cooking club fell on the same evening as my daughter's induction to the NHS I wasn't able to attend. To my surprise the sisters dropped off a yummy homemade apple pie! I was so grateful, and very impressed with the results! It tasted so good! I also realized that I shouldn't eat too much. I really don't want to indulge too much in baked treats and pies...especially over the holidays! One can't help it though, and then we end up paying for it by working it off with a gym membership. Not me. I'm actually one who doesn't have a sweet tooth, but on occasions like this, and with a home made apple pie like this... I think it's okay to indulge a little!

**Here is the recipe for the apple pie!

Grand's Apple pie 

11/4 c. sugar

3 T. flour

1/4 t. salt

1 1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

Combine all ingredients and set aside.

8-9 apples (shredded-granny smith or braeburn apples are great, but you can use what you like.)

Orange rind-1/2 to 1 tsp. (this is also optional)

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tbs. pineapple juice ( it can be pineapple tidbits or canned pineapple juice) 

Combine and set those aside. 

1/2 cube butter

Layer sugar mixture, then dime size butter pieces, and then apple mixture. Repeat till all ingredients are gone. This particular recipe is about 3 layers and end up with sugar mixture and butter pieces. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 min. then 350 degrees for 40 minutes. 

Between you and me...the crust was my favorite!!

I am so thankful to the lovely sister who made this for me, and for others. It made my Thanksgiving week, and it was delicious! 

On Taking a Loved one In

"We may not have it all together, but together we can have it all."

~Author Unknown

Today is my birthday week and to be honest...I've been a little bit overwhelmed. There have been too many things going on in my life since September 10. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and turning 40 this weekend is a pretty big deal. As a matter of fact it's a great big deal. The fact that my mother is coming to live with us is exciting, and I'm nervous. Nervous because I want to make my mothers living arrangements as comfortable for her as possible. I have a feeling she's not going to be too fond of the winters here, but we'll deal with that when Jersey turns into an icebox. We'll just have to buy her a coat.

The past two weeks have been pretty emotional for me. One with my stepfather passing away, hence my mother living with me, and then attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Philadelphia temple. A sad event occurred one weekend, and was followed with a joyful one the week after. It surprises me that I still do the things I need to do in order to keep my life, and family in order.

I am trying to do my best in my calling as secretary, and I hope that my Relief Society President knows that.  I am trying to be a good neighbor in my community, and I hope that my neighbors can see that. I am trying not to neglect my friends messages, and I hope that they will understand if I don't respond right away. I am trying to be a good wife and mother, and I hope that my husband and children can understand why they have to sometimes make their own meals. I'm not lazy. It's just that sometimes my husband comes home at 9:30, and because my oldest comes home at 5:00 everyday, I haven't felt like cooking huge meals. I know that my kids are grateful for what we have to eat at home. I'm sure once my mom arrives that'll all change, and great dinners will be served. We enjoy having dinner together as a family, and that is something that is important in our home.

I consider myself a generous, kind, and loving person. My heart is filled with compassion and service. The talk given at church yesterday was on service, and how we should be prepared on giving it. Listening to Brother Bergin's talk gave me more confidence that things will be okay. I felt that my prayer was answered. I feel more prepared now in taking my mother in than I was two years ago. My step father wasn't doing well then and she had mentioned wanting to live with us. It broke my heart to tell  her I couldn't do it. I was pregnant with Noah and times were tight. She offered to pay us rent, but I didn't want to take her money. Luckily Joe pulled through then, and he gave my mother another year of his life to spend with him.

I do feel more prepared now to take my mother in than I did two years ago. I'm not going to put any of my loved ones out on the streets no matter how hard their situation is. We are family, and isn't' that what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about? Helping and serving others without feeling the need to be compensated? Some of us give tough love...I don't. You can have tough love, but make sure it comes with tact.

I don't expect anything from my mother. I know she'll help out the kids with the necessities they need and that will be so helpful, and a huge blessing! Especially when you have three girls. They all love playing piano and only one plays the violin & piano. They all want to continue with their lessons. Sometimes my husband and I have made sacrifices in order for that to happen. I know that they will all go further in their musical talent. Luckily I have a great mother-in-law who helps pay for one of their lessons.

Overall, I feel very blessed to feel so much love for my mother, and for others. I'm grateful that compassion, and unconditional love is not my weakness. Sometimes we forget what life is all about and get too caught up with the mundane. We may not have all the fancy things this world has to offer, but what's most important is family, and that is something that I want to take with me to the eternities.

Unselfish Service

I count my blessings every single day for having such wonderful daughters. They have witnessed firsthand how exhausting dealing with a death from a distance can be. They have been making dinner for me for the past two nights. Who cares if it's spaghetti! That is the most comforting food ever made! Having my mom's wonderful companion pass away this past weekend, and not being able to do anything from afar has been tough, and at times I feel helpless. I try to lose myself in serving others, and not allow any kind of stress to creep into my soul. I am grateful to know that Joe's kids took care of his funeral arrangements and that I have contacts from the church to help my mother in dealing with his death (she's not a member...yet.). She was the one that wanted me to call the LDS missionaries or a sister in the church to pray with her and just be a friend. I told my mom that it's okay to be frightened. It's natural to be scared after you've buried two companions. It's comforting to know that my mom is not alone in dealing with grief, and that no matter where you live...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is always there to serve in times of need.

I have to admit that this is the first death in which my heart aches. It's been at least 20 years since I actually really cried over anyone dying. I think it's harder because I'm even further away from my loved ones. That might change in a couple of weeks. It looks like my mother is willing to tough out the Nor'easters and everything that comes with living on the east coast to live with us. It'll be nice for the girls to have their abuela here. It'll also be nice to have another adult to talk to. So if I don't blog as much you'll know the reason why. I don't think I'll neglect blogging because I love to write (I definitely won't neglect my mom either!)

After all...this is all being written for my posterity.

P.S. Watching THIS VIDEO really brought tears to my eyes, and it really hits close to home. I hope y'all take the time to watch. XO

Helping hands

The past two days have been really nice to do yard work. The weather has been at about 85 degrees with very little humidity. Our grass has to be mowed at least twice a week! We love the rain and having green grass, but it's a pain to be mowing it all the time. Jon mows it on his days off, and today was the day. He planned to do it on Tuesday, but we both tended to Noah instead due to his illness (which was more important!) I should probably do my part in mowing the lawn too, but in my opinion...that's a man's job. I'll stick to the raking, planting, and pulling of weeds. Luckily I have my little helper who likes to pick up the clumps of grass afterwards. She says it's good therapy for her. (I think she's heard that phrase from me.) Lexie will sometimes help, but today it was just Chelsea and she didn't mind. 

She was glad it wasn't too hot and humid today. On days like today she didn't mind picking up the clumps of grass. The best part of helping out in the yard are the little $$earnings$$ she gets from helping out in the yard. 

I also explained to her that it's part of service in the Lord's name, and how she is serving both her Father in Heaven and her father here on earth.