happy weekend!

Just a quick note to wish y'all the happiest weekend!

I know that this weekend (actually this whole week) will be enjoyable having these these two hanging around each other!! They met two days ago, and have already developed a friendship that will last a lifetime just like they're mothers.

So enjoy this time with your friends, family, and your small children, and take in this beautiful moment of seeing the season change.

Enjoy it to the fullest, and have a lovely weekend!

the greatest gift.

So for the next seven days I will be spending time with one of my dear friends from Utah. She flew in yesterday, and we couldn't be more happier to have her and her little daughter with us. 

Sometimes you just need a friend, a GOOD friend who has known you for years, knows and understands your life, and loves everything about you no matter what. Someone who loves you and your family unconditionally and genuinely with a heart that as full as my own to hear in depth about everything that my life is about. 

That is Ceyda, and bless her heart for coming all the way from Salt Lake City with a three year old in tow just to see me and my family. She came at the right time, and will be here throughout my birthday week. 

So if I'm not posting on a daily basis it'll be for a good reason. We will be spending a lot of time venturing outdoors, and taking in this beautiful fall weather that we've been having. There will be a lot of girl talk, and a lot of late nights catching up on our life because there is only so much you can type via email, and facebook. Even if we spend most of our days outdoors exploring various parks the greatest gift is her friendship, and that is better than any material thing. I'm so grateful that she has taken the time to come here and spend her week long vacation with me.

And Noah and Celeste...they are already having their time of their lives. 

Just look at these two. 

Noah in September.

Noah is my technology baby, and so far he has surpassed Chelsea in a field where game playing, and word games reside. Luckily there is more to life for him than being surrounded in a world that is filled with technical devices, media, and things that a kid shouldn't have to tolerate.

Luckily he has us as parents to teach, nurture, and to comfort him. Sisters to play with, hug, and sometimes torture. 

And then there's the outdoors.

Having gone on a few road trips this summer I had been giving in a lot lately with giving him my phone as entertainment while we go on errands or drives that are an hour long. I know that's my fault, and luckily he's one kid who will politely ask, "mommy, can i play with your phone?" "pleeeeeease mom...just for a little bit." I mean seriously. If you heard the way this kid speaks, and asks for something you can't say no to his cute face. Especially when you hear that sweet little voice of his.

Thing is that I'm not one to just give in and immediately give him this device that is making him super smart because not only does he play Despicable Me minion rush, but he also plays educational word games with puzzles. He is amazingly well at it, and we now have all these people following him on the game part. Weird because I don't really play games nor do I care for them, but I know that it makes him happy when he plays.

Well, now that school is back in session I am trying my hardest to not have him play on my phone or on the computer too much. I'm surprised he hasn't attempted to sneak into our room to turn on the mac while its sleeping.

When the girls leave we'll watch a little bit of cartoons, have his Robots movie fix, snack time, and will then attack his toy bin. There are moments where he'll nonchalantly sit at the piano, and start playing some off beat tunes. Even though he doesn't play yet he'll tap (not pound) on the keys, and there was a time where it sounded as if he was actually playing a melody. I wish I had my phone on hand to have vined it!! See...the phone is good for some things!! Being alone with him for a few hours everyday gives me the opportunity to pay attention to every detail of my almost four year old.

Thing is we're not hermits, and we like to have some recreational time. As a mom being archaic is the best feeling, and I sometimes miss those days before he went on this tangent with playing games on iphones and ipads. Venturing outside, and taking him to the park is his most favorite thing, and mine.

Fall is just around the corner, and after getting a much needed haircut yesterday we ventured out into our little wilderness where he played with sticks, chased squirrels, and threw rocks into the lake.

Reading statuses on Facebook about the most recent shooting disturbs me, and although I am one to follow up with current events, sad news like that is something I try not to focus on too much. 

I'm just grateful that we can escape the "things of the world" by going outside, and taking in all of Gods beautiful creations and to be glorified in its presence. It makes me extremely thankful to be alive.

Seriously...who needs the television, and all those technical devices when we have the playground, and each other to keep us entertained, but most of all to make us smile. 

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.

a back to school letter.

Six days have passed since school began and from the looks on your faces when y'all came home I saw all the goodness that it brought. 

Chelsea, 

I loved when you came home all excited with a huge smile telling me how much you love your teacher already, and how happy you are that you stayed in Jersey so that you can see some of your friends that were in last years class. You are at an age where it wouldn't have mattered where your 3rd grade year began, but deep down I know you were excited to stay.

Lexie, 

I know it's a bit of a shock that we're still here because I know you were just as anxious to move  as I was (even though we shouldn't be.) To begin another chapter in our life of making new friends in a new town, and different ward in the church. I know how much you loved the area we looked at in Connecticut and how excited you were to have met some of the young women in the church up there. I know how much you loved the school you would have been attending, and the fact that we'd be closer to Boston so that you we could constantly take drives through Harvard University, and explore more history there. But as you know life throws us these challenges, and The Lord is keeping us here in Jersey for a reason. 

On a good note all of your classmates at school were delighted to see you on your first day!! Funny how some of them thought you lived in Connecticut and then moved back within two months. Mr. Nichols sure is a funny guy to have teased them that way, and I could tell that he is ecstatic that you are still here to give more action to the band, and to finish the year off with a bang. Your name will be on that plaque, and you will be known for the goodness that you shared! You'll leave some legacy girl!

People in our community love you both so much, and I'm sure the teachers are so happy to have the Jorgensen girls still lingering around to brighten their days. 

*****

Little Noah,

You are not so little anymore. You were so looking forward to carrying your backpack, and walking to the bus stop with your sisters to attend preschool, but luckily you don't turn four until November which means I have you all to myself for the rest of the year! You still get to walk with us to see Chelsea off at the bus stop, and your turn for that will be here before we know it! I am going to enjoy every minute with you each day, and promise that I will do my best to make them fun for you! You'll be spoiled wearing your p.j.'s and hunter boots until noon (unless you'd rather go to the park earlier.) 

I am so happy that all of you had a wonderful first week at school and that there were no frowns, tears, or complaints of any kind. You two are strong like your older sister, and are going to do great just like she did. 

Remember to just be yourself, don't ever forget where you come from, and stay strong in keeping your standards high. People love you for who you are. You all have friends who respect and love everything that you are, and in what you believe in. 

Have a fabulous school year, and enjoy your last year of middle school Lexie. 

Chelsea...keep giving that smile to the teachers to brighten their day. You are magnificent! 

Noah...don't drive me crazy, and keep me sane because boy...you are so much fun to hang around with! 

xo, 

Mom

it's a wonderful vine (life).

The days seem to be growing shorter, and every waking minute I spend with my kids including this little guy is vanishing faster than I ever imagined. Videos make me happy, and they are done in part to remember, and to remind me that life is good. 

Here are some of my happy moments that I vined in remembrance of our life and how wonderful life is no matter what goes on in the world. If you haven't seen any of my vines yet, you can follow me on here to see more of these wonderful "vined" moments.

One of my favorites are the ones with this little guy. Every morning, and I mean every morning he'll jump into our bed, and will cuddle with me. I miss my nursing days with him, and am taking advantage of his routine while he's still little, because one day when he's six, he'll no longer be doing that! Love this kid so much.

I love New York City, and I honestly wish that we lived there sometimes. Blame it on growing up in a small, rural town with a population under 20,000. Once I turned 20 I have never looked back on living in small towns again. We are so fortunate to live in an area where we are surrounded by so much culture, and inspiring beauty.

Wishes...we can make them everyday, and not just on our birthday. The Cherry Hill fountain inside Central Park was a beauty, and after seeing all the coins inside the fountain Noah asked for a penny (or three) to throw in his wish. I obliged, and whatever he wished for he did it three times. I'd like to think it was for each of his sisters. Whatever he wished for I hope it'll come true.
 

New York is my magical city, and this vine captures a moment in Central Park at night. I honestly felt safe, and didn't freak out walking through the park in the wee hours of the night. We spent all day here, and couldn't believe how quickly darkness fell. We honestly didn't want to leave the park. I honestly didn't want to leave the city. The kids had way too much fun here, and there was still so much more to do and we will be back here to do it all over again! I gurantee you New York never gets boring!

So at the end of the day when all seems lost, and life didn't treat you the way it should have...think of those happy moments that have occurred in your life whether it's from the past or present and simply "lock it in". I guarantee you'll feel so much better, and realize that life is wonderful! 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

love them sopapillas!

This past summer one of my girls favorite things to do was staying up late to do a little late night baking, and experimenting with recipes that they found on Pinterest. Luckily for me I bought this awesome cookbook, and it was worth every penny! I heard these women both speak at a time out for women last year, and they were so down to earth with a great sense of humor. And boy do they have some amazing recipes!! 

I never documented this specific night, and because I'm missing Sierra's sopapillas I've decided to put it on the blog. Maybe some of you may want the recipe for this delicious Mexican dessert, and decide to try it. 

This is definitely not a food blog, oh no! I'm only sharing because I am missing my daughter and her delicious baking. Lexie took a huge role in it because she mixed the dough, and Sierra was fierce with the rolling pin in making the perfect squares.

I'm not one to bake, but I do know how to make cupcakes! Hey...just because I'm mexican doesn't mean that I can bake everything under the mexican sun! Luckily my daughters take an interest in cooking and baking because of their abuela, and their dad. My gringo of a husband loves to cook! 

Here is the recipe for the sopapillas in case you don't want to buy the Best Bites cookbook!

4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking pwder
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons shortening
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 quart of oil for frying

1. In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and shorting. Mix in water until smooth. Cover and let stand 30-40 minutes. 

2. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch squares. Heat oil to 375 degrees F. and fry until golden brown. Serve with cinnamon sugar or honey.

Delicious & enjoy!!!

ready for autumn.

You'd think that these kids were at an amusement park or something the way they were riding the rides on the playground, and by the looks on their faces I'd say they were having a really good time.

Even though Lexie is 13, and in eighth grade she still has the heart of a six year old and loves to include herself in playing with her younger sibs.

First of all can I just mention how perfect the weather was this past Saturday. It was ten degrees cooler than it has been since the week started. I think September is having a slight heart attack with this heat we've been having. Luckily today is the last day, and hopefully the temps should be in the 70's by tomorrow! Yay...I am so ready for autumn!

The kids had a blast at the park and were there for about an hour (or more.) I'm not sure...I actually took a little nap underneath some shade on a blanket while Jon took over the reigns for a while.

Lexie took a little break from playing with all the little kids, and grabbed her most current read and found some shade underneath a tree. I love this pic...it looks like something you see out of a Norman Rockwell painting. 

Noah decided to take his monster truck with him, and give it a test drive on the grass. He loves taking his truck everywhere he goes, as well as wearing his green boots. I'd say he's ready for autumn, and some rain!

He then noticed I was laying down, and decided to run over to me to give me a hug in which I've been desperately needing these days. 

Since Lexie was done with her book she decided to capture the moment (with my not so cute face!)Thanks Lexie. 

September days have been pretty cool except for this heat that we've been having. Not that I loathe the heat, and sometimes I wish we could go back to summer, but it is September and I am ready for a change. 

I am ready for the leaves to change, go pumpkin picking, and have my house smelling like autumn spice. Drink apple cider without my stomach hurting from drinking too much, and go apple picking. Have picnics on a flannel blanket in an area where we are surrounded by fall foliage. I love taking Noah to the park in cooler weather so our time there can last longer. 

Autumn brings so much joy just like summer does when it first begins, and now I'm ready for it.

I am ready for autumn. 

**How is the weather in your neck of the woods? I heard it's been raining in Texas....

the day new york changed.

picture via

So many memories come to my mind on this day, but the first one that pops up is the morning that we were in Ilwaco, Washington visiting Jon's grandparents. The loud sound of the television in the background woke us up. I could hear wailing within the walls of the television set, and as Jon and I walked into the living room all I saw was this vision.

The sight of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center over and over again. I was in shock, and I couldn't believe it. The fact that we toured NYC including the twin towers the year before was surreal, and I was in tears. 

I didn't want to believe it. What happened? Is this for real? Did the pilot lose control? Was it an accident? Those were the scenarios that I wish were the result of the plane crashing into the twin towers. Unfortunately it wasn't. It was then that we got news through the crackling voice of the newscaster that it was indeed a terrorist attack. This was the day in which every New Yorker will never forget. 

And.

That was the day I vowed myself to never take anything or anyone for granted.

12 years have passed since the attacks, and I have to admit that even though I feel as if I stay in touch with my loved ones I can do better. Not to be a pessimist or anything, but we never know when it is our time to go. We never know what our day is going to bring, or be like when we wake up...if we wake up at all.

We never know what will happen as we walk to our car, and leave the driveway to drive on the road with others who may not mind the laws. Or go to the park, the bank or grocery store. Or even send our kids to school.

As we travel we never know how traffic on the roads may be, or if our flight is going to be safe. One thing I know for sure is to be aware, and have faith in all that we do. To always have love, and have compassion in our hearts for our loved ones. To be mindful of every individual who walks our path. To always hug, and kiss our children. To never miss an opportunity to say "I love you", give hugs, blow kisses, and give a smile.

So from this day on in the 12th year of the attacks let us always remember those who lost their lives, and the families of those who will never forget. Let us uplift one another, and bring more brightness into the world we are living in.

God knows we need a lot of that right now.

picture perfect.

How many of us hold back the tears and when you're all alone you just let it all out, and I mean really let it out. Like you can't breath. Receiving kind messages really makes my day, and I received one from an old friend the other night, and the words that they mentioned describing my life was "amazing."

Amazing because of where I'm living, and all the places we have gone. 

Newsflash...our life is just like any other normal family so don't let all the pictures fool you. We have disagreements, we (I) can be a mean mom at times and raise my voice, but at the end of the day all is well. 

I have been tearing up so much lately though it's ridiculous, and that one simple, sweet message made me shed more tears. 

Why? 

Is it the fact that they loved my pics so much that I felt their gratitude through their message? Is it because Sierra has gone off to college, PMS, menopause (goodness I hope not) summer being over, the fact that winter is in three months, or is it because I'm turning 42 in a couple of weeks. Still...why am I crying so much.

I think it's all of the above (except the menopause one). 

My heart has been so full since Jon lost his job, since our oldest daughter left for college, and hearing my almost four year old speaking like he's six is scaring me. School has started, and I swear I felt as if Sierra's graduation happened yesterday. Everything is changing, life is changing, and there is no time to waste, and unfortunately rewinding time is impossible so as of this moment I am going to give 110% in giving my time to my family, and friends.  

In our family we begin each day with a blank page, and life goes on from there. Some days are blah, happy, and sad. I find myself taking advantage of the little things with my family like not whining too much about scattered toys in the living room, or Lexie staying up until 10:30 reading a book on a school night. I've been calling my mom more often, and friends to actually hear their voice, writing more letters, sending out cards to those I feel can use some cheering up, and "liking" & commenting on many photos of my friends Facebook wall, and Instagram account. I mean...that is why I am on these social networks. To stay in touch, and to look at all the wonderful happenings of so many families of friends that I've known half of my life, and for the past seven years. 

Some of you may not even go on the net as much (like my kids), and some of you may not have an Instagram account (which is better than FB so I encourage you to get one!) Bottom line is you don't have to comment or like my pics to let me know that you're there. There shouldn't be an obligation as to who likes who's pics on FB or any other social network. That's not how I view it, but I LOVE looking at everyone's photos & pics of their daily musings, and the overall mundane! 

Sadly some of those happenings are not so wonderful. One of my friends son has leukemia, and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. There is so much for me to be thankful for so why am I crying so much. Perhaps it's because I care too much. I care too much about life. I care too much about the sunlight gleaming through my window every morning. It's as if God is greeting me, and saying, "wake up Rose, it's time to live your life to the fullest so please...make the best of it." Knowing that I'm still alive, and breathing, and that my family is safe, and in good health when others peoples children are not. I cannot even imagine! 

These things make me extremely grateful and help me to not complain. 

So, why all the crying? 

I have a heart that's filled with so much love for the entire universe. I wish I could take away the pain that others are going through, and give them a great big hug because I'm a hugger.

I'm having these spontaneous outbursts of emotionally tearing up, but after talking to Sierra yesterday her voice uplifted me, and gave me assurance that everything we'll be okay. 

I look at Noah's sparkle in those deep brown eyes of his, and the cuddles that he gives every morning and night fulfills my entire being.

I'm glad that Lexie is home with me for another five years because when there's a day when I'm feeling blue she doesn't hestitate to give me a hug. Not for a minute. All I have to do is look at her, and she is my assurance, and a reminder to me that there is a lot of good in this world. 

I look at my eight year old, and all the sassiness she carries, and just smile. Sure there are times when her sassiness will go to far, and the "mean mom" in me  comes out, but at the end of the day she brightens it with her individuality. Knowing that this kid of mine is different in her own way gives me assurance that she is going to do something uniquely different in her future.

I have Jon whom for the past 20 years has given me his heart in friendship and love. Supported me in ways that a man should, and even though he's unemployed at the moment I still see him as a hardworker willing to strive to do things on his own. It's hard, but he tries. 

So life changes everyday, and in an instant can be turned upside down for so many of us in different ways. Life can seem perfect in pictures, and it can be sometimes...for that moment. 

Crying...whether they're tears of joy or sadness is perfectly healthy and normal. In spite of everything that is going on in our life right now I have to admit that my friend is right.

I do have a pretty amazing life living the life that I live with my family & with all the beautiful scenery that surrounds me in venturing out to the places we love...including our own backyard! 

No matter what life throws at us we will always have each other, and that is the greatest comfort. 

humility, & gratitude.

Funny how one of the talks that were given at our sacrament meeting yesterday was on gratitude. The Lord knows what some of us need to hear, and even though I feel like I am one of the most gracious people in the world I can hear a talk about gratitude over, and over again. And relearn over, and over again.

Although I feel that I've been humbled for half of my life, and express my gratitude towards mankind in every single way there is still room to grow, and to "get" the full meaning of what it truly means to be humble and grateful. 

The nine bees are an important tool in our family, and we strive to have them anchored in our life on a daily basis. Lately, I have been in depth pondering, and praying to always be humble, and grateful. To truly feel the true meaning of humility, and gratitude. Because for the past 20 plus years Jon has NEVER had to struggle to find a job...ever.

Finding work in your 40's is not easy, and here he is getting a taste of what millions of Americans are going through, and boy is it humbling a man that is already humbled. Hey...there is always room for more humility right? 

Luckily for Jon, and his great personality I have faith that he will find something that he'll love. I have been a full time mom in my home since my Lexie was born. She is 13 years old now, and being a mom is the best job that I'll ever have! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I wouldn't trade an eight hour working day five times a week for some stranger to watch my little boy...at least not now. I wouldn't trade any kind of job that requires me to be away from my son in his toddler years, and I'm okay with that. 

Jon is the one who loves to work, and provide for this cute family that we have, and I've always known him to be such a patient, and outgoing man. This is one of the many reasons I married him. He has always been a man filled with gratitude. 

While serving his mission I was lucky enough to witness how kind, and involved he was with all the members in the church and with those that were investigating...including me. I know what you're thinking and no...we did not have any intention of getting together at all, nor did we "mess" around or even flirt on his mission! We did all that one year after he went home...honorably! I am one lucky girl to have married him though, and after all that we went through while he was courting me we were meant to be! 

He has always been patient with me with all the issues I had buried inside, and knew about all the nitty gritty things that I had done in my past. He has never been judgmental, and never will be. I swear this guy has nothing bad to say about anyone or anything! He is better than me in giving people the benefit of the doubt over, and over, and over again. I mean...that's the way it should be right? Here I am still working on that, and I honestly believe that I have gotten better at it.  

The time we are spending together lately without his phone ringing, (except for him checking his email, but that's all for a good reason) is something that I have gotten used to, and in all honesty it feels nice. I am loving his presence at home, but time flies and money doesn't grow on trees and now it's seriously time for him to get to work. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am to be grateful.

Watching my children grow up into adults, and mini me's is both exciting, and scary at the same time. Especially with Noah. I look at our son, and how he treats his sisters, and us with so much kindness  His favorite words are please, thank you, and I love you. When he accidentally bumps you he'll say "I'm sorry" with the sweetest little voice, and a smile in return. He is a wonderful little boy who reminds me a lot of his father, and I believe that he is off to a good start in developing all the attributes that his dad has. 

I want our children to be humble, and grateful without envy. Compassionate, and caring without being judgemental. Loving, and fellowshipping with a genuine heart. Most of all I hope that they (and we) will never give up in enduring to the end. 

“There they are, nine Be’s which, if observed, will bring handsome dividends to any man or woman. They will add sparkle to your days and peace to your nights. They will save you from heartache and pain. They will bring purpose into your life and give direction to your energies.”

~President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008)

Be grateful. 

Be Smart. 

Be Involved.

 Be Clean. 

Be True. 

Be Positive. 

Be Humble. 

Be Still. 

Be Prayerful. 

I am so thankful for this wonderful man who emphasized these nine essential characteristics that we all do our best in acquiring to do. I hope that my attitude will carry the nine bees at all times, and in all places.