When A Missionary Comes Home Early.

"After much thought and prayer, I've come to the conclusion that a mission is not in my plans. The MTC was a trying, yet beautiful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I met some amazing missionaries, my companions were wonderful sisters, and the language was easy to pick up. But I've come home and am at peace with my decision. The testimony I have for mission work, for families, and for the scriptures have grown tremendously. I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and I am so grateful for my experience. If you're preparing to serve or thinking about serving, please earnestly pray about your decision, and go! It'll change your life. My time as a missionary may have been short, but I'm still excited to teach others about this beautiful gospel and I know my mission on earth is not over. I appreciate the sacrifice missionaries make, it is not easy. But it's worth it. I am proud to be a Mormon, and I know this gospel is meant to bring people to God and create happiness in their lives."-Sister Sierra Jorgensen 

My daughter posted this status on her Facebook last Friday to let everyone know of her returning home early from the MTC. All i have to say is that I'm so proud of her for having the desire to serve the Lord, and for taking it as far as she did. Heavenly Father certainly knows His children, and if you knew my daughter, and I mean really knew her, you would come to know that she is an amazing girl, a true sweetheart, and someone who would literally be there for you at the drop of a hat whenever someone is in need. 

The few weeks that she spent at the MTC was all the time she needed to focus, learn, and to spiritually grow. To truly know that the scriptures are to never be taken for granted, that families are forever, and to never take family for granted either. She needed to be there for that short time to prove to the Lord that after all her praying, and preparation for a mission that all she needed was to make it all the way to the MTC to learn the language, but after much thought and prayer in the temple, realized from the divine that she is destined for something else, but not to serve an 18 month mission in the Philippines. 

But most of all...to listen to her answer.

In the church I attend we are all considered a missionary, and when it comes to serving a mission, it is not a priesthood responsibility for our daughters. I was so excited knowing that she was willing to serve, but even more at peace knowing that she's is happy, and at peace too. Sure I was a bit in shock when I received that phone call because of how excited she was when she got her mission call, but when she told us what prompted her to pray about coming home, our main focus was making sure she was alright, and that she did everything correct while making her decision.   

I was very impressed hearing as to how she came about her answer, and knowing that she prayed to Heavenly Father about the feelings she was experiencing while in the MTC, and to actually feel that burning in her bosom when she received her answer is a testament to how in tune she was in listening to her response coming from the divine. And no matter how much she wanted it to be a different answer, and how wonderful serving in the Philippines sounded, she knew she couldn't go against that prompting. She was honest, and brave, and we are so pleased with her in obeying that answer, and not going against it. That's true discipleship if you ask me. 

A few days after she came home I asked her what she missed most about the MTC. Her response, "I mostly miss the classes because they helped me grow spiritually, and my missionary companions because they all brought something in my life that I needed." She still continues to keep in touch with them through emails, and is happy to hear how well they're doing...without any regret.

I have no doubt that things will work out for her. She has goals, and is very ambitious, and who knows what the future has in store for her, but for now she is at peace with herself, and is happy where she's at, and that's all that matters. 

As a parent it's important to support our children in all that they do...especially when a missionary comes home early. She is certainly not the first, and won't be the last. I have various friends who have had missionaries come home early, and for different reasons, but what is most relevant to the situation is not the "why's", the "how could you's", the stares, or the whisperings we may get behind our backs, but the "it's okay's", the smiles, and the true fellowshipping. The Lord is in charge, and knows exactly what is best for all of us. Missionaries coming home early is becoming more common these days, and what they need first and foremost is unconditional love, and support. 

I'm grateful for the gospel, and that Sierra has a testimony of it, and that she's not afraid to share it with others. Even if it will be in her community, at school, or at work. She will always be a first class sister no matter what!

Welcome home mama! (I can call you that now!) 

We love you girlie! (i can call you that too!) 

xoxo

The Little Mermaid.

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

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

And all these kids did an amazing job! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beach Day On An Early Spring Day.

Last week the weather here in the east was absolutely amazing! When I heard the weather was going to be in the high 70's I was figuring a day when the kids and I could go for a drive to the beach so they can remember that life is not always spent indoors, and so that can get a taste of what our summer will look like. I'm sure they haven't forgotten, but I know that they have both been cooped up in the house most of winter because of nasty illnesses, and so when the sunshine came into play i knew we just had to get out and go to the beach! 

It's funny how we forget what sand between our toes feels like, the sound of seagulls flocking, and waves crashing. Maybe that's why I have "the sounds of nature" on my playlist for emergencies like this. Especially on days when I'm feeling stress. There's something about hearing birds chirping, the sound of waterfalls, and waves crashing that eases the mind, and relieves any tension we may be experiencing in our life. Going to the beach on this day was the perfect remedy for the week I've had, and the hour drive was totally relaxing for me. Especially when you've got good tunes playing. If i lived even 20 minutes from the beach I'd be there everyday after school to read a book while the kids did their homework, and then play for a while adding in a dinner picnic for good measure. The kids were extremely happy that we went, and Noah was so excited to take his scooter, and ride it along the boardwalk. 

 // The pirate ship slide is their favorite! Can't you tell??? //

I made this little video of my twosome playing around in the park, and then on to the beach. They sure do love it here, and if it wasn't for the weather getting a bit nippy we could have been here all evening. We also had to get back in time for Lexie's musical. As always we miss Lexie when we venture out on outings like this, but it's hard for her to get away when we want to escape the world on a school night. She's a busy, busy girl! 

I randomly asked a stranger if she could take our picture. I had seen her earlier snapping photos on the beach with a really nice camera, and could tell she was somewhat of a photographer. Her mother mentioned that she was and that she is very good at it, and she obliged to take our picture.

I took a few myself of the kids, and love the look on their faces as their on the beach, especially when they are staring out into the ocean. 

And a selfie with Chelsea because I forgot my selfie stick, and also because Chelsea's like, "we don't need that thing." 

These two wanted to pose for the camera without me telling them, and then have me take a picture of them making a funny face. I'm telling you when you have these two together they truly are goofballs, and know how to have a good time! Not to mention getting along without any bickering! Thank heavens for beaches! 

This sweet boy...

...and his cute, little face. I sure do love him so much. I seriously pinch myself at times making sure that this life of mine is real because having a boy in the mix of my three girls is sometimes too good to be true. 

But it is, and I love him, and all of his sisters so, soooooooo much.

Days like this are seriously the best, and I sure am one lucky momma! 

Here's to looking forward for more days like this all summer long at one of our happy places!! 

Have a wonderful week folks!  

Our Date Day & The Philadelphia Temple.

You know spring is in the air when you see construction workers on the streets, construction sites open with a jackhammer hammering in the background, playgrounds full of kids, and dog walkers. Your neighbor mowing the lawn, and a long line of cars at the car wash. Yep, spring is definitely in the air especially when you are now walking your kid to the bus stop instead of driving because you were just too cold to walk two blocks and stand around for ten minutes! Seeing Noah picking up sticks, and finding the perfect rocks to collect asking me, "Mom, when I come home from school can we go to the park so I can ride my scooter, and pick more rocks?" is a sure sing that spring is on its way for good.

And that makes me super cheerful!

When I saw the weather forecast for this past week I was amazed at the temperatures being in the 70's & 80's. It's amazing what spring does to our moods, and I had been itching to go to the temple ever since they took off the scaffold and put up the sign "Holiness to the The Lord, The House of the Lord."

Since Jon has one day off a week (it happened to be on Tuesday) I was like, "we're going to Philly to see the temple!" We decided to take the train in, and walked around and took in this beautiful weather. Walking down the streets of Philly seeing people eating at the sidewalk cafés and walking through Rittenhouse Park with people laying on the lawn reading books, having lunch, listening to headphones is so refreshing. To see that again after enduring the winter months brings nothing but renewal and happiness to my soul because that means no more being cooped up in the house, and storing away your winter clothes. As much as I complain about how I long for fall when it begins to get hot, and how much I long for spring when I grow weary of winter I love the change of season. And that's part of life when you live in a place where they have the four seasons. Thing about it is that I tend to appreciate the seasons more when they change. And with each season comes a change of renewal with my mood and on this day I was ecstatic!!

First thing we did when we arrived was grab some grub! We were starving, and had been craving a really good burger so we decided to eat at one of our favorite places, and of course as much as I repeat this I'll say it again...I love this place, and I can never get enough of their crinkled fries! Bless your heart shake shack for not replacing them with shoestring fries, or any type of fry!

We continued to venture out towards the temple, and I was getting giddy as we were getting closer. I know I sound like a broken record on repeat when it comes to temples, and how much good they bring into my life, but if you only knew the true joy it brings for me, and my family you'd want it too, and most likely be bearing your soul about it. I can't help but to express my gratitude, and appreciation for these beautiful buildings that are being built upon the earth specifically for us so that we can come closer to Christ as well as help our family members who have passed on so that they can have a chance at everlasting happiness. To bless our attitudes, and view on this mortal life we live. Such an amazing blessing, and i can't wait to continue to do some of the work inside this temple!

We saw the temple from the Franklin Institute, and it is absolutely beautiful. The architecture, and color of the temple is perfect. The circled windows remind me of the salt lake temple which is my favorite. Call me bias, but it's my favorite because that's the temple my family, and I were sealed in. As we were walking around the "Philly temple square" (that's what I call it) I almost, almost felt as if I was home. All that's missing is the mountains and, a big, huge conference center!!

And a few more photos of this beauty from different angles...

Again, I'm so thankful that the mayor finally came to an agreement with our former stake presidency five years ago to finally build this temple.

And I have a feeling it's going to do the city of brotherly love a whole lotta good!

You can watch the Philadelphia temple progressing from the the time it broke ground , until now here here, and here.

I invite all my friends near and far to attend the open house, and if you can make it log onto here for the open house dates. If you're wondering, or are curious as to what temples are all about, and ask yourself, "why is Rosie always excited about her faith" I advise you to please join us. I guarantee you'll feel peace, and once you step foot inside that temple I guarantee you'll be saying to yourself, "no wonder."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lexie Lately.

The last time I wrote about Lexie was about a year ago, and I feel as if I have neglected to blog about her. My blogging tends to shift in a different direction as the kids get older (especially when you're beginning to realize that they are somewhat of a private person, and don't care to be the center of attention.) But I'm a mother, and aren't parents supposed to boast about their kids (wink, wink.) I've realized that I don't have to blog about every single little thing that my kids are involved in. I've realized that it's 'time without the camera'is what matters the most especially when it comes to teenagers. I'm too busy paying attention to the conversations Lexie and I have, and when we go to the movies, or lunch together I'm not always "snapping" or taking a picture of the huge bag of popcorn we shared. I've kind since realized that once my kids reach their teens that those years are the most crucial. When I spend time with Lexie we are too busy talking, and laughing that the thought of taking a picture is not on my mind. Okay, maybe I'll take one picture, but sometimes it stays trapped on my phone, and I don't put it out there for the world to see. However, I did want to write a little bit about her today, because she's just so amazing, and I'm so pleased in how she's leading her life so far. As much as her younger sibs want her to come with us to the park, museum, or a movie she's been too busy with school. Instead of having our chick-fil-a fix after school together we have to bring it to her at school. This whole year for her has been super duper busy with extra, extra curricular activities. This week is 'tech week' and due to musical rehearsal which means she'll be at the school until 10pm or later! In all honesty I can't wait until  this week is over so she can catch up on her sleep. I honestly don't know how these kids do it nowadays with all that they do. Her day literally begins at 5am with early morning seminary,(although she's missed two days so far because of staying up until 1am doing homework) sorry seminary teacher, but she needs her sleep! and it surprises me that as we say our family prayer before she leaves for school that she's wide awake, and that's without any caffeine! She's so smart, and really loves learning. Sure there are a few things that may bother her about a certain subject in school, but nonetheless she devotes her time and energy on her school work, and works really hard. 

She recently received two invitations from Johns Hopkins, and Harvard University to attend a summer medical program. She's trying to decide which one to attend, and that requires writing a few essays so she can get the scholarship. She was nominated by alumni who attended those universities, and were impressed with her high PSAT scores, and overall academic achievements. Receiving those invitations, and being acknowledged is a testament to her hard work in studying and focusing on her education before anything else. We're so proud of her and her accomplishments that she's been receiving this early in high school, and who knows where she'll be when she graduates. If her heart is still in the medical field at that time, and chooses that on her motive it'll be because she loves it! I know that her junior year will be the most challenging especially since she'll be taking all AP classes including anatomy, and statistics! She's pretty good at finding a balance in all the things that she does, and knows when enough is enough. She'll listen to her body when its tired, and that's one thing she has a talent in is listening!

We do look forward to her performance this week in the musical "The Little Mermaid" as well as her jazz competitions that she has all spring. It'll be interesting to see, and look forward for fun evenings ahead to last us throughout the school year...including piano, and violin recitals!

Life Lately In Pictures.

What a winter we've been having with crazy temps, rain, and even a small snowfall. The change of weather hasn't helped with our immune system, and I've have been spraying the heck of our house with Lysol lately. It still seems as if old man winter is still on life support, and hanging on until the end, but all i have to say is that as much as I love winter, and how fun it can be with kids, being sick along with two kids isn't the funnest, and I'm pretty ready for spring. Living in a 1400 square foot house where the bedrooms are literally 10 feet away from each other is a cause for everyone to get sick. 

Especially Noah. Luckily he's feeling better, and that everyone else is pretty much getting over their illnesses.  

I had lunch with a friend this past week, and we both needed some much needed girl time. We both vented to each other about our issues, life, family, and overall kept it positive with the things we can do to lift each other up. I have so much appreciation for this life I have as a mother because it's so true how we tend to take ourselves for granted. I have come to the realization that I do need time for myself, and that it's okay to take time away from our kids. 

Going to the temple when it was closed a couple of weeks ago still gave me that insight that I needed. It didn't matter that we didn't go inside. All I needed was to step on the grounds of this beautiful building to remind me that everything in this life is worth it. That my whole life truly is the big picture, and that it's up to me to always make the best of it. And lately I've been feeling pretty great! 

Noah and Chelsea seem to be getting it together these days, as well as being a little too independent. I blame it on "growing up."

Noah and Chelsea decided to invent "pancake day." They just started it this past week when they came home from school hungry, ( i fear the teenage years with these two!), and even though I have a few snacks they asked if they could make pancakes, and if they could start making them from now on. I had to pause for a moment, because I just can't believe that my two youngest are growing up! Of course I said yes, and snapchatted the whole thing. They were too fun to watch! 

Noah is beginning to understand a little bit of what a cub scout (scouts) is all about. I have been preparing him little by little as to what it is, and showed him pictures, badges, and certificates including Jon's eagle. Noah was excited, and kept saying, "am i going to get badges like that, and a eagle too?" I said to him as long as you keep putting forth the effort in learning every year on a certain topic yes, you will be getting merit badges like this, and most definitely an eagle like papa's." Then he asked what a merit badge was! I'll let Jon explain more to him on that later! Anyway, when I mentioned how he also gets to build his own wooden car, and races it against other cars he was excited! I bought him a pre-made car in which all he had to do was put it together, and paint it. He was thrilled when I brought it home, and had a fun time assembling it. 

I'm also grateful that my kids entertain themselves when they "get bored." I have to admit I haven't heard those words uttered too much in the house lately. I found these bricks that make a temple which are kind of like legos at the book store. It only took him an hour or so. He enjoyed putting it together with the help of big sis. 

And coloring!! I thank whoever invented coloring books because the kids have enjoyed coloring, and even drawing while being cooped up in the house due to raining so much the past couple of weeks!

We also saw the Philly temple a couple of weeks ago, and the scaffold was down which means it's almost done! I saw recent photos with the sign that read "Holiness to the Lord", and with just a few more preparations such as putting in the furnishings in the temple should be all ready for August. Hopefully the weather cooperates! This will truly be an enormous celebration not only for us LDS folk, but for the city as well! 

When I got my haircut the other day, I stumbled upon this cute little store in Haddonfield called Hooked. I love yarn, and because I fell in love with the Purl shop in Soho a few years ago, I was wishing they had a store like that in Jersey, and I found one! I may not be the greatest knitter, but I'm willing to pick it up again. They have classes starting soon, and you better believe I'll be going to one! 

 /// And we can't get enough of this book. I sure love the Easter season! ///

All i know is that I'm looking forward to spring. I wish we could have made time to go to the poconos to have more fun in the snow, but we obviously settled for the first snow we got in January, and made the best of it. Maybe next year we'll make it back to Utah to have fun in "real" snow, and really take advantage of it!

I am grateful for playgrounds, and bike trials to go scooting around on, because even when it's 40 degrees out the kids don't mind playing, but still...I think 60 degrees is better, and and all you need is a hoodie! 

Which it looks like that's all we are going to need this week because temps are going to be in the 70's!! woohoo!!!


Happy Monday, and have a great week folks!