Chelsea & Noah's Spring Piano Recital '16.

When I first signed Noah up for piano lessons this winter I have to admit I was a bit nervous. Nervous because I didn't think he'd take it seriously. Because when you have boys all they want to do is run, play outside, play with legos, superhero figurines, and transformers! Having three daughters who enjoyed taking lessons gave me hope that Noah would have a deep interest in it, and thanks to their example he does. I've realized that it takes a lot of encouraging, examples, and a lot of positive reactions when one plays for a child to enjoy a hobby. Whether it's a sport, or an instrument. I have developed such a strong passion for having music played in my home, and to see that it keeps my kids grounded (in other words...out of trouble), is something that I hope my kids will carry on throughout their school years. And if they want...all the way into college. 

This year we were very blessed to have a new teacher. We have had wonderful teachers in the past, but sometimes change is good especially when it comes to feeling as if you're child can use it as well as the child themselves. We are very grateful for Ms. Nora's patience, and excellent technique that she taught my kids. Chelsea really has improved on her playing, and Noah picked it up really quick! I was really impressed with Nora, and my kids as their lessons were always, always pleasant, and to feel a happiness among her tiny music room was the icing on the cake. We will definitely miss her. 

16 students performed on this day, and everyone played very well. Noah was the first one to go up, and he went up like he didn't have a care in the world. He even had a little strut. I asked him afterwards if he was scared, and he just shook his head, and said "no." He's pretty bold, and fearless, and hope that he will use his fearlessness for good at all times. You can watch him play his sweet little song called "Happy Days" (so suitable for him) here. (I also snapchatted a bit and if you want to follow along and view my stories my user name is r_jorgensen). I love his grin as he looks right at me towards the end. He certainly knows where mom is holding the camera. 

As always when it comes to recitals I always want to respect others, and not want to distract so I only captured a few photos. Students were running late, and so it was mandatory that I had to capture the looks on my kids faces as they were waiting. Although they were waiting patiently I'm sure half of this group was thinking, "can we hurry up already, and get this over with", or maybe they were thinking the exact opposite such as, "take your time people. We are in no hurry!"

Chelsea was one of the last students to play, and she did really well. You can watch her play her Sontina piece here. 

I was really impressed with the nice awards that were given, and the sweet comments Ms. Nora gave to her students as she was handing them out. 

 Noah was so cute as he was the first one to receive it. This is the time were I wish I would have captured him in video so y'all can see him in action!

So proud of these kids for all their efforts when it came to endless practicing. I keep reminding them that practice makes perfect, and as long as you do that every day you can become the best pianist there is. 

Such a beautiful way to have spent our Sabbath day by attending our kids recital. I'm so proud of them, and hope that we will be blessed to find another teacher who is just as awesome as Ms. Nora once the school year begins again. 

Congratulations kiddos! Keep up the hard work, and never stop playing. Music truly is our everything when it comes to our needs. it relaxes the should, and eases the mind. Especially when it's played inside our home! 

What I'll Miss About South Jersey: Part Three

One of the perks of having a UPS driver in the house is all the chocolate you get during the holidays, and in this case, the girls camp fundraiser. The ladies at Aunt Charlotte's Candies have been working here for years, and they treat my family like a gem. Especially my husband. Why? Because he delivers all their goodies, and treats, and because he's the most pleasant UPS driver they've had in a long time! They love him, and I'm so grateful for this wonderful lady who offered to help out my daughter in donating some goodies for her girls camp fundraiser. 

She was so kind as to donate a box of chocolates along with a gift certificate. She always spoils Jon when he comes in to make a delivery, and gives him his favorite which is peanut butter! Paige is the nicest lady, and was so kind as to give us a tour of the backroom where they stock up on all the homemade chocolate!!

These are my favorite! Cashew chocolate with caramel! Yum-o!! 

This store is absolutely amazing, and overwhelming in a good way. Not so good if you have a sweet tooth! Luckily for me I don't, but my kids do, and boy did I have to say "no" quite a bit! Note the look on Lexie's face. I don't think she was ready for a mirror selfie!

I felt sorry for Chelsea as she is so obedient in following the rules of what not to eat when it comes to her braces. As much as she wants those gummy bears, and caramel chocolates she has the will not to ask. And as much as I feel for her I have the will to not give in. She knows the rewards that come with keeping her teeth in good shape, and because she doesn't want them on longer than two years is being super obedient in not eating anything gooey, or sugary! 

This store is so nostalgic, and I love it! I love the squeaky hard wood floor as you walk along the store, and how the candy is all set up. I love how accommodating they are to their patrons, and how they have samples of chocolates sitting on their counter waiting for you to indulge. It totally feels like you're in a different era when entering in like it's the 50's or something except with lots of stuffed animals, and all the decor you need to make your house a home. 

Lexie found this owl which reminded her of Hedwig. Maybe I'll get it for her once we move. Shhhh.....

Noah kept asking me to buy this, and buy that. Candy, stuffed animals, and chocolate oh my!! I ended up buying his favorite which is swedish fish. I highly recommend buying them here over the ones in your local grocery stores. They are softer, and taste 10 times better. 

I don't care if we're an hour away. I will stop by every once in while and stock up on some swedish fish, and chocolate! This truly is the best candy store in South Jersey! So if you happen to plan a trip up here make sure you make a pit stop at Aunt Charlotte's Candies. They're not kidding when they say, "there is a delight in every bite!"

And I think the smile on Noah's face proves all too well that it is! 

Have a wonderful weekend you guys! 

Officially a Middle-Schooler.

Eight years ago when we moved to Jersey Chelsea was just three years old. THREE! Totally feeling all the feelings right now because just the other day she asked when she can shave her legs. Knowing that she's my "baby" girl I really don't want her to because once she does that I feel as if she's officially a "woman." Then again I don't want any girls making fun of her at gym because she has a bit of hair on her legs so I guess that's a sure sign that I need to buy her her own razor! Today was a question of shaving, (among other things that dealt with "feminine hormonal issues" which she is in no hurry to get!), and it seems like yesterday she was running around the house asking for her "gigi" which was like her comfort, or woobie as others would call it. She'd suck on her thumb, and comfort herself with that small piece of rag. 

It's true what they say. Once they finish elementary school the years begin to fly, and there's been nothing buy grade flying around here in the Jorgensen household! (Still in denial that Noah is a Kindergarten graduate!) It'll be a nice beginning for Chelsea to attend a new middle school, and even though she'll miss her peeps here at Blackwood who will be going to Lewis middle school this fall she knows that she can make friends no matter where she goes. Counting our blessings that we have yearbooks for memory as well as email, and overall technology to stay in touch with her south jersey peeps! 

It doesn't surprise me that Chelsea was chosen out of her 5th grade class as to who is "most likely to Rule the world!" Her response when she was chosen was, "I hope my friends didn't think I was bossy." I said to her that they chose you because they see that you have leadership material, and believe me when I say that because I have seen her in action when it comes to not being the follower! Let's hope she continues to carry that attribute all the way into college! 

Special shout out goes to her teacher Mrs. Schug who was absolutely awesome! All of my kids have been blessed with having such awesome teachers at Blackwood, and whoever attends this school will be in good hands. My kids have learned that as long as you listen, and have a desire to learn you will have no issues with any teacher! 

Truly can't believe we're finished with this chapter in her life of completing her final years of elementary school, and that Noah is my only child left to attend five more years of it. Hoping that those years for both of them will go by super slow, and that Chelsea will shine throughout her middle school years, and be the best student there is! 

Goodbye 5th grade! 

Hello Middle School! 

Noah's Kindergarten Graduation Picnic '16

Yesterday was Noah's kindergarten program/picnic/graduation/happy/sad/jumping for joy with tears streaming down my face, hence the sunglasses in this picture day!! I am still in denial that my baby boy who I swear I felt as if I gave birth to yesterday is at the end of his kindergarten days. It definitely was a surreal, bittersweet, yet joyous moment for us all as we celebrated the end to this chapter of his young life. 

All of our girls graduated from different schools when they were in kindergarten except for Chelsea. I think the reason why I was such a mess yesterday (although I hid it pretty well behind the camera) is because Chelsea graduated from this same school, and we had our little picnic near this same tree six years ago!! As I look back at Chelsea's kindergarten days it seems as if she just graduated from the Big K yesterday! And now...she's going into middle school! Yikes!

But this was Noah's day, and the fact that he will be attending another school district is somewhat bittersweet. Bitter because he made a lot of friends, and because he is so loved. Not once did I have any issues with him throughout the year, and I hope that will be the case until he graduates high school! He will miss his little friends, but thanks to technology we can keep in touch with his buddies folks via social media, and email! 

Watching Noah singing, and dancing in the program was so much fun. He truly has a knack for dancing, and singing. He's not afraid to sing, and act on his emotions with the song. It was so enjoyable watching all the other kids getting into the groove as they were singing their goodbyes to kindergarten, and excitement into the first grade! 

You can see them singing their version of New York, New York in which they changed it to "first grade, first grade" here.  This song was so suitable for Noah as he loves New York City! And here's about a minute of video singing Taio Cruz "Dynamite" in which they changed the words, but oh how cute is Noah with his dance moves and all! You can watch him shaking his bootie on my YouTube channel here. 

This post wouldn't be complete without adding a picture of his very first teacher outside the home...Ms. Letteri. What a great experience Noah had with her being his first teacher. She is such sweetheart, and I could see how much she really enjoys teaching. 

And so I end this post with a sweet note to Noah...

I can't believe that just a year ago you entered kindergarten not quite knowing how to tie your shoes, or expressing, and enunciating your words, and letters correctly. And now...you rock it! You rock at writing short letters without hardly any help. You rock at helping someone else tie their shoes. You rock at counting endless numbers up to 200!! You rock at being the most helpful, kindest, sweetest, selfless little boy I've ever known! You are going to be a great leader someday, and my hope for you is that you carry all the positive experiences your learned, and any negativity (which was very rare) you experienced this year, and all that you were taught in kindergarten to the 1st grade, and the next year, and the next. Remember who you are, and that it's okay to get all muddy, and crazy when the time is right for it!! After all...that's what little boys are made of! 

Congrats kid! 

Here's looking forward to the 1st grade in the fall! 

Woot! Woot! 

xoxo-mommy 

Gloucester Township Day '16.

Towards the end of the school year, and for the past eight years of living in Gloucester Township we have always attended Gloucester Township Day. It truly is a huge event within the community, and having had two of my oldest daughters participate in singing on stage along with their fellow classmates who are part of the choir or musical, and various groups is something that I always look forward too! Even in this heat! 

It was a hot day, and couldn't believe how long we toughed it out for a few hours with a toddler! Good thing we had a ton of water to keep us hydrated. It seems that every year this carnival gets bigger and bigger. There have been more rides in the past couple of years, and so when the kids saw a few of their favorites there was no hesitation in letting them fun some fun. Normally we come here just to walk around,, and hear our daughter sing, and then leave. But being that this will be our last time coming to Gloucester township day we splurged a bit! 

We had some time to spare before Lexie's performance, and walked around checking out which rides they had. Noah was in awe when he saw this ride. He said, "I can't wait till I'm tall enough to get on this ride." 

 Noah, and Chelsea were pointing out which ones they wanted to ride, and after a while Noah rode the balloon ride with Lexie. 

They also had a chance to go on the fun slide, which in their opinion was not as great as the wooden slide at Smith park, but the three ticket ride was worth it. 

Since it was so hot with hardly any breeze the kids wanted to ride a ride where they could get some air. The Sizzler was the answer! Since I always get on rides with Noah I figured I'd let Jon get on with him. Their so cute together. 

And these two girls. 

I was starving, and as much as I wanted to eat before getting on rides we didn't. We ate after we rode, and the food they have here is pretty good. Chicken fingers, and fries are always a favorite! 

Noah cannot stop wearing these shades. They are his favorite especially since they were given to him by a Kings Hawaiian Rolls representative! 

Everyone did an amazing job performing, and singing. It was so nice to have heard Lexie, and Cassie sing "for good" from Wicked. You can view their duo here. They did an amazing job, and it reminded me of when Sierra sang on that same stage singing the same song too! Major deja vu! You can see Sierra sing the same song here

Here I am with my arms around Noah dancing to a song that was being sung, and Chelsea in the background being a goof. After she saw this photo she told me that I look "buff." I call it chunky. I may have a bit of muscle tone left, but this photo proves that i probably need to tone up my arms a bit! Ha! Ha!

I am in love with this photo. I love how I captured a moment between father and son, and how you can see the adoration in Noah's eyes for his pa. Love them both so much! 

It sure was bittersweet when we left. Knowing that this will be our last time coming to this event. Even though it'll an hour away from where we'll be living I know that we probably won't make time to come because of what's going on in our new community, and what not. I'm grateful for the times that we've come to support Gloucester Township , and for all the hard work that everyone does to participate in this event for free! I love how this community goes out of their way for families, and for the mayor to create a safe, and fun environment for the kids, and families. This is what I look forward to in our new community, and know that we'll be fine as long as we bring all that is good to our new community! 

What I'll Miss About South Jersey: Part Two

For the past two years Lexie has been a part of her high school jazz band, concert choir, Girl A Capella Group (known as the The Melodears), Vocal Resolution, and the concert band. Phew! How she pulls all that off on top of being an honors student, and attending other extra curricular activities is beyond me! She has contributed so much in being a part of these groups, and one thing for sure is that she will miss her teachers that taught her how to become a better musician, and vocalist. 

I know for sure that I will miss attending her performances with this particular band, and choir, but as long as we are living in the same state, and only an hour away we will try to make the time to come watch their spring concerts for the next two years. 

Everyone did an amazing job, and sitting in the front row gave me the perfect view to record a few songs, and musical numbers. I absolutely love how certain members of the jazz band gave improv solos with their instruments to the song called "Super Chicken" and how everyone rocked it! Lexie did a violin solo, and she was so fun to watch! 

You can view her solo here. 
Lexie's Violin Improv Solo '16 from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

Here are a few other videos of the The Melodears singing a Beyonce Medley in which you can view here, and one of my personal favorites is the combination of Eleanor Rigby and Mad World songs in which you can watch here. I'm a huge Tears for Fears fan, and when the movie Donnie Darko was released years ago I fell in love with the new rendition of the song Mad World that Gary Jules wrote. Pretty impressive, and Vocal Resolution did an amazing job singing it. 

The energy that was felt at this concert was a bit overwhelming. At least it was for me. Maybe it's because we are relocating, and that this was Lexie's last concert. Maybe it was because she was given a small solo in one of the songs, or maybe it was because she gave a violin solo and felt comfortable doing it. Or maybe it's because her sister attended all four years of high school, and is Highland alumni, and Lexie will be alumni at another school district. Yeah...I think it's all of the above.  

It's super bittersweet knowing that this was her final performance, and concert, but she is pretty excited to start her junior year at a different high school, and make new friends. She sure has learned a lot attending here at Highland , and I know that she will take everything she has learned with her to her other school. 

What an amazing evening it was, and we look forward to keeping in touch with how the band, and choir do via social media, and hopefully we will make it to their spring concert next year! 

Oh, and Mr. Tumminia...you will be missed! 

For more videos of the concert this year, and previous years in which you can see my oldest daughter in you can go to my YouTube Channel! 

Have a wonderful weekend folks! 

Remembering On Memorial Day.

After blogging about Noah's spider-man costume I neglected to mention how we spent our Memorial day holiday. In all honesty because of the dreary weather, a school project in which Lexie and her partner from school had to finish (they worked on it from 10-1:30), and a slight headache (which I rarely get) we decided to stay close to home. It was about 3:30 on Monday when we decided to leave the house, and take a drive towards mirror lake park to take the kids out so they can release some wiggles, and relieve some end of the year school stress. 

Although it may have looked as we were having a blast on my snapchat with the kids at the park, we did remember those who have served our country, and continue to sacrifice their lives even today. I'm especially grateful for the talks we had at our church service this past Sunday in what we can do to remember those who died for our freedoms, and how we can honor them. 

There have been times when we've actually gone to Valley Forge, Washington D.C., and even New York to express our gratitude to those who have passed on, and to remember. To remember the importance of this holiday, and to teach our kids what it's all about. That it's not all about the picnics, and the bbq's, and going to the beach. But that it's about those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order for us to have our freedom so that we can be able to do all of the above. 

I'm so happy that we make the time as a family to bond, and teach our kids about life, and what all the holidays mean. Especially when it comes to the government, and soldiers in the military. We have the fourth of July coming up next, and then Labor Day. Those are important holidays that deal with our freedom as well, and it's so important to remember them. 

So grateful for our freedoms, and for the all the opportunities that I have as a mother, and person to be able to do what I want, when i want. Especially when it comes to exploring places. The love that I have for my country no matter how messed up it may get I have learned to love, and deal with it. To know that I can spend time with my family for free is something that I will never take for granted! 

Hope your Memorial Day this year was memorable, fun, and meaningful!