A Piano Recital & A Dance...All in One Night.

I've never had an evening packed with two special events on the same day at the same time! I hope to never repeat that again, but we survived the evening, and all went well. This is how it is to be a mother running around in different directions in an evening at the same time where one daughter is getting ready for her eighth grade semi-formal, and another for her piano recital....on the other side of town.

Lexie didn't want to miss her sisters recital and so we all rushed out of our house to make it to Chelsea's recital by 6pm. After looking at the program we saw that Chelsea was going to be one of the last kids to play her piece. By the time she's done Lexie will have missed half of her dance, and being that it's her last year in middle school we didn't want her to miss out. We hustled out of there as fast as I could to drop Lexie off at her dance in hopes to make it back to hear Chelsea to play, but to no avail. I missed it. I wasn't as sad as I thought as I was going to be. Probably because I was too busy running around, and hearing my stomach grumble. (I was starving!) I've been hearing her play the same piece over and over again in the house so that too could be another reason why I wasn't so distraught. Jon told me that she did phenomenal, but because I had the phone that records he didn't get a chance to record her playing. That's okay. She's nine, and there will be more recitals. Hopefully not at the same time as another activity!! 

I realized this evening that I hated the way things were planned. I'm hoping that next years recital won't fall in June where there are weddings, dances, and hello...Father's Day all in one weekend! Anyway...I digress and so here are a few photos of Lexie with a few of her buddies at the dance...

Crazy girls...still sporting their short hairdo's, and loving it more each day. Don't blame them...it's too hot to have long hair right now!

and just a few from Chelsea's recital (sorry mamas!) 

It's funny how I look at these photos seeing how life seems calm in the eyes of our children knowing that one day they are going to be going through "life" and challenges, and schedules with their future posterity! Balance is key kiddos, and try not to pile up your schedule like this mama did this past Friday night!! No bueno! Enter hashtag... #tooblessedtoobestressed 

Love you all!

**Past recitals you can see here, here, & here.

In the Beginning.

Salt Lake City, Utah-circa, Spring 1994

After reading this story and watching this heartfelt film I was inspired to share a little bit of my story in the hardships that I have faced when it comes to finances. I think everyone has been there at one point or another and if you haven't then God Bless You! Growing up in a low income family was tough. I can probably write an entire chapter about how life as a child was for me with not learning the value of a dollar, or what the purpose was behind those allowances. Maybe that's why at the age of seven I saved like 36 dollars and hoarded it inside my little red Hello Kitty wallet like there was no tomorrow. I wasn't sure if I should spend it or save it. I thank my mom for giving me chores at a young age which resulted in rewarding me with a couple of dollars a week, and teaching me responsibility in keeping a house in order, but she missed something. She missed teaching me how money is used. She missed how it is there to save for a rainy day. She missed telling me that it's okay to not have what others had. She missed telling me that no matter what, we are "rich" because we have each other. She missed a lot of things, and because she did I feel as if I didn't understand the concept of money especially when I got married. 

My mother struggled herself as it was for the first nine years of my life until my stepfather came into the picture so having him around did help support us for a while...until he himself became ill. I firmly believe that when we are not taught the value of a dollar based on the principle that goes behind the meaning of "money" can lead us into a path of destruction that can teach us valuable lessons. Lessons that we regret later on in life in which we don't want to get ourselves mixed up in or want our children to learn.  

This was my lesson.

I had my first "real" job at the age of 16, and still didn't grasp on the true principle of saving money. I never stuck to one job, and at that point in my life I was a hot mess. To tell you the truth I honestly don't remember what I did with my money after getting my paychecks. I know I shopped a bit buying things here and there, but I know I never saved any of it. I lived with my sister for a short while in Florida after high school when I was 18, and that only lasted for a summer.  I got a job in Pensacola at the mall, but still didn't grow from anything. Things weren't working out for me and knew I had to go back to Texas. I knew I had to get my act together, and go to college. Funny how the Lord works, and how He puts us on unexpected paths in which we'd never thought we'd lean toward. He had a plan for me, but even though it was a great one...I still had a lot to learn. Boy did I have a lot to learn. And the trials that were to come ahead of me were huge. At least for me. 

One of the greatest things that happened to me was converting to this wonderful church which helped me emotionally and spiritually. I met my husband in Texas where he was serving his mission (no funny business occurred.) When I moved to Utah he was working as a manager at a locally owned restaurant called Sam's Express, and I was doing a little bit of modeling for McCarty Agency. Not a lot of pay, but it was fun. After a while we began to date, and eventually got married. Our wedding was so simple. I rented my brocade 80's looking dress for 200, bought my brocade shoes for 35 bucks, my mother in law made my veil, and my dear friend Stacie did my bouquet, and flowers. Food was cheap and my mother made chicken croissant sandwiches with pasta on the side. Eclairs, creme puffs, and fruit were the dessert, and we had about 80 people show up to extend their regards in a small LDS chapel in Sandy, Utah. It was simple, sweet, and our entire wedding cost under a grand. 

One great thing I remember about Jon when I first met him was that he was so good at saving money.  I felt secure because he had a job that was good enough for us to afford our tiny studio apartment on South Temple in downtown Salt Lake, but we were about to have a baby...unexpectedly. I was pregnant. It was hard because I actually enjoyed working. I quit modeling, and actually enjoyed sitting in an office typing my fingers away making some decent money. We were lucky we didn't have any student loans because A) I got a grant which I didn't have to pay back for the two years I went to college, and B) Jon had no loans due to attending no college. We figured we'd be able to make ends meet, and that I'd be able to work until Sierra was born, but that didn't happen. I ended up having toxemia which resulted in being on bed rest for the last six weeks of my pregnancy, hence causing Sierra to be born a few weeks early. We were lucky that a program called "Baby Your Baby" saved us that prevented us from paying any hospital and medical bills. She was a free baby! We were on medicaid for a while until Jon began working for Rent A Center. We then had excellent insurance, and I went back to work thinking things are going to be peachy king. They were for a few years until we got caught up in a web of credit card debt. I'm no math major so I didn't understand what interest was or how it worked. Heck, I didn't even know how to write a check until I got married! The downward spiral began and we got ourselves into this hot financial mess, and it was so hard to get out of it. Moving back and forth from Utah to Texas off and on for ten years didn't help our stability either in trying to establish ourselves in owning a home. We then got caught in a vicious cycle of getting those payday loan advances which caused us to get even more behind. We were so desperate in making ends meet the first eight years of our marriage it wasn't even funny. We realized that we needed a solution, and that somehow we had to get out of it. 

Man did we struggle. From pawning stuff to selling my clothes at consignment shops. Luckily I've always been a thrift shopper otherwise things could have been a lot worse! I reflect back on my life, and sometimes wonder how I made it this far with the same husband! We had patience with each other, and faith in God. Some years have been great, and some not so great. This struggle was real, and I know that they won't end. We will always have some kind of trial in our life, and this was mine in the beginning of our marriage. Financial hardships can cause a strain on marriages, and when we don't learn it when we're young it can easily be passed down to our posterity, and become a learned behavior. We don't ever want that to reflect on our children, and have been teaching them the value of a dollar, and the pro's and con's of credit cards. How they should only get one to establish credit and not max it out in a week! We are teaching them true principles on how to save their money. They have gotten in the habit in paying their tithing first when they earn a reward or allowance. We've taught them to secure their future by doing well in school, and attending a good college. We've taught them to serve, and help others. We've taught  them that material things don't make the world go round, and just because other kids are trendy that they don't have to follow. 

I'm grateful for all the times our families helped in times when we really needed it. We've accepted for our arms to be wide open when they offer a helping hand. I hope to be able to return that comfort and favor when they're in need. I'm also grateful to the church who has helped us in many ways when times got extra tough. None of us want to get in a financial bind, but sometimes that burden can become so heavy on your shoulders that you just need to swallow your pride and ask for help. 

In the past six years of living in New Jersey I have to say that the past 10 months was the hardest. Even though we paid way ahead on our rent & utilities when Jon lost his job, it was still tough for him to find a job where he can support all of us. These days even with a degree you're either overqualified which in Jon's case was neither qualified because of no college history. Luckily his experience with working with people and only having four jobs in 30 years has helped employers see that he stays with a job for a long period of time. I count my blessings that Sierra's first semester in college was "free" and that we've had some help along the way. For the most part we have been blessed by the Lord in having Jon landing such a great job in which he will begin next month.  He has always been a hard worker, and no matter what always held onto his jobs whether he liked them or not. 

I'm so lucky to have married a man who stuck by me through all the hardships we've endured, and this one was pretty big. What is it with money anyway? We were young, dumb, and have truly learned so many lessons from all our past mistakes. Our faith was, and will always be strong no matter what challenges come our way. 

I don't ever want any of my children or any one that I care about go through the financial hardships we went through at such a young age, hence this film. It truly brought back memories, and watching it was a reminder for me to never go on that path again. To continue to teach my children the value of a dollar so that they will never get themselves into a financial bind, and to pass this message on to their future posterity. 

June and Watermelon.

While most of our friends from out west and down south are done with school and have started their summer break we folks on the east coast still have one more week of school left!! Blame it on the polar vortex we had which caused an excessive amount of snow days which added more school days! Nonetheless we have made the best of June with starting our summer early regardless of school still being in session.  

This time of year simply begs for outdoor living, and I have been loving the warm weather we've been having lately except for the rain, and humidity. I mean really...what's up June? You're supposed to be warm, and sunny without hardly any humidity. My kids and I love you and hope that you'll get back to normal before the end of your month comes!

So the past two days have been pretty humid, but we always make the best of it...even after the rain. I've obviously become softer at saying yes to my kids to a lot of things lately. For one they always want to go in the pool after school. I have never, ever done that in the past, but for some reason this year has been totally different. Maybe it's because the kids are getting older, and I'm realizing that they need to have fun, and not just be stuck behind the piano for hours, as well as a book. Although those things are a must in this family they also need a little recreational time. I also feel that because school is ending for us at a later date that these kiddos deserve some relaxation time because before we know it summer will be over. 

June has brought nothing but having our kids live in our little blue pool, and eating lots of watermelon! I swear I have bought at least three watermelons since June started. I always ate watermelon as a little kid and because school ended earlier in Texas I knew that summer is not official unless we have watermelon. I have obviously instilled that in our family when summer time comes, and these kids can eat it all day long! 

One of the best things that makes me happy when these two are outside is that not only can I have some time to myself sitting outside reading a book (which in this case I'm laying down with Noah on my back) they are also getting along and playing nicely. 

There are a few moments though where they get a little too rambunctious and I have to stop relaxing to be their referee.

June is definitely off to a great start whether rain or shine. Even though there are moments where I sometimes complain about the rain, and being overcast I know that it's only temporary, and that after the rain there will be a beautiful rainbow waiting to show herself off which to me, is a sign of renewal. A sign of sunny days to come. A sign that when we look up we will see blue skies again...

while eating more watermelon.   

Scooting On The Bike Trail.

I have been itching to go on walks on the bike trail since the warm weather began, and with warm days ahead there will be plenty of strolls taking place. I'm not one to stay indoors during nice weather especially during the summertime, and sometimes we need a break from the monotony that goes on around our house on a daily basis. We love going on walks, and bike rides on the bike trail. As I was getting the stroller out of the van Noah said to me, "I'm a big boy, and strollers are for babies." I was like...what?? Although it saddens me that he's no longer a stroller kind of kid it's bittersweet to see that he's indeed growing up to be a smart, and active boy. So...instead of Noah constantly playing with his legos, trucks, trains, and army men where he's sitting around making "pow pow" noises with his mouth we decided to get him something that I never thought I'd buy...a scooter.

I have never been too fond of scooters (I'm more of a bike girl), but this movie is the culprit in my final decision on getting him one. It is one of my favorite movies, and for some reason I picture Noah at 11 years old being like the character Gabe. 

At first he didn't seem interested in riding it, but now he wants to go out and ride in it every single day...even when it rains! I have to tell him to wait for the roads to dry, and make sure we don't get caught in it if we go. He's become a pro at riding it, and let me tell you...he's a quick learner! It did take him a while to realize that you brake with the gadget that's in the back of the scooter, and not your foot! He has become very responsible when riding it, and even stops a few feet before the stop sign to make sure there are no cars coming. 

I know what you're probably thinking. Uh...where's his helmet? The bike trail is a few miles long, and after a while it got too hot for him to wear it. We were at a point where the traffic at this particular spot was not busy. I am teaching him to wear it at all times especially where there's a lot of traffic. I'm  really a responsible mom, but this kid is hot blooded, and is literally my heater in the winter time, and immediately starts sweating when it's hot. I felt sorry for my little dude, and so I said it was okay to take it off for while. Other than that he's been pretty good at keeping it on. 

There's a spot on the trail where we pass that smelled like gardenia! Oh...I love that smell. We took a little break, and stopped to smell the flowers, and they smelled so good. 

I am loving this warm weather, and it's days like this where I definitely see the beauty all around. I count my blessings each day to have a darling little boy who helps me see the beauty that can sometimes be hidden behind a dark cloud on a beautiful sunny day. And when I see his ear to ear smiles with that big glow on his face tells me that this mom thing that I continue to do in my middle age years is pretty darn good...and that I'm doing a pretty good job at it!

Happy Monday! 

A Lewis Legend with an Old Soul.

The minute this child was born I knew she was going to bring a lot of solace, obedience, strength, peace, and motivation to our family. I felt it while I was carrying her in my belly, and saw it in her eyes the second she was born. 

When she was three she began making herself peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and helped herself to the fridge for a glass of water. She was the glue at that time that saved our marriage, the motivator to want to get to the temple to be sealed to my family, and till this day holds a firm position in the home as the peacemaker. For five straight years she had Sierra all to herself, and at times I literally felt as if I had twins. I can see why Sierra considers her 'her best friend.' She matured faster than lightening, and caught up to Sierra in everything that she did. She, and Sierra were always compassionate, and thoughtful in letting me have time to myself while they played "house", tea party, or "library". I never heard any bickering from them. Although I did spend a lot of quality time with them, there were some instances in which they solely entertained themselves without any shenanigans or caused me any stress (they saved that for their teenage years...haha!). She began reading large chapter books at the age of seven, and is a very good listener. She is benevolent, understands people, does not judge others, is trustworthy, and is always willing to help someone in need. She's smart, and is beautiful inside and out. She is an extremely rare individual, and one of the most mature 14 year olds I know...most mature than some of the 18+ year olds I know. 

She is what I call an "old soul."

This past week she was recently nominated not by a teacher, but by the principal of her school as his Lewis Legend. Apparently she was to be nominated by another teacher who shall remain nameless, but Principal Otten said "no, she's my Lewis legend." I was amazed and in awe when he picked her. I wasn't too surprised, but I know why he picked her, and I'm so glad that he did. He obviously saw all the qualities, and things that I see in her as a mother. He couldn't have described her anymore better than I would have, and everything he said about her is right on cue.

"Alex Jorgensen is an obvious choice for a Lewis Legend because she embodies what it means to b a Lewis Indian. She is kind and always ready to assist someone in need. Her participation in the St. Baldrick's Foundation event put everyone on notice of how caring and compassionate she is. Alex is also an outstanding academic student as her grades have been in the 90's all year. She was even honored by the local American Legion Post for her award-winning essay writing. 

It is my pleasure to nominate Alexandra Jorgensen as my 2014 Lewis Legend."

~Mr. Ted Otten, Principal of Lewis Middle School

I am so blessed to have this girl in my life, and just like her sister anyone who knows her is blessed to have her as a friend, and student. I look forward to many more accomplishments of what Lexie can do as she enters high school this fall, and this is just the beginning of what is to come.

**Some of her major accomplishments can be read here, here, here, and here.

Accepting the Flaws of Motherhood.

“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” ~ Donna Ball

This is by far one of my favorite quotes. As I look back at my life when I first became a mom thinking how hard motherhood was going to be I couldn't fathom how it was going to be to take care of a 4 lb little baby at the age of 23 and you know something...it was pretty hard. It does get easier with each child depending on the personality, but sometimes we have to go through those rough patches, and bumpy roads to get better because let's face it...some of us usually screw it up with our firstborn, and somewhere along the mix we all have to have a wild card. Not too wild I hope, but I know that I have made a lot of mistakes as a first time mom, got a tad bit better the second time around, and with my third I feel as if I made some amazing progress. Now with my son, well...let's just say that mistakes continue to be made and there are times when I feel I know I shouldn't spoil him, but sometimes I just can't say no to that sweet face of his. But I know this... I know that I'm doing the best that I can with all of our children. 

Motherhood comes with a mixture of heartache, love, compassion forgiveness, and every Christlike attribute you can think of. When you mix that recipe together all that matters in the end is knowing you did your best. And the way you'll know is by hearing the words that come out of your children's mouth at the end of the day...such as "I love you mom." Especially when they finally received their own solid, firm testimony of the love they have for the Savior, and God. Even after all the mistakes, and hardships that they make in the end we love them with an unconditional heart bigger than our own.  

Writing this story the other day wasn't easy, and it definitely wasn't the way I wanted to start out this beautiful month of June, but sometimes I need to just let it out you know? And after hearing the lesson taught in Relief Society this past Sunday I felt the need to share it. I know there are many of us who have trials of a different realm, and some of us may feel like we don't know how to overcome them, or have anyone to talk to about them, but there is one thing you can have and that is hope. Hope that you'll be able to overcome any adversity that prevents you from being the type of person you want to be. Hope from being the kind of mother that brings such a loving and guiding spirit. We need a lot of love in this world, and some of us can't do without that. 

Praying your heart out with patience, and slowly eliminating the things that make you unhappy is a first step. Writing things down in a journal of the do's and don'ts of the pros and cons that you do and don't want in your life really helps. (hope that wasn't a confusing way to put it!) Going back every night to read what you don't want to do, and what you really want to do helps. Answers, and a change of heart may not happen overnight, but I am proof that it can happen. Each day I strive to be the best mom, daughter, sister, wife, and friend out there to everyone. 

Motherhood has flaws, and I will always have flaws because I know that I'm not perfect, but that's what makes me so unique. Motherhood will always have its imperfections, and I'm okay with it. Heavenly Father knows me, my true friends know me, and my family knows me, and that is all that matters to me. I know that everything that I had to endure throughout my life then was for a purpose,  and all the negativity that I sometimes face today is for a reason. To be strengthened, to be tested, to forgive, to love, to understand, to see if I'll turn the other cheek, to stay on that righteous path of eternal life, and to never give up on the Lord on building up my testimony. 

And being the best mom I can be. 

A Battle That I Will Win.

I was looking through our photo booth on our mac and found this picture on Sierra's iPhoto. I had to post it because it helps me remember the times when these two get along, and have fun without any altercations. It's hard to believe that this photo was taken sometime early last spring. This photo will be documented as a "lock it in moment" for me. Anytime they do something naughty in the future I can look back at this photo, and have a mommy mantra that'll get me through my "mean mom" phase. It helps me see two happy kids having fun taking pictures on our computer while I thought they were on PBS kids.org.  

Come to think of it...there's a reason why I'm always taking pictures. It's like therapy for me. 

But just remember that no one is perfect. That there is no mother that has it together, and that our life isn't always rainbows, and butterflies. That only God judges, and knows what truly goes on in our hearts, and in our mind...especially mine. 

That everyone has a battle they are fighting to win. 

Yesterday at church in our Relief Society class a lesson was taught on how we can overcome our weaknesses, and strive to do better with our life. Especially on the things that are keeping us from staying on the right path and fighting hard to not fall off of it. Although there are times when we'll have many a slip ups we can always repent and find our way back to eternal progression and try our hardest to never look back. This particular lesson was very emotional for me, and I feel like the Relief Society President and I are like kindred spirits because sometimes I feel we are on the same wavelength when it comes to discussing certain topics. We had a good discussion on looking back and remembering our baptism. Questions were asked about how we felt the day we changed our lives, and cleansed ourself from all the naughty things we had done in the past. Still...just because we got baptized doesn't mean that life is going to be perfect. Just because we got married or sealed in the LDS temple doesn't mean our marriages are going to be struggle free. Just because we have children doesn't mean they are going to make our life any easier, and just because we go to church every Sunday doesn't make us a perfect family. 

This is the part when I have to fight extra hard, and remember all those "lock it in moments" including the day our children were born, the day of my baptism, and being sealed to my family so that we can be strengthened on continuing that path towards the greater good so that we can reign with our loved ones including the Savior forever and forever. 

Although my kids say I'm the greatest mom there is that dark cloud that sometimes hovers over my head telling me different, and this is the battle that I feel keeps me from being that great mom. 

As a middle aged mother with a toddler life can somewhat take a toll on me especially when I'm keeping up with three older daughters, and even though my oldest is out on her own doesn't mean I don't worry, or keep tabs on her. It seems that the older I get I will always be their mother advising, calling, nagging (in a good way), and I'm hoping that once Sierra has met her eternal companion that will all change. I think I've gotten better at giving her time and space so that she can govern herself now that she's 19, but in the end I'll always be there for her (even when she's married!)

It's amazing to see how resilient my kids are after having raised my voice at them for misbehaving. Telling myself over and over again that I don't want to be the kind of mom that constantly yells or nags on them for the silliest things. I gave up a long time ago with Noah's toys being scattered all over the living room floor. Luckily he has learned to "clean up" on his own, and I give thanks to the cartoon "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" for that one. There is more to life than cleaning up legos, cars, trains, and every piece of matter that Noah brings in the house from outside. They are still happy even after reprimanding them and it makes me feel guilty because I grew up in a house where there was a lot of yelling, cursing, hurting, and screaming. I remember how quickly I'd get over the hurt my mother caused when she'd yell, and smack my sister and I with the belt. I remember how much it hurt and there is no way in hell that I'm ever going to go down that route with my kids. There's a reason why I don't own many belts come to think of it. Scars take time to heal, and the worst kind of abuse is the verbal kind. I know I'm not following down that path, but the physical kind is what I endured the most. 

There are times when one of the kids will do something that'll spark a repressed memory, and I have to fight the "old Rose" from coming out. Or times when my daughters are going through some petty drama with friends, and it reminds me of the times I had to deal with dumb girls like that in my teenage years. I remember my mother getting upset wanting to contend with those girls including their mothers, but the difference is that she didn't have a firm foundation of the Lord, or gospel to help her overcome those trials, or moments of extreme motherly overprotectiveness. 

I do. 

And I fight hard like hell not to make that happen. 

When those moments pass I thank the Lord for sparing any kind of desire that would cause me to take my anger out on my children, or contend with anyone. I have to admit that when Sierra was a toddler I began to hit her. I realized I needed some serious counseling when I left a red mark on her sweet face, and even though I received counseling I feel as if there are times when I can still use it. That's the dark cloud that often tries me from time to time. I have also cried my eyes out to the point where I've gotten a headache because I feel so guilty for being like my mother sometimes. I know that it's my turn to break that chain, and I'm fighting hard like hell to make it happen. I'm grateful for the faith that I have with God knowing that I can continue to heal from any trauma that I've witnessed, and suffered from my past. I want Noah to know that I'm not really mad when he got his brand new Toms muddy, and wet. Or when Lexie busted her G string on her violin from tightening it too hard last Christmas. I want Chelsea to know that the "mean" looks I give her are not hateful, but stern because I want her to learn right from wrong. I want Sierra to know that words said in anger are never meant, and that I would never backhand her sisters, or her brother like I did when she was little. I don't want to ever hurt my children in any way. I know how it feels to be beaten, hurt, and abused both physically, & emotionally. I don't want my kids to experience any of that. I want them to know that the battle I'm fighting is one that I will win, and that sometimes I have to be tested. But in the end I will fight like hell to pass it. (sorry for using the word hell to much.)

^^^ my jorgybirds, circa-Spring 2010 ^^^

I want them to know that I consider them my "jewels", and like stones they are priceless, precious, and very rare. That they are all of a different cut. That I love them all uniquely, but equally. 

Looking at these photos reassures me that I have amazing children that continue to love me unconditionally and have helped me keep it together no matter what. The older they get, the smarter they get, and the smarter they get the more they know how to handle a mom like me. I'm also grateful for a husband who has the patience like Job to have faith in me that I can do this. That I can fight those demons that cause any repressed memory to come back to haunt me. That I have broken this chain in it's entirety and never have any of our children hurt their future posterity, and so forth, and so on. 

That I will completely be healed from every single kind of abuse that I endured, every repressed memory that comes back, and never pass it on. 

That I can continue on that path to eternal salvation, and live happily with my family, friends, and God forever and ever. 

I pray. I pray. 

Dominican Republic New Mission President.

May has definitely been a busy month with school field trips, award ceremonies, trips to the post office for mothers day, birthday & graduation gifts, attending bridal showers, & I cannot believe it's come to an end! One great memory of May was attending President Corbitt & his wife Jayne's missionary farewell. 

Last Sunday many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gathered in the chapel to bid farewell to one of the most amazing former stake president (& couple) known to man. 

President Ahmad Corbitt and his wife Jayne have been called to serve a three year mission in the Dominican Republic. I have never been to a former stake presidents farewell, and was very excited as to what they were going to discuss & talk about. 

I was very impressed by what his work in the church entailed. I knew he was an attorney but I'm not one to poke into someone's business & although I knew his job dealt with public & international affairs I didn't think it was to the point where he's meeting major prime ministers of china & other countries! I wasn't aware of all the different dignitaries he met throughout the years & how large of a scale he was on in furthering the view of the LDS church and I think that's amazing! 

It's also amazing to see how the Lord works with the other countries who are having issues right now, and having the right people in place through our contact and examples to everyone we meet. And having them learn more about the church can have a positive influence on their countries to build towards peace with one another, and when other countries know what we're all about their hearts can be softened. President Corbitt is the perfect example of interfaith relations, and in that field where his presence & knowledge with the church will bring a peaceful spirit.

I know that the Corbitt's are going to be amazing leaders and that their missionaries are going to love them. My kids love him, I love him, my husband loves him, everyone loves him! He's definitely one of a kind, and unique in his own right as to build up the spirit in a room. He strengthens, motivates, and encourages others to hasten the work just as he has been doing with people of other faiths for many years. I wouldn't doubt if someday we'll be calling him "Elder Corbitt from the Quorum of the Twelve."

I recently met one of his missionaries through the internet who will be serving in his mission when I wrote this post about him. Sister Schmidt is sooooooo excited to meet them & mentioned to me how reading about him got her pumped for her mission. We exchanged emails, and are now Facebook friends. I told President Corbitt how I already met one of his missionaries via the internet, and how I was was going to keep tabs on him through her! Haha! I'm kidding of course. He doesn't need any looking after because he is so awesome! It definitely is a small world when it comes to the church & I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've met a friend of a friend of a friend that way. Truly amazing. 

So, here's my farewell speech to the Corbitt's since I didn't get to put it on video:

President Corbitt...for the past six years you have been an amazing example of good works to my daughters. Because of that you are going to be a fantastic mission president. The people of Domincan Republic are going to love you for being there, and the missionaries are going to miss you when you leave. I remember when you said how you will "be gone" once you got released from being a stake president...well, in a sense you are. You truly meant your words when you said something about not looking back, but moving forward after your release and that is a great example to be! 

Jayne...I've only known you for a short while, but feel as if I've known you forever. You are such a beautiful soul with so much to look forward to. Good luck on the language, and being the best "mission Mama president" you can be. 

Continue to seek the good in others, and to never forget your purpose in this life. Good luck with your future endeavors for the next three years of your life surrounded with nothing but the spirit...and I hope it'll all be good! 

xo-Rose

Noah's First Phillies Game.

This is going to be an easy post because what I have to say about Noah's first experience to a ball game are from the words of Jon's mouth, and Jon is a "to the point kind of guy" where he doesn't give too much detail because he's always "living in the moment" when we go out as a family, and focuses on what he's doing which is good. I have to ask him the who's, what's, where's, and whys whenever he takes any of the kids out on a "daddy/son/daughter date. I personally love taking pictures so that I can document them for my kids, and luckily I'm pretty good at multitasking while having fun so that I can take pictures, and not feel that I missed out on anything.

I wasn't able to go to the game tonight because I only purchased three tickets. I bought these tickets back when school started and because I thought Sierra was going to continue her education at UARTS I figured she would stay home and watch the little ones just like she always has while Jon, Lexie, and I did our "yearly tradition" of going to the Phillie's game while she performs with the Lewis band. 

This was Lexie's last performance playing the national anthem with the Lewis middle school band, and for once didn't play the keyboard! She's always played the keyboard, but decided to do something different this year. She decided to play the oboe, and has really enjoyed learning to play it. Mr. Nichols also seemed a little relieved that he didn't have to haul a keyboard in and out of the bus. He said that packing an oboe as opposed to a keyboard was so much easier! I have to agree! 

I was happy to have given my ticket to Noah because Jon and Lexie said he had the time of his life. He was definitely being a little kid having fun, and cheering every time someone hit a home run. When the music would come on he would be singing along with the crowd even though he didn't know any of the words. Everyone was saying how cute he looked. Jon bought him some fries from Chickie & Pete's and apparently wanted everything on the menu. There was also a lady selling cotton candy down the aisle, and asked Jon if Noah would like some. He said to her, "Sure if he'll eat it." She looked dumbfounded and asked, "What do you mean?" Jon replied, "See...my son doesn't have a big sweet tooth, and is very particular when it comes to which kinds of junk food he wants to eat. Every once in a blue moon he'll eat something junky, but most of the time it's grains, fruits, and veggies. The cotton candy girl responded, "Can I clone him!" I began to laugh when Jon told me that moment.   

I'm a little bummed that I missed Lexie's last performance hearing her play, and that I didn't get to go with Noah to his first baseball game to witness this experience through his eyes, but I'll definitely be going with Noah to games in the future so that I can see his reaction sitting in a huge ballpark, cheering on the Phillie's, and turning down cotton candy in person! 

Glad you had a great time son! I love you, and next time I'll make sure this mama takes you out to the ballgame!

xo-

mom

**Past times we've gone to the Phillie's game are here and here.

Adventure Aquarium.

The best part of being a mother of a third grader is going on various field trips to be a chaperone. I really enjoy the places we go, and holy moly I couldn't believe how many kids went to the Adventure Aquarium today! Must have been the torrential rain pour we got. I'm cool with chaperoning a few kids, but when you get off the bus, and see that there are other buses with other kids from various schools, I was like...we better hurry up and get inside because we only have three and a half hours to venture this place. Tis the time of year for field trips! 

We were really excited to finally venture out to the aquarium. It was our first time going, and had so much fun. Having a toddler makes it even more fun, and Noah had the time of his life. He loves the ocean, and anything that swims in the water...except for sharks. I don't think it helped him watching the edited for television of Jaws a couple of weeks ago with me. Watching that movie didn't seem to bother him at the time we were watching it, but when we entered the tunnel where you have a ton of sharks swimming above us, and beside us didn't do well for him. He did get over it pretty quick when he realized that they couldn't get us through the glass. After he saw a few scuba divers inside he saw that they were safe, and said he wanted to go in with them. Who knows...he could be a future marine biologist.

There was a shark tank where you can actually "touch a shark" with two fingers, and so many different kinds of fishes! For the first while Noah kept saying, "I want to see a whale mommy. A big whale!" I told him there are no whales here just sharks, jellyfish, and small fishes. He grinned until he saw the clownfishes! One of his favorite movies is Finding Nemo, and he was so excited when he came upon these...

^^^ lovely ceiling display of fishes. ^^^

A lot of "hands on" moments were the highlight of this trip when they were allowed to touch starfishes, sea urchins, and stingrays. I myself hesitated at first to touch them, but then after a while I was like...this is pretty cool! Yes...I was deprived as a child when it came to places like this, but not my kids.

One of our favorite attractions was looking at the penguins, and they are the cutest things! 

I love this shot! It reminds me of the movie Happy Feet when Ramon says, "Let me say something to joo!"

Stole this picture of this cute hippo from another mom, because when we went to see them they were all motionless, & relaxing in the water. 

Kids...they sure are the greatest, and we all had such a fun day today. I'm so glad that we were all able to go as a family too. We all sure had a blast. 

Until next time! Hope you're Wednesday was a happy one too!