AN AFTERNOON AT THE POPCORN PARK ZOO.

One of the things that's a must on our to do list of summer activities is venturing out to the zoo. Any zoo. The kids love animals, and yesterday the weather was too perfect to stay inside, and so we headed to the outskirts of Jersey, and ended up at the Popcorn Park zoo. 

We've been to this zoo many times, and it never gets old. A year goes by so fast, and when we come it seems like we were just here yesterday. I remember the first time we took Noah, and all he would do was point, say "awww" and make facial expressions of happiness. Now that he's five, he will want to run to see every animal, ask questions as to what they eat, sleep, how they live, who owns them, and even asked if we can take some home. 

He's somewhat familiar with this particular zoo, and when I explained to him what kind of zoo it was, and how these animals are rescued from various parts of the world due to negligence, and cruelty Noah wants to make sure they're safe. Otherwise he said, "I'll take them home if they get hurt more." 

Unfortunately Lexie stayed home accomplishing more of her summer homework so she didn't get to come with us, and her sibs were sad. She said the quicker she finishes her homework, the more time she'll have this summer to go out with us. She came with us last year, and enjoyed it. So hopefully she'll be able to come with us to the next zoo we visit!

We love coming here, and seeing Noah and Chelsea walking and talking together feeding the animals with one box of popcorn made me so happy. These two may have many disagreeable moments, but at the end of the day knowing that they got along tells me that I'm doing my best as a mother to have them love each other unconditionally, and that I'm doing something right in raising them! 

 ^^^ They fed all sorts of animals together. Noah's favorite animals to feed were the horse, and sheep. My girls love horses, and have done a bit of horseback riding in the past, and would love to own one! So would I! ^^^

 If you have a snapchat, and look at my snaps (r_jorgensen) there is a few of them feeding the sheep. Noah had so much fun, and was gentle. He was scared at first to pet the lamb, but after a while warmed up to it. Then he started to laugh when Chelsea was feeding him from her hand. Noah kept asking her if it tickled. 

^^^ Noah and Chelsea love birds. I swear these kids would want to own every animal if we had a farm. We saw them as we were walking out. I'm not a bird aficionado so I have no idea what kind of birds these are, but aren't they sweet! ^^^

We continued to walk around, and saw more animals. There was a lion, and a tiger but they were sleeping the whole time. I didn't feel like taking their picture. Kind of made me sad because they weren't roaring, or very mobile. Tells me that they were seriously traumatized by some sort of abuse or neglect. Makes me wonder if they were in a circus! Who knows!

Same with the bears, and Noah thinks they are so adorable! 

He stopped, and asked if I can take a picture of him with the bear in the background, and even though the fence is an eyesore I couldn't help but to post this. Behind this photo I see that Noah is content, and happy to be surrounded by animals. The fact that this zoo is in the outskirts of Jersey makes it more peaceful, and not very loud! We just love this quaint little zoo! 

^^^ If you look closely there is a sweet little monkey on the top right hand corner. I lifted Noah as much as I could so he can get a closer look. We've been watching the "Night of the Museum" a lot lately, and this monkey reminded him of Dexter. So cute! ^^^

 It's very impressive how they have these animals set up, and there aren't very many. They pretty much have one of each. We only saw one cow, one lion, and they had about two ostriches. Not pictured are does, tigers, chicken coops, turtles, geese, and ponies. They have quite a variety, but because it's a small zoo they keep it to a minimum.

 We sure do love coming here. It truly is a cure for stress, or in my kids case "boredom." I love that this zoo has a purpose behind it, and that there are people out there who care so much to keep this zoo open. One lady even asked me if this zoo had amputated or deformed animals because if it did she didn't want to see that. My answer to that is "no." They all have their limbs, and are so sweet, and relaxing to see. (we seriously need to invest in a selfie stick, because look at Noah. His head of hair is not fully in the photo.)

It's definitely worth the five bucks, and time to check this place out to see the animals. My kids love it here! Especially in the summer time! 

VIRGINIA TRIP RECAP.

Lately it seems as if our comfort zone is "home away from home." I think all the moving around we've done in the past has helped us adjust to any place, anywhere...especially when it comes to attending different wards in our church. We are so fortunate to have LDS churches all over the nation, and chances are there is always going to be one in the area where we happen to be traveling to. 

We love, love road trips and never grow weary from driving. I mean physically yes, but not mentally. Driving to Virginia to drop Lexie off to attend EFY was so nice. Although there can be some drama among Noah and Chelsea we always make the best of each trip. Best as in they bring "archaic" things to keep them occupied such as Noah's etch a sketch, and a book for Chelsea. Those are life savers. Sometimes we'll even play the license plate game, or I spy. There are times when Chelsea will sit in the back to prevent them from annoying each other, but overall road trips with the kids are fun, and they are good little travelers. 

What made this trip more meaningful was the fact that we included both temporal and spiritual things. We attended church for two Sundays, and were so spiritually edified. I pray that the spiritual high Lexie experienced will last for a long time, and that she will remember all the fun, and spiritual things she enjoyed and learned. Same with us! 

Playing around Maury lake, which we could have gone tubing in was nice, but we didn't have any swim suits let alone any gear! Next time we'll come prepared, and maybe even stay for the whole week! The kids had fun walking around, and skipping pebbles in the water. 

Now...let me talk about this collage that includes the places we went to in Lexington for a little bit. 

What a quaint town it was. There is so much history here about the civil war. We passed by Stonewall Jackson's home. I didn't know anything about him until i came here, and then read up on him. Apparently he was noted to be one of the most famous and revered heroes in the South. There were horses, and carriages giving tours of the quaint town of Lexington. We are definitely going to make time to do that next time we come.  

I can't even begin to tell you how many times we ate at Cookout. I seriously think I gained five pounds throughout the time we were there. We ate there like four times! The first time we experienced eating at Cookout was when we lived in North Carolina. It's too bad that they don't have any cookout restaurants this side of Jersey, because those hush puppies are crazy good!! Then again, maybe not such a good idea for this 43 year old body of mine that I'm trying to keep in good health!  I would probably want to eat there twice a week if it came to my neck of the woods! Especially since a burger basket with fries, and hush puppies---with a drink is only five bucks! 

We also ate at a pretty good mexican place called Mano Taqueria where the tacos were actually pretty good!! Never thought that any mexican food in the south, particularly Virginia would be so tasty, but this food is worth your $$$. I totally recommend trying it. 

The kid's found this bookstore which also had books and toys. Kind of reminded me of the store in Mystic, CT called Mystical Toys. I had to take a picture of the cute window display. I have this crazy idea, and dream of owning a bookstore one day when I'm like 50! I love books, especially children books, and how fun it would be to own a store like that someday. 

For a small town in Southern Virginia there are so many ways to make your own entertainment. Not like where I live in Jersey where you can easily be entertained by the city. The kids had so much fun being surrounded by nature, awesome playgrounds, flowing streams, and a river. The Shenandoah mountains as we drove home were captivating to see, and it's a shame we didn't have enough time on the drive back to explore. Jon said we can plan a camping trip, and go there next time. 

It was so peaceful, yet fun being in unfamiliar territory again. I love the fact that we desire to get away to unfamiliar territory to meet more of our brothers and sisters at church. I love that Lexie is so outgoing, and fearless that she can venture out to a camp where she's never been before, and without any familiar friends to guide her. I love that she is herself, and different and not afraid to approach someone whom she's never met.

 I love that she is my daughter, and like me, she is not afraid to be different. 

When we picked her up she was so happy to see us, but at the same didn't want to leave any of her friends she met in her company, as well as those who were in different companies. Here we were eating breakfast with other parents while our kids were congregating laughing, and hugging having a grand time. Everyone was so unified, and it was so good to see the cohesiveness among the youth. 

Even among the adults!

When we got home Lexie received a text from her counselor Bailey reminding her to read her scriptures! Now that's an awesome counselor! 


Yep...she will definitely be back next year and we hope to plan our vacation here a little longer! 

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

CAPE MAY BEACH.

Since we didn't have too many days spent in Virginia playing around at the lake the kids and I decided to spontaneously go to cape may beach yesterday so that these two can cure their withdrawal, and have a ton of fun jumping in the waves, and getting buried in the sand. 

And what better place than to choose from a variety of beaches along the jersey shore! We are so lucky to be surround by so many, and on this day we decided to check out cape may beach. 

^^^ Noah was anxious to be buried in sand so while Chelsea was back and forth filling the buckets with wet sand he continued to pour sand all over  himself. ^^^

^^^ It was so fun to watch them! Just look at their faces! ^^^

^^^ Noah was giddy every time Chelsea would come back with buckets of wet sand to cover his toes. He kept thanking her, and saying over, and over again, "this is so awesome!" ^^^

^^^ For a moment Noah and I had some fun filling up his little dump trucks with sand and then racing them against each other as if they were on "mini dunes". ^^^

^^^ Even though Lexie spent most of her time laying out, and catching up on her journal writing about her week at EFY she had a relaxing time. She's a good sport for coming along with us since she wasn't here the last time we came. ^^^

In spite of exhaustion from a long weekend trip we had a nice time. The things I do for my kids, but I also do it for me too. I love, love the beach and when there is an opportunity to go I'll take it! No matter how tired I am I will go! 

Summer will be over before we know it so we are going to take as many beach trips as possible! 

Hope your summer continues to be safe, and fun!!  

  

A POWERFUL ORDINANCE.

One of our many adventures when we travel, and don't laugh, is attending other wards. Same church, but in a different city or state. Reason why I wrote "don't laugh" is because for most people that may not be an adventurous outing, but it is to us. Ever since the girls were little we decided to not only attend a temple while we are on vacation, but to find an LDS chapel to attend if we stay until the weekend. Since our daughter participated in EFY for a whole week we decided to stay over the weekends to attend the past two Sundays at Rockbridge ward in Virginia. 

And it was refreshing! 

Refreshing because knowing that no matter what area of the church we attend the gospel never changes. The doctrine is the same, and most of the time I end up making new friends. That's a bonus! 

We were lucky enough to have been present this past Sunday when the stake president spoke on the sacrament, and why we partook of it at the end of the meeting. 

I was wondering why we were waiting to take sacrament at the end, but after listening to both talks as to why it all made sense. 

First, this wonderful sister gave an excellent talk on sacrifice, and President Jones talked about preparing ourselves before taking the sacrament, and how vital it is to prepare ourselves not five minutes before we step into the building on a Sunday to sit down for church, but to prepare the week before. Maybe even two, or three days before. In other words...always be prepared to take the sacrament ahead, and with a great desire. 

He mentioned how partaking of the sacrament every Sunday isn't ritual. It happens regularly, but it isn't ritual. It is the closest thing that we have to the ordinances of the temple of Solomon. The closest thing we have to the ordinance and anticipation of the sacrifice of Christ. He continued on with the story of when Jesus met with all his apostles for the last supper (the passover), and taught them the doctrine, and procedure of the sacrament as explained in Luke 22-15. 

I personally never want to think of taking the sacrament every week as ritual, but a "powerful ordinance." I don't want to rush coming to church, winded trying to find a place to sit with my kids while in my head saying, "we made it." It was nice to not have not been in a rush for the past two Sundays, and to have arrived to church five minutes before it began. It was nice to have felt a sincere desire as to why we chose to come to church when, in all honesty, we didn't have to. We could have slept in, and played hooky. But we went. 

As I was listening to the words of President Jones all I can think about was the crucifixiton of God, and how He knew what was going to happen to him, and yet He desired it. And when I think about what He sacrificed for me, and my family gives me a stronger desire to come on Sunday prepared to participate in the emblems of His sacrifice, and to be spiritually renewed by His atonement willed by his father. And to recommit myself to be more like him by that "powerful ordinance." I know I'll never achieve that goal in this lifetime, but I'll certainly do my best every day of my life to be a kind human being. To follow along in prayer, and take the ordinance of the sacrament seriously, so that in the process I can be cleansed. 

I am so grateful to have been a part of this ward, even if it was just for two Sundays, and to have participated in taking the sacrament at the end. It truly made it a more holy, and sanctifying experience...without any distractions!! 

Having it done this way reminded me of all that I was taught when I first became a member of the church. I was reminded of the story of Jesus, and how going to church shouldn't be "casual, and ritual" but a sincere commitment because the main purpose why we are there is to take the sacrament so that we can be spiritually renewed. 

President Jones ended with saying how partaking of the sacrament should be the central focus of our sabbath worship, and our week. That is so true. That should be our main purpose, and having him reminding me of that gives me a greater desire to keep God's commandments throughout the week in hopes that by coming every Sunday prepared that the cleansing that I long for will come, and that I will always have the Savior in my life. 

I want for my husband and I to be good examples to our kids so that they can understand that church is a place where we come to worship, and remember the Lord's sacrifice. That church is a place where they will learn all about Heavenly Father, and his son Jesus. That church is a place where they can feel safe, and know that they are loved by Heavenly Father as well as their brothers, and sisters. To teach them that no matter where we go...the Church is perfect, and true. 

It was so nice seeing our children happy, and comfortable in Rockbridge ward. We really had a nice time in Virginia, and you better believe we'll be coming back to visit this ward next time we are in town! 

Happy Monday! 

LEXIE ATTENDS EFY IN ITS FORTIETH YEAR.

Droppin off Lexie to attend EFY reminded me of the first time I sent my oldest daughter Sierra. Sierra attended EFY her sophomore & senior year. I saw the spiritual glow that she had when she returned home after a week of spiritual inspiration. The experience she had is something that I long for all of our children.  

Last weekend we dropped Lexie off to attend for the first time. For those of you who wonder what EFY is, it is a BYU program organized in the mid 70's by a bunch of BYU employees where the youth, ages 14-18 go for a whole week in hopes to build their testimony of the Savior, and the gospel. The kids participate in games, and activities. They have dances, and even a talent show. They attend religious classes for most of the day, and include fun in between. It's programs like this that gives me hope for all of my kids to mature, and grow spiritually in the gospel. 

This year marks the fortieth year of EFY. How awesome is that! I love the book that was issued this year along with the theme. 

It has about 38 pictures of all the different themes throughout the years on the back of the book. 

This program is amazing, and I was so anxious for Lexie to turn 14 so she can attend. When I asked her last year if she wanted to go her answer was an emphatic no. She said she wanted to get the feel of being 14  attending Mini youth conference, and youth conference before going to EFY. (Love her brutal honesty.) This year she went on her own motive, and I am so grateful that she chose to go on her own because I would not want to force my child to do anything they don't want to do, or go somewhere they don't want to go. I have learned by personal experience when they are forced to go to church activities, or even church chances are they will not grow because of not being able to have their free agency in choosing for themselves. Glad she chose to go!

Noah was a bit melancholy as we got her bags out of the car. I don't think he believed her when she said she was going to be gone for a week! 

I love how their counselor decorated the door to their dorm. It's always nice to read their welcoming note.

When I dropped her off I also had the chance to meet all of her roommates. They were all very kind. You'd think that Jaden (blondie with the white pants) would be the oldest one since she was the tallest, but guess who the oldest one was in the group... Lexie. 

Lex has a very, very strong connection with Carley who is from St. Louis...a very, very sweet girl. Her mother Flo, and I got along very well. She was my kind of lady because we both have a bit of a southern drawl, and understood each other. She was such a lovely mama. I can tell where her daughter gets her kindness from.  

I'm really glad that these girls have enjoyed being roommates all week., and that they were grouped together in the same company. I was texting with her last night, and she mentioned that her company is tight, and that she has loved every day of EFY. Her description of EFY in her own words were...fantastic, great, awesome, uplifting, and the classes are amazing.  

My hope for Lexie, and all the youth that attend EFY this summer is that they will take home all the things take they are taught, and do their best to remember. To remember, and not forget the "why" as to why they chose to come here.  

And to be more committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

***If you like the song that is playing on here you can download the rest of the EFY 2015 album for free with the code 4373264 here.