The First Seven Days: Wishes & Kindness.

The first seven days of 2016 were pretty wonderful, and so far things are still looking good!  

Couldn't let the week go by without jotting down a few things that I wish for my family. We all hope for the best when a new year begins, and no matter how hard we forget about the things we tell ourselves on new years eve such as the goals we want to make, the things we want to change about ourselves, and all the resolutions we'd like to accomplish, it's nice to know that there is always room for hope, and change. We all have the ability to change, and to do better in this world. I pretty much don't jot down as many resolutions as I used to, but I do have hope, and boy do I wish for a lot! With the world changing and society becoming more bold in the way it portrays certain things it is up to me as a parent to raise my children the best I can so that they can be prepared to enter the real world on their own with their eyes wide opened, and a laser focused mind. 

But first and foremost, it is my example that sets it in motion. It starts with me, and I want to be the kind, loving example to everyone so that my kids can follow in my footsteps. Hoping that their generation can make the world a better place. 

We also need to give blessings a chance. Some of us get a little frustrated because we feel that blessings don't come fast enough, but I know that through prayer, and acting upon the things that we believe in Heavenly Father will guide us to a path filled with light, and a less path filled with stress, and hardships. We've had quite a few trials this past year as we do every year. I mean...I don't think anyone is exempt from having a perfect year, but for me regardless of the negativity that goes on in the world, before we step out the door we pray as a family to have a good day. It makes a huge difference in our day when we do, and we look at the world in a beautiful perspective. It is up to me to make the world beautiful, and I have to say that I've gotten a lot better at it! Heavenly Father created such a beautiful earth for us to enjoy, and experience. We definitely take advantage of it, and also learn from the terrible things that the world can bring as well. Although we'll discuss the current events that are occurring around us, we don't sit and dwell on the negativity for too long. We try to look at the positivity that can come from it, say "it is what it is", and move on. Always hoping for the greater good! How grateful I am for the word change, and for the opportunity we have to make ourselves a better person. Changing to become a more kinder person can make a huge difference not only in our lives, but the person you are expressing kindness to as well. I witnessed it firsthand when I shared this story, and I can probably share a lot of stories in regards to serving, but felt the need to share that particular story this past year. 

It's so true, the older we get the quicker the years pass us by. I tend to focus more on my kids, and their happiness. My wishes for my kids are pretty much the same. They all have a unique life ahead of them, and am so proud who they are becoming, and how they handle things sometimes on their own. I wish many blessings upon each and every one of them this year. 

// My wish for Sierra is that she'll find fulfillment, and joy while serving her mission in the Philippines. She received her mission call on January second, and it certainly was a great start to our year. I hope that she'll find those who are searching for a greater happiness. One that will bind families forever. That her testimony will grow, and relationship with Heavenly Father will become stronger than ever. I wish. I wish. //  

// My wish for Lexie is that she'll never forget who she is, or why she is here. Regardless of all the negativity that the world can throw at her, she'll know that Heavenly Father as her back up in knowing that through Him, she can overcome anything. The teenage years are crucial, and high school is rougher than ever before, especially when you stand up for your beliefs. I hope that she will always defend them, and stand up for herself. I wish. I wish. //

// My wish for Chelsea is that she'll continue to be the kind, helpful, sweet young girl, and not be afraid to learn new things. Not be afraid to stand up for herself. That as she reaches her preteen years that she'll know that she truly is a daughter of God. That although she has already faced a trial in her young age, that she'll remember what she learned from it, and continue to have the strength for more. That she will never fall into "worldly traps" at a young age. I wish. I wish. //

// My wish for Noah is that he will enjoy school, and that as he grows older that he will know right from wrong. That his innocence will carry on throughout his elementary year, and that he knows that there is light, and goodness in this world. I wish. I wish. //

// My wish for Jon is that he'll continue to have a great year with his job. That he will find time to enjoy the little things outside of work. He is such a hard worker, and we all love him to death, and appreciate his life so much! I wish. I wish. //

And my wish for me...I just want to be a more kinder, and gentler person. One that can be a rarity among women, where people will wonder why I am the way I am. I love my life, and wish many blessings upon my family. 

I also wish that for you. 

I wish. I wish. 

So let's make that change, be kind, and make it a great year! 

Happy Weekend! 

Love & Appreciation For The LDS Missionaries.

Having the LDS missionaries in my life is vital to my well-being. I love being around them, and the spirit that they carry. The fact that sister missionaries taught me about Christ's love, and eternal life 23 years ago, makes me love, and appreciate them even more. Every six weeks we have missionaries come, and go in our area. Some stay for months at a time, and some transfer way too soon. Luckily for us, we were able to have Sister Jensen serve in our ward for six months!! That was a great length of time that flew by way too quick! We have had Sister Nutting, her companion for a few months now, and we've grown closer to her as well! I tell ya, the more you have the missionaries over your home, and take them out on their p-day the more you love, and want them in your life! Having breakfast with the sisters this past Monday was a great beginning to my day! Their spirit rubs off on me so strong, and urges me to want to share the gospel even more, and never forget my conversion. I love every single missionary that comes into our ward, and have always tried to welcome them with open arms. No matter what state or country their from, or their culture, I always strive to make the time to welcome them in my home, and do my best to fellowship them. They are thousands of miles away from their families, and I know exactly how it feels to be away from family. The only difference is I'm 20 plus years older, and am able to talk to my family whereas they are only allowed to make a few phone calls throughout their 18 months of service, email once a week, and write letters. Since I now have a daughter who will soon be serving in the Philippines it is my hope that the families in the church out there will help her feel welcomed, and loved. From what I heard about the Filipino people is that they are the most kindest, and humbling folk out there so I'm not worrying at all! 

Sister Jensen reminded me so much of my own daughter with her bubbly personality and all. She was always so willing to participate with the members, and teach in Relief Society. Such a great example of missionary work. I love that she got along so well with Sister Nutting, and can tell that it was real. There truly was a genuine companionship there, and that they treated each other as Christ would treat others. Although Sister Jensen will be missed we look forward to meeting new sisters, and hope that they will feel of our love, and support. I sure do love these girls, and try my best to make them feel at home. My son has grown to love them, and every time they come over our house he always wants to talk their ear off, and tell them about his day, toys, and school. It's too cute! He knows that they carry something special with them that will brighten anyone's day.  

And when they come inside our home, they always brighten ours! 

To know more about the missionaries you can log onto lds.org , and for a free book of mormon you can go here to request one! Or, you can always contact me, and I can send you a free copy!

Mission Call Accomplished: The Philippines.

For the past four months we have patiently been waiting for Sierra to get her mission call, and this past weekend she finally received it! Things happen for good reasons and I'm telling you, when it he comes to heavenly father's plan, everything works out, and there is no denying that He is in charge of our life. I know that everything He has planned out for our daughter is meant to be, and have faith that it'll be in His hands. Words cannot express how excited we are for our sweet Sierra to soon be on the Lord's errand. 

Goodness...I still have butterflies! The day I posted this photo on Instagram I received a call from Sierra later that evening letting me know that she received an envelope that read from the office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She asked if that could be the envelope with her mission call inside, and I said if it's an eight by ten, white big envelope then yes, that's it! She exclaimed, "it is!", and her dad was like yes! You should've heard the excitement and anxiousness in her voice as we were talking about it. She was so excited to have finally received it. I seriously thought she was going to hyperventilate! I told her to take deep breaths, and that it'll be great news! I asked her if she wanted to wait until Sunday to open it but was so eager to open it that evening. I don't blame her. This waiting game was played for too long, and she totally deserved to open it the day she received it! 

She quickly called a few friends, and they soon gathered with the family at her grandparents house where she's been living since she left Jersey. Because of the two hour time difference she wanted to announce it at approximately 8pm which is 10pm where we live. The only person we were waiting for was her sister Lexie. She was at a birthday party, and luckily it ended at 10 so that she could be home for this exciting event! In no way would she announce it without her sidekick. Lexie finally came home, and we all gathered in front of the computer to await the big news.

Technology is so awesome! It's so nice to be able to see her surrounded by people that love, and support her, and I'm so grateful that she wasn't alone while opening her call. She was so nervous that she couldn't even open the envelope. She had her grandma open it for her because her fingers were shaking! She was that thrilled/excited/enthusiastic/nervous! Name it, she was that adjective. 

Her voice was literally shaking when she announced her call, and for a minute there I thought she was going to faint! The sound in her voice when she mentioned where she'll be serving is proof to me that she decided this all on her own motive and that she is so ready and willing to serve the lord with all her heart, mind, mind, and strength! We are so excited for her, and know that she is on the right track in her life, and that this is where she's supposed to be in her life right now. And that is to serve a church mission. My feelings right now is euphoric, and I still can't seem to get rid of these butterflies in my stomach! It's surreal and I just can't get over it. I've just never experienced this...you know, having a child leaving for 18 months to serve God. I mean, I met the sister missionaries while I was investigating the church, and they totally helped change my life, and to know that our daughter will be doing the same things is so, so, humbling to me! 

I've realized the sacrifices we are going to make so that she will be able to serve, and my thoughts right now are focused on nothing but positivity, joy, but most of all faith. I know that the Lord will guide, and take care of her, and that there is no need for us to worry. I will have to get used to not facetimeing her every other day, texting, and calling her. We'll be okay, and it's a good thing I love to write because she'll be getting good mail every week or so. She reports to the MTC on February 10th which means we have to prepare quickly. She will be getting her passport today, and are looking forward for her to come to our neck of the woods to get her endowments at the DC temple. She sure has faced obstacles in her life, and that is something that she'll be able to apply in her life as she serves, and take what she has learned with her. I know that she'll be guided to those whom she will relate to, and understand their needs. Sierra has a big heart filled with so much compassion. She is going to be amazing! We are so proud of her and the decision she has made to serve The Lord. 

She is has so much of her dad in her when it comes to "being an official missionary" and we are so excited for this chapter to begin in her life as well as ours and to see her prosper, and grow in the gospel while sharing it with the people in the Philippines.

This truly is an amazing start to our 2016. 

See...I was right. Good things do come to those who wait! 

And So Goes 2015.

Since I didn't want to take a random photo of a few happy strangers that I met at the store I decided to make a collage of my family, and to show that no matter how harsh this world can be, and how tough things can get for us there is always room for happiness, hugs, and joyful moments to cherish for a lifetime. 

On the day before Christmas eve I was buying some last minute items for Christmas dinner at Walmart (don't judge.) I went early in the morning which was nice because there were no lines. Thing is I had exactly 20 items, and the only lines that were available were those registers. I decided to get in line when all of a sudden stood  three people behind me carrying only one item. I let them go ahead of me. You should have seen the look on their faces. Their faces were so shocking, and in that moment I felt both happy and sad. Happy because even though they looked shocked, they seemed to be uplifted, and sad because it makes me wonder how often have they had a kind gesture given to them. 

When the other line next to me opened up I saw a little old man probably around 70 years old standing in line waiting as more people rushed in front of him. The last person I allowed go ahead of me was being rung up so I mumbled under my breath, "what the heck." I offered if he would like to go in my line since he only had a couple of items. He said no thank you, and luckily the lady in front of him only had a few times. It was then when I overheard him telling the cashier how kind I was to offer him to go in front as well as the people I let go ahead of me. They both mentioned how no one rarely does that anymore, and the cashier in particular who works there emphasized how they need more kind customers like that woman (me.) It made me feel good inside knowing that they acknowledged my kindness, and even though one of the customers I allowed to go ahead of me didn't say thank you (i still think he was in major shock that I let him in before me) it didn't bother me in the least. I'm sure eventually someday he'll remember what this kind lady (me) did for him at one point, and hopefully he'll somehow pay it forward. 

I'm sure there are plenty of good folk out there doing random acts of kindness, and if you are one of them please don't stop. I can't even begin to describe the feeling I get when I do something nice for someone, and when they see that the looks on their faces are priceless. Shocking and priceless, and I know that it is uplifting to them. It was such a joy to have seen the smiles on those three strangers regardless of their overwhelming reaction. 

My hope for the new year is for the world to be more kinder and gentler. It's up to us to make that change, and to strive to do better. It is my hope that as a family we can do all things that keep us in good spirits, and always putting the Lord first. To always have that unique light shining upon us so that others can stop, and ask, "what is it that makes you so different", or "why is it that even in the hardest of times you always look at your life in a positive manner." Those are the things I want people to ask so I can let them know that because of the faith I have in God is how I get through his thing called life. 

I love my family, and in between the smiles you see in all the photos I post there is also heartache, and pain. Don't be fooled because we are in no way a perfect family We are striving for it, but because of God I know that we as a family can get through anything in this crazy, but beautiful world. 

May y'all reflect on the goodness that the Lord has blessed you with this past year, and strive to be a more kind and gentler people, and that 2016 will be a solid year for you! 

Thank you for visiting this small patch of my life in this vast internet world where I love to write, and wishing y'all a happy New Year! 

XXXOOO

Reflecting On The Night Before Christmas.

When I saw this painting on Beth's Instagram last week I just knew I had to get it. She only had 10 left, and I was the third person to claim one. I love her work of art, and having a picture of Mary with the Babe in our home truly reflects the whole reason for the season. 

Focusing on Christ not just at Christmas time, but all year round is as crucial as reflecting on the gifts we're going to get. I personally didn't grow up with huge Christmases, and as my kids get older our Christmases become more simple. I am extremely grateful that I have made our Christmases to be more focused on the Savior's birth than all the worldly things our kids may get. I for one don't buy my kids too many gifts. As much as I would love got give my kids everything that their little heart desires, I tend to focus on others more than my own family. I have taught my kids that it is better to give than to receive. They don't mind that, and when I'm in the middle of fixing treats, and wrapping small gifts for friends, and extended family they see the joy on my face, and when it's time to personally deliver and/or mail them they always want to drop them off themselves! 

On the night before Christmas we have a few traditions that we do. We have all the kids open one gift, and it's usually the one from their grandparents. Ornaments, and books have become a tradition, and that's what the kids usually receive. I personally think it's a simple and meaningful gift. Something that they can pass on down to their kids, and of course books never get old...especially if you have kids that like to read. I love those gifts and am grateful to those who think of them. 

^^^ Besides reading I believe in Santa Claus to the kids, we also read the Christmas story in Luke. Noah is always excited to play a wise man, and isn't he the cutest. ^^^

Because of all the baking we did on Jon's birthday we ended up buying cookies that evening for Santa. Noah had so much fun putting them on a plate, and because of all the Santa advertisements we see of him holding a coke Noah thought it would be cool if we gave him that to drink instead of milk. Chelsea insisted we leave him a cup of milk just in case. A friend of mine on Facebook commented on the photo and asked if Santa was lactose intolerant. Ha Ha! I laughed so hard, and you know what...he could be! We never know, hence the coke advertisements!

Our kids have never had a bedtime schedule, and because of that has made Noah and Chelsea a little harder to get them to bed on time. They all went to bed close to 10pm, and I made darn sure that they were knocked out before I began to wrap last minute gifts, and fill up their stockings! Jon is always a huge help in this department, and now that Lexie is old enough to help out has fun helping me with picking gifts, and wrapping them. Jon then grabbed the few gifts that we had in the basement and put them under the tree. It is so fun doing this, and I swear I never want to stop this tradition of giving no matter how old our kids get! 

When the kids came home from church on Sunday they brought home this ornament with that read SAVIOR. Their primary president made one for all the primary kids. Really thankful to them in doing that. Chelsea immediately put it on their little tree. It's so sweet, and those six letters really stand out, and shows the whole purpose to this beautiful season of light. I am so thankful for the Savior's sacrifice, and his atonement. I know that because of Him there's is hope in all things, and that we can live with Him again. To know that He died for me helps me to want to become a better disciple of Christ, and sharing His gospel brings me happiness. I know that because of Him we can live with our families for all eternity. He truly is the perfect gift of this season, and I pray that we will strive to put Him first in all that we do. I want this happiness, and joy for everyone, and every year is a new year to start anew. To learn more you can log onto mormon.org. 

Here's hoping you're having a fabulous last week of 2015. 

Our Christmas Morning & A Few Beach Photos.

This Christmas sure snuck up on us in quite a hurry, and just like that...it's gone. So bittersweet, and even though we didn't wake up to a winter wonderland on Christmas morning we were able to take in the beauty of mother nature with her rain, and all. I personally didn't mind this weather in the least. We had a brutal winter last year, and so having a break from it this early was okay by me, but I know that the snow is coming, and that it will be here soon! 

Luckily we've lived in weather like this, and have had Christmases in the past with no snow. Having lived in Texas, and North Carolina and having no snow in the winter time really made me appreciate the time i lived in Utah. I always missed the snow when living in those states, but after having a harsh winter 10 months ago having no snow this soon has been fine by me. The kids were longing for it though, but are pretty much over it, and are waiting for spring. Ha! Little do they know that the snow may be on it's way!

Watching these kids opening up their gifts on Christmas morning was bittersweet. They sure are growing up way too fast. To see their faces filled with humility, and appreciation, always thanking us for the gifts they were given, and mumbling under their breath, "thank you Santa" every time Noah and Chelsea opened a gift 'from him' and exclaiming "oh my favorite" warms my heart, and put a smile on my face. So fun to see their reactions on their face, especially Chelsea's. She's going to be 11 next month, and still believes in the magic of Santa. She makes our Christmases interesting, and it's super bittersweet watching my baby girl growing up while still being a little kid.

Gifts were simple, and easy this year. Receiving gifts from loved ones is always unnecessary, but when we receive them boy are they such a treat! If only they can see their reaction when they open them. There's no denying that it is fun exchanging gifts with friends, and relatives, and for that I am truly grateful!

After opening gifts, and with all the stores being closed on Christmas Friday we had lunch at McDonalds's (don't judge), and decided on a whim to go to the beach, and oh what a beautiful sight it was! 

Just take a look...

Temps were not that cold, but when the raindrops began to fall temps got cooler, and that's when I was like...hurry, let's get our feet in the water! You can see a 10 second snippet from my snapchat of my kids having fun on my instagram here.

Chelsea is such an adventurer, and when I told her I wanted to do that, and walk on the sand she did the same thing too. Call her a follower, but she loves the feeling of sand between her toes.

We walked around the boardwalk, and along the beach for an hour or so, (or at least until we felt raindrops falling on our head.) I snapchatted the heck out of this day, and had such an amazing time. Last time we went to the beach was over Labor Day weekend so we were pretty excited to see the ocean again! 

We totally make all of our Christmases memorable, and as always missed our sweet Sierra. It would have been  more special had she been here with us on Christmas day, but at least she was able to visit us earlier this month, and we hope to see her sometime in the new year. Also...that FaceTime is a miracle! 

Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas, and that you ring in the new year wishing many great things! 

Happy Monday! 

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays! 

Noah-isms.

// I can't believe we are already at the end of December! Didn't Noah just turn six last month?? My has time flown! Anyway I've been neglecting to share a few of what Noah has been saying as of late, of course I remember the funny sayings, but then all of a sudden for the past couple of weeks he has been saying some of the funniest things! //

The day after Noah's birthday he asked, "Mommy, am i still six?"

When Jon came home from work Noah ran up to him, and asked, "daddy, am i still six?"

We caught the end of this movie the other night and as we sat down to watch the last ten minutes of it there was a part where both the father and son were crying. As the tears were flowing down their face mixed with sweat because they were running for their life in a very humid country Noah said, "they're melting." I had to explain afterwards that they were actually tears, and because they were sweating it looked like they were melting. 

Every time I buy Noah gummy bears he always tells me to sit still, close my mouth, and say, "I am a gummy bear." I try to say it like a ventroloquist but to no avail. I move my mouth, and Noah then says, "gummy bears have their mouths closed, and are like statues. They don't talk...you eat them." 

While eating at a restaurant Noah needed to go to the bathroom. Lexie ended up taking him, and when she came back she said that Noah gave too much information while going potty.  Apparently he said, "man, that was a big one!" 

Every time Noah sees a picture with snow in it he says, "christmas."

On our way to church last Sunday we noticed some friends who were right behind us. I mentioned to the kids that it was the Jensens, and Noah says, "why are they following us? Is it because I'm cute?" I know...funny kid. 

I think Noah is growing tired from asking me to make cereal for him, and of course I don't. I told him I didn't mind, and that's what I'm supposed to do since he's still little. I then had a bittersweet moment because he's growing up way too quick. I could't help but to blurt out Please don't grow anymore Noah, please! Stay little! His response, "I have to grow mom. I have to grow taller so I can reach the cereal." 

Because I don't want to have to turn on our heat with the 60 degree weather we've been having it has been more colder inside our house than it is outside, and when I told Noah how colder it is inside our house than it is outside he said, "I know. It's because there's holes in this house! 

One morning Noah woke up freezing, and scared. He came into our room and I asked him why he was scared. He said its because there's no parents sleeping in his room.

// Love this kid of ours! With the years flying by so quickly watching Noah growing up has been bittersweet to the core, and although there are times where I do mind his independency I'm beginning to appreciate it. I can't help it. He's my only boy, and possibly my last child so I'm trying to hang on to those sweet, tender six year old mama moments as long as I can! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Celebrating 45 With Cupcakes, & The LDS Missionaries.

One thing that brings relief not only to myself, but to my family especially in this day and age, in the midst of all the somewhat hustle, and bustle I feel that I've been doing is having the sister missionaries over from our church to come into our home. They bring such a unique light, and truly have the gift of making one feel comfortable, and real all at the same time while eating good food, and having a few laughs. No matter their personalities, or how different one sister may be from the next I always manage to love them all, and make them feel at home. They are, after all away from their families for 18 months, and knowing that my daughter will soon be sitting in the homes of families makes me want to treat all my sister missionaries better!

Noah has been sick this past week, and aside from all the running around I've been doing with thinking of others during the holiday season I have realized that I need to make time for myself. I'm grateful that I acknlowedged the hustling and bustling a couple of years ago, and somewhat learned to balance all that I need to do when it comes to the holidays. The thing is that I'm never prepared to have a sick kid because we never know how bad the flu will hit our home come winter time. Luckily Noah's fever goes down, and I'm praying that he doesn't have pneumonia because with this crazy weather that we've been having you never know! He feels better after taking medicine, but if his fever persists, and cough gets worse off to the doctors we go. Sierra developed pneumonia in her freshman year of high school, and missed 10 days of school! That was not fun, and I pray that no one else in our family gets that again!

Having the missionaries coming over is such a spiritual treat to my family, and I see how much my kids love, and appreciate them. Since Noah missed church yesterday they totally brightened up his day, and were the remedy to making him feel better that evening. Even though it was Jon's birthday weekend he ended up being the one to stay home with Noah from church. Lexie had a solo for the Christmas program, and I didn't want to miss it so it was just us girls at church. It was a beautiful service, and I really appreciated all the lessons that were taught during class, and the fact that it was all focused on the Savior makes me extremely grateful that I belong to such a wonderful church where I am taught about Christ's life, and all the goodness that He brings in hopes that I can be an example of His light to others.  

I'm so thankful for all the missionaries who are serving around the world, and especially the ones who are in our area. It's so important to include them in our lives. They give so much of their time, and efforts in bringing new members into our congregation. Their energy is contagious, and being that I'm a convert to the church understand what kind of people they may be teaching, because at one point in my life I was an investigator myself learning, and figuring out if this was the right church to join, and if this is what I really believe in, and you know what...it was, it is, and I do! My passion in welcoming those who are new to the church is solid, and pray that no matter how tough life gets they will never give up on the Lord, or coming to church to be strengthened, but most of all to learn more about Him. 

The missionaries are such a joy, and after the week I've had with everything that I do that deals with the world, motherhood, and overall life, knowing that I am able to refresh myself on Sunday, and take in the lessons of Christ, and to sing beautiful songs of praise makes every chaotic week I've had worth it! And having the sisters over on the weekend of Jon's birthday made it even better, and that was the icing on the cupcake.

So thankful for the missionaries, and all the good that they bring. If you have any interest as to who they are, and how you can learn more about the plan of salvation please don't hesitate to reach out to them. You can log on to lds.org to learn more too!

Have a wonderful Christmas week! 

While Sierra Was Here...

I've been meaning to blog about Sierra's visit from a couple of weeks ago, but time caught up with me and in between attending concerts, a trip to the temple, some thrift shopping, visiting teaching, wrapping small gifts as well as delivering them, and overall life I never got around to it. Looking at some of my photos on my phone of Sierra reminded me that I wanted to write about her short visit even if it was just for four days. In those four days we managed to do quite a bit, and had so much fun. I swear we were like zombies! I am so glad she surprised us, and that she was able to take some time off from work. She figured since she's not in school, and still waiting for her mission call that she might as well take advantage, and visit a bit early. 

Chelsea and Noah were super excited when they saw her. They totally thought she was coming the week of Christmas! Lexie overheard us talking the night before her arrival so that was spoiled (she's got superman hearing), and she was expecting her the following morning when she came home from seminary. Still...it was a great surprise for us all, and the energy that once filled this house came back ten fold. Good thing because these kids have been missing their older sister for over a year! 

Here are a few photos from our time spent with our sweet sierra. 

Because Sierra wasn't in our Christmas photo last year (and a big shout out to those who pointed it out and made me feel guilty) I definitely wasn't going to let her get away without us taking some sort of family photo. I decided to call our dear friend Ashley at the last minute (because we do things like that), and asked if she wanted to come with us to new york. She said yes, and we had her take a few photos of us. She has a knack for taking pretty good pictures and did such a good job taking our photos. Here are a few outtakes, and we all had so much fun goofing around in the midst of it all. 

  ^^^ Before we went into the city we needed some much needed energy so we had some Panda express for lunch. I didn't even know they have them in Jersey. Where have I been? ^^^

 ^^^ We walked all around Manhattan, and down fifth avenue, and looked at all the window displays at Bergdorf's. 

^^^ These two were my favorite! ^^^

Rockefeller Center at Christmas time is a beautiful sight, and we wandered around capturing the beauty of this city. and check out this big wreath outside the plaza! Christmas in the city sure is magical!

The Santa at the Plaza is super friendly!! 

^^^ and in between time spent with us, Sierra made time for one of her dearest friends. Sure do love these girls! ^^^

^^^ Even though these two are 10 years apart they are so similar in personality! Bubbly and all! It's as if Sierra never left!

 ^^^ Goofy pics with baby brother. ^^^

^^^ And a few photos with her "twin" wearing their best friends beanies. Crazy girls! ^^^

So grateful we had four crazy days with our girl, and look forward to her coming back for a longer visit once she gets her mission call. 

Until then enjoy your time with family, especially when one lives far away. Take advantage of their time no matter how exhausted you become, because before you know it our kiddos will be on their own for good!

Have a wonderful weekend guys! 

2015 Holiday Concert.

I'm extremely grateful that all my kids are musical, and that they involve themselves in extra curricular activities that they love. 

Last night we attended Lexie's holiday concert, and I was impressed on how well the concert choir, and band sang and played. I love this time of year when concerts come into play, and regardless of the "60 degree without any snowy kind of weather" we've been having we still managed to get into the holiday spirit and rejoice! I love hearing her sing with the choir, and believe me even though she is standing with 11 other people in Vocal Resolution, and about 70 other kids in the choir she stands out, and I can hear her amazing voice. 

This was her first year being the accompanist for one of the songs. She played Jay Althouse's "Slow Dancing in the Snow" and she played it perfectly. In a way she reminded me of Sierra, but one thing i love about Lexie is that she is her own person, and in no way is she trying to be like her sister. Sure Sierra left somewhat of a legacy when it came to playing the piano at Highland, but in no way is she trying to "follow in her sisters footsteps." Even though she loves playing the piano it is not her forte. She is the violinist in the family, and in all honesty prefers that over piano. It's a shame that there is no orchestra in her high school, but she is grateful that she has the opportunity to play the violin in the band as well as play the piano. 

Here's the video of her playing, and you can hear a snippet of the choir singing Hallelujah here. 

2015 Holiday Concert from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

Jon, and I had a pretty amazing evening. Just as we spent our anniversary eating here four years ago, we didn't mind spending our anniversary at Lexie's winter concert. It was free, and fun, and we would do it again in a heartbeat!

Anything for our kiddos right? 

For more videos of my three daughters playing, and singing, you can view them all on my youtube channel, 

Happy Wednesday all!