Noah-isms.

This kid of mine is everything i dreamed a little boy to be, but sometimes it's over the top! He continues to teach me how to be positive, and helps me sees the ways of the world through his eyes, and let me tell you something...his view on life, and how he sees it is pretty amazing. I love that he's a dreamer, is very observant which helps me to improve on my "bite my tongue" skills, and a little gentleman. And since it's the middle of May, and the weekend i wanted to share with you some of the things that pretty much expresses his personality, and how he's becoming.   

And I'm loving it! 

Spider man is his all time favorite super hero, and has been watching that movie every chance he gets. He asked if he ever got bit by a spider if he would become like the guy in spiderman, and swing from building to building and have webs shooting out of his wrists. I said," no papa you won't, because it's just a movie, and spiderman isn't real." He said, "Not real! Then i guess I won't be able to save anyone who is in trouble" (insert frown face here.)

"Mom, you're going to be old in like 10 years because your hair is starting to turn grey."

When I was teaching him to remember his birthdate I asked him, "what year were you born?"  He said, "Heaven." 

Noah told me how much boys like talking to Chelsea in the bus room, and I told him that's fine as long as they're treating her right, and not her boyfriend, and he says, "Chelsea's boyfriends are her emoji pillows because she sleeps with them a lot! "

"I'm so hungry mom that the animal in my stomach is giving me a heart attack!"

Wile watching Jurassic World recently there's a scene at the end where the main characters are about to kiss, and Noah say, "just ask her out on a date, geez!"

While running errands I stopped by the bank, and told him I was going to deposit some money, and he said, "so you're going to buy some more money?" That lesson right there is a reminder to me that I need to teach him about what depositing money is!

While talking about our names, and where we got them from he asked, "did abuela name you Rose because you like flowers? LOL! I said to him, "sure Noah because flowers are pretty." and he said, "so are you mommy."

All these musings prove all to well that he's growing up, and the more he is out in the world, the more he is catching on! There is so much there that teaches him right and wrong, and luckily he focuses more on telling me about the good things in life than any negativity he may see...especially when it comes to media. He hears things, and is very observant. Such a smart kid he is, and I'm so proud of all that he's learning and becoming. 

Happy Friday! 

How We've "Bloomed" In Faith In God.

I probably sound like a broken record when I mention not being raised with any of the programs in the LDS church because of being raised in a different affiliation, but being that this month is my 23 anniversary of being a member of this church makes me extremely grateful to be active in it, because as I get older I continue to learn, and "bloom" with my current calling I have in the church. 

At the end of each school year we hold an event for all the young girls ages 8-11, and come together to talk about what we've learned this past year. Every year we come up with a theme that's suitable for the event, and this year I chose, "How We've Bloomed in Faith in God." 

This was my very first time organizing an event with this specific calling, and I have to say that it was pretty fun! Granted those tissue paper flowers were not my forte, but luckily I have amazing daughters who helped me make most of them, and a husband who pitched in at the last minute to fluff them up. You can view snippets of that on my snapchat (r_jorgensen) before it disappears. The girls found it amusing to see their pa doing a craft! Go Jon! 

Our primary president was such a huge help with this, and came up with most of the ideas. We both put together planters for the girls to take home. I collected a ton of tin cans, and we wrapped them with card stock, put potting soil in baggies, tied them up with pretty ribbon, added a seed packet, and a paper fan that read, "Bloom where your planted" for good measure. Super adorable! 

All the girls had a talent to share and I've got to say that I'm so impressed with these group of girls including my own kid because at their age they are all busy growing up with the world all while developing a talent. Some played piano, demonstrated a sport, and expressed their creativity through art. We have some amazing little artists, musicians, and athletes in our midst, and it was so nice to see them in action.

// You can hear Chelsea play a part of her piece on my snapchat // 

We had a member of our bishopric share his remarks to our girls about developing talents and how important it is to cultivate, and share it. 

It was also nice to hear the parents come up, and express a few words on how their daughters have grown in the past year, and every parent had such sweet sayings to say about their child including my own. Jon and Chelsea are alike in many ways, and I can tell that he's her favorite, and that's okay by me! I love that they have such a close bond, and that she can learn a lot from him because he's as awesome as they come! 

I'm extremely grateful to be teaching these girls twice a month, and to learn and "blossom" with them. It seems like the older I get, the more I am taught by these girls, including my own kid. 

Not only is this program wonderful and fun, but it's crucial for our girls of this age to come and participate. It is vital for them to attend so that it can prepare them for young women which is another program for girls ages 12-18. When these girls attend I can see how much it truly helps them stand firm in their beliefs, and uphold their standards. No matter how busy their young lives begin to get with school, sports, and extra curricular activities it makes me happy to see that they make the time to see me every other week for an hour in the evening to be taught true principles of the gospel. Learning and living the gospel, developing talents, and serving others is something that is important for all them of them to inhibit, and I already see that in the girls. I know that if they continue to work on those three important values that they will grow up to become amazing young women, and continue to stand firm with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His teachings. 

It truly was a wonderful evening, and I think the fact that we had yummy desert was the "dirt in the cup" or as some may say "the icing on the cake." Thanks Kristen for making it! 

With each calling comes great blessings, and growth in the gospel, and I'm so grateful to have this one for the time being and to be teaching my daughter in it! I love how any church event connects families together, and helps build a closer bond with their parents. I can see the sparkle in the girls eyes when their parents come and support them, and that tells me that we are all on the same path to improve our parental skills to be the best we can be! 

Getting Ready for The Church Prom.

One of the funnest things to do as a mom is helping my daughter get ready for special events that deals with formal gowns, makeup, and hair. Lexie is not one to get all dolled up, but when it comes to dances such as the  mormon prom, she wants to shine with her girlfriends, and get all glamoured up in the simplest form. 

And I think we did a pretty good job. 

I have to boast about her outfit. Her entire outfit cost under 25 bucks at Plato's closet. Her gold sequenced blouse made by H&M was 11, the white tulle skirt was seven, gold shoes were eight bucks, and her pizza purse was something I had my eye on for awhile at J. Crew, and when I saw that it was on sale I snagged one. It's so cute with great quality, and I think it went perfect with her outfit! Plus it's her favorite food in the world! 

Mormon prom is a big deal in our church, and everyone is invited! You don't have to be a member of our church to attend. It was so nice to see so many of Jade's friends at her house getting ready. They're all of different faiths, but got along fabulously, and Lexie meshed in well with them! Her favorite thing to do is meeting new people, and to see these girls laughing especially while they were getting ready with their hair and makeup warmed my heart. Kind of made me wish I went back in time to so that I could have done that with my friends. It's totally fine, because I got to do that with my oldest daughter, and now Lexie. Seeing all of them lighting up with excitement was also a sight to see, and it makes me feel good knowing that Lexie is being fellowshipped. I saw a lot of smiles being exchanged while we were taking pictures, and couldn't help but to capture a few moments of the camaraderie among these great group of girls. 

//Mandatory shoe photo //

// always texting //

// personal photographer //

I'm so glad that these two have remained friends since we moved here. True fellowshipping forms great friendships, and also comes with no drama, and I think those are the best kind. Just like last year's prom they all had a great time, and it makes me so happy that Lexie enjoys crowds, and attending social events, and to dance without a care in the world. I always tell her to "dance like no one is watching!" 

**For anyone who is curious as to what makes our church prom different from your average school prom you can read this great article. 

Being The Mom Through The Joys & Sorrows.

As I get older marriage, children, and motherhood becomes a different way of life. At least it is for me. I remember how simpler, and easier life was when the kids were little. Although we had some trials they were not as huge, and they just seemed easier to handle. But as you get older, we never know what life is going to throw at us. Illness, job loss, financial challenges as well as challenges with our children, and extended family members tend to become more prevalent as they get older, and sometimes can take a toll on us. One thing I know for sure that gets me through all the mundane is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I'm extremely grateful for that. Because with God, everything is possible, and the fact that God, and motherhood equal each other makes my life as a mother a little bit easier. Without His guidance I honestly don't think I would have been able to handle all the hardships I've endured then, and now as a person, but most of all...as a mother. Especially in today's world. 

Another thing I'm grateful for is having my kids spread out in age. They are all five years apart, and in all honesty have never dealt with any stresses. I mean, there have been some issues, but nothing that this momma can handle. Because of their age gap I have five years in between each child to "recuperate"  after the oldest one is off to college, and so forth! For this purpose, I'm pretty happy that my kids are spread apart in age. Didn't even plan it that way, but I know that Heavenly Father knew I'd need those breaks in between kids so he sent me a child every five years! Every child is completely different, and with each one I have learned something different, and it's interesting to watch them grow and see them face challenges, and learn from the. One thing I've learned as a mom is that if we let them know how special they are, and teach them proper principles they will be able to handle any challenge that comes their way. They will know right from wrong. Especially if they listen to that still small voice.  

One thing I will say when I had my first child is that I was terribly lonely. I was 23 when I had Sierra, and although I felt as if I was old, and strong enough to raise a baby, I was kind of like a wimp in many ways. I never looked upon my mother, or mother-in-law, or any other mothers for advice. My mother was 1700 miles away when I had Sierra, and well, my mother in law must have thought I was super mom because she saw what a trooper I was while giving birth to her, naturally without any drugs. Sure she'd check up on me from time to time, but with her life at that time managing teenagers, and working full time I didn't really want to bother her, and so that made me even more independent (call it pride), and never called upon anyone if I had an issue. There were times when I didn't even want to go to church because I felt as if I didn't fit the mold, and even though I never lacked for friends I never called upon any of them. Even the ones that lived near by. I know, I was a pretty stubborn mom back then. Thank goodness for all those moments of hardships because they have made me into the mother I am today!

Now that I'm older and Sierra is almost 21 (yikes!), and all the other kids are getting up there in age I feel that I have learned so much throughout the past 20 years as a mom, and to finally having my boy which was my Jersey surprise has made me an even more stronger, and fierce mom. 

And so I say this to all the moms out there. No matter how old you are we are all on different levels of motherhood. Some of our challenges when its comes to kids are easier, and some of them aren't. Life with our children is what we make it, and and even though life may seem like rainbows and butterflies right now because our kids are little, believe me when I say this...the trials will come as they get older. If you think dealing with a crying toddler at church, or in a public place is tough. Try having your daughter crying because of a boy that just broke their heart. I'd rather go back to those days than to see what challenges my kids have to face today.  They'll be different, harder, and more challenging, but if you know who you are as a mother, and remember all the things that helped you gain strength, (whether it was your mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, etc.) lock it in, keep it with you, and pass it on down to your kids. As long as you know that you're doing the best you can as a momma, then that's all that matters. All those sacrifices that you make on a daily basis such as not showering for days, forgetting to brush your teeth because of being a hurry to run errands before the child's nap time. Letting your kid have the last apple because pay day isn't until next week will all be worth it. You'll look back longing for those moments once they become teenagers. I know I do. Then again, it's exciting to watch our children become an adult, and handle their own problems knowing that they have the Lord to guide them through it all. 

God's children are the most precious gifts that Heavenly Father gave us. They are sons, and daughters of God. But I know this, as long as we stay focused on the Lord, and continue to teach our children how to love, forgive, and pray... all those sacrifices whether big or small will pay off in the end. And it'll all work out. 

I love being a mother even when life throws us those curveballs. But without those curveballs we will never learn to pick up the pieces. Granted there are days when I just want a time out, and be alone somewhere where I can read a book without any interruptions, but that's part of being a mom, and it's something that I have learned to cope with. Children come with interruptions, and I have realized throughout the years of being a mom that my time with my children is what's most important, and in all honesty if it wasn't for me having them I wouldn't be the person I am today. They truly make me a better human being! 

Also...this mothers day video really made me tear up! 

**Happy Mother's Day everyone!**

On Capitol Hill.

When we went to the Renwick gallery a couple of weeks ago we took a drive around capitol hill, parked and walked around where they have all kinds of shops including the historic Eastern Market which i've never been too. I've always heard about it, and my friend Mary from church who lived here for a few years before moving to Jersey told me about a few places to come here, and also mentioned how spoiled D.C. made her while she lived here. I have to agree with her, and that's probably one reason why we love coming here because like Philly there's so much rich history here about America. 

And free museums! 

We had nothing but rain on our way to D.C., and when we arrived it stopped! I was so happy being as we were going to be walking all over the hill. When we come to D.C. we normally make the time to go the temple, but because we only had Noah and Chelsea, and no Lexie we decided to make it a day of temporal fun! Lexie would have come except that she had a church activity to go to, and I figured since Lexie will be having fun at church with her peers why don't we have a bit of fun with the kids in D.C. Like I mentioned in an earlier post The Renwick Gallery, and all their exhibits were truly a spectacular display of American creativity and fine artistry, and we are so glad we saw it! 

Since the museum took up most of our day (because seriously, one museum can take up your entire day) we didn't have a lot of time to take in all the booths at the market, and so being that the rain brought forth such beautiful sunshine we walked around the hill, and captured a few photos. You can see why we love coming here so much. 

Noah and Chelsea were having the time of their life here as they always do when we venture out to unknown places. They love browsing, and looking inside windows to see what merchandise is in the store, and are so curious as to what people are selling. Most of the people were already packing up their stuff which gives us an excuse to come again, and spend more time here especially when the shops on 7th street are open. 

Woven history is one store I would have loved to seen! They normally have rugs draping over the rod iron fence, but the shop was closed. See, I definitely have to come back now! 

The kids were super excited when we found this book store. Too bad it was closed, but for some reason there were books left outside on a table. I'm not sure if they were there for anyone to take, but no one was around and the kids just took a gander at which books they were, and then I told them to put them down, and continue on our walk. Strange, but who knows. Next time we come maybe I'll ask why there were books outside when they were closed! 

Walking around makes tummies hungry, and so we decided to eat at a place we've never been. As we were walking down the shops we noticed a place called District Taco, and because the food looked pretty good we decided to try it, and I was pretty impressed. Not as good as the authentic mexican food I'm used to eating in Texas, but for the east coast it's pretty good. 

Every mexican place we eat at Noah always has to get his chips and salsa. And orange fanta!

Okay...only my true tex-mex buddies would understand, and know this word, and sometimes I miss hearing it. Orale!

It was such a beautiful day, and we really love coming here. Sometimes I wonder had Jon taken the job in Bowie, Maryland years ago instead of Jersey how our lives would be today. Would I have had Noah? Would Jon still have been with AT&T and not UPS? Who knows. One thing for sure is that we wouldn't have to be driving two and a half hours to the temple, or D.C. to see the sights. But luckily for us, we enjoy traveling by car, and have amazing kids who are good at enduring long car rides. I love, love my life, and I'm so glad I still have these two kiddos who keep us on the go because just like Sierra, Lexie will be off to college, and on her own! This is where I'm grateful for that five year age gap, and for airplanes so that they can come back to visit! Love these kids of ours! 

Until next time D.C. 

2016 World Class All-Chapter Jazz Band Champions!

This past weekend members of the Highland high school jazz band had a very successful championship weekend, and we are so very proud of them! 

I will always remember the first time my oldest daughter became a member of Highland's jazz band, and how highly she talked about Mr. Tumminia. Her first impression about him was correct, because when I met him I could tell how much he loves music, and enjoys teaching it. I can tell how big his heart is in teaching his students. The fact that there is not enough funding for the arts here with music, the kids tend to fund raise a lot, and Mr. Tumminia does a lot on his own time, and dime and always makes an effort to give these kids private lessons. Even though he lives in a different township where they don't have to worry about budget cuts for the arts, working in a school district where they have cut a lot of the funding can have a teacher pouring their heart out in doing everything they can to keep it going, and that's Mr. Tumminia. I can see that he is doing his very best to see that our kids get the kind of music education that he knows they need. 

As a a parent I can tell how much Mr. Tumminia loves his job, and I have witnessed firsthand at all the hard work he puts in so that our kids can play their best, and be the best. I see how much he cares for his students, and how much effort he puts into having a great bond with them as their teacher. It pleases me to see that type of behavior being expressed to these kids including both my daughters, and how much he was always willing to go out of his way to help them every time they needed assistance. I have seen nothing but positivity radiating out of my girls when it came to playing, and there were times when Sierra seemed a little nervous before a performance, but I think that comes at being good at what you do which in her case is a great pianist! But at the end of her four years of playing with the band she always appreciated the hard work, and time Mr. Tumminia put in for her while she was the main pianist at Highland. 

Sure there are times when my girls would mention his frustration especially when band players would hit the wrong note because they didn't practice enough, and believe me when I say this. Teachers know. They know when these kids are not practicing enough at home, and they can get really disappointed when they don't. But that's part of being a band director. Especially when your performing for the state championship. Hello, ever seen the movie Whiplash? Not that Mr. Tumminia is anywhere near J.K. Simmons character, and actions portrayed in the film, but I totally understand why band directors are stern in their rules especially when it comes to practicing, and preparing for any jazz band competition...especially the championship finals. 

That's another reason why I tell Lexie to practice, practice, practice, and to never hesitate to ask for help! 

When I read about all the achievements some of the students accomplished this past weekend as well as throughout the year I knew I had to document it on here so that Lexie can remember how well their band did as a whole. I'm so proud of Lexie for always playing her best when it came to doing her part as one of the pianists in the band. Their winnings are well deserved, and it's all because of Mr. Tummunia's hard work. 

It is my hope that the future students of Highland High school will have more years like this, and that the future generations of the highland jazz band will enter into the band room filled with enthusiasm ready to work, and play in unison with great communication so that they can continue to hold the title of being champions. 

I was really impressed with all the accomplishments that Mr. Tumminia mentioned in an email for all the hard work, and winnings our children received, and they are listed as follows:

*  Friday night, the Jazz Band won the 2016 TIA World Class All-Chapter Jazz Band Championship.  Our band has now won four ACC titles in a row at this event.  Their score of 98.26 was the highest score earned over the four-day Wildwood ACC championships, of any event.

* Saturday night, the Jazz Band, coming in originally as a #8 seed, placed 5th in the New Jersey Division III Jazz Band Championships.  At the event, we won the award for BEST TROMBONE SECTION.  It is our first trombone sectional award at a state championship in over 25 years.  Congrats to our trombone section members Kryssa Goodhart, Samantha Dorofy, Emily Hand, and Michelle Sapp.  We also finished with our highest scoring at the NJ State Finals since 1990, with a score of 88.1  We were only 2.6 points away from 2nd place, beat the 6th place band by 6.3 points, and beat the 7th place band (Overbrook) by 8.8 points!  Clearly, the judges placed your kids in elite status as one of the top programs in the state.

* Over the season, we were awarded honors for Best Rhythm Section, and Best Trombone Section, and four different musicians (Ben Woodward, Amanda Clarkson, Eddie McKeown, and Elliott Howard) won best soloist awards at various events.  This is the first time, that I can remember, that Highland has had four different soloists win awards in the same year.  These are very rare accomplishments of which we are all very proud.

He also mentioned the our jazz band is one of six finalists who are competing to win a chance to perform with Philly Pops, So if you can spare two seconds of your time to vote please click on this Facebook link, and "like" the post about Highland. You can hear them sing the song "Sing, Sing, Sing" here. The concert will be on Monday, May 23, at 7pm at the Investors Bank Performing Arts Center in Washington Township. 

Here's hoping y'all had another great weekend, and let's hope our school wins & that we get some sunshine this week! 

Happy Monday folks! 

Noah's Teddy Bear Pajama Party!

One thing that I found so important in this life in being a mom is the importance of reading to my child. Or in this case, going to a pajama teddy bear party at Noah's school for some games, treats, and story time! Every kindergartner in our school district has this opportunity to attend, and because it all deals with literary you better believe we're going to be there. 

I remember when I went with Chelsea to her pajama party five years ago. Noah was a year old, and I remember that day so vividly. I remember how exhausted I was that day (and that whole year), and how I didn't feel like going, and because Jon was working in sales at the time for AT&T he couldn't make it. So...here I was forced to put on my makeup to cover those dark circles under my eyes (which I still have because they're heredity), and put a smile on my face to make my little girl happy. The things we do for our children right? Well, this time I had all the energy in the world to attend Noah's party, and was smiling the whole night because Noah was having so much fun with his buddies. Then again, I don't have a baby to tend to all day anymore (insert frown face here.) 

All week long Noah kept asking me when his pajama party was, and it's so funny how I was counting the days too. It really helps having this stendig calendar on my wall so I can put sticky notes on the days we have plans, and it makes it easier for the kids to see what's going on, and whenever they ask what's on the agenda for the day, or when event is takin place I'll just say, "look on the calendar." So nice to have that! 

Anyways, back to our pajama party. There were game stations where they had puzzles, and tic tac toe, and one where they made necklaces out of fruit loops, and gummy life savors. He was so proud of his little necklace, and by the time story time began they were gone and all that was left was the string. 

I really enjoyed this evening. I love how the teachers emphasize on how reading is super important, and I can tell how much they love their job as a kindergarten teacher. Their actions when they were reading a story proved all too well that this was fun for them too. I really enjoyed listening to the Very Cranky Bear story. I snapchatted bits and pieces of this evening, and if it's still on my snapchat you can view it at r_jorgensen.

Ms. Mullen, (she's the one behind the camera in the background) was one of the teachers who read, and it was pretty haunting to see her from a distance, and to hear her read as she reminded me of Ms. Welsh who was the one who started this whole Pajama teddy bear party years ago. Shen went all out and would decorated the gym with teddy bears, and lots of books! Three years ago she took her own life due to mental illness, and till this day we are reminded of her vibrant spirit. Noah will never know her now, but luckily Chelsea had the opportunity to hear her stories while she was still living. 

It was such a wonderful evening, and even though the party lasted for half an hour that half an hour was worth spending it with my kid, and getting those treats in the end was a "treat" too! It was such a grand evening, and to see Noah interested in reading even more makes me super happy, and that is one reason why I love attending any event that deals with literacy. 

Have a wonderful weekend folks, and keep on reading! 

Noah Lately.

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The other day on my way to driving Jon to work I lamented how quickly this year is flying by, and how Noah is growing up. Growing up as in getting taller! I noticed his height after he got out of the bath last night, and asked me if I can clean his ears, and help him comb his hair. He was standing next to me while sitting in front of the computer. We were both at the same level, and could see eye to eye! I remember when he started school last fall that I could still look down at him while sitting on the chair, but now our eyes meet, and mentioned to him how he could possibly be tall just like his papa! His response was, "I'm going to be tall like my papa?" I said, "at the rate you're going you probably will be!" He began jumping up and down! 

With school coming close to an end (I can't believe we have 33 days of school left!) I have to say that mornings are my favorite, and I am making them count with this little guy because next year he'll be in full time first grade! What?? I absolutely am loving this time with him, and even though there are times when he entertains himself, I love it when he calls out to me, and says, "I want my mama to lay down with me some more. Come here mommy." Or, "mommy come color with me." I also love it when he gets creative with his legos, and his favorite thing lately has been drawing and painting. 

I just love it when he sits at the kitchen table with his art supplies strewn around the table pursing his lips because he wants that spider centered perfectly on his drawing of spiderman. Another favorite thing he's been using a lot of lately is scissors! His love for scissors is ridiculous! After he used up all his pages in his sketch pad, he moved on to Chelsea's sketch pad, and after he took out more pages than she wanted him to went into our cabinet where we have our copy paper, grabbed a few sheets, and began drawing transformer figures, ninjas, and yes...even spidermen. 

He will color, and cut them out, and then lay them on the floor, and have them save the world on the little town he created on the rug. Quite the imagination huh? His shooting noises, and the way he says, "save me, save me" are even louder, and he's just the sweetest little boy using all of his cut out paper dolls to be superheroes in saving his made up little world. 

When I saw this cool looking coloring book that read, "Color with Mom" I knew I had to buy it, and so lately we've been coloring a page every morning. When we are done with our coloring page, he'll then want to pull out the paint, or simple play with his toys which will also allow me to clean up the kitchen after feeding him breakfast, and doing a load of laundry because seriously...that laundry never ends!! Even with one child not living here I still have endless laundry! So having him occupied for at least 30 minutes of the morning helps me to tidy up a bit. Still...I'd rather do all that stuff while he's in school instead of wasting my extra time with him. He's so not a handful, and such an easy going kid which is probably why I have loved being at home with him all these years!

I really enjoy these moments, and watching him enjoying himself by using his imagination with being creative with legos as well as developing a talent in art, and that makes me so happy. Our television is on it's last leg, and in all honesty don't care if we ever own a tv again. It's so nice not having too much entertainment in the house that deals with technology. I love that all my kids would rather read, draw, go outside, play piano, and do art as opposed to watching television. I just want to cherish all the moments with them while they're still young and in the house, especially while Noah is still little. 

...and maybe every once in a while pop in a dvd on the mac and watch spiderman!