R&B Jorgensen Family

3 weeks older

2012-02-03T23:57:00.001-08:00

Our favorite Christmas Present

2012-02-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

the real source of education

2011-11-29T18:30:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to witness the wealth of knowledge that comes to children so young from simply reading books. It is always gratifying for me to hear the effects of reading on my childrens' minds. Jaidyn has demonstrated this for me many times:

While I was pouring pretend tea into her tea cup, she declared "adequate".

One day, shortly after her Aunt Ashlee's wedding, she was chattering on about weddings and how fancy and wonderful they are when she mentioned the "wedding maiden" and how fun it would be to get fancy and beautiful and do all of things they do. It took me a minute and register what she was talking about - the bride. She couldn't come up with the word bride, but without skipping a beat she talked about the "wedding maiden" as if that was a perfectly normal term to use. I knew that it could only have come from a book.

Recently, after coming home from school, the kids were describing the events of their day, when Jaidyn explained " Aston always walks with this boy until they have to part and Aston bids him farewell".

But, by far, the information that Jaidyn has enlightened me with that has had the most shocking effect is the one she explained to me yesterday. She was talking to me in the kitchen, when she saw an empty can of ginger-ale and she said "Ew, I don't like that. It's sweet at first, but after it tastes bitter like beer". It took me a minute to register what she was saying. Quite taken back, I replied "Honey, how do you know what beer tastes like", to which she replied "I read it in a non-fiction book". Up until now, I had not stopped to think about the possibility of her picking up this kind of information. She has come to me with naughty words and some inappropriate language from books, but never had I imagined that she would be taught about what beer tastes like. I guess if this is the way she discovers it, and she can know that it's gross without ever having to find out for herself, then I am going to have to say I'm okay with it!

Aunt Ashlee's Wedding

2011-10-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

2011-09-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Blogging right now seems, as so many things in my life, like another daunting task hanging over my head that I just can't keep up with. Since I graduated last Spring, I no longer have school as an excuse, which is something I actually did follow through with (even if it was 11 years after high school). But before I begin the dreadful updating process, I want to share yet another example of me falling just short of sub-par - but really, I'm okay with it - I have accepted me for who I am :). My mother-in-law insisted that I share this story on my blog. I think it deserves it's own separate entry, so, if you are in need of a little validation for those times when the disgrace is too much to bare, please read on. On the other hand, if you have never showed up to a class an hour late, having no clue you're late and looking at everyone else like they are all crazy for getting started before it was time, or taken your child to a dance class that is 3 years younger than her, or showed up completely unprepared for a class, meeting, or other important event, or gone to court for a ticket and when asked by the court clerk if you were doing school (meaning defensive driving), replied "no I just graduated", or anything that makes you want to run and hide, then, please do us both a favor and stop reading now.

The meaning of "soccer mom"

2011-09-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

It was the first night of baseball, not only of the season, but EVER for Aston and for me as a mom. The coach had called us and explained that we would be meeting Wednesday night to throw the ball around a little and to talk about all of the important things like meetings days and times, parent treat sign-ups, and things like that. He said that we could bring a ball and glove and a bat, if we had one. So, of course, in my inexperienced, amateur mind, I saw this as much like the "meet the teacher night" at school. I didn't need to go and get everything before hand to find out that night that I was all wrong and have to go back and get all new things. I was pretty impressed with myself that we already had a baseball glove and ball, so we brought it. As soon as I got there, I knew something wasn't right. Aston walked up to one of the boys on the team and his glove looked like a miniature nick-nack version of the other boy's glove. And then I looked at the parents. Apparently I totally missed the meeting that said - ' Come with as much stuff as you would take on a camping trip'. Holy COW! Seriously, these people are professional baseball parents. I'm looking around and people had their entire dinners with them, blankets, chairs, umbrellas to shade them, water, Gatorade, snacks, dessert, toys for their other kids, and I cant even recall what else. So here I am, with my purse, and Aston with his toddler's baseball glove and a styrofoam ball. So, I started playing my options through in my head: I can run to the store and buy some serious equipment and then come back prepared, I can hide over by the picnic benches until it's over, or I can just drop him off and leave until it's over - seriously, no one will know we weren't there, accept of course for Aston. Then I realized I was stuck. So, again, I did what anyone would do in the situation. I plopped down in the grass and dug down into the bottom of my purse and found a bag of fruit snacks that were melted together and and pulled it out for my kids. It's pretty sad when I handed those to Jaidyn and you would think I had given her a slice of freshly baked cake. She lit up and tore open the package and she and Roan began yanking the fruit snacks out of their package like they were pulling old gum off of the concrete. It was quite a site. But, all of this wasn't disgrace enough. No, there was a dad sitting next to me, who, he later told me that,had prepared all by himself with all of the amenities listed above - trying to be so kind and offer these poor peasant children some real food. I just wanted to say "I have enough shame, keep your food to yourself". But I didn't. As my ravenous children were shredding apart the fruits snacks like wild animals, he pulled out his ziplock bags of crackers and fruitsnacks (that weren't glued together) and cookies and laid them out for my kids and I to admire and drive the disgrace a little deeper. I made some lame joke about my not being prepared and wasn't really expecting it to be like this. Then I asked him if he had been doing this sports thing for a long time with his kids. Again, he had to drive that knife little deeper and responded "No, my wife told me to be prepared with snacks and drinks, so this is what I did". Why couldn't he have just said "yes"? There are few times in life that I am completely open to being lied to and I will tell you this was one of those times. I don't think I ever understood the meaning of soccer mom until that night. It should actually be called "soccer parents" or even better "I'm more prepared than you - parents". I sat there for the rest of the practice, which by the way took the whole hour, smacking the bugs off of our skin and trying to keep my kids happy while everyone around us sat on their thrones eating, relaxing, and watching their kids. I will never again come to a sports game without my camping and sports-preparedness gear. In fact, the next night we had practice and I will tell you I was prepared. I had my beach chair and a blanket and food to spare. :)

First Day of school 2011

2011-08-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cruise to the Bahamas

2010-10-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Ryan turned 30 this year and I decided to step out of my comfort zone and surprise him with a cruise to the Bahamas - Good idea, right? That's what I thought. It was going quite well the first day and the first part of the second, until we were in a wreck driving a scooter around town. We were going about 45 miles an hour and a bus with not tail lights cut in front of us and stopped in the middle of a 45 mph road. Ryan did the best he could and laid the bike down and we slid under the bus. We ended up pretty banged up, but considering the accident, we're happy to be alive. Ryan skinned up his leg and foot so bad, that the doctor was considering skin grafts. Right now he is walking around in a boot. I broke my arm and had surgery on it where they put in two screws and wrapped the bone in a cable wire. I'll have another surgery in 6 months to have them removed. It was a 30th birthday to remember. I can honestly say I tried stepping out of my comfort zone to plan this. . . check. I don't think I need to do that ever again.

It's been so wonderful to know that we have such a great support system around us. We have had so many dinners, visitors checking in on us, people stopping by to throw in a load of laundry or clean something, and many phone calls checking in with us to see if we are okay and need anything. Thank you to all of you sweet people. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Again, we are grateful to be home with our kids again. Now for the long healing process.

And, I will post some pictures when I get around to it.

Time to update?

2010-10-17T10:21:00.001-07:00

I stumbled upon my blog this morning and noticed that the last post was Roan's second birthday. That was December of last year, wow has time flown by. I will be updating the last year again soon. I am making a commitment to myself right here and now. I FINALLY graduate this year and these are things that I will be recommitting to do better at with all of my extra time:
- being a mom
- being a friend
- smiling more often
- happiness
- cooking and baking
- reading
- sewing
- kid's activities
- scrapbooking
- posting to my blog
- just enjoying the moments more often

I hope to be held to some of these. Especially the last one.

A little update on our life circumstances: We moved to Gilbert, AZ a few months ago - we finally converted as Melinda said. The kids started school and they are loving it. Their teachers are both very sweet and the school is wonderful. Both of them are doing extremely well and I'm so proud of them. Jaidyn is still obsessed with reading and Aston is loving learning. He's picking it up so fast. Every day I ask how their day was and they say "It was a green light day" then I usually reply with "Yes but how was YOUR day?". But I'm very happy about their 'green light day's' all the time.

More blog entries to come. . .

Crazy hair day

2010-03-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Can't forget little Roan's second birthday

2010-01-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

I'm realizing that I'm not the only one that blogs once every 6 months to year. That's good to know. It really wouldn't change anything though! :) So, I have a few posts left to get me up to date:

For Roan's second birthday, we kept it nice and simple, yet something we knew he would absolutely LOVE. "Too too wains" otherwise known as "Choo choo trains". He was in heaven at the train park with his cousins. He Aston had fun playing on the equipment until his cousins arrived and joinced the fun. After I got there with lunch and cup cakes, of course we all had to take one ride on the train. It was perfect weather and lots of fun.

Jaidyn loved feeding the ducks -?-or tricking them into thinking they were being fed. And some awsome shots captured of her "bouncy" personality thanks to her daddy.

Roan's battle wound

2010-01-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Roan had a little accident yesterday. He slipped and fell while splashing in the fountain water at Tempe Market Place and did a pretty good number on his eye. 8 stitches, to be exact. OUCH!! Poor baby. I'm just hoping for two things: the scar won't be too bad (both physically and emotionally) and my guilt will subside.

2010-01-04T20:26:00.001-08:00

Recap of 2009. . .

Thank you Todd and Nancy

2010-01-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Mwa. We love you.

2010-01-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

Watch in sequence. . .

Mmm frosting. . .

Girls Chorus Christmas performance

2010-01-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend hike

2010-01-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

Roan's hiding spot

2010-01-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

Jaidyn's 6th Birthday party

2010-01-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa brought treats

2010-01-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

What happens when the kids get ahold of the camara. . .

2010-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

It's quite the surprise when I go to upload my pictures and I find these pictures of pencils and coloring books and shoes and close-ups of my kids. I got a pretty good laugh. I just never know what to expect with these monkeys.

Pirates of the Arizonian

2010-01-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

2010-01-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Aston builds some cool towers

2010-01-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

Girl's chorus

2010-01-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

Jaidyn's first day of school

2010-01-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

2010-01-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

4th of July in Huntsville, Utah

2010-01-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

2010-01-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

Gearing up for the water fight at the parade.

2010-01-02T13:26:00.002-08:00

There's nothing like a good drink in the summer in AZ

2010-01-02T13:26:00.001-08:00

Cuddling at nap time

2010-01-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

So many choices to cuddle with, Jaidyn had a hard time deciding.

Roan's shiner

2010-01-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

He came out of my bedroom with this nice looking shiner. I was a little distressed until I wiped it and it came off. Make-up goes above the eye - Roan.

Relaxin' summer style

2010-01-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

2010-01-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Splash pad

2010-01-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

Visiting our friends in California

2010-01-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

We Love you, Quinns!!!

2010-01-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Can anyone relate???

2009-08-03T11:26:00.001-07:00

Things I never imagined I would find myself saying as a mother of a 1, 4, & almost 6 yr old...

- both of you stop licking each other. One of you is going to have to stop.
- please take my underwear off of your head.
- DO NOT jump/stand on the baby.
- Hunny that is called a turning lane and you can't drive in it
- please let mommy drive and stop telling me how to.
- I promise I'm going the right way
- No I will not get you your own (insert color here) t.v./ computer.
- Get off the table and put your pants back on

2009-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not what you would call technologically inclined. but I do have better reasons for my serious lack in blogging. My computer has been out of commission for a few months and well, I have discovered what a life I can have when I'm not on it every break I get. So, I haven't been in too much of a hurry to reinstall the software and get it up and running. I will, however, soon be doing a recap on all of the exciting events of the summer for our family. Which basically amounts to either vacations, or keeping indoors to avoid heat exhaustion. Okay and some swimming and water parks as well.

Until then, here's a cute story about my so sweet little Aston. I was making dinner one night and, as happens on rare occasions, he was sent to his room for a time out. When I went in there to let him know he could come out, low and behold, he wasn't there. I found him playing happily as ever in the toy room. I explained to him that he was supposed to be in a time out, to which he kindly explained to me that I was supposed to be in the kitchen. . . . The funny part is, he really meant it. He wasn't trying to be sassy, it was just very matter of fact. I tried my hardest not to laugh, but I don't do so well at that.

mowing the lawn

2009-03-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

I started this one, so I guess I'll finish it and soyou can see what in the world "mowing the lawn" is all about. Here's Roan and his cute little lawn mower and he absolutely loves walking around with it. And if he sees anyone touch it, he is races after it as fast as his stubby little legs can carry him. It's so funny. He's so stinkin' cute.

(Thanks Vicki)

Christmas

2009-02-13T18:00:00.001-08:00

Ryan carries on the traditions he had from when he was a kid - on Christmas morning he makes the kids wait in the hallway for a picture before they are allowed to look at their presents.

Roan got a few little things and Ryan enjoyed unwrapping them just as much as Roan did.

Jaidyn, of course, is enthusiastic about just about everything she got. She is such a positive little girl. She makes gift giving so exciting.

And then there's poor Aston. He was such a sport. See, his nana and papa have this guitar that he picks up and plays rockstar all the time. He carries around and asks to bring it home. So, I took him to Toys R Us to check out the toy guitars to "see" if that was what he wanted from Santa. From that time on, he want the "fire guitar"(he named because of the blue and black flames). Santa had already picked another guitar for him and when he got it, he started to get excited and then stopped and said "Oh, I wanted the fire guitar"- Strike 1. Then, Santa got him a toy bow and arrows and mommy stepped on them and they broke in half - Strike 2. Last, Ryan and I got him a T-ball set and after a couple of hits with the bat, one of the legs broke on the base - Strike 3! Poor kid. But, he's such an easy going kid, he just moved on to the next thing every time. After the T-ball stand broke, he did say "Oh maaaan". That's about it. It was so sweet. And with transformers, and knights armor, and balls and all of the other fun things, all he really wanted to play with was the little 25 piece puzzle (one of his favorite past-times) and he was totally content for an hour. But, after the whole day was over, when we were coming home, he said so sincerely "I loved all of my presents". It was so sweet. Fortunately, Santa took back his guitar when we mailed it with a pleading letter and he sent back the 'fire guitar'. I don't think he normally does that, but in some rare situations, you might catch him and get him to understand.

Christmas Eve

2009-02-13T16:46:00.001-08:00

We open up Ornaments and pajamas on Christmas Eve. Here's everyone accept Ryan in their P.J.'s. Yes, I even bought P.J's for Ryan and I, only because I found the cutest matching pajamas for Jaidyn and I, so I couldn't leave Ryan out. Nerdy, I know, but that's okay - I'm okay with nerdy.

Christmas in February

2009-02-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

I'm getting really bad about this updating the blog thing. I know. Here is my lame, but true explanation for it. It's really due to 3 things:

1- Ryan has been studying for and taking the AZ CPA exams, which is great, but puts quite a damper on my life for the time being...all for a good cause though. And he just finished his 4th and final one. Woo hoo. He's passed the first 3, we'll just be waiting for the results on number 4 in March sometime.
2- I've been getting together everything I need to get my application into dental hygiene school, which I did a little over a week ago...YAY! I find out in a month or two.
3- Some of you know I'm technologically challenged, so it's a miracle I even have a blog. (Huh Lydia :)

I little side not to point #3, seriously, I have the attention span of like 30 seconds for the computer and if it doesn't work, I quit or I beg someone to help me. Ryan can attest to this.

Oh, and you're probably wondering why I labeled this like I did. Well, not like it matters to anyone but me, but I still don't have Christmas pictures up and so, needless to say, when I do, it will be in February. Oh well. Christmas in February would be awesome! Two in two months. Okay, well, reliving it in February is great too.

Happy 1st Birthday Roan

2009-01-11T15:05:00.001-08:00

Our Sweet little Roan turned 1 December 19th. How quickly this year has gone by. He has been such a blessing to our home and brought with him, from the very beginning a special spirit that I know was meant to bless our home at that time in our lives. I'm so grateful for him and the pure love and happiness he has brought to our home. At this point, he has not found it necessary to switch to walking as his mode of transportation, though he is quite proficient at crawling. In fact, he is amazingly quick. He beats Ryan in races every time. His first real clear words have been "thank you" or "Di Dew"(I know, doesn't sound real clear, but he uses it completely appropriately- every time we hand him something). Anyway, here are some pictures of his little Birthday event. We just had his cousins and Nana and Papa come out to the train park where we played, had some cake and rode the train. And, I don't like bragging and I NEVER do it ;) but I made a freaking awesome cake. I mean seriously, I have spent 5 very long years attempting to show off my cake decorating skills - to no avail. I have tried princess dolls, castles and flowers, monkeys and spiderman. This one, the frosting actually stayed in place, you could look at it and know which direction to look from and what you were looking at. I know, you're looking at it like THAT is your best? But for me, it was AWESOME. So, I must show it off.

2009-01-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hi friends and family,
A dear, close friend of mine of many years that I love dearly just lost her sweet 6 week old baby. She was in the hospital from birth struggling with a heart defect. She fought a good fight, but in the end she was too precious and the Lord wanted her home. Her parents have been amazing through it all and have had so much on their plate. A family member set up a memorial fund through paypal for Jersey to help the parents with all of the many costs they have incurred. If you have any little bit that you would be willing to donate, anything at all I'm sure would be helpful to them. It's so quick and easy to do online. If you don't have a paypal account, it's very secure and great to have if you ever need to send someone money for anything. If you do, you can just put the amount in and send. Otherwise, you can contact me and I will add your amount to my donation. I think you can get to the fund through this link:
www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=ev8N4DxX-6Y4Lc70RhAyN-N9RmfXx20gb0FiGzrYfqlvwpwWuSDjW8w_rhG&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f9fecf49521b3f5afc18ba9034b1c79cb454909ae53a8db99
or...
you can click on Anderson Avenue at the bottom of my blog
or...
you can email me and I will add your amount to my donationThank you for your consideration.

Love, Britney

A few fun videos for your holiday enjoyment

2008-12-23T21:57:00.000-08:00

She learned this song along with a few others at her music group. My camara had some problems at the performance, so I asked her to do her own little performance for the camara. Of course she was more than willing to humor me. I'll try to get it again in better lighting and get her other songs on it, as well. And here's the funniest video of Roan just cracking up. I love the age when any silly little thing can set them off. And to hear them laughing that deep belly laugh is adorable. I can't help but laugh when I hear it.

What a cute little Indian

2008-12-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind posting this, but he was so cute. Aston made this in preschool for Their Thanksgiving feast. It turned out so cute and he wanted to be an "indiam" all day for about a week.

Mommy, we're rockstars""

2008-12-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

I was busy doing my own thing (as usual), which I'm trying to not do quite so much. I'm sure many of you can relate to me when I say that I'm trying really hard to stop sometimes and enjoy the small moments with my kids. Anyhow, the were off in their rooms for a while and they came out laughing and saying "mommy, look, we're rockstars" it was so cute. Then they proceeded to play their guitars. That's what they're doing in the picture together. The things these kids come up with can really brighten my day. I'm so glad I have those moments to enjoy.

For an inspirational and testimony building experience

2008-12-05T14:34:00.001-08:00

Hi, This isn't my usual blog posts, but this story really touched me and I wanted to share it for others to go to. For me, this story has reminded me of the important things in life and truly inspired me to strive to be better. I have realized that my trials are for but a moment in the eternal scheme of things and that I can still live every other moment to the fullest and try to be the best. Recently, I heard that a friend of mine from many years ago was recently married and they have been experiencing an extremely difficult trial. I got the blog address and I checked it out. I was not expecting to get what I did. I ended up staying up until after 1:00 AM reading it and catching up. It was an amazing story, but I have suddenly put my life and trials into a better perspective. I can only imagine what these amazing people have been through and what it must be like, but I do know that no matter what this life brings us, there are things that are solid truths that will never change, that we must cling to. Jesus is our Christ and our Redeemer. He loves us and it is only through His love and his atonement that we are saved. That life can bring many challenges, but if we cling to this, our lives can remain strong and in-tact amidst a world that is not. I am so grateful for this. This couple's names are Susan and Justin Turley. She is 25 and he is around 31 (I believe). They have been married almost a year now. They found out after they had been married for about five or six months that she had colon cancer. Since then, they have been through a lot, but as it stands now, the doctors have sent her home to rest because her body cannot take any more of the Chemotherapy. Their blog is not private and I believe that they have it out there as an inspirational story for anyone who wants to see it. If you have a chance, go to their blog and spend a little time hearing her story. It is truly amazing and inspirational. And if you want to, post the address on your blog for others who might be experiencing their own trials and be inspired by this story. The address is...

lemonademakers.blogspot.com

Jane's Surgery

2008-11-21T19:46:00.001-08:00

We had to take our little girl in to have a hernia fixed in her belly. It was just a little tiny one and the surgery was outpatient. She was a little distracted by the fact that she got to play dress up and put on a cute little hat and gown.
Then, of course, princess stickers on her mask.The surgery itself was short and the Doctor said it went great.

Before...(the after is yet to be seen)

Birthday play day

2008-11-19T08:48:00.000-08:00

Instead of a party, we decided to have a birthday afternoon of fun with Jai. Their birthdays are ten days apart and of course they've known each other from the beginning. So, for their gifts, I got them matching outfits from shirt and skirt, to bow and belt. They looked so cute. First, Heidi and Tatum got to our house at about 11:00 and the girls opened their outfits (of course, Jaidyn knew she was getting hers and she couldn't wait, so she started stripping down before they even started!!) and of course, there' s the crazy curly hair BEFORE I tame it... Next, off to Sweet Cakes...

Pose for the camara....They made some friends...

Lunch...
Make a wish...

Last, but not least, shopping and dress up time

Halloween night

2008-11-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

School Halloween parties

2008-11-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here's Aston with his preschool teacher, Mrs. Rogers. She is so cute. He loves her. You can see why.

Jaidyn's school has a parade and her classroom had a party.

Mom's got together and planned creative little activities. It was adorable.

Here's Jaidyn with a couple of her good friends she's made at school.

The ADORABLE singing group

2008-11-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

We really have been so lucky to get into such a great ward when we moved from San Diego. Anyway, Maren Cook and Candice Drew, talented and lovely sisters, teach a singing group of about 20 girls and it is the cutest thing EVER. Seriously, between the Beach boys and church songs and just good ol' fashioned "School Days", it couldn't have been any cuter. You have to listen to them, I should have kept the video running for all of it instead of separate videos for each song, but I will only bore you with a few. I think they are so stinking cute and fun to watch.

Ward Halloween party

2008-11-13T13:27:00.001-08:00

We went all out on our trunk this year for our trunk or treat . I even got a personal body guard to man it so the little punks didn't take too many treats. Look at what a great body guard he is, kept 3 kids under control all the while standing guard on the trunk THE WHOLE NIGHT.

What cute girls. The butterfly and the witches. Don't they just fit together?

Have you ever seen a cuter Woody and Super man ?

2008-10-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

First day of school

2008-09-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that hair? That is all natural. Not even a blow dryer. Just a tiny bit of product to help it shine (thanks to some helpful tips ).

She was surprisingly a little nervous. It was funny because she wasn't acting like her normal bubbly self. She kept looking at me with questioning eyes like "Should I go?" and "what should I do?" and "I'm not sure I want to do this". Of course, no tears or clinging to me, just a little nervous. She loved it when she came home though and had so much to tell me. She got the first "star" of the year from the music teacher. That was pretty exciting for her. Her teacher said that that was a big deal because this music teacher doesn't give out stars very often. So far so good :).

Best Friends

2008-08-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

These two have such a bond. Sometimes they can't be in a room together, but most of the time, they can't stand to be away from each other. This was one such time when they decided they HAD to sit on the same chair for dinner 'because we love each other'. And they hugged each other just like this. How can you say no to that? It was so sweet.

4th of July

2008-07-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ryan had the grand idea of making flag waffles for breakfast and couldn't stop thinking about it all night. When he woke up that morning, the first thing he said was "I can't quit thinking about those flag waffles." Then he got out of bed and headed straight for the grociery store to get the berries. They did turn out cute. And of course, he had to pick them up a little Fourth of July gift. So he got them goggles.

Handsome boy

2008-06-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

I just put this in because he is so handsome in his church clothes.

Schnepps Farms Peach Festival

2008-05-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

The kids have so much fun. We do the pumpkin festival in October and the Peach Festival in the spring. It's a little out of order, but that's okay, it was a fun day to remember.

Happy 3rd Birthday Aston and Clay

2008-05-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

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Aston is such a sweet boy and is just happy with anything, that sometimes he doesn't seem to get a lot of attention because he doesn't demand it. We decided that Aston needed to have a birthday party with friends and games and food and fun for the first time. He had a ball. His friend Clay just happens to have a birthday just days apart from Aston, so we combined and had a party for two birthday boys. It was such a fun day. Happy Birthday buddy!

Jaidyn's preschool group 2007-2008

2008-05-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Jaidyn's favorite thing to do

2008-04-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Jaidyn has always loved to look at books, but what better thing to do is there than read them to a doll that is the same size as you? Who needs friends?

One of my favorite things about babies

2008-04-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

I find it so adorable when babies fall asleep where ever they are if they're tired. It's also very convenient. All you have to do is move them to their crib. But how cute is he???

2008-02-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

Roan

2008-02-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

He is so cute, I thought I'd show off his photo shoot.

2007-12-30T10:23:00.000-08:00

About our family: We have been blessed to have 3 adorable kids. Jaidyn is our oldest and she will be 5 in November. She is full of energy and life. She always seems to be smiling (except when she's not) and keeps me on my toes. Aston is three and he is all boy (except that he likes to dress up in his sisters dress up clothes). He is easy going and usually just does his own thing. He jumps, climbs, and falls often. Roan is 9 months now (newborn in the picture). He is so sweet. He definitely has his own opinions already. But mostly, he just loves to sit and watch his brother and sister and sometimes he tries to join in. We moved back from San Diego last year to our hometown of Mesa. We miss San Diego (especially our friends), but it's been a good change for our family. We also love our friends here. As for me, I'm just enjoying not being pregnant!!

Christmas morning

2007-12-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas is more exciting to me now than it ever was. It is so fun to watch the kids light up when they get their gifts. It is such a simple and pure happiness. If only life stayed that simple :)

Christmas Eve '07

2007-12-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas jammys

All of the cousins in their Christmas jammies

2007-12-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

We brought Roan home

2007-12-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

He is such a beautiful baby. We got to bring him home just in time for Christmas. What more could we ask for for Christmas?

To top it off

2007-12-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

Both of the kids decided to cut their own hair within a couple of days of each other and in perfect timing, with having a new baby.

Roan Daniel Jorgensen is born

2007-12-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

This sweet baby came into our lives at such a special time in our lives, and I know that he was a very special blessing to our family. He brought a love and hope and faith into our home like nothing else could have. He has such a tiny body, but I know he has a giant spirit in him. He has reminded us of what life is all about. I am so grateful for him.

Meanwhile, back at the Ranch

2007-12-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

I am really having fun with catching up my blog, but lets be honest, this is the kind of stuff that goes on behind the scenes and while it may not be pretty or something to brag about, it is quite comical. Oh, and don't mind the mound of laundry in the background.

Out with Tatum for ice cream

2007-05-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Stopping at the park on our way home from our road trip

2007-01-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Winter at the beach

2007-01-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite Sunday afternoon activities was going down to the beach and just walking along with the kids and watching the sun set on the water. It was such a peaceful time.

An interesting new discovery

2007-01-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

Winter in Utah

2007-01-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Grandma and Grandpa Robert's house & farm and to Ryan's mom's family house in Utah. We had fun playing in the snow and experiencing a real winter.
(No, the house is not pictured above. That's where we put Ryan.)

Christmastime at Disneyland

2006-12-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

I love Disneyland at Christmas time. It's a Small World (behind us) is all lit up and it's really amazing and the music is so fun. It's just a lot of fun.

Our First Thanksgiving Dinner alone

2006-11-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

I actually cooked the whole thing (that's why it looks so sad). It wasn't too bad.
TIP: If you have to cook the turkey alone, use the roasting bags (I think they're called) that you buy at the grociery store. It was the moistest turkey. It was really good. And so easy.

Jaidyn's Birthday at Disneyland

2006-11-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Jaidyn and Aston's BFF's in San Diego

2006-11-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween Party at Jackson's house

2006-11-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

The kids had so much fun at one our dear friend in San diego's Halloween party. Our friend Lisa planned out an adorable party. She had crafts and activities and the kids had so much fun. She is amazing. Of course, she was a school teacher. Aston and Jaidyn were the Lion and the witch. I didn't have the time to make the Wardrobe for me :).

Bates Nut Farm - fall festival

2006-10-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is alot like Schnepps Farms but in California and they're a nut farm. They have yummy candy and nuts and they have a fall festival every year. The kids love it.

Jaidyn and her cousin Davin

2006-09-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Davin and Jaidyn are just a month apart and here they're just hanging out chatting on Nana's stairs. Luckily I had a camara readily available

Aston loves his Papa

2006-09-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Aston adores his Papa and anything that has to do with him, including his shoes.

Two peas in a pod

2006-09-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jaidyn adores her nana as Aston loves his papa. And of course, they have the same favorite pastime, reading.

Summer at the beach

2006-07-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

When we lived in San Diego, naturally, we spent as much of our summers at the beach as we could. Wear out the kids all morning and go home for a good long nap. Oh, do I miss the beach.

2006-07-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

2006-06-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Aston's favorite part of the beach - the sand

2006-06-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

I hear that it is a sign of some kind of deficiency (like iron?) when you like to eat sand. Aston would run straight for the beach, get a handful of sand and put it in his mouth. Even if we were just walking along the beach, sometimes he would wait for an opening to get to the sand, get a quick bite and come back with us to walk. He always ended up with a sand goat T.

Aston's 1st Birthday

2006-05-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

Aston's first baseball game

2006-03-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

Our two cute kids

2005-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Aston Ryan Jorgensen is born

2005-05-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Easter '05

2005-04-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

Another trip to Oregon

2005-03-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

And 8 months pregnant with Aston.
We stayed at the most amazing little condo's converted into hotels. It had it's own private beach area and amazing views from both stories of the condo. I highly recommend it. More for a romantic getaway, but it works for kids too.