Taking it one step at a time

Gingerbread houses

2010-12-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

The kids have really been into making Gingerbread houses this year, well that and Christmas trees made out of upside down ice cream cones. Our wonderful neighbor had the kids over for a party and they made them, then they made them at girl scouts, the twins made them in their class at school and Jace will be making them at Pre-School on Tuesday!. Whew!!!! we are almost gingerbread done for the next couple of years I would say.

Ice Skating

2010-12-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

Today was a wonderful winter Saturday. We spent the day cleaning up the house and then took the kids Ice Skating. They picked it up quite well.I shouldn't be surprised,but I was. Jace was fast and had a smile on his face the whole time. Thank heavens for the little walkers. Although Jace loved his walker the girls were ready to get rid of their little walkers 2 minuets into the skate time. It was fun and I was very proud of all of them for trying something new. Oh, Yes thanks a bunch to Grandma sitting on the sidelines holding Austin so we could enjoy it.

Christmas Wish

2010-12-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

I'll I want for Christmas is my two front Teeth!!!!

Grandma sledding

2010-12-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

Go Grandma GO!!!!

2010-12-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

All dressed up

2010-12-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

School Christmas Program

2010-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Well yes the annual Elem entry School program came this year and we had not one, not two, but three little stars! Allie most likely made the most animated this year. If you listen carefully you can hear her echo the words to the song. (on the off beat). They were all so excited and reminded me at least four times the night before to put curlers in their hair. They wanted to look just their best. Hope you enjoy the performance. We sure did. Although the boys did not make the program they had a little act of their own.

Venture Theater

2010-12-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

Faith Participated in the Elementary Schools Venture Theater Program
this year. They spent a week practicing, And then performed for the school one morning and the parents that evening. Faith was so excited! If you remember anything about Faith is that she is quite the performer. She reminded the girls in front of her twice that they needed to leave her a window.(making sure she was seen by all) She knew all her parts and sang well. We all enjoyed watching the program. Way to go Faith. We look forward to seeing her and her sisters perform next week in the schools annual Christmas program.

Snow, Snow and More Snow

2010-12-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

Last weekend it dumped on us. We had TONS of snow. It was cold but the kids did not seem to mind. They kept Grandma and me busy climbing up the back hill over and over again, helping them with their sleds. Bret's mowing job over the summer has seem to come in handy. He told me mowing the back hill would be a great idea! And yes it is a smoother ride down the hill. Thanks Honey!!

Gold medal in the making

2010-11-16T13:37:00.001-08:00

Well I attended my first meet as a mom. I was so proud of Faith. I am sure thease videos will bring back memories for my mom. Faith earned a ribbon on each event. She was so excited to have performed so well.

Minnie Meet

2010-11-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

Little climbers

2010-11-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Listen for the video where Allie continues to say. "Mommy I wanted to go higher" as if she had not already climbed almost completly to the top, she wanted to go further. Most of the little kids were too nervous or scared to even attempt climbing the wall.I quess my girls are turnning our to be more like their Mom than I had hoped.

Buddy's Vacation

2010-11-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Yes even the dog needs a vacation sometimes! Bret took Buddy Bird hunting last week with some of my family,(my Dad, Brother and some uncles and cousins) I am glad he was able to go and enjoy himself. He talked some of them into stoping by our house on the way home for some waffles. I was so glad they stopped and stayed the night. I enjoy seeing family, it is always a blessing.

pheasent hunt

2010-11-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

Downtown Trick or Treating

2010-10-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween Visitors

2010-10-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have our cousins come and visit for the weekend. We had so much fun together. I think they left knowing they could not have fit in one more thing. We stayed busy with Halloween parties, Truck or Treating, Cake Decorating and FUN, FUN, FUN. Little Autumn even made the evening News. She was getting her face painted when the 2 news station decided to Zero in on her little face. I was so glad for DVR, we were able to watch it that evening. Here are a few Snapshots of the Weekend.

Jace explains it perfect in this picture how much fun we all had in this weekend.
Another little tid bit about Jace, this last week he has wore his fireman costume EVERY DAY. Axe and all. We almost lost the Axe at Wendy's resturant once. I have never seen a child more excited for Halloween. It was better than Christmas for him.

Cookie Making

2010-10-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

We had a go at making cookies the other day. We made choclate skeletons and sugar cookie pumpkins. We are always doing an alternative for Dad when Chocolate is offered. How can anyone NOT like CHOCOLATE I still do not know. Anyway it was a hit. Payton even came over to share in the fun. She is a regular at the house. One day I will have to do and entry on the many extra children that I help raise. I suppose that is part of having a big family, everyone wants to join in the fun.

Halloween Fun

2010-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Making cookies Together

Day at the park

2010-10-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderfully warm October for Montana. We spent one afternoon out at a beautiful park last week. Here are a few glimpses

If you notice Jace drinking his bug juice. It has become his signature. Maybe a little like Bret and Big Red. I cannot pass a gas Station (one in particular) without him begging me to stop for Bug Juice. Obviously I gave in today as you can see him guzzling it down above.

litte gymnsat

2010-10-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

2010-03-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

Jace has a new friend, the kind that no one else knows about but him. Jace may be number four child, but this is my first experience with imaginary friends. The funniest thing about this whole scenario is that he has named him Baraco. Baraco came into his life just after our Family Home Evening on presidents of the United States. We read a book about Barack Obama. Of course his pronunciation is a little different but all the same he mentions his friend Baraco all the time. Tells me Baraco is coming to his birthday party and we are going to see Baraco at the YMCA. Whenever he metions him I just roll my eyes and laugh.

Another tid bit I want to remember about my little Jace is that he has the most adorable head bob, when I get around to it I hope to video it on flip. Any time you ask him a question and he decides to responds happily he bobbles his head, Yes bobbles just like the bobbles weird people used to put in their cars. He gets this smirk on his face and looks out of the corner of his eyes when he does it. So cute only a 3-year-old could get away with it.

Growing up

2010-02-11T21:09:00.000-08:00

Well, its happening, I am always saying how I am looking forward to the kids reaching the next stage in life, This was a make moms life easier step forward. Faith has been talking about how she wants to sleep in her own room. I think she has a need for a little alone time. (Can I blame her) I need it too, and not easy to come by in our house. I told her if she wanted to shower upstairs that was o.k. with me. so I taught her how to wash her hair all by herself. Not that maybe she could not have done it sooner. Maybe I did not trust her to get it right, or maybe I was just so stuck in the bedtime routine of doing everything myself and I did not know how to break it. Anyway. I send her to the upstairs bathroom and in 15 minuets Vuallla, she returns bathed, Hair washed and teeth brushed. Only 4 more kids to go.

Jammin with Faith

2009-12-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

Jammin with Faith

2009-12-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

That's your daughter, no that's your daughter, was what was going through our minds as Bret and I watched the first grade perform during the Elementary Schools Christmas Program.
Faith was one of Three guitar players picked for the performance. She had told me earlier in the week how excited she was to have been picked. She would often show me her great guitar skills, I had no idea that it would turn out to be such a standing ovation from the crowd. She literaly had them in her hand. I received many comments afterwards that I should really get her into guitar lessons. They all don't understand this is just her. A Ham, Just like her Dad!!

Faith's School Christmas Program

2009-12-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

I wonder how her Ballet Performace will be tommorrow night???

Our Thanksgiving Turkey

2009-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

I lucked out this year, We were invited to some friends house for Thanksgiving and they wanted to do the turkey! Only wanting us to bring side dishes. Well this is what we came up with for the kids. They loved it. I only wished that I would have thought of it sooner. Would have been a great treat for snack time at the twins Pre-school!

Fun in the Sun

2009-11-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

The girls and I took a vacation to California over Halloween, Did I say just the gils and me! No boys. Not that we don't love the boys, But the girls are old enough to walk,enjoy Disneyand rides and do not need naps. We met my mom there and spent 5 wonderful days in cali, while there we met up with my sister and her husband at Hunnington Beach. It was so good to see her. The gils loved playing in the sand and running up and down the beach. The water was still cold but air was warm and the sun was shinning!

I really enjoyed watching my gils play in the Hotel pool while I layed in the sun. They spent four hours in the Hotel swimming pool one day. We also went trick-or-treating up and down the shops on Hunnington Blv. It was so random, we kinda ran into a great trick-or treat party while looking for a place to eat dinner on Halloween night.

We spent two days in the famous land of Disney! We did Disneyland and the Adventure park, among my favorites was the Aladin play and watching the girls get excited to have their pictures taken with the Caracters, Faith was very into getting all the signatures she could.

Bret held the fort down at home with the two boys (missing out on a phesent hunting trip) He and Austin were sick, Not the funnest weekend for him. But he was so nice to let me enjoy the time off cooking and cleaning and enjoy my girls!

Hunnington Beach

2009-11-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

Disneyland

2009-11-15T08:06:00.001-08:00

Austin is ONE

2009-10-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Austin has a cute little pumpkin cake. It was angel food cake, A big improvement from when my last child turned one and I had choclate cake with bright red frosting "Elmo Cake" Jace was covered in red for days. This was just perfect! Small, and easy to clean up. The kids had fun hanging up streamers and letting him open there gift. I am so glad that we have Austin in our family. I will have to admit it did not start out that way, when I found out I was pregnant I wanted to cry. Now as I watch my family interact I know we would never be complete without him.

When did my baby grow up??

Boys will be boys

2009-10-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

"Jace you have got to be more careful".. Yes that is a phrase that leaves my mouth quite frequently. The pictues below is one of Jace on Daddy's 4-wheeler with a freind. The next one is a picture of a common accurence in our home. Jace and Austin wrestling. You know Austin is only 12 months old. The craziest thing is that even after being tackled by his big brother, Austin seems to want more and chases Jace down. Most of the time Jace is cute and let's Austin lay on him for kicks and grins, but I did say most of the time.

Fire Station

2009-10-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Allie and Lindsay were able to go on a field trip with their pre-school last week. I was so glad that they let siblings come along, Because we were going to Jace's dream place, The Fire station. Well it might be a toss up between that and Grandpa's house. Anyway we all had a really great time meeting the firemen and trying on their helmets along withe watching the latter go up and down.
Faith was not feeling well that day so I was going to keep her home from school. Lucky for her we had the little outing!

They loved watching the latter go up and down. The latter was 105 feet tall, It looked high from where we were standing. The fire men were all so kind to the kids. However when we got back in
the car to drive home Jace put on the long face. The one that makes my heart melt, and said, "I didn't go for a ride in the firetruck" No we can't full fill all those expectations.

What happend to Fall?

2009-10-14T14:53:00.001-07:00

September was the most beautiful month of the year, perfect temperatures. The leaves on the trees were still green and then booom. A freezing spell. It got down to 19 degrees last week. We had snow for almost a week straight. I was thinking I still had time to get snow bibs, coats and gloves. But the sudden storm had me on a last minuet rush.

I have to admit the first snowstorm of the year is always beautiful. And the kids were all excited to go play in it, All but Faith. She will always be my southern girl I think. She was trying to come up with a plan to miss school so she would not have to go out to recess. But I sent her off anyway looking like a snowman. She tells me that her best friend and her always eat lunch very slow, to waste time in the cafeteria avoiding going out for recess.

Anyway it is suppose to warm up this week, maybe we will see some leaves falling off trees and experience a little bit of Fall.

Looking back

2009-10-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Jace turned 3 on September 15th, sometime after that I lost the battery charger to our camera, it has taken me this long to finally decided I needed to buy one. So it came in the mail the other day and whoa la I want to post some pictures.

Jace had a firetruck themed Birthday Party. My mom came up for the weekend and helped control all the neighborhood kids invited to the party! She helped hang the pinata and came up with a cool obstacle course for the kids. They were to get into a motorized car, then weave through some cones, climb a latter, pick out a fire hat and then find their way to me where I was shooting off rockets from an air compressor. Super fun idea, except when all the kids want to go at the same time then it is more like chaos.
Needles to say the kids had a blast and that is all that matters!

The picture below is Jace with his two best friends, Chandler and Craig!

While Mom was in town she also did the cutest Tea-party for the girls. She is so creative and the girls really enjoyed it. Most likely because I took the boys to McDonald's so she could have the house with just them. The girls and Grandma.

update

2009-10-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy around the Jorgensen household lately. Allie and Lindsay are in Pre-k 3 days a week, Faith started piano lessons, and all the girls are in Ballet. I also enrolled Jace in a rock-tumble-roll class at the YMCA. It was a fortune of $15 a month.(j/K) worth every penny, he loves it. I think with the girls involved in school and in Ballet this year, It really gives him a sense of ownership on something. His own class that is just for him and not his sisters. I thought of the idea one day when I was taking the girls to ballet and he said he wanted to go to tractor ballet. I guess it was his way of saying, what do I get to do mom?. At rock-tumble roll class they have a zip-line, rock climbing wall and lots of mats for jumping and doing somersaults on. Just what he loves.

The kids are busy and happy. Austin has started to recognize Daddy, I mean really recognise Daddy. He screams when he comes in the room and screams when he leaves. He wants to be in Daddy's arms if Daddy is home.(O.K. by me!)

And me I am just trying to keep everything in balance. I struggle as every mom does I'm sure on how much time to give to the house cleaning, the cooking, exercising, reading books with the kids, doing crafts with the kids, getting fresh air outside. teaching them correct principals (money saving,friendship, Honesty etc.) All the Joys of Motherhood. However I truly am enjoying watching my children grow. Allie has taken to playing with Jace. She enjoys the farm play as much as he does. Lindsay has become my companion most of the time. She likes to follow me around the house asking me lots of questions. And Faith when home still enjoys leading her siblings in roll play or making crafts. I have been surprised how the twins enjoy so many different things, they do not play together as much as they used to. Allie especially wants to be her own person. If her sister is wearing something pink she will go out of her way to wear something purple. Just as long as she does not look like her sister. At first when I signed them up for Ballet, because Lindsay wanted to do ballet, Allie said she would only do Tap. ( she has since complied to do both)Maybe it is just a phase, But I think it is good for them.
My only concern is that they both grow in confidence and self assurance in whatever they decide.

Here comes a first grader

2009-08-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Waiting at the Bus Stop
I followed the bus to school and waited with the mass of parents for the kids to get of the bus. It was actually worth it to see her face when she walked off the bus, She was so excited! then we waited together with some friends for the bell to ring so they could line up and walk in to see their teachers.

Suprise visitors and first day of School Cookies

2009-08-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

We could not have had a more exciting week. Last Saturday night we got a call that our good friends Annette and Sterling Elliot were passing through. If Seattle is on the way from Texas to Houston? Maybe they detoured a little but we were so happy they did. They were going to just stay one night but then ended up spending most of the week with us. Sterling helped Bret put a lift kit on his Jeep, We took a day trip out to Pompey's Pillar ( A Clark & Lewis National park and Monument)and Annette helped me run errands and get Faith ready for her first day of school.

These are the Now traditional first day of School Choclate Chip Cookies, This time we had M&M ones.

2009-08-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an end. Wow did it fly by. That in itself is a really good thing. Somehow most of the house chores have been put on hold, I never knew it would take such a concentrated effort to let some things go. And it has been worth it. I usually am the person that likes my kitchen clean before I leave the house. Have my girls hair done and in matching socks with shoes on their feet. But I have changed some of my priorities this summer and tried to just enjoy the moments more. Hence we have been to the ice cream store shoeless, Lindsay ended up at church once without shoes (not sure how that happened) Been to visit friends, parks and stores completely looking like rag muffins, the children and myself. As long as I have extra diapers and wipes in the car it's all good.

Other than lots of park days the kids have been spending a lot of time in the front yard/colta-sac riding their bikes/tricycles and the motorized jeep and Hummer. It seems that when my kids go out to play it creates a magnetic atmosphere and the neighborhood children all end up at our place. Most mornings I would end up with three or four extra kids. and at least once a week when our friends the Christensen's came over it was around 12 total. It has actually been quite nice for two reasons. 1. they like being at my house 2. When they are all gone it makes my own five children feel like a piece of cake. Never thought that would happen.

But the best thing is that the kids are outside enjoying the suns rays and not sitting in front of the T.V.

Yesterday was the cutes sight. Bret was out washing the vehicles. The kids decided that they needed to wash their bikes and jeep and Hummer, so along side Dad were 4 little kids with sponges in hand and a water Bucket washing their own recreational vehicles. It was supper cute. Wish I had a picture but I have misplaced the rechargeable battery pack for the camera. Yep It is dead.

Faith starts School next wends day, we go Monday to meet her teacher. Then the Twins will start Pre-School in the following weeks. They will be going 3 days a week for 3 hours a day. They are all excited. I suppose the schedule will be nice.

Lulu Pass 4 Wheeling Expedition

2009-08-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

I (Bret) got invited to go on the yearly "Men's 4-Wheeling Expedition". This year, we returned to Goose Lake which is just outside Cooke City, MT which is just outside Yellowstone. There were 9 men in total and we all stayed in a Cabela's 12'x20' tent with built in stove. It got down below freezing at night, but we stayed nice and cozy inside. I am quickly learning how to camp up here, unfortunately it is going to cost me a fortune to catch up. I am learning that there are at least two types of camping gear needed (one is light weight stuff of overnight back packing and the other is for car camping where you can haul everything to your tent). Let's just say they don't rough it up here. Anyways, the 4-wheeling was pretty good and we got to see some beautiful country side. We rode into Goose Lake the first day and fished for trout and rode around a couple old abandoned mines and even got up into some light snow. No one got hurt and we only had a couple flat tires, so all it all I guess you would have to call it a success. Everyone brought their pistols but didn't get to use them. Supposedly the Ranger said there were 4 bears roaming the camps (3 blacks and 1 grizzly). All it all, it was a good outing. I can't wait for the boys to get big enough to go.

Austin

2009-07-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Ram

2009-07-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a while. I guess my only excuse would be trying to enjoy the nice weather outside. It really is beautiful in the summer here. I am undersatanding why they call it "big sky" Montana. The days really last forever too. It does not get dark until after 9:30 pm and it is light around 5:00 am. Not any help when it comes time to put the kids to bed. But we have been tying to enjoy it.

The pictures are of the kids sitting on a ram they have in downtown Billings. They have quite a lot of these here. I remember Louisiana had the Alligators everywhere. I have a picture of Grandma Lindsay with the one at Womens and Childrens Hospital. I would post it too, if I could find it right now......

I have to admit that when Faith got out of Kindergarten, I thought it would be a long, long summer with me and the kids home all day long. But that has not been the case, we have only 4 weeks left and it has flown by. Mostly because I have had wonderful visitors to help me out. Thanks Mom, Whit and Marie. I have enjoyed having you in my Home. I always worry that we are too much work. Hey it could be work just watching me run circles around my kids. But it really means a lot to have you here building relationsships with them. Thanks!!

Cabin

2009-07-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from the cabin in Panguich! I have a million, but these are some favorites. Allie caught a Horney Toad and carried it around for two days before it got away, the kids named him Beax.

Riding in the front pasture

2009-07-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

I gotta remember this

2009-06-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

I was looking at Allie and Lindsay through the rear view mirror in the car the other day. They were looking and acting so grown up. it made me remember it was not too long ago they were both in infant car seats and screaming. This week they both proved to me how grown up they were. Here is an example for each

Lindsay, was at our neighbors house playing with one of her and Allies best friends Riley. Lindsay began arguing about the food they were having for snack. this is the conversation with Riley's Mom

Riley's Mom: "Lindsay don't argue with me"
Lindsay: (As she waves her necklace in the air) "I'm not arguing with you, I'm changing your mind with my magic necklace."

Allie: I took the girls to a Ballet performance last night. we got all dressed up and went to apple-b's, and then to the Ballet, Riley was performing and another little girl from church. The performance was Sleeping Beauty, very well put together, with Prince Charming and everything. Well at intermission while visiting with some ladies someone comes out from the closed curtain with a microphone to announce that they found a little girl back stage. She said her name was ALLIE. Could Allie's mom please come and get her. As I looked over, there was Allie safely in the arms of Prince Charming (not scared) but grinning from ear to ear. She knew exactly what she was doing and where she was going. their was no "wandering off " in this situation.

I should have had prince charming give her a kiss. right!

All too grown up.

Turning "6"

2009-06-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well I can no more use the phrase "I have five, five and under" It has been kind of a monumental year for me. I have often felt like if motherhood was considered a career to the world, I would be in my residency. It has been like a blur sometimes, long days and lots of lessons learned. My biggest goal has always been to try and enjoy the moment I am in (whatever that might be). I have made a lot of progress in this area. I remember many days just telling my self, this too shall pass. Well most of it has past. Things are already getting easier. My baby girl is six years old and finishing up Kindergarten. She is big help around the house. The twins and Jace can entertain Austin if I need them too. They are all growing up.

Faith wanted to have a Garden Party for her sixth Birthday, She wanted everyone to come and plant floweres. But not wanting to worry about getting the house ready, lawn included. Then Knowing myself to go overboard on a "in house" party with decorations and food. I thought it would be cheaper if we just did it at a local Play Place. So she was satisfied with a flower cake we had previously picked out from a picture in a magazine. It was supper easy, and then we gave out some small flower pots with seeds that they could take home and plant themselves.

Games and Pizza

2009-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Play Place we went to was essentially a glorified indoor play land. We used to go to one at the Trinity Center in Louisiana where the twins attended preschool. We loved it, Mom could sit and rest while the kids ran off all there energy. When I was in my last trimester with Austin it was especially a big hit, Being indoors we could go no matter how hot it was outside. This play land reminded us of that one. It turned out to be a hit with the kids, and zero clean-up for Me. They provided Pizza Too!!

Cake Time

2009-06-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Song and Birthday Cake!

Opening Presents

2009-06-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Opening of the presenents. I always love how the children crowd around as close as possible to get a look at the new gifts!

These were the little pots the kids took home. The girls also took home a flower pen. The tag attached said

Friends are like flowers and I am so glad I picked you! Thanks for coming to my party.

I am such a cheezy mom.

Getting Ready

2009-05-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

Getting 6 bags ready,
doing 3 heads of hair,
planing 3 meals,
packing 3 meals,
packing blankets
Packing sleeping bags
4 pillows
Jace some toys to play in the dirt
double checking the diaper bag
Is the tent ready?
marshmellow sticks
Lanter, camping stuff ready
snacks
coloring books for the ride
Did everyone go potty?
oh ya, Make sure everyone has tennis shoes..........
And that is just for starters!

Camping

2009-05-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

Two weeks of warm weather and two sucsessful campouts(Well sort-of).

Last year was the first year Bret went on the Fathers and sons campout. He took Jace when only 18 months old, This year at 2 and half they did it again. Only this time in Montana. A little different than Louisiana. Bret called me at 10:00 last friday night telling me how cold he was. Freeeeeeeezing as he described it. Not what you do to an already worried mom. Aperently the one little sleeping bag they had was not enough for the 25 degree weather they were haveing that night. I began asking the questions. Does Jace have warm socks? Are you covering his head? Are you sure you don't just need to bring him home? I felt awful about not sending them with more blankets, and worried sick about my baby. Why has I not remembered how cold it got in the evenings up camping in the northwest. He finally admitted that although it was cold they would survive the night.

And yes they did. Me and the girls had a " Girls Night" Pop-corn and a Movie, we stayed up late (10:00). And then met them the next day around noon for some fishing. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to go camping the following weekend. I was so giddy about the idea. I forgot how much "stuff" You have to pack, It was like packing the whole house. But it proved to be worth the effort. We headed up for tin foil dinners and hotdogs, then a sleepless night in the tent smashed like sardines in Bret's 4-man tent. That was just crazy, Austin was snuggled up by me then Bret, then at the foot of the tent. Bret finally got up around 5:30 and put him in his carseat next to the fire. WHY did we not think of that at 10:00 pm. Afther the crazy nigh we had Breakfast and a day of 4-wheeling and playing in the dirt. It was so relaxing and sooooo Beautiful. Next time I will take some pictures that actually do some justice to how incredible this country is. Not too far up our 4-wheeler ride we found snow. Yes SNOW. camping next to the snow. they had opened the road and most of the campers were Skiers and snowboaders headed up to catch a few runs the next morning. Maybe I'll try it next time...
In all honesty It was wonderful and we look forward to camping becoming more of a tradition in our family!

A Tribute to Mothers!

2009-05-10T17:44:00.001-07:00

Beautiful, kind, loving, full of life and faith. We have often been mistaken for sisters, she has kept her youth, not only in looks but also in Spirit. She is quick to smile and always ready for the next adventure. She has taught me to look forward with faith at life. She has always relied heavily on her testimony and answers to prayers. I have learned to rely on the Lord through her example. I have also learned if I really need help to ask her for her extra prayers in my behalf, I know that the Lord will hear her plea.
I realize now that I am a mother how much she sacrificed as a mother for us five children. I know she would not call it a sacrifice. In the end, it is truly a blessing. Whatever the sleepless nights and deprived personal time I am glad she found it worth it.

I love you MOM!

My other Mother

2009-05-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

How did I get so lucky? If Bret can find no fault in her how am I supposed to? It really is hard to do. I have enjoyed her company from our first vacation from Lake Powell back to Texas together. She makes it so easy to have her in our home. Her wisdom and "Get it done attitude" are a great example to me. Sometimes I wonder if there is anything this woman cannot do. The best benifit of it all is the Love she shows our kids. I hope they know how lucky they are to have such a loving grandma!

My Grandmothers

2009-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my Grandma Wall with her five boys, My Dad was number 3. After the five boys she had two girls who are not in the picture. After having five children of my own I have new respect for her. It is only when we become a mother that we begin to apreciate our own mothers. My grandma wall has left behind a great legacy in our family. She is an amazing humble woman of Grace and Beauty and is also full of love. She is the one who always, always eats last at a family meal and the first with a compliment. I am the oldest of 40 grandchildren on her side. I am sure she always made sure we were all taken care of before she met her own needs. I look up to her in Awe and admeration.

This is My Grandma Archiblad at my wedding, Her Beautiful Smile reminds me of how much she loves me. Grandma's house was my home away from home. Like an extra refuge. I spent so much time at her home growing up, finding ways to tell my mom that I wanted to stay longer. I lived with her during college and it seems I could just never get enough of her. She was there to be perspective when I needed an extra five bucks in my pocket or a listening ear.

I Love you grandmas

POEM ABOUT MOTHERS
To the world, she isn't important,
Just a woman, one more racing time,
I know that she'll never be famous,
But to me she is more than sublime.

She's not quite a queen in a castle,
Her children aren't princess or kings,
But the love in her, dearly ringing,
Makes royalty, just simple things.

She is kind, she is loving and gentle,
though she works hard and steady all day,
but she's humble so humble and peaceful,
when in prayer at the end of the day.

She's a woman with dreams and with wishes,
though her family means so much more,
and the room to her love is always open,
and her friendship, has never closed doors.

She's a comfort in health and in sickness,
when day's darkened she brings out the sun.
She is happy and peaceful and gentle,
but she's free and she's lucky and fun.

No she's not quite a queen in a castle,
and her children aren't princes or kings,
but the love in her heart is still ringing.
She's my mother, for her my love sings.

by Douglas L. Phillips

April comes to an End

2009-04-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

We have been busy lately, April has been a very eventful month. Bret has been on a turnaroud at the plant so we have not seen much of him. I took thee Easter Vacation (without hime)and I have not slowed down. The girls of course had a wonderful birthday, then my Mom, Grandma and Sister came up for a visit. We took the kids to an indoor water park here in town. They had a ball. Lindsay spent more time under water than above it. She is a real fish. But I do have to admit they all are without fear. (I am sure they get it from their father) They were up and down the little water slides even Jace could not wait to go down again. Saying "gen mommy gen".

We then had stake conference and Elder Oaks came for a visit. Bret let me go to the Saturday evening session while he watched the kids. Big Break for me and a sacrifice for him I know. He loves the Saturday evening session. But loves me more, so he let me go. It was Brilliant!! I left so uplifted and Loved. Elder Oaks was so open and Candid with us all, I felt like I really knew him after the visit. He has a wonderful sense of humor, Yet such a mantel of apostleship. It was truly a blessing to have him for the visit.

Then Grandma Lindsay came up for the week. She has been a tremendous help. Allie had her tonsils out, adenoids worked on as well as tubes put in her ears. She had abnormally large tonsils which caused her to snore at night, keeping her sisters up. Since the surgery she has just wanted mommy to hold her. Which leaves Grandma to the rest of the duties. She has been wonderful. Lindsay still calls her by her first name "Linda" Every once and while she calls her "girlfriend" they certainly have a special bond the two of them. Grandma leaves on Sunday and life will return to it's regular mundane schedule. Because Bret has been on turnarounds at the plant the last month I am declaring May as "get to know Daddy again month".

Below are a few more pictures from our vacation to Utah. This one is the Girls playing in the Haystack in Grandmas back yard. then them pretending to ride the 4-wheelers.

Cousins

2009-04-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

I don't remember doing that with my cousins. Sorry Tandi.

I Want Candy

2009-04-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

We went to two Easter Egg hunts this year the first one was at the Morgan City baseball fields, behind the High School. It was over in two minuets tops. A Mad rush. Lindsay got the most eggs (5). Jace definitely was the most excited about eating the winnings. Makenna and Allie entertained themselves while waiting in line.

Egg Hunt

2009-04-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

The kids had a ball at the Easter Egg Hunt in my parents back yard. My Dad was so creative this year, not only did the kids have an easter egg hunt, so did the adults. After the kids found their 10 eggs, My Dad tells us it is the big kids turn and eggs are hidden in the front. I see my Brother take off like a rabbit. He must have know what was up. Shortly after my sister Whitney and her husband Ryan go crazy and then follows my Aunt LeAnn and the cousins. So what was the big idea?? The easter eggs had money in them, some only 50 cents but others has twenty dollar bills. Others had gift certificates to subway and other things.

The whole vacation was just one activity after another. We really enjoyed our time there. One afternoon my dad pulled out his cement mixer and mixed up some cement and the kids made stepping stones from rocks that they had found earlier that day on a ride up a dirt road. We really enjoyed everyone!!

What to wear

2009-04-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last night while tucking in the girls I noticed that Faith had brought a hand held mirror to bed with her.

"Faith" I said " please give me the mirror:
" Just a minuet mom, I need to see what smile I'm going to wear tomorrow"

A lesson to all of us to wear our best smile everyday I thought.

Little Lindsay

2009-04-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Turning "4"

2009-04-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Allie and Lindsay shared their Birthday Party this year with their cousin Makenna, She was born on the 11th and the twins birthday is on the 14th, Just 3 days apart. We drove to Utah the day before and then celebrated in my sisters home. She had some friends over from her neighborhood, My mom painted faced and then we broke a unicorn pinata. Fun!! Fun!!! Fun!! and only 2 days before celebrating Easter. It was to be a fun filled weekend.

Happy Birthday Allie and Lindsay!!

2009-04-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Surprise Phone Call

2009-04-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is Wendy's husband Bret making an entry. I have been in Turnaround at the Refinery and haven't seen much of Wendy or the kids this past month. This past Wednesday I got a surprise phone call from Faith. She used to call me all the time in Louisiana, but this was the first time calling me on my cell since we moved to Montana. She started off saying, "Daddy, I have a secret to tell you" and not knowing what it was, I quietly stepped out of my meeting. Then she went on to tell me that "Mommy is pregnant!" I wasn't sure what to say or think and before my mind started to spin too fast, she quickly followed up by saying "April Fools". I must admit she got me on that one. I could hear Wendy in the background just laughing. Everyone at the Plant knows we have 5 kids under 5, so after I shared my surprise phone call, they all responded saying "Now that was a good one." Nice to see my kids have a little humor in them.

A first for everything

2009-04-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

Austin has started to sit up by himself and roll over. He is also exploring the opportunity of food other than mom. The swallowing thing is all very new to him since he really only knows how to suck. So first comes the gag then the spit where mom needs a shield. Not sure why they don't make bibs for Moms, I guess we would look a little ridiculous. However I it seems to amaze me how messy t these little ones are learning the concept of eating from a spoon. Not sure if he likes it yet but he is getting a little down.

Recipe for Creps

2009-04-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

For all the requests here is my recipe, and yes for my small family we sometimes triple it.

3/4 Cup Flour
1 Tbl Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1 1/4 Cup Milk
3 Eggs
2 Tbl Oil

Combined the Flour, Sugar and Salt. Make a hole in the middle to pour the milk a little at a time while whisking with wire whisk. I usually add half the milk then the eggs and then the rest of the milk so it does not go lumpy. Then add the oil last. Pour small amount into your fry pan on medium to high heat and swirl it around to fit the edges flip it and serve with your favorite toppings

My Favorite Food

2009-03-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Kids ask for these almost every morning, they refer to them as Flat Pancakes, better known as Creps. When I was little they were one of my favorite breakfasts, and I called them roll-up-pancakes. I think they are going to be their favorite food for quite sometime. I can make a tripple batch and they will eat about five each if I let them. I have started buckling down to a double batch and telling them when the batter is all gone they are too. I figure they can't be that bad because they are full of eggs(protien), until they saterate them in syrup.

Flat Pancakes

2009-03-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

Umm Ummmmmmm Good!!!!

Common phrases

2009-03-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few common phrases that come out of my mouth on a daily basis. I am sure I will remember more later and add them to the list so so I can remember these days.

* Snippy Snappy
* I do not have a magic wand ( oh how I wish I did thought)
* Supper fast super chic
* Give me your whinnies (followed by them spitting in their hand)
* 1....2....3..
* Hugs not hits
* You get what you get and don't throw a fit
* Where is your happy face
* Sit in your chair and don't get out
* Have you been excused yet
* No, mommy do it
* Only mommy cuts your hair
* Time out chair ultimatum
* If you're nice, you can have a ride in Daddy's Jeep
* Let's go on a treasure hut ( for the lost sock, shoe, or hair bow)
* OK kids here is the Plan.
* Touch your nose, your head, your eyes.....Listen to me (get's their attention quickly!

Multi-tasking

2009-03-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Of all the things I have learned to do one handed, I never thought the following would be on the list. Like cleaning a bathroom with clorox spray, curling my hair, making rolls, or typing on the computer. OK so typing on the computer not a big deal, but come on Wendy, you can put that baby down. It is not that I consciously carry him while accomplishing my daily tasks. It is usually the opposite; I am almost half way done before I realize that he is still on my hip. Pathetic I know, but I have a very strong left bicep. I probably rationalize in my mind that it would take too much time to go find the bouncer and lock him in than do it one handed. Not true, but it happens.

All in a days work

2009-03-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

Some say that you look back on the days when your children were little and miss it. I am not yet there and sometimes wonder if that will truly ever happen to me. My life is full of diapers and messes and Laundry, Baby feedings and Toddler Tantrums. Below are a few events that happen to me on a daily basis. Yes the following all happend in one day. The diaper is only one of eight that day. I walked up to the Baby room after cleaning up breakfast to discover that Allie had unloaded all of Austin's clothes out of his closet trying to find something to fit her doll. And yes That would be Lindsay in the top left corner hanging post-it-notes. I have no idea why, But just wait there is more......

All in a Days Work

2009-03-07T15:18:00.001-08:00

Yes all the events took place in one day. I often amaze myself that I make it throught each and every day. Jace dumbed out the laundry soap and was playing in it with his trucks, then shortly after I found the dog on the table eating the leftovers. That was a first. Not him eating leftovers Just the on the table part. Oh Ya the sweet moment was Jace taking care of his baby doll that he carries around everywhere.

Ready, Set, Go

2009-02-26T20:52:00.001-08:00

Ski Bunny

2009-02-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Visitors and Red Lodge

2009-02-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well we had a little bit of home come to us this past weekend. Our good friends the Trahans came in for a vistit over the Mardi Gras Holiday. If you remember our post with Alayna. One of my Faithful Babysitters in Lousina. Both her and her parents came in for a visit. The girls went with me to the airport to pick them up. They were to say the least estatic! The Trahans brought with them some Boudin, crawfish tails, Beads and King Cake. Clair made us her famous Crawfish Fettucine. And Faith was able to share the Beads and Cake with her class at school. It was fun for both Faith and I to share with her class about the tradition of Mardi Gras. I miss the rich culture of the State.

Alfred and Alayna wanted to take on the slopes at Red Lodge Mountain, It is only about an hour from our house. I decided to take Faith up on Tuesday, Or Fat Tuesday as she learned. I thought I would have a frustrated little girl on the slopes. Not a change. After an hour of lessons she was ready to go. Fast. I would tell her to slow down and turn. "No mommmy I want to go fast" was her reply. I was very impressed. She reminded me of my Brother KayCee, when he was learning to ski.

All in All we had a great vacation. I would have never taken up the trip to Red lodge if our friends had not come. Clair watched the toddlers while Bret took care of Austin at the resort, So I could take a break when necessary to feed him.

We all are still surviving our colds. Yes we were all a little sick through it all. They thought it was funny I had halls in my candy Jar, but they came in handy. It was nice weather, I thought, but the cold weather Clair was hoping for came after she left. It is now 10 degrees outside and six inches of snow on the ground. brrrrrrrr..

Valentine Flowers

2009-02-26T20:18:00.001-08:00

Random thoughts

2009-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged a lot lately on 25 facts about me, husband and me trivia, and earlier I was tagged on sharing my testimony. That one was a while ago. I wondered where I would find time to answer such questions or have the time to think up witty and interesting responses, then take the extra time to spell check and grammer. Most of you know I am the worst at this. I try to ask my husband to review things before I post, but he usually ends up getting it a few days latter after I have already posted it, which likely will be the case with this post. So if you are reading it on the first day, you get the unedited edition. Sorry. Anyways I wanted to share some thoughts about me my husband and my testimony. In order to sum them all up together in one.

First of all I am so lucky to have Bret in my life. I often tell him he is everything I never knew I wanted. How could I have known when I was in my early 20's that I needed someone who gives me such confidence, always focuses on my good and never gets angry with me (not that we do not have our differnces) He picks up after himself and picks up the slack when I am at the end of my rope. How did I know that I would need someone to teach me so many lessons of frugality, which I am still trying to put in practice. I never have to encourge him to do his work or his Church callings. He is the best father the kids could ask for. He truly provides for us as a family temporaly and spiritualy. He was heaven sent. The flowers are one's he got me for Valentine's Day, however he rarely needs an occasion to bring some home. These were closed up when he brought them but are now in full bloom. They are kind of exotic which reminds me of our time in Venezuela!

I believe we each have purpose in this world, we were each sent down to this earth at specific time with specific families and friends to surround us. And Bret was sent to complete me (cheeze I know) but true.

Now that we have had #5, and Yes we are done! I feel like our family is complete and my mission as a mother and wife on earth has only started. It is such an awesome and overwhelming responsibility. I cannot do it without help and I pray to God that he is with me everyday to help raise these children that he has placed in my custody. I know God has answered my prayers in the past and I rely on him to continue answering them in the future to get by.

At different times in my life I learned great truths. While a missionary I learned that God has organized a church on this earth. In 1820 the fullness of his Gospel was restored. What does that mean to me? That I have every blessing available to me in order to find complete happiness and return and live with my Father in Heaven, along with my dear husband, children, parents, siblings, and friends who encourage me along the way.

While attending the Temple I learned that there is a place on this earth to go and find peace, a place of refuge from the craziness of life, a place to refocus and on the meaning of this life and feel the love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I know that serving others brings Joy to my life, Although I have to remember balance so I do not take on too much. My main service is in the home right now. While in Lake Charles I learned from many of dear friends that we need to rely on each other and allow others into our live to save us when needed. God often sends us friends, I have been on the receiving end so many of times.... (Thank you)

And finally I know that Christ is our Savior, I have made mistakes as we all do, big and small, but through Christ I am able to be forgiven, pick my self up again and keep going. He is my light. He is my joy. He is my everything.

Alligator or Elevator

2009-02-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

I took Austin to the Doctor for his 3 month check up and shots the other day. Since I am still new in town and have a horrible time asking people to watch my kids I just took the whole gang along with me. I was actually pretty impressed, they did well. I only had to run after Jace once when he took up the stairs to the third floor. I bribed the girls with some Sprite after if they would behave. When we left for the sprite, Allie and Lindsay asked where the Alligator was. I was thinking they were remembering the Alligator that was in the Lake Charles Hospital. You know how each state has these new statues of Animals, Montana has Horses. I told the girls the Alligator was not in this Hospital. Yes it is mom see. and they pointed to the Elevator, and pronounced it Alligator again. it was too cute I could not correct them.

Whitney and Ryan

2009-01-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Well this weekend was one to never be forgotten. My little sister was married in the Bountiful Utah Temple. It was rainy day, but cleared up for pictures. It was so wonderful to see her so in love and on her way to building her own family. I am so proud of her. She has always been a delight to be around and has always seemed older than her actual age. But over the weekend I think her age caught up with her. She is really married.( still sinking in with me) We all love Ryan and know that he will take good care of her. They both deserve so much happiness and they certainly have started off on the right foot. I love you both!!!! Congratulations. Wish I had a pic of you and Ryan together. Anyone want to see her great Bridals check out her blog,

Wedding

2009-01-28T19:49:00.001-08:00

At the reception the photographer had this great idea about us sisters getting in our wedding dresses for a picture, My mom and Whitney thought it was a great idea as well, Marie and I were a little apprehensive. Especially me considering I just gave birth to my 5th child 3 months ago, and do not look remotely like a bride, more the motherly look, Unlike my two younger sisters. But I went along with the idea. We actually took some fun pictures and it brought back some fond memories of my day in white. The younger girls also loved it. Seeing there mom in the Wedding Dress and asking all kinds of questions like " is that what you wore when you married Daddy!"

Like father like son

2009-01-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Bret has been faithful to the Nike product since he could see a swoosh. We can hardly make it up to my parents house without going to the Nike outlet in Park City. And he has never owned a pair of shoes that were not nike. I myself have a great collection of Nike athletic wear, gifts from Christmas and Birthdays. He is great about spoiling me. But now it is the kids turn. Check out Austin's Hat.

Saturday with Dad

2009-01-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

Sledding

2009-01-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

the following pictures were taken in the back yard. The girls attempting to sled down the hill, they needed no sled, Just a little pull from daddy. I had gotten some new snow boots on sale at Target 75% off. However I bought a size bigger for each of them so they will last at least two winters. Allie's kept falling off, but she would just keep trudging up the hill in her socks. Needless to say it was a lot of fun and we all went in for Hot Choclate afterwards.

Super Mom

2009-01-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

No, that would not be me but my mom. She is an incredible artist. Can you believe she did this in one afternoon and then finished it up the next morning. Both my parents came up to Billings the day after Christmas to see us, and somehow Faith got it in her head that grandma was going to paint a Castle on her wall. So that was the first thing that came out of her mouth when grandma arrived ( well that and the fact that she thought we were going to celebrate Hanukkah-Christmas was over so she thought that was next). So grandma (the optimists) said why not, Let's go get some paints. So off to the paint store we went. And then not only did the girls get a Castle but the princesses as well. Lucky girls.
We have an on going theme in our house. Because of the girl's hair colors being blond, brunette, and red they have labeled themselves accordingly to the princess, Allie is Cinderella, Lindsay is Bell and Faith is Ariel. This was their costumes for Halloween. They each have dolls accordingly, and if they are coloring they make sure they have the princess they actually believe they are. It is not uncommon either for them to introduce themselves to strangers as Bell, Cinderella and Ariel. For now I think it is enduring after all how long can a little girl believe she really is a princess before the world tries to convince her otherwise.

While my folks were here my Dad put up a shelf in my laundry room, and took the girls for 4-wheeler rides (Daddy's new Christmas present) It was freezing outside, but the kids did not seem to mind, All but faith, Jace kept wanting to go back for more and finally fell asleep in Dads arms while riding around. He was almost frozen. We really enjoyed my parents visit and loved having them all to ourselves, sounds selfish, but it is different when they visit us, there were less distracitons for them and I hope they were able to enjoy themselves!!!! We sure did!

Chirstmas Morning Fun

2009-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

2009-01-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Temple Square

2009-01-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Holiday visit to Utah

2009-01-04T19:12:00.001-08:00

Family here we come!!!!, of all the reasons we wanted to come to Billings, one was to be in driving distance to my family in Utah. We wanted to take advantage of this time when the kids were little to get to know my family a little bit better. So this Holiday season we spent two trips to Utah; Thanksgiving and Christmas and plan on going back in January for my sisters wedding!!!!. This last vacation, we really had fun, I hope everyone else felt the same way. Two family parties, Great Christmas food, and a trip to Temple Square and more.
On the Sunday before Christmas, we went to Church with my Grandma Archibald, then took a little nap at her house and went down to Temple Square with uncle KC. The girls loved seeing the Temple. Temple Square in Salt Lake City is one of my favorite places. I was so taken back when we reached the temple and with all the enthusiasm a little girl could have Faith said, "Mom I want to be married in THAT Temple." Me too, Me too, chimed in the twins. It was so precious, We did not stay long enough to see the lights but walked thru the visitors center and the History museum. The sister Missionaries on the outside grounds took some time to stop and sing some songs with the girls to the people walking by, It was very sweet. The girls love performing.

I was glad to have had this moment because what was to follow was beyond my imagination. We (or should I say I) have been waiting and waiting to have the opportunity to attend the family Christmas parties with the kids that I grew up going to. Well when we arrived at my Aunt LeAnn's House the kids darted off in excitement. Austin was hungry so I sat down to feed him. Immediately after he was done he spued all over me, my white shirt was soaked, I had to ask my Aunt to borrow a shirt. Then when we sat down at a little table and the kids kept pulling the table cloth and spilling every ones drink on her brand new carpet. I was so nervous, Then Jace disappeared and re-appeared with a dirty diaper IN HIS HAND!!! the poop was all over his leg, so off to the tub I went, My cousin's wife, Emily, was right by my side (bless her). We cleaned him up and got back to the party, My Dad was dancing with the girls and Jace while Billy and Ryan played music on the guitar, and we all sang Christmas songs. After that Santa dropped off some gifts at the door.

The girls got stamps!!!! WOW they loved them! But moms mistake was that she did not tell them to wait until we got home to open them. While we played, Jace found the shampoo downstairs and dumped it all over the carpet, made it smell good right? Bret cleaned up that one. Remind me why I wanted to bring five kids under five to a Christmas party. There was plenty of fun and food to have but I was spending all my time running around like a chicken with its head cut off, when we finally got in the car my sweet husband reminded me that the party is not about me anymore. It is all about the kids. And so even if I did not get to visit with the family as much as I wanted, I know that the kids had a good time. And we will remember this one for a long long time. Is that what memories are all about. Thanks to everyone for letting us be a part of your Christmas this year!

Christmas Card Fun

2008-12-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

Here was the attempt at our Christmas Card photo. Faith was crying because it was so cold outside, Allie had just woken up, and Buddy was not cooperating. Stay tuned to the mail to see the final results. We are hoping to get them in the mail sometime this week.

-18 degrees

2008-12-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of our house this morning. When we woke the temperature was -18F, the High today was -8, Can I say Freeeeeezing!!!!!

Sunday November, 30

2008-12-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Austins Blessing

2008-12-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

While in Utah we decided to Bless Austin, Sunday morning, inside my parents home. It turned out to be a Beautiful event. Both my Grandmas were there as well as many family and our good friends the Porters and the Churchs. It was the first of my children to be blessed with so many family around. I was touched by there support and love. Bret gave the blessing, it was very beautiful. I was reminded of the special spirits that have been sent to our home. It is such an awsome responsiblity to raise them.

Breakfast at home

2008-12-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

Here is our first meal as a family in our new home. The day after my sister brought my girls up to Montana. we fixed pancakes and sasage for breakfast. Ummm Good!!!

Settling in.

2008-12-05T21:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, so much has happened since I last posted, Life just went in fast forward motion for me, I like being busy but then life seems to go by too quickly when that happens.

Well we are now settled in our home in Montana. Sort of, all the boxes are unloaded, but I am still working on getting everyting in it's correct place, which is taking me much longer than I ever expected. Not sure if it is due to the 3 stories which we now occupy,or if it is due to the newborn baby that I am constantly holding while trying to work one handed. Whatever the reason I am sure I will be back on top of things in about....ah..maybe give me 6 months. I am allowing myself some time to just look out my back window and let the snow covered trees remind me of where I am. We often see deer in the backyard and have a pet rabbit that lingers on the south side of the home. It is like a childhood dream. I had always dreamed of living in Montana as a child and I quess I am trying to let the reality set in.

The girls are adjusting well. Not hard for them to make friends. And they have loved spending time at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was so lovely spending Thanksgiving at my Moms house with her side of the family. It was a big crowd and lots of food that brought back memories. I especially enjoyed listening to my brother play the guitar and sing Christmas songs, a tradition we have to sit down after the meal and let the food digest while listening to him. He is so talented. The girls were able to ride the 4 wheelers and feed the horses apples. Jace loved the horses and Grandma gave him his first horsy ride.

Now it is on to Christmas Season. and we are back in our New Home. I am enjoying listening to Christmas Music and we hung the tree a couple of days ago. I impressed myself that we could even get to the Christmas tree box, burried in the mass of boxes downstairs, we found most of the ordaments. It is one of the first Christmas's in awhile that we can decorate the tree all the way to the bottom. Jace is old enough not to touch and the baby cannot pull them off yet! It looks really nice, if you like the look of clumped up ordaments in spots here and there, due to a 3 year olds eye for decorating, but I left it to remind me of their excitment for the season.

As I try to stay focused this year on the reason for the season I'll leave you with a quote.

"I would that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ." Moroni,10:18

Tagged

2008-11-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is for you Kristen>>>

8 TV shows that I watch
What??? I have 5 kids five and under, tell my husband we need cable!

8 things that happened yesterday

1. attended church
2. Ate some yummy Jambalaya at the Young's house
3. said goodbye to friends
4. changed diapers, calmed baby Austin
5. took a Nap!!!!!
6. Took a shower for that matter and shaved my legs!!!
7. Gave my Hubby a kiss
8. called my sister Marie to check on my girls

8 things I look forward to

1.Being settled in our new house
2. Home for Thanksgiving
3. Home for Christmas
4. Skiing again
5. Starting my exercise program
6. My kids spending time with Grandpa
7. Austins Baby Blessing
8. Austin Sleeping through the night.

8 things on my wish list.

1. More time with my extended family
2. Being more perseptive of others needs (charity)
3. Daddy home for dinner every night at 6pm
4. A maid (paid for of course)
5. Live in sitter that loves my kids as much as Alanna or Sara Beth
6. Meeting a real great girlfriend in Montana
7. Children that grow up with Faith, Testimonies and love for the Lord.
8. Free sky miles to fly anytime I want back to Louisiana. or anywhere for that matter

8 favorite places to eat

1. D'Angelos
2. Texas Roadhouse
3. Cold Stone
4. Terra Cottas
5. Red Lobster
6. Paradise Smoothie
7. Taggerts
8. Bret's BBQ

More of Austin

2008-11-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Just a few more pictures of my beautiful baby boy. these last 2 weeks have been crazy, crazy, We had a house full of family, 3 grandmas, 1 grandpa, my family and packers and movers! Then Bret had to take off for meeting in Billings and left us to the final tasks. I was trying to not overdue it. (after a 3rd C-section) but i am not the stand by and watch kinda girl. It was hard but I did have some wonderful grandmas trying to slow me down. They were a huge help. Keeping the kids ocupied, and organizing the home. Grandma Carrie bonded with the baby, I would feed Austin and then almost everytime she was right there to burb him and hold him if he was fussy. Austin will really miss her. Austin does not realize yet that he has to share mommy with 4 other children. The girls have been really sweet sisters, but I have to admit Jace is by far the most protective. He loves loving on his brother and lets me know every time Austin is crying. Very sweet.

My little gymnasts

2008-11-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

ok so for those of you who do not know my girls, they are always in Ballet or gymnastic leotards. Lindsay wore one all summer long refusing to take it off for bed time and wore it under her dresses to church. She wore it everywhere!!! finally we broke her from the habit of wearing one but entered the phase of her carring it every where she went like a blankie. Thus many of the pictures you have seen of the girls including the one in the blog header are of the girls in the leotards.

Last week was there last day of gymnastics class before we move. They have had a wonderful time in there little class and we hope to be able to find something fun for them to do in Montana. The are both very active girls and need the exercise...

Happy Halloween

2008-11-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

Check out the cool lips my grandma brought the kids, They were a huge hit!

We love our Grandmas

2008-10-23T08:53:00.001-07:00

My mom and Grandma arrived last Saturday, the kids have not seen them for more than six months, but you would never know it. Lindsay quickly found Grandmas bed during the night looking for someone to sleep with. She has been her little shadow since. They are all enjoying them so much, especially me. Wow, what big help, I couldn't do it without them. Today they are home making sugar cookies while I finish up my rest at the Hospital. If all goes well I will get my staples taken out tomorrow and then head home for the rest of the recovery.

Austin Brent has arrived

2008-10-22T07:36:00.001-07:00

Austin arrived at 8:00 am on Tuesday October 21st, Healthy and beautiful. Mommy is doing great. Because of being in the freezing operating room so long durring the c-section my temperature lowered to 93%, It took a good couple of hours for it to get back up to 98%. I supose that leaving the center core of you body open to that cold air can have that kind of affect on you.
The Grandmas brought the twins and Jace up around 3:00 for a visit, Lindsay had a suitcase full of clothes, she would not let go of it all day waiting to come to the hospital. Grandma said she even napped with it. Allie brought a blanket we had purchased earlier for Austin (as seen in picture). They were all so excited to see their baby brother. As for Faith,I was totally freeked out when grandma told me she did not get off the bus and so we called the school and sure enough she was waiting for Daddy. She refused to get on the bus to come home because somehow she got it in her head that Daddy was going to pick her up in a car to go and see the baby. I do not know how she convinced the teacher of that. (very persuasive little girl)

I am going to enjoy another day in the Hospital. It is odd being so quiet, but I know It is also priceless time with my newborn. And I need the rest!

Thank you to Lake Charles Ward

2008-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Pardon me for using Wendy’s blog to share a few of personal thoughts, but I would be remiss if I didn’t. I am Wendy’s husband and for the past 2+ years, it has been an honor to serve as the Bishop of the Lake Charles Ward (church congregation). I was officially released three weeks ago due to our work relocation to Billings, Montana. The Ward consists of just over 600 people with roughly 220 people attending regularly. I don’t know who was more shocked, Wendy or myself when I was asked to serve in the capacity of Bishop. That is a very sacred and important calling and one which I have the utmost respect. 2+ years later and I have even a greater level of respect for the calling and all those who have served previously. Many people approached me over the past couple weeks asking if I was happy or relieved to be released. In all honesty, I was more saddened that glad. I don’t think there are words to express the gratitude and true respect for the Spirit and authority of the Priesthood that I came to see first hand. I am truly grateful for having not only had the opportunity to serve, but for the blessings that I witnessed first hand for me and my family due to the prayers of the many faithful members of the Lake Charles Ward. We moved here with ConocoPhillips back in Nov 2002 thinking it would only be 2-3 years and ended up being 6 years. Our lives have been forever changed and in more ways than one. We came here with 0 kids and will be leaving with five.

I commented in some of my remarks when I was released a couple Sunday’s ago that my testimony has grown ten fold these past two years. When former Bishop Baxter was released and I was called, the presiding officer (Stake President) asked everyone in the congregation to sustain me as their new bishop and not one person declined. Bishop Baxter is a kind hearted, mature and overall great man who humbly and quietly served as our Bishop and then there is me with big shoes to try to fill. Inspite of all my weaknesses and personal doubt that others may have had, they raised their hand to sustain me. That takes true faith and a strong testimony on their part and for that I am truly grateful. I promise that I could not have survived these past two years without that.

I didn’t want to take up too much space on Wendy’s blog, but wanted to reiterate a couple key learning’s that I gained during the past two years.

1. Everyone needs a Bishop. I always knew a Bishop was important, but recognized he has two able counselors. At times, I felt my counselors were better suited to visit a few members that were either sick or in need due to their prior relationship with family, but I quickly learned that although counselors are great, everyone needs their Bishop. That was a humbling and painful learning and one I will never forget. I apologize to anyone that I have let down in that regard. There are many wonderful and qualified men in the Ward who could serve as Bishop, but I can not think of a more kinder hearted person to step in than Bishop Aaron Young. With that said, please be mindful of he and his family’s time. I promise you that he will spend many a hour on bended knee praying to always say and do the right thing and that although he may not be able to attend to everyone that is sick or otherwise in need, he will give you 100% of his heart.

2. Callings are Inspired of the Lord. I have heard over the years from different people that they felt they were only given callings out of convenience and not because of prayer or inspiration I learned first hand that whether it be for the growth of the person being given the calling or for those he/she is to serve, callings are inspired. I had an experience once where “on paper” a certain individual should be released because they were frequently out of town and not able to serve. Consequently, I visited a different family and extended a calling for him to assume that position. Wendy had accompanied me that night, but didn’t know what the calling was. Afterwards, I called to let the other individual know that he was to be released and during that phone call and for the rest of the night, I couldn’t sleep and felt very unsettled. I shared that experience with my counselors the following day and really felt impressed that I should not have extended the change. I quickly “repented” and left that individual in that position and the following week his work schedule changed which allowed him to serve and he did a magnificent job. Then very shortly, the stake called and asked for the other person to serve in a different position. Callings are inspired and I am glad that I was in tune enough to listen to the Spirit.

3. The Relief Society and its Sisters are amazing. I have the utmost respect for the President of the Relief Society and the amount of compassion she and the rest of the sisters in general have for others. After being in a position that enabled me to see the “behind the scenes” events that take place on a daily basis, I am astonished. I look at our Primary leaders and Young Women leaders and watch the maturity that accompanies the young ladies that advance from those programs and then watch them as they enter the Relief Society and watch them serve even greater, get married in the Temple and start their eternal families.

4. Concept of “Defining Moments”. While serving as a full-time missionary, I was taught that if a missionary serves honorably, it is nearly impossible for he/she to ever go astray when they return home because they have spent numerous times on bended knees with their investigators/converts and been witness to divine revelation as the Spirit bore witness that the Gospel message is true. I must say that even though I only got to serve just over 2 years, I have personally had many of those “Defining Moments” where I witnessed the Spirit intervene. Whether it was in a counseling setting between quarreling couples, or young men debating whether to serve missions or dire welfare situations where there seemed no way out. I wish that whomever is to read this message, to know that I know that the restored gospel message of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true and that one day we will get to see our Father in Heaven again and I thank you for that knowledge.

I would like to apologize to anyone I may have ever offended over the past couple years. I assure you it was not my intent and I hope you can forgive me for that. My only wish was to help you feel the love that your Savior has for you. Lastly, I also want whomever is still reading this entry to know how eternally grateful I am to my Heavenly Father to have allowed me to marry my beautiful wife Wendy. She is truly amazing to me and of all the blessings I have received in my life (which are many), she is the one that I will never as long as I live in this life be able to repay our Heavenly Father. She is the love of my life and the one I long to spend eternity with. Thank you for loving and sustaining me as your friend and Bishop and thank you most especially for taking in and loving my wife and kids. You will never know how comforting and reassuring it has been to look out each Sunday as each of my kids was being tended by a different family (young women) and know that you were taking care of them and my Wendy in spite of my absence at home. Neither I nor she could have done this without you. Thank you and take care.

Bret Josiah Jorgensen

Cookies ??

2008-09-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Most of the time I feel under apreciated as a mom but today I was reminded that someone does care.

conversation with Allie.

Allie: Mom are you making cookies?
Mom: yes
Allie: You make cookies for me? Oh, You make me so Happy, cookies are so good in my tummy.
Mom: Would you like to help me?
Allie: I'm so proud of you Mommy!!

Glad to be appreciated, even if it is in the eyes of a 3 year old.