The Weekend

This boy looked so handsome on Saturday night for Homecoming.

That's all I'll say about Homecoming.

Poor Peanut.

Very, very bad night.

In other news, I made chocolate chip cookies. 

You guys, I make the BEST chocolate chip cookies!

And, it snowed this weekend.

The colors on our mountains are changing. 

It is so beautiful.

I LOVE this time of year!

Football. World Series. 

Cooler nights = better night sleep.

It's perfectly wonderful.

Weekly Wrap-up

It's been a busy week in our household!

I think that every single person on Earth can say the same about their own week.

Busy, at times hectic, at times joyful, at times frustrating...

Such is life!

This boy right here called his mama on Monday... then his brothers!

He makes me laugh on the regular!

He is so funny and so mature and so smart.

He is starting to really think about what he wants to do when he comes home in a 14 months.

He's always been a planner and works better when he's got a plan in mind.

He is doing well.

The people of Chile love him.

I especially love getting messages from members there who just adore my boy!

Braxton started a new job at Jiffy Lube.

He's been working hard this entire week!

He is going to Layton's Homecoming tomorrow night.

He sweetly woke my up this morning.

He is just the sweetest, most compassionate.

Kaydon had a frustrating week at work.

He and I talked about it for a couple of hours this week.

I am so proud of him for having goals and for thinking through issues, talking them out and then trying to find resolutions and continuing to work hard.

He and Colton headed to Sandy for the weekend.

I loved coming home each night to the two of them playing football on the lawn.

I hope the weather stays good for a bit longer so they can have a few more nights like that!

Colton is excited to be spending more time with KK this weekend.

Parent Teacher Conferences are coming up and I'll be meeting with a few teachers to discuss his Math options. Perhaps his teachers are seeing something I am not. I want to make sure that he is challenged, yet has the ability to succeed.

Last night, I got home from the gym and had a few youngsters run up to the car.

Some old neighbors had brought us goodies from their family garden.

Sariah kept saying, "See, my mom's hair is just like mine."

She is a hoot.

They asked to see the turtle and the dog.

So, Sariah was like, "I'll show you!"

She led them right in and they saw the turtle and the dog.

They each had an apple from the fruit basket, then I told them it was time to go!

Speaking of the gym...

These two, though.

They are both about two weeks out from competition and moods are decreasing.

Ironically, mine was the bad one last night!

I was hangry, I think.

And there was a party going on and loud music and balloons being made into creatures and that sound of the balloons mixed with the DJ's loud music... Mama was NOT happy.

I turned my frown upside down soon enough...

I had my neuro check-up this morning.

This was my view for weeks.

It was in the winter and snow flakes were what we used for vision therapy.

I would sit in my wheelchair, near the window, and follow a single snow flake with my left eye.

For days I did this.

Until my left eye matched up to my right eye and I could see well enough to color.

It's a place of healing and of compassion and of love.

But, it's also a place that brings me anxiety each time I pull in the parking lot.

Step by step, for sure!

I start delivering as a Dasher tonight!
And, Monday I have orientation to be a patient care volunteer at Layton Hospital!

Good thing I have lots of free time!

Dashing & Such

Yesterday, I received my Door Dash entry kit in the mail.

I am now a Dasher.

On Prancer on Vixen on Comet on Cupit...

And a comedian.

I also have my orientation at Layton Hospital on Monday.

I will be a patient care volunteer every Sunday for four hours.

It's crazy sometimes to think of how little free time I have.

Work full-time.

Run two businesses.

Clean the complex.

Hang notices at the complex.

Try to keep a clean home

Cook.

Laundry.

Shopping.

Homework.

Medical appointments.

School appointments.

Treatment and recovery.

And, the most important job of all - momming four boys.

Trying so hard to do it all and do it all well is a handful.

Somedays, like Monday and Wednesday - rather than going to the gym, I went home, fixed dinner and went to bed.

I can't get after myself for that!

It's okay to rest, too. 

Busy, busy.

With some balance.

Jiffy

Braxton has a new job at Jiffy Lube.

He even has a spiffy new Jiffy uniform.

See what I did right there?!

It's okay that his shirt has the name "Tanner" on it, I told him.

That way when he makes mistakes while training, people will tell the manager that it was Tanner. 

He worked for Bennion Crafts for two years.

He has immense talent.

That boy can whip out a wreath like a boss.

Customers would often request that he be the one to make their wreaths for them

Talent, I tell ya.

Now, he gets to learn new skills

I'm not going to complain about having one kid work for an ice cream shop and one for a oil change shop!

Jack-a-Lacka

I hate that he is only sending one large, group email a week.

I love that I still get to see his face and hear his voice.

He sent these fabulous pictures yesterday whilst on the phone with me!

Is he not the most handsome elder you ever did see??

He is super, duper busy as District Leader.

He travels almost every p-day.

He thinks that he might receive a new companion next week.

Transfers are being announced this week, I believe.

Some members cooked up a lot of lamb and sent the elders home with two pounds each.

Jackson said it was delicious.

They had a barbecue for the branch.

I asked him where these pictures were taken at the barbecue.

He said that's the church.

I asked him why the walk and fencing.

He said everything there is fenced for protection.

Great!

He is doing well. Today is day 287!

Cleaner Uppers

Besides the full-time job, the selling makeup and skin care, the selling CBD, the being a mama, housekeeper, taxi, food preparer, bill payer, etc.

We clean the complex we live in.

Colton makes a weekly allowance for helping with that.

He has to be reminded.

But, he does a pretty good job.

The hardest part of this job is the poop stations... by far.

People are disgusting.

DISGUSTING.

One of them is broken, so the crap is seething out the bottom of the poop station holder upper.

Kaydon and Colton threw up on the side of said poop station.

Braxton was trying to hold it together because I was right on the edge of losing my mind.

Braxton fixed the poop station holder upper as best he could.

And, we carry on.

Weekly Wrap-up

Jackson called Monday.

Seeing his face and hearing his voice very Monday does this Mama heart so much good!

He is doing well.

I've said this before, but I think that one of the best things for him on this mission has been learning to deal with companions. 

That's a huge life lesson!

And, he's learning and learning and learning!

He was all bundled up. It was cold there on Monday.

I just love him!
Can you believe that today is Day 283 in the field?

Braxton started a new job!

Jiffy Lube is lucky to have Peanut on their crew.

Braxton is a dedicated, loyal, hard-worker.

He will be learning a lot of new skills there.

And, his mama will have someone to change the oil for him on the regular.

He is planning a trip next month to go watch one of his favorites play College volleyball .

I got to send some messages back and forth with these two gems. 

Look at those faces, though!!

Kaydon got back from a short trip to Sandy on Sunday night.

He hiked from the Draper Temple to my mother's house.

He is a hiker!

Thankfully, Adam's Canyon didn't burn down in the fire.

Colton is really starting to feel the angst from the main-stream school classes.

I will be communicating with the school next week regarding his classes and options.

Yesterday, I went to our annual Redmond conference in Saratoga Springs with my Streets, Sewer and Storm Water guys.

Oh, how I love my guys.

And sometimes want to throat punch them too.

We laughed so hard we had to find a restroom FAST for this girl.

We ate good food.

We listened to some great speakers!

We hit some golf balls.

Some of us better than others.

It was so good to be out in the sunshine, getting some great exercise, being with these guys.

Truth

This is me.

Xavier always shakes his head, laughs, and then puts out a warning to the new guys who come in and try to talk sports with me...

They think that I don't know anything about sports.

That sentence right there makes me giggle.

Xavier tells them every time, "She takes my manhood from me everyday."

Haha.

But, seriously.

This is my favorite time of year.

I LOVE football.

I LOVE baseball and we are getting close to playoffs, then the World Series.

I feel good about a New York Yankees/Los Angeles Dodgers matchup this year.

I love hearing the Layton football games from my bedroom window.

I love all of it!

Fires

Yesterday, as I came out of a meeting which made me want to jump off a ledge, I saw smoke a little bit too close to my home.

As I got closer, I realized my mountain was on fire.

It was burning.

The winds were blowing all day - 50 miles an hour.

Thankfully, they were blowing up the mountain.

There have been lots of fires near us this year... three to be exact.

We are literally right at the base of the mountain.

Adam's Canyon is our place. 

It's where the boys and I like to hike.

It's where I am not supposed to hike anymore... per doctor's orders.

Guess I don't have to worry about that for a hot minute.

Seeing our mountain on fire was heartbreaking.

I was immediately grateful for those were fighting the fire to save homes and lives.

I am grateful for their families, as well.

I would assume that it is scary for families of fire fighters and rescuers when they are fighting something that is much bigger than us.

It rained most of the night.

I am hoping that the fire is out and that everyone is safe.

Missionary Moment - Chile Vina Del Mar Mission

Buenos días a todos! Lo siento el correo muy tarde pero estoy aquí ahora.

These past couple of weeks have really been entertaining. Well something along those lines. Lots of crazy people, lots of miracles, and lots of experiences for the life. We can start with the exchange with one of my zone leaders. Really fun but Brazilians really need to take a chill pill every once in a while. We were out talking to people and preparing for an activity that we had in the church a little later. And we came across this man, great guy from Venezuela and he said his name is Kronos..yeah Kronos. Okay! We continued to talk and he said he would love to come to our english classes and check out the church but that it is really hard with all the things of the world and as soon as that happened a beautiful girl passed by and he says, "Like that! I mean just look at that butt! I mean the church is great and all that but I mean look at that!" So we pretty much just left that there and he rode off on his bike. I was stunned and my zone leader says, "I guess it is a nice butt." (face palm)

We also had a baptism on Saturday! That was way cool! Her name is Amalia and she is 9 years old. Cute little girl was so ready for baptism and was so excited to be baptised. I was in meeting when they had the interview with her but she ended up giving her testimony and from what I heard it was really beautiful! She almost didnt get into the font because the water was a little on the warm side but hey at least it wasnt cold! We also have been working with the parents because the mom has been inactive and the dad doesnt want anything to do with the church. But the mom is now active which is so awesome! Progress sometimes comes slowly!

I have been alright. I was a little sick for a while with a form of strep throat but I´m feeling better now. I just have a little cough now. But we have been working a ton down here. We will be starting to heat up in weather here in a little bit. We will be hitting summer in about a month or two. The weather here is honestly so weird. I had days where it was just crazy hot during winter and somedays I didnt want to leave the apartment because it was so cold. Never snows, rarely rains, but the wind! Oh the wind! I despise it! But we are all doing well! I love you all and I miss you all. Have a beautiful week and keep working hard to see the miracles!

Elder Jorgensen

Independent Colton

I have always cut my boys' hair.

By "cut," I mean buzz.

Once the oldest three were old enough to earn their own money, they opted to go to the actual professionals to get their hair done.

I mean, whatever.

Colton has continued to have Mama do it.

He doesn't really have a choice because I'm not paying anyone else to do!

Well, since he started high school he has kindly asked if I can please take him to get a real hair cut.

A "fade."

People, I have no idea what a fade it.

No clue.

Yesterday, I gave him a $20 bill and told him it was for his hair cut.

He waited for Mars to get home from school and then the two of them walked to Great Clips across the street.

I got this text.

You guys.

If that doesn't make you smile and giggle, then you need to check your dang self because that right there is funny stuff.

I work very hard to make sure Colton is as independent as possible.

He knows about tipping.

I HAVE to record the next time a pizza delivery person comes to our house.

It is always the highlight of my month!

Colton is responsible for taking care of it when they come to the door.

He never disappoints!!

His response to my question about whether or not he left a tip is epic.

Epic!

Plus, there was the part that he told me later about how he and Mars wanted a soda on the way to the library... 

Thus, no tip.

Not There

Last night, I was at the gym.

I hadn't been since Sunday.

I felt too weak on Monday and Tuesday.

That is a new normal.

Feeling too weak to go to the gym... so weak that I'm actually afraid to go to the gym and have something happen.

I was there last night.

I got on the treadmill.

C and Mike were right in front of me for most of the walk.

Just annoying me! :)

I walked 45 minutes - burned 600 calories.

Then I went to the weights.

It was chest and shoulders day.

Prior to the two big post-stroke episodes last month, I was lifting strong.

I was lifting better.

I was lifting very controlled.

I was able to push myself.

I was doing 18 sets of 20 reps a day.

Then, I lost it.

Last night, I started on chest and shoulders and just felt weak.

My body didn't want to do it.

I started to tear up on the third set.

Then, I stopped myself.

I told myself that it's going to take time.

A lot of freaking time.

It's going to take patience.

It's going to take me being gentle with myself.

I'm never going to be a body builder.

It's just not in the cards for me.

But, I'm there.

I'm stretching and I'm walking and on good days, I'm still lifting.

Even if it isn't as much or as many or heavy.

I'm there.

Stressed

I have been extremely stressed out the past week, or so.

SO stressed out.

It is so bad for my stroke symptoms.

It is the reason for my stroke symptoms most of the time.

Work is an enormous stressor for me.

Last Friday, Keith brought Xavier and I a dozen donuts.

Jason brought me a whole lot of Diet Coke.

I do my best to turn off lights, turn off the radio, turn down the phone...

But the people...

I can't turn them off.

Sunday, I went to walk on the treadmill for an hour.

C came in.

He got on the treadmill next to me.

I was watching football.

He said, "Mama, I'm going to sleep. Tap my on the arm if you need me."

Sure thing, C!

Next thing I know, he's got his eyes closed and he is zoned OUT.

I did tap him on the arm now and then to tell him the scores of games.

Besides that, he took a little snooze whilst walking at a full incline and like 3.2 speed.

How?

I don't even want to know!

Missionary Letter to His Mama

Jackson hasn't sent a group email for two weeks. But, he did send his mama an email yesterday. I thought I would share it so that there is some kind of update:

The pictures are from a zone conference that they had last week. The mission has a blog, which is super helpful because we get to see pictures of my boy!

Hey ma! Sorry for the late email, we are traveling once again today so that is why i am a little late. 

Good week this week, sorta. I got sick with a form of strep throat and that sucked. We had to call a doctor and he was awesome. Sent me a prescription the day of and I was good after that. but other than that it was a really good week. Productive and efficient. The funniest thing that happened this week was a member was walking by with his mom ( hes a 40 year old man) and said hi to us while raising his beer in the air like it was some kind of victors trophy. Why he did that, no idea but hey we do what we can do sometimes I guess. Something that I am just kind of through with is how we are treated as missionaries. The mission is tough stuff, a lot of people go home because they aren't comfortable with how we are treated. They say we are representatives of Jesus Christ, then why does everyone, including members, treat us like we are just messing around all the time and that we don't know what we are doing? I'm not sure but I find myself angry a lot because would they treat Jesus Christ like that? I'm not saying I'm Jesus but I share the same thing that Jesus offers and it kind of sucks sometimes to be treated like dirt every once in a while.

My two favorite parts of the week were my companion and I organized an activity for the ward and we watched the new Aladdin! Pretty emotional stuff, almost cried like a baby..but that's not important. Carry on.

The second favorite part of the week was yesterday actually. I was talking to a return missionary and we basically had a mini testimony meeting inside the office and just about everyone started tearing up or crying but it was really powerful to hear what goes on during a mission. The sister lost her mom while she was on the mission and now she just has her siblings but it was really tough for her and now she is getting married in December to a guy that she met in the mission and she said that miracles happen but we are the ones that have to be worthy to recieve the miracles. Really an awesome time!

Love ya tons ma, I'm not going to be able to call today but ill try for next week. 

Elder Jorgensen

Jumping

I took Colton and Je'Mari to a trampoline park on Saturday.

They met up with Kade.

These boys jumped for HOURS.

HOURS.

I would have been sick and injured within a few minutes, guaranteed.

I was able to sit and just watch them for a bit.

Those boys have more energy than I will ever have in my life!