Braxton Turns 17!

Braxton Dean Jorgensen.

17 looks pretty good on this boy.

This kid is my independent thinker.

He does things his way.

He is courageous when life is hard.

He is a hard-worker when it matters.

He is a fantastic, FANTASTIC 1st Assistant in the Priest Quorum.

Little story:

Yesterday there was a mission farewell in our ward.

Since being in our ward, we have never EVER opened the overflow. Like, ever.

People were seated to the stage.

A member of the Seventy was in attendance.

It was way more than our sweet Aaronic Priesthood has ever dealt with.

I couldn't take my eyes off of my Braxton.

It was Kaydon's first time blessing the Sacrament.

He did amazing.

But, watching Braxton in action was a thing of beauty.

He collected extra Priesthood holders. So, there were 12 passing.

He ensured they blessed enough water, even some in a pitcher.

In order to move it along, he sent the two Priests who were on the stand with him to help pass water.

He quietly, with head nods directed the Aaronic Priesthood.

It was the most organized, reverent chaos I have ever experienced.

I love this Peanut of mine so big!

Jackson is 19!!

I am seriously in awe that I have a 19 year old.

This boy.

Jackson.

Bubba.

#1.

Jacks.

Jack.

Hey You.

This boys is 19 years old.

He is SO ready to be Elder Jackson Jorgensen.

I love this kid so large.

He is a hard worker. He is a man who leads by example.

He is a loving and guiding brother.

He has his people and they are his people for forever.

Happy birthday, Bubba.

Mama and Brothers love you for forever.

Sacred Halls & Sleeping Beauty

Yesterday while T was in surgery, I took the elevator upstairs.

I got off on the 12th floor and immediately felt a rush of emotion.

I haven't been back since December.

My room is the first room you come to.

T1225.

It is a sacred room, where sacred things took place.

Last night, I texted Randy to thank him for making it so.

That is where we prayed, read scriptures, did therapy homework, laughed, learned to color again, learned to read again, spoke of spiritual things.

That is where I healed.

I walked the halls.

I went to the rehab gym.

This is the mat where I learned to roll over and sit up.

This is the mat where I cried and cried when I couldn't figure out how to roll to my right side.

This is the mat where I learned yoga.

This is the mat where miracles happened.

I was able to hug therapists, doctors and nurses.

The common comment was, "You don't even look like the same person anymore."

I had no idea how much I'd changed.

Afterall, I was walking. I was talking. I was chewing gum.

I suppose I am different.

Even the cleaner came and gave me a big squeeze.

I love those people.
They are a part of me.

Lots of tears. Lots of smiles. Lots of love.

I was even able to hug some patients and encourage them in their journey.

It will be okay in the end.

This morning as I was leaving, I peaked into Jackson and Kaydon's room.

This is what I saw.

Only a few more months and I won't be able to see this anymore.

I had to snap a picture of this sleeping beauty.

I love my boys so much.

I am so thankful that I am home and healthy with them.

Ummmm... Why Are You Feeding Me THAT?

I LOVE when Carrie send me texts.

She always writes them as if they are from the babes.

"Hi Auntie! Do you think you can come watch us on Saturday so Mom and Dad can go on a date?"

My response: "Ash! Why aren't you eating your cookie?"

Carrie: "I really like stuff I can eat off the floor and the ground, but when my mom gives me something on my tray I'm not so sure!"

This picture kills me!

He's like, "Yeah... you try that first Anson! I'll see what happens to you first!"

Can't wait to play with these babes on Saturday!

Back to School 2018-19

We made it.

The kids are back to school.

They were up and out on time.

They've always been good at that.

Jackson was the carpool driver for the junior high kids and me!

Braxton is my junior. He is at Layton High again. I had to force him to smile here so it's a cheeseball smile. But, it's a smile!

Kaydon is my sophomore. He is at Layton High. This kid is my rock. Nothing seems to get to him. He and Braxton will be driving together.

Colton is my freshman. He is at Fairfield Junior. He is still in the special education program. He is just happy to be alive!

Jackson is my missionary, working. It's weird!!!

People, weird!

This beauty is my freshman. She is the mama hen of the junior high kids. She is a smarty pants. Like, brilliant. 

This boy is my seventh grader. When we dropped him off, Jackson told them that it was going to be a good day. Mari said, "It's going to be evil." He was really, really nervous. But I know he'll do great!

This is my fourth grader. This little sassy pants beauty is my heart! She loves her mama Heidi. She had to get hugs from me this morning before we took the big kids to school. Don't mess with this girl! She is going to take over the world!

Let's do this! 

With courage!

Park with the Babes

We spent Saturday night at the park with the babes.

Oh, these babes.

Asher explores his world and learns about everything around him by putting his mouth on EVERYTHING. And, I mean everything. He is never without a stick in his hand/mouth. He LOVES the world around him and is slightly obsessed with water.

Anson explores his world and finds his smile by swinging. If the park has a baby swing, it's the ONE! I will stand and mean-mug parents with big kids in the baby swing for as long as I need to in order to get Little Man in there. Once he starts screaming, it usually does the trick! :/

Anson struggles so much with separation anxiety. Poor little squirt. Poor Carrie!

She and Brandon do everything right by having him around people! As long as he was in the swing, he was completely content with Auntie!

Back to School Feast 2018-19

We had our Back to School Feast last night. 

This year, Braxton was in charge of the theme for our school year.

After Jackson ordained Kaydon to the office of Priest, we hurried home and Randy and I began cooking.

It turned out so yummy!

Next time, we will actually put the spices in it. 

I purposely left them out because I was sure I would hate the spice.

It would have been good to include it.

Spicy Corn Carbanara for the win! Garlic bread, Ceaser salad, and ice cream cake.

The theme for this year is "courage."

Braxton recited a scripture from the Old Testament about courage.

He then handed out necklaces that he made each of us. They are personal reminders for each of us to have courage to do the right thing. The small handouts that he made have the picture of a lion, the word "courage" and P's name in morse code.

The boys put these cards in their lockers or their notebooks.

I read a scripture on courage and explained to them what I expect out of them this school year, and really always.

Randy then concluded the dinner with his thoughts for them.

Here's to another school year!

They start Wednesday!!