Playing Catch Up

Hello dear old blog.

How I’ve missed you! Life has been as busy as ever and I’m sorry I’ve neglected you. It’s time to catch you up on life in the precious moments.

We had a fun season with both boys playing basketball. They enjoyed their teams and learning that sport. Jacob started soccer with a new, more competitive league, and is being challenged as he grows in his love of soccer. We took the big boys to their first college basketball game. They enjoyed seeing a full game, now that they understand the concept more. As always, there were sweet baby snuggles and I’ll take them while they last!

We spent spring break at our favorite retreat center, Camp Tejas. We were thrilled to have two families join us for fun in the mud, on the trails and at the bonfire. We made so many great memories, it was a real joy! Grammy came to visit us and that was a special treat. She hasn’t been to Houston for over 2 years and we were privileged to have her with us for 2 weeks. We went to the Museum of Natural Science and Butterfly House with friends in our homeschool group. The butterflies are always a favorite but this year, the show stopper was the dinosaur exhibit. And Evan is as adorable as ever.

 

We inherited a new pet, Speedy the turtle. He is adored by all the boys in this house. Sadly, I lost two special people this month. My grandpa passed away. He was a big part of my childhood. My sister and I spent many summers in Nebraska with him camping, gardening and adventuring. He was a kind man who was always a soft place to land. He is loved and missed by many. I flew back to Nebraska for the funeral and enjoyed lots of time with family and seeing people who knew me when I was only a little girl. For the first time, in too many years, all the Ehlers cousins were together at my Grandma Ehlers house. It was a treat to see them again! One week after the funeral, my sister and her family moved in with us here in Pearland. We are elated to have them here and can’t wait for the adventures to begin. One week after my sister moved in, my Grandma Bev passed away. She was a special lady in my life. She treated my sister and I (and our children) as her own. Her kindness and love knew no limits. I am sad that with the combination of events, I could not attend her funeral in Montana but she will forever be in my heart!

A few fun notes from this month were trips to the library, harvests of brussel sprouts from my garden and training for a 5K with friends (The Digital Run).

With the good and the bad, this I call to mind,

“My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:20-24

He’s Seven Today!

Our sweetheart Nathan turns seven years old today. Look how cute and adorable he was (and still is). Every year we tell him the story of how we went to the hospital to have him on Valentine’s Day. He didn’t want to share his birthday with a holiday so he waited to be born on the 15th. Although, it is fitting that this boy who loves so much, would have his birthday so close to the day we celebrate the ones we love.

Nathan is a true delight to everyone he meets. He has the most tender heart and desires to serve others. He is our snuggler who always wants to be close or holding your hand. He says the most amazingly kind things sometimes and prays enormous prayers with a sweet child-like faith. He is gentle to his younger brothers and is a defender to the helpless. Man, I love this boy.

He loves to ride his bike, bounce on the trampoline, swim, play soccer and basketball. He’s an active little boy. He likes to read books like Frog and Toad or Morris the Moose. He loves to get frozen yogurt, its his favorite treat.

Nathan is a joy to us all. We are so grateful for another year watching this wonderful young boy grow. I pray for many more happy birthdays with him and that God would continue to draw his heart closer to Jesus.

The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

The Most Amazing

Being a homeschool family, our workload during the week is pretty heavy. Breakfast usually consists of something fast but filling. The weekend is a whole other story.

We like to have big family breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Ian prefers eggs and fruit, Jacob likes lots and lots of pancakes. We all have our favorites. Last week, Nathan asked me to make some cinnamon rolls because “it had been a long time since we had any”.

Truthfully, I’ve always made store bought cinnamon rolls because they’re easier and I’ve never found a recipe that I really like. I LOVE a good homemade cinnamon roll. They are the best! I’m happy to say, I finally found the perfect recipe for cinnamon rolls.

I found this recipe on Pinterest, but it’s actually the Pioneer Woman's recipe which means it’s awesome. Every recipe I’ve ever tried of hers, I’ve loved. I love Ree Drummond. Did I tell you I met her once? She had a book signing here in Pearland so a few friends and I waited in line for her to sign our cookbooks.

 

She was as genuine and funny in person as she is on her blog (and I’m sure on her show too but we don’t have cable so I haven’t seen it). I have a hard time wrapping my mind around how she does it all? Homeschool, cooking show and books, blogging, photography, living on a ranch, etc. She’s my hero.

Back to the recipe. I wanted to share with you the most amazing cinnamon roll recipe courtesy of the Pioneer Woman. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Photo credit: The Pioneer Woman Blog

ROLLS:

Adapted from: The Pioneer Woman
Note:   The original recipe makes about seven 8" round aluminum tins of cinnamon rolls.  After cutting the original recipe in half, you'll end up with 3 - 4 tins full of rolls, with 7 - 8 rolls per tin...depending on how large you cut them.
Ingredients: (This is 1/2 the original recipe)

DOUGH:
2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1 pkg active dry yeast

4 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tablespoon salt
FILLING:

1 cup melted butter, plus more as needed

1/8 cup ground cinnamon for sprinkling
1 cup sugar, plus more as needed

Directions:

Mix milk, vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup of sugar in a pan. Scald the mixture (heat until just before the boiling point.) Remove from heat and let it cool 45 minutes to 1 hour.

When the mixture is lukewarm to warm, but NOT hot, sprinkle in package Active Dry Yeast. Let this sit for a minute and then add 4 cups of flour. Stir mixture together. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.

Next, add 1/2 cup flour, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir mixture together. From here, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it—overnight or even a day or two, if necessary. Just keep your eye on it and if it starts to rise out of the pan, just punch it down. Or, of course, you can just go ahead and make the rolls.

Sprinkle surface generously with flour and roll the dough into a thin rectangular shape, about 1/4" thick. Brush melted butter on top, then sprinkle sugar over the butter, and finish with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon.

Starting with the wide end, roll the dough tightly towards you in a neat line. Next, pinch the seam to the roll to seal it. Spread 1 tbsp of melted butter in each pan/dish. With a sharp knife, begin cutting the dough into 1 inch slices, and laying them in the pans. Let rest for 20-30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 13 - 17 minutes, or until golden.

Hoops

 

We are in the midst of basketball season in the Jorgensen house. I love it. My big boys are being active, we get to watch games each week and the little ones get to cheer on their brothers. It’s fun to get out in our community and meet new people too. Since the boys are homeschooled, it’s a good opportunity for them to learn how to interact with all different kinds of boys, not just the homeschooled, church going kind.

This is Nathan’s first year and so far, he’s doing great! He tries hard and has the basic concept of the game. He’s even scored a basket already. We just need to work on his offensive game. He tends to be unsure of what he’s doing when he gets the ball.

This is Jacob’s second year playing. He understands the game much more this time. He too has already scored a basket and is good at engaging the ball. Of course, soccer is still his first love but it’s good that he is playing other team sports as well.

GO TEAM!!!!

Snapshots From Our Trip Home

We recently took a vacation back to our home state, Arizona. Anyone who travels with kids knows that vacation with your kids isn’t always relaxing. But, to visit so many of our family and friends, was worth it!

Both Ian and I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. We love coming home to where we’re from. I think no matter how long we live in Texas, Arizona will still be what we call “home”. We have family spread out all over the state. So our visit has many destinations and various homes that we’re privileged to stay in.

Our first stop was Tucson.

The first morning we arrived there was snow on Mt Lemon and it was amazing! What a sight coming from our slightly above sea level home. We enjoyed time with Grammy and Pop-pop and even Great Grandpa who came to see us.

Next, we moved to Ian’s brother Joel’s house and had a lovely visit with his family. We got to see old friends from way back, meet his sister’s sweet adopted children and see the most Christmas decked out neighborhood ever!

The other Jorgensen’s also took us hiking in Sabino Canyon. Oh my how I missed nature, hiking and the fresh air! It was so gorgeous. The boys were in heaven romping around the trails with their cousins.

I even had time to squeeze in pedi’s with my nieces. Two of them had never had their toes done before and it was such a treat for me to be with them. Having four boys myself, I am always in need of some girl time

After that, we made our way up the hill to chilly Flagstaff. We stayed with my mom and got to see my sisters and brother. We had a wonderful time visiting with Ian’s parents who were in town as well. Ian got to spend some time with his brother, Brandon and I got to hang out with my friend, Elizabeth. It was so wonderful being with people who have known us and loved us so long.

Grammy and G-Daddy and a few of the Carsey cousins.

Christmas Eve with cousin Aiden (and the matching pj’s from Aunt Lindsey)

Of course we enjoyed the time with family but the real star of our trip was the beautiful snow! The boys loved playing everyday in it. They had fun sledding in it with my mom and sister as well. Coming from our sub-tropical climate, this was a real treat for us.

We enjoyed our time and visit so much, we rarely get to do that. Seeing family was such a joy for us. At the end of the trip, as we made our way back home, we reflected on our time in Arizona. While feeling so grateful for the love of family members, we realized, this is our family now. Ian, Angie, Jacob, Nathan, Austin and Evan. We have made our own decisions, choices and lifestyles that make us our own little family. It’s what the Bible refers to and “leaving and cleaving”. As you grow up and move on, you start your own family dynamic and memories. So, we made our way back home to our life in Pearland, knowing that we are truly blessed with extended family and yet, so happy to return to the ins and outs of our own little family and the community around us here.

My Top Twelve

As we welcome 2013, we look back at all the Lord was doing in the Jorgensen family in 2012. Some good, some bad, some fun, some hard but ALL things completely in His good plan for His own glory.

My favorite pictures for 2012 came both from my fancy camera and my camera phone. So here are my top twelve.

Number 12

In 2012 I got lots of snuggles from my sweet baby Evan. His first year of life went by so fast but we are so thankful God blessed us with a fourth son to love and hold!

 

Number 11

My sister made these adorable shirts for each of my boys and they loved them. I love this picture because somehow, I got each of the boys dressed and ready for the day and coordinating to boot! It was the little accomplishments that mattered this year

Number 10

In 2012 we added another member to our family. Our chocolate lab Daisy. The boys had so much fun watching such a little puppy grow. However, its no secret that I’m not a fan of housebreaking pets but the boys were great at helping train this little one. She’s a great family pet and we love her.

Number 9

My mom and baby sister came to visit us in April. We had a blast with them! I just love this picture of the boys playing with her on the beach. They were perfectly content and it was such a joy watching my boys with my mom.

Number 8

Austin turned three years old in 2012. It seems like he has really turned a corner with this milestone. His language, understanding, manners and sweetness has improved this year. We are so thankful that God gives us the grace and the wisdom we need to parent each of these boys well. I took him out back for his birthday pictures and I liked this shot even though its not the typical yearly picture.

Number 7

This one doesn’t need many words. It’s the joy of summertime in one shot!

Number 6

I like my camera. I like playing with my camera. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. There was one day when the light was shinning so perfectly on Evan and I was able to snap it before he moved. Just look at those chubby cheeks and arms. So adorable!

Number 5

I love this shot of Evan. He was just learning to pull up and we were at our favorite place, Camp Tejas. It was a great day with our sweet boys and great friends too.

Number 4

It’s such a sweet shot. Summertime with Dad in the pool. The boys all time favorite activity with Dad, being tossed around!

Number 3

Anytime I can get all 4 of my boys looking and/or smiling at the camera, it’s bound to be a favorite picture of mine. Look at how handsome they are!

Number 2

While this picture wasn’t taken during a happy time in our life, I still think it’s cool. We were taking Ian to one of his very many doctor appointments located downtown in the medical center. The boys were marveling at the city life outside the window. Even though this was a difficult time for our family, we look back and are filled with gratefulness that God protected Ian during his car accident. That the boys still have their super Dad and I still have my dear husband.

Number 1

This may not seem like a typical number one. A friend of ours, Ronnie Bennett, took some family pictures for us this fall and they were absolutely beautiful. All of them deserved a number one spot but this one means so much to me. As I stated above, we thought we were going to loose Ian for a little while. In a moment, I had to face the possibility of not having him as my husband, and that was hard. Things haven’t always been easy for us and most of that is not post worthy but what I will say is that God is good all of the time. Sometimes, hard things happen in our life but even still His plans for us are for good. I’m thankful for this journey we’ve been on together for the last 12 years. I’ve learned that relationships aren’t ultimately for our own satisfaction but to teach us more about the One who loves us perfectly.  I’m so happy to still have him to cherish.

Shadow

My husband never was a cat person. Some people just don't like cats and Ian, was one of them. That all changed one day when a friend told us she had kittens that needed a home.

"We'll just go look", we said.

You know how that goes. That day, we came home with the cutest little kitten. She was the least shy of the bunch and had the cutest spots on her coat, hence her name "Shadow".

Sadly, Shadow is gone now. One day we realized, we hadn't seen her in some time. It's not unusual for her to hide most of the day. Or to spend some time playing outside in the backyard. When we realized we hadn't seen her in a while, she was already gone. We're not sure what happened but we know we miss her.

She was a GREAT cat! She wasn't mischievousness. She was sociable and liked to be wherever the family was. Sometimes, she slept with Jacob at night, and he loved it, until she would scratch his head to let him know she wanted out of their room. She tolerated the puppy as much as she could.

The boys ask us if we can get another cat but we know that it is difficult to get a good cat. It's been difficult for them to loose another pet but the loss has allowed us to have a lot of heart-to-heart conversations about loss. We remind them that for those who believe and trust in Jesus, there will be a day when there is not more pain, tears or suffering!

We all miss you Shadow, you were a very special friend!

Double Digits

 

My first baby turns double digits today, 10 years old! Where did the time go?

Wasn’t this just yesterday?

God is glorious in His creation. The boys love for me to tell them the stories of when they were born. One of the most important parts of Jacob’s story is how long we prayed for this child. How much we desired to have children before God gave us this special boy. We tell him about what a delight he has been to have as a son and what a joy he is to his brothers.

This birthday will go down as one of my favorite milestones of his. Just a few weeks ago, Jacob made a decision that we have been praying for since before he was born. Jacob put his faith in Jesus Christ. We firmly believe that each of our children’s greatest need is for salvation. The Bible tells us that all who put their faith in Christ alone will be saved. We talk about Jesus freely in our home. We talk about our need for Him and what He has done for us and we pray that God will call each of our boys to Himself as He did with Ian and I.

God used the loss of our beloved pet cat Shadow, to show Jacob of his need for a Savior. One night while we were praying before bedtime, Jacob surprised us all as he genuinely prayed for the forgiveness of his sins and placed his hope in the work of the cross. It was spontaneous, it was heartfelt and it moved us all. Since then, we’ve noticed a change in him. The foolish young boy is being transformed into this responsible, thoughtful and loving young man. We are so delighted that God directed his path towards Him. We have much to praise Him for!

Happy Birthday Jacob. We are so proud of you and love you more than you will ever know!

Little Man Turns One

Happy Birthday Evan!

One year ago today, these words were heard around our house, “Ian…my water broke!” and a few short hours later this beautiful boy was born. We didn’t know whether he was a he or a she, and we didn’t care. But I must say, he fits in nicely with all his big brothers.

Now 1 year old, Evan is very close to walking. He cruises on everything. Not long and he’ll be chasing after his brothers. He is learning to communicate through a few words like “mama” and “baba” (bottle) and some sign language such as “all done” and “more”.

Just last week he was at the doctor’s office with a double ear infection and his weight was 24lbs 7oz! He’s a big boy indeed. He fits into most 24months size clothing. He wasn’t a little baby for very long. Evan is a precious gift to us all. We are so thankful for this little boy and hope to celebrate many more wonderful years with him.