MeRrY cHrIsTmAs!!!

Temple Square


Sitting on Santa's Lap
Christmas Pictures with Sorensen Cousins

Sewing Bug

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to a baby shower of a friend. She was expecting a girl, so I decided to try my hand at making little legwarmers for her along with a matching bow. It turned out to be a lot of fun, so then I caught the sewing bug.

Congrats Kristen by the way! Alexis is a doll!

So then, I wondered what could be next. It needed to be simple, since my skills are so basic. I decided on a pillowcase for Christmas. Well, my simple idea, became complicated when I allowed Roxey to pick out her fabric. She picked out Rudolph because it is the only Christmas movie she has watched. I thought it was cute until I examined it more closely at home. Turns out it was meant to be cut out and made into a book, so it had writing in between the squares. Jord's solution was to simply go with it, but for those of you who know me well, I was not down with that. So I began to cut out the segments, only to find out (and cause me to twitch even more) a few of the squares were bigger than the others. So yes as I pieced them together it was a nightmare to line them up. I tried to relax and just let it go. It turned out cute and the best part of all, Roxey loves it. A new tradition is born, I want to give our kids a pillowcase with Christmas jammies and an advent calendar each year on December 1st. I think I can handle upholding that tradition, just maybe next time I will scrutinize the fabric choice a little more.

Well, all you talented seamstresses out there, what should I sew next, or maybe this was just a 24 hour bug and my machine will go back to collecting dust! :)

Help Wanted

About two weeks ago, Roxey gave up her binky on her own. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy, and she's gotten it back on occasion, but it really was her idea. One night she said that she wanted to put it up on the shelf, which is what she does with her stuffed animals once she wakes up and is done with them. Well, it was tough, but she slept that night and during her nap without it, so I told her we were going to go out and get a prize for giving up her binky. I put her in the car with no idea of what I was going to do and then she said "Jesus picture." Sure enough a few days prior I was getting stuff for my calling and she was playing with a picture that we put back and didn't purchase. That sounded like a perfect reward; however, it was only 10 cents, so then wanting to spoil her more for her big accomplishment, we went down a stuffed animal isle. Well, it was really hard to tell which one she liked the most because I have her trained to hug them and kiss them good-bye so that we don't end up buying anything usually. Finally, I narrowed it down to three and she choose a penguin. That night we read Pacifiers Are Not Forever, and a girl in the book was sleeping with a penguin- coincidence? I pointed to it and said she was a big girl like her now.

Then just a few days ago, Roxey was gearing up to do number two. I asked her if she wanted to do it on the toilet and she did willingly. This may be TMI but she said "Bye-bye Crocodile!" as she flushed it. I was laughing hysterically. Well, now she wants to go on the potty all the time. I have not researched potty training whatsoever nor do I want to spend money on Pull-ups, but I am getting tired of putting a diaper back on and off. Anyhow, I guess I should start to investigate and this is where your help comes in. What should I read? There is no way I am going to do that strategy of having a diaper off for 2 days or whatever, but I would love to hear what has worked for you moms. Since this is a yucky subject matter, you can call me rather than put a comment :).

Thanks a bunch and hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends and look forward to spending time with each of you this holiday season.

A Change of Heart

So I have to admit, Halloween is starting to grow on me. My mom hates Halloween, I can remember she would maybe put a bat on the front door is all, so as you can imagine, I didn't think it was that big of a deal growing up. Then I married Jordan. He loves Halloween! Things were a little different this year, but still and all we lived it up.

For starters, Jordan lost his job again (I'm not going to expound on that, you've all heard it before- 5 times now to be exact!), but quickly got one selling cars. He equates it to the army, they are working him hard, and Halloween was no different. So instead on Sunday we went to his parents house for some fun festivities. We had a wonderful dinner, then got all dressed up. The grandkids went trick or treating to the different rooms throughout the house. It was cute.

Then on Halloween day this meant that I had to fly solo. Roxey had a blast trick or treating, but I think she enjoyed answering the door with me more. Each time the doorbell rang, she would grab my hand and run. It was so cute. In between we watched Monsters Inc. (her favorite show) which I thought was very fitting.


With our family situation, I am really trying to make the best of things. We have been here many times before. I am hoping to stay positive and happy. Like Elder Uchtdorf said I should be happy now and not wait for my golden ticket. Someday I do hope that Jordan will have a stable job, but for now I can be happy that our needs are being met. Yes, these are hard times, but I know I am not alone in two ways. One I know so many who are suffering also, and two I am reassured each day that God is with me.

Tomorrow is my birthday, I can't believe I am 33! YIKES! Jordan works from 9-9 everyday right now, but can have one day off a week. (The dealership is closed Sundays fortunately so we can go to church together!) He decided to have Wednesdays off to be around to help watch Roxey while I teach my ballet class and during mutual night, so we went ahead and celebrated my birthday yesterday. Roxey was very curious and I can't believe how close her birthday is! I wish I could say that I feel wiser, but I think I am just getting older! I have the gray hairs to prove it!

When will this "dip it" phase end?!

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween and that we can all find many things to be grateful for with Thanksgiving approaching, no matter our circumstances.

Good Bye Summer- Hello Fall

After going through some of my pictures, I realized I have left some fun memories out of my blogging. Many of them happened right before we landed in the ICU, so I'm going to put the blame on that rather than on my slothfulness.

We had our Herriman friends out for a nice dinner and then just watched our kids play together. It was so cute!




That same night, Jordan's brother Shaun along with Emma and Joseph, had a sleep over at our house. They have a new baby at their home, so I warned them that if they were coming to our house to get better sleep, then they should think again since Roxey wakes up just as much as a newborn. They claimed they were there just to enjoy our presence.




I will admit that I am going to miss summer a lot and am fearful of the deep depression I may fall into during winter, but for the time being autum is helping me ease into it. I love the fall. We went on a hike last week and had a fun picnic up in the mountains.









And fall would not be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch.




Then we took Roxey on a trail near our home. The point was to see horses, chickens, and bulls along the path. Somehow we didn't make it that far. Instead we only made it to this bridge where she fell in love with running and throwing rocks. So we didn't accomplish what we set out to do, but I guess if my goal was just to have fun with Roxey, then it was a success!

Destined to Dance

So I have been asked in the past if I would force Roxey to do ballet. Well, because I was forced to take piano and obviously did not have that talent in me, my motto with my kids is that they will only do things if they ask and continue to like it. Well, as fate would have it, I recently have been afforded the FUN opportunity to substitute teach a ballet class for 4-5 year olds at The Groove Dance Studio. I know the owner, who is named Roxey actually, and one day she said that I should bring my Roxey and check out the Mom and Tot class. I just kind of wrote that off because I didn't think Roxey was old enough; however, that same day when I turned music on at home, she on her own spun around with her arms in the air and then said twirl. I took that as a sign that dancing was in her blood and took her to the class.

SHE LOVED IT!!! (And so did I!)

Roxey before her first dance class. She is doing the "cheese" grin nowadays.

Doing her own thing!


Shake, rattle, and roll!


Roxey getting her first sticker for a job well done in class.

Finished at last...

So back in the good ol' days when we had a little extra money, I decided I would periodically do small projects to help keep me busy. I did a sewing one which was fun to then turn around and give as a gift. Then this canvas idea came to me. I got started on it right away; however, it has taken me a year to finish it. Reasons- usually it's money, but this time around all that was left was the computer stuff which would essentially be free. Sadly, I don't know how to do the simpliest things in Photoshop. My next project will hopefully be to learn Photoshop so that I don't have to bug Jordan for his help anymore! My sister-in-law found a program online, taught herself and now has a thriving design business on Etsy. Check is out: www.greysquare.etsy.com. I envy her gumption and wish that money issues wouldn't hold me back from accomplishing things. Oh well, it's just a phase right. Feels like an extremely long one, but Jordan and I joke around that some day we will be able to look back on this time and laugh. Anyhow, here's the canvas:
My biggest regret is doing the alphabet in green. I wish it stood out more. Oh well, it's done. So far Roxey only recognizes the Brown Bear book which she loves, but I hope in time she will grow fond of the rest! I love children's books! What are some of your kids' favorites?

Here we go again... Part 2

Who knew there would be a part two to my last post, but in a nutshell it is that Roxey digressed and we wound up at the ICU at Primary Children's. It was very tough, but thanks to a lot of prayers we got out of there earlier than the doctor had said initially which has allowed us to enjoy time with my family before my brother's wedding. It is hard for me to see Roxey struggle with this being an asthmatic myself, I know how she feels; however, I never had it this bad, especially at 19 months. She is pretty tough, and I can't believe how she bounced back. This time around we asked for a bed rather than a crib so that I could lay beside her because in the beginning she wouldn't keep her mask on that she had to wear continuously. Even once I didn't have to hold her mask, it was still fun to be right beside her. When she started to get back to her normal self, at 2 a.m. she turned to me and said (while doing the sign too which made it all the more cute) "milk". That let me know she was hungry and had her appetite back. Later that morning I we got her some crackers and she devoured them. It warmed my heart to see her getting back to her old self. This time around we made sure Jordan went to work, because if you can recall, the last time she was in the hospital, he got laid off, so we weren't risking anything. Jordan was a huge help even though he wasn't there much, and I loved having that one on one time with my sweet little girl.

Here we go again...

Roxey got sick yet again shortly after my last post, so needless to say, I have not made her cry it out at night. This time when she was sick, she struggled to breathe for a long time, ended up with another ear infection, and now has a rash on her back that I'm not sure if it is due to the antibiotics or my neglect of putting lotion on. Wow, it's always something, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. She is a dream and just gets cuter every day. I love this talking phase!!!

HELP!!!

I think it is time for sleep training. Our poor daughter wakes up at least once a night if not more. Jordan is a softy and I love my sleep so we have not geared up to help Roxey fall (cry herself) back to sleep, but when she fell asleep while I was making her lunch the other day, I took that at a sign. Wish me luck!

Splash Park

I love summer and there is no better way to beat the heat than at a splash park. See I don't have to put on a bathing suit and yet my daughter gets to frolic and play and stay COOL!
Thanks Heather for letting us tag along!

4th of July

In celebration of the 4th, we did what Roxey loves most and went swimming. This time we decided to try water wings and she loved it!


Jordan was wise and started Roxey off with a few simple fireworks.

Sparklers with mom, real exciting!


She loved doing the pops on her own.

Then it was on to the big stuff. Since aerials were legal this year, we had to try one.


Flowers are my favorite, but this one got out of hand, so Jordan's brother Shaun saved the day!

Sorry for all the videos, just remember I am trying to keep grandparents clear in Australia connected to their little Roxey Roo.

Henefer

I've been meaning to post about this for a while. Back in June we headed up to Henefer to visit a good friend of mine Meredith. Meredith, Boni, and I started the education program at Weber together, all went on missions at the same time, and then came back to finish off our teaching degrees. By the family pics, you can see who has been the busiest, inasmuch as we were all in the same boat up until we graduated.

Meredith got the ball rolling quickly and has this lovely family today. Chad, Thomas, Jessa, Lydia, and Parker.

Boni has three handsome boys Lucas, Alex, and Brody. She also has a talented husband who happened to stay at home to remodel their bathroom.

Summer, though she did not do her schooling with us, she was a lifelong friend of Boni, my neighbor's granddaughter all growing up, so inevitably she was adopted into our group. Here she is with her husband Will and son Benjamin.

It was so amazingly beautiful up there and I can't believe how I was able to just let go and relax.


I mean I let my daughter ride a horse,

feed sheep,

sit in the back of a moving truck,

and eat ice cream without a bib!

We were all in 7th heaven, especially Roxey. She could have stayed there forever!

DOGGIES!!!

Nursery at last

My baby started nursery today!

We got her all gussied up and she even wanted her toe nails painted like mom's. Isn't she a big girl?

She was so ready to go, that she left us in the dust. Jordan even said that when he went to pick her up, she looked at him like "what we're already done?" I think it really helped that our neighbor Lisa is the nursery leader and Roxey likes her. We also had a few times where we had to volunteer in the nursery so we took Roxey with us before she was the official age to help her get acclimated. Well, now that she is in, I fear I am going to gain some weight due to not having to chase after her for 3 hours at church! Yeah nursery!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Dad!!!

Jordan's first week at his new job went quite well. It is a great work atmosphere, he has had a lot to do, and as always Jord was positive about his long commute. The fact that I bought him a book he has been dying to read on CD to listen to on the way sure helped matters. It was his Father's day gift given early. He made it through the entire book in a few days. He now has a goal to read/listen to one book a week. Our budget can't afford that, nor does the library have that great of a selection, so does anybody know of a cheaper way to get audiobooks?

My creative sister-in-law (let's be honest, they're all creative, this one just happened to share her cute idea) told me about how she had her daughter who is Roxey's age make a cute tree for a Father's day present with her hand prints as the leaves, which then made me think of this present for Jordan below. It was fun to do paints with Roxey. She loved the feel of the paint on her hands. I wish I was a more adventurous mom and did things like this more often. I tried to do discovery buckets with her with different things like rice and beans and noodles to sift through with a shovel, but she kept trying to eat the beans so I had to bag the idea.

Some friends of ours invited us to Castle Park this last week. We had never been and I spaced taking a picture of the actual park which is amazing, but it was a lot of fun to be outside and enjoy a picnic together. Here's hoping that this summer we can connect with other friends that we haven't seen in a while.

Longest Winter EVER!!!

So we would all have to agree that this Utah weather lately has been pretty messed up. Between the yucky weather for soooo long, Roxey's health issues, and Jord's unemployment/underemployment issues, this has been the hardest winter for me to date. Thankfully all that's going to change. The weather is looking up (right?), which means fewer colds for Roxey to catch and then affect her asthma, and Jordan was offered a full time job this weekend. We hope that unlike times before, this one will stick. It will be a huge sacrifice since it is down in Provo and we will go from being around each other all the time, to hardly seeing one another, but beggers can't be choosers.

The Purple Knaves

The timing of his offer couldn't have come at a better time. We were headed to a party with all of his high school buddies, they call themselves the Purple Knaves. Don't ask me why. They are such a fun bunch- I call them the group of misfit boys because they are all so different from on another and it seemed that they became a group because they all needed each other in one way or another. They were a dynamic group, and it was fun that they could be together again. Even a few parents came because the moms go out to eat occasionally to stay in touch. Anyhow, we were just minutes away from the party when Jord got the job offer. After he got off the phone he said that he had been praying to get a job before he met up with is buddies. Well, his wish was granted.


With Jordan gone a lot more now, Roxey and I have been trying to stay busy. She loves to be out back with all of our fun neighbors or if the weather is bad just hang with Elmo.

What you lookin' at?

She loves to hug all her bears just after naps.


We play silly games down in the basement.

Peekaboo!!!

I've taken her to Hogle Zoo and Kangaroo Zoo recently trying to squeeze that in before school let out and they we swarmed with kiddies.

Braving the mouth of the dragon!

And last but not least, I signed us up for a Parent and Tot swim class. Today was our first day, and despite the fact that she is teething and crabby, she loved being in the water as always. I love my water baby!

Roxey is talking more and more, but my favorite word of hers still to date is Thank You. She says it all the time and in the most appropriate and timely situations, it melts my heart. So with that, I would like to end with her saying thank you on behalf of the Sorensen family. We can't thank our family, friends, and neighbors enough for helping us through this difficult trial. We felt great love and support and though it was tough, and still will be for a while as we try to bounce back, we never went without and always were strengthened by those around us. Thank you!!!!