Rest and Relaxation

I finally got what I've needed for so long - some real true rest and relaxation. Most people would say that's impossible to get with 8 kids five and under running around. Yes, there were plenty of moments of chaos. But the rest and relaxation came from being able to get away from the every day grind, spend some time in the beautiful outdoors, and most of all, be together as a family.

My entire family got to go to a cabin in Franklin, Idaho. We will be forever indebted to our good friends the Shipleys for letting us go. Its the first time we've all been together in a long, long time. It just felt good. We ate, rode 4-wheelers, ate, played games, ate, did a super slip-and-slide, ate, and just spent good time together. It was just what I needed. Now I'm back to the grind, dealing with every day life, and trying like mad to cling to the happy memories of the weekend. I love making memories!

Finally

All right already. Here are some pictures. I've been a little busy with three kids and a husband who always works. Geez!

Actually, Jake always takes the camera to work so it's hard for me to wrestle it from him long enough to get pictures off of it. We're doing well. Three kids seems like ten kids sometimes, but we'll make it. How did my mom do it?

Sage is super cute of course. A bit fussy because she has some reflux. But she's so cute I don't hold it against her. She smiles lots for my mom and a little bit for everyone else. Guess she knows she and my mom share a name. Smart cookie already.

Disclaimer

I realize I didn't give credit to anyone for the poem entitled 'Great Lessons' in my last post. I don't know who wrote it, but I do know it wasn't me. Sorry I wasn't more clear on that. Still a good message though, would be even better if I had thought of it:)

Great Lessons

I have been taught by precept and example
to search the scriptures for the lessons...

Often, when weighted down with the challenge of today;
and my mind wanders from the page,
I am drawn back by thoughts somehow familiar:

"And having seen many afflictions in the course of my days..."
My path, also reflects the struggle to win against despair.

"If fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness..."
I, too, have seen hours and days that seemed so black that time no longer moved.

"Nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days."
Peace begins to seep within my weary spirit,
"Know this, that all these things shall give thee experience..."
Truth brings solace, and with it hope.

Yes, great lessons to be learned.
Great Teachers, who have learned before, and now teach others...

"Therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent...
and I will encircle thee in the arms of my Love.
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

Great lessons.


Here's to my mom, who has taught, and continues to teach me great lessons. Its from her that I learned the importance of scripture study. And its that habit that is getting me through these trials. We haven't been blessed with the miracle of healing, but we have been blessed with the miracle of her continued good health despite what tests say she should be feeling. So we enjoy every minute that we have together. Thanks for being such a great teacher.

Introducing....

Sage LuAnn Jorgenson! She's finally here. Born on August 10, weighing in at 8 pounds 7 ounces and 22 inches long. Yes, she's a good size baby. She has blond hair, super long fingers and toes, and Jake's mouth and nose. She's super cute and we're so excited to have her here.

For those who want some details... I went in to be induced at 6:30. I was of course still a 1. At 1:00 I was a 2. Then my body started moving. The contractions picked up, but I thought I'd wait as long as I could stand it for the epidural because I didn't want to slow anything down now that things were happening. Big mistake. I didn't realize that the anesthesiologist wasn't in the hospital. It took 45 minutes for me to get my epidural. It seemed like an eternity. Right before they put the epidural in they checked me and I was complete and ready to push. Only problem was I was still dying of pain. Anyway, they finally got me numb and gratefully I was able to push without dying. I only had to push for 30 minutes this time!

So the pictures definitely aren't great. I'm sure we'll get some better ones on. But just so you get the idea, here you go. Enjoy!

Gloom and Despair

Have you ever gone to the hospital to have a baby and come home with nothing? I have. And let me tell you, it's not enjoyable. I went in to be induced today. It's 4 days before my due date, but my doctor's going out of town tomorrow for a week. So I went in even though my cervix wasn't really dilated. My cervix never dilates. I have a broken cervix. But that's how it was for my other two and I managed to pop them out. Well, after 12 hours on pitocin my cervix hadn't changed at all. How's that for enjoyable? Sitting in a hospital bed for 12 hours for no apparent reason. So now I'm back at home and I probably won't have a baby for a couple of weeks. Depressing. Anyway, that's all I have to say. Sorry about all the mentions of my cervix. I'll post pictures of the baby next. After she's done being grounded for not coming out.

Backpacking and Birthdays

It's been a while since I got anything on here. We had birthday week at our house this last week. Zack turned 5 on the 13th and Jake turned the big 30 on the 16th. I'm a slacker and didn't get any good pictures of either event. I know, I should not be allowed to be a mom. Zack had a great birthday though. I can't believe he's 5. On Sunday our family was nice enough to drive up for festivities. Nothing big, but we're always happy for an excuse to get family up here. On Monday Zack had his first birthday party. He loved it, and that's what matters. But let me just say that I'm not a great party thrower. Guess that's probably why I don't do them tons. You know you did a great job when some of the kids leave early:)

On another note, Jake and Zack went on their first backpacking trip together. Zack was so excited he even chose to do that over going to Grandma and Grandpa's. They went to Wall Lake in the Uintahs. It was just a mile hike in. Zack carried his own pack and everything. He's such a good little hiker. They had a great time. They fished and Zack got to reel in his first fish. According to Zack the best part was sleeping in the tent. The only bad part of the whole thing was that there were so many mosquitoes that they almost got carried away. They used bug spray, but they both still got eaten alive. Zack got so many bites on his face that his face was all swollen. Poor kid. Jake asked him if he wanted to leave because of the bugs, but he wasn't about to go home early. Anyway, I'm so glad that Zack has a dad who will do things like that with him. What great memories to have together. I love my boys!