Five Years

Love this picture - typical Linz

Linz and Kate - camping in northern Idaho

Five years today since Linz has been gone.  In some ways it seems like forever has gone by, in some ways it seems like yesterday.  I hate that its been so long since I laughed with her, played with her, and just talked with her.  Lame.  Super lame.

So Linz, today I'm going to play with my kids more, make the most of every second of the day, and talk to my kids about how cool their Aunt Linz is.  IS, not was.  And next week when I'm dying in the heat during the Ogden Marathon, I'll think of you and when we ran it together.  I think there's a good chance you might even be running it with me.  If so, feel free to push me along:)

My aunt posted a couple of blurbs from Linz's missionary letters.  I thought I'd include them here because it was fun to read something she wrote again.  Enjoy.

Love you Linz!!

March 4, 2008

when patience is tried

and your ready to explode inside when every remark

comes out like a bark

just take a nap linzy-loo

then you'll know what to do

then all the days of gray

will turn to brightest day

 Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:18:41 +0000

The miracles and Spirit of Christmas on in full force this season in Stroud and I continually fall to my knees in gratitude for the blessing of being here and witnessing them. President Hinckley said about England "If you don't like the weather, wait 30 seconds" It is all too true. I dress extra warm on the days where there is frost on the ground and when we freeze during exercising in the morning--and by the time we get going it is warm outside and I'm hot. We're more grateful for the cloudy days as they keep the warmth over Stroud like a big blanket. 

 

I received the package today with all the goods--you will never know how grateful and happy s. turpin and I were when we put in the Christmas CD. We were dancing around with ridiculous smiles and cheering Christmas is finally here!! We found an old tree behind the couch and set it up, it's about 5 feet tall and there were some decorations to put on it as well. Turpin's aunt sent her a bunch of little presents which we put under the tree so we have a grand old time in the flat, opening on present a day. So far thanks to great Aunt Barbara I've received band-aids, deodorant, and jello. Fabulous. Thank you thank you for the stories and all the neat stuff. I feel so blessed and grateful for a supportive family and I will use all of those stories I'm sure. 

Mom- I know you've always stressed about the fact that I walk like a linebacker--I've found the solution. Tights that are too small. Yup, it works well. I put them on and they feel alright, then I get out tracting and within 5 minutes they have fallen snug around my knees and I'm forced to waddle like a penguin all day. Very ingenius aye? This seriously happened and I will make sure it never happens again. :)

I don't even know where to start with the work things have been quickly moving into motion...

Last Wednesday night S.turpin and I both woke up at the same time unknowingly that we both woke up at the same time, we both felt the strongest urge to pray. You can understand how important this must be if the Lord was able to wake me up from my deep slumbers. I remember seeing a soft but bright flash of light waking me up and then I felt so powerfully that I needed to pray. It wasn't until later the next day that both of us realized that we both had the same experience. We then found out later that one of our investigators friends had commited suicide that same night and well... I cannot doubt the power of prayer and the effect it has on others. Your prayers on mine and the people of Stroud's behalf do not go unheard, nor unanswered. 

 

You wouldn't believe the 180 Martin has turned, I don't believe it myself. We had basically given up on him but the Lord did not, and strongly prompted us to return to him. Although he still struggles with drink and smoke, he has prayed to know about the Book of Mormon and the church and has had a very powerful experience. This young man who has only ever seen drugs, drink, depression, and hate is beginning to feel the love that Heavenly Father has for him. He goes to court today to determine whether or not he spends Christmas in prison. I'm not sure what to hope for.

Ian is from a similar walk of life with drugs, divorce, and the lowest of self esteem we are beginning to witness the light of Christ shine forth within him and when he smiles--oh how it fills even the hardest of hearts with joy. We continually try to commit him to baptism but he feels like he doesn't know enough, that it is a big step to make and he wants to make sure he does it right, which is commendable, but we so badly want to have him experience the joy of baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The members have done so much for these two investigators. i'm so amazed at their willingness to help. They have something call missionary 7:15. At 7:15 am every member of the ward is supposed to pray that they can have a missionary experience. I believe we are benefiting from the fruits of their faith.

One of the most dreadful weather days I've experienced with strong winds and buckets of rain was one of my most memorable nights thus far. We were tracting and caroling at peoples door (anything to get them to listen) and just at the moment when our bodies and hearts were soaked and it was about time to go we met Matthew. He's in his 20's. He quickly invited us in (which we couldn't go in because there was no other female) but he readily accepted the BoM and was eager to hear more. We came back the next day with a member, so excited to see him but his roommate answered the door. He too was interested in what we had to say, Matt wasn't home, but he let us in and he was asking so many questions. He is so intelligent and I felt like we were meeting with a stake president. He's also in his twenties and just graduated from uni. in engineering and moved here with his job. He's been looking for a religion, he's been raised by a very good family, he prays every day, he knows he can get anything out of life if he puts his mind to it. He doesn't know many people here so he's excited to meet with us again.....anyway. s. turpin and I left there completely speechless. what? what? i just kept saying it to myself over and over. what just happened here? 

Kevin--our petrol station friend came to church for the 2nd time. which means we had 3 members at church this Sunday. Unheard of in Stroud. We can't seem to get an apt. with him though, he's a bit dodgy but we'll get em! 

 

Miracles are all around us and in abundance.

This truly is the Lord's work. If there is any success it is because he has prepared the hearts of these people and with the help of members and a lot of faith, we are fortunate to find some of them. Pres. moffat talked about how it's not the missionary or the area that determines success, it's the attitude. I believe that. 

 

I feel so blessed to take part in this work. May you all pray for more missionary experience so you can also feast on the joy that comes from witnessing the miracles.

I love you all!
cheers
SISTER SPJUTE

Success!!

Waiting to pick up free horse manure for our garden - again, W.T.

Hangin' with Tiny just off the road - we are awesome

We went camping this weekend.  Friday night.  We didn't decide we were going until after 5:00pm on Friday.  Jake didn't pull in with the trailer until almost 6:00pm.  We were on our way at 6:30.  Yes!!  Tiny is a success!!  This is a huge reason I pushed so hard to get a trailer.  There are lots of weekends where we only have time to camp for a night.  So not worth it if you have to load all your gear every time and pitch a tent once you get there.  Totally worth it when you have a trailer and everything's all ready to go.  Can you say awesome?!!

So we went camping.  We drove twenty minutes from our house and pulled off the side of the road.  Literally.  Can you say white trash?  In our defense there was like no traffic on that road.  But still....W.T.  Anyway, we ate pizza, had a camp fire, made s'mores, slept in our nice trailer, shot the pellet gun, and made it home with plenty of time to do some major yard work.  That's what I'm talkin' about.  Tiny is amazing....  That is all.

Almost Forty...

this is the coolest picture ever...i'm totally going to look like this

I'm almost forty.  Well, thirty-five, moving quickly to thirty-six.  Jake gets mad when I say I'm almost forty.  Probably just because he doesn't want to think that we're getting so old.  Getting old is not super fun.  Things I have noticed:  more gray hairs, less time (not sure how this works), more wrinkles (I really don't feel as old as I look), slower metabolism (I now have to limit myself to 1000 calories per day to not gain weight), tired a lot more (10:30pm feels more like midnight), wake up more during the night (never understood this but here I am).....  I could go on and on but I'll spare you.

Along with the above list, I suddenly find myself being old enough that I should have accomplished amazing things.  Things that I thought I would have done by now:  had five kids (can only handle three), paid my house off (so naive), gone to Hawaii (this may never happen), gone on a cruise (this will happen), not be worrying so much about money (I don't want to talk about this), had an amazing tenth anniversary tour of the world (this will be done at our 80th anniversary after we're dead), etc, etc.

Lest you think I've gotten even more pessimistic in my old age, I'll try to end on a positive note.  There are things I enjoy about getting older that I didn't expect.  These are:  a marriage that is better every day (we're finally figuring each other out), kids who I enjoy more every day (they're amazing), not caring so much what other people think (I love being ok with me - its only taken 35 years), eating what I want even though it puts me over 1000 calories, being in the best shape of my life (again, its only taken me 35 years), the little things don't matter so much (life experiences have taught me what really matters), the ability to go buy a trailer (had to put Tiny in here somewhere), feeling like I can do hard things (it might be nice not to know this).

I know this has been the most exciting post ever.  But old people can say whatever they want, for as long as they want.  Another nice thing about being old...

The Maiden Voyage

Sage and her bff Kami

Father and son mountain bikers

Jake's new bike

Some of the kids (we were so out numbered)

Rest stop on the hike

Well, we are officially trailer people.  Not all the time, just when we're camping.  As nice as having a trailer is, living in it would be not so fun after a couple of days.  I digress...We went camping, in Tiny, to Moab.  I got to experience the joy of packing a trailer, not the back of a truck.  It was truly blissful.  No more tetris packing.  I kept taking stuff to the trailer, thinking there was no way everything would fit.  And then it would, with room to spare.  As this was our maiden voyage, I was a little worried we would find out that something in the trailer didn't work.  Every time I turned something new on I held my breath praying it would actually turn on.  I'm happy to report that we had no trailer malfunctions.  None.  I had a slight panic attack when I turned the fridge on and didn't hear the motor start up.  I kind of freaked out.  Then I realized it was working wonderfully, it was just silent.  Amazing!  Why aren't all fridges silent?  We got to sleep on a nice soft mattress with a heater to keep the temperature just right.  Best of all, there was no pottying in a pit.  Hallelujah!  I was a little nervous for our first trailer dumping experience, but it wasn't bad.  I put a box of latex gloves in the trailer for just this purpose, thus I was able to conquer the dump.  Nurses can do anything with gloves:)  One of the best moments of the trips was when Jake pulled up to leave (an hour late as usual) and all we had to do was hook the trailer up to his truck.  There was no mad scramble of throwing everything into the truck.  This used to be the worst part of any trip.  Thanks to Tiny, we have conquered this problem.  Jake still doesn't jump for joy over Tiny.  He did at one point say that it was "convenient".  Probably the best I'm going to get.  I'll take it.

Anyway, you probably want to hear about our actual trip.  We went with a bunch of neighbors and it was great fun.  The kids were in heaven because they had so many friends to play with.  The campground was great because there was tons of space for the kids to explore.  We made s'mores.  Or I should say the kids made s'mores and the adults tried to grab any morsel they could before the kids gobbled it up.  Jake got a new mountain bike and was able to ride it.  He even tried his new bike lights at night.  Pretty cool I think.  We took Zack on the practice loop of the slick rock trail.  He loved it.  He would do it again in a second.  Jake's already dreaming of when Zack can mountain bike with him all the time.  We hiked, played at a park, rock climbed, and tons of other fun things.  The trip was a definite success.  I'm already trying to figure out the next place we can go with Tiny.  Now to get back to real life...

Is There An Architect In The House?

Architect Zack (looking good if I do say so myself)

Today is career day for Zack.  All the kids are to dress up all day as what they want to be when they grow up.  I found out about this yesterday.  Zack knew about it Monday.  I guess I should just be glad he remembered at all.  Anyway, the first thing Zack said he wanted to be is an artist.  Ok.  Not sure how to dress up like that and not so realistic.  I mean, Zack is great at coloring, etc.  But do I really see him making it as an artist?  No.  So, dream crusher that I am, I vetoed that.  Feel free to throw tomatoes.  From artist we moved to magician.  Obviously if I'm not going for artist, I'm definitely not going to okay being a magician.  Yes, I am evil.  So we moved on to an amusement park architect.  This I can go with.  I can actually see Zack being an architect some day.  Maybe not for amusement parks, but I decided to let him keep that dream.  Jake told him how to dress like an architect.  The hair must have gel and be done in a somewhat artistic manner.  A button down shirt with a vest or sweater over it is ideal.  We didn't have the vest or sweater, so we went with the button down shirt.  Sleeves rolled up of course.  Then jeans, shirt tucked in, belt.  Jake said the shoes needed to be as crazy as possible or Sunday type shoes.  We went with the Sunday shoes.  He used Jake's man bag and some of his old-school architect supplies.  He tried to top it off with a pencil behind his ear, but it wouldn't stay in.  So off he went to school, quite pleased with himself in his architect attire.  I'm sure he'll come home with some cool drawing of a roller coaster.  Is there much need for amusement park architects?  Maybe he can do that on the side after designing and building his house that goes all the way around the world.  He's already started plans for this.  Feel free to start sending donations for this project...

I'm Back!

You're so excited I know.  All two of you.  I've thought about posting on hear numerous times over the past couple of months.  I'd think about it, and then I honestly couldn't think of anything worth writing about.  Writers' block, the winter doldrums, not sure what but I'll try to do better.  Its not like this winter has been awful.  We had lots of fun skiing (despite the awfulness of my last post), and we did lots of other things.  I guess there just wasn't anything that felt worth writing about.  But I shall do better.  Must capture those small, but significant moments...or something like that.

Anyway, its taken a truly momentous occasion to actually get me back on here.  I know, you're on the edge of you seat.  Well, the Jorgensons have added another member to our family.  No, not a baby (much to Sage's dismay), not a dog, cat, or any other animal.  We have finally purchased a camping tailer.  Let's hear a big WAHOO!!!  Sage just informed me the trailer is named Tiny, so there you go.  Why would we do something so foolish you ask?  Well, some of you might remember our failed attempts at camping last year.  We tried to go camping four times, actually succeeded only once.  This is unacceptable.  We love camping, so once a year is not okay.  I decided the only way to remedy this was by getting a trailer.  Now hear me out...Jake works more hours in a week than almost anyone I know.  He's always working.  Always.  This means we only have time for a quick one night camping trip.  I have no problem camping in a tent, but its a lot of work and that work is NOT worth it for one night.  No way.  Is the light bulb going on yet?  Yep, if we have a trailer we're all ready to go.  We just throw some food together, and off we go.  A night of fun and amazing family memories.  This is what I think anyway.  Jake has other opinions.  It took much negotiation and discussion to get him to agree to this trailer (Tiny).  I'm still not sure how it happened.  A moment of weakness on his part I'm sure.  Yes, I realize that this means any time there's a problem with the trailer it will always be my fault.  I'm prepared to take this stress upon myself in the name of family togetherness away from all cell phones.  Now I'm sending mighty prayers up that this will be as good of an experience as I've made it sound.  If its not, and we end up hating this trailer for some reason, I realize that I will never hear the end of it for the rest of my life.

Tiny (not so tiny in case you were worried)

So, if you need to find the Jorgensons this summer, you will have to drive up to the mountains.  Because that's where we'll be....The Jorgensons and Tiny.  Living the good life.  Feel free to join us for these memory-filled trips.  It will be well worth your time.

Family Ski Day!

Sage on the lift

Sage practicing her reverse snow plow

Jake and I are determined to teach our kids to ski.  We live so close to so many resorts it would be sad if they couldn't ski.  Plus, let's face it, winters here never end so you have to do something fun.  Teaching your kids to ski shouldn't be that hard, right?  Wrong!!  It is way harder than it sounds, let me tell you.  But we will not quit!  (A side note here:  teaching your kids to ski is not hard for everyone.  We, however, seem to be handicapped in this area)

So, this is how skiing goes in our family.  Jake grew up skiing and snow boarding.   He's amazing and loves it.  I did  not grow up skiing or snow boarding.  I'm trying to figure it out, but almost every time I've skied I could also tell you a story of some mishap.  Zack has had a bunch of lessons this year and has gotten pretty good.  I will admit that he gets down the mountain faster than I do.  He loves to go through trees and off jumps (little ones mind you).  Kate is more timid, but determined all the same.  The important part is that she loves it.  Sage is going to be our extreme skier I think.  The faster she goes, the more she giggles.  We really need to get her a helmet....

We're making progress, you see?  (well, everyone but me)  So this year I signed Zack and Kate up for ski lessons so that their times overlapped.  Kill two birds with one stone I thought.  Ends up that its not so easy.  Here is an example of a day of skiing with three kids:

We have passes to PCMR, and their parking is limited.  Very limited.  No worries, you can park at the high school and ride a shuttle.  No problem, right?  Wrong again!!  This past Saturday was Sundance.  That means Park City is packed with people.  That's ok, we plan ahead and leave really early.  The PCMR people told us a shuttle would be running to the high school.  So we parked at the high school and waited, and waited...  It finally became apparent that no shuttle would be coming, so Jake dropped me off with Zack and Kate.  We waited in line and got Kate's rentals, then ate lunch.  Got Kate geared up and into her class.  Deep breath, first one done.  Now to get Zack his gear.  Done and done.  So Zack and I manage a couple of runs before his lessons start.  During this whole time poor Jake and Sage are driving around, trying to figure out where to park.  Finally, two hours later (they did take a break for lunch), they were able to join us at the resort.  I get Zack to his lessons and rush to meet Jake and Sage.  Jake runs to the bathroom and right after he gets back Sage says she needs to go.  Of course.  Jake runs off to take her super fast while I wait, and wait, and wait.  Finally they get back.   What took so long?  Jake's nice Oakley glasses fell into the toilet while he was helping Sage go to the bathroom.  Awesome.  So we re-group to get some skiing in.  Make it down a couple of runs and then its time to get Kate from her lessons.  Kate's tired and doesn't want to ski anymore so Jake and Sage take off without us.  I put my skis in the rack along with my poles and Jake's poles (he doesn't use them when he has Sage) and Kate and I head downstairs to return her gear.  Fifteen minutes later we're back, but my skis are gone.  Yep, gone.  Are you kidding me??!!!  My poles were there, but the skis and Jake's poles were gone.  This might make sense if I had really nice skis, but I don't.  They're awful and ugly.  So I look all around and think I find them in another section of the racks.  So I take them and we head off to pick up Zack.  While we're waiting for Zack I look at my skis more and realize that they're really not my skis.  So Jake collects the kids while I walk back to the ski racks.  My skis are still gone.  Seriously.  So I head to the lost and found to tell them I took the wrong pair of skis.  The girl whose skis I stole had already been to the lost and found, so she got her skis back.  Unfortunately, she didn't have my skis.  Where in the world did my skis go??!!  I hope whoever took them breaks a leg or something.  Grrr.  So I finally tromp back to the car and we head home.  I think I walked like a mile in ski boots.  My feet still hurt.  Note to self:  Get new boots when you get new skis...

If you could see into the car on the way home, this is what you would see:  Three kids in the back seat totally happy with their day of skiing, completely unaware that anything had been difficult.  But when you look in the front seat you see two exhausted parents wondering if this is really worth it.  One of us in tears due to lost skis (that was Jake not me).

I would like to go back to the fact that the kids were happy, thus, success.  At least that's what I tell myself.

The moral to this story?  (there are many really)

1. Don't schedule ski lessons at the same time.  Its harder than it sounds.
2. Don't schedule ski lessons during Sundance.  There is no parking.
3. Forget about wearing ski boots until you're actually ready to ski.  Way to painful.
4. Don't put your sunglasses in your pocket when you go to the bathroom.
5. Keep your skis with you at all times, even if they're crappy and ugly.