How I Became a Jorgensen!

How I Became A Jorgensen

I saw this on Kat's blog and decided that today was a great day to copy!

1. Where did you meet your spouse? At the singles ward. We grew up in the same stake and never met. I do remember, right before I met him, sitting by his whole family at stake conference. (I was there by myself) It was funny because I remember his mom and kat and dave saving seats and then everyone else came in late and at different times. Side note: the person who sat by me was Debbi Yamamoto who later became a good friend. Funny huh?
2. What was the first thing you said to your spouse? I have no idea. I really don't remember. He was kind of shy. I do remember him calling up for Danielle. They were set up for the Presidential Date Night that the singles ward does every year. So basically Danielle went out with him first.
3. Where was your first date? We have an "official" first date. It was in July. He actually asked me out and picked me up and everything. (He didn't have a car so I usually drove to his house.) We went with Tyler and Mindy to Cafe Rio and to see Big Daddy. We were with Tyler's mission companions and then we went a big mansion in Orem (the former owner of WordPerfect or something).
4. Where was your first kiss? In my room. (or the hot tub a few months before that, depending on who you talk to)
5. Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement? Met sometime in January of 1999, became friends then began dating in June/July and engaged in October and Married in March. Short compared to my friends who were all engaged for a year or something like that, but long by LDS standards.
6. Where did you get engaged? This is funny. October 30, 1999. That is right 8 years ago today. At Rodizio Grill. It was a Saturday in Utah so it was basically Halloween. Eric's family tends to do alternate Halloween activities. This time is was dinner out. I had my tonsils out a week or two before this. I couldn't eat and could barely talk. I think I had mashed potatoes and mango juice (I had an allergic reaction that night and now know that I am allergic to mangoes). I had known he had the ring for a week. I had been at home and didn't have much to look forward to. Back to dinner... There was a birthday being celebrated at the table next to ours and when the servers were singing happy birthday, Eric leaned over and whispered,"Will you marry me?" I was so shocked I actually said, "You are doing it here?" I even held out the wrong hand. He put the ring on under the table and we didn't tell anyone. We left and told his grandma first. Then we went to my house and told my parents and then his house. It wasn't a big surprise for anyone except for the way he asked. That was a surprise. and that was his goal!
7. Where were you married? Salt Lake Temple, March 11, 2000. Spring Break Saturday. Never ever do that!! It was crazy! I was bride 67 or something crazy like that.
8. How did your reception go? It was fun! It was a party by LDS standards. Calm compared to most of my friends weddings. We had dancing and it was fun. I didn't eat. I heard the food was good.
9. Where did you go on your honeymoon? We went to St George. Not a lot of money and it was a good thing, since I got sick and spent a few of the days not being able to do anything! We did go into vegas for one day. That was okay.
10. If you could change anything about your day what would it have been? I think that I would have eaten. And when we cut into the cake we got the carrot cake layer. I hate carrot cake. For the most part I loved the whole day. I think I might have gotten married later in the day and then had the reception right after. And I would have had the reception at a larger venue. More room to party!!

Taco Tuesday

It took me 7 1/2 years of marriage to realize that Eric loves tacos. No, I mean LOVES tacos. His whole family does. I would hardly ever make tacos. I like tacos but I am not in love with tacos. So a few weeks ago I began Taco Tuesday. Every Tuesday night we have tacos. Eric loves it! I repeat, LOVES it. He knows what he i having and is excited about it! So if it is Tuesday and you are hungry stop by. We are having tacos and there is always plenty to share!

Mama S

At Savannah's school they teach that each letter has a mama (capitol) and a baby. Savannah knows that her name starts with a mama S. So every where we go, every S we see, Savannah shouts out, "That's my Mama S!". Every where. If she sees an S in a sign, on a shopping cart, even on a piece of candy at See's. I am so proud that she knows her letters, but I think that I am realizing that S's are pretty much everywhere! Why didn't I name her a name with the letter Q? Just kidding. I love that she does it, it makes me laugh.

Messy Faces

Here are some recent photos of our girls. Contrary to how it appears, I do wash their faces.

Olivia after she ate a jar of baby food. She loved it, as you can see!


Savannah after our outing to the Grand Opening of the See's Candies in Draper. Yep, we are see's fans. (not really, read Danielle's Blog) It was fun to go to the opening we won free stuff. The kids loved getting suckers and hats. Savannah had a chocolate sucker.



Cousins used some make up and gave Savannah a mustache. I think I like her without it. What do you think? She wouldn't stop sticking out her tongue. I guess it goes with the look!

Flashback Friday

These are pictures from last Halloween. The Hitesman Girls and Savannah were all cowgirls. It was so cute to see how much fun they had being the same thing. Eric's parents stopped by on their way to dinner to see our newly installed countertop. We didn't have any lights yet so it was dark. It is fun to see Dave in all these pictures. We miss him tons! This was also a fun Halloween since Paul and Ben were here to celebrate with us.

Punkins, Witches And Princesses, OH MY!

Halloween is full force around here. Savannah's class had their party today. As I dropped off the girls I grabbed a few pictures.

Halloween Party at Dance

Here are some pictures of Savannah at her Halloween party for dance. They all wore costumes and had so much fun. It was today since the studio will be closed next week for UEA. Savannah is a U of U cheerleader. The funny thing is that for weeks she has been saying that she is going to be a "punkin" but today she wouldn't put on the costume. Her teacher was even surprised that she wasn't a punkin, that is how much she has been saying it. Tomorrow is her party at school. Let's see if she is a "punkin" then.

I couldn't really get Savannah to smile. She was eating a tootsie roll. So take note and take the pictures before they get the candy open.
Back Row: Jamie (teacher), Sophie

Front Row: Ellie Ware, Ricki, Brianna, Savannah and Lexi.

Mom's Party

Here are some pictures from mom's party last night. we ordered chinese food and ate lots of yummy cake. The kids were so cute (and really loud). Check out Danielle's blog for the group picture.

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

Today is my mom's birthday! She is truly one of the most amazing people I know. She will be there when I need her and even when I think I don't she knows better. As I get older and go through different experiences I respect my mom a lot. There are many things that I don't think would have happened to me if my mom was not there to guide me. Thanks Mom for all you do for me and those around me. You are amazing! Here are just a few of the things that make you amazing:

• Raising 5 daughters who are all still friends


• Being married to my Dad for almost 41 years


• Quilting, Quilting Quilting and teaching so many that it is not hard!


• Salsa (teaching and canning)


• Being a friend to many (including people my age who I couldn't stand, life lesson there!)


• Amazing cook (eric loves the leftovers!)


• Moving to Draper before Draper was cool from California and your family


• Having a testimony and always doing what is right


• teaching us by example that it is not what you have that makes you happy but the people around you and who you are

There are so many more. I could go on all day but I need to clean up the house so we can party for you tonight! Thanks Mom! Love ya! Bring on the cake!

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Okay this got long. Be ready.

Last night we went and saw Olympus High's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. My dad bought tickets for all of us. Stewart, who works with my dad, has a very talented family and his daughter was Millie. Savannah and I left Eric and Olivia at home. So it was a great mommy and Savannah time. We even practiced clapping in the car. It was a great time. Savannah was loving it. She was on my lap for most of the time. Towards the end she started dancing in the aisle. I was trying to control it without too much noise. Kids are kids, but well I guess there is more below. Unfortunately Savannah and I left at the intermission. This was for two reasons. One was because it was almost 9 pm and I thought I would need to go and feed olivia. The other has a story.

Two older ladies were sitting behind me. Old Lady 1 was directly behind me. Old Lady 2 was behind the empty seat Savannah should have sat in if she wasn't sitting on my lap. This their converstation at the intermission.

OL 2: Isn't this great. The singing is so good.
OL1: I don't know I can't tell and I can't see.
OL2: Oh the dancing is so great, don't you think?
OL1: I don't know I can't see.
It goes on you get the point, I think you know where this is going.
A minute later, OL1 taps me on the shoulder. She asks me is there is anyway I could control my daughter. She tell me how cute the dancing is and how it is great the she is excited but she really needs to be still. And she really needs her to be completely still. She needs to be able to see the show because she is judging it. Yep judging it. How is it that my luck is so great that the woman judging the show is directly behind me. I was so caught off guard that I decided the we should go home. I wanted to stay but I couldn't handle someone making me that my parenting skills are not good enough to control my 3 year old who was loving the show.
The funny thing is that this is not my first run-in with older people. It happened once before at bajio. An older couple YELLED at me for the kids in our group being loud. It wasn't even Savannah. Is is just me the old people look for or what? Have any of you ever had this happen to you?

Jacque

Okay, Jacque was just a little bugged with me for posting the picture of her in her Oktoberfest Costume. So I am making it up to her with some really cute pictures of her. I posted as many as I could find! Sorry Jacque! Please forgive me. I love you and think you are the greatest sister ever! Am I forgiven? I know you don't like this pictures, but I will take more and then post the really cute ones!

Flashback Friday

Okay, I am stealing this idea from danielle. I hope she doesn't mind. These pictures are from last year when Savannah and I went to virginia to have a nice visit with the becks! We had a great time! It is fun to see how much savannah has changed in the last year. when i am holding the pumpkins at the pumpkin patch you have to take 3 steps. yes only 3! but mind you I am around 17 weeks pregnant and this was no easy task. in fact, i am not sure why i got to be the one to hold the pumpkins and not nicole. i love the picture of jamison pulling savannah. so cute! this was a great day and i wish i knew of a place like this one around here. the donuts were yummy too!

Ballet the Monkey

We have a new member of our family. I think anyone who knows Savannah knows Duck. He was and is a dear part of our family. (We even have a spare duck!) Well, We have just added to our unique family with a sock monkey named Ballet. Savannah found her at Lazy Daisy and just had to have her. She had to have two but I said only one! When I asked her what she was going to name her, she simply said "Ballet". Duh, Mom! Ballet was with us all through our time in St George. She had her own place to sit and dine with us. She even tasted the cinnamon spread from Pizza Factory. We are not sure if Ballet will replace Duck or Baby (her Bitty Baby) but We are sure that Ballet is here to stay! Yeah, I know real creativity on the names!

Great Weekend!

We went to St George this weekend. It was a little work and little relaxation. We left Thursday morning and returned home Sunday around 2 pm. Both drives were great! We actually made the drive home without stopping! Eric replaced the bathroom counters at my parent's house. He had two guys helping him. The new counters look great! While the men were working on Thursday, my mom and I took the girls and went to our favorite quilt shop, Lazy Daisy! This is one place I always look forward to visiting! It didn't disappoint! We had Pizza Factory for dinner and found a new dessert that I am wanting right now. The plain breadsticks and their cinnamon butter spread! It is like a cinnamon roll that is so good!! YUM! We spent the rest of the weekend just hanging out! I finished 3 stitchery pillows. And cut out a few other projects! Thanks to My mom and Eric for helping with the kids! Savannah jumped in the pool only to immediately get out again. The water was cold but the air was just cool! We also found Moda's Holly Jolly fabric for 40% off! One thing we always have is a milk shake. This time is was from a new place called Marv's. The banana cream pie shake was to die for! I didn't order this but I did taste it. I would totally reccommend it and I plan on getting next time! Savannah loved the attention she got from all the adults. It was a great weekend! So relaxing and calm. I think I could have a weekend like that all the time!

Oktoberfest at Porcupine Grill

So I don't know how many people know that Jacque is a server at Porcupine Grill. Well she is and October at Porcupine means it is Oktoberfest! Jacque gets to wear a cute outfit and serve a special menu (I have heard that you should stick the normal menu though!). Today we decided it was time to see Jacque and her cute outfit in action, but since we all have lots of kids and well not a lot of fun for lunch with the girls, we got take out. The salad was yummy and seeing Jacque in her outfit was fun!

Going Camping!

Well, I think was blogging way too much today because I didn't notice the quiet noise until it was too late! Savannah & Lexi had moved about half of the contents of Savannah's room onto the stairs. When I asked them what they were doing, Lexi easily replied that they were "going campin". Yep! camping! It actually reminded me of what we did as kids so I guess it is my turn to watch and laugh as kids do what they do!

W is for Witch!

Today was W / Witch Day at school. Savannah and Lexi came home wearing the cutest witch hats! They do some of the cutest crafts at school! At times I am amazed at the creativity that these wonderful teachers have and use each day with our children! Now if I could just get them to hold still for a picture!

old pictures

I have been going through old photos and sorting in a lame attempt to scrapbook my life! (Or at least start on savannah's) So many of you may be getting a few copies of my pictures. Remember the day when you got doubles, yeah well I don't need them so expect a delivery of pictures! Here are some funny ones from 2000! I hope they bring back memories to all of you!


Katherine & Dave making slime with borax. Cute, huh?!? He is 12, I think she was 17.

This Monica Dalton Steadman. This was taken at a Young Women's Activity. She is now my hair stylist. She is in the yellow.




Nicole at another hard day at work or planning her wedding. (or playing solitare!) Check out the short shorts!



Danielle eating a popsicle. I also found a picture of McBrent. I think I chose wisely not to post that!



Me with my long hair, this is what my natural color is. Love the white nylons! Am I hot or what?

Pajamas for Dress Ups!

Today I watched my niece and nephew. Elena is 3 (a few months older than Savannah) and Josh is 21 months old. All kids went to play in Savannah's room. I went to check (referee) on them making sure the peace was contained and found Elena and Savannah "dressing up" in jamas. It was so funny! Elena loves to play dress up. I think every time she comes to our house she ends up in something eelse. It is so fun!

General Conference Weekend

As a kid General Conference Weekend meant that we didn't have to go to church and we could play all day. I remember many times where we would set up a whole huge play area on our back patio and play for hours. Since I met Eric, this weekend is so much more.
It starts out with the The Newquist Group breakfast. All go to Little America for a breakfast and a meeting with a political flair. The idea is that this group is looking for like minded individuals and for bringing attention to different social and political issues. Eric's dad is in charge. My attendance has been sporadic since Savannah was born. Kids will do that. We all race home to catch the first session of conference. We used to watch a couple of the sessions at his parents house but with kids we just stay home with our own chaos. For the priesthood session, all the brothers and his dad will go together to their parent's stake. Last night was a special night since Craig surprised us with a visit so all the boys were with their Dad. (Except David who is serving his mission in Michigan!) Then we all have dinner at the parents house. Last night we had chili and pigs in the blanket for the kids! On Sunday we all gather together after the last session and have dinner. Eric's mom will usually say something about how another conference has come and gone. She passes out treats during conference like granola bars or trail mix. It is this weekend that I really miss Katherine. I have so many memories of hanging with her and Vickie and April while the guys are at priesthood. Conference time is really a special time for us. It is all about listen to the leaders of our church and spending quality time with our family. I really love being part of a family that makes conference a priority in their lives. So every six months you know where I will be!

get ready for trouble!

olivia is standing! Well, not quite totally. But she is almost there. Tonight she was by the green lego box and was holding onto it for few minutes. Then she did it. She let go. She stood there for about 3 seconds and then she fell. I didn't know whether to be happy or sad or scared. I kind of feel like once she starts to stand it is all downhill from there. With her already crawling like a mad woman, it is just going to get harder from here! Pray for me! I will need it to keep up with her!

pin numbers

So today was a wierd thinking day for me. I got savannah a happy meal and the change was the pin number of a person I knew in college. This person always let you know his pin number and it brought back so many funny memories about pin numbers. (for those of you who never were part of a sorority, a pin number is the order in which you joined and were initiated into that particular sorority or fraternity). My pin number is 1513, I think. Funny how this number meant to much to me back then. The older you got in the sorority you could call "pin" on someone and be the older wiser person. I got to be really old by my 5th year! You would use this number to line up for chapter meeting. I was by Mindy Tuckett. I think Brandi Wentz was by me too. Not sure. Until I was president this meant a lot. Then I just was the head of the line. I think even as secretary I got to be up front. Anyway, it is funny how your change from mcdonald's can bring up so many funny memories!

One for the Record Books!

Okay, those who have been in my room know that there is usually ton of stuff on my dresser. Not so right now! I have successfully cleaned it up! I have organized my jewelery so it is not out on display in a big pile, put away various papers that always seem to pile up, and thrown away that stuff of little or no value to me or anyone else. I was quite proud of my accomplishment (courtesy of a long nap by Olivia). Eric asked when I was going to tackle the rest of the room. Hold your horses, buddy! We have only been in our room for two years now!! (And I am in the midst of bins of clothes for both girls and the rotation of seasons!) So here is the picture to prove it!

Behind the Couch!

There is a space between our couch and the that all kids find and play in or use as a tunnel. The kids love this space. They chase each other, hide treasures, dump stuff, put pillows and blankets for coziness. We have even had a babysitter get stuck behind there playing with savannah. Well, Olivia is now in that group of kids. I was getting something from the kitchen and heard her making happy sounds and wasn't at all worried about her. I found her on the "exit" of the tunnel. She had managed to go through the entire space and was happy (and she seemed a little proud of her accomplishment) to have made it out alive. Eric and I were amazed that she wasn't scared and was so darn cute! Way to go Livvy!

Snow on Saturday!

The first snow has come to Sandy. It wasn't a lot and it wasn't really cold but it snowed! The girls and I were at my mom's house and as we were leaving snow started falling. (It was already kind of snowing / raining when we got there and Savannah and my mom were debating whether it was snowing or raining.) As we drove home Savannah was just amazed at the snow. I guess the first snowfall of the season always amazes children. When we got home she ran out the front door and just held her hand out to feel the snow. It was so sweet. Once back inside she ran from the front of the house to the back and declared that it was snowing in the backyard as well! She ran back and forth for about 15 minutes! It was so cute!

**On a side note, I was talking to Nicole on the phone and she was saying how it was 80 degrees in Richmond! Crazy!