School and updates

Alright, it has been forever since I last posted. I feel like this is first time I have had to catch my breath and actually spend some time on here to update.

So here are updates about out family:

Arik- working hard and doing everything he can to provide for our family. For about 6 weeks Arik and I only saw each other for about 8 days. It was crazy and he has been trying to make up for it by getting up with Aiden at night. He is also trying to get the young men more involved and has tried to make it to one sporting event or band thing or choir something of every one of the young men so that they know he cares. It amazes me to watch him try to come up with ideas to get the young men involved or to be creative in activities and such. He is an awesome Young Men's President.

Christina- I honestly don't know how in the world I am surviving. I am a full time grad student, teach two classes online, coach volleyball, help teach a co-op preschool with Kira, and am a full time mom. I was stupid for thinking I could do it all. I have realized that I am not super mom. (Disappointing I know). Some nights we have sandwiches and we eat dinner after 7 pm more nights then before 7. On positive notes, I am really liking school. As of right now I am getting better grades then I ever got in Rexburg. I am much more focused (it must be the age). Teaching is going good. I love helping kids learn math and love when that light bulb comes on. What a great feeling. Volleyball is stressful and I am really considering if I want to continue next year but then I like the money (we use it for Christmas). AS for being a mom, well it is the greatest thing. Aiden is full of smiles while his sisters are full of comebacks and "I don't like yous." Life is great. I am grateful for Women's Conference last night. I feel as though Pres. Utidorf (I know I totally spelled that wrong) talked right to me and for me. If you would like to see some of the things I have been doing at school, click on this website that I created. Throughout the semester we will continue to add links. http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/christinajorgensen/502/502.html

Brookelyn- Started 1st grade. (Pictures below) She loves it. She is continuing to read more and more words. Arik and I have to be careful about what papers we leave around the house (especially at Christmas time). She is riding her bike to school as long as the weather keeps up. She didn't ride her bike to school on Friday because it was picture day and "It would mess up our hair mom if we rode our bikes because of our helmets." I had to smile. She started dance again. This time it is a cheer and hop hop class. She loves it. She is a great help with Aiden and Kira and is such a joy. I am already getting into power struggles with her (which I thought didn't start until 12).

Kira-She started Preschool (again pictures below). She is actually attending two preschools. One is with our friend's Lacey Allen's little girl and MaKynzee her cousin (Tuesday Thur Thursday). The other is the co-op one with the kids in her primary class (Monday). The rest of her class meets on Weds also but she is already in the other preschool. I wish I could be strong to say no but I couldn't so we joined the co-op. I only have to teach 12 times out of the year but right now that feels like so much time. Kira is now writing her name. To some that might seem like a little late but she has had a sister that was more than willing to write anything for her. She is pretty excited about it and feels like she is "catching up" to Brookelyn. She started dance this year and loves it. She is in a class with MaKynzee and really likes to go. She loves to play dress up and ride her bikes. She is now into wearing skirts everyday (thanks MaKynzee). She can't wear a skirt while riding a bike (mom's rule) so she goes through two outfits a day. We are working on that one. She feels like she is a personal translator for Aiden. Any time he cries or coos, she lets me know what he is saying. It is really cute. I remember when Kira would follow Brookeyn around all day (okay still does when Brookelyn gets home from school). I can just see Aiden following her around everywhere. She loves to say "I can't" the minute you ask her to do something. But then most of the time she goes and does it. It must a reflex or something. I just can't believe how big she is getting.

Aiden- my dear sweet Aiden. He never talks back to me and then only time he cries is when he is tired or hungry. We think he is getting teeth because he is stuffy and has a little fever and hasn't been sleeping well (also swollen gums) but who knows. He has the bluest eyes and the longest eyelashes. He is starting to get hair and it is looking blonde (gasp!!). It is red in the back but up top it is looking more like Arik's hair. Go figure. Brookelyn is a little concerned but keeps telling us that it will turn red. He can hold his own bottle and even tips it up so that he doesn't suck air. He loves to sit with his sisters in his bumbo while they play. One day he was sitting in his bumbo and Kira was playing in front of him with her dolls and doll house. She had to use the bathroom and left to go. Aiden screamed the second he couldn't see her until she came back out. As soon as she sat back down he was all smiles and even cooing and talking to her. He is the cutest baby ever. He is growing up and entering the really fun stages. What a joy he is.

Now for the pictures you have been waiting for:

Aiden being cute. More cuteness.


Kira and Aiden one morning. Kira just had to have a picture with him. I love the smiles on both their faces.

My sister got the greatest outfit for Aiden. It says Forest Captain. On Arik's birthday it was a little chilly and Arik asked if we could put him in the outfit. It was so cute. Of course I did it. I then had to take pictures.

More of our little "Forest Captain".

So happy!!

Couldn't choose a picture so I added them all. Sorry.

Kira's first day of Preschool. She looks so grown up.

She wanted me to curl her hair "Like Brookelyn". So I did. It was so cute.

Brookelyn's first day of 1st grade. She is looking so grown up.

She looks older than she is. Watch out mom and dad!!