Sisters

I love my sisters!  This month I was able to go visit my baby sister, Tricia in Peoria, Arizona.  She just had her second baby,  and invited all the sisters to come for the blessing and a little "sister time." 

It was so much fun!

These are my two newest nieces.  I got to spend a lot of time with them over the weekend.  On the left is Rorie Jane and on the right is Annabella Rose.  (I couldn't convince Natalie or Tricia to let me bring one back to be McKenna's sister.)  Between the five of us girls, and Grandma and Grandpa, these two cuties got quite spoiled. 

But don't worry, we spoiled ourselves as well.  With the Arizona sunshine and the need to wear sandals, we had to get pedicures...

in BRIGHT spring colors.

We had fun doing each other's hair, makeup and sharing beauty tricks and tips.

We did a lot of shopping and of course a lot of eating.

It was almost like were were kids again.  We even had some late nights playing

games, talking and laughing.

There wasn't nearly enough time to do everything we wanted to do.  I am so lucky to have grown up in such an amazing family.  I love my brother too and we missed him, but I am sure he wouldn't have enjoyed the pedicures, hair and makeup stuff.  He hated sharing the bathroom with us growing up.  I am glad we have all stayed close and continue to find time to spend together. 

You guys are my BEST FRIENDS! 

Thanks for hosting, Tricia.

Who's having the next baby so we can do this all again?

Our Trip to Disney World

Christmas morning Carson and McKenna recieved a bunch of clues that they had to figure out all led to Disney World.  When they figured it out they recieved airline tickets and 5 day passes to the Disney World parks. 

The first week of February we flew to Orlando, Florida to see Mickey and his friends whileTanner and Austin stayed behind with family friends to attend to their school work.  We missed Tanner and Austin, but we called them every day to let them know how much fun we were having.  (I am sure they appreciated that!  No worries, they had their turn when they were in elementary school too.)

We hit four parks in four days and used the fifth day to go back to our favorite.  It was such a fun week!

At the Magic Kingdom we got poured upon.  Thank goodness Eric had packed everyone ponchos.  (He is such a thorough trip planner. I love it becuase it allows me to sit back, relax and enjoy!)  The rain didn't stop us, though it did stop everyone else.  We didn't have to wait in any lines, and got to go on our favorite rides multiple times.  At the end of the day, I was glad we had picked up some motion sick pills along with our groceries so I could get through the next four days. 

Carson and McKenna are thrill ride maniacs.  Unfortunately, Splash Mountain was closed so we only got to two of the three mountains in this park:  Space and Thunder.  That night we went to bed with high expectations of hitting a third mountain, Everest,  in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The morning began in Africa on Kilimanjaro's Safari.  There were so many amazing animals to see.  The weird weather must have made them anxious.  They were all on the prowl.  Eric was glad he got to see the wildebeests.  Carson was charged by a white rinoceros and ostriches, and McKenna was particularly impressed with the size of the gray back gorillas on the nature hike following the safari.  The gorillas are always my favorite too!

Leaving Africa we took a short stroll to Asia past the tree of life where we hit the Kali River Rapids (those ponchos came in handy again) and Carson and McKenna's soon-to-be, all-time favorite ride--Expedition Everest, in search of the mysterious Yeti. Of course everyone (even Marsha) waited until I was securely buckeled into the train and on the way up the hill before they told me, "Did you know this goes backwards?"  I didn't find that very funny as you can see from my picture:

We also rode Dinosaur.  This was a little intense for McKenna, so when Carson wanted to do it again she and Eric went to do some pin trading.  It looks like I should have joined them and maybe taken the guy in the front row with me...

At Epcot we toured the land of the dinosaurs with Bill Nye the Science Guy, explored the power of imagination with Figment, and became Kim Possible secret agents in Paris, plus much, much more.

As for thrill rides, this park had them too.  We had a great time on Test Track and a "blast" on Mission Space.  I opted for the less adventurous side of the mission space ride and convinced Carson and Marsha to join me.  I had too many friends warn me about this ride and how it had ruined the rest of their day.  McKenna and Eric went for the full experience.  We all loved it!  I did go back later in the day and try the full force of rocketing away from earth and slingshotting around the moon, WOW!  I am definately putting motion sickness pills on my gratitude list this year.  The cinematography of this ride was beautiful.  It is good I had that to focus on or I would have had to use the barf bags hanging on the seat belt halter.  Where else could you get an experience like that without going through the real space program - leave it to Disney!

I was looking forward to Disney's Hollywood Studios.  I love watching the live productions.  The energy and work the cast members have to put in amazes me.  I also love Rockin' Roller Coaster.  I had to really gear up for this park knowing Carson and McKenna would not let me get away with only one ride on the Rockin' Roller Coaster, or the Tower of Terror, or Star Tours. 

 

We took a little break from the rides to enjoy the Indain Jones Stunt Show.  Eric was chosen out of the audience to be an extra.  He was quite hillarious, especially when they asked him to act out a death scene.

By the end of the night we were all holding our stomachs.

 

That didn't stop us from going back to Animal Kingdom for our favorite park day and going on Everest again, and again and again.  We also were able to hit some of the attractions we couldn't get to like Rafiki's conservation station the Asian nature trail and observatory and the oasis.

Our evenings were just as packed as our days.  We had dinner with the Princesses, took in a dinner show at the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, and of course there were fireworks to see.  It was trip we will always remember.

January, Gone Already!

January has come and gone, but not without us taking time to celebrate one awesome dude! Awesome Austin is 14. I thought January went fast, where have the last 13 years gone? Austin has grown into such a handsome young man. I am proud of his hard work in every area of his life. He is an outstanding priesthood holder, student, pianist, budding guitarist, brother, son and friend. I particularly enjoy his sense of humor and compassion.  Happy Birthday, Austin!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I love Christmas music, especially when my kids are the artists. For Grandma Hirons' Christmas present this year, we put together a musical program for her and all her friends at the Clearwater Springs Retirement Home. It was a fun evening. A big thank you to the Reid and McKague family for joining us. This program was not only a treat for Grandma, but a piano recital for my students: Alex Reid, McKenna and Carson Sork. Austin needed a few service hours for his Duty to God program so he coordinated the event, put together the program and then if that wasn't enough, to complete his Communications merit badge he played MC for the night. It was a nice evening. We enjoyed being with Grandma Hirons and her friends. I hope you will enjoy a few highlights of the Sork Army performance:



Carson played Jingle Bells on his violin. He has only been playing since October. He has wanted to play the violin for so long. He took his birthday money and bought the non-refundable portion of his first violin so he could start in the orchestra program at the school. (Sorry for the layout of the movie, just tilt your head to the side and you'll get the idea...)





Austin is taking piano from a good friend of mine, Christy Dustin. She took over when it wasn't cool for Mom to be the piano teacher anymore. It has been about a year. She is doing a good job getting Austin to FEEL the music - though he still likes to play fast and loud - this is a view of his softer side:





McKenna loves to sing. Her voice was absolutely angelic, like a crystal bell. I hope she continues to develop this talent. Tanner and I are playing the duet as accompaniment. (By the way, Tanner thanks me for making him take piano lessons now - he has even gone as far as to say he wishes he hadn't stopped. He enjoys being able to play the hymns, little ditties and lead sectionals in his high school choir.)



Tanner has found a new love for music through singing. I believe this is his first public solo - Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella. Unfortunately, the video clip is too big to upload. So you will have to wait in suspense to hear him until the next time. But here is a picture:



I am so proud of my kids. We enjoyed the opportunity to share our talents with others and spread some Christmas cheer. We hope all who are seeking it find the peace and joy Christ brought to the earth this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!

Three Wise Guys and a Little Angel

Another one of our favorite traditions during the Christmas season is going to the Festival of Nativities at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have been doing this for years. There are so many beautiful nativities displayed throughout the festival from all over the world. We wander around looking at each one. At the end we all compare our favorites. My favorite nativity I saw about five years ago and haven't seen it since. It was a miniature scene of Bethlehem set inside a treasure box. The scene artistically expressed the feelings I have about my Savior and his mortal mission and ministry. The knowledge that he lived for me and died for me is a treasure. Now I display one of my nativities in a treasure box each year.

In the children's room at the festival they have a manger scene set up where kids can dress up and take part in the nativity story. My kids have been doing this for years! This year we went on the same night Tanner's High School Choir was performing. He told me in no uncertain terms he was not going to dress up for my picture, he would be too embarrassed. "Mom, it just isn't cool." As you can see I did get him to put on the King's crown that matched his Letterman's jacket. It then dawned on me: there weren't going to be too many years left with my oldest son at this event. So attitude or not, I was glad he was there.

Austin, despite all the kids from his school walking around, donned the costume and posed with his sister. I am sure it endeared the cute girl from his class, who happened to be in the room at the time, to him. Who wouldn't be attracted to a handsome boy who would work so hard to please his mother and show such care for his little sister. Hmmm, did he have some ulterior motives?

Carson was not sure what to do seeing the opposing reactions of his brothers. He finally followed his heart and let a little of the kid still left in him come through. What a joy he is to our family.

McKenna instantly knew she wanted to be the angel this year. And that she has been in every way. I am so thankful for my little girl.

It was a wonderful evening.

Oh, Christmas Tree - Oh, Christmas Tree

For the kick-off of our Christmas season, the Saturday after Thanksgiving we venture into the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest with several of our friends to find and cut our Christmas tree. This has been a fun tradition. We make sure the ipod is loaded with Christmas music for the drive. We pack our snow gear in the back just in case we get lucky and may need it, then we head off singing Christmas carols.

Finding the tree becomes a game of "Marco-Polo." When we find a tree we like we plant one of the kids by it so we can find it again should we decide it is THE ONE. By the end of the hunt we have kids strung across the forest claiming it is their tree that needs to come to our home.

Following the cutting and tagging of the tree, we have a tailgate party. On the menu are chili dogs, grapes, chips, and hot chocolate. Mmmm, so good after trampling through the forest in the cold.

Then we find a safe spot for target practice and Eric and his friends bring out their guns. We all get a chance to shoot. We were blessed this year with great weather and even got a little taste of mountain snow. This is a wonderful way to start the season.




The following Monday for Family Home Evening we decorate the tree. I am not a froofy tree person. The traditional tree suits me fine. I love pulling out ornaments from years past and letting the flood of memories wash over me. The kids enjoy it too. They each have their own stack of ornaments with special memories attached, and the night often ends with a lot of "remember when" stories. Who would give that up to have a gorgeous tree? Not me, I think my tree is the best tree there ever could be!

"Bear Testimony and Live It"

At this time every year, for the last two or three years, I think to myself, "I should start a blog." I have so many things I want to record and share with the important people in my life. Yet, year after year goes by and still there is no Sork blog. So what's been stopping me? Well, there are a few things:

First is the time factor. How in the world am I going to keep a blog up to date? According to my scrapbooks McKenna is still 1 and Tanner is years away from High School. I finally took all my stamping supplies over to my neighbor and told her to enjoy them because they were just taking up space and collecting dust at my house. My hobbies now are trying to keep up with my kids, dating my husband and occasionally riding my bike. Where does a blog fit into that schedule?

Then there is the question, "Do I really have anything important enough to say?" I write in a journal to better understand myself and my feelings. I use it to record my important impressions. Occasionally I pull these journals out to read and remind myself of the things that are most important. I review the lessons I've learned long enough to realize I am still trying to learn them and then shove the journal back under the bed or up in the attic. When I am dead and gone I hope someone will find them and remember me, but these things are not really blog material. What would I fill a blog with?

Elder Bednar, in the last general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said we should "bear testimony and live it." Well, here it is a record of my testimony - not shoved under the bed or up in the attic (though that will probably still happen for the really juicy stuff) but evidenced in a blog through the life I live, pictures and thoughts included. (Sounds like a journal and scrapbook in one - should cut down on time, right?)