HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! scroll to bottom and turn off music..

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My best present ever...

I love being a Mom! What a blessing all of my children are to me. This story, however is about JS. If any of you know my JS you know what a giving and sweet boy he is. He is always there with a flower for me or for his Aunts and Grandma's. He is always telling me in my worst moments that he thinks i'm beautiful (4 and 5 times a day). He is very thoughtful of his siblings and parents. All this while being a rough and tough little boy.
Today for show and tell JS took a new buzz lightyear toy to share with the children. His preschool teacher has a little 2 year old that JS is constantly cottling and taking care of. He loves this little boy! He talks about him constantly. Raiden did this...Raiden did that...
When he got to school thismorning and took out his Buzz Lightyear, his teacher said to him...Uh oh JS...you'd better show that and put it back in your bag before Raiden sees it. Unfortunately, JS didn't get it in the bag in time, and of course Raiden took the toy and held it to his chest the rest of classtime. Of course JS was ok with this because he is so good at sharing.
When I arrived today for their Christmas program Raiden was upstairs watching 'The Incredibles' with JS's Buzz lightyear clutched to his chest! What a cutie! The kids had a special program for their Mom's and made a way cute calendar. When we were leaving Raiden's Grandma was telling me how nice JS was for letting Raiden have his Buzz and then told me that Raiden didn't have a Buzz and they've been looking for one. She also told me that Buzz was Raiden's first word! Of course JS was there and heard all of it.
When we arrived home, we put JT down for a nap. When it was time to get JL from school, JS took me in my room with his Buzz that Santa brought him last year and told me it was time for this Buzz to go. Buzz needed a new home with Raiden. I told JS that he didn't have to do that, and that his Buzz was special to him. He told me that Buzz would be more special to Raiden. So after picking JL up from school, we drove to the preschool and gave Raiden a new Buzz Lightyear (that Steven and I bought in Disneyland last year). Raiden was so excited!! Of course Raiden's Mom tried to tell us not to do it, but JS looked her in the eye and told her that it was ok and that it was for Raiden. With tears in her eyes she told JS thank you.
Later in the car, JS told me that it made him happy to give his Buzz to Raiden. What a sweet, good boy I have and I think that his love and unselfishness will be my most favorite and best present ever...

Anyone up for a concert??...

Ok. So I bought Steven tickets to see Celine Dion (don't tell anyone, but he likes her..) It was origionally going to be in November, but she postponed it to Sunday, Feb 22. We are unable to attend that day, so we are selling our tickets. 120.00 for both tickets. Section 135 Row 12 Seats 14 and 15. They are origionally 67.00 a ticket. We are super sad that we are going to miss it, but we'll just put in her CD and pretend...haha!

Not a lot to blog about...

I wish I had a camera so I could take pictures of something to post here...but alas..I don't.
So i'll just say hello e-friends and family...all is well at our home. We are just busy busy getting ready for Christmas. It's gonna be tough to top last year's Disneyland trip...don't think it will happen, but still! It's going to be wonderful to be together as a family and enjoy the magic and spirit of the season. I love Christmas! We are so blessed.

Gone Fishin...

We were able to go to Park City last night. Thank goodness JT started feeling better

and my good brother took my boys while Heidi took my JL. So Brandon took the boys fishing. Aren't they cute? And proud of their fish? Love it! Thanks Brandon and KelliAnn!!! And THANKS to Heidi, too!!!

A sign of things to come??

My anniversary was on Tuesday. 8 years. So the plan was...Tuesday night make Steven a fancy dinner and snuggle with him all night. Friday ... go to Park City, check in early... swim .. barbeque... go to Celine Dion... come back to Park City and spend the night... SOUNDS GOOD, RIGHT???

Well...last week I get a phone call from my very good friend saying..."Have you heard the bad news??? Celine Dion cancelled her show and moved it to February 22...a Sunday." Nice. So Steven and I decided that we would feel worse going on a Sunday than we would feel good about being at her concert...so ticket refund, here we come. Bummer.
Double bummer when Steve's boss (who I don't like so much) decided that since the weather was nice...they had better head back up to Wyoming to work on the outside of a cabin...ON MY ANNIVERSARY and have been gone all week. No nice dinner...no snuggling...period. Over. So I spent my anniversary alone which was not ok, but ok because I couldn't cancel my Park City hotel, so alone or not I was going to Park City. The babysitters were still cool with taking the kids, and it was going to be alright. We were leaving thisafternoon, but WAIT! JT starts throwing up! Prolly no Park City overnighter for me...and no anniversary celebration. I sure hope this doesn't have some sort of connection to what the next year has to bring...
Am I allowed to say it??? This has been a BAD WEEK!!!

Launch Honoree 2008

My Dad works at a company that helps build the solid rocket motors for the space shuttle. He has worked there since I was in 1st grade. I have always been proud of the space program and I find it very exciting. When it was time for me to do science experements for school, I always went to my Dad for help. Dad would provide pictures, patches, and sometimes actual melted rocks from test fires. It was always fun to work with Dad and exciting to me to think about space.

Everyday my Dad gets up early and goes to work without complaint and does his job the best that he can. Then he comes home, and works around the house. He is such a good guy. I am pretty sure i've gushed about my love for him on my blog before...but just so you know, my Dad is top notch. This year he was awarded the launch honoree award. It is the 2nd highest award he can recieve at the company. He was able to fly with my Mom to Florida and watch the launch that was successful last night. Dad has been sent to Florida a couple of times before to help fix a few things, but has never seen a launch himself. Last night was the first time for him. When the speakers rang out...'WE ARE GO FOR LAUNCH'...I couldn't help but beam with pride. All these years and all this time...and he's finally seeing the end result. When I spoke with him thismorning, he told me that there wasn't a word to describe it. I told him that there wasn't a word to describe how much I love him, and how proud I am of him. I do believe that our loved ones from the other side can be with us when events in our lives occur and I do believe that my Grandpa was with my Dad last night. Grandpa was always proud of my Dad and loved the space program as well. Grandpa had a belt buckle with the shuttle Challenger on it, and Dad had it with him last night. I know that Grandpa is proud of my Dad, and so am I. He's has achieved so many things in his life, but nothing so great as that of being a GREAT DAD.

Dad is in Disneyworld today with his wife...the Queen of Disney. He called and said that they were eating lunch between two families with kids. He wanted me to tell his Grandkids that he loves them, and misses them. I love that he tells us so much how he feels about us. We don't ever have to question it. I hope he doesn't ever have to question our love for him, too. We love you Daddy...

Proud to be an American...

I've heard recently a lot of people that are saying...'i'm FINALLY proud to be an American..'

Does this upset anyone else? I hope they don't mean that they weren't proud before...because i've been proud to be an American since I was a little girl watching parades where the old soldiers walked down the street with the American flag. It brought tears to my eyes then, and still does now. I have been proud to be an American since the space shuttle Challenger blew up and all the American flags came out of homes and were displayed. I have been proud to be an American since I was little and said the pledge of allegiance with my classmates. I have been proud to be an American since I worked in the scouting program and was able to salute the flag with my boys. I have been proud to be an American since 9/11 when those towers fell and America came together to support eachother because if it's one thing we have in common, it's the fact that we are ALL AMERICANS. Despite our differences we are all brothers and sisters of the same God that gave us life, and we are all here on this blessed land to learn and grow together.
I am proud of America for wanting and needing equality in this last election, however it is not just the fact that we've elected the first African American president that makes me proud. I am glad that America has gotten passed prejudice, but it's the fact that I have lived here all my life, and i've always been proud to be an American where at least I know i'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I proudly stand up next to you and defend her still today. Because there ain't no doubt I love this land. GOD BLESS THE USA!

Blogging Safety...

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=4699330

I saw this story on KSL the other night, and it made me need to change my blog...
So from now on, i'm not going to list my kids' names or too much more info about my family. Hope you can keep up with the initials instead...THANKS Monica for posting this on your blog as well...

JS is 5 years old!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my hansome JS! We love you big guy!!

What did you say??? Halloween is over??

Here's JLat her school parade...Thanks Jenny for getting this one! Sooo cute!


TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!! JS as Buzz Lightyear!!! Isn't he handsome? And What?!! He's turning 5 tomorrow!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET JS!!!


It was kinda a silly costume, but cheap! And here's Jaden Terrel dressed at Terrel. Hehehe! My Dad was pretty surprised, too. Soo funny...and I taught him to say DADBURNIT!! Which is the closest thing to swearing i've ever heard my Dad come.



JL dressed as a spider witch! I am not sure what she's doing with her cheeks there...but yeah. She and I had a lot of fun doing this costume. Thanks Angie for letting us borrow it, and for the fun idea! It was a blast to do her hair and make up, she's so dang funny and cute! Love that girl!

Finding joy in the journey...

Thank you to everyone who left NICE comments on my last post. I was really having a bad, bad day, but I am feeling much better thanks to good people like you and my sweet friends and family.

Today I was excited when the mailman came with my copy of the Ensign's conference report. I have really wanted to read President Monson's talk on Sunday morning. I guess I could have looked online at LDS.org but didnt. I'm glad I read it this afternoon. In his conference talk his remarks are about enjoying the journey that we are on. He talks about how the one thing that is constant is change. It is so true that life comes at you fast, and it can change in an instant. But his remarks are about those changes that happen gradually, like that of raising children. I just want to share a couple of his quotes:

"...If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will-to your surprise-miss them profoundly."

He also talks about telling people now that we love them... "...Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It's so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they're gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of "what if" and "if only." Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, "The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone."

I want all of my family and friends to know how much they mean to me. I will try to be better at letting you know this. I will be a better daughter, Mother, Wife and friend. I know i'm not perfect, and I definately am not allowed to have a bad day, but I am trying. I am trying to do what my Heavenly Father needs and wants me to do. I have 3 fantastic children and an amazing Husband who loves and cares for me. I love my extended family and Steve's as well. I know that they don't think i'm great, but we are all doing the best that we can, and for me...that's all I can do. I know that I am a daughter of God. That I was sent to this Earth for a purpose and that if I continue to stay on the path i've chosen, then I will be blessed beyond measure. I can look at myself in the mirror everyday and know that God loves and cares for me because I am His daughter. I have asked Him to help me feel of his love for me, and I feel it. I know He is there. I know He loves and cares for each of us individually. He knows our hurts, our wants and our needs and I am going to be better at finding joy in my journey.

Trying to smile...

Why is it that everyone around me has exactly what they want? Or at least it seems that way...? I mean, I do what i'm supposed to do...I pay my tithing, I go to church, I have Family Home Evening, I pray, I ask and I beg for help...for something to happen to change our situation. And still...no matter what happends, everyone around me is happy, healthy, and moving along their path very well, and I stay put. Right here. Right in the same spot. Never moving. Always sticking to the same lonely place. Why? Why am I still in this rut? Why can't I have what I need? Why do I have to have these problems?
I know I sound ungrateful, but I am grateful. Is it so wrong to want something better for myself and for my family? Am I a horrible person for wanting a safe place for my children to grow and learn? Is it wrong to want more? I want more. I want a place for JL to grow...a little room for her. I want a little backyard without any drug needles in it. I want to be happy.
I've always thought that happiness was a choice, and i've chosen to just be happy for a long time now. I think i'm tired of faking it. I'm tired of pretending that it's all ok. It's NOT ok, but i'll keep trying to smile.

CONFESSION...

My bloggin buddy, Wendi helped me get this out...

Ok...I LOVE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!!! I know, i'm a grown woman in love with Zac Efron. Call me a cougar, whatever. I love him. I love the whole series!

Of course, my camera is broken, so I don't have any pictures of our day at the theater, but JL and I went with our friends, Olivia, Angie, and Melanie to see HSM3. I laughed, I almost cried, and cheered right out loud with all the other 7 year olds in the theater. (I think I might have embarrassed JL). LOL

So thanks to Wendi and all the other girls for letting me get this out...I LOVE IT! ALL OF IT!!

It was a good time, and a good girls' afternoon!

Hubby TAG...

Name: Steven Douglas Peterson

Birthday: July 14th, 1978 (Yeah...he's old...)

Where from: Beaver, UT

Job: Works painting houses, goes to school, works for the mortuary, Father to 3 kids and 1 naggy wife...

Favorite TV show: He has a few...The Office, Heroes, Prison Break, and the sports on the news... yay channel 5!

Favorite book: Steven likes lots of books, but I think he likes Harry Potter the most...one summer he read them all at once, and I thought we would never see him til school started!

Hobbies/Interests: Steven likes me the most...hahaha...but he likes a lot of other stuff too...(and he's good at it all!!!) Basketball, Baseball, Football, Snowboarding, Golfing, Fishing, Hunting, reading to JS, playing poker on his cell phone, family and friends...

Favorite Food: Seshuan chicken (sp?) from Yu's Mapel Garden..they seriously know him by name...Which he always said was a goal of his...LOL

What do you like about him?: I like everything about him...he's everything I ever wanted...he's a good Dad and Husband. He's got the 'yes dear' thing down well, and he still winks at me... oh and he looks awesome with a hat on backwards...mmmm

Any other interesting facts about him?: Steven has a blonde patch on the top of his head that other people think is just a bad dye job, when in fact, it's his birthmark. His entire scalp on that side has no pigment in it. It makes it easy to pick him out in a crowd. Also, he's colorblind...and he paints houses!! hahaha! He wanted to be an air force piolot when we were first married, but they wouldn't take him cuz his eyes are color deficient...
He's left handed like me, and both JL and JS are right handed.
Like I said earlier, he's good at everything he does. If he puts his mind to something, he'll accomplish it. I couldn't be more proud to be married to him.
Nobody is perfect, but I also must say that he is one of the most Christlike people I know when it comes to loving people. He has a sensitive side that hardly anyone sees especially when it comes to people in need. Steven would do anything for anyone at anytime. He works hard, and is very giving. I love him so much, and the best part is that he picked me to be his wife! What a blessing!

I tag: Whoever wants to be tagged!!! This was a fun way to remember why you married your hubby!!!

BOO!!!

I've been booed!! Thanks Aunt Debbie...

This tag is about the spooky Halloween holiday! I, too love Halloween. I didn't always like it, but it's a lot more fun now that we have little gobblins runnin around this crazy mortuary apartment! Plus, it's my sis in law KelliAnn's birthday, and WE LOVE KELLIANN!!

What was your favorite costume as a kid? I had a pumpkin costume in the 4th grade that required at least a month's worth of newspaper to fill. It was quite scratchy and itchy, but I remember my Mom taking part of her day to come to my school, shove me into the costume, and stuff me full of newspaper. It was nice of her to do that...LOL Love you Mom!!

What is your favorite Halloween candy? Honestly...I am not a big fan of candy. I would much rather have the carbs, thank you. My wasteline shows that I love carbs, too!!

Do you have a Halloween tradition? Yes...we always go to the ward's trunk or treat, and to all of the Grandma's houses. It kind of gets late by the time we're done. Our kids have 4 Grandma's to visit so it's busy. Now that Halloween is also a family member's birthday, we celebrate at my Mom's house with taco soup (KelliAnn's favorite). Hey...we have to do things to suck up to her...after all, we don't want her giving back our brother!!

Have you ever given a trick instead of a treat? Hehehe...can I plead the 5th?? Some of the 'recievers' of such tricks could be reading...

I boo (at least 3 people)... Angie, Monica, and Traci. Oh and anyone who reads and wants to write down their Halloween experiences for fun!!!

Mary who?

Ok I have the cutest friend, Melanie Layton...href="http://WWW.LAYTONLOVIN.BLOGSPOT.COM"> She is probably just about the nicest, most Christlike person I know, and she needs your help!
She just recently became a Mary Kay consultant, and I know all of you beautiful women need your beautiful cosmetics, so if anyone needs any...go ahead and hop on over to her blog or her Mary Kay website and leave her a comment so she can get in touch with you. She's trying to live the american dream and stay home with her gorgeous son, Max. (Seriously go look at him on her blog, he's ADOREABLE.) I know from experience how hard it is to try and stay home without bringing in any income. Go ahead and check out her site and order some makeup!
www.marykay.com/mlayton7

Dang flu bug...

Ew I hate being awoken to the sound of one of the kids vomiting. Not my fav. This time, JS threw up in his bed and all over himself. I did hear something sounding like a cough, but didn't think anything of it until he climbed into MY BED. So I ended up washing two beds instead of just his. On top of that, Steven was getting calls for the mortuary all night, and JT wouldn't go back to sleep. We all ended up on a blanket in the front room with bowls next to us. I'd just get back to sleep when I would hear...blaaaaahhhh...splash. Poor kids. Ahhh the joys of being a Mommy.
Wonderful reason #2 for being a Mommy...
So the other day Steven wasn't feeling well at work, (imagine that) and I took him a coke and a muffin to settle his stomach. (Guys are wimps.) I drove past the place where we bought my wedding ring and thought that I would stop to get it cleaned. JLand JS were in school, so this would be perfect. I pull over, and get JT out of the car and go in. They immediately take my 'kidified ring' to the back and begin cleaning it. While we waited, JT and I sat at the counter looking at some rings in a couple of comfy chairs. A man walked into the store wearing an expensive suit with beautiful shoes and shook hands with the jeweler. They sat down and began talking about the diamond business.
A beautiful sparkling diamond in the back corner of the case caught my eye and I shifted my weight to sit up and look at it. Just then, Angel #3 decided to pass some massive gas. The jeweler and the expensive suit man stopped talking and stared at me. I looked around, panicked, and then said..."Excuse you buddy..." They both just gave me a 'yeah right' kind of look. I grabbed JT and as I did, he let another one go, to which he said.."Bum funny.." Needless to say I won't be going to get my ring cleaned without a discuise...like not sweat pants and a pony tail, and DEFINATELY not with stinky Pete JT.

My ring is sparkly.

Tag...I'm it...again

8 TV shows I watch...
1. American Idol
2. Law and Order SVU (even after I swore it off...)
3. The biggest Loser
4. Prison Break (dang sylla)
5. Life
6. ER
7. The Office
8. Yeah..um I guess I only watch 7...sorry

8 favorite restaurants...
1. Olive Garden
2. Red Robin
3. Cafe Rio
4. Javiers
5. Prarie Schooner
6. Maddox
7. The Timbermine
8. The Pizza Factory

8 things that happend yesterday...
1. Steven wrecked his boss' truck
2. Took JL to school.
3. Made some phone calls.
4. Went to my cousin Mandy's house.
5. Pulled carrots out of Nana's garden.
6. Came home and made a yummy dinner with the carrots.
7. Watched High School Musical as a family.
8. Had FHE and did puzzles with the kids and sent them to bed.

8 things i'm looking forward to...
1. Moving out of the mortuary someday...:)
2. Having money to do fun things with the kids
3. Being done with paying tuition for classes!!
4. Watching JL get smarter and smarter...
5. Going on more field trips with JS
6. Having JT potty trained...NO MORE DIAPERS FOR US!!
7. Going to visit Steve's family
8. More neices and nephews...hint hint people...get goin..

8 things on my wish list...
1. A house with more than 2 bedrooms
2. A bedroom just for JL...all fancy like she is...
3. A backyard like Monica's..it's so beautiful!!
4. A laundry room that DOESN'T require going outside to get to
5. New clothes.
6. New shoes.
7. Silky pajamas!!
8. A nice date with Steven.

8 people i'm tagging...
1. Monica
2. Heidi
3. Debbie
4. Stefani
5. Angie S.
6. Traci
7. Cecily
8. Jenny

UMMM.kay...no more accidents..:)

Steve's brother, Todd called me thismorning to ask me to come get them. Yep. They crashed their boss' truck. THEY ARE BOTH FINE. This time it wasn't Steven's fault, but yeah. Does anyone else think that this is a bit excessive?? At least both times he's wrecked someone else's car. That's good, right?? Well, maybe not if he has to use other people's cars. Yeah, don't let Steven borrow your car...
Steven...NO MORE ACCIDENTS, PLEASE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a VIP!

I CANNOT believe my little baby girl is going to be 7! It seems like just a day ago, Steven and I were married in Salt Lake and two short months later found out that we were going to be parents. We wondered what we were going to do what with me working and no money..and today we look back and think about the blessing that she is. If we wouldn't have starting having a family then, we might not have all of our team here on earth. Thankfully we did have her then, and we have no more ball players in heaven on the bench waiting to come into the game.
I am glad for my sweet little JL, for the things she's teaching me...(like how girls are super sensitive)..for her crooked smile, and her happy self. For the happiness that she brings to our home, and most of all for the good friend that she is to me..no one has ever been better..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY JL!! I LOVE YOU!!

A new niece, and a new 2 year old...

Soo...I wish I had a camera...hint hint for anyone who wants to buy me one. I would have pictures here of our new niece Gabrielle Hatch and our big 2 yeard old, JT.
Gabby was born on September 18th and weighed in at 8lbs even and 20" long. She is beautiful, of course and we all love her. After I held her for awhile, we drove back to Heidi's house and took her oldest girls, Kallie and Kaiya to our house for the weekend. We are having a blast! These cousins are so cute with eachother, and they can't get enough of all the fun that they have together!!
I also can't believe that my BABY is 2!! It seems like just the other day Steven and I were where Burke and Heidi are today...in the hospital enjoying our newest addition. And now he's running around with the big kids having as much fun as possible. He's such a good boy and I am so proud of him. Best of all, I get to keep him for eternity! What a blessing it is to be married in the temple to the love of my life, and have our beautiful children sealed to us for eternity. I love them and I love Steven. I am excited for many, many more birthdays with our handsome JT.
Welcome to the world Gabby!! And Happy Birthday, JT!!! Love you!!

Blessed

I look back on all of my recent posts, and I do believe that I needed someone to just say to me..."At least you have your husband and children that are healthy and happy...isn't that what life is about?"
Thismorning at 4am Steven called me to tell me that he was out on a call for the mortuary when he drifted into oncoming traffic and was involved in a head on collision. I sat straight up in my bed, and instinctively patted his side of the bed. Of course since he was calling me, he was doing ok. He was sore and stiff, and so was the girl that he hit, but they were both fine. It was a long day today taking care of kids, and taking care of Steven, but we made it through. I made it through WITH them. I cannot live WITHOUT them. I need them everyday. I need Steven to smile his mischevious smile at me and then wink. I need JL to tell me about a game that she played while her words whistle right through her new adult teeth. I need JS to tell me that he and his buddy James are having a great time playing power rangers..and I need JT to smile at me and ask me if he can watch 'McQeen' one more time. I need them ALL with me when I pray at night. I need them with me at church. I need them to snuggle with, and I need them forever.

I am so grateful for my little family. Especially for Steven who works so hard to keep out heads above water. Who still makes me smile.
Thanks to:
Mom and Dad Fry for coming to watch the kids thismorning and cleaning up :)
Grandma and Grandpa Rogers who came to visit and had Grandpa give Steven another amazing blessing.
Bubba and Traci who came to check on Steven and make sure we were all right.
Brandon and KelliAnn for checking on Steven and staying to play with our kids for a while.
Daren and Andrea for taking care of mortuary duties tonight so Steven can recover, and bringing us dinner from Olive Garden for Monday.
Ben and Megan for bringing us dinner and Steven a 'candybar bouquet' and cute book.
Aunt Tiffany for stopping by and checkin on us, to make sure we were ok and the little ones, too.
Uncle Todd who showed up only minutes after he heard what happend, and started helping me with kids.
Thanks to Monica for letting me call her thismorning and talk to get my head straight, and offering to take the kids.
My Mother in Law, Cindy for putting our names in the temple, and her many prayers.
And all the rest of EVERYONE that called to make sure our Steve was ok.
I don't want to sound cheesy because everything did work out, but it was kind of an eye opener for me to think about what could have happend. I am so grateful for the chance to continue being with Steven here on earth. He is my best friend, and the best Dad. I love you, Pete. You're the best.

WE MAY NOT HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER, BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL...

To the SUPER nice person who...

During the chaos of getting ready to go to stake camp, and the stress of money I had just decided that I couldn't take anymore!! HAHA! I know that sounds rediculous, but it's true. I felt like the world might just cave in on top of me because I couldn't hold the world up anymore. I went to the doctor on Friday and found out a lot about my health, and found out nothing at the same time. I have to have a hysterectomy, but I don't have insurance and I don't have $12-18k. We needed new tires for our jeep to go to stake camp, and found out that we couldn't afford that either. It was a pretty darn stressful day.
I came home with crying boys and to my ultimate surprise there was a huge box on my porch! With almost 200 diapers and 3 boxes full of wipes. Oh my! I didn't cry in front of Steven, but the second he took the boys to find other tires (which didn't work out either) I got down on my knees and thanked my Heavenly Father for the kindness that still exsists in this world. I asked him to bless that SUPER nice person, and to continue to bless us as well.
So...to the SUPER nice person that did that...I want you to know how special that was to me. It is small acts of random kindness like this that makes my life easier.

If it's broken, I probably touched it...

Do you ever feel like whatever you touch turns black?? HAHAHA!! Well, whatever I touch just breaks lately.
I could laugh or cry, so i'm gonna laugh...
In the last week or two, I have BROKEN or it's broken on its own...
1 front door
1 vacuum
1 car air conditioner
2 washers
1 bowl in the sink
4 fingernails
1 glass Micasa frame from my wedding
1 digital camera
AND WHERE IS STEVE?? Bear Lake working...bummer.
I think i'm going to stay in bed next week with a pillow over my head...hopefully I don't break anything else before the week is over...sheesh.

These hard times

"Say goodbye these days are gone, and we can't keep holdin on when all we need is some relief thru these hard times..."
-Rob Thomas

I love this new Matchbox song!! When I think about the hard times in my life, I can't help but just look to this last week. Life really is rough. But i'm grateful to the 'some relief' that i've been getting. My Heavenly Father is there for me, and so he waits. With outstretched arms and a loving shoulder to lean on. I am grateful for the temple to be able to feel the closeness that is there thru these hard times.

We Want YOU...

So, y'all know i'm patriotic!! Well, at least you should. My whole house is decked out in Americana..I love it!!
I also love the Peterson family...and every year they go marchin up to the woods, sleeping bags in hand, and go to STAKE CAMP!! I'm not gonna lie...i've known the Petersons for a long time, and NEVER knew about stake camp. So our first year of marriage, I got this Uncle Sam finger in my face about going up to play with the Petersons...WE WANT YOU...to come to stake camp. I was VERY pregnant with JL, but was told that the lake was cold enough to deliver in...I wouldn't feel a thing! I decided against the natural, crazy woman, giving-childbirth-in-a-lake idea and stayed home.
It wasn't until JS was almost a full year old that I also marched up with my sleeping bag, whistling camp songs. I figured out what I was missing out on...yes, it's dirty, yes it's cold...but it is FUN! The best part was watching Grandma and Grandpa Peterson out in nature, and just being with family. I couldn't believe that I had missed out on all those years! Of course, we've had babies in the fall..(every one of them)..and missed a couple of years...but i'm happy to say that we won't be having that problem anymore, and my baby is old enough to endure the cold nights now. I will continue to be a 'regular' at STAKE CAMP. I love being with Steve's family. Some of them are my very best friends...and I wouldn't miss it for the world!
And so I say to you, my fellow Petersons who don't want to attend stake camp...Ask not what your family trips can do for you, but what you can do for your family trips!..WE WANT YOU because we love you, and want you to be apart of us to enjoy all of our adventures...even if we have to listen to you snore...
I can't wait for Stake Camp!!! I loooove being a Peterson!!

I can't stand it!!!...

Being private is sooo lame!!! No one can see my blog, including my family..it is so frustrating!! So I changed a few features and hopefully now the weirdo's don't see my blog...
So ok...here goes...I'M BACK...and loving summer!! I'm in big trouble, tho! We have been good at sleeping in all summer...and school is about to start! AND i'm going to have TWO kids in school this year!! Crazy. I can't believe JL is going to 1st grade...unbelievable!
Last Friday, ANOTHER one of Steven's cousins got married!! This time it was Lindsay..who i'm not gonna lie...is one of my favorites! These are basically the only pictures i've taken since Brittany got married.
Lindsay was so beautiful, and the night was PERFECT. Congratulations Jonny and Lin
dsay...we love you!!

Uncle Brian and Lindsay

Here comes the bride

The handsome groom

And these ones are for Aunt Carrie...

Look at Frank!!

Me and Kayla...I love that girl..

Grandma dancing with the girls...

Steven and Todd

Mommy and a sad JT

Steven and Tami...awww...

LE and Courtney...Courtney is Lindsay's sister...isn't she beautiful??

KK and Steven...he's such a good Uncle..
Anyway..that's about all that has been up with us...I love Steve's family!!

GOIN PRIVATE...

There are just too many weirdo's out there in the world..so yup, i'm goin private.
So if y'all could get me your email addresses, i'll send you an invite to read my blog.
I've had a hard time deciding, but after lots of thought and prayer, I feel like I should protect my family. When I started this blog, I didn't really know what I was doing, and i've mentioned too many things like our last name, kids' names, posted pictures, ect. I'm not gonna lie...it scares me.
Please send me your email so I can add you to my blog list!!!
I will go private next Friday, August 1st.

At his feet

At his feet...by Tami Peterson

They called me to come, I hurried to go,
I knew it was happening, but I didn't want to know
You would soon be leaving us, of this I was sure,
I begged them to help you, but there was no cure
I told them I love you, they just said no,
It's going to be okay, it's his turn to go
But it's not fair! I cried through my tears,
What about all this time? These wasted years?
Go now and spend some time, you'll have to sit at his feet,
You can hold his hand, he loves you, he will not retreat
So enter I did, and sad was the sight,
I did not know if he would last through the night
I came to his side, and knelt on the ground,
His kind eyes looked on me, so big and so round
I told him of those things so close to my heart,
about families being forever, that we would never part
His lips turned up in a sad kind of smile,
and he spoke to me for just a little while
So listen I did to his lessons as I sat,
things about life, and not just how to hold a baseball bat
I smiled as the tears rolled right down my cheek,
I laughed as I held his hand so fragile and weak
He spoke about time, and the wasting we do,
he told me to take care of his cute Grandkids, too
I kissed him as I told him goodbye and farewell,
the angels were near, of this I could tell
My friend he is, that will always stay the same,
and I'll think of him everytime I see a game,
My life has been changed, and had nothing so sweet
as the time that I spent kneeling down AT HIS FEET.


I love you, Grandpa...and I miss you.

Steven's Birthday...

Here's the video of Steven throwing out the First Pitch at the RAPTORS game...


Here's the video of Steven opening his Celine Dion tickets...THANKS MONICA!!!

PLAYING CATCH UP!!

Yikes! What has happend to me?? Why am I not blogging!!???
I know, it's weird that i'm not writing my random thoughts and feelings on my blog (and sneaking in cute pics of the kids in the process).
So here's what's been up with us!!
WARNING:: This is GOING to be a LONG post! For those of you who are NOT long winded..(unlike myself)...this post might not be for you...

So one day the kids were talking about what they want to be for Halloween (I know it's July..), and JSsaid that he wanted to dress as a hunter to which I replied, "What a great idea! We can get you an orange shirt, camo pants, and you can use your rifle.."
His eyes lit up like the 4th of July and he said..."Yes! And JT can be my deer!!!"
Ummmm...kay...

Joshua instantly put the antlers on JT 'just to see...'

I think he's a cute deer...

So I made JS try them on to see how he likes being stalked!! He didn't like it, and resorted to be a pirate instead...i'm sure that will all change come September!! LOL

Ok...here's some randomness thrown into an update...
Every Thursday night for the last couple of years all the men in the ward get together and play (no kidding) 3 HOURS of basketball! It is so much fun! I love watching Steven play..not to brag, but...ok just to brag..he's the best ball player! All the ladies in the ward always ask me what High School he played for and why he doesn't play for Weber...serious. The do...huh Shelley and Jenny?? Back me up girls.
So one night, I was feeling sorry for my blog, and thought maybe this would make a good post...so here's some random church ball pics!!




So Yeah...I joined a gym. Technically I work there..One night a week for 3 hours and it pays for the mbrship which I love. It's a lot of fun, and the girls I work with are SERIOUSLY HILLARIOUS!! One of the perks of having a membership there is having access to a pool that is close by. Because of high gas prices, Steve's only been working 4 days a week, and saving gas money. So Friday is our swim day! It's been really fun to have Steven home this summer, and fun to do something exciting with DADDY...

Me and JT...aka 'the little fish'

JS sayin,...'Peace out dudes...'

JL and her peace sign...what is it with that sign and our fam??

Oh maybe they get it from their Momma!!!

Love all those little fish that I gave birth to!!! hahaha

Next up...My older sister (by 13 months!) Tiff..She and I were like twins growing up in the sense that we wore the same clothes and listened to the same music, but night and day as far as personality..which sometimes made for battles, and other times set a good tone. I love ya, Tiff...my kids COULD NOT ask for a better Aunt...(sorry other Aunts...I love you too...but Tiff takes the cake..)


The best news I have gotten so far this summer is that my baby sister Traci was moving 3 doors down from me...we have to joke all the time that we are now that band..(3 doors down) hehehe
It has been a blast to live next to her and her funny hubby...they are pure entertainment, that is no lie...
So one boring Sunday night...here comes Traci and Bubba...and they decide to go through some toys...and they start dressing Bubba up...so he gets in a safari hat and grabs a rifle and goes out the door, crawls on the ground to the neighbors house, jumps up in front of their window and starts shooting!!! I think it caught them a little off guard, and it sure made us laugh!! I'll have to post the video soon...it should seriously be on You Tube!!!
I am so glad to have such fun neighbors (all of them)...plus, who can resist Bubba??!! He's so much fun, and i'm glad he's my bro in law!!!




We have needed some comic relief, since Steven has been studying for the MCAT which he took on July 8th. I'm sure that his brain has been fried!! So one night, Steven just rested his head on the ottoman, and JT put on the safari hat, and proceeded to read him a dinosaur book...I'm sorry...ya don't get cuter than that...





ARE YOU SERIOUS?? Steve's 30??
Yep..my Steven is 30! I'm so proud of him and all the things he has accomplished! He has worked so hard to keep our heads above water, all while juggling school, the MCAT, and work, not to mention his duties and a Dad and Hubby to an extra whiney wife!
So I surprised him this year with a trip home! He came home on Thursday and I just told him to go shower, and get in the jeep. I had everything packed, and his schedule cleared. We got in the jeep and made the trip south. On Friday he golfed with his brother, Todd. I took him to dinner at about mid afternoon, and we both took the kids to the pool! Oh and Mom came, too!! Thanks Mom...you really are THE BEST!!

The first thing the kids did, was get in their swimsuits and run thru the sprinkler! And where did I find JT? Oh yeah...on the lawn mower telling me it goes...brrrmmm.

On Friday JS spent most of the afternoon riding on the tractor with Grandpa down on the farm. He was so excited and actually earned a dollar at the end of the day! He is still WAYYY excited about that dollar!!

JL posed for a picture and then came home with Grandma! She had a great time, but would much rather follow Grandma around all day long!

haha! Steven can't keep his eyes open when I take pictures, so he looks kind of drunk, but I promise he's not, Bishop. There he is...the birthday ..um guy!

I think it's funny that Grandma is in the kiddie pool, and JT is out of it...

Sweet JT

JS and Steven had a great time...

JL and Grandma did, too!!

JS loved the slide...so did JT..he has the bruise on his face to prove it!!

JL makes friends wherever she goes!
On Saturday the guys went golfing again, and we stayed home and baked Steve's favorite homemade oreo cookies...mmm...and some applesauce chocolate chip cookies...tasty. The boys came home, and ate, and headed up the mountain to do some EXTREME FISHING!!

This is the first thing JT did on Saturday morning...GOOD MORNING, HORSES!!

Grandma and JL have always loved to bake together...since she was tiny..My Dad also bakes with her a lot, too. She wants to be Rachel Ray someday hahaha

I love B&W pics of the kids outside here in the pasture...

JT running!!

Grandma loves JT!!!

Grandma and JT..

JS swinging outside...

He loves doing this!!

After I took his picture about 100 times, he insisted on taking my picture!!

Then it was time for some basketball...and yes, he's wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey...Steven loves the Lakers!!

Todd and JT..

Like my Dad would say...'Those are TEEENY TIIINY toes...fresh from the bath!

Cute and lightly scented with chamomile and lavender!!! ahhhh

The birthday boy...opening presents from Mom and Dad...

I'll have to post more about Steve's birthday when I get some of the pictures from other cameras from tonight...
Today (the 14th) was actually Steve's birthday. He got home and we went to a RAPTORS game where he threw out the first pitch! I hope you had a great day, hon.
That's about as caught up as ya get! The craziness that is us...