A little Facelift...

So today I was feeling a little bored with just the normal mundane chores...and I was feeling inspired by this...

and my new favorite website...www.pinterest.com.

Here you can see our humble looking curb appeal...

And at least now we have a punch of color. 

I am thrilled with the result.  Now I need a new front mat...and some flowers in pots.  ( I don't really like the wreath with it...it is a little too Easterish...so give me your suggestions on what you would paint the wreath?) 

Craft Night: Jewelery Holder

My friend Tina and I are a good little team.  She actually makes all of our GREAT ideas come to fruition.  We decided to have another craft night to make these beautiful jewelery holders.   I never would have gotten around to making it happen..but Tina set it all up and we had it at my house.  We had a great turnout and I am loving all of my new friends!
These are super easy to make.  You take a frame...cut out some chicken wire or I used a radiator cover.  Then attach fabric or paper to the back of the frame.   Then you can use s hooks to hang necklaces and your earrings hook right onto the wire. 

Here are just some of the frames that were done Thursday night.

Here is mine.  I LOVE it.  I wish it always showed that much red...but it doesn't in the room.

And there you have it!  I bought my frame, but if you get one cheap or have one already...the wire is minimal and I spent 2 dollars for the fabric.  Fun!  Fun! 

Thank goodness for friends

When we moved away from Maricopa I knew I would miss my friends more than anything else.  For sure I have too.  Thank goodness it really isn't too far away and once in a while we still get to see each other.  A few weeks ago I went out to Maricopa to let Aubrey have a much needed playdate with her old friends.  I got to have my own as well.  I would have taken more pics...but my battery died.  I got to see Foates, Fingers and Heidi Buckmister. 

Wendy Foate and myself.

Last weekend I Gina was in town so we made the trek to Cheesecake factory and I haven't lost the 2lbs I gained since.  haha.  I love these girls.  Molly isn't pictured and neither is Sarah Jones...but it was so wonderful to say hi and catch up again.

Crystal Redd in our ward threw an AWESOME luncheon to welcome back this school season.  I am absolutely LOVING our new ward and all the great people (especially women) that I am meeting.  Thanks for including me and making me LOVE our new home just as much as the one we left behind. 

Jeanne, Teri, Julie, Alice, Crystal, Christi

Thanks Tina for being the best visiting teacher ever and being my "movie friend."  We have already made so many memories...I don't ever want you to move.

and PS .....We did NOT plan on matching.  haha

Weston turns six!

So it is never quiet as fun to celebrate your birthday on a school day....at least that is what I thought.  Aubrey informed me that it is totally better.  Spencer and I visited our little birthday boy for lunch.  He got a Happy Meal and it was the envy of all the other first graders.  For only being the fourth day of school...Weston seemed pretty confident and comfortable with his friends.  I loved seeing him play with Spencer at recess and being so respectful of the teachers and staff.  My little guy is growing up.  I almost cried when I left he didn't seem to care much...but then stopped me and ran over and gave me a huge hug and kiss.  Love you Donny D!

Click on the photo and it will become bigger.

We celebrated some more that night at a family home evening with the Watkins'side.  We had WONDERFUL food and Weston had requested a "Sundae Cake" so it was chocolate, with chocolate fudge and whip cream and a cherry on top.  (heath bar for the rest of us.)  He got wii games, a hockey goal and an excessive amount of Beyblades.  In the picture above...we are playing a Beyblade battle...so much fun!  It is some weird chinese thingy or game...reminds me of Bakergons or pokemon or something.  He had a great day and Jake and I fell asleep laughing and remembering some of our favorite moments with this guy.  We love him so much!!!!

First Day of School: 2011

So the morning went off without a hitch.  There was no special breakfast like I had thought about...but of course not "planned."  But the kids were excited and there were NO tears this year...so I was happy about that.  Just as I left Weston in line waiting to go into class...he ran up to me and said, " Mom....I need a kiss."  I am so glad he still needs a kiss once in a while.  I sure do. 

I asked Aubrey to come pose for me and then Weston.  I am always happy to see their little personalities come shining though.  They are so different, but BOTH awesome!

haha

Here are some of their friends at school.  I am thrilled that they got to start out the year, with at least one friend.

The best part of all... is after a LONG day of waiting to see how it went...I was told "Totally awesome! and Loved it!!!" by the both of them.  Thank goodness for that. 

Sunday Best!

I really just felt like blogging tonight...no particular reason; just bored I guess. Today is Sunday and the kids looked so cute to me this morning I had them pose for a picture.  Of course...they jumped right up and posed...I have them well trained.  I really do LOVE my kids whether all dolled up or not.  I also love Sundays.  I always have loved them.  Part of it is the "Sunday Best" part...I like to get dressed up and have somewhere to go and socialize if you will.  With kids, it can sometimes be a struggle (with naps and whatnot), but we love to go to church as a family.  I love the Sunday dinner, the Spirit that I feel on Sundays.... all of it!  I really will always think of the Sabbath as the best day of the week.  (It FOR SURE beats MONDAY!) 
 

You can stop reading now if you would like...It is gonna get a little personal.  I feel like journal-ing if you will my thought/testimony about our church.  It kind of relates to these pictures.  I have been thinking a lot lately about perfection and how so many times I see my friends struggling to try and LOOK perfect... I look at my little family and how we dress them up and we go to church and we LOOK perfect...when we are far from it.  First things first.  I am NOT perfect and although we are striving to be better everyday...I am not expecting perfection.  Maybe I should be, maybe I am wrong about that...but I don't.  Now, I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Most of my friends are also of this faith..but many are not.  I love all my friends equally regardless of what they believe and I hope they know that.  I think they know that.  Know that friends....I love you...regardless. 

I love learning and talking with people of different faiths and love to hear their testimonies as well.  I always have, and I always will.

Recently I saw a poster while driving down the freeway that stated "Are you sick of being perfect?" or something to that affect ...and I noticed that the website had MORMON in the url.  I was very interested to find out that a new faith/church if you will has been started up and it is directly speaking to the LDS members and what we believe.  I went to the website to learn a little more and was disheartened to realize that once again...there is the misconception that we are NOT Christian or that we don't really believe in our Savior.  I understand how those who know nothing of Mormonism might think that...but to think that LDS people...still don't really know what we believe or feel a connection to Jesus ...made me sad. 

There was a video on the website teaching what they believe at this new church.  I was astounded...because SO much of what the speaker said is what we (MORMONS) believe.  The man in the video kept referring to how we think we HAVE to be perfect, but that Christ atoned for the imperfect. I kept thinking...duh...that is what I believe. I keep wondering how those of my faith somehow are not hearing or understanding that we believe in Jesus Christ and that he atoned for us...that we don't have to be perfect...that he loves all of us and atoned for ALL of us. This glad message...is being missed somehow.  I know it isn't being missed by everyone.  I know that many of my friends "get it."... but sadly..some don't.  I don't have the literary skills or the time or for thought to write all that is on my mind. I am probably offending people as I write this...I may just be confusing them...I don't know.   I just wanted to bear my testimony of Christ. 

I know that he is my Savior and He loves me (regardless of my actions.)  I know that feelings of "not enough", or depression or even guilt..don't come from Him. So many times it comes back to this thought of being perfect...which we are not.  I know we are taught to strive to be perfect and to continue to learn and grow in this life to be more Christlike...but being down on ourselves and hiding who we are, and trying to "look perfect" doesn't make sense to me.  I know I am guilty of it sometimes...but I really want to be real and to show those who know me...that it is ok to love ourselves even when we are not what we wish we were.

 I think.... that feelings of HOPE, LOVE and PEACE are the feelings I feel when I rely on my Savior to atone and help me through my trials and my life.  These are the words that I would use to describe what I know about our Church.  It teaches of Christ.  It teaches of HOPE, LOVE....Charity, forgiveness, compassion, unity...etc.

 I want my children to know their Savior.  I want them to pray to their Heavenly Father and know he listens and answers their prayers.  I know he does that for me. I have prayed since I can remember.  I have truly been "born of goodly parents" and I thank them for that.  They taught to trust in MY SAVIOR and to pray... I truly feel that Jesus Christ knows me and loves me and has walked with me throughout my life.   Something as simple as comforting me when I was 12 years old and lonely for a friend...my Savior did that...in fact, he still does this.
When I feel fat or ugly because I am breaking out all over my chin... it is Jesus Christ who sets the example of what really matters...and teaches me that this physical thing means nothing to HIM and I am worthy regardless. 
It is Jesus who I have relied on in my darkest times... and who has taught me how to live so I can have the brightest and most joyous times...  I love my Savior.  And for at least my children I want to say...I learned about him through our Church.  Through the Book of Mormon and the Bible...through going to Church regularly and reading and studying the Scriptures.  Through many a family home evening and discussion.... Through listening to the Prophet and the apostles.  Through prayer....so much of what I know...is through direct prayer.  It isn't what I was TAUGHT per say...but what I KNOW.  When you learn something through prayer...it is yours and NO ONE and nothing can take that from you....

 I want you (Aubrey, Weston...and Spencer) to search and to pray and to be heartfelt as you discover your testimonies...but tonight I pray that you will learn all that this Church has to offer you.  I pray that you will know you are CHRISTIANS (even if someone says you are not...) and your Dad and I not only believe, but we are trying to LIVE as Christians...everyday.  I love you kids...and I just don't want you to be confused in this world.  You don't have to be perfect to be loved my me or your Father.  Likewise you don't have to be PERFECT to be loved by your Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ... They love you and love you more perfectly than you can even imagine.  If you study and learn about them...study how Jesus lived and how he relates to our Father...you will never get lost in this crazy world.  You can have peace, joy, love and most of all direction on how to live.  I am still learning and growing and understanding...but of this I am sure....God loves us and wants us to be happy.  He love YOU and wants you to be HAPPY!!!!  Thanks for coming to Church today...thanks for being cute in your Sunday giggs...thanks for being in our ETERNAL FAMILY.  I pray that you will know how much I love you...  MOM

Now for anyone who actually read this...sorry if I offended.  Sorry if I taught false doctrine.  But I will not apologize for loving my Savior and testifying that he LIVES and that he is there for us all.

The Last of the Idaho Pictures

There are tons more pictures and I really should learn to edit...but here are some of my favorites from our recent trip home.  It was a great trip this year.  I have no baby...which makes it easier.  Plus, I flew this time around...so even easier still.  Spencer and I were sick the first week and it was kind of slow...but the last 2 weeks literally just flew by and I will cherish these times with my family forever. 
Kids were super busy with dress-ups and horseback rides, blow up houses, sprinklers and games galore.

Karly, Aubrey, Weston, Teague and Kami

Teri, Salem and Spencer

Spencer and Darin

Wakeboarding was a huge hit!

 

They both did awesome!

Jake led the cousins in quite the flag football game.  Boy does being competitive run in the Peterson blood...STRONG!

We had some great dutch oven and food through-out.  Thanks again mom for all you do.

Hiking around at Shoshone falls.

One morning Jake and I took the kids to see the falls.  It is always nice when Jake arrives.  Then the fun really begins.  I usually spend most of the trip alone and he comes up the last week.  This time...he was there Thursday through Sunday.

Here is a picture of all the 28 cousins.  There are 29 total counting our Samantha and Lauren and Troy are expecting number 30 in a few months.  Crazy to think that only nine years ago...there were none.  Gotta love the saying..."multiply and replenish the earth." I think it applies well to our family.

Sunday we were able to go to Samantha's grave and bring beautiful flowers from my mother's garden.  I cried instantly when I saw her grave...but my kids soon rushed over to joined me and and I am always filled with peace knowing how blessed we are.  I know I will see her again someday and that this life is still about living and enjoying all the blessings we are given.  I have been given many thinks to be grateful for. 

Idaho will literally always have a place in my heart.  I love it there and I am lonely every year when I return.  I am happy to be back though and ready to get the kids ready for school, enjoy the last few days of summer (not the heat...that will continue way too long) and prepare my lesson for Sunday.  We are definitely back!

Family in Order...

I have so many pictures from this trip...I thought it would be fun to show at least one of all my siblings.  I have one of everyone, except Traci who is now living in California.  I hadn't planned on doing this, so I don't have a good one of every person.


Here is Trisha...I sure love this girl.  Here she is the mother of 6 and still as patient, sweet and full of life as ever before.  I only got to see her for a few days, but it was great to see her and her cute kids.  Memories were made watching the kids dance late into bedtime.  They were definitely channeling some "Napoleon Dynamite."  haha

Tod.  This is the brother I spent a couple of adult/single years with in my past.  Boy was he a great friend.  We were inseparable really.  I always say Tod only needs one friend and when he married Michelle she replaced me.  I don't mean this in a bad way, he is just a one on one kind of guy and I will always cherish the one-on-one time that we shared in those years.  Now I see him at family things, but I mostly just watch the way he is with his family and know how lucky they are to have him.

Teri...just a pic of me with my mom and Trevik.  I will use this pic to write about my mother.  Seriously...can anyone out there relate to what this woman does on a day to day basis?  I know I can't.  There were so many quiet acts of love and service performed by her loving hands.  Not only is she there to talk and cry with...but as us older kids selfishly stay up late playing cards or another volleyball game...she is there to clean, cook, and monitor the chaos quietly in the background.  I am in awe every time I go home. We all try to "pitch in" and help...but it still tends to fall on her.  I love you Mom...more than I am sure you know.  Thanks so much for having us and making your home so welcoming!  Thanks for being the woman that you are.

This is a pretty pathetic picture of the back of Ty...but that is all I got. Ty wasn't around much this visit home.  He was workin hard and had a lot of wedding stuff going on with Katie's side of the family.  It is always fun to have him around though.  Anyone who knows Ty knows he is a great conversationalist and definitely brings a lot of energy with him!  Love ya bro.

Tina...Weena!  Love this girl.  We got to spend lots of time together the first few weeks.  Nick was out of town...so we even had some sleep overs.  She is mother to 4 and keeping it all together.  I love her little boys and that little Melrose so much.  Out of all my family...I guess I would say I keep in the best touch with Tina.  We talk a TON on the phone and I always feel like I can tell her anything.  Tina could maybe be intimidating (with her good looks and lack of tack..ha ha...) but boy is she the BEST friend to have.  Once you get to know her she is the MOST loyal and wonderful person.  I love her and cried on my flight home...because we didn't really get to say goodbye.  Love you girl!

Again..not the best pic...but one of Thomas (in the middle.)  I got to spend more time with Thomas this trip, cause he is living at one of my parents houses...that sounds weird, they own a few.  Anyway, there were lots of games and fun times with this fella.  My favorite memory of him however, was his wonderful lesson (he is gospel doctrine teacher like myself) on the Crucifixion.  I won't soon forget it.  Thomas has a testimony that is so strong and there have been many a late night talks where he has taught me greatly.  In fact, it is because of Thomas that I now read my scriptures daily.   He has such an ability to testify of truth and make me want to be the best that I can be.  I love this kid!

Tonya is next.  Again, I got to spend quite a bit of time with Tonya this trip.  Well...only when her kids were in bed.  This girl...always has a baby at her feet.  Much like this picture I guess.  My favorite memories of Tonya for this trip would have to be the dice game and watching Ivy (her youngest) fall over herself every time someone would look her in the eye.  I guess shyness runs in the family.  It cracks me up.  Tonya used to live here and has since moved back closer to home.  I miss having some other sibling around to help me recover and adjust after coming back from Idaho...I always get so homesick after a trip like this.  So I am missing ya sis...right now.

Tayne...Tayne.  Just last summer I got to see you get engaged and go dress shopping with Brooke.  The summer before I got to hear you pine over Brooke...(long story) and now in one short year you have the cutest baby ever and sweet Brooke to spend Eternity with.  Tayne is such a great guy.  Love him!  Only got to see ya for like one day...but loved every second of it!  Thanks for letting me tell you my "most embarrassing stories."  It is always fun to share something and get a reaction...and you gave me one!

Troy is so much fun to be around.  You were working like crazy this trip... I guess that is what happens when you get married and have a baby on the way.  Anyway, I love you tons and just enjoy whenever  you are around.  I love the way you tease Weston and your sense of humor.  Thanks for the great hugs...something I always look forward too.  Thanks for the one on one time and just being you!  I love you Troy!

Toby D....ha ha.  I spend so much time with Toby this trip cause he is fresh off of his mission...and still has no job.  I loved getting to know you more and talking about Sam and life.  Toby is the sweetest brother I have.  I think my favorite memory with you...will be singing with Mom and you and Truman.  You have a great voice.  You are way too lucky in the dice game and I only hope you are that lucky in the rest of your life.  You deserve it.  Also...thanks for running and doing 30 day shed with me...now that is LOVE! I loved looking at old pictures of you in Dance...you really do have a gift bro!

Truman...This kid is so much fun.  Thanks for playing tennis with me and for being so patient and sweet.  I wish I could have seen you more.  I can't believe you are so handsome and tall and grown up.  I won't see you for 3 more years.  It makes me sad, but I am so thrilled you are going on a mission and doing what the Lord wants you to do.  Don't doubt yourself Truman.  You are absolutely amazing...in so many ways.  Love ya!

Trevik!  Usually I spend so much more time with you...But I guess you are growing up.  It was fun to play games and see your silly sense of humor hasn't changed a bit.  I loved playing volleyball with you...mainly because it was cool to see you growing up.  I can't imagine if I had been born as number 13 in this family.  So many strong personalities and examples older than you...but then you came along and you handle it famously.  You are just as strong, funny and wonderful!  I will remember your talk in Sacrament meeting on testimony.  Your testimony is so pure and genuine and mature too.  You are wise beyond your years.  I am so thankful to have you as my brother.

Tate:  last but for sure not least.  My kids refer to you as Uncle Tate...but you are for sure my brother.  It was so fun to see you swim this summer.  I can't believe you are almost 12.  I loved watching you with my kids and with the babies.  You have such a gift to lead and be kind.  I really cannot imagine myself in your shoes.  Thanks for being my little brother.  Thanks for being such an awesome example to all the neices and nephews to look up too.  Sure love you!