The Last Waffle

When do you know if you've left the last waffle in too long? (No, this is not a chocolate waffle.) And the best part is this is what was in the waffle iron when I opened it this morning. The last time we had waffles was Christmas morning. Hmm....

Babysitting Dilemma

So...what do you pay a babysitter? I can never get a babysitter to actually answer that question. We have finally found an AWESOME baby sitter - she is our neighbor, she actually plays with the kids, and we LOVE her! It is so nice to know your kids are being taken care of when you can't be with them, or just need some one-on-one time with your hubby. So, what is the going rate?

And of course, who can resist these darling faces (ok, you can't see Jack's - but pretty cute!) I almost think they should pay me to let them be with my angels! (This is us caroling on Christmas Eve - thanks Sayda for the picture - of course you have to be a true blogger at heart to take pictures of your carolers!)

What's to Complain About?

As I sit and feel sorry for myself because I have not been involved with all the joviality of the extended family parties because of snow covered roads, I listen to my children play contentedly with each other at the kitchen table. The toys are still new, the holiday spirit still lives and they chatter to one another, "Pass the zizzors please." "Wow, good job." "Is that for me?" What I don't hear is, "Why aren't we in Utah?" "Aren't we going to a party?" "I'm bored." My children have had a wonderful Christmas and feel loved and secure with our little family. They don't feel anything is missing, this is their life, the five of us. Even though I do miss all the fun and socializing, I am sitting here fully content for the first time in two days (it could be that Jack wanted me to open some play dough and I got three kisses in return!) Even though my kids love their cousins, they love being home, they are home-bodies and I hope they always will be. (Though in an effort to feel busy I have cleaned and boxed up all the Christmas - all that is left are the lights on the front tree. Couches are even back to their rightful places - and my husband helped the entire time!)

Christmas Hugs

Here is just a collage of hugs from this morning. Lots of sweet, tender moments along with the excitement. Boy In love this time of year!

Ok - I know this looks like a wrestling move, but he is just about to kiss her on the head.

After getting her grown up camera.


Pretty tender.

Christmas Morning

Jack's favorite toy of the morning - a Mack truck from the mailman (It was from his cousin Josh but they mailed it so...) He loved everything but this is the one he keeps coming back to this one.

Jacee's reaction to her own real digital camera. (Immediately followed by some disappointment the picture quality was not as good as mommy's camera - but then ok again when we discussed that it was better than the "toy" cameras.)

Maddie loved everything. She gave a little squeal with each new gift that was opened - where did she learn that?

Maddie was a quick study - she caught right on that there were presents for everyone, so she kept track and knew when it was her turn to open a new one.

The tradition of lining up on the stairs - and yes - I am the oldest so I am on the top step. (Something daddy and Grama Binki don't let me forget!)

Everyone in bed before going down stairs. John really was more awake and excited than he looked in these pictures. At a little after 7am, he rolled over and said, "Should we go wake up the kids?"

Christmas Eve Night

Opening an early present from Grama Binki.

Putting out cookies and milk and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. (At one point there were 15 carrots on the plate, we convinced her there were only 9 reindeer.)

In their new jammies before bed. They were pretty tired after snowmobiling and then caroling to 18 families (ok, so not all were home but we still left them some fudge.)

Love you all!

Christmas Eve

Here is a close up of two things: John made Grama's turkey gravy - that's right - he got the recipe and from the way it tasted, I'd say she gave him the real thing! And also, notice the stuffing on his plate - and he did eat it.

Here is our table for Christmas Eve dinner - thanks Grama Mission for all the fun things you have to use for special occasions: gold silverware, gold napkin ring holders, candles, beautiful dishes, goblets, Christmas plates. It sure was fun.

New coats! They got to open them early since John took them snowmobiling at Grampa Brents.

Jacee mashing bananas for banana bread.

The passing of the torch. John teaching his daughter to make fudge. He better give her the real recipe!

We hope you all had as much fun as we did on Christmas Eve!

Tippy Tap

Here is Jacee at the Festival of Trees. I think you can tell what John and I think by his earlier post. We couldn't be more pleased as parents. And I'm sure if she's ever in the back row I will try to be a gracious parent and not storm into the directors office demanding the front row for my daughter. Boy - we sure think she's cute!

Sledding Day

John bought the kids sleds on Jacee's Birthday. And then he spent the better part of the afternoon pulling them around. Boy what we wouldn't give for a four wheeler!

Here is just a little clip of a day in the snow. This was Maddie's first time and she did a big face plant that she did not enjoy. We love you Grama and Grampa!

Daddy's Favorite Dancer!

This is Jacee's performance at the Festival of Trees in Burley. She's in the front on the right side (just watch for the shimmy shoulders, you'll find her). Julie and I agree that she knows the dance the best, performs with the biggest smile, and keeps the best rhythm. Of course we're not biased in any way, our judgement is based solely on our professionalism as dancers and not just because we think our daughter is so amazingly beautiful and talented!

Wrong Color

We use to have multi-colored lights when I was a little girl. And then my parents went to blue light with a flocked Christmas tree in the window with blue lights also. I have always loved it. But in an effort to continue our own traditions with our children - we opted to do our red/white lights on the house with a green lit tree. You can't really see the tree in the window very well because of the garland - I think we will hang it a different way next year. Anyway...we have gotten a lot of comments about not having the blue up. Sorry neighbors and sorry mom and dad. I tell people it will be back for Christmas 2010. Merry Christmas - and we miss you mom and dad!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my first born's Birthday. Has it really been six years since I was sleeping peacefully in that hospital bed? My husband scurrying around bringing the nurses fudge and donutes? I have to say it was such a wonderful day. It was a Sunday and we went to the hospital about midnight - I slept and slept and slept and slept. It was Heaven. It was such an easy delivery also. She was so beautiful. They brought her to me in a huge Christmas stocking. She is such a blessing in our lives. She has proved to have the same personality as she did in the womb - moving and dancing and full of life. She is rarely still. She loves life and often says, "I want this to be my best day ever!" And typically at night she tells me, "Mom, this was a great day." I sure do love my little girl and can't believe she is growing up. I do have to say, her focus on her birthday is her Grama and Grampa Mission. Mom - only one more birthday and then Grama and Grampa will be home. Even in her prayers this morning she said, "Bless Grama and Grampa that they will be home when I turn seven and be here when I get baptized when I'm eight."



Jacee's 1st Birthday.
Jacee's 5th Birthday at Build a Bear.

Jacee's 3rd birthday - look at those chubby cheeks!

Jacee's 4th birthday - Glamour Birthday!


Today - our six year old! (She lost a tooth two nights ago - tooth #5.)

Happy Birthday! We love you!

Answer to Prayer

I recently read a talk where it read "It may not be the number of prayers we say, but the number of prayers we answer that will get us into heaven."

Thank you for answering our prayers S. Claus. You will probably never know what it meant to us.

Typing Fun

30 words

Speedtest

Just so you know - this is John's score - mine is much, much faster!

Christmas' Past

This is in Saratoga Springs last Christmas. We had no idea what the next year would bring. It was such a fun Christmas full of family and friends. We sure miss everyone in Utah.

Maddie and Grampa Santa. Brent dressed as Santa last year and it kinda freaked Maddie out. She was 7 months old.

My man and his lights. I think he regrets ever starting such perfect lights. Now I expect it, and I think he hates it.

This is one of my favorites. We didn't have snow for Christmas that year but Steve Nat got an Air Hockey table, so they let the kids sit and dig at the Styrofoam packing and it was as good as snow!

Jacee's Second Christmas (2003). We were living in Nampa at the time.

Good Friends

Bria, Jackson, and Jacee. Jackson loved Bria when he was a baby, he would always light up when she walked into the room. We spent a lot of time together when they were this age and it makes me sad we don't see them all the time.

Here are some of our very bestest friends. Sadly, this picture was taken three years ago - I don't think we have a picture of all of us since then. We really, really, really miss them and wish they would move to Burley! We love you Muffies! From the Peacadens.

Kid's Triathlon

We have a kids triathlon every Memorial Day. I think we've had three so far. It has been so fun. Last year it was raining so we didn't swim but the kids still ran and rode bikes. My kids look forward to this every year and love it!
This is the reason I decided to do this post. I love this one. Jackson's cousins are helping him finish the race. He just loves to play with them. They really take good care of him. He sure misses his cousins. And I'm really missing them right now too!

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Ever have one of those days? Let's just say this is it for me and it was that way before noon. Here's to hoping it gets better. At least I have a wonderful family and a great husband. That's really what it's all about right?

Quite a Vocabulary

I must admit that I think my daughter gets her varied vocabulary from her mother. Now, I am not bragging, it is just the truth. It has been vary chilly today, so I finally broke down and lit a real fire - I usually use dura-flame logs but real wood heats the house so much better. As I was lighting it, she wanted to know if we could make "firecrackers" (s'mores). Of course! What fun! The fire was crackling, I had all of the supplies except the graham crackers. As I was running up the stairs from the basement I heard Jacee say, "Mom, can we start torturing?" (roasting) What can I say, she comes by it honestly! After all - not everyone gets a "prescription" for the newspaper!

YeeHaw - Country Cousins!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Yes, I know - another one. It is just too fun for the cousins to watch themselves - this group has actually practiced the dance and is doing it around the family room as we speak. Hopefully we'll find something else just as funny so we can do something different - but until then - enjoy and laugh!

A Whole Lotta Love

We have been having the best time! Thanksgiving might just be my secret favorite Holiday. John's family comes every year - no trading with in-laws here! We all crowd in Grama's house and just enjoy each other. Yes, the cousins occasionally fight - as do the sisters. Someone always seems to get hurt. Grama is always baffled by the lack of left overs and life is just good. I was introduced to the art of looking over the ads when I entered this family nine years ago. They are constantly passed around on Thursday - by Thursday night they are crumpled and worn - but still being perused. The lists are made, the schedule is set and the alarm goes of at 3:45am. John made it to JC Penny, Walmart, and Target in Twin all befor 6am! Then comes the haul. The adults all gather in a room and go over all the bargains, and wonder if there are any left if we could just hurry and go to Walmart one more time. Coats for $8? WHAT? Sexy Momma Boots were a big item this year - most of the fun was modeling them and seeing the teen-age neices roll their eyes. Talents have been shared, wild trees have been tamed and right now, while I am typing this, the aroma of my husband's world famous fudge is wafting through the house. Thanksgiving weekend is now complete! We love family and we love this week especially - we must count our blessing - even though we may not have riches, we are rich in family - we love you guys!

Has Anyone Seen My Husband

John left at 4am and hasn't been seen since! WE LOVE BLACK FRIDAY! I didn't get to go this year because I have our three kids - but I have been called about every 1/2 hour with updates. Isn't this fun!

Makes me Smile

This picture just makes me smile every time I look at it. Cousin's are the best!

More for me than anyone else

I know this is a long list so you don't have to read it. It is fun to remember what you've gone through and that you have had a good life!

What I've done...

copy and paste the 200 statements then bold the ones you have done!! Hope you enjoy it!!

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (chocolate dipped strawberries for girl's camp)
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it (love you hubby!)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (no comment!)
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking (everyday!)
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (what happened to drive -ins?)
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring (I think it broke because my mood swings are so violent)
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train (oh the inhumanity on the Russia tour)
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class (remember Richard?)
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunch box
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane (every time)
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival (drug dip!)
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a camp fire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Commented on someone's blog

Little Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! The neighbor girls were over so we decided to make them into elves also - sorry it's Disco again - but it really is the best one. Enjoy!

He's too Sexy!

So...a special prize to the first one to comment on who the great looking guy in the middle is - and no it's not Austin Powers - just someone with as much mo-jo!

Just Elfin Around!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Resume - Copy Writer

Sorry for the poor quality - but anyway...

Here is John's first add in our paper. He had the paper open to this page when we came down for breakfast - well Jacee immediately cut it out and wanted me to read it for her. Later, as I was doing dishes, Jackson was sitting at the table holding the add, and here was his copy, "Welcome John Brent Peterson! He loves his son, and his name is Jackson John Peterson! Mom - I think that's a great idea!"

So - it looks like Jack has a future in copy writing -anyone know of any jobs?

One Hot Momma!

We have been cleaning out our storage unit so when I am sick of organizing, I sit down, open a box and just enjoy walking down memory lane. Here is one of my all time favorite promo pictures from the PG Ballroom team. We really teased Nicole because she is such a good girl, and here she is surrounded by boys and her costume had ripped so it shows quite a bit of leg. Now she has her own darling family with a brand new baby boy. I admit I get a little emotional when I read her blog because she has grown up to be an amazing wife and mother. John and I are so glad she was on our team for three years - we love you Colee!

My Big Man

So...here is Jack's preschool picture. If I freaked out over Jacee's - John freaked out over Jack's. Pretty crazy that our kids are growing up - it's just so hard to imagine this when they are babies. He is all boy. John and I were laughing this morning because he got one of his curved train tracks and made a gun out of it and was shooting everyone. They really do come as boys - dirt, dogs, and lots of sound effects. Luckily his favorite place to be is sitting on me - no matter what I am doing. And he still will give me kisses in front of his entire preschool class - how long do you think I'll get away with that one? Hopefully for a long time!