Meaningful Weekends

Last weekend we took a trip to Federal Way, WA to watch our niece Maddie swim in a big meet. We don't get to see this brother's family very often (Justin's oldest brother) and since they were coming fairly close to us, we thought we'd make the trip over to cheer her on. It made me wish I could swim. I loved the sound of the water and watching all those kids gliding effortlessly through it.

We had a great time! We got to stay in a hotel for 2 nights, which I always think is kind of fun. We got to watch TV! Whenever Justin and I are in a hotel, it seems that we always end up watching the Food Network. We used to love watching that channel back when we had television at home. We especially loved watching Iron Chef America, which is exactly what we watched while at the hotel.

The girls really enjoyed getting to swim in the pool. Katelyn likes to go underwater whenever possible. Alaina loved going back and forth from the pool to the hot tub.

We ate at Red Robin and Olive Garden and Wendy's. We went to the Mall. This Mall has a Target attached to it and the girls (Audrey, Katelyn and Alaina) had fun trying sun hats on.

Corey and Sarah's family came up to watch some of the swimming too, which was a lot of fun. Sarah and I got to go see The Hunger Games.

Katelyn really adores her cousin Maddie and was constantly asking to know where she was and if she could go see her. I suppose it could be a little annoying to have a 5 year old wanting to follow you around for 3 days, but Maddie was really sweet with the girls.

On Sunday, we left to head towards home, but stopped in at Corey & Sarah's on the way. We ended up staying for 2 nights. We have always been really close with them. I am extremely lucky to have gotten one of my really good friends (and former roommates) for a sister in law. And she as become one of my dearest friends over the years.

The kids played and played and played together. We ate delicious homemade food. We went to the Library and to the Roslyn museum. We enjoyed sunshine and fresh air and trees. I went running with Corey and killed my lungs in their high altitude. We talked and read books and I didn't want to leave!

I reflected on some things in my life. I came to some conclusions, made some new resolves (some I am going to have to work really hard at).

Three months ago, I had a really bad day. Really bad! I refer to it as a "break down", and it was...of sorts. Truthfully, I had been leading up to this point for several months, maybe even years. I have been in conflict with myself for about 2 years actually. Struggling with my role in life, as it is right now, especially as a mother. It was a Sunday morning, Justin was working. Sundays are hard for me when he isn't there. Something small, very small happened and I snapped. There was a rage inside of me that scared me to death. So much that I thought I needed to go to the hospital. I was sure I was bipolar or something worse was happening to me. A friend took my girls for the day, Justin came home and he took me to the Crisis Center. I didn't want to go. I felt stupid and embarrassed. It makes me feel sad to think back on it, but the outcome of that day was a referral to a Counselor. And the good news is that it is exactly what needed to happen. I have gone once a week for the past 12 weeks. It is only the beginning, but I can see how it is helping already. Someone posted this on facebook today and it rang very true for me:

"It is easier to build up a child, than to repair an adult,
choose your words wisely."

Which is exactly why it is going to take a lot longer than 12 weeks to get where I want to be. I think that the most profound thing that I have learned so far is that {my moments of weakness/imperfection/struggle, whatever you want to call it, do not define me as a whole.} I still don't' always want to believe that, but right now, it is my lifeline.

Three Rivers Counseling

family pictures 2011

That's how we roll.

baby Claire

We had such a nice time visiting Corey and Sarah and spending time
with our newest niece, Claire. She is such a sweet little baby.

Katelyn (or, Kate-as she is now requesting to be called), Ezra & Audrey
Sleep over!

little stinker (this is truly a term of endearment) with daddy- basically
kicked me out of the bed onto Ezra's twin bed. Surprisingly, it was
a great place to sleep, for me :)

Claire in her blessing gown

Alaina has a strong affection for her Uncle Corey

Justin's parents were there as well as his younger brother Travis and his family.
Ezra, Kate, Isaac, Alaina, Audrey

Poor Sophie was having a bit of an emotional day :(
Isn't her hair beautiful?
(in case you didn't catch it, she's the one not facing the camera)

kids

I love these little munchkins. They keep life sweet and interesting.

New matching jammies from Granny B.

At the doctor's office. Katelyn is all ready for Kindergarten now.

Grandpa reading a story to Alaina. I love the look on her face.
She is so into the story, like it's the first time she's ever heard it.
**********************
Alaina is becoming a little girl, fast! Her speaking has really taken off.
She now asks the question "why?" all the time and at the right time.

Tonight I was wanting to get the girls in bed and was going to skip
reading the Book of Mormon and just have prayer. Usually Katelyn will
remind me, but tonight it was Alaina. I said it was time for prayer
and she kept saying "mo-mo". Yep, mom was being lazy and the
19 month old caught me!

4th of July

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July celebration. We were pretty

laid back this year. Justin usually has to work 4th of July, so earlier in

the afternoon we lit some sparklers together as a family. Kate seemed

to enjoy it. After a much needed nap, Kate and I got ready and went up

to Corey & Sarah's for shish-ka-bobs. Sarah made a fantastic dinner.

Grandma and Grandpa Peterson came up too. We had a good time.

Ezra and Kate were silly with excitement and spent a good part of the

night chasing each other around in circles. This is one of Kate's favorite

games. She loves the thrill of the chase, but likes to play hard to get.

Guess she practicing up for when she gets older. Once it got dark we went

outside and lit some fire crackers. Well, really the only thing we lit was some

sparklers. The rest was flame free, which was probably good since Corey

and Sarah are surrounded by a forest and there were two toddlers close by.

Kate and Ezra had the most fun though throwing those little things that pop.

We didn't make it out to watch any fireworks shows, but we could hear them

not too far off in the distance. It was a great night! Tragically, I think I broke

my camera. Some water spilled in the bag the other day and now it won't work

at all and there is a big water spot on the lense, so I have no original pictures

to post for a while. I'll have to change that real soon!!!

Our Weekend

This weekend was pretty fun. My mom came and stayed two nights with us. Friday night we had "girls' night" while Justin worked. I made a pasta salad, bbq'd chicken and then we had cake and ice cream for dessert. Saturday morning we went out and did some garage-sale-ing and then we stopped to watch the Newport Rodeo Parade. It was more fun this year now that Kate is older. She really loved watching all the horses and catching the candy that was thrown to us. It was cute watching her wave and say: "hi buddy", to the people in the parade. I forgot to take my camera with me, of course, so no pictures, sorry. Justin got to help direct traffic again. Yay, his favorite!

Saturday night Justin had to work overtime so my mom, Kate and I went for a drive up to Bonners Ferry, ID. My sister Tammy was up there to help one of her friends open her new restaurant...or "bistro". We got there just in time to have some free pizza, which was delicious! Then we got attacked by mosquitoes before heading home. Bonners Ferry is actually really pretty, I think I have only been through there once on our way to Canada. And it was a really nice day and even nicer evening so it was a great drive.

Sunday we went down to Spokane and had family pictures with my family-always a fun time to be had...31 people in the hot afternoon, there are bound to be some cranky-babies, and I'm not just talking about the toddlers :) After pictures it was back to my mom's for a pot luck bbq. It was fun getting together with everyone and there was lots of good food to be had. Again, no pictures...darn it!

So, the reason my mom came to stay with us was to help me out. Here's the story. Justin and I have been trying for baby #2 for over a year now, and two weeks ago I found out I was pregnant. Finally! Well, I started to have light spotting pretty much the day I found out and it continued for the next several days. It seemed like it had gotten a little heavier, so I called my OB and they wanted me to go in for blood work to check my hCG level. It came back ok and put me at around 4 weeks or so, which would have been right. Then they had me go back two days later to check it again. The number is supposed to double every 48 hours. I was pretty upset by that morning and nervous and anxious, so I had Dale and my brother in law give me a healing blessing. My lower back had started to hurt me and had gotten worse that morning and that worried me. Anyway, I did feel a lot more calm after the blessing and a little bit later went in for my blood draw. I went in super early in the morning so I could find out ASAP what the results were, but it still took until 3:30 in the afternoon for me to get a call back from my OB office. I was really frustrated about that. So, it turns out that my hCG level had gone down. They set me up for an appointment with them in a week to check it again. I have lost so much blood and "other stuff" (don't want to gross anyone out) that I am sure I have miscarried. I never wanted this to happen to me, but I can honestly say that I am 100% OK with it now. I was expecting it to be horribly painful, but it hasn't been at all. The good thing is that I got pregnant, so now I know it will happen again. I mean, I knew it would, but now I don't have to wonder as much if there is something "wrong". I have faith in God's plan for our family and I am sure that before the end of the year we will be able to say "we're having another baby!" So I am excited for that.

Corey's Graduation

Today Corey, my brother in law graduated from the Spokane Police Academy. He was hired with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and after some post academy training will be heading over to the town of Forks, WA (should ring a bell for all you 'twilight' fans). The day started at 9am and didn't end until about 2:45pm. Long day when you're toting around a couple of toddlers. It was really fun and sort of nostalgic to attend another Police Academy graduation. It was nearly 4 years ago when it was Justin's turn.

They started the day with a flag ceremony and the pinning of badges. Each officer was able to come up one by one and have a family member pin on the official badge of their respective agencies. That was something we didn't get to do when Justin graduated, but that's OK. After the ceremonies outside, we went into the auditorium of the Academy for a talk and video presentation by one of the instructors. It was the same talk that we were "privileged" to hear 4 years ago. They talked about "emotional survival" of a law enforcement officer. I remember feeling a little depressed and anxious after hearing that talk the first time. They tell you about the divorce rate being higher than 80%, the suicide rate being 3 times the national average, they tell you how your husband is going to come home from work and be a total channel flipping lump, who sits around with no energy and feels depressed. BUT! Then they tell you how to NOT become that person. It made me feel really good as he went through all the stats and different stories, to realize that Justin does an amazing job! He is first and foremost a husband and father and dedicated family member and we definitely have a life outside of law enforcement. I feel very thankful that we have the church as a foundation as well. The only thing I could see that really has happened with Justin is that 4 years ago he was the type of person who wanted to give everyone in the world the "benefit of the doubt". Now, he is much more cynical-as they discussed today. Pretty much most people out there are probably scum bags. I have to try and bring him back to reality some times or tell him to not be so judgemental, but if it keeps him alive, then that's OK with me. Today I felt extremely proud to be the wife of a Law Enforcement Officer and I also felt very Patriotic.

Here is the class marching before the flag ceremony.

Sarah, pinning on Corey's badge

The muchkins


Ezra-proud of his daddy

Sarah, Ezra and Kathy-Sarah's step-mom

Justin and his mom, Joyce (she'll thank me for that picture later, I'm sure)

Dean (left), Corey & Justin's dad and Jeff, Sarah's dad

Corey eating lunch with all the big-wigs from his new agency

Corey & Justin

Hmmm. Not sure what was going on here, but this

is a classic Corey face.

Corey getting sworn in by the Chief of Fish & Wildlife

Getting the badge pinned on...again.

And below: All the people from Fish & Wildlife who came for the Graduation.

It was pretty cool, we got to go outside after everything was over and

have a private swearing in party. It was really nice and personal.

Congratualtions Corey!

Grammy

There is only one place that we go where Katelyn doesn't prefer mommy over anyone else, and that place is Grammy's. We stayed the night in Spokane last night and got into town kinda late. Katelyn woke up when we got there and was all about hanging out with Grammy all night long. When I laid her down for bed, she started to cry, but did she want mommy, NO. She was crying for Grammy. She definitely has a special relationship with my mom. My mom is a super-grandma. She has Katelyn sleep over quite regularly, she even drives all the way up to our house (which really isn't that far all you whiners who never come visit! J/K) to pick up Kate and take her back to town. She loves having the grand kids over and playing with them, taking them on walks. She will even volunteer to have 5 or 6 toddlers over all at the same time, so us married people can get out every now and then. Thanks mom, for being an awesome Grammy! We love you.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day 2008. What a wonderful day today! Beautiful sunshine, good times with family...We celebrated Justin by making French Toast (out of french bread even), scrambled eggs al a DeAnne, OJ, and yogurt/fruit cup.

Later that night we continued the festivities at Corey & Sarah's home along with Justin's parents and Sarah's parents. It was a great day and we love our Father's (all of them) very much!






Saturday we went to the church Cannery. Kate had to come with us this time, so while Justin was in working, I entertained. Here is Kate with her hand in her "pock" as she likes to say. She likes to copy what mommy is doing.















Posing for the camera





Below: Katelyn on her new "big girl" bike. She got this for her birthday and loves it, although she can't quite reach the pedals enough to use them yet. So she has fun scooting around the house.

1st bike ride '08

While the sun was still shining today, we snuck
out for our first family bike ride of the year. Let
me just say, biking is hard...at first. My quads were already burning in our first few blocks. To make matters harder, I am the one who gets to piggy-back Katelyn. Justin claims he couldn't get the baby seat onto his bike, but maybe it was a sneaky trick since he is the one who gets to haul Kate around in the child carrier. Just kidding :) I know he would carry her in a second for me.













Anyway, we had a great time even in spite of my burning legs, sore wrists and two numb toes (don't ask me how, I don't know why that was). There are some trails up here in Newport that we decided to ride on and Katelyn loved every minute of it.

Mommy Thoughts

1. Typically what time do you wake up?? I wake up over and over again all night, but I don't usually get about of bed till about 7:30-8:30am (whenever Katelyn wakes up)

2. On a good night what time are your kids in bed? HA! Justin works nights, so we are all backwards. There are some nights when Katelyn is up until 10pm

3.How long have you been a mommy? 1 year 23 months and 9 days

4.How old were you when you became a mommy? 4 months before my 29th birthday

5.What is your favorite kids tv show/movie? Monsters Inc., Aladdin, Prince of Egypt

6.What is your least favorite kids show? I don't watch that many, but I hate Sponge-Bob.

7. What are your kids 'favorite' chores? She doesn't really have chores yet, but when she is done eating, she will say "done" and hand me her bowl and cup and then say "thank-you".

8.What is your favorite meal to cook? Lately nothing. But one thing I like to make is sauteed steak with green peppers and onions and then have it over rice.

9.What is the meal you cook most often? See above, or some kind of chicken dish.

10.What is your kids favorite meal? I wish she had a favorite meal. She is such a terribly picky eater. She most enjoys cold cereal.

11.What is your favorite thing your husband does with your kids? When he takes her out on a walk, just the two of them, or plays with her, or reads to her.

12.What are five things that make you smile when being a mom?1. Seeing Katelyn smile; 2. hearing her say new words or when she counts and says her ABC's; 3. Snuggles; 4. When she rubs my face gently or kisses her daddy's "wowie"; 5. Having her ask to say prayers.

13.If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be? Right now. I would take her to a pool and go swimming.

14.When was the last time you went somewhere without your kids? It's sad that I have to think about it that hard...I don't know...going to sleep at night (LAME!) We need to get out!!!!!

15.What is your favorite pass time activity to do with your kids? Definitely putting Katelyn in the stroller and going for walks/jogs.

16.Name one thing you said you would never do as a mom? Name call. I think I do pretty well in this area. I mean, I do call her a "turkey" or "stinker" or things like that on occasion, but I just don't want to get in the habit of calling her names like "brat" "lazy" "selfish" -things you might say when you get really frustrated or mad.

17. What is your favorite quality your mom has? She is very giving

18.What is your advice for new moms? Be kind to yourself. And know that you have the most important job in the world.

19.What is the scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom? Scary-"losing" her in a store. Heartbreaking-if I think she is sad.

20.What is your most joyful moment of being a mom? Seeing and holding her for the first time.

21. When was the last time you were told 'I love you' by one of your kids? Today. It sounds like this: "uvvyou"

Snuggling with Daddy (see how she has her hand on his head)

another lovely day...

After church today we went over to Pioneer Park along

the Pend Oreille River. It was just beautiful! Our friends

the Turner's came with us and we all enjoyed a picnic.

I've never seen bubbles as big as the ones

that came out of this bubble machine.

Great entertainment for the little ones.

Katelyn was thrilled! Isaac and Kade kept

chasing the bubbles and swinging to hit them, while

Katelyn put both her hands out very

femininely and tried to catch the bubbles.

Justin teaches Katelyn the fine art of skipping rocks.

Look at that form!

Loving every minute of it

Brrrr!

"Just say no to crack" (hehehe) too cute!