DeAnne Peterson

9.28.2008

Chocolate is a gift from Heaven

I haven't posted anything for a while it seems. I have been super busy lately trying to get our house ready to sell. It is just plain harder to get things done when you have a little toddler who requires your attention. We are getting there though. This weekend we were able to get some help from Justin's parents and my mom. We got the back deck repainted, hauled a bunch of crap to the dump and various other things. The only other major projects we have to do are: trim work in the bathroom and entry way, install carpet in master bedroom, and paint in the kitchen. By the way, we decided not to replace the kitchen cabinets. I really wanted to. It would have been a nice update for the home, but time is of the essence, as is cash so...we will repaint. I can't wait to get high on paint fumes again! WEEEE! Anyway, I am really hoping to be done in the next week to ten days.

I have been able to get rid of some things on craigslist which I LOVE! I also found a really cute toddler bedding set on craigslist and got that for Kate. She loved it...such a girly girl. It's amazing that we had two yard sales this year and I am still finding things to get rid of. I just loaded up a big box of stuff that I am going to take to the thrift store tonight.

So Justin had to work tonight in order to have tomorrow off to go down to Kennewick for his physical and treadmill stress test. I decided I needed a little "noise" in the house and turned on BYU tv. One of the reasons we got DISH is so we could have this channel and I sadly admit that I hardly ever watch it. Well, I sat down for a while and caught some really stellar talks on the topic of adversity and trials. This is the same topic that I was asked to speak about last week in church. I happen to love this topic and have a great testimony of the necessity of trials in our lives. I won't go on and on about it, but I will say that I know we can trust in God to support us in our trials and that adversity is absolutely crucial to our mortal experience and to the changing of our souls to become more like Christ.

I am really looking forward to General Conference next weekend.

And my last thought for the night is: chocolate is truly a gift from heaven!

9.23.2008

For Uncle Aaron

This video is dedicated to "Uncle Aaron" who claims he

has never heard Kate say one word. ever.

I was trying to get her to say more, but...what can I say, she's 2.

My Husband

I have been thinking a lot this past week about how much respect I have for my husband, as a law enforcement officer. I never thought I would be married to a "cop". Some of you may have heard about the tragedy that took place near Sequim, WA this last weekend. (A park ranger was shot and killed, along with another man). When something like this happens, you feel a lot of emotion, but when you are married to a LEO, it hits home even harder. The ranger who was killed was the wife of my brother-in-law, Corey's (left) Field Training Officer. It makes it that much more real. There is a lot of stress involved with being married to someone in Law Enforcement. You cannot dwell on it though, or you would go crazy. I am just incredibly grateful to the men and women in law enforcement, who serve their communities well. I am thankful to my husband who really does put his life on the line every time he goes to work. I have learned to have faith in our Heavenly Father, and that he has a plan for Justin. And of course, a lot of prayers go up on his behalf. So, thank you Justin for the work you do to take care of our family. We love you!

9.19.2008

More on Kennewick

Did you know that Kennewick's native name means "winter paradise"?

That's right. The mild winters and warm summers make for year

round outdoor fun! Some people would ask me why I want to live

in the "ugly" Tri-Cities area where there is nothing but dessert,

sagebrush, and wind. Well, keep reading and I will tell you.

*********

Here are just three little reasons why I do not want to

spend one more winter here in Newport.

You can gauge the amount of snow we had last year

by measuring it against my 6' 4" husband.

You get the idea?

The capacity for which I have to express my abhorrence for winter

is truly lacking. The only thing I like about winter is the

Christmas season. I love the carols, the lights, the food,

the family, and good will towards all men.

So, you can keep your trees and mountains and snow.

It's sunshine and wind for me!

9.18.2008

Congratulations To Justin

As most of you know, we have been going through a three month hiring process for Justin to get a job with the Kennewick Police Department. Yesterday was his Command Staff Interview with the Chief of Police and three Captains. The story goes that if they want you, they will offer you the job at this setting. If not, they will say "we'll get in touch with you". I dropped Justin off at 9:15am for his 9:30 interview. I was so nervous I have myself diarrhea. I went to fill up the car with gas and then decided to take it through the car wash, just to give me something to do. I got back to the Police station just before 10am and Justin called my cell phone. I saw him walking out of the building and he tells me that he wants to go home and has a disappointed look on his face. I don't exactly fall for his little trick because I figured he would try to make me think he didn't get the job offer. He gave it a good effort though, and then finally told me that they offered him the job. PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been a long three months. Now, the offer is still contingent upon him passing his psychological evaluation and medical exam, but I just know there won't be any problems. It looks like Justin will be starting mid October with the new agency. I am so proud of Justin for working so hard on all the phases of this process. I am very excited, anxious a little nervous and will be sad to say good-bye to the friends and family we have here, BUT it is only a two hour drive. So now it's full steam ahead with the house preparations. I cannot even describe how frustrating it is to try and paint, pack or do anything with a toddler. I try to let her help though, where she can so she isn't totally left out. Anyone wanna buy a nice house in Newport????