The Peterson Family

Christmas Day - 2010

2011-02-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas day we didn't spend traditionally because Uncle Corwin had Sydnee and Kelsei the week later so we "talked" to Santa and had him come a week late. We did let the kids open one gift from us on Christmas morning and the gift from Grandpa Dan and Grandma Diny.

Oscar got a WII game; Lego Indiana Jones .

Oliver also got a WII game. Lego Batman.

We let Myles open the gift from Grandpa Dan and Grandma Diny. It was a Hunting WII game for them all to share.

This year before Christmas we were given a very special gift, the twelve days of Christmas. We got something every night. One night it was a ginger bread house for us to put together and all the trimmings. Another was Christmas books and a blanket to snuggle with. Another was a Christmas movie, popcorn and treats. There were soooo many thoughtful gifts and the boys loved getting them each night. The last night the kids received these cute Disney pjs. Oscar was Buzz, Oliver Woody, Myles Lighting McQueen, and Avery Minney Mouse. Avery's had her name emberoidered on it as well. It was an amazing Christmas surprise. We felt so blessed and loved while our daddy was soooo far away!

Avery - 4 months - December 2010

2011-02-19T03:03:00.000-08:00

This Avery in her Christmas dress from Grandma CC.

She was so cute dancing with her little legs just moving as fast as they could up and down.

Avery is happy being held. She loves sleeping with Grandpa Roger and he likes it when she sleeps too because that means he can gets a nap too!

Avery is really playing with toys now and the boys love giving her things to put in her mouth or grab. She is a smiley little one and so happy. We all love having her around.

Oh Christmas Tree - 11/30/10

2011-02-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

To help us get in the mood for the Christmas season we decorated my parents house and the Christmas tree. It was a little bit early for our family, but it was nice to have it done in time to enjoy the rest of the season. The kids enjoyed doing the "Peterson" family traditions and seeing the Christmas decorations that I have been using since I was a child.

Thanksgiving - 2010

2011-02-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving in the Tri-Cities with Kirt and his family again. They are the most centrally located and had the best place for a big group. Corwin and Tarah came too. Mom and Dad couldn't make it last minute, cause mom had hip surgery and wasn't out of the hospital yet. We had a good time haning out.

The three sibliings. Crazy how we have all grown up and have families of our own. Who knows when we'll be back together again?

The kids got to go play in the snow a few times. They have a perfect size hill behind their house to go sledding. I think for the most part they enjoyed their time. Maybe Oliver didn't like having his hands get cold when he wouldn't keep on his gloves, but that was about it.

Corwin brought his Xbox Kinnect. We had a great time with it. I think it was the hit of the weekend. The favorite was the dancing one.

Little Lady - 3 mo. - NOV. 2011

2011-01-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

Avery is such a joy to have. The boys love her. Oliver is always making her laugh and she is so smiley now. She is happy as long she isn't the only one in the room. She likes her gym to play with the objects hanging down and has started to reach for them. The swing is where she falls a sleep most often if she isn't in mommys sling. Mostly she loves to be held by mommy. She is just a little spoiled, but we love her so much it is hard not to.

First Snow in Spokane - 11/18/2011

2011-01-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

We got to Spokane just days before the snow flew. We had high hopes of working in the yard for Grandpa Roger, but didn't get very far. The boys had a great time playing in the snow though and it was one of the many days they got to play in it.

Family in Blk Diamond - 11/2010

2011-01-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

After selling our home in Idaho Falls we spent Halloween and the first couple of weeks in Black Diamond with Jared's family. The kids had a blast playing in the rain, running and playing in the woods, helping grandpa mow the yard, being with their cousins and just having fun. Thanks to grandpa, grandma, and aunt Danielle for putting up with us.

Seattle Science Center - 11/6/10

2011-01-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

While we spent some time in Seattle after selling our home, we went to the Pacific Science Center with our cousin Shelby and aunt Danielle. We spent a good part of the day there and still didn't see it all. It was fun for the kids to explore.

The dinosaurs were one of the kids' favorite parts!

Oliver was fascinated by the real heart they had there to show. He is going to be our little doctor.

The sea life was a amazing to touch. So cool!

We were there till they booted us out!

Halloween - 2010

2011-01-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

For Halloween we were in Black Diamond and spent it with our cousin Shelby and aunt Danielle. We had a great time. Oscar was a biker, like Lance Armstrong. Oliver was his favorite Hero Batman. Myles was the cutest lion and Avery was our little Sweet Pea. We went to the church for their trunk or treat on Saturday since Halloween landed on Sunday. The kids got tons of candy and enjoyed trading it once they got home. The ate it for days to come. We all Halloween at our house.

Sold Our House - Moved - 10/23/10

2011-01-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

So after a crazy month of preparation the day finally came for us to move. We moved out of our first home on October 23, 2010. We sold our house after it was on the market for 93 days and moved before the snow flew. It was amazing the support from family, friends, and neighbors during the process. Jared wasn't able to come help, but we had so many helping hands. It was amazing! We will sure miss everyone so much. These pictures where taken by a dear friend of mine, Jessica, the day we left. THANKS TO EVERYONE for the past four wonderful years!!!

Family Photos - Aug. 2010

2011-01-03T09:42:00.001-08:00

I failed to post these family photos before the chaos began. They were taken while Jared was home for the short two weeks after Avery arrived.

Oliver's 1st Day of Pre-school - 9/8

2010-09-19T15:48:00.001-07:00

Ollie's first day of pre-school with Ms. Janet was on the 8th of September. He was so excited to be the school goer. He was ready a whole hour and a half early and begging for me to take him. Ms. Janet is so wonderful! We took Oscar to her and just loved her and she loves our boys. She has a strong testimony of the gospel and isn't afraid to share that with her children of her class, which we really appreciate. She is amazing. Oliver has enjoyed each time since the first day and loves to take something to share in his backpack. He took his "Body" book this last Friday to share about the letter B. Hopefully our little doctor in the making will soon have the desire to learn his ABC's. Good luck, Ms Janet!

Ollie with Ms. Janet.

Oscar's 1st Day of School - 8/30

2010-09-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Oscar's first day of second grade was on the 30th of August. We woke up to it raining pretty good. So that's the reason for the yellow rain jacket. When he got home though it was nice so we took another picture of him in his dad's Hawaii shirt that he got him. Oscar is a very bright boy and we can't wait to see how he shines this year in Mrs. Brown's 2nd grade class. Go get'em Oscar!

Oscar with his little brother, Oliver on the first day of school.

After school... What a handsome boy!

Avery's Blessing - 9/22/10

2010-09-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

While Jared was here we blessed our little lady. She wore her mommy's blessing dress and she looked beautiful. We had many family members there to enjoy the occasion with us. A few were Grandpa Roger, Grandma "CC", Grandpa Dan, Grandma Diny, Aunt Rachelle with her family, and more. We are grateful to all those who made the trip and missed those who couldn't. Avery was a sweet little angel during her blessing and Jared, like always, gave a fantastic prayer. Avery was blessed with many things, among them were to have a close relationship with her mother, to be a good example to her brothers, a peacemaker in the home, and would have a love for God's creations and find solace in them. She was counseled to stay close to her Heavenly Father through prayer and study, to keep the commandments, keep herself pure and clean, to get a higher education and many more beautiful and wonderful blessings. It really was a special day. We love our little Avery Raelene Peterson and feel so blessed to have her in our home where she has brought so much love already.

My dress and Grandma Neener's Blanket!

Our little family.

Avery sleeping so soundly in her beautiful dress and car seat.

Grandpa Roger and Grandma CC.

The Grandmas!

Her first smile!

The handsome men of her life.

Avery Raelene - 8/9/10

2010-08-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

On August 9, 2010 little Avery decided to make herself known. Around 6:30ish I started feeling little contraction, but nothing any different than what I had been feeling for weeks. Around 6:50 they got closer together, about 2-3 minutes apart, but nothing really intense. At around 7pm I decided I better go get my things together just in case she came. By the time I was finished packing up my toiletries I knew this was the real thing. I then called my neighbor, BreAnn, to have her take me to the hospital. My mom and dad stayed home with the boys, good thing they were here. On the way to the hospital the contractions got pretty intense and I called my midwife to meet me there. I got to the hospital just after another gal who was trying to get a wheel chair and I wasn't about the wait for that. I had to stop a couple of times to get through the contractions, but we made it up to labor and delivery at about 7:35pm. I told the nurses I was in labor and I go REALLY fast. Well they got me right in to a room and started prepping me. In fact one of the nurses was the same as I had with Myles and she remembered me and how fast I go. BreAnn stayed for the whole thing. She was my camera man, coach and support. It was great. Avery was born after two pushes at 7:59pm. She was 6 lbs 15 oz. and 19 inches long. She had a full head of black hair and was perfectly beautiful. She has long skinny fingers and thin feet which I thought would never be possible because my boys have blocks like their father. She is a great nurser and is very strong. From the moment she came into the world she was holding up her head and rooting. She is a very mild little baby that cries only when she is hungry. She hasn't really fussed at all since she let out her first scream after cutting the cord. She has be a delight to have in our home and the boys absolutely adore her. They are always wanting to kiss her and love on her. She really is easy to love. We are so happy she is apart of our little family. Dad missed her delivery, but was able to see her through skype the night of her birth and came home to spend 2 weeks with our family just 4 days after her arrival. She is Daddy's little "Princess P" and she'll have him wrapped around her little finger very soon.

Kitchen Transformation

2010-07-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

The kitchen transformation started when we first bought the home. We couldn't use the stove top because the microwave was too low. You couldn't even fit a pot on the stove. So we decided with our designers discount from our manufacturers we would get ourselves new appliances for the fraction of the price. from that the kitchen stayed the same till Jared went to Seattle for a couple of weeks to job hunt in March of this year. That is when I started tearing out the nasty blue and white wallpaper. It was a tough job and I was just pregnant and very sick so I didn't get it done very fast, in fact we were almost done with the rest of the remodel when I finally removed it all. Oh well, it is gone and I am happy! Once we started in on the basement and main floor bathroom we "had" to update the kitchen, so we choose some granite and tile from Pat and when he was here doing the rest of the house the kitchen was a place he spent a lot of time as well. We replaced the terrible vinyl flooring with ceramic tile, the white laminate counter tops with granite, the porcelain tile back splash with travertine tiles, and replace the sink and faucet with stainless steel. We also painted the walls the little green/blue and have had to do some touch up paint on the cabinets where it has chipped over the years. It is a whole new room. I am very happy with the way that it turned out.

BEFORE:

DURING:

My trusty friend, Lisa, came to help me strip wallpaper. So nice!

Tearing out the vinyl.

Prepping the floor for tile.

NEW TILE!!!

Prepping the cabinets for the granite... :)

Still removing wallpaper a month later! Hee hee...

The wallpaper is gone!

Jared painting!

Just finished the travertine back splash and the granite counter tops! Aren't they beautiful?

AFTER:

Myles' 2nd Birthday - 6/26/10

2010-07-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Myles' Birthday was kinda an after thought. I was so busy trying to get my house on the market and ready for pictures so I really didn't plan anything till the last minute. We has a few good friends of ours over for Cake and ice cream. I made him a racetrack cake and I think he really liked it. "Car" is a regular word in his vocabulary.

The Mitchell's came to our party and brought him some bubbles and some well needed diapers. Lisa thought it was a funny gift, but she didn't want to get him something that we would throw away or garage sale when we move . I thought it was a fantastic gift and Myles liked opening something.

Myles needed some encouraging to blow out the candles so I gladly helped!

Independence Day

2010-07-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

This Independence Day our little family was very blessed. We were invited by many of our friends to make our holiday special. We started celebrating on the 3rd with the parade down the street from our house. It was a cold morning with lots of wind, but we weathered fine. The boys had a fun time chasing all the candy. After that we went to a picnic at the park with some of our closest friends. We had yummy food and the boys got to play games, run around, play football, and have a water balloon fight. And the weather had gotten better so that was great. We then went home to take naps and get some things prepared for the rest of the days adventures. Our naps were short lived, but felt so good. We then went to our good neighbors house, the Kalkwarf's, for a BBQ. They made some really yummy ribs and we had some fabulous salads. The kids played in the water, played with pop-its and ran around having a blast. Matt Kalkwarf is known for his fireworks, so we watched him do his thing. He gave the kids some sparklers to light, swing around and before we left he gave all the boys a basket of their our fireworks to let off later. I think that was the best gift anyone could have given them. They were elated! Then we went home got dressed in some warmer clothes and headed to the firework celebration down by the river. We went with our good friends the Mitchell's and had a great time. Lisa got us all of us a yummy grilled corn on the cob and brought fun glow sticks for the kids. She is always showing me up as the "fun mom." The show was as good as usual and we had a good spot to watch. The crowd wasn't too bad this year either. When we got home we were tired and in fact we all slept in the next morning because we were so tired. Then on the actual 4th of July we attended a great day at church and then went to the Mitchell's for a wonderful BBQ with a bunch of our friends. We all played and had a good time. Our holiday overall was as good as it could have been without our Daddy there. He was very much missed in all our festivities. Hopefully next year we will all be spending it together on the beach somewhere overlooking the ocean. :)

Living/Dining Remodel

2010-05-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well where do I begin? It all started in Feburary 2007 when Oliver was just a year and he would do this gagging thing when he coughed that caused him to throw up. Well he did this one evening and threw up all over the carpet at the base of the stairs leading to the dining room. So Jared said, "I am not cleaning this up, I am tearing it out!" That became our weekend project. We tore out the carpet and the railing, sanded the raw wood floors, stained them the dark wood and finished them. It was gorgeous when we were finished. Then Jared one day in May of 2007 got tired of the beautiful press board mantle wall and tore out the mantle and built-ins around the fireplace. When he did this he replaced the wall, fixed the crown molding, rewired the outlets and insulated the wall. Then sheet rocked, textured, and primed the wall. That is the way it stay until about three months ago when Jared put in a base in the living room and asked for paint colors. He was painting the walls that very day and was what he worked on until I went out of town for a girls weekend and he got another itch and moved on to the bathroom and basement remodels. From there I painted the built-ins in the hall by the bathroom and finished up touch up paint pretty much throughout. After Jared left for Guam I had Bob, Jared's uncle, make me the mantle I have wanted for soooo many years. It turned out fantastic! After he finished installing it I primed and painted it. I have to say it is the only painting that I didn't mind doing in these last days. Then just last week we had carpet installed and the room is finally complete minus some accessorizing. I actually love coming down the stairs to have it greet me in the mornings! :) They say good things come to those who wait and I think this is one of those cases.

Before:

Finished the Wood Floors:

Can you see the throw up behind Jared? YUCK!

Look how little Oscar was!

Ollie, now you are our little helper!

Mantle Wall Tear Out:

This is the way it stayed for almost three years! :(

Painting Begins:

Bye bye plum!

This is Myles contributing to the project. One of is many words is "Paint."

He has learned not to touch.

The paint looks so green at night, but during the day is more tan.

It is interesting what a little light will do.

This is the one thing I have been waiting for for over 3 years. Thank you, Bob, it is beautiful!

When they were ripping out the carpet I wanted so badly to keep it wood, but time and money was of the essence. :(

After:

Family Room Changes

2010-05-27T19:59:00.001-07:00

Almost immediately after we moved in our home 3 years ago I tore out the brown wall covering in this room, but never got anywhere else until recently. After owning our home for a year we had a crazy winter and our gutters were torn off by an ice dam that had built up on the eves so as the snow and ice melted it wicked up under the fascia and leaked into our family room leaving water marks on the wall. Needless to say we had a bit of a water damage and as we went to patch and paint this room the walls started to fall apart, so Jared the day before leaving to Guam, torn out the wall, sheet rocked it, taped and textured the wall and we got as far as to paint the window trim so that I could finish the job once he was gone by only having to paint. If it had been that easy...Well my great friend Lisa offered to come over in the evenings to help me and we spent a hole week painting the ugly brown wainscot base and walls. Let me tell you it was a nightmare. The base went fine and then once we got to the walls the paint started separating and balling up. We couldn't figure it out. So what we did was put on a light coat of paint first to hope it would act like a primer and then painted two other coats following. It worked, but took a long time. The cutting in twice took FOREVER and if it weren't for Lisa and Yvonne, Jared's Aunt,help I would still be doing it. I spent so much time on this room that I am so sick of painting it isn't even funny. But it is all done and now the carpet has been replaced and it is a whole new room. It seems so much bigger. It is crazy the transformation.

AFTER:
Before:

During:

Yvonne is amazing at trim and especially doors!

Do we look like we haven't had any sleep for days? Well we haven't!

After the paint is finished, but before the carpet install

After:

Complete Basement Remodel

2010-05-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Basement was a complete remodel. I will go into detail on each area we did sooooo... Prepare for this to be a long entry!!! Maybe the length of this one will give you an idea of the WORK!

Stair Case: Basically tore out the railing, carpet and the last step to make a landing. Put in a new railing, landing, painted, and carpeted.

Before:
During:After:

Bedroom #1: First in 2008 we put in an egress window. Then most recently tore out the wood paneling, built in a closet, dry walled, replaced light fixtures, painted, and carpeted. Also Jared installed this handy little door to access the water line. Huge improvement! The Tetons and the asbestos tile will be greatly missed!!!

Before:

During:
After:

Hallway #1: Had the walls textured, replaced light fixture, painted, and replaced carpet. Oh the telephone booth for those who remember it is now just painted over!

Before:

After:

Laundry Room/Storage: First about a year or so ago Jared tore out the beautiful shower and the fancy built-in cabinets in the hallway #2. He used the wood from the cabinets to build me some shelves for all my food storage, thanks to all my couponing. Then most recently he moved the dryer to the other side of the washer, framed in the storage area, framed in the laundry room to be separate from the hall and bathroom area. Then he and my brother in-law tiled it. Also it was painted. During the remodel process our hot water heater went out and that was also replaced.

Before:

During:

After:

Cold Storage: This area was disgusting when we moved in, but Jared cleaned it up, sealed the wholes/cracks in the foundation, put in wood pallets, and handy poly system so that we could store our onions and potatoes through the summer. It is super handy and will be great greatly missed wherever we move to.

Before:

After:

Bathroom: This area was completely gutted. When we started out it was only going to loose one wall, but after some clearer measurements for where the tub was going to have to go we had to tare it all out. It was a very stressful day for Raelene. Then Jared hired some scouts to come finish demo work and clean it out while we went to the temple and they took FOREVER to get it complete. Lesson learned....Never leave 14 year old boys unattended while you said you would pay them by the hour. Anyway....This area was re-framed into being the bathroom and closet for bedroom #2. We had to have it plumbed to a shower which in some time during the process plugged the main drain to the house and caused the sewer to back up and on a Sunday night with poo coming up the drains. Needless to say Jared had to call the rotor rooter guy to come out and fix it. Lovely night and weekend visit! Anyway once all the complications were behind us the bathroom was drywalled, tub was installed, new vanity, granite counter tops, new light fixture, paint and tile on the floor and bathtub surround all were installed. It looks great for a basement bathroom!

Before:

This was a funky area between the bath room and the bedroom tha ended up being made into where the new bathtub and larger closet for bedroom #2 downstairs.

During:

After:

Bedroom#2: In 2008 we installed two egress windows in this room, opening it up to so much light. Then as of late Jared framed it out making the closet bigger, had it dry walled, painted it, and carpeted it. I would love this room for my own, especially in the summer months.

Before:

During: After:

Hallway #2: These are the cabinets that Jared tore out about a year or so ago to make my food storage shelves. Here we built in a closet for storage or whatever and framed it out, painted and carpeted. This area was so open before and felt unfinished, but not anymore!

Before:

During: After:

Main Floor Bathroom Remodel

2010-05-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Rooms complete! Before, during and after shoots....These aren't in any particular order of when the room was completed.

Main Floor Bathroom

Before:

We completely gutted this room minus the bathtub surround. First Jared put in a new ceiling, lighting, fan and crown molding. Then we had our brother in-law, thank you Patrick, lay travertine tile. Then they put in bead board over the yucky peach 40's tile, installed a new toilet, vanity and gorgeous granite counter top. Lastly we installed a new light fixture, mirror, towel bars, hooks, and painted. It is a completely new room and looks amazing. (Or at least I think so!)

During:

After:

UPDATE: These Are the Days of Our Lives!

2010-05-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

So a ton has happened since my last post. I will try to give a brief summary. Here goes....

Jared has been unemployed since October of last year and has pretty much looked everywhere for a job. The market is terrible and 1 in every 5 Architects in unemployed. So a few months back he interviewed for a couple of job positions in Guam and was offered one. He will be there for a two month trial period and if they like him and he likes them and Guam we will be moving our family there. Jared left for Guam on Thursday, May 6th and will start his trial work on Monday the 10th. Guam from what we have been told is a tropical island in the South Pacific. It is 30 miles long and 12 miles wide at it's widest point. It is an American Territory and has both a Naval and Air force base located there. The firm Jared will be working for does a bunch of work on the base and especially now because they are wanting to double in size in the next few years. If it works out it be a huge adventure for our family.

All the while Jared was interviewing for this position we started a HUGE remodel of our home. We finished the basement (two bedrooms, a full bath, a laundry room and storage room.) Also we completely gutted the main floor bath, tiled the floor in the kitchen, put granite on the counter tops and put in a new back splash. Oh also we have stripped wallpaper in the kitchen, painted the living/dining room, painted all the trim paint and ceilings of the house, painted the kitchen and main floor bath. I have yet to complete the entry way and the family room. I stripped wallpaper in both areas and now just need to prime and paint. I have just a bit of touch up paint to do, paint our front door black, paint some peeling exterior paint, and go through all of our things to decide what should go in storage, what should be sold, and what should be taken with us if we go. I am hoping to have this all complete before June so I can put the house on the market by then. I am grateful to be busy because it keeps my mind from thinking and keeps be young. Hahaha!

Oh and I am 26 weeks pregnant and am expecting our first girl, AVERY! She is due the 20th of August. We are super excited and the boys are too.

So needless to say our family is going through a bit of change right now and we'll try to keep you posted as to where our Heavenly Father takes us. I will post pictures of the house before and afters here soon. As well as an ultrasound picture of our little Avery. Thanks to everyone who has loved and supported, helped and contributed to our lives in these past few months and years.

Boys Birthday Celebration

2010-02-24T13:41:00.001-08:00

When Grandma Diny and Grandpa Dan came to visit the weekend after Oscar's birthday and the weekend before Oliver's birthday they took us bowling to celebrate. It is something our family has enjoyed way before it was started and continues to till today. Our little competitor, Oscar, really doesn't enjoy loosing though and takes it way to seriously. We had a great time... Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Oscar's 7th Birthday - Jan. 20th

2010-02-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

For Oscar's Birthday we had a quite night at home. Oscar got to choose what he wanted for dinner. He choose pizza, macaroni and cheese and smoothies. It was a blast for everyone.

Sledding with Dad

2010-02-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

New Years Day and the day following Jared took the two older boys sledding. They had a ball and are definitely made more like their father, warm blooded.

Oscar's Second Tooth - Dec. 30th

2010-02-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

The loss of Oscar's second tooth was even better than the first. When it came time to pull it out and Jared wrapped the floss around it, Oscar did the pulling. I don't think I could even do that as an adult. He was so proud of himself. Now he is toothless on the bottom ...Got to love those goofy toothless pictures to come...

Oscar Lost His First Tooth - Dec. 12th

2010-02-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 12th Oscar lost his first tooth or should we say got it yanked out. Jared tied a piece of dental floss to it, yanked, and out it came. Oscar just looked at Jared and said, "Ouch, that hurt!" No tears and not yelling. He is a tough kid, especially cause it really wasn't that loose. Way to go Oscar!

Kids Will Be Kids

2010-02-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Dan came to visit just days after Christmas and he and Jared had the time of their lives playing the WII. As they made our boys clean their room they played the thing for hours. It was hilarious to watch!

Christmas Morning - 09

2010-01-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

Our family felt so blessed this Christmas. So many people made it possible for us to have a fantastic day. Our boys loved everything they received and had such a great time. We love this time of year when we can remember our Savior Jesus Christ and have the chance to give and receive. Daddy even go a long awaited present from Mommy.... And it still needs to be quilted and bond. Someday it will be complete! HONEY, I PROMISE!

Oscar's 1st Grade Christmas Concert

2010-01-21T13:01:00.001-08:00

Oscar was so cute singing in his first grade Christmas program. He is such a little man!

SANTA at Ward Christmas Party - 12/9/09

2010-01-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

While at the ward party the boys got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him want it was that their hearts desired for Christmas. It was fun to see Oliver and Oscar start in on their lists and how Myles wanted nothing to do with the scary man! It was such a great turn out at the party and it was fun to get together with our ward family to celebrate one of the most amazing times of the year. It is this time that we remember how magical Christmas time is... This year we've been on the receiving end of many gracious gifts and have learned that really it is magical to be loved and thought of. We only hope that when we are on the other end of things we will remember this time and be the ones that give. Thanks to those that made our holiday season possible. We Love You!

Oh Christmas Tree - 12/5/09

2010-01-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

Well we decided to go and buy a Christmas tree after our experience last year on the MOUNTAIN side and a charlie brown results. But we figured after getting the permit to cut one, the gas driving there and back, and the treats for the journey we came out ahead. So......here is our $35 tree from Fred Meyer.

We had a great time watching dad put on our 1800 white and red lights and then decorating the tree. The boys always have a great time and we love the way the tree came out after everything was said and done.

Horse Ride - 12/4/09

2010-01-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

We decided to brave the weather and take the kids to Snake River Landing for a horse carriage ride with some friends of ours, the Mitchells. It was interesting waiting in line and smashing on to the carriage with a bunch of other unknown people. The kids had a good time though and it was good to get the kids out. Afterwards we went back to our place had pizza and played games. All and all it was a great night.

Thanksgiving in Eastern Washington

2010-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Before going to the Tri-Cities for Thanksgiving we spent a few days in Spokane with Grandma C, Grandpa Roger, Corwin, Tarah, Sydnee, and Kelsei. We had a blast. Uncle Corwin took us to an indoor water park. Oscar was scared at first to go down the big slides, but once he went we couldn't get him to stop. I wish we had pictures cause it was so much fun. I will have to get some from Corwin and add them later.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving we headed to the Tri-Cities. Mom, Dad, Donise and myself went to the temple that night and it was a great experience. I learned things I hadn't ever know before and it felt great being there. Kirt had broken his collar bone just the weekend before we got there so was in a ton of pain and didn't feel up to going.

The next day, Wednesday, the day before the holiday we hung out, played games, chatted and we took the kids to the park. The following are so pictures of that....

Myles thought he could go up the slide instead of go down.

Grandpa in his guillotine! AH....

The kids had a great time playing tag, pretending to play house, and just being outside in the great weather.

Grandpa showing his stuff on the cable run.

The night before Thanksgiving the kids roasted marshmallows and eat smores. I think they had more fun playing in the fire than roasting the marshmallows. Boys will be boys!

Myles sure thought his marshmallow was yummy!

Cousin Joseph was a great little buddy to all the boys!

What a fabulous turkey! UM UM UM!

The last preparations of the spread!

The kiddy piggy table.

Waiting happily for the chow...

Myles finally warmed up to uncle Corwin.

The FEAST! Amazingly enough we all sat together and ate Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in over 10 years. Boy was it yummy! Thanks to Donise and all her hard work. We had everything to eat under the sun and so much to eat for days.... Good times! We were so glad that we all made the trip. We did miss Spencer on his mission and Sydnee and Kelsei.

Myles had the time of his life pushing the garbage can around. I never knew it could be so entertaining.

The family photo shoot the day after Thanksgiving. It is always interesting trying to get everyone there and happy about being there all at the same time.

Yeah right....a good photo? Best we could get!

Still happy and in love! Ah...

After taking Corwin's remote control cars out for a spin, the boys going shooting the next day and playing some more games we headed back to Spokane were we spent a couple of more days with Grandma C and Grandpa Roger. We were able to help them out with some things they needed done around the house and have a good time chatting.

Saying goodbye to Grandma C. The boys love their grandma!

The long ride home... 7 1/2 Hours! The boys really were not that bad.

Grandma Diny and Neener Came to Visit - Nov. 12th

2010-01-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Grandma Diny came to visit us after she had been on a very long trip around the world. We enjoyed seeing her photos and hearing her stories. Grandma Neener was also in town visiting her other daughters and came to dinner at our place. Our boys love it when grandmas come to town.

PEEK-A-BOO.... Myles likes to get in the cabinet and play peek a boo. He was doing it so cute with grandma.

Fall Family Fun

2009-12-28T13:14:00.001-08:00

This fall we had a blast together as a family. We harvested some great things from our garden, our apple tree, waked leafs, hung out watching movies, went to the church family to get corn and potatoes. Our family loves the fall. It is so beautiful to watch everything change colors, especially down our historical street lined with trees. Some of the things we grew in our garden this year were... carrots, peas, bean, beets, onions, broccoli, califlower, ochra, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and some herbs. We are still getting carrots out of the garden and will have them, onions and potatoes through the winter. We feel really fortunate for everything that we were blessed to harvest and for all that was given to use by great friends!

Upstair Bathroom Remodel

2009-12-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

Since Jared has had a little more time on his hands we have been getting some projects that have been put off done. The upstairs bathroom is one of them. He installed the well needed fan/light and painted the trim, walls and ceiling. Now that we are almost finished it looks a hundred times better than when we bought the house. We will post before and after pictures when we are all finished. It is amazing the transformation!

Woodland Park Zoo - 8/28/09

2009-12-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

Before leaving Washington we had to finish up our city pass and we did it by going to the Woodland Park Zoo. The best part about it was that we got in on our Idaho Falls zoo pass and were able to sell our other tickets to earn some of our money back... I know I am way cheap! It was just the boys and I and we had a great time together. We saw everything we could and we had no time restraints doing it. We saw the farm animals, spiders, the hippos, tigers, garillas, giraffes, and much much more. My boys are animals themselves so they had a great time. They kept saying.... "Mom take my picture here...and here... and here!" It was fun to see them come alive. By the end of the day and the trip we were all beat and needed some well needed rest.

3rd Day in Seattle - Seattle Aquarium - 8/25/09

2009-12-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Before heading off to the Seattle Aquarium we met up with a dear friend of mine from college, Carli, for lunch. It was way too short but it was great to see her.

Off to the Aquarium... It was ok, but if I hadn't bought the Pass I would've been disappointed. The sea life was cool, but I thought there would be more and bigger fish. Myles liked touching the star fish.

Oscar the sad jellyfish!

"I saw mommy kissing....a seal?"

Grandma and Danielle were so helpful with my boys.

After the aquarium Danielle and her kids went back home and Grandma, the boys and I stayed downtown for a little while. We did some shopping and we got something to eat. Oh and we couldn't make it into Seattle without going to the market. I love the flowers at Pike's Place! We road the bus home..... I won't be doing that again...it took way too long and Myles and a poop, a sore bum and to make it worse I was out of diapers, so I wrapped him in grandma's extra shirt. It was a little adventure to say the least.

2nd day in Seattle - Space Needle & Science Center - 8/23/09

2009-12-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

We did what the city folk do when they want to go downtown and rode the train. Oscar was terrified at first but once he got on he was good. I was scared there for a little while that we weren't going to get him on! It was a good way to travel and not have to spend on gas and parking.

Once we got to Seattle we went to the Space Needle on our City Pass. It was a great view of the city and the boys liked looking through the scopes.

Next the City Pass took us to the Pacific Science Center. We wish we would have gone there first because we didn't have hardly enough time to get through it and the space needle is open later. Oh well we know for next time that it is an all day thing! They had so much for the kids to experiment with and they absolutely loved it. We will definitely do it again. It is a must do for anyone with kids and going to Seattle!

I haven't laughed so hard as when Jared did the mirror and I saw his double move. It was hilarious! Ollie and Grandma were pretty funny too!

The Tropical Butterfly House was amazing! There were so many butterflies that you couldn't count them. They would land on you and you could get inches away without them even moving. The boys thought it was great.

Myles liked riding the caterpillar.

Seattle - Argosy Habor Cruise 8/22/09

2009-12-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

The second place we went with our Seattle City Pass was the Argosy Cruise Harbor Tour. It was interesting trying to hear the lady talk about the history of Seattle, kept my kids from leaning over the edge to far and falling into the water, take pictures, keep Myles from wandering around the boat and enjoy myself. I don't think we'll do that one again although it was very informational. At least not with young children.

Myles cruising.... I think the people liked watching him more than the tour. I know he is adorable. I really do have cute boys...not that I am bias. :)

Beautiful View!

We couldn't leave Seattle harbor without getting Ivar's. They really do have the best clam chowder ever!

Museum of Flight - 8/21/09

2009-11-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

While we were in Seattle we decided to take all the sites in for a change. We got a city pass that got us into a bunch of places in the Seattle area with a huge discount. It was something that was definitely worth doing once to get it all in. We started at the Boeing Museum of Flight. I was cool. You can see everything from the past, present and future of air flight. They had an exhibit explaining the history of the aircraft, a space exhibit, a WWI and WWII exhibit, we got to go into an Air Force One, and the worlds fastest jetliner; the Concord. They also had this great area for kids to explore and that was really hands on where they got to fly a mock plane, learn to use a hot air balloon and a hang glider. The boys loved it. I think their highlight was to be able to sit in a real live cockpit of a plane.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium- 8/20/09

2009-11-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

On August 20th we took the boys to the Tacoma Point Defiance Zoo using our Idaho Falls zoo pass. We got our family and grandpa in for free. That itself paid for our pass for the year. The zoo has done a bunch of upgrades since the last time we were there when Oscar was a baby, so it was fun. We saw a tiger up close and personal, some huge elephants, a ton of different sea life, sharks, fish, octopus, and oh we can't forget the elk. The walruses were so affectionate with each other is was so cute. I guess it was their mating season. The zoo also had this area to learn about insects, snakes, and a play area. They climbed, jumped and did the things that little boys do best!

Day 2 - Ocean Shores

2009-10-22T16:41:00.001-07:00

To start out our day Grandma Diny took us miniature golfing and to the water bumper boats. I was a riot. Good thing we aren't pros cause we would be poor!

After hitting the greens we took our luck at the arcade. Jared loves this game where you hit the button while the lights turn on in a circle and try to get them to stop right in front of you. Every time we go anywhere who has it is has got to try it and he always swears that he hits it on time.... Well this time he did...HE GOT THE JACKPOT!

Air hockey is also something we always have to try our hand at.... I gave him a run for his money, but I think my lollipop got in my way! :)

Before the day could end we headed to the beach once again. It was a little windy but that didn't stop the kids from getting in the ocean and playing till they could no longer stand it. Then they played in the sand. We came across a sand castle and mote that had already been started and the kids took it upon themselves to make it bigger and better. They had a great time. We also put the kites up again. That is always something that has to be done each and every time you go to the beach. It is kinda like a fire when you go camping. GREAT TIMES!!

There is nothing like making angels in the sand... I guess except for in the snow.... ha ha!

First Day At The Coast - Ocean Shores

2009-10-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

After our long drive through traffic to the coast, Ocean Shores, we ended up out the home we rented. It was a nice place. Each family got their own room and was a great place to relax. When we weren't at the ocean we were there eating great food, playing games, eating, watching tv, eating some more, chatting, watching the kids explore, and eating again. It was GREAT!

Once we got to the ocean the kids were so excited to be there they just wanted to get in the water. It was cold, but they had a blast. Myles didn't know what to think of it at first, but I finally got him relax an like it. Oliver just ran and ran along the beach, but as soon as the water came up he would run off. It was super cute.

It was great to be with family. Our best memories are with the extended family and the boys love their cousins.

Flying kites is always a ocean favorite. I think everyone had a chance at the reins.

Bailey found the biggest whip ever....really it was a kelp that had died and come to shore.

Look at the happy couple! We really do love the ocean and being in the "Promise" land... WASHINGTON!

Only one day behind us....Many more to come!!!!

Washington/Alaska Trip ~ August

2009-09-18T21:26:00.001-07:00

Buckle down cause this one is going to be a long one! In fact it will most likely be more than one entry. We got back from a 2 1/2 week trip to Washington and Alaska a couple of weeks ago and now it is time to share what we did while we were gone. We had some great times with family and friends. It was fabulous!

Great Give Away

2009-09-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get this give away... check it out and you can try too!
http://slavetosave.blogspot.com/2009/09/baby-bliss-diaper-pouch-review-giveaway.html

Myles' 1st Birthday - 26th of June

2009-07-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

For Myles' birthday we had a little get together with a few friends at our home. I made a Smiley Face cake, because we call Myles "Smiles" sometimes and I thought it would be cute. He really is a smiley kid so it fits. With the cake we had ice cream, some watermelon, sodas and juice. Myles liked his cake and was a great sport. All the rest of the us had a good time playing and talking.

Our 9th Anniversary - June 23rd

2009-07-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hurray.... we made it to nine years without killing eachother and/or anyone of our kids.....Ha Ha!To celebrate our special day Grandma Diny came to town that weekend so that we could go take advantage of a night in the Presidential Suite at the Red Lion Hotel without our kids. I won the room about a year ago at an after hours event.

We had two balconies that we could hear the falls in the background from as we slept. The best noise maker made.... :) Not to mention the view was great...if Idaho Falls can have a view. Just kidding.... the view of the falls and the temple in the background were breathtaking.

There was a jacuzzi tub, shower, seperate living room with tv and out King size bed that were all in the room.

After checking in we went to dinner at Jakers. It was very yummy! Then afterwards we took a romantic stroll along the river. It was a beautiful night!

The next day Grandma brought the boys by to see the room and the view. They liked it. Then we took everyone to breakfast at Shari's. It was a good weekend. Thanks to Grandma Diny for making it possible!

The Forgotten Medical Lake

2009-07-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day weekend we made a trip to Washington to the Annual Dan Peterson Family Reunion. It is something that Jared's family has been doing since he can remember and will be something our boys will say the same thing about. We haven't been able to go for the past couple of years so it was a must. We had a great time...eating, talking, playing games, not sleeping, and of course WHAT IS DONE BEST AT WEST MEDICAL LAKE..... FISHING!!!!

Jared was the taxi fisherman and a good one at that. The boys loved it so much they didn't want to get off the lake or they were begging to go back out. Oscar is for sure convinced that he caught "the biggest fish ever!"

IN CAMP.....EATING, CHATTING, COOKING, PLAYING AND MAKING MEMORIES!

On Sunday we went into Spokane to see the sites.

Corwin, the girls and Grandma CC and Grandpa Roger met us out there. We fed the ducks, slide down the huge slide and walked around Riverfront Park. It was a nice day and especially nice to see the girls and Corwin!

Sydnee and Kelsei are growing up so fast we could hardly recognize them. They are such great kids too!

Grandma Diny paid for us all to ride the carousel. Even Myles had a great time.

The kiddo's played in the water at the downtown Spokane splash park. They had a great time, but were a little cold.

There was a TON of water coming over the falls, due to the quantity of rain that we've had this spring and early summer. The boys were in awe.

Spokane really is a beautiful city!

When it was all said and done and we were on the way home the rain came and so did this beautiful rainbow.

Oscar's Bikes for Books - 6/2

2009-06-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

So Oscar's school had this competition or incentive to read. For every book the kids read or got read to them they were able to put a ticket into a drawing to win a bike. Oscar was a little obsessed by it. He was bound and determined to win the bike he read more that 300 books. We were a little worried he wasn't going to win and he would be devastated, but we talked extensively with him about how it is important to do our best and to be happy for whomever won it. When asked the morning of the assembly, "what happens if one of your friends wins the bike?" He said, "I will be happy for him, but I will be sad for myself." I am really proud of him for reading so well and doing his best. I guess it pays off cause he did win it! Way to go, OSCAR!

Ms. Vos' Quilt - 6/1

2009-06-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Oscar's kindergarten teacher, Ms. Vos, was so great this year! It was her first year of teaching, so I thought it would be fun to give her a gift from her first students to remember them by. So I made this quilt that has a fun school center piece and the hand prints of all 52 of her students from both classes around the outside of it. It was a ton of work, but it turned out really cute. I had Oscar and Isaac give it to her from the classes at their graduation. I think she really liked it. I am not sure that I will be so ambicious in years to come, but it to see the kids show her where their hands were and to see them so excited about what was made from them was a treat. I love surprises...!

Oscar's Kindergarten Graduation - 6/1

2009-06-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Oscar has finished his first year of elementary school, kindergarten. I can hardly believe it is over. It feels like I just dropped him off for his first day of school. He did so well. He received an award for Acedemic Excellence, which was only one of three for the class. He reached all his goals, is reading like I would have never dreamed possible and has a love for school. My only hope is that it will continue for the rest of his acedemic career. I guess it is a great start and I shouldn't complain. I am so very proud of him and all his achievements. He is such a "smarty pants" and a joy to have in our lives. WE LOVE YOU, OSCAR, SOOOO MUCH! WAY TO GO LITTLE MAN!

Thank you Ms. Vos for all you hard work. Oscar loves you!

Oscar made and strengthened some great friendships in his class... Isaac, Allie, Ryan, and Raymond.

These were his two classroom adds... Mrs. E and Ms. Croft... Thanks to them for all their help!

"Little Nakie" - 5/16

2009-06-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

So while we were working in the yard Oscar and Oliver were playing outside in the sprinkler. One thing is Oliver got wet, took his clothes off and didn't want to get them back on, so this is how we found him like, running around back and forth to the neighbors. "Nakie" with only his underwear and red rain boots on and not to mention his hand somewhere where it shouldn't have been. It made me laugh. :)

This last one reminds me of a famous photo. I can't remember by who. Anyone??

Oliver's Favorite Spot

2009-06-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

These days Oliver has been getting in to trouble ALOT... I don't know what they mean when they say "terrible two's". I think it should be "horrendous three's." Anyway I had to take a picture of him in timeout because even though he is always in trouble he is so hard to be mad at...He is even cute in timeout. I sure wish I could get him to lesson though... any suggestions?

Yard Project - 5/9

2009-06-04T11:55:00.001-07:00

So I have not liked our mow strip since we moved into our home 2 1/2 years ago. I couldn't get grass to grow there the first year we were here. I transplanted many things there last year, but it still just seemed unfinished so this year I am bond and determined to make it look good. So we put in a rock path going to the street to one keep people from walking in our "dirt" and two to make it look like I am trying. I have to say that after much work it is finally looking more like I would like it to.

*Here are some photos of the install of the path. I will add more of what it looks like now that more plants have been added and things are growing up later.

Myles' May Milestones

2009-06-04T11:29:00.001-07:00

This month Myles tried spinach and suprisely enough he liked it and didn't spit it out.

He is also pulling himself up on pretty much everything. He will probably be walking in no time. I think this will make him so much more fun to be around. As it is he doesn't like tobe away from mom and will follow me around the house crawling. Walking will make it easier on the both of us.

Retro Oliver - 5/3

2009-06-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is our cute little Oliver in daddy's 70's get up. Isn't he a handsome little man? We think so, but I might be a little bias.

Boys Camping Trip - 5/1

2009-06-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Before Jared sold the bus he wanted to take the boys on one last camping trip. They went to the river, made a fire, had a great time exploring, and doing what boys do best. The boys love being with their dad.

Haircuts - 4/29

2009-05-26T17:53:00.001-07:00

So we could no longer stand it. The boys' hairs were getting way tooooooo long. At times we thought they were cute, but after getting it done I think nothing compares to having it short. They look like little men.

BEFORE

AFTER

Shoshone Falls

2009-05-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

While in Twin Falls for Misty's wedding we visited Shoshone Falls. It was amazing! I guess it had record amounts of water coming off it. It was spraying all the way to the parking lot. The kids loved it. Oliver was a little apprehensive at first but once he figured out that he wouldn't fall through the holes in the steps we couldn't get him to stop going up and down them. They had a great time exploring!

Misty's Wedding

2009-05-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

We didn't get any photos of Misty's wedding, but it was a fantastic sealiung. They are a cute couple and we can't be happier for them. Best wishes forever! We love you Misty!

On the Way to Burley, Idaho

2009-05-15T16:32:00.001-07:00

On our way to Burley for Misty's weeding we stopped in American Falls to see Jared's Library project and visit. While we were there we went to the park across the street to let the boys get some wiggles out. They loved the army gun!! They are ALL boy!

Beautiful Spring Sunday At the Temple

2009-05-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

On April 19th we decided it was so beautiful that we would take the boys over to the Idaho Falls temple to walk around and to check out the new visitor's center. We saw the Christus, listened to the prophet's testimony, heard about the history of some well known church photos and walked around the grounds. The flowers were starting to bloom and everything is turning green.

My handsome MEN, both little and big!

Neener Came To Visit

2009-05-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

When Grandma Neener came Idaho Falls to visit her daughters we had her over a couple of times. Once for Sunday dinner and another the day she left for lunch. We love her so much and appreciate all the wonderful things she brings into each of our lives.

Easter

2009-05-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

So for Saturday before Easter we planned on going to do a Easter egg hunt at the school, but it was pouring down rain so we went to the church instead. I don't think the kids minded a bit. They got their candy and that was all the mattered. Also they got to see a rainbow after the rain stopped and the sun came out.

On Sunday we had our good friends the Mitchell's over for a good dinner and played games. We had a great time!

I love Spring time and Easter. They parallel each other so well. As I was working in our garden and thinking about spring and how everything is dead and comes back to life it made me think about Easter and Christ. I am so grateful for Christ and for his life. Not only that but for his death and resurrection. I can't imagine going through life without having the knowledge... that I can't make mistakes and that it is through Christ's atonement that I can be changed and essentially "come back to life!" Is that fantastic???

Mini Jared

2009-04-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is a boy after his daddy's heart!

We thought we might send this to the manufacturer and see what they thought.

A Bunch of 1st's for Myles

2009-03-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Myles is now doing some fun things that makes him so much fun for everyone.

He plays "Peek-a-boo!"

He claps...Hurray!

He grabs things in the "pinch" and eats them. He loves graham crackers and would eat them all day if I let him. He had his first french fry, thanks to daddy, the other day. I am seeing a real independent side of him now that he is eating. He screams if he isn't given his food and it's even better if it goes in his mouth on his own accord. Yesterday I was feeding him pieces of banana and he would take them from his mouth, look at them and then return them to his mouth... as if it wasn't good enough to have been given them from me.

He has been sitting all by himself for some time now. I love it that I can sit him down with some toys and he'll play for a good 5 minutes alone, not much longer though. If I am in the same room he is fine, but I certainly can't leave the room for long before he gets mad and screams. We'll continue to work on that one for my sanitise sake.

He won't crawl. He hates his tummy time! But we are working on that one too. He is getting better at reaching for objects and army scooting to get them into his hand, but he isn't interested in continuing once what he wanted is in his hands. His brothers were both crawling way before now and almost walking. I am okay with it like that though and I am not pushing it with him. The longer he isn't mobile the better.

We'll keep you posted on more of Myles' Milestones!

Oscar's School Valentine's Day Party

2009-03-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

I went in to help with Oscar's Valentines day party. They got to sooo much candy and treats that he will have it for months to come.

Oscar's Teacher, Ms. Vos! This is her first year teaching and has done really well with Oscar.

Oscar got to jump in the jumping castle and play the WII because he met his goals in the classroom.

Oliver's 3rd / Family Birthday - January 31st

2009-02-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little Olliegator is 3 yrs. old now. How time flies when you are having fun!

Oliver's birthday was on a Saturday and because our extended family planned a joint birthday party for all the grand kids on Oliver's actual birthday we decided to make it a little special for him by taking him to IHOP for breakfast. He loved his strawberry pancakes and orange juice.

Aunt Danielle brought a yummy cake with all the kids' names on it. For some reason though I didn't get a picture of it. It was fabulous. For dinner we had Taco soup and we made so much of it that we ate it for days after the party. Good thing it gets better the longer it sits.

After the party was over we went to the hotel that everyone was staying at and went swimming. Oliver had the time of his life splashing in the water and running around the pool, that is until he fell and bonked his head. We kept telling him to stop running but he just didn't listen. It hurt for a while and then he was back to himself and forgot all about it. We even had to remind him about it hurt when he fell to keep him from slipping again.

My boys... all of them, including their dad, are my water babies. They might as well be fish. They were having so much fun they didn't want to leave.

Oscar's 6th B-day - January 20th

2009-02-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

Oscar for his 6th birthday wanted to have a bowling party. So he was able to invite 3 friends and we took them to the bowling alley.

Aunt Danielle, cousins Shelby, Daphne, Bailey and Bracken, Daphne's "Special Friend", all came to celebrate as well. We love having them over to hangout and play!

The kids seemed to have a blast. The all wanted to be apart of the action and helped eachother out on each of their turns.

Oscar was the little "Pro!" He was so concerned with who was winning he didn't care to much about anything else. He is still telling everyone about him beating everyone that played, even his Dad! (Dad only got through his 5th turn though)

I like to make the kids' birthday cakes and Oscar's request was a swimming pool cake he saw on the internet. I tried to talk him into a bowling alley or a soccer field cake, but he wouldn't have it. So a pool cake it was...made from jello and whipping cream. We had a great time putting in the swimmers and the sun bathers. It made me happy to see him so excited about his cake.

I can't believe that Oscar is now 6 years old. It is amazing how fast he has grown. He is such a smart, kind hearted, loving boy and I am so grateful to have such a great kid.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas was fun! Grandma "C" & Grandpa Roger came to visit. It was fun to have them with us to celebrate. Oscar and Ollie both had a blast opening their gifts and were so excited that they were good enough to receive at least one gift they asked Santa for and they weren't over looked. We kept threatening them both that if they weren't good Santa was going to skip over our house.

Mommy was very happy to have gotten the black coat she has been asking for for a couple of years now. She is excited to use it and keep very warm.

Santa's Helper- 12/6/08

2009-01-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

At the ward party there was "Santa's Helper"... Oscar was told that he was fake but some older kids so we told him that he was Santa's helper because Santa couldn't make it. I am not looking forward to the time he no longer believes. He is growing up way TOO fast!

Oscar asked for a transformer.

Oliver asked for a boat and CANDY.

The boys had a good time playing with their friends.

Oh Christmas Tree - December 6th

2008-12-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to save some $Cash$ and go cut down our tree. So we headed up to where Jared goes hunting. When we got there it didn't look to bad from the car as to where we were going, but once we crossed to small river on two small logs and started climbing I knew I was in for it. Needless to say it wasn't like I remembered as a kid going hunting for a tree in the thick, flat forest. It was all up hill and I was not a happy camper after a few short hours of hiking around the mountains carrying a baby on front and towing a small child in hand. Everytime I would see a tree that looked ok and somewhat full, we would get up to it and it would be 2 or 3 trees in one. Finally after Oliver went head over hills down the mountain and myself being burnt out Dad cut the first "balanced" tree he could find. It was an adventure I hope I forget by next year when I want to save the $70 on a fresh cut tree from the lot.

When we first started... Mommy was smiling!

Oscar had a great time playing in the creek and using mom's walking sticks!

Do you think it was steep?

After finishing our "small" hike dad got the gun out for the boys to shoot some cans and made some well needed hot chocolate for mommy. We really did have a good time now that we look back on it!

After we got the tree home and got the lights on it and all decorated it wasn't all that bad.

1st Food for Myles - December 5th

2008-12-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 5th Myles had his first real taste of the dreaded rice cereal. It was a success. Half of what went in came out, but there was no gagging or spitting of any kind so we think we will move forward from here. He seems to be getting more and more the hang of using his tonge to move his food back in his mouth and we will soon be adding a veggie to his diet.

Thanksgiving at the Callahan's

2008-12-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

Time to play catch up!....

Thanksgiving we spent at our cousins in West Point, Utah. We had so much fun hanging out with family, eating wonderful food, watching movies, playing the WII and going to the Flight Museum. Good times! Thanks Aunt Danielle for putting up with us for so long! We love you!

Little Missionary

2008-11-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

So I have a great story about Oscar being my little missionary. Lately we have been talking to Oscar about the Word of Wisdom and how we don't drink coffee, drink or smoke and how it came from the Lord through the prophets. Oscar's Kindergarten teacher is not a member of the church, is a first time teacher and she drinks coffee. I guess the other day when they were out on recess she had her coffee in her hand and Oscar walked up to her and asked her what she was drinking...She said, "Coffee!" Then Oscar asked "Why?" She told him that it kept her warm and that she liked it. He then proceeded to tell her that it was against the law to drink coffee. She reassured him that it wasn't and Oscar said, "Yes it is!" Then she said, "Oscar, I promise the police aren't going to come and arrest me because I am drinking coffee!" Then he responded by telling her... "It is against the law, the Lord's Law!" I wasn't there, but I am sure she thought that it was hularious and probably thinks that he comes from a really crazy house that brain washes their kids. Needless to say I was proud to hear the story and that he is already standing up for what he believes in. Hopefully he stays that way forever...I am glad to be a mom of a five year old missionary! I should be as bold as he is!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. I love to make spooky goodies with the boys. Last year we made mummy hot dogs and this year spider web pizza's. YUMMY.

We went to a pumpkin patch to choose pumpkins. Jared helped the boys carve them.

The night before Halloween we went to our ward trunk or treat. Oscar was a Karate Kid, Oliver was an Elephant and Myles was a Bat. Mom and Dad were straight out of the 70's and were Hippies. We only got a few pictures though. I don't know what I was thinkin'. I had to talk Jared into it and didn't even capture it on film. He had a huge Afro wing and sun glasses on. We decorated our VW bus with beads and a lava lamp and handed out goodies. I thought it was a hit. Jared made his famous chili to share and we had a great time.

Halloween night we went to West Point, Utah to spend the weekend with Danielle's family and go trick or treating there. The kids had a night to remember. We couldn't get them to hit the sack till after 2am. It was crazy, but they had a great time!

Bus Camping

2008-10-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we went camping close to Heise by the river for the first time this year and in the bus. Some friends of ours from our ward, the Bennett's, went with us. The ladies slept in the bus with Myles, while the boys slept in our tent. It was an adventure. Oscar and Oliver loved making smores, exploring the trials, finding fire wood and playing in the fire. It was the time for the boys to be boys. The colors of fall by the river were amazing. We all enjoyed ourselves even mommy as long as she had her hot cocoa and was by the fire!

"Myles" stones

2008-10-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

This past week Myles has been starting to play with his toys more and trying to roll over. He is so much more happier entertaining himself and is so darn cute doing it.

Boy's Room Remodel

2008-10-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 10-11-08, we spent most of the morning planting bulbs in the snow and rain trying to get them in the ground before it freezes. Which is what happened to us last year and we lost numerous bulbs...We were covered in mud when it was all over. It made me feel young again!

The rest of the day we spent tearing down wall covering off the boy's room walls. It was an adventure for all of us...boys included. We all can't wait to paint.

First Snow 10-12

2008-10-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning, 10-12-08, we woke up to snow outside. YUCK! Oscar wanted so badly to go play in it, but he couldn't because it was Sunday and we had to go to church. He settled for his picture to be taken. Idaho Falls had it's last snow only 4 months ago, the first week of June, and it started the last weekend of September last year. Mommy isn't excited for that kind of winter again!! Pray for some kind of fall for my sanity, please!

Getting Started...

2008-10-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start living the life of a "Blogger". I love seeing everyone's blogs and I feel like a slacker. So I decided that today was the best day to start. I am trying to follow the Prophet and not have a bunch of empty tomorrows and live for today.
So here goes--

Our family of five lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho! We purchased our first home here nearly two years ago. It is an older home and we have been fixing it up since we moved in. It is one continuous "Project." We call our house the home with an "Identity Crisis!" It has a castle on the front, a country kitchen, an Art Deco bathroom and wallpaper galore. We will post pictures of our progress.

Jared, the man of my life for a little over eight years, is working as an Intern Architect with a wonderful firm based out of Salt Lake City and with a small satellite office here in IF. They are a great company and he feels fortunate to have such a great job and to be working on the projects he is working on, especially in these times of trouble and unknown. Jared is such a hard worker and is always staying up on things both at work and at home. I call him my "Handy Man!" Jared's latest project was a two story fort/sandbox for the boys. It is amazing! He is currently in the Young Men's program at church and that means he is in Scouts as well. He loves it cause he go4es camping at least once a month now. He needs that and the YM need him! Jared is such an amazing husband and father. He is so willing and helpful to have around. He is also on the board for the Planning and Zoning and the Young Professional Network. A busy man and very busy man!

Oscar, our oldest, is five years old now and will be 6 in January. He started kindergarten this fall and loves it! He is super smart. He is reading now and I can see the lights turning on to a whole new world for him. He has a fantastic memory too. He remembers where places are after only being there once. Oscar loves being with his friends, riding his bike, and playing soccer. He is a huge help to me and I depend on him a lot with his two younger brothers! Oscar has such good desires...Yesterday he asked me if he could give his teacher a picture of the prophet so that she would know who he is. He is my example!

Oliver, will turn three January 31st and is too smart for his own good. He does everything and says everything Oscar does or says. He's his little shadow. His vocabulary is amazing. I am constantly shocked at the things he says, both good and bad. Oliver is our little ball of fire. He still screams at everything and has since birth. I am not sure but maybe that is what makes him such a great singer. He loves to sing and he can carry a tune better than his dad...ha ha :)! He loves Jack Johnson and recognizes him every time he is heard whether on the radio, CD or a movie--it's a little crazy!

The latest addition to our family is Myles Odes, born June 26, 2008 at 2:04am. He was born in 18 minutes from reaching the hospital. He was 7lbs. 9oz. and 21 1/2" long. Definitely our fastest and biggest yet. His middle name has an "O" beginning like his brothers first names but we just couldn't do another...mom was getting too confused at discipline time. Myles has been a fabulous baby and I really believe an answer to my prayers. He is as happy as can be as long as he is being held. Needless to say we should invest in stock of "Baby Bjorn." I see a little of his older brothers in him, but definitely more of Jared. Everyone says something different though. Of course I think he is the cutest baby ever.

As for me, Raelene, I feel like life is just a big whirlwind. Adjusting to three boys has been tough but things are getting better. I feel really blessed to be able to stay home now and only work part-time. Sometimes when projects are due things can get a little overwhelming, but we are learning to deal. I have been involved in Oscar's school Parent Organization and have been busy trying to get donations for the school's Halloween Carnival. It has been very rewarding to be able to help out. I am still serving in the Young Woman's in our ward as the secretary. I love working with the youth, but now that Jared is in YM's I don't know how long I will remain. I am really happy to serve where ever I am needed. When things settle down a little bit more I think I would like to go workout and get into some sewing projects that have been neglected. Okay...Now that I think I have writen a small book we will end, but we'll keep you posted...