Okay, you've stayed long enough, It's time to go, NOW!

So, for anyone who has read my blog or has known me for more then about 12 seconds, knows that I HATE cold. HATE winter. HATE snow. And yet, here I live in one of the coldest places in Arizona (yeah, so I thought "Cactus + desert = Arizona.") freezing my little bottom off. That snow that started falling last year is STILL here. And it has passed the point of 'a beautiful freshly fallen snow' to a 'brown, slushy, icy, ugliness snow'. And the temperatures are not raising high enough yet to really allow for much melting. I am impatiently waiting for this stuff to melt, so I can send my kids to school and outside without a massive undertaking bundling up... (think A Christmas Story here). Well, enough complaining, I just needed a moment to vent. That is all.

Catching Up

WARNING:
This will be a NOVEL. Proceed with caution!

So, I have obviously been quite the blog-slacker the last couple weeks. And here is an incredibly quick, fun and BUSY recap of our celebrations....

Nathan, Aubrey, and Emily all had Christmas programs during the last week of school before break.
Emily's program was first in the week. They had all the lights off, but the stage lights, which were behind the kids, so during the whole thing so you couldn't see anyone or anything....bad idea. It was sad that no one could see their kids performing. (NO good pictures). She had a speaking part, "Our teachers taught us that we are walking, talking miracles. " I thought it was pretty applicable for her to say that. And here she is at home for her picture. She got that gift from Mrs. Tanner.
Aubrey's program was next in the week. Her grade did a wonderful job, and even made me get a little teary over one song, Innkeeper. They had the nativity acted out, and the last line was so powerful. "Innkeepers all. Do you have room for the Child?" Aubrey had the speaking part "Family traditions are dear to our heart." My parents came to visit for the day, and were able to come to Aubrey's program. It was a nice treat for both Aubrey and my parents.
Nathan's program was super funny and neat. They had funny lines, and a awesome square dance by the kids in the class. Nathan's speaking part was, "But the bad part about Christmas is Aunt Mabel is invited." Then the 3rd graders tuned off ALL the lights, put on white gloves, used black lights and "danced" to 'Little Drummer Boy'. It was so awesome, that I admit that I got a little chocked up. So neat! We sat in such a bad spot, that I couldn't even see him the whole program, so no good pictures for him either. But this picture is him, in his classroom, after the program.
I put on a little family birthday party for my December babies on the 14th. We had a Mexican themed dinner, cake and ice cream. We made 3 different cakes, one for each child. It was a fun night.
This just happened to be when my parents came to visit (same day as Aubrey's Christmas program), so this is the last picture I will have of my parents at my house for about 2 years, because they will be on their mission.

Just a few days later (17th and 18th), we traveled down to Mesa for our Barton Christmas Party. The weather was wonderful, and we had so much fun with cousins and family. Here are a few shots of the weekend....Traditon of the Nativity scene. This year we had 5 angels, 3 Marys, 3 wise men, 2 shepherds, 1 lamb, and Uncle Justin as the donkey. =)

Playing in the leaves in the retention basin with cousins. The tradition of gingerbread houses for all 14 grand kids.

Santa came and visited us at our house on Christmas. The kids had a pretty good day getting lots of gifts, and playing with family. Here are some pics of our day....

Nathans big gifts were, a BB gun and a globe.Aubrey got a fun bag that she got to color and design all by herself.
Both Aubrey and Emily got actual jump ropes, which is better then random rope, or my robe tie, or daddy's ties....Emily got the biggest gift of all, a bicycle. She loves it!
Betsy got a fun little tricycle and a Dora backpack. If its Dora, this girl LOVES it.

And this is how Jay spent his day, poor kid. He was SUPER sick, and even had a bloody nose upon waking up Christmas morning. He was so easy to hold and rock though...
My prizes that I got were, a !!MixMaster!!, a Air-popper, and some antique dishes from Davids' grandma, June Pew. They are beautiful.

We had a great time with the Adams family, eating a delicious meal, doing a hilarious White Elephant gift exchange, playing games, laughing, and staying up late enough (or early enough, I guess) to sing happy birthday to Kara! No pictures, sorry...

On December 29th, it started to snow, and snow and SNOW!! It has caused icy roads, below zero temperatures, and a very cold me. We did have fun playing in the snow, but got STUCK in our van twice all in one day. It was not a time to be driving around, I promise. We were snowed in, out at Davids' parents house, so we made it a slumber party, stayed up late playing games, and all slept there. It was actually pretty fun.
Well, I can now cross off my first goal of the year!
#1- get the blog caught up.... CHECK.

If you actually made it to the end of this horrifically L O N G post reading, not skimming, you are a trooper! Either that, or my mom. =)

Six years ago...

Emily Jo Peterson was born today SIX years ago! She has brought many smiles, memories, fulfilled blessings, and answered prayers to our home. As she has grown she looks more and more like her mommy everyday. If you want to know what I looked like as a little girl (if you happened to not know me then), just look at my Emily. She is my mini-me.

I am sad to admit that today has gone rather un-celebrated. She made the comment as David was tucking her into bed that "today wasn't very fun, and it's even my birthday!" Having your birthday fall on a Sunday is always a let down as a kid. I mean, you don't get to have friends over, or go out to eat, or to ice cream, or to pick out a toy, or anything. So, I promised her, assuming that I am feeling better, that I will give her the birthday celebration she deserves tomorrow.

Just a side note, she lost a tooth today. Her front left one. It has been dangling by a thread for a few days, and I finally yanked it out. She is kinda bummed, because she lost the tooth she lost. (meaning that she literally can't find the tooth that she lost!) I told her that the Tooth Fairy will understand, and still come, and leave money, even if she can't find a tooth under her pillow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JO-JO BEANS! WE LOVE YOU!

Jay is THREE!!

My last born child, my baby, my handsome little boy is turning three today. It seems crazy that he is getting so big! I love this little Jay-Clay more than words can express. I love you Jay Clayton Peterson, thank you for coming into our lives, and making our family complete.

Birthdays + Christmas = PARTIES

To say that December is a 'busy' time of year, is a major understatement at the Peterson home. We have five kids, and three of their birthdays fall within 9 days of each other. ALL in December. Aubrey is on the 10th, Jay on the 15th, and Emily on the 19th. I was feeling rather optimistic and brave and planned a double birthday party for my girls yesterday (Saturday). It was my first attempt at a 'friend party' ever. I think it went over rather well. Aubrey and Emily's friends who were able to come were: Lilly T., Saige L., Emma H. , Gwen H., Braedyn S., Katie, Anastasia S., Raegan S., Britian J., and Kortnie S. It was a loud and fun house. No major meltdowns, fights or hurt feelings. Everyone seemed to have a fun time. We had pizza, chips and pop, then decorated our own cupcakes, then ate them with ice cream. Then we had a 'cake walk'. The girls got spoiled rotten, the parents came to pick up the girls and then it was done. Short, sweet... and EXAUSTING! A dozen little girls will do that to you. It was a fun, loud, exciting time!

Later last night was our Ward Christmas Party. It went over SO well! The kids did great, the food was yummy, Santa heard a wish for Christmas from each of the kids, the program was really sweet, especially the short nativity scene! David took the kids home to bed, and I volunteered to help with the clean-up. (Anything to get out of 'bedtime'!!) I brought home tons of extra food, and have dinner set for at least two or three days! It was a good time!I wish I could say that things will calm down now, but that would be a big fat lie! Many more parties, activities, and busyness are still planned almost everyday for the rest of the month! On one hand it stresses me out and brings thoughts of dread, but on the other hand, when each event is said and done, I enjoyed it, and am grateful to create good memories for David, me and the kids. That is what it is all about.

Aubrey turns SEVEN!!

Today, seven years ago, a nurse handed me a tiny bundle, with a absolutely gorgeous little face poking out. Aubrey has brought into my life so much light, happiness, imagination, attitude and energy. She is just as beautiful as the day she was born, if not more so. Happy birthday my wonderful sweet pea!! You make me SO happy!

Davids' second love

So, my husband is the Elders Quorum President in our ward. He keeps himself busy between that and his work. The one thing I think he (and many other men) have always wanted to do was a Pinewood Derby for the adults. He and his presidency planned an Elders Quorum activity for just that. There was NO weight limit set, so there were a few cars that weighed A LOT. David planned and assisted in building his car. You see, my husband is in love with me, and at a very close second place with Dr. Pepper. It only seemed natural to have his car mirror his said obsession. I didn't pull out my camera for the actual event, but we had lots of families come, nine car entries, and lots of yummy food. Davids car won 2nd place over all. It looked pretty awesome, huh? Thank you for your help Mathan! Oh, and in case you were wondering, the can was full for the race, but as soon as we got home David put the whole car in the fridge, and a couple hours later, opened it and drank it... Gotta love Dr. Pepper!