Angel Dawn and Aaron John

Where have you been lately?

2011-07-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

I had mentioned to one friend that I has posted a pattern for bibs on my blog. She looked at me puzzled and said "you haven't posted anything on your blog for a while..." I just then realized that I hadn't posted anything here on this blog for a while because I have been working do hard my my NEW blog. Fleece Fun is my latest pet project. It's a sewing blog that offers free patterns and tutorials to people plus some video instructions too! If you get a chance check out what I've been spending my time on - Fleece Fun!

roberts contest

2010-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Roberts is having a contest for some fun stuff - check it out on their blog: http://blog.robertscrafts.com/2010/10/freebie-friday-oct-30-2010.html

Discovery Park! Swings!

2010-05-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

For AJ's cousin Isaac's birthday the Peterson family went to Discovery park. Discovery park has to be one of the best play parks in Utah. It has all kinds of fun tunnels, bridges, games, slides, ropes and swings. Kids of all ages flock to this park.
AJ's current love is the swings. She loves them and will swing for long stretches of time.

Living it up in Daybreak

2010-04-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, I fully admit I am a terrible blogger. To be perfectly honest I thought that we would live with my parents in Daybreak for three months max and that it would just be a few lost months and we would resume normal life after we settled into a house in Utah. Note to self change header on blog site...
But the truth is that it's been five months, and well, currently this is our life. So I got out my camera and took some long over due pictures of AJ out enjoying the springtime around the house.

Things are going well with the pregnancy of our second child, whom we are planning on naming Alexandria Diane (Alex for short Diane is after my mother). She's due the beginning of July and we're grateful to have another little girl join our family!

Idaho House update:
We now have temporary renters in our house, who are cool with it still being on the market which is nice. Sell house, sell! If you know of anyone who is looking they can check out the house at www.housewiththereddoor.com for a full tour and contact information.

www.housewiththereddoor.com

2009-11-15T09:37:00.001-08:00

Well we're getting ready to pack up and head back to Utah... now we jus need to get our house sold! Aaron has accepted a position at NuSkin and he's happy to be heading home.

So my fellow bloggers I would be eternaly greatful if you would take a minute out of your busy day and post a link to our web page http://www.housewiththereddoor.com on your blog. Someone who is looking for a home in Idaho might see it, plus it would help with , our website's ranking in the search results. Thank you for your love and support!

Fall Fashion Fleece Frenzy

2009-11-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

It began for two reasons. The first was because for years I have wanted to make a little fleece coat for one of my kids ( this was long before I was married). The second was that the clothes gravey train from showers and baby gifts had run out. I began with the urge to make a coat for AJ and when I saw that fleece was on sale I confess I went a little crazy and decided to make AJ's entire winter wardrobe.

Now I have to confess that it's been a few years since I've sewn anything. But I figured it would be a good way to dust off my sewing skills and it's not like AJ is going to say "Mother that button hole is not straight - I refuse to wear it, plus it isn't from Aeropostale". I still have a few years before I am likely to hear that.

I pulled out my trusty Bernina (over 16 years old and runs like it's brand new - thanks Mom and Dad for that great Christmas gift) and got to work. Along the way I discovered a few things to help anyone else who would like to make such an attempt.

1. Always buy it on sale. Whether it's fabric or the pattern - to make it cost effective to do your own sewing it needs to be on sale.

2. There are basic patterns on the internet. I found (and slightly modifed) two patterns/ instructions I found on the internet. Since the patterns are basically free this cuts costs significantly. You can find the pant instructions here and the skirt instructions here.

3. Be willing to rummage through the clearance bin. I found the piping for AJ's coat and skirt in the clearance bin at Walmart.

4. Forgive yourself and unpick it or sometimes just let it be. The outfits have flaws - even after unpicking. But for the most part they look good and will serve there purpose of keeping AJ cute and warm this winter.

5. Don't be afraid to modify the pattern. The hoodie patterns didn't have a lining in the hood - which I thought was stupid so I added a lining. The coat pattern didn't call for piping but I added it and I think it looks the better for it.

I had a lot of fun with my crazy sewing but I think I have it out of my system for a while. But I have to say that I am quite pleased with how it turned out:

For 6 yards of fleece I got:
1 long coat
4 pants
2 skirts
1 set of overalls
2 hoodies

(one pair of pants not shown because AJ was wearing them!) Including two patterns I bought (one coat pattern and one for the hoodies/overalls) with thread and buttons around $60. Which is amazing considering how much all of that would cost me at Walmart let alone Carter's. The best part is that it all coordinates so I can mix and match to my heart's content.

In addition to that I bought some Cordiroy that was on sale because I loved the pattern and made AJ one more skirt. I found a onsie at Old Navy that matched!

It's a bird, it's a plane... no it's SUPER BABY!

2009-11-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

Here's AJ in her curlers and halloween costume. She was so good and left the curlers in until I took them out! I couldn't believe it. We went all dressed up to Aaron's work to go trick or treating at all of the departments. I bought her a little trick or treat basket at Wal-Mart earlier that day. She carried it the whole time. She loved being out with all the kids and getting candy (although I don't think she knew what exactly people were putting in her basket). She had a blast and was all smiles. People kept telling us what a doll she was. We had a great time.

yummy garden tomatoes.....

2009-09-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday AJ, Aaron and I were outside setting up some lawn furniture for company, and I picked some ripe tomatoes out of our garden. I thought I would let AJ carry one of them inside the house, but instead she started to take a bite out of it. I asked her to wait, washed it, and gave it back to her. She totally scarfed it down! I gave her another one to eat, and got some shots of her devouring that one too! She kept calling them apples, Aaron and I kept correcting her, but she was too busy enjoying her tomato. I thought she was pretty tidy the way she was eating it too - only a little got on her outfit. It was so cute. Our little Vegan. At least she loves her veggies!

I love Photoshop!

2009-07-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

Ok so I admit that loving the newest gadget is an expensive hobby, but i just got these new photoshop filters and I am having soooooo much fun with them. Check it out. The first picture is untouched the second is with a filter

Anniversary

2009-07-03T08:10:00.001-07:00

We had a great anniversary this year. I joined Aaron on his business trip in Chicago. On our actual anniversary, Aaron surprised me by brining me flowers in the middle of the day (it was most elborate arrangement I'd ever gotten!) later he took me out to dinner to Texas Roadhouse. He also had a gift certificate to Target that he let me spend on anything I wanted - it was really fun. Video elements courtesy of http://www.flixify.com/

AJ's First Birthday Video

2009-06-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Elements courtesy of http://www.flixify.com/

AJ is learning how to walk!

2009-06-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Video elements courtesy of http://www.flixify.com/

Memorial Day weekend

2009-05-30T18:39:00.001-07:00

We had a great time visiting friends and family over Memorial Day weekend. A.J. got to meet her Great Gandpa Hal and Nanny-Jo for the first time too! I was so happy to see AJ take to my family that we haven't seen in ages!

We had a whirlwind tour of Utah. We first stopped at my parents place in S. Jordan. Then the next day we drove to St. George. We spent two night there and drove back North, stopping in Beaver to see the improvements to Park's Place and get some lunch, then drove to Pleasant Grove where we spent the night at Aaron's Parent's house. Finally driving home later on Memorial day. It was a lot of driving.... when I woke up in our house the next day I actually had to remember where we were!

AJ's First Birthday

2009-05-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Angel Jane had a birthday party this last Saturday to celebrate her first birthday! We had a great time with family and friends. We thought we'd be very hip and serve cupcakes (can you believe cupcakes are in vogue right now? Funny, eh?) and I saw all kinds of cupcake stands online and figured I could make one just as good or better for a lot cheaper. I took some foam core board, paper, stickers and ribbon and viola! After seeing the final result Aaron says I should market them. =) I loved how her cake turned out.

We had the kids decorate hats, play Don't Eat Pete and then we had cake and snacks. It was a fun party, and I think AJ had a good time. Sadly because of her allergy to milk and eggs, she didn't get a cupcake - but she did like the Teddy Grahms we gave her! AJ also loved having so much attention paid to her - she's a very social baby! We couldn't get her to take a nap the day of her party she knew something was going on. I was so worried she was going to have a melt down in the middle of it. But she was a trooper and had a great time.

I confess it was little over the top for a first birthday - but I love the Tungan tradition of having a huge party for a child's first birthday. To have a child turn one and be happy and healthy is a great blessing, and something to celebrate. I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with my baby girl!

Really big Baby Einstein

2009-05-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

AJ loves to watch her Baby Einstein videos - the other day she was so cute watching one in her pj's I just had to take a couple of pictures. The funny thing is Aaron and I have been so busy lately that Baby Einstein is the most frequently viewed thing in our new theater room! AJ only gets one video a day - so it's funny that our new area is currently being used for Baby Einstein and that's it. Once we get the whole system set up - we'll use it more, but for now AJ gets her really big Baby Einstein. =)

Win something just for Blogging!

2009-05-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a pretty cool contest I came across, you get to win some sweet software just for blogging!

You could win some Vegas Studio editing software. Go to www.flixify.com/members/contests for more info. =)

Finished basement

2009-04-30T16:03:00.001-07:00

Here is the completed basement video, enhanced with elements from http://www.flixify.com/

Enjoy! Check out Flixify for other videos I've done as well.

A Day in the Life of AJ

2009-04-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

Check out this really cute video I made of AJ using Flixify elements. You can get these at http://www.flixify.com/

It's coming... soon!

2009-03-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at the basement with drywall!

Lights Camera Action!

2009-03-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Aaron has accused me of making a "production" out of taking pictures of AJ. Hey just because I plan the shoot, buy props, set up lights, take over half the house and spend a day in post fixing them in photoshop doesn't mean..... well ok maybe I do make it a production. But so what! The pictures look great and as I so lovingly point out to Aaron - having me do this costs less than dragging AJ to Sears and hope that she and the photographer are in a good mood. Desides AJ is so cute why wouldn't I want to make a production our of photographing her? =) So here are my latest pictures of AJ in her Easter dress. I will probablily make a card to send to Grandparents and Great Grandparents too!

Cute AJ and Grandma

2009-03-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some adorable picts from when we visited last week!

Missionary Pictures

2009-03-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Toys

2009-02-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

Sad, but true observation....

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-17T18:30:00.001-08:00

I really wanted to post this early, but I forgot. We did some quick family pictures to send out to grandparents. Except for the first picture A.J. kept looking up at Angel wondering why she kept running behind me after setting the camera. She is a funny kid.

Constructions Zone

2009-02-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Work has started on the basement and we are sooooo excited.

AJ is Crawling!!!

2009-02-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

Oh the calories I am going to burn chasing after this kid. =)

Hat Parade

2008-12-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

I love that I have such a cute daughter that I can make hats for. It's so much fun! Here are some pictures in all her lovely hats! The black one was inspired by one I saw at the mall - I figured I could make one. One good thing about cold weather in Idaho - hats are in fashion! Feel free to email me for instructions on the hats - if you have a basic knowledge of crochet they are easy and quick. You can complete them in couple of nights while watching television. I have to say there is something very satisfying making things by hand that are used by my child. One of these days I might get ambitious and make something more complicated than a hat!

Challenge

2008-12-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

Kristen did this on her blog and it looked like fun to me so here it goes!
Rules: Anything you have done has to be in bold and/or underlined. How much have you done? It only takes about 5 minutes… :) Come one.. try it out!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars Many times at Lake Powell
3. Played in a band (Never done that, but if Aaron starts one I'll be happy to be his one and only groupie)
4. Visited Hawaii (Aaron wouldn't mind being able to bold this one in the next few years!)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis - What is that? A Yoga pose?
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris - when I was seventeen, I long to go back with Aaron and kiss him under the Eiffel Tower.
13. Watched an amazing lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - taught myself photoshop, InDesign and all things graphic
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning - KFC how I still hate you
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty1
8. Grown your own vegetables - hopefully this summer
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train - not overnight but on my way from London to Nottingham
21. Had a pillow fight - what girl hasn't?
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - yes and I'm not sorry
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - yes um in Zions...hee, hee
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing - does a rock climbing wall count?
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke - yes and badly
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - just a few months ago!
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted - sketched at Disney World
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie- I think my own student film counts
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - would love to see it one day
57. Started a business - angel dawn productions baby!
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason - Aaron is a sweetheart
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - I loved all my toys to death, but I still have my blanket
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt - Yeah but never finished it
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - technically let go because they were stupid with their business plan
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book - working on it, working on it
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper - was in a play and got to be in the Flagstaff paper!
85. Read the entire Bible - I confess I have never sat down and jsut read it cover to cover, only sections
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - I did Donnie Osmond's makeup once for a shoot, nice guy
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - would anyone really want to do that?
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy
There's plenty I haven't done, but hey I have time!

Christmas Cribs

2008-12-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming,....

2008-12-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

By popular demand here are AJ's Christmas photos I took in digital format for your desktop viewing pleasure. We had so much fun visiting over Thanksgiving and can't wait for Christmas!

It's so stimulating being you hat!

2008-11-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

AJ needed a hat to keep her head warm. Her head is too big for baby sized hats and too small for the toddler ones. So I decided to make her one. I got out my handy crochet hook and yarn and made her one to go with her purple outfits. Now I need to make one to go with all her outfits! She's so cute in it we just had to take pictures to share. The pattern is really easy, if you go to http://www.yarncat.com/ and look at the modern flapper hats there are some great patterns and ideas. The only thing I added was the ball on top.
Last year I made a few hats for my family and I have to admit it's fun to be able to make hats for my little girl!

Fall Party

2008-11-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was our second annual Fall Pumpkin Party. We inivited a couple of other families to have dinner and play a few games. Aaron and I felt very adult having families with kids over - it's like we've graduated to a whole new level of adulthood. Aaron bought our new Christmas tree on Halloween (an awesome 9ft tree that was prelit for only $130 at Walmart) and he was itching to put it up. I mentioned how I had seen a "fall tree" at a craft store and so we went and bought a bunch of fall leaves that were on sale and voila! A fall tree that looks pretty awesome.

For our dinner we made taco soup, a pumpkin Thai soup and cornbread.
We then played a few rounds of Don't Eat Pete! I made a board and cups from the cricut... I secretly hope my mom will forget that I have it. When I made the cups I let AJ play with the paper scraps - she had lots of fun detsroying and shredding them.

After a rousing game of Don't Eat Pete we frosted cookies and had pumpkin cake (the kids were definatly hiped up on sugar when they left our house!). It was a nice evening andI think everyone had a good time - I sure did. It's nice to talk to other moms - I was talking to Katy and she was mentioning how her doctor always managed to scare her with off handedly mentioning things that her daughter wasn't textbook about. I mentioned how mine was the same way - come to find out we have the same doctor!

The holidays have started and I just have to smile. It's the time of year I fell in love with Aaron and it just adds to its meaning for me. To have a little family to share this time of year with is a blessing.

All Hallow's Eve

2008-10-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here's some more Halloween picts of the whole family together. AJ and I joined Aaron around noon yesterday to check out the festivities and to show off our cute baby girl. Here's Aaron trying to look tough, while holding a Fairy. =-)

Halloween Present

2008-10-31T07:54:00.001-07:00

These pictures are from my first Halloween at Melaleuca. It was a lot of fun! We were the Wild West. I was a gunslinger (a bad boy cowboy-assassin).

Angel and Halloweens past

2008-10-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Since Aaron shared some of his halloweeen costumes I thought I would share some of mine. Here I am at a dress up party - I'm the one holding the lace fan. Most of my costumes growing up were fantasy based (hmmm I wonder if that is because my parents are fantasy writers?).

In 2004 I was a "Southern Belle".

Last year I was a Preggo Pirate.

And here's Aaron's vampire or undead costume from last year.

Peterson Fall Break Visit

2008-10-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my family (minus brothers) came to visit for their fall break. We had a great time. These are some shots of a place called Mesa Falls. It is pretty close to Yellowstone. It was about an hour drive and completely worth it!

Halloween Continued....A.J. the Ballerina

2008-10-27T15:57:00.001-07:00

Ok so impatient Aaron couldn't wait for me to post, I was going to show you how I made the tutu, but Aaron stole my thunder - so I guess not. If you want directions, ask I will be happy to post. - Angel

Angel said she was going to get around to posting some of these pictures, but I couldn't wait any longer. She made this for A.J. for Halloween and I think it turned out very well.

Halloween is Coming....

2008-10-27T15:44:00.001-07:00

Since Halloween is one of the best holidays. I thought I would share some former Halloween costumes. Well, not all of them were from Halloween, but I was in a costume of sorts.

Classi Pirate, Aaarggh (I think this was a birthday party)

Santa's little helper (This was actually Christmas. See our poor man's paper tree in the background?)

A rockstar.

Rockstars. (This was President's Day Weekend)

Miami Vice

A Non-Ghetto Gansta (Chicago Style)

A shepherd. (This wasn't Halloween either)

Two broken arms, this was actual reality, scary though! That's why I thought of Halloween.

Priest Garb (Sixth Grade Play) Non-Halloween either, but great costume!

Classic Pirate once again!

The Quirky Things...a TAG from Sarah Yerke

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

Link the person who tagged you. Mention rules on your blog. Tell about 6 quirks of yours. Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same. Leave a comment to let them know. I was tagged by http://yerke23.blogspot.com/ 6 Quirks?? I am definitely too normal to be tagged for this. Ha ha, just kidding, but it really took me a while to think of 6 quirky things I do. But here they go....

1) When doing the dishes the side of the sink MUST NOT have any food particles left in the drain catch. The kitchen counters must also be wiped off after everything is put away, otherwise the kitchen feels messy.

2) I am not a pack-rat in general, except for one group of things: personal care products! Since I am a cosmetic chemist by trade we have drawers full of random products from the different companies I have worked at. Even if I don't necessary like the product, or could make a better one myself, I don't have the heart to throw most of them away.

3) Baking is therapy. I enjoy baking cookies, cakes, breads, pies, brownies, just about anything. I really have fun making new creations as well. If I don't like them the folks at my work eat them regardless. I wonder if they don't ever eat homemade goodies very often.

4) I never wear my wallet in the butt of my jeans. You ever see the Seinfeld with George's wallet and how big it was? Well, even though mine is no where near that large it really hurts my butt cheek and my back, so I find about anywhere else for it! Usually, it is in my gym bag under my desk, or in my car, or if I am wearing cargo pants, you could find it in one of the side pockets, it doesn't bother me there.

5) Magazines. I never read an article in a magazine before I look through the entire thing, mostly glancing at the pictures. I tend to read the short articles first. Much of the time with the Ensign I read it back to front because somehow it feels shorter to me than front to back.

6) Cold food. I am much more likely to eat my food cold than I am hot for some reason. Take canned soup for instance, I rarely heat it up. I typically just pop open the can, and start eating. It saves time and energy. When I do heat food up I usually only like it luke-warm. I tend to burn my mouth if I heat it up too hot. I was never good at blowing on my food before putting it in my mouth.

That's for you Sarah! Did you know any of those things, eh?

Holy Gerber Baby Peas Batman!!

2008-10-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Yes Robin, we had the BLOW-OUT of the century the other night (no I'm not talking about BYU beating the pants off of UCLA a few weeks ago). This post is for all you parents out there who wonder how so much poop can come out of something so small and so cute! A.J. did just that to us a few nights ago. We had got done eating dinner, and she was sitting in her high chair being quite pleasant (which was unusual for her at that time of day) and Angel pulled her out of her chair and my friend Matt said, "Angel what's that green stuff all over her back?" I then witnessed the most horrific site yet of fatherhood: Poop EVERYWHERE! Her diaper was absolutely full and so it had to find elsewhere to go, all over her back and in her high chair (brand new I must add). I hosed off the high chair outside and Angel hosed off the child inside and that was the end to the mother of all poops (I hope). If your child has had a worse blow out, PLEASE do share! No pictures please, we don't want blogger to become something like myspace.

Look what your machine can do Mom!

2008-10-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Angel is "borrowing" her mom's cricket (some machine that does all this fancy schmancy stuff for crafts and scrap booking doo dads...) and is having the time of her life. She made a wedding cake for her young women lesson this Sunday. She also made a nice card for one of my home teaching families daughter's baptism today. I think she secretly hopes her mom will forget she has it so she can keep it for the rest of her life.

Coloring outside the lines (and inside too!)

2008-10-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Aaron just had to show you all his handiwork. He's spent the past few evenings working on his masterpiece - so I thought we should take a picture and share it with all of you. He's submitting it for a coloring contest at his company (for the 12+ group). I think he did an excellent job with the shading. What do you think?

"Just Because"

2008-10-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Something that I have learned to be an important part of marriage is "Just Because". I have thought a little bit about this ever since Aaron brought me flowers last week for no reason. "Just Because" is necessary in any good relationship - to do something just for the pure joy of giving to your partner without expecting anything in return. I am thankful for Aaron's sweetness in bringing me something "Just Because" and hope that I do little "Just Becauses" for him!

Yellowstone Trip!

2008-10-05T19:06:00.001-07:00

Angel is walking me through doing my first post since I have never done it before. Mom and Dad (Hickman) came up to IF and we all went for a fun ride to Yellowstone and back last Saturday. We could not have asked for a better day (A.J. was truly an Angel and the fall colors were exquisite)! Just wanted to share some of the great sites for those who have never been before. Just an FYI, there is one Saturday a year that the National Park Service waves all the fees and we went on that day. So if anyone is interested in doing a day trip with us we plan on making this an annual trip. ENJOY!

A.J. enjoying some time out of her car seat. This is also
a great view of my wrinkled ear.

The Grand Tetons are incredible!

Don't these mountains just look haunting? They are sweet!
I need to do a hike there next summer.

Laura @ Yellowstone Lake.

A stunning view of the Grand Tetons

Proud grandparents .

Happy family.

A.J. and the fall colors.

This is a twisted stick that Angel liked.

Yes! The one and only Old Faithful.

A.J. enjoying her favorite fist @ Old Faithful.

Old Faithful through my sun glasses lens.

Angel @ Cascade Falls.

This is one of the hot pots/mud pots/ geyser things....

This is Tracy walking on the Boardwalk at Yellowstone in
the hot pot area

Angel said this looked like I was smoking....I do look a
little stoned.

This is A.J. all bundled up. The morning was a bit nippy.

This is Laura looking oh so contemplative with her camera.

AJ Play

2008-09-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a very short video of AJ's favorite game. She likes to be propped up on pillows and then "fall" to one side or the other and roll onto her tummy. She loves to do this over and over again.

Family Photos

2008-08-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Road Trip!

2008-08-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from AJ's first trip. We loaded up the car (and when I mean loaded I mean loaded.... I don't know where we will put all the stuff when we have more kids!) and headed down to Utah to visit our families. Since we were going to be gone a little more than a week I packed what seemed like all of AJ's clothing and toys and random baby stuff. She was so good and slept in the car the whole drive down!

On Saturday and Sunday we visited with the Peterson clan. Aj got to meet her great-grandparents for the first time. Here are some pictures we took.

It was so good to everyone again and to show off our little girl to friends and family!

Picture Catch up

2008-08-09T14:57:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of AJ that I haven't posted yet. She's become quite the talker, and I have been trying to get her on video. However, it seems though everytime the camera rolls she stops! We can't wait to visit our family this coming weekend we miss you all!!!

Here is AJ in the dress that Rosalie Anna and Rachel gave her.

Here is Grandma Laura with AJ this last week.

I was painting my toes while Aj was asleep so I painted her too!

Aj with one of her favorite toys named "Artie Fufkin"

The Daddy Hour

2008-07-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

I married an evolved male. Seriously, Aaron is a step above most men on the evolutionary ladder (of course that's if you believe in evolution!). When Aaron gets home from a hard day of work, he takes AJ for an hour allowing me to exercise, write or work on something I couldn't get to that day. I call it the Daddy hour. It works out perfectly, Aaron gets some time to bond with his child and I get a little break from baby land to use a differnt part of my brain.

Photo fun

2008-06-30T20:34:00.001-07:00

Sunday evening I decided to take some cute pictures of AJ I really like how they turned out! Enjoy.

Quite an Eventful Year...

2008-06-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here's Aaron's anniversary gift I made for him.

Saying thanks

2008-06-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

When we left the hospital we got a bunch of free stuff and in one of the packets was an ad for Hershey bars covered with a custom wrapper for baby announcements and Thank yous. After looking at the ad I decided I could make a better wrapper and it could be custom made. So here is the wrapper of the thank you we made and handed out to members in our ward who brought us meals. I just wrapped it around Hershey bar and it looked great!

A baby's story

2008-06-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

It's a well known thing in the film / TV industry that children and animals are the hardest to work with. Case and point: a week ago I tried to take some cute pictures of AJ in her blessing dress. The following narrative is an account of what happened.10 AM - I decide that it would be a cute idea to take pictures of AJ in her blessing dress. The dress is extra special to me because it is cut out of the same cloth at my mother's wedding dress and I was blessed in it. I take AJ outside and get her all set up.
10:08 - Ok maybe it's a little bright out for a newborn but maybe I can get a few cute shots in anyway.
10:09 - Hmmm... Well I can't blame her for getting a little upset she's in a scratchy dress and has a bow on her head.
10:10 - She's starting to get really upset.... quick do something to soothe her!
10:11 - Whew! That seems to be working... 10:13 - Good maybe I can get a good shot in after all!10:14 - Uh, maybe not.10:16 - Correction.... not a chance.10:17 - Hey maybe the fit is over.10:18 - Ok the whole outside shoot thing is not working .... Let's try shooting inside.10:25 - It's not great but it's better than all out crying.... At least she doesn't look terrified.
10:26 - The last shot I take. Given the look of absolute horror on my daughter's face I decide to discontinue the shoot and put her back in her pajamas.

NO NAP!!!!

2008-05-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

In the past week I have been spit up on, picked boogers from from a nose, cleaned up vomit, and been pooped on (AJ some how managed to get a ton a poop in my lap and none on her outfit). Now while these things while they aren't pleasant they are tolerable - hey it's part of motherhood.

But when your child decides that it would be cute to wake up every twenty minutes from 4:30 in the morning until four in the afternoon one's nerves start to wear a little thin.

The one piece of advice I get from people is "sleep when the baby sleeps" - which is good advice except when your child intuitively knows when you've pulled the covers over you and decides that it would be a good time to have a poopy diaper or cry just for the heck of it. Or worse has decided to only sleep in twenty minute intervals and demands to be fed every time she wakes. Not only does this make me (and her) sleep deprived but it makes it nearly impossible to do dishes, balance budgets or eat lunch without wolfing it down. Growth spurts are hard (sigh).

At least the past couple of days things have been better - she's sleeping more at night and I think I have the whole nap thing figured out. I've also learned that I don't need to respond to every little squawk she makes in her sleep - and even if she doesn't like it when she's awake swaddling her helps her sleep longer.

Like all worth while jobs, motherhood has a learning curve. It's not a matter of knowing text book answers to situations, but getting to know a little person who can't fully express themselves.

Having a Grand Ole Time

2008-05-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

AJ has been lucky enough to be visited by grandparents on both sides of the family! Here are some pictures. I can't believe she's a week old already!

Here's AJ with my mom (Laura Hickman) in the hospital.

Here's AJ with both my parents Tracy and Laura Hickman

My Dad refers to AJ as his "bug" or "ladybug".

AJ is modeling a sweater my mom crocheted for her.

Here is Aaron's mom (Rosalie Peterson) with AJ showing off the quilt that Great Grandma Nelson (Aaron's maternal Grandmother) made for AJ.

AJ birth Announcement

2008-05-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Meet AJ!

2008-05-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

We were schedualed to have me induced on Thursday morning..... so naturally my water broke Wednesday morning. We got to the hospital around six in the morning and were parents by 2:56 PM. This picture of Aaron holding AJ in the hospital is my favorite. It says so much about how we felt that day.
Here are some pictures to browse through - I apologize that the layout is not the standard layout I usually do... but I am really, really, tired.

You know you're an adult when....

2008-04-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

... You get excited about receiving diapers! Aaron likes the fact that I am completely gullible. I slightly resent this because I don't view myself as gullible - I just implicitly trust my husband. Which I believe as his wife I am supposed to do.

A little over a week ago I was calling around trying to find out what the Tuesday night activity for mutual was. I kept calling my councilor but she didn't pick up... which was strange she was usually home. So eventually I gave up and called the President and she told me that the activity was a surprise for the girls and just to show up at the church house for opening exercises and we'll go from there. She also mentioned I could bring Aaron if I wanted to. Thinking nothing of it I went about my day and mentioned to Aaron that he could come with me to mutual - he said he thought that it was going to be miniature golfing or something.

So we get to the church house and opening exercises are not in the Primary room. As a matter of fact there isn't a young woman to be seen. At this point I am beginning to wonder what is going on. One of the leaders takes me into the Young Women's room and there are all the young women waiting for us. They threw us a surprise shower!!

They had made a cake of diapers decorated with booties and hair ribbons. They also got a few cute outfits for AJ.

My favorite part of the evening was when the each of the girls wrote a reason why they thought I was going to be a good mom and read it aloud. It was hard not to cry!

We also played a game that a couple of the Laurels came up with. They melted four different chocolate bars and placed them in diapers... we then had to look and smell them and try to decide what type of candy bar is was. It was hilarious to watch everyone smell the "poopy" diapers!

It was so sweet of the girls to throw me a shower and to feel their love and support - we have a wonderful ward!

Aaron has awesome co-workers!

2008-04-07T07:52:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I was invited to attend the R&D department's potluck. Aaron's co-workers made it into an informal shower for us! They decorated the lunch area with cute "it's a girl" decor and gave us some really nice gifts. We got a "diaper wreath" that was so cute that I just had to show everyone what it looked like. Attached to the wreath were several bibs, onsies, washcloths, a towel, a blanket, booties, a hat, diaper wipes, diaper cream and other items. The whole back of the wreath was made of newborn diapers. They also gave us a gift certificate to go out to dinner!

I really like Aaron's new job. Which is funny thing to say since I'm not the one working it. But, he is a lot happier and has great people to work with.

Professor Plum, in the garage, with the crowbar

2008-04-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Aaron has had it in for the Professor since the moment he met me. No really it’s true, you can ask him. He met me and thought that my purple PT Cruiser was the ugliest chick car he’d ever seen.
The one thing that he couldn’t fault my car for was the fact that it had some trade in value on it. And so his diabolical plan of killing off Professor Plum swung into action…
It’s been a particularly harsh winter here in Idaho and Aaron has gotten stuck in the snow – twice…once in each of our vehicles. They don’t believe in snowplows here - it drives us crazy. So Aaron got it into his head that we needed a better, tougher, four wheel drive vehicle that he could feel good about AJ and I riding around in. Aaron calls it his version of “nesting”. So after a few weeks of research and debating we finally settled on a family car and got it – a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer. Admittedly we really like the feel of the vehicle and are happy that it doesn’t look like a mini van. We know if we take good care of it, it will serve our family for many years.

For the record, my version of nesting (getting diapers and other odds and ends) costs a lot less than Aaron’s version of nesting. But it just makes me smile that he’s taking his fatherly role very seriously.

Bring up Baby

2008-03-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of the glider it looks like the nursery is finally ready! We have the crib, the changing table, the glider, the car seat, clothes, burp cloths, diapers.... what are we missing? Oh yeah A.J.! Well she'll arrive soon enough and we'll be ready for her. Aaron laughs at my "nesting" getting everything ready even though we have plenty of time - but hey I'm an optimist, maybe she'll come early. We've had fun putting the nursery together - I have to say it's pretty posh looking.

Rose and Jim were sweet enough to lend us their cradle - that way for the first few weeks A.J. won't be more than a few steps away for those 3am feedings.

One thing that's been interesting is figuring out what we actually do need (like blankets) verses stuff magazines and books say you should have but really aren't necessary (like a play mat - what you can't put your kid on a regular blanket on the floor?)

My sister-in-law, Lani gave us this catalogue to look through called "posh tots". It was hilarious. Thousands of dollars for a a cradle - tens of thousands for a playhouse. It seems like Hollywood and celebrities have made "having a baby" the thing to do - and hence you must accessorize accordingly. I worry for people and a generation who treat having a baby like getting a puppy.

I am so grateful that I have some perspective on what a family truly is. I am thankful that I have such a loving family that I will be adding to, and that our little girl will be born in the covenant. I am happy that I know family is not a passing fad but and eternal bond that lasts beyond death.

Don't forget the Lyrics!

2008-02-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here's the submission video I made of Aaron. Tell us what you think!

Show me the Belly!

2008-02-10T17:20:00.001-08:00

I’ve had a request from my mom to post pictures of me with my lovely belly…. So here you go. I confess that I am still learning to adjust to my growing shape – I’ve accidentally bumped a few people trying to squeeze past them somehow forgetting that my belly is a lot larger than it normally is.

The nice thing is that I finally look pregnant and not like I’ve let myself go after marriage! =) There are some nice perks to being pregnant for example: Store clerks are a lot more helpful, Aaron gives me foot rubs and backrubs (I married a great man!) and since I have been pregnant I have been eating far fewer sweets.

This is my last week of my second trimester. Then it’s onto the third! 2/3 of the way there! Aaron says he’s started to get excited about meeting A.J. Truth is I am too, but I know we have to be patient. So far all I know about her is that she likes to kick me around 10:30 at night and 4:30 in the morning (this does not bode well for us the first few months after she’s born!)

My Husband

2008-02-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

Kristen did this on her blog and tagged me to do it on mine. It looked like fun so here it goes!

What is his name? Aaron John Peterson

How long have you been married? Eight and a half months

How long did you date? Hmmm… A little more than three months, but we only saw each other on weekends. One of us would drive three and a half hours to the other’s house. We would talk constantly on IM during the week at work. ;)

How old is he? 26. He’ll be 27 on March 8th. I’m 29. Aaron likes to constantly remind me of how much older I am.

Who eats more? Well, lately me (I’m eating for two). Plus Aaron is funny about food if he’s stressed he loses his appetite. Fortunately since he’s started a new job the stress has gone down and he is eating normally again.

Who said I love you first? Aaron did. He said it to me the weekend we celebrated his birthday last year. I said it right back to him.

Who is smarter? It depends on what it is. I think I am more computer/ technology, book smart and Aaron is more people, street, spiritual smart. We compliment each other that way.

Whose temper is worse? Well to be honest it would be Aaron. Since we’ve been married he’s gotten a lot better at handling it and talking out his frustrations.

Who does the laundry? Since we currently don’t have kids it’s pretty equal. I have a feeling that will eventually shift to my job though.

Who folds the laundry? Again we both do, but Aaron sometimes doesn’t always fold his right away in hopes that I will do it for him. He hates folding laundry.

Who does the dishes? We both do, usually the one of us cooks and other does the dishes.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do it’s the side that’s closest to the bathroom. I have a small bladder.

Who pays the bills? I handle the finances. It’s a lot better if I take care of it – Aaron gets easily stressed out over them.

Who cooks dinner? Aaron and I switch this off also mostly because he really enjoys cooking (I wouldn’t want to deny him!) but I try to take care of him.

Who drives when you are together? Aaron does. He likes driving and I like just enjoying the ride.

Who is more stubborn? Going to have to say its Aaron, but I am a close second. We haven’t come across anything that we haven’t been able to work through.

Whose parents do you see the most? We’ve had both our families stay with us and we’ve visited them. I would have to say that we see Aaron’s a little more because they are a lot closer to us.

Who proposed? Aaron did. He was so excited to go for a walk behind the mental hospital in Provo. I personally thought that someone so excited to go for a walk behind the mental hospital aught to be committed; but it turned out that there was a beautiful old rock amphitheater behind the mental hospital that looked like a castle! There at sunset he proposed.

Who has more friends? Aaron does because he’s lived in Idaho longer and well, he’s just a likable guy who makes friends easily.

Who has more siblings? Aaron does. He has 5 and I have 3.

Who wears the pants in the family? While I feel that we have a very equal partnership I would have to say that it’s Aaron. He takes his role as priesthood holder and breadwinner very seriously, especially now that he is going to be a father. Besides I look really good in skirts and Aaron would look rather silly!

Aaron and His Piano

2008-01-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

Because Aaron changed jobs and got a signing bonus we decided to get a piano. We figured once the baby comes we will never have any surplus money ever again, so it's best to get it now. =) The truth is that I really want the kids to grow up with a a piano in the home, and Aaron is so talented with it he needs to be able to regularly play.

I have to admit the black piano looks awesome next to the red wall in our living room.

For fun we're making an entry video of Aaron for "Don't Forget the Lyrics!" who knows if they will pick him, but it's been fun shooting it. I'm posting a short piece of a song that Aaron performed for the video.

One of the first things that made me fall in love with Aaron was hearing him play and sing at the piano. I confess hearing him still makes me weak in the knees. ;)

San Francisco Trip – Day Two (part three)

2008-01-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

After having to hunt around a little bit we found the bus tour (it had moved from the place it said on the ticket). It was a red Double Decker bus ( like in England the driver was on the right side) and Aaron convinced me to sit on top despite the weather (I am glad he did I couldn’t have handled the trapped musty smells of the lower deck).

Our tour guide (a completely liberal hippy) was great and pointed out all the sights of S.F. through the fog. I have to admit the fog gave the city a romantic film noir look. We got to see a little of everything from China Town to City Hall. I loved how the buildings are so diverse from each other, combined with the steep hills the city has a lot of character.

One interesting fact we learned on the tour – some groups are opposed to the city allowing any more skyscrapers to built any higher than those that already exist. Some speculate that if a really strong earthquake hit S.F. the glass and fiberglass that could fall off the buildings would make a pile over 14 feet deep in the streets.

After our two hour tour we got off again at Fisherman’s Wharf and made our way back to the F line and got (this time heading in the correct direction) back to the B.A.R.T. station and to our car.

We then grabbed a quick bite to eat and got into the car to drive to Murphy’s that was three hours away. Needless to say it was a very fun, long day!

San Francisco Trip – Day Two (part two)

2008-01-14T11:36:00.001-08:00

We waited about 15 minutes to go on the harbor cruise. When we boarded the boat we picked up a headset and a receiver to listen to the tour (this way they can offer multiple languages on the tour). We headed to the upper deck to get a better view.

The S.F. was shrouded in fog! We could make out a few things on the shore line, but hardly anything past that. The misty rain had started again (you can see it on the camera lens in a few of the pictures) and we couldn’t see the Golden Gate Bridge until we were nearly underneath it! While the fog was cool looking I was a little bummed that I didn’t really get to see all of the bridge or ocean. =( I snapped off a bunch of photos (I love digital - unlimited film!) and Aaron and I headed back into the cabin to get warm.

The sea was a little rough and both Aaron and I started to feel a little green to we headed down to the main deck where the ship was more stable. Sitting down and trying to get our tummies to settle down a little girl came down the stairs that were in front of us and threw up….twice. Feeling even more green we moved to the back of the cabin (we were trapped in order to go upstairs we would have cross the river of vomit) and waited out the rest of the tour. Did you know that guards of Alcatraz lived on the island with their families? Some of them had children that commuted back and forth for school! (I thought that was pretty interesting.)

After the tour I wanted to play my favorite game - sit down and hold still (Aaron calls it my favorite game – I think mostly so it sounds more fun to him). We found a restaurant with lousy food but it was quiet, comfortable and a nice break from the bustle of Fisherman’s wharf and the soggy weather.

After lunch we walked to Ghirardelli’s Square – where there really isn’t anything to see just a very crowded shop – but at least we got a free square of Chocolate for our trouble. We then decided it was getting late in the day and time to head over for the bus city tour.

San Francisco Trip – Day Two (part one)

2008-01-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

So we awoke the next day and looked out the window to see… fog and rain! Determined to have a good time anyway we set out for the city. Aaron found a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station where we could park our car for free and ride into the city (so much cheaper and easier than trying to park in the heart of S.F.). We had no trouble and got into the city fairly quickly.

However once we emerged on a surface street we got a little turned around. (Ok technically I got us turned around, but Aaron was just as confused as I was.) I finally figured out that we needed to take the F line to get to our destination of Fisherman’s Wharf – that’s where I was right, however I got us on the line heading in the completely wrong direction. The driver was really nice to us – we didn’t have exact change (he let us ride for free) and we were lost. So we rode the line all the way around and what should have taken 15 minutes ended up taking us an hour and a half… oh well. We just called it our “impromptu city tour” and took it in stride.

Once we finally arrived at the Wharf, we picked up our passes (a really good deal by the way if you ever go) and headed to the aquarium. At the aquarium we walked through the fish tunnels, the shark tunnel and enjoyed the fact that we were no longer lost.

Next we walked through the rain to the local sourdough factory Boudin’s down the street. The rain was like one of those misters you sit under outside on a hot, dry day in the desert – not enough to get you soaked, but just enough to be annoying in the cold damp climate.

We walked through the little factory tour where you get to sample some of their various breads at the end –yummy, fresh, real sourdough. One of their fun little kiosks you got to discover what kind of bread you are – Aaron’s was right on. Mine was pretty close except for the last line.

After the sourdough tour we headed over to take a cruise around the Bay.

San Francisco Trip – Day One

2008-01-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

After a nice Christmas with Mom and Dad Peterson, Aaron and I drove back to Idaho spent one night at home and turned around and left for San Francisco the next day. We had a 6 AM flight. Yes six in the morning – or as Aaron would put it “The butt crack of dawn” (a phrase I am constantly trying to discourage him from using).

This means we got up at 4:30 left at five for the Idaho Falls airport. Normally this would be plenty of time to get checked in and through security, BUT we had two people in front of us who were trying to figure out their flight transfers to get home (I think I counted 3, maybe 4 to get to Chicago from Idaho Falls) so we were waiting in line to get our baggage tags for a half hour. Then we finally got our tags and headed over to TSA (by this time we were the only people waiting in security) I somehow got the short straw and the lady had to totally go through my bag and wipe it down with the little cloth thingy. By this time our flight is boarding and the TSA agent is taking her sweet time. She then declares that she’s gotten an explosive reading off a pair of my shoes (Yes you really need to watch out for those pregnant terrorists) and we spend another five minutes waiting for her supervisor to come by clear the alarm and give me the OK.

Once they have decided that I am not trying to blow up the propeller plane connecting flight from Idaho Falls to Boise, Idaho, Aaron and I finally get to board the plane….. so we can sit on the ground for another 45 minutes while they de-ice the plane for the second time.

We fortunately made our connecting flight – which was delayed even more while they de-iced that plane, and finally made it into San Jose.

Starving we stopped at In-N-Out Burger (so yummy) at 11 in the morning (we didn’t have much of a breakfast) for a double burger animal style (grilled onions) fries and a drink.

Something that I’ve really enjoyed with Aaron is going to different temples – on our honey moon we went to the Boise temple. We have also been to the St. George Temple and on our first day in California we went to the Oakland temple. Unfortunately it was misty – so I couldn’t see the spectacular view it must have, but it like all the temples was beautiful. I really like how every temple has its own personality but the spirit that resides there is the same.

After the temple we got checked into our hotel and took it easy (it was a long day for mom-to-be). We ate at a cute local Italian place that was thrilled that we ate all of our spaghetti. We settled in for the night and hoped that the fog would clear for our sight seeing the next day.

The Baby Diaries Chapter Two

2007-12-18T14:25:00.001-08:00

Here's the next installment of the Baby Diaries!

The Christmas House

2007-12-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

On our second date last year Aaron and I took his little niece Cali out on a drive to look at Christmas lights. Keeping with what I hope will be a regular tradition went out on a drive again this year. A few people told us about "Candy cane Lane" which is supposed to be a street of really decked out houses.

When we found it, we were disappointed. The street was lined with candy cane decoration, but the houses weren't really decorated as ornately as we were lead to believe. However in our search for Candy cane Lane we came across the ultimate Christmas house.

The house sits on a corner lot with a lot of land (an acre or an acre and half). It has every blow up Christmas decoration available. With lights on all the trees and lining any stationary object. Aaron who usually hates Christmas blow decorations conceded that he liked the blow up decor in this case. It was so amazing we went back a few nights later and took pictures to share with all of you!

Santa's Sweat Shop

2007-12-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

Since I've been pregnant I've had no interest in sweets, hence I really haven't gotten into holiday baking this year. Aaron however, LOVES holiday treats and was thrilled to find a recipe book with Nanny-Jo's (my Grandmother) holiday recipes in it. He made caramels, peanut butter cups and fudge.

After making all the goodies it was time to wrap. I ended up cutting a bunch of cellophane (one of the most unruly substances known to man, yuck). I made it clear that I wasn't happy having to wrap each piece of caramel in a little cellophane square. Aaron started to joke that this was Santa's sweat shop. That cheered me up. We got all the candy wrapped (with curled bows and all) and have been giving them away to friends - which have been complimenting me on my cooking skills!

The Baby Diaries Chapter One

2007-12-12T11:46:00.001-08:00

I've started a video journal of my pregnancy. Enjoy!

Our First Christmas

2007-12-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Aaron and I have really enjoyed having the Christmas season together. As most of you know we had our first date on December 15th, so the season has special meaning for us as a couple. We've really had fun decorating our house for Christmas. I don't think Aaron knew how much of a Christmas geek he married until I pulled out all of my decorations - but he's taking it well. =)

It's interesting learning how to incorporate each others traditions into the holiday. We're comparing sugar cookie recipes, debating on what our Christmas eve will be like and what traditions we want in the future. It's been fun seeing the season from another person's perspective.

For Thanksgiving we went to St. George, Utah to stay with my family. On our way down we went to IKEA and got some ornaments for our tree. We also got a wreath for our front door and one for inside the house. We also went to Cost co. Our car was so jam packed that I couldn't put my seat back!

For FHE (Family Home Evening) the Monday after we got back we decorated the house. We put on Christmas music (even though I've been listening to Christmas music since October. What can I say? When you are morning sick you do whatever it takes to make you feel better.) and pulled out all the decoration. I don't think we realized how many we already had between the two of us! The house now is set for Christmas.

One thing I know is that neither of us thought when we began dating in December of 2006 that we would be finding out the sex of our baby a year later. We'll find out officially on December 21st! It's been an amazing, very blessed year!

We'll try (or more correctly I'll try) to keep this blog up to date so you can see what the Idaho Petersons are up to. Aaron and i are both very close to our families so it's hard to live away from them, especially this time of year.

Here are some pictures of our decorated house. Now if only we could get a nice snow...