My Wish....

OK, ever since I heard this song..."My Wish" by Rascal Flatts I have fallen in love with it. I guess since I have kids now, it is something I hope my kids learn from Mark and I. It's how I try to live life, even though that's not easy, and how I hope my kids can live life! I've been wanting to write this down somewhere so when I am gone someday, my kids know this was my song to them. This is a song I wish I could say I wrote for them, but you know... when have I ever written a song. Anyway, Rascal Flatts are my favorite group, I love their music!

MY WISH

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow

And each road leads you where you wanna go

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed

I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window

If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.

But more than anything, more than anything...

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to

Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small

You never need to carry more than you can hold

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to

I hope you know somebody loves you

And wants the same things too,Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget

All the ones who love you, in the place you left

I hope you always forgive, and you never regret

And you help somebody every chance you get

Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake

And always give more than you take.

Sunday Favorites!!

This is something Mark & I enjoy so much!! Sleeping kids!! We were watching some movies on the couch and Elli fell asleep by my side. I quietly slipped away from her, but Mark couldn't get enough of the cuteness that she has when she is sleeping!!

Christmas....Good Times!!

We had a great Christmas! Couldn't ask for anything better. We were able to be with the Bakers and the Harpers! On Christmas Eve Eve, my parents did their Christmas Eve Party. We had gingerbread trains for each family to make and some very yummy food. We acted out the nativity with all the little ones. We opened pajamas from the grandparents and they were so cute! It was a fun night with the fam!

Then on Christmas Eve, we went to Baker's Christmas Eve Party. Lots of yummy food again (I tell ya...it's hard being pregnant during the holidays. I was so good by not eating a lot of sweets before now, but the baby is "CRAVING SWEETS" now. I've only gained 10 lbs so far, but I think I might make it to 30 lbs by the end of this month. Let's hope not though.) Santa Claus came to visit us too. It was cute because Santa walked in with a really cheap costume on, a really young face and a beard that was very fake. Then after a couple minutes, the REAL Santa came in with a REAL beard and nice outfit. The real Santa told the fake Santa to leave and to stop tricking the kids. It was a cute little act they put on. Anyway, even though it was great having Santa there, Braeden was too anxious to get home before Santa left to deliver presents, so we headed out and put the kids to bed.

Mark and I didn't have very much to put together. My kids' Christmas list was very simple. All Braeden wanted was a battery operated train for the traing table he got last year. The train he got last year was put in water and didn't work anymore, so that was his only request. But he also enjoyed getting his Nintendo DS, Lincoln Logs, Legos and Tinkertoys. Everything Braeden got this year were things that would keep him busy. He loves putting things together. He was such a sweet boy and before he even started opening presents, he told us this was his favorite Christmas ever. He said that after opening all of his presents too. Makes you be grateful for the little things and what Christmas is really about. Elli didn't know what was going on so she got a doll house, dolls & barbies. Mark was a cute daddy and went out and got some things for each of the kids. Together they got an art easel with a paper roll, dry erase and chalkboard so my sweet little kids STOP USING MY COMPUTER PAPER!!! Everytime I go to print something, it is out of paper. So Santa was sweet enough to get the kids that!!

Well, Christmas morning, we headed out to visit Brent and Emily and see their new RV. It was the coolest thing we've seen since 1980!! Then we visited Brig and Camille (Mark's bro) We took a gander at what they got for Christmas and wished them a Merry Christmas. Then we headed to my parents' house and had a huge present opening party. My parent's always go ALL OUT for Christmas. We were so spoiled. My kids got some really neat things. Lots of games, Elli got some more Princess dress up clothes and shoes. (As a matter of fact, she wears it 24/7 and it is impossible to take it off her when we need to get regular clothes on.) I got a new Oil Core Electric Skillet, tortilla maker, Bosch (from Mark) and lots of kitchen gadgets. My mom gets us new kitchen things for Christmas and birthdays. I have the coolest kitchen everything because my mom gets me the coolest things. Anyway, thanks Mom and Dad. We had a great dinner with Bisket and ham and everything else that is good to eat with that. After hanging witht he Harpers, we headed to Greg and Holly's house (Mark's other bro) and visited them for a little bit. We had a wonderful Christmas!! Couldn't ask for anything more!

Christmas Party

We had a ward Christmas Party las week and they had the primary act out the Nativity. It was pretty cute. Braeden got to be shepherd and some of Braeden's other little friends were in it too. Denen had to dress up as an animal and he had a really costume. But we had a fun night and we love our ward tons!! So many fun families!!

I just can't stand it...

I love watching this little girl go to dance. It is the cutest thing. She has a dance recital tomorrow and I can't wait. Braeden is so excited to watch her perform on a BIG stage. He has been counting down the days!! Anyway, I just love my little dancing girl!!

Here's the Deal...

I've had a lot of people ask me about NLightN CDs. Yes, they have a Christmas CD that they are selling for $5.00. It has 3 of their own songs and & 3 other songs that everybody knows. It is really good!! They also have 2 other CDs out that you can get at Deseret Book or Seagull Book. You can also preview and buy them at iTunes. There is another Enlighten group that comes up, but it is pretty obvious which one is the church group. The other 2 CDs are all their own songs that as group wrote. They bring a great spirit to any home. Anyway, hope this answers some people's questions. If you want any of the CDs and don't want to drive to Deseret or don't know how to use iTunes, we have some at our house that you can buy!!

NLightN

Well, the little NLightN group had a concert in Safford last Monday!! They auditorium has 999 seats and it was almost full! The boys drove up early Monday morning and the wives (or we call ourselves the"Groupies") drove up later to watch the concert. The guys did great and it was entertaining!! We didin't get home until midnight which was very hard to stay awake for the drive home. But I wanted to thank my parents and sister for watching our kids for us so I could have a peaceful night without kids making noise during the concert!!

The groupy wives!! Lauren Howell (front), Alyssa peterson (2nd row left) Jenica Ballard (2nd row right), Me, Emily Slade (3rd row right)

The Men . . . . Mark Peterson, Camron Howell, Mark Baker, Brent Sldae, Aaron Ballard

The whole NlightN clan!!

This is just a preview of the greatest Christmas song there is... O Holy Night. This honestly is the best version of this song I have ever heard. The recorded version on their CD is amazing. Such a beautiful sound and Aaron who sings it is such an amazing vocalist. Really, he is a one of a kind singer!! Anyway, here's a portion of O Holy Night!!

Drake's B-day!!

Braeden's cousin (Ryan's oldest son) had his 5th b-day last Sunday. So we went over to their house and had dessert. It is always fun getting all the grandkids together for some crazy fun!!

Lisa's little boy Crew and Ryan's little girl Blayke

My cute Elli and Ryans' boy Brock

Lisa's 2 boys, Cole and Cade

My incredibly cute and hilarious sister Kara and Crew

All of the grandkids minus Crew

Hope you had a great birthday Drake!! We sure do love you!!

Crazy Kid Fun!!

Well, Braeden has been bugging me to have some friends over to make some Christmas crafts. So I finally gave in and invited 3 of his friends over and we made some fun crafts. These were little santa's sleighs made with candy canes and chocolate candy. Way cute! We also made some snowman out of socks and did some coloring. Braeden had a blast and he still asks me if he can have them come over again! He enjoys making stuff and thinks he has to do it with friends.

What do you think....

Mark and I got an ultrasound today! We had a clear image of what we are having...what do you guys think?? Those are his legs spread out. He made it very known what he is! He was moving so much and just an active little guy! We are so excited to be having another little boy. I finally got this one right!! With our first 2 kids, I had no idea, I was just hoping for whatever, with this one, I actually thought it was a boy!! I am way excited!! Anyway, just thought I would put this adorable picture out there for everyone to look at. I'm sure he won't mind, he's a Baker!

I have some WEIRD kids!! :)

This must be Mark's genes kicking in. Braeden hit his head on something and decided a bandaid would make it feel better. It was totally cute, so maybe my genes were kicking in!!

Our daughter loves to make us dinner in her little kitchen. Her new thing now is to take all of her clothes off and put her apron on. It is the most adorable thing ever!!

And the back view!! Who knows of this is appropriate or not, but I think it's adorable.

What a Great Weekend!!

We had such a nice Thanksgiving and hope you did too!! Mark's parents and oldest and youndest brothers came down to spend time with us folk in AZ. It was fun being with everyone. We had a nice large feast on Thursday and fun activities for the kids so they kept busy with that. It was busy, crazy and worth it all at the same time.

Of course, since USC was playing at ASU, we went to the game with all of Mark's brothers and Mom. What a fun game (for us, sorry to ASU fans) We definitely enjoyed sitting by all the rude ASU fans that kept their mouths quiet in the 2nd half. My sister in law and her sister were so great for watching our kids while Mark and I went to the game. Thanks girls!!

Well, on Saturday, a bunch of friends from high school decided to get together and go to lunch and reminisce of the old days!! It was quite fun!! Glad I went and enjoyed seeing all of you girls. I forgot my camera and depended on the girls to post pictures of this get together on their blogs, except, they didn't post the picture with me in it. They decided this one was cuter and therefore, that is why I am not in this picture. :) But we had a blast!!

Shanon, Brooke, Steph, Caryn, Alison, & Amy

The only downfall of me going to the lunch was when I came back, my husband had a HUGE surprise for me. Not a fun surprise though! Now, he has been wanting a snake for a while and I was fighting not to get one. I know I wouldn't have to do anything to take care of it, but I just don't want a snake. But, when I got back from lunch, everyone was hanging out at Greg and Holly's house. Well, I was talking to my sister in laws, then my cute nephew said my name and put a snake in my face. I SCREAMED and ran out of the room and knew my husband bought it. I thought, "Well maybe it just looks real but it's really fake. Mark wouldn't buy it knowing I didn't want one." Well, everyone was laughing at me and wanted to rewind my reaction (like TIVO) and said, "That's your snake." I gave Mark an evil look and was still in shock. Now my kids were in love with this reptile and how could we take it back to the store. But now we have had it a couple days and it's in my son's room, the kids always hold it around their neck and what can you say... we have to keep it now. No, but I still love Mark even though he did that. He's lucky I am easy to get along with!! :)

There are 2 brothers missing, but it is very rare to get all of them together, especially in AZ. Some of them are ANTI-AZ and hardly come to visit, but it was a great Thanksgiving this year. I can't wait for Christmas, I have been excited since Halloween to decorate and listen to Christmas music.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hey everyone, hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and fun times with family and friends! We are spending this holiday with Mark's family and it will be fun!! I'll thinking of my family because they are hanging out on a beach in Rocky Point for the weekend. We did that last year and had so much fun. But since the USC football game is on Thanksgiving this year at ASU, we HAD to get tickets and go!! Mark and his brothers are HUGE USC fans so by marriage, I am a TROJAN! It should be a great game and I am excited to see the final score. It could go either way!! But anyway, hope everyone has a great weekend and maybe I'll see some of you on BLACK FRIDAY!!!

Family Pics!

We just got our family pictures taken and here is just a few of what we got. Jamie Williams does a great job with taking pictures and we are so glad she was able to squeeze us in her booked schedule!! Thanks Jamie!!

Namaste!

Mark and I are avid watchers of Dr. Oz on Oprah. I hate to admit this for Mark but he does watch Oprah with me...but only when Dr. Oz is on. I love everything he has to say and he puts it my kind of terms. I actually understand what he is saying. Anyway, he was saying something about how important it is for us to relax and stretch to relieve our bodies from stress. Well, Mark has taken up Yoga. Actually, Mark and Braeden have taken up yoga. I noticed Mark doing it, then went to do something and came back in the room and Braeden had joined in. He actually kept going until Mark was done. He was asking me today if he could do it again so he can gain muscle. I couldn't believe how good he was at it. Except for the occasional falling over. I thought this was too good not to get a picture of.

Fun pictures!

We were at my brother in law's house a couple weeks ago and the boys were playing outside, well, this is how we found them! Boys will be boys!!

This is Elli and her cousin Bryce. They were adorable just watching a cartoon together like that!

I took this picture from the driver's seat.