kites

We got to go kite flying. It was so fun. We had three different kites--a box kite, my pocket kite, and Evan's power kite.

carmel pecan bars

This is the recipe I brought up when my parents came home from Denmark. Apparently they were well liked and so I am sharing now. (This is for you, Lori)

Caramel Pecan Bars
Mix together until crumbly:
2 Cup flour
1 Cup brown sugar
½ Cup soft butter
Press in 9x13 pan and sprinkle on top:
1 ½ Cup pecans (or walnuts) chopped finely

In sauce pan combine:
2/3 Cup butter
½ Cup brown sugar
Boil one minute, pour over top and bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle:
6 oz chocolate chips
3 oz butterscotch chips
When melted—spread.
ENJOY!

homecoming

All of us with Grandma and Grandpa.


Mom and Dad reported on their mission in Denmark. It was fun to hear all about it, see their mission president there along with 4 of their missionaries. They are really going to miss being a part of the great work in Denmark but sound determined to continue the good work here. Amber also blessed Grady Giles Gunter--such a cute little family.

Fun

Take the Quiz here!

Book Tag

I have been tagged by Julie.
Here are the rules.
1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages)
2. Turn to page 123
3. Find the 5th sentence
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog
5. Tag 5 people

Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, "But we've often wondered what the "one thing" was that was needed."

and just a little bit more fun -
Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia only has 63 pages so we will go to 52 Weeks of Fun Family Service, by Merrilee Boyack, "Ask them what they'd like to have you do."

I tag Lauri, Bridget, Boston, Mom, and Chelsey

Home from hospital

This is the actual plate and screws they took out of Dane's leg yesterday and here is the x-ray taken just before surgery.

Dane had the plate taken out of his leg yesterday. The surgery went well. His bone had grown over the plate a bit so the doctor had to break away some bone and polish up some rough edges. As a result Dane is in more pain than expected and will be on crutches for at least 2 weeks rather than the 3 days that we had been told. Once again, he is a trooper and endures cheerfully. He came home last night and with the help of meds slept fine. We are hoping this is the beginnin of final healing and he will be back to full activity. We have been very blessed to have the medical help he needed. He has become to me my own little Joseph Smith--patiently enduring with brothers helping out and spending years recovering. He is an amazing young man and makes the most of his situations. I love Dane, admire him, and can't wait to watch him grow to the fine man I know he will be.

Conference weekend

Dane and Debbie made cookies to share...
Isaac and the rest of the boys all got ready for spring planting...

We watched Saturday's session in the kitchen, really especially enjoying the opportunity to stand and sustain our prophet, President Monson, his counselors and all our leaders. What a special day--one that I think we'll all remember.

Sunday we slowed down to really enjoy conference. The kids colored or worked on "general conference activities" (thoroughly making a mess of the basement, by the way...) and we had a nice dinner with Elise and John afterwards. It was fun to discuss the different things that stood out to each of us and share insights. We love President Monson and I think we are each excited to get the Ensign to be able to read and highlight all of the talks we've heard this weekend. It's been great, hope you all enjoyed it as well!

home from Denmark

Our Grandma and Grandpa Peterson returned home from Denmark on April 3, 2008. Everyone that could be at the airport was. It was great. All the kids had a balloon to hold. My parents served honorably and endured to the end. They were amazing missionaries (just ask any missionary from Denmark) and they are amazing people who have grown in testimony and love. I love my parents. I put my kids in charge of the pictures--Peter did an interesting job. I really like the pictures in Julie's slide show if you want to see more of the grandparents and happy people.

Home from Denmark

Book of Mormon

This morning I finished the Book of Mormon again. As I got close, I slowed down. I didn't want it to end and I really enjoy Moroni. Today as I read Moroni 10 I felt the need to exercise greater love. I want to live by faith. I want to be guided by the Spirit. In order to have faith (which he says is a must) I have to have hope and in order to have hope (which he says must be) I need to have charity. To me it all begins with charity--love. I need to love God with all my heart and I need to love others and myself. That is where to begin. That is what is most important for me right now. Heavenly Father has made it so simple and all the answers are right before us. He has surrounded us with family and that eternal unit that is so easy to feel and give love in. We are taught right from the beginning to feel and give love. It is too bad that as an adult I need this reminder of this very basic principle but I do. I need to remember the love planted in my heart and nourish it, reach out and let Christ's love come through me to others around me. It doesn't stop there it is just the beginning of great blessings and gifts He has in store for me as I learn to love, hope, and walk in faith, trusting in Him all along the way. I love the Book of Mormon. I consider it a treasure given to us at this time. I love my Savior. I look forward to hearing His message for me today through His living prophets. They exemplify the kind of love I am learning and are one of the many blessings to help me along His way. I know I am a child of God and he has sent me here. Happy Day!

Isaac wrestles

Isaac's first and only wrestling tournament was a lot of fun. He came home with a medal for third place. He weighs 52.9 lb and was beat by a couple of his friends.