Halloween!!

We sure had a fun Halloween!It was also the first time since I have been married that I dressed up!Probably as the most popular costume for this year...A vampire!
It was sure fun dressing up and I think the kids really like that James and I dressed up this year.James dressing up as a 50's hot guy!I think next year we will do better with the costumes since the decision was the day before Halloween that I was gonna dress up and James decide a couple hours before we went trick or treating.
We had a lot of fun trick or treating with our good friends the Larsons. Afterward we came back to our house and drank some delicious apple cider that was brewing during our trick or treating excursion.We also ate homemade roasted pumpkin seeds and homemade carmel corn that my Mom made for us and ofcourse delicious candy we got trick or treating!=) We had fun carving pumpkins as well 2 days before Halloween.Caston and Noah carved their own pumpkins front and back ,side to side.Caston helped Maddie carve her pumpkin and Daddy carved his and Van's pumpkin which were Spongebob and Patrick. James took his pumpkin(Spongebob) to his work and entered it into the pumpkin carving contest and won first prize!!!We hope all of you had as much fun as we did for Halloween!

Grand Canyon and California Trip

The beginning of this month we were planning one of our many trips to California.Well James thought it would be fun to go somewhere on the way
there.Since all our kids are potty-trained and big enough we don't have to
feel like we have to rush there.So we decided we would go to the Grand Canyon.
Wow!What amazing place! So beautiful. We stayed there for a couple of days and we were lucky enough to have James's parents and brother join us.The kids had a blast.Seeing beautiful scenery and wildlife,becoming jr camp rangers,going to a ranger show at night in the woods,being able to eat out at every meal,getting to eat whatever they want and Maddie's favorite part of the trip is sleeping in our Cabin-type motel at the Grand Canyon.My only thing I didnt like was the stress I had every time we would be at the Grand Canyon's edge with 4 little kids!They did do good and I am so glad we had an adult for each kid.And ofcourse like always we had a wonderful time visiting family and friends in California.

School Days

I can't believe its a new school year already.My kids are growing up so fast before my eyes.Its so bittersweet. I am so excited for them to experience this next year and all the neat experiences they will get to experience,but the other part of me wants to keep them little forever.The difference what a year makes is amazing to see how much they have grown physically and mentally. I feel so honored to be their Mother and be able to love them and watch them grow and hopefully teach them some things along the way.Have a wonderful new year my sweet babies.

Glitter toes at Home!!

So I have been hearing about Glitter Toes alot and I was searching the web to see what
they were all about and I stumbled on a link on how you can do them at home for way cheaper.
Although I love getting Professional Pedicures! But I am sure like most of us we can't afford to get a Pedicure every week,so this is what you can do between those times.I tried this and it works great.I couldnt find any nail glue so I just used the clear nail polish as my glue.I shouldve taken a picture,I forgot. I have done ruby red, and a pale pink, and a sparkley white color.It looked really cute!
Check it out and tell me what you think?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOVNuuDrJ5M

Pioneer Day fun!

We had such a fun time at my Mom and Dad's yesterday.She put on a Pioneer Party.My Mom and Dad dressed up as Pioneers that my Mom homemade the costumes.She also made all of us girls Bonnets and all the boys wore a hankerchief around there necks like pioneers.We made our own butter and scones.We taught the kids how to play jacks and marbles.My Dad taught the kids how to rope his homemade bull cut-outs.My Mom taught the girls how to make their own Ragdoll.We had fried chicken,dutchoven beans,watermelon and potato salad.My Mom read a pioneer story to everyone called "Betsy Buttons".My Mom and Dad also hired a "Caller" who taught us several square dances!So much fun!We had rootbeer floats with homemade vanilla icecream.Then we walked down my Mom and Dads street for a spectacular fireworks show put on by a neighbor who owns his own fireworks stand. I have never seen such cool fireworks that you can buy(they are the more expensive ones.=) )I am so grateful to my Parents for putting so much effort into the Pioneer Party.It was neat to get a taste of how the pioneers use to live. I love you Mom and Dad!!

Cool Digital Scrapbooking Software!

My friend just posted this on her blog and I think it looks great. It looks easy and cheap. I have been interested in doing digital scrapbooking for a while.I think it will take way less time then the normal scrapbook and I might actually get caught up with my photo books.Let me know what you think or if you have any other suggestions.Happy Scrapbooking!=)





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY-w0IbYbTM&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fdrivewithaloha%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded



Here's the link. I tried to upload the video but it wouldn't work for me.Maybe I was doing something wrong? Any suggestions?

Puzzle Champions!

I really have to say I think I have the smartest kids alive..J/k.But they are all very smart.Thank goodness I think they got James genes in that department.Things always come easy for him,but me I have to work harder.
Anyways,I bought 2 24piece puzzles for Van for his bday.He loves puzzles!Unfortunatly he finished them in like 2 seconds.Way too easy for him.So I bought him a 70 pc.Took him a little long 10-15min.Maybe I will look for a 100 pc puzzle for him.=)
Madelyn is my other puzzle champ. I bought her a 60 piece.Same story.Way to easy for her. Bought her a 100pc takes her a little longer,but still does it with ease.guess I will have to find 150 pc for her.=)
My kids amaze me everyday!Here's to my puzzle champs!

I cant believe my baby is 3 today!!

Van I can't believe you are 3 today! It doesn't see fair that time goes so fast sometimes.It seems when you are little you just want to be grownup already,but when you are a grownup you just want time to slow down.I can't believe my baby is 3. I really am out of the baby stage, and it is bitter-sweet.I am a little sad that my kids are just gonna keep growning up and won't need me as much as they continue to grow but I am so excited to watch them as they grow and see the wonderful people they are becoming. I am truely blessed with great kids.
Van I hope you have a great and fun day! You are so special to me!Thank you for brightening my day every day and making me feel so loved.You are so smart and amaze me everyday.I can't believe how well you are at puzzles.How 25 piece puzzles are too easy for you!Your thoughts are amazing.You will always be my baby forever and ever. I love you!!
Love,
your Mommy

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

I am so filled with appreciation and happiness and a sense of safety of being surround by Temples.I feel tremendously blessed to be in an area that has 4 temples close by.I grew up with 1 temple and it was 45min-1hr to get there.Now I am surrounded and 1 is just within a few mins to get to.My heart is overflowing with the deep appreciation and love for the gospel that I have in my life.I hold the knowledge to know how to live with my Family (the most important thing to me)Forever.Last night I was able to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open house with my husband James,Caston and my parents.What a wonderful place to be.I was so excited to share the experience of being in the temple with Caston.He was fascinated by it. As we would be going up the stairs he would be looking up at the ceiling and the beautiful Chandeliers and all around he wouldnt be paying attention and almost tripping over his feet. I had to litterally hang on to him so he wouldn't fall down the stairs. I didnt mind at all . I wanted him to take it all in and remember this day and carry it with him so he will work to be worthy to get his temple recommend when it is time and that he will desire to come often.We were able to go on the tour of the temple with a wonderful man in our ward Wayne Wright.He set up a special time that we could go as neighbors.It was wonderful to see alot of my neighbors there and share this experience with them.

Happy Birthday,Caston!!

I cannot believe I have a kid who is a decade old!Caston I cannot believe you are 10

today!I remember so clearly when you were born.What a great joy and love we felt when you

where placed in my arms that very first time and every time after that my love and joy as even grown stronger.Caston I am so proud of the person you are becoming.I really appreciate your sweet spirit and your willingness to help me (most of the time =) ) Please always know how much you mean to your father and I .You are such a wonderful part of our family.We feel so blessed that you chose us to be your parents here on Earth and that Heavenly Father has intrusted us with you.We are always here for you ,We love you!! Happy Birthday!!

My Preschool Graduate!!

Is this for real?Maddie how did you grow up so fast?You were my tiny little baby

just yesterday.How did you get so big,that you are now going to elementary school in a

couple of months?I am so proud of you Maddie! I love you!!

Taking the Scouts to Channel 4 news Station!

For an activity with our scouts,Margaret had an awesome idea to take the kids to The Channel 4 news station and attend "Marti's weather school"! It was a blast!We got to talk to two of the Anchors there,1 Sportscaster, and ofcourse weather lady and 1 of the host of "Good Things Utah" Marti Skolds. It was neat to hear of on the techinical things and all the have to do to prepare for the news. There is alot more work put into it then you may realize. I am so glad the boys had a great time.We certainly did as well. We sure love our boyscouts!

Happy 11th Anniversary!!

James, words cannot express how deeply in love I am with you.Ever since our first date I knew something was so special about you and you know my Mom said that first night she had a feeling we were gonna be seeing alot more of you.=) You don't know how badly I hoped that to be true.You have always treated me with great care and love. I have always felt your love. I love you for that.You are an amazing Husband, Friend and Father.I am proud of you and the kind of person you are.You make my world go round.I love how we can laugh so hard with each till we are cryin. I love how I still feel so excited to see you after work or when we have been apart.(And it's not just because I need help with the kids.=) ) I love how we get along so well and how relaxed we are with each other. I feel very blessed to have you as my Forever Eternal Companion.I have enjoyed so much being married to you these last 11 years and I cannot wait to enjoy forever with you.Always know how much I love you!

Yours Forever,

Maryann

Grateful for Trials

I know this is might be weird to say. But I am grateful for trials.I am grateful


because you grow as a person and learn more about the kind of person you are or can be.


Going through the trials James and I have faced this last year has only stregnthened


our relationship.I did not think that was possible.You want ( And I am only speaking for


myself.I realize not everyone has the same experiences.) to do everything possible to make


your spouse feel better about the trials you are going through. I am a type of person


who trys to adjust positively to trials that I go through.Does that mean I don't hurt ,stress,cry.


No. I have done plenty of that lately.I do know people react differently and maybe react differently to different trials.We can not grow spiritually as a person

if we never go through trials.My testimony has stregnthened throught this trial we went through. Heaven Father has blessed us a great deal . I want you all to know,I know our Heavenly Father listens to our prayers and he is aware of our dealings.Some trials are short , some are long , some last the entire time we are here on Earth.Everyone is going through a trial or more than one.I want to always remember that and beaware and try to help out any way I can. I have also felt so much love from family and friends during this time. I want to thank all of you that made us feel so loved.We love you and hope we can always be there for you.So there you have it. I am grateful for trials,atleast what you get out of it.=) But I will enjoy being a little less stressed and hope that it is gonna be a while till my next trial.

Happy birthday my precious girl!

Happy Birthday, Maddie! You are my sweet girl.Words cannot express the happiness I feel to be your Mother. I have always wanted a little girl,since I was a little girl.I love doing girly things with you. I love painting our nails together and having tea parties and all the fun things girls get to do.You are so full of life.I love how motherly you are to Van and your babies.You are such a big helper to Mommy. I know you are going to be a wonderful Mother someday. I can't wait to watch you with your own babies.But for now I want to enjoy the precious time I have with you as my own little girl.You are so loved!You have so many people surrounding you that love you!Always remember how special you are!Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and the kind of caring person you are.May all your birthday wishes come true! Love,Mommy,Daddy,Caston,Noah and Van

Holiday Happenings continued....

I didn't have a chance to finish are holiday happenings in my last post ,so here's a few more fun things we did.

We had a wonderful Christmas . You gotta love the matching P.j.s , a gift from Unckie Brent!=)
We had a blast sledding the day after Christmas up in Sandy with Family!


We also last minute decided to go to California for New years! Unfortunately we were having to much fun and I didnt take any good pictures.=( The holidays were fun but I am glad to be back on a normal routine again with the kids.Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Well needless to say,the holidays have kept me busy and I havent had a chance to post in a while. So here is a few happenings in december.=) As a family we attended Madelyn's Preschool Christmas Program at the Riverton Civic Center.Here she is with her good friend Cooper. Grandpa Peterson was able to attend with us and thought Maddie did a wonderful job.Maddie loves to sing and does a really good job at it!=)On Christmas Eve we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Peterson's for a traditional Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Program. We only had less than half the Peterson Clan there this year.We missed those who were not there,but understand they couldn't make it this year and hopefully we can all be together sometime soon.We had a wonderful Christmas! We love watching the kids get excited about there gifts,its funner than getting gifts ourselves. We had a wonderful special gift this Christmas-Grandma Dastrup spent Christmas with us and we loved every minute of it!

Merry Christmas Everyone...

I just wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I have so much to be thankful for.First and for most I am so grateful for my testimony of the true church here on the earth today...The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints.I would be completely lost if it weren't for my testimony. I have a true testament of the blessings of the gospel.I am so grateful to my brother Jesus Christ for his sacrifice, so that we are able to repent for our sins and live with our families and Heavenly Father in Celestrial Glory,Forever. I am so grateful for my good husband and best friend James. He is a wonderful husband,father,friend and person.I am so greatful to have these four beautiful spirits Father in Heaven has entrusted to me and James. They are such wonderful blessings and I love them dearly and would do anything for them. I am grateful for trials so that I can grow as a person.I am grateful to be surrounded by Family and Friends who love me.I am grateful for our family's health,happiness and safety.May you all find happiness being surrounded by your loving family and friends,not just for the holidays, but for always.Peace be with you till we meet again.

My Baby is Potty-trained!

I have been meaning to blog about this for a while,since Van has been going on the potty for a few months.But I think I can officially say it.We just drove to California and he did not wet his pants at all ! He would go when we made our stops! I am so excited for him being such a big boy! Part of me though is also saddened.Van is probably our last baby. I am so grateful to be blessed with 4 healthy children.Heavenly Father has richly blessed me.I love and appreciate each one of my children and their different special personalities.They are sweet spirits.I look forward to the next chapter in my life and watching them grow and experience life. I am so proud of you Van!Mommy loves you very much!